Ronaldo Souza all smiles after showing improved stand-up in knockout of Derek Brunson

Entering last night?s Strikeforce show, former middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza had taken to the ring eighteen times and come out with his hand raised in fifteen of the fights. However, up until battling Derek Brunson, Souza had never won a bout by way of knockout.

Souza landed a stiff shot less than a minute into their meeting at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman dropping Brunson to the mat before following it up with a series of strikes to seal the deal. ?Jacare? spoke some about his showing after the event?s conclusion where he pointed to his continued evolution from BJJ specialist into full-fledged Mixed Martial Artist.

?I was very relaxed. I trained a lot of boxing and I showed my boxing is getting better,? said the Brazilian grappler through a translator. ?I?m ready to fight. If Strikeforce wants me to fight in ten days I know I?d be ready for it.?

CEO Scott Coker Says Stakes are High in Brunson-Souza Scrap

The 32-year old improved his record to 16-3 with the victory and likely positioned himself for another shot at divisional title-holder Luke Rockhold. The two faced off this past September where Rockhold laid came to the belt Souza once wore by way of a relatively convincing decision win.

Check out the complete interview with Souza below:

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/19/ronaldo-souza-all-smiles-after-showing-improved-stand-up-in-knockout-of-derek-brunson

Dean Amasinger  Jimmy Ambriz Matt Andersen  Alex Andrade 

Knockout of the week: Dan Henderson introduces Wanderlei Silva to his fist

For the Knockout of the Week, we jump into the DeLorean and head back to 2007 for Dan Henderson's last Pride fight. Here, he is fighting fellow Pride star Wanderlei Silva, and shows the "Axe Murderer" just what the H-Bomb looks like.

When the UFC swallowed up Pride, it took many of its fighters and its fight footage, but left behind its pageantry. Example one: the confetti that came down at the end of Henderson's win. What do we need to do to bring confetti back? It will add an air of festivity that is sorely missing from the end of fight nights.

What's not missing from the UFC is Henderson hitting people in the head really hard. He'll get another chance to show off that H-Bomb on Sept. 1 against Jon Jones. Is he the guy who can stop Jones? Tell us in the comments, on Twitter or on Facebook.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/knockout-week-dan-henderson-introduces-wanderlei-silva-fist-164320507--mma.html

Josh Burkman  Mikey Burnett  Murilo Bustamante  Grant Campbell 

UFC Fighter Ivan Menjivar to Run for Public Office in Quebec

UFC bantamweight and longtime MMA veteran Ivan Menjivar announced today that he intends to run for public office in Quebec.  The 30-year-old Menjivar, who was born in El Salvador but has resided in Canada for most of his life, will be seeking a legislative position with the National Assembly of Quebec, under the "Parti de la Classe Moyenne du Quebec" (translation: Party of the Middle Class of Quebec, or PCMQ) in the Anjou-Louis-Riel district.

Said Menjivar via Twitter:

Je suis fier de porte ma candidature pour la circonscription Anjou-Louis-Riel.  Comme member du Parti de la Classe Moyenne du Quebec!  (Loose translation: "I am proud to carry the nomination for the Anjou-Louis-Riel district as a member of the Party of the Middle Class of Quebec!")

À touts mes amis facebookys s.v.p passe le mots: je suis candidat pour le PCMQ pour Anjou-Louis-Riel merci.  (Loose translation: "To all my Facebookys please pass the word: I am a candidate for the PCMQ for Anjou-Louis-Riel.  Thanks.")

Menjivar further stated that his platform includes addressing the war on corruption and the ethics of political parties, as well as the improvement of the health care system and access to a family doctor.

A brown belt in jiu-jitsu and member of the famed Tristar Gym in Montreal, Menjivar has long been known as a competitor who is unafraid of facing tough challenges, and can count among his past opponents such MMA stars as UFC welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre, former UFC featherweight champ Urijah Faber, and former UFC welterweight champ Matt Serra.  Menjivar made his UFC debut at UFC 48, which took place on June 19, 2004.  Since returning to the Octagon after a nearly seven-year hiatus, Menjivar has won four out of five fights. 

