Tag: UFC fight booking

Do-or-Die Alert: Josh Koscheck Now Faces Jake Ellenberger at UFC 184


(I really have no caption for this, but would just like to say that Richard Kiel is a legend. Via Kos’ instagram.)

While admittedly not much of a Josh Koscheck fan over the years (my uncle is a male nurse, bro), even I scratched my head when it was announced that he would return from a 15-month layoff to face Neil Magny at UFC 184. Being that one of them is riding a three fight skid and the other just tied the record for most consecutive wins in a year, it seemed unusual and a bit cruel that Koscheck was essentially being used as a stepping stone in what could very well be the final performance of his storied UFC career*.

Thankfully, it appears the UFC has come to its senses and decided to place Kos against a similarly struggling (and therefore more appropriate) opponent: Jake Ellenberger. Having also dropped his past three, Ellenberger is practically Koscheck’s doppelganger in the welterweight division — an aging wrestler with heavy hands who has seemingly been surpassed by the “new breed” of martial artists in recent years — albeit a much nicer one to be around.

Koscheck is on the heels of back-to-back KO losses (to Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley, respectfully), whereas Ellenberger’s most recent loss to Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 180 was his first to come by submission since 2007. Methinks we’re going to be in for a good old fashioned slugfest here, or possibly three rounds of methodically paced wall-n-stall. Either or.

Predictions, please.

Check out the UFC 184 lineup after the jump. 


(I really have no caption for this, but would just like to say that Richard Kiel is a legend. Via Kos’ instagram.)

While admittedly not much of a Josh Koscheck fan over the years (my uncle is a male nurse, bro), even I scratched my head when it was announced that he would return from a 15-month layoff to face Neil Magny at UFC 184. Being that one of them is riding a three fight skid and the other just tied the record for most consecutive wins in a year, it seemed unusual and a bit cruel that Koscheck was essentially being used as a stepping stone in what could very well be the final performance of his storied UFC career*.

Thankfully, it appears the UFC has come to its senses and decided to place Kos against a similarly struggling (and therefore more appropriate) opponent: Jake Ellenberger. Having also dropped his past three, Ellenberger is practically Koscheck’s doppelganger in the welterweight division — an aging wrestler with heavy hands who has seemingly been surpassed by the “new breed” of martial artists in recent years — albeit a much nicer one to be around.

Koscheck is on the heels of back-to-back KO losses (to Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley, respectfully), whereas Ellenberger’s most recent loss to Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 180 was his first to come by submission since 2007. Methinks we’re going to be in for a good old fashioned slugfest here, or possibly three rounds of methodically paced wall-n-stall. Either or.

Predictions, please.

Check out the UFC 184 lineup after the jump. 

UFC 184

-Chris Weidman (12-0) vs. No. 3 Vitor Belfort (24-10)

-Ronda Rousey (10-0) vs. No. 1 Cat Zingano (9-0)

-Antonio Silva (18-6, 1 NC) vs. No. 13 Frank Mir (16-9)

-Ronaldo Souza (21-3, 1 NC) vs. No. 6 Yoel Romero (9-1)

– Norifumi Yamamoto vs. Roman Salazar

*Then again, the UFC’s insane schedule has provided nothing if not job security nowadays. See: Yamamoto, Kid. 

–J. Jones

UFC 183 Continues to Improve Exponentially, Adds Joe Lauzon vs. Al Iaquinta


(Great fight banner, or greatest fight banner?)

It appears that the UFC is just going to keep digging in regards to UFC 183 despite already striking oil with the booking of Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz for its main event. In addition to the recently added grudge-ish match between top flyweight contenders Ian McCall and John Lineker, Newsday confirmed earlier today that a sure-to-be barnburner between lightweights Joe Lauzon and Al Iaquinta will now join the already stacked lineup as well.

Both Lauzon and Iaquinta will be riding two-fight win streaks into the hotly-anticipated contest, with the former most recently battering Michael Chiesa — aka the man who defeated Iaquinta to claim the TUF 15 title — en route to a doctor’s stoppage TKO at Fight Night 50. The Massachusetts native was expected to face Diego Sanchez at UFC 180 after original opponent Norman Parke went down with injury, but was struck by the injury bug himself shortly thereafter. In an apparent show of respect, Sanchez would later withdraw from the event with an injury that *definitely* wasn’t cartwheel related.

