ESPN'S MMA Live in Las Vegas for UFC 108

Jon Anik, Kenny Florian, Frank Mir, and Stephan Bonnar host the latest edition of MMA Live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the site of this weekend's UFC 108 featuring Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva.

Dana White's UFC 108 Video Blog - 12/31/09

Go behind the scenes with UFC president Dana White at the UFC 108 pre-fight press conference and the MMA Awards.

UFC 108's Latest Casualty: Matchmaker Joe Silva

How bad is the UFC 108 injury bug?

It's so bad, Joe Silva is on the bench.

At a gathering of reporters following the UFC 108 pre-fight press conference, Dana White said the UFC matchmaker tore his MCL (medial collateral ligament) in the lead-up to the event.

"Even the matchmaker's down," he said with a laugh. "Everybody's getting injured."

White doesn't know how Silva injured himself, but said knee surgery was certain.

"So you'll see his ass hobbling around here in the next couple of days," he said.

Of course, White dismissed internet noise saying the card was cursed and promised fireworks in the main event of Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva.

But it's a fair bet to say he'll be happy to get this card over with.

Dana White's UFC 108 Video Blog - 12/30/09

The latest edition of Dana White's UFC 108 video blog. Join Dana as he meets the fighters as they arrive at the MGM Grand in Las Vegasand gets mobbed by fans as he gives away tickets to the Saturday's fights.

Wanderlei Silva's Special New Year's Video Blog

Wanderlei Silva talks about his plans and sends out his wishes for 2010. Included is video of a sparring session with Mike Whitehead as Wanderlei prepares for his UFC 110 bout with Michael Bisping.

WEC 46: Varner vs. Henderson Video Trailer

Check out the video trailer for the upcoming WEC 46: Varner vs. Henderson at the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, Calif. on Jan. 10.

MMA Classic Videos: Royce Gracie vs. Kazushi Sakura - The Rematch

The rematch between Royce Gracie and Kazushi Sakuraba from K-1's Dynamite!! USA on June 2, 2007 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Dana White's UFC 108 Video Blog - 12/29/09

In the latest edition of his UFC 108 video blog, UFC president Dana White takes a look at a crop of UFC action figures, welcomes Paul Daley back to Las Vegas, and takes a member of the media to task.

Countdown to UFC 108 Tuesday Night on Spike TV

Scenes from Countdown to UFC 108, which airs on Spike TV at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 29.

Dynamite!! 2009 Pre-Fight Video Interviews

Pre-fight video interviews heading into the New Year's Eve Dynamite!! co-promotion between Dream and Sengoku.

Gegard Mousasi:




Gary Goodridge:




Alistair Overeem:




Melvin Manhoef:




Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou:

Dana White's UFC 108 Video Blog - 12/28/09

Dana White's video blog leading up to UFC 108 on Saturday, Jan. 2 on PPV. Includes Dana's visit with Gilbert Yvel, who will fight Junio Dos Santos at UFC 108.

Inside MMA's Ron Kruck Takes a Look at MMA Betting

Inside MMA's Ron Kruck takes a look at the gaming industry and betting on mixed martial arts.

Five Fight Videos Leading Up to Japan's MMA New Year's Eve

Hidehiko Yoshida vs. Maurice Smith:




Michihiro Omigawa vs. Nam Phan:




Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Peter Graham:




Akihiro Gono vs. Shin Ramyun:




Kazunori Yokota vs. Ryan Schultz:

Matt Hughes Family Christmas - Circa 1976-77

Here's a Christmas video of Matt Hughes from his childhood.

" Just an old video of Christmas morning when Mark and I were kids. I don't remember exactly when this took place, but I'm guessing it's around 1976 or 1977. Mark and I would have been about 3 or 4 years old," said Hughes in the description for the video.

As you can see from the video, fighting was already in the blood of the Hughes brothers...

Shinya Aoki and Hideo Tokoro Sparring in Prep for Dynamite!

Dream champion Shinya Aoki and Hideo Tokoro sparring in preparation for the New Year's Eve Dynamite! show in Japan.

MMA Live Looks Back at Strikeforce and WEC

MMA Live looks back at Strikeforce: Evolution card. Donald Cerrone shined at WEC 45. They also present details about MMA Live's upcoming road trip for UFC 108, and voting gets under way for the year-end awards show on Jan. 14.

Rashad Evans Discusses His UFC 108 Bout With Thiago Silva

Rashad Evans talks about his upcoming UFC 108 bout against Brazilian Thiago Silva...

Wanderlei Silva's Christmas and New Year's Message

Wanderlei Silva takes time during the holiday season to reflect and spread his holiday message. Silva says he's looking for a way for companies to "adopt a fighter."

Showtime Video Recap of Strikeforce: Evolution

Showtime's Mauro Ranallo recaps Strikeforce: Evolution in this highlight video package...

Thiago Silva Modifies Training for Rashad Evans

Thiago Silva talks about modifying his training and developing a strategy to defeat Rashad Evans at UFC 108 on Jan. 2.

Strikeforce: Evolution Live Gate Numbers In

Sarah Waklee of the California State Athletic Commission released on Monday the official attendance and gate revenue numbers for Strikeforce: Evolution, which took place last Saturday, Dec. 19, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

According to CSAC, 14,749 fans attended the event, which featured a middleweight headliner between Cung Le and Scott Smith. In a last-minute surge, Smith upset Le by TKO.

The event grossed $633,674.50 in live gate revenue. Figures on "comps" and unsold seats were not released.

