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

Brett Rogers on "Last Call" with Carson Daly Late Friday Night

Strikeforce heavyweight hopeful Brett Rogers makes the last stop on his whirlwind PR tour for "Fedor vs. Rogers" when he appears in a pre-taped interview late Friday night on Carson Daly's "Last Call" on NBC.

The late-night show airs at 1:35 a.m. EST/PST and 12:35 Central and Mountain time.

Rogers will discuss his fight career as well as his upbringing in the Cabrini Green projects of Chicago's north side.

On Saturday, the undefeated heavyweight faces the world's most feared heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko, in a headling bout at the Sears Centre Arena in suburban Chicago. Strikeforce CEO says the event is on track to sell out, with just under 10,000 seats sold.

Cain Velasquez at Thursday Night's Latin GRAMMY Awards

PRESS RELEASE:

Thursday night's 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards just added a little more punch, as UFC heavyweight contender Cain Velasquez will be in attendance at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas to join with Alicia Keys and Eva Longoria to salute the finest in Latin music, beginning at 8 p.m. ET on the Univision network.

Velasquez, fresh from his impressive second round TKO of Ben Rothwell in the co-main event of UFC 104 last month, is also featured with Reggaeton stars Wisin & Yandel in the show's opening video segment, which was filmed Sunday night in a Porsche Cayenne on the Las Vegas strip.

And while Velasquez is seen in his UFC 104 walkout shirt in the video clip, tonight he will be dressed to the nines in a custom-fitted Prada suit and Salvatore Ferragamo shoes as he walks the green carpet at 4 p.m. local time before his first – but certainly not last - awards show appearance.

MMA Live Previews MMA's Return to CBS, Fedor vs. Rogers

MMA Live gets you ready for Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers on CBS. The crew also examines the rash of injuries plaguing some UFC champions and looks back at another episode of The Ultimate Fighter.

Denis Kang Plans to Capitalize On The Pressure at UFC 105

Denis Kang explains how being the more relaxed fighter will be a great advantage in his fight with Michael Bisping at UFC 105.

MMA 101 With Mike Swick: Draining Cauliflower Ear

Mike Swick drains his cauliflower ear so the fans can see another side to being a mixed martial artist. Watch and learn...

Joe Duarte Gets Naughty... Sort Of

Former "Ultimate Fighter" Joe Duarte did a recent interview with "Naughty America" about his fighting career, his training and his plans on avenging his only career loss. The site will also host a live chat with Duarte this Friday at 11 am PST/2pm EST.

HDNet Airs Strikeforce: Fedor vs Rogers Weigh-ins Live on Friday

HDNet's "Inside MMA" will provide LIVE, exclusive coverage of the weigh-ins for "STRIKEFORCE: Fedor vs. Rogers," Friday, November 6 at 6:00 pm ET. The special 90-minute edition of "Inside MMA" will provide a first look at the undisputed No. 1 Heavyweight in the world - Fedor Emelianenko, as he hits the scale the night before his network television debut on CBS.

In addition to Fedor, many of the top mixed martial artists in the world including Brett Rogers, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Jake Shields, and Gegard Mousasi will step onto the scale and then step into Kruck's Korner during the LIVE broadcast. Heavyweight sensation Bobby Lashley, "King" Mo Lawal, and MMA legend Frank Shamrock are expected to join Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten to break down the card and to witness the excitement of weigh-in Friday.

"Friday weigh-ins are closely watched by MMA insiders because they often reveal who is ready to fight... and who isn't," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "Then, on Saturday's CBS broadcast, we will debut a new commercial that will drive home the message that true MMA fans have to have HDNet."

This episode of "Inside MMA" is the only place to see highlights of some of Fedor's most recent, explosive victories including Fedor v Hong Man Choi, Fedor v Arlovski, Fedor v. Tim Sylvia and Fedor's exhibitions with Gegard Mousasi and Shinya Aoki.

Brett Rogers Appearance on ESPN First Take

Brett Rogers was on ESPN's First Take on Wednesday to talk about his dream moving from a job at Sam's Club to fighting the number one heavyweight fighter in the world, Fedor Emelianenko, at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers on Saturday night on CBS.

Mike Swick's UFC 105 Video Blog - Ep. 1

The first of Mike Swick's UFC 105 video blogs. This one takes place 2 weeks before leaving for England at the AKA gym.

Dan Hardy's UFC 105 Video Blog - Ep. 1 & 2

Dan Hardy takes the camera leading up to his UFC 105 bout in Manchester, England.

