Jonathan Goulet Out With Ruptured Tendon In Knee

While expectations were high for Canadian, Jonathan "The Road Warrior" Goulet, to return to the next UFC show in Montreal, he will have to sit things out this time with a ruptured tendon in his knee according to his manager, Ken Pavia.
Rumors had placed Goulet in a match-up against fellow welterweight, Tamdan McCrory, but the injury will keep him out of action for an extended period of time.

"He really wanted to fight in front of his home fans so badly that he couldn't get it out of his mouth that he was physically unable to," said Pavia who explained that Goulet actually avoided phone calls for 2 days trying to find a way to make the fight happen.

According to his manager, Goulet's knee will not require surgery, but he will have to undergo extensive rehabilitation to get back to fight shape.

At UFC 83, the promotion's first trip to Montreal, Goulet won a "Fight of the Night" bonus for his performance against Kuniyoshi Hironaka.

There is no set time table for Goulet to return following this injury.

Fedor - Road to Reckoning (Friday's Episode)

UFC Primetime GSP vs. B.J. Penn (Episode 2)

Courtesy of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and ESPN.com.

Affliction Fedor vs. Arlovski Weigh-in Video

UFC 91 Couture vs. Lesnar Replay Saturday Night on Spike

In line with its usual counter programming tactics, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is scheduled to air a replay of the UFC 91 Couture vs. Lesnar pay-per-view on Saturday night on Spike TV.

Reese Andy Released By UFC

While nobody can knock him for not taking tough fights, Reese Andy, after going 0-2 in the UFC has been released by the promotion as confirmed by his agent, Ken Pavia, on Thursday.

"In the short term, he was released from the UFC," Pavia told MMAWeekly Radio.

Since moving to the UFC from the now defunct International Fight League, Andy took two very tough fights, but unfortunately things didn't go his way in either. His first bout against Brandon Vera did not live up to expectations for either fighter, but Vera was able to squeeze out a decision win.

Andy's next fight took place at UFC 92 where he lost to former "Ultimate Fighter" competitor, Matt Hamill, by TKO in the 2nd round.

While the release is disappointing for Andy, his agent says that they are already working on finding him a new workplace and offers are starting to come in since his release became official.

"We're going to re-build him a little bit, you know Strikeforce is going to Seattle so that might give us a chance to have him fight in front of his local fans. I've actually had some interest in him already," Pavia commented.

Fedor - Road to Reckoning (Thursday's Episode)

Arlovski 360: On the Road to Reckoning Episode 6 (Arlovski vs Fedor)

Affliction Behind-the-Scenes Video Channel

As part of its offerings for "Day of Reckoning," which takes place Saturday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., Affliction has a video channel that will contain a mix of pre-recorded material and various live offerings.

The stream begins at 10 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday from the host hotel lobby where Affliction intends to conduct various fighters and trainer interviews, along with other notables. The weigh-ins will be live on HDNet and streamed on ESPN, but Affliction will offer an edited version on the video channel.

The channel is expected to continue streaming until "sometime in the evening," according to Affliction.

You can check out the Affliction video channel here.

Georges St. Pierre & Rashad Evans T's in the MMAWeekly.com Store

If you haven't noticed, MMAWeekly.com now has an online store with all of the latest and greatest products for MMA fans. There are new items being added constantly.

Among the latest additions to the store is a line of t-shirts from Silver Star. Among Silver Star's line are Georges St. Pierre's Signature Shirt and the Silver Star Rashad Evans Shirt that he wore at UFC 92. Both shirts are only $37.95.

Go to the MMAWeekly.com Online Store now to check out Silver Star and all of the other tremendous items, including the very popular Round 5 Collectible MMA Figures.

Fedor - Road to Reckoning (Wednesday's Episode)

Fedor - Road to Reckoning (Wednesday's Episode) in two parts...

Affliction Fedor vs. Arlovski L.A. Press Conference

ESPN's MMA Live Recaps UFC 93, Breaks Down Affliction, Plans for UFC 94

Still No Word on Horodecki Replacement

As of this writing, Affliction VP Tom Atencio said his promotion has not found a replacement for lightweight banger Chris Horodecki. The Canadian standout was scheduled to face Dan Lauzon at Affliction's "Day of Reckoning" on Saturday.

According to Bill Douglas of the California State Athletic Commission, Horodecki did not pass his medicals for licensure to fight. A report released Wednesday evening by Sherdog.com confirmed that Horodecki had bulged a disc in his neck and had lost 80 percent of the strength in his right arm.

Of course, the situation could change at a moment's notice, so stay tuned to MMAWeekly.com for updates on the situation as they become available.

Oleg Taktarov Is Huge In Russia (Who Knew?)

"The Russian Bear" Oleg Taktarov was on hand for Affliction's "Day of Reckoning" press conference in Los Angeles, taking in the action from the sidelines of the press area.

The UFC 6 tournament winner has kept quite busy with acting projects in recent years, with major roles in studio films "Righteous Kill," "We Own The Night," and "National Treasure."

