Author: Andrew Saunders

Donation Fund Set Up for Injured UFC Fighter Matt Grice

On Sunday, UFC fighter and police officer Matt Grice was horrifically injured in a car accident in Oklahoma. The seven-time Zuffa vet suffered head injuries and was left in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
The dedicated husband and father…

On Sunday, UFC fighter and police officer Matt Grice was horrifically injured in a car accident in Oklahoma. The seven-time Zuffa vet suffered head injuries and was left in critical condition in the intensive care unit.

The dedicated husband and father of two was off duty at the time of the accident. 

A fund has been set up to help pay for Grice’s medical expenses at hopemob.com. They hope to raise $20,000 for the cause. The site is accepting donations in any dollar amount and every dollar counts.

Prior to the accident, Grice was training for a UFC 166 battle against Jeremy Larsen. Obviously, that bout has been scrapped. In his current tenure, “The Real One” has competed exclusively as a featherweight. Despite a win over Leonard Garcia, his 1-2 record suggests that he was on the chopping block in this matchup.

Grice is a four time high school wrestling champion and wrestled at the University of Oklahoma. He last competed in February against Dennis Bermudez. Although he lost a split decision, the incredible back-and-forth battle is the clear front-runner for 2013’s Fight of the Year. 

Grice was released in 2009 following a 1-3 run inside the Octagon. He earned his way back into the organization with four wins on the regional circuit. 

If you are unable to donate, you can still help in other ways. Email your best wishes to Matt and family at [email protected], tweet him at @mattgricemma, or post on his Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/mattgricemma.    

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Shogun Rua vs. James Te Huna Booked at UFC Fight Night in Australia

For those of you wondering how Mauricio Rua’s career would be affected by losses in four of his past six bouts, your answer has arrived. According to The Daily Telegraph, the former light heavyweight champion meets unranked power-puncher James Te Huna …

For those of you wondering how Mauricio Rua‘s career would be affected by losses in four of his past six bouts, your answer has arrived. According to The Daily Telegraph, the former light heavyweight champion meets unranked power-puncher James Te Huna when the UFC returns to Australia for Fight Night 33.

The drop in opponent caliber shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Despite an incredible 12-1 run under the PRIDE banner, Rua has been unable to build any real momentum inside the Octagon. Also, despite 11 Zuffa appearances, “Shogun” has yet to put together more than two consecutive victories.

Currently, Rua is on the first skid of his career after losses to Alexander Gustafsson and Chael Sonnen. Now sporting a UFC mark of 5-6, he has the distinction of being the only champion in light heavyweight history to have a sub-500 record in the organization.

The heavy-handed Te Huna quietly put together a four-fight winning streak that began in 2011, but became the victim of No. 1 contender Glover Teixeira back in May. His overall record in the UFC is 5-2, with the other loss coming to UFC 165 headliner Alexander Gustafsson.

This is an important fight for both men. Another loss for Rua would likely spell retirement. Meanwhile, a loss for Te Huna would drop him to 0-3 against ranked opponents and could permanently relegate him to gatekeeper status.

UFC Fight Night 33 takes place on Saturday, December 7 in Brisbane, Queensland. The card will be headlined by another New Zealand vs. Brazil matchup when Mark Hunt challenges Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva in the main event.

Stay tuned to Bleacher Report MMA for news and fight card updates on UFC Fight Night 33.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

The 5 Most Jaw Dropping Moments in MMA Since Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar

In 2005, the world of mixed martial arts changed forever. Through The Ultimate Fighter competition, fans got an up-close look at the lives of professional fighters in a way that they never had. When it was time for the show’s finale, Forrest Griff…

In 2005, the world of mixed martial arts changed forever. Through The Ultimate Fighter competition, fans got an up-close look at the lives of professional fighters in a way that they never had. When it was time for the show’s finale, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar captivated the sporting world through their epic battle. 

Over the course of the last eight years, the UFC has grown in ways that Dana White could never have dreamed. Their schedule of cards jumped from 10 events per year to an astounding 33, four new divisions have been introduced and TUF runs international versions concurrent with it’s American counterpart. 

During that time, fans have been treated to some of the most shocking moments that our sport has ever known. Some will define the sport while others will simply be remembered by their violent nature.

Here is a look at MMA‘s five most jaw-dropping moments since Griffin vs. Bonnar I.

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UFC Removes 6 Fighter Profiles from the UFC.com Roster

The UFC has decided to do a bit of housecleaning over the summer, and six fighters that haven’t fared particularly well have gotten the boot.
MMA Mania had previously reported the release of Roger Gracie, but on Thursday night, Bloody Elbow broke …

The UFC has decided to do a bit of housecleaning over the summer, and six fighters that haven’t fared particularly well have gotten the boot.

