Tag: UFC on Fox 8

Spencer Fisher vs. Yves Edwards, Michael Chiesa vs. Reza Madadi Booked for UFC on FOX 8 in July


(The plaque is nice and all, but Chiesa would have gladly entered the TUF 15 tournament for two dollars.)

Although we can’t exactly accuse Spencer Fisher of violating our ban on MMA fighters retiring only to immediately unretire, he came about as close as humanly possible when he told various media outlets that his trilogy-completing fight with Sam Stout at UFC on FX 4 last June would probably be his last. As we originally remarked, it seemed about as fitting an end to his MMA career as Fisher could have asked for — his pair of previous fights with Stout had not only fueled an intense rivalry between the two (not on the level of Paraguay vs. Uruguay, but still), but had earned the duo Fight of the Night honors on two separate occasions. That he suffered a razor-thin split decision loss should not have cheapened the significance of the moment, at least in our minds.

In either case, it appears that Fisher is not quite ready to call it quits, as he has been booked to face fellow UFC vet Yves Edwards at UFC on FOX 8, which transpires from the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington on July 27th. Fisher has dropped 5 of his last 6 contests, whereas Edwards has gone win-loss in his last 5 fights and is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Strikeforce newcomer Isaac Vallie-Flagg at UFC 156. For Fisher’s sake, we hope he wins this, because ending your career on your own terms sure beats joining the And Now He’s Fired club.

And now let’s address the possible person of interest pictured above, who has also been booked for UFC on FOX 8…


(The plaque is nice and all, but Chiesa would have gladly entered the TUF 15 tournament for two dollars.)

Although we can’t exactly accuse Spencer Fisher of violating our ban on MMA fighters retiring only to immediately unretire, he came about as close as humanly possible when he told various media outlets that his trilogy-completing fight with Sam Stout at UFC on FX 4 last June would probably be his last. As we originally remarked, it seemed about as fitting an end to his MMA career as Fisher could have asked for — his pair of previous fights with Stout had not only fueled an intense rivalry between the two (not on the level of Paraguay vs. Uruguay, but still), but had earned the duo Fight of the Night honors on two separate occasions. That he suffered a razor-thin split decision loss should not have cheapened the significance of the moment, at least in our minds.

In either case, it appears that Fisher is not quite ready to call it quits, as he has been booked to face fellow UFC vet Yves Edwards at UFC on FOX 8, which transpires from the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington on July 27th. Fisher has dropped 5 of his last 6 contests, whereas Edwards has gone win-loss in his last 5 fights and is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Strikeforce newcomer Isaac Vallie-Flagg at UFC 156. For Fisher’s sake, we hope he wins this, because ending your career on your own terms sure beats joining the And Now He’s Fired club.

And now let’s address the possible person of interest pictured above, who has also been booked for UFC on FOX 8…

Since making mincemeat of his three opponents during his run on the fifteenth season of The Ultimate Fighter, Michael Chiesa has collected two straight victories in the octagon via rear-naked choke (sound familiar?). Although he’s heard a fair share of criticism in regards to his standup game (again), Chiesa’s smothering Jiu-Jitsu attack has been the kiss of death for all of his opponents thus far in his MMA career.

Unfortunately for Chiesa, he’ll be facing an equally dangerous submission artist when he takes on Swedish prospect Reza Madadi, also at UFC on FOX 8. Like Chiesa, Madadi has collected both of his octagon victories via submission and is coming off a third round, come-from-behind Brabo choke victory over TUF something-or-other runner-up Michael Johnson at UFC on FUEL 9. 

Who do you like for this pair of lightweight battles, Potato Nation?

–J. Jones

Miesha Tate vs. Liz Carmouche Targeted for UFC on FOX 8, Pending Medical Clearance


(Step one: Distract the Lizbos. / Photo via Miesha’s Facebook page)

Following her loss to Cat Zingano at the TUF 17 Finale, Miesha Tate was slapped with a medical suspension due to a busted nose that would put her on the sidelines for up to six months. But if she can get ENT clearance in time, she’ll return to the Octagon at UFC on FOX 8 (July 27th, Seattle), where she’ll face former title-contender Liz Carmouche. UFC Tonight correspondant Ariel Helwani was the first to report news of the planned bantamweight matchup. For the record, Tate says her nose is fine and the damn doctors are just over-protective.

Carmouche has been inactive since her armbar loss to Ronda Rousey at UFC 157 in February, although she made some headlines recently with her campaign to become the first openly-gay athlete sponsored by Nike.

UFC on FOX 8 is already scheduled to feature the women’s bantamweight match between Julie Kedzie and Germaine de Randamie, so if Tate vs. Carmouche gets the green-light, the 7/27 UFC card will be the first to feature two women’s bouts on the same night. Any early predictions?


