Author: Gary Herman

UFC 132: Andre Winner Talks About Fighting with Two Straight Losses

If Andre Winner had the chance to do it all again, he would.Many fighters after leaving the Ultimate Fighter house claim they would not go back. Winner is not one of them. His time on Series 9 of the reality show was a great benefit to him.Without it, …

If Andre Winner had the chance to do it all again, he would.

Many fighters after leaving the Ultimate Fighter house claim they would not go back. Winner is not one of them. His time on Series 9 of the reality show was a great benefit to him.

Without it, Winner would be a professional—just not a professional fighter.

“I was at a crossroads in my career” Winner said about being selected for the Ultimate Fighter. “I wasn’t really making enough money. It may have been get a job and give up this fighting thing.”

Fortunately, he was given a chance to appear on the reality show.

“It was awesome being on the Ultimate Fighter,” Winner said. “I’d do it again at the drop of a hat. I had a lot of friends there. I got along with nearly everybody.”

One person Winner especially bonded with was his coach on Team United Kingdom, UFC-villain Michael Bisping.

“I think Mike is a great guy, but he comes off the wrong way,” Winner said. “I think he kind of thrives on that though. He likes being the bad guy. He’s a real good coach. He was always there for us.”

As for the opposing coach, MMA legend Dan Henderson, Winner never had a chance to say hello. The format of the show kept the teams completely apart.

“I didn’t get any chance to work with Dan, but it would have been a great opportunity,” Winner said.

What many people do not know is that Season 9 was truly the last shot in the UFC for Winner. He applied for an earlier season but was rejected.

“I found out about the seventh season with late notice,” Winner said of the season coached by Forrest Griffin and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. “My management told me I should try. I made a video in a last ditch attempt, but it wasn’t very good.”

“It didn’t discourage me. I knew I put in the video late. I knew it wasn’t very good.”

Winner made the most of his second opportunity, and he was selected for Season 9.  He made it all the way to the finals where he lost to fellow countryman, Ross Pearson.

However, since transitioning to the UFC, things have not gone as smoothly. Winner has a 2-3 record (11-5-1 overall) and he has lost his last two fights.

For most fighters, losing three straight fights in the UFC almost definitely means it’s time to look for a new promotion to fight for. Winner understands the predicament he is in.

“Obviously, I’m aware of it (two straight losses),” Winner said, “but I go out there to win every fight equally.”

The man between Winner and an extended stay in the world’s top MMA organization is another noted striker in Anthony Njokuani. The two are set to square off at UFC 132 on Saturday, July 2.

Winner is not going to prepare any differently.

“Every fight is my most important fight,” Winner said. “There’s no secret to what we both like to do. He’s a striker. I like to strike.”

In nine Zuffa-promoted fights, Njokuani has taken home four award bonuses—three have been for knockout of the night, and one was for fight of the night.

The idea of picking up some extra cash in the bout certainly adds to Winner’s motivation.

“Most definitely,” Winner said, when asked if fighting Njokuani has added interest. “I know he’s going to go out there and bring it. It makes it a lot more appealing for me.”

As for who will take home the victory in Winner’s must-win bout, Winner believes it will be him.

“It will be an exciting fight. I’m looking to stop him. I’m looking for the KO.”

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UFC Notebook: Comments from Scott Coker, Nick Diaz & Matt Mitrione on Tito Ortiz

Nick Diaz to Pass on Boxing Recently, Nick Diaz and his manager, Cesar Gracie, have publicly campaigned for a professional boxing match. First, they called out Fernando Vargas. Then, when that did not materialize, they turned their attention to Jeff La…

Nick Diaz to Pass on Boxing

Recently, Nick Diaz and his manager, Cesar Gracie, have publicly campaigned for a professional boxing match.

First, they called out Fernando Vargas. Then, when that did not materialize, they turned their attention to Jeff Lacy. Lacy picked up on the story and accepted the challenge.

Not so fast, according to Strikeforce President Scott Coker.

