UFC Sweden Sells Out in Record Time

The debut of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® in Sweden is already a knockout at the box office. Tickets for the event, which takes place Saturday, April 14 at Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, sold out just hours after of going on sale to the pub…

The debut of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® in Sweden is already a knockout at the box office. Tickets for the event, which takes place Saturday, April 14 at Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, sold out just hours after of going on sale to the public. The tremendous success makes UFC® SWEDEN the fastest selling European event in UFC history.

“People have been telling me how big of a market Sweden was for the UFC and today, the fans went out and proved it,” UFC President Dana White said. “I love taking the UFC to new markets. I can’t wait to get to Stockholm in April because we’re going to put on a great event!”

According to Marie Lindqvist, communications manager at Ericsson Globe Arena, the huge demand for UFC has only been matched by the biggest international pop stars. What’s more, the demand for tickets is also unprecedented by any other martial arts event in Sweden since the pro boxing prohibition was pushed through in 1970.

Bouts for this record-breaking card include: Stockholm’s rising star Alexander Gustafsson vs. former PRIDE® star Rogerio “Lil’ Nog” Nogueira in an exciting light heavyweight main event; Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Paulo Thiago in welterweight action; DaMarques Johnson vs. John Maguire in a 170-pound contest; undefeated kickboxer Jörgen Kruth of Sweden vs. French striker Cyrille Diabate at light heavyweight; middleweight competitor Magnus “Jycken” Cedenblad of Sweden against highly-touted prospect Francis Carmont; middleweight standout Brian Stann vs. Italian striker Alessio Sakara; bantamweight action pitting British bomber Brad Pickett vs. free-swinging American Damacio Page; welterweight James Head vs. Papy Abedi, who was born in France, but now lives and trains in Stockholm.

UFC Sweden Tickets On Sale This Week

For the first time in UFC® history, the Octagon® is headed to Stockholm. The Ultimate Fighting Championship®, the world’s premier organization for mixed martial arts, announced today that it is planning its Swedish debut on April 14, 2012. The first…

For the first time in UFC® history, the Octagon® is headed to Stockholm. The Ultimate Fighting Championship®, the world’s premier organization for mixed martial arts, announced today that it is planning its Swedish debut on April 14, 2012. The first European UFC event of the year will be held in the prestigious Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, adding yet another highly- important market to UFC’s global expansion. The main event pits Stockholm’s rising star Alexander Gustafsson vs. former PRIDE® star Rogerio “Lil’ Nog” Nogueira in an exciting light heavyweight contest.

“Sweden has been on our radar for a long time and on April 14, we’re excited to finally bring the UFC to Stockholm,” UFC President Dana White said. “We’re putting together a great card for the Swedish fans. I can’t wait to get there in April!”

Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, January 13 at 9 am local/8 am GMT. UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Wednesday, January 11 at 11 am local/10 am GMT. Fight club memberships will be available for purchase directly through www.ufcfightclub.com. Upon purchasing a membership, users will have immediate access to a pre-sale code to buy tickets at ticnet.se.

Tickets for UFC Sweden are priced at SEK 450, SEK 665, SEK 885, SEK 1110, SEK 1330 and SEK 1990, and go on sale to the public on Friday, January 13. Tickets will be available at globearenas.se and at ticnet.se.

Additional bouts for this card include: Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Paulo Thiago in welterweight action; DaMarques Johnson vs. John Maguire in a 170-pound contest; undefeated kickboxer Jörgen Kruth of Sweden vs. French striker Cyrille Diabate at light heavyweight; middleweight competitor Magnus “Jycken” Cedenblad of Sweden against highly-touted prospect Francis Carmont; middleweight standout Brian Stann vs. Italian striker Alessio Sakara; bantamweight action pitting British bomber Brad Pickett vs. free-swinging American Damacio Page; welterweight James Head vs. Papy Abedi, who was born in France, but now lives and trains in Stockholm.

