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Yoshihiro Akiyama Clarifies Recent Comments About Chris Leben

You may recall last week hearing the sobs of Wanderlei Silva fans around the world, as word came down that “The Axe Murderer” would not fight at UFC 116, due to multiple injuries. It was a tough couple of days, no doubt, but we got through it… together. Now the man that Silva was supposed to […]

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You may recall last week hearing the sobs of Wanderlei Silva fans around the world, as word came down that “The Axe Murderer” would not fight at UFC 116, due to multiple injuries. It was a tough couple of days, no doubt, but we got through it… together. Now the man that Silva was supposed to fight, Yoshihiro Akiyama, was in fact truly devastated that he would not fight the former Pride champion this Saturday. When informed he would fight Chris Leben instead of Wandy, Akiyama’s reaction was rather similar to when we’re told last call is over- not good. The renowned judo competitor stated Leben wasn’t “a big name,” and that further, a no show for UFC 116 might just be in the cards (yeah- that would have gone over real well…) .

Of course, thankfully, Akiyama made the trip overseas and is set to fight Leben tomorrow night, and in the meantime, the Japanese middleweight has apparently been doing a little bit of damage control. Talking to MMA Junkie this week, Akiyama tried to clarify his recent comments, that probably didn’t score many points with Leben and his supporters.

“I’m very familiar with Chris’ popularity in the States, but compared to Wanderlei overseas, he’s a much bigger name in Korea and Japan,” Akiyama said through an interpreter. “For me, to improve the popularity of MMA in Japan is one of my goals as well.”

It also sounds like all is well between Dana White and Akiyama, as the UFC Prez was quoted saying “I understood,” in regards to “Sexyama’s” bitter disappointment that he’s no longer fighting Silva. Should be a good bout regardless. To bet on the tilt head here.

Dana White Insists Chuck Liddell Will Never Fight in the UFC Again

After Rich Franklin wrapped up Chuck Liddell’s night with a nicely timed right hand at UFC 115, handing “The Iceman” his third straight KO loss, Dana White was quick to announce that the legendary fighter would never fight in the Octagon again. Of course, since then, you’ve probably noticed a bazillion online articles pointing out the fact […]

After Rich Franklin wrapped up Chuck Liddell’s night with a nicely timed right hand at UFC 115, handing “The Iceman” his third straight KO loss, Dana White was quick to announce that the legendary fighter would never fight in the Octagon again. Of course, since then, you’ve probably noticed a bazillion online articles pointing out the fact that the UFC boss man said the same thing last year, after Chuck was bombed out by “Shogun” Rua.

What has also been rather deja-vu-ish is that, just like after Chuck’s loss last year, the former champ hasn’t actually, you know, agreed to retire. In fact, in some of his most recent interviews the 40 year-old Liddell has sounded much more like a guy that is hoping to fight again, rather than hang em-up. Well, after the UFC 116 presser today, White fielded several questions about Liddell and his future in the organization (thanks to MMA Weekly for the quote).

“Can Chuck Liddell still make money? Could I make money off Chuck Liddell? Yes,” White said, before declaring, “I don’t want that money. I don’t want to make that kind of money. I’m not interested in that”…“He’ll never fight in the UFC again.”

In addition, when asked if he would release Liddell provided ”The Iceman” insisted so that he could fight again elsewhere, White conceded he would. Now that’s some pretty definitive sounding stuff no?

Report: “Rampage” Jackson vs. Rogerio Nogueira Possible for UFC 119 / 120

After “Rampage” Jackson failed to beat Rashad Evan’s ass at UFC 114, as he had continually insisted he would do, speculation immediately kicked in as to who the former champ would face next. UFC President Dana White was quoted saying that Lyoto Machida was a possibility, while Jackson called for a rematch with Forrest Griffin, […]

After “Rampage” Jackson failed to beat Rashad Evan’s ass at UFC 114, as he had continually insisted he would do, speculation immediately kicked in as to who the former champ would face next. UFC President Dana White was quoted saying that Lyoto Machida was a possibility, while Jackson called for a rematch with Forrest Griffin, who, like Evans, has defeated the 21st Century version of B.A. Baracus by Unanimous Decision.

Well, according to a report this afternoon from MMA Junkie, Jackson’s next fight will likely be against Antonio Rogerio “Minotoro” Nogueira, and neither Griffin or Machida. The story cites “sources close to the competitors”, who have reportedly told the outlet that verbal agreements are in place for the fight, which could take place at UFC 119, 120 or even 121 (if you can even follow the numbering thing anymore). The report goes on to say that UFC 119 is scheduled for September 25^th in Indianapolis, 120 for October 16^th in London, while plans for UFC 121 are still in the works.

So, what’s our take on this (even if you didn’t ask)? Well, although a lot of folks thought “Lil Nog” should not have been awarded that Split Decision victory over Jason Brilz in May, just ask Luis Cane, Dan Henderson or Alistair Overeem, if Nogueira is a top light-heavyweight. In other words, like 90% of fights featuring a Nogueira twin, it should be damn good. There’s no doubt a fight between Rampage and either Machida or Griffin would likely be more of a “box office draw,” (as main stream fans haven’t seen a lot of Lil Nog yet) but hell, this will work no?

