Tag: ultimate fighter

Luis Pena Arrested, Charged With Battery & Robbery

Luis PenaLuis Pena, currently of the UFC lightweight division and formerly of The Ultimate Fighter, is being charged with multiple felony counts of robbery and battery criminal mischief. Pena burst onto the UFC scene at The Ultimate Fighter finale, winning by first round submission via guillotine choke. Since then, he has fought seven times for the […]

Luis Pena

Luis Pena, currently of the UFC lightweight division and formerly of The Ultimate Fighter, is being charged with multiple felony counts of robbery and battery criminal mischief.

Pena burst onto the UFC scene at The Ultimate Fighter finale, winning by first round submission via guillotine choke. Since then, he has fought seven times for the promotion, accumulating a 4-3 record. He tested positive for marijuana in his most recent loss against Khama Worthy.

Coral Springs Police Department took Pena in following an issued warrant by a police department in a separate Florida county.

Christian Swinson, public information officer for Coral Springs Police, told MMA Fighting, “It was actually called in by another police department for us to go and get him, and then we had an independent person tell us where he was, and they took him into custody under that warrant.”

Swinson said the warrant was issued because Pena may have either missed an arraignment hearing or charges could have been added subsequent to the initial charge.

Pena went to Twitter to talk about his mental health struggles. He said, “I have been going through serious mental health issues my entire life.”

Here is the full tweet:

Pena most recently graced the octagon canvas on April 17, 2021 against Alexander Munoz, winning by split decision.

With these charges and being just 4-3 in the UFC, does Luis Pena have a future with the organization?

Miesha Tate Previews UFC 200, Amanda Nunes Fight; Takes On Cupcake Challenge

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZZjsO66lDY[/embed]

Miesha Tate was a guest on both “UFC Tonight” and “TUF Talk,” discussing her upcoming UFC 200 title fight with Amanda Nunes.

Tate also took part in a cupcake eating challenge with Ultimat…

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Miesha Tate was a guest on both “UFC Tonight” and “TUF Talk,” discussing her upcoming UFC 200 title fight with Amanda Nunes.

Tate also took part in a cupcake eating challenge with Ultimate Fighter competitor Khalil Rountree.

Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin Named Coaches For TUF: Latin America 3

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UFC Hall of Famers and former light heavyweight champions Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin have been announced as the next coaches of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America.

Entering a third season, the reality series will begin filming late this spring and finish on November 5 with the finale from Mexico City. The series will air on UFC Fight Pass, along with UFC Network, Televisa’s Channel 5 in Mexico and Free-To-Air Networks in Latin America.

Below is a press release from the UFC:

For the first time in UFC history, the The Ultimate Fighter series will feature two UFC legends and Hall of Famers, Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, as coaches in the first season to be filmed and produced in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Now entering its 3rd season, The Ultimate Fighter Latin America will begin its production in late spring with an airing date set for August 2016. The season’s finale is slated for November 5 in Mexico City, Mexico at Arena Ciudad de Mexico.

The first Spanish speaking series of the reality show, The Ultimate Fighter® Latin America, was launched in 2004 reaching an average of seven million viewers per episode in Mexico and millions more viewers around Latin America. The second season followed the footsteps of the first with viewership in UFC Network, Chanel 5 and 14 free-to-air networks. For 2016, UFC has recruited talent from all over the region and divided them into two teams: Team Liddell and Team Griffin. Both teams will represent a combination of Latin American countries. The series will also include special guest appearances by additional UFC athletes brought in by both coaches to enrich their team’s training experience.

Widely considered as one of the greatest UFC athletes of all time, Chuck Liddell is one of the biggest superstars the organization has ever produced. With his stone “Iceman” persona, striking Mohawk haircut and terrifying knockout power, Liddell helped UFC’s popularity explode during his reign as UFC light heavyweight champion. Liddell boasts an impressive and legendary 12-year career that is followed by his retirement in 2010 and immediate induction into the UFC Hall of Fame. Liddell was a coach on the original series of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005, dominating the competition with his team winning both the light heavyweight and middleweight tournaments.

