Final Card Released for Jan. 29th MMA Xplosion

Saturday, January 15, 2011

By FCF Staff

MMA Xplosion has released the final line-up for the promotion’s upcoming January 29th event in Las Vegas, Nevada. The card is part of the organization’s International Team Challenge series, and will feature Team USA vs. Team Brazil, as well as Team Mexico vs. Team Kazakhstan.

The event will feature UFC vet and renowned BJJ competitor Vinny Magalhaes vs. the undefeated Damien Knight in the headliner.

Here is the line-up for the January 29th event, which will be hosted by the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

USA vs. Brazil
205 lbs: USA’s Damien Knight (3-0) vs. Brazil’s Vinny Magalhaes (5-5)
170 lbs: USA’s Jason Trevino (3-3) vs. Brazil’s Tiki Squeti (10-5)
170 lbs: USA’s Chidi Njokuani (4-1) vs. Brazil’s Sydney Silva (8-3)
185 lbs: USA’s Krasimir Samardzhiev (1-0) vs. Brazil’s Jamen Olney (0-1)

Mexico vs. Kazakhstan
155 lbs: Mexico’s Josh Montalvo (2-0) vs. Kazakhstan’s Ardak Nazarov (3-1)
155 lbs: Mexico’s Art Ramirez (3-3) vs. Kazakhstan’s Beibit Nazarov (3-0)
135 lbs: Mexico’s Omar Avelar (4-0) vs. Kazakhstan’s Begnar Amanbayev (4-0)
125 lbs: Mexico’s Freddy Artega (0-1) vs. Kazakhstan’s Kazybek Ashimov (3-1)
READ MORE - Final Card Released for Jan. 29th MMA Xplosion

Fickett to Challenge McKee for MFC LW Belt

Friday, January 14, 2011

By FCF Staff

Just days removed from announcing that Drew Fickett has signed a multi-fight agreement with the Maximum Fighting Championship, the promotion has confirmed that the UFC vet will take on lightweight champion Antonio McKee, February 25th. MFC 28 “Supremacy” will be hosted by Enoch, Alberta’s River Cree Resort and Casino, and will be broadcast live on HDNet.

“No one – and I mean absolutely no one – gets an easy ride in the Maximum Fighting Championship,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich in the announcement.

“McKee wants to claim he’s still the man in the lightweight division … then go prove it against one of the hottest fighters on the planet. And Fickett says he’s coming to the MFC to choke out everyone. Great … now go do it against the champion who has lost only once by submission in 12 years.”

McKee (25-4-2) returns to the MFC after a one fight stint in the UFC, where he lost by split decision to Jacob Volkmann on January 1st at UFC 125. The loss was McKee’s first since 2003 and ended the 40 year-old-fighter’s 15 fight undefeated streak.

McKee’s last MFC title defense took place in September, when he punished Luciano Azevedo with elbows from the top position for the first round, stoppage.

Fickett (40-13) will be looking to continue his recent resurgence, as the 31 year-old-vet has won four straight after going 0-5 in 2009. The recent run includes winning Shine’s Lightweight Grand-Prix last year, which saw Fickett earn victories over Charles Bennett, Dennis Bermudez, and Carlo Prater at the September 10th event.

MFC 28 will also feature a light-heavyweight bout between Ryan Jimmo and Dwayne Lewis to determine the promotion’s champion.
READ MORE - Fickett to Challenge McKee for MFC LW Belt

Fedor and Silva Talk Upcoming Bout, HW Grand-Prix


By FCF Staff

After weeks of speculation as to when the renowned Fedor Emelianenko would fight next, not only did Strikeforce and M-1 Global confirm recently that he would face Antonio Silva, February 12th, the promotions announced that the bout was part of an upcoming heavyweight grand-prix, featuring several of the world’s more notable heavyweights. (Pictured: Fedor hitting Brett Rogers)

In anticipation of the quarter-final fight, which will be hosted by the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Strikeforce and M-1 Global held a teleconference yesterday with both Emelianenko and Silva on the line. In addition, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker was also a participant, and he proceeded to clarify as to whether or not Alistair Overeem’s heavyweight title would be on the line.

The tournament, which will be broadcast live on Showtime, will also see Andrei Arlvoski face Sergei Kharitonov on February 12th. The other quarterfinal bouts in the three stage, grand-prix include Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers and Fabricio Werdum vs. the aforementioned Overeem.

Here are some of the call’s highlights.

