Woodley, Cormier and OSP Score UD Wins

Saturday, January 8, 2011


By FCF Staff

Here are the results from tonight’s Strikeforce Challengers card in Nashville, Tennessee, which saw rising fighters Tyron Woodley, Daniel Cormier and Ovince Saint  Preux earn unanimous decision victories in their respective bouts. (Pictured: Woodley hitting Saffiedine)

Main Card:

Tyron Woodley def. Tarec Saffiedine via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Ovince Saint Preux def. “Abongo” Humphrey via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Daniel Cormier def. Devin Cole via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Amanda Nunes def. Julia Budd via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, :14
Rhadi Ferguson def. John Richard via submission (heel hook) – Round 2, 2:00

Cormier landing a left on Cole
Preliminary Card:

Thomas Campbell def. Jeremy Wallace via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 1, 1:26
John Salter def. Casey Huffman via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:59
Dustin Ortiz def. Matt Horning via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 2:10
Dustin West def. Daniel Schmitt via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, :09
Charles McTorry def. Krishaun Gilmore via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 2, 3:46
Chris Barnhizer def. Karl Willis via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 2:35
Jason Blackford def. Jeremy Boczulak via submission (heel hook) – Round 2, 1:54
Luke Sanders def. Josh Jarvis via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:15
Stoney Hale def. Gerric Hayes via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

OSP Kicking Humphrey

READ MORE - Woodley, Cormier and OSP Score UD Wins

GSP vs. Shields Official for UFC 129

Friday, January 7, 2011

By FCF Staff

The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first event in Toronto will feature one of Canada’s biggest stars, as the promotion has confirmed that, as expected, welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre will take on renowned challenger Jake Shields at the April 30th event. UFC 129 will be hosted by the city’s Roger Centre, which has a seating capacity of 69,000, and is expected to break North American gate and attendance records for mixed-martial-arts. 

The main event bout for UFC 129 was announced on the online UFC Ultimate Insider program.

St. Pierre (21-2) last defended his title on December 11th, when he outscored long time rival Josh Koscheck for the unanimous decision win. GSP’s only other bout in 2010 took place in March, when he worked his way to another UD win over challenger Dan Hardy.

The 29 year-old-champion has won eight straight bouts.

Shields (26-4-1) hasn’t fought since UFC 121 on October 23rd, when the former Strikeforce middleweight champ narrowly defeated Martin Kampmann by split decision. Shields also competed in April and scored an impressive unanimous decision win over former Pride champion Dan Henderson.

The soon to be 32 year-old-fighter has won 15 fights in a row and hasn’t lost since 2004.

No other bouts for the UFC 129 card have been officially announced. 


READ MORE - GSP vs. Shields Official for UFC 129

New FCF Radio with Tim Hague

On this episode of Full Contact Fighter Radio, host Jeff "Wombat" Meszaros and co-host James Kellaris review the big events that wrapped up 2010. First, it's time to talk about UFC 125: Resolution, where Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard fought to a draw.  Was that a good decision?  Is anyone interested in seeing a rematch?  What's going to happen with Anthony "Showtime" Pettis.  He was supposed to fight the winner!  Good grief, what a mess.  Then, it's time to talk about the fight between Chris Leben and Brian Stann.  Wow.  Was that a fluke?  Or would Stann KO Leben ten times out of ten?  Maybe both those statements are lies.  Tune in and hear about all the fights on the card, including Clay Guida's drubbing of Takanori Gomi. 

Then hang around as we run down the card for K-1 Dynamite, where Kazushi Sakuraba didn't die, Alistair Overeem KO'd his last-minute opponent and a host of other crazy stuff happened.  Like that's not enough, we also interview Tim "The Thrashing Machine" Hague and talk about his upcoming fight against Matt Mitrione at the UFC: Fight for the Troops 2 event, going down in a few weeks.  That's what I call edu-tainment!
READ MORE - New FCF Radio with Tim Hague

Strikeforce Challengers Weigh-In Results

By FCF Staff

The Nashville Memorial Auditorium will be the host venue for Strikeforce’s latest Challengers card, which will see rising welterweight Tyron Woodley take on veteran Tarec Saffiedine in the main event. The promotion held the official weigh-ins yesterday in anticipation of the event, which saw all of the main card competitors make weight. (Pictured: Woodley (left) and Saffiedine)

