“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.”
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.
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.
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…
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.”
UFC® on FUEL TVWednesday, Feb. 15, 2012Omaha Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NELive on FUEL TV at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY, JAN. 6 – 10 A.M. CTLas Vegas, Nevada – The Octagon® returns to Omaha, Neb. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, as th…
UFC® on FUEL TV Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 Omaha Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE Live on FUEL TV at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY, JAN. 6 – 10 A.M. CT
Las Vegas, Nevada – The Octagon® returns to Omaha, Neb. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, as the Ultimate Fighting Championship® presents an intense welterweight bout between top contenders Diego Sanchez and Omaha native Jake Ellenberger. Sanchez, the season one winner of The Ultimate Fighter®, and Ellenberger, a winner of five straight, will collide at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. It will be the first UFC main card featured live on FUEL TV, as a part of a three-hour broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
FUEL TV will begin the night with a one-hour Pre-Fight show starting at 7 p.m ET/4 p.m. PT and will wrap the night with a one-hour Post-Fight show at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. Coverage of the fight kicks off on FUEL TV February 14 with the live Weigh-ins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.
In addition to the three-round, welterweight main event, UFC® on FUEL TV will feature a pair of exciting heavyweight bouts, as 6-foot-11 Stefan Struve battles the hard-hitting Dave Herman, while Stipe Miocic meets Phil De Fries in a bout between two unbeaten rising stars.
“The welterweight division is stacked with contenders and Diego Sanchez and Jake Ellenberger want to prove that they deserve a shot at the title,” UFC President Dana White said. “Diego is known as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and Jake has knocked out four out of his last five opponents. This is a great fight for the fans in Omaha and it’s going to make for an awesome main event on FUEL TV.”
Tickets for UFC® on FUEL TV are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50, and $35, and go on sale to the public on Friday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. CT. Tickets will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at ticketmaster.com and charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at CenturyLink Center Omaha box office.
Diego “The Dream” Sanchez (fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) first made a name for himself as an aggressive, free-swinging contestant on season one of The Ultimate Fighter® nearly seven years ago. Today, Sanchez (25-4) remains one of the most exciting competitors in the UFC and he’ll look to extend his winning streak to three in Omaha. With a chance to move firmly into the 170-pound title picture, the 30-year-old sees 2012 as his year to capture a UFC title.
“I am expecting an electric atmosphere for my fight against Jake Ellenberger in the UFC on FUEL TV card,” Sanchez said. “Not only is Omaha in the heart of some of the best wrestling in the U.S., but it is also Ellenberger’s home. I have never been more ready for a fight in my career. Fans are going to see a focused and well-rounded Diego Sanchez stepping into the Octagon. I promise they will like what they see.”
Fresh off a devastating knockout win over former title challenger Jake Shields in just 53 seconds last Sept., Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger (fighting out of Omaha, Neb.) looks to extend his winning streak to six in his native Omaha when he fights Sanchez. A training partner of top middleweight Mark Munoz, the 26-year-old Ellenberger (26-5) owns wins over Shields, Sean Pierson, Carlos Eduardo Rocha, John Howard and Mike Pyle in his UFC career. His collision with Sanchez on Feb. 15 is one he believes will propel him into top contender status.
“Sanchez has fought a lot of great fighters and he brings a lot of good tools to the table, but he won’t beat me,” Ellenberger said. “I’ve always prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. I always look to finish fights as fast as I can, just being prepared as I can. But I can see a TKO in the first or second round.”
In his last trip to the Octagon, Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve (fighting out of Beverwiijk, The Netherlands) submitted Pat Barry in dramatic fashion to earn the highly-coveted Submission of the Night bonus. Looking to make it two in a row, the 6-foot-11, 235-pound Dutchman now has his sights set on a dominant finish in Nebraska. Still, the 23-year-old Struve (26-5) knows he must be wary of the finishing ability of his heavy-handed opponent.
