Author: David St. Martin

It sounds like Fabricio Werdum’s inactivity isn’t sitting well with the UFC. According to Ariel Helwani’s report Wednesday night on FOX Sports Live, UFC president Dana White would like to see the heavyweight No. 1 contender pressed into action sooner than later. With UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez said to be shelved for much of 2014 after undergoing shoulder surgery Tuesday, UFC brass would like Werdum paired with the winner of Josh Barnett vs. Travis Browne later this month at UFC 168.

Barnett returns after a vicious first-round stoppage over Frank Mir at UFC 164 in August, while Browne scored an equally brutal KO over former K-1 grand prix champion Alistair Overeem the same month at UFC Fight Night 26. Werdum hasn’t competed since early June where he submitted Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC on FUEL TV 10, avenging an earlier loss from a 2006 bout in PRIDE.

Oddly enough, former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos believes he could be next for either Browne or Barnett, saying earlier this week he believed that fight would make the most sense for the division. “I don’t know what’s next for me, and I don’t choose opponents,” dos Santos said. “I’ll be ready for anyone, but I believe my next opponent can be either Josh Barnett or Travis Bowne.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Welcome the strawweights. The UFC has announced the creation of its 115 pound women’s division which will serve as the cast of the 20th season of The Ultimate Fighter. “The 135-pound division has been very successful for us, the fans like it, I’m thrilled with it, and we’re going to dive into the 115-pound division now.”

Sidelined again. Cain Velasquez undergoes successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and could miss much of 2014.

Jacare. Ronaldo Souza says he has the perfect style to beat Anderson Silva or Chris Weidman. “Many people don’t believe in my potential yet, but that’s how I like it. I still have much to prove, I’ve fought only twice in the UFC, but I can guarantee you that I’m ready for any challenge to prove I have what it takes to get the title.”

Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas covers a UFC on FOX 9 preview, Georges St-Pierre’s future, a recap of an epic weekend in MMA and more in this week’s live chat.

PCL problems. Josh Thomson says he was counting on Anthony Pettis pulling out of their title fight after suffering another knee injury. “I tore my PCL the week before I fought Gilbert Melendez the third [time]. There’s footage of me doing it, FOX was following me around for it, and I knew exactly what was going on. You can fight with a torn PCL.”

MEDIA STEW

Make sure to check out loads of UFC on FOX 9 interviews ahead of this weekend.

Chael Sonnen talks getting punched in a bar.

New TTHS.

Joe Lauzon vlog episode 1.

(A completely random note, Joe manages to spoil this week’s episode of Sons of Anarchy at the very end, so avoid if you haven’t already seen it.)

EFC AFRICA 26: Van Zyl vs. Potts – Fight NOW! TV News Hitz.

GLORY 13 Tokyo promo – Holzken vs. Karapetyan.

Mark Mun?oz talks Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman 2.

Action from Valor 6:

David Butt vs. Damon Upton-Greer.

Adam Cook vs. Jeremy Carroll.

Christina Tatnell vs. Amy Adam.

Sam Chapman vs. Cameron Malcolm.

Hoshi Friedrich vs. Eddie Trewin.

TWEETS

TUF bound.

Welcome #teamtiny Tecia Torres to the UFC @ufc TUF Season 20 11 women will enter 1 will win. Lets go!!!!

– Tecia Torres (@TeciaTorres) December 12, 2013

I know it’s the middle of the night but I think I just read this….. pic.twitter.com/xvDmTczJOG

– Joanne Calderwood (@badmofo_jojo) December 12, 2013

Pretty excited to be a part of the @UFC and TUF show. I believe in myself and team & will be a brand new fighter next time you see me

– Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) December 12, 2013

It’s been announced! I’m officially in the @ufc ! 😉 #stoked @AlienwareMMA

– Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) December 12, 2013

I made it!!!! UFC BABY!!!!! https://t.co/xj0JoNcl23

– Paige Vanzant (@PAIGEVANZANT) December 12, 2013

To dentro!!! Isso e realização de um sonho! Muito feliz! O dia mais feliz da minha vida!!!!!!!!! http://t.co/FiythXMdxD

— Juliana Lima (@julianalimabh) December 12, 2013

Is true everyone!

— ThugRose Namajunas (@rosenamajunas) December 12, 2013

Just need coaches.

@danawhite I’d be proud to be a coach on #TUF20

— LIZ CARMOUCHE (@iamgirlrilla) December 12, 2013

Why does #TUF20 women’s 115lb house have to be female coaches? Have @JohnDodsonMMA & @MightyMouseUFC as coaches then a 125lb title fight

— Tara LaRosa (@TaraLaRosa) December 12, 2013

HR would like a word.

And are all HOT 🔥?? RT @ufc: Welcome @CarlaEsparza1 @feliceherrig @TeciaTorres @RowdyBec @rosenamajunas @ClaudiaGadelha_ @julianalimabh

– FranCisco Rivera (@CiscoRiveraUFC) December 12, 2013

Get well soon.

Back on the heavy bag 13 weeks post ACL. Someone will pay. The clock is ticking https://t.co/NYVT2M2dMS

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 12, 2013

Surgery’s tomorrow. I’m scared. 🙁

— Miriam Nakamoto (@MiriamNakamoto) December 12, 2013

My shoulder surgery yesterday went well. Can’t wait to be back at it! http://t.co/sugfDxh4aB

– Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) December 11, 2013

Good news: No collateral damage to my knee! MCL, PCL, meniscus, cartilage etc. Everybody’s OK! Except the Bad news: My ACL is kaput. RIP 🙁

– Miriam Nakamoto (@MiriamNakamoto) December 11, 2013

Something’s missing here…. @ SOAR http://t.co/mVGFwipAue

– Miriam Nakamoto (@MiriamNakamoto) December 11, 2013

@julesk_fighter I Am feeling better already and I Will come back stronger!! I Believe in God’s time!! He have mine!!

— Claudia Gadelha (@ClaudiaGadelha_) December 11, 2013

Booked.

We’re looking forward to #ufc170 vs Mike Pyle, February 22nd

— TJ Waldburger (@TJWaldburger) December 11, 2013

Congrats.

