Author: Mike Hodges

Fedor Emelianenko: "I Have a Desire to Compete in the UFC"

Fedor Emelianenko’s management team M-1 might not be able to bring the former PRIDE star into the UFC; however, Emelianenko still envisions himself competing inside the Octagon at some point.The 34-year-old has been long wanted by UFC fans and, more im…

Fedor Emelianenko‘s management team M-1 might not be able to bring the former PRIDE star into the UFC; however, Emelianenko still envisions himself competing inside the Octagon at some point.

The 34-year-old has been long wanted by UFC fans and, more importantly, by UFC President Dana White, to test his skills against some the heavyweight division’s top competitors. At one point, a heavily-rumored bout between Emelianenko and Brock Lesnar had surfaced, but it never materialized as “The Last Emperor” opted to sign for then-rival Strikeforce. 

However, after going 1-3 in Strikeforce, Emelianenko was released from Strikeforce and now wants the opportunity to compete in the top organization in mixed martial arts. Emelianenko exclusively told news.sportbox.ru (translated by MMAMania.com) he has a desire to fight in the UFC, despite the ongoing negotiations.

“Of course I would like in UFC too, but to this day, all the times we had negotiations with them.. possibly they have allergy on me (laughs), and for some reason we can’t make an agreement now,” Emelianenko said. “Vadim (Finkelstein) met them, but for example if we had some agreement in talk, the contract that they sent then were different. But I have a desire to compete in UFC.”

When PRIDE FC disbanded in 2007, Emelianenko was the most sought-after free agent in MMA at the time. While popular fighters like Wanderlei Silva, Maurcio “Shogun” Rua and Mirko Cro Cop made their way to the UFC, it was the Russian heavyweight who White actively pursued more than anyone. 

While Emelianenko might have the UFC high on his priority list, he isn’t necessarily on the UFC’s radar any longer.

The constant rift between M-1 and the UFC/Zuffa LLC had reached it’s climax in 2009 after the Russian’s management team tried to negotiate co-promotion on all UFC events featuring Emelianenko. The UFC immediately declined. 

While Emelianenko continues to fight internationally, his transition to the UFC will likely never happen, and it might be the only detriment to his legendary career. It will ultimately leave UFC fans pondering on what could of been of the Russian’s UFC career.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Jon Jones Embraces His Role as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Ahead of UFC 140

Jon Jones is feeling pretty comfortable at the top of the 205-pound division. The 24-year-old Jones, who recently won the light heavyweight crown earlier this year at UFC 128, is set to make his second title defense this weekend when he stands acr…

Jon Jones is feeling pretty comfortable at the top of the 205-pound division. 

The 24-year-old Jones, who recently won the light heavyweight crown earlier this year at UFC 128, is set to make his second title defense this weekend when he stands across one of the more difficult opponents of his career in Lyoto Machida. 

Jones only made his debut three years prior, and now sees himself sitting atop the light heavyweight division. The quick transition from prospect to superstar would overwhelm most UFC fighters, but not “Bones.”

Jones told MMAWeekly.com that while some fighters force themselves to do media appearances, he said he embraces the opportunity and is more than willing to promote himself.

“I absolutely embrace the role,” Jones said. “I can’t do that refusing to do interviews, refusing to show up here, refusing to show up there. I get out there and get my face out there, I get my personality out there.”

Since Jones snatched the title out of the hands of Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, there has been a considerable amount of exposure surrounding him; it’s one of the main priorities as champion. And as champion, Jones only hopes to improve his image among the media and become a role model for younger viewers or other aspiring mixed martial artists. 

And while appearing in the public eye, Jones said staying true to himself is all that matters.

“It’s important to always be yourself and always put your best foot forward,” he said. “It’s just something that I’m aware of, the importance of being myself in the most positive way.” 

Jones added that while the media can be distracting, he keeps an open mind and doesn’t pay attention to it. Ultimately, the outcome of the bout is most important to him. 

“It really doesn’t matter what I do before the fight, as long as my mind is in the right place, I’ll be fine,” he added.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Why Jon Jones Has the Potential to Be The Most Dominant Champion in the UFC?

There are many adjectives that come to mind when describing Jon Jones, but no word stands out more than “dominant.”The 24-year-old UFC light heavyweight champion has been nothing short of that and looks to prolong his current title reign when he faces …

There are many adjectives that come to mind when describing Jon Jones, but no word stands out more than “dominant.”

The 24-year-old UFC light heavyweight champion has been nothing short of that and looks to prolong his current title reign when he faces the elusive, karate-based counter-striker, Lyoto Machida, at UFC 140 next weekend. Jones will be competing for the fourth time this year and in his second title defense in less than 11 weeks.

Jones’ unprecedented rise to the top of the 205-pound division has been remarkable, and what has contributed to his success thus far is his superior skill-set and modest personality. Surely, Jones is confident in his abilities as a mixed martial artist but he still remains humble because of his religious upbringing. 

There has always been a sense of optimism when discussing Jones’ potential and talent, but no one expected him to reach the pinnacle of success in MMA when he captured the UFC light heavyweight title earlier this year in just his eighth UFC bout. It was arguably the defining moment in his career.

Jones’ ridiculous wingspan of 84.5 inches gives him an ability to utilize distance and angles like no other fighter. Combine his reach with his athleticism, strength and unorthodox yet effective striking and wrestling abilities, and he is an undeniable threat to his competition. 

It’s scary to imagine what Jones will be capable of when he enters his prime in a few years, or even when he decides to move up to the heavyweight division. His recent performances indicate that he is one of the most impressive fighters to grace the Octagon. 