Showtime's Jenn Brown Hosts Day 2 at Paradise Warrior Retreat in Chicago

PRESS RELEASE:

Paradise Warrior Retreat (PWR) is proud to announce that Showtime and ESPN Sportscaster Jenn Brown will be the special guest host and moderator for Day #2 of Paradise Warrior Retreat 14. As seen on Showtime Sports for her coverage of both Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing, Jenn's outgoing and adventurous personality will without a doubt add excitement to the stacked lineup of Mixed Martial Arts stars and trainers scheduled for "The Morning After" luncheon seminar surrounding the historic Strikeforce/M-1 Global Fedor vs. Rogers show at Sears Centre Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

Following a full day of Saturday training seminars held by some of the best fighters and trainers from the world of MMA, including Andrei Arlovski, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Shawn Tompkins, Pat Miletich, and more; Day #2 of PWR 14 will feature in-depth analysis and discussion of the previous night's fights straight from the minds and mouths of the fighters themselves. Jenn Brown will lead the discussion and moderate a question and answer session for the participants of PWR 14.

As the only female correspondent for Showtime's "Inside the NFL," Jenn Brown covers all mixed martial arts and boxing for Showtime and CBS as well. Most recently, Jenn has moved onto the college field as a part of ESPN's College GameDay, in addition to covering some of the biggest college rivalries for ESPNU's "Road Trip." Having worked at some of the highest profile sporting events, Jenn has covered the Super Bowl, the NBA All-star Game, ESPN's X Games and many nationally syndicated Winter Actions Sports Shows. With more than 100 hosted television episodes to her credit, Jenn's experience and knowledge of the sports industry will be sure to entertain attendees of Paradise Warrior Retreat 14 on Sunday, November 8th.
Daily spectator passes start at $50, with participant passes starting at $200. Weekend packages including a $100 ticket to the Strikeforce/M-1 Global Fedor vs. Rogers show, lunch, and passes to the Official Fedor vs. Rogers After Party are $500. Space is limited to only 80 participants and spectators.

For more information log on to www.paradisewarriorretreat.com or call 1-888-PWR-1001 or (818) 822-3003. Fighter and trainer appearances are subject to change.

(DISCLOSURE: Paradise Warrior Retreat is a paid sponsor of MMAWeekly.com.)

Randy Couture Discusses Solving the Problem Brandon Vera Presents

Randy Couture talks about his game plan to defeat Brandon Vera at UFC 105 in Manchester, England.

Brandon Vera Discusses His Upcoming Bout at UFC 105

Brandon "The Truth" Vera dishes on his improved stamina that could give him an advantage when he faces Randy Couture at UFC 105 in Manchester, England.

Fight Camp 360: Fedor vs. Rogers Preview

A preview of Tuesday night's Fight Camp 360: Fedor vs. Rogers, which airs at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime...

Strikeforce CEO: Fedor vs. Rogers Tix 85% Sold Out

On a media teleconference Monday promoting Strikeforce's CBS network debut, CEO Scott Coker said ticket sales are brisk.

So far, the 12,000-seat Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill. is 85% percent sold for the Nov. 7 event, Coker said.

"I would expect us to be totally sold out by Saturday," he added.

Coker said CBS was doing a good job at promoting the event and exposing it to new audiences, but ultimately, Emelianenko's status as the number one heavyweight was the primary selling point.

If Coker had one gripe, it would be his wish that Emelianenko was local.

"If Fedor was living in America, we'd take him on a lot more shows, but that's not the case," he said. "He's here now and we're going to make the best of it for the rest of the week."

For naysayers who believed Strikeforce was a flash in the pan, Coker said comparisons to other failed MMA companies wasn't fair.

"I don’t think it’s justice, because these other companies, that wasn’t their core business," he said. "We're not a t-shirt company, we're not a comic book company, we're not a gambling company. This is our core competency and this is what we’ve been doing for over two decades now. To take it to this level, we're very proud and honored to have Fedor fight and do the co-promotion with M-1 and be on CBS."

Coker will soon leave San Jose, Calif for Chicago to begin the final stages of promoting the event.

MMA Shocker: Fedor Mending Fences With Armbarred Bear

The MMA media can ask some pretty darn funny questions at times, and not intentionally.

Of many zingers on Monday's Strikeforce conference call for Fedor Emelianenko and Brett Rogers, a reporter asked Fedor whether he killed a bear with a fork and a knife prior to a fight, as his brother Alexsander claimed to do.

Really?

Tanya, Fedor's Russian translator, attempted to relay the question while stifling her own laughter.

For any other fighter, it would have been a cue for silence and/or mockery. But true to form, Fedor kept his rebuttal emotionless.

"Whatever people say, or whoever says anything, I haven't met the bear personally," he said. "I've had an opportunity to see only in the zoo, but from what I know, the bear is a very strong animal and it's really very difficult for a human being to cope with him with some simple effort."

Thanks for clearing that up, Fedor. On to CBS.

Fedor Emelianenko and Brett Rogers At The Chicago Bears Football Game

MMA heavyweights Fedor Emelianenko and Brett Rogers take in the Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns football game on Sunday, November 1 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. Fedor and Rogers will square off against one another at the Sears Centre Arena in Chicago, Ill. for "Strikeforce/M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Rogers" on Saturday, Nov 7 (9:00PM, Live ET / delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Photos from Fight Camp 360º: Fedor vs. Rogers

A few photos from Fight Camp 360º: Fedor vs. Rogers, which premiers Nov. 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime...