Jonathan Brookins Returns to the Right Track

“Contestants of “The Ultimate Fighter” almost always emerge as vastly improved versions of themselves on the reality-show’s finale.”They’re no longer in the pressure cooker of the house, time has passed, and they’ve picked up useful skills.”‘TUF 12’ wi…

“Contestants of “The Ultimate Fighter” almost always emerge as vastly improved versions of themselves on the reality-show’s finale.

“They’re no longer in the pressure cooker of the house, time has passed, and they’ve picked up useful skills.

“‘TUF 12’ winner Jonathan Brookins largely did what he was good at – taking backs and locking in chokes – during the show and won the competition. But after a nine-month layoff, he appeared not to have improved, but gone downhill in a bout with Erik Koch at UFC Fight Night 25.”

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Benson Henderson, Comics Fan, Superhero

“It’s not unusual for comic book fans to wonder what life would be like as a crime-fighting vigilante. Would you be strong enough, brave enough and tough enough? Even having seen the movie “Kick Ass,” most fans are content to read about or watch supe…

“It’s not unusual for comic book fans to wonder what life would be like as a crime-fighting vigilante. Would you be strong enough, brave enough and tough enough? Even having seen the movie “Kick Ass,” most fans are content to read about or watch superheroic exploits rather than living them.

“However, there is a comic book fan out there who possesses the strength and ability worthy of a superhero — one that might even give Iron Fist a run for his money. Ultimate Fighting Championship Lightweight Championship contender Benson “Smooth” Henderson is both a fighter and a comic lover. As one of UFC’s fastest-rising stars, Henderson is 15-2 for his career and 3-0 since entering the UFC in 2011 — and he’s preparing for one epic fight.”

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Pineda in for Peralta Down Under

The rematch between featherweights Mackens Semerzier and Robert Peralta slated for March is off, as Peralta has been forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury.Stepping in for Peralta will be Daniel Pineda, fresh off a quick submission victory in h…

The rematch between featherweights Mackens Semerzier and Robert Peralta slated for March is off, as Peralta has been forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury.

Stepping in for Peralta will be Daniel Pineda, fresh off a quick submission victory in his Octagon debut January 20. Both fighters have verbally agreed to the new matchup.

Noke Gets New Opponent for UFC in Sydney updated January 19
Aussie Kyle Noke has has an opponent change for his upcoming UFC on FX bout in Sydney, as it was announced today that Jared Hamman has been injured and forced to withdraw. Stepping to face Noke will be undefeated Texan Andrew Craig, who will make his UFC debut down under. Both men have verbally agreed to the new matchup.

Te Huna vs. Rosa at UFC on FX 2 updated January 10
Verbal agreements are in for a light heavyweight showdown between Aaron Rosa and Australian power puncher James Te Huna. The March 3 event will mark Te Huna’s third appearance at a UFC event in Sydney.

Sydney Card Taking Shape updated January 5
Australian fans have a bevy of brawls to look forward to, as verbal agreements are in for a handful of matchups on the March 3 card.

Hometown favorite Anthony “The Hippo” Perosh will welcome 11-1 light heavyweight prospect Nick Penner to the UFC. Perosh is coming off of back to back submission wins and looks to make it three in a row in his home country.

Another Australian, TUF 11’s Kyle Noke will meet in a middleweight match against Jared “The Messenger’ Hamman.

At welterweight, verbal agreements are in for a match between 11-2 Jake “The Hitman” Hecht and submission specialist TJ Waldburger.

TUF 14 standout Steven Siler looks to continue to impress in the featherweight division by taking taking on Cole Miller, who is dropping a weight division and making his debut at 145 pounds. “Siler surprised many by taking out Cole’s brother, Micah, to earn a spot in last season’s Ultimate Fighter, said UFC president Dana White. “Miller is coming off an impressive submission stoppage in his last outing.”

Also at 145 pounds, featherweight contenders Mackens Semerzier and Robbie Peralta will go at it once more after their previous bout at UFC on FOX </a>1 ended up as a no-contest due to an accidental head-butt.

And two heavyweights have verbally agreed to make their UFC debuts in Sydney as 12-3 Strikeforce vet Shawn “The Savage” Jordan will take on 9-2 Brit Oli Thompson.

Court McGee, Costa Philippou Slated for Sydney
updated December 27
Verbal agreements are in for a dynamic matchup between hard-hitting middleweights Constantinos Philippou and Court ‘The Crusher’ McGee for March 3. TUF 11 winner Court McGee most recently decisioned the ultra-tough Dongi Yang, while Philippou is coming off a blistering first-round knockout win at UFC 140.

Flyweights Headed Down Under updated December 10
The March 3 Australia event will mark the introduction of the UFC’s flyweight division, with two bouts that will determine the
contenders for the UFC’s first-ever flyweight championship.

Former number-one bantamweight contender Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson battles Ian McCall, and longtime 135-pound standout Joseph Benavidez will also drop to 125 pounds to face Japan’s Yasuhiro Urushitani.

Alves vs. Kampmann Confirmed updated November 29
“A potential fight of the night candidate has been verbally agreed to as Martin ‘The Hitman’ Kampmann will face Thiago ‘Pit Bull’ Alves in a welterweight match early next year,” confirmed UFC president Dana White today.

The event will be aired on the FX Network in early March of next year.

TapouT Announced as Official Lifestyle Apparel Partner

Las Vegas, Nevada –TapouT®, the premier MMA lifestyle brand and longtime supporter of the sport of mixed martial arts, has become an official lifestyle apparel partner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, the companies announced today. The multi…

Las Vegas, Nevada –TapouT®, the premier MMA lifestyle brand and longtime supporter of the sport of mixed martial arts, has become an official lifestyle apparel partner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, the companies announced today.

The multi-year deal gives TapouT exposure at UFC® events broadcast on Pay-Per-View, FX and FUEL TV via canvas logos, bumpers and billboards. In addition, TapouT will present the “Submission of the Night” feature on UFC broadcasts, as well as take part in on-site activation at UFC events globally. The agreement also includes an extensive digital media plan, with TapouT gaining visibility across multiple social media platforms and at UFC.com. Furthermore, TapouT obtains the rights to use “Official lifestyle apparel of UFC” on hangtags, point-of-sale and advertising.

TapouT, which is owned by New York-based ABG TapouT, LLC a division of Authentic Brands Group LLC, has a long history of sponsoring UFC athletes in the Octagon®.

“TapouT has been a big supporter of the sport and its athletes for a long time,” said Bryan Johnston, CMO of UFC. “We’re excited to have them as our official lifestyle apparel partner as we get ready for some of the biggest years in UFC history.”

“It’s been a dream of ours ever since we watched the first UFC to be an official partner of the best MMA organization in the world,” said TapouT co-founder, Dan “Punkass” Caldwell.

“The UFC is a world class professional sports organization with an aggressive global growth strategy in line with ours,” said Nick Woodhouse, CMO of Authentic Brands Group. “This partnership with the UFC further reinforces TapouT’s commitment to supporting the sport, its athletes and beloved fans.”

UFC 143 Press Conference Report

Seven fighters – plus UFC President Dana White –  attended the UFC 143 post-fight press conference: Carlos Condit, Renan Barao, Josh Koscheck, Fabricio Werdum, Dustin Poirier, Ed Herman, and Stephen Thompson.The event’s Fight of the Night bonuses …

Seven fighters – plus UFC President Dana White –  attended the UFC 143 post-fight press conference: Carlos Condit, Renan Barao, Josh Koscheck, Fabricio Werdum, Dustin Poirier, Ed Herman, and Stephen Thompson.

The event’s Fight of the Night bonuses went to Fabricio Werdum and Roy Nelson. The two heavyweights engaged in a back-and-forth battle that took place predominantly on the feet, with Werdum taking the unanimous decision.

KO of the Night went to newcomer Thompson, who laid out fellow debutant Dan Stittgen with a highlight-reel head kick in the first round.

Dustin Poirier earned Submission of the Night for his mounted first-round triangle/armbar over Max Holloway. With the win, Poirier moves to 4-0 inside the Octagon.

Each bonused fighter received $65,000.

 Press Conference highlights:

Werdum and Koscheck

Condit

Watch the UFC® 143 replay

10 Ways to Watch UFC 143

In Person! Diaz vs. Condit. Big Country vs. Werdum. Koscheck vs. Pierce. UFC 143 is loaded with wars, and the main event alone makes it worth the trek to the desert. Plus, there are tons of free fan events going on, so score your tickets, book your tra…

In Person! Diaz vs. Condit. Big Country vs. Werdum. Koscheck vs. Pierce. UFC 143 is loaded with wars, and the main event alone makes it worth the trek to the desert. Plus, there are tons of free fan events going on, so score your tickets, book your travel and come see us in person.

On the Big Screen in 3D Sure, you’ve seen action on the big screen but never like this! For the first time ever, a UFC Pay-Per-View will be broadcast live in movie theaters on the big screen! Find a screen near you and buy tickets now at www.ufc.com/3d. Plus, at select theaters in Vegas, Mobile, Mesa, Denver and Fairfax, the night will be hosted by a UFC fighter.

Pay-Per-View… or Pay-Per-View 3D! UFC 143 can be seen on Pay-Per-View through your local cable
operator
. (Available on Main Event in Australia; Sky Arena in NZ; UK fans see it for free on ESPN at 3 am.) If you’ve got a 3D television, select cable providers (including DirecTV, At&T U-verse, Cox and Comcast) are also offering the fights in 3D – check yours for details. Besides Superman punches that look like they’re going to break through your TV, the 3D broadcast will feature its own announcing team.

On Xbox LIVE Download the UFC on Xbox LIVE app to your Xbox 360 and get free access to exclusive programming, live streams of the weigh-in and press conference and more (US and Canada only for now – more countries coming soon!). Plus, during Xbox LIVE Free Gold Weekend, you can use the upgrade features like fight picks and an expanded video on demand menu. Then on Saturday, watch the Pay-Per-View live and check out interactive features such as fight card displays.

UFC.tv 
Re-watch every knockout from multiple angles. Keep the camera on your
favorite fighter even during his opponent’s walkout. Hear every
word Nick Diaz’ corner shouts (on second thought…). Watch the free demo of UFC.TV
with its multiple camera angles, HD-quality stream, audio feeds and DVR
controls. It’s a futuristic experience available at your fingertips
today – www.UFC.tv.

At a bar It’s Super Bowl weekend, so you’ve already got wings on your mind – why wait until Sunday!? Visit bars.ufc.com from your computer or mobile device to find a location showing the big guys nears you.

On your Android On the move with your phone? Use the UFC Android Application watch UFC 143 live.

On Your Favorite Site
The biggest online video portals are catching UFC fever – catch the Pay-Per-View on YouTube, UStream, Yahoo!, and more.

On Facebook Fans can use Facebook credits to view the stream right on the same tab where you watch the prelims. Like!

On ROKU This UFC experience combines internet streaming on large-screen televisions. Make sure you download the UFC Channel on
your ROKU set-top box.