Strikeforce next heads to Miami on Jan. 30, where Nick Diaz will return to welterweight against feared striker Marius Zaromskis at the BankAtlantic Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

Strikeforce: Evolution Post-Fight Video Interviews

Scott Smith:



Gilbert Melendez:



Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal:



More Mo:



Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza:

Herschel Walker Donating MMA Debut Fight Purse to Charity

Herschel Walker is an amazing athlete that has competed in many different sports over his 47 years. He's competed at the highest levels in both collegiate and professional football, he's an Olympian in bobsled, and is a lifelong martial artist.

On January 30th, he'll become a mixed martial artist. But it's interesting to note, and Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker did on Saturday night, that Walker is donating his January fight purse to charity.

"He's doing it for charity. He's donating 100 percent of his purse to a non-profit," said Coker.

But that's not to say he isn't serious about the pursuit. As his previous accolades indicate, he takes all sports seriously, and MMA is no different.

"He wants to just test himself and he's been at the AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) training camp the last 45 days. He's not gonna go home for Christmas. He's gonna stay through the holidays and train there. He's in good hands," Coker detailed, adding that Walker told his trainers at AKA to advise him not to fight if they felt he wasn't going to be ready to compete.

There's no actual name to be put to his opponent yet, but the Strikeforce CEO says it will be appropriate to Walker's time in the sport.

"As far as MMA goes, we'll find somebody that has his skill level. He's a beginner in MMA, so we'll find somebody that is a heavyweight, beginning fighter and let's see what happens," he said.

"Once you step in the cage, it's really gonna be up to him, right?"

UFC 108: Evans vs. Silva Extended Video Preview

Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva headline the first UFC event of the year on Jan. 2 in Las Vegas. Watch the video below for an extended preview of UFC 108: Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva...

Strikeforce: Evolution Post Weigh-in Videos

Cung Le following Friday's weigh-ins:




Josh Thomson post weigh-ins:




Matt Lindland post weigh-ins:




Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal post weigh-ins:

Six Questions With Matt Lindland

Below is a Strikeforce interview with Matt "The Law" Lindland, who returns to action Dec. 19 at "Evolution" against Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Lindland, who once ran for the house of representatives in his home state of Oregon, is still a salty dog when it comes to the fight game, not to mention politics.


QUESTION: How's your training been going for Dec. 19?

LINDLAND: How's my training going? I answer those questions every day. Can't you be a little more creative than that? My training is going good and if it wasn't I'd lie to you anyway and tell you it was.

QUESTION: OK. Fair enough. We'll get right into the politics questions. In 2008 you won the primary for a seat on the Oregon House of Representatives but were defeated in the general election. What did you learn from that experience and how active are you currently in politics?

LINDLAND: You know, I'm really not that active. I'm an activist. I'm a registered Republican and I just felt it was my civic duty to run. I felt like we did not have a qualified candidate to run. Would I run for politics again if I had to? Yeah, absolutely. I would first try and find someone more qualified than me to do it and get behind them and support them instead but if I felt there wasn't anyone qualified then I would.

QUESTION: You must have learned a lot during your run in politics?

LINDLAND: I did learn a lot about the political process. I learned it's not about valuables and principles but how much money you can raise. Politics is dirtier then NHB (No Holds Barred) when fighting was first starting and there were no rules. Politics has fewer rules than that.

QUESTION: Who is the toughest fighter you've ever faced?

LINDLAND: I think it just really depends on what point of my career I was in. I mean, early in my career I faced the legend Pat Miletich. Then I had to face Fedor Emelianenko (in 2007) who is the best heavyweight in the world. It just depends on where you're at in your career and when you're fighting these guys. But I guess the obvious answer would have to be Fedor. Everyone knows I've fought him and he's a phenomenal fighter.

QUESTION: You fought him in Russia. Was that tougher to do on his home soil than over here in the States? And would you like to face him again?

LINDLAND: I think so. They don't make calls in Russia when guys grab ropes and stuff. He's in a different weight class now. It's a fight I don't need to take but I'll fight whoever. It doesn't matter to me.

QUESTION: Do your two children James and Robin like and participate in mixed martial arts?

LINDLAND: Robin is a sophomore and doing track and field. As far as martial arts goes she's the highest ranked kid we've ever had come out of our kid's program. Both kids are pretty active in studying the martial arts. It's not something they're pursuing long term but I think teaching martial arts to kids, any combative sport, is a must. It teaches them a lot of good principles.

New UFC Fighter Phil Davis Ready On Short Notice

NCAA Division I wrestling champion Phil Davis (4-0) signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC this week and is excited to begin his Octagon career.

The promotion has not given him a date or opponent for his debut, but he tells MMAInsider he's preparing himself to fight on short notice as an injury replacement. How short? Two weeks, give or take.

Asked whether he could fight on the cursed UFC 108, Davis said he was training hard now and could do it if need be.

"I have two hands, two feet, and I'm healthy," he said.

Check out MMAWeekly Radio next week when Davis stops by to talk about his new deal and future in the UFC.

MMA Live Looks Back at UFC 107 and Forward to Strikeforce & WEC

MMA Live looks at UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn's domination of Diego Sanchez. Kenny Florian is back in Bristol following his win over Clay Guida and Rashad Evans stops by in advance of his showdown with Thiago Silva at UFC 108.

Ready for Strikeforce: Cung Le, Scott Smith, and Matt Lindland

Cung Le:

Scott Smith:

Matt Lindland:

"TUF 10" Finale Gate Numbers In

Keith Kizer, Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, on Thursday released official attendance numbers and live gate revenue for "The Ultimate Fighter" season ten finale, which took place Dec. 5 at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.

According to official NSAC figures, 1, 791 fans attended the event. 1,310 were paid attendees, while 481 tickets were issued as "comps." 355 tickets went unsold.

The total live gate take for the show was $503, 600. The UFC initially reported $504, 350 in revenue.