Russian combat sambo federetion awarded me with the medal for loyalty to this kind of sport😏👍👍👍 http://t.co/6avQtPXgoR

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) December 11, 2013

Let it be the start of something bigger.

Was going to post a Selfie and then I felt ashamed and ridiculous so I cancelled the post… #selfie

— Akira Corassani (@AkiraCorassani) December 11, 2013

An incredibly unfortunate name for a town.

Sandusky produces true champions past , present and future. It is a honor to say I am Sandtown strong. Love this blue collar town with pride

– Kevin Randleman (@themonstah_) December 11, 2013

A little mitt work.

Blessed and grateful. Training hard for @shanknapp and @InvictaFights. #InvictaFC #champion http://t.co/8TK4ACYgfE

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) December 12, 2013

Buy stock in pomegranates.

Just the bare necessities. Final days http://t.co/f1cF53Ooc6

— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) December 12, 2013

One step closer to Abu Dhabi.

Congrats to @Bourdain on his well deserved first stripe! @igorgracie @RenzoGracieBJJ pic.twitter.com/biIHlbCIQL

— Ottavia Bourdain (@OttaviaBourdain) December 11, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Dec. 11 2013)

Mike Pyle and T.J. Waldburger at UFC 170

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Hoss.Boss.

TUF Finally Feels Like it Matters with Announcement of TUF 20

Wednesday night the UFC world got a whole lot bigger with the announcement of how the UFC will introduce their new 115 lbs women division. The long running reality series, The Ultimate Fighter, will bring the new division to television audiences in its classic tournament format in order to crown their first women’s straw-weight champion.

It has been a long time since TUF had such high stakes, the closest would probably be all the way back in 2006 with The Ultimate Fighter 4: Comeback when the winner of the season got an immediate title shot. The stakes are even higher this time where the winner of the season becomes the champ.

And to up the stakes even more, TUF 20 brings up the best of the 115 lbs division unlike the recently finished TUF 18 which brought some fresh faces and interesting talent, but far from the top of the women’s bantamweight division. At first it looked like the UFC would be at least a year or two from a serious straw-weight division since all the top fighters were signed to Invicta FC, but Shannon Knapp’s benevolence has allowed the top of the division to move over to MMA’s top agency.

Check out the rest of the post here.

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

In the final two weeks leading up to his UFC Fight Night 30 headlining bout with Lyoto Machida, Mark Munoz never quite sounded thrilled to be facing his training parter, especially on short notice. If the pair was supposed to look tentative, it seemed only Munoz got the memo. Finished by Machida just three minutes into the bout, Munoz now says he didn’t do enough to mentally prepare to fight his friend.

“Now that I did it, been there, done that, now I know what I need to work on,” Munoz tells FIGHT! Magazine. “It’s not so much physical, it’s all mental. It was very difficult for me to fight somebody that I was training with just two weeks before. It was very difficult for me to just envision somebody else’s face on him. I’m not a guy that will choke somebody out or just submit them. I inflict a lot of damage on people. That’s what I do. I wouldn’t be called the wrecking machine for nothing.”

“It was pretty difficult. I learned a lot through the process. I’ve just got to be able to flip the switch. I’ve told a lot of our fighters ‘when you get in there, you’ve got to flip the switch. Whether they’re a friend or not, you’ve got to flip it.’ What was kind of different was seeing my coaches in his corner, too. It’s neither here nor there, he won. He landed the kick. My three losses have been me getting kicked. I’ve got to learn from that. I’ve got to be able to take that and move forward.”

Originally slated to face Michael Bisping in Manchester, Munoz says he’ll be waiting for him when ‘The Count’ returns to action early next year.

“I fought Lyoto and that was obviously very hard for me. Now I want to get back on track fighting a top 10 opponent. Everyone was booked or injured. Bisping says he’ll be back in March and that’s the closest date I can look forward to unless somebody gets hurt and I jump in. I was able to talk to [Bisping] on Twitter, if you call that calling out.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

RIP Shane. Sad news was confirmed yesterday that UFC heavyweight Shane del Rosario has died after suffering cardiac arrest on Nov. 26. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

The Decision part deux. According to a report, UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre will hold a press conference in Montreal on Friday to announce his plans for the future.

A league of his own. Former Bellator champion Ben Askren sheds light on the negotiations with UFC president Dana White that led him to sign with ONE FC.

Fortunes changed for five. Dave Meltzer examines what’s next for Mark Hunt, Antonio Silva, Ryan Bader, Mauricio Rua and Pat Barry following UFC Fight Night 33.

Notorious. In case you haven’t been following along on twitter, Conor McGregor doesn’t think much of Diego Sanchez. “The guy is a has-been. He should be in Bellator with the rest of the has-beens. There’s no doubt about it.”

It’s Tuesday, so make sure to check out the MMA Hour with Daniel Cormier, Josh Thomson, UFC’s chief content officer Marshall Zelaznik, Duane Ludwig, Ben Askren, Mark Hunt, Conor McGregor and Soa Palelei.

MEDIA STEW

UFC on Fox 9 Free Fight: Johnson vs. Benavidez.

Recaps of Cage Warriors 62 and ONE FC 13.

BAMMA 14: | Bad Men Walking.

Complete Invicta FC 7 card.

GLORY 13 Tokyo promo – Zimmerman vs. Ghita.

Knuckle Up with Eugene S. Robinson.

Random MMA:

Thomas Almeida vs. George Pacurariu at LFC 26.

Alexandre Capitão vs. Rafael Gogó at Jungle Fight 62 for the featherweight title.

and a wacky technical stoppage between Rafael Nunes and Paulo Panthro.

Sascha Sharma vs. Fabio Ambrosini at SMMAC.

David Zawada vs. Luca Vitali at SMMAC.

TWEETS

RIP Shane del Rosario.

RIP to one of the best people I’ve ever had the honor to have in my life and call my best friend…. http://t.co/P1uFUomU91

— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) December 9, 2013

Truly saddened to hear about the passing of Shane Delrosario. R.I.P. My thought are with his family.

