Fernandes vs. Hansen title fight set for DREAM.13; Chonan slotted for March 22 card

As expected, Joachim “Hellboy” Hansen is dropping a weight class to fight DREAM featherweight champion Bibiano Fernandes in March at DREAM.13.

DREAM officials today confirmed the previously reported matchup, and PRIDE/UFC veteran Ryo Chonan was also named an event competitor.

DREAM.13 takes place at the 17,000-seat Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan, and is expected to air in North America on HDNet.


As expected, Joachim “Hellboy” Hansen is dropping a weight class to fight DREAM featherweight champion Bibiano Fernandes in March at DREAM.13.

DREAM officials today confirmed the previously reported matchup, and PRIDE/UFC veteran Ryo Chonan was also named an event competitor.

DREAM.13 takes place at the 17,000-seat Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan, and is expected to air in North America on HDNet.


With planned retirement at 30, Gegard Mousasi searching for best career options

LOS ANGELES – Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi has no plans to fight until his body fails him. When the 24-year-old hits the big 3-0, he’s out.

With that in mind, he has set strict goals for his career’s path, including a jump to heavyweight in 18 months. Before he bulks up, though, he wants to fight six to eight times in 2010 and plans to start by fighting Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal in April. He also plans to participate in a DREAM eight-man light heavyweight tournament rumored for June.

But after that, where could the breakout star ply his trade? He has at least one fight promotion in mind.


LOS ANGELES – Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi has no plans to fight until his body fails him. When the 24-year-old hits the big 3-0, he’s out.

With that in mind, he has set strict goals for his career’s path, including a jump to heavyweight in 18 months. Before he bulks up, though, he wants to fight six to eight times in 2010 and plans to start by fighting Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal in April. He also plans to participate in a DREAM eight-man light heavyweight tournament rumored for June.

But after that, where could the breakout star ply his trade? He has at least one fight promotion in mind.


After Mark Coleman loss, UFC 110’s Stephan Bonnar no longer a dream interpreter

You could say UFC light heavyweight Stephan Bonnar (11-6 MMA, 5-5 UFC) has woken up and smelled the coffee.

In his most recent fight, the original “Ultimate Fighter” alumnus was paired with Mark Coleman at UFC 100 after “The Hammer’s” disastrous debut at UFC 93. Many thought it would be a walk in the park for Bonnar.

It, of course, wasn’t. And following that loss, Bonnar recently told MMAjunkie.com he’s quit trying to look for meaning in his dreams and instead has taken a more traditional approach to his fight camp.


You could say UFC light heavyweight Stephan Bonnar (11-6 MMA, 5-5 UFC) has woken up and smelled the coffee.

In his most recent fight, the original “Ultimate Fighter” alumnus was paired with Mark Coleman at UFC 100 after “The Hammer’s” disastrous debut at UFC 93. Many thought it would be a walk in the park for Bonnar.

It, of course, wasn’t. And following that loss, Bonnar recently told MMAjunkie.com he’s quit trying to look for meaning in his dreams and instead has taken a more traditional approach to his fight camp.


“Strikeforce: Miami” open workout photos

Competitors from this weekend’s “Strikeforce: Miami” card took part
today in an open workout, and Strikeforce photographer Esther Lin was
on scene to capture images.

Today’s media event took place at American Top Team’s Fort Lauderdale branch in Florida.

Taking part were former NFL great and MMA newcomer Herschel Walker,
title challenger Marloes Coenen, former WWE star Bobby Lashley, and other
fighters from the Jan. 30 Showtime-televised event.


Competitors from this weekend’s “Strikeforce: Miami” card took part
today in an open workout, and Strikeforce photographer Esther Lin was
on scene to capture images.

Today’s media event took place at American Top Team’s Fort Lauderdale branch in Florida.

Taking part were former NFL great and MMA newcomer Herschel Walker,
title challenger Marloes Coenen, former WWE star Bobby Lashley, and other
fighters from the Jan. 30 Showtime-televised event.


Chad Mendes vs. Eric Koch official for WEC 47 prelimary card

A
featherweight bout between promotional newcomer Chad Mendes (5-0 MMA, 0-0 WEC) and
fellow undefeated fighter Erik Koch (8-0 MMA, 1-0 WEC) is set for WEC 47.

WEC executives today officially announced the March 6 fight, which is slated for the
night’s un-aired preliminary card.

MMAjunkie.com first reported Mendes’ likely event participation in December and passed
along news of the potential bout with Koch on Tuesday.


A
featherweight bout between promotional newcomer Chad Mendes (5-0 MMA, 0-0 WEC) and
fellow undefeated fighter Erik Koch (8-0 MMA, 1-0 WEC) is set for WEC 47.

WEC executives today officially announced the March 6 fight, which is slated for the
night’s un-aired preliminary card.

MMAjunkie.com first reported Mendes’ likely event participation in December and passed
along news of the potential bout with Koch on Tuesday.


MMAjunkie.com Fight Biz: Serious injury prompts NSAC to rethink insurance minimums

The case of Filipino boxer Z Gorres, who sustained a life-threatening brain injury during a recent bout, is prompting the Nevada State Athletic Commission to reexamine insurance coverage for combat-sports events in the state.

Currently, Nevada requires promoters to carry $50,000 of medical insurance for a mixed martial arts show or boxing event. However, Gorres, 27, has incurred medical costs more than 10 times that amount as a result of the severe brain injury he sustained in a Nov. 13 bout against Colombian Luis Melendez.

In our latest MMAjunkie.com Fight Biz installment, business columnist Steve Sievert talks to NSAC executive Keith Kizer about the issue. Sievert also discusses the viability of the WEC on pay-per-view and which U.S. state could soon become the 43rd to regulate MMA.


The case of Filipino boxer Z Gorres, who sustained a life-threatening brain injury during a recent bout, is prompting the Nevada State Athletic Commission to reexamine insurance coverage for combat-sports events in the state.

Currently, Nevada requires promoters to carry $50,000 of medical insurance for a mixed martial arts show or boxing event. However, Gorres, 27, has incurred medical costs more than 10 times that amount as a result of the severe brain injury he sustained in a Nov. 13 bout against Colombian Luis Melendez.

In our latest MMAjunkie.com Fight Biz installment, business columnist Steve Sievert talks to NSAC executive Keith Kizer about the issue. Sievert also discusses the viability of the WEC on pay-per-view and which U.S. state could soon become the 43rd to regulate MMA.