Tag: UFC 153

UFC News: Rory MacDonald Wants Penn at UFC 154, BJ Prefers Bout at UFC 153

To the chagrin of MMA fans worldwide, UFC president Dana White announced at the UFC on FOX 4 post-fight conference that Rory MacDonald would be forced to withdraw from his UFC 152 bout with BJ Penn due to a deep cut he sustained during training.&n…

To the chagrin of MMA fans worldwide, UFC president Dana White announced at the UFC on FOX 4 post-fight conference that Rory MacDonald would be forced to withdraw from his UFC 152 bout with BJ Penn due to a deep cut he sustained during training. 

Shortly afterwards, “Ares” tweeted a long message to his fans:

“2day i was cut at sparring i needed 3 layers of stitching In total i needed 38 stitches Im very sad right now that i willl not … be healed in time to fight sept 22 i am hoping that will agree to have the fight on a … later date in november.”

MacDonald is hoping for the fight to be rescheduled for UFC 154 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The 23-year-old rising star is a native of Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada. 

While “The Prodigy” has no issue postponing the fight, he isn’t going to wait until November if he has his way. Penn released a response on his website responding to MacDonald’s injury.

“I am sorry to hear about the injury to Rory, this is a fight that got me out of retirement and one that I was looking forward to. I would like to wish Rory a speedy and healthy recovery and request a postponement of our fight to the Rio card. To Rory, let’s stay with VADA and continue through with the program from now until we fight! …Rory, with all due respect you challenged me to come out of retirement and I accepted. Then, you back out of the fight! Now you want to put our fight off for two-more-months, but this fight should happen as soon as the cut heals. 10-weeks from now is plenty of time. Let’s fight on Oct. 13th, that’s more than reasonable.”

MacDonald has not responded to Penn yet, but as always, the final decision lies with the UFC’s higher brass. 

The fight has received additional coverage since both fighters agreed to Voluntary Anti-Doping Association testing last month. 

What do you think fight fans, is Penn’s request unreasonable or is MacDonald just trying to ensure this bout takes place in his home country?

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Booking Smorgasbord: Oliveira vs. Swanson, Thiago vs. Kim, + More


(RagePotato: Using the sleekest technology possible to combine MMA and stupid internet trends since 2007.) 

Not many of us expected Brazilian up-and-comer Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira to absolutely manhandle TUF 12 winner Jonathan Brookins in the fashion he did at the TUF 15 Finale. Sure, Brookins’ head movement and general striking stance most closely resembles a Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em robot when his block has been knocked off, but Oliveira’s performance, which improved his featherweight record to 2-0, was truly a coming out party for a fighter who already had a considerable amount of hype behind him. Given the circumstances, it’s all the more appropriate (not to mention exciting) that Oliveira has been booked to take on fellow ever-rising featherweight Cub Swanson at UFC 152, which goes down on September 22nd at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. Swanson has looked nothing short of spectacular lately, blistering George Roop and Ross Pearson in consecutive bouts at UFC on FOX 2 and UFC on FX 4.

After falling to the secret death-touch taught to Demian Maia by Sensei Seagal at UFC 148, Dong Hyun Kim is set to return to action against the always dangerous but struggling Paulo Thiago at UFC on FUEL 6, which will make for the UFC’s first ever trip to China on November 10th from the Cotai Arena in Cotai, Macau. Thiago last performed a dead-on impression of a cadaver in his bout with Siyar Bahadurzada at UFC on FUEL 2 (his first career loss via KO) and has dropped three of his last four bouts, so look for him to try and end things impressively against Kim because his career may be on the line.

And in heavyweight booking news…


(RagePotato: Using the sleekest technology possible to combine MMA and stupid internet trends since 2007.) 

Not many of us expected Brazilian up-and-comer Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira to absolutely manhandle TUF 12 winner Jonathan Brookins in the fashion he did at the TUF 15 Finale. Sure, Brookins’ head movement and general striking stance most closely resembles a Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em robot when his block has been knocked off, but Oliveira’s performance, which improved his featherweight record to 2-0, was truly a coming out party for a fighter who already had a considerable amount of hype behind him. Given the circumstances, it’s all the more appropriate (not to mention exciting) that Oliveira has been booked to take on fellow ever-rising featherweight Cub Swanson at UFC 152, which goes down on September 22nd at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. Swanson has looked nothing short of spectacular lately, blistering George Roop and Ross Pearson in consecutive bouts at UFC on FOX 2 and UFC on FX 4.

After falling to the secret death-touch taught to Demian Maia by Sensei Seagal at UFC 148, Dong Hyun Kim is set to return to action against the always dangerous but struggling Paulo Thiago at UFC on FUEL 6, which will make for the UFC’s first ever trip to China on November 10th from the Cotai Arena in Cotai, Macau. Thiago last performed a dead-on impression of a cadaver in his bout with Siyar Bahadurzada at UFC on FUEL 2 (his first career loss via KO) and has dropped three of his last four bouts, so look for him to try and end things impressively against Kim because his career may be on the line.

