Daniel Cormier and, to a lesser extent, Jon Jones both have a problem. For Cormier, the 33-year-old’s future in the UFC heavyweight division is fuzzy due to the likelihood of his good friend and training partner, Cain Velasquez, hanging around the top of the division for the next several years. Given the lack of depth at heavyweight, the notion that the two teammates’ paths would never cross seems like wishful thinking.
As for Jones, after roaring through the gauntlet in 2011, the young champion’s list of marketable challengers is fast dwindling, to the point where Lyoto Machida was already set to kick off the rematch train had UFC 151’s cancellation never taken place.
Well, now Cormier has devised a way to kill two birds with one stone.
“I know a situation that helps out everyone,” the Strikeforce champ said in an interview with Bloody Elbow. “Give Jon a challenge that he doesn’t get from most guys, and that’s something that I present. Hopefully, him and I get through our next fight. At the beginning of the year, let us coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. That gives me time to actually get my weight down, and in the summer time, we fight. How does that sound?
“Jon’s a good wrestler, but I’ve wrestled at a different level. I’m gonna pressure him. I’m gonna take him down. I think it would be great for everybody, all around. I can tell you with 100% confidence in myself and in my ability, that if I was to fight him, or anyone else in the world, at some point in that fight, if I decide to put them on their back, I’m putting them on their back.”
Cormier, a late arrival to MMA, went on to say that at his age, the most important thing left is to have big fights. He believes Jones to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world right now, and after walking around at 229 pounds for his last camp, the former Olympian considers himself a viable contender in two different divisions. If he has to cut some weight, hey, he’ll cut the weight.
6 MUST-READ STORIES
Cormier challenges Jones. If he can get past Frank Mir, Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix champion Daniel Cormier said he’d like to coach opposite Jon Jones in a season of The Ultimate Fighter, during which he could slowly cut down to 205 pounds and challenge Jones for the UFC belt.
Manager says Lesnar unlikely to return. Paul Heyman, the manager of former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, said the chances of his client ever returning to mixed martial arts are slim because Lesnar made plenty of money in the UFC and doesn’t have ‘anything to prove anymore.’
Gracie live tweets alleged failed mugging. MMA legend Renzo Gracie live tweeted a bizarre and alleged altercation in New York City that saw Gracie beat-up and repeatedly choke out two muggers.
Weidman has surgery, faces Boetsch. UFC middleweight contender Chris Weidman underwent successful surgery to remove several bone chips from his left elbow. Weidman is expected to return to full strength within three-to-six weeks, and will take on Tim Boetsch at UFC 155 on December 29, 2012.
Jones responds to Hendo. The media tour of UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones continues in advance of UFC 152. Speaking with the Toronto Sun, a frustrated Jones issued this message to his injured rival, Dan Henderson: “You should shut up and be grateful you dodged a bullet.”
K-1 U.S. grand prix championship. Randy Blake, Jerrell Miller, Rick Roufus and Xavier Vigney emerged victorious at the K-1 US Grand Prix Championship in Los Angeles. With the win, each man qualified for the Final 16 of the K-1 Heavyweight Grand Prix.
MEDIA STEW
The post-UFC 151 void has left various fight cravings unsatisfied lately, so that’s more than enough reason to break out one of the most ridiculous sequences in MMA history.
(HT: MiddleEasy)
By now I don’t think I need to convince you to watch Prebek’s latest MMA mini-saga.
What makes a good promo? Robert DeNiro, Jason Statham, the music from 28 Days Later, and a killer Aldo-Edgar highlight package? Yeah, that’ll do just fine.
If you missed the debut of The MMA Beat over the weekend, check it out and let us know what you think. This inaugural episode sees our own Ariel Helwani, Mike Chiappetta and Luke Thomas discuss everything from Jon Jones’ brand to the potential for a fighters’ union.
Randy Couture, Shane Carwin, Vinny Magalhaes and a slew of other fighters gave their take on Jon Jones and the cancellation of UFC 151. But honestly, we all know Pat Barry is the real winner here.
