Author: UFC News

Light-heavyweight Krzysztof Soszynski has had a change of opponent — again —  for his UFC 131 bout in Vancouver this Saturday. UFC veteran Mike Massenzio has verbally agreed to take the bout against Soszynski just six days out from the June 11 event, Dana White announced today.

Originally slated to fight Anthony Perosh, who suffered an injury, Soszynski was then expected to fight Igor Pokrajac, who also suffered an injury that forced him to cancel.

Tibau-Oliveira Replaces Palaszewski-McKenzie at UFC 130 updated May 19
Bart Palaszewski is out of his UFC 130 bout with Gleison Tibau due to injury, said Dana White today. Coming off a four-fight win streak, Rafaello “Tractor” Oliveira has verbally agreed to make his UFC return and face Tibau in a lightweight battle of Brazilian-born BJJ black belts.

Palaszewski was originally slated to fight TUF standout Cody McKenzie, but an injury sidelined the guilliotine specialist two weeks ago.

Danzig Injured, Cowboy to Welcome Rocha to UFC updated May 17
Mac Danzig has had to pull out of UFC 131 with an injury, Dana White confirmed today. Making his UFC debut on short notice, 6-1 BJJ black belt Vagner Rocha has verbally agreed to replace Danzig in the June 4 bout against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.

Heavyweight Changes Continue on UFC 131 Card updated May 13
With yesterday’s announcement that Shane Carwin will replace Brock Lesnar in the UFC 131 main event against Junior dos Santos, there have been some changes to the June 11th card in Vancouver.

Carwin’s original opponent on the card, Jon Olav Einemo, will now face fellow newcomer Dave “Pee Wee” Herman, and Herman’s original foe, Joey Beltran, will take on UFC debutant Aaron Rosa in bouts verbally agreed to today.

Carwin replaces Lesnar against dos Santos update May 12
After fighting his way back from a severe 2009 bout with diverticulitis to successfully defend his UFC heavyweight title against Shane Carwin last July before losing the belt to Cain Velasquez, Brock Lesnar has been forced out of his UFC 131 main event against Junior dos Santos after being stricken once again with the intestinal ailment.

UFC President Dana White revealed the news on a media teleconference Thursday afternoon.

Stepping in for Lesnar to face dos Santos will be Carwin, the former interim UFC heavyweight champion, on the June 11th event in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Carwin was originally scheduled to face Jon Olav Einemo on the UFC 131 card.

Lesnar and dos Santos have been competing against each other as coaches on season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter reality series on Spike TV.

Pokrajac in for Perosh vs. K-Sos updated May 10
A third fight card in two days has changed due to fighter injury –  Australia’s Anthony Perosh is unable to compete in his scheduled UFC 131 scrap against Krzysztof Soszynski, Dana White announced today. Igor Pokrajac has verbally agreed to face Soszynski instead at the June 11 Vancouver event.

Edgar-Maynard III Postponed; Rampage-Hamill Headlines 130 updated May 9
The highly-anticipated third bout between UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and number one contender Gray Maynard will have to wait a little longer, as it was announced today that both fighters have suffered injuries in training camp that will take them out of the UFC 130 main event on May 28th.

Stepping up into the UFC 130 main event slot is the bout between former UFC light heavyweight champ Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Matt “The Hammer” Hamill, and moving to the Pay-Per-View card will be the Thiago Alves vs. Rick Story welterweight showdown.

McKenzie Out, Tibau in at UFC 130 updated May 5
TUF 12’s Cody McKenzie is out of his UFC 130 fight with Bart Palaszewski due to injury. UFC president Dana White confirmed tonight that Gleison Tibau, fresh off of a win over Kurt Pellegrino, has verbally agreed to replace him in the lightweight bout.

Yahya Out, Poirier Gets Brit for 131 updated May 3
Rani Yahya has withdrawn from his UFC 131 bout against Dustin Poirier due to injury, UFC president Dana White confirmed today. Stepping in for Yahya will be English striking ace Jason Young, making his UFC debut. Poirier has a dangerous stand-up arsenal of his own and is pegged by many to be a top prospect to watch at featherweight.

McDonald in for Kid against Cariaso updated April 27
Bantamweight phenom Michael McDonald is stepping in on short notice to face Chris Cariaso at UFC 130.

“Kid Yamamoto has withdrawn from his May 28th bout vs Chris Cariaso due to injury,” said UFC President Dana White. “In his place will be UFC’s youngest fighter and one of it’s most exciting, Michael McDonald, who is coming off a recent Fight of The Night performance. Chris Cariaso carries a great record of his own with a fast style and he plans on cementing his place in the bantamweight division with a win over the highly touted prospect. Both have verbally agreed to the fight.”

