Author: UFC News

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – Who will prevail when Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Matt “The Hammer” Hamill collide in the main event of UFC® 130 this Saturday, live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas? While fans across the globe debate the highly-anticipated light heavyweight bout between the two fighters, as well as a co-main event battle between former UFC heavyweight champ Frank Mir and The Ultimate Fighter® season 10 winner Roy “Big Country” Nelson, some of the world’s most recognizable fighters served up their predictions for the Memorial Day weekend UFC extravaganza.

Below are some of the thoughts and predictions for the main event and co-main event of UFC® 130: RAMPAGE vs. HAMILL:

JON JONES, UFC light heavyweight champion
Predictions: RAMPAGE, MIR
“I really can’t predict a winner for Rampage-Hamill. It depends on what mental attitude Rampage comes in with. If I had to make a pick, I’d probably go with Rampage because of the level of success he’s had.

“I’ll go with Frank Mir. He’s a personal friend of mine and he’s more well-versed with his techniques.”

FRANKIE EDGAR, UFC lightweight champion
Predictions: HAMILL, MIR
“I know Matt pretty well so I’m a little biased, obviously, but I’m going to go with him. I think his will to win and takedown ability will give fits to Rampage.

“On Mir versus Nelson, that’s a true toss-up for me. If I had to go with anybody it would be Frank just because of where he’s been and what he’s accomplished.”

CAIN VELASQUEZ, UFC heavyweight champion
Predictions: RAMPAGE, NELSON
“I’m picking Rampage.”

“Watching ‘Big Country’ (Nelson) versus dos Santos, I saw the kind of heart that Roy had to gut it out. I just see him doing the same with Frank for the whole fight, making it a tough fight for Mir. So I’m going to go with Big Country by decision.”

ANTHONY PETTIS, former WEC champion and top UFC lightweight contender
Predictions: RAMPAGE, MIR
“I think Rampage will be too much for Hamill on his feet. I see a second-round stoppage and I’m going to go with Mir in a decision.”

MARK MUNOZ, UFC middleweight contender
Predictions: HAMILL, MIR
“I see Hamill pressing forward on Rampage and Rampage covering up and looking to throw bombs with his left hook. If Hamill can get him to the ground, he can do very well on top. If it goes to the ground, I’m going with Hamill, if it stays on the feet I’m going with Rampage. I think it’s going to go to the ground and Matt Hamill will have the edge there. I see him winning a decision.
“I’m taking Frank Mir because he’s more versed on the ground and his standup has improved a lot and he’s got the heavier hands. Frank Mir by unanimous decision.”

CARLOS CONDIT, UFC welterweight contender
Predictions: HAMILL, MIR
“I’ll go with Matt Hamill by decision. He’s younger and I think he’s the hungrier fighter right now.

“With the heavies, I’ve got Frank Mir. I think he’s the better fighter. Big Country is crafty and a good fighter, but I think Mir wins.”

PAT BARRY, UFC heavyweight
Predictions: HAMILL, NELSON
“The main event is a tough one because I feel Rampage is a lot meaner, but Hamill is more durable. I think it comes down to the last round and that Hamill wins it in the end.

“Frank Mir is more experienced so this one depends on which Frank Mir shows up. If the right one shows up he’s close to unbeatable. Roy Nelson is ridiculously athletic for his appearance. If this fight stays standing Roy Nelson wins it; if it goes to the ground then Frank Mir wins. I think it’s gonna stay standing. I don’t know if Frank will be able to get it to the ground. I think it will be Roy Nelson via strikes, but again, it depends on which Frank Mir shows up.”

RENZO GRACIE, UFC competitor and famed Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor
Predictions: HAMILL, NELSON
“That’s going to be very tough fight, but I see Hamill winning. Rampage is very dangerous, but the difference will be Matt’s toughness and his ability to take his opponents down.

“I really believe Roy Nelson can beat anyone on any given day. He’s extremely and unbelievably tough. Mir is a very tough guy but I see Roy Nelson winning. Roy has the ability to push the fight and finish it.”

MICHAEL BISPING, UFC middleweight who fought Hamill and trains with Rampage
Prediction: RAMPAGE
“Hamill is very tough and is very hard to set yourself against. He’s improved a lot since we fought, too, and I actually like it when he does well. He’s very strong, very physically powerful, but I’ve never felt any strength like Rampage. He’s freakishly powerful. I know people are worried about Rampage being in shape, but I was in LA training with him and he’s in the best shape he’s been in for maybe four fights. Hamill is very tough and it will be a good fight, but I think Rampage wins this.”

RANDY COUTURE, UFC Hall of Famer
Prediction: HAMILL
“Hamill has the tools to beat Rampage. I think his wrestling base gives him an advantage and he can exploit holes in Rampage’s game.”
 

