Matthew Roth | UFC Betting Sites - The Best MMA Online Bookies

Mike Swick Talks About 909 Days of Depression Before Octagon Return

Mike Swick is a man who has seen some very high highs and some very low lows. Swick appeared to have almost limitless potential and was once one of the most promising prospects in the UFC’s middleweight divisionA series of first-round knockouts earned …

A series of first-round knockouts earned him the nickname “Quick” and a future title shot seemed all but certain.

But then the injuries started to pile up.

Swick got injured so much that UFC President Dana White gave him another nickname: Mr. Glass. For a while it seemed like he would be just another fighter whose career was cut short due to injuries.

He finally made his Octagon return at UFC on Fox 4 in Los Angeles this past summer after a two-and-a-half-year layoff. The reception he received from the crowd made it quite clear that fans had never turned their backs on him:

“It was overwhelming. It was kind of an outer body experience. You think about something for 910 days and you hope that you see the crowd from the top of the cage in victory and you want to win by knockout on a level like this with Fox and the viewership,” Swick told Bleacher Report. “So for it to all pan out exactly like you dreamed, it’s surreal. It was definitely a great feeling.”

The two-and-a-half years leading up to the fight against DaMarques Johnson saw Swick face some of the darkest times of his life. It was the longest lay off of his career, and there were days when he believed that his MMA career could be over:

“I had the dark days. You don’t want to lose your career. You don’t want to give away your career and walk away from the sport that you love and have been a part of for so long. So the thought of that crushed that, absolutely. Thailand partially saved my life.”

So, the big question then is if he believes that he’s writing a new story or merely a new chapter in his existing story. It’s easy to focus on his time away from the fight game, but it allowed him to heal up. That may have extended his shelf life.

And in speaking with him, it’s pretty clear that he believes that he’s Mike Swick 2.0.

“I think I’m restarting my career. I feel healthier than ever. I think that this is going to be the fight that showcases the new me.”

*All quotes attained firsthand by Bleacher Report

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Benson Henderson Believes He Won’t Get Caught Up in Nate Diaz’ Trash Talk

Benson Henderson has been very fortunate in his UFC career. His last two fights have taken place in cities that he has both family in friends. At UFC on Fox 5 on Saturday at the KeyArena in Seattle, he’ll again have the hometown advantage as he enters …

Henderson spent most of his formative years in the greater Seattle area and the fan reception at the UFC on Fox 5 open workouts made it clear he’s the hometown hero.

“It’s funny how it’s worked out that way. It’s nothing on my part. I didn’t do anything but I think I’ve been blessed my entire life and it’s pretty cool to have my past three fights—pretty big fights—have been home field for me,” Henderson told Bleacher Report. “I try to take it all in stride. For this fight and for every fight, I just try and focus on myself and what I need to do. Most of my friends and family, all the ones that I care about and love, they understand that I’m busy. It’s not too bad.”

Following the build up to this fight, there has been a lot of support in favor of Diaz from other UFC fighters. In some respects it makes sense. Diaz always brings the fight and works for a finish every time out. While some viewed this as a criticism of Henderson, the UFC lightweight champion doesn’t feel disrespected.

“Just ’cause someone says something positive about one guy doesn’t necessarily mean they are talking crap about another guy. I think for some reason people take it that way but I don’t necessarily see it as that.”

He added, “but Diaz, both Nate and Nick, are fighter’s fighters. I’m a fan of Nick and Nate. The way they bring it? They’re awesome. If you talk to all of the UFC fighters on the entire roster and you take a poll of who their favorite fighter is, more than likely you’ll get Nick or Nate being mentioned just ’cause they love their fights.”

Fighting a Diaz presents its own challenges. Henderson had to prepare for those “punches in bunches” that Nick and Nate are known for as well as incredibly crafty jiu jitsu game. But most importantly, Henderson had to train for their unique style of trash talk.

In order to do this, he enlisted his training partners to talk trash in sparring sessions. Henderson admitted that at first he was caught off guard but believes that he has overcome any issues.

“All my training partners were talking crap to me. It was weird. I think I got prepared for it. We’re in the middle of sparring and they say it and then I have to work on staying calm and focused on my game plan.”

He went on to break down that it’s his belief that their trash talk has given them an advantage over past opponents. He cited Nick’s fight against Carlos Condit as the sole case of an opponent not getting caught up in worrying what the Diaz brothers say in the cage.