Coaching opposite Liddell is another UFC icon, Forrest Griffin. No mixed martial artist in the world is as closely associated with The Ultimate Fighter than Griffin, who won the very first season’s light heavyweight tournament under the tutelage of Liddell. More importantly, Griffin’s breathtaking finale victory over Stephan Bonnar in April 2005 is the fight that secured UFC’s status as a rising cultural phenomenon. Griffin won the UFC light heavyweight title in 2008, retired in 2012 and like Chuck, was then inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Both Liddell and Griffin have had a storied history with The Ultimate Fighter. The Iceman continued his journey in the reality series, keeping his perfect coaching record intact as his athlete won the season 11 tournament. Like Liddell, Griffin holds a perfect record as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter®; returning to the series in 2008 to not only coach the eventual winner, but also three of the four semi-finalists.

The Ultimate Fighter series follows athletes training and competing against each other for a prized UFC contract, all while living under one roof. The complete list of athletes and respective weight classes will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

The series is set to air August 2016 on UFC Network, Televisa’s Chanel 5 in Mexico, UFC FIGHT PASS and additional free-to-air networks in Latin America. UFC Network subscribers will also get the chance to catch replays and watch exclusive content on the channel as well as on ufcnetwork.com.

The season finale will be featured during a live event November 5, in Mexico City at Arena Ciudad de Mexico. The card will host the final bouts of the series, crowning the winners of The Ultimate Fighter Latin America season 3. Further event and ticket details will be released at a later date.

“We have come a long way from the first season of The Ultimate Fighter”, said Liddell. “I feel honored to be a part of the Latin American series. We have great fighters competing in the region and I’m excited to get a chance to train them and teach them a few things I learned during my career. Expect a great finale in Mexico City November 5.”

“I’m very excited to be participating in The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3,” added Griffin. “I know how much of a competitor Chuck is so I will be bringing my A game. UFC is still very new in Latin America and for that reason I am thrilled to be a part of this opportunity in helping grow the sport in the region.”

In addition to Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, The Ultimate Fighter has launched the careers of more than 100 UFC athletes and produced additional champions such as Rashad Evans, Matt Serra, TJ Dillashaw as well as season winners including Michael Bisping, Ryan Bader and Nate Diaz. Mexican American Tony Ferguson captured the season 13 lightweight title, while Diego Sanchez, also of Mexican descent, was the first-ever winner of the franchise as a middleweight. Sanchez defeated Kenny Florian, an athlete of Peruvian descent, at The Ultimate Fighter 1 finale in 2005. The Ultimate Fighter Latin America season 2 coaches, Efrain Escudero and Kelvin Gastelum, proved their talents with Escudero winning season 8 of the series and Gastelum defeating the fearsome Uriah Hall in season 17.

In 2014, Mexican featherweight, Yair Rodriguez, and bantamweight competitor, Alejando Perez, were crowned season winners of the first Spanish speaking series of The Ultimate Fighter Latin America. The winners of the second season were Peruvian lightweight fighter Enrique Barzola and Mexican welterweight Erick Montaño.

liddell-griffin-fpf

UFC Hall of Famers and former light heavyweight champions Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin have been announced as the next coaches of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America.

Entering a third season, the reality series will begin filming late this spring and finish on November 5 with the finale from Mexico City. The series will air on UFC Fight Pass, along with UFC Network, Televisa’s Channel 5 in Mexico and Free-To-Air Networks in Latin America.

Below is a press release from the UFC:

For the first time in UFC history, the The Ultimate Fighter series will feature two UFC legends and Hall of Famers, Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, as coaches in the first season to be filmed and produced in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Now entering its 3rd season, The Ultimate Fighter Latin America will begin its production in late spring with an airing date set for August 2016. The season’s finale is slated for November 5 in Mexico City, Mexico at Arena Ciudad de Mexico.

The first Spanish speaking series of the reality show, The Ultimate Fighter® Latin America, was launched in 2004 reaching an average of seven million viewers per episode in Mexico and millions more viewers around Latin America. The second season followed the footsteps of the first with viewership in UFC Network, Chanel 5 and 14 free-to-air networks. For 2016, UFC has recruited talent from all over the region and divided them into two teams: Team Liddell and Team Griffin. Both teams will represent a combination of Latin American countries. The series will also include special guest appearances by additional UFC athletes brought in by both coaches to enrich their team’s training experience.

