Fertitta Discusses NY Lawsuit

Capital Tonight – Ultimate Fighting is going mainstream. They recently aired their first fight on network television. And now, they are working toward overturning New York’s ban on the sport. Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Lorenzo Fertitta explai…

Capital Tonight – Ultimate Fighting is going mainstream. They recently aired their first fight on network television. And now, they are working toward overturning New York’s ban on the sport. Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Lorenzo Fertitta explains why the next round could be fought in the courtroom. See the interview…

Jake Hecht Steps in to Complete UFC 140 Card

Jake “Hitman” Hecht has been signed to the UFC; his first bout will be on the UFC 140 card against Rich Attonito. The Missouri welterweight has won 10 of his last 11 bouts and will look to extend his win streak against The Bull December 10th. Injur…

Jake “Hitman” Hecht has been signed to the UFC; his first bout will be on the UFC 140 card against Rich Attonito. The Missouri welterweight has won 10 of his last 11 bouts and will look to extend his win streak against The Bull December 10th.

Injury Removes Rory MacDonald from Toronto Card updated November 8
Rising Canadian star Rory MacDonald has been injured and forced off the UFC 140 card in his home nation, UFC president Dana White reported today. His original opponent, Brian Ebersole, will instead face Toronto’s own 14-1 Claude “The Prince” Patrick.

Patrick was previously booked to battle Rich Attonito in Toronto; a new opponent for Attonito is expected to be named soon.

Hamman vs. Philippou Completes UFC 140 Card updated October 25
Verbal agreements are in for a brawling fan’s dream bout pitting hard-hitting Constantinos Philippou versus two-time Fight of the Night winner Jared “The Messenger” Hamman in Toronto. The middleweight matchup rounds out the UFC 140 fight card.

Tiger Going After Gazelle Next in Toronto updated October 21
Canada’s own Yves “Tiger” Jabouin will be taking on Walel “The Gazelle” Watson in a bantamweight battle on December 10th at UFC 140 in Toronto. “Jabouin is looking to stay undefeated since moving into the weight division and Watson is coming off a spectacular KO win,” said UFC president Dana White today. Both fighters have verbally agreed to the bout.

Jones vs. Machida to Headline UFC 140 in Toronto updated October 6
Owners of the most unique styles in mixed martial arts today, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones and former titlist Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida will meet in the Octagon in the main event of December 10th’s UFC 140 card at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre.

The verbally agreed to bout was announced by UFC President Dana White on Twitter Thursday.

“Alright Toronto!!! Dec 10th UFC 140 tix go on sale next weekend and ur main event is Bones Jones vs Machida!!!” tweeted White.

Jones is coming off his first successful title defense, as he scored a submission win over “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 135 in September. Machida is fresh from a UFC 129</a> knockout of UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture in April.

Detailed ticket information for UFC 140 will be announced shortly. Bouts already announced for the event are Frank Mir vs. “Minotauro” Nogueira, Tito Ortiz vs. Rogerio Nogueira, Brian Ebersole vs. Rory MacDonald, Mark Hominick vs. Chan Sung Jung, Igor Pokrajac vs. Krzysztof Soszynski, Nik Lentz vs. Mark Bocek, Dannis Hallman vs. John Makdessi, Rich Attonito vs. Claude Patrick, and John Cholish vs. Mitch Clarke.

Croatian vs. Polish Experiment in Toronto
An explosive light heavyweight showdown has been verbally agreed to for December 10 in Toronto as Igor “The Duke” Pokrajac takes on Krzysztof “The Polish Experiment” Soszynski.

Korean Zombie vs. Hominick at UFC 140 updated September 17
“The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung and Mark Hominick have verbally agreed to fight at UFC 140 in Toronto on December 10th. Jung is coming off a Submission of the Year win and Hominick’s last outing had him pushing featherweight champion Jose Aldo to the limit in one of the best performances of his career.”

Toronto to Host Bocek vs. Lentz updated September 13
Two lightweight grappling specialists have verbally agreed to face off December 10 in Toronto as Nik “The Carny” Lentz takes on Canada’s Mark Bocek, confirmed UFC president Dana White today. The bout will mark Lentz’ return to action after an injury sustained in his UFC on Versus 4 Fight of the Night against Charles Oliveira.

Rogerio Nogueira, Tito Ortiz Set to Fight in Toronto updated September 9
Verbal agreements are for a match between two of the most accomplished light heavyweights in the sport as Rogerio “Lil Nog” Nogueira will face the “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz December 10th at UFC 140 in Toronto.

