Tag: Anthony Pettis

Already Looking Past Melvin Guillard, Donald Cerrone Tells Anthony Pettis to “Quit Crying and Fight Me”

(Guillard discusses his game plan for UFC 150. To summarize it in a word: Kill, kill, kill.) 

Allow me to begin this article with a series of understatements:

–Melvin Guillard hits pretty hard.
-His ground game, however, is somewhat lacking.
–Donald Cerrone has a decent chin, and a slightly better ground game than Melvin Guillard.

Now, whether any of these notions has any influence over your view of how Cerrone vs. Guillard will go down is a moot point. If you were to ask Cerrone how he thinks he will fare against Guillard on Saturday night at UFC 150, however, his response would be something along the line of “Where’s that bitch Anthony Pettis? Tell him to stop ducking me!”

Confused? Well so were we when we heard Cerrone’s recent interview with Inside MMA, where he all but completely disregards the fact that he is fighting one of the most dangerous strikers in the lightweight division this weekend, and instead focused his crosshairs on the former (and final) WEC lightweight champion:

I definitely wanna go after that title, and getting a rematch with Henderson would be an honor. That’d be sweet, for the belt. But, I really wanna fight Anthony Pettis. I want him to quit crying about his hurt shoulder and step up and fight me. I don’t know what I gotta do. Just grab your purse and let’s dance, brother. 


(Guillard discusses his game plan for UFC 150. To summarize it in a word: Kill, kill, kill.) 

Allow me to begin this article with a series of understatements:

–Melvin Guillard hits pretty hard.
-His ground game, however, is somewhat lacking.
–Donald Cerrone has a decent chin, and a slightly better ground game than Melvin Guillard.

Now, whether any of these notions has any influence over your view of how Cerrone vs. Guillard will go down is a moot point. If you were to ask Cerrone how he thinks he will fare against Guillard on Saturday night at UFC 150, however, his response would be something along the line of “Where’s that bitch Anthony Pettis? Tell him to stop ducking me!”

Confused? Well so were we when we heard Cerrone’s recent interview with Inside MMA, where he all but completely disregards the fact that he is fighting one of the most dangerous strikers in the lightweight division this weekend, and instead focused his crosshairs on the former (and final) WEC lightweight champion:

I definitely wanna go after that title, and getting a rematch with Henderson would be an honor. That’d be sweet, for the belt. But, I really wanna fight Anthony Pettis. I want him to quit crying about his hurt shoulder and step up and fight me. I don’t know what I gotta do. Just grab your purse and let’s dance, brother. 

If the odds are any indication, Cerrone will handily defeat Guillard on Saturday, most likely by taking him down and submitting him. Specifically, with a rear-naked choke. So maybe Cerrone has the right to look past Guillard. His ground game is so far above that of his opponent that it’s almost laughable, and besides, its not like Guillard has ever been a smart fighter. Just ask Jim Miller. But you know who else had a far superior ground game to Guillard, and was heavily favored to submit him inside of the first round? Evan Dunham, and look how that ended.

The point I’m trying to make is that, although Melvin may never have the all around game that Cerrone possesses, he hits harder than any other fighter in the division, and has pretty great takedown defense when he’s not throwing a barrage of flying knees. Looking past a guy like Guillard is not only foolish, it’s plain dangerous. There is also the issue of Cerrone’s pride, which could lead him to stand and trade with an arguably more lethal striker as it did in the Nate Diaz fight (granted, it’s not like Cerrone was going to take Diaz down and submit him. Just ask Jim Miller.).

Then again, Cerrone is fresh off a brilliant performance against Jeremy Stephens, another hard-hitting but limited striker who poses many of the same threats as Guillard, at UFC on FUEL 3. Cerrone basically turned Stephens into ground meat in their three round, one-sided slugfest, but does anyone else feel he is making a fatal mistake by already setting his sights on another opponent with a guy like Guillard still in the picture?

–J. Jones

It’s Official: Diego Sanchez is a Lightweight…Again


(Who knew that “The Dream” was actually short for “The Wet Dream Brought on by Auto-Erotic Asphyxiation”?) 

After going 2-2 in his return to the welterweight division, which began back in 2010 and included wins over Paulo Thiago and Martin Kampmann, as well as a most recent loss to Jake Ellenberger at the inaugural UFC on FUEL event, it looks like Diego Sanchez is headed back down to lightweight. We have been told by an anonymous source that the move has nothing to do with the fact that B.J. Penn a.k.a the man who handed Sanchez the worst beating of his career has returned to the welterweight division, but rather because BJ Penn a.k.a the man who handed Sanchez the worst beating of his career has left the lightweight division. So rest assured, Sanchez is definitely not ducking B.J. Penn.