The training/endorsement partner of Chris Weidman, on the other hand, is fresh off a massive upset victory over Ross Pearson earlier in the month that he was a tad bit pissed to not earn a post-fight bonus for. The win improved Iaquinta’s UFC record to a solid 5-2.

Predictions, please.

–J. Jones


(Great fight banner, or greatest fight banner?)

It appears that the UFC is just going to keep digging in regards to UFC 183 despite already striking oil with the booking of Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz for its main event. In addition to the recently added grudge-ish match between top flyweight contenders Ian McCall and John Lineker, Newsday confirmed earlier today that a sure-to-be barnburner between lightweights Joe Lauzon and Al Iaquinta will now join the already stacked lineup as well.

Both Lauzon and Iaquinta will be riding two-fight win streaks into the hotly-anticipated contest, with the former most recently battering Michael Chiesa — aka the man who defeated Iaquinta to claim the TUF 15 title — en route to a doctor’s stoppage TKO at Fight Night 50. The Massachusetts native was expected to face Diego Sanchez at UFC 180 after original opponent Norman Parke went down with injury, but was struck by the injury bug himself shortly thereafter. In an apparent show of respect, Sanchez would later withdraw from the event with an injury that *definitely* wasn’t cartwheel related.

The training/endorsement partner of Chris Weidman, on the other hand, is fresh off a massive upset victory over Ross Pearson earlier in the month that he was a tad bit pissed to not earn a post-fight bonus for. The win improved Iaquinta’s UFC record to a solid 5-2.

Predictions, please.

–J. Jones

John Lineker vs. Ian McCall Rescheduled for UFC 183 in January


(“The jokes on you, asshole. I poisoned your coconut water.”)

When John Lineker failed to make weight for the 1,500th time prior to his Fight Night 56 co-main event scrap against Ian McCall, “Uncle Creepy” responded with quite possibly the most epic weigh-in trolljob this side of Roy Nelson’s fat suit. Less than 24 hours later, however, it was McCall who found himself physically unable to compete due to a last-minute illness, and the fight was scrapped.

Thankfully, UFC.com announced earlier this evening that the battle of top flyweight contenders is back on. McCall and Lineker has been rescheduled for the main card of UFC 183: Silva vs. Diaz on January 31st in Las Vegas.

“Looks like fat boy finally said yes,” McCall posted to Sqor just hours ago, which seems like a real dick thing to say about a guy who already forgave you for being a loud-mouthed pecker that pulled out just moments before you were supposed to bang. God, that’s gotta be some kind of record for sex puns in a single sentence. Weiner.

One thing’s for sure, there’s no way that McCall vs. Lineker ever lives up to likes of Martinez vs. Zimmer, which set the gold standard for fat guy vs. obnoxious a-hole fights.

–J. Jones


(“The jokes on you, asshole. I poisoned your coconut water.”)

When John Lineker failed to make weight for the 1,500th time prior to his Fight Night 56 co-main event scrap against Ian McCall, “Uncle Creepy” responded with quite possibly the most epic weigh-in trolljob this side of Roy Nelson’s fat suit. Less than 24 hours later, however, it was McCall who found himself physically unable to compete due to a last-minute illness, and the fight was scrapped.

Thankfully, UFC.com announced earlier this evening that the battle of top flyweight contenders is back on. McCall and Lineker has been rescheduled for the main card of UFC 183: Silva vs. Diaz on January 31st in Las Vegas.

“Looks like fat boy finally said yes,” McCall posted to Sqor just hours ago, which seems like a real dick thing to say about a guy who already forgave you for being a loud-mouthed pecker that pulled out just moments before you were supposed to bang. God, that’s gotta be some kind of record for sex puns in a single sentence. Weiner.

One thing’s for sure, there’s no way that McCall vs. Lineker ever lives up to likes of Martinez vs. Zimmer, which set the gold standard for fat guy vs. obnoxious a-hole fights.

–J. Jones

Kelvin Gastelum Gets Quick Turnaround, Faces Tyron Woodley in UFC 183 Co-Main Event


(Photo via Getty.)

