Tag: News

UFC Booking Alert: Pat Healy vs. Jamie Varner Slated for UFC on Fox 9


(UFC lightweight Pat Healy, daring us to make a HHNNNGGGG reference in two consecutive posts. Nice try, buddy. / Photo via Getty)

UFC on Fox 9 is shaping up to be a straight-up excellent card. The latest solid matchup was just announced as Pat Healy and Jamie Varner square up opposite one another in a lightweight contest. Both men are coming off losses but, on paper, this looks like yet another exciting and evenly-matched bout for the December 14th event in Sacramento.

Varner lost his last outing against Gleison Tibau via split decision. Before that, Varner bested Melvin Guillard and before that, he lost a thrilling bout to Joe Lauzon via submission, which won Fight of the Night honors at UFC on FOX 4. Healy recently returned after a marijuana-metabolite suspension that turned his incredible UFC-debut win over Jim Miller into a no-contest, and recently lost a decision to fellow Strikeforce vet Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 165. (Yes, I had to copy and paste Khabib’s name. No, I will never remember how to spell or pronounce it.)

Joining Healy and Varner on the December 14th UFC on Fox 9 card are new lightweight champion Anthony Pettis defending his strap against Josh Thomson, and Carlos Condit and Matt Brown trying to tear each other’s hearts out in a welterweight contender showdown. Also, Court McGee and Kelvin Gastelum do battle in one of those, TUF vs. TUF type contests. Your predictions, please.

– Elias Cepeda


(UFC lightweight Pat Healy, daring us to make a HHNNNGGGG reference in two consecutive posts. Nice try, buddy. / Photo via Getty)

UFC on Fox 9 is shaping up to be a straight-up excellent card. The latest solid matchup was just announced as Pat Healy and Jamie Varner square up opposite one another in a lightweight contest. Both men are coming off losses but, on paper, this looks like yet another exciting and evenly-matched bout for the December 14th event in Sacramento.

Varner lost his last outing against Gleison Tibau via split decision. Before that, Varner bested Melvin Guillard and before that, he lost a thrilling bout to Joe Lauzon via submission, which won Fight of the Night honors at UFC on FOX 4. Healy recently returned after a marijuana-metabolite suspension that turned his incredible UFC-debut win over Jim Miller into a no-contest, and recently lost a decision to fellow Strikeforce vet Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 165. (Yes, I had to copy and paste Khabib’s name. No, I will never remember how to spell or pronounce it.)

Joining Healy and Varner on the December 14th UFC on Fox 9 card are new lightweight champion Anthony Pettis defending his strap against Josh Thomson, and Carlos Condit and Matt Brown trying to tear each other’s hearts out in a welterweight contender showdown. Also, Court McGee and Kelvin Gastelum do battle in one of those, TUF vs. TUF type contests. Your predictions, please.

– Elias Cepeda

5 Things We Learned About Alexander Gustafsson From His ‘On the Brink’ UFC 165 Documentary [VIDEO]

(Props: YouTube.com/FOXSports. Part 2 is after the jump.)

In the wake of Alexander Gustafsson‘s epic title fight against Jon Jones at UFC 165, FOX Sports 1 has released a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary that follows Gustafsson through some intimate moments leading up to and following the bout. We also learned a few new things about the Swedish star. For example…

1. That ‘no-fuss’ look hair style of Gustafsson’s does indeed require some fuss

We won’t admit to being exactly jealous of Gustafsson’s no-effort-needed, scruff-buff style but..ok, we were getting a little jealous. It’s hard enough being an MMA fan while watching a Georges St. Pierre fight while all the female fans within view are fawning over him. Recently, it seemed that Gustafsson was starting to get the same treatment. I mean, what does a brother have to do to simply watch a fight without being reminded of how inadequate he is?

Anyway, early in the ‘On the Brink’ doc, we see Gustafsson painstakingly mold his hair in front of a large mirror and then ask his room mate if it looked alright. Wait, was this whole first point a little weird? I’m starting to think it made me look weird…Next point!