Menjivar is not the first accomplished mixed martial artist to run for office.  Other notable pugilistic politicians include: top middleweight contender Chael Sonnen, who ran for a position in the Oregon State Legislature; former top middleweight contender Matt Lindland, who also sought a position in the Oregon State Legislature; and retired UFC welterweight Chris Lytle, who ran in the Indiana State Senate race.  None were successful.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-fighter-ivan-menjivar-run-public-office-quebec-190556392--mma.html

Aleksander Emelianenko Fedor Emelianenko Yasubey Enomoto Mark Epstein

UFC on FOX 4 Preview: The Main Card Breakdown

Gather around, friends, because it's time for another detailed look at the UFC on FOX 4 card.  In this post, the microscope is used on the main card, which features four light-heavyweights hoping for another chance to get smashed by UFC champ Jon Jones, a pair of often-scrappy lightweights, and the return of a welterweight veteran of "The Ultimate Fighter" whose digestive issues are so restrictive, he can pretty much eat only air or else his esophagus explodes.  Are you excited for Saturday night's absolutely free UFC event?  I know I am!  I can afford free!

  • Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Brandon Vera ? The facts of this main event bout are thus: Shogun is an elite Muay Thai specialist, was a PRIDE FC champion before transitioning to the UFC, was the UFC champ before meeting Jones in combat, and in his last bout nearly nine months ago, he had an epic battle with Dan Henderson.  The Brazilian is a legend in the sport.  Vera, on the other hand, has had mixed success in the Octagon, and though a capable striker and grappler himself, he's only won once in about three years, and that was against a TUF castoff.  On paper, one of these guys doesn't stand a chance once that cage door shuts and the referee says "go".  But bouts aren't fought on paper, they're fought in real life, and the "X" factor in this whole pairing is the mileage Shogun's got on his body.  A lifetime of wars takes a toll, and because of injuries, he's been disassembled and put back together many, many times.  It's possible that Vera could land that one kick or punch that causes Shogun to collapse in a disjointed heap of limbs and torso.  Do the odds favor the 30-year-old Brazilian?  Of course they do, but mileage is mileage, and Vera could shock us all.  I'm predicting Shogun to win via TKO, but you never know.

 

  • Lyoto Machida vs. Ryan Bader ? Despite earning three losses in his last four fights, Brazilian karate man-turned-killer mixed martial artist Machida is still one of the best in the 205-pound weight class.  His striking is dangerous and precise, his timing is uncanny, and his footwork usually makes him way too elusive for opponents to grab and hold.  He was even the champ for a brief spell, the result of forcing Rashad Evans to do the stanky leg back at UFC 98.  Bader ? who won the eighth season of TUF and is good at winging big, stunning punches ? beat an ill-prepared Quinton Jackson in his last time at bat, but also got out-struck and submitted by an aged Tito Ortiz.  Machida is a huge step up in competition, and I don't see the former Arizona State University wrestler as being ready.  Watch for the Brazilian to point-karate Bader to death, and eventually find an opening for a knockout.

 

  • Joe Lauzon vs. Jamie Varner ? Sometimes New Englander Lauzon shines and sometimes he doesn't.  But what you can't deny is that he brings it, 'cause he most certainly does.  In six of his last seven bouts, he's either won Submission of the Night honors, or been a part of the Fight of the Night ? a fact that you can attribute to his explosive grappling and his willingness to bang.  Varner was, at one time, the WEC's lightweight champ, and though a string of losses had him banished to the minor leagues, the upset he staged at UFC 146, against the heavily-favored striking demigod Edson Barboza, has got people wondering if the old Varner is back.  I say it's too soon to tell, but Lauzon will be a good litmus test.  If it goes to decision, it should favor Varner; if it ends sometime before the judges are called into play, it's because Lauzon rocked the former champ with a punch and pounced on him with a sub.