Recently, he worked on a reality series set in Atlantic City for Russia's biggest television network. Titled "Back on Track," the show takes ten down-on-their-luck fighters who need a second chance at glory. He enjoyed the experience, but the gambling city soon wore on him.

"I got bored a little bit," he said. "I want to get more excitement."

Spike TV has already offered to carry the show in America, but Taktarov says the producers are not interested.

"It's not just about fighting, it's about accomplishing something in life," he told MMAInsider.

Taktarov, 41, says he is injury-free and is playing soccer in his spare time. Fighting is not on the horizon, but could be...for the right price. He fought twice in 2008, ending a nine-year layoff from the sport.

"Once I get good offer in the right time," he said. "Those two fights, they came at just the right time, they were good money."

Fedor - Road To Reckoning (Tuesday's Episode)

VIDEO: BJPenn.com Show 7

Episode 7 (five parts) of the BJPenn.com Show...

BJPenn.com Show 7 - Segment 1



BJPenn.com Show 7 - Segment 2



BJPenn.com Show 7 - Segment 3



BJPenn.com Show 7 - Segment 4



BJPenn.com Show 7 - Segment 5
Find more videos like this on BJPENN.COM

Could Gilbert Melendez End Up With The WEC?

The lightweight division is widely regarded as one of, if not the deepest weight class in the world, and every promotion is working to add more top names to their respective rosters.

One big name that could become available following his next fight is former Strikeforce lightweight champion, Gilbert Melendez, who has stated on numerous occasions that he has a single fight left on his current contract and will weigh his options at that time.

But could Melendez be on the WEC's speed dial for a future 155lb contender?

According to lightweight champion, Jamie Varner, he believes the promotion may be looking at Melendez as a viable addition to the roster at some point in the near future.

"There's a couple guys out there that I could rumble with a little bit that the WEC's talking about getting. One of the big names that they're talking about is Gilbert Melendez, who sat in the top ten, in the upper echelon of the top ten in my division for a long time and now he's nowhere to be found," Varner told MMAWeekly Radio recently. "I think he's got one more fight with Strikeforce, and then after that, there's been talk of the WEC getting him."

Varner says he's ready for the top ten challenges that will get him the recognition he's been working for so long.

His first challenge is of course coming up against Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, but after that Varner is open to whatever happens next.

"I may have to fight a Bart Palaszewski or a Richard Crunkilton, but then who knows, maybe I will get a shot at a top ten guy."

UPDATE: B.J. Penn Shuts Down Filming Prior to Tonight's UFC Primetime

The second installment of UFC Primetime -- featuring a behind the scenes look at Georges St. Pierre and B.J. Penn leading up to their mega-fight next week at UFC 94 -- airs tonight on Spike TV, although not without a little more controversy than might have been planned.

During recent taping for the "up to the minute" series, Penn apparently became disenchanted with the way he was being portrayed on the show, according to a report on MMAJunkie.com, and cut off filming in the middle of an interview segment, denying further access to his gym.

(UPDATE) MMAWeekly.com on Wednesday spoke with Penn's press representatives who did confirm the report with J.D. Penn, the fighter's brother/manager. J.D. verified that it is true that B.J. was unhappy with his portrayal on Primetime and cut off access to himself and his gym. Neither J.D. nor B.J. would comment any further, other than verifying the fallout.

The ratings for the first episode -- which is scheduled to air on three consecutive Wednesdays on Spike TV -- drew an average of 880,000 viewers for the initial airing and followed with 690,000 viewers in its repeat performance.

The rift with Penn may be another headache for UFC President Dana White to deal with, but Spike TV officials have to be salivating with the added drama to the fiery relationship between White and Penn, which is likely to drive further interest in the new series.

Fedor Takes Part in Opening Bell for NASDAQ

Fedor Emelianenko -- who will fight top-ranked heavyweight Andre Arlovski this Saturday, Jan. 24, in the main event of Affliction M-1 "Day of Reckoning" at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. -- took part in the Opening Bell Honors at NASDAQ on Wednesday morning in anticipation of his heavyweight MMA showdown.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion and color commentator for the "Day of Reckoning" Pay-Per-View telecast Tito Ortiz, Affliction Entertainment Vice President Tom Atencio, and Vice President of NASDAQ MarketSite David Wicks joined Fedor, to ring the opening bell at the NASDAQ headquarters in Times Square, New York.

Stephan Bonnar Training for UFC 94

RawVegas.tv caught up with Stephan Bonnar at Master Toddy's gym in Las Vegas as he prepares for his fight against Jon Jones on Jan. 31 at UFC 94.

Fedor Emelianenko Documentary Tuesday Night on Fox Sports

PRESS RELEASE:

Despite being the undisputed number one heavyweight Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) in the world, Fedor Emelianenko is largely a mystery to even his most devout fans. While those who follow the sport of MMA are very familiar with the former PRIDE heavyweight champion's work inside the ring, very little about the man behind the fighter has been brought to the public's attention.

Until now. On Tuesday night, fans will get to see Fedor Emelianenko like they've never seen him before when Fox Sports Net (check local listings for times) premieres its new documentary,
"Fedor: Baddest Man on the Planet."

