Author: Mike Hodges

UFC 136 Results: Chael Sonnen Puts on a Clinic Against Brian Stann

Chael Sonnen made an emphatic statement in his return against Brian Stann, literally. Sonnen dominated his opponent from the opening bell with constant pressure, as he closed the distance, and immediately fought for a take down. From there, Sonnen…

Chael Sonnen made an emphatic statement in his return against Brian Stann, literally. 

Sonnen dominated his opponent from the opening bell with constant pressure, as he closed the distance, and immediately fought for a take down. From there, Sonnen would take control of the bout and dictate the pace and he easily controlled Stann and passed his guard. 

Stann tried to retreat back to the feet but Sonnen had his back and applied a rear naked choke, before slamming his opponent back down to the mat. He would continue to dominate Stann by landing strikes from top position as the round came to a close. 

Sonnen would continue to rough up his opponent as he took him down again in the second round, continuing to control and outwork Stann. He showed excellent technique in transitioning to side mount, before he transitioned to full guard again. Sonnen applied a triangle choke, only for the referee to abruptly call for both competitors to stand up. 

As the action resumed, Sonnen, again, imposed his will and slammed Stann down to the canvas. Sonnen ended up in side mount and applied an arm triangle, forcing Stann to tap. 

However, Sonnen was not humble in defeat as he proceeded to call out UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and requested a rematch. Furthermore, he delivered an ultimatum to the Brazilian that will surely provoke fans to watch the anticipated title bout: If Sonnen wins, Silva would no longer compete in the middleweight division, but if Silva is victorious again, Sonnen promised to leave the UFC. 

The post-fight interview certainly sounds more like a professional wrestling promo from Sonnen; however, the animosity he holds towards Silva is anything but scripted. The title bout is likely expected to take place on Super Bowl weekend.

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UFC 136 Fight Card: Kenny Florian "Doesn’t Care" for Jose Aldo’s Status

Kenny Florian is an accomplished UFC veteran who’s skills are often overlooked at times, due to his inconsistency to perform at a high-level against some of the sport’s best fighters. So when there is more focus on his opponent Jose Aldo, and his …

Kenny Florian is an accomplished UFC veteran who’s skills are often overlooked at times, due to his inconsistency to perform at a high-level against some of the sport’s best fighters. 

So when there is more focus on his opponent Jose Aldo, and his reputation as a pound-for pound fighter, Florian doesn’t seem to be bothered by it. 

“They say Jose Aldo is one of the top three pound-for-pound fighters in the world, but, with days to go until we touch gloves and fight, I’m not listening to anything the so-called experts are saying,” Florian wrote in his blog on ESPN.com. 

“Nobody will remember any of that talk when the bell sounds and we step toward each other.”

Florian will challenge Aldo for the lightweight title this weekend at UFC 136. This will be only his second-time competing at 145 pounds, as he previously fought Diego Nunes at UFC 130 where he comfortably walked away with the victory. 

While it was a tune-up fight, however, Florian is aware of the Brazilian’s skills and he understands why Aldo is the champion for a reason. 

This will be Florian’s fourth weight class he will be competing at in his UFC career, although Aldo might serve as the toughest challenge more than any other opponent that Florian has faced before. And while the odds might be stacked against him, Florian expects to win at UFC 136.

“From first round to last round, I can only see this fight being a grueling scrap and one that takes in all areas of the Octagon. There won’t be a space on that Octagon floor that we won’t both tread at some stage,” he wrote.

“I expect to be bruised and bloodied up at the end of it all, but I also expect my hand to be raised.”

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Jon Jones Says Rashad Evans Is "Ducking the Fight" at UFC 140

The tables have suddenly turned on Rashad Evans. Jon Jones has criticized the former UFC light heavyweight champion for backing out of their upcoming title bout, after Evans was forced out due to a hand injury, and accusing him of ducking him. Jon…

The tables have suddenly turned on Rashad Evans. 

Jon Jones has criticized the former UFC light heavyweight champion for backing out of their upcoming title bout, after Evans was forced out due to a hand injury, and accusing him of ducking him. Jones suffered the same criticism from Evans when he was forced to pull out of their original bout at UFC 133, who was later replaced by Tito Ortiz. 

In an interview with MMAFighting.com, Jones said he believes Evans intentionally pulled out of their title bout. 

“I didn’t necessarily want to fight at (UFC)140, but because it was Rashad, I said, ‘You know what? I would take the fight in nine weeks.’ I’m already in shape,’ “Jones said.

“Rashad, predicting that I would say no, he kind of kicked himself in the butt because I said yes, he turns around and says, ‘Oh, I didn’t expect Jon to say yes. I don’t want to fight him that soon.’ So in reality, he’s kind of the one who’s ducking the fight. I feel like he’s ducking the fight.”

