Author: UFC News

UFC president Dana White awarded bonuses to UFC newcomers Dave Herman and John-Olav Einemo for Fight of the Night and to Chris Weidman for the first-round Submission of the Night scored in his sophomore UFC outing. He also announced that Sam Stout received Knockout of the Night for what White described as “One of the most vicious knockouts in UFC history, if not the most vicious.” Each bonus scored $70,000 for the fighters.

Video highlights from the fighters below will be linked below as they become available.
Junior dos Santos
Kenny Florian
Sam Stout and Mark Munoz
Donald Cerrone and Dave Herman

Las Vegas, NV – This Saturday’s UFC® 131: DOS SANTOS vs. CARWIN event in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada features an explosive showdown between two of the biggest punchers in history, Junior dos Santos and Shane Carwin. Thus, when the two mega forces collide at Rogers Arena live on Pay-Per-View to determine who gets the next shot at UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, fans around the world expect an epic war.

The Brazilian dos Santos has been thoroughly dominant in his UFC career, stopping the likes of Fabricio Werdum, Stefan Struve and Mirko Cro Cop, as well as besting Roy Nelson over three brutally one-sided rounds. Meanwhile, Carwin’s fists have finished all 12 of his victims inside one round, including former world title challenger Gabe Gonzaga and two-time champion Frank Mir.

In anticipation of the Saturday night bout between the two giants, numerous UFC stars came together to offer their opinions on the colossal number one contender fight.
 
MARK HOMINICK, UFC FEATHERWEIGHT
“I believe that this is dos Santos’ fight. He seems very motivated at capturing the title and willing to take out whoever is in the way. The advantage that Carwin has is in his wrestling, but I think he will try to exchange on his feet, where dos Santos has the speed advantage and will take him out. ”
PICK: dos Santos by KO

MICHAEL BISPING, UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT 
“I think dos Santos takes this. Carwin is a massive threat to anyone, and no matter who you are, if he hits you, you’ve got a serious problem. This is a great fight for the fans because literally the very next punch could end it at anytime, either way. But, I think dos Santos is more technically sound, he hits hard from range and he is more athletic, and in a battle of two massive punchers you have to give the edge to the guy who is faster and more athletic. I think he’s going to get hurt and maybe dropped along the way, but I think dos Santos wins this by KO late.”
PICK: dos Santos KO 3

DaMARQUES JOHNSON, UFC WELTERWEIGHT
In the cosmic clash of man-sized fisticuffs, my Nostradamus-like fight predicting capability sees a loss of consciousness in the near future. Both JDS and Carwin have the kit bag full of power bursting at its seams. However, I give the edge in hand speed to JDS. A few questions still remain about both these monstrous men, so you can never really be sure. Did Shane get a new gas tank? Can JDS handle the power of a man that resembles just as much grizzly bear as he does human being? I guess we will see come fight time.
PICK – Carwin

DAVID HAYE, WBA HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPION
“This is a really exciting fight, just the type of fight I love to be in, as two big heavyweight punchers are going to just blast each other. I’m too close to my own big heavyweight fight with Wladimir Klitschko to stay up to watch, but I’ll be watching the replay. I think this fight is really going to set the bar high in terms of excitement and power-punching. Someone is getting knocked spark out! Either man can KO the other – another similarity between this fight and mine – but I think dos Santos is faster and will land his bomb first. The same thing will happen in my fight.”
PICK: dos Santos KO 2

GEORGES ST-PIERRE, UFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION
“This is a really tough fight. Both guys are really heavy hitters and early finishers. The guy that connects first is likely coming out with the win and I’m thinking it is Carwin. He’s got the best chance at winning.”
PICK:  Carwin by KO

BRIAN STANN, UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT
“Tough to pick against a very motivated dos Santos right now, but I am going with my friend, Shane Carwin. Superior wrestling has become a noticeable advantage in many big fights and Shane has it in this bout. Dos Santos can beat anyone in the division on the right night, but I think Shane uses his sound boxing to land big punches and takedowns en route to an eventual finish by TKO.”
PICK: Carwin by KO late

ROY NELSON, UFC HEAVYWEIGHT
“I think Carwin has to shoot, take JDS down and try for the ground and pound. He’s lost some muscle mass and should be faster. But, you know what, dos Santos beat me, so he must good. I think – actually I know – his punches come in fast and I can see him getting Carwin out of there in two rounds.”
PICK: dos Santos KO 2

KYLE KINGSBURY, UFC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
“Carwin wins. Strength, athleticism and wrestling ability will be the difference.”
PICK: Carwin