Roy Nelson took the crown of "Ultimate Fighter" at the event, earning a multi-fight, multi-year contract with the promotion with a knockout over finalist Brendan Schaub.

In the main event, Jon Jones was disqualified against Matt Hamill for throwing several illegal elbows from the mount in the fight's first round. Jones is currently appealing the NSAC to change the ruling.

Strikeforce: All Access Available for Saturday's Evolution

PRESS RELEASE:

SHOWTIME Sports will once again offer Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fans around the world STRIKEFORCE: All Access, the cutting edge online interactive experience, live on Saturday, Dec. 19, for STRIKEFORCE: "Evolution" from HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

The immersive digital experience will stream simultaneously with the live SHOWTIME telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET* and be available to fans around the world including those in Brazil, Japan, throughout Europe as well as in the U.S. and Canada.

STRIKEFORCE: All Access will cost $24.95 per user and is available for pre-order at http://strikeforce.sho.com now. Purchase includes access to the live stream and replays anytime thereafter through December 24, 2009.

STRIKEFORCE: All Access debuted on April 11, 2009, when world-class MMA promotion STRIKEFORCE brought Frank Shamrock vs. Nick Diaz to SHOWTIME. The unique experience was offered again on June 6, for the Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Shields event. On both previous offerings, STRIKEFORCE: All Access was limited to U.S.-based online users. All Access went global for the first time with STRIKEFORCE: "Carano vs. Cyborg" on Aug. 15.

With STRIKEFORCE: All Access, fans can be their own director and toggle among five live cameras with full pause and rewind capabilities including SHOWTIME Sports exclusive CageCam -- a small, high quality camera worn by the referee which takes viewers inside the cage during the fights. Audio tracks will include the SHOWTIME telecast fight call by host and play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo, and color commentators Frank Shamrock and Stephen Quadros, as well as the corresponding audio to the selected camera. SHOWTIME is again working with BitGravity, Inc. and Episodic, Inc. to enable this unique multi-media experience.

As part of STRIKEFORCE: All Access fans also will receive a live Twitter feed from the event and can join behind-the scenes staff in tweeting about "Strikeforce" and "SHOWTIME Sports" during the evening.

Through a Facebook Connect application, fans will be able to make predictions, comment on the live fights, discuss outcomes and more directly on the All Access page.

Other features include professional and amateur photography from the spectacle in the arena. Images of the fights, fan interaction and backstage will be uploaded during the live event via Flickr, the popular image and video hosting website and online community.

The Dec. 19 fight card features the return of undefeated superstar and former STRIKEFORCE World Middleweight Champion Cung Le against power punching Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith. Le, one of the most prolific and exciting fighters in all of martial arts, will return to the cage for the first time since relinquishing his title to concentrate on a movie career. STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight Champion Josh "The Punk" Thomson will defend his title against top-seeded rival and Interim Champion Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez. Undefeated Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal will make his United States and STRIKEFORCE debut when he meets two-time NAIA wrestling All-American Mike Whitehead. Middleweight Matt "The Law" Lindland will battle highly regarded STRIKEFORCE newcomer Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza.

*Telecast airs live in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME (delayed on the West Coast); STRIKEFORCE: All Access will be webcast live in available countries at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Scott Jorgensen and Takeya Mizugaki Talk Game Plans

Scott Jorgensen and Takeya Mizugaki talks game plans as they make final preparations to face each other at Saturday's WEC 45: Cerrone vs. Ratcliff at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

A Day In The Life of WEC Fighter Joseph Benavidez

Joseph Benavidez faces Rani Yahya Saturday night in Las Vegas. Check out this WEC produced, behind the scenes look at a day in the live of Benavidez.

UFC Pres Dana White "Leave Tiger Woods Alone"

"Leave Tiger Woods alone," said UFC president Dana White following UFC 107 in Memphis. "We love to build people up in this country and tear 'em down, man. That's what we love to do."

(Courtesy of Steve Cofield - Yahoo! Sports)

Strikeforce: Cung Le vs. Scott Smith Video Promo

Video promo featuring undefeated Strikeforce star Cung Le, who returns to fight Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith. The action-packed card also includes the long-awaited rematch of Josh Thomson and Gilbert Melendez...

Dana White's UFC 107 Video Blog - Fight Night

Dana White's latest UFC 107 video blog, including Octagonside footage from the fights!

Wanderlei Silva Reality Series: Fighter Life

Wanderlei Silva has been busy building a strong team of fighters at his gym in Las Vegas, and alongside that he's developed a new reality series called "Fighter Life." While details of when and where the show will wind up are still sketchy, they have already produced a trailer to spike interest. Check it out here...

Joe "Bubble Boy" Lauzon: Fighting The Curse of UFC 108

Rory Markham was added to a long list of fighters that have landed on the UFC 108 injured reserve/unable to perform list. His list mates include Anderson Silva, Brock Lesnar, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Gabriel Gonzaga, Carlos Condit, and Tyson Griffin, just to name a few.

Joe Lauzon is scheduled to face Sam Stout on the UFC 108 fight card on Jan. 2 in Las Vegas... if he can make it all the way to fight night.

To further his cause, he's bringing in a little extra special help… bubble wrap. Yes, bubble wrap... or so he says.

When MMAWeekly.com tweeted that Markham was out on "what is quickly becoming UFC 108 card of the doomed," Joe Lauzon wasted no time responding. "That's it. I'm living in bubble wrap!" he stated.

Or maybe he's just angling for a sponsorship from The Packaging Store.

Good luck Joe, we hope you make it all the way to fight night!

Dana White's UFC 107 Video Blog - Weigh-in Day

UFC president Dana White's UFC 107 video blog from Friday, the day of the weigh-ins...

