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UFC 131 Results: Mark Munoz Gearing Up for Big Run After Win over Demian Maia

In all likelihood, there were two No. 1 contenders crowned on Saturday night at UFC 131.Obviously, in the main event, Junior dos Santos confirmed his status as the No. 1 contender to Cain Velasquez for the UFC Heavyweight Championship, as the injured c…

In all likelihood, there were two No. 1 contenders crowned on Saturday night at UFC 131.

Obviously, in the main event, Junior dos Santos confirmed his status as the No. 1 contender to Cain Velasquez for the UFC Heavyweight Championship, as the injured champion was brought into the Octagon to congratulate the TUF 13 coach on his win and set the matchup for later this year.

Also, with Kenny Florian’s success in his featherweight debut with a unanimous decision victory over Diego Nunes, all signs are pointing to a matchup with Jose Aldo for the UFC Featherweight Championship.

Mark Munoz didn’t earn a No. 1 contender spot for his middleweight victory over former top contender Demian Maia, but the former NCAA Champion wrestler sent a strong signal that he’s heading in that direction in one of the night’s best fights. Furthermore, a quick survey of the UFC landscape at 185 pounds shows that Munoz’s time as a contender could be coming sooner rather than later.

The most recent middleweight rankings published at Sherdog.com naturally listed UFC titleholder Anderson Silva as No. 1. Following “The Spider,” the remainder of the top 10 doesn’t include much in the way of fighters that Silva hasn’t beaten.

Chael Sonnen came in at No. 2, and while there’s undoubtedly interest for a return engagement between Sonnen and Silva after the Spider escaped at UFC 117, that remains on hold while Sonnen’s fighting future remains up in the air. Yushin Okami is No. 3, and will have his chance to take the title on August 27 in Rio de Janeiro. After Okami, it goes like this:

The No. 4 man on the list is Nate Marquardt, who lost to Silva at UFC 73, and is making his welterweight debut later this month against Rick Story. Strikeforce champ Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is No. 5 on the list, and while the UFC has brought over one Strikeforce titleholder to challenge its champion in the form of Nick Diaz, the MMA world isn’t necessarily screaming for a battle between Souza and Silva.

Maia, of course, was beaten and shown up by Silva at UFC 112, and has been pushed further back in the line than his No. 6 spot by his loss to Munoz on Saturday night. The No. 7 man, Jorge Santiago, fell a bit with his loss to Brian Stann two weeks ago at UFC 130, and No. 8 Vitor Belfort is coming off his loss to Silva at UFC 126. No. 9 Michael Bisping is nowhere near a title shot, and the No. 10 man is Bellator champ Hector Lombard, the only one of the bunch not under Zuffa contract.

This doesn’t mean that Munoz should necessarily be next in line for a title shot if Silva retains against Okami at UFC 134, but if a rematch with Sonnen or the much-talked-about super fight with Georges St-Pierre isn’t up next, Munoz might be the most attractive option, possibly with one more win under his belt. And one more fight could be perfect for some of the UFC’s business plans.

Earlier this year Dana White spoke of bringing The Ultimate Fighter to foreign countries, and said that a Philippines edition of the show would be first later on this year. We haven’t heard much about those plans since then, but there’s certainly been plenty else to talk about, and when the UFC does bring its hit reality show to the Philippines, is there any doubt that the “Filipino Wrecking Machine” would be a natural choice as one of the coaches?

As for the other coach, that would need to be determined. Sherdog is recommending Brian Stann as Munoz’s next opponent, but if TUF is going to the Philippines, Stann wouldn’t be the right foil for Munoz, and even if the reality show isn’t in the picture, a title eliminator between Stann and Munoz might not be the right way to go. The winner of the Chris Leben-Wanderlei Silva bout at UFC 132 could be the right way to go, or the winner of UFC 133’s battle between Belfort and Yoshihiro Akiyama.

These are the sorts of decisions that Joe Silva gets paid to make, and he’s certainly got his work cut out for him. In the meantime, it’s clear that in Mark Munoz, the UFC has a bona fide star on the rise.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Chael Sonnen Can’t Make Money Fighting, But is Trying for Those Twitter Bonuses!

*Props to Around the Octagon. Chael Sonnen‘s fight career is on hold indefinitely in the states of California and Nevada due to his felony conviction from that infamous money laundering scheme but of course, that.

*Props to Around the Octagon.