After coming out of his UFC 180 win over Jake Ellenberger no worse for the wear, TUF 17 winner Kelvin Gastelum will be given next to no time off before receiving a(nother) huge step up in competition.

UFC officials announced earlier this evening that Gastelum has been booked to take on top welterweight contender Tyron Woodley at UFC 183: Diaz vs. Silva. As was the case with his bout against Elenberger, the fight will receive co-main event status.

Gatelum’s first round submission over Ellenberger last weekend improved his professional record to a perfect 10-0, while the 14-3 Woodley recently rebounded from a one-sided beatdown at the hands of Rory MacDonald with a first round starching of Dong Hyun Kim at Fight Night 48.

Gastelum is easily the greatest prospect to come out of The Ultimate Fighter since the early seasons, but does anyone think he can handle a legitimate top 3 opponent like Woodley? Give us a shout in the comments section.

–J. Jones


(Photo via Getty.)

After coming out of his UFC 180 win over Jake Ellenberger no worse for the wear, TUF 17 winner Kelvin Gastelum will be given next to no time off before receiving a(nother) huge step up in competition.

UFC officials announced earlier this evening that Gastelum has been booked to take on top welterweight contender Tyron Woodley at UFC 183: Diaz vs. Silva. As was the case with his bout against Elenberger, the fight will receive co-main event status.

Gatelum’s first round submission over Ellenberger last weekend improved his professional record to a perfect 10-0, while the 14-3 Woodley recently rebounded from a one-sided beatdown at the hands of Rory MacDonald with a first round starching of Dong Hyun Kim at Fight Night 48.

Gastelum is easily the greatest prospect to come out of The Ultimate Fighter since the early seasons, but does anyone think he can handle a legitimate top 3 opponent like Woodley? Give us a shout in the comments section.

–J. Jones

Barnburner Alert: Welterweight Prospects Brandon Thatch and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson to Collide at Fight Night Broomfield


(Thatch awakens from a rage blackout to find that he has claimed yet another victim. Photo via Getty.)

A matchup between highly-skilled welterweight strikers Brandon Thatch and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson has been booked for the UFC’s return to Colorado on February 14th, reports UFC.com.

The 29-year-old Thatch has made quite an impression in just 2 UFC performances, stopping veterans Justin Edwards and Paulo Thiago with strikes in a combined total of less than 4 minutes. Another fun fact about Thatch: He has stopped 11 out of his 12 opponents inside the first round, and 3 in less than 20 seconds. Got. Damn.

Thatch has also shown a willingness to take a shot to give one, however, which might not be the best strategy against a striker of Wonderboy’s caliber. Now 5-1 in the UFC and riding a 4-fight win streak, Thompson has looked almost untouchable in the octagon as of late, thanks in no small part to his wealth of kickboxing experience — 37 amateur and 20 professional matches, with 28 wins coming by knockout.

Predictions, please.

Random aside: Does anyone else miss the days when the UFC used to name each card? Numbering Fight Night cards make sense, sure, (and sounds a lot cooler than “Fight Night Broomfield”), but a return to naming the big cards would add a touch of flare to what many consider a continuously monotonous product. It would help each event stand out from the previous one, at the very least, and would occasionally make for some unintentionally hilarious results. And don’t even act like you wouldn’t be a *little* more excited for UFC 189: Battle in the Bayou 2 — Electric Boogaloo than Johnson vs. Stevenson, or whatever.

–J. Jones


(Thatch awakens from a rage blackout to find that he has claimed yet another victim. Photo via Getty.)

A matchup between highly-skilled welterweight strikers Brandon Thatch and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson has been booked for the UFC’s return to Colorado on February 14th, reports UFC.com.

The 29-year-old Thatch has made quite an impression in just 2 UFC performances, stopping veterans Justin Edwards and Paulo Thiago with strikes in a combined total of less than 4 minutes. Another fun fact about Thatch: He has stopped 11 out of his 12 opponents inside the first round, and 3 in less than 20 seconds. Got. Damn.