Sanchez made the announcement over his Twitter account earlier today in a conversation with UFC color commentator Joe Rogan:

@joerogan there isn’t anyone out there that understands Mma as a whole like you do! Thanks Joe, its back to 155 for me… Should be good!!


(Who knew that “The Dream” was actually short for “The Wet Dream Brought on by Auto-Erotic Asphyxiation”?) 

After going 2-2 in his return to the welterweight division, which began back in 2010 and included wins over Paulo Thiago and Martin Kampmann, as well as a most recent loss to Jake Ellenberger at the inaugural UFC on FUEL event, it looks like Diego Sanchez is headed back down to lightweight. We have been told by an anonymous source that the move has nothing to do with the fact that B.J. Penn a.k.a the man who handed Sanchez the worst beating of his career has returned to the welterweight division, but rather because BJ Penn a.k.a the man who handed Sanchez the worst beating of his career has left the lightweight division. So rest assured, Sanchez is definitely not ducking B.J. Penn.

Sanchez made the announcement over his Twitter account earlier today in a conversation with UFC color commentator Joe Rogan:

@joerogan there isn’t anyone out there that understands Mma as a whole like you do! Thanks Joe, its back to 155 for me… Should be good!!

There was little denying that, upon his return to welterweight, Sanchez looked a little doughy around the middle, so perhaps this move is for the best. Sanchez also hinted at the drop in weight and called out top contenders Nate Diaz and Anthony Pettis a couple of months ago, so expect him to announce his drop to featherweight in the near future if either of those matchups ever come to fruition*.

We’re obviously just having a little fun at Sanchez’s expense, because the man always makes for entertaining fights regardless of what weight said fights are held at. The power of crazy, and Jesus Christ, also allow Sanchez to absorb tremendous amounts of punishment without ever being knocked out, which is fun for us as well. But you gotta admit, keeping track of what weight Sanchez feels like fighting at these days is as easy as remembering the name of the Filipino prostitute you ordered while on vacation last weekend that turned out to be a dude who in turn refused to leave your hotel room and threatened to call “Big Ron” after that lemur you stole from the zoo bit his face off while he was “tripping balls.”

We’ve all been there, right?

Anyway, who would you like to see Diego face off against now that he’s a lightweight once again? Pettis? Lauzon? Big Ron?

*Clearly, the Pettis matchup is the more likely of the two considering Diaz is next in line for a title shot. But just go with it. 

–J. Jones

Donald Cerrone Isn’t Looking Past Melvin Guillard, but He Wants Anthony Pettis

One of the worst parts of conducting fighter interviews is that, for the most part, you know what kind of answer you’re going to get. As a matter of fact, you often know the exact answer you’re going to get before you even ask the question.A lot of tha…

One of the worst parts of conducting fighter interviews is that, for the most part, you know what kind of answer you’re going to get. As a matter of fact, you often know the exact answer you’re going to get before you even ask the question.

A lot of that falls on the interviewer. It’s up to us to tell interesting stories that haven’t been told before, and that means coming up with questions that haven’t been asked before. But that’s not always an easy thing to do, especially when you’re faced with conducting 10 or 15 interviews in a single week and writing the resulting stories.

Luckily, there are guys like Donald Cerrone who make our jobs easier. 

Cerrone has a habit of saying whatever is on his mind at any given moment. He doesn’t care if it might offend your delicate sensibilities. It doesn’t really matter if you care at all. 

Witness Cerrone’s response to a recent LowKick interview asking him that grand old question that every fighter gets asked before a fight: who’s the next guy on his hit list?

“I plan to win!”, Cowboy told Lowkick.com in an interview this morning, “I will fight him and yes, he is my brother, but I want to get paid and I will go through anyone they set before me.”

“Anthony Pettis‘ bitch ass! Anthony, quit hiding behind your sore shoulder and come to the dance.”

I love Cerrone’s style, both inside the cage and out. And I love the idea of him fighting Anthony Pettis next. 

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

The UFC Lightweight Division: Shades of Hagler, Hearns, Leonard and Duran

When many people think of boxing, they think of the golden era of the welterweight division, and four names are quickly and fondly recalled: Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, “Sugar” Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran.In the 80’s it was a great…

When many people think of boxing, they think of the golden era of the welterweight division, and four names are quickly and fondly recalled: Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, “Sugar” Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran.

