Author: Mike Hodges

UFC 145: Will Jon Jones Pass the Psychological Test of Rashad Evans?

The fight between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans could possibly be the most intriguing UFC title fight of the year.What was once a strong bond has now become a bitter rivalry, which both of them will look to settle at UFC 145 on April 21.Jones and Evans we…

The fight between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans could possibly be the most intriguing UFC title fight of the year.

What was once a strong bond has now become a bitter rivalry, which both of them will look to settle at UFC 145 on April 21.

Jones and Evans were training partners and good friends at one time. And both were willing to avoid getting in the way of each other as they both rose through the light heavyweight division.

However, all that would change immediately as Evans would be removed out of the title picture, suffering an injury and allowing Jones to replace him.

Since then, Jones has begun his meteoric rise to the top of the 205-pound division, as well as making a strong case as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.  

Meanwhile, Evans has remained in the shadows and was forced to watch his former pupil steal the spotlight, while quietly affirming his stance as the No.1 contender. 

But since being out of action for an extended period of time, Evans has returned to top form and is in arguably the best shape of his career. 

While Jones has been dismantling the competition, Evans has sat back and observed the 24-year-old with great detail and every intention of defeating him and recapturing the title. The former UFC light heavyweight champion has stated his reasons for disliking Jones and has done everything possible to get inside his head. 

As far as skills, it’s doubtful Evans can match-up with Jones. However he compensates for it with his experience from training with the champion.

Their history is well-documented and is the biggest factor heading into their bout, which could very likely determine the winner. Jones is favored to retain the title, but he might have to do it facing some adversity as Evans presents himself as a formidable challenge and the one opponent who could finally test him. 

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Georges St-Pierre: ‘Road to Recovery’ Part 3

As Georges St-Pierre continues his rehabilitation, he has released another video of him preparing for his comeback.In the latest episode of “Road to Recovery,” the UFC Welterweight Champion is seen running on an anti-gravity treadmill, which he admitte…

As Georges St-Pierre continues his rehabilitation, he has released another video of him preparing for his comeback.

In the latest episode of “Road to Recovery,” the UFC Welterweight Champion is seen running on an anti-gravity treadmill, which he admitted it was his first time using. 

The champion wrote on his Twitter account earlier this week that it was the first time he had ran since the beginning of his rehab.

“Have you ever heard of an Anti-Gravity treadmill? This is the first time I’ve run in 4 months— feels pretty good!” he wrote. 

The anti-gravity treadmill was developed by NASA technology by using air pressure to lift up the runner and reduce weight on the joints.

The 30-year-old St-Pierre suffered an ACL injury that has kept him out of the Octagon since last April. He is expected to return at UFC 154 on November 17, where he will meet UFC interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit in a title unification bout. 

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Shogun Rua Wants to Coach TUF, Interested in Facing Lyoto Machida Again

Although his bout with Quntion “Rampage” Jackson is currently on hold, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is still interested in pursuing other matchups, including a third bout with Lyoto Machida. The two light heavyweights previously met at UFC 104 and UFC 11…

Although his bout with Quntion “Rampage” Jackson is currently on hold, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is still interested in pursuing other matchups, including a third bout with Lyoto Machida. The two light heavyweights previously met at UFC 104 and UFC 113, respectively.

Machida walked away with the controversial split-decision in their first meeting, while Rua would rebound and knock out “The Dragon” in their second encounter to win the UFC light heavyweight title.

Rua told Brazilian website Portal Vale Tudo (Translated via MMAMania.com) that he is willing to face Machida after a coaching stint opposite of the Japanese-Brazilian on “The Ultimate Fighter”. 

“Of course it is my great desire to do a TUF, which is a program where people see everything that passes the fighter,” Rua said. “Lyoto would make it even more interesting, is a top category, and consider how good this third fight, will sell a lot.”

While neither fighter has a scheduled opponent in the near future, the idea of seeing a third bout between Rua and Machida is possible. Some fans believe Rua won the first bout decisively; however, there is justification for Machida being awarded the victory.

The UFC has already aired the inaugural season of TUF: Brazil featuring Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva as coaches, and the reality television show has become a success overseas.

Rua said he won’t pick and choose his opponents, but he does have a desire to meet Machida once more and finish their trilogy.

“I fight anyone. I want that belt back, so I cannot choose opponent,” he said. “But surely it would be great to face Lyoto.”

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Why Dana White Called Alistair Overeem an "Absolute Moron" for Using PED’s

UFC 146’s main event is now in jeopardy after learning that No.1 contender Alistair Overeem failed his pre-fight drug test.The tests were conducted following a press conference last week and involving six of the fighters on the main card, including Ove…

UFC 146‘s main event is now in jeopardy after learning that No.1 contender Alistair Overeem failed his pre-fight drug test.

The tests were conducted following a press conference last week and involving six of the fighters on the main card, including Overeem and Junior dos Santos.

A statement was released earlier today by Nevada Athletic State Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer revealing that the Dutchman’s testosterone levels were greater than 10:1—the NSAC’s guidelines are that a fighter’s levels cannot be any higher than 6:1. 

