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UFC Heavyweight Junior Dos Santos Talks Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin

In an interview provided by Tatame.com, UFC’s hard-hitting heavyweight Junior “Cigano” dos Santos sat down and spoke candidly regarding Brock Lesnar’s battle with diverticulitis and his June 11th matchup with Shane Carwin. Blasting on the UFC scene wit…

In an interview provided by Tatame.com, UFC’s hard-hitting heavyweight Junior “Cigano” dos Santos sat down and spoke candidly regarding Brock Lesnar‘s battle with diverticulitis and his June 11th matchup with Shane Carwin.

Blasting on the UFC scene with a “Knockout of the Night” honor against Fabricio Werdum at UFC 90 in August of 2008, this 26-year-old Brazilian has decimated every heavyweight opponent who has dared to challenge him inside the Octagon.

Undefeated while fighting for the UFC banner, dos Santos has earned six (T)KO victories and one unanimous decision victory.

Originally scheduled to face Brock Lesnar in the main event of UFC 131, Lesnar was side-lined due to his second bout with diverticulitis.

The always humble dos Santos commented on Lesnar’s health by saying,”Unfortunately he had that disease again, it must be pretty serious, and I wish him all the luck he can have.”

Lesnar who is known for his brazen attitude is a polar opposite of dos Santos.

Friendly and courteous, “Cigano” commented on his friendship with Lesnar while shooting The Ultimate Fighter by saying, “He’s a very professional guy, take things seriously, but he was kind to me. The few times we met, it was nice. We talked about the fighters, the bouts, and all that stuff… And it was pretty nice, so I wish he gets better soon.”

Focused on his matchup with the equally hard-hitting Shane Carwin, dos Santos’s training is preparing him for a hellacious battle with the boxing juggernaut.

“I’m much focused. I’ve been training hard for two months now, there’s almost a month left before the bout, and I’m doing just fine. I’m on a great patch in my life, thanks’ God, I’m feeling fine and I want to fight,” dos Santos commented.

Last inside the Octagon in August of 2010, dos Santos is yearning to fight soon.

“Honestly, I’m happy that they didn’t change the date that I’ll fight in, that they didn’t postpone it. They’ve changed my opponent, but I’m still fighting. I’m a fighter, I need to fight, I live for fighting,” dos Santos commented.

Additionally, Junior dos Santos is unfazed by the two-time change in his opponent.

“I was preparing myself to fight Velasquez, and he got injured. Now Brock Lesnar is sick too, so… I’m not upset, I’m believing in myself a lot, and I’m sure I’ll put on a great show up there.”

Understanding that Shane Carwin provides a different matchup than Brock Lesnar, dos Santos fully believes in his ability to win inside the Octagon.

Commenting on Shane Carwin, dos Santos stated, “He’s very dangerous and, as Lesnar, he’s almost 120kg, they’re the heaviest guys, so they are pretty strong, it may be a problem. But I believe in myself. I train a lot… He’s much dangerous, has super heavy hands, good boxing skills, but I’ll bet on my speed and my boxing. I go for the knockout every time I fight.”

A tremendous talent within the UFC heavyweight division and an equally impressive personality outside of the Octagon, Junior dos Santos will face his toughest competition to date against Shane Carwin on June 11th at UFC 131.

Extremely prepared, driven, focused, and able to match Carwin in the stand-up striking affair, this battle between two of the UFC’s premiere heavyweights should rattle the seats in Vancouver, Canada.

Not only will the victor have his hand raised in admiration, he will also be next in line to challenge current UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez, for the most prestigious championship within mixed martial arts.

Enjoy this amazing fight on June 11th.

I welcome your comments.

Todd Seyler

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UFC Welterweights: B.J. Penn Calls out Jake Shields on Twitter

“The Prodigy” B.J. Penn’s return to the welterweight division was glorious with a vicious knockout of rival Matt Hughes in their rubber fight in November of 2010.Twenty-one seconds into the first round, Penn’s hand was raised in victory as Hughes laid …

“The Prodigy” B.J. Penn’s return to the welterweight division was glorious with a vicious knockout of rival Matt Hughes in their rubber fight in November of 2010.

Twenty-one seconds into the first round, Penn’s hand was raised in victory as Hughes laid unconscious on the Octagon floor as B.J. earned Knockout of the Night honors.

Following this stunning defeat, “The Prodigy” earned a disappointing draw at UFC 127 in Australia against Jon Fitch.

Neither fighter able to capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes, this lackluster affair came to an end under a banner of disappointment for Penn.

Alternatively, Jake Shields was riding a seven-year winning streak when he entered the UFC cage against the current welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre, at UFC 129.

