Author: By Mike Straka

Josh Burkman last competed in the UFC a little more than six years ago at UFC 90, where he dropped a unanimous decision to Pete “Drago” Sell. That was October of 2008.A lot has happened since then for the Utah-based 34-year-old. He has won six of his last seven, including key wins over Jon Fitch, Gerald Harris and Aaron Simpson. And on January 3, 2015, he makes his UFC return against welterweight stud Hector Lombard at UFC 182 in Las Vegas.But for “The People’s Warrior,” the career resurgence and evolution as a mixed martial artist are a direct result of having … Read the Full Article Here

CB Dollaway has no delusions about his fight against Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida at UFC Fight Night: Machida VS. Dollaway this Saturday in Barueri, Brazil. “It’s the biggest fight of my career,” Dollaway said. “If I can win impressively, I think I have a case for a world title fight.”That’s a big “if.” Machida has fought and beat some of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts, and Dollaway is just beginning to face top ten talent. But the former Arizona State All-American wrestler has a healthy perspective on the biggest test of … Read the Full Article Here

Tim Means understands better than most elite fighters that his chosen profession, while hard by all standards of making a living, is still a privilege that can be taken away quicker than a flash knockout if taken for granted.“Seven years ago I was locked up in a jail cell and going through a phase in my life where I didn’t know what to do,” said means, who faces TUF Brazil 3 alum Marcio “Lyoto” Alexandre Junior at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs Dollaway this Saturday in Barueri, Brazil,“I was sitting in a cell with no windows, locked up for 23 hours a day. Yo … Read the Full Article Here

Thirty-three fights into a professional career that has seen its share of ups and downs, Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens, at age 28, talks more like someone at least ten years his senior when it comes to breaking down mixed martial arts and his next opponent, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace Charles Oliveira.The two featherweights will meet in the Octagon at the TUF Finale Friday in Las Vegas, live on FOX Sports 1.“I’ve been in this game a while,” Stephens said. “I’ve seen everything, but that doesn’t take away anything from the kid. He’s got … Read the Full Article Here

Just five years ago, at age 24, UFC lightweight Joe Ellenberger wasn’t sure he would live to see his 29th birthday, let alone see a second fight in the Octagon at Fight Night Phoenix in US Airways Center this Saturday night against MMA Lab product and UFC newcomer Bryan Barberena.In 2009, Ellenberger was diagnosed with a rare blood disease called paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and was told he had about five years to live.“I think I’ve gained a lot of perspective going through what I’ve gone through, but also I’ve gained a certain knowledge and appreciation … Read the Full Article Here

Anthony “Showtime” Pettis believes he will defend his belt easily against Gilbert Melendez this Saturday in the co-main event at UFC 181 in Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center.“It’s not that I don’t have respect for him,” Pettis said after a packed day of media obligations early on fight week. “He’s always been an exciting fighter and I know he likes to strike and isn’t afraid to get into it; it’s just that he’s not going to want to stand with me. I’m too good. He’s going to try to wrestle with me, because … Read the Full Article Here