Kenny Florian looks to take a step closer to a rematch with champ B.J. Penn and Takanori Gomi has his eyes set on becoming the first Japanese UFC lightweight champ Wednesday night in Charlotte, N.C.
Showing posts with label Kenny Florian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kenny Florian. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
UFC Fight Night 21 Undercard Video Interviews
Rob Emerson, Jacob Volkmann, Nik Lentz, and Ronys Torres:
Ross Pearson and Denis Siver:
Ross Pearson and Denis Siver:
Thursday, December 17, 2009
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.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Countdown to UFC 101 Preview
The Countdown to UFC 101 airs Tuesday night at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV. UFC 101 features lightweight champion B.J. Penn defending against No. 1 contender Kenny Florian, and middelweight champ Anderson Silva once again moving up to light heavyweight to take on Forrest Griffin.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Video Trailer for UFC 101
The video trailer for the showdown between UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn and challenger Kenny Florian. The fight takes place at UFC 101 on Aug. 8 in Philadelphia.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Delagrotte on Marcus Davis Rematch and B.J. Penn
MMA Insider caught up with Sityodtong head trainer Mark Delagrotte in Las Vegas as he assisted Frank Mir and Forrest Griffin for their upcoming fights.
Delagrotte suffered a disappointing loss last month at UFC 99 when prized pupil Marcus Davis lost a close decision to Dan Hardy in a heated grudge match. Afterwards, Davis lobbied the MMA media for an immediate rematch, but Delagrotte advised him against such a tact.
"I told Marcus I have a different view, a different perspective," said Delagrotte. "I have an emotional attachment, a financial attachment to Marcus. He's my guy. I've known him a long time, and he's a very close friend of mine. So, of course, when you have an emotional attachment and a financial attachment to the fighter--we both lost half our money that night.
"I went home in a Hilton bathrobe from Germany, I lost my shirt when I was there. But we never question judges; they're in their place to do what they do. They're there to protect the integrity of the sport. We agree with the decision. I saw the fight a little bit differently because of my involvement with Marcus.
"I told Marcus to try not make a big thing about it, to be humble and if we get that opportunity to redeem our self, we'll do so, if not, we're not going to waste our time looking at the past."
Another prized pupil, Kenny Florian, has a lot to look forward to when he gets his second title shot against current lightweight champion BJ Penn.
Recently, Penn waged a bland offensive over Florian's pre-fight rhetoric, issuing two video blogs on his website (shot in somebody's living room) that welcomed the UFC 101 fight.
Delagrotte hadn't kept tabs on the viral salvo and dismissed Penn's chatter.
"BJ gets very emotional and wrapped up in his opponents," said DeLagrotte. "He needs things to hate his opponents. He needs things to help him get up for a fight. Kenny doesn't need that. He doesn't need to like you or dislike you. He's just going to go in there, train hard, do his job, and get paid. We're looking to play the smart role and outwit BJ in this fight."
Even if there is post-fight trash talk, Delagrotte said there's power in numbers.
"I guarantee there will be a lot more Bostonians than there will be Hilo boys, for sure," he said.
Delagrotte suffered a disappointing loss last month at UFC 99 when prized pupil Marcus Davis lost a close decision to Dan Hardy in a heated grudge match. Afterwards, Davis lobbied the MMA media for an immediate rematch, but Delagrotte advised him against such a tact.
"I told Marcus I have a different view, a different perspective," said Delagrotte. "I have an emotional attachment, a financial attachment to Marcus. He's my guy. I've known him a long time, and he's a very close friend of mine. So, of course, when you have an emotional attachment and a financial attachment to the fighter--we both lost half our money that night.
"I went home in a Hilton bathrobe from Germany, I lost my shirt when I was there. But we never question judges; they're in their place to do what they do. They're there to protect the integrity of the sport. We agree with the decision. I saw the fight a little bit differently because of my involvement with Marcus.
"I told Marcus to try not make a big thing about it, to be humble and if we get that opportunity to redeem our self, we'll do so, if not, we're not going to waste our time looking at the past."
Another prized pupil, Kenny Florian, has a lot to look forward to when he gets his second title shot against current lightweight champion BJ Penn.
Recently, Penn waged a bland offensive over Florian's pre-fight rhetoric, issuing two video blogs on his website (shot in somebody's living room) that welcomed the UFC 101 fight.
Delagrotte hadn't kept tabs on the viral salvo and dismissed Penn's chatter.
"BJ gets very emotional and wrapped up in his opponents," said DeLagrotte. "He needs things to hate his opponents. He needs things to help him get up for a fight. Kenny doesn't need that. He doesn't need to like you or dislike you. He's just going to go in there, train hard, do his job, and get paid. We're looking to play the smart role and outwit BJ in this fight."
Even if there is post-fight trash talk, Delagrotte said there's power in numbers.
"I guarantee there will be a lot more Bostonians than there will be Hilo boys, for sure," he said.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
BJ Penn: T-Minus 12 Pounds and Counting
A little more than a month away from his Aug. 8 UFC lightweight title defense against Kenny Florian and B.J. Penn is already down to 166.8 pounds. Not far to go to make 155.
Is B.J. over the "greasegate" issues surrounding UFC 94 and ready for the return to 155 and Kenny Florian?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
UFC on Dr. Phil: It's Not About Street Fighting
UFC president Dana White, former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin, and No. 1 lightweight contender Kenny Florian, were guests for a brief spot on Friday's episode of Dr. Phil.
The major theme of the show was the dangerous things that teenagers are involved in these days. The segment with the UFC centered around kids who think they're going to get into the fight game by participating in their own backyard fight clubs, video recording them, and loading them up on YouTube.
The trio of White, Griffin, and Florian quickly shot down any ideas that the youngsters may have had about getting into the cage via the backyard. Even Dr. Phil pointed out that the fighters that compete at the level of the UFC are "highly trained athletes."
It was all of about a five-minute segment on the 1-hour show, but as the sport grows in popularity, it's a good, if not small, step in clearing up the misgivings of just what type of fighter is able to compete at the professional level of mixed martial arts.
The major theme of the show was the dangerous things that teenagers are involved in these days. The segment with the UFC centered around kids who think they're going to get into the fight game by participating in their own backyard fight clubs, video recording them, and loading them up on YouTube.
The trio of White, Griffin, and Florian quickly shot down any ideas that the youngsters may have had about getting into the cage via the backyard. Even Dr. Phil pointed out that the fighters that compete at the level of the UFC are "highly trained athletes."
It was all of about a five-minute segment on the 1-hour show, but as the sport grows in popularity, it's a good, if not small, step in clearing up the misgivings of just what type of fighter is able to compete at the professional level of mixed martial arts.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
B.J. Penn's Video Blog - 5-11-09
The latest edition of B.J. Penn's video blog as he prepares to defend his UFC lightweight championship against Kenny Florian at UFC 101 in Philadelphia.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Florian Talks Mass. MMA Legislation
On Thursday, newly minted lightweight contender Kenny Florian was among several industry veterans to speak to legislators on behalf of the sport's regulation in Massachusetts.
Florian, who attended the meeting with manager and fight promoter Joe Cavallaro and several UFC officials, said the meeting was a positive step towards legitimizing the sport in the Northeast state.
"There was really no opposition whatsoever, and it seemed like they were very informed," Florian told MMAWeekly Radio last night. "They were asking good questions that they were concerned about."
Since 2005, the sport has operated in a legal gray area, with the Massachusetts Boxing Commission attending, but not overseeing, MMA fights.
"Really, the basis of our argument is that you look at all the other states and how successful it's been, both economically and as far as a logistics standpoint, it’s great. To have a standardized set of rules, and look out for the safety of the fighters is important, and that’s why we want it regulated."
Cavallaro is an active promoter in the Commonwealth, and tells MMAInsider he tries to model state athletic commissions who regulate the sport, employing most of the safety procedures they are required to perform by law.
"Some promoters are going to look to cut corners, and that’s when there can be trouble, and some fighters are going to get hurt," said Florian. "So it’s very important that we get it regulated, and it looks like that’s going to happen."
UFC president Dana White, a resident of Boston in his twenties, announced the promotion was working on an event in the city for November. Florian was optimistic about the prospect.
"There’s so many fans here that want to see a UFC event and more mixed martial arts in the Commonwealth, that I think we’re closer than ever, no doubt about it," he said. "I don’t see why it’s not going to happen. God willing, we’ll have a UFC fight here before the end of the year."
If it happens, though, don't call him for tickets.
Florian, who attended the meeting with manager and fight promoter Joe Cavallaro and several UFC officials, said the meeting was a positive step towards legitimizing the sport in the Northeast state.
"There was really no opposition whatsoever, and it seemed like they were very informed," Florian told MMAWeekly Radio last night. "They were asking good questions that they were concerned about."
Since 2005, the sport has operated in a legal gray area, with the Massachusetts Boxing Commission attending, but not overseeing, MMA fights.
"Really, the basis of our argument is that you look at all the other states and how successful it's been, both economically and as far as a logistics standpoint, it’s great. To have a standardized set of rules, and look out for the safety of the fighters is important, and that’s why we want it regulated."
Cavallaro is an active promoter in the Commonwealth, and tells MMAInsider he tries to model state athletic commissions who regulate the sport, employing most of the safety procedures they are required to perform by law.
"Some promoters are going to look to cut corners, and that’s when there can be trouble, and some fighters are going to get hurt," said Florian. "So it’s very important that we get it regulated, and it looks like that’s going to happen."
UFC president Dana White, a resident of Boston in his twenties, announced the promotion was working on an event in the city for November. Florian was optimistic about the prospect.
"There’s so many fans here that want to see a UFC event and more mixed martial arts in the Commonwealth, that I think we’re closer than ever, no doubt about it," he said. "I don’t see why it’s not going to happen. God willing, we’ll have a UFC fight here before the end of the year."
If it happens, though, don't call him for tickets.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Portland UFC Possibly Moved To Late August
In a recent posting on the popular mixed martial arts message board, "The Underground," UFC executive Lorenzo Fertitta wrote that the yet-unannounced UFC 101 may not take place in Portland on Aug. 8, as widely reported.
Instead, the Northwest card would be moved to the final Saturday of the month, Aug. 29, with former Gresham resident and heavyweight champ Randy Couture headlining the card against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 102.
MMAWeekly.com first reported that UFC 101 would take place in August, although a date was not available at the time of publication. A subsequent report on mmamania.com stated that Philadelphia had replaced Portland as the city under consideration for the event, leaving "the city of roses" high and dry for the second time since it was passed over for UFC 91.
Not so, according to Fertitta.
Fertitta stated that a lightweight showdown between BJ Penn and Kenny Florian was in the works for the Philadelphia event. Pennsylvania recently passed legislation to legalize MMA in the Northeast state.
UFC 101 and 102 would represent the 22nd and 23rd US states visited by the UFC for a pay per view event.
Instead, the Northwest card would be moved to the final Saturday of the month, Aug. 29, with former Gresham resident and heavyweight champ Randy Couture headlining the card against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 102.
MMAWeekly.com first reported that UFC 101 would take place in August, although a date was not available at the time of publication. A subsequent report on mmamania.com stated that Philadelphia had replaced Portland as the city under consideration for the event, leaving "the city of roses" high and dry for the second time since it was passed over for UFC 91.
Not so, according to Fertitta.
Fertitta stated that a lightweight showdown between BJ Penn and Kenny Florian was in the works for the Philadelphia event. Pennsylvania recently passed legislation to legalize MMA in the Northeast state.
UFC 101 and 102 would represent the 22nd and 23rd US states visited by the UFC for a pay per view event.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
MMA For Dummies: Kimura From Guard
Monday, March 9, 2009
MMA For Dummies: Foot Sweep Into Mount
Thursday, February 19, 2009
MMA For Dummies: Heel Hook
ESPN MMA Live co-host and UFC No. 1 lightweight contender Kenny Florian shows how to employ a heel hook submission.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Marquardt Says Penn Got Demolised; Allegations Ridiculous
The fight between Georges St. Pierre and B.J. Penn only made it to 4 rounds, but the story after the fight keeps on going. After allegations surfaced from the fight and the application of Vaseline to St. Pierre by one of his cornermen, just about everyone has chimed in with their thoughts on "Grease-gate."One of St. Pierre's main training partners, Nate Marquardt, spoke up recently at the thought that somebody in his camp cheated by purposely putting the Vaseline on the Canadian to give him an advantage in the fight.
"It's so ridiculous (that) it doesn't really make me mad," Marquardt told MMAWeekly Radio recently. "It's so over the top ridiculous that it's almost laughable. That fight was so one-sided and for B.J. to sit down and look at something silly like a grease thing, and the commission caught it anyway so it's like they wiped his back off and it was their decision to say okay he's fine to fight. Obviously it didn't play anything into the fight. It really shows a weakness on B.J.'s part."
Marquardt saw the fight that night and says there is no question that St. Pierre executed the perfect gameplan en route to a 4th round TKO win.
"He demolished him. It made B.J. look like he was on a lower level, like an amateur or something," Marquardt commented. "It was just a one sided fight."
Regardless of the talk surrounding the controversy, it appears that all sides involved are starting to move on as St. Pierre will likely face top contender Thiago Alves this summer, while Penn gets ready to fight Kenny Florian for the lightweight title presumably at some point in 2009.
Monday, February 16, 2009
B.J. Penn Confirms Florian Fight, Open to GSP Rematch
B.J. Penn spoke recently with Fox News Fight Game's Mike Straka both about Georges St. Pierre and the controversy around their fight. He also confirmed that he is in negotiations to fight Kenny Florian in defense of his UFC lightweight title in his next bout.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Diego Sanchez Slams BJ Penn's Cardio
During a media teleconference for Diego Sanchez's lightweight debut against Joe Stevenson at UFC 95 in London, a reporter asked Stevenson who he thought would win in an expected bout between Kenny Florian and BJ Penn.
Stevenson chose Penn--not too surprising given his admiration for "The Prodigy." But he incorrectly assumed Sanchez would mirror his pick.
Sanchez had something else in mind.
"After seeing BJ's performance against St. Pierre, man, I'd say it's a bad time for him to fight anybody right now," Sanchez said. "Man, that guy has zero cardio—and he goes into the biggest fight of his life with that type of cardio and endurance? I've never gotten tired in a UFC fight. I've never gotten caught tired in a fight. And to see this guy be that exhausted after one round? I know GSP is tough, but c’mon. He burned himself out in the first round just defending those takedowns."
But that wasn't all. He gave Florian more than a fighting chance.
"I think its a bad time for him to fight Kenny Florian," he continued. "As long as Kenny Florian lasts past the first, second round, I think he's going to take over with conditioning. I don't care how talented you are. If you don't have gas in the tank—if the Ferrari doesn’t have the gas in the tank, it ain't going to finish the quarter mile, and that's the bottom line."
Stevenson chimed in quickly.
"You make a good point, dude," he said. "I didn't even think about that."
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
MMA For Dummies: Escaping A Headlock
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