Thatch has also shown a willingness to take a shot to give one, however, which might not be the best strategy against a striker of Wonderboy’s caliber. Now 5-1 in the UFC and riding a 4-fight win streak, Thompson has looked almost untouchable in the octagon as of late, thanks in no small part to his wealth of kickboxing experience – 37 amateur and 20 professional matches, with 28 wins coming by knockout.

Predictions, please.

Random aside: Does anyone else miss the days when the UFC used to name each card? Numbering Fight Night cards make sense, sure, (and sounds a lot cooler than “Fight Night Broomfield”), but a return to naming the big cards would add a touch of flare to what many consider a continuously monotonous product. It would help each event stand out from the previous one, at the very least, and would occasionally make for some unintentionally hilarious results. And don’t even act like you wouldn’t be a *little* more excited for UFC 189: Battle in the Bayou 2 — Electric Boogaloo than Johnson vs. Stevenson, or whatever.

–J. Jones

Antonio Silva vs. Frank Mir Booked for UFC 184, Miesha Tate vs. Sara McMann a Go for UFC 183


(#ForaWin. Via Mir’s Instagram.)

According to a report on Wednesday’s edition of UFC Tonight, heavyweight staples Frank Mir and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva have been booked to throw down at UFC 184: Weidman vs. Belfort in Los Angeles.

In a previous, less saturated era of the UFC, this fight would likely be considered one of the “do-or-die” nature for both guys, who have been struggling as of late to put it lightly. Since breaking Big Nog’s arm back in December of 2011, Mir has fallen on a rather tough-to-watch 0-4 skid, which has included TKO losses to Junior Dos Santos and Josh Barnett and decision losses to Daniel Cormier and Alistair Overeem. Despite this, the former champion is somehow still ranked #13, which should really tell you something about the depth of the heavyweight division right now.

Silva, on the other hand, has been run over by Cain Velasquez, busted for elevated testosterone, and hammerfisted into oblivion by Andrei Arlovski in his past three appearances. So yeah, both guys could use a win, but a loss a won’t likely result in either of them being let go. But what do you think, Nation, does Mir still have enough in the tank to avoid the dreaded 0-5 stretch (a.k.a The Cantwell)?

In other fight booking news…


(#ForaWin. Via Mir’s Instagram.)

According to a report on Wednesday’s edition of UFC Tonight, heavyweight staples Frank Mir and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva have been booked to throw down at UFC 184: Weidman vs. Belfort in Los Angeles.

In a previous, less saturated era of the UFC, this fight would likely be considered one of the “do-or-die” nature for both guys, who have been struggling as of late to put it lightly. Since breaking Big Nog’s arm back in December of 2011, Mir has fallen on a rather tough-to-watch 0-4 skid, which has included TKO losses to Junior Dos Santos and Josh Barnett and decision losses to Daniel Cormier and Alistair Overeem. Despite this, the former champion is somehow still ranked #13, which should really tell you something about the depth of the heavyweight division right now.

Silva, on the other hand, has been run over by Cain Velasquez, busted for elevated testosterone, and hammerfisted into oblivion by Andrei Arlovski in his past three appearances. So yeah, both guys could use a win, but a loss a won’t likely result in either of them being let go. But what do you think, Nation, does Mir still have enough in the tank to avoid the dreaded 0-5 stretch (a.k.a The Cantwell)?

In other fight booking news, bantamweight bridesmaids Miesha Tate and Sara McMann have agreed to face one another at UFC 183: Silva vs. Diaz on January 31st in Las Vegas. Tate was most recently able to improve her UFC record to an even .500 via a unanimous decision victory over Rin Nakai at Fight Night Japan, whereas McMann is fresh off a split decision win over promotional newcomer Lauren Murphy at UFC Fight Night 47.

While the fighter formerly known as “Takedown” Tate has been rallying to get an opponent that will stand and trade with her in recent weeks (specifically, Bethe Correia), it looks like she’ll have to settle with another “lay-n-prayer” in McMann. Not that *I* think the Olympic silver medalist is a “lay-n-prayer,” it’s just that I’ve read such things in comments sections across the MMA blogosphere, which we all know is where the real experts are found.

Random note: At the time being, the co-main event of UFC 183 is being listed as Thiago Santos vs. Andy Enz. The fuck is that shit?

–J. Jones