Tag: UFC signing

Yep, Mirko Cro Cop Is Coming Back to the UFC. Seriously.


(Mirko, good to see you again, old buddy!! Uh….Mirko?)

Well, it’s official: We have entered the era of the UFC signing UFC washouts.

As first reported by BloodyElbow last night and confirmed by the UFC shortly thereafter, Mirko Cro Cop has once again signed with the UFC. As in 40-year old Mirko Cro Cop. As in 0-3 in his past 3 UFC fights and 3-4 in his past 7 overall Mirko Cro Cop. There aren’t enough TheRockeyeroll gifs on the Internet to do this news justice.

Why, OH WHY did the UFC re-sign Cro Cop, you ask? Out of spite, obviously:

The source says that Bellator MMA had been “very close” to signing Filipovic but that the UFC got wind of the deal and stepped in with a big offer. The source says this was “almost certainly” for no other reason than to keep Filipovic away from Bellator and Spike TV and to deprive Bellator frontman Scott Coker – formerly the head of Strikeforce – ammunition with which to work.

(*exhale*) Where do I begin?


(Mirko, good to see you again, old buddy!! Uh….Mirko?)

Well, it’s official: We have entered the era of the UFC signing UFC washouts.

As first reported by BloodyElbow last night and confirmed by the UFC shortly thereafter, Mirko Cro Cop has once again signed with the UFC. As in 40-year old Mirko Cro Cop. As in 0-3 in his past 3 UFC fights and 3-4 in his past 7 overall Mirko Cro Cop. There aren’t enough TheRockeyeroll gifs on the Internet to do this news justice.

Why, OH WHY did the UFC re-sign Cro Cop, you ask? Out of spite, obviously:

The source says that Bellator MMA had been “very close” to signing Filipovic but that the UFC got wind of the deal and stepped in with a big offer. The source says this was “almost certainly” for no other reason than to keep Filipovic away from Bellator and Spike TV and to deprive Bellator frontman Scott Coker – formerly the head of Strikeforce – ammunition with which to work.

(*exhale*) Where do I begin?

Like most of you, I was a huge fan of Cro Cop in his heyday. Just like I was a big Chuck Liddell fan, a big Randy Couture fan, and so on and so forth. This is not to tell you that I am some bandwagon-hopping MMA noob, but rather, that I have always been a fan of watching the best athletes in the world compete in their physical primes. And as a fan of these guys, I find myself genuinely concerned for their health even when they seem to be the furthest thing from it. Legends fade, legacies end, and the cyclical nature of life goes on.

But this, this is the equivalent of a PGA Seniors Tour, except that the seniors are still competing against up-and-comers, and instead of maybe slicing a ball or two into the woods, they get knocked the f*ck out like Mirko was in his last three UFC fights. Mirko Cro Cop is no longer in his physical prime, and this is not meant as a knock against him in any way, shape, or form. Mirko Cro Cop is 40 years old, has suffered 4 TKO losses in the UFC, and is coming off back-to-back wins over Satoshi Ishii. Nothing about this says UFC-caliber, and to declare that the UFC’s signing of him is anything other than batshit insane is, well…batshit insane.

It’s 2015. Mirko Cro Cop has been re-signed by the UFC. CM Punk has been signed by the UFC. Rampage Jackson has been re-signed by the UFC. Kimbo Slice has been signed by Bellator. If you are still under the belief that MMA *isn’t* facing an identity crisis, look no further than these facts. The UFC is failing has failed to create any new stars not named Conor McGregor, so like an 80′s rock band in desperate need of a quick buck, the promotion is embarking on a reunion tour, playing just the hits.

How long do you think it will be before the UFC forces The Iceman *out of* retirement?

–J. Jones

Jake Ellenberger’s Twin Brother Just Signed With the UFC, So Let’s Check Out a Few Videos of Him in Action


(HAHAHAHA! That’s not a normal sized pencil at all!! Via Joe’s Twitter.) 

Joe Ellenberger is a lot more than just the twin brother of longtime UFC welterweight contender Jake Ellenberger, he’s also a legitimate fighter who has been a veteran of the game since 2005. Currently 14-1 in his professional career, “Excalibur” has scored 11 first round stoppages over mixed competition, including two TKO wins over Strikeforce Challengers vet Joe Wilk.

His most recent stoppage of Wilk, which took place back in 2012, was apparently enough to earn him a call up to the UFC, as Ellenberger broke the news of his four-fight signing via Twitter yesterday.

