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Trevor Wittman Calls Shane Carwin “Gift from God”

shane-carwin

Anytime Brock Lesnar is set to fight it’s pretty normal for the imposing heavyweight to receive a ton of pre-fight attention, after all, nothing resonates more with the mainstream media than a previous stint as a professional wrestler…This time around the story line surrounding Lesnar is even more intriguing, as it wasn’t long ago that the champion’s career was in doubt due to a nasty case of diverticulitis (and let’s not forget Lesnar’s remarks regarding healthcare, which got that spotlight scalding bright).

In addition to Lesnar’s stardom and abilities (Dana White told Ariel Helwani he believes the Minnesota Monster is the UFC’s biggest commodity), what puts tomorrow night’s UFC 116 main event at the top of the ‘must see’ list, is opponent Shane Carwin. While he may not have the high profile of Lesnar yet, the massive heavyweight has also quickly become a UFC star, in part due to his 5-XL fists which have pounded out every Octagon opponent he’s faced thus far.

So, how special is Carwin? Well in a recent interview with MMA Fighting, renowned Grudge trainer Trevor Wittman said this, when asked to recall his initial assessment of the former collegiate football / wrestling star.

“I went home that night thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, with his size and ability, I finally got my gift from God, a heavyweight champion,’” Wittman told MMA Fighting.

Gift from God? Pretty hard to top that in the compliment category. Someone up there is blessing MMA fans with a pretty huge fight that’s for damn sure; to bet on it head here.

Yoshihiro Akiyama Clarifies Recent Comments About Chris Leben

You may recall last week hearing the sobs of Wanderlei Silva fans around the world, as word came down that “The Axe Murderer” would not fight at UFC 116, due to multiple injuries. It was a tough couple of days, no doubt, but we got through it… together. Now the man that Silva was supposed to […]

You may recall last week hearing the sobs of Wanderlei Silva fans around the world, as word came down that “The Axe Murderer” would not fight at UFC 116, due to multiple injuries. It was a tough couple of days, no doubt, but we got through it… together. Now the man that Silva was supposed to fight, Yoshihiro Akiyama, was in fact truly devastated that he would not fight the former Pride champion this Saturday. When informed he would fight Chris Leben instead of Wandy, Akiyama’s reaction was rather similar to when we’re told last call is over- not good. The renowned judo competitor stated Leben wasn’t “a big name,” and that further, a no show for UFC 116 might just be in the cards (yeah- that would have gone over real well…) .

Of course, thankfully, Akiyama made the trip overseas and is set to fight Leben tomorrow night, and in the meantime, the Japanese middleweight has apparently been doing a little bit of damage control. Talking to MMA Junkie this week, Akiyama tried to clarify his recent comments, that probably didn’t score many points with Leben and his supporters.

“I’m very familiar with Chris’ popularity in the States, but compared to Wanderlei overseas, he’s a much bigger name in Korea and Japan,” Akiyama said through an interpreter. “For me, to improve the popularity of MMA in Japan is one of my goals as well.”

It also sounds like all is well between Dana White and Akiyama, as the UFC Prez was quoted saying “I understood,” in regards to “Sexyama’s” bitter disappointment that he’s no longer fighting Silva. Should be a good bout regardless. To bet on the tilt head here.

Report: “Rampage” Jackson vs. Rogerio Nogueira Possible for UFC 119 / 120

After “Rampage” Jackson failed to beat Rashad Evan’s ass at UFC 114, as he had continually insisted he would do, speculation immediately kicked in as to who the former champ would face next. UFC President Dana White was quoted saying that Lyoto Machida was a possibility, while Jackson called for a rematch with Forrest Griffin, […]

After “Rampage” Jackson failed to beat Rashad Evan’s ass at UFC 114, as he had continually insisted he would do, speculation immediately kicked in as to who the former champ would face next. UFC President Dana White was quoted saying that Lyoto Machida was a possibility, while Jackson called for a rematch with Forrest Griffin, who, like Evans, has defeated the 21st Century version of B.A. Baracus by Unanimous Decision.

Well, according to a report this afternoon from MMA Junkie, Jackson’s next fight will likely be against Antonio Rogerio “Minotoro” Nogueira, and neither Griffin or Machida. The story cites “sources close to the competitors”, who have reportedly told the outlet that verbal agreements are in place for the fight, which could take place at UFC 119, 120 or even 121 (if you can even follow the numbering thing anymore). The report goes on to say that UFC 119 is scheduled for September 25^th in Indianapolis, 120 for October 16^th in London, while plans for UFC 121 are still in the works.

So, what’s our take on this (even if you didn’t ask)? Well, although a lot of folks thought “Lil Nog” should not have been awarded that Split Decision victory over Jason Brilz in May, just ask Luis Cane, Dan Henderson or Alistair Overeem, if Nogueira is a top light-heavyweight. In other words, like 90% of fights featuring a Nogueira twin, it should be damn good. There’s no doubt a fight between Rampage and either Machida or Griffin would likely be more of a “box office draw,” (as main stream fans haven’t seen a lot of Lil Nog yet) but hell, this will work no?

Report: Alistair Overeem vs. Ricco Rodriguez Unlikely for Dream 15?

