UFC 125 Preview & Predictions

By Mike Johnston

What better way to cure your New Year’s Eve hangover than with a terrific night of fights, including a lightweight title fight between champion Frankie Edgar and the only man to have defeated him, number one contender Gray Maynard. There are no Canadians on the card, but Antonio McKee, a veteran of the Canadian promotion Maximum Fighting Championship, makes his UFC debut in a preliminary bout. The event can be seen in Canada on pay-per-view starting at 10 p.m. EST. Three preliminary fights can also been seen on Rogers Sportsnet starting at 9 p.m. Here is a preview with predictions of UFC 125, including a poll of who Canadian fans think will win the five main card bouts. For more MMA news and analysis follow @MikeyJ_MMA on Twitter…

• Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard (for the UFC Lightweight Championship)

Edgar is coming off a memorable 2010 with two wins over BJ Penn and has a chance to avenge his only career loss. Since getting submitted by Nate Diaz on The Ultimate Fighter 5, Gray Maynard has not lost and has defeated some of the best in the sport including Edgar, Jim Miller, Roger Huerta, Dennis Siver and Kenny Florian. The dominant wrestling, powerful hands and continued improvement to his boxing has been too much for lightweights to handle (apart from Nate Diaz).
MMA is all about stylistic matchups, and just like Edgar is a bad matchup for Penn, Maynard is a bad matchup for Edgar. Both men have similar strengths, wrestling and their boxing coupled with footwork and movement. But, Maynard is essentially a bigger, stronger version of Edgar and that doesn’t bode well for the champ. Edgar has been working with Phil Nurse on his Muay Thai, but if he throws many kicks Maynard will just catch them and take Edgar down. The way Edgar defends his belt is by somehow stuffing Gray’s takedown attempts, staying on the outside and outpointing ‘The Bully.’ Otherwise, the new UFC Lightweight Champion will be…

Gray Maynard.

This fight pits two former WEC champions against one another in what should be an exciting matchup. Most middleweights are intimidated by Leben’s knockout power, but that won’t bother Stann, a military veteran who has seen things most can only imagine. Leben’s fists won’t scare Stann in the slightest, but he must be weary of them and circle away from his opponent’s left hand. Leben, whose game plan is no secret, is coming off an incredible 2010, going 3-0 including wins over Yoshihiro Akiyama and Aaron Simpson just two weeks apart. Leben is without a doubt Stann’s toughest test at middleweight, but Stann has been in there with some of the top light heavyweights including Phil Davis and Canadian Krzysztof Soszynski. Most are expecting another Leben knockout, but with his improved speed and a good game plan Stann could find a way to outpoint Leben en route to an exciting decision.
Stann in an upset.

These are two of the most exciting fighters to watch in the UFC and there is no way this fight ends up being dull. Both Kim and Diaz have the skills to hang with any welterweight outside of GSP, but this might be a bad matchup for the South Korean. Kim is a phenomenal judoka that uses a smooth transition game to get into prime ground-and-pound positions; he displayed those techniques beautifully against Canadian TJ Grant at UFC 100. He has phenomenal control and is good enough on the feet to set up clinches. However, this may play right into the hands of Diaz. The TUF 5 winner is a superior boxer and extremely dangerous off of his back, so Kim is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Unless he can control Diaz like Joe Stevenson did in 2009, it may be a tough night for the charismatic Korean. The winner will be vaulted into the upper echelon of the 170lb division.
Diaz.

When Takanori Gomi took on Tyson Griffin in August, only longtime supporters of the ‘Fireball Kid’ gave him even the slightest of chances. Well, he proved naysayers wrong with a one-minute knockout of Griffin, putting the Japanese star back on the map. Despite the win, Gomi has a long way to go to get back into the top tier of the lightweight division and that road goes through the relentless Clay Guida. Gomi has knockout power and superior striking, but that’s where the advantages end. Guida should be able to get takedowns and exhaust Gomi with Tasmanian Devil-like ground-and-pound. Since moving to Greg Jackson’s camp, Guida has looked more refined, which makes him a more difficult opponent to prepare for. Then again, if Gomi can land flush it will change the fight.
Guida.

This fight isn’t getting too much attention, as both men have been out of action for a long time, but the winner will be back in title contention at light heavyweight. Silva is a knockout artist that leaves everything in the octagon. Vera, on the other hand, has some of the best Muay Thai in the UFC and isn’t afraid to stand with anyone. Vera is coming off a loss to Jon Jones in March in a fight that saw Jones break Vera’s orbital bone with an elbow. If he decides to stand and trade blows with Silva it could be a short night, but if he can work in his kicks to slow the Brazilian down, things will be easier for ‘The Truth.’ Octagon rust is real and Silva hasn’t fought in a full year, which could be the difference in an otherwise even matchup.
Vera.

Who Canadian fans think will win:

**A group of random Canadian MMA fans were polled on Facebook and Twitter to see who they believe will win the five main card bouts. Here are the results…

Edgar 62% – Maynard 38%

Leben 88% – Stann 12%

Diaz 66% – Kim 34%

Guida 54% – Gomi 46%

Vera 40% – Silva 60%

PRELIMS LIVE ON ROGERS SPORTSNET

Davis drops down from welterweight and although that seems like it should be an advantage, it won’t be. Davis, in order to drop the weight, will lose strength and, even if it increases his speed, the weight cut could affect his cardio. He takes on another man known for his powerful hands, Jeremy Stephens. Being tentative against Melvin Guillard at UFC 119 didn’t do Stephens any favours, so look for him to be aggressive and throw leather. Davis has been in many wars over the years and his body has paid the price. It’s doubtful that his chin can take the full force of a Stephens right hand.
Stephens.

Poirier is taking this fight on short notice, replacing Jose Aldo as Grispi’s opponent, but it was Grispi who needed to change his game plan mid training camp, which could be equally disadvantageous. Poirier is coming off a devastating WEC 52 win and makes his featherweight debut against one of the most dangerous 145 pounders in the world. Poirier is aggressive and confident, but might be in over his head. Grispi has crushing chokes and power behind his kicks and punches. He’s not the most technical featherweight, but he knows how to finish fights. He is riding a 10-fight win streak with nine coming by way of first round stoppage.
Grispi.

As a 2-1 underdog, most are counting out the “New York Badass” Phil Baroni as he looks to get his career back on track with a win over the young, talented TUF 11 cast member Brad Tavares. Both men like to stand and trade, but bring more to the table than simply a brawling style. At middleweight, Baroni has knockout power and likely won’t gas out as quickly as he did when he fought at welterweight. Also, Baroni has been training at the American Kickboxing Academy with Cain Velasquez, Josh Koscheck, Jon Fitch and the AKA crew, so look for his wrestling to be up to speed.
Baroni in an upset.
PRELIMINARY CARD

• Phil Baroni vs. Brad Tavares

• Josh Grispi vs. Dustin Poirier

• Marcus Davis vs. Jeremy Stephens

• Thiago Silva vs. Brandon Vera

• Clay Guida vs. Takanori Gomi

• Nate Diaz vs. Dong Hyun Kim

• Chris Leben vs. Brian Stann

• Mike Brown vs. Diego Nunes

The fact that this fight is on the unaired preliminary card is criminal, but it just goes to show how deep UFC 125 is. Brown and Nunes are two of the top ten featherweights in the world and fans are in for a treat. Nunes is an ever improving, well-rounded fighter that uses a lot of kicks to set up his punches and takedowns. The bad thing for Nunes is he’s fighting Mike Brown, the bigger, stronger man with more dangerous striking, wrestling and submissions. Look for Brown to bully Nunes around the octagon.
Brown.

Both men are unsung welterweights looking to continue their winning ways. Soto (8-1, with his loss being a DQ) and Roberts (11-1) are both known for their grappling, though Roberts says his striking is vastly underrated. Soto will look to control Roberts with his wrestling, where as Roberts is the more aggressive fighter. Roberts has been training with Nick and Nate Diaz, Jake Shields and Gilbert Melendez so look for him to be on top of his game. Roberts could be one of the fighters to look for in 2011.
Roberts.