Barao-Escovedo Set for UFC 130 updated April 20
WEC veteran Cole Escovedo, the organization’s first featherweight champ, will make his UFC debut at bantamweight against top Brazilian prospect Renan Barao at UFC 130, as the two have verbally agreed to the matchup.
 
Barao looks to continue his astounding 28-fight unbeaten streak against Escovedo, who’s known for being an incredible finisher. Barao was originally scheduled to fight Demetrious Johnson – earlier this week, Johnson replaced an injured Brad Pickett on the same card.

Mighty Mouse in for Injured Pickett vs. Torres updated April 20
UFC president Dana white announced that Brit bantamweight Brad Pickett has suffered an injury, forcing him to withdraw from his May 28th bout against Miguel Torres at UFC 130.

“The fastest man in the division has answered the call, and Demetrious Johnson will move into Pickett’s spot to face the former divisional kingpin,” said White. “Both men have verbally agreed to the fight.”

Johnson was originally slated to fight rising prospect Renan Barao on the same date; Barao’s new opponent will be announced shortly.

TUF Alumni Back in the Octagon updated April 11
TUF 11 star Nick “The Promise” Ring will meet James Head in Vancouver on June 11.
“Seven-and-one James Head is coming off an impressive victory over UFC
veteran Gerald Harris and has verbally agreed to make his UFC debut
against the undefeated Canadian middleweight Ring,” he said.

McKenzie to face Palaszewski at UFC 130 updated April 10
The master of the McKenzietine, TUF 12 alum Cody McKenzie, will get a tough test on May 28 in Las Vegas when he squares off against WEC vet Bart Palaszewski in a UFC 130 lightweight bout that was verbally agreed to today.

McGee Out, Weidman in at UFC 131 updated April 5
An injury has forced Court McGee to withdraw from his UFC 131 bout in Vancouver. “Undefeated Chris Weidman, who was impressive defeating Alessio Sakara in his UFC debut, has verbally agreed to step in against tough Canadian Jesse Bongfeldt,” said Dana White.

“Pee Wee” vs. “The Mexicutioner” at UFC 131 updated March 31
UFC President Dana White announced another heavyweight matchup for June’s UFC 131 card. “20-2 Heavyweight Dave “Pee-Wee” Herman has verbally agreed to make his UFC debut against hard hitting Joey Beltran June 11th in Vancouver,” said White.

Carwin Returns to Face Newcomer Einemo at UFC 131 updated March 23
UFC President Dana White announced today that Colorado KO king Shane Carwin is expected to make his long awaited return to the Octagon on June 11th against newcomer Jon Olav Einemo.

“Submission wrestling champion Jon Olav Einemo has verbally agreed to make his UFC debut against former UFC interim heavyweight champion Shane Carwin at UFC 131 in Vancouver,” said White. “Carwin is an incredibly tough UFC debut for anyone but Einemo’s camp loves the style matchup.”

Carwin had a roller coaster 2010, winning the interim heavyweight crown with a first round knockout of Frank Mir in March, yet falling short of winning the undisputed crown as he was submitted in the second round of a back and forth war with Brock Lesnar. After undergoing surgery to heal some nagging injuries, he will be back at UFC 131 to take on Einemo, a 6-foot-6 jiu-jitsu black belt who has won six of his seven pro bouts, with the only loss a 2006 defeat in PRIDE to Fabricio Werdum.

Edwards/Stout, Cerrone/Danzig updated March 14

Two thrilling lightweight bouts have been added to the summer lineup featuring TUF stars pitted against WEC favorites who’ve had success so far in the UFC.

“Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone and TUF 6 winner Mac Danzig have verbally agreed to meet in what should by a non-stop action fight at UFC 131 in Vancouver,” said White. He also confirmed a bout between two UFC veterans on that same card: “Yves Edwards VS Sam Stout, a matchup of top lightweight strikers has been verbally agreed to.”

Bantamweights Take Vegas updated March 12th:

The bantamweights will be out in force in Las Vegas this spring, as intriguing 135-pound matchups have been verbally agreed to for the UFC 130 card.

At UFC 130, which takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, two of the division’s top rising stars will meet when speedster Demetrious Johnson takes on Brazilian phenom Renan Barao. Johnson is coming off a career-best win over Kid Yamamoto at UFC 126, and Barao’s stellar win streak, which includes back-to-back WEC victories, speaks for itself.

“One of the fastest men in the sport, Demetrious Johnson, and Renan Barao, with an incredible 27 fight unbeaten streak, have both verbally agreed to fight at UFC 130 on May 28th in Las Vegas,” said UFC President Dana White.

Also on the UFC 130 card, Japanese star Yamamoto returns in search of his first UFC win when he faces off against Chris Cariaso.

