Tag: Jon Jones

MMA Link Club: Dancing Anderson Silva, Cro Cop Talks Chael Sonnen and More

Anderson Silva Doesn’t Want to Sign Autographs, He Just Wants to Dance! (The Fight Nerd)It looks like that case of Bieber Fever that Anderson Silva recently contracted in Brazil has worsened, as the UFC Middleweight champion was caught dancing du…

Anderson Silva Doesn’t Want to Sign Autographs, He Just Wants to Dance! (The Fight Nerd)

It looks like that case of Bieber Fever that Anderson Silva recently contracted in Brazil has worsened, as the UFC Middleweight champion was caught dancing during an autograph session at this past weekend’s UFC Fan Expo in Houston. Silva danced the night away with fans, and if you wanted to get an autograph you had better be able to bust a move with the Brazilian fighter!

 

Injured Strikeforce Heavyweight Shane Del Rosario Shooting for 2012 Return to MMA (MMA Mania)

“It seems to be to me that every week or two I feel a bit stronger, my endurance gets a little better or I’m able to last a bit longer but I still have some bad days where I can’t get up or move very well, I start training and my back seizes up and I can’t do anything. The accident definitely affected my life to a great degree…since I’ve been injured, my doctor’s orders have been to just get healthy, nothing else and then I can start training. It’s been tough. I’m not supposed to do anything. I’m not allowed to do what I like to do, go to the beach and surf or anything. I’ve just gotta sit around and do nothing. The sitting around makes me go nuts. I’m looking, hopefully now to have my return in January or February.”

 

Jose Aldo Continues to Give Back to His Community (5th Round)

Following his unanimous-decision victory over Kenny Florian at UFC 136, Aldo has once again teamed up with Nova Uniao to raise money for the kids in his financially-plagued community. Aldo will be auctioning off two autographed items on eBay to help purchase equipment, gis and mats for the Nova Uniao Community Program.

 

Quote of the Day: Cro Cop Says Sonnen is Slow and Has the IQ of a Kid’s Shoe Size (CagePotato)

“There is an old proverb that says: ‘Don’t argue with a fool. People won’t be able to tell the difference.’ I’ve always upheld to that. I never wanted to lower myself to that level…I’m not the first one he has taken a shot at. I had the opportunity when I was in the United States to ask some people who work for the UFC, ‘Is this man crazy or is he just craving attention?’ A man higher up in the UFC told me, ‘He’s both,’ which means he is crazy and is also craving attention,” Filipovic explained. “I’m not mad at him. I’m really not mad at this Sonnen character.”

 

My First Fight: Rich Franklin (MMAFighting)

“This is how dumb I was: We come out and we’re mixing it up, and I end up taking him down. I’m kind of cross-mounted on him and I have a submission, but I let it go and go to another submission, and I have a shoulder lock almost completely locked out, but then I thought, you know, I trained all these months, all these years, for a 30-second fight? I’m going to let him up. So I just let it go, and the crowd—all 200 of them or whatever it was—went from screaming and yelling to completely speechless.”

 

Never Fear, Machida Is Here with Today’s LOL Funny Moment  (MiddleEasy)

If you don’t know what it means to get “son’d,” then take a glimpse at this picture of Lyoto Machida. If we want to get really technical, Rashad Evans actually gets double son’d in this picture. The first son-ing is in the now infamous picture of a stanky-leg Rashad Evans KO via Machida’s left fist. The second instance of son-ing occurs when a smiling Machida autographs his name across a picture of that very KO. Maybe this should be known as getting “stepson’d.” Ouch.

 

Back to Basics: Takeaways from UFC Shifting PPV Start Times Back to 10 PM EST (Fight Opinion)

The move to get prelims going on TV at 9 p.m. EST and PPV start backs time to 10 p.m. EST is probably the right move, although I would say that upping the start time still does not address the fact that MMA will always be a niche sport, especially during the fall and winter, when you are competing against college football and other live sporting events on television.

 

Ariel Helwani’s Official MMA Rankings (NBC Sports)

There have been 11 events since we last issued our rankings, so lots of activity across the board.