Chael Sonnen‘s fight career is on hold indefinitely in the states of California and Nevada due to his felony conviction from that infamous money laundering scheme but of course, that hasn’t stopped him from being a ~~douchebag~~ dedicated instigator who probably realizes at this point, his best bet to make any money off Zuffa is to make a go for those Twitter incentives.

Usually, fighters wait until after their next fight to call out an opponent. But since, his next opponent who was supposed to be Yoshihiro Akiyama was given to Vitor Belfort at UFC 133 and Sonnen has no Octagon or UFC Press Conference to use as his platform, he decided to tweet out a few days ago, his desires to fight Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva and even Lil’ Nog, all in one epic night:

“Machida is a gentleman. MMA is very cutthroat, and it’s sweet that Lyoto promised to never fight his girlfriend Anderson. That’s devotion…

I’d beat up Machida on the way to the ring to beat up Anderson, and I’ll kick Nogeria’s ass in the parking lot on the way to my after party…”

Sonnen, who is in Brazil according to his Twitter updates, continues to bash the Black House team:

“I would never bash karate.Karate produced many MMA champions, most notably..um..Then of course, there’s..Wow, I thought this would be easier”

“Machida is not a bad guy; he’s a victim of the Brazilian education system. There are better ways to get electrolytes than drinking piss.”

“Brazil likes to boast that it’s the power seat of MMA, yet it’s so-called champions bow to the man behind “Under Siege 2.”…….. Classy.”

“I still admire Steven Seagal. Anyone that can be that self-possessed without doing a damn thing to earn it, knows something that I don’t.”

“Yushin and I are in Brazil to follow in Andy’s ways. Got ballet shoes, a team of has-beens, even brought a fat talentless celeb for trainer.”

“I could write a dissertation on this experience:”The Tragic Interplay of Delusion, Insecurity, and Incompetence: the Nog Brothers’ Story”.”

Stay tuned for the sequel, “Help, an Asian Judako is Beating My Ass: The Anderson Silva Story”.

Sounds great to call everyone out, buddy but it’s really sad when it’s from the sidelines and you have no forseeable chance of fighting any of these guys anytime soon. Guess that’s why now he’s taken to calling out his haters in Sao Paulo to come meet him.

Sonnen is expected to reapply for a fight license before CSAC after his current license expires this June 29th, 2011.

The Top Five Biggest Moments in UFC History — According to Google

By CagePotato contributor Jason Moles

During the illustrious eighteen-year history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, we’ve witnessed countless brutal beatings, killer knockouts, and spectacular submissions. Simply put, we’ve witnessed a ton of holy $&*% moments!

I’m sure you have your favorites that you’ll share with your grandkids when you’re sitting in the old man’s chair. But have you ever stopped and asked yourself which moments in the past two decades were the biggest on a large scale? Well I did and I went to the largest scale imaginable: the almighty Google and here’s what I found. Remember, Google doesn’t have emotional or monetary interest at stake here. These moments are the ones that have generated the most web traffic via searches, not which ones impacted the sport the most.

5.) St. Pierre Beats Shields at UFC 129 – 04/30/2011

Why it’s ranked: Jake Shields left Strikeforce as champion so essentially casual fans and mainstream media alike viewed this as the first major inter-promotional, champion vs. champion fight. Georges St. Pierre, reigning UFC Welterweight champion and winner of nine straight came out on top of Shields who was riding a fifteen-fight win streak over the past five years.

The UFC went all in on this one hyping this event with the normal Countdown shows in addition to a pretty sweet commercial, the Primetime series, and a flyer in my mailbox reminding me to order the PPV. It was a huge moment in both men’s career primarily because it was the first tough competition either had faced in quite some time up to that point. The underlying reason this mattered so much is that we all wanted to see the GSP vs. Silva super fight.

By CagePotato contributor Jason Moles

5.) St. Pierre Beats Shields at UFC 129 – 04/30/2011

4.) Lesnar Submits Carwin at UFC 116 – 07-03-10

Why it’s ranked: This was Brock Lesnar‘s first fight since giving Diverticulitis the F5. (Too bad it was only a two count.) No one knew what to expect. How much cage corrosion would Lesnar have? What about his cardio? Would Shane Carwin win another fight in the first round? That was all answered in the first five minutes as ‘The Engineer’ laid out the blue print for not only how to beat the UFC heavyweight champion, but also what a 10-8 round looks like.

Looking back, it was such a noteworthy night because it capped off, or so we thought, the trials and tribulations of the biggest draw in MMA and left us all with a warm fuzzy feeling. Not Shane, though, he was still sucking wind worse that Roy Nelson a few weeks ago. Regardless, the first round and the shocking result raised a lot of eyebrows, hence it’s spot on the list.