Kimbo Slice's UFC Debut - Before and After Videos

Kimbo Slice made his Octagon debut at The Ultimate Fighter season 10 finale last week. It certainly failed to live up to expectations, but it did draw the fans that both the UFC and Spike TV had hoped. Check out Kimbo's video interviews, both going in, and coming out of his bout with Houston Alexander...


Kimbo Slice TUF 10 Finale Pre-Fight Interview:

Kimbo Slice TUF 10 Finale Post-Fight Interview:

World's Strongest Man Makes MMA Debut, Pulled Off By Ref

Five-time World's Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski made his mixed martial arts debut in Warsaw, Poland, crushing opponent Marcin Najman. He had to be pulled off by the referee. Check out the full fight...

White Says Houston Alexander Is Out Of The UFC

UFC president Dana White said he almost got up and walked out of the Palms Casino's Pearl Theater before the main event of "The Ultimate Fighter" finale.

So angered was he at the snoozefest that was Kimbo Slice vs. Houston Alexander, he would have skipped the TUF 10 finals if he wasn't required to hand out the winner's trophy.

"Not a good night for me," said White.

Slice, he said, bore no responsibility for the outcome of the fight.

"The last thing I expected was for Houston Alexander to come in and do the Kalib Starnes," White said. "I don't even want to talk to Houston. Houston had an opportunity to...."

He grunted in disgust.

"Kimbo was dancing around the ring, asking him to engage, trying to make it a fight, and Houston didn't want to fight him."

White promised to cut Alexander from the UFC's ranks.

"If we didn't cut him yet, we're cutting him soon," he said.

Monte Cox, Alexander's manager, did not respond to text messages asking for Alexander's status with the UFC, but it's safe to say that fans won't see the father of six in the Octagon soon, or ever for that matter.

UFC 107 Pre-Fight Chatter: Frank Mir and Cheick Kongo

Frank Mir talks takedowns:

Cheick Kongo wants to silence Mir:

UFC 107 Pre-Fight Chatter: Paul Buentello and Stefan Struve

Paul Buentello talks about his return to the UFC:

Stefan Struve talks about his UFC progress:

Behind The Scenes with WEC Fighter Ed Ratcliff

Get a look at the training and mental preparation of Ed Ratcliff as he hones his skills for his bout against Donald Cerrone at WEC 45 on Dec. 19.

UFC's Marc Ratner Discusses Judging and Refereeing

HDNet's Ron Kruck and UFC executive Marc Ratner cover a lot of ground in this interview on Inside MMA - the current state of MMA, judging, refereeing and the sport in general.

Countdown to UFC 107 - Monday on Spike TV

Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez steps into the toughest fight of his career when he challenges UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn for his title on Saturday night at UFC 107 in Memphis, Tennessee. Monday night on Spike TV go behind the scenes on the lead-up to the rematch with "Countdown to UFC 107" at 11 p.m. ET/PT.

Diego Sanchez UFC 107 Video Blog - Ep. 2

The second installment in Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez's UFC 107 video blog as he nears the biggest fight of his career, a UFC lightweight title shot against champion B.J. Penn.

Cheick Kongo Bound and Determined to Silence Frank Mir

"End the reign of the big mouth. He talk too much, too much, too much," says Cheick Kongo, heading into his his UFC 107 showdown with Frank Mir...

Instant Replay Used for the First Time In Nevada MMA

Matt Hamill was declared the winner by disqualification against Jon Jones on Dec. 5 at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale after Jones landed three illegal elbow strikes to the face of Hamill.

Referee Steve Mazzagatti stopped the fight and determined Hamill was in no condition to continue due to the cut on his nose.

To determine whether or not the illegal strikes contributed to the facial wound that stopped the fight, instant replay was used for the first time in Nevada in a mixed martial arts fight.

"This is actually the first time instant replay has been utilized in Nevada" said Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer.

After reviewing the tape, Mazzagatti awarded Hamill the win by disqualifying Jones.

An Inside Look at WEC 45: Cerrone vs Ratcliff

Get an inside look at WEC 45: Cerrone vs Ratcliff main eventers Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone and Ed "9MM" Ratcliff...

Meet WEC Powerhouse Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone

WEC's promotional video on WEC 45 headliner Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone...

Strikeforce Champ Josh Thomson Trying to Knockout Dog Fighting

PRESS RELEASE:

Mixed martial arts star and Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh "The Punk" Thomson knows dog fighting is no laughing matter, but he attempts to knock it out with hilarity on Tuesday Dec. 8 at the San Jose Improv.

Thomson will share his thoughts about his upcoming title defense against Strikeforce Interim Champion Gilbert Melendez on Dec. 19 with professional comedian Kris Tinkle (USO Comedy Tour veteran in Iraq, Kuwait and Japan, XM and Sirius Radio) in a live on stage conversation dubbed "Steel Cage Comedy." After the Bay Area's brightest comics entertain, Thomson will join the headliner Tinkle in a talk show style interview about his fight, which airs live on Showtime from the HP Pavilion in San Jose.

"Josh has tons of personality and so many stories. It's going to be fun to get him onstage and bust him a little bit," said Tinkle, whose debut comedy album "Almost Awesome" is now available through Amazon and iTunes. "And as of now he is letting me, so I'm glad he is a good sport and we aren't going to have an incident onstage if I make fun of him."

Thomson quipped, "Who's TInkle? You mean the caveman from the Geico commercials." The event highlights the champion's humor as well as his humanitarian efforts with non-profit organization Knockout Dog Fighting. An array of prizes will be raffled off with 100% of proceeds going to Thomson's charitable cause. "It's a great show and I'm proud to be part of something that helps stop animal abuse," said the San Jose native.