The card will be broadcast on Showtime beginning at 11:00PM EST/ PT (delayed on the West Coast)

Strikeforce Challengers Weigh-In Results

Tyron Woodley (170.2) vs. Tarec Saffiedine (170.2)
Ovince St. Preux (204.8) vs. Ron "Abongo" Humphrey (205.4)
Daniel Cormier (249) vs. Devin Cole (239.2)
Julia Budd (144.2) vs. Amanda Nunes (143.2)
Rhadi Ferguson (205) vs. John Richard (206)

Non-Televised Preliminary Bouts

Thomas Campbell (135.8) vs. Jeremy Wallace (TBA)
John Salter (185.6) vs. Casey Huffman (186)
Matt Horning (TBA) vs. Dustin Ortiz (125)
Daniel Schmitt (184.8) vs. Dustin West (183.6)
Charles McTorry (185) vs. Krishaun Gilmore (185.6)
Chris Barnhizer (175) vs. Karl Willis (170.2)
Jeremy Boczulak (173.8) vs. Jason Blackford (169.2)
Josh Jarvis (144.2) vs. Luke Sanders (145.4)
Stoney Hale (171) vs. Gerric Hayes (169.2)
Chris Coggins (TBA) vs. Chris Wright (TBA

Cole (left) and Cormier facing off
St. Preux and Humphrey (right)
READ MORE - Strikeforce Challengers Weigh-In Results

Strikeforce Challengers Open Workout Quotes and Pics

Thursday, January 6, 2011


By FCF Staff

Strikeforce held an open workout at Nashville Mixed Martial Arts yesterday, in anticipation of the promotion’s Challengers card this Friday, which will be hosted by the city’s Nashville Municipal Auditorium.

Some of the competitors on hand were undefeated welterweight Tyron Woodley (7-0), who will face noted striker Tarec “Sponge” Saffiedine (10-2) in the main event, heavyweight prospect Daniel Cormier (6-0), who will fight veteran Devin Cole (18-8-1), and rising light-heavyweight Ovince St. Preux (9-4), who will take on “Abongo’’ Humphrey (7-2).(Pictured: Woodley)

Here is some of what the fighters had to say about Friday's card, which will be broadcast on Showtime.

Woodley

(On what he knows about his opponent) "He's well known for being a great kickboxer so my job is to neutralize what he does best while I do what I do best to get the victory.  He baits guys in well and defends takedowns well so I need to set up my takedowns well with strikes. If I don't get the takedown, I can't get frustrated.  I have to come back up swinging.

"A lot of guys he's fought, he's defended the takedown once and his opponents haven't tried a second or third takedown on him.  The guys that have, have taken him down.  So, my plan is not to expect to pop him one time with a good penetration shot and get him off his feet, but to continue to work and grind.  That's what we do best."

(On whether or not staying undefeated is on his mind)
"I don't even worry about that.  Every fight is the most important.  The fights that come after this, will come after, but winning this fight in dominant fashion is key.  I don't worry about staying undefeated.  I worry about winning this fight."

(On his best memories from wrestling)
 "Camaraderie with the team.  The family atmosphere. Holding each other up and keeping each other going.  It's a lot tougher than MMA -- not having full control of your training, the seven-month season, competing 50 times a year.  It was a lot for me.  (In MMA), you have more control over your training.  I can take a day off if I feel sore and come back the next day.  The other training we do -- boxing and Muay Thai - is fun."

Cormier
Cormier

(On his opponent)
 "I know that he's a wrestler and a strong guy with a lot of experience.  It's going to be my toughest fight to date, for sure.  I think I've prepared well and trained hard so I feel confident."

(On whether or not he feels pressure to remain undefeated)
 "I don't feel pressure to stay undefeated.  I've handled pressure at the highest level in wrestling.  I accept the responsibility that comes with all the wins.  Expectation is part of it so you deal with it."

(On whether or not he thinks Olympians will continue to cross over to MMA)
"For younger athletes, I think the lure of MMA is going to take them away before they get to the Olympics.  Guys that want to chase the money or NCAA champions -- guys who had the potential to be in the Olympics.  A few of them will cut their careers short in order to pursue a career where they can make money."