Volkman continues to prove critics wrong with impressive outings in the UFC and seeks for his third straight win. He doesn’t look like an intimidating figure in the slightest, yet with solid grappling and a blue-collar work ethic he is on a roll. After losing to top welterweights Martin Kampmann and Paulo Thiago, Volkman dropped to 155lbs and is 2-0 there. He takes on Antonio McKee, the outgoing MFC lightweight champ, who is well known in Canada. McKee has been one of the best lightweights not in the UFC for several years and now he gets his chance to prove his worth. Look for McKee to be the better athlete and the more tenacious striker.
McKee.

• Antonio McKee vs. Jacob Volkmann

• Greg Soto vs. Daniel Roberts

UFC 125 New Year's Resolutions

Gray Maynard Interview for UFC 125

Frankie Edgar Interview for UFC 125

CANADIAN PRO FIGHTER AWARDS FOR 2010

To be eligible for the Canadian Pro Fighter Awards you must be a Canadian Pro Fighter, fight in a Canadian Pro MMA Organization or be highlighted in a Canadian Pro Fighter covered event.  For the Canadian Fight of the Year Award, the participants must both be Canadian.

Canadian KO of the YEAR goes to Chris Clements with a devastating KO of UFC vet Jonathan Goulet which left "the Road Warrior" flat on his face and asleep for more than 2 minutes, and secured "The Menace" as the New Ringside Welterweight Champion!







Canadian Submission of the YEAR goes to Darson Hemmings for his reverse triangle choke at The Harley Davidson Grappling Classic.

Canadian Fight of the Year goes to Mark Hominick and Yves Jabouin for their amazing battle at WEC which Mark Hominick walked away with the TKO victory at WEC 49.

Canadian Fighter of the Year goes to none other than George St. Pierre the UFC Welterweight Champion for continuing his dominance as a UFC champion and representing Canada as a fighting nation!













Canadian Prospect of the Year goes to Jesse "the Ghost" Gross as he went an impressive 5-0 for 5 different organizations with 5 KO/TKO collecting one championship while defending his Fighting Spirit Lightweight Belt.  Jesse is definitely a talent to watch in the coming years.

 Click Read More below to watch footage of these great fighters and moments in Canadian MMA History



Fight of The Year

Yves Jabouin vs. Mark Hominick Fight

KO of the Year

Chris Clements KO of Jonathan Goulet



Prospect of the Year

Jesse Gross vs. Ted Worth to defend his FSMMA belt




Jesse Gross vs. Rory McDonnell

Jesse Gross vs. Eric Moon for the XCC Belt

Submission of the Year

Darson Hemmings Inverted Triangle

SUPERSTAR “RUTHLESS’’ ROBBIE LAWLER SIGNS NEW MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH STRIKEFORCE

Former Two-Time World Champion to Challenge
“Jacare” Souza For 185-Pound Title Saturday, Jan. 29,
Live on SHOWTIME® From HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

NEW YORK (Dec. 29, 2010) – One day after re-signing its world welterweight champion, Nick Diaz, to a new multi-fight deal, STRIKEFORCE announced Wednesday that exciting, hard-hitting former two-time world middleweight champion “Ruthless’’ Robbie Lawler had also signed a new, multi-year agreement with the San Jose, Calif.-based world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion.

One of the most lethal punchers in his weight class, Lawler (18-6, 1 NC) will challenge STRIKEFORCE middleweight belt-holder “Jacare” Souza (13-2, 1 NC) in one half of a STRIKEFORCE World Championship Doubleheader on Saturday, Jan. 29, at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). Diaz (23-7, 1 NC) will defend his title against Brazilian powerhouse Evangelista Cyborg (18-13) in the other.

Lawler, a 5-foot-11, 28-year-old southpaw fan favorite from Granite City, Ill., is coming off one of the most devastating MMA knockouts of 2010 – a brutal, single-punch, 50-second annihilation of Matt “The Law’’ Lindland last Dec. 4 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis. Fifteen of Lawler’s 18 career victories have come via knockout or TKO.

 “STRIKEFORCE has treated me good and I am happy to re-sign with them,” said Lawler. “They have given me an opportunity to fight for the title and I’m looking forward to that and to fighting any and all of the top 185-pounders.’’


Since September 2006, Lawler has gone 7-2-1 with one No Contest. Three starts ago, the athletic, aggressive crowd-pleaser registered a dramatic, come-from-behind first-round (3:33) KO over highly regarded Melvin Manhoef on Jan. 30, 2010.

Lawler, who turned pro at 19, fought Scott “Hands Of Steel’’ Smith during the first-ever primetime network telecast of MMA on May 31, 2008, on The CBS Television Network.

In other featured fights on the stacked Jan. 29 SHOWTIME televised card, football legend and MMA upstart, the incredible Herschel Walker (1-0) will return to the cage to face Scott Carson (4-1) in a heavyweight bout and undefeated Roger Gracie (3-0), will battle former South African national wrestling champion and MMA star Trevor Prangley (23-6-1) at light heavyweight (205 pounds).

MMA Corporate Conspiracy Theory: UFC 125 Prelims on Ion

By Vinrokk

UFC 125 Prelims to Air on Ion, not Spike. Wait, Ion -- Who?

The Ultimate Fighting Championships announced via its official website, UFC.com, that it will air UFC 125 preliminary bouts on Ion Television, formerly Pax Television. The announcement recognized that this is officially "the first time UFC prelims will air live and free on network television." This means a larger viewer base for the UFC, which in the past has aired its "prelims" on Spike, a specialty cable network. Fans will enjoy three fights off the UFC preliminary card -- Phil Baroni vs. Brad Tavares, Josh Grispi vs. Dustin Poirier, and Marcus Davis vs. Jeremy Stephens.

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But why the change from Spike to Ion?
Well, first the change fulfills a promise that Dana White made a while back -- that the UFC would secure a network television deal by 2011. Here's what Dana told Broadcast & Cable back in October when questioned about his network television ambitions:

"Yes, we will (be on broadcast television). We are working on some things right now. I just can't talk about it at all because we are right in the middle of it."

Now we know what he was probably "in the middle of," a deal with independent network Ion. In the same interview, B&C's Ben Grossman also asked White about his business dealings with other media networks. He inquired about his talks with Fox which by now we can all assume were fruitless. He also inquired into the idea of Zuffa's relationship with Versus leading to a deal with NBC (since they are both owned by Comcast). But, this question came about a month short of Zuffa's WEC-UFC merger announcement. Versus, which was the television home of the WEC, is scheduled to air four UFC events in 2011, but Zuffa has not reported any long term, extensive deals with the Comcast-owned cable station. Also, it should be noted that both NBC and Fox had deals with Bellator at the time. However, Bellator recently announced a deal with MTV2 which leads to my theory.

Here's where the conspiracy theory begins...
MTV2 is owned by MTV Networks which also owns Spike TV, all of which are wholly owned by major media conglomerate Viacom. So, putting two and two together, you have two cable stations, MTV2 and Spike, which are owned by the same parent companies, both broadcasting major mixed martial arts programs, Bellator and the UFC.

I theorize that MTV Networks and ultimately Viacom were attempting to use their broadcasting of Bellator and UFC programs as some sort of intra-competitive marketing scheme. Now, I know that may sound like some really fancy corporate term, but I really made it up (I'm sure there's a better, more accurate, formal term for this and if there is don't hesitate to correct me in the "comments" section). What I'm getting at is MTV/Viacom offering two MMA products to establish a stronghold in the growing MMA market. In other words, Viacom is doing what large corporations like Coca Cola and General Mills do -- they offer a top shelf product, and a smaller, cheaper brand of the same (for food companies, this is often carried out by using small vendors and distributors). By doing this, they are able to enjoy earnings from both consumers who are willing to purchase the high end product (pay television like Spike), and those who can only afford the dollar store grade stuff (free broadcast television like Ion). So, they almost appear to be competing products, much to the ignorance of American consumers who have no idea that the products are ultimately owned by some larger-than-life corporation.

