Tag: UFC 144

UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson and Other Fights with Championship-Type Appeal

The upcoming UFC 144 in Japan on Saturday is stacked with championship-caliber fights.  Four of the fights feature at least one fighter who has either directly competed in a championship fight or been mentioned as a top contender.  One fight …

The upcoming UFC 144 in Japan on Saturday is stacked with championship-caliber fights.  

Four of the fights feature at least one fighter who has either directly competed in a championship fight or been mentioned as a top contender.  

One fight is a to gain ground in a suddenly tough and still growing division between two big MMA names. And finally, we have the actual Lightweight Championship fight.

I’m excited.  There is so much at stake in terms of relevance for many of these fighters that it could be a while before we see them in the spotlight again.

Let’s start with the sort of “honorable mention” fight…

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UFC 144 Extended Preview

The UFC makes its long awaited return to Japan this weekend, set to feature one of the most anticipated title bouts of the year.Frankie Edgar will defend the UFC lightweight title against rising star and former WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson…

The UFC makes its long awaited return to Japan this weekend, set to feature one of the most anticipated title bouts of the year.

Frankie Edgar will defend the UFC lightweight title against rising star and former WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson. 

Edgar is coming an impressive knockout victory over Gray Maynard at UFC 136, successfully retaining the title in his third defense. 

Meanwhile, Henderson has defeated a list of who’s-who in the lightweight division to earn his shot at Edgar, riding a three-fight win streak since his loss to Anthony Pettis in December 2010. With the win, either Edgar or Henderson will be declared the undisputed No. 1 lightweight in the world.

Also, former UFC light heavyweight champion and PRIDE star, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson returns to his roots that made him a fan favourite among the Japanese fans. Jackson, who is coming off a loss to Jon Jones, will look to rebound when he meets Ryan Bader in the evening’s co-main event.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan breaks down some of the event’s main bouts, providing in-depth analysis, along with interviews from some of the fighters.

UFC 144 will be a monumental event and it will feature an unprecedented seven bouts on the main card, as opposed to the traditional format.

UFC 144 is live this Saturday night from the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo. 

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Joe Rogan Responds to Rampage Jackson, Says His Job Is to Be ‘Objective’

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s recent criticism of UFC commentator Joe Rogan has forced the stand-up comedian to respond back.Rogan, who has been employed with the company since 1997, addressed Jackson’s comments on his weekly podcast, “The Joe Rogan Expe…

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s recent criticism of UFC commentator Joe Rogan has forced the stand-up comedian to respond back.

Rogan, who has been employed with the company since 1997, addressed Jackson’s comments on his weekly podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.”

“Look, man, I love Rampage. I don’t mean to be rude when I assess things. I’m just trying to objectively figure out how this guy could be doing better than he’s doing,” Rogan said.

“When I’m doing commentary on a fight, all I’m trying to do is sort of objectively assess what I think someone could be doing differently to try to get themselves out of spot if they’re not winning or…I’m just trying to commentate.”

“I’m not, like, critiquing the guy’s soul,” he added.

Rogan is one of the most well-renowned and respected voices in mixed martial arts. Holding a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rogan is very knowledgeable when it comes to analyzing fighters and bouts.

Jackson was clearly unhappy and insulted when he discussed Rogan’s responsibilities as a commentator and felt he was biased towards certain fighters.

Rogan, however, didn’t see it that way and believes his role as a commentator is to analyze a fight objectively, regardless of whether he offends someone or not.

“I’m analyzing the fight, that’s all it is,” he said. “I can’t protect someone’s feelings at the expense of doing what I’m supposed to be doing, which is sort of analyzing what’s going on.”

Jackson will meet Ryan Bader in the co-main event this weekend at UFC 144.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 144 Fight Card: 10 Questions That Will Be Answered

The Ultimate Fighting Championship makes it way to Japan for the UFC 144 event, marking the first time the promotion has made a stop in the country since late in the year 2000 for UFC 29.Just like before any huge UFC event, there are lot’s of questions…

The Ultimate Fighting Championship makes it way to Japan for the UFC 144 event, marking the first time the promotion has made a stop in the country since late in the year 2000 for UFC 29.

Just like before any huge UFC event, there are lot’s of questions going in, and even though some of those will get answered, even more questions will remain after the octagon is packed up and headed home.

Let’s have a look at the 10 questions that we can expect to get answered this weekend in Japan!

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Countdown to UFC 144 Tonight on FUEL TV

The UFC returns tonight with its HBO 24/7 knockoff, “Countdown” show for UFC 144: “Edgar vs. Henderson. As usual it will featuring a behind-the-scenes look at Frankie Edgar (the champ) who is preparing to defend.

The UFC returns tonight with its HBO 24/7 knockoff, “Countdown” show for UFC 144: “Edgar vs. Henderson. As usual it will featuring a behind-the-scenes look at Frankie Edgar (the champ) who is preparing to defend his title against former WEC champ Ben Henderson this Saturday at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Personally we are hoping to get a closer glimpse into Rampage’s camp and the lead up to his much anticipated return to Japan. We shall see.

Catch the first installment tonight at 9 p.m. ET on FUEL TV.

UFC 144: Predictions You Can BANK on

Hello world! It is I, the prediction master—or what my mother calls me, Brian. It has been a long time since I have had time to write for the wonderful B/R, but life has been good and life has been busy.I finally have some time on my hands s…

Hello world!

 

It is I, the prediction master—or what my mother calls me, Brian. It has been a long time since I have had time to write for the wonderful B/R, but life has been good and life has been busy.

I finally have some time on my hands so I figured I would advise you gamblers out there to grab a pen or print this page or do whatever you have to do, because I am going for a shutout baby!

 

I have broken down the predictions this time into two different slideshows, first being the prelims —and tomorrow or Thursday being the seven fight, that is correct, seven-fight main card.

I am giddy with excitement for this card in Japan, as I am an old soul and still remember the days of staying up until 4 in the morning to get results of the Pride shows…PRIDE NEVER DIES!

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