(HT: Reddit)
WHOA…
22nd street and 10th ave right now two guys following me, can’t help but have a big smile upon my face Im talking about a happy one;-))))
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
Waiting for them… Are they really thinking I’m drunk??? They have to be kidding. Hahahaha
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
25th and 10ave 😉 they are getting closer lol 😉
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
I just stop to take a pic, they pretend they are looking at the window, can’t lie… My blood runs in a different speed, man I miss Brazil
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
JiuJitsu ;-))) never leave home without it 😉 twitter.com/RenzoGracieBJJ…
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
Please hold there for just a couple minutes 😉 be right back
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
They are coming closer, asking for a cigaret 😉 lol can’t help but have a smile in my face. I don’t smoke. Pretend to wobble. They smile
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
My hands hurt… Can’t help but look at him the other one took off running, not much of a friend. Chicken :-/ I can still see him, he looks
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
Back as he runs, no chance to catch him… Even though I began to try to run after him, I realize How slow I was. Fuck it :-///
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
This one asks me why did I do that, pretending to be stupid, one little kick to the ribs makes him whine and apologize, as I’m writing this.
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
I ask him if he was planing to rob me, he says no. All he wanted was a cigarette, lol I can’t help but have a big smile upon my face, and ..
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
The certainty that if it was an ordinary man he would be sad about his stolen goods. Fucking cunt cries like a bitch when the tide turns…
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
I can’t help but take a pic as his nose bleeds and he wines and asks why did I do that… Like he doesn’t know the reason…
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
My fucking hands hurt, hurt like hell… twitter.com/RenzoGracieBJJ…
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
Drove around two blocks… The other fellow disappear, I’m heading home… Angry for not finding the second one. Guess no sleeping tonight
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
I knew it 😉 yessss
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
There is basic things like you don’t come back to where the problem was.. You just don’t, I knew he would, just going around the block would
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
Be enough… Dumb f%#^ I just gave him the old style Raccoon, it has been a while since the last time I did.. Choke him out 3 times…
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
And before he woke up I did hit each eye socket at least twice, tomorrow he will wake up like a raccoon, and every time he woke up I was…
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
Whispering at his ears.. That’s what death feels like it.. Don’t do that again. My fucking hand hurts, :-/ a lot
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
Next time I will use only the elbows, damn I miss that feeling, sometimes I wonder if the easy life has been making me twitter.com/RenzoGracieBJJ…
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
Soft.. All those years in Brazil, without knowing if I would make it home had to count for something, I can’t lie I could have jump in a cab
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
But I could not help, I could spot them from a mile away, walking was my option, thank you mayor Giuliani, nobody carries a gun in our…
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
Beautiful state, my lucky day, their bad day… My hand hurts and @frankieedgar is here at 9:30am for some training, shoot damn little guy
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 7, 2012
I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE
Just left a taco truck in Stockton. I think 2 guys are following me
— Cesar Gracie (@CesarGracieBJJ) September 8, 2012
Getting closer, do they think I’m on bath salts? They have to be kidding
— Cesar Gracie (@CesarGracieBJJ) September 8, 2012
Taking a pic they are pretending not to look at me. Be right back twitter.com/CesarGracieBJJ…
— Cesar Gracie (@CesarGracieBJJ) September 8, 2012
Went to go raccoon someone. God help me what have I done twitter.com/CesarGracieBJJ…
— Cesar Gracie (@CesarGracieBJJ) September 8, 2012
They asked me for a blunt. What the hell is a blunt? I think they threw a taco at me
— Cesar Gracie (@CesarGracieBJJ) September 8, 2012
Oh never mind…. twitter.com/CesarGracieBJJ…
— Cesar Gracie (@CesarGracieBJJ) September 8, 2012
AT LEAST HE TOOK IT WELL
@cesargraciebjj lol that was good 😉 miss you cousin, people thinking that beat a couple fools that come for your wallet is a big deal…
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) September 8, 2012
ONE MORE
I was just walking through with my buddy in NYC near 20th and when he asked this stocky foreigner for a smoke, dude beat the hell out of him
— Jason Mayhem Miller (@mayhemmiller) September 7, 2012
I’m retired from fighting, so I took off running, but this psycho with dreamy eyes got in his car and was searching to murder me
— Jason Mayhem Miller (@mayhemmiller) September 7, 2012
Wait, i am in my bed in California. That was just a strange dream. Disregard.