Now, this discussion could not take place without at some point mentioning the second leading promotion in the game, Strikeforce. San Jose-based Strikeforce airs on Showtime and CBS, stations owned by CBS Broadcasting, Inc. A very brief history, CBS was taken over by Viacom back in 2000, but the two split in 2005. If you've been following along, you're probably seeing that Viacom's attempt to secure two stations broadcasting UFC events was a counter to CBS's MMA stronghold via its Strikeforce broadcasts. Unfortunately for Viacom, their scheme was a failure as the UFC turned to independently-owned Ion Television for a free broadcast deal.

Why the Ion deal proves Dana White & Co's intelligence
Opting for an independently owned broadcast network like Ion over another cable deal was an intelligent move for Zuffa for more reasons than I have time or energy to type on. But in short, I will add that their relationship with Ion will benefit both parties. It will allow Ion to grow and expand with the leading brand of the fastest growing sport and entertainment industry in the world. For Zuffa, working with a smaller media company will give them the leverage and flexibility to shape and mold their 'free broadcast network' identity.

Now that the UFC has taken to good old fashioned rabbit ear tv, I think it's very safe to assume that a new series (other than tough) is on the horizon. There's also this crazy but not far-fetched idea that BloodyElbow cooked up:

"One possible alternative angle is that Ion could easily become the long-rumored "UFC channel" which would be an audacious and ambitious, but risky, move."

As for Spike, I don't know all of the details of their current contract, but I recall that their contract was set to expire in 2011 when the two companies renegotiated back in 2007-2008. If this is the case, I don't see the UFC parting from Spike completely, and if they do they will find other ways to maintain their presence on the cable television schedule. I'll be sure to post more on that situation later.

For now, be informed that the UFC 125 preliminaries will air on Ion Television on Saturday starting at 8:55pm ET/5:55pm PT. Ion can be found on Direct TV channels 305 and 347 (Ion Television West). Ion's network television station can be found on the UHF band and is offered in high definition format. For more information about Ion, visit http://www.ionline.tv/.

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UFC 125 Details:

Ultimate Fighting Championship: "UFC 125: Resolution"
January 1, 2011
MGM Grand Garden Arena,
Las Vegas, Nevada

Main Card:
UFC Lightweight Championship Bout
Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard

Chris Leben vs. Brian Stann
Brandon Vera vs. Thiago Silva
Nate Diaz vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Clay Guida vs. Takanori Gomi

Preliminary Card (to air Ion TV):
Marcus Davis vs. Jeremy Stephens
Josh Grispi vs. Dustin Poirier
Phil Baroni vs. Brad Tavares

Non-Aired Preliminary Bouts:
Mike Brown vs. Diego Nunes
Daniel Roberts vs. Greg Soto
Jacob Volkmann vs. Antonio McKee

Bellator Signs Undefeated Heavyweight Knockout Artist Ron Sparks

CHICAGO, Ill. (December 28, 2010) —Bellator Fighting Championships today announced the signing of fast-rising heavyweight knockout artist Ron “The Monster” Sparks to an exclusive long-term promotional agreement. The hard-hitting Sparks earned his spot on the Bellator roster with a devastating 50 second knockout of the previously undefeated Greg Maynard during Bellator 30 in September of this year. Sparks will take part in Bellator's next heavyweight tournament, slated to take place in 2011.

The 6'4”, 265 lbs. Louisville native owns a flawless 6-0 professional record with an astounding 83 knockout percentage (five TKO or KOs and one decision.) Wasting no time in the cage, all five of Sparks' combined KOs amount to a total time of just three minutes and 14 seconds.

“I want to be like Mike Tyson was in the 1980's,” said Sparks. “I'm coming in there to knock you out, and that's just the way I'm going to come. I'm coming in there to rip your head off. I want to catch them on the chin and be done with them.”

“With his devastating knockout power, natural strength and athleticism, Ron Sparks is a guy who deserves to compete at the next level of competition. I’m glad to say he will be doing that under the Bellator banner,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.

The massive heavyweight found interest in martial arts early in life when at the age of seven his father, a Vietnam veteran who taught martial arts in the military, showed him a Bruce Lee film.

“I was Bruce Lee in my backyard after that. I wanted to be him,” said Sparks. “From that point on I was just obsessed with anything combat sports related kickboxing, judo, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing - you name it, Bruce Lee is the reason I’m fighting today.”

Before going pro in 2006, Sparks amassed an unblemished amateur MMA record of 5-0 but found it frustratingly hard to find fights, with many of his opponents backing out at the last minute after seeing the 265 plus pound Sparks. This has also happened in his professional career.

“I've had so many opponents pull out of fights with me in the past. I guess a lot of guys don't want to lose to me or they feel like I'm that big of a threat,” Said Sparks. “It's frustrating because I have to train almost 9 weeks sometimes for fights these guys just to pull out.”

Looking toward the next level of his career, the 36 year old is eager to bring his tenacity to the Bellator cage.

“When that bell rings and I come out, people are going to be like, “This guy is for real,” because when I come across that cage, I'm going to be throwing hell for a good fifteen minutes,” said Sparks. “I want the Bellator Heavyweight Title, and I'll be ready to go through hell to get it.”

WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION NICK DIAZ SIGNS NEW MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH STRIKEFORCE

Diaz Set To Defend 170 Pound Title Against Evangelista Cyborg Jan. 29 Live on SHOWTIME® From HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

NEW YORK (Dec. 28, 2010) – STRIKEFORCE World Welterweight Champion and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt Nick Diaz (23-7, 1 NC) has signed a new, multi-year agreement with the San Jose, Calif. based world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion.

“I’m looking forward to continuing my career with STRIKEFORCE,” said the dynamic 27-year-old Diaz, a protégé of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Cesar Gracie and resident of Stockton, Calif. “When I first got here, there weren’t a lot of great 170 pound fighters for me to fight, but that’s definitely changed. There’s a lot of really good fighters in the division now and I’m ready to fight anyone who thinks they can beat me.”

Of late, the 6-foot-1 Diaz has been unstoppable, winning his last eight matchups. In his last effort, he settled a three-year old score with arch-nemesis K.J. Noons, out-striking Noons en route to a five-round unanimous decision at HP Pavilion in San Jose last Oct. 9.

Five months prior to the victory over Noons, the no-nonsense Diaz, one of MMA’s most intriguing figures, ventured to Saitama, Japan, to face top-ranked rival Hayato “Mach” Sakurai in a DREAM promoted affair. To the surprise of many, the southpaw Diaz made quick work of Sakurai, submitting the Japanese fighter with an armbar at the 3:54 mark of the first round.

Diaz was crowned the first STRIKEFORCE MMA welterweight champion in history last Jan. 30 after he scored a thunderous first round (4:38) TKO on rising star Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis with an onslaught of punches at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.

Diaz’s next challenge and second title defense is set for Sat., Jan. 29 when he will square off with Brazilian powerhouse Evangelista Cyborg (18-13) in the main event of a stacked STRIKEFORCE fight card at HP Pavilion, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast)

Chris Horodecki released from Zuffa, no UFC shot for the Ontario native just yet

By Mike Johnston

London, Ontario native Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki has been released by Zuffa- the parent company to the Ultimate Fighting Championship and the now-defunct World Extreme Cagefighting organization. This means that the 23-year-old lightweight will not get an immediate chance to fight in the UFC.

Horodecki is coming off a submission loss to Donald Cerrone at WEC 53 on December 18. After starting his career 12-0, Horodecki has gone 4-3. Because the UFC is forced to trim its roster following the WEC/UFC merger, Horodecki did not make the cut.

The news comes as a blow to Horodecki’s hope to one day fight in front of a sold out Rogers Centre crowd. “It would be a dream come true to fight in front of my family and friends in front of all those people at the Rogers Centre or Air Canada Centre in Toronto,” said Horodecki in an interview with CanadianProFighter.com from earlier this year. UFC 129 is scheduled for April 30 in Toronto and now it looks unlikely that he will be on that card.

