Author: Mike Hodges

Benson Henderson Says He Will Look to ‘Capitalize’ on Frankie Edgar’s ‘Openings’

While the thought of challenging for a world title might be unsettling for some fighters, Benson Henderson is fully prepared.Scheduled to face UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar in the main event at UFC 144 this weekend, Henderson once held a …

While the thought of challenging for a world title might be unsettling for some fighters, Benson Henderson is fully prepared.

Scheduled to face UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar in the main event at UFC 144 this weekend, Henderson once held a title of his own, as he reigned over the lightweight division in the now-defunct WEC.

He is no stranger to competition, as Henderson has faced formidable opponents in Anthony Pettis, Donald Cerrone and Jim Miller. But in Edgar, who possesses strong boxing, quick footwork and heart, Henderson faces a fighter unlike any other. 

Although he couldn’t necessarily point out many weaknesses in the champion, Henderson believes hard work and perseverance can neutralize Edgar’s boxing and angles.

“Keep throwing the kitchen sink at him,” Henderson told MMAFighting.com. “If you want me to beat you up for 25 minutes, let’s do that. I’m OK doing that.”

Henderson’s size and strength, combined with his wrestling and relentless pressure, has stifled many opponents’ game plans in the past, allowing him to capitalize on openings and pull off the win. 

Although he wasn’t quick to point out many weaknesses, Henderson recalled the champion’s last few bouts were he saw potential areas he could exploit at UFC 144.

“He leaves openings,” he said. “Gray (Maynard) had him doing the funky chicken dance twice in both of the fights. So, because of that, we know he leaves openings.”

And Henderson believes he will be able to capitalize on those missed opportunities.

“If he lets me touch his chin, I will capitalize and finish off that,” he said.

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UFC 144 Extended Preview

The UFC makes its long awaited return to Japan this weekend, set to feature one of the most anticipated title bouts of the year.Frankie Edgar will defend the UFC lightweight title against rising star and former WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson…

The UFC makes its long awaited return to Japan this weekend, set to feature one of the most anticipated title bouts of the year.

Frankie Edgar will defend the UFC lightweight title against rising star and former WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson. 

Edgar is coming an impressive knockout victory over Gray Maynard at UFC 136, successfully retaining the title in his third defense. 

Meanwhile, Henderson has defeated a list of who’s-who in the lightweight division to earn his shot at Edgar, riding a three-fight win streak since his loss to Anthony Pettis in December 2010. With the win, either Edgar or Henderson will be declared the undisputed No. 1 lightweight in the world.

Also, former UFC light heavyweight champion and PRIDE star, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson returns to his roots that made him a fan favourite among the Japanese fans. Jackson, who is coming off a loss to Jon Jones, will look to rebound when he meets Ryan Bader in the evening’s co-main event.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan breaks down some of the event’s main bouts, providing in-depth analysis, along with interviews from some of the fighters.

UFC 144 will be a monumental event and it will feature an unprecedented seven bouts on the main card, as opposed to the traditional format.

UFC 144 is live this Saturday night from the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo. 

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Joe Rogan Responds to Rampage Jackson, Says His Job Is to Be ‘Objective’

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s recent criticism of UFC commentator Joe Rogan has forced the stand-up comedian to respond back.Rogan, who has been employed with the company since 1997, addressed Jackson’s comments on his weekly podcast, “The Joe Rogan Expe…

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s recent criticism of UFC commentator Joe Rogan has forced the stand-up comedian to respond back.

Rogan, who has been employed with the company since 1997, addressed Jackson’s comments on his weekly podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.”

“Look, man, I love Rampage. I don’t mean to be rude when I assess things. I’m just trying to objectively figure out how this guy could be doing better than he’s doing,” Rogan said.

“When I’m doing commentary on a fight, all I’m trying to do is sort of objectively assess what I think someone could be doing differently to try to get themselves out of spot if they’re not winning or…I’m just trying to commentate.”

“I’m not, like, critiquing the guy’s soul,” he added.

Rogan is one of the most well-renowned and respected voices in mixed martial arts. Holding a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rogan is very knowledgeable when it comes to analyzing fighters and bouts.

Jackson was clearly unhappy and insulted when he discussed Rogan’s responsibilities as a commentator and felt he was biased towards certain fighters.

Rogan, however, didn’t see it that way and believes his role as a commentator is to analyze a fight objectively, regardless of whether he offends someone or not.