A couple more interesting facts about “Excalibur”: In 2009, he was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, a rare disease that destroys red blood cells. He was not only told that he would never fight again, but was given less than five years to live. Thankfully, Ellenberger was later prescribed Soliris, and for the low, low cost of $400,000 a year (Ed note: OBAMACARE!!!! *shakes fists at sky*), has made a complete recovery.

So in honor of Joe’s signing (and incredible struggle), join us after the jump to check out a few videos of Ellenberger™ Lite in action.


(HAHAHAHA! That’s not a normal sized pencil at all!! Via Joe’s Twitter.) 

Joe Ellenberger is a lot more than just the twin brother of longtime UFC welterweight contender Jake Ellenberger, he’s also a legitimate fighter who has been a veteran of the game since 2005. Currently 14-1 in his professional career, “Excalibur” has scored 11 first round stoppages over mixed competition, including two TKO wins over Strikeforce Challengers vet Joe Wilk.

His most recent stoppage of Wilk, which took place back in 2012, was apparently enough to earn him a call up to the UFC, as Ellenberger broke the news of his four-fight signing via Twitter yesterday.

A couple more interesting facts about “Excalibur”: In 2009, he was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, a rare disease that destroys red blood cells. He was not only told that he would never fight again, but was given less than five years to live. Thankfully, Ellenberger was later prescribed Soliris, and for the low, low cost of $400,000 a year (Ed note: OBAMACARE!!!! *shakes fists at sky*), has made a complete recovery.

So in honor of Joe’s signing (and incredible struggle), join us after the jump to check out a few videos of Ellenberger™ Lite in action.

Ellenberger vs. Jesse Zeugin

Ellenberger vs. Wilk 2 Highlights

–J. Jones

Report: Tatsuya Kawajiri Signs With the UFC, Hoping to Make Debut at January Singapore Event

(Tatsuya Kawajiri highlight via Kid Milly. The video says “Fight, Billy, fight!” but the music says “Dance, Billy, dance!”)

Some moderately interesting news out of Japan today (no, not the countries newfound enthusiasm for abstinence), as it is being reported that former Strikeforce title challenger Tatsuya Kawajiri has signed with the UFC.

Currently riding a five fight win streak (with four finishes) and sporting an overall record of 32-7-2, Kawajiri has long been considered one of the greatest Asian lighterweight fighters currently competing today. With victories over Joachim Hansen, Yves Edwards, Josh Thomson, Gesias Cavalcante and Krazy Horse to his credit, it seemed as if a call up to the UFC was inevitable for the former Shooto champion.

Although Kawajiri’s signing has yet to be confirmed by the UFC, sources close to “Crusher” told MMAJunkie that Kawajiri is hoping to make his promotional debut on the UFC’s inaugural Singapore-based card, “Fight Night 34,” in January. Given that Kawajiri’s only stateside appearance resulted in an annihilation via elbows to Gilbert Melendez in their Strikeforce lightweight title fight at Strikeforce: Diaz vs Daley, we can’t really argue with his logic.

We will have more on Kawajiri’s signing as details are made available.

–J. Jones


(Tatsuya Kawajiri highlight via Kid Milly. The video says “Fight, Billy, fight!” but the music says “Dance, Billy, dance!”)

Some moderately interesting news out of Japan today (no, not the countries newfound enthusiasm for abstinence), as it is being reported that former Strikeforce title challenger Tatsuya Kawajiri has signed with the UFC.

Currently riding a five fight win streak (with four finishes) and sporting an overall record of 32-7-2, Kawajiri has long been considered one of the greatest Asian lighterweight fighters currently competing today. With victories over Joachim Hansen, Yves Edwards, Josh Thomson, Gesias Cavalcante and Krazy Horse to his credit, it seemed as if a call up to the UFC was inevitable for the former Shooto champion.

Although Kawajiri’s signing has yet to be confirmed by the UFC, sources close to “Crusher” told MMAJunkie that Kawajiri is hoping to make his promotional debut on the UFC’s inaugural Singapore-based card, “Fight Night 34,” in January. Given that Kawajiri’s only stateside appearance resulted in an annihilation via elbows to Gilbert Melendez in their Strikeforce lightweight title fight at Strikeforce: Diaz vs Daley, we can’t really argue with his logic.

We will have more on Kawajiri’s signing as details are made available.

–J. Jones

Sergio Pettis Signs With the UFC, Bantamweight Debut Tentatively Set for UFC 167

(Pettis vs. Porter via Combat Corner Professional.)