3.) UFC – WEC Merger Announced – 10/28/10

Why it’s ranked: Finally! Something that actually deserves to be on this list, right? I know, I know, settle down scooter. Remember, Google analyzes what EVERYONE is searching for, not just the hardcore fans that spend their free time commenting on a niche website trying to provoke a flame war. Now where was I? Oh yeah, this is the first moment that actually has long-term significance to most of us.

The WEC was home to some of the best fighters in the game today and sadly, they were gobbled up by the UFC like the last piece of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Usually when one promotion is consumed by another, much larger and well known promotion, heads turn and people seek out any little nuggets of truth they can. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for the mma world as a whole. Little did we know at the time that the WEC was just the appetizer.

2.) Anderson Silva Stops Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 – 02/05/11

Why it’s ranked: Honestly, I think it’s high on the list merely because some crackpot former pseudo badass named Steven Seagal claimed to have taught UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva the single most lethal front kick in all of combat sports. Seriously, WTH? It was a joke. No, no it wasn’t. It was just a media stunt to get more attention. For real now, I most definitely taught him that kick and to prove it I trained my dragon to do the same thing.

This is a classic example of what a holy $&*% moment is because when you first see it your instinct is to yell out “Holy $&*%!!!” and then look at the guy next to you and repeat. Unforgettable moment + delusional B-list Hollywood celeb = mass hysteria.

The single biggest moment in UFC history according to Google is (drum roll please)…………..

1.) UFC 100 – 07-11-09

Why it’s ranked: UFC 100 was the biggest, baddest, most heavily promoted fight card up to that point and it smashed records left and right including gross revenue, tickets sold, and PPV buys. Two title fights including transcendent fighters Brock Lesnar and GSP plus the culmination of Michael Bisping writing a check his chin couldn’t cash after an entire season of trash talking Dan Henderson on The Ultimate Fighter. Everyone and their mother heard something about the epic event thanks to ESPN and others mentioning it leading up to fight night. Oh yeah, there was that little incident after the main event that got a little attention too.

It seemed like the mma community was stricken with an ailment that prevented the poor soul from acknowledging anything outside of UFC 100 the week of and after the event. We just couldn’t help ourselves. It was our Super Bowl, granted it didn’t kick0ff an annual pop-cultural mega event, but it was significantly larger than anything else we had seen. There’s just something magical about the number 100. We did it, err, they did it. They fought the politicians, PPV blackouts, and the economy while nearly going bankrupt in the process. MMA soared out of the shadows and boldly announced its presence that night putting everyone on notice; in case you weren’t aware, MMA is here to stay.

I know. You know. I know you know. I know you know I know. Don’t get all pissy at me, I didn’t make the list. All I did was try to make sense of what the data said and make you laugh in the process. Double fail, right? But go ahead; tell me what should have been on this list in the comments. Do you want a follow up with what CagePotato thinks are the biggest moments in UFC history? How about the biggest moments in PRIDE FC’s history? Strikeforce? Ah, who am I kidding? You stopped reading after you saw Steven Segal mentioned.

Hump Day Headlines with Stephanie Ann Cook

Dana White tweets: GSP vs. Nick Diaz is on for UFC 137. UFC 133 fight card to include: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis, Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama, and Rich Franklin vs. Antonio “Lil’ Nog”.

Dana White tweets: GSP vs. Nick Diaz is on for UFC 137.

UFC 133 fight card to include: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis, Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama, and Rich Franklin vs. Antonio “Lil’ Nog” Rogerio Nogueira set for August 6th.

Jon Fitch doesn’t want fight with Rick Story and will wait for either BJ Penn or Georges St. Pierre.

Brian Foster cleared by doctor to fight again after brain hemmorrhage.

Brock Lesnar‘s surgery goes well, plans 2012 comeback.

Josh Thomson back in action against Maximo Blanco for Strikeforce in September.

Roy Nelson claims he had “walking pneumonia” going into his UFC 130 bout/loss against Frank Mir.

UFC News: Vitor Belfort’s Coach Says Steven Seagal Is "All Propaganda"

Due to his recent success Vitor Belfort has his coach, Jayme Sandall, to credit.In preparation for Vitor Belfort’s bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama UFC 133, Sandall has been helping the former UFC light heavyweight champion perfect a game plan for his oppon…

Due to his recent success Vitor Belfort has his coach, Jayme Sandall, to credit.