In other Zuffa news, former WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner has also been released. Varner is winless in his last four fights going 0-3-1. His latest loss was at WEC 53 when he was submitted by Shane Roller in the first round.

For more info on the UFC and WEC visit ufc.com. For more MMA news and notes follow @MikeyJ_MMA on Twitter.

My Lunch with Pro MMA Referee Brian Beauchamp.

By Cher Woodiwiss

A week ago I had the opportunity to sit down with Ontario Professional Mixed Martial Arts referee Brian Beauchamp. He is not only a professional MMA referee, but a very accomplished athlete. As a former member of the Canadian National Judo Team and a black belt for over 30 years, some of his impressive credentials include winning the 2007 Grapplers Quest “Canadian Grappler of the Year” award and also being a four-time Pan American champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is the only Canadian to ever be a Pan-am champion in both Judo and BJJ. Brian is the type of guy that people can look up to and who inspires others to keep chasing their goals and dreams. He also believes that no matter what your age is, it’s never to late to follow your dreams. On the back of his BJJ pants he has sewn the famous quote by Charles “ Mask” Lewis, “Simply Believe”. Brian says, “Don’t let people put limits on you. Believe in what you want to do, believe in how you do it and do it right and if people think you’re crazy , then just believe.”

He began Judo when he was 10 yrs old at the YMCA in Whitby, Ontario with his three brothers. His brother Glenn is a two-time Olympian for Canada participating in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics finishing 5th in Seoul. Three members of the Beauchamp family were on the national team at one time, so it was quite a competitive household. Brian is currently a BJJ brown belt under Fernando and Mario Yamasaki. Yes, that would be THE Mario Yamasaki, the legendary UFC referee.

The first thing I asked was how and why did he get into the business of MMA as an official. He said he had been watching the UFC for the last 5 years and he was becoming a fan as the sport grew. He told me with his pedigree as a former wrestler, judo player and current competitor in Jiu Jitsu (which are the main components of MMA), studying to become a MMA referee felt like a good fit as he believed the sport would someday come to Ontario. He went on to explain that not just anyone can be a referee in the MMA. He considers it to be the one of the hardest sports in the world to officiate at a high level. There is no other sport with the exception of MMA that has multiple Olympic combative sports combined into one. There is so much going on. It’s a multi-faceted sport where you need to be capable of making split second decisions. He finds that his experience in combative sports gives him that edge. His skill set helps him to make proper, informed decisions. I asked him what he thinks of female officials. He answered that there is always room for more qualified officials. It doesn’t matter whether its a man or a woman; as long as they are good ones that know what they are looking at!

I asked him if he had any advice for those that are looking to get into this field. Brian told me that it’s a very tough road and a thankless job, so it’s not for everybody. Two years ago Brian travelled to California to take the MMA Officials course, COMMAND, under Big John McCarthy. Big John said it can be a very hard sport to get into. Brian compared the certification from Big John McCarthy’s Command course to that of a university degree; you can have one but that doesn’t mean you are going to be employed. It can be very political as well. Getting a commissioner to take a chance on you and to hire you can be difficult. He says that there really isn’t any infrastructure or mentoring program to get you better, unless you are lucky enough to know someone. Brian was lucky enough to have good people in his corner. He is continually being mentored by John McCarthy and Dale Kliparchuk as well as his BJJ instructors the Yamasaki’s. Dale Kliparchuk is the Vice-chair of the River Cree Combative Sports Commission in Alberta. He has been an important part of Brian’s referring career. It was Dale who gave him permission to shadow John McCarthy at MFC 22. Shadowing means he does everything but get in the ring. It’s a great opportunity to learn, listen and discuss MMA in a real setting. He told me that John and Dale have mentored him in person, by phone and by reviewing video of matches he has officiated.

The Maximum Fighting Championships (MFC, the biggest Canadian MMA promotions company) has been a great venue for him to gain high level experience, as many of the fighters in the MFC have fought in the UFC, Pride, and other organizations worldwide. Working for the River Cree Commission has also helped him to deal with the pressures associated with a live television broadcast. The growth of MMA has far exceeded the growth of high level officials and because of this, there has been a void of good judges and referees. I asked him if the number of people watching and the cameras make him nervous before a bout. He told me that he doesn’t get all that nervous. He does not listen to the crowd. He just focuses on the fighters and tries to stay in the moment. When the crowd yells instructions to him, he disregards all the comments because he knows that he knows more than they do and as the soul arbitrator of a bout, he has the best seat in the house and is in the best position to watch the fighters and consult with the ring doctors if necessary.

When I asked him what his favourite part of being a referee is, he said he has the best seat in the house and he likes the travelling. The worst part about refereeing is the pressure to perform without mistakes, and all eyes and the press are on you. “But I have received praise from fighters and their corners even when they lost and that is the biggest reward for me”. He also told me that the pay is poor, and for many bouts, he has paid his own way to the venue and paid to put himself up for the night, which is something he was willing to do for experience and exposure to the sport.

When asked what qualities make good referees, he told me that they must have knowledge of techniques, be able to make quick decisions, and work well under pressure. Confidence is also important. Referees have to know what they are doing and stand by their decisions to be respected.

I wanted to know if he noticed any common mistakes fighters make in the ring and what he thinks makes a good fighter. He told me that a fighter needs to control his emotions, and that it is best to be cold when he fights and without emotions which he realizes is easier said than done. He uses Cain Velasquez and Fedor as an example of fighters who seems to come out mentally and emotionally prepared for each of their fights as Cain knows the consequences of not keeping emotions in check. If a fighter doesn’t, it depletes the body of energy it needs to fight. Brian thinks a common mistake fighters make is rushing in. He has noticed through his experience that the higher the level of competition, the more patient the fighters are. He said that he has fought at the highest level in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; controlling your fears, breathing properly and letting your skill come out is the key to winning.

Lucky for Brian, being an MMA referee has brought him all around the world from Canada and the USA to Kandahar, Afghanistan. He travelled in October to Kandahar with Wreck MMA to referee five MMA fights for the troops which was a little Thanksgiving treat for all the brave men and women over there. He told me that as a person who serves his city as a firefighter and a former reservist for the Canadian forces, it was a incredible trip from flying over there on the Prime Minister’s Airbus, to meeting the troops, to experiencing a week of relentless heat and never ending sand. He told me his experience was very touching and eye opening and he couldn’t even begin to describe what it was like. The troops loved the fights and 3,000 NATO troops were there to cheer them on. His trip made him realize that those troops are going through hell over there in unbelievable conditions. It also made him realize the true sacrifice of our soldiers over there some of whom do up to three tours in a row and are sent home with post traumatic stress syndrome and a whole myriad of other medical conditions. These soldiers are expected to function normally in our society even though he believes whole heartedly that doing a term at war sucks some of the life out of you. He feels our soldiers are underpaid, overworked and underappreciated. Those were the words that came to his mind while he was there living amongst the soldiers. He told me the word hero is a understatement. If he didn’t have a hero before, he sure does now. When I asked him if his trip was one of the highlights of his MMA career, he responded that it wasn’t the highlight of his career as a referee, it was the highlight of his life as a human being to share a week with troops serving our country.

This says it all about Brian Beauchamp, a humbled guy who appreciates those who work hard and make things happen. He is a great athlete, firefighter, MMA referee and all around person. I wish him the best of luck in his ventures and hope to see him as a regular UFC official. I hope he continues to achieve his goals and inspire others to do the same.

Brian is currently booked to referee MFC 28 Supremacy, (Jimmo vs. Lewis) for the LHW Title, Feb 25, 2011 at the River Cree Resort live on HDNet and awaiting word on UFC 129 in Toronto April 30, 2011.

By Cher Woodiwiss

http://www.canadianprofighter.com/
http://www.fortheloveofmma.com/

Three MFC moments up for Bassie Awards: Watson picks up two nominations, one for new champ Lima

Three memorable moments from the Maximum Fighting Championship’s memorable 2010 campaign have been nominated for Bassie Awards from HDNet’s “Inside MMA.”

