March 15, 2010
NEW EPISODE OF FCF RADIO: UFC LIVE PREVIEW &PAUL BUENTELLO

On this episode of Full Contact Fighter Radio, host Jeff "Wombat" Meszaros and co-host James Kellaris fly into very off-topic tirades before discussing their picks for "UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones" on March 21st. Tune in and join them as they discuss the card. Can Brandon "The Truth" Vera defeat Jon "Bones" Jones? Or will the talented young rising star continue to wreak havoc at 205-pounds? What about the fight with Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga vs. Junior Dos Santos? Or Cheick Kongo vs. Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello? It's one of the best cards the UFC has had in years, and it's anyone guess what's going to happen. Listen in and hear the confusion, then stick around as Paul Buentello stops in to talk about his plans for his fight with Kongo, his training and his picks for the rest of the card as well. It's another show worth hearing again and again, and enjoying all the more each time. Click here to listen/download

 

March 15, 2010
BELLATOR FC UPDATE
Bellator FC Confirms Signing of Roger Huerta
By FCF Staff

Bellator Fighting Championship has confirmed today that highly regarded UFC veteran Roger Huerta has signed with the promotion and will compete in the organization’s upcoming lightweight tournament, set to begin next month. Huerta becomes the seventh competitor to be confirmed for the tournament, as Toby Imada, Ferrid Kheder, Mike Ricci, Janne Tulirinta, Chad Hinton and Carey Vanier are all scheduled to compete.

The tourney will begin April 8th in Hollywood, Florida. Huerta’s first round opponent has yet to be announced.

“The chance to be a part of this year’s Bellator tournament was an opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up,” Huerta said at a press conference today. “I think Bellator is the next big thing in this sport. I love the tournament format and the awesome talent that they have at 155 will give me a chance to prove myself as one of the top lightweights in the world.”

Huerta (20-3-1) will make his Bellator debut having lost his last two UFC bouts, as the 26 year-old-fighter is coming off back-to-back decision losses to Kenny Florian and more recently, Gray Maynard. The Split Decision loss to Maynard, at Fight Night 19 in September, marked the first time Huerta had fought since August, 2008.

Due to Huerta’s acting career and reported passing on a new multi-fight agreement with the UFC last year, for a time, the lightweight’s fighting days appeared to be in question. After facing Maynard in the fall, however, Huerta spoke openly afterwards about the fact that the spirited bout had reignited his will to compete.

“My one and only goal right now is getting through the lightweight tournament,” Huerta said. “I’m in the best shape of my life and I just can’t wait to get back in the cage. I see nothing but good things to come for me and for Bellator.”

The winner of the Bellator lightweight tournament will collect $100,000 in earnings, as well as a bout with the promotion’s current lightweight champion, Eddie Alvarez.

March 15, 2010
UFC NEWS
Miller Excited to Face “Decorated Grappler” in Bocek
By Kelsey Mowatt

Since making his UFC debut in October, 2008, Jim Miller has quickly forged a reputation for being a talented grappler; a black belt level jiu-jitsu game that was once again on full display in January, when the 26 year-old-lightweight tapped out Duane Ludwig with a first round armbar. Now although Miller has certainly faced capable ground games in his UFC tenure so far, none of his former opposition carry the kind of resume that fellow black belt, accomplished jiu-jitsu champion and upcoming March 27th opponent Mark Bocek does.

“Probably yes, credential wise definitely,” said Miller when asked about whether or not he feels Bocek will be the best grappler he’s faced to date. “He’s the most decorated grappler that I will have fought. I’ve fought some guys that have had great control, you know great wrestlers, but he’s actually going to be the first black belt that I’m getting the opportunity to fight. So I’m excited for it. He’s a tough kid and I have a ton of respect for him.”

Of course, Miller’s impressive 16-2 record is not solely on account of the Renzo Gracie trained fighter’s ground skills, the lightweight has continued to demonstrate improving wrestling and striking abilities over his 6 UFC fights (5-1). Bocek has also shown signs of an evolving MMA game more recently, appearing to be much more comfortable while striking, than the American Top Team fighter did during his first Octagon appearances.

“I do think I’ll have an advantage in the stand-up, but whether or not it’s a big enough advantage to take the fight on its feet remains to be seen,” Miller told FCF. “His strength is definitely his grappling but so is mine. He’s been out grappled but so have I, so I think we’re pretty similar, except for the fact that I haven’t been in the no-gi grappling game and world renowned, stuff like that. I do think that we have a similar style and that will make for a solid match-up.”