RANDY COUTURE, UFC HALL OF FAMER
“Both these guys like to stand and bang and both can knock you out. Carwin has amazing power, but it will be interesting to see if he chooses to wrestle here and if he can wrestle for three rounds. I don’t think he should play around striking with Dos Santos. Junior is too sharp in the striking. But I think Carwin will have improved his game to where he can use his NCAA wrestling skills over three rounds for the win.”
PICK: Carwin by decision

ROSS PEARSON, UFC LIGHTWEIGHT
“I think dos Santos is winning. He’s got the faster hands, better movement and I think the first big shot that’ll land will be his. If Carwin lands first, he wins, but I think JDS lands first. Of course, Carwin can fool everyone and use his wrestling, but I don’t think that will happen.”
PICK: dos Santos KO 1

MARTIN KAMPMANN, UFC WELTERWEIGHT 
“I think dos Santos is gonna win. He’s got the sharper boxing skills and better reach. Carwin can definitely knock him out if he comes in and there’s an opening, but I think JDS is gonna catch him first.”
PICK: dos Santos via KO

KYLE NOKE, UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT
“This is a great matchup for both guys. It’s hard to pick with Carwin’s size and power versus dos Santos’ athleticism and power. I can guarantee one thing: this fight will not go to a decision. My pick is Carwin by TKO.”
PICK: Carwin by KO

MATT BROWN, UFC WELTERWEIGHT
“I got dos Santos. I think he is faster and more technical on the feet than Carwin. Carwin is a dangerous and powerful guy, but I believe dos Santos has the ability to avoid Carwin’s power and will land more shots more often.”
PICK: dos Santos via knockout

BRENDAN SCHAUB, UFC HEAVYWEIGHT
“JDS is one of the best in the world, but I think Carwin will be too much for him. Shane can do it all and is more motivated then ever after having a year layoff. He’s stronger, leaner and in the best shape of his life. This is Carwin’s fight!”
PICK: Carwin KO 1

FORREST GRIFFIN, UFC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
“For some reason, I’m leaning toward dos Santos. He seems to be a little bit quicker than Carwin. Dos Santos has tremendous speed for a big heavyweight and I honestly think that dos Santos versus Cain (Velasquez) would be a great fight.”
PICK: dos Santos

JOSH GRISPI, UFC FEATHERWEIGHT
“That’s a tough one to call, but I’ll take dos Santos by KO. I think he’s more technical.”
PICK: dos Santos

GILBERT MELENDEZ, STRIKEFORCE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION
“Junior versus Shane is going to be a great fight.  Probably a better fight than what the fans were going to see at first. These guys are going to get in there and give the fans an all-out war.  I see Junior grinding this one out though.  He’s going to have stay away from one of Shane’s bombs, but I think he’ll end up getting his hand raised in the end.”
PICK: dos Santos

TJ GRANT, UFC WELTERWEIGHT
“I think Carwin is going to be a tougher fight for dos Santos than Brock Lesnar would have been. Both guys are very dangerous and anything can happen, but I truly believe Junior has the better striking and that will win him the fight.”
PICK: dos Santos by TKO

Thursday, June 30, 2011 – Las Vegas, NV
Vans Warped Tour
Plaza Hotel – parking lot
* Times and appearances TBA
1 South Main Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101-6370

Future stops – check back often for updated details and additional tour dates
July 2 – Las Vegas, NV
August 14 – Milwaukee, WI
September 14 – New Orleans, LA

*dates, locations, appearances and Mayhem Miller’s hair color subject to change

Past stops
June 9-11 – Vancouver, BC
June 4, The Palms, Las Vegas, NV
June 3, The Palms, Las Vegas, NV
June 1, Tilted Kilt, Mesa, AZ
May 29, Miller’s Ale House, Las Vegas, NV
May 28, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV
May 27, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV
May 26 – Fry’s Electronics, Las Vegas, NV
May 25 – Las Vegas Fight Shop at Miracle Mile, Las Vegas, NV
May 21 – Jeremy Horn’s Elite Performance Gym, Salt Lake City, UT
May 16 – Buffalo Wild Wings, Ft. Collins, CO
May 15 – Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Denver, CO
May 14 – Outlaws Lacrosse, Denver, CO
May 5 – Cleveland Gladiators, Cleveland, OH
May 4 – Bada Bing Bar and Grill of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
April 30 – Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
April 29 – Ricoh Coliseum, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON
April 28 – Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto, ON
April 27 – Heritage Court, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON

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