OSP
St. Preux

 (On working with his new trainer)
 "Since I've been with Nate "The Great" Hoffmeister, I've gotten stronger, faster. I'm doing things in the gym that I can't believe and that I had never been able to do before."

(On his opponent)
"He's a short, stocky guy so I'll have some problems getting under him.  I know that he punches and kicks a lot and he's got good stand up.  He's fought some pretty tough guys like Mike Kyle and Brett Rogers.  It's one of those things where I'm just happy to be here and I'm going to put on a good show.’’

(On why he thinks MMA has sustained increased popularity)
"It’s like with football -- people like seeing hits -- or boxing where people like seeing knockouts.  In MMA, you never know what's going to happen.  Someone can be winning a fight and, the next thing you know, they get knocked out with a punch, a headkick, or ground and pound.  People like seeing that."

READ MORE - Strikeforce Challengers Open Workout Quotes and Pics

Despite Current Run, Volkmann Says Improvements in Order


By Kelsey Mowatt

Although it may not have been the most memorable performance of his career, Jacob Volkmann continued his march up the lightweight rankings at last week’s UFC 125 card, by working his way to a split decision win over accomplished veteran Antonio McKee. Despite the fact that Volkmann became the first man to defeat McKee in seven years, extended his winning streak to three, and started the 2011 campaign on a winning note, the 30 year-old-fighter wasn’t overly impressed with his latest victory. (Pictured: The Volkmann family enjoying Christmas 2010)

“I felt like I took a step back in this fight from the one with Paul Kelly,” Volkmann told FCF, who heading into the January 1st bout had earned back-to-back decision wins over Paul Kelly and Ronys Tores, after dropping down from welterweight to compete at 155. “From Ronys Tores I took a step forward to Kelly, but then I took a step back from what I’ve learned, to show what I’ve improved. I have to make some more improvements; if I want a title fight I have to make a lot more improvements...I’ve got some learning to do for my stand-up and my ground game too.”

While neither man landed any telling blows in the opening round of their UFC 125 tilt, Volkmann moved forward more often and was able to take McKee to the mat. After a second round which saw Volkmann work a rear-naked-choke and control the action, McKee took round three by landing a takedown and scoring more often. In the end, two of three judges scored round one and two in Volkmann’s favor, handing the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy fighter his 12th pro win.

“I was surprised that a judge scored it for McKee because I felt I won the first two rounds pretty handily,” said Volkmann. “The third round I was really disappointed with; I knew I had the fight won, but I should have just kept the pressure on him and finished the way I had the first two rounds. I didn’t and I’m regretting that now.”

“I was expecting him to do something,” Volkmann added while discussing the third round of the fight. “I knew he was losing so I thought he was going to do something pretty drastic, like a knee to the head, like Paul Kelly tried to do to me...Just come at me with some sort of flurry, but he didn’t, which really surprised me.”

Much of McKee’s professional success, which includes winning the Maximum Fighting Championship’s lightweight title, has been due to the Bodyshop Fitness fighter’s wrestling abilities. While McKee has forged a reputation for possessing strong takedowns and a dominant top game, in the end, Volkmann’s own, 3 time, All American wrestling skills won out.

“I didn’t think he really had any takedown defense when I took him down,” said Volkmann, who was also the Big Ten 165lb. wrestling champion in 2004. “His takedowns weren’t really that great. So obviously my wrestling played the most important role in this fight.”

Having recorded three straight wins as a lightweight, Volkmann could very well face one of the division’s more notable competitors next, which the University of Minnesota alumni is eager to do.

“It’s always the goal to get a top ten,” said Volkmann while discussing future opponents. “No talk yet so we’ll see...I think it would be really fun to fight (Clay) Guida; I think he has the kind of style which would be really good for me to fight. He’s got so much energy and he’s an exciting fighter.”

And what’s the latest in regards to the criticisms Volkmann directed at President Barack Obama in a recent, and now well documented, interview he did with MMA Fighting?

“People were misunderstanding me about the healthcare plan,” said Volkmann, a practicing chiropractor, who jokingly called out the President and reportedly received angry emails, phone calls and even a brief visit from the Secret Service due to the comments. “I’m not against everyone getting health insurance, as obviously, some people are going to need health insurance that are getting rejected...I’m talking about the healthcare provider, because I’m a chiropractor and I’m getting denied for getting paid.”