After Bocek submitted Joe Brammer in the first round at “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 10 Finale in December, the Canadian stated in his post fight interview afterwards, that he hoped the promotion would line him up against one of the division’s more notable names next. Accordingly, Bocek now finds himself up against Miller, who also has won 3 straight fights.

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool,” said Miller, while discussing the fact that Bocek asked to take on a “name” in his next bout. “I want to fight the big names too. It’s one of those things. Personally I don’t feel like I’m quite there yet but I think a win here would do a lot for both of us.”

“I think this fight holds a little more weight,” Miller added. “I’ve had three in a row, he’s had three in a row, so, once you get 4 in a row I think you start to get a lot more recognition.”

UFC 111 will take place March 27th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

March 14, 2010
DREAM NEWS
Fernandes Surprised but Excited to be Facing Hansen Mar.22nd
By Kelsey Mowatt

It’s likely that when Bibiano Fernandes worked his way to the Dream Featherweight Championship last October, by earning a Split Decision victory over Hiroyuki Takaya, not too many people were thinking that the renowned jiu-jitsu practitioner would make his first title defence against former Dream lightweight champ Joachim Hansen. But after getting submitted by Shinya Aoki in their rubber match at Dream 11, Hansen surprised many around the MMA world a short while later, when the accomplished veteran announced his intentions to drop down in weight.

“I was surprised because I didn’t really think he would do it,” said Fernandes, who will face Hansen March 22nd in Yokohama, Japan. “I was surprised too because he’s so big. He’s a tall guy, so I was very surprised, but after I think ‘ok, it’s no problem; it will be a good fight.’

Indeed, on paper, it appears as though the 5’10 tall fighter’s decision to drop down to featherweight could be Dream’s blessing in the short term, as both Hansen and Fernandes have demonstrated well rounded skills that could make for a very entertaining fight next week.

“He’s very tough,” said Fernandes (7-2), who defeated Takafumi Otsuka, Masakazu Imanari, Joe Warren and the aforementioned Takaya, en route to the Dream championship. “He’s very strong, he has good punches and he has very good jiu-jitsu. He’s good at everything; he was the champion of Dream for 155 right? I have to be careful about everything. He’s good, but I’m good too, you know what I mean?”

Fernandes transitioned into MMA having won multiple world Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu championships, but, due to his continued training at British Columbia’s renowned Revolution Fight Team facility, the featherweight feels his MMA game altogether, continues to improve.

“If he wants to stand-up, I’ll stand-up,” Fernandes told FCF. “I will have to be careful because he has a good left hand. Stand-up, ground; it’s a fight, so we’ll see what happens. I won’t say ‘oh I’ll go do this’ and then later I could be surprised. My body will feel stress, I will feel stress; so I just go and take what the fight gives me.”

“Now I’ve been training a lot of conditioning,” Fernandes added. “I’ve been training with Tony Pep, because he’s a very good boxer, I’ve been training a lot of Muay Thai with my teacher Paul (Lalonde), wrestling with Colin (Daynes), and all my jiu-jitsu guys there. I’ve been training a lot for this fight. Most importantly I’ve been training my mind to be strong. I go there to do my job and then come back home.”

With his first bout of the 2010 campaign about to unfold, Fernandes could conceivably fight a couple of more times before the year is out, providing he remains injury free. The experienced martial artist concedes, however, that at this stage of his career, quality over quantity is what’s important.

“Really for me I think I only want to fight 2 times,” said Fernandes, when asked how many times he would like to fight this year. “I’ll fight now and fight next time and that’s it. I don’t want to fight too much; I don’t want too much stress, I want to live life too you know what I mean? I trained too much before for jiu-jitsu, I trained for 16 years straight until today, I haven’t stopped training.”

“It’s been a lot of stress on my body,” Fernandes furthered. “Now in three years I’ve become a champion in MMA. That was my goal to be champion, and now I want to fight one or two times a year as champion, that’s it.”

March 12, 2010
MAXIMUM FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE
Updated Line-Up for MFC 25 Released
By FCF Staff

The Maximum Fighting Championship has released an updated line-up for the promotion’s upcoming May 7th event; “Vindication” will take place at the Northlands Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, and will be broacast live on HDNet.

In the card’s co-main-event, UFC veteran Wilson Gouveia (12-7) will take on former TUF competitor Ryan Jimmo (12-1), for the #1 contender spot in the MFC light-heavyweight division. Gouveia hasn’t competed since December, when he was stopped by Alan Belcher at UFC 107, while Jimmo is coming off a Unanimous Decision victory over Emanuel Newton at MFC 23.

The official main-event for the MFC 25 card has yet to be announced.