“I believe that’s been worked out,” Coker said in regards to Diaz attempting to box. “I think that he should be fighting in MMA.”

As for when the enigmatic welterweight champion will step back in the cage, Coker was not exactly sure.

“We traditionally fight Nick three times a year,” Coker said, “and he’s already fought twice. We’ll probably fight him again before the end of the year.”

 

Las Vegas Challengers

Strikeforce’s prospect show will be moving to a new, permanent home.

Since May 2009, the series has moved from location to location with most of the cards originating from Northern California. Now, following the June 24 show in Kent, Wash., all Strikeforce Challengers shows will take place in Las Vegas at the Palms Casino.

Coker explained how the change came about.

“Previously, we couldn’t come to Vegas for obvious reasons,” the Strikeforce CEO said, noting the UFC’s presence in the city, “and the Palms always wanted more fights.”

The first show at the new home will be on July 22 and will feature the third match-up between Roger Bowling and Bobby Voelker.

Bowling won the first bout by technical decision when he could not continue after an eye poke from Voelker, and Voelker rebounded to win the second contest by TKO.

 

Mitrione on Ortiz

At the recent UFC fighter summit in Las Vegas, Matt Mitrione nearly got into a physical confrontation with former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz.

The problem arose due to disparaging comments Mitrione made about Ortiz and his famous wife, Jenna Jameson.

Mitrione is still not letting up on the former champion.

“Who’s that?” Mitrione said, when asked if the disagreement was over. “Oh, I thought he retired already. I didn’t know he was still fighting.”

Batista to MMA?

With the massive pay-per-view success of former World Wrestling Entertainment champion Brock Lesnar, other professional wrestlers have entertained the idea of crossing over to MMA.

Last year, Dave Batista began training at the Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Pleasant Hill, Calif. Publicly, Batista stated that he was negotiating to fight with Strikeforce.

While many were skeptical that Batista would attempt the transition, Coker confirmed that he was negotiating with the former WWE star.

“Absolutely,” Coker said, when asked if he thought Batista was serious about fighting. 

“I just haven’t hooked up with him recently, but we’ll have a chat together at some point.”

 

Next Featherweight Contender

All the recent talk about who Jose Aldo will fight next has revolved around Chad Mendes and Kenny Florian.

Florian, who will be making his featherweight debut at UFC 131 against Diego Nunes, is not the only former UFC lightweight switching down to the lighter weight class.

Tyson Griffin will also be making his debut at 145 lbs. He is set to take on former featherweight title challenger Manny Gamburyan at UFC Live: Marquardt vs. Johnson on June 26.

“I think he’s a tough guy. He’s very well rounded,” Griffin said about Gamburyan.

As for the lower weight class, the twelve time (7-5 record) veteran is prepared.

“I’m moving down in weight, but it’s not my first time fighting down there,” Griffin said. “I know a lot more about diet and nutrition, now so it should be easy.”

Back in 2004, Griffin dropped to 145 pounds and defeated former WEC champion Urijah Faber.

With his name recognition, Griffin may have a chance to make an immediate impact in the division.

“If it puts me in line, that would be awesome,” Griffin said about potentially facing Aldo.

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UFC 130 Notebook: Rampage on Jones, Fedor vs. Henderson, Herschel Walker & More

Rampage vs. Jones With his win over Matt Hamill in the main event of UFC 130, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has seemingly put himself in line for another chance to hold the UFC light heavyweight belt. The problem, however, is that Jackson has a…

Rampage vs. Jones

With his win over Matt Hamill in the main event of UFC 130, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has seemingly put himself in line for another chance to hold the UFC light heavyweight belt.

The problem, however, is that Jackson has an injured right hand.

“He’s one of the top two or three in the world,” UFC President Dana White said about Jackson. “If Rampage is ok, it will be with (Jon) Jones. We have to get Rampage looked at by a doctor.”

The former champion said the injury occurred late last year.

“I didn’t want to tell nobody about it,” Jackson said. “I hurt my hand in Japan in December drinking and messing around on a friend. The doctor said it was fractured, but I said “kiss my *ss, I’m fighting.”