 

Hundreds of Fans Attend Fedor vs. Monson Autograph-Signing Session (Photo Gallery) (LowKick)

Hundreds of fans attended the Fedor Emelianenko vs. Jeff Monson autograph-signing session held in the “Gallery” shopping mall in St. Petersburg, Russia. Earlier that day, M-1 Global also held their second pre-fight press conference, also in St. Petersburg, with Jeff Monson and Fedor Emelianenko sharing more of their thoughts about the November 20th bout.

 

Payout Analysis: The Strikeforce Death Knell? (MMA Payout)

Using publicly available data, we took a closer look at the performance of the two Strikeforce ownership groups, Silicon Valley and Zuffa/Forza. We sampled data from the last nine events under Silicon Valley ownership, between October 9, 2010 and March 25, 2011, that included five major Tier-1 events and four smaller Tier-2 Challengers events. We compared the average TV ratings, attendance, gate and payroll to the first nine events under Zuffa ownership, between April 1, 2011 and September 23, 2011, that included four major Tier-1 events and five Tier-2 events.

 

Upset Alert: Why Lyoto Machida Will Beat Jon Jones (Five Ounces of Pain)

I may be wrong, as I’ve certainly been wrong about Machida before. but Jones has appeared virtually unstoppable since arriving in the UFC. However, the same was said about Machida during his run up to the title. MMAth certainly doesn’t help me, since Machida lost to Shogun and Jones beat Shogun with ease. Machida’s mystique has already been cracked, yet Jones appears to be Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America every time he’s in the cage.

So, why do I think “The Dragon” will dethrone “Bones” Jones?

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Rashad Evans Actually Says Something Nice About Jon Jones!

Rashad Evans gave an interview to Fight Hype where he actually spoke of his respect for Jones as a fighter: “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jon [Jones] as a fighter and I.

Rashad Evans gave an interview to Fight Hype where he actually spoke of his respect for Jones as a fighter:

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jon [Jones] as a fighter and I really like to watch him fight. I enjoy the growth that I have seen him have as a fighter just from the short time I have seen him come in the gym until now.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be Rashad not to get under Jone’s skin. This time, he offers some detail how Lyoto Machida can beat Jones at UFC 140 and warns him what to look out for:

“If anybody can give him trouble, I would think it would be Machida, and for a couple of reasons. One reason is Machida’s used to that kind of craftiness and movement because he trains with Anderson Silva, so he’s used to seeing that. That’s where Jon Jones got a lot of his style from is Anderson Silva. So Lyoto is used to training with the originator. One thing Jones brings to the table that Anderson doesn’t is the ability to take the fight to the ground. He brings that ground and pound and Jon is very good at that, so there are a couple of areas where Lyoto will have to watch out for Jon. But for the most part, if he can use his footwork and watch out for some of the tricks and not stay on the outside and watch like everyone else does… I think he could do pretty good in this fight.”

UFC 140 tickets are on sale to the public this Saturday, October 15th.

Jon Jones Knows His Long Road to Rashad Evans Goes Through Lyoto Machida

Filed under: UFC, NewsJon Jones makes it clear he still wants Rashad Evans, and we know Evans still wants him. But the road to each other has been filled with potholes and detours, and the waiting game continues, though neither is ever very far from th…

Filed under: ,

Jon JonesJon Jones makes it clear he still wants Rashad Evans, and we know Evans still wants him. But the road to each other has been filled with potholes and detours, and the waiting game continues, though neither is ever very far from the other’s view.

With the specter of Evans hanging over the proceedings, the UFC on Wednesday officially announced UFC 140 and its main event of champion Jones against challenger Lyoto Machida.

The surprise main event was originally released by UFC president Dana White last week, after Evans’ follow-up doctor visit determined he would need more time to rest his injured fight hand. Of course, the new pairing — cemented by Jones, Machida and White at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre — promises a vastly different dynamic both in and out of the cage, with no past history between the men. For Jones, who had been expecting the long-awaited grudge bout, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“I would prefer each fight to be a little more respectful. It is martial arts. But I’m OK with the other side of it, too. I understand there are two different fan bases. Some people like more of that warrior spirit, discipline and honor, and other people like more of the cage fighter, I’m-gonna-knock-you-out type stuff. So I’m getting more comfortable with both of them, and it is what it is.”