Other bouts scheduled for the May 7th card include: Dwayne Lewis (11-4) vs. Mike Nickels (8-3), David Heath (14-6) vs. Solomon Hutcherson (11-6), Luigi Fioravanti (16-6) vs. Pete Spratt (20-17), and Kajan Johnson (17-11-1) vs. Richie Hightower (8-3).

March 12, 2010
DREAM UPDATE

Escovedo vs. Maeda, Barnett Confirmed for Dream 13
By FCF Staff

As expected, the official Dream website has confirmed that former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Josh Barnett, will fight on the promotion’s upcoming March 22nd event in Yokohama, Japan. No opponent has been announced.

The upcoming bout will mark the first time Barnett (24-5) has fought since January, 2009, when he stopped Gilbert Yvel in the third round at Affliction’s “Day of Reckoning” event. Barnett has remained on the sidelines since allegedly testing positive for steroids last summer, which cancelled the veteran’s scheduled bout with Fedor Emelianenko. The fighter is appealing the result and subsequent suspension with the California State Athletic Commission.

Dream has also confirmed a bantamweight bout between fellow WEC veterans Cole Escovedo and Yoshiro Maeda. Escovedo (15-4) went 3-0 in 2009 and is coming off a first round submission win over Jeff Bedard in February.

Maeda (26-7-2) last competed at Dream 12 in October and submitted Chase Beebe in the first round with a rear-naked-choke. The Japanese fighter is 3-2 in his last five fights.

Some of the other bouts scheduled for Dream 13 include featherweight champion Bibiano Fernandes vs. Joachim Hansen, KJ Noons vs. Andre Dida, Ikuhisa Minowa vs. Jimmy Ambrizand and Ryo Chonan vs. Andrews Nakahara.

March 11, 2010
SHINE FIGHTS UPDATE

Thompson vs. Pamplona Confirmed for May 15th
By FCF Staff

Shine Fights has confirmed this afternoon that the accomplished veteran Nick Thompson will face noted Brazilian welterweight, Eduardo Pamplona, at the promotion’s upcoming May 15th event in Fayetteville, North Carolina. “The Worlds Collide: Mayorga vs. Thomas” card will be headlined by a bout between former boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga and UFC veteran Din Thomas.

Thompson (38-12-1) will head into the bout having lost back-to-back fights to Tim Kennedy and Dan Hornbuckle, in June and September of 2009 respectively. Prior to those defeats, the 28 year-old Thompson had won two straight bouts, earning victories over Travis McCullough and Paul Daley.

“Eduardo is a tough and exciting fighter,” Thompson was quoted saying in the fight’s announcement. “He is the kind of fighter you like to fight because there will be fireworks…while he has not had a loss in the last three years, I am confident that I am the better fighter and will stand victorious when the night is over.”

Pamplona (12-2) completed for M-1 exclusively throughout 2009, and defeated Dylan Clay, Erik Oganov and most recently in July, Do Hyun Kim. The 37 year-old-fighter hasn’t been defeated since February, 2007, when he was stopped by Robbie Lawler at an International Fight League event.

“This fight with Thompson is a big fight for me,” Pamplona said. “He has many great victories on his record, and I believe it will be a great fight between us. I believe this fight will have a lot of movement. We both like to stand up and exchange. I believe we will stay on our feet.”

The Shine Fights May 15th event will be available by pay-per-view throughout North America.

March 11, 2010
BELLATOR FC UPDATE
Hess and Loeffler Confirmed as 185lb. Tourney Participants
By FCF Staff

Hess

Bellator Fighting Championships has announced today that Jared Hess and Sean Loeffler will both compete in the promotion’s upcoming second season, middleweight tournament, which is set to begin in April. The fighters are the fourth and fifth competitors to be confirmed for the tourney, joining the previously announced Bryan “The Beast” Baker, Matt Major and Eric Schambari.

Hess (10-1-1) returns to Bellator after advancing to the finals of the promotion’s middleweight tournament last year, where he was stopped by current champion, Hector Lombard, in the fourth round. The former NCAA All American wrestler most recently competed at a Bricktown Brawl event in December, where he submitted Keith Johnson in the first round.

“I’m looking forward to winning the tournament and getting a chance to face Hector again,” the 26 year-old Hess was quoted saying in the promotion’s news release. “I think it would be a much different outcome this time. My stand-up has improved by leaps and bounds since then. Add that to my wrestling and I think I’d have a distinct edge this time.”

Loeffler (18-4) will make his Bellator debut having won 6 straight fights. The 27 year-old fighter, who turned pro at the age of 17, has been training in martial arts since the young age of five.