Nogueira and Ortiz were originally set to meet in the main event of UFC Fight Night in March, but an injury sidelined Ortiz, and Phil Davis fought in his place. (Trivia time: Five months later, Ortiz repaid the favor by stepping in for an injured Davis at UFC 133, an from which Nogueira was also forced to withdraw due to injury.)

Hallman Returns to Lightweight; Faces Makdessi at UFC 140 updated September 8
Verbal agreements are in for a lightweight showdown between Dennis “Superman” Hallman and Canadian John “The Bull” Makdessi at UFC 140 in Toronto, UFC president Dana White confirmed today.

Hallman’s most recent bout was at welterweight against Brian Ebersole at UFC 133; Makdessi is coming off a spinning back fist knockout at UFC 129. “John Makdessi, thank you for choosing me. I always wanted to visit Toronto,” tweeted Hallman.

What’s Next for Big Nog? Mir in Toronto
updated September 7
A heavyweight standoff between two big names has been booked for December, as former UFC heavyweight champions Minotauro Nogueira and Frank Mir have verbally agreed to rematch at UFC 140 in Toronto.

“Both men are known as two of the premiere submission specialists in the division but have shown dangerous striking skills as well,” said UFC president Dana White.

MacDonald, Ebersole Make UFC 140 Roster updated September 6
“Two of the welterweight division’s most promising contenders have verbally agreed to fight as Brian ‘Bad Boy’ Ebersole takes on Rory ‘Ares’ MacDonald December 10 in Toronto,” said UFC president Dana White.

Also on tap for Toronto, “Raging Bull” Rich Attonito and Claude “The Prince” Patrick have accepted a welterweight matchup.

Two strong lightweight prospects have verbally agreed to make their UFC debuts that night as 7-1 John Cholish will face 9-0 Canadian Mitch Clarke.

More information on UFC 140 will be available soon on ufc.com.

Haters Propel Pace to Fight Vs. a Legend

“Haters beware: Nick Pace is a lover and a fighter who knows how to play the game.”Getting ready to make his third appearance in the Octagon, Pace (Twitter: @NickPaceMMA) – a member of the Tiger Schulmann’s Fight Team – is ready to prove he belon…

“Haters beware: Nick Pace is a lover and a fighter who knows how to play the game.

“Getting ready to make his third appearance in the Octagon, Pace (Twitter: @NickPaceMMA) – a member of the Tiger Schulmann’s Fight Team – is ready to prove he belongs in the stable.”

Read full article

UFC Sues to overturn NY Ban on MMA

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15, 2011- The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a group of plaintiffs including fighters, fans, trainers and others involved with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) announced today that they have filed a lawsuit against New York …

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15, 2011- The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a group of plaintiffs including fighters, fans, trainers and others involved with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) announced today that they have filed a lawsuit against New York State officials challenging the constitutionality of the state law banning live professional MMA events and associated activities (the “Ban”).  The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, challenges the Ban for violating numerous provisions of the United States Constitution, including the First Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process Clause.  Specifically, the lawsuit alleges the Ban infringes upon the rights of the fighters who want to publicly exhibit their skills as professionals and express themselves before a live audience, the rights of fans who would like to experience live professional MMA events, and the rights of those who train, publicize or otherwise advance MMA in New York.  Plaintiffs point to the following as evidence of the irrational, unconstitutional nature of the Ban:

•    The Ban was originally imposed in 1997, at a time when MMA was unregulated and prohibited in many other states.  Today, MMA is a highly-regulated, broadly popular sport, which experts and supporting safety data verify is as safe as or safer than many sports and activities that are legal in New York, including boxing, football and rodeo.

•    MMA is widely available on television in New York, and many New Yorkers lawfully train and spar in MMA.

•    Live professional MMA can take place in virtually every state except New York.
 
•    The individual martial arts that comprise MMA, including kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, judo, boxing and wrestling, are legal and performed live regularly in New York – it is only their combination, performed live by professionals, that is banned in New York.

“MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. and one of the most popular in the world,” said Lorenzo Fertitta, Chairman and CEO of Zuffa LLC, owner of the UFC.  “When we acquired the UFC, we went to great lengths to invite regulation and adopt substantial safety measures.  MMA is now as safe as or even safer than many other sports and activities sanctioned in New York like boxing, for example, because it allows fighters to honorably tap out and involves far fewer hits. All the disciplines that go into mixed martial arts are performed live in New York; it is only their combination that is illegal.  Denying fighters the chance to exhibit their training and skills before a live audience and denying thousands of New Yorkers the ability to watch their favorite fighters perform live is not only an injustice to them, but to the local markets that would reap tremendous economic benefits from hosting competitions. We believe the ban should be eliminated, and look forward to fighting live in New York.”