Earlier today a few eyebrows likely were raised when it was reported by MMA Junkie, that sources had informed the outlet, that Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem would fight Ricco Rodriguez, at Dream 15 on July 10th. Why may have a few people spit out their early morning brew (ok, maybe it wasn’t that shocking)? […]

Earlier today a few eyebrows likely were raised when it was reported by MMA Junkie, that sources had informed the outlet, that Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem would fight Ricco Rodriguez, at Dream 15 on July 10^th. Why may have a few people spit out their early morning brew (ok, maybe it wasn’t that shocking)? Well, most of the talk surrounding Overeem lately has been tied to a certain Mr. Fedor Emelianenko and a certain Mr. Fabricio Werdum, and not former UFC champ Ricco Rodriguez, who hasn’t fought under big-major-promotion lights for some time.

In an updated report from MMA Fighting this afternoon, however, a source close to Overeem has apparently told the site that there is a “90% chance” the fight is not happening. The story also cites a report on Mauro Ranallo’s “The Fight Show”, where apparently Overeem’s trainer Martijn de Jong, denied the Dutchman is set to fight Rodriguez. On the other hand, sources from Dream and the camp of Rodriguez are saying that each man has verbally agreed to the fight. So WTF right? Guess we’ll wait and see what happens.

So why does any of this matter? Well, if you’re new to the sport you may only recognize Rodriguez from a stint on Celebrity Rehab, but there was a time when the veteran was a top ranked heavyweight. Although Ricco appears to have got things back in order, lost a ton of weight , and won 7 straight, a win over Overeem would certainly blow the minds of a lot of people…

Rogerio Noguiera Says Anderson Silva is Going to Kick Chael Sonnen’s “Ass”

It kind of seems like it’s been a little quieter on the Chael Sonnen front lately (or other matters are grabbing headlines) which may or may not have anything to do with the outspoken wrestler’s recent on and off again relationship with a certain Twitter account. Now, all that said, it wasn’t too long ago […]

It kind of seems like it’s been a little quieter on the Chael Sonnen front lately (or other matters are grabbing headlines) which may or may not have anything to do with the outspoken wrestler’s recent on and off again relationship with a certain Twitter account. Now, all that said, it wasn’t too long ago that the Team Quest fighter tossed one of his infamous ‘Sonnens’ in the direction of the renowned Nogueira brothers, who of course, awarded Anderson Silva his black belt in BJJ. You may recall Sonnen didn’t think Silva’s affiliation with Antonio Rodrigo and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira was such a big deal, stating “One is a punching bag and the other I just ignore.” Now don’t hold anything back Chael…

Yes, it takes some serious bollocks to make such a statement; Nog is right up there on the all time greats and “Lil Nog” is likely a title threat at 205. In a recent interview with Tatame Magazine, Rogerio was asked for his thoughts on the upcoming Sonnen / Silva; anyone surprised by this answer?

“It’s the way he found to bring Anderson to wherever he wants. He’s provoking Anderson to see if he bits the bait, lose his head and goes for the knockout. Anderson will kick his ass. He doesn’t have a ground game… He was submitted by Jeremy Horn and by Paulão… He won (on a fight against Nate Marquardt) because the guy ran out of gas, otherwise he’d get that guillotine.”

Yup; it’s only going to get more interesting as August 7^th draws near….to bet on the fight head here.

Krzyzstof Soszynski Believes Pressure on him Heading into UFC 116

With a ton of hullabaloo surrounding this Saturday’s heavyweight tilt between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin, especially now that Wanderlei Silva is no longer competing (anytime you lose an “Axe Murderer” people are going to be pissed), the rematch between Krzyzstof Soszynski and Stephan Bonnar may be getting a little lost in the shuffle. Their […]

With a ton of hullabaloo surrounding this Saturday’s heavyweight tilt between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin, especially now that Wanderlei Silva is no longer competing (anytime you lose an “Axe Murderer” people are going to be pissed), the rematch between Krzyzstof Soszynski and Stephan Bonnar may be getting a little lost in the shuffle. Their first tilt in February was pretty good, until of course, the referee shat the bed (the fight ending cut on Bonnar occurred as a result of an accidental head butt and not a punch)

Since competing on TUF 8 Soszynski has performed pretty well (aside from a UD loss to Brandon Vera) and although a loss to Bonnar wouldn’t be catastrophic, it might put him on the bubble. Bonnar has lost three in a row, however, and although the defeat to Soszynski doesn’t really count, the former TUF star lost to Mark Coleman and Jon Jones before that. One loss was kind of expected, the other…not so much.

Of course, due to Bonnar’s starring role in the fight that ‘changed it all’, Dana White has stated in the past that both Bonnar and Forrest Griffin will always have a home with the UFC. This is likely why in a recent interview with MMA Fighting Mr. Soszynski stated:

“I have a feeling that’s why all the pressure’s on me,” Soszynski said. “He’s got a home. He’s never going to leave the UFC. If he’s one of Dana White’s boys, then I’m the one that has to win this fight. He’s got a job, he’s got nothing to worry about. If I lose to Stephan Bonnar, I might lose my job.”

To bet on Saturday’s fights head here.