Scott Coker

“There was some confusion on the rules and regulations so I just wanted to clarify. All quarterfinal and semifinal matches will be scheduled for three, five-minute rounds and the tournament final will be five, five-minute rounds for the Strikeforce World Grand Prix Championship. Any fight that ends in a draw, an independent fourth judge will determine the winner and who advances based on the fighters overall performance in the fight. If a fighter qualifies to advance in the tournament but for whatever reason cannot continue to fight in the tournament, we are forming a five-person tournament review committee who will select a fighter to advance in his place. This fighter will come from a pool of fighters which will include previous opponents and winners of reserve matches.

“The review committee will be headed by Strikeforce rules committee director Cory Schaefer, who has been with us since the beginning. The winner of the final match will be crowned Strikeforce World Grand Prix Champion and will have the opportunity to fight for the Strikeforce World Championship belt at that time.


 Fedor Emelianenko

“Nothing has changed for me (since the loss). I train just as I’ve trained before. It just so happened that I had made an error in the previous fight so in training I have just worked on trying not to make that same mistake again. For me nothing has changed inside of me and I still have the same beliefs. I just want to train harder for the next fight.

“I feel very good about participating in this tournament. I feel very proud to be part of the eight who have been chosen and I feel proud to be representing my country in the tournament. I’m training to win the tournament. I’m training hard and whatever happens after that is up to God but I’m training hard and I look forward to performing.

“I’m ready and prepared to step into the cage against Fabricio (Werdum) at any time. It’s something that I’d very much like to do. In regard to Antonio, he’s a very tough opponent, a very dangerous opponent. We’ve never fought before so I’m very happy that we’re getting the opportunity to fight. We’ve seen each other in locker rooms and he’s always been very cordial and a nice person. He’s very qualified and I think it’s going to be a great fight. I really don’t think that I should be fighting anyone else and I’m just going to fight whoever they want me to fight.”

“I’m probably going to train in Russia. I’m more comfortable there and I like to be close to my family. It’s likely I’ll probably stay in Russia. But I wouldn’t mind training somewhere else and with someone like Shane Carwin, who is a good fighter. But most likely I’ll stay in Russia.

Antonio Silva

“I am very happy to be fighting Fedor, who people still consider the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. Fedor is a legend and to be a legend you have to beat a legend. And I’m ready to be the best heavyweight in the world.

“Fedor is the best so this is the top of the food chain. For me, this is the final and I will give it all I have to make this happen. This is my dream and I’m going to beat the legend and I’m going to be a legend.

“I think Fedor is a complete fighter and he’s very well-rounded. It’s tough to determine how this fight will go. I think I will do more stand up in this fight. If it goes to the ground then it does. One thing I have in my mind is that Werdum showed to the world that Fedor’s main weakness is on the ground. But he’s a complete fighter and I’m going to follow where the fight goes.

“Everyone has been saying that I can be the man to beat Fedor in the future. And now I know in my mind that I can beat him. I know this is the right time and that God has given me this time and that I can beat the great Fedor.”
READ MORE - Fedor and Silva Talk Upcoming Bout, HW Grand-Prix

Phil Baroni Signs Multi-Fight Deal with Titan FC

Thursday, January 13, 2011

By FCF Staff

Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for recent UFC exile Phil Baroni to find a new home, as Titan Fighting Championship has announced that it has signed the aggressive and charismatic veteran to a multi-fight agreement.

"Since Phil's departure from the UFC, many fight fans have been wondering what Phil's next move would be. I am proud to announce that Phil has signed a multi-fight deal with Titan and will be featured during our March event," Titan Fighting CEO Joe Kelly stated in the official announcement. "Phil has a star quality to him that so few fighters have and win or lose he has always fought with a true warrior's mentality."

"I'm very happy and excited to re-start my career with Titan Fighting in Kansas City," said Baroni. "I have another chapter to write and it starts March 25. The best NYBA 'eva is fighting for Titan... People love a comeback."

Baroni (13-13) was recently released by the UFC following his first round, stoppage loss to BradTavares on January 1st. The loss was Baroni’s third in a row after the 34 year-old-fighter was also defeated by Amir Sadollah and Joe Riggs, the latter who he faced while competing for Strikeforce.

Baroni’s last win came in September, 2008, when he scored a unanimous decision victory over Olaf Alfonso, to extend his winning streak at the time to three.

No opponent for Baroni’s March 25th, Titan FC debut has been determined yet.

The promotion’s next event takes place on January 28th, and will feature former UFC heavyweight champ Tim Sylvia vs. Abe Wagner in the main event.