READ MORE - Despite Current Run, Volkmann Says Improvements in Order

Wallace vs. Al-Hassan Confirmed for MFC 28

Wednesday, January 5, 2011


By FCF Staff

The Maximum Fighting Championship has confirmed that light-heavyweight Rodney “Sho Nuff the Master” Wallace (10-3) will take on “Razor” Razak Al-Hassan (11-3), at the promotion’s upcoming February 25th event. (Pictured: Wallace kicking David Heath)

MFC 28 “Supremacy” will be broadcast live on HDNet, and will see Ryan Jimmo take on Dwayne Lewis to determine the Alberta based promotion’s light-heavyweight champ.

Wallace is coming off a unanimous decision win over David Heath at MFC 27 in November, after the UFC vet dropped three straight to Brian Stann, Jared Hamman and Phil Davis.

Al-Hassan also made his MFC debut in November, and was defeated by the aforementioned Lewis, who was awarded the split decision in what was an extremely competitive bout. The loss ended Al-Hassan’s four fight winning streak.

“This is my fight – my year. 2010 ended on a sour note for me but 2011 will bring the sweet taste of victory once again,” said Al-Hassan in a press release from the promotion.

“I know after feeling like he got robbed (against Lewis) that he is going to be hungry but I’m at the top of the food chain,” Wallace added.

The MFC announcement stated that the Al-Hassan, Wallace bout “could have implications” on the light-heavyweight title bout taking place that same night.

READ MORE - Wallace vs. Al-Hassan Confirmed for MFC 28

Report: UFC Suspends Sonnen Following Guilty Plea

By FCF Staff

It would appear as though Chael Sonnen will not be returning to the Octagon as soon as expected. Following news this week that the middleweight contender has pleaded guilty to money laundering and will likely receive two years probation for the crime, TMZ is reporting that the UFC has temporarily frozen Sonnen’s contract.

According to TMZ, UFC President Dana White informed the media outlet that "Chael Sonnen has gone through a lot in the last few months and we think it's important for him to focus on getting his personal life together before focusing on his career in the UFC."

No specific information as to the length of Sonnen’s suspension was given.

The Oregon native is expected to be sentenced in March for his involvement in the money laundering case, which in addition to the expected two years probation, Sonnen will reportedly pay a $10,000 fine and has agreed to give up his realtor’s license.

Sonnen was widely expected to return to the Octagon as early as March, after the outspoken fighter had his one year suspension from the California State Athletic Commission reduced to six months. Sonnen tested positive for elevated testosterone levels last summer, after being submitted by Anderson Silva in August, but recently appealed the ruling by arguing that a medical condition he has requires testosterone treatments.

The accomplished wrestler’s MMA record currently stands at 25-11-1.

READ MORE - Report: UFC Suspends Sonnen Following Guilty Plea

Fedor to Face Silva in Strikeforce Heavyweight Tourney

Tuesday, January 4, 2011


By FCF Staff

After months of speculation as to when and who former Pride champ Fedor Emelianenko would face next, Strikeforce has confirmed that the Russian fighter will face Antonio Silva, February 12th, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The bout will be one of the quarterfinal match-ups for Strikeforce’s upcoming Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament, which will also see Andrei Arlovski (15-8) face Sergie Kharitonov (16-4) on the February card. The event will be broadcast live on Showtime.

Other confirmed quarter final match-ups include Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem (34-11) vs. Fabrico Werdum (14-4-1) and Brett Rogers (11-2) vs. Josh Barnett (29-5); however, no dates have yet been confirmed.

In addition to the news of Fedor’s return and the Grand-Prix opening round bouts, Strikeforce has announced that is has signed a new, multi-year, co-promotional agreement with Emelianenko and his management group M-1 Global.

"We are thrilled to have come to a long-term agreement with Fedor and M-1 Global,” said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. “To have the greatest MMA fighter of all-time put his legacy on the line in a single-elimination tournament will truly captivate MMA fans worldwide. Strikeforce is home to the best heavyweight division in the world; the athlete who runs the gauntlet in a tournament such as this would have to be considered the best heavyweight fighter in the world."