Widely considered as one of the greatest UFC athletes of all time, Chuck Liddell is one of the biggest superstars the organization has ever produced. With his stone “Iceman” persona, striking Mohawk haircut and terrifying knockout power, Liddell helped UFC’s popularity explode during his reign as UFC light heavyweight champion. Liddell boasts an impressive and legendary 12-year career that is followed by his retirement in 2010 and immediate induction into the UFC Hall of Fame. Liddell was a coach on the original series of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005, dominating the competition with his team winning both the light heavyweight and middleweight tournaments.

Coaching opposite Liddell is another UFC icon, Forrest Griffin. No mixed martial artist in the world is as closely associated with The Ultimate Fighter than Griffin, who won the very first season’s light heavyweight tournament under the tutelage of Liddell. More importantly, Griffin’s breathtaking finale victory over Stephan Bonnar in April 2005 is the fight that secured UFC’s status as a rising cultural phenomenon. Griffin won the UFC light heavyweight title in 2008, retired in 2012 and like Chuck, was then inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Both Liddell and Griffin have had a storied history with The Ultimate Fighter. The Iceman continued his journey in the reality series, keeping his perfect coaching record intact as his athlete won the season 11 tournament. Like Liddell, Griffin holds a perfect record as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter®; returning to the series in 2008 to not only coach the eventual winner, but also three of the four semi-finalists.

The Ultimate Fighter series follows athletes training and competing against each other for a prized UFC contract, all while living under one roof. The complete list of athletes and respective weight classes will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

The series is set to air August 2016 on UFC Network, Televisa’s Chanel 5 in Mexico, UFC FIGHT PASS and additional free-to-air networks in Latin America. UFC Network subscribers will also get the chance to catch replays and watch exclusive content on the channel as well as on ufcnetwork.com.

The season finale will be featured during a live event November 5, in Mexico City at Arena Ciudad de Mexico. The card will host the final bouts of the series, crowning the winners of The Ultimate Fighter Latin America season 3. Further event and ticket details will be released at a later date.

“We have come a long way from the first season of The Ultimate Fighter”, said Liddell. “I feel honored to be a part of the Latin American series. We have great fighters competing in the region and I’m excited to get a chance to train them and teach them a few things I learned during my career. Expect a great finale in Mexico City November 5.”

“I’m very excited to be participating in The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3,” added Griffin. “I know how much of a competitor Chuck is so I will be bringing my A game. UFC is still very new in Latin America and for that reason I am thrilled to be a part of this opportunity in helping grow the sport in the region.”

In addition to Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, The Ultimate Fighter has launched the careers of more than 100 UFC athletes and produced additional champions such as Rashad Evans, Matt Serra, TJ Dillashaw as well as season winners including Michael Bisping, Ryan Bader and Nate Diaz. Mexican American Tony Ferguson captured the season 13 lightweight title, while Diego Sanchez, also of Mexican descent, was the first-ever winner of the franchise as a middleweight. Sanchez defeated Kenny Florian, an athlete of Peruvian descent, at The Ultimate Fighter 1 finale in 2005. The Ultimate Fighter Latin America season 2 coaches, Efrain Escudero and Kelvin Gastelum, proved their talents with Escudero winning season 8 of the series and Gastelum defeating the fearsome Uriah Hall in season 17.

In 2014, Mexican featherweight, Yair Rodriguez, and bantamweight competitor, Alejando Perez, were crowned season winners of the first Spanish speaking series of The Ultimate Fighter Latin America. The winners of the second season were Peruvian lightweight fighter Enrique Barzola and Mexican welterweight Erick Montaño.

TUF 15 Finale Pre-Fight Analysis: Part I

Jake Ellenberger vs. Martin Kampann Both fighters in the Ultimate Fighter 15 finale’s main event are coming off of wins in their most recent bouts with Martin Kampmann currently on a two fight win streak.

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Jake Ellenberger vs. Martin Kampann

Both fighters in the Ultimate Fighter 15 finale’s main event are coming off of wins in their most recent bouts with Martin Kampmann currently on a two fight win streak while while Jake Ellenberger is riding a six fight win streak after losing his opening appearance in the the UFC. The winner of this fight will establish himself as a title contender in the 170 lb division where Georges St. Pierre awaits interim champion Carlos Condit. Whoever earns the victory on Friday night should be no more than one fight away from a shot at the belt.