— michael (@bisping) December 10, 2013

Sad to hear about my fellow warrior Shane del Rosario passing away. My thoughts are with his family R.I.P

— jimi manuwa (@POSTERBOYJM) December 10, 2013

Horrible news about fellow UFC heavyweight Shane Del Rosairo. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. RIP Shane

— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) December 10, 2013

R.I.P Brother Shane Del Rosario

— Chris Leben (@cripplerufc) December 10, 2013

Gonna be a long couple months.

A Monday morning message to @bisping pic.twitter.com/f7AadBRVy1

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) December 9, 2013

@TimKennedyMMA @austinkungfu you do know England and Australia aren’t the same country don’t you? Your ignorance never fails to amaze me.

— michael (@bisping) December 9, 2013

Mean Girls.

@feliceherrig @CarlaEsparza1 I am sick, shut up loser! Go back to the drawing board!!

— Claudia Gadelha (@ClaudiaGadelha_) December 9, 2013

@ClaudiaGadelha_ @CarlaEsparza1 so sick that you can still talk shit? Carla was really concerned for you and you come back at her like this?

— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) December 9, 2013

@ClaudiaGadelha_ @CarlaEsparza1 heres some advice for you. Maybe you wouldn’t get “sick” if you cycled off sooner.

— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) December 9, 2013

@feliceherrig the only reason you have fans is because you show your ass in the weight ins and they like your ass better than your skillsLol

— Claudia Gadelha (@ClaudiaGadelha_) December 9, 2013

“@ClaudiaGadelha_: @CarlaEsparza1 @feliceherrig what butt??? Hahahahaha” this one lol😝😝😝 pic.twitter.com/WRVqMaa3k0

— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) December 9, 2013

(Herrig deleted this one)

@shanknapp @anamasry19 @TeciaTorres @InvictaFights pic.twitter.com/HPxGel64zS

— Claudia Gadelha (@ClaudiaGadelha_) December 10, 2013

There’s a lot more but this is all I could handle.

Guess he caught the MMA Hour.

The 2most irreverent mother fuckers I can think of. @heathlsims (Hendo’s former water boy) @Benaskren ( wrestler nobody wants 2watch fight)

— phil baroni (@philbaroni) December 10, 2013

Hat is off to you, sir.

Had a fight on weekend and back to teaching Monday. Congrats to adults and kids #BJJ classes at my Liverpool school that graded last night.

— Anthony Perosh (@AnthonyPerosh) December 10, 2013

Sounds good.

RT @HypeOrDie @ReidM1 CHANGE COMING!!! THATS WHAT IT TOOK!!!! HAD IT THERE INSTANTLY WITH THE REFF ON ME!!!

— Pat Barry (@HypeOrDie) December 10, 2013

Not a fan.

Buzz. Rothfeild = idiot http://t.co/LoKjgj166i

— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) December 10, 2013

Not with Cinnabon in every airport.

May still be undefeated coming back from America….but every bloody time jet lag and the food kills me!…..But roll on next time ha! 😉

— Joanne Calderwood (@badmofo_jojo) December 10, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Dec. 9 2013)

NA

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via EvenSteven24.

The Damage System

“Effective striking, grappling, and octagon control.” It sounds so authoritative when Mike Goldberg says this during each broadcast. But when you peruse the actual source material you realize it’s not that simple. For example, did you know that effective striking is quantified by counting the total strikes? That means a jab from Jake Shields is as valuable as a left hook from Mark Hunt. Did you know that effective defense is supposed to be scored?

I think the 10-point-must system is salvageable, but it desperately needs clarity. I think that there are principles upon which we can nearly all agree when we examine the ideal scoring criteria. I’ll try to present them in a clear way while arguing both their merits, and countering the more obvious objections that are inevitable with any such amendments.

Check out the rest of the post here.

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

It seems not everyone was impressed with Mark Hunt’s clash for the ages with Antonio Silva this weekend at UFC Fight Night 33. The event held in Brisbane, Australia was a glowing success by all accounts, but the night’s bloody five-round main event left a sour taste in the mouth of Aussie journalist Phil Rothfield. Covering the event for The Daily Telegraph, Rothfield called the UFC cruel, sadistic, barbaric savagery that should be banned in the country.

A note, Rothfield seems to signal his ignorance by indiscriminately referring to the larger sport of Mixed Martial Arts simply as ‘UFC.’ Rather than compose an actual piece, Rothfield more or less just lists observations and questions, beginning and ending thoughts in a sentence or less. Below is a sampling of what one could assume he intended to appear as points. Now, courage.

SINCE when is kicking, elbowing, kneeing, punching and stomping an opponent classified as sport?

This was nothing but barbaric savagery that should be banned in this country.

The fact women were allowed to fight on the card was an even bigger disgrace.

It scared me that the Brisbane Entertainment Centre was sold out with so many thousands of people (including families with young children) who were prepared to pay to watch it.

And all those who lapped it up and loved every cruel moment on pay-TV.

Almost defenceless men being held down on the ground and punched senseless.

What does it say about our society?

Why do we allow our kids to watch and cheer for something we teach them not to do?

And why are the competitors allowed to do all this inside a cage when it’s illegal on the streets?

If you really want to make yourself sick, Google “UFC worst injuries”. The images are seriously disgusting and raise the question: why aren’t the fighters at least made to wear headgear?

Why aren’t fighters getting protection from blood diseases?

Why do the referees and doctors allow mismatches and lopsided fights to continue?

I know the UFC has statistics to prove there are no more serious injuries than in boxing, but that’s not the point.

Well, it didn’t take long for UFC president Dana White to catch wind of the article, responding shortly thereafter.

@telegraph_sport @BuzzRothfield that story makes me sick. Men like u have no clue what it takes to do what they did sat nite. #respectHvsS

— Dana White (@danawhite) December 9, 2013

@BuzzRothfield how you can disrespect 2 men that did what they did shows what kind of a Man U are. Buzz light year u r the disgrace

— Dana White (@danawhite) December 9, 2013

It seems White wasn’t the only official peeved with the negative take, which assumedly led Tom Wright, Director of UFC Operations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, to extend a hand and request a chat.

“@BuzzRothfield: Meeting #UFC boss Tom Wright for coffee tomorrow – looking forward to a healthy debate” @WrightUFC

— UFC Australia (@UFC_Australia) December 9, 2013

Regardless of any takeaway from that meeting, it illustrates the work left to be done down under for the UFC. While Saturday’s event sold out the 12,000 seat Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the card was originally intended for Western Australia’s Perth Arena with a capacity of 18,000. The promotion was forced to scrap plans in Perth following the WA government’s banning of fenced enclosures in MMA bouts in March of this year.