Thomson returns to action at "Strikeforce: Evolution" for the first time since stopping Ashe Bowman in September 2008 at "Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion II." He captured the title from Melendez three months prior, earning a unanimous decision after 25 minutes of action. The rematch had been scheduled twice since with Thomson withdrawing due to injury. Before tangling with "El Nino" again, he plans to showcase his personality that earned him the nickname "The Punk" while positively impacting his local community.

The world's premier mixed martial arts publication, FIGHT! Magazine, as well as Ranger Up, Projekt Label, Manumission Fightceuticals Inc. and IBN Sports are sponsoring the charitable venture.

For ticket information, call (408) 280-7475 or visit www.sanjoseimprov.com or the San Jose Improv box office. Tickets are $10 with a two-drink minimum. Attendees must be 18 and over with valid ID. Doors open at 7p.m. and show begins at 8p.m.

For more information about Knockout Dog Fighting, please visit www.knockoutdogfighting.org If you would like to donate an item or items to the raffle, please see the contact information below.

TUF 10 Finale Videos

Roy Nelson vs. Brendan Schaub - The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Final:




Kimbo Slice vs. Houston Alexander:




Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones:




Marcus Jones vs. Matt Mitrione:




Frankie Edgar vs. Matt Veach:

A Huge Ratings Draw, Kimbo Given Second Shot at UFC

UFC president Dana White has said that the only way Kimbo Slice would get into the UFC was by winning The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Well, he retracted that just a bit. Kimbo is out of the running to win the series, but will compete against Houston Alexander on The Ultimate Fighter finale on Spike TV on Saturday night.

Kimbo's fight with Roy Nelson this season was one of the most watched fights in U.S. mixed martial arts history, so it's no surprise that Kimbo would be given a chance to continue proving himself in the Octagon.

Video Preview of the Final Two Episodes of Ultiamte Fighter: The Heavyweights

An extended video preview of the final two episodes of The Ultimate Fighter: The Heavyweights, which air at 9 p.m. on Wednesday night (Dec. 2) on Spike TV. The two finalists for Saturday's season finale will be determined...

Diego Sanchez UFC 107 Video Blog - Ep. 1

Diego Sanchez's video blog premier as he heads into his UFC lightweight title fight with B.J. Penn at UFC 107 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Extended UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez Video Preview

A 10-minute preview of UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez, which takes place next week in Memphis.

Massachusetts Latest State to Regulate MMA; NY Last Big Holdout

Massachusetts on Monday signed mixed martial arts sanctioning into law. The addition of the Bay State brings to 42 the total number of states in the U.S. that now regulate MMA competition.

The only real target of major focus in the U.S. is New York, the lone major market holdout when it comes to MMA regulation.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship, a major proponent of regulation in the U.S., has pushed hard in New York to gain regulation, and expects that passage of such could come as soon as 2010.

With passage in Massachusetts, the UFC says it will be in Boston in 2010, possibly as soon as summer.

(Map provided by the Ultimate Fighting Championship)

UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez Video Promo

The UFC's video promo for the upcoming B.J. Penn lightweight title defense against Diego Sanchez in Memphis, Tennessee at UFC 107 on December 12.

MMA Live with Special Guest Forrest Griffin

MMA Live welcomes Forrest Griffin to discuss his win over Tito Ortiz. A complete breakdown of the rest of the UFC 106 main card and Strikeforce welterweight prospect Tyron Woodley checks in following another submission victory.

Wanderlei Silva: I'm Gonna Kick The Bisping Ass

Wanderlei Silva's latest video blog, talking about kicking the Bisping ass for all his fans.

Dana White's UFC 106 Video Blog - Nov. 21

Dana White's UFC 106 fight night video blog...

Hate the Fights of TUF 10? Mir Agrees...

Kimbo Slice has not drawn Frank Mir to the latest season of "The Ultimate Fighter."

In fact, he'd just as well watch the WEC.

"I don't even know what's going on, I had to turn it off," he said of the UFC's flagship reality show at a WEC Q & A last week. "I'm being serious. It was bad. Some of the fights were horrible."

The former UFC heavyweight champ praised the fights of the lighter weight organization, which, according to Dana White, won't be folded into the UFC anytime soon.

"I haven't seen any fights in the WEC that could ever amount to being that bad, because the lighter guys are just more competitive," Mir continued. "They're in shape, they're more strategic. Even when you go to a college wrestling match, typically, the heavyweights are boring to watch."

The 32-year-old Mir fights Cheick Kongo at UFC 107 on Dec. 12, though he's really jonesing for a rematch with Brock Lesnar.

But when it comes to watching MMA on TV, Mir says he'll stick to the little guys.

"I'm a heavyweight and I'm saying... (the fights are) nowhere near as exciting as the lightweights," he said.

WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo Re-Airs Tuesday Night on Versus

PRESS RELEASE:

VERSUS, the cable television home of World Extreme Cagefighting, will re-air the featherweight championship fight between Mike Brown and Jose Aldo on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 8 p.m. ET. All WEC events are presented in HD and Spanish language SAP where available.

The fight, which originally aired on VERSUS on Nov. 18, featured Brown making his third title defense since capturing the championship in November 2008. Brown entered the bout with 10 consecutive wins under his championship belt. The young Brazilian, often compared to UFC legend Anderson Silva for his dominance and power, entered the match on a five-fight winning streak. Viewers can tune-in again to see this amazing bout featuring two of the sport's best pound-for-pound fighters.

Dana White's UFC 106 Video Blog - Nov. 20

The November 20th edition of Dana White's UFC 106 video blog...