 

  • Mick Swick vs. DaMarques Johnson ? Esophageal spasms with acid reflux.  That's what Swick has, and it impacted the TUF 1 veteran in such a way that he went from a promising middleweight to a solid welterweight to a dude who looked like a shadow of his former self.  Now, after a two-and-a-half year hiatus, Swick is back.  Is he better?  Is he still capable of knocking opponents out?  Man, I have no clue.  What is clear is that his opponent ? Johnson, who was the runner-up for TUF 9 and who's won half the UFC bouts he's been in ? is susceptible to what the Swick of yore was good at (i.e., punching and submissions).  In terms of a prediction, if a completely healthy Swick shows up, he's going to murder Johnson.  Otherwise, Johnson will take the decision.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-fox-4-preview-main-card-breakdown-010152043--mma.html

Gabriel Gonzaga Lyman Good Gary Goodridge Gerard Gordeau

Frankie Edgar?s stance softening on move down to featherweight division

For the longest time UFC lightweight Frankie Edgar has shrugged off talk surrounding the possibility of him dropping to 145 pounds with the division being a better fit for him based on his frame. However, a second straight loss to Benson Henderson has apparently opened his eyes some even though the defeat came by a razor thin margin.

Edgar was recently asked about his plans for the immediate future and if they involved the featherweight division. Though still interested in re-claiming the lightweight title he once wore, rather than declare himself as a 155er through and through Edgar actually appeared open to a potential run at 145.

Edgar Upset About Scoring in Title-Fight but Not Dwelling on It

?I?m going to give myself a week to kind of just let all the emotions go away, just relax and enjoy the family and then sit down probably Sunday with my team and everyone else and just start bouncing some ideas around,? said Edgar in an interview with Sherdog Radio. ?Forty-five is a possibility. Fifty-five, I?ve been so successful and I?d love to get a shot at the (lightweight) belt again. The (featherweight) belt is definitely a prestigious belt to go after, especially with Jose Aldo at the helm of it all.?

The 14-3 Edgar has never been finished in his career, losing decisions to Henderson (x2) and Gray Maynard. He has also won the majority of his bouts by way of the judges? scorecards as well, adding weight to the idea of him shedding a few pounds to compete at an even higher level against similarly sized adversaries.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/16/frankie-edgar%e2%80%99s-stance-softening-on-move-down-to-featherweight-division

Musse Hasselvall Daiki DJ taiki Hata He Peng David Heath

Miguel Torres cut by UFC, signs with Titan FC

Bantamweight Miguel Torres has been a fan-favorite for years dating back to his reign as a WEC champion. However, the 31-year old struggled to find the same in-ring success after joining the UFC, going 2-2 inside the Octagon including a brutal knockout to Michael McDonald a few months back.

Now Torres will do his best to recapture some of his former glory under a new organization?s banner after announcing he?d signed with Titan FC. His promotional debut is scheduled for November 2.

A Closer Look at Torres’ Last Win

?I am excited to continue fighting, to regain my focus and to get back to what made me a champion,” wrote Torres on his personal website. ?I have dedicated my whole life to mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. My passion in life is to be the best that I can be.?

Torres is 40-5 in his career including 23 submissions and nine strike-based stoppages. Among the number of notable foes he?s felled are the likes of Antonio Banuelos, Takeya Mizugaki, Yoshiro Maeda, and Chase Beebe.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/22/miguel-torres-cut-by-ufc-signs-with-titan-fc

Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney  Ebenezer Fontes Braga Chris Brennan

Junior dos Santos doesn?t see Alistair Overeem as the ?biggest challenge? in the heavyweight division

With an eleven-fight winning streak featuring success against the likes of Fabricio Werdum and Brock Lesnar, as well as championships in a variety of organizations including a title-win in the famed K-1 World Grand Prix, it seems logical to think Alistair Overeem is unquestionably the most dangerous heavyweight on the UFC?s roster who isn?t wearing a divisional belt. However, according to the man who does in fact own the gold ? Junior dos Santos ? Overeem is not the biggest threat to his reign currently calling the UFC home.