UFC 131 Card Shapes Up updated March 12th

Also, four bouts on the UFC 131 fight card have been verbally agreed to, including a matchup of rising middleweights:

* Mark Munoz vs. Demian Maia
“Heavy handed Mark Munoz will take on Demian Maia, one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts in MMA,” says UFC president Dana White.

* Anthony Perosh vs. Krzysztof Soszynski

* Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Court McGee

* Darren Elkins vs. Michihiro Omigawa (at featherweight)

UFC 131 will take place June 11th in Vancouver. More details about UFC 131 including ticket information will be announced soon.

Tony Ferguson won Knockout of the Night for the first-round finish that secured his spot as the TUF 13 champion. Reuben Duran received the Submission of the Night bonus after his RNC of Francisco Rivera that came in the third stanza of an entertaining bantamweight bout.

Kyle Kingsbury and Fabio Maldonado were awarded Fight of the Night for their light-heavyweight war – Kingsbury scored the decision but was unable to attend the press conference because he was taken to the hospital for routine testing.

Each bonus was $40,000.

Highlights from the press conference are linked below:
Clay Guida and Anthony Pettis
Chris Cope and Ed Herman
Tony Ferguson

Below are the official weigh-in results for Saturday night’s Ultimate Fighter Finale event. The TUF13 Finale, which is headlined by the season 13 final between Tony Ferguson and Ramsey Nijem and the lightweight bout between Clay Guida and Anthony Pettis, airs on Spike TV from The Pearl at The Palms in Las Vegas beginning at 9pm ET / PT.

Main Event – TUF 13 Final
Tony Ferguson (169) VS Ramsey Nijem (170)

Televised fights
Anthony Pettis (155) VS Clay Guida (155)
Tim Credeur (185) VS Ed Herman (186)
Fabio Maldonado (203) VS Kyle Kingsbury (206)
Chris Cope (170) VS Chuck O’Neil (170)

Facebook prelims – “Like” Facebook.com/ufc and then click “TUF 13 Live Prelims” under the profile pic
Jeremy Stephens (156) VS Danny Downes (155)
George Roop (146) VS Josh Grispi (145)
Shamar Bailey (171) VS Ryan McGillivray (169)
Justin Edwards (170) VS Clay Harvison (171)
Ken Stone (136) VS Scott Jorgensen (135)
Francisco Rivera (136) VS Reuben Duran (136)

Joe Rogan recently made an offensive statement reflecting a personal opinion that does not represent the UFC in any way. I have addressed this directly with Joe.

THQ Inc. and Zuffa, LLC today announced the first gameplay details
surrounding UFC® Undisputed™ 3, the new installment in the critically acclaimed
and best-selling mixed martial arts (MMA) videogame franchise based on the
Ultimate Fighting Championship®.  Poised to take players inside the
virtual Octagon® with extensive focus on intense toe-to-toe combat, impressive
visual presentation and significantly increased accessibility, including the
introduction of PRIDE® Mode, two new weight classes and an impressive playable
roster of more than 150 UFC fighters, UFC Undisputed 3 is currently in
development for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and
PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, with a scheduled release timing of
January 2012.

“UFC Undisputed 3 is on track to deliver an incredible virtual MMA
experience unlike any other,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core
Games, THQ.  “This product is intense, engaging and highly competitive
while still being extremely accessible, making it a must-have for millions of
UFC fans, traditional fighting game enthusiasts and more casual sports fans
around the world.”

“We are excited to launch UFC Undisputed 3 in January 2012 and expect it to be
the best version yet,” UFC President Dana White said.  “We’ve added two
new weight classes and several new features to the game that will bring UFC
fans closer to the Octagon than ever before.”

About UFC Undisputed 3
UFC Undisputed 3 will mark the debut of PRIDE Mode, enabling players to
fight for the first time in the renowned Japanese MMA organization.  The
mode will include official commentators Bas Rutten and Stephen Quadros,
authentic environments and notorious MMA rules, including the ability to execute
soccer-style kicks, head stomps and ground knees to the head.  Finishing
an opponent will be more important than ever through devastating new moves,
responsive striking controls, refined visual presentation and the introduction
of a brand new submission system.  In addition, players will now enter the
Octagon with a choice between traditional and simplified gameplay control
options, enabling them, regardless of skill level, to experience the intensity
of UFC and nuances of MMA combat while executing simple standing strikes or
more complex ground and transition mechanics. 
 
Players will also experience the excitement of a live UFC event through
significant visual improvements, including the introduction of much-anticipated
fighter entrances, new camera positions, improved facial animations and a
gritty, high contrast appearance.  They will enter into battle with an
unparalleled choice of more than 150 playable UFC fighters, including talent
from the newly added featherweight and bantamweight divisions.  Rounding
out the virtual UFC experience with a significantly revamped online experience,
as well as a variety of new and returning gameplay modes, UFC Undisputed 3 lets
players have their fights – their way – to deliver the most intense,
competitive and engaging experience to date for the franchise. 