“I watch fights on TV and the guys are dancing around and throwing jabs. That’s not for me … that’s not MMA,” Loeffler said. “This is not ballet. It’s combat sports, so you won’t see me stalling and circling. If there’s one word to describe my fighting style, it’s violent. Win or lose, if you fight me, you’re not gonna leave looking pretty.”

Bellator’s second season will be carried live on Fox Sports Net.

March 11, 2010
NEW EPISODE OF FCF RADIO: WEC REVIEW & CHRIS LYTLE

On this episode of Full Contact Fighter Radio, Jeff "Wombat" Meszaros and co-host James Kellaris talk about the show that was World Extreme Cagefighting, where belts changed hands and a squadron of underdogs took out their higher-ranked couterparts in impressive fashion. First, was Dominic Cruz more like Mr. Fantastic or Spiderman with his win over Brian Bowles? And what about Joseph Benavidez' win over Miguel Torres? Did anyone expect that? Finally how would MMA history be different if Jens Pulver had starting learning BJJ back in the mid '90s? These are just a few of the topics that are sort-of discussed before the conversation derails entirely and somehow ends up on whether or not Manny Pacquiao could defeat a wild coati, also known as a South American snookum bear, in a boxing match. Craziness abounds, as intelligent commentary is swept aside. Then, just because we need some seriousness here, UFC veteran Chris "Lights Out" Lytle stops in for a while to chat about his recent win at the UFC event in Australia and share his predictions for the next show, which features Brandon Vera vs. Jon Jones in the main event.  Click here to listen/download

 

March 10, 2010
UFC UPDATE
Report: Bonnar Loses Appeal Over UFC 110 Loss
By FCF Staff

The Combat Sports Authority of New South Wales has decided that the TKO loss Stephan Bonnar incurred against Krzystztof Soszynski last month, at UFC 110 in Sydney, will stand. Bonnar incurred a fight ending cut on his forehead after he and Soszynski clashed heads in the third round of their February 20th fight. The referee ruled, however, that Bonnar had been cut due to a strike, and the bout was awarded to Soszynski.

The Sports Network’s official site (TSN) reported news of Bonnar’s failed bid to have the bout ruled a No Contest earlier today.

With the win being upheld, Soszynski’s record will remain at 19-19-1 while Bonnar’s stands at 11-7. Both fighters have agreed to have a rematch, however, no date has yet been confirmed by the UFC.

March 10, 2010
STRIKEFORCE UPDATE
Holscher vs. Trevino Confirmed for Mar.26th Challengers
By FCF Staff

Strikeforce has announced today that Ben “The Teacher” Holscher will take on fellow lightweight Alex Trevino, at the promotion’s upcoming March 26th Challengers event, which will be held at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. The card will be headlined by a heavyweight match-up between Lavar Johnson (13-3) and Lolohea Mahe (4-0-1).

Holscher, who is a full time ninth grade teach and wrestling coach at Clovis High in Clovis, California, has gone undefeated in 5 professional fights to date. The former collegiate wrestler made his Strikefore debut in November and worked his way to a Unanimous Decision victory over Johnny Goh.

“It definitely motivates you because there are a lot of people that are going to come out,’’ Holscher was quoted saying in a news release from the promotion. “There are a lot of people looking at me, especially my students. I don't want to let them down. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to use my career as a mixed martial artist to give back to the students who are in my life.’’

Trevino (4-1) has competed for Strikeforce on 4 occasions to date, and earned victories over Eric Jacob, Gennaro Strangis, and Isaiah Hill, before losing by UD to Rico Altamirano, at a Challengers event in November.

Some of the other bouts scheduled for the March 26th Challengers event include “Abongo” Humphrey (5-1) vs. George Bush III (5-1), Luke Stewart (6-2) vs. Andre Galvao (3-1) and Zoila Frausto (2-0) vs. Miesha “Takedown” Tate (7-2).

March 9, 2010
NORTH AMERICAN FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS
Several UFC/ WEC Vets Confirmed for Inaugral NAFC Event
By FCF Staff

The North American Fighting Championship has confirmed several UFC and WEC veterans for the promotion’s upcoming inaugral event, which will take place April 3rd, at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, WI. The card will feature 10 bouts, including match-ups that will feature UFC vets Jason Dent and Sherman Pendergarst, former WEC competitor Joe Pearson, as well as Bellator FC vet, Nick Agallar.

According to a news release sent out this afternoon, the NAFC is a joint venture between renowned striking and MMA coach Duke Roufus, businessman Scott Joffe, and Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame nose tackle Gilbert Brown.