“I think I’m the more technical striker,” Struve said. “He’s got KO power, but he still has to prove that against higher caliber fighters. Maybe his wrestling is better, but if he wants to take me down, he’s gonna have to work from my guard.”
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 242 pounds, heavyweight Dave Herman (fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) has been fortunate enough to train alongside former PRIDE® and STRIKEFORCE® champion Dan Henderson. The insight from “Hendo” has certainly paid off, as the 27-year-old has amassed a 21-2 record, including a knockout win over John-Olav Einemo in his UFC debut in June. He’ll look to continue his ascent when he meets the battle-tested Struve at the Omaha Civic Auditorium.
“He is good striker, with a long reach and long legs,” Herman said. “But I’ve been training at Team Quest in Temecula, one of the best MMA teams in the world, and with Daniel Woirin, whom I believe is the best Muay Thai coach in the world. I will be in the best shape of my career for this fight. I will be ready.”
A bout between unbeaten heavyweights Stipe Miocic (fighting out of Euclid, Ohio) and Phil De Fries (fighting out of Sunderland, England) will also take place in the Cornhusker State. The 29-year-old Miocic (7-0) made his UFC debut at UFC 136, besting hard-nosed heavyweight Joey Beltran. Meanwhile, the 25-year-old De Fries (8-0, 1 NC) kicked off his UFC career at UFC 138 in November by defeating the durable Rob Broughton. In February, the two will lock horns in a darkhorse candidate for Fight of the Night.
For a complete listing of FUEL TV shows, go to: http://www.fuel.tv/schedule. For more information, go to www.fuel.tv and www.fuel.tv/ufc. To find FUEL TV on your television, go to www.fuel.tv/getfueltv, or call 877.4FUEL-TV.
SHOWTIME will be available in 60 million households for a Free Preview Weekend from Friday, January 6 through Sunday, January 8. Viewers across the country will have the opportunity to sample the premium network’s award-winning programming on SHOWTIME,…
SHOWTIME will be available in 60 million households for a Free Preview Weekend from Friday, January 6 through Sunday, January 8. Viewers across the country will have the opportunity to sample the premium network’s award-winning programming on SHOWTIME, SHOWTIME HD™ and SHOWTIME On Demand®.
To see if your cable provider is offering the SHOWTIME Free Preview weekend (#SHOfreepreview), go to www.SHO.com/freepreview. Saturday’s live Strikeforce telecast will be available on SHO On Demand on Sunday and remain throughout the Free Preview period.
Showtime has made this Free Preview available to service providers nationwide, and each cable, satellite and telco operator has the option of offering this promotion to their subscribers. DISH Networks, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision and AT&T U-Verse have decided not to participate in this preview. You may want to contact them directly and express your questions and concerns to them.
Full episode previews of Showtime Original Series are always available for viewing online at www.sho.com/preview.
The Free Preview weekend will include the anticipated return of the critically-acclaimed hit series SHAMELESS and Californication, plus live offerings from SHOWTIME Sports® including STRIKEFORCE: Rockhold vs. Jardine and ShoBox: The New Generation.
Viewers will also have access to critically-acclaimed series including Homeland, The Borgias, DEXTER, and Weeds, all available on SHOWTIME On Demand.
On Saturday, January 7, live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), SHOWTIME Sports will air the STRIKEFORCE Middleweight Championship featuring defending champ Luke Rockhold vs. Keith Jardine, with four additional mixed martial arts bouts from The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Free Preview Weekend is available to digital subscribers of participating providers only, on both SD and HD feeds. Select providers will offer the Free Preview via SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®. The preview will be available across a number of distributors including Comcast, Charter, Cox, DIRECTV, Verizon, Mediacom and RCN. Previews may contain PG, PG-13, TV-14, TVMA and R rated programming. You must be a digital subscriber to receive video on demand and HD.
Viewers who order SHOWTIME for the first time can get $25 cash back. For additional details on the offer go to SHO.com/order.
Main Event Results: Rockhold Retains Title in Style