He has already defeated two of the light heavyweight division’s top competitors in Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and he did it effortlessly and in the same year. 

Unlike his predecessors, Jones has the potential to take the sport to new heights, and in turn, become one of the most successful fighters in UFC history. His combination of skill and intelligence is setting the tone for a new breed of fighters to enter into existence and to make Jones the new face of MMA. 

There is no telling what the future holds for Jon Jones, but the present tells us that he is a unique talent destined for success and possesses all the tools to potentially become the most dominant champion in the UFC.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

TUF 14 Finale: Michael Bisping Proves He is a Title Contender at 185 Pounds

Michael Bisping earned his fourth consecutive victory after defeating Jason “Mayhem” Miller this past weekend at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale. After being dominated throughout the first round, Bisping utilized his technical boxing skills to pick…

Michael Bisping earned his fourth consecutive victory after defeating Jason “Mayhem” Miller this past weekend at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale. 

After being dominated throughout the first round, Bisping utilized his technical boxing skills to pick apart his opponent and defeat Miller via TKO in the third round. 

The win improved the Englishman’s UFC record to 12-3 while the loss gave Miller his first defeat since 2009. 

Bisping’s status as one of the best middleweights in mixed martial arts was officially noticed as “The Count” emerged virtually unscathed or beaten in his one-sided victory over Miller. Bisping picked apart Miller as he wisely utilized his technical boxing skills to batter and bully his opponent into forcing referee Steve Mazzagatti to call a stoppage to the bout.

It showed a lot of heart on Bisping’s part as well as some much needed credibility to his image, considering his antics on this past season and his incident against Jorge Rivera didn’t win him over with any fans.

It is unclear who Bisping’s future opponent will be, but it will likely be against one of the top 10 competitors at 185 pounds. 

Should Bisping earn a win over a more credible and competitive opponent, he could see himself next in line for a title shot in the near future. Bisping’s recent competition hasn’t necessarily been something to award him an opportunity at facing the UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, but a fifth consecutive victory might be able to raise the British slugger’s image as a potential threat. 

Although most fans might actually debate upon whether or not Bisping poses any real challenge to the Brazilian’s title reign, fans and critics must give Bisping the respect and recognition as a top contender in the middleweight division.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Will Rashad Evans Finally Earn A Title Shot if He Beats Phil Davis?

Rashad Evans finally gets his chance at redemption and prove that he remains a contender at 205 pounds.It was recently announced that the next installment of UFC on FOX will feature a light heavyweight matchup between Evans and Phil Davis, which is exp…

Rashad Evans finally gets his chance at redemption and prove that he remains a contender at 205 pounds.

It was recently announced that the next installment of UFC on FOX will feature a light heavyweight matchup between Evans and Phil Davis, which is expected to headline the card. Evans and Davis were originally supposed to square off at UFC 133 before a knee injury forced Davis out of the bout. 

“Suga” will now be relied upon to carry a free television card in a bout likely filled with title implications. 

Evans has had a promising career so far and he looks determined to challenge for the UFC light heavyweight title in the near future. Evans’ relationship with current champion Jon Jones has turned sour ever since the 24-year-old opted to face Evans after winning the UFC light heavyweight title earlier this year. 

Evans now has the opportunity to retain his No.1 contender status with a victory over Davis.

The fact that the UFC is deciding to promote Evans in the main event shows they are confident in his image and ability to market the fight and potentially emerge as the next title contender in the light heavyweight division. Evans has widely been regarded as one of the best competitors at 205 pounds for the past couple years, however, injuries have hindered his chances to compete for a title shot. 

Should he get past Davis, Evans will face the winner of UFC 140’s main event between Jon Jones and Lyoto Machida. Either bout featuring Evans would be intriguing, however the more compelling and anticipated matchup is between Evans and Jones. The former teammates’ rivalry would certainly draw a lot of viewers and heighten the popularity of both fighters. 

Evans’ destiny is firmly in his control and a victory over Davis will direct him to a title shot, which he has desperately been seeking for a while. Otherwise, a loss would only further himself down the rankings and be considered a huge disappointment. 

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Lyoto Machida Says Preparation Is the Key to Beating Jon Jones

Lyoto Machida is more determined to win back the UFC light heavyweight title than before. The elusive Brazilian challenges Jon Jones next weekend as the two competitors are set to meet in the main event for the UFC light heavyweight championship.&…

Lyoto Machida is more determined to win back the UFC light heavyweight title than before. 

The elusive Brazilian challenges Jon Jones next weekend as the two competitors are set to meet in the main event for the UFC light heavyweight championship. The matchup has drawn so much intrigue from fans and critics due the respective styles each man presents.

Jones’ unorthodox striking, along with his unprecedented 84″ reach and Greco-Roman wrestling skills, have seen him dominate his opposition with relative ease. Machida‘s elusive, unorthodox Karate background has proven to be puzzling to a handful of his opponents, earning wins over Thiago Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Rashad Evans, whom he defeated to capture the UFC light heavyweight crown.

Although both competitors’ styles have been effective, Machida believes that preparation will be the key factor to defeat Jones at UFC 140. 

“I watch Jon Jones’ fights thoroughly and really it’s about preparing for everything,” Machida said in a UFC 140 pre-fight interview. “I have been preparing and training 100 percent and I’m gonna be 100 percent the day of the fight. I will be the champion again.”

Jones and Machida will headline UFC 140 next weekend, live from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com