The awards, named after legendary mixed martial arts star and “Inside MMA” co-host Bas Rutten, will be doled out during the show’s special year-end episode on Friday, Dec. 31. The show airs at 9 p.m. ET/7 p.m. MT/6 p.m. PT (check local listings for HDNet channel designation).

Brash British striker Tom “Kong” Watson leads the MFC pack with a pair of nominations. Watson is up for the Knockout of the Year for his ferocious head-kick finish of Travis Galbraith at MFC 24: Heat XC back on Feb. 26. The vicious ending, which came just 1:56 into the fight, had previously earned Watson the Knockout of the Night for MFC 24 and was voted No. 1 on the year-end listing of the MFC’s 2010 Knockouts of the Year.

Watson also picked up a nomination for Walkout of the Year based on his highly entertaining ring entrance for an MFC 26: Retribution showdown against Jesse Taylor from Sept. 10. Complete with a customized soundtrack and his trademark gorilla mask, Watson put a charge into the live audience and those watching HDNet Fights with a fantastic dance routine.

The third MFC nomination for the much-coveted Bassie goes to new MFC welterweight champion, Douglas “The Phenom” Lima. But it’s not for his title fight victory – instead it’s a kudo for his arm-bar tapout of Ryan Ford at MFC 26: Retribution. Lima, who would go on to submit Jesse Juarez for the MFC’s 170-pound crown at MFC 27, made a huge splash in his organizational debut, securing the win over Ford early in the second round. That evening’s Submission of the Night is now in the running for the Bassie Award for Submission of the Year.

MFC Signs 155 lber Tyrone Glover, More Signings Expected This Week

By Vinrokk

While most of us cuddled up with our families over the Christmas Holiday weekend, the Maximum Fighting Championships business team was busy signing some of the hottest mixed martial arts prospects on the market. Late Christmas evening via his Facebook page, MFC owner and president Mark Pavelich announced the signing of lightweight prospect Tyrone "T-Money" Glover, and anticipates three more lightweight signings this week.

Tyrone Glover quickly garnered attention back in 2003, when he earned back-to-back wins in the stepping stone Gladiator Challenge promotion. Glover competed professionally from 2003 to 2005, posting a 4-0 record which included a higly noteable victory over former UFC lightweight Din Thomas. Following his win over Thomas, Glover took a leave of absence from MMA to attend law school. Upon earning his juris doctorate from the University of Colorado, Glover returned to MMA in November of 2010, improving his record to 5-0 with a first round submission win over Nick Buschman at Fight to Win's "The Professionals." Glover's signing with the MFC places him in a hungry division along with highly competitive fighters like Luciano Acevedo and Kajan Johnson.

We might be able to shorten Mark Pavelich's list of three signings down to two, as Sherdog.com leaked earlier today that another top 155 lb. prospect, Robert Washington (9-1, 1 NC), is primed to sign with the Edmonton, Alberta-based promotion. Back in July, Washington was identified as an up-and-coming fighter in Sherdog's "Prospect Watch" column. The former Naval military police officer, who was stationed in Guam, has fought the majority of his professional career in the Southeast Pacific. Washington recently returned to stateside competetition, posting a decision win over Tony Parker at Annihilation Productions: "Judgement Day" earlier this month. Glover now trains under Kyle Watson and Matt Hughes at Hughes' elite H.I.T. Squad training center in Granite City, Illinois.

The addition of Tyrone Glover and potentially Robert Washington to the MFC's lightweight roster build high expectations for the MFC as they enter the 2011 fight year. As we await official confirmation of Robert Washington's signing, at least two more names have yet to be officially announced. Who do Mark Pavelich and the MFC have their eyes on??? We'll keep you posted.

MMA (The Path)

Check out this Awesome video called MMA (The Path) created by Jason Pomeroy out of Team Pummel in Michigan.  Watch out for these guys, Team Pummel is going to make some serious noise in 2011 with some awesome talent and a tough well trained team.

One-on-One with Jackson MMA's "Hurricane" Heather Clark

By Elton Hobson
If you talked to Jackson MMA's Heather "Hurricane" Clark without knowing her day job, you'd be forgiven for not jumping right to "professional fighter". If there is a mold for fighter personalities, particularly in women's MMA, then Clark certainly doesn't fit it.
"I'm actually really creative person." Clark explains "I love photography, I love art. I love any kind of outlet for creativity and self-expression. That's probably my biggest passion overall".
Meet Heather Clark, professional fighter training out of the most prestigious fight camp in the world. She's not exactly what one might expect, but Clark has been shattering those kind of stereotypes all her life. And in a few weeks time, shell look to open some eyes, as
well.
On Saturday, January 7th, Ms. Clark will enter the cage for the 3rd time as a professional when she takes on April Coutino on a featured bout of Evolution Combat Sports Championship's "Friday Night Fights". It is the culmination of a long and strange road for Clark, but over the course of many life changes the 30 year old's motivating drive is perhaps the one constant.


"I like things that challenge me. My whole life, what's driven me are things that challenge my mind, my body, my spirit. MMA is one of those things that challenges all three of those things at once. More then anything else I've done, fighting and being a fighter pushes you and changes you in every way possible."
No one who competes in MMA does so because their high school guidance counselor told them to. No fighter trains mind, body and soul to their full extent because they saw a cool booth at a jobs fair. No one gets into fighting professionally because they're looking for easy money. Its far more complicated then that. The unique journey of a professional fighter often mirrors the fighters own unique journey through life.
Clark was first introduced to martial arts through her father, a student of noted Ukidokan Karate practitioner Benny "The Jet" UrquidezThrough this early immersion, Clark soon developed a passion for the martial arts that never abated.
"I've just always been a fan of martial arts. I loved watching boxing, kickboxing, and the early MMA [fights]. I loved watching anything like that."
She pauses for a moment as if considering something, then laughs.
"I guess its all sports really, sports in general. I grew up wanting to do it all, wanting to try...whatever."
That passion for new challenges has been a constant driving force in Clark's life. In college, she played Hockey at the division 1 level.
Then she played professionally abroad, in hockey-centric nations like Canada. The full-contact nature of the sport might intimidate some female athletes - or any athletes, for that matter. For Clark, it was a selling point.
"I started playing [Hockey] on an all boys team, because they didn't have any girls teams in L.A back then. I loved the pressure; I had to get better or I was going to get beat up!" Clark laughs as she recalls her days on the ice.
"Playing hockey with the boys definitely toughened me up and prepared me for MMA. I was getting slammed into the boards by 220 lb men night after night, so when its a 125 lb girl that steps into the cage against me I'm not really intimidated, you know?"
It was during her Hockey days that Clark stumbled upon what would be her second career. Dabbling in some boxing classes in between games, she was persuaded to take an amateur boxing match - and won. Subsequent trips to a kickboxing gym which also dabbled in MMA led Clark to start considering the sport as a career.
"I decided that if I wanted to get serious and pursue MMA as a career, I was going to give it everything I had. And that meant finding the best gym in the world to train."
That gym is Jackson's MMA, one of the most lauded MMA fight camps in the game today. Under the tutelage of striking coach Mike Winkeljohn, grappling coach Mike Van Arsdale, and head coach Greg Jackson, a veritable "who's who?" of the fight game ply their trade on a daily basis. Names like Georges St. Pierre, Rashad Evans, Jon Jones are just some of the luminaries you might find at Jackson's on any given day. It's a true shark tank - and for Heather Clark, it's perfect.
"They don't treat [women] any differently down here. There's no seperate change room, or seperate coaches or anything like that. Everybody who's here is a fighter, and if you can't hack it, you leave. But at the same time, there's no extra pressure because you're a woman. The coaches are all great; we have a great group of girl fighters here, and we all work together. It's a real family kind of atmosphere."
Everywhere she goes, Clark carries that title of "Jackson's MMA" fighter with her. She'll take it with her when she takes on April Coutino on January 7th. In spite of the challenge in front of her, as has often been the case in Clark's life, it pales to the challenge behind her, to the places she's come from.
"I want to represent myself and my gym well in everything I do. Against April, I know I'm in for a tough fight. She's a tough girl who's very well rounded. I know she's dangerous. But I also know I can win this fight. It's not something I worry about. I'm coming to win on January 7th and I want to put on a great show for the fans as well."