Over the weekend, a bantamweight phenom known simply as (*strums Flamenco guitar*) “Sergio“ improved his MMA record to a perfect 9-0 with a first round submission via kimura over James Porter. Being that this “Sergio” character is the younger brother of UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, he has been gaining quite a bit of notoriety on the local circuit, leading many MMA fans and pundits alike to ponder how he would fare in the UFC.

This notion was not lost on Sergio, who proceeded to drop to his knees and beg for a shot in the big leagues during his post-fight interview LIKE A *REAL* CHAMPION DOES. Of course, being that Pettis had already turned down a shot in the UFC some four fights ago to gain more experience, it wasn’t a stretch of the imagination to predict that Dana White & Co. would answer the call.

According to a report sent out by Globo last night and confirmed by Pettis’ Jiu Jitsu coach, Daniel “Big Dog” Wanderley, the UFC has done just that. Although no opponent has been named, Pettis will make his promotional debut at UFC 167: St. Pierre vs. Hendricks. Despite recently capturing the RFA flyweight title with a first round KO over Dillard Pegg, Pettis will allegedly make his debut in the bantamweight division (that’s still a thing, right?).

Who do you think would make for a good litmus test against the 20 year old phenom, Potato Nation?

–J. Jones


(Pettis vs. Porter via Combat Corner Professional.)

Over the weekend, a bantamweight phenom known simply as (*strums Flamenco guitar*) “Sergio“ improved his MMA record to a perfect 9-0 with a first round submission via kimura over James Porter. Being that this “Sergio” character is the younger brother of UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, he has been gaining quite a bit of notoriety on the local circuit, leading many MMA fans and pundits alike to ponder how he would fare in the UFC.

This notion was not lost on Sergio, who proceeded to drop to his knees and beg for a shot in the big leagues during his post-fight interview LIKE A *REAL* CHAMPION DOES. Of course, being that Pettis had already turned down a shot in the UFC some four fights ago to gain more experience, it wasn’t a stretch of the imagination to predict that Dana White & Co. would answer the call.

According to a report sent out by Globo last night and confirmed by Pettis’ Jiu Jitsu coach, Daniel “Big Dog” Wanderley, the UFC has done just that. Although no opponent has been named, Pettis will make his promotional debut at UFC 167: St. Pierre vs. Hendricks. Despite recently capturing the RFA flyweight title with a first round KO over Dillard Pegg, Pettis will allegedly make his debut in the bantamweight division (that’s still a thing, right?).

Who do you think would make for a good litmus test against the 20 year old phenom, Potato Nation?

–J. Jones

Jessica “Evil” Eye Signs With UFC, Likely to Face Sarah Kaufman in Debut


(Eye squares off with Prison Michelle at the Bellator 66 weigh-ins. Photo via Sherdog.)

Big news out of Cleveland today, as it has been announced that 10-1 bantamweight prospect Jessica “Evil” Eye has signed with the UFC. The news was broke late last night by none other than Eye herself, who posted the following to her Twitter:

A fierce striker with just as deadly submission skills, Eye’s coming out party came at Bellator 83, where she thrashed Bellator women’s strawweight champion Zoila Gurgel before locking up a standing arm triangle choke that put Gurgel out on her feet less than a minute into the contest. After Bellator decided to shut down their women’s division last week, most correctly assumed that Eye would be snatched up by either the UFC or Invicta, as was the case for fellow Bellator star Felice Herrig.

Although no date or event has been set for Eye’s debut, she is currently being linked to a bout with Sarah Kaufman, who recently saw her Fight Night 27 bout on the 28th cancelled as a result of Sarah McMann’s last second injury. We will have more details on the potential Eye/Kaufman matchup as we are made aware.

After the jump: Eye puts a beating on Gurgel at Bellator 83.


(Eye squares off with Prison Michelle at the Bellator 66 weigh-ins. Photo via Sherdog.)

Big news out of Cleveland today, as it has been announced that 10-1 bantamweight prospect Jessica “Evil” Eye has signed with the UFC. The news was broke late last night by none other than Eye herself, who posted the following to her Twitter:

A fierce striker with just as deadly submission skills, Eye’s coming out party came at Bellator 83, where she thrashed Bellator women’s strawweight champion Zoila Gurgel before locking up a standing arm triangle choke that put Gurgel out on her feet less than a minute into the contest. After Bellator decided to shut down their women’s division last week, most correctly assumed that Eye would be snatched up by either the UFC or Invicta, as was the case for fellow Bellator star Felice Herrig.