While legal in New South Wales (Sydney), the country’s most populous state, the Octagon itself is still not welcome in Victoria and its capital, Melbourne. Home to over 30 professional sports clubs (including 10 Aussie Rules Football teams), Melbourne is the country’s most sporting city by miles. Cram the sporting culture of Boston, New York and Philadelphia all into a country’s second-most populated area and you’ve got it. Much like its struggles to legalize in New York state, you can be assured Wright is doing everything possible to add Melbourne to the UFC’s international schedule.

Tom Wright with more on breaking into Victoria:

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Draw of the year. Chuck Mindenhall says UFC Fight Night 33’s instant classic between Mark Hunt and Antonio Silva should be savored, despite being ruled a draw.

Broken hand. Mark Hunt posts pictures of the broken hand he suffered in his five-round war with Antonio Silva.

MMA scoring. Saturday night’s draw spurred Dave Meltzer to diagnose MMA current judging format while also weighing the alternatives.

Condit statement. After losing his UFC on FOX 9 opponent Matt Brown to a back injury, Carlos Condit hopes the fight is rescheduled ASAP.

WSOF on NBC. According to World Series of Fighting president Ray Sefo, his promotion plans on holding 8-10 events in 2014, two of which will be broadcast on NBC.

MEDIA STEW

Highlights from Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Silva and Mauricio Rua vs. James Te Huna.

Press conferences.

Highlights from Legacy Fights 26.

A couple must see finishes from Cage Warriors 62:

Martin Sheridan vs. Jordan Desborough.

Ian Entwistle vs. Liam James.

Holly Holm vs. Angela Hayes at Fresquez Productions Havoc.

Looked like a clean stoppage to me. What’s your take?

(HT to Bloody Elbow)

TWEETS

As always following a UFC event, make sure to check out our ‘Pro’s react’ piece for UFC Fight Night 33.

Victory lap.

The joys of being a modern day gladiator

— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) December 7, 2013

Thank you @markhunt1974 for the insane fight last night.. I wish the best for you… Obrigado hunt pela grande… http://t.co/O6tap6BRD4

— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) December 7, 2013

Obrigado a todos pelo carinho e apoio,vcs são minha grande motivação. Thank you all for the support,… http://t.co/JEmo2XACJz

— Shogun Rua (@ShogunRua) December 7, 2013

Much respect to @AnthonyPerosh guy is tough as nails. Pleasure to share the octagon with you.

— Ryan Bader (@ryanbader) December 7, 2013

Play like you are in 1st, but train like you are in 2nd. pic.twitter.com/hW5TPm1cL4

— Soa The Hulk Palelei (@soathehulk) December 8, 2013

My little brother had his baby today and I won my ufc debut. I love you Jared and baby Colton. @PsychoMMA

— Jedi Master Tank (@TankScogginsMMA) December 7, 2013

11-0 If you liked that performance tweet @boostmobile with #RattleTheCage….. @MMAWorldSeries #WSOF7 pic.twitter.com/yYidG08pwp

— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) December 8, 2013

Thanks for all the support!!! 2013 was a great year can’t wait for 2014 @MMAWorldSeries @Reebok @NBCSN @MikeKogan pic.twitter.com/hfVBdwjxTC

— Georgi Karakhanyan (@georgimma) December 8, 2013

“@NYROBNC: @badmofo_jojo you fought well Do you think you held back at all”she wanted me to rush forward/plant my feet,watch her fights….

— Joanne Calderwood (@badmofo_jojo) December 8, 2013

Face off between Tecia Torres and I. #invictafc7 @americanamma pic.twitter.com/YsGQmjsY3d

— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) December 8, 2013

Better luck next time.

Didn’t get the result I wanted tonight. I’m always overwhelmed and humbled with the support I get. Thank you. Time now to heal up and eat 🙂

— Anthony Perosh (@AnthonyPerosh) December 7, 2013

RESULT: soathehulk LEGITIMATELY BEAT ME http://t.co/7QUjAW0OBV

— Pat Barry (@HypeOrDie) December 7, 2013

Sorry everyone. Tonight wasn’t my time yet I guess. I’ll be back! O-H

— Lance Palmer (@LancePalmer) December 8, 2013

I’m really not sure what to say. This was a very hard loss. I felt I let a lot of people down. I had a great … http://t.co/NHO4hgpsyi

— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) December 8, 2013

It’s a bitter sweet feeling. Bitter, because I #ltw pic.twitter.com/sb0CzKRnVF

— Zoila Frausto Gurgel (@ZoilaGurgel) December 8, 2013

And if you’ve gotta go out in 0:43, this is how.

Before we move to the last fight of the night let’s take another look at first fight of the night. #BecauseThis pic.twitter.com/qKqkdDCaVK

— UFCONFOX (@UFCONFOX) December 7, 2013

Get well soon.

Looks like a nice break in my right hand. Gonna be a long flight home. Had fun out there though! http://t.co/kbdPPaferG

— Ryan Bader (@ryanbader) December 7, 2013

Thanks for the support guys. I regret to inform all that I am out of the fight with Condit. I herniated 2 discs in my lower back this week.

— Matthew Brown (@IamTheImmortal) December 7, 2013

Not quite the after party I anticipated @ Hotel Phillips http://t.co/A6KW9LtbZv

— Miriam Nakamoto (@MiriamNakamoto) December 8, 2013

For those who don’t already know – I’m currently out with a neck injury, awaiting probable surgery.

— Rosi Sexton (@RosiSexton) December 8, 2013

Congrats.

Congrats to @FrankieEdgar and @NickCatone! Both earned their BJJ Black Belt today from @Almeidabjj!

— UFC (@ufc) December 8, 2013

Brown belts! Congrats to my buddy @zakcummings on the promo! http://t.co/RHAMGTNpF6

— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) December 8, 2013

Holy shit! Hey there BJJ world alll those years of work jus got made official! Elite Performance BJJ brown

— DaMarques Johnson (@DaMarques_UFC) December 7, 2013

Thanks for everything, Julie.