READ MORE - Phil Baroni Signs Multi-Fight Deal with Titan FC

New FCF Radio with Rhadi Ferguson


On this episode of Full Contact Fighter Radio, host Jeff "Wombat" Meszaros and James Kellaris discuss the latest hot news in the world of mixed martial arts.  First, the UFC has announced that Brock Lesnar and Junior Dos Santos will be the next coaches on The Ultimate Fighter and will then collide for the No. 1 contender slot and a shot at Cain Velasquez down the road.  Will Dos Santos smash Lesnar? Can Lesnar learn enough striking to deal with the onslaught the Brazilian will bring to the cage?  Tune in and hear what we think, then hang around as we roll onto the topic of the Strikeforce heavyweight tournament, where Alistair Overeem will take on Fabricio Werdum and Fedor Emelianenko will face Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva.  Who will reign supreme?  Can Overeem retain his title as he runs through the tournament?  What about Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers?  Or Andrei Arlovski vs. Sergei Kharitonov?  Will any of these fights look like a scene from "Best of the Best" part 2 (or 3?).  We're not sure but we're ready to discuss it with a level of strict sobriety that borders on tedious.

Then, hang on as we bring in Dr. Rhadi Ferguson, who just won his third professional mixed martial arts fight in Strikeforce. What's it like talking to a man who went to the Olympics twice and graduated with a 4.0 GPA in mechanical engineering?  Tune in and hear for yourself.  Wow.  It's another show worth telling your neighbors about even if they're still mad that your cat craps in their rose garden.
READ MORE - New FCF Radio with Rhadi Ferguson

Miller Surprised but Willing to Fight Friend in Wiman

By Kelsey Mowatt, photo courtesy American Top Team

Cole Miller is once again riding a wave of momentum as he heads into his January 22nd, “Fight for the Troops” with Matt Wiman, as the American Top Team lightweight is coming off an impressive, second round submission victory over former “Ultimate Fighter” winner Ross Pearson. In fact, according to Miller, the September win was so important; the 17-4 fighter was somewhat perplexed when he received the news that he would face Wiman next.

“When I first got the call I can’t say I was super motivated to hear I was fighting Wiman,” Miller told FCF. “I was kind of expecting a different route. I thought that after beating Ross Pearson I was going to get a bigger name, as far as contenders are concerned. I think he was probably expecting the same after his win over Mac Danzig. I think they tried to do a rematch there but with injuries or whatever, it just didn’t work out.”

Miller mentioned his initial lack of motivation upon finding out he would take on Wiman, who apparently has been friends with the 26 year-old Miller, even before they were cast mates on the fifth season of TUF.

“We were friends before the show,” said Miller about Wiman (12-5). “I had already known Matt prior to being on “The Ultimate Fighter”, so on the show we got along great. He’s one of the guys I continue to stay in touch with; we talk on the phone several times a year. If I see him at an event we usually end up hanging out. It’s not going to be a factor though for this fight.”

Like Miller, who tapped out Dan Lauzon with a first round, kimura prior to facing Pearson, Wiman is also coming off back-to-back wins. Prior to his submission win over Danzig, which was stopped prematurely and ended in controversy, Wiman scored a unanimous decision win over Shane Nelson. The victories reversed a two fight losing skid for the 27 year-old, which saw him lose by UD to Sam Stout and rising contender, Jim Miller.

“I think that our ground skills are comparable,” Miller noted while assessing the abilities of Wiman. “Whether or not he’s as good as me on the ground doesn’t matter; I think the levels are close enough to where it’s going to be hard to tell. I think really for this fight it’s going to be who is in the best shape.”

“He’s strong for the weight; he’s got some decent wrestling, and he’s got a good, solid ground game,” Miller added. “His striking, although not as technical as mine and polished, he throws heavy leather. He throws with bad intention.”

Wiman’s aforementioned bout with Danzig marked the only time he competed in 2010, meaning that by the time the veteran faces Miller later this month, he will have only fought once since December 12th, 2009.

“It’s hard to say,” said Miller when asked if he believes cage rust may play a factor in the bout. “Every individual is different. Sometimes ring rust can be beneficial; it’s like someone coming in like a cage animal, whose been caged for too long and they just unleash. On the opposite side of that spectrum, sometimes ring rust can be bad, they’re reluctant to let punches go; they don’t have their timing and they’re reluctant to commit. It’s hard to say which way Matt will be; I don’t think he’s had this kind of ring rust before. I can’t really say.”

While Miller is focusing his efforts on defeating Wiman, January 22nd, it will be interesting to see who the UFC might match him up against next, provided he soon records his seventh Octagon win. Due to several call outs from Donald Cerrone, who reportedly is looking to avenge Miller’s 2007 victory over teammate Leonard Garcia, a bout with the WEC vet could be in cards.