2. Alexander Gustafsson believes that Jon Jones is “insecure”

Gustafsson wasn’t much for trash talk leading up to the Jones fight but in this segment he seemed agitated by Jones’ attitude. Jones’s perceived arrogance is the result of fundamental insecurity, according to Alexander. “He is insecure,” Gus says. “He likes looking down on people. Some people don’t see that but I see that.”

3. Gustafsson doesn’t cut a ton of weight, apparently

As Gustafsson gets into a cab on the Thursday before UFC 165, he tells the driver that he has just nine pounds left to go. “I’m 214,” he says. Now, nine pounds of weight lost in one day would be a lot to you and me, but the light heavyweight division has been home to some of the most monstrous cuts in UFC history from guys like Forrest Griffin and Quinton Jackson who have reportedly showed up to fight weeks well over twenty pounds above the 205 pound limit.

4. After the final horn, Gustafsson didn’t believe that he would was going to win the decision


(Props: YouTube.com/FOXSports. Part 2 is after the jump.)

In the wake of Alexander Gustafsson‘s epic title fight against Jon Jones at UFC 165, FOX Sports 1 has released a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary that follows Gustafsson through some intimate moments leading up to and following the bout. We also learned a few new things about the Swedish star. For example…

1. That ‘no-fuss’ look hair style of Gustafsson’s does indeed require some fuss

We won’t admit to being exactly jealous of Gustafsson’s no-effort-needed, scruff-buff style but..ok, we were getting a little jealous. It’s hard enough being an MMA fan while watching a Georges St. Pierre fight while all the female fans within view are fawning over him. Recently, it seemed that Gustafsson was starting to get the same treatment. I mean, what does a brother have to do to simply watch a fight without being reminded of how inadequate he is?

Anyway, early in the ‘On the Brink’ doc, we see Gustafsson painstakingly mold his hair in front of a large mirror and then ask his room mate if it looked alright. Wait, was this whole first point a little weird? I’m starting to think it made me look weird…Next point!

2. Alexander Gustafsson believes that Jon Jones is “insecure”

Gustafsson wasn’t much for trash talk leading up to the Jones fight but in this segment he seemed agitated by Jones’ attitude. Jones’s perceived arrogance is the result of fundamental insecurity, according to Alexander. “He is insecure,” Gus says. “He likes looking down on people. Some people don’t see that but I see that.”

3. Gustafsson doesn’t cut a ton of weight, apparently

As Gustafsson gets into a cab on the Thursday before UFC 165, he tells the driver that he has just nine pounds left to go. “I’m 214,” he says. Now, nine pounds of weight lost in one day would be a lot to you and me, but the light heavyweight division has been home to some of the most monstrous cuts in UFC history from guys like Forrest Griffin and Quinton Jackson who have reportedly showed up to fight weeks well over twenty pounds above the 205 pound limit.

4. After the final horn, Gustafsson didn’t believe that he would was going to win the decision

In part two of ‘On the Brink,’ (below) Gustafsson admitted that, though he hoped they would announce his name, he believed that the fight had been too close for the judges to award it to him. Not that he didn’t believe he didn’t deserve to win, just that he didn’t think they judges would give it to him.

5. Gustafsson Knows Exactly How to Beat Jones the Next Time Out

Far from dejected, Gustafsson claims he knows how to take it to Jones even more convincingly in their assumed rematch. “We will fight again,” he says. “And next time we fight, I know exactly what I will do.”

– Elias Cepeda

UFC Vet Mike Russow Signs With World Series of Fighting, Will Make Debut Next Year


(Is the WSOF ready for this jelly? / Photo via Getty)

Despite kicking off his UFC career with four consecutive wins — including a heroic comeback knockout against Todd Duffee in May 2010 — Chicago-based heavyweight Mike Russow was swiftly given his walking papers earlier this year after suffering back-to-back TKO losses against Fabricio Werdum and Shawn Jordan. The 37-year-old has kept a very low profile since then, but it looks like he’ll be re-emerging under the World Series of Fighting banner against an opponent to be named later. (Yes, World Series of Fighting, not Bellator. We’re just as surprised as you are.)