For the second year, the Call of Duty Endowment has paired up with Hire Heroes USA (HHUSA) in an effort to increase awareness about veterans’ unemployment. The Call of Duty Endowment has already given HHUSA at $20,000 grant—but HHUSA needs your help to increase that funding.

For every person who “donates” their Facebook status between now and Monday, the Call of Duty Endowment will increase HHUSA’s funding by $1—up to $50,000.

UFC 130 fighter Brian Stann is the president of Hire Heroes USA, having left active duty in
May 2008 as a United States Marine Corps Captain with a Silver Star.

“With featherweight champion Jose Aldo’s exact return date to the Octagon uncertain, #1 undefeated featherweight contender Chad Mendes looks to stay active by taking on the extremely dangerous submissions specialist Rani Yahya,” said Dana White. Mendes and Yahya have verbally agreed to an August 6th bout at UFC 133 in Philadelphia.

Aldo stated Monday via Twitter that due to the standard medical suspension he received after UFC 129, he wouldn’t have enough time to train for an August bout.

Pyle vs MacDonald Agreed to for UFC 133 updated May 23
UFC President Dana White announced today that the City of Brotherly Love will get another dose of high-impact welterweight action on August 6th with a veteran vs. prospect meeting.

“Welterweight standouts Mike ‘Quicksand’ Pyle and Rory ‘The Water Boy’ MacDonald have verbally agreed to fight at UFC 133 in Philadelphia,” said White.

Menjivar vs. Pace added to UFC 133

This August in Philadelphia, veteran Ivan Menjivar will look to follow-up his crushing UFC 129 knockout of Charlie Valencia with a win over hot 135-pound prospect Nick Pace.

“Bantamweights Ivan Menjivar and Nick Pace have agreed to fight each other August 6, at UFC 133 in Philadelphia,” said UFC President Dana White. “Menjivar is coming off a devastating elbow KO win and Pace utilized a rarely seen type of submission to secure the victory in his last outing.”

Pace was orginally slated to fight Michael McDonald at UFC 133, but McDonald stepped in for an injured fighter on the UFC 130 card.

Mauler vs. Janitor Confirmed for UFC 133
Two light heavyweights coming off of impressive performances have verbally agreed to meet at UFC 133 – Dana White confirmed today that Swede Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson will take on Belarusian newlywed Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko.

Brown vs. Phan Set for UFC 133 Showdown updated May 11
Always exciting Mike Brown will look to get back in the win column at UFC 133 on August 6th in Philadelphia when he takes on The Ultimate Fighter 12’s Nam Phan.

“Former featherweight champ Mike Brown and Nam Phan have both verbally
agreed to fight August 6th in Philadelphia,” said UFC President Dana White.

Pierce gets Hendricks in UFC 133 Bout
It’s an all-wrestling showdown as Mike Pierce meets Johny Hendricks in a welterweight bout this August.

“Powerhouse wrestlers collide as verbal agreements are in for Mike Pierce vs. Johny Hendricks in Philadelphia August 6th,” said UFC President Dana White.

Evans Battles “Mr. Wonderful” at UFC 133 updated April 25

With UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones currently sidelined by injury, number one contender Rashad Evans will step back into the Octagon to risk his title shot against unbeaten and dangerous Phil Davis at UFC 133 in Philadelphia.
 
“Undefeated ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Phil Davis has verbally agreed to face former UFC world light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans in Philadelphia on August 6,” said UFC President Dana White. Evans was originally supposed to face new champ Jon ‘Bones’ Jones but Jones is unable to compete due to injury.”

Little Nog vs. Franklin in Philly updated April 21
Two more big names have signed on for UFC 133 August 6 in Philadelphia.

“Verbal agreements are in for what should be an amazing fight as former Pride superstar Rogerio ‘Minotoro’ Nogueira will take on former UFC World Middleweight Champion Rich ‘Ace’ Franklin in a light heavyweight bout,” said UFC president Dana White.

Belfort-Akiyama, Hallman-Ebersole at 133 updated April 21
A welterweight matchup has been verbally agreed to between Brian “Bad Boy” Ebersole and Dennis “Superman” Hallman at UFC 133 in Philadelphia, said UFC president Dana White. Ebersole opened eyes when he joined the UFC on short notice against Chris Lytle at UFC 127 and won. With 62 pro fights on his record, the American-born Sydney resident is the rare opponent who’s nearly as experienced as Hallman, a veteran of 81 bouts.

Earlier in the day, White announced that verbal agreements are in for a UFC 133 battle between two of the most exciting fighters in the middleweight division. “After three straight Fight of the Night performances, Yoshihiro Akiyama will take on former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort August 6 in Philadelphia,” he said.

McDonald Meets Pace at 133 updated April 12
Bantamweight phenom Michael McDonald is back this summer to take on Staten Island’s Nick Pace at UFC 133.