Kampmann pulled out a last minute submission via guillotine choke over Thiago Alves in his last appearance in the cage. The fight had been extremely competitive up to that point with Alves having a slight advantage on my scorecard in each of the first two rounds. The third round would have been close as well if not for Kampmann’s timely submission. In his recent fights, the “Hitman” has shown improved wrestling. He was able to avoid Rick Story’s takedowns for the most part at UFC 139 and when he did end up on the ground, he was able to get back to his feet quickly. He even managed to take Story down in that fight. Kampmann will once again be facing an opponent with a strong wrestling background in Ellenberger. I expect Kampann to use his newly improved wrestling to keep the fight standing and use his best weapon, which is his pinpoint Muay Thai striking, to outpoint Ellenberger on the feet. In order to accomplish that goal, Kampmann will need to utilize quick movement to stay away from Ellenberger’s power and land quick combinations. If he can time Ellenberger’s powerful right hand, he might be able to find the range for counter striking. But all of that will be difficult to accomplish against one of the toughest tests he has faced in his career thus far.

Jake Ellenberger is a world class athlete just now coming into the prime of his career at age twenty seven. He has everything a fighter needs to be title contender in the UFC. He has one punch KO power in both hands. He has a collegiate wrestling background. He trains with a great team. He has plenty of experience. Simply put, this is his moment. A win, especially an impressive one, would give put him right in the middle of the title picture that currently features St. Pierre and Condit as well as Johnny Hendricks after his recent defeat of Josh Koscheck. Ellenberger’s last loss came against Condit in 2009 via split decision and since then, he has reeled off six consecutive wins with his most recent coming against Diego Sanchez in February. Four of those wins came via (T)KO. He has scary power in his hands and over the past year or so, he has evolved from a wrestler with power into an impressively well-rounded mixed martial artist. A lot of fighters have power but Ellenberger has honed his stand-up to a degree where he now has the technical skill to consistently land his power shots. On Saturday, he will face one of the best strikers in the welterweight division. I expect him to stand with Kampmann initially and hope to land a power shot while avoiding his opponent’s combinations. If he begins to consistently lose the exchanges on the feet, look for him to go back to his wrestling and try to put Kampmann on his back. But that won’t be easy as Kampmann is difficult to take down and has an excellent submission game once the fight hits the mat.

Ellenberger is the clear favorite in this fight at -225 with Kampann coming in at +185. I expect this fight to take place mostly on the feet and in theory, that would favor Kampmann who is the more technical striker. The problem with that is that Ellenberger is also a good striker with the power to end the fight instantaneously. Clearly, the oddsmakers give the combination of Ellenberger’s power and his potential to take the fight to the ground and control from top position the advantage in this fight and a (T)KO finish for Ellenberger seems to be the most logical outcome for this fight. But if he can’t find Kampmann’s chin, the “Hitman” could pull off the upset by using his technical Muay Thai game to earn a decision.

By Alan Wells

TUF 15 Finale Pre-Fight Analysis: Part II

Charles Oliveira vs. Jonathan Brookins In a matchup of fighters trying to establish themselves in the 145 pound division, former Ultimate Fighter winner Jonathan Brookins returns to the octagon to face Brazilian prodigy Charles Oliveira..

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Charles Oliveira vs. Jonathan Brookins

In a matchup of fighters trying to establish themselves in the 145 pound division, former Ultimate Fighter winner Jonathan Brookins returns to the octagon to face Brazilian prodigy Charles Oliveira. Both fighters are coming off of rebound victories in their previous appearance with Brookins defeating Vagner Rocha in February and Oliveira defeating Eric Wisely in January.