"I’m very pleased to be working with Showtime and Strikeforce and Mr. Coker and Mr. Hershman personally. Thanks to their interest and efforts, we’ve created what will go down in history as MMA’s greatest heavyweight tournament of all time,” said Vadim Finkelchtein, co-founder of M-1 Global. “M-1, Strikeforce and Showtime have built a partnership committed to the future growth of MMA—a sport where organizations represent a working collaborative that enable the best fighters in the world to fight each other. This agreement benefits everyone, especially the fans who’ll see Fedor in action more often.”

Emelianenko (31-2) is coming off his first professional loss since 2000, when he was submitted by Werdum in the first round at a Strikeforce and M-1 Global event in June. The renowned fighter had not been defeated in 28 bouts heading into the card, and was considered by many to be the best heavyweight competitor on the planet.

Silva (15-2) last competed on December 4th, when he came from behind to stop Mike Kyle in the second round. The American Top Team fighter was coming off a stoppage win over Arlovski in May, after losing by decision to Werdum in November, 2009.

“I have been training very hard since my last fight and can’t wait to get back in the cage,” said Emelianenko.  “Strikeforce has assembled a roster filled with the best heavyweights in the world and, together with M-1 Global; we have the opportunity to fight the best in a great tournament format.”




READ MORE - Fedor to Face Silva in Strikeforce Heavyweight Tourney

Hornbuckle Confirmed for Upcoming Bellator WW Tourney

By FCF Staff

Dan Hornbuckle is reportedly on the hunt for a rematch with Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren, as the promotion has announced that the veteran fighter has agreed to compete in its upcoming, season four, welterweight tournament. Hornbuckle (pictured) tapped out Tyler Stinson and Steve Karl last year to advance to the finals of the 2010 tourney, but lost by unanimous decision to Askren in June.

“The fact that Ben Askren is going to be there waiting for me after I win this tournament keeps me motivated,” Hornbuckle was quoted saying in the Bellator press release. “It keeps me waking up every morning hungry. There's never a loss that is taken easily, so I definitely want to get back in there, win this tournament, and avenge that loss.”

Hornbuckle (22-3) added a decision win over UFC vet Brad Blackburn in August, to finish his 2010 campaign with a 3-1 record.

“While our first two welterweight tournaments have been great, based on the lineup, this tournament is stacked from #1 through 8 and should be our strongest to date,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Dan’s a significant talent and I know how motivated he is to earn his way to a rematch with Ben, it’s great to have him back in”

Hornbuckle is the first competitor to be confirmed for the tourney, which will see the winner earn $100,000 and a title fight with the champion Askren. Bellator’s upcoming season will be broadcast live on MTV 2.

No dates regarding when the promotion’s season four will begin were given.




READ MORE - Hornbuckle Confirmed for Upcoming Bellator WW Tourney

Report: Chael Sonnen Pleads Guilty in Real Estate Case

By FCF Staff

Chael Sonnen continues to be in the news, as just weeks removed from launching an appeal with the California State Athletic Commission, the Oregonian is reporting that the middleweight contender has pleaded guilty to a single count of money laundering. Government prosecutors are reportedly calling for Sonnen to serve two years probation and the 33 year-old fighter has agreed to pay a $10,000 fine and give up his realtor’s license. The maximum penalty for money laundering is a 20 year prison sentence and a $500,000 fine.

The case stems back to real estate deal in 2006, and is the investigation Sonnen cited when he withdrew from running for Oregon House District 37 last year. According to a statement released by the U.S Attorney's Office, Sonnen pleaded guilty to participating in a financial transaction, which “was designed to conceal or disguise the ownership and control of the proceeds of wire fraud.”

Sonnen (25-11-1) dominated MMA headlines throughout much of 2010. After defeating Nate Marquardt in impressive fashion at UFC 109 in February, the outspoken Sonnen was awarded an August bout with champion Anderson Silva. Despite dominating Silva for much of the bout, Sonnen was submitted with a late, fifth round triangle-choke.

Soon after, the Oregon native was suspended for one year by the CSAC, after Sonnen tested positive for elevated testosterone levels. Sonnen recently appealed the suspension, arguing that a medical condition requires testosterone treatment, and that he had disclosed the situation with the CSAC. The commission denied the appeal; however, Sonnen’s suspension was reduced to six months.