Rather, Dos Santos sees former champion Cain Velasquez as a more significant challenge based on a handful of attributes rarely seen in men of their size.

?He?s fast, he?s very good in wrestling, and he never gets tired. His cardio is amazing for a heavyweight,? explained Dos Santos on this week?s episode of Ultimate Insider, adding on Overeem. ?I know this guy is tough but I don?t think he?s the biggest challenge inside the UFC.?

Overeem Believes Dos Santos Doesn’t Want to Fight Him

Dos Santos also addressed Overeem?s recent attempts to score a scrap by questioning the Brazilian?s courage, saying he simply felt ?The Demolition Man? was attempting to talk his way into a title-shot while adding, ?If he thinks he?s better than me, when I fight him and he feels the power of my hands he?s gonna change his mind. We?re gonna have a chance to fight each other and I think that?s gonna be good, especially for me. I wanna beat this guy one day.?

Velasquez and Dos Santos are expected to fight on December 29 at the UFC?s annual year-end event. Meanwhile, Overeem is currently unable to receive a license in Nevada until December 27 after a March drug test indicated illegal testosterone use.

Watch the full interview with Dos Santos below:

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/16/junior-dos-santos-doesn%e2%80%99t-see-alistair-overeem-as-the-%e2%80%9cbiggest-challenge%e2%80%9d-in-the-heavyweight-division

Volk Han Joachim Hansen Antoni Hardonk Dan Hardy

UFC on FOX 4, Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua, Referee Cam: Morning News Roundup ? 8.2.12

The news cycle is ramping up thanks to the impending UFC on FOX 4 event on Saturday.  What does that mean?  Essentially, just that the UFC apparatus has put all the puzzle pieces in a pile in and around the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and the multitudes of media are flitting about assembling their own portions of the puzzle for mass consumption.  Cameras are held aloft at open workouts, microphones are stuck in the face of any fighter of relevance, and there are questions ? loads and loads of questions.  Here, then, is your morning news roundup, which is pretty much just a bunch of pieces that, when taken together, form an Ansel Adams-esque panorama of inevitable violence.

  • You ready for some video?  Here's Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at yesterday's open workout.   Here's something on Mike Swick.  Here's media superstar Ariel Helwani rapping with Lyoto Machida.  Here's Helwani with Brandon Vera.  Here's Helwani with Shogun.  You know, the funny thing about Helwani is that I sometimes see him walking around his neighborhood (we live about 15 minutes away from each other), and he's always got that microphone in hand and he's interviewing everyone ? the mailman, passing joggers, homeless people.  Everyone.  That, folks, is commitment to your work. 

 

  • Saturday night will see the introduction of the "ref cam", which is exactly what it sounds like.  While this nifty contraption has never before been used in the Octagon, it has been done in other promotions.  Want a bit of trivia that you can use to impress your friends?  The first time a ref cam was used in MMA was back in 1997, in the Australian UFC.  The Australian UFC had absolutely no connection to the real UFC, they were simply a promotion in the Land Down Under that didn't care one bit about observing copyright and trademark laws.  Some good fights, though.  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Mario Sperry won one of their tournaments.

 

  • Yours truly was a guest on the Darce Side Radio show, which is an Internet podcast hosted by MMA journo Mike Stets.  UFC on FOX 4 fighter Nam Phan was also on.  You can check the show out here.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-fox-4-mauricio-shogun-rua-referee-cam-084032499--mma.html

Andrei Arlovski  Ricardo Arona  Noboru Asahi Marcus AurelioÂ