Should Jackson not be able to make the fight, White has a back-up plan.

“If Rampage can’t go, we’d either do Machida since he’s ready to go or have Jones wait for Rashad (Evans),” White said. “Rashad is 100% sure he’s going to win this fight (against Phil Davis), and he wants to turn right around and fight Jones.”

Over the past few years, Evans and Jackson have had their issues with one another. The two are still not the best of friends.

“No, not at all,” Jackson said, when asked if he was surprised about the issues between Evans and Jones. “I figure anyone that knows Rashad is gonna have a feud.”

Fedor vs. Henderson is official

The long discussed attraction pitting two of the most accomplished MMA fighters in history is finally set to take place.

Former Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko will take on Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson. Henderson is also the former Pride middleweight and light heavyweight champion.

The bout will take place July 30th on Showtime. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed that the match-up would be fought at a catchweight of 220 lbs.

“Dan told me, ‘I’ll fight him at any weight. I’ve always wanted to fight him. I think I can beat him,’” Coker said. “Then, the managers get involved, and they set the weight.”

After Emelianenko lost to Antonio “Big Foot” Silva, there was discussion that Emelianenko should drop to light heavyweight. Coker never had those talks with M-1.

“We didn’t ask him that (to drop to 205),” Coker said. “Fedor’s a heavyweight. They (Fedor’s management) made that clear to me.”

The non-title affair will emanate from the Sears Center in Chicago, IL.

Big Country could need a new home

UFC President Dana White was very disappointed in the performance of heavyweight Roy Nelson in his decision loss to Frank Mir.

“I thought Roy looked terrible tonight,” White said. “I thought it was embarrassing. It was a sloppy, ugly heavyweight fight.”

When asked if Nelson was finished with the company, White was very non-committal.

“I don’t know,” White said. “I have a meeting with Roy next Friday, and we’ll see what happens. I am not happy with the performance.”

The Next Story

After taking a close decision win victory over highly ranked Thiago Alves, Ricky Story wasted little time calling out his next opponent.

“Me and my coach Pat White were discussing this,” Story said, “and the guy we want is Jon Fitch – since he should be next in line.”

Story believes he would fare well against the perennial top contender.

“I think that fight would be a good fight,” Story said. “My former teammate Mike Pierce had a close fight with him. I have all the confidence in the world going into that fight.”

“I think it should be like this one with Thiago Alves.”

In the build-up to the Alves fight, Story became well-known to the entire UFC audience. He was one of the feature fighters on the UFC 130 countdown show.

“I think the countdown show was pretty awesome,” Story said, “I didn’t expect to get that much time. That’s the point they were trying to drive home-that I belong in the fight.”

White believes the hype.

“I really like this kid,” White said. “He fought a great fight.”

Strikeforce television update

Recently, the UFC has expanded coverage of its live fights by broadcasting preliminary fights on both Spike TV and Facebook.

Now, Strikeforce is following in UFC’s path. The preliminary fights from the June 18 show will be shown live on HDNet.

The broadcast will feature two top contender battles in the lightweight division. In one fight KJ Noons will take on Jorge Masvidal, and in the other fight, Justin Wilcox will take on Gesias (J.Z.) Calvacante.

“After those fights, the deck gets reshuffled,” Coker said, “and we’ll determine then who fights Gilbert Melendez.”

Along with the lightweight bouts, Strikeforce will also show three other undercard fights. In total, there will be five preliminary fights televised in the two-hour block.

Walker “itching” to return

Former NFL running back turned MMA fighter Herschel Walker has been inactive since a January 29 victory over Scott Carson.

At that time, Walker was non-committal about taking another bout.

Now, Strikeforce President Scott Coker believes Walker, at age 49, wants to get back into the cage.

“He doesn’t have a fight scheduled, but he’s getting the itch,” Coker said. “He’s quite an amazing athlete. We’ll do it when he’s ready.”