(Step one: Distract the Lizbos. / Photo via Miesha’s Facebook page)

Following her loss to Cat Zingano at the TUF 17 Finale, Miesha Tate was slapped with a medical suspension due to a busted nose that would put her on the sidelines for up to six months. But if she can get ENT clearance in time, she’ll return to the Octagon at UFC on FOX 8 (July 27th, Seattle), where she’ll face former title-contender Liz Carmouche. UFC Tonight correspondant Ariel Helwani was the first to report news of the planned bantamweight matchup. For the record, Tate says her nose is fine and the damn doctors are just over-protective.

Carmouche has been inactive since her armbar loss to Ronda Rousey at UFC 157 in February, although she made some headlines recently with her campaign to become the first openly-gay athlete sponsored by Nike.

UFC on FOX 8 is already scheduled to feature the women’s bantamweight match between Julie Kedzie and Germaine de Randamie, so if Tate vs. Carmouche gets the green-light, the 7/27 UFC card will be the first to feature two women’s bouts on the same night. Any early predictions?

Rory MacDonald vs. Jake Ellenberger Head-to-Toe Breakdown

Rory MacDonald and Jake Ellenberger will square off in the Octagon this summer when they meet at UFC on Fox 8.The winner of the fight will likely be the front-runner for the next title shot at welterweight. Although it is doubtful that MacDonald would …

Rory MacDonald and Jake Ellenberger will square off in the Octagon this summer when they meet at UFC on Fox 8.

The winner of the fight will likely be the front-runner for the next title shot at welterweight. Although it is doubtful that MacDonald would challenge his teammate, GSP, for the gold, the welterweight showdown has heavy implications.

MacDonald is on a four-fight win streak since his defeat to Carlos Condit in 2010. He is the premier prospect of the division. Ellenberger has won back-to-back fights after a come-from-behind win by Martin Kampmann last June.

The 170-pound division continues to be one of the most exciting divisions in all of MMA.

Here is a head-to-toe breakdown of this important welterweight fight.

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UFC on Fox 7: Biggest Locks to Earn Wins in San Jose

UFC on Fox 7 is set to go down Saturday, April 20, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. with a card chock full of intriguing fights.Heading into fight night, everyone wants a guaranteed pick. While true guarantees are virtually impossible to find in …

UFC on Fox 7 is set to go down Saturday, April 20, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. with a card chock full of intriguing fights.

Heading into fight night, everyone wants a guaranteed pick. While true guarantees are virtually impossible to find in mixed martial arts, there are some heavy favorites that you can say will pick up a win with near-certainty.

UFC matchmaker Joe Silva has a great track record of putting together evenly-matched fights. However, even he is known for putting together the occasional squash match.

Here are the most likely candidates to beat their opponents in San Jose.

 

Joseph Benavidez vs. Darren Uyenoyama

Joe B-Wan Kenobi is one of the most underrated fighters in all of the UFC. He’s 17-3 in his MMA career but all three of his losses came to two UFC champions. He lost two fights to Dominick Cruz and lost a split decision to flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson.

Uyenoyama is a respectable opponent, but he doesn’t have the track record that Benavidez claims. He is 2-0 since joining the UFC and earned an impressive submission victory over Phil Harris in his flyweight debut.

However, that doesn’t mean that he’s ready to make the step up to a bona fide contender like Benavidez. Uyenoyama is a solid submission artist, but Benavidez is much too well-rounded to fall victim to a one-dimensional fighter.

 

Chad Mendes vs. Darren Elkins

Elkins has quietly made a great run lately. He’s on a five-fight win streak since his submission loss to Charles Oliveira in 2010. There’s no denying that he deserves to step in against a high-profile opponent.

He might be biting off a bit more than he can chew in this case, though.

Mendes is one of the truly elite fighters in the UFC featherweight division. He always brings All-American wrestling credentials to the table, but since his knockout loss at the hands of Jose Aldo, he’s shown improvement in his striking.

With two knockout wins in less than two and a half minutes of total time in the Octagon since that loss, Mendes is a man on a mission for another crack at the strap. Don’t plan on Elkins ruining that party.

 

Daniel Cormier vs. Frank Mir

Fans that have yet to see the former Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix champion fight yet will be pleasantly surprised when Cormier fights UFC veteran Frank Mir.

Mir is one of the most well-known heavyweights in the history of the organization, but Cormier is a matchup nightmare for him. Mir is coming off of a TKO loss against Junior dos Santos. He was floored in his last win by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira before finding a way to submit him.

With a knockout loss to dos Santos and a knockown at the hands of Nogueira, Mir’s time as a contender in the heavyweight division may be up.

Cormier is a real contender with an international wrestling background and knockout power in his fists. Unless Mir has another miracle submission up his sleeve, Cormier is the prohibitive favorite in this one.