“The following athletes were tested on March 27: Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos, Frank Mir, Cain Velasquez, Roy Nelson and Antonio Silva,” Kizer said in a statement.   

Upon learning the news, UFC President Dana White wasn’t too pleased.

“I am beyond pissed about this,” White told Canadian media during a conference call on Wednesday (transcribed by TheStarPhoenix.com.) 

“How (expletive) stupid do you have to be? Seriously dumb. Anybody who’s using (performance-enhancing drugs) right now is an absolute (expletive) moron,” he said.

Overeem made his debut for the company last December when he squared off against former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar at UFC 141.

Overeem made quick work of Lesnar, finishing him withing three minutes of the opening round and secured his position to challenge for the UFC heavyweight title.

Prior to signing with the company, White said Overeem sat down with him and UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and said he was clean and insisted he would pass all drug tests.   

When asked to comment on a possible replacement for Overeem, should he be pulled from the event, White did not mention any names.

One fighter who is being considered to step in for the former Strikeforce heavyweight champion is Frank Mir.

Mir released a statement earlier today and expressed his interest in competing for the UFC heavyweight title.

Mir is currently on a three-fight win streak and is coming off arguably the biggest victory of his career against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 140.

With the main event slot left open momentarily, White is unsure of Overeem’s future in the UFC. It is expected Overeem is to meet with Fertitta and the NSAC to discuss his pre-fight drug results.

“I don’t have a plan-B,” he said. “It doesn’t look good.”

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Dana White on Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return: "I’m Happy for Him"

After retiring from mixed martial arts last December, Brock Lesnar made his return to professional wrestling on the latest episode of WWE Raw. The timing of the move was shocking to some. Lesnar had competed against Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 jus…

After retiring from mixed martial arts last December, Brock Lesnar made his return to professional wrestling on the latest episode of WWE Raw. 

The timing of the move was shocking to some. Lesnar had competed against Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 just three months prior.

Following his loss at UFC 141, UFC president Dana White did not confirm or deny if Lesnar could return to wrestling. However, it appears White gave the former WWE star his approval, as the former UFC heavyweight champion made his presence felt in the squared circle once again.

When asked how he felt about Lesnar returning to the WWE, White responded via Twitter and said he was genuinely happy and held no harsh feelings towards him.

“crowd went NUTS! I’m happy for him,” White said.

After Lesnar announced his retirement, White assured his MMA career was finished. Despite only competing in the sport for three years, he defended the 265-pound South Dakota native. Reoccurring bouts with diverticulitis had hindered Lesnar’s recent performances and his health as well.

“Here’s what Brock said to me, he said ‘I’ll tell you what after my surgery from diverticulitis, this last surgery I had, I have never felt so good in my life’. He said ‘I’ve had the best camp I’ve ever had, no injuries, I was in great shape, all the things that could go right, went right, that guy is just that much better than me and it’s time for me to retire’,” White told the media following UFC 141.

Obviously, Lesnar’s health looks to be intact as he embarks on another tenure in the WWE. Although he has not been in a WWE ring for nine years, Lesnar is intent on bringing nothing but success to the company. Meanwhile, his former boss couldn’t be any more happier for him.

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Greg Jackson Says It’s His Duty to Corner Jon Jones at UFC 145

At one time, Greg Jackson wanted to avoid being caught in between the ongoing feud of Jon Jones and Rashad Evans.But as both competitors are set to face off at UFC 145, Jackson feels like it is necessary that he has to fill a role in some capacity, con…

At one time, Greg Jackson wanted to avoid being caught in between the ongoing feud of Jon Jones and Rashad Evans.

But as both competitors are set to face off at UFC 145, Jackson feels like it is necessary that he has to fill a role in some capacity, considering he has coached both Jones and Evans.

While making an appearance on The MMA Hour earlier this week, Jackson said he felt it was his duty to corner Jones over Evans.

“My personal feeling, if I wanted to be a little selfish, I would say, ‘I don’t want to deal with any of it. I don’t want to be there at all.’ But it has to mean something to be on a team,” Jackson said. “It has to mean something, and I felt I had a duty to do that, because Jon’s on the team, so it’s my responsibility to corner him.”

“Even though it’s a really hard decision, I decided to go with it,” he concluded. 

Jackson shares history with both Jones and Evans and he admitted there was difficulty having to choose one side over the other. Jackson has been with “Suga” for a majority of his career, including his championship win over Forrest Griffin at UFC 92 in 2008.

Despite the rift that had occurred following Jones’ title win last year, which caused Evans’ departure, Jackson says he still holds himself responsible for their fallout. 

Jackson understands the reality of teammates fighting each other, especially when a title is on the line, and he does not intend on getting involved for any future bouts and will leave the training and preparation to other coaches in the camp.

Furthermore, he expects Jones and Evans to resolve their differences following their bout on April 21st.

“In a perfect world, they have a great fight and everybody squashes it and moves on from there, but we’ll see,” he said. “I hope it gets squashed and everything works out after that. That’s my hopeful scenario.”

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