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US or UK? UK’s Tom Watson Prefers the United States for Ninja Rua Fight

To be at home or on the road? For British fighter Tom Watson, the answer is easy—even if the road takes him 5,000 miles away and to another country. The Bamma middleweight champion is currently in the United States at Jackson’s MMA in New M…

To be at home or on the road?

For British fighter Tom Watson, the answer is easy—even if the road takes him 5,000 miles away and to another country.

The Bamma middleweight champion is currently in the United States at Jackson’s MMA in New Mexico preparing for the biggest test of his career. He will be defending his title against former Pride veteran Murilo “Ninja” Rua. The bout will headline the Bamma 6 show on Saturday, May 21.

“Right now, England is not at the standard it needs to be at for me to train with top guys every single day,” Watson said. “There are some good guys over here, but in America, I get everything I need.”

“I spend more time in America now then in UK. All my training is done in the US. I’ve been to Jackson’s MMA now for four years.”

With a 13-4 record that includes seven knockouts and two submissions, Watson would seem to be a prime candidate for the UFC as well. Among the 13 victims are former UFC fighters Matt Horwich and Tulio Palhares.

Watson, however, is very pleased to be plying his trade with the upstart British organization.

“I don’t see a reason to go to the UFC right now if I can have big fights in the UK and build myself up,” Watson said. “As it stands right now, Bamma is bringing me in big fights.”

Watson is always looking to fight top guys, and he has never backed off from an opponent. In fact, he defeated Palhares very early in his career.

“I fought a UFC veteran in my second fight,” Watson said. “I don’t want easy fights. I understand why people would go out there and pad their record, but that’s not me.”

His desire to fight the best is what led to the upcoming matchup with Rua. Rua comes into the bout having won four of his last five fights, and two of his opponents did not make it out of the first minute.

The matchup against Rua is the first of his contract.

“I’ve signed a three-fight deal with Bamma,” Watson said. “I’ll take those three fights and see where I go from there.”

Should Watson eventually decide that he wants to make the move to the UFC, he already has one major fan in the promotion – former WEC light heavyweight champion, Brian Stann.

“I train with him everyday,” Stann said about Watson. “He is one of the most underrated middleweight fighters in the world. The fact that he is not in the top 10 or at least honorable mention will change soon.”

The former U.S. Marine believes the important career decision is Watson’s choice.

“He’ll be in the UFC whenever he wants to be in the UFC,” Stann said. “As exciting as his fights always are, the UFC would love to have him.”

Should Watson be victorious in the fight, he has sights set on some big things in his career.

“My long-term goal is to become No. 1 in my weight in the sport,” Watson said. “It’s not to be the No. 1 in England. It’s not to be the No. 1 in the UK. I want to be the No. 1 in the world.”

In order for Watson to get to that point, he’ll have to continue to improve. Working out at Jackson’s MMA has proven to be a great springboard for his career. Watson is 9-1 in his last 10 fights.

By continuing to work out in New Mexico, Watson has learned that Jackson’s MMA is reluctant to allow one teammate to fight another, but Watson is not sure he believes in that theory.

“It’s not a team sport,” Watson said. “If I’ve got a fight I need to take to get where I want to be, then yes, sure, I would take it.”

As for the budding rivalry between current teammate Jon Jones and former teammate Rashad Evans, Watson believes the fight has to happen.

“Jones is a titleholder. When it comes to a fight like that, sometimes you have to put the team aside and put yourself first.”

Watson will definitely be putting himself first when he takes on Rua. He believes they will have a very exciting matchup.

“It’s going to be a great fight for the fans,” Watson said about his championship defense. “It’s going to be explosive. It’s going to be a war, but I’m going to be taking my belt home that night.”

Fortunately, US fans will get the opportunity to see how exciting Watson is. The card will be available live on iPPV at Bamma.tv. The fights can also be seen in the United Kingdom on Sky/HD 114, Virgin TV 135 and TalkTalk 22.

 

Gary Herman is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand from Tom Watson.

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