Delivering an inconsistent offense with moments of brilliance overshadowed by a hesitant drive for victory, Shields suffered a unanimous decision defeat to St-Pierre.

Currently rehabilitating from shoulder surgery, Jon Fitch is unable to compete in the rematch against Penn.

Anxious to compete prior to Fitch’s full recovery, Penn has taken it upon himself to call out the former Elite XC champion Jake Shields.

Commenting via Twitter, Penn tweeted, “I would never challenge one of Cesar Gracie’s guys, but you’ve been calling me out for years. Let’s do it! I’ll contact Dana.”

Responding without hesitation, Shields replied, “I’m a BJ fan but let’s get it on. Make the call. Let’s go!”

Additionally, upping the ante, Shields tweeted, “Even better, let’s make it the first 5 round non-title fight.”

Both Penn and Shields are phenomenally talented Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners.

With the possibility of the ground game nullified by both fighter’s jiu-jitsu wizardry, this welterweight clash may come down to stand-up striking ability and cardiovascular conditioning.

A fight of this magnitude between two of the sport’s best welterweight fighters should be epic and a tremendous crowd-pleasing affair.

No word as of yet if this matchup is scheduled to take place. Stay tuned for details as they unfold.

I welcome your comments.

Todd Seyler

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UFC and Twitter: Digital Royalty and the UFC Twitter Bonus Program

Whereas other major sporting promotions are denouncing the utilization of social media, specifically Twitter, by its athletes, the UFC is encouraging their fighters to tweet.Understanding the exponential benefits of Twitter and Facebook, UFC president…

Whereas other major sporting promotions are denouncing the utilization of social media, specifically Twitter, by its athletes, the UFC is encouraging their fighters to tweet.

Understanding the exponential benefits of Twitter and Facebook, UFC president Dana White has created the first social media-based incentive program for fighters.

The NFL and NBA are well-known for fining their players up to $20,000 for violating social media policies during games.

On the other hand, the UFC is embracing the far-reaching grasp that social media has in this world and will be compensating its fighters with up to $240,000 annually.

The allotted money will be dispersed as quarterly bonuses to those fighters who make the most impact through their Twitter accounts.

News of this program was released at the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas at the UFC summit where more than 300 fighters were required to go through “Digital Royalty University social media training.”

The vision of the UFC is to allow its stable of fighters to create more interaction with their fans on a personal level through the use of Twitter.

This personal engagement between fighter and fan will strengthen the bond that is vital to the success of mixed martial arts in this country. There is no denying that without the fans, ultimate fighting does not exist.

Starting June 1, Stikeforce and UFC fighters will be divided into four groups depending on their number of Twitter followers.

From these groups, three winners will be determined based on the most followers gained, highest percentage of followers gained and most creative campaign.

Each winner will be awarded $5,000 for his effort.

Dana White, a social media aficionado himself, understands the value of Twitter and the personal relationship that is awarded between the fighters and their followers in only 140 characters.

Only time will tell if the other major sporting promotions follow suit with the UFC and embrace the worldwide grasp that social media creates.

I welcome your comments.

Todd Seyler
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Fedor Emelianenko a Slight Favorite in Superfight Versus Dan Henderson

According to MMA Weekly, the pending super-fight between “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko versus “Hollywood” Dan Henderson is almost a done deal.Sources close to Emelianenko’s management at M-1 Global have stated that this epic matchup will take pl…

According to MMA Weekly, the pending super-fight between “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko versus “Hollywood” Dan Henderson is almost a done deal.

Sources close to Emelianenko’s management at M-1 Global have stated that this epic matchup will take place on July 30th at the Hoffman Estates in Illinois.

With final negotiations still on the table, a catch-weight of 220 pounds for the two mixed martial arts veterans seems to be in place.

Bringing his prolific 31-3 overall MMA record to the cage, Emelianenko will be looking to bounce back from his only two defeats inside the Octagon.

Across the cage, Dan Henderson sports an amazing 27-8 MMA record and currently wears the Strikeforce light heavyweight championship crown.

Due to the catch-weight of 220 pounds, Henderson’s title will not be awarded to the victor.

Additionally, this fight will be co-promoted by M-1 Global and Strikeforce and therefore will air on Showtime, possibly on pay-per-view, however.

With details still needing to be ironed out, the fight itself seems to be imminent.

An additional note, this fight between two of ultimate fighting’s best ever will be the last contracted fight for Dan Henderson within Strikeforce.

He will technically be a free agent at the conclusion of his battle with Emelianenko.