32 MAN Showdown Roster

This January 22nd at the Western Fairgrounds, the 32 MAN SHOWDOWN returns to crown a NEW champion.  With many new and returning competitors this show is sure to be a hit once again.

Make sure to sign up now if you are interested in competing and come down to watch your local grappling superstars in action this
January 22nd!!

Here is the Roster to date...



1. ROWAN CUNNINGHAM, 190 LBS, LIGER JIU-JITSU, ADRENALINE TRAINING CENTER




2. JAMES HAOURT, 145 LBS, LIGER JIU-JITSU, ADRENALINE TRAINING CENTER



3. BRIAN FEDYNSZYN, 225 LBS, EXTREME COUTURE TORONTO



4. MATT DUNNING, 290 LBS,



5. ANDREW ELLIOTT, 185 LBS, ADRENALINE TRAINING CENTER



6. JASON FIGLIANO, 270 LBS



7. ANTHONY ROMITA, 190 LBS



8. CHRIS ROWAN, 155 LBS



9. THOMAS “The Grape Ape” DOYLE, 195 LBS, LIGER JIU-JITSU, ADRENALINE TRAINING CENTER
 
10. YOU----Email peckerdpromotions@gmail.com if you are interested in competing. Sign-up is FREE!!

GRAPPLING SUPERSTAR Daniel Gracie signs with Bellator and will fight in Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament

CHICAGO, Ill. (December 22, 2010) – With a fighting history that can be traced directly back to the origin of mixed martial arts nearly two decades ago, the legendary Gracie family will now bring its unique Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu influenced fighting style to the Bellator cage in 2011. Bellator Fighting Championships announced today the signing of fourth degree BJJ black belt Daniel Gracie to the Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament.

Daniel is a cousin to Renzo Gracie, Ralph Gracie, and the late Ryan Gracie. The two-time Jiu-Jitsu World Champion is currently set to enter the next chapter of his professional MMA career in Bellator’s first Light Heavyweight Tournament slated for March 2011. Gracie enters the tournament with a professional record of 5-2-1, recently ending a four-year hiatus due to a plaguing elbow injury with a comeback submission victory over Martin Wojcik just 2:17 into the first round.

“The Gracie family has truly influenced MMA as we know it today and I’m proud to say that heritage continues when Daniel steps into the Bellator cage to try to become our Light Heavyweight Champion” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “A Gracie back in the tournament format, is reminiscent of the days when the Gracie’s dominated MMA and that’s something I’m excited to see”.

The decorated submission grappler and PRIDE Fighting Championships veteran has competed primarily in the heavyweight division for much of his career but feels strongly that he will be better than ever at 205 lbs.

“I feel faster and like my technique is better when I fight at light heavyweight. I also feel like my cardio is much improved and I'm much more explosive at 205 lbs.,” said Gracie. “I feel like I'm just better all around at light heavyweight.”

Signing with Bellator is not only a return to MMA for the submission specialist but also a return to the tournament format for the Gracie family.

“This Bellator tournament is the Gracies getting back to our origins,” said Daniel. “The tournament is the way the Gracies got started in MMA. That will give me extra motivation to win this tournament.”

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Gracie first began training Jiu-Jitsu at six years of age, eventually earning his black belt under Carlinhos Gracie at the ripe age of 23. Following two world championships in the sport, Gracie decided that he had done all he set out to do in Jiu-Jitsu and set his sights on MMA. Daniel began traveling to the United States to train alongside Renzo Gracie ten years ago and decided to make the move a permanent one in 2004. He currently operates his own Gracie school in Stamford, CT while training to fight out of the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York, New York.

Gracie says that although his eye is on the prize, he’s also focused on putting on good fights.

“I'm imagining myself winning this tournament, I have nothing but winning this tournament on my mind right now,” said Gracie. “Of course I know that anything can happen in MMA, but one thing I guarantee everyone that tunes in is that I'm going to put on a great show. You can bet on that.”

Battle of the Bleached Bad Boys--KOS wants TITO next!!

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER HIGHLIGHTS STRIKEFORCE EVENT IN SAN JOSE, CALIF., ON JAN. 29

NICK DIAZ TO DEFEND WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST EVANGELISTA CYBORG,

JACARE SOUZA TO RISK MIDDLEWEIGHT BELT AGAINST ROBBIE LAWLER LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Herschel Walker Returns To Face Scott Carson; Roger Gracie To Square Off With Trevor Prangley

Tickets On Sale Monday, Dec. 27

NEW YORK (Dec. 22, 2010) - STRIKEFORCE World Welterweight (170 pounds) Champion Nick Diaz (23-7, 1 NC) will make his second title defense when he faces Brazilian powerhouse Evangelista Cyborg (18-13) in main event action and STRIKEFORCE World Middleweight (185 pounds) Champion "Jacare" Souza (13-2, 1 NC) will put his belt on the line for the first time when he squares off with power-punching knockout artist "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (18-6, 1 NC) in the co-main event of a stacked Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

In other featured televised fights on SHOWTIME, football legend and MMA upstart, the incredible Herschel Walker (1-0) will return to the cage to face Scott Carson (4-1) in a heavyweight bout. The latest prospect from MMA's first family, undefeated Roger Gracie (3-0), will battle former South African national wrestling champion and MMA star Trevor Prangley (23-6-1) at light heavyweight (205 pounds).

Tickets go on sale Monday, Dec.27, at 10 a.m. PT at the HP Pavilion ticket office, online at Ticketmaster.com http://www.strikeforce.com/insider.html and Strikeforce.com, and Ticketmaster by phone at (800) 745-3000.

The 27-year-old Diaz, of Stockton, Calif. has been unstoppable of late, winning his last eight fights. In his last effort, the 6-foot-1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and potent striker settled a three-year old score with arch-nemesis K.J. Noons, out-striking Noons en route to a five-round unanimous decision at HP Pavilion last Oct. 9.

Five months prior to the victory over Noons, the no-nonsense Diaz, one of MMA's most intriguing figures, ventured to Saitama, Japan, to face top-ranked rival Hayato "Mach" Sakurai in a DREAM promoted affair. To the surprise of many, the southpaw Diaz made quick work of Sakurai, submitting the Japanese fighter with an armbar at the 3:54 mark of the first round.

Like Diaz, Cyborg, the husband of STRIKEFORCE Women's Middleweight (145 pounds) Champion Cris Cyborg, possesses tremendous striking abilities, having KO'd 11 of his 18 victims. In his last outing, the 5-foot-10 Cyborg, who hails from Rondonopolis, Brazil, scored a first round TKO (punches) over highly-touted Marius "The Whitemare" Zaromskis at STRIKEFORCE: Live at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles last June 16.

Prior to defeating Zaromskis, Cyborg scored a first round-TKO on Daniel Zarate with a head kick and flurry of punches in Curitiba, Brazil on Dec. 12, 2009.

Souza, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, captured the vacant STRIKEFORCE middleweight crown last Aug. 21 when he earned a hard-fought unanimous decision over American military hero Tim Kennedy at Toyota Center in Houston, Tex. A slick submission specialist who has tapped out 10 of his 13 victims, the 6-foot Souza surprisingly opted to stand and exchange punches and kicks with his opponent for five rounds rather than take the fight to the mat.

A resident of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Souza, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Dec. 7, earned a crack at the middleweight title by winning his first two STRIKEFORCE starts. In his STRIKEFORCE debut on Dec. 19, 2009, he submitted 1996 Olympic wrestling silver medalist Matt Lindland with an arm triangle choke at the 4:18 mark of the first round. Last May 15, Souza earned a unanimous decision over Joey Villasenor at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

Souza's only defeats came in his first career match in 2003 and to former STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight Champion Gegard Mousasi at the DREAM 6: Middleweight Grand-Prix Final in Saitama, Japan, in 2008. The showdown with Mousasi came shortly after Souza had claimed victory earlier on the same night over Zelg Galesic with an armbar submission in the first round of a quarterfinal round tournament bout.