MMA Mania had previously reported the release of Roger Gracie, but on Thursday night, Bloody Elbow broke the news that Dave Herman, Ednaldo Oliveira, Bristol Marunde, John Maguire and Vinny Magalhaes are also living a Zuffa-free lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at the recent performances of each fighter.

Dave Herman has twice failed drug tests for marijuana. Although his style of combat is certainly entertaining, with four consecutive losses being spearheaded by a 17-second KO back in July, there wasn’t much hope that “Pee Wee” was coming back.

Ednaldo Oliveira was undefeated upon his entry into the UFC. After losing his debut to Gabriel Gonzaga, Oliveira cut to light heavyweight, but was kept out of action due to a string of injuries. He returned at UFC 163, dropping a decision to promotional newcomer Francimar Barroso.

Bristol Marunde was a quarterfinalist on season 16 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Post-show, Marunde was submitted by Jacare Souza and knocked out by both Clint Hester and Viscardi Andrade. I’m just surprised that he wasn’t released sooner.

John Maguire once had a thrilling win against a surprisingly game DaMarques Johnson, but memories of that fight couldn’t save him from the chopping block after losing three straight decisions.

Vinny Magalhaes might be the only surprising name on this list. Sure, the guy just got knocked out in 14 seconds by a 40-year-old. However, anybody can get caught with a punch. Prior to that loss, Magalhaes created some serious intrigue for his matchup against Phil Davis via Twitter and also submitted Igor Pokrajac in his UFC homecoming.

Who will be the next one released? Whose record suggests that it’s their time to go? 

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

What’s Next for Jake Ellenberger After UFC on Fox 8 Defeat?

On the night of July 27, Jake Ellenberger and Rory MacDonald met in the co-main event of UFC on Fox 8. The announced title eliminator proved to be a dull affair, as the duo had few meaningful exchanges at any point in the fight.  
After 15 mo…

On the night of July 27, Jake Ellenberger and Rory MacDonald met in the co-main event of UFC on Fox 8. The announced title eliminator proved to be a dull affair, as the duo had few meaningful exchanges at any point in the fight.  

After 15 mostly dull minutes in the cage, Ellenberger was forced to watch as MacDonald was awarded a decision victory.

Last summer, Ellenberger was on a seven-fight winning streak. Now, The Juggernaut has dropped two of his last four contests and has seemingly faded out of the title picture.

So, what is next for the wrestling stud after his discouraging defeat?

 

Plenty of options

The good thing about the welterweight division is that the rankings are always changing. That leaves Ellenberger with a lot of different opponents whom he has yet to face. 

In fact, The Juggernaut has only faced three members of the current divisional top 10.

Prior to Saturday night, Jake was the No. 4 contender in the division. Although a drop in rank is expected, Ellenberger‘s history of success suggests that fighting a ranked opponent isn’t off the table.

 

An Evening with Kos

At the ill-fated UFC 151 event, Ellenberger was originally slated to fight Josh Koscheck. When The Ultimate Fighter alumnus was forced from the event, the matchup faded away into the darkness. 

Fast forward one year and neither man has any momentum working in his favor. At this point, a high-profile win is necessary in order to get back on track.

Booking this fight once again pits two high-level wrestlers with dynamite in their hands against one another.

 

 

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Pros and Cons of Demetrious Johnson in a Superfight with Bantamweight Champion

Prior to Saturday night’s UFC on Fox 8 clash against John Moraga, UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson told MMA media that he has his eye set on a matchup in the bantamweight division (via Dave Doyle of mmafighting.com):

This is about doing stuff…

Prior to Saturday night’s UFC on Fox 8 clash against John Moraga, UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson told MMA media that he has his eye set on a matchup in the bantamweight division (via Dave Doyle of mmafighting.com):

This is about doing stuff for fun and tackling challenges and making history. I wouldn’t mind being part of the first flyweight vs. bantamweight fight. Obviously they’re like, you’re smaller than that guy. So what? What’s the worst that can happen?

In dominant fashion, “Mighty Mouse” defended his championship for the second time. With little more than one minute in the fight, Johnson latched onto an armbar that gave Moraga no choice but to admit defeat.

Now that Johnson has gotten beyond all immediate challenges in his division, fans are left pondering the potential superfight.

Here is a look at the pros and cons of a superfight between Demetrious Johnson and the UFC bantamweight champion.

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