Dana White's UFC 106 Video Blog - Nov. 19

Dana White's UFC 106 video blog, the November 19th edition. Going to the WEC fights!

Tito Ortiz's UFC 106 Media Day Video Blog

Tito Ortiz's UFC 106 video blog on media day...

Dana White's UFC 106 Video Blog - Nov. 17

Dana White's Nov. 17th edition of his UFC 106 video blog...

Hazelett OK After Parisyan Withdrawal

He's disappointed, but Dustin Hazelett says he's moving on after Karo Parisyan withdrew Thursday from their scheduled fight at UFC 106.

"Everything happens for a reason, and I trust God's plan," Hazelett told MMA Insider just hours after the news was confirmed.

Hazelett received his show/win money from the UFC and assurances he would be put on the next available card.

He plans to stay in Vegas with his cornermen and several family members who've flown in and watch the fights.

"It's out of my hands, so I've got to make the best of it," he said.

Frank Mir Wants Brock Lesnar To Get Well

Frank Mir does not want to see Brock Lesnar leave the cage.

The former heavyweight champion said he hopes the ailing champion gets well soon.

Why? He's obsessed with a rematch.

"That's pretty much been my driving focus to go to the gym every day, to change myself and grow as a fighter," Mir said at a Q and A session for the WEC on Tuesday.

Lesnar was hospitalized last week and diagnosed with a bacterial infection of his intestines -- a local news affiliate in Minnesota called it a severe case of diverticulitis, a digestive disease in the large intestine -- prompting the indefinite delay of a title bout with Shane Carwin.

UFC president Dana White on Monday told TMZ that Lesnar might never fight again but appeared to back off those comments in subsequent interviews, saying the champion's fate depended on the severity of the condition.

If Lesnar was out for good, Mir said it didn't matter that his prospects in the division improved.

"To know that there's a possibility that (a rematch) might never happen, that's been taking me a couple of days to try and wrap my mind around," he said.

"It's going to give me a hard time."

Tito and Forrest Weigh In On The Rematch

Tito Ortiz...

Forrest Griffin...

WEC 44 Fight Previews

Manny Gamburyan vs. Leonard Garcia:

Danny Castillo vs. Shane Roller:

"Razor" Rob McCullough vs. Darabedyan:

Countdown to UFC 106 - Monday on Spike TV

Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin meet in the Octagon on Saturday to rematch their epic battle from UFC 59, where Tito won a split decision. Monday night on Spike TV go behind the scenes on the lead-up to the rematch with "Countdown to UFC 106."

Dana White's UFC 105 Video Blog - Nov. 14 - FIGHT NIGHT!

Dana White's UFC 105 video blog from Saturday night - Nov. 14 - in Manchester, England... FIGHT NIGHT!

Dana White's UFC 105 Video Blog - Nov. 13

The latest edition of Dana White's UFC 105 video blog from Manchester, England.

UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin 2 Video Preview

The battle continues as Ortiz returns the Octagon to face Griffin once again in a light heavyweight battle for the history books. Don't miss the action Saturday November 21st in Las Vegas.

Manny Gamburyan Takes His Training to a New Level for WEC 44

A brief look at the intense training that Gamburyan endures to prepare himself for his upcoming fight at WEC 44 on Nov 18th.

Dana White's UFC 105 Video Blog - Nov. 12

Dana White's latest video blog leading up to Saturday's UFC 105 in Manchester, England...

MMA Live Reviews Fedor vs. Rogers, Previews UFC 105 and WEC 44

The crew recaps Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers, and previews UFC 105, as Randy Couture returns to light heavyweight, and breaks down of WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo...

Rampage Jackson does Playboy

Former UFC light heavyweight titleholder and coach of the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter, Quinton Rampage Jackson is featured in the December edition of Playboy.

Jackson sat down with Playboy for their 20 Questions column where he claims he'll never fight again. He also discusses his dislike of coaching on "The Ultimate Fighter" and answers questions about his arrest last year.

Playboy has put the 20 Questions with Jackson up on their website in it's entirety.

Mike Swick Comes In Runner-Up at UFC 105 Presser

Dan Hardy and Marcus Davis went to war -- a war of words -- well before they ever set foot in the Octagon at UFC 99. But all has been quiet on the home front leading up to Hardy's next challenge, a number one contender bout with Mike Swick at UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera this Saturday... until now.

At Thursday's UFC 105 pre-fight press conference, Hardy finally started a little jabbing, although never getting into the heavy leather he and Davis shared before their fight.

When Hardy took the dais before the media, he thanked the UFC for the opportunity to show he belongs at this level, but quickly moved on to Swick, "I just want to thank the UFC for giving me this opportunity. I'm here to make a point and show I belong here. I'd like to thank Mike for giving me the opportunity to fight him. I've always enjoyed his fights and I respect him a lot.

"I actually got Mike a bit something so he didn't leave England empty-handed, just something to remember his journey by. I got him a runner-up trophy... I'm gonna be busy after the fight, answering questions, and sorting a game plan for Georges St. Pierre, so thanks Mike."

Not wasting any time in returning the good-natured barb, Swick responded in kind with a gracious acceptance speech, saying, "I want to first thank the UFC for having me on this card. To get this opportunity against Dan Hardy has been great.

"I want to thank Dan Hardy for this trophy. It means a lot. Coming up runner-up in a press conference is pretty cool, but I just want everybody to know I'm gonna give this right back to him after our fight. My corner guys will carry this to the Octagon, but I'll keep it for now."

They don't call him Mike "Quick" Swick for nothing!

Dana White's UFC 105 Video Blog - Nov. 10 & 11

The latest edition of Dana White's UFC 105 video blog...