Before walking out to my fight today, I had a long talk with my coach and we decided that this would be my last MMA fight.

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) December 7, 2013

I think she handled this pretty well.

@NEWtrition4life @jayfreshstart @InvictaFights are you kidding me???? Test me dude! Never touched steroids and never would!

— Julia Budd (@JuliaBudd) December 8, 2013

@NEWtrition4life who are you to accuse me? And why wouldn’t you come up to my face and say that?! I’ve had a 6pack since I was 4 years old

— Julia Budd (@JuliaBudd) December 8, 2013

Amazing post fight meal made by @GibsonMMA 💜 pic.twitter.com/bQlbcF8Vi2

— Julia Budd (@JuliaBudd) December 8, 2013

Agree?

This is an actual picture of a crowd at a college wrestling match. Take note, wrestling is marketable. pic.twitter.com/SaakR1hLgH” @AgonWC

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) December 8, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced this weekend (Dec. 6-8 2013)

Rashad Evans vs. Daniel Cormier at UFC 170

Rory MacDonald vs. Demian Maia at UFC 170

cancelled Matt Brown vs. Carlos Condit at UFC on FOX 9

Jared Rosholt vs. Oleksiy Oliynyk at UFC on FOX 10

Thiago Silva vs. Ovince St. Preux at UFC 171

Robert McDaniel vs. Tor Troeng at UFC 171

Hector Lombard vs. Jake Shields at UFC 171

Daron Cruickshank vs. Mike Rio at UFC on FOX 10

Elias Silverio vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg at UFC Fight Night 35

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via watercoolermma.com.

What Does The Future Hold For Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua?

‘Shogun is back!!!’ is the sentence that thousands of MMA fans exclaimed in unison after a viscous left hook dropped James Te Huna, a hometown hero and promising light heavyweight, this Friday in Australia. The knockout was spectacular, and given Rua’s downward trend as of late, it was extremely important as well.

For years, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua has been one of the most feared strikers in the world. Devastating knockouts, a wide variety of techniques, and seemingly unlimited heart only begin to describe the complete-package superstar that is Shogun. The past three years tell a different story, however. Heading into UFC Fight Night 33, Rua had a record of 21-8. After beginning his career 19-4, he has gone 2-4 since, most recently losing to Chael Sonnen via 1st round guillotine choke. The loss marked the first two-fight losing streak of his career, leading many fans and critics to question whether all of the UFC and Pride wars were finally catching up with him.

There’s an old adage in the UFC. Every fight is the most important one of a fighter’s career. Once you reach a certain age/level of prestige, a win provokes cries for a title shot while a loss brings up retirement talk. In reality, there are a lot more second chances then fans are willing to let on, and a title shot is usually further away than we think. In this particular situation, more Shogun fans were wiping their brow and letting out a sigh of relief than discussing the prospect of a potential title shot in the near future. I have to admit, I was among the collective contemplating whether retirement was the best choice for Shogun, had he lost this past Friday.

Check out the rest of the post here.

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Currently sitting at No. 2 in the UFC heavyweight division, Daniel Cormier has come to terms on a long-term deal with the promotion. According to Ariel Helwani’s report on Wednesday night’s UFC Tonight, Cormier was mum on the terms of the deal, but said he’d signed on for eight more fights.

Additionally, former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans tells Helwani he’s been in talks to possibly meet Cormier in the former Olympian’s move down to 205 pounds. Cormier has spent 2013 slimming down for his future at light heavyweight, going from 235 pounds against Frank Mir in his promotional debut at UFC on FOX 7 in April, down to 224 against Roy Nelson at UFC 166 in October. While Cormier says he’s looking to fight as soon as possible, Evans claims talks are centered around March 2014.

Evans most recently scored a first-round TKO finish of Chael Sonnen at UFC 167 in November, while Cormier earned a decision nod against Nelson, improving to 13-0. The pair joked post-fight following Evans’ bout that a matchup down the road was a possibility, ‘Suga’ ribbing Cormier about past training sessions where he’d managed to take down the former U.S. Olympic team member.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Bigfoot plans. Antonio Silva says he wants Josh Barnett after he submits Mark Hunt this weekend. “I will fight whoever the UFC puts in front of me. But if they give me the opportunity to choose, I’d like to fight Barnett. We have a history, and that’s why I’d want this fight.”

Fights to watch. Your guide to everything MMA on one of the most action packed weekends in recent memory.

Full rundown. Duke Roufus talks Ben Askren’s situation with fight promotions and Anthony Pettis‘ injury woes.

PPV hike? After pledging in 2009 to never raise UFC Pay-Per-View prices, Dana White and Co. could be doing just that.

Cyborginho. With talk of UFC rolling out a new 115 pound women’s division, Invicta strawweight Joanne Calderwood says she’ll chase the best no matter where they fight. “I’ll follow where the best go, so if the other girls go to the UFC I’ll be trying my hardest to get there, because I want to be number one, and I want to fight all the best in the world.”

MEDIA STEW

UFC Fight Night 33 weigh ins.

Dana White talks Hunt-Silva, Shogun retirement conversation, Anderson’s mistakes, Roy Jones, Jr. and Ronda-Tate.

Zulu Boy – trailer.

Sort of leads well into this:

Cast revealed for TUF: Nations.

Invicta FC 7 open workouts and photo shoot.

Cage Warriors 62 promo.

Random action:

Gilbert Durinho vs. Paulo Bananada at Coliseu EF 8.

Edcarlos Lima vs. João Prudencio at Coliseu EF 8.

Alex Bilobrovka vs. Luiz Tosta at UCMMA 37.

Tina Lähdemäki vs. Karla Benitez at Cage 24.

Enver Salahdinov vs. Muslim Makhmudov at M-1 Challenge 44.

TWEETS

Good luck.

I made weight and I am feeling great! Now for more food and drink and the fight tomorrow I can’t wait!

— Anthony Perosh (@AnthonyPerosh) December 6, 2013

Lol yes I made weight and now it’s GAME TIME BABY !!!!