Dana White Admits James Toney vs. Randy Couture a “Freak Show”

When Dana White decided to sign James Toney to a UFC contract, there were a few MMA pundits of the ‘purist’ mentality that didn’t care for the deal. After all, White had always maintained that he would never get lulled into such a fight, one of the ‘freak show’ variety, where a dude with next […]

When Dana White decided to sign James Toney to a UFC contract, there were a few MMA pundits of the ‘purist’ mentality that didn’t care for the deal. After all, White had always maintained that he would never get lulled into such a fight, one of the ‘freak show’ variety, where a dude with next to no MMA training comes in only to get drubbed (see Don Caras Jr. vs. Mirko “Cro Cop”- yes “Junior’s” wearing a wrestler’s mask but the bout, particularly the finish, is very, very, real…)

While Toney has been talking a big game and fake dialling 911, it was interesting to see WBO Heavyweight Champion David Haye say this week that “the wrestling aspect (in MMA) ruins your punching power” and that Toney is “delusional” for thinking he’ll beat Randy Couture. When Dana White was asked to comment on Haye’s comments while conducting an interview on 106.7 The Fan, he stated (thanks to Bloody Elbow):

“He is very right. It’s a freak show. I said I’d never put on a freak show fight and I’m doing it. Listen, this guy [Toney] chased me around the country saying bad things about the sport. If he wants to get his ass whooped, I’m gonna let him.”… “Here’s what I expect; the bell rings, they come to the center of the Octagon, circle each other for a little bit, Randy double legs him, puts him against the fence, squashes his head and the fight is over.”

White went on to say that Toney has a puncher’s chance, and could catch Couture, “God forbid.” Yes. That wouldn’t be good. To read more of the interview head here.

Report: Alistair Overeem vs. Ricco Rodriguez Unlikely for Dream 15?

Earlier today a few eyebrows likely were raised when it was reported by MMA Junkie, that sources had informed the outlet, that Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem would fight Ricco Rodriguez, at Dream 15 on July 10th. Why may have a few people spit out their early morning brew (ok, maybe it wasn’t that shocking)? […]

Earlier today a few eyebrows likely were raised when it was reported by MMA Junkie, that sources had informed the outlet, that Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem would fight Ricco Rodriguez, at Dream 15 on July 10^th. Why may have a few people spit out their early morning brew (ok, maybe it wasn’t that shocking)? Well, most of the talk surrounding Overeem lately has been tied to a certain Mr. Fedor Emelianenko and a certain Mr. Fabricio Werdum, and not former UFC champ Ricco Rodriguez, who hasn’t fought under big-major-promotion lights for some time.

In an updated report from MMA Fighting this afternoon, however, a source close to Overeem has apparently told the site that there is a “90% chance” the fight is not happening. The story also cites a report on Mauro Ranallo’s “The Fight Show”, where apparently Overeem’s trainer Martijn de Jong, denied the Dutchman is set to fight Rodriguez. On the other hand, sources from Dream and the camp of Rodriguez are saying that each man has verbally agreed to the fight. So WTF right? Guess we’ll wait and see what happens.

So why does any of this matter? Well, if you’re new to the sport you may only recognize Rodriguez from a stint on Celebrity Rehab, but there was a time when the veteran was a top ranked heavyweight. Although Ricco appears to have got things back in order, lost a ton of weight , and won 7 straight, a win over Overeem would certainly blow the minds of a lot of people…

Rogerio Noguiera Says Anderson Silva is Going to Kick Chael Sonnen’s “Ass”

It kind of seems like it’s been a little quieter on the Chael Sonnen front lately (or other matters are grabbing headlines) which may or may not have anything to do with the outspoken wrestler’s recent on and off again relationship with a certain Twitter account. Now, all that said, it wasn’t too long ago […]

It kind of seems like it’s been a little quieter on the Chael Sonnen front lately (or other matters are grabbing headlines) which may or may not have anything to do with the outspoken wrestler’s recent on and off again relationship with a certain Twitter account. Now, all that said, it wasn’t too long ago that the Team Quest fighter tossed one of his infamous ‘Sonnens’ in the direction of the renowned Nogueira brothers, who of course, awarded Anderson Silva his black belt in BJJ. You may recall Sonnen didn’t think Silva’s affiliation with Antonio Rodrigo and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira was such a big deal, stating “One is a punching bag and the other I just ignore.” Now don’t hold anything back Chael…

Yes, it takes some serious bollocks to make such a statement; Nog is right up there on the all time greats and “Lil Nog” is likely a title threat at 205. In a recent interview with Tatame Magazine, Rogerio was asked for his thoughts on the upcoming Sonnen / Silva; anyone surprised by this answer?

“It’s the way he found to bring Anderson to wherever he wants. He’s provoking Anderson to see if he bits the bait, lose his head and goes for the knockout. Anderson will kick his ass. He doesn’t have a ground game… He was submitted by Jeremy Horn and by Paulão… He won (on a fight against Nate Marquardt) because the guy ran out of gas, otherwise he’d get that guillotine.”

Yup; it’s only going to get more interesting as August 7^th draws near….to bet on the fight head here.