To put it bluntly, this weekend was a mixed bag for combat sports. While the boxing world reignited due to Dereck Chisora’s bizarre post-fight brawl with David Haye, mixed martial arts found itself alone in the corner, whispering sweet nothings to its crinkled UFC 144 flyer.
But like most non-fight weekends, we still somehow wound up with plenty of noteworthy morsels to pour over, from Georges St-Pierre’s latest injury update and Brian Stann’s Fox gig, to murmurs of Hendo vs. Machida and Jon Jones invoking Muhammad Ali comparisons. So catch up on all the MMA you may have missed with Monday’s edition of the Morning Report.
5 MUST-READ STORIES TO START YOUR DAY
Georges St-Pierre injury update. GSP announced he is “ahead of schedule” in his efforts to return to the Octagon.
Jason Miller vs. C.B. Dollaway set for UFC 146. Mayhem finally has his next UFC fight booked for May 26 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Dereck Chisora brawls with David Haye after Chisora vs. Klitschko. Following Dereck Chisora’s decision loss to Vitali Klitschko on Saturday, Chisora and David Haye erupted into a violent brawl that was captured on video and eventually led to both men’s arrest.
Greg Jackson will corner Jon Jones against Rashad Evans. After much debate, Evans’ former trainer, Greg Jackson, has decided to corner Jon Jones at UFC 145.
For Anthony Pettis, one spectacular kick changed everything. Pettis reflected back to the moment that changed his life, for better or worse.
MEDIA STEW
Get your Monday morning violence fix with Bellator’s Top 10 Knockouts.
Bas Rutten brutalizes a Larper as only Bas Rutten can.
Relive the dominant finish that earned Frankie Edgar a shot at B.J. Penn and the UFC lightweight title.
About what you’d expect from a Japanese UFC 144 commercial. (HT: Bloody Elbow)
Rashad Evans goes for the jugular after Jon Jones compares himself to Muhammad Ali. (Check out Part 2 of the joint interview here.)
Another thing Pat Barry hates? Lasers shot into his eyeball.
The plot thickens. Any fight fans interested in Dan Henderson vs. Lyoto Machida?
Was never offered machida. And even though he has lost 3 out of his last 4, I’m sure it would be (cont) tl.gd/fvf4kn
— Dan Henderson (@danhendo) February 17, 2012
Chandella Powell releases her first public statement since the discovery of her alleged pornographic past.
When you are young, you often don’t realize that your actions have consequences. I made a bad decision about ten (cont) tl.gd/fvq5q0
— Chandella Powell (@chandellapowell) February 18, 2012
Looks like Brian Stann found himself a new gig.
Huge thanks to all the fans who have supported me after the Fuel broadcast, looks like I will be doing the Live Fox shows now, power of fans
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) February 18, 2012
Greg Jackson confirmed today he will be in my corner for UFC 145
— Jon Bones Jones (@Jonnybones) February 19, 2012
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced over the weekend (Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 – Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012):
– UFC on Fox 3: Dennis Bermudez (7-3) vs. Pablo Garza (11-2)
– UFC on Fox 3: Nick Denis (11-2) vs. Johnny Bedford (18-9-1)
– UFC 146: Edson Barboza (10-0) vs. Evan Dunham (13-2)
– UFC 146: Jason “Mayhem” Miller (24-8) vs. C.B. Dollaway (11-4)
– UFC on FUEL 2: Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-0) vs. Reza Madadi (11-2)
– UFC on FUEL 2: Jason Young (8-5) vs. Eric Wisely (19-7)
– Bellator 64: Chris Horodecki (18-3-1) vs. Mike Richman (11-1)
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day goes to BE reader sun yue: The LINSANITY: The Ignored BENSATION – Parallels Between NBA’s Jeremy Lin and UFC’s Ben Henderson
With just days away from his contract expiring, Lin looked to be out of a job again. But fortunately for Lin, Baron Davis’ recovery was going slower than planned, Mike Bibby and Toney Douglas were inept, and with an 8-15 record coach Mike D’Antoni was dangerously close to being fired. The Knicks’ superstar Carmelo Anthony suggested giving Jeremy Lin a chance. Desperate for an answer, D’Antoni put him in. 25 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and a win over all-world point guard Deron Williams. Jeremy Lin had arrived.
While Anthony Petits was fast-tracked to the top of the division with a main event against Clay Guida, Henderson had to work his way back up in a PPV opener against Mark Bocek, a tough fighter with slick BJJ and deceptively good stand-up. As per usual, Henderson beat Bocek in thrilling fashion, with his demi-god-like submission defense on full display. Passing his first test with flying colors, Henderson was ready for his biggest challenge yet – Jim Miller.
Found something entertaining, brutal, or bizarre you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just send it to @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s post.