That said, Jones (14-1) was clearly disappointed his chance at Evans was scuttled, even if he does have great respect for Machida, who is also a former UFC light heavyweight champion.

Jones said he fully realizes that just because Evans will not be standing in front of him on December 10, there won’t be any less to lose if he should fall to defeat. As such, he doesn’t expect motivation to be an issue, even with this fight coming so close on the heels of his successful September 24 title defense against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

“I realize what I could lose in the fight that’s in front of me, so when it comes to the question of getting up for the fight, it’s definitely not an issue,” he said. “And as far as getting up for the Rashad Evans fight, after all the drama of last year or so, it’s a fight I absolutely cannot lose. I’m actually taught to think that no fight is a big fight. Don’t fight the legend, just fight his body and see what happens.

‘With Rashad, I’m really trying to teach myself, ‘This is not a big fight, Jon. It’s not a big fight, Jon,'” he continued. “But it’s a huge fight to me right now. I wouldn’t want to lose either one of them. So as far as getting up for fights, I’m up.”

If Jones is to look past Machida, it could end up as a grave mistake. Despite losing two of his last three, Machida (17-2) is still a complex fighter with knockout power and a strong all-around game. Jones acknowledged that he’s “never competed against anyone like him,” and said he would spend time studying and learning Machida’s tendencies.

Machida, as usual a man of few words, admitted that the initial offer to fight Jones took him by surprise, and that he believes his experience will “speak louder in this fight.” Machida did reveal one interesting nugget though, saying that UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has already called him about working with him in preparation for the fight.

“I guarantee on December 10, I will very well prepared, and I can overcome his athleticism with my technique,” Machida said.

If Jones emerges successful in the fight, he will have won four fights in 10 months, and run through a gauntlet of three former champions in the process. He’s also gone from relative obscurity to fame in that time, a transition that has been known to affect many.

For Jones though, everything feels just about right.

“When I joined the sport, I always envisioned wanting to be the best, and trying to be the champion. So I tried to carry myself and think in that type of life, as if it was already so, even before it happened. So now that I’m here, I have this feeling as if I’m right where I’m supposed to be, and right where I worked to be, so I feel comfortable with everything that’s happened.”

UFC 140 will mark a quick return to Toronto for the promotion, which put on its landmark UFC 129 show in April, drawing over 55,000 fans and a gate surpassing $11 million at the Rogers Centre. The Air Canada Centre is a more traditional sports arena that seats just shy of 20,000 fans in its maximum seating configurations. In his remarks during the press conference, UFC president White called Toronto “without a doubt, the strongest market on the planet.” In Jones, the promotion will be showcasing one of the strongest fighters on the planet, even if he comes with an unexpected opponent.

 

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UFC 140: Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida Breakdown

As current light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been running through his opponents as of late, fewer and fewer suitable contenders for his title remain.However, at UFC 140—which takes place on December 10 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto&m…

As current light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been running through his opponents as of late, fewer and fewer suitable contenders for his title remain.

However, at UFC 140—which takes place on December 10 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto—Jones could be facing his toughest test to date, when he takes on former world champion Lyoto Machida.

The two will serve as the headlining act for the pay-per-view event, which will be supported by a bevy of matches, including a heavyweight showdown pitting Frank Mir against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Tito Ortiz likely making his last stand against Pride veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. 

Though both Machida and Jones hail from varying disciplines, who holds the advantage heading into this 205-pound showdown?

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UFC 140 Press Conference: Dana White, Jon Jones and Lyoto Machida in Toronto

Toronto is primed and ready for the UFC to return on December 10th with light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones defending his title against the world-class and elusive Brazilian Lyoto Machida.It will be the 2011 encore for the UFC north of the border as i…

Toronto is primed and ready for the UFC to return on December 10th with light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones defending his title against the world-class and elusive Brazilian Lyoto Machida.