In the 80’s it was a great time to be a boxing fan because huge fights were always lurking around the corner, and when they came to pass, they lived up to the hype.

The same can be said for the lightweight division in the UFC.

Thus far, we have enjoyed some incredible fights to cap off this “new” era, ushered in when Frankie Edgar dethroned the great BJ Penn.

Frankie Edgar had two fantastic wars with Gray Maynard, Nate Diaz had damn good scrap with Donald Cerrone, Edgar lost his title in another great fight against Benson Henderson—and that’s really just the beginning.

Consider the names in the division; all men who could fight for the title and take the belt: Frankie Edgar, Anthony Pettis, Gray Maynard, Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone and current champion Benson Henderson.

Then, further imagine how the division would be impacted if Penn returned, which is, in all honestly, the division that suits him best. And of course, it might just be a matter of time before Gilbert Melendez is in the UFC, fighting to prove his claim at being the best lightweight in the world.  

Thinking about all the possible matchups—each one with clear divisional ramifications—makes the mouth water.

We have the rematch between Edgar and Henderson for the title, and then we have Diaz waiting in line for the winner.

After, we have Pettis as a clear threat and probably next in rotation for title contention. If Henderson still holds the belt, we will get to see a rematch of these two men. Who can forget their last fight that saw Pettis land perhaps the greatest head kick in MMA history?

And all of these men have the skills and the styles to defeat almost anyone else on any given night.

Unlike other divisions where the top of the class is so far over the top of the rest of the division that there is only three or four names of note, the lightweight division is brimming with true contenders.

When looking at the top ten at lightweight, speculating as to who’s the best is many times like splitting hairs.

And the bigger the sport grows, the more new talent emerges.

The lighter weight classes have always been exciting, but now almost anyone in the top ten can take the title.

By the end of 2013, we may see many champions crowned and dethroned, but for sure, the best interests of the title will be served.

And so will the fans.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Anthony Pettis Won’t Rule out Fight with Donald Cerrone, Wants Nate Diaz First

Donald Cerrone isn’t likely going to get the opportunity to fight Anthony Pettis anytime soon.After suffering a shoulder injury following his win over Joe Lauzon at UFC 144, it was learned that Pettis would require surgery and would be out of action un…

Donald Cerrone isn’t likely going to get the opportunity to fight Anthony Pettis anytime soon.

After suffering a shoulder injury following his win over Joe Lauzon at UFC 144, it was learned that Pettis would require surgery and would be out of action until late summer.

Cerrone earned a huge win over Jeremy Stephens at UFC on Fuel 3 and he proceeded to call out the former WEC lightweight champion during his post-fight interview.

But Pettis’ manager, Mike Roberts, dismissed the possibility of seeing a return for “Showtime,” at least until September. 

Roberts said Pettis would be interested in the idea to face Cerrone in the future. However, he said his client is hoping to meet newly-crowned No. 1 contender Nate Diaz later this year, for a chance to challenge for the UFC Lightweight title.

“Diaz is his first choice,” Roberts told MMAFighting.com.

As for Cerrone, he has expressed his desire to compete at UFC 150 in his hometown of Denver. While the likelihood of being matched up against Pettis is slim, Cerrone is still hoping to appear on the main card.

“Whoever they want,” Cerrone said. “Denver is what I want, though.”

Cerrone’s win over Stephens extended his UFC record to 5-1, while Pettis has rebounded with two consecutive victories following his loss to Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale last year.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Armchair Matchmaker: UFC on FUEL 3 Edition


(Tom Lawlor: The UFC’s undisputed Seven Up champion.) 

Maybe it’s just us, but it seems like it’s getting harder and harder to drum up a potential list of future opponents for the winners of a given UFC card these days. Not only are most fighters already booked for the promotion’s ever-increasing amount of cards, but the ones selected for title shots are seemingly being drawn out of a hat. Be that as it may, we are going to try and sift through the wreckage of last night’s UFC on FUEL card and determine who the big winners should face next. Enjoy.

Chan Sung Jung: We’ll be the first to admit that we underestimated “The Korean Zombie” heading into yesterday’s fight. But aside from his excellent transitions on the ground, or that amazing takedown reversal to mount he was able to pull off, the thing that impressed us the most about Jung was his tranquility. While Poirier was throwing his best shots at him, Jung remained calm, and worked his way out of every hairy situation like a true pro. He deserves a title shot, and Dana White claims that he is next in line for one. And The Baldfather would never go back on his word. Just ask Anthony Pettis.