For more information on UFC Undisputed 3, please visit www.ufcundisputed.com,facebook.com/UFCUndisputed and twitter.com/UFC_Undisputed.
 

Las Vegas, NV (USA) –British welterweight star Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy made it no secret that he wanted his next fight to be against fellow knockout artist Chris “Lights Out” Lytle. On Sunday, Aug. 14, live from Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Hardy gets his wish, as the Ultimate Fighting Championship® announced today its first-ever card in Wisconsin. 

Hardy and Lytle, two of the 170-pound division’s most devastating strikers, will collide in the main event, while lightweight contenders Jim Miller and Ben “Smooth” Henderson go to war in a bout that will determine which fighter moves one step closer to a shot at the title. Plus, light heavyweight star Stephan Bonnar returns to the Octagon® to battle the menacing Karlos Vemola and Amir Sadollah and Duane Ludwig engage in an exciting welterweight bout.

“Dan Hardy and Chris Lytle want to stand toe-to-toe until someone falls and that’s a recipe for an outstanding fight,” UFC President Dana White said. “This is the fight both guys wanted, so the fans in Milwaukee are in for a treat. The Miller-Henderson fight should be equally exciting since both guys love to come forward and press the action. We can’t wait to host our first event in Wisconsin this summer.”

Tickets for UFC® LIVE go on sale Saturday, June 11 at 10 a.m. CT and are priced at $250, $125, $75, and $50. Tickets are available at the Bradley Center Ticket Office, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster Outlets, or by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets are subject to applicable convenience and service fees.

UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event on Thursday, June 9 at 10 a.m. CT via the website ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers on Friday, June 10 starting at 10 a.m. CT.  To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through ufc.com. 

UFC® LIVE will be broadcast live on VERSUS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Originally from Nottingham, England, Dan Hardy (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) earned his stripes in the UFC thanks to his devastating power and a fearless approach inside the Octagon®. Holding wins over the likes of Mike Swick, Marcus Davis and Rory Markham, the 28-year-old finally gets his much-desired bout with Lytle in Milwaukee.

“This is the fight I’ve wanted and it’s the fight the fans wanted,” Hardy, who recently moved to Las Vegas for training, said. “Fans don’t like boring fights. They want two guys in there who are willing to go to battle. Chris Lytle always comes to fight, so this won’t be a boring fight. I can guarantee that.”
A winner of four out of his last five bouts, Chris Lytle (fighting out of Indianapolis, Ind.) has developed a reputation for giving the fans their money’s worth. Known for his heavy hands and free-swinging approach, the 36-year-old former pro boxer wanted nothing more than a knock-em-out, drag-em-out bout against Hardy this summer.

“I don’t like to take a fight unless I know it can potentially be the best, most exciting one of my career,” Lytle, who owns a record of 40-18-4, said. “This fight has the potential to be that and more. I’m on a seek-and-destroy mission and I know that Dan is, too. I’m really excited for this fight.”

Another contender in the crowded lightweight division will emerge on Aug. 14 when Jim Miller (fighting out of Whippany, N.J.) takes on former WEC champion Ben Henderson (fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.). Seven straight victories have fueled Miller’s ascension up the 155-pound ranks, including a brutal knockout win over previously unbeaten Kamal Shalorus in March. To secure an eighth victory and potential slot in a title fight, the 20-2 fighter must defeat Henderson (13-2), a well-rounded battler who soundly defeated Mark Bocek in his UFC debut in April.

One of the sport’s most charismatic stars returns on Aug. 14 as “The American Psycho” Stephan Bonnar (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) hits Milwaukee for a light heavyweight bout with Karlos Vemola (fighting out of London, England). Known for his sport-defining clash with Forrest Griffin during season one of The Ultimate Fighter®, the 34-year-old Bonnar (16-7) is still making waves six years later and is riding back-to-back wins over Krzysztof Soszynski and Igor Pokrajac. To earn his third straight win, he must best 25-year-old Vemola (9-1). Originally from the Czech Republic, Vemola is fresh off a knockout victory over Seth Petruzelli at UFC 122 and has his sights set on earning the biggest win of his career at Bradley Center.

A compelling welterweight bout pits the season seven winner of The Ultimate Fighter®, Amir Sadollah (fighting out of Richmond, Va.), against the fearless Duane “Bang” Ludwig (fighting out of Denver, Colo.). The 30-year-old Sadollah (6-2) has won two consecutive fights, while the 32-year-old Ludwig defeated Nick Osipczak by decision in his last fight on UFC 122. Given both fighters’ penchants for exciting fights, the Sadollah-Ludwig bout should deliver when the UFC arrives in Milwaukee in August.