It will be the 2011 encore for the UFC north of the border as it debuted in April with an incredible show both inside the cage and out, as fighters were scattered all over the city making appearances for flocks of rabid fans.

The UFC announced today that Jones, Machida, UFC President Dana White and Director of Canadian Operations Tom Wright will be in Toronto tomorrow, Oct. 12, to discuss the event at a press conference at 1:00 P.M. EST at the Air Canada Centre. It will be open to the public and streamed live at UFC.com.

Additionally, the fighters will hold an autograph session from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Real Sports Apparel, located within Maple Leaf Square.

“After his performance against Rampage, there’s no doubt Jon Jones is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport,” UFC President Dana White said. 

“He’s already beaten Shogun and Rampage this year and now he gets Machida, a former champion. Machida is one of the most elusive and dangerous strikers in the UFC and he’s motivated to get the belt back. We’re giving the fans in Toronto a really great title fight.”

“I am thrilled to be fighting Lyoto Machida at UFC 140 in Toronto, which is just a few hours from my hometown, Endicott, N.Y.,” Jones said.

“He is an incredibly skilled fighter and one who poses numerous challenges inside the Octagon. He has only been defeated twice in his career and is coming off a big victory in April. For me, it will be important to just continue to focus on making myself better as a fighter, and keeping the fight at my intensity and aggression levels. It is my goal to become the first UFC fighter to defeat three former champions in one year.”

 

“I’m really excited to be fighting for the light-heavyweight title again,” Machida, owner of a 17-2 record, said. “Jon Jones is a great fighter and a great champion. It’s going to be my experience and technique against his youth and athleticism. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Aside from the mouth-watering title fight, the UFC rewarded Canadian fans with the Nogueira brothers, Tito Ortiz and Frank Mir all fighting on the card. They have also followed the usual blueprint of stacking the card with fighters from the host country, as we will see fan-favorites Mark “The Machine” Hominick. Rory MacDonald, Mark Bocek, Krzysztof Soszynski, John Makdessi and Mitch Clarke, all on the card.

Christmas is coming early for UFC fans in Canada.

Dwight Wakabayashi is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA and Correspondent for MMACanada.net. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.

Catch him on Facebook and Twitter at wakafightermma

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MMA: Brother of Strikeforce Fighter Gets Arrested for Being a Superhero

Ben Fodor, brother of Strikeforce fighter Caros Fodor, has been arrested for masquerading around the streets of Seattle as a superhero known as “Phoenix Jones,” according to BJPenn.com.The vigilante attempted to break up a street brawl (although the al…

Ben Fodor, brother of Strikeforce fighter Caros Fodor, has been arrested for masquerading around the streets of Seattle as a superhero known as “Phoenix Jones,” according to BJPenn.com.

The vigilante attempted to break up a street brawl (although the alleged perpetrators claim they were just dancing) in order to bring peace and justice to the streets of Gotham—err, Seattle.

Not only does Fodor dress up in a mask and black muscle body suit with yellow stripes, he also carries around mace to supplement his mixed martial arts abilities; simple fighting techniques alone won’t be able to subdue all criminals, after all.

Does it get any stranger?

Yes. It does. Phoenix Jones apparently has another superhero ally—a “sidekick,” if you will (and no that’s not an attempt at a horrible MMA-related pun)—known only as “Ghost” who accompanied the hero on his quest to root out violence.

The trend of MMA fighters acting heroic is nothing new. After all, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones apprehended a robber the same day he won his title and UFC heavyweight veteran Antoni Hardonk foiled an armed robbery in Los Angeles. Also, the topic of UFC fighters becoming modern day superheroes in more ways than one has been discussed before.

So does the trend have a future? Can we expect a Kick Ass-esque uprising of ad hoc MMA fighting superheroes?

No, Phoenix Jones was promptly reprimanded for his behavior. The last thing the world needs is MMA fighters with messianic convictions that they’re here to save us.

However, maybe that’s just a cynical outlook. Maybe Phoenix Jones is the hero that Seattle deserves…just not the one they need right now.

Either way, it’s certainly fun to watch him mace people.

 

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