Over the course of the 2008 DREAM tournament series, Souza also triumphed over Ian Murphy with a first-round (3:38) rear naked choke and over superstar Jason "Mayhem" Miller via unanimous decision.

The 28-year-old Lawler's title shot will take place less than two months after the former Pat Miletich protégé decimated Lindland with a single punch just 50 seconds into their matchup at Scottrade Center on Dec. 4.

One of the hardest punchers in his weight class, the 5-foot-11 Lawler is a two-time 185-pound world champion who has earned 15 of his 18 career victories via knockout or TKO. Last Jan. 30, Lawler produced a dramatic, come-from-behind, first-round (3:33) knockout over highly regarded, fellow striking machine Melvin Manhoef at Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.

After turning pro at age 19 in April 2001, Lawler, who was born in San Diego, Calif., relocated at an early age with his family to Bettendorf, Iowa. He fought for years out of the Miletich Fighting Systems headquarters in nearby Davenport and eventually relocated to Granite City, Ill. His UFC bout with Aaron Riley on May 10, 2002, became the first MMA bout to air on network television (FOX Sports Network).

Lawler took on Scott "Hands Of Steel'' Smith during the first-ever, live primetime network telecast of MMA on May 31, 2008, on The CBS Television Network. After the bout was ruled a no contest due to an accidental thumb to Smith's eye, Lawler dominated Smith in their live CBS primetime-televised rematch on July 26, 2009, scoring an impressive second-round TKO.

The matchup between Walker and Carson was originally scheduled for Dec. 4, but was postponed after Walker sustained a cut above his eye during a training session.

Healthy, eager and ready to go, the 48-year-old Walker, the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner and two-time NFL Pro Bowl competitor, is undefeated at 1-0 in his latest athletic endeavor - MMA. A 1999 College Hall of Fame inductee who was also selected to Sports Illustrated's NCAA All-Century Team that year, the 6-foot-1, 220 pound Walker of Atlanta already holds a fifth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and boasts additional training in the combat disciplines of Muay Thai and Kenpo.

On Jan. 30, Walker made an impressive professional MMA debut, scoring a third round TKO (punches) over 26-year-old Greg Nagy at Sunrise, Fla.'s BankAtlantic Center. Walker has been training in San Jose, Calif. with Team AKA, one of the most prominent MMA fight camps in the world that is also the home of former STRIKEFORCE world champions Cung Le and Josh Thomson.

The 6-foot-2-inch Carson, a resident of Gardena, Calif., turned pro in September 1999 and won his initial four starts through June 2001. He is a WEC veteran who scored a first-round submission victory over Bryson Haubrick at the inaugural WEC event on June 30, 2001.

After being sidelined with a back injury and due to several scheduled fights falling out, Carson, a former longtime training partner of MMA legend Chuck Liddell, was finally able to fill his desire to get back in the cage last June 12 in Los Angeles. A member of Reign Training Center in Lake Forest, he got knocked out in the first round by undefeated Lorenz Martin (3-0 going in, 5-0 now).

The 29-year-old, 6-foot-4 Gracie, the winner of the coveted ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship, holds a second degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie, Jr. He made history by submitting all eight of his opponents during the tournament, a feat that had never previously been achieved.

Not surprisingly, Gracie's highly advanced submission skills have been his key to success in all three of his MMA starts. Last May 15, he made his STRIKEFORCE debut, submitting former UFC Heavyweight Champion and former NCAA National Wresting Champion Kevin "The Monster" Randleman with a rear naked choke in the second round (4:10) at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

A native of Brazil, Gracie resides in West London, England, where he owns and operates The Roger Gracie Academy.

One of the most feared and dangerous fighters in the light heavyweight division, Prangley has proven he is capable of defeating anyone on any given night. Since his pro debut in January 2001, the 6-foot Prangley has fought some of the world's toughest opponents, including former STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight Champion "Babalu" Sobral, Jorge Santiago (his last loss) and Chael Sonnen. Prangley's most significant victory may have come against Sonnen.

Prangley has competed in five STRIKEFORCE events, including Four Men Enter, One Man Survives, the first sanctioned MMA tournament in the state of California on November 16, 2007. During the second STRIKEFORCE event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Sept. 20, 2008, Prangley was victorious over Anthony "A Train" Ruiz by way of unanimous decision.

After winning a national wrestling championship in his native South Africa, Prangley left his homeland for The United States in search of the highest caliber wrestling training, and later established himself as a force in the sport of MMA. He is a member of Team AKA in San Jose.

MFC 27: Ryan Ford vs. Pete Spratt fight

UFC 125: Resolution Preview

POST FIGHT INTERVIEW WITH ANTHONY "SHOWTIME" PETTIS

Click Read more to view Showtime's Post Fight Interview

WEC 53 unaired prelim bout between Canadian Ivan Menjivar vs. Brad Pickett

To Watch the Full Fight click Read More

FORMER U.S. JUDO OLYMPIAN DR. RHADI FERGUSON TO FACE UNDEFEATED CANADIAN ION CHERDIVARA JAN. 7 IN NASHVILLE LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Woodley-Saffiedine Bout To Headline at Nashville Municipal Auditorium

NEW YORK (Dec. 20, 2010) - Four-time U.S. National Judo Champ and 2004 U.S. Judo Olympian Dr. Rhadi Ferguson will put his perfect MMA record on the line against up-and-coming undefeated light heavyweight Ion Cherdivara on the STRIKEFORCE Challengers Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card presented by Rockstar Energy Drink on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The only athlete to compete in the Olympic Games, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) World Championships and the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships, Ferguson is 2-0 with two TKOs as a light heavyweight (205) in MMA.

A BJJ silver medalist, the 35-year-old Ferguson has successfully transitioned to MMA after a brilliant career in Judo and BJJ. A member of America Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek, Fla., the longtime martial arts competitor is also a well-respected trainer having worked with Bobby Lashley, Thiago Alves and Brandon Vera, among others.

"I don't think MMA is ever a natural transition," Ferguson said. "I did Judo, I did BJJ, I'm a strength and conditioning coach and a judo coach for some top MMA fighters. After training these guys for a while the sport caught me a little bit. I'm 35, but I feel like I still have some stuff in the tank.

"I'm satisfied with my athletic career but I wouldn't mind putting the STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight title belt on my mantel."

Ferguson, who also trains at Gracie Tampa and Nashville MMA, is excited by the challenge of MMA and the task of becoming a more well-rounded fighter.

"The thing about fighting is it makes me feel free," Ferguson said. "I think what I enjoy from MMA is the newness of it - it's new to me and there's so much to learn. When you become good at a sport like Judo you have core skills that you hone in on so much. You're only focused on that.

"With MMA, there are so many things which you have to become proficient at. You don't have to be good at everything but you're proficiency has to be high to be a true mixed martial artist."

To get to 3-0, Ferguson will have to first beat a tough, and much younger, wrestler.

"It's a good matchup, it's an even matchup," Ferguson said. "I have no fear of losing, but I don't get super excited for winning. I get energized and get my thrills from training and the chance to test myself.

"My game plan is the same plan I always have - to have my hand raised at the end. I never really thought that it was the truth until it happened to me. You're game plan goes straight out the window when you get hit in the mouth. You go straight into survival mode."

The Miami, Fla., native was a three-sport star at Howard University in the mid-90s competing in football, wrestling and track & field. Ferguson then went on to compete in Olympic Judo as an alternate at the 2000 Olympics and a member of the '04 team. While training for the Olympics, he furthered his schooling and received a doctorate in education in '09 from Capella University.

His wife, Traci, is a medical doctor in Tampa, Fla., and the couple has two children - 4-year-old son Rufus and 11-month old daughter Rhadi.