“Coming off an incredible Fight Of The Night win, top prospect Michael McDonald returns to the Octagon to face another exciting up-and-comer, Nick Pace, as they have verbally agreed to face each other in a bantamweight bout at UFC 133,” said UFC President Dana White.

Also on that card, BJJ specialist Rafael Natal and Japanese grappler Riki Fukuda have agreed to a middleweight matchup.

Rivera Finally Gets Sakara at 133 updated April 12
“Better late than never, verbal agreements are in for what should be an action-packed match between Alessio Sakara and Jorge Rivera at UFC 133,” said UFC president Dana White today.

The two middleweights were originally scheduled to meet at UFC 122 in Oberhausen, Germany but Sakara had to pull out due to illness. Details on UFC 133, which will take place in August 2011, will be announced soon.

Lafayette, California (USA) –UFC® Gym™ announced today that it will partner with UFC superstar and former two-division champion BJ Penn to establish a signature BJ Penn fitness facility in the fighter’s home state of Hawaii. The facility, which will begin enrolling members in Summer 2011, is set to open for workouts in January 2012, and will be located in the Kamehameha Schools Kaka‘ako neighborhood, at the former Pipeline Café on Pohukaina Street in Honolulu.

Integrating mixed martial arts, innovative fitness training, nutrition, and youth programming, the 37,000 square-foot facility is expected to raise the bar for fitness in Honolulu. UFC Gym Hawaii will feature cutting-edge training techniques inspired by BJ Penn, including  MMA classes, muay thai and jiu-jitsu, progressive group fitness, UFC Kids’ Gym youth training and the Daily Ultimate Training Series.

Much like the three successful UFC Gym locations currently operating in California, UFC Gym members in Honolulu will enjoy a variety of amenities, including the signature Arm Bar Café which will feature some of BJ’s favorite foods, a UFC Gym Store for the latest in apparel, and full amenity locker rooms complete with dry saunas. Other features include functional training areas, group fitness rooms and the famed UFC Octagon®.

“BJ Penn is one of the biggest superstars in the UFC, a future Hall of Famer, and an icon in his home state of Hawaii,” UFC President Dana White said. “We’re excited to open a signature UFC GYM with BJ and expect it to become the ultimate fitness destination in Honolulu.”
 
“I’m very excited to be part of this tremendous opportunity,” the 32-year-old Penn, a native of Hilo, said. “I look forward to working with the UFC and UFC Gym to make this a huge success. It will be such an honor to have a UFC Gym with my name, especially in my homeland of Hawaii.”

In addition to becoming an instant destination for fitness enthusiasts in Honolulu, the lease to UFC Gym marks another milestone for the local community. Officials from Kaiaulu o Kaka‘ako, Kamehameha’s 29-acre master planned community in Kaka‘ako, envision a healthy and sustainable community and are excited to have a UFC Gym as a cornerstone.

“UFC Gym will be a perfect addition to the master plan for our community” said Christian O’Connor, Kamehameha Schools’ senior asset manager. “A true neighborhood includes a variety of housing integrated with retail, restaurants and gathering places. A high-energy fitness center, such as UFC Gym, is the kind of establishment that creates a sense of community.”

UFC Gym’s enrollment center will be opening in the old Cutter lot on Ala Moana Boulevard in early summer 2011.  Anyone interested in the ultimate fitness experience, which combines a conventional gym with mixed martial arts training for families, and people of all ages and fitness levels, may visit www.ufcgymbjpennhawaii.com.

Watch Rampage Jackson in his second appearance on CBS’ The Late Late Show on Monday, May 23. Host Craig Ferguson usually wheels out the light-hearted banter, but Quinton is in fight week mode which may give Ferguson a side of the former champ he’s yet to see… especially if the name Matt Hamill comes up.

Tune in Monday at half past midnight to see how it all goes down.

Albuquerque, NM – On May 20th, 2011, Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts offers you the chance to bid on a one of a kind piece of sports memorabilia.

This exclusive boxing bell celebrates the union of one of the most recognizable and decorated teams in modern combat sports. Members who signed the bell include coaches Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn plus fighters Georges
St. Pierre, Keith Jardine, Jon Jones, Diego Sanchez, Gina Carano, Joe
Stevenson, Cub Swanson, Clay Guida, Damacio Page, Kyle
Noke, Brian Stann, Carlos Condit, Melvin
Guillard, Nate Marquardt, Rashad Evans, Leonard Garcia, Ryan Jensen, and Donald Cerrone.

100% of the proceeds of this auction will be donated to the Children of the Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, a nonprofit organization that supports the children and spouses of American soldiers that have given their lives in the line of duty.

Please join us in our efforts to support the families of our fallen American heroes, and bid on an opportunity to own a piece of mixed martial arts history. For more information, go to www.jacksons.tv or the ebay page.

The auction ends May 27.