And in heavyweight booking news…

Former heavyweight title challenger Gabriel Gonzaga is set to return to action for the second time in 2012, at UFC 153 in Rio. Since being fired from the UFC, then retiring from the sport over two years ago, the star of the Jack Links beef jerky commercials has collected two straight victories, including a first round submission over promotional newcomer Ednaldo Oliveira in his return to the octagon at UFC 142.

Gonzaga will have his hands full when he takes on 6’2”, 264-pound powerhouse Geronimo Dos Santos. Dos Santos will be making his UFC debut after collecting 9 victories in 2011 alone (You hear that Travis? Step it up!). While his win streak is pretty impressive, the fact that he is debuting doesn’t bode well against a guy like Gonzaga, who has built a career out of the crushed dreams of promotional newbies. Based on his last performance, it seems that Gonzaga has also learned to finally use his BJJ wizardry to his advantage, so let’s hope he doesn’t revert back to the guy who thinks he can stand and trade with the best of ‘em, or he could be in for a long night against Dos Santos.

To familiarize you with Dos Santos a little bit (and to spice up these fight booking-style posts), here is a video of a fight in which Dos Santos goes all Kongo vs. Barry on some fatass.

Who you like for these, Potato Nation?

–J. Jones 

UFC 153: Glover Teixeira Promises to KO Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson

If Quinton “Rampage” Jackson had plans of leaving the Zuffa-based promotion in a blaze of glory, he should put those thoughts on the back burner for now.Brazilian Glover Teixeira is hellbent on knocking him out when the pair meet at UFC 153…

If Quinton “Rampage” Jackson had plans of leaving the Zuffa-based promotion in a blaze of glory, he should put those thoughts on the back burner for now.

Brazilian Glover Teixeira is hellbent on knocking him out when the pair meet at UFC 153. Via MMAMania.com, Teixeira told Black House MMA 1360 films:

Fighting Rampage in Rio is going to be very exciting for me because it’s Rio de Janeiro. I have been there many times in my fights and it’s very exciting. I went to the (first) UFC in Rio 1 and it was great. I love the crowd and it is going to be exciting this time for me. I come to California to help Lyoto for his fight and also to help myself. But it is mostly Lyoto‘s training right now and he is getting ready for Ryan man. This is the last week. I will come back and I think I am going to do my camp in California. I think Lyoto and Ryan Bader‘s fight is going to be a good fight and great for Lyoto. I am betting a third round knockout for Lyoto Machida. I am going to do my camp in California. It is going to be half and half time in between here (Blackhouse MMA) and San Luis, Obispo with John Hackleman and I am bringing some guys from Brazil to help me out. Fighting him (Jackson) is great because he is a, you know, and idol of this sport. I am training hard man, I am going to knock him out.

The 32-year-old Teixeira debuted for the promotion at UFC 146, defeating Kyle Kingsbury via arm-triangle choke in the opening stanza.

In addition, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and knockout artist is currently riding a 16-fight win streak and has notable victories against former UFC heavyweight titlist Ricco Rodriguez as well as Cameroonian and former KSW 205-pound champ Thierry Sokoudjou.

Initially, Teixeira was supposed to face off against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, but those plans where scuppered when the latter insinuated Teixeira wasn’t a brand name and, as such, he had nothing to gain from fighting his fellow compatriot.

However, Teixeira (18-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) now gets the opportunity to not only prove he’s worthy of top billing, but also prove he’s a force to be reckoned with in the 205-pound assemblage.

Conversely, the 34-year-old Jackson (32-10 MMA, 7-4 UFC) was originally slated to lock horns with Shogun, but instead elected to have double-knee surgery.

He will now attempt to vacate the UFC premises on a high, having suffered defeat in his last two outings (Ryan Bader and Jon Jones). He’s also been shorn of a stoppage win since his 2008 KO of nemesis and archrival Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva.

That said, we’ll wait with bated breath and see whether the former UFC light heavyweight and PRIDE middleweight champion responds to Teixeira’s prediction of handing him a leaving present via knockout.

Though, the chances of Rampage not coming back with some kind of retort is between slim and none.

UFC 153 is scheduled to take place on October 13, 2012 at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

For additional information, follow Nedu Obi on Twitter.

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UFC Booking Orgy: Demian Maia vs. Rick Story, John Dodson vs. Jussier Da Silva + More


(“Now, Demian! Use the muscle-spasm death touch that I taught you!”)

Demian Maia‘s welterweight debut at UFC 148 was over before it really began, thanks to a poorly timed muscle spasm suffered by Dong Hyun Kim. But the former middleweight title contender will be getting another chance to make an impression against Rick Story. Their bout is scheduled to take place at UFC 153 (October 13th, Rio de Janeiro), a card that is quickly stacking up with top Brazilian talent. Story recently outpointed newcomer Brock Jardine at UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida, which snapped a two-fight losing streak against Charlie Brenneman and Martin Kampmann.