The UFC has not made any formal announcement regarding Sonnen’s guilty plea or confirmed when and who the middleweight will fight next.
READ MORE - Report: Chael Sonnen Pleads Guilty in Real Estate Case

Gugenishvili vs. Grishin Confirmed for Mar. 5th M-1 Challenge

Monday, January 3, 2011


By FCF Staff, photo courtesy M-1 Global

M-1 Global has announced that the promotion’s heavyweight champion Guram Gugenishvili will look to defend his title March 5th, against 2010 Eastern European tourney winner, Maxim Grishin. The bout will headline the M-1 Challenge XXIII event, which will take place at the Crocus City Arena in Moscow, Russia. (Pictured: Guram celebrating his championship win)

“M-1 Global has crowned their champions and 2011 is the year for these stars to defend what they have rightfully earned,” Evgeni Kogan, Director of Operations for M-1 Global said in the official announcement. “Guram knows what he has to do at M-1 Challenge XXIII and every heavyweight here on out is gunning to take the belt away from him. His reign is in his hands and M-1 will provide the stage for the showdown between two highly talented fighters.”

Gugenishvili (10-0) laid claim to the promotion’s heavyweight title in October by submitting Americas tournament winner Kenny Garner, with a second round, guillotine choke. The Ukrainian heavyweight had a successful 2010 campaign, going 5-0.

Grishin (7-2) had been scheduled to face Gugenishvili for the heavyweight belt in October; however, an injury prevented the Russian fighter from competing. Grishin also went undefeated in 2010; most recently in July he submitted Alexander Volkov to finish 3-0 for the year.

The M-1 Challenge XXIII event will be available at a later date for viewing on the official M-1 Global site.



READ MORE - Gugenishvili vs. Grishin Confirmed for Mar. 5th M-1 Challenge

Titan FC Confirms High vs. Bears for Jan. 28th

By FCF Staff

Jason High will take little time to sit back and enjoy his split decision win over noted veteran Hayato Sakurai at K-1's New Year’s Eve Dynamite, as Titan Fighting Championship has confirmed that the Kansas City native will compete on its January 28th event. The Bodyshop Fitness fighter will take on Bellator and Strikeforce vet Rudy Bears.

"On paper, High vs. Bears has a chance to be the fight of the night," Titan Fighting CEO Joe Kelly was quoted saying in a press release from the promotion. "Jason is coming off the biggest win of his career and Rudy's last fight was a brilliant TKO victory over UFC veteran Chad Reiner during a Bellator show. Both Jason and Rudy are going to tear the roof off of Memorial Hall."

With the win over Sakurai, High (12-3) extended his winning streak to three, after losing back-to-back bouts to Marius Zaromskis and Charlie Brenneman. The UFC vet rebounded with wins over Canadian prospects Jordan Mein and Keto Allen.

Bears (12-6) is coming off an aforementioned stoppage win over Chad Reiner at Bellator’s 32nd event in October, after being submitted by Zak Cummings Bellator 26 in August. Bears is 2-3 in his last five fights.

Titan FC 16 will be hosted by Kansas City’s Memorial Hall and will feature former UFC heavyweight champ Tim Sylvia versus former “Ultimate Fighter” competitor Abe Wagner in the main event. The card will be broadcast live on HDNet.

READ MORE - Titan FC Confirms High vs. Bears for Jan. 28th

Strikeforce Confirms Open Workout in Nashville, Jan. 5th


By FCF Staff

In anticipation of Strikeforce’s latest Challengers card, Friday night in Nashville, Tennessee, the promotion has announced that several of the card’s competitors will attend an open workout Wednesday, at the Nashville Mixed Martial Arts facility. Fighters that are scheduled to participate include Tyron Woodley, Daniel Cormier, Ovince St. Preux, Rhadi Ferguson and Julia Budd. (Pictured: Woodley hitting Zach Light)

The Nashville MMA gym is located at 490 Allied Drive, Suite C, and the workouts are open to both the media and public, beginning at 2:00PM CT.

Friday’s card, which will be broadcast live on Showtime, will see the accomplished collegiate wrestler Woodley (7-0) take on rising welterweight Tarec Saffiedine (10-2) in the main event.