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Gilbert Melendez vs. Benson Henderson: Key Questions in Lightweight Title Fight

Fight fans looking ahead to UFC 159’s colossal title fight between Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen are making a mistake—UFC on Fox 7’s lightweight title tilt between Benson Henderson and Gilbert Melendez provides plenty of intrigue this Saturday.Hende…

Fight fans looking ahead to UFC 159’s colossal title fight between Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen are making a mistake—UFC on Fox 7’s lightweight title tilt between Benson Henderson and Gilbert Melendez provides plenty of intrigue this Saturday.

Henderson (18-2) will look to make his third title defense since taking the title from Frankie Edgar in Feb. of 2012. After defeating Edgar in a rematch and defending his title against Nate Diaz to close out 2012, Henderson can make a big statement in the pound-for-pound ranking with a win over another quality challenger.

Melendez (21-2) will be making his UFC debut. While he may not have the name recognition of a lot of UFC stars, he hasn’t lost since 2008 and has been the reigning lightweight champion in Strikeforce since 2009. He’s more than qualified to challenge Henderson for his title.

With both fighters owning near-perfect records and championship credentials, this isn’t a matchup to be taken lightly. Here are the top questions we have that will define Saturday’s headlining fight.

 

Is Gilbert Melendez for real?

The UFC isn’t the be-all end-all for MMA. There are talented fighters who exist on other organization’s rosters. However, we’ve seen champions from other organizations fail on the grand stage before.

Former Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard drew plenty of buzz when he made the transition to the UFC. After watching Lombard run through lower-level competition, it was easy to crown him as an automatic contender for Anderson Silva‘s crown.

That talk turned out to be a little premature when Lombard lost to Tim Boetsch and has now lost two of his last three bouts.

That’s not to say that Melendez will suffer the same fate. There have been other fighters, say former WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson, who have turned out to be pretty good UFC fighters.

Melendez is getting a huge opportunity with a title shot in his first UFC fight. Time will tell if he can live up to the hype.

 

Will a long layoff affect Melendez?

In addition to a huge step up in competition, Melendez must also face the task of a nearly year-long layoff. Melendez will return to action for the first time since a Strikeforce title defense against Josh Thomson on May 19, 2012.

Anytime there’s a long layoff involved, it’s difficult to tell how a fighter will react. Sometimes it’s not an issue, and fighters can pick up right where they left off. Other times, we see fighters struggle with cardio or getting into a rhythm.

Melendez has gone five rounds six times in his career. He’s 5-1 in those fights. Cardio shouldn’t be an issue for him, but if he can’t get into a rhythm early, that could spell trouble for him.

 

Can Henderson get the fight to the ground?

Ben Henderson’s striking game seems to improve every time he steps into the Octagon, but on paper, it would seem he wants this fight to take place on the ground.

Henderson is incredibly strong for a lightweight and also has elite wrestling skills. Melendez is one of the more powerful stand-up opponents that he’s faced. Anything could happen on the feet, but the ground is Henderson’s world.

According to FightMetric, Henderson only lands 51% of his takedown attempts, but he’s persistent. He still lands 3.2 per 15 minutes, or one per round.

If Henderson can get Melendez to the ground, he could win this one easily. If he elects to stand and exchange with Melendez, things should get interesting. How Melendez handles Henderson’s wrestling will be a major aspect of the fight to keep an eye on.

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Julie Kedzie vs. Germaine De Randamie Added to UFC on FOX 8

A women’s bantamweight bout between UFC newcomers Julie Kedzie and Germaine de Randamie has been announced for UFC on Fox 8, according to FoxSports.com.UFC officials announced the bout on Wednesday. The two were originally set to fight back in Septembe…

A women’s bantamweight bout between UFC newcomers Julie Kedzie and Germaine de Randamie has been announced for UFC on Fox 8, according to FoxSports.com.

UFC officials announced the bout on Wednesday. The two were originally set to fight back in September of 2011, but an injury to Kedzie forced the bout’s cancellation. 

The card takes place on July 27 at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington, the same venue that hosted UFC on Fox 5 last December. 

Kedzie comes over from Strikeforce to make her UFC debut, bringing a two-fight losing streak with her. She was defeated in her Strikeforce debut in July of 2011 by Alexis Davis, dropping a unanimous decision, and she lost her next bout to Miesha Tate via submission last August. 

Like Kedzie, de Randamie is a Strikeforce import, though her career with the promotion was far less tumultuous. The Dutch kickboxer earned two victories in three fights with the San Jose-based promotion.

UFC on Fox 8 currently features a welterweight contest between contenders Jake Ellenberger and Rory MacDonald, and a second welterweight matchup between Robbie Lawler and former Strikeforce champion Tarec Saffiedine has also been confirmed. 

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