MMAJunkie reported the news over the weekend, adding that Russow will likely make his promotional debut early next year, and will join a still-developing WSOF heavyweight division that’s been dominated by ex-UFC champ Andrei Arlovski and perennial whateverweight champ Anthony Johnson, and also includes fighters like Derrick Mehmen, Devin Cole, and Dave Huckaba.

Russow’s decision to keep his job as a Chicago police officer has slowed his progress in MMA over the years — he’s only competed six times since 2009 — but occasional gigs in World Series of Fighting could be a good fit for this stage of his career. We’ll keep you posted when details of his WSOF debut are officially announced.


(Is the WSOF ready for this jelly? / Photo via Getty)

Despite kicking off his UFC career with four consecutive wins — including a heroic comeback knockout against Todd Duffee in May 2010 — Chicago-based heavyweight Mike Russow was swiftly given his walking papers earlier this year after suffering back-to-back TKO losses against Fabricio Werdum and Shawn Jordan. The 37-year-old has kept a very low profile since then, but it looks like he’ll be re-emerging under the World Series of Fighting banner against an opponent to be named later. (Yes, World Series of Fighting, not Bellator. We’re just as surprised as you are.)

MMAJunkie reported the news over the weekend, adding that Russow will likely make his promotional debut early next year, and will join a still-developing WSOF heavyweight division that’s been dominated by ex-UFC champ Andrei Arlovski and perennial whateverweight champ Anthony Johnson, and also includes fighters like Derrick Mehmen, Devin Cole, and Dave Huckaba.

Russow’s decision to keep his job as a Chicago police officer has slowed his progress in MMA over the years — he’s only competed six times since 2009 — but occasional gigs in World Series of Fighting could be a good fit for this stage of his career. We’ll keep you posted when details of his WSOF debut are officially announced.

[VIDEO] Anderson Silva Breaks Down Technique & Fighting Tactics for Group of British Dudes

It is rare that we seem to get revealing, sincere and engaged comments from former UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva in the quick-hit, superficial interviews that he’s grown used to and apparently tired of over the past seven years or so. However, a video of Silva conducting an intimate seminar in the London three weeks ago shows “The Spider” in great form.

The future hall of famer takes his time working with the students, carefully answering their questions in English about fight tactics, techniques and opponents. Anderson is talking about the thing he loves and does so expertly – fighting – with people who themselves train and who are informed and interested in learning from him. Guess that’s the secret to getting good stuff out of Silva, huh?

Check the video out to see Silva break down his favorite positions on the ground from off his back and detail how he pulled off some of his best moves. Also, he does all of it in glasses and a sweater. Baller.

It is rare that we seem to get revealing, sincere and engaged comments from former UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva in the quick-hit, superficial interviews that he’s grown used to and apparently tired of over the past seven years or so. However, a video of Silva conducting an intimate seminar in the London three weeks ago shows “The Spider” in great form.

The future hall of famer takes his time working with the students, carefully answering their questions in English about fight tactics, techniques and opponents. Anderson is talking about the thing he loves and does so expertly – fighting – with people who themselves train and who are informed and interested in learning from him. Guess that’s the secret to getting good stuff out of Silva, huh?

Check the video out to see Silva break down his favorite positions on the ground from off his back and detail how he pulled off some of his best moves. Also, he does all of it in glasses and a sweater. Baller.

Anderson Silva gets his chance at revenge against Chris Weidman in December, of course. Weidman shocked the world with a second round KO of Silva to end the Brazilian’s historic streak as UFC middleweight champion this past summer.

The two have been on a world tour recently to promote the rematch. Silva has seemed more aloof, relaxed with less tough guy posturing than usual, on the tour. We imagine that behind his stylish thick-frame glasses, stylish clothing and wide smile, however, Silva is seething with anger and motivation over his loss.

Do you think he has a chance at taking the belt back against Weidman, or should Silva have taken more time off to recover from his knockout?

– Elias Cepeda

And Now She’s Retired: Megumi Fujii Loses Final Fight After Eye Injury From Repeated Pokes

Megumi Fujii, perhaps the greatest female mixed martial arts fighter of all time, lost her retirement fight Saturday night at Vale Tudo Japan 3rd against Jessica Aguilar in a second round stoppage. Fujii was twice poked in the eye by Aguilar in the first round and sustained a serious-looking injury because of them.