Tito Ortiz Says "Coleman And I Will Fight One Day"

Tito Ortiz was not happy about the words Mark Coleman's manager had for him, but promised he would meet the former UFC heavyweight champion one day.

Brandon Vera: Kerry's Going To Whip Kim's Ass

Six days after Brandon Vera battles Randy Couture in the main event of UFC 105 this Saturday, Vera's wife, Kerry, battles Couture's ex-wife, Kim, at the fifth installment of Strikeforce Challenger Series in Kansas City, KS.

Coincidence? Probably not.

The Veras have been training hard for their respective fights, says Brandon, albeit in separate corners of the gym. They plan to attend each others fights. For Brandon, it's his 18th dance in the pros, while it's only Kerry's second.

Brandon says having a fighter for a wife is pretty drama free.

"It makes life easy," he said. "From a guy's perspective, I don't have a girl calling me all the damn time," he said. 'Hey, why are you still at the gym? Why are all those girls talking to you? Hey why this, why that?' From my perspective, I see her training, I'm not like, 'hey, why are you rolling with a bunch of dudes on the mat?'

"We have the same coaches. We train at the same time. We don't train together. So when we train, we come home, we eat, and there's no arguing, there's no yelling, we just watch TV. Everybody's tired.

There is one down side to the fighting couple's life together--their house is like a college dorm.

"The house is going to (expletive)," said Brandon. "Dishes are piling up and the floor's dirty."

Brandon is fully confident, though, that his wife is going to clean up in the cage.

"She's going to whoop (Kim's) ass," he said. "I feel bad for Kim. She don't know what the (expletive) she's going to get into. I like Kim, too. Kim's a nice person. But she should've passed on this one."

TUF Heavyweights Quarterfinals Preview: Nelson vs. Wren

Preview of this week's episode of The Ultimate Fighter, which features the first quarterfinal match-up pitting Roy Nelson vs. Justin Wren...

Tito Ortiz UFC 106 Video Blog - Part 1

The first episode of Tito Ortiz's UFC 106 video blog from his training camp in Big Bear, Calif.

UFC 108 Tickets on Sale This Week

Tickets for UFC 108, headlined by Minotauro Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez and featuring Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva, go on sale this week.

UFC 108 takes place Jan. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The UFC Fight Club pre-sale begins Nov. 12 at 7am EST/10am PT. Tickets go on sale the public on Nov. 14 at 9am EST/Noon PT.

UFC 108 Fight Card:

-Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-5-1; #4 Heavyweight) vs. Cain Velasquez (7-0; #5 Heavyweight)
-Rashad Evans (13-1-1; #2 Light Heavyweight) vs. Thiago Silva (14-1; #9 Light Heavyweight)
-Junior Dos Santos (10-1; #6 Heavyweight) vs. Gabe Gonzaga (15-4)
-Martin Kampmann (15-3; #8 Welterweight) vs. Rory Markham (16-5)
-Carlos Condit (24-5; #9 Welterweight) vs. Paul Daley (22-8-2)
-Tyson Griffin (14-2) and Jim Miller (15-2)
-Joe Lauzon (18-4) vs. Sam Stout (20-5-1)
-Dan Lauzon (12-2) vs. Cole Miller (15-4)
-Mark Munoz (6-1) vs. Ryan Jensen (14-5)

* Based on MMAWeekly.com World MMA Rankings

Mike Swick's UFC 105 Video Blog - Ep. 2 (First Day in England)

This is a look inside Mike's training for his bout against Dan Hardy at UFC 105 in Manchester England. On day one across the pond, Mike takes you for a behind the scenes look at his super top secret training session. Not even Mike knew where this session would be or what was on the agenda until he arrived. Then immediately following, he got zapped by the memory erasing pen from "Men In Black" and only has this video to reflect upon....

Couture Launches Book in England, Says Ricky Hatton Should Move to MMA

Randy Couture will be launching his New York Times bestselling autobiography 'Becoming The Natural' in the UK the day after his UFC bout with Brandon Vera. Couture, who recently inked a new six-fight deal with the UFC is looking forward to fighting and seeing his UK fans this weekend.

The UFC legend is a fan favorite accross the pond, and in a recent interview with the Manchester Evening News he said Manchester based boxing legend Ricky Hatton should quit boxing and become a MMA fighter, and he would even train him and take him to the top.

This weekend is a real treat for UK MMA fans to see one of the most recognizable faces in the fastest growing sport on the planet and an oppurtunity to meet a mordern-day sports hero who helped bring the sport to a much more mainstream audience. The official UK book release and signing event will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe, Exchange Square, Manchester City Centre on Sunday, November 15, between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stephan Bonnar Talks Injuries and Marriage

Stephan Bonnar has seen his fair share of injuries. In early 2008, he suffered a severe knee injury in training for a bout with Matt Hamill at UFC Fight Night 13. He spent the better part of the year on the sidelines.

In earlier days, Bonnar said, there weren't as many fighters under contract with the UFC. If it wasn't a serious injury, the pressure was greater to stay in the fight.

"You wanted to show them if you are banged up that you can suck it up and not let them down," he told MMA Insider. "If you want them to appreciate you as a fighter, win or lose, make them proud and step up."

That's changed recently, as Bonnar first told ESPN's MMA Live. With more fighters under contract, and greater stakes for division champions, the promotion has grown more understanding of injury and illness delays.

Take the recent illness of Brock Lesnar as a sign things are changing, as well as the recent elbow troubles of Anderson Silva, said Bonnar.

"We're fighters, we're supposed to be tough, and all of us have sucked it up and fought through injuries," he said. "It's nice to know that they're more forgiving about that."