“Against the Diaz brothers I think a majority of their opponents do that. Nine out of 10 do that. Only guy who hasn’t was Carlos Condit and you saw how that worked out.”

“But for some reason, in the middle of a fight, they say something and people get all mad and throw a flying knee from five feet away. Why would you do that? Then they’re good enough to capitalize on that. My goal is to keep doing my game plan and not getting caught in that game.”

*All quotes attained first hand by Bleacher Report

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Dana White Talks Shane Carwin’s Future and Relationship with Stephan Bonnar

Following the UFC on Fox 5 pre-fight press conference, Dana White spoke with attending media about a wide variety of topics. While most of the focus was on Ronda Rousey and this weekend’s event, there were some notable tidbits about the current happeni…

For those that were not aware, Shane Carwin was forced to pull out his fight with Roy Nelson at The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale in Las Vegas after suffering a knee injury. They coached opposite of one another on the current season of The Ultimate Fighter on FX.

The 37-year-old heavyweight was already coming off an extended layoff due to back surgery that kept him out of action for over a year. The latest injury will keep him on the shelf even longer as he attempts to repair his body for one last run.

The UFC president isn’t too sure that the former UFC interim heavyweight champion can bounce back from such an injury.

“I dunno, man. I just talked to him the other day. He’s so depressed. He’s completely bummed out and depressed and I feel bad for the guy. It’s tough to bounce back,” White told Bleacher Report. “Especially cause he’s not getting any younger and having a major injury like that, it’s tough to bounce back from.”

Judging from his words and mannerisms, White doesn’t see an Octagon return as likely for Carwin, as his body just doesn’t seem to be holding up under the rigors of intense training.

The conversation then switched to Stephan Bonnar, who tested positive for Drostanolone following his UFC 153 bout against Anderson Silva. Bonnar stepped up on short notice to face Silva in order to save the Brazilian event, which suffered numerous injuries at the top of the card.

It was Bonnar‘s retirement fight and the second time that he’s tested positive for a banned substance during his UFC career. While it’s apparent that White is mad that Bonnar was using a performance-enhancing drug (PED), it’s pretty clear that the light heavyweight will always have a home in the UFC.

“I have not talked to Bonnar yet. I’m still mad at Bonnar. I’m mad. I’m mad at him. I don’t hate him. It’s not like I’ll never have a relationship with Stephan Bonnar again. He’ll always be with the UFC. His fight with Forrest, we’re all here because of that. But I’m mad at him. He should have told me.”

All quotes attained by Bleacher Report firsthand.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Rory MacDonald: ‘I’m Fighting to Hurt Him. Not for Someone’s Opinion’

Rory MacDonald’s demeanor at the UFC on Fox 5 open workouts could best be described as stoic. His face was of a man whose entire focus was on his opponent, BJ Penn. Fight! Magazine’s Chuck Mendenhall said it was “American Psycho suave” in a recent…

MacDonald was definitely focused on Penn as he spoke with attending MMA media in a press scrum. It’s easy for a young fighter to get caught up in the legacy of a fighter such as Penn, but MacDonald isn’t focused on the legend; he’s focused on the man.

“He goes down in history for sure. It doesn’t make a difference for what’s going to happen. Status is just that. It’s temporary in this world, in this sport,” MacDonald told Bleacher Report. “I’m focused on beating the person, not the status. It doesn’t play a role in fighting, so why focus on it?”

The 23-year-old fighter has been training for this day since he was 14. In fact, he knew that this is what he wanted to do after his very first MMA class.

“I was 14 in my first MMA class. I pretty much knew this is what I would strive for in my life. I didn’t really need support at the time. I found strength in myself to do it.” He added, “it’s consumed my life, to be the best martial artist. It’s who I am. It’s always on my mind. I’m living my life the way I want.”

“It was just a moment when you feel like that’s what you want to do with your life.”

MacDonald’s opponent was adamant in the lead up to the fight that they needed to undergo outside VADA testing for their fight. Some thought that it could take MacDonald’s focus away from the fight, but he doesn’t believe that it had any impact on his training or mindset.

“It wasn’t a distraction, it was just annoying to be woken up and have a needle poked in your arm. Having to piss in front of somebody. It was something I didn’t enjoy. It was not a distraction from my training or what the task at hand is.”

He continued, “it was just a nuisance. It wasn’t a huge deal to me. It didn’t make that big of an impact. We got it done. We proved that we are clean fighters. It is what it is.”