— Nam Phan (@NamPhanMMA) December 6, 2013

All weighed in 🙂 make sure not to miss the fight tomorrow http://t.co/c0kYKjOjMq

— Ben ‘Manimal’ Wall (@BenWallMMA) December 6, 2013

Warning: put butt in my face I will grab =P @BenWallMMA pic.twitter.com/b4lwts8Lei

— Bec Rowdy Hyatt (@RowdyBec) December 6, 2013

160lbs right now, feeling great!

— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) December 6, 2013

Calm before the storm chillin back stage before weigh in #ufc #mma #teamvillain http://t.co/fqqDsb74pY

— Dylan Andrews (@dylanthevillian) December 6, 2013

Idk I think @TankScogginsMMA may have stole the face off haha @jennyscoggins @jscogg71 pic.twitter.com/kyRTfexQZx

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) December 6, 2013

RIP

R.i.P Nelson Mandela pic.twitter.com/hctJoKRMwf

— gokhan saki (@gokhantherebel) December 6, 2013

Life’s greatest battles are not fought in a ring or a cage. R.I.P. Nelson Mandela ((True Warrior ) pic.twitter.com/v2Xz6oac2n

— Pedro Rizzo (@pedrorizzo1) December 6, 2013

I got it. He died. You won’t be getting an inspirational quotes from me. Keep it in perspective. #NelsonMandela pic.twitter.com/dMTBbaEUeS

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) December 6, 2013

We lost a great leader and an example to all. In mainly for us blacks pic.twitter.com/z7lYlwDRad

— Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) December 6, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela pic.twitter.com/AfZiWfIIiU

— Dana White (@danawhite) December 6, 2013

Heart, Soul, Dignity and Honor; Nelson Mandela the world will miss you a great deal.

— Bjorn Rebney (@BjornRebney) December 5, 2013

Get well soon.

Since everyone wants to know how bad & long I’m out for. Thanx y’all for caring so much and I’ll be… http://t.co/vWnxs8O1hu

— John Dodson III (@JohnDodsonMMA) December 6, 2013

Congrats.

4yrs today, I won the Ultimate Fighter! #tuf10 @ufc Thanx so much 4 all of the people that continue to support & watch! Much appreciated

— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) December 5, 2013

Ronda’s mom has heard this story.

What? You’re going to try to stop @RondaRousey from throwing & armbarring you? No one has ever thought of that before!

— DrAnnMaria (@DrAnnMaria) December 6, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Dec. 5 2013)

Gesias Cavalcante out, Justin Gaethje vs. Lewis Gonzalez at WSOF 8

Yves Jabouin vs. Eddie Wineland at UFC on FOX 10

John Moraga vs. Dustin Ortiz at UFC Fight Night 35

Nick Catone vs. Tom Watson at UFC 169

Walt Harris vs. Nikita Krylov at UFC on FOX 10

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via RealRadioBlog.com.

The People’s Main Event: Shogun vs. Te Huna

The People’s Main Event is a feature we will be doing each fight week in order to promote one of the more intriguing matchups that may not be getting all the love that comes with being a true main event on a UFC main card. The UFC gives more than enough attention to the headline fighters with all the countdown shows, TV spots, and free fights, and we thought out time and effor would be better spent building up one of the other, less promoted bouts.

This week’s featured fight is an exciting matchup in the light heavyweight division between Mauricio Shogun Rua vs. James Te Huna.

MAURICIO ‘SHOGUN’ RUA

At one point in time, Shogun was one of, if not the most feared striker in mixed martial arts. Out of his 21 wins, 18 came by way of knockout, and 15 of which occurred in the 1st round of action. It’s worth noting that many of these 1st round finishes took longer than the UFC standard of five minutes per round and even more involved the use of now-foreign terms like ‘soccer kicks’ and ‘stomps’. Although, when names like Chuck Liddell, Lyoto Machida, Forrest Griffin, Mark Coleman, Rampage Jackson, and Little Nog stand among your list of victims, I think you’ve earned the right to ignore any statistical asterisks that may be attached to your name.

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UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis has plenty of plans when he returns from rehabbing his injured knee. Scheduled for surgery Dec. 12 in Los Angeles, CA, Pettis hopes to be ready to compete by midyear 2014.

“The doctors said six to eight months so I’m hoping six months,” Pettis told UFC Tonight. “I want to get back by summertime for hopefully a July fight.”

After being heavily critical of Pettis’ continuing injury woes, Nate Diaz has put himself squarely in the champ’s sights.

“Nate Diaz has been talking so much and in his last fight, he actually looked pretty decent, but harder to judge against Gray Maynard. I hope Nate works his way up so we can fight.”

“Nate’s been talking for a while. Even after his last fight, saying ‘this is the No. 1 and No. 2 lightweights in the world.’ That’s taking a shot directly at me. That belt’s in my front room. It’s there for a reason.”

Diaz caught wind of Pettis’ statement and responded shortly thereafter:

You work ur way up u have alot of catching up to do I was injured too still fought.. #1fightayearwhyrutalking

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) December 5, 2013

With title shots here today, gone tomorrow, a Pettis-Diaz matchup isn’t too farfetched. Assuming that fight goes according to plan, Pettis says he still has unfinished business with featherweight champion Jose Aldo. Pettis was previously slated to face Aldo for the 145 pound strap at UFC 163 in August, but withdrew from the bout after suffering a torn meniscus.

“Jose Aldo, he has his hands full with Ricardo Lamas. Ricardo Lamas is no easy fight. He’s shown he’s the No. 1 contender. He fought Erik Koch, I’m a big fan of Erik Koch, I train with him all the time so I know how good Erik Koch is. For Ricardo to do that to Erik, he’s going to give Aldo a run for his money. Hopefully Aldo comes out of that and we’ve got a super fight.

I want to fight one more time, hopefully in July. That might set us up for an end of the year super fight. 145 king, 155 king. Who knows? Hopefully all these fights pan out.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Jones-Teixeira booked, again. UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones will face Glover Teixeira Mar. 15, 2014 at UFC 171 in Dallas, TX.

Basic mistakes. Anderson Silva says he’s corrected simple things in his striking that cost him his title to Chris Weidman. “It’s going to be a tough fight and it won’t last too long if it stays standing.”

Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas tackles a UFC Fight Night 33 preview, Ben Askren talk, WSOF 7, Invicta FC 7 and more in this week’s live chat.

Struve progress. Heavyweight Stefan Struve is showing signs of progress in recovering from a leaking aortic valve and an enlarged heart.

Wishful thinking. Roy Jones. Jr. says he’s returning to boxing later this month to knock the rust off in preparation of an eventual match with Anderson Silva. “I want to be ready for Anderson Silva in case he beats [Chris] Weidman. Silva has made it clear that if he wins, he wants me next.”

MEDIA STEW

Nick Newell and The Anatomy of Perfection.

Thai prison fights.

The U.S. Army cuts a promo.

Pat Barry talks UFC Fight Night 33.

Being the ‘ref cam promotion’ could be an interesting niche.

John Thoo vs. Benedict at KSL Ultimate Beatdown 13.

Patrick (Juggernaut) vs. Azmil (Grazio).

Update on Cat Zingano.

Random action:

Frederich Naumann vs. Dallas Jakobi at EFC 22.

Magomed Magomedov vs. Yuri Maia at M-1 Challenge 44.

Jeremy Collins vs. Ben Sergent at Bluegrass Brawl 10. (Just skip to about 0:55)

Carina Damm vs. Roberta “Marreta” at MMA Super Heroes 2. (skip to 7:30)

Bonus: Josh Barnett just hucking some kid off a stage.

TWEETS

Internet matchmaker.

@philbaroni @FrontRowBrian @ONEFCMMA ha Phil you would go cry in the bathroom to your GF again after I finished abusing you.

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) December 4, 2013

@philbaroni @FrontRowBrian @ONEFCMMA wasn’t a joke you seriously cried to your GF in a bathroom. It was embarrassing to even watch!

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) December 4, 2013

@ONEFCMMA looks like I’ll be staying at 170 for a minute. @Benaskren don’t worry the big homie will make ya famous. I’m gona fuck you up

— phil baroni (@philbaroni) December 4, 2013

@philbaroni @Benaskren would be fun watching Ben dominate you! Unfortunately fight never happens. They have better things for Ben to do.

— Heath Sims (@heathlsims) December 5, 2013

@philbaroni @heathlsims Phil you’re trying to talk your way into a fight and I’m ignoring you bc you’re irrelevant !

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) December 5, 2013

…

Oh shit! Just woke up and read that my boy @philbaroni may fight that puffy haired cuddle bunny @Benaskren Hope Baroni stomps his head in!

— War Machine (@WarMachine170) December 4, 2013

A lot of Connor McGregor.

@TheNotoriousMMA nice tattoo, i’m sure that will entice Fortune 500 companies to invest in you. Great move.. worked out well for Tyson.

— Bigslow (@LukeBarnatt) December 4, 2013

@LukeBarnatt Hey, Frankenstein, this is the fight game. I’m after the GOLD. ONLY. You’re a TUF reject. Crying for attention. Harsh but true.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 5, 2013

“@JunaidMMAhmed: #AskNotorious @TheNotoriousMMA Will you try and get a belt in more than one division in the @ufc” I won’t try. I will do.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 4, 2013

“@Chachhhyy: “@bovinisland089: How do you plan to defeat Diego Sanchez? #AskNotorious” @TheNotoriousMMA” By schooling him in evasive combat.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 4, 2013

“@sugaaa69: @TheNotoriousMMA how long until we see ufc gold around your waist? #AskNotorious” 2 fights and a title shot. I guarantee it.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 4, 2013

“@MarkBoyce95: @TheNotoriousMMA Who do you think won the fight between GSP and Johnny Hendricks? #AskNotorious” George 3-2 all day

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 4, 2013

“@nathankelly_mma: @TheNotoriousMMA How quick do you think you could stop Sanchez? #AskNotorious” 1 round.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 4, 2013

“@LouNewtonMMA: @TheNotoriousMMA Who’s your favourite? Sanchez or Bigslow 😉 #AskNotorious” Sanchez wants a fight. Barnatt wants a follow.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 4, 2013

“@yoahpete: @TheNotoriousMMA Who would you love to fight next? #AskNotorious” That list is growing. Diego Sanchez. But ask me tomorrow.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 4, 2013

Sounding good.

Havent felt this good in training for a long time. Conditiong is already better then the entire last year and I’m only training at 70/80% ..

— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) December 5, 2013

No news on Shane del Rosario.

No updates on Shane del Rosario, however, I asked his mgr if all of this weekend’s positive reports were true. He said “no.” #ufctonight

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 5, 2013

Getting closer.

Focus and Training pic.twitter.com/4lCeUm8OnJ

— Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) December 4, 2013

Stepping in against Kawajiri.

I wanna to give big thank you to @glennauthentic @IndioMMA @henrihooft @ufc for making this possible

— Sean Soriano (@ssorianoMMA) December 5, 2013

Multifaceted.

an old one but pretty decent. I have gotten way better. Ill be making a new one with fire soon. http://t.co/AbOs2n1DM8

— Brandon Thatch (@RUKUSMMA303) December 4, 2013

Glad to hear.

I found websites that wrote articles about how I said on my blog I was “depressed” after reading the UG. O_O ya but I’m good now. lol

— Roxanne Modafferi (@Roxyfighter) December 5, 2013

The Silva fight?

This one time I was dangerously close to giving a fuck

— Forrest Griffin (@ForrestGriffin) December 5, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Dec. 4 2013)

Zach Makovsky vs. Scott Jorgensen at UFC on FOX 9

Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Sean Soriano at UFC Fight Night 34

Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira at UFC 171

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Hoss.Boss.

The Problem: The Ultimate Fighter Finale or Perception?

There’s been a lot of talk lately about what is and is not “UFC caliber” and I agree that this Saturday night did not meet my typical expectations of a UFC production. Part of this was the format and style through which they presented it with the commercials, interviews, previews, and a hundred other points that stretched an otherwise reasonable broadcast into an extended infomercial with fights in between. The other part was my expectations for TUF competitor’s skill level was too high.