“I’m analyzing the fight, that’s all it is,” he said. “I can’t protect someone’s feelings at the expense of doing what I’m supposed to be doing, which is sort of analyzing what’s going on.”

Jackson will meet Ryan Bader in the co-main event this weekend at UFC 144.

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Rashad Evans and Jon Jones Featured on SportsNite, Evans Says Jones Is "Fake"

The rivalry between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans has only just begun to intensify.While making an appearance on the CBS sports talk-show “Sportsnite,” the two light heavyweights didn’t hold back from hiding their true feelings towards one another, especi…

The rivalry between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans has only just begun to intensify.

While making an appearance on the CBS sports talk-show “Sportsnite,” the two light heavyweights didn’t hold back from hiding their true feelings towards one another, especially Evans.

“I don’t respect Jon as a person,” Evans said. “I think Jon is fake and Jon is fake just by sitting here and saying this is not going to be personal.”

The bitter rivals had a fallout last year and have since traded words back-and-forth.

Jones and Evans were expected to meet on two separate occasions, before injuries to both men prevented a potential bout from occurring.

But with both competitors seemingly healthy and prepared for an anticipated grudge match, they will finally meet inside the Octagon on April 21st.

Evans will look to end Jones’ title reign, as well as snap the 24-year-old’s six-fight winning streak, which includes victories over Ryan Bader, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Lyoto Machida.

UFC 145 is scheduled for April 21st, live from the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Jon Jones Says Greg Jackson Will Corner Him Against Rashad Evans at UFC 145

After weeks of denying his involvement in the main event at UFC 145 between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans, Greg Jackson will reside with the UFC light heavyweight champion.Jones confirmed the news on his Twitter account, saying Jackson will be his corner …

After weeks of denying his involvement in the main event at UFC 145 between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans, Greg Jackson will reside with the UFC light heavyweight champion.

Jones confirmed the news on his Twitter account, saying Jackson will be his corner on the night of the fight.

“Greg Jackson confirmed today he will be in my corner for UFC 145,” Jones wrote.

The news comes as no surprise, considering Jackson is Jones’ head trainer at Greg Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts in Albuquerque, New Mexico. However, he did state in previous interviews that he would refrain from cornering the 24-year-old champion due to his past relationship with Rashad Evans.

Evans, a longtime member of Team Jackson, left the New Mexico-based camp last year after Jones’ title victory at UFC 128 caused a rift between the two fighters and the rest of the camp. Since then, Evans has been training at Imperial Athletics in Boca Raton, Florida.

Evans has been very vocal of his relationship with both Jones and Jackson since leaving Greg Jackson’s MMA on bad terms.

It will be interesting to see how Evans and his camp respond to Jackson’s decision, as Jones and Jackson will already begin planning a strategy to defeat “Suga.” 

UFC 145 is scheduled for April 21, live from the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Dan Henderson Says He Wasn’t Offered a Fight With Lyoto Machida

Dan Henderson continues to be the odd man out in the light heavyweight division.UFC president Dana White recently stated that the 41-year-old is willing to wait for the winner of Jon Jones and Rashad Evans fight on April 21, so, barring any injury, tha…

Dan Henderson continues to be the odd man out in the light heavyweight division.

UFC president Dana White recently stated that the 41-year-old is willing to wait for the winner of Jon Jones and Rashad Evans fight on April 21, so, barring any injury, that will likely set up a return to the Octagon for Henderson by the summertime.

But Henderson has refused to accept a bout in order to remain active, despite the fact he is coming to the end of his career.

White said he was offered a matchup with Lyoto Machida to keep the former PRIDE FC star interested before a title shot in the near future, but according to the UFC boss, Henderson turned it down.

“He doesn’t want to fight Machida,” White told MMAFighting.com following UFC on FUEL. 

However, Henderson addressed the rumors on Twitter and said he was not offered to fight the Brazilian. 

“Was never offered machida. And even though he has lost 3 out of his last 4, I’m sure it would be entertaining,” Henderson wrote.

Machida is coming off a loss to Jon Jones at UFC 141 last December. Despite the loss, Machida is still regarded as one of the top contenders in the light heavyweight division and he has also been interested in facing Henderson in the future.

The idea of matching up the two competitors would draw a lot of interest from fans and would keep either fighter relevant in the title picture.

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