“I know it sounds really cliché, but it’s up to the UFC. I’ve started thinking about what I want though and I think I want to fight “Cowboy”, said Miller in referring Cerrone. “I just want to fight this guy; I’ve been wanting to fight him for a long time, he’s been wanting to fight me for a long time.”

“But then part of me thinks the only thing better than me kicking his ass is if Paul Kelly knocks him the f—k out and he never gets to deserve to fight me,” Miller added. “So I’ve been thinking about that; you never want to take a step backwards after taking a big leap...At the same time, I’m a man and I’m a fighter and that’s something I want. I want to go in there and I want to fight this guy.”






READ MORE - Miller Surprised but Willing to Fight Friend in Wiman

Drew Fickett Signs Multi-Fight Contract with MFC

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

By FCF Staff

The  Maximum Fighting Championship and Drew Fickett have evidently decided to put their rocky past behind them, as the promotion has announced that it has signed the well traveled veteran to a multi-fight contract. Fickett will make his promotional debut February 28th at MFC 28; no opponent has been determined yet.

Fickett (pictured) was originally scheduled to compete for the MFC in 2008, but the UFC vet did not fight for the organization as planned, and a very heated, public debate ensued with the promotion’s President Mark Pavelich.

“My biggest thing is that everyone deserves a second chance and everyone deserves forgiveness,” Fickett was quoted saying in a press release from the promotion. “Mark and I had a quarrel but everything has been forgiven and I appreciate that he is giving me a shot.”

“He called me with this opportunity even after we had such a big dispute. To me, that’s just beautiful ... it’s just awesome. I think Mark and I are now able to sit back and have a beer and laugh about all that past stuff.”

Fickett (40-13) will head into the MFC having won four straight, a run which includes winning Shine’s Lightweight Grand-Prix last year.

“I’ve got a lot of love for a lot of people,” reflected Fickett, who turned 31 on Christmas Eve. “I’m really grateful for the people who are around me. I’ve got my daughter. I’ve got people who care about me. I’ve got a good girlfriend who supports me.

“I’m surrounded by good people and I’m away from the BS and the partying. It’s made me want to fight.”

MFC 28, which will be hosted by the River Cree Resort and Casino in Enoch, Alberta, will also feature a light-heavyweight bout between Ryan Jimmo and Dwayne Lewis to determine the MFC champion. Other confirmed bouts include Kajan Johnson vs. Richie Whitson, Razak Al-Hassan vs. Rodney Wallace, Thomas Denny vs. Sheldon Westcott and Robert Washington vs. Tyrone Glover.

The event will be broadcast live on HDNet.



READ MORE - Drew Fickett Signs Multi-Fight Contract with MFC

Lesnar and dos Santos to Coach TUF 13, Fight for Title Shot

By FCF Staff

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has elected to solve two problems with one fight, namely its “Ultimate Fighter” program. Faced with the prospect of trying to find number one contender Junior dos Santos and former champion Brock Lesnar a fight, the promotion has announced that the two heavyweights will be the opposing coaches for the upcoming season of TUF. Upon the conclusion of the season, which will begin airing March 30th on Spike TV, Lesnar (pictured) and dos Santos will square off to determine who will face champion Cain Velasquez.

Dos Santos had been scheduled to face Velasquez next; however, a torn rotator cuff will likely prevent Velasquez from competing until mid to late 2011.

“It’s gonna be a very interesting six weeks of filming,” White was quoted saying on the official UFC site. “These two will coach, then they’ll fight, and the winner of the fight will fight Cain Velasquez when he’s healthy."

The announcement ends weeks of speculation as to what Lesnar (5-2) would elect to do next, following his first round, stoppage loss at the hands of Velasquez in October.

The show and subsequent bout will also keep dos Santos busy, who reportedly was not happy about the prospect of remaining idle while Velazquez rehabbed his shoulder for six to eight months. Dos Santos (11-1) was originally awarded a title shot after the Brazilian dominated TUF 10 winner Roy Nelson, for the unanimous decision victory in August.
READ MORE - Lesnar and dos Santos to Coach TUF 13, Fight for Title Shot

Catching Up with “Wing Chun Man” Shawn Obasi

By Jim Genia

Shawn Obasi, New York’s infamous “Wing Chun Man”, has kept himself pretty busy lately.  For the past few months the he’s been training diligently for his professional MMA debut, and last week the hard-hitting kung fu stylist fought a challenge match against Internet personality “Bloodstain Lane” at a gym in Brooklyn.  FCF caught up with Obasi (pictured) to get the scoop on what the polarizing underground veