Nick Diaz vs. Eddie Alvarez in Japan?

News of the contractual jiu-jitsu being employed by MMA managers to free themselves of Elite XC has spread fast.

Several managers MMAInsider spoke to, including Ken Pavia of MMA Agents, Matt Stansell of NCFC Fight Management, and Cesar Gracie confirmed they had sent notices of breach to Elite as early as Tuesday last week.

Should they be successful in breaking from the defunct company, fifteen fighters will hit the free agent market in late November.

MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday confirmed that Nick Diaz was almost certainly Japan-bound and would fight for Dream (via parent company Fight Entertainment Group) or Sengoku sometime on or around the New Year.

Another fighter from Elite's roster, Eddie Alvarez, was scheduled to make his Showtime debut against Diaz on Nov. 8 before the card was cancelled. Alvarez had the same clause in his contract as Diaz allowing him to fight in Japan as long as it did not interfere with his Elite duties.

Alvarez said he was currently weighing his options with manager Monte Cox.

"He wants me to sit still a little bit so we can try to get something a little more secure and sign with a promotion that's going to take care of us financially and get us the right opponents," Alvarez said.

Alvarez says he's in shape and is ready to fight any time. A fight against Diaz in Japan would certainly interest him.

"That's a great idea," he said. "Right now, I think his main focus is signing with an organization and keeping me fighting. We want to do that in the United States, as well as Japan, but we don't have any US promotions, right now, to do that."

Could A Gracie Be Headed To The UFC?

Not since the legendary Royce Gracie made his return to the Octagon to battle Matt Hughes a few years ago have we seen another member of the Gracie family do battle in the UFC, but that could change in 2009.

Rumors have begun circulating that famed trainer, coach and fighter, Renzo Gracie, could land with the juggernaut promotion early next year.

While serving as a guest on HDNet's Inside MMA last week, Gracie confirmed that he would indeed be returning to fighting next year.

"I'm definitely I'm looking forward to next year to be back in action," Gracie said on the show.

With over 1,000 students at his main Manhattan school and more Renzo Gracie academies opening all the time, the famed grappler has had his hands full with the day to day operations of his gyms, but he says that he wants to celebrate his 42nd birthday in 2009 with a return to MMA competition.

In his last 3 fights, Gracie has gone 3-0 with wins over Frank Shamrock, Pat Miletich and Carlos Newton. But now with both Elite XC and the IFL gone by the wayside, Gracie will have to move on to a new promotion for his fighting career.

The interest in having a member of the Gracie family back in the UFC has to be a hot prospect for the promotion and Renzo is as well respected as any fighter in the entire sport.

The Brazilian legend will likely drop to either 170 or 155lbs when he returns to the sport.

Stay tuned to the MMAInsider for more information as it becomes available.

WEC vs. UFC? The door is open...

It hasn't been done thus far, but World Extreme Cagefighting vice president Peter Dropick told the media on Tuesday that it is a possibility... that being a WEC fighter vs. a UFC fighter.

"You know, Dana (White, UFC president) has said from the beginning that anything's possible," said Dropick, before adding, "Currently, we don't have plans for it, but if there's the right match-up or the right scenario, I think everyone is open to it."
It will happen in a way because the WEC, following its November and December events, will be closing up shop on its 185- and 205-pound divisions.

"From there (following December), (UFC matchmaker) Joe Silva will take a look at who he is going to move over to the UFC and who they'll release."

One name that is consistently brought up to challenge the UFC's fighters is WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit. The promotion has had a difficult time finding new challengers for Condit and he's got to be tiring of rematches.

He proudly says that he is a WEC fighter and wants to continue to defend his crown as WEC champion, but there will have to come a day when he's exhausted enough of the competition that he'll be ported over to the UFC. Who knows, maybe he will be part of the first WEC/UFC unification bout.

Dropick certainly left it open. "It's the same family. (Dana) said that from day one, but currently we don't have any plans on paper to do that."

Couture Believes Bisping Can Be Champ

UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture recently addressed Michael Bisping with U.K. newspaper The Sun, saying he came away from the Brit's UFC 89 bash with Chris Leben impressed enough to believe that Bisping could one day challenge for the middleweight title.

"I really like him at 185 pounds, I think he looks really explosive," Couture told The Sun.

"He looks great at that weight class. He was impressive in his last fight against Chris Leben, who's not an easy guy to deal with."

Couture was especially impressed with Bisping's maturity in the Octagon. Despite Leben constantly moving in on him, and the ground going nuts, looking for a throwdown, Bisping didn't bite. He remained calm and stuck to his counter attacking gameplan. It paid off in the end with unanimous decision victory.

Bisping now steps into a coaching roll on Season 9 of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV. He will lead a contingent of British lightweights and welterweights against their American counterparts, likely to be coached by the winner of Rich Franklin and Dan Henderson at UFC 93.

Dana White doesn't hate all promotions

UFC president Dana White has been outspoken about other mixed martial arts promotions in the United States. Regularly the most influencial man in MMA criticizes the competition, but White doesn't hate all promotions.

Reacting to Strikeforce on NBC recently generating 1.1 million viewers, White said, "I think that's awesome. I think that's great. Strikeforce is a good show. They've been putting on good fights for a long time. They run a great business. It's good. That's a good thing. It's a positive thing."

"These guys run a real promotion," added White. "They know how to run a promotion. They don't try to tamper with fights. They don't have (expletive) goofballs from backyard barbecues fighting. It's a good thing. I hope they do ten million viewers next week."

Despite Strikeforce gaining popularity and the possibility of them being competition with the Zuffa brand, White hopes them the best. "I wish them all the luck in the world," said White. "I have nothing bad to say about people who run the right promotion."

Georges St. Pierre talks B.J. Penn on Fox News

Georges St. Pierre was a guest recently Fox News Fight Game. The UFC welterweight champion discussed his thoughts on rematching B.J. Penn on Super Bowl weekend, the upcoming bout between UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar at UFC 91, Matt Hughes, gorwing up and his beginnings in mixed martial arts, and much, much more.

This is a really good interview with St. Pierre that especially goes in depth about his training and various aspects of martial arts and how things apply to MMA.

Robbie Lawler Comments on EliteXC and Beyond

The last ever Elite XC middleweight champion, Robbie Lawler, recently updated his blog on his personal website, Robbie-Lawler.com, where he talked about the recent demise of the company and he had good things to say about his time with the promotion.

"As everyone knows Elite XC is no longer around. I enjoyed my time working for them and I was treated really well. Thank you to everyone at Pro Elite for the opportunity to fight in front of millions of fans."

The internet started buzzing over the weekend when Lawler was spotteed at UFC 90 and speculation began running that he may sign with the promotion where he basically started his career.

While Lawler did not confirm or deny anything, he believes his future is very bright.

"Last week I spent at the UFC with Matt Hughes. The atmosphere was awesome as usual. I spent time talking to Monte Cox about what my options are. I also had a brief conversation with the very busy prez of the UFC. All that said I think I will be just fine. I will blog when I sign with an organization. Until then I will keep myself in good shape."

Along with Elite XC welterweight champion Jake Shields, Lawler is one of the top prospects that will be rumored to end up with the UFC at the end of the day.

Dana White's UFC 90 Video Blog (Ep 6)

UFC President Dana White presents his sixth blog for the UFC 90 weekend. In this edition, Dana takes us behind the scenes at the Allstate Arena for UFC 90. Some of Dana's special guests in this blog entry include UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn, former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra, interim heavyweight champ Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, welterweight beltholder Georges St. Pierre, middleweight champ Anderson Silva, and many of the other fighters from UFC 90.

Dana White UFC 90 Video Blog: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5

Dana White Talks Kimbo and Elite XC Post UFC 90

After UFC 90 in Chicago ended, UFC president Dana White fielded questions from the media in the post fight press conference and was asked about a few things related to Elite XC.

Dana first mentioned that he believes that either Gina Carano or Jake Shields should have headlined the last event for Elite XC on CBS on Oct 4.

He also didn't hold back when talking about Elite XC's former golden boy, Kimbo Slice, and his relevance to ever landing with the UFC.

"Other than getting 10 million hits on Youtube, what has Kimbo done to be in the UFC?"

Despite his previous comments about Kimbo, White still stands by the fact that he would gladly invite him to join the cast of the "Ultimate Fighter" if he was willing to go onto the show.

Stay tuned to the MMAInsider's Blog for more post UFC 90 information

Dana White's UFC 90 Video Blog (Ep 5)

UFC President Dana White presents his fifth blog for the UFC 90 weekend. In this edition, Dana takes us behind the scenes at the UFC 90 weigh-ins and the fighter rules meeting with special guests like Playboy covergirl Rachelle Leah, the Tapout Crew, Matt Serra, and more.

Dana White UFC 90 Video Blog: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4

JZ and Shaolin on Course for NYE in Japan

There is a star-studded cast of international fighters in Chicago this week for UFC 90, including a strong contingent of Brazilian fighters. A couple of the more prominent fighters from Brazil informed MMAInsider that, not surprisingly, they are heading to Japan for New Year's Eve.

Gesias "JZ" Calvancante said that he has healed up from his injuries and will be fighting during Japan's biggest MMA time of year. The deal hasn't been completely finalized yet, but he plans on fighting Dream champion Joachim Hansen, as previously reported by MMAWeekly.com.

Of course, with Japan's penchant for changing up fights at the last minute, you never know.

In town to corner Thales Leites, Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro said that he whole-heartedly plans on fighting in Japan on New Year's Eve as well. He still is under contract with Dream and will fight, but he has yet to be given an opponent.

Kind of sliding in under the radar is Shaolin's recent decision to pull up roots and come to America. About four months ago, according to him, he moved to Jersey City, N.J. and now has his own academy open in mid-town Manhattan.

Live Update From UFC 90: Leites & Fisher

MMAInsider is live in attendance for all the activities surrounding UFC 90 this weekend in Chicago. Friday was weigh-in day. Here are a few of the scoops and tidbits to come out of the event so far.

Thales Leites, coming off of a controversial split decision win over Nate Marquardt, had no trouble making weight on Friday, weighing in at 186 pounds for his fight against Drew McFedries. Leites spent a good portion of the rest of his day on Friday refueling and says he'll likely be about 202 pounds come fight time on Saturday night. That is a huge recovery in just 24 hours!

How does UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva relax when he's waiting around? He plays soccer of course... well, he plays soccer on his PSP.

MMAInsider ran into Spencer Fisher and Matt Hume at Boarders after the weigh-ins. Fisher trained specifically with Hume for this fight. Though he is a representative of Miletich Fighting Systems, Fisher felt he needed to get out and try something new to freshen up his game.

Manager Monte Coxe and associated fighters like Rich Franklin, who has also traveled northwest to Washington state to train with Hume recently, suggested Hume. Fisher says he really benefited from the change in scenery and working with Hume.

We shall see at UFC 90 as Fisher steps into the Octagon to face Shannon Gugerty, who arrives with an 11-2 record and Dean Lister in his corner.

Fighter Sitings - other fighters in town to work the corner, show support, or just hang out include: Gina Carano, Kim Couture, Randy Couture, Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro, Tim Sylvia, Gesias "JZ" Calvancante, Dave "The Crow" Louiseau, Rory Markham, Miguel Torres, Jay Hieron, Mike Pyle, Matt Lindland, Dan Henderson, Matt Hughes, Clay Guida, and more.

Lame Siting: Just 24 hours before the UFC takes over Allstate Arena, who is occupying the building? Not much of an opening act for the toughest sport on the planet... New Kids on the Block.

Cain Velasquez Gives Back to the Community

Cain Velasquez is just returning to light training after tearing his meniscus last month.

The rising UFC heavyweight was forced to pull out of a fight with newcomer Mustafa Al-Turk on the Dec. 10 "Fight for the Troops" event at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Doctors have said he will not be ready to fight again until February. No UFC card has been announced for that month, but a return at UFC 94 on Jan. 31 seems plausible. Sources from his camp agreed that the Super Bowl weekend card was a good fit.

In the meantime, Velasquez has agreed to do some community service. Along with trainer Tom Ortiz and Arizona State University assistant wrestling coach Brian Stigh, Velasquez will read to underprivileged kids at the UMOM center in Phoenix, Arizona. Velasquez was a two-time All American at ASU, and often returns to Tempe to train with for former teammates Ryan Bader, CB Dolloway, and Aaron Simpson.

"It's a good experience to go in and give back to the less fortunate," Velasquez told MMAInsider.

Velasquez said he will be in Arizona until November, when he goes back to American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California to begin hard training for his next fight.

Dana White's UFC 90 Video Blog (Ep 4)

UFC President Dana White presents his fourth blog for the UFC 90 weekend. In this edition, Dana heads over to the UFC 90 press conference and talks with the media in attendance about the downfall of ProElite and EliteXC, and then does ESPN radio with Steve Cofield.

He really layed into EliteXC again, saying, "Guys that (expletive) fix fights shouldn't be in the business... I don't need scumbags like that blowing it for everybody."

Dana White UFC 90 Video Blog: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3

Be Tito Ortiz for Halloween (Yes, This is Real)

As Halloween approaches this year, many MMA fans are left trying to think of the perfect outfit to wear to the big party this year. Or maybe you still have to dress up the kids in the best MMA outfit to go Trick or Treating?

Well look no further as Punishment Athletics has provided the ideal outfit for the MMA fan who can go as none other than former UFC light heavyweight champion, Tito Ortiz.

From PunishmentAthletics.com

Costume includes:
Original black flame shorts, Tito Ortiz UFC 84 after fight shirt, Titos trademark yellow beanie, Punishment black socks, 2 new Punishment wrist bands

Fight gloves not included.

(Note: Outfit does not include Jenna Jameson as date for Halloween party)

Photo courtesy of PunishmentAthletics.com

MMA Live Episode 24

MMA Live from ESPN hits with the latest episode featuring special guest analyst, Stephan Bonnar. The crew talks Elite XC and UFC 90 coming up this weekend.

Live From UFC 90 Update

MMAInsider is live in attendance for all the activities surrounding UFC 90 this weekend in Chicago. Today was the pre-fight press conference and these are a few of the scoops to come out of the event so far.

- UFC 90 currently has sold 10,081 tickets for a live gate at this time of $2.7 million, the largest in Allstate Arena's history.

- Thiago Alves has answered the question many times already, but he once again reassured the crowd in attendance that he would indeed make weight for his fight against Josh Koscheck on Saturday night.

"I'm going to make weight," Alves said simply.

- UFC President Dana White is also virtually guaranteeing Alves makes his weight saying, "If he doesn't, we're going to drag him downstairs and stone him to death."

(On a sidenote - please make weight Thiago)

Stay tuned to the MMAInsider's Blog for more information as it becomes available from UFC 90.

Yamasaki To Ref Couture vs Lesnar at UFC 91

At the Nevada State Athletic Commision meetin on Wednesday, the Commission determined that Mario Yamasaki would be the referee in charge of the action when UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture defends his belt against Brock Lesnar at UFC 91 on Nov. 15 in Las Vegas.

Also called to work for the bout were judges Jeff Mullen, Cecil Peoples, and Tony Weeks.

The bout marks Couture's return to the Octagon following more than a year mired in legal battles with the promotion.

The winner between Couture and Lesnar will face the winner of the bout between interim champion Antinio Rodrigo Nogueira and challenger Frank Mir, who are fighting on Dec. 27 at UFC 92. That unification bout will likely take place in early 2009.

Dana White's UFC 90 Video Blog (Ep 3)

UFC President Dana White takes you behind the scenes of UFC 90 as he prepares for the production side of the show. Also catch training footage of UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, and other fighters competing on this weekend's card.

Dana White UFC 90 Video Blog: Episode 1, Episode 2

"It's A Good Day These Guys Are Gone"

As the building blocks of Elite XC continue to crumble since the announcement of the promotion going out of business came out on Monday, just about everybody under the sun has had an opinion of the short lived MMA organization.

One person in the business who is likely the most important voice to listen to, UFC president Dana White, commented in his personal blog on Wednesday about the company's downfall.

"Obviously today is a great day in MMA, Pro Elite is dead," said White.

Never one to hold back his thoughts, White also unloaded on former Elite XC live events president, Jeremy Lappen, who has seemingly not had much success in the MMA business, and Dana thinks his college degree might come in handy.

"Jeremy Lappen, the three time loser," White commented with a laugh. "This guy was in a company called "Battle Management", then the WFA, and now Pro Elite."

"Jeremy, you have a law degree, go get a real (expletive) job. Go get a real job, your parents must be bummed out, spend all that money on a law degree, and you're (expletive) around in MMA, trying to screw up this business. Go screw up somebody's (expletive) court case or go do something else."

White also threw in a few comments on the future of former Elite XC vice president Jared Shaw, who along with Lappen have remained silent since their promotion folded earlier this week.

"And then the little rapper kid, you got a rich daddy, you can just live at home with your mom and dad, and live in the basement," White joked. "You don't even have to get a job, you can hang out at nightclubs and DJ and go back to the basement and go to sleep, you little (expletive)."

Of course the former head of Elite XC, Gary Shaw, who still has a prominent place in the professional boxing arena, got a shot as well.
"Gary Shaw, he's going to be around for a long time in boxing. As long as he stays in boxing, all us MMA people can be happy."

Following speculation that the company paid a fighter to stand-up in a sanctioned bout, an investigation into the allegations by the Florida State Athletic Commission and mounting debt, Elite XC had no other choice but to close up shop, and White is more than happy with the result.

"It's a good day these guys are gone."