In preparation for Vitor Belfort’s bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama UFC 133, Sandall has been helping the former UFC light heavyweight champion perfect a game plan for his opponent.

A Brazilian karate champion, Sandall has helped Belfort implement karate into his arsenal since returning to the organization three years ago. Sandall said he is confident that his teachings of karate will help Belfort pick up a victory.

“He’s a tough opponent, but they all are,” Sandall told TATAME on Belfort’s opponent, Akiyama.

“But I honestly can’t Picture Vitor losing this fight. In all ways I can picture it, I don’t see any way that Vitor would lose this one. It’s really unlikely.”

Belfort suffered his first knockout loss to UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, at UFC 127. Silva ended the bout with a highlight reel front kick that instantly dropped the Brazilian. Sandall said he helped Belfort train and prepare for a variety of kicks Silva utilizes, but he said the front kick was unexpected.

Sandall also commented on Silva’s teammate, Lyoto Machida, who landed a similar kick that knocked out his opponent, Randy Couture, at UFC 129. Sandall praised the technique Machida used and said it’s a common technique used in karate.

“I used to give the guys that kick a lot, a frontal flying kick,” he said. “You give one extra step to bring your leg and kick harder. I use to knock people down with kicks on their stomach. I actually got a few knockdowns with a kick on my stomach, but not on the face.

However while it has proven to be effective for both Silva and Machida, Sandall said to not believe the mystique surrounding their friend, actor and martial artist, Steven Seagal.

“I was surprised, and even Lyoto said all that Steven Seagal stuff, but people have to know that it’s all propaganda, because it was not Steven Seagal the one who taught him that kick, he knows it from Karate,” he said.

“I talked to Lyoto’s father the day after the fight and he told me: ‘I told Lyoto to train a lot’.”

In spite of Seagal’s alleged teachings, Sandall said the use of karate has helped mixed martial arts grow as a sport and vice versa.

“It was up and rise from it’s beginning. It was good for me, all of it is good to me, and to Karate too. I’m having the chance to introduce people to Karate, I had the chance to explain a little bit about its rules,” he said.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Judgment Day: 7 MMA Fighters Who Will Benefit From the End of the World

(Bendo: Prepared for takeoff.)

According to some misguided crazy people, the world is going to end tomorrow. Apparently, May 21st, 2011 is the scheduled date of the Rapture, in which Christians will be shuttled off into the air to meet Christ, while the sinners will be left behind, leading to Armageddon or something. (For more information, consult this Kirk Cameron movie). If the rumors are true, we’re all pretty much fucked. Still, there’s a few MMA fighters who will be getting the sweet end of the deal. For instance…

BEN HENDERSON
The lightweight standout is one of the more vocal supporters of his Lord and Savior in the cage, shouting out Philippians 4:13 after every win. He makes his fight entrances to gospel music, and has never touched alcohol. Whatever bad stuff goes down tomorrow, he won’t be around for it. He’ll be in mid-air, doing that pyramid thing with his hands.

CHAEL SONNEN

Stripped of his real estate and fighting licenses, Sonnen was just sentenced to a year of roaming the earth with no income, trying to “promote goodwill” and show that he’s rehabilitated. A swift, violent end would probably be an upgrade at this point.

(Bendo: Prepared for takeoff.)

RICHARD HALE AND CHRISTIAN M’PUMBU

For what it’s worth, tomorrow’s Bellator 45 light-heavyweight tournament headliner in Lake Charles, Louisiana, will be the last televised MMA match of the day in this country. If God can hold off the rapture until the end of the night, Hale vs. M’Pumbu could very well be the last televised MMA match ever. That’s pretty damn historic. Not that we’ll care much about history in the post-rapture chaos, but still.

VITOR BELFORT

Famously, Vitor Belfort is the guy who expect Jesus, bro, every day. How psyched is he going to be when Jesus actually shows up on a random Saturday? All the hardships he’s suffered in his life were only tests from God. Now that he’s proven his devotion, he’ll be one of the first to be lifted off his feet, while Stankie stands there earthbound and furious, cursing his fancy ass.

JASON MILLER

Mayhem’s a “devout atheist” who once told a Mormon interviewer, “after my victory, I would like to thank science.” I can see him and Joe Rogan holed up in a bunker following the rapture, splitting a bottle of wine and discussing the mysteries of the universe. It’ll suck to have their cynical anti-beliefs proven wrong so dramatically, but for one sweet moment, they won’t be surrounded by so many assholes.

TIKI GHOSN

…because if you’re gonna go, go out on top.