Evans now finds himself in limbo once again as he passes up another title opportunity. As a result, Lyoto Machida has replaced Evans to meet Jones in the main event at UFC 140.

Ironically, it was Machida who initially turned down the chance to face Evans when Jones was injured, as he asked for a higher compensation on a three week notice. 

The feud between Jones and Evans will now only continue to escalate into the new year, and if everything goes according to plan, Evans will finally receive his title shot sometime next year. 

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Ed Soares: "Everything Happens for a Reason."

It seems that Lyoto Machida’s luck has brought him good fortune in return after coming under scrutiny from UFC President Dana White for asking for “Anderson Silva money,” in order to accept a bout with Rashad Evans earlier this year.Now that Evans is o…

It seems that Lyoto Machida‘s luck has brought him good fortune in return after coming under scrutiny from UFC President Dana White for asking for “Anderson Silva money,” in order to accept a bout with Rashad Evans earlier this year.

Now that Evans is out with a hand injury, Machida will fill in as his replacement to challenge UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones at UFC 140 on December 10th. 

MMAWeekly.com spoke to Machida’s manager, Ed Soares, to discuss the upcoming title bout, and Soares said everything worked out in their favour, despite the controversy. 

“Everything does happen for a reason,” Soares said regarding the title bout between Jones and Machida.

“I was all for Lyoto taking that fight with Rashad, believe me I would have loved to see that happen, too, but everything does happen for a reason.”

Soares also spoke about the bout itself, and commented on how Machida poses a threat to the champion, stylistically. Although praising Jones’ abilities and success thus far in the UFC, he is confident that Machida will reclaim the light heavyweight crown.

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Lyoto Machida Ready for Jon Jones at UFC 140, Anticipates a "Strategic Bout"

Lyoto Machida will finally get his chance to compete in the Octagon again before the end of the year. After learning of Rashad Evans’ hand injury, UFC President Dana White announced “The Dragon” will step in for the former UFC light heavyweight ch…

Lyoto Machida will finally get his chance to compete in the Octagon again before the end of the year. 

After learning of Rashad Evans’ hand injury, UFC President Dana White announced “The Dragon” will step in for the former UFC light heavyweight champion to face Jon Jones at UFC 140 on December 10 in Toronto. 

While speaking to TATAME.com, Machida said he received information about the potential bout a few days ago and he couldn’t refuse the offer. 

“I accepted immediately, I couldn’t announce it at the time, though,” Machida said. “In the morning I went to give a class and, when I came back, the contract was there for me to sign it. It was a reason for me to be happy, because that’s why we enter these battles for.”

The Brazilian is 2-2 in his last four bouts, and although it isn’t the most impressive record to earn a title shot, Machida was fortunate to be offered the opportunity.

A lot of fans have requested a bout between the two competitors because of the potential challenges that Machida presents to Jones, stylistically. Machida said he has always been aware of Jones’ style, which he compares to his own.

While he admits he hasn’t focused on Jones entirely, partially due to his own preparations for bouts against Randy Couture and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, respectively, Machida said he is completely focused and prepared to compete against the champion. 

“It’ll be a strategic bout, he’s a guy who studies his opponents and so do I,” he said. “Now he’s my opponent, it’s set in stone. From this moment on the study will reinforced, and the dedication too.”

Machida is coming off a knockout victory over Randy Couture at UFC 129, which saw him snap a two-fight losing streak. Meanwhile, Jones will make his second title defense and will be competing in his fourth bout this year.

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Chael Sonnen Insults Anderson Silva’s Wife, Says He Will ‘Pat Her on the Ass.’

Chael Sonnen is at it again. The outspoken middleweight has put a proverbial target on UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, but this time he took a more personal approach.While making an appearance on “The MMA Show” with Mauro Ranallo, Sonne…

Chael Sonnen is at it again. 

The outspoken middleweight has put a proverbial target on UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, but this time he took a more personal approach.

While making an appearance on “The MMA Show” with Mauro Ranallo, Sonnen took a jab at Silva’s family, more specifically his wife.

“You tell Anderson Silva that I’m coming over and I’m kicking down his backdoor and patting his little lady on the ass and I’m telling her to make me a steak, medium-rare just how I like it,” Sonnen said. 

Sonnen challenged Silva at UFC 117, where he dominated the Brazilian and was nearly victorious before being submitted in the final round.

Since then, he has continuously mocked the middleweight champion, including his training camp, Team Blackhouse, and criticized his performances.

The insult isn’t anything surprising coming from Sonnen’s mouth, but it is ironic.

Recently, he was a lot more respectful towards the Brazilian, even going as far as admitting he was the best pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts.

It is expected that the winner between Chael Sonnen and Brian Stann at UFC 136 will challenge Silva for the middleweight title at some point next year.

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