Evgeni Kogan: M-1 Management Is Not Ducking Overeem

Filed under: Strikeforce, FanHouse Exclusive, M-1 GlobalM-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan says “more likely than not,” Fedor Emelianenko’s third fight under his Strikeforce contract will be on pay-per-view and that M-1 Global is willing to…

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M-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan says “more likely than not,” Fedor Emelianenko‘s third fight under his Strikeforce contract will be on pay-per-view and that M-1 Global is willing to accept any opponent — including Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem.

In this interview below, Kogan recently spoke with MMAFighting.com about what’s in store for the future of Fedor and M-1 Global’s relationship with Strikeforce.

Michael Bisping Turns to Acting as He Awaits Next UFC Fight

Filed under: UFC, NewsMichael Bisping is no stranger to cameras, having won the third season of The Ultimate Fighter reality television show. But recently, instead of playing himself or an extension of himself, he’s been in front of the camera and requ…

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Michael Bisping is no stranger to cameras, having won the third season of The Ultimate Fighter reality television show. But recently, instead of playing himself or an extension of himself, he’s been in front of the camera and required to do something most athletes dread: memorizing lines.

Bisping can be seen later this year as the character Drake along with Bobby Lashley in the movie Beatdown.

“If you told me a few years ago that I would be acting, I would be laughing, I would have died laughing, honestly,” Bisping said Monday on The MMA Hour. “I’m going to give it a try, but I’m not going to get too carried away.”

Newly-Promoted BJJ Black Belt Soa Palelei Returns Against Bob Sapp

Filed under: FanHouse Exclusive, NewsThere’s a new heavyweight Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt in town.

Soa “The Hulk” Palelei was promoted last week to black belt as he begins preparations for a MMA fight against Bob Sapp at Impact FC 2 on July 18 in…

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There’s a new heavyweight Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt in town.

Soa “The Hulk” Palelei was promoted last week to black belt as he begins preparations for a MMA fight against Bob Sapp at Impact FC 2 on July 18 in Sydney, Australia. Palelei received his belt from David Phillips, under Pedro Sauer.

“I’ve been doing BJJ for almost 12 years its been a long time,” Palelei said with a laugh. “It was so good getting my black belt and it’s been a long time coming, but very good putting my jiu-jitsu gi on and I feel proud.”

Scott Coker: If Werdum Beats Fedor, I Would Not Be Shocked

Filed under: Strikeforce, NewsAll the betting lines and discussion may say otherwise, but Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker believes the June 26 fight between Fedor Emelianenko and Fabricio Werdum will be a lot closer than people think.

How close? Enough ap…

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All the betting lines and discussion may say otherwise, but Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker believes the June 26 fight between Fedor Emelianenko and Fabricio Werdum will be a lot closer than people think.

How close? Enough apparently that Coker would not be “shocked” if Werdum were to hand Fedor his first undisputable loss in Fedor’s 10-year MMA career.

“[Werdum], he beat Fedor’s brother, he beat Alistair Overeem — whose our current champion, he just beat Giant Silva,” Coker said on Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour. “This guy is no joke, People are always focusing on the Fedor equation, but believe me, Fabricio can get it done, and if he beats Fedor, I would not be shocked.”

Franklin, Cro Cop, Condit, MacDonald Win UFC 115 Post-Fight Bonuses

Filed under: UFC, NewsRich Franklin, Mirko Cro Cop, Carlos Condit and Rory MacDonald each walked off Saturday night at UFC 115 in Vancouver with post-fight performance bonuses of $85,000.

Franklin scored the Knockout of the Night by knocking out Chuck…

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Rich Franklin, Mirko Cro Cop, Carlos Condit and Rory MacDonald each walked off Saturday night at UFC 115 in Vancouver with post-fight performance bonuses of $85,000.

Franklin scored the Knockout of the Night by knocking out Chuck Liddell with five seconds left in the first round. It was Franklin’s first KO where he left his opponent out cold since the devastating finish against Nate Quarry at UFC 56 in November 2005.

UFC 115 Weigh-in Results

Filed under: UFC, NewsChuck Liddell, Rich Franklin and the rest of the UFC 115 competitors all made weight Friday at the General Motors Place in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Headliners Liddell and Franklin both registered on the scale at 205 pounds.

Full…

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Chuck Liddell, Rich Franklin and the rest of the UFC 115 competitors all made weight Friday at the General Motors Place in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Headliners Liddell and Franklin both registered on the scale at 205 pounds.

Full weigh-in results are below.