The line-up for the promotion’s first event, titled “Stand Your Ground,” is below:

Jason "Dynamite" Dent vs. Tim Samelstad
Nick Agallar vs. Ted "Red" Worthington 
Sherman "Tank" Pendergarst vs. Reese "Old Man" Shaner
Joe "The Triangular Strangler" Pearson vs. Chico "King" Camus
Justin "The Fighting Fireman" Lemke vs. TBA
Karl "Robo Cop" Turek vs. TBA
Omar Choudhury vs. Chris Beck
Gary Schaumberg vs. David Rhoads
Jose Pacheco vs. "Nasty" Nick Dupees
Kyle "Wicked" Weickhardt vs. Tim Nixon
Ricky Stettner vs. Desie "Dizzy Devil" Beadon

March 9, 2010
BELLATOR FC UPDATE
Toby Imada Returns for Bellator’s Second Season
By FCF Staff

Bellator FC has confirmed that lightweight veteran Toby Imada will return for the promotion’s upcoming second season tournament, which is scheduled to begin next month. Imada (23-13) made headlines last May for his highlight reel, inverted triangle-choke victory over Jorge Masvidal, which advanced the veteran into Bellator’s first season tourney finals against Eddie Alvarez. Imada failed to win the Bellator Lightweight Championship, however, as Alvarez submitted him in the second round with a rear-naked-choke.

“It’s a great thing for me to return to Bellator,” Imada was quoted saying in the Bellator news release. “I can’t promise that I’ll give the fans another inverted triangle, but I can promise that I’m gonna be fighting my heart out and looking to take home that belt. I want to thank Bellator for all the opportunities they’ve given me.”

“Toby has meant a great deal to our company and we are very pleased to have him back for our Season 2 lightweight tournament,” said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Toby Imada epitomizes the heart and soul of our tournament format where winning is what matters and where fighters can truly control their own destiny.”

Most recently, on January 30th, Imada knocked out Daisuke Hanazawa in the second round at a King of the Cage event in Japan. The 31 year-old-fighter is the sixth confirmed participant for Bellator’s season 2 lightweight tournament, as Carey Vanier, Ferrid Kheder, Mike Ricci, Janne Tulirinta and Chad Hinton will also compete.

March 8, 2010
UFC UPDATE
“Kimbo Slice” vs. Matt Mitrione Confirmed for UFC 113
By FCF Staff

Although rumors surfaced recently speculating that Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson might face UFC newcomer James Toney in his next bout, the UFC has confirmed today that Slice will face fellow TUF 10 competitor Matt Mitrione, May 8th. The bout will take place on the televised portion of UFC 113, which will be held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.

Slice (4-1) will be looking for his second UFC win, as in his first official Octagon bout last December, the Elite XC veteran worked his way to a Unanimous Decision victory over Houston Alexander.

Mitrione (1-0) made his official pro MMA debut at the TUF 10 Finale in December a successful one, by knocking out fellow NFL veteran Marcus Jones in the second round.

UFC 113 will be headlined by a rematch between light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida and challenger Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Machida defended his title by Unanimous Decision in their first meeting last October, in what was widely considered to be an extremely competitive affair.

Some of the other bouts scheduled for UFC 113 include Josh Koscheck vs. Paul Daley, Sam Stout vs. Jeremy Stephens, and Alan Belcher vs. Patrick Cote.

March 8, 2010
BELLATOR FC UPDATE
Tyler Stinson Wins Bellator Open Tryout
Kansas Fighter to Compete on Promotion’s April 29th Card
By FCF Staff

Bellator Fighting Championship has announced today that 24 year-old Kansan, Tyler Stinson, was selected as the winner of the promotion’s open tryout this past weekend. The 16-5 fighter was chosen from a reported field of 72 athletes that attended the tryouts in Kansas. As a result of his performance, Stinson has earned a spot on the promotion’s upcoming April 29th card, which will take place at the Kansas City Power and Light District.

“This whole experience was just awesome,” Stinson was quoted saying in a release from the promotion. “To hear my name called at the end of the day was just unbelievable. I’m really almost speechless right now. Bellator is just such a great organization and I’m excited for the chance to fight in front of my family and friends in Kansas City.”

Stinson will head into his Bellator debut having won three straight fights. Most recently the veteran submitted Jerome Martinez with a first round armbar at a C3 event on February 13th.

No announcement was made as to who Stinson will fight on April 29th. Bellator has also announced that the tryout’s second place finisher was Leonardo Pecanha (11-6), who is now being considered for a spot on one of the promotion’s cards in May.

Bellator’s second season tournaments are scheduled to begin April 8th.