Speaking of Brenneman, “The Spaniard” has booked his return fight after being choked out by Erick Silva in June. He’ll be appearing at UFC 151: Jones vs. Henderson (September 1st, Las Vegas) against TUF 11 competitor — and former Crocodile Hunter bodyguard — Kyle Noke, who is coming off of two losses at middleweight and will be making his welterweight debut.

In other booking news…


(“Now, Demian! Use the muscle-spasm death touch that I taught you!”)

Demian Maia‘s welterweight debut at UFC 148 was over before it really began, thanks to a poorly timed muscle spasm suffered by Dong Hyun Kim. But the former middleweight title contender will be getting another chance to make an impression against Rick Story. Their bout is scheduled to take place at UFC 153: Aldo vs. Koch (October 13th, Rio de Janeiro), a card that is quickly stacking up with top Brazilian talent. Story recently outpointed newcomer Brock Jardine at UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida, which snapped a two-fight losing streak against Charlie Brenneman and Martin Kampmann.

Speaking of Brenneman, “The Spaniard” has booked his return fight after being choked out by Erick Silva in June. He’ll be appearing at UFC 151: Jones vs. Henderson(September 1st, Las Vegas) against TUF 11 competitor — and former Crocodile Hunter bodyguard — Kyle Noke, who is coming off of two losses at middleweight and will be making his welterweight debut.

In other booking news…

– After winning all of his first three UFC appearances, Tristar gym product Francis Carmont will compete on his home turf against Tom Lawlor, at UFC 154: St. Pierre vs. Condit (November 17th, Montreal.) Lawlor is coming off a 50-second Knockout of the Night performance against Jason MacDonald in May.

– The UFC has confirmed more fights for their UFC on FX 5: Browne vs. Bigfoot card (October 5th, Minneapolis). Notably, a heavyweight matchup between Matt Mitrione and Rob Broughton — originally scheduled for this weekend’s UFC on FOX 4 card, until Broughton pulled out due to injury — has been re-set for the UFC on FX 5 lineup. Broughton has dropped consecutive decisions to Travis Browne and Phil De Fries, while Mitrione will try to bounce back from his decision loss to Cheick Kongo at UFC 137. And on the other end of the fighter-size spectrum, TUF 14 bantamweight winner John Dodson will make his latest flyweight appearance against much-hyped newcomer Jussier da Silva, in a match that could very well produce the #1 contender in the 125-pound division.

Please direct your predictions to the comments section.

Jon Fitch vs. Erick Silva: Head-to-Toe Breakdown

The UFC recently announced that it will be adding an intriguing welterweight matchup to it’s UFC 153 card when the promotion makes its return to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil later this year.Former top contender Jon Fitch will be looking to bounce back from h…

The UFC recently announced that it will be adding an intriguing welterweight matchup to it’s UFC 153 card when the promotion makes its return to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil later this year.

Former top contender Jon Fitch will be looking to bounce back from his first career knockout loss as he is set to take on rising Brazilian prospect Erick Silva. 

Coming off a Submission of the Night win over Charlie Brenneman, Silva will be making a huge jump up in competition and can solidify his status among the elite of the division with a victory.

Here’s the head-to-toe breakdown of this exciting welterweight matchup.

Begin Slideshow

UFC 153: Rick Story Announces He Will Face Demian Maia in Brazil

UFC 153 will take place on October 13 from the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The card is beginning to fill up.Monday, it was reported that Jon Fitch would meet Erick Silva, while today Rick Story announced that he was set to face Demian Maia on…

UFC 153 will take place on October 13 from the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The card is beginning to fill up.

Monday, it was reported that Jon Fitch would meet Erick Silva, while today Rick Story announced that he was set to face Demian Maia on the upcoming card:

 

Story (14-5) is 1-2 in his last three UFC fights after opening his UFC career by going 6-1. The 27-year-old Story has seen his stock within the welterweight division take a tumble since his two recent losses. The fight against Maia, a former title contender in the middleweight division, provides Story an opportunity to gain some traction among the 170-pounders.

Maia (16-4) dropped to welterweight for his last contest, earning a 47-second TKO victory over Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 148. The stoppage was due to what Kim’s translator called “a freak accident.” Kim was unable to continue after suffering a muscle spasm, but a win’s a win and it goes down in the record books as a fast TKO for Maia. 

The win was the first stoppage for Maia, a gifted grappler, since he stopped Chael Sonnen at UFC 95 in February 2009. 

Lately Maia has been concentrating on showcasing his striking game more than his jiu-jitsu skills and it has not paid off. He had gone 4-4 between the Sonnen and Kim fights with seven of those fights going the distance. The only fight in that group that ended early was a 21- second knockout loss to Nate Marquardt.

UFC 153 will be headlined by a featherweight title bout between champion Jose Aldo and Erik Koch. In addition to the aforementioned bout between Fitch and Silva, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will face Glover Teixeira.

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