(Tom Lawlor: The UFC’s undisputed Seven Up champion.) 

Maybe it’s just us, but it seems like it’s getting harder and harder to drum up a potential list of future opponents for the winners of a given UFC card these days. Not only are most fighters already booked for the promotion’s ever-increasing amount of cards, but the ones selected for title shots are seemingly being drawn out of a hat. Be that as it may, we are going to try and sift through the wreckage of last night’s UFC on FUEL card and determine who the big winners should face next. Enjoy.

Chan Sung Jung: We’ll be the first to admit that we underestimated “The Korean Zombie” heading into yesterday’s fight. But aside from his excellent transitions on the ground, or that amazing takedown reversal to mount he was able to pull off, the thing that impressed us the most about Jung was his tranquility. While Poirier was throwing his best shots at him, Jung remained calm, and worked his way out of every hairy situation like a true pro. He deserves a title shot, and Dana White claims that he is next in line for one. And The Baldfather would never go back on his word. Just ask Anthony Pettis.

Amir Sadollah: Despite the fact that neither Sadollah or Jorge Lopez offered much in terms of offensive output in their co-main event (Author’s note: WHO THE FUCK DECIDED THIS?!) clash, we were a little surprised to see Amir get the nod. But regardless of the outcome, one could see that there are still some noticeable holes in Sadollah’s game. Mainly, aggression and takedown defense. Sadollah needs to fight a guy that will bring out his inner beast, and the winner of the Matt Riddle/Luis Ramos bout would be a perfect test for him.

Donald Cerrone: To say that Cerrone’s performance against Jeremy Stephens was anything short of masterful would be an understatement. When facing “The Cowboy’s” multifaceted, not to mention vicious attack, Stephens could do little else but swing for all he was worth, with all but a few of his punches coming up far short of their target. Now 5-1 in the UFC, Cerrone should only be fighting the division’s brightest. A match against Anthony Pettis would not only be a great test of just how far either man will go at 155, but a potential FOTY candidate to boot. Plus, DW could promise the winner a title shot by the end of 2014 when the lightweight division finally clears up.

Yves Jabouin: After falling prey to one of the greatest submissions of 2011 in his UFC debut, the Tristar Gym standout has reeled off three straight in the octagon. Although he has yet to finish an opponent in convincing fashion in his UFC run, he came as close as humanly possible when he unleashed that spinning back kick in the first round of his bantamweight brawl with Jeff Hougland. Given his propencity to put on technical, yet exciting striking clinics, we’d like to see him square off against Mike Easton, who he was originally scheduled to face at yesterday’s event, once “The Hulk” recovers from his injury. It was a good matchup then, and it makes just as much sense now. The pace this fight would take place at would be enough to send the audience into a mass epileptic seizure, and it could make for a great addition to any lacking card.

Tom Lawlor: Currently 2-2 in his last four, with victories coming over the now released Patrick Cote and the soon to be retired Jason MacDonald, it’s kind of hard to place LOLor anywhere but the middle of the pack at this point. We will forever be indebted to “Filthy” for becoming the first man to choke C.B. Dolloway into Narnia at UFC 100, and the man’s weigh-in fashion sense is nothing short of impeccable, so he deserves a winnable matchup against an entertaining fighter to carry the momentum of his KOTN performance. The winner of the Nick Catone/Chris Camozzi scrap, scheduled for UFC on FX 4, comes to mind.

Cody McKenzie: We don’t care if McKenzie is a one-trick pony, he’s our one trick pony, dammit. Physically, McKenzie looked the best he ever has when stepping into the cage against UFC newcomer and wrestling powerhouse Marcus LeVessuer, but that could’ve simply been the result of trimming the outhouse mop that sat atop his head for so long. Sure, he still looked goofy as hell when throwing some of his kicks, which included the first upkick nutshot we’ve seen in quite some time, but if you so much as sneeze in his general direction, he will snatch that neck up and have you crying uncle before you even have time to wipe your nose. He more than likely saved his Zuffa career yesterday, and isn’t exactly ready for a huge step up in competition. Honestly, I would be satisfied if the UFC continued to serve him McKenzietine fodder for the rest of his career, but a matchup against Reza Madadi, who is coming off an impressive debut submission victory over Yoislandy Izquierdo at UFC on FUEL: Gustafsson vs. Silva would be a good test of just what he can do.

So what do you think, Potato Nation? Who should yesterday’s biggest winners (or losers) face off against in the near future?

–J. Jones