With the UFC reaching out into more shallow divisions (let’s not pretend that the flyweight, bantamweight, or women’s bantamweight division are all that deep; it’s not for lack of skill [mostly] but rather just not enough competitors yet) and using TUF to ‘discover’ talent, we end up with a largely lower-level cast than the early days when TUF found the best of the best. The problem is not with TUF, in my opinion, but in a failure from us, the fans, to realize that the purpose of The Ultimate Fighter has changed.
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A rough weekend behind her, UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey performed some masterful damage control Monday night appearing on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. Rousey was slammed this weekend by media and fans alike for her cringeworthy interviews alongside rival Miesha Tate following Saturday night’s Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale broadcast. Overshadowing much of the night’s action, her curt responses to basic questions mixed with open hostility towards Tate made Rousey appear as if she’d prefer to be anywhere else. As if you needed any more of a clue she didn’t want to there, she told the interviewers.

To her credit, Rousey brought her A game to late night. While most of her prescribed anecdotes were covered on a 2011 podcast with Joe Rogan, Rousey was holding court over the sea of midwestern tourists by the segment’s midpoint. Between tales of a wacky mom and beating up rude strangers at the movies, you’d hardly believe you were watching the same person. More importantly for the UFC, it instills faith that her behavior this weekend wasn’t a preview of things to come.

Often compared to her controversial cohorts in the Diaz brothers, Saturday night perfectly illustrated why being dysfunctional doesn’t mean not playing ball. Fans were enamored with headliner Nate Diaz‘ post-fight interview with commentator Jon Anik, hanging on every jumbled exclamation. Diaz left hardcores wanting more while creating fans out of casual viewers. Rousey likely did neither Saturday night. On an evening meant to capstone a significant step forward for women’s MMA, Rousey remarked she hadn’t bothered to watch a minute of the season. While saying she was glad these female fighters were given a platform, it seemed hollow given she’d all but avoided watching it herself, making it more about her.

The title bout with Miesha Tate at December’s UFC 168 will certainly weigh heavy, but it’s these such instances that go a long way in the battle for hearts and minds. Not everyone is given the benefit of crafting their legacy solely inside the cage, just ask Jon Jones. Unless Rousey intends on being a ‘real’ career heal, she should continue to show us all how affable and charming she is.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

It’s Tuesday, so make sure to check out the MMA Hour featuring former UFC fighter Brian Melancon, Luke Barnatt, Paul Daley, Invicta FC president Shannon Knapp, Miriam Nakamoto, Forrest Griffin and the legendary “Judo” Gene LeBell.

To be a judge. UFC hall of famer Forrest Griffin believes former fighters would be too biased to judge MMA contests. “I don’t care who you are. Me and Matt Hughes are not going to see eye-to-eye if a kickboxer fights a wrestler.”

Fortunes change for five. Dave Meltzer tells us where Nate Diaz, Gray Maynard and even Ronda Rousey go from here following Saturday’s UFC event.

Signal to noise. Luke Thomas details the best and worst of all that was the TUF 18 Finale.

Not sorry. Dana White refutes claims he called Georges St-Pierre to apologize for his post-fight comments at UFC 167. “I had heard that, but no, that’s not true. I have not watched the fight yet. I still haven’t watched the fight.”

Going global. The UFC has plans for a new online prescription service to broadcast more events in 2014.

MEDIA STEW

UFC on FOX 9: Road to the Octagon.

Great mini doc on ‘Judo’ Gene LeBell.

Also, catch LeBell on Rogan’s latest podcast.

Paul Daley Prepares for BAMMA 14.

Inside MMA’s Prime Cuts 2013.

Bruce Buffer with a great take on doing media.

Action from Rage in the Cage 3:

Fox Hackett vs. Ollie Morris. (skip to 2:00 for start, 8:00 for finish)

Jim Ratcliffe vs. Dan Stoddard.

Danny Cullen vs. Ross Jones.

Craig Young vs. Dom McDermott (11:30 for finish)

Kendale Young vs. Brandon Grimmett.

(via r/MMA)

TWEETS

Very coy.

Sometimes you just can’t let your ego get in the way.

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) December 3, 2013

Green?

About to get a cast on my left hand. Went into the fight with it bothering me and now it’s def broke! Color suggestions? @ufc

— Ryan Benoit (@BabyfaceBenoit) December 3, 2013

Rumored to be fighting Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 170 but I’d watch.

I like this fight, I want this fight, let’s go Gilbert-let’s do it👊💂 http://t.co/DDpAlLUaXX

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) December 2, 2013

Get well soon.

Pain is temporary, anesthetics lasts for a little while. Nose fix, one of the most uncomfortable and painful things pic.twitter.com/kCfYZK81Am

— Akira Corassani (@AkiraCorassani) December 2, 2013

Before the rubber match?

In a few months I’ll get a chance to smash either Michael Chandler or Eddie Alvarez and take the belt @BellatorMMA

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) December 3, 2013

Sorry to hear.

I really feel like I am fighting some personal demons right now .. ;( just don’t feel like me … #confused

— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) December 2, 2013

One day I’ll tell my story.Maybe it will be easier to understand why this is so hard.Fighting is all I have ever known emotional/physically

— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) December 2, 2013

Tate on the mic.

So excited! “@InvictaFights: There you are, our announcing team for Invicta FC 7: @MieshaTate @SchiavelloVOICE @KingMoFH“

— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) December 2, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Dec. 2 2013)

Gesias Cavalcante vs. Justin Gaethje at WSOF 8

Cody Bollinger vs. Tyson Nam at WSOF 8

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Diehard-mmafan.

If you’re going to retire, please, just give us one more fight George

By Diehard-mmafanCan you imagine what it would of been like if Anderson Silva would of retired before having his re-match with Chael Sonnen at UFC 148? or how about if Frankie Edgar retired from the sport without having a re-match with Gray Maynard after their fight went to a draw? What if Jon Jones opts to move to heavyweight before ever having a re-match with Alexander Gustaffson

How would these career decisions affect how these fighters are remembered if these fighters had took the route I just mentioned above? My hypothesis is, not very well.

Johnny Hendricks did what seemed impossible. Ever since George St. Pierre took back the belt from Matt Serra, George had looked unstoppable. Most opponents that George has faced weren’t even able to win one round in their fights with George (with the exeption of Shields and Condit). Nobody has looked that good against George St. Pierre during his dominant title reign. NOBODY

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