Jake Shields Released By Strikeforce, Hoping To Face Anderson Silva

Strikeforce and it’s middleweight champ Jake Shields (25-4-1) have gone their separate ways according to the fighters father and manager who spoke to Sherdog.com. Jack Shields was informed by the promotion on Wednesday that they would be releasing the middleweight champion from his contract.
“In the conversation we had today, they said they felt that […]

Jake-ShieldsStrikeforce and it’s middleweight champ Jake Shields (25-4-1) have gone their separate ways according to the fighters father and manager who spoke to Sherdog.com. Jack Shields was informed by the promotion on Wednesday that they would be releasing the middleweight champion from his contract.

“In the conversation we had today, they said they felt that Jake was leaning towards the UFC. Honestly, we were talking to them with an open mind, though Jake wants to fight the best,” said the elder Shields. “Between Strikeforce and EliteXC, Jake had the chance to fight on Showtime and CBS four or five times against some top fighters like Dan Henderson and Robbie Lawler. Strikeforce gave him great opportunities and exposure. They’ve been nothing but great for Jake.”

Shields is now free to negotiate with the UFC and it’s President Dana White, who has been actively seeking to add the fighter to the fold. The senior Shields has already given the UFC their asking price and will pursue fights in the middleweight and welterweight divisions. If both sides come to an agreement, Shields already has his eye’s set on debuting against the promotions middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

“We didn’t come to agreement with Strikeforce, but Jake’s excited to challenge himself against the likes of Anderson Silva and others in the UFC,” said Jake Shields.

Fans could very well be treated to the announcement of Shields signing by the UFC as part of this weekends UFC 116 event, here’s hoping we’ll get the chance to see Shields in the octagon soon.

Shane Carwin-Brock Lesnar: When Unstoppable Force Meets Immovable Object

With UFC 116 a little more than 48 hours away, it’s time for me to finally give my usuallyw rong (so don’t bet on it) prediction.
Since this is a massive fight, and also because the rest of this card is about as interesting as watching gras…

With UFC 116 a little more than 48 hours away, it’s time for me to finally give my usuallyw rong (so don’t bet on it) prediction.
Since this is a massive fight, and also because the rest of this card is about as interesting as watching grass grow, I’m going to break this match up down […]

UFC Betting

Shane Carwin-Brock Lesnar: When Unstoppable Force Meets Immovable Object

Neither White Or Lesnar Worried About “Ring Rust”

UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar discusses his newest training regime and after a year away from the octagon feels ready to return.
UFC president Dana White talks to ESPN 1100 about the return of Brock Lesnar.
“Ring rust is something I always talk about. It’s very real. The two things that make this fight different are, […]

Click here to view the embedded video.

UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar discusses his newest training regime and after a year away from the octagon feels ready to return.

Click here to view the embedded video.

UFC president Dana White talks to ESPN 1100 about the return of Brock Lesnar.

“Ring rust is something I always talk about. It’s very real. The two things that make this fight different are, he’s only got five fights. How much ring rust can this guy have? He’s green. He’s just a freak of nature. The other thing is, if he was really at just 60 or 70 percent, now he’s at a 100 … I think that’ll make up for some ring rust.”

HT: Yahoo! Cagewriter

Report: “Rampage” Jackson vs. Rogerio Nogueira Possible for UFC 119 / 120

After “Rampage” Jackson failed to beat Rashad Evan’s ass at UFC 114, as he had continually insisted he would do, speculation immediately kicked in as to who the former champ would face next. UFC President Dana White was quoted saying that Lyoto Machida was a possibility, while Jackson called for a rematch with Forrest Griffin, […]

rampage-jackson

After “Rampage” Jackson failed to beat Rashad Evan’s ass at UFC 114, as he had continually insisted he would do, speculation immediately kicked in as to who the former champ would face next. UFC President Dana White was quoted saying that Lyoto Machida was a possibility, while Jackson called for a rematch with Forrest Griffin, who, like Evans, has defeated the 21st Century version of B.A. Baracus by Unanimous Decision.

Well, according to a report this afternoon from MMA Junkie, Jackson’s next fight will likely be against Antonio Rogerio “Minotoro” Nogueira, and neither Griffin or Machida. The story cites “sources close to the competitors”, who have reportedly told the outlet that verbal agreements are in place for the fight, which could take place at UFC 119, 120 or even 121 (if you can even follow the numbering thing anymore). The report goes on to say that UFC 119 is scheduled for September 25th in Indianapolis, 120 for October 16th in London, while plans for UFC 121 are still in the works.

So, what’s our take on this (even if you didn’t ask)? Well, although a lot of folks thought “Lil Nog” should not have been awarded that Split Decision victory over Jason Brilz in May, just ask Luis Cane, Dan Henderson or Alistair Overeem, if Nogueira is a top light-heavyweight. In other words, like 90% of fights featuring a Nogueira twin, it should be damn good. There’s no doubt a fight between Rampage and either Machida or Griffin would likely be more of a “box office draw,” (as main stream fans haven’t seen a lot of Lil Nog yet) but hell, this will work no?

Chris Leben Couldn’t Pass Opportunity To Facy Yoshihiro Akiyama This Saturday

UFC middleweight fighter Chris Leben (20-6) said it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up after being offered the fight against Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 116, after an injury forced Wanderlei Silva from the bout with the Japanese fighter.
“It’s a great fight and an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Leben, who wasn’t exactly feeling […]

Chris LebenUFC middleweight fighter Chris Leben (20-6) said it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up after being offered the fight against Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 116, after an injury forced Wanderlei Silva from the bout with the Japanese fighter.

“It’s a great fight and an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Leben, who wasn’t exactly feeling that way when he initially got the call from the UFC on the Monday after his fight to replace the injured Wanderlei Silva against Akiyama.

“I woke up and I was all sore, and Joe (Silva) was already calling me,” said Leben. “He asked me to fight and I said no way. But the more I thought about it, I’m a fighter, that’s what I do. I’d be mad at myself if I passed this opportunity up. This is what I do. I’ll have plenty of opportunity to take a vacation after July 3rd.”

Leben and Akiyama meet in the co-main event of “UFC 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin” in Las Vegas, Nev. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena this Saturday.

HT: UFC.com

How Big is a Brock Lesnar Win at UFC 116?

For many MMA fans, the first time they ever laid eyes on Brock Lesnar was at UFC 77 when Joe Rogan interviewed him to announce his signing with the UFC.
 
“I am here with one of the most exciting acquisitions ever for the UFC, Brock Larsoner…

For many MMA fans, the first time they ever laid eyes on Brock Lesnar was at UFC 77 when Joe Rogan interviewed him to announce his signing with the UFC.
 
“I am here with one of the most exciting acquisitions ever for the UFC, Brock Larsoner…excuse me, Brock Lesner, not Brock Larson.”
 
Certainly, nobody would ever confuse […]

UFC Betting

How Big is a Brock Lesnar Win at UFC 116?