— Jason Mayhem Miller (@mayhemmiller) September 7, 2012
OUCH
Picture of the bone chips that have been floating around my elbow for 2 years. Looks like some big teeth. twitter.com/ChrisWeidmanUF…
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) September 7, 2012
BONES AND ASSAULT RIFLES
Good times twitter.com/JonnyBones/sta…
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) September 9, 2012
THE LIFE OF MR. WHITE
Just saw the premiere of Sons of Anarchy and it is SICK!!! On my way to the after party to get ROWDY!!;) @rondarousey twitter.com/danawhite/stat…
— Dana White (@danawhite) September 9, 2012
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced over the weekend (Friday, September 7, 2012 – Sunday, September 9, 2012):
– UFC 154: Ivan Menjivar (24-9) vs. Azamat Gashimov (7-1)
– UFC 154: Sam Stout (19-7-1) vs. John Makdessi (9-2)
– UFC 154: Jorgen Kruth (5-0) out due to retirement, Cyrille Diabate (18-8-1) in against Fabio Maldonado (18-5)
– UFC 155: Chris Weidman (9-0) vs. Tim Boetsch (16-4)
– UFC on FX 6: Hector Lombard (31-3-1) vs. Rousimar Palhares (14-4) announced as main event in Australia
– UFC on FX 6: George Sotiropoulos (14-4) vs. Ross Pearson (13-6)
– Strikeforce: Cormier vs. Mir: Sara McMann (6-0) vs. Liz Carmouche (7-2)
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day is a rookie meet-and-greet, courtesy of HeadKickOfDoom: 5 Debuting UFC Fighters To Watch
As we enter the homestretch of 2012, we are approaching some of the biggest fights of the year. Jon Jones vs Vitor Belfort, GSP vs Carlos Condit, Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar and a JDS/Velasquez rematch are all coming down the pipeline. While those are all huge fights, we also will be treated to some new faces entering the Octagon for the very first time. While none of these fighters have the same impact with the general MMA populace as some of the higher profile debuts this year (Hector Lombard, Bigfoot Silva, and Fabrico Werdum to name a few), these fighters have a chance at making a splash and finding a home in the biggest MMA promotion in the world.
Gunnar Nelson
Pro MMA Record: 9 – 0 – 1
Weight Class: Welterweight
UFC Debut: UFC On Fuel 5
Highlight Reel: Click Here
A Renzo Gracie blackbelt, the one thing you need to know about Gunnar Nelson is that he is a finisher. He has finished every opponent he has faced with the exception of his pro debut. Gunnar is a slick BJJ practitioner, as well as a solid striker, as he began his martial arts training at 13 in Goju-ryu Karate. As you can see from the above picture, he defeated heavyweight MMA fighter Jeff Monson back at the 2009 ADCC’s, and also won silver at the 2009 Mundials in the brown belt division. He is a terror on both his feet and on the floor, showing the potential to be perhaps a future star in MMA. Ranked the number 7 welterweight prospect in the world by Bloody Elbow’s own Leland Roling in the 2010 World MMA Scouting Report, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not watching this kid fight. (click here for his awesome report)
Tom Watson
Pro MMA Record: 15 – 4
Weight Class: Middleweight
UFC Debut: UFC On Fuel 5
Highlight Reel: Click Here
The former BAMMA welterweight champion, Tom Watson is a strong Muay Thai practitioner who can shut an opponents’ lights off quickly and painfully. Training at the famed Tri-Star gym, as well as with Jackson’s MMA, Watson will be looking at making his statement against former TUF competitor Brad Tavares at the end of this month. An impressive win could throw him into the middle of the shark tank that is the UFC 185 lbs division. With he and Gunnar debuting on the same card, they will make it worth any MMA fans time to tune into the prelims on Sept 29th.
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