With a tumultuous relationship with Dana White ever-present, it is not a guarantee that Henderson will be signed to the UFC roster at the conclusion of this fight.

One final mention, Vegas odds-makers have awarded Fedor Emelianenko a slight favorite (-280) over Dan Henderson (+210).

Regardless of the promotion or the future of either fighter, this clash of hall-of-fame fighters should be memorable for years to come.

Enjoy the fight.

I welcome your comments.

Todd Seyler

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Cage vs. Cons: May 21, 2011 LA Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena

On the surface, Cage vs. Cons matches up prison guards, police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other law enforcement and military personnel against ex-convicts inside the Octagon. The event is highlighted with various musical performances …

On the surface, Cage vs. Cons matches up prison guards, police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other law enforcement and military personnel against ex-convicts inside the Octagon.

The event is highlighted with various musical performances including E-40, Too Short, and the Dogg Pound and is hosted by Tiny Lister, “Deebo” from Friday, and Danny Trejo.

Additionally, a myriad of Los Angeles’s most esteemed tattoo artists will be part of the event.

Michael Lynch, CEO and creator of Cage vs. Cons, has fed on the public’s obsession for instant rivalries. Pinning an ex-convict versus a law enforcement agent divides the crowd instantly into two distinct, supporting halves.

A combination of high-energy, blood-seeking fights coupled with tremendous musical talent and incredible tattoo artists embrace the mixed martial arts culture perfectly and illuminates the foundation of life as an ultimate fighter.

Below the surface, however, Cage vs. Cons and Michael Lynch tell a different story.

The underlying theme of this unique promotion is to remove the stereotype associated with a law enforcement agent or an ex-convict and see the competitors as who they truly are; ultimate fighters.

Michael, an ex-convict himself, has a vision in which mixed martial arts is at the core.

That vision is to provide at-risk youth the opportunity to better their lives through the disciplines taught while training as an ultimate fighter; hard work, focus, and challenging yourself to achieve a dream.

Coordinating with Hector Pena and his gym located in Chatsworth, California, Michael provides the kids growing up in the gang-riddled areas of Los Angeles County the opportunity to “put down the guns and put your fists up.”

A born-again Christian and an advocate for the Bible and its teachings, Michael unites with other Christians, including Tiny, to relay the message to the children that living a wholesome, virtuous life in conjunction with God’s plan will provide these at-risk youth an avenue to pursue their dreams and avoid becoming a statistic of the streets.

Cage vs. Cons will take place in Los Angeles, California on May 21, 2011 at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena.

The event will be comprised of ten professional fights culminating in the main event between “Officer” Ismael Gonzales and “Notorious” Rick Slaton.

Gonzales, a police officer in L.A. will bring his stand-up striking background to the cage against Rick Slaton.

Slaton, an ex-convict and ex-gang member has given his life to God in prison and is now working with Lynch to reach out to the youth.

Inside the cage, Slaton, like Gonzales, is also a knockout specialist. Look for these two hard-hitting mixed martial artists to stand toe to toe inside the center of the Octagon and give the fans everything they deserve.

Religious beliefs aside, the message of this promotion is loud and clear; it’s time to provide the youth of Los Angeles the opportunity to pursue their dreams and not be swayed by the gang lifestyle.

This is a tremendous message and one that should be resounded nationwide.

Come support Cage vs. Cons and watch an evening of amazing fights, tremendous hip-hop talent, and extremely gifted tattoo artists on May 21^st.

There are plenty of good seats still available.

Tickets start at just $30.

For more information, please visit www.cagevscons.com.

I welcome your comments.

Todd Seyler

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UFC 131: Brock Lesnar Sidelined by Illness, the New Top 10 MMA Heavyweights

Sending shock-waves through the mixed martial arts community, news that Brock Lesnar will not compete at UFC 131 has altered the landscape of the entire heavyweight division.The avalanche of a man who some believed was an impenetrable force was first d…

Sending shock-waves through the mixed martial arts community, news that Brock Lesnar will not compete at UFC 131 has altered the landscape of the entire heavyweight division.

The avalanche of a man who some believed was an impenetrable force was first de-throned by Cain Velasquez to relinquish the UFC heavyweight championship in October of 2010, and now has been sidelined by a second case of diverticulitis.

With his return to the Octagon unknown, most experts state that this bout with the intestinal disorder could place Brock on the shelf for up to one year.

What is certain, however, is that competition amongst the sport’s best heavyweights will battle on.

And, Brock’s absence has had a cascade effect on the sport’s heavyweight division re-shuffling the top 10.

With Lesnar out of the picture, the following is my list of the top 10 heavyweights across all of mixed martial arts including both the UFC and Strikeforce.