“It is unfortunate that we were forced to take the step of filing a lawsuit to overturn this senseless law, but the ban on live professional MMA infringes on the rights of countless New Yorkers,” said Barry Friedman, a constitutional law professor at New York University School of Law and co-counsel with Morrison & Foerster LLP for the Plaintiffs.  “Despite sincere legislative efforts, the ban remains in place based on a flawed assessment of the sport’s supposedly ’violent message.’  This rationale is a patent violation of the First Amendment. In live events, fighters showcase their talents, communicate their convictions, show respect for their opponents and the art and tradition of MMA, and convey the importance of discipline, training and hard work.  They also entertain their fans.  Not only does the law prohibit live events, but as it is written it purports to ban other speech including media broadcasts and coverage of professional MMA.  It is ironic that New York — in many ways the home of free expression, the global media, and the art world — would deny someone his or her fundamental freedom of expression. The Ban is contrary to what New York is all about. There is no legal basis for this unconstitutional ban to persist.”

“Performing MMA live in front of a crowd is an unrivaled experience and allows me to speak to my fans,” said Plaintiff and UFC competitor Brian Stann. “I was attracted to MMA during my time in the Marine Corps, after I returned from my first deployment to Iraq in 2005 and was looking for a path that allowed me to stay motivated, and inspire others, particularly fellow veterans.  MMA is a brotherhood that demands respect for your fellow fighters and rewards mental discipline and skill.  It has given countless veterans a way to rehabilitate and connect with other military veterans and I am grateful every day for the ability to compete and inspire my fans.”

 

UFC on FOX Post-Fight Press Conference Notes

UFC president Dana White announced the winners of the event’s bonuses, valued at $65,000 each. Junior dos Santos won Knockout of the Night for his 64-second finish of previously-undefeated Cain Velasquez. Ricardo Lamas earned Submission of the Nig…

UFC president Dana White announced the winners of the event’s bonuses, valued at $65,000 each. Junior dos Santos won Knockout of the Night for his 64-second finish of previously-undefeated Cain Velasquez. Ricardo Lamas earned Submission of the Night for his second-round arm traingle win over Cub Swanson, who had repeatedly threatened Lamas with chokes of his own throughout the fight.

Clay Guida and Benson Henderson handily won Fight of the Night honors for their three-round instant classic. The win secured a title shot for Henderson against lightweight king Frankie Edgar.  White confirmed at the press conference that this bout would take place in Japan on February 26.

UFC on FOX winners Dos Santos, Henderson, Dustin Poirier, Lamas, and Alex “Bruce Leeroy” Cacares attended the press conference; as did Velasquez and Guida.

Video highlights from the following fighters are linked below:
Dos Santos and Velasquez
Henderson and Guida

How to Watch Every UFC on FOX Fight Tonight

UFC on FOX MAIN EVENT: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos 9 pm ET/6 pm PT:Watch live on Fox and Fox DeportesUFC on FOX PRELIMS streaming live & free 4:45 pm ET/1:45 pm PTFacebook.com/UFCFoxSports.comSelected prelims also air live and free at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT …

UFC on FOX MAIN EVENT: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos 9 pm ET/6 pm PT:
Watch live on Fox and Fox Deportes

UFC on FOX PRELIMS
streaming live & free
4:45 pm ET/1:45 pm PT
Facebook.com/UFC
FoxSports.com

Selected prelims also air live and free at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT on Fox Deportes (Spanish broadcast)

See the full fight card

More UFC on FOX programming:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

7 pm ET/4 pm PT UFC Velasquez vs. dos Santos Weigh-In LIVE on FUEL TV and UFC.com
7 pm ET/4 pm PT Cain Velasquez: Brown Pride (Part 3) on Fox Deportes:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

3 pm ET/noon PT Cain Velasquez: Brown Pride (Parts 1, 2, 3) on Fox Deportes
5:30 pm ET/2:30 pm PT UFC Velasquez vs. Dos Santos Weigh-In Replay on FUEL TV
6 pm ET/3 pm PT UFC Lo Mejor: Lesnar vs. Velasquez on Fox Deportes
6 pm ET/3 pm PT UFC Primetime on FUEL TV

Prefight Special LIVE
at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT
Watch live on FUEL TV
Jay Glazer, Kenny Florian and special guests are live on FUEL TV for a
breakdown on the UFC, fighter profiles and expert analysis, as well as
celebrities from the red carpet arriving at UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs.
dos Santos.

Postfight Special LIVE
at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT
Watch live on FUEL TV
Join
Jay Glazer and Kenny Florian Live on FUEL TV for a complete breakdown
of the biggest event in UFC history after Heavyweight Champion, Cain
Velasquez, and top contender, Junior dos Santos, go head-to-head on FOX.

Find FUEL TV