Other bouts scheduled for the January 7th event include former Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier (6-0) facing International Fight League vet Devin Cole (18-8-1), streaking light-heavyweight Ovince St. Preux taking on “Abongo” Humphrey (7-2), accomplished grappler Rhadi Ferguson (2-0) versus light-heavyweight  Ion Cherdivara (1-0), and kickboxer Julia Budd (1-0) will meet veteran Amanda “Lioness Of The Ring’’ Nunes (5-1).

READ MORE - Strikeforce Confirms Open Workout in Nashville, Jan. 5th

Maynard and Edgar Calling for Third Bout After Thrilling Fight

Sunday, January 2, 2011

By Kelsey Mowatt

Critics that believed a rematch between UFC champ Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard would fail to deliver a memorable bout worthy of main event status, were proven dead wrong last night, as the two lightweights thrilled fans with a classic, 25 minute war to kick off 2011. Of course early on, it appeared as though the UFC 125 headliner would be an abrupt affair, as Maynard staggered and dropped Edgar on several occasions with vicious strikes. Edgar not only survived the round, but the champion came out firing in the second, and battled his way to a five round draw with the only man to have defeated him in 15 pro fights.

“I got hit with a big shot; he came out strong, did a good job, but I bounced back, felt like I won the last four rounds,” Edgar said in the post fight presser. “It was a great fight; it was exciting, for me and the fans, it was a win-win.”

Not surprisingly, Maynard believed he should have been awarded the lightweight belt, particularly due to the fight’s opening five minutes, when the Xtreme Couture fighter may have been a strike or two away from stopping Edgar.

“I don’t want a loss; I want the belt,” said a dejected Maynard afterwards. “Draw’s a draw; thought that was my fight. I thought I had that; thought the belt was mine.”

“I thought I won the third for sure,” Maynard added, who defeated Edgar by unanimous decision the first time they met in April, 2008. “The last round we landed about even. I was going hard for the last and I thought he backed up a lot...Then you’ve got the round where it could have been 10-7 I thought. I mean, I dropped him how many times? Five times? He dropped? He didn’t land a punch. That’s at least a 10-8.”

With neither man walking away with the win, naturally questions were raised in the post-fight press conference, as to whether Edgar and Maynard would like to have an immediate rematch. Complicating matters, however, was that heading into the event WEC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis had been promised a shot at the winner. It was announced in the press conference afterwards, which UFC President Dana White did not attend, that Pettis would indeed face Edgar next. The UFC site was updated later, however, indicating that White was “suggesting in interviews that Edgar and Maynard will have a rematch first.”

“Yeah, I probably would man,” said Edgar when asked if we would prefer to fight Maynard next. “To have a little more closure would be nice. He’s got a win over me and now we have a draw. For me, I would like to have the opportunity to fight him again.”

“Obviously it doesn’t feel good,” said Maynard while discussing the fact, that at the time, he had been told Pettis would face Edgar next. “I thought that was my fight; thought that I had the belt. I worked my ass off for this. Guess it kind of hurts.”

With both men calling for it and White reportedly on board, it would appear as though fans can look forward to Edgar vs. Maynard III. This time, one can likely expect, that there will be far fewer people claiming they’re not interested in the fight.
READ MORE - Maynard and Edgar Calling for Third Bout After Thrilling Fight

Edgar and Maynard Battle to Draw


By FCF Staff

Here are the results from tonight’s UFC 125 broadcast, which saw lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and challenger Gray Maynard fight to a draw.

Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard draw (48-46, 46-48, 47-47)
Brian Stann def. Chris Leben via TKO (strikes) - R1, 3:37
Thiago Silva def. Brandon Vera via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Dong Hyun Kim def. Nate Diaz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Clay Guida def. Takanori Gomi via submission (guillotine choke) - R2, 4:27
Jeremy Stephens def. Marcus Davis via knockout (punch) - R3, 2:33
Dustin Poirier def. Josh Grispi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Brad Tavares def. Phil Baroni via knockout (strikes) - R1, 4:20
Daniel Roberts def. Greg Soto via submission (kimura) - R1, 3:45
READ MORE - Edgar and Maynard Battle to Draw