Although no date or event has been set for Eye’s debut, she is currently being linked to a bout with Sarah Kaufman, who recently saw her Fight Night 27 bout on the 28th cancelled as a result of Sarah McMann’s last second injury. We will have more details on the potential Eye/Kaufman matchup as we are made aware.

We’ve thrown a video of Eye’s aforementioned beating of Gurgel below, so check it out.

On behalf of CP, I’d like to personally welcome Jessica to the UFC women’s bantamweight division. Now start drilling armbar defense or you’re f*cked.

–J. Jones

“The Hulk” Returns: Soa Palelei Inks Four-Fight UFC Deal [UPDATED], Rumored to Face Stipe Miocic at UFC 161

(Palelei puts a twelve-second beating on Bob Sapp, then visibly regrets accepting the fight in the first place.) 

Way back in 2007, a towering Australian slugger by the name of Soa Palelei made his UFC debut at UFC 79: Nemesis. In what would turn out to be Palelei’s lone appearance in the organization, the Aussie engaged in a tepid, horrendously sloppy clinchfest with fellow future-castaway Eddie Sanchez. It was easily the worst fight of the night — marred by long stretches of inactivity, a pair of low blows, and an equally anticlimactic ending in which Soa basically called it quits due to some swelling around his eye — and ranked among the worst of the year.

Sanchez, having narrowly avoided being fired by virtue of winning the fight, would lose his next two fights before receiving a mercy execution from the promotion. Palelei, on the other hand, would not be given a second shot in the UFC (perhaps rightfully so) and would spend the next five years compiling a 10-1 record in the hopes that he could someday earn a chance at redemption and Zuffa glory.

Well, according to Palelei’s management team (Paradigm Sports Management), the heavyweight KO artist will finally be given that chance, as he has inked a four-fight deal with the UFC. Palelei stated the following in an official press release that was sent out yesterday:

I’m thankful to Dana White and Joe Silva for giving me this opportunity to come back to the UFC to showcase my skills. With determination, hard work and a great team, I’m happy to say that today I have signed with the UFC. I look forward to competing in the best organization in the world. 


(Palelei puts a twelve-second beating on Bob Sapp at CFC 21, then visibly regrets accepting the fight in the first place.) 

Way back in 2007, a towering Australian slugger by the name of Soa Palelei made his UFC debut at UFC 79: Nemesis. In what would turn out to be Palelei’s lone appearance in the organization, the Aussie engaged in a tepid, horrendously sloppy clinchfest with fellow future-castaway Eddie Sanchez. It was easily the worst fight of the night — marred by long stretches of inactivity, a pair of low blows, and an equally anticlimactic ending in which Soa basically called it quits due to some swelling around his eye — and ranked among the worst of the year.

Sanchez, having narrowly avoided being fired by virtue of winning the fight, would lose his next two fights before receiving a mercy execution from the promotion. Palelei, on the other hand, would not be given a second shot in the UFC (perhaps rightfully so) and would spend the next five years compiling a 10-1 record in the hopes that he could someday earn a chance at redemption and Zuffa glory.

Well, according to Palelei’s management team (Paradigm Sports Management), the heavyweight KO artist will finally be given that chance, as he has inked a four-fight deal with the UFC. Palelei stated the following in an official press release that was sent out yesterday:

I’m thankful to Dana White and Joe Silva for giving me this opportunity to come back to the UFC to showcase my skills. With determination, hard work and a great team, I’m happy to say that today I have signed with the UFC. I look forward to competing in the best organization in the world. 

Palelei’s lone loss since leaving the UFC came by way of first round submission via punches to future Strikeforce heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier in 2010. And while Soa hasn’t exactly been taking on world beaters as of late — his past two victories have come over the all-too-TKOable Bob Sapp and famed UG troll Sean McCorkle – it’s hard to claim that anyone riding an eight-fight win streak hasn’t earned another shot in the UFC. Unless that person is Jason Reinhardt, in which case you should probably just exit whatever room you are negotiating contracts in before you get crabs.

[UPDATE] 

According to Fight News Australia, Palelei has drawn Croatian Stipe Miocic for his first fight back with the promotion. The two are rumored to meet at UFC 161, which goes down on June 15th in Manitoba, Canada:

A source also revealed to Fightnewsaustralia.com that Palelei is touted to appear on the UFC 161 card in June with 30 year-old Stipe Miocic (9-1, UFC 3-1) slated as an potential opponent. UFC executives have yet to formally announce the event or the fight.

–J. Jones