Brookins is a well rounded fighter who has shown the ability to finish with both strikes and submissions. He seems to lull opponents to sleep with his calm approach and unassuming personality. I would imagine fighters have a difficult time working up any animosity against Brookins who is one of the more humble and peaceful competitors in the UFC. But despite his personality, he has finishing instincts as he showed in his previous fight when he took out Rocha with ground and pound in the first round. Brookins seems to be confident wherever the fight goes so I expect him to stand with Oliveira until he feels threatened. If he starts to lose in the standup game, look for him to try to push Oliveira against the fence and turn the fight into a dirtier game of clinch work and scrambles. Oliveira appears to be the more talented fighter but that hasn’t stopped Brookins in the past and look for him to do whatever he can to take his young opponent out of his gameplan.

Oliveira is one of the most exciting young fighters in the UFC. He burst on to the scene at age 20 with an explosive armbar submission victory over Darren Elkins. After another victory, he lost two out of three fights against title caliber fighters Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone with a no decision against Nik Lentz due to an illegal knee sandwiched in between. I question why the UFC was putting him against that type of competition at age twenty one but it may turn out to be for the best as he has decided to move down to the featherweight division and was dominant in his first fight at that weight against Wisely. He made quick work of his overmatched opponent with a ridiculous calf slicer that most fight fans including myself had never seen used to finish a fight. This fight represents an appropriate step up in competition. He should have the advantage over Brookins wherever the fight goes but he will need to stay tight with his technique to earn the victory. Look for Oliveira to utilize his excellent striking game while being perfectly willing to display his grappling gift should Brookins decide to take the fight in that direction. Either way, Oliveira has the potential to give the fans an explosive finish.

Oliveira is a solid favorite at -200 with Brookins the underdog at +170. Oliveira has the talent advantage everywhere in this fight and I’m actually surprised the line isn’t a little more one-sided but I don’t blame the bookmakers for being wary of underestimating Brookins who has a habit of upsetting more talented opponents. Oliveira should have opportunities early against Brookins but if he doesn’t take advantage or if he gets sloppy or overconfident, Brookins can steal this fight. A longer fight benefits Brookins and if he can turn this into an ugly scrap with lots of close fighting against the cage, he might be able to grind his way to a decision.

By Alan Wells

Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale

Jake Ellenberger vs Martin Kampmann Ellenberger is of course the guy that keeps on coming. Kampmann also keeps moving forward as well. Both fighters have more than 40 fights combined and only 9 wins via decision. These guys finish their fights. Ellenberger is favored -210 at 5Dimes with Kampmann sitting at -175. Kampmann is going

Jake Ellenberger vs Martin Kampmann

Ellenberger is of course the guy that keeps on coming. Kampmann also keeps moving forward as well. Both fighters have more than 40 fights combined and only 9 wins via decision. These guys finish their fights.
Ellenberger is favored -210 at 5Dimes with Kampmann sitting at -175. Kampmann is going to get taken down, but if he can avoid the take downs, Kampmann is the better striker. Kampmann is not a bad bet here in the underdog position as he recently beat Thiago Alves with a surprise punch and guillotine combo that shocked everyone as he was losing the entire fight. That could happen again here IF Kampmann can stop the takedowns from Ellenberger. I’ve got Ellenberger winning.

Jonathan Brookins vs Charles Oliveira

Jonathan Brookins always in good in the top game as well as the wrestling department. He has a good fight IQ, but is not a great finisher. Oliveira is good on the feet and on the ground (although hes been beat there before). Oliveira has been up and down in the past, but possesses incredible all around skills.

I’ve got Oliveira winning.

Justin Lawrence vs John Cofer

Justin Lawrence is an interesting talent. He’s like an American Denis Siver. I think Lawrence is going to win.

Myles Jury vs Chris Saunders

Another good fight.

Daron Cruickshank vs Chris Tickle

Tickle is tough, while Cruickshank is skilled. I think Cruickshank is going to showcase is striking skills in this coming out party of a fight. Tickle is a brawler with mediocre at best ground skills. However, he packs heat with his punches and Cruickshank doesn’t protect his chin well. However, like I said previously, I think Cruickshank will win.

Cristiano Marcello vs Sam Sicilia

Marcello possesses terrible standing game, while Sicilia has poor ground game. If Marcello can’t get this fight to the ground Sicilia is going to win. If this hits the ground, Marcello will win in short fashion.

Max Holloway vs Pat Schilling

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John Albert vs Erik Perez

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Jeremy Larsen vs Joe Proctor

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