After viewing the latest Fox special The Road to the Octagon, MacDonald is all but certain that Penn may not be entirely dedicated to their fight. Penn was seen in high spirits about his Octagon return.

“I think he’s fighting for the wrong reasons and it’s going to get him hurt. He’s fighting for his status. It’s something that isn’t real. He wants to change people’s opinions. He doesn’t realized that those aren’t real.”

“I’m fighting to hurt him. Not for someone’s opinion.”

*All quotes attained first hand by Bleacher Report

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

BJ Penn Holds Court at the UFC on Fox 5 Open Workouts

“BJ Penn still holds court, right?”As fans cheered for Penn as he took to the grappling mats, it was apparent that Penn is still as big a name as ever. It makes sense. Penn is considered by all to be a legend in MMA. However, his legacy has recently be…

“BJ Penn still holds court, right?”

As fans cheered for Penn as he took to the grappling mats, it was apparent that Penn is still as big a name as ever. It makes sense. Penn is considered by all to be a legend in MMA. However, his legacy has recently been called into question by Rory MacDonald, his UFC on Fox 5 opponent.

MacDonald is the young phenom in the welterweight division, and the heir apparent to Georges St-Pierre’s welterweight title. At the UFC on Fox 5 media scrum, MacDonald had some choice words regarding Penn’s legacy and legendary status.

“He’s like me before. That’s what I would say. I would say what he said. ‘Oh he’s fighting to be remembered, I’m fighting to hurt him.’ That sounds like BJ Penn a couple years ago,” said Penn.

“I think he’s a good fighter. He’s very well-rounded ground and standup. Great coaches. That said, I think it will make for an exciting night for the fans.”

The fight between the two welterweights is unique as the fighters agreed to outside testing from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). Penn has always been outspoken when it comes to drug testing and keeping the sport clean. However, he was very honest when he stated his reasoning for wanting VADA testing for the bout with MacDonald.

“I can sit here and tell you a bunch of BS about how I’m trying to clean up the sport but it’s just to me. I’m just trying to save myself and keep myself healthy.”

After months away from the sport, some were surprised that Penn chose to return to the cage. Penn’s decision to fight at welterweight raised some eyebrows as he’s found the most success at lightweight.

“I walked away not just because of the Nick Diaz fight but because of the last five fights. I had one win, three losses, and a draw. I was like ‘Where’s this going? What’s the point?’ But as I sat at home to train and do other things, I’m fine. I do well with everybody. Why not step back in?”

“I’m almost 34 now. I don’ t see the point of eating chicken salad and training for six hours off of that. I always thought and I always knew that if I prepared myself properly at 170 pounds that I could do well at 170 pounds.”

He added, “I’ve never walked into the ring and had a guy wipe me right out. It’s never ever happened. If I give a little extra, if I do it properly, I feel like I can be a force in the division.”

Penn faces Rory MacDonald on the main card of UFC on Fox 5 at the KeyArena in Seattle on September 8.

*All quotes attained by Bleacher Report at the UFC Open Workouts.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Georges St-Pierre vs. Anderson Silva and the Most Anticipated Superfights in MMA

Superfights. Discussing them seems to be all the rage these days. Some times they are meant to answer the greatest hypothetical question in combat sports: who is the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world? At other times, it’s because there are …

Superfights. Discussing them seems to be all the rage these days.

Some times they are meant to answer the greatest hypothetical question in combat sports: who is the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world? At other times, it’s because there are multiple fighters who have a legitimate claim to being the top dog in the weight class.

Historically, they rarely come to fruition such as the Randy Couture vs. Fedor Emelianenko bout that seemed possible for a moment but ultimately failed to come together. If they do end up happening, it’s often years too late when fighters are outside of their primes like Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva.

Recently, all we’ve heard about is how Jon Jones will face Anderson Silva or how Silva would enter the cage against Georges St-Pierre. Thus far, none of these possible fights have become a reality but they seem closer than ever.

St-Pierre vs. Silva talks have cooled a bit after the welterweight champ was hesitant when given the microphone in his UFC 154 post-fight interview. St-Pierre didn’t directly balk but he definitely didn’t want to commit right away.

With Strikeforce closing up shop in 2013 and fighters such as Ronda Rousey and Gilbert Melendez set to make their UFC debuts, let’s take a look at the possible superfights in the UFC.

Begin Slideshow