UFC 142’s 6-Foot-7 "Squidward"

“Ednaldo Oliveira seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. That ability is what helped him land a position as a security guard, then a spot in law school and, most recently, a spot Saturday against Gabriel Gonzaga on the pr…

“Ednaldo Oliveira seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. That ability is what helped him land a position as a security guard, then a spot in law school and, most recently, a spot Saturday against Gabriel Gonzaga on the preliminary card of UFC 142 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Oliveira, a rangy 6-foot-7 heavyweight known to his friends as “Lula Molusco” (Portuguese for “Squidward”), appreciates his good fortune. He met current UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos when both were learning jiu-jitsu. They became friends and training partners and it was dos Santos who recommended the 13-0-1 Oliveira to UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta.”

Read full article

Maldonado Bit by Injury Bug, Fight with Magalhaes Off

Just when it looked like it was smooth sailing for light heavyweight Fabio Maldonado, an injury has forced him from Saturday’s UFC 142 event in Rio, prompting the cancellation of his bout against Caio Magalhaes. The bout will not be replaced, and the c…

Just when it looked like it was smooth sailing for light heavyweight Fabio Maldonado, an injury has forced him from Saturday’s UFC 142 event in Rio, prompting the cancellation of his bout against Caio Magalhaes. The bout will not be replaced, and the card will go on with 10 fights.

Fight Card Back Up to Speed for Rio updated December 20
After a rash of injuries to the fighters on the UFC 142 card, the Rio event’s lineup is back in fighting shape with the announcement an additional replacement. UFC president Dana White confirmed today that undefeated Brazilian Caio Magalhaes will make his UFC debut against uber-tough Fabio Maldonado. Magalhaes replaces light heavyweight Stanisilav Nedkov.

Familiar Faces Return for UFC 142 updated December 17
With injuries hitting the UFC 142 card in Brazil on January 14th, three familiar faces from Zuffa’s recent past have verbally agreed to return to the Octagon.

In heavyweight action, former world title challenger Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga will resume his UFC career when he replaces Rob Broughton against newcomer Ednaldo Oliveira.

Plus, Gonzaga’s stablemate, welterweight Ricardo Funch, steps in for Paulo Thiago against veteran Mike Pyle, and former WEC standout Carlo Prater will face Erick Silva in another welterweight bout, as Siyar Bahadurzada‘s debut has been postponed due to injury.

Stanislav Nedkov has also been forced out of his light heavyweight bout against Fabio Maldonado a new opponent for Maldonado will be named shortly.

Paulo Thiago vs. Mike Pyle Plus Heavyweights at 142
updated November 29
Skilled contenders Paulo Thiago and Mike Pyle will meet in a welterweight battle, as “Quicksand” will enter Thiago’s home territory at UFC 142.

A heavyweight bout on the undercard completes the Brazil card’s lineup, as undefeated Brazilian Ednaldo Oliveira has agreed to make his UFC debut against the U.K’s Rob “The Bear” Broughton.

UFC 142’s Featherweight Feast Continues updated November 24
Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes won’t be the only featherweights showing off the division at UFC </a>142 in Brazil on January 14th, as UFC President Dana White announced two verbally agreed to bouts for the highly anticipated card: a clash between Yuri Alcantara and Michihiro Omigawa, and a battle pitting Felipe Arantes against debuting Antonio Carvalho.

Two Powerhouses to Lock Horns in Brazil

Verbal agreements are in for a matchup between powerful wrestler Mike “The Master of Disaster” Massenzio and Brazilian leg-locking machine Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares at UFC 142 January 14, announced UFC president Dana White today.

Bahadurzada-E.Silva, Maldonado-Nedkov added to UFC 142 updated November 14
January’s UFC </a>142 event has gotten a jot with two more explosive matchups that will put Brazilian fans on their feet from start to finish.