A highly-regarded prospect and member of Brazilian Top Team Canada, Cherdivara (1-0, 1 KO) will make his STRIKEFORCE debut in Nashville. Already well-known in the Montreal fight scene, the powerful Moldovan-born light heavyweight is looking to become a threat in STRIKEFORCE's deep light heavyweight division.

A former member of the Moldovan national wrestling team, Cherdivara has raw power and has been sharpening his boxing and other striking skills for his multi-fight deal with STRIKEFORCE. His training routine that includes shadow boxing with a 90-pound dumbbell has become legendary in the Montreal fight scene.

"I'm only 1-0 because I've had a hard time finding fights in Montreal," Cherdivara said. "No one wants to fight me. With STRIKEFORCE, I'll finally be able to face some quality opponents who otherwise wouldn't dare fight me. I'm looking to face the best light heavyweights STRIKEFORCE has to offer."

Tickets for the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event are on sale at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium ticket office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000 including Kroger and FYE, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com ) and STRIKEFORCE's official website (www.strikeforce.com ). The first non-televised, undercard fight on Jan. 7 will begin at 7:30 CT. Doors will open at 7.

Other televised fights: undefeated up-and-coming heavyweight prospect and former U.S. Olympic wrestling star Daniel Cormier (6-0) of San Jose, Calif. faces Devin Cole (18-8-1) of Medford, Ore., former University of Tennessee linebacker Ovince Saint Preux (9-4) will be opposed by fellow quickster "Abongo'' Humphrey (7-2) of Atlanta, and promising Julia "The Jewel'' Budd (1-0) of British Columbia, Canada, faces Amanda "Lioness Of The Ring'' Nunes (5-1), of Salvador, Brazil, in a women's middleweight (145 pounds) match.

Bellator Announces Premiere Light Heavyweight World-Championship Tournament for Season 4 on MTV2

CHICAGO, Ill. (December 20, 2010) — Bellator Fighting Championships today announced the promotion's inaugural Light Heavyweight World Championship Tournament which will take place in Bellator’s much anticipated fourth season. The eight-man 205 lbs. Tournament will start in March, 2011. The eight Light Heavyweights will determine their own destiny in the cage on the road to the first Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship belt and $100,000 to the tournament winner.

An exhaustive search is currently underway to find the best available light heavyweights the MMA world has to offer. With six of the eight fighters already selected, announcements regarding confirmed participants of the 2011 Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament are anticipated in the coming days.

“We’ve wanted to add a Light Heavyweight World Championship Tournament since Season 1, but wanted to ensure that when we did it, we had a great group fighting for the title. Now, we do,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “One of the best parts of my job is handing over the Bellator World Title belt to a new champion, and I’ll have the pleasure of doing it again this upcoming season.”

Some of Bellator’s most electrifying moments have coming during Championship fights, including current Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez defeating Toby Imada with a devastating rear naked choke submission, Featherweight Champion Joe Warren rallying back from the brink of defeat to knockout Joe Soto, and Zoila “The Warrior Princess” Frausto beating the previously undefeated and #1 ranked pound for pound female fighter Megumi Fujii.

Current Bellator Champions include, Hector Lombard at middleweight, Ben Askren at welterweight, Eddie Alvarez at lightweight, Joe Warren at featherweight, Zack Makovsky at bantamweight, Cole Konrad at heavyweight and Zoila Frausto in the women's 115 lbs. Division.

For more information, visit Bellator.com

Another Clip of Anthony Pettis and THE KICK

Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida Makes Too Much Sense NOT To Happen

By Elton Hobson

The greatest trilogy in all of MMA - at least in terms of interest generated - has got to be Randy Couture vs. Retirement. And as of now, "The Natural" seems to be an unblemished 3-0.

Knocked out twice by Chuck Liddell? Take a year off, then move up a weight class and kick some ass there. Locked in a court battle with your boss? Just kiss and make up. Who needed that chubby Russian dude anyways when you have the guy who headlined last year’s “Wrestlemania”?

Then a few days ago, Couture dropped the bomb. Again. Again again. Third career dropping of the bomb overall. Just so we’re clear. This time the classy (and cryptic) announcement came on Twitter, of all places. And the latest “retirement” lasted as long as it took Randy’s lawyers to shoot this rumour to sunshine.

So if Couture vs. Retirement really were an MMA trilogy, it would be like Shamrock/Ortiz - each instalment is shorter, each saying less and less about those involved while seeming to be more decisive and final.

But hey, why the hell am I complaining? Randy’s back in the fight game! Over-the-hill, morbidly obese former boxers of the world in need of a payday - beware!

Regardless of what any of us say, Randy is back (or never left, whichever) and as long as he keeps winning, he has every right to fight into his golden years. Are YOU gonna tell someone who carries the name "Captain America" without any scorn or doubt what he can and cannot do?

No, you're not, and neither am I.

There was really only one question regarding Randy continuing an MMA career: do you intend to make another, seemingly improbable title run or do you just want fun, “safe” fights to ride out the twilight of your career?

In light of his recent silver screen success ("The Rock" vs. Randy in a Scorpion King spinoff is coming any day now, mark my words) Couture isn't gonna keep fighting just anyone. Chubby former pugilists need not apply anymore, it would seem. According to Randy's people, "The Natural" only wants two people: "Shogun" Rua, or Lyoto Machida.

Well Rua is definitely out. A fight with #1 contender/wrestling powerhouse (in a good way!)/wrestling powerhouse (ok also in a bad way) Rashad Evans looms. That's assuming the LHW champ is victorious in MMA's second greatest trilogy - "Shogun" Rua vs. Lost Potential and Time Due to Recurring Knee Injuries.

That leaves Machida.

Which, if I do say so myself, is a hell of a fight. When this news broke some fans and media heaped scorn on the idea of Machida vs. Couture. Call me crazy, but I'm going to call YOU crazy right back and say this fight is a perfect next step for either man.

For Machida, its the ultimate rebuild fight. While the Karate Kid remains a viable draw and interest at LHW, his stock has dropped somewhat from the heady, towering days of the "Machida Era" (read: a year ago) following back to back losses. He needs a win - a solid, convincing win over an opponent with a "name" - to launch himself back into the title picture. You couldn't ask for a better offering to fill that role than Randy Couture.

For Randy, this fight is a fitting "last hurrah". It's not a gimme fight, which the UFC doesn't like giving out. It's not some irrelevant dust-up between aged has beens. It is a relevant meeting of two of the most marketable LHW fighters with title implications and then some. It's a PPV worthy main event without tying up a world title. It's a logical next step for either man. It's also, to restate, a hell of a fight.

If Machida wins, he rebuilds his reputation and moves on, while Randy has the dignity of going out on top, against the best, like he deserves. Randy "does it again" and pulls of another upset? Then he gets a title shot for his going away present - not to mention another huge payday.

It's too perfect. It makes too much sense. MMA's great riddle against the sports best game planner. The "on the comeback former champion" against the livest 'dog in all of MMA. Cash registers would ring and everyone - Dana White, Lyoto, Randy, the fans, everyone - would win, no matter who ACTUALLY won.

From a matchmaking perspective, it doesn't get much better then that. Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida makes too much sense not to happen in 2011.

UFC 125 Promo and complete fight card

COMPLETE UFC 125 FIGHT CARD:


Ultimate Fighting Championship: "UFC 125: Resolution"

January 1, 2011

MGM Grand,

Las Vegas, Nevada


Main Card:

UFC Lightweight Championship

Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard


Chris Leben vs. Brian Stann

Thiago Silva vs. Brandon Vera

Clay Guida vs. Takanori Gomi

Nate Diaz vs. Dong Hyun Kim


Preliminary Card:

Antonio McKee vs. Jacob Volkmann

Jeremy Stephens vs. Marcus Davis

Mike Thomas Brown vs. Diego Nunes

Daniel Roberts vs. Greg Soto

Phil Baroni vs. Brad Tavares

Dustin Poirier vs. Josh Grispi