Bonnar returned last Tuesday from Mensano, Italy, where he married his longtime girlfriend. He spent two weeks in the Tuscan village unwinding.

"No injuries on the honeymoon," he quipped.

Now, it's back to training, where he is expected to take on Krzysztof Soszynski at UFC 110 in February. He's anxious to get back into the cage.

Meanwhile, Bonnar has ramped up his involvement in NGAUGE, which produces high-end lithograph prints of famous UFC fights and fighters.

"I thought about what I'm going to do in the MMA business, and I thought, what, am I just going to do another t-shirt line?" said Bonnar. "Everyone and their mother is doing one of those."

Bonnar said the art's potential was readily apparent with the first lithograph, which memorialized his battle with Forrest Griffin. The print gained UFC president Dana White's approval, and the pieces are now available on the UFC's website under collectibles.

A jewelry line and t-shirts featuring the art are planned for the future.

"It's just about a great product and an open market, " said Bonnar.

CBS Exec Says Jake Shields Is Still Marketable

Message boards around the MMA world savaged Jake Shields after his decision victory over Jason "Mayhem" Miller at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers on Saturday.

The hater consensus was that Shields was a boring fighter and had erased the popularity he had earned over a 10-year career as one of the world's top non-UFC welterweights (and newly minted middleweight).

But CBS Primetime exec Kelly Kahl on Sunday said that's just not the case.

"I don't know who those people are," he said. "Look, he's the champion and he did what it took to win a championship belt. I'm not going to fault him for that.

"Was it as exciting as some matches? Probably not, but the guy did what he had to do to win the bout."

Kahl said there were "a lot of moving parts" to Strikeforce's next show on CBS, but was pleased overall with the way the first effort turned out.

Dana White's UFC 105 Video Blog - Nov. 9

The first edition of Dana White's UFC 105 video blog...

EA Sports MMA Game Video Trailer

Here's the trailer from the new EA Sports MMA video game that will feature Fedor Emelianenko...

Bisping Looks to Bounce Back From Brutal KO at UFC 105

After a dissapointing loss, Michael Bisping looks to rebound versus Denis Kang.

UFC Main Events Premiers on Spike TV Saturday Night

Spike TV will air a stacked two-hour block of "never-before-seen on cable (non-pay-per-view)" counterprogramming to the Nov. 7 telecast of Saturday Night Fights on CBS.

"UFC Main Events" airs head-to-head with "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers," both events starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Fedor vs. Rogers marks Strikeforce's debut on CBS and Fedor Emelianenko's first fight for the promotion.

Spike and the Ultimate Fighting Championship have lined up four of the UFC's most highly regarded fights of the year from its three most recent pay-per-view events, highlighted by Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria.

The fights airing in the UFC Main Events telecast include the following:

UFC 102: RANDY COUTURE vs. ANTONIO RODRIGO NOGUEIRA
This highly-anticipated battle featured UFC legend and former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture against former Pride heavyweight and then UFC interim heavyweight king Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

UFC 103: VITOR BELFORT vs. RICH FRANKLIN
A battle of veteran former UFC champions featured former light heavyweight champ Vitor Belfort returning to the Octagon against former UFC middleweight champ Rich Franklin.

UFC 101: B.J. PENN vs. KENNY FLORIAN
Lightweight champion B.J. Penn, in his second title defense, took on top contender Kenny Florian in a battle of Brazilian jiu-jitsu experts.

UFC 101: FORREST GRIFFIN vs. ANDERSON SILVA
UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva moved up in weight class for a non-title bout against former UFC light heavyweight champ and "The Ultimate Fighter 1" winner Forrest Griffin.

Sengoku 11 Live on HDNet

PRESS RELEASE:

HDNet will broadcast exclusive LIVE coverage of "HDNet Fights Presents: World Victory Road - Sengoku 11," early Saturday morning, November 7, at 2:00 a.m. ET from Tokyo, Japan. The event is stacked from top to bottom with a mix of top ranked talent, up-and-coming prospects, and established MMA stars.

In the main event of the evening, Hatsu Hioki (20-3-2), one of the top five featherweights in the world, meets the always-tough Michihiro Omigawa (7-8-1). Hioki is undefeated in his last nine fights, but was forced out of the Sengoku Featherweight title tournament in August due to an injury incurred in his classic bout with Masanori Kanehara. Kanehara went on to defeat Omigawa in the tournament final and claim the Sengoku title. A Hioki victory would set up a highly anticipated rematch with Kanehara.

In the co-main event, top ten middleweight and Sengoku Middleweight Champion, Jorge Santiago (21-7), faces impressive prospect Mamed Khalidov (19-3-1) in a non-title bout. Santiago is on a nine-fight winning streak, all by way of knockout or submission, while Khalidov is riding a 17-fight undefeated streak of his own including 12 first round finishes.

"Hioki has been on an unbelievable streak and may be the best featherweight in the world," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "Then, in the co-main event you have two guys who, between them, have put together 26 wins in a row! This is MMA folks - not boxing - no protecting win/loss records here!"

Other bouts on the loaded card include: Kevin Randleman (17-13) vs. Stanislav Nedkov (7-0), Jim York (11-3) vs. Dave Herman (15-1), Satoru Kitaoka (25-9-9) vs. Jorge Masvidal (18-4), Akihiro Gono (29-15-7) vs. Yoon Young Kim (12-4), Marlon Sandro (14-1) vs.Yuji Hoshino (16-7-7), and Shigeki Osawa (3-0) vs. Ronnie Mann (16-2-1).

HDNet's broadcast of "HDNet Fights Presents: World Victory Road - Sengoku 11 begins early Saturday morning, November 7 at 2:00 a.m. ET with an encore presentation that evening at 8:00 p.m. ET