"Of all the top combat sports athletes involved with boxing and MMA, Fedor is hands down the greatest. I'm not sure if he is even human," said George Greenberg Executive Vice President, Programming & Production Fox Sports. "When we were given the opportunity to get behind the scenes at Fedor's training camp - it was a no brainer. "

Fedor is 28-1 in a pro MMA career that began in 2000, the same year in which he sustained his only loss. Facing former UFC veteran Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, the fight was stopped because of a cut. Fedor has never been knocked out or submitted and is MMA's only true dynasty.

The 60-minute documentary includes never before seen footage of Fedor training at the local boxing gym in his hometown of Stary Oskol, Russia; exclusive footage of Fedor's outdoor training regiment; an intimate look what his life is like in Stary Oskol when he's not fighting; interviews with members of his friends and family, including his mother and his priest; and more.

"The thing people have to understand is that Fedor is not in this to become a star," said M-1 USA Vice President Jerry Millen. "Fedor doesn't want to be a celebrity. Fame is not why he fights. He fights because he loves the sport and loves competition. Fedor is a very private person but on this FSN special, you're going to see footage of Fedor that you've never seen and it's the kind of footage that I personally thought no one would ever get to see. The special is phenomenal."

The documentary will serve as a prelude leading up to Fedor's much anticipated WAMMA heavyweight title defense against former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski during Affliction and M-1' "Day of Reckoning" event, which is scheduled to take place this Saturday at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. However, before fans tune in to see Fedor defend his title versus Arlovski, there urged to get to know the man behind the myth during Fox Sports Net's "Fedor: Baddest Man on the Planet."

Fedor - Road to Reckoning (Monday's Episode)

Fedor vs. Arlvoski - Countdown to January 24

Arlovski 360: On the Road to Reckoning Episode 5 (Arlovski vs Fedor)

Reis Official with Bellator FC

Former Elite XC bantamweight champion Wilson Reis is bound for Bellator Fighting Championships, the emerging MMA promotion announced in a press release on Monday.

The Brazilian grappling standout was first rumored to join Bellator at its public inception, but the release confirmed his exclusive participation.

Stranded by the fall of Pro Elite, Reis is the first of its former champions to make a formal break for another MMA organization.

Reis will be one of eight 145 lb. fighters in Bellator's featherweight division. He will compete in the first round of a multi-weight class tournament taking place on Apr. 4 in a located to be announced. ESPN Deportes, the Spanish arm of American sports channel ESPN, will broadcast the event as the first of twelve specials in 2009.

The promotion also promises superfights along with the tournament format.

"Wilson has unlimited potential at 145," said Bjorn Rebney, CEO of Bellator Fighting Championships. "He has a terrific grappling pedigree, an unbelievable work ethic and he's getting better every time he fights. He's exactly the kind of fighter we're looking to showcase at Bellator Fighting Championships."

St. Patty's Day UFC in Ireland?

Marshall Zelaznik, president of the UFC's UK division, sees a bright future for the promotion in Ireland.

At the post-fight press conference for UFC 93, he outlined the possibility of a return to the country on one of its holiest of days.

"Lorenzo and I were speaking, and one thing we'd love to figure out is how to get here every St. Patrick’s Day," he said. "We’d like to figure out, no matter what day of the week it is, to try and come over with a fight. That's something we’re looking to do right away."

He also noted, however, that the promotion's frantic international schedule was a barrier to a quick return.

"It's hard, we’re trying to do so many things with this sport," he continued. "It's not just promoting the UFC; I always say we’re promoting a sport. In order to get as many people to experience it, you’ve gotta take the event out, and I see so many reporters (asking) when are you gonna come back to Newcastle, when are you coming back to Birmingham, and we're trying to get everywhere. Eventually, we'll be everywhere all the time."

Still, the fervor of Saturday's crowd was hard to ignore. Before he made a quick exit from the press conference, UFC President Dana White said the passion of Irish fans put them in the top-three of best crowds the promotion has played to.

With that, Zelaznik said a presence wasn't hard to justify.

"I think that we'll have a regular home here, would be my guess," he said.

Egan and Hathaway Possible for UFC 95

Dubliner Tom Egan certainly got a hero's welcome at UFC 93.

Despite a losing effort against the relentless John Hathaway, the crowd showered him with praise, singing Irish songs in unison through much of the fight.

"It was a great reception," Egan said later. "I didn't even know that many people knew who I was. It was pretty cool."

The audience wasn't stingy with Hathaway, either. When his hand was raised, the audience acknowledged his victory with cheers.

According to UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, the two youngsters may grace the upcoming UFC 95 in London. The event's Feb. 21 date would make it a quick turnaround, but in the post-fight press conference, they were game.

"I'll compete whenever they need me next," Hathaway confirmed. "I didn't really receive any injuries, so I'll be back training next week, and getting ready for the next fight."

Dana White's UFC 93 Video Blog (Ep 7)

UFC president Dana White presents the latest edition of his UFC 93 video blog. In this episode, Dana plays the new UFC video game against Michael Bisping, and much, much more.