First up, highly-touted Siyar Bahadurzada enters the Octagon for the first time to face Erick Silva, who stopped Luis Ramos in 40 seconds in his own debut in August.

“Verbal agreements are in for the UFC debut of Shooto champion Siyar Bahadurzada January 14th in Brazil,” said UFC President Dana White. “He will be taking on Jungle Fight champion Erick Silva, who looked spectacular in his UFC debut in August.”

Plus, light heavyweight sluggers Fabio Maldonado and Stanislav Nedkov have also verbally agreed to meet in Brazil to kick off their 2012 campaigns.

Tavares vs. Stout, Barboza vs. Etim Headed to Brazil

Two lightweight wars between fan favorites have been slated for the UFC’s return to Brazil in January.

A pair of fighters known for their exciting performances have verbally agreed to meet as Sam “Hands of Stone” Stout will take on Brazil’s Thiago Tavares. Both men are coming off of impressive finishes – Stout scored Knockout of the Night in the first round of UFC 131, while Tavares TKOd Spencer Fisher in the second at UFC Rio.

Additionally, Terry Etim will follow up his 17-second UFC 138 Submission of the Night blitz with a bout against another UFC Rio winner. “Get ready for fireworks as verbal agreements are in for a matchup featuring two of the best strikers in the lightweight division: Terry Etim takes on Edson Barboza at UFC 142,” said UFC president Dana White.

Belfort vs. Rumble Announced for UFC’s Return to Brazil
updated November 1
A second Brazilian mega-star is set to fight at home at UFC 142. “Verbal agreements in for what should be an explosive matchup as powerhouse Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson moves up to middleweight to face ‘The Phenom’ Vitor Belfort at the event,” UFC president Dana White said.

Aldo to Defend Title in Brazil updated October 31
After the success of UFC Rio in August, UFC officials promised that they would stage another event in the country as soon as possible. That return has now been confirmed as UFC 142, to be held January 14 in a to-be-named Brazilian city.

Besides the date, a title-fight main event was also confirmed.

Pound-for-pound superstar Jose Aldo will fight in Brazil for the first time since 2007 when he defends his UFC featherweight title against unbeaten powerhouse Chad Mendes.

Read more about the matchup on Fox Sports.

Complete Strikeforce Results

Main Event Results: Rockhold Retains Title in StyleMain Card Results: Young Lions Left to Lick Their WoundsPrelim Results: Momentum Builds for Main CardEvent Photo GalleryEvent Video RecapVideo – Post-Fight Winner Interviews:Luke RockholdRobbie LawlerK…

Main Event Results: Rockhold Retains Title in Style

Main Card Results: Young Lions Left to Lick Their Wounds

Prelim Results: Momentum Builds for Main Card

Event Photo Gallery

Event Video Recap

Video – Post-Fight Winner Interviews:
Luke Rockhold
Robbie Lawler
King Mo Lawal
Tyron Woodley
Tarec Saffiedine
Nah-Shon Burrell
Gian Villante
Ricky Legere
Estevan Payan

Strikeforce Issues Statement on Cris "Cyborg" Santos

STRIKEFORCE CEO Scott Coker released the following statement today regarding Cris “Cyborg” Santos and the recent announcement from the California State Athletic Commission:“STRIKEFORCE has not seen the test results regarding Ms. Santos. However, …

STRIKEFORCE CEO Scott Coker released the following statement today regarding Cris “Cyborg” Santos and the recent announcement from the California State Athletic Commission:

“STRIKEFORCE has not seen the test results regarding Ms. Santos. However, we have a consistent and strong stance against any use of performance-enhancing drugs.  We also have a long history of supporting effective drug testing of athletes by authorized regulatory bodies. Therefore, we will closely monitor the matter and will work with the California State Athletic Commission regarding any information we may be asked to provide. We also recognize that Ms. Santos has administrative process rights under California law and we hope that she is not prejudged before she has the opportunity to exercise such rights.”