“Mega Megu” decided to fight on despite the injury but in the second round, Aguilar began to take control of the fight and hurt Fujii more. In between the second and third rounds, a ring side doctor inspected Fujii and decided to stop the fight. The fight between Fujii and Aguilar was a rematch of their 2012 Bellator bout which ended with a controversial decision win for Aguilar.

Fujii finishes her career with a record of 26-3, overall. After the fight, the promotion held a retirement ceremony for the pioneering fighter. Watch the fight and ceremony in the video above.

– Elias Cepeda

Megumi Fujii, perhaps the greatest female mixed martial arts fighter of all time, lost her retirement fight Saturday night at Vale Tudo Japan 3rd against Jessica Aguilar in a second round stoppage. Fujii was twice poked in the eye by Aguilar in the first round and sustained a serious-looking injury because of them.

“Mega Megu” decided to fight on despite the injury but in the second round, Aguilar began to take control of the fight and hurt Fujii more. In between the second and third rounds, a ring side doctor inspected Fujii and decided to stop the fight. The fight between Fujii and Aguilar was a rematch of their 2012 Bellator bout which ended with a controversial decision win for Aguilar.

Fujii finishes her career with a record of 26-3, overall. After the fight, the promotion held a retirement ceremony for the pioneering fighter. Watch the fight and ceremony in the video above.

– Elias Cepeda

Bellator 102 Video & Quick Results

Friday night’s Bellator 102 event was heavy on UFC veterans and nasty finishes. In the night’s main event, former long-time UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo knocked out Mark Godbeer with knees and punches in the second round. Kongo used a dirty clinch in the first to wear down Godbeer and then started to lay into him with knees in the second before dropping him and forcing the stoppage.

The card’s other heavyweight UFC veteran Lavar Johnson did not fare so well. Johnson was knocked out in just over twenty seconds of the first round by Vinicius de Queiroz. The Brazilian now advances to this season’s heavyweight tournament finals against Kongo.

Quick Results for the Rest of the Bellator 102 Card:

Rafael Silva beat Anthony Leone by unanimous decision
Mikkel Parlo won a unanimous decision over Jason Butcher
Brennan Ward scored a guillotine submission win over Joe Pacheco in the second round
Scott Cleve beat Isaac de Jesus in the second round by TKO
Javy Ayala defeated knocked Thiago Santos out in the first round
Brandon Girtz won with an arm bar submission in the first over Poppies Martinez
Stephen Martinez choked out Bryan Travers in the first round with a guillotine choke
Cain Carrizosa beat Juan Quesada with a triangle choke in the second round
Brandon Cash scored a second round TKO win over William Richey

– Elias Cepeda

Friday night’s Bellator 102 event was heavy on UFC veterans and nasty finishes. In the night’s main event, former long-time UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo knocked out Mark Godbeer with knees and punches in the second round. Kongo used a dirty clinch in the first to wear down Godbeer and then started to lay into him with knees in the second before dropping him and forcing the stoppage.

The card’s other heavyweight UFC veteran Lavar Johnson did not fare so well. Johnson was knocked out in just over twenty seconds of the first round by Vinicius de Queiroz. The Brazilian now advances to this season’s heavyweight tournament finals against Kongo.

Quick Results for the Rest of the Bellator 102 Card:

Rafael Silva beat Anthony Leone by unanimous decision
Mikkel Parlo won a unanimous decision over Jason Butcher
Brennan Ward scored a guillotine submission win over Joe Pacheco in the second round
Scott Cleve beat Isaac de Jesus in the second round by TKO
Javy Ayala defeated knocked Thiago Santos out in the first round
Brandon Girtz won with an arm bar submission in the first over Poppies Martinez
Stephen Martinez choked out Bryan Travers in the first round with a guillotine choke
Cain Carrizosa beat Juan Quesada with a triangle choke in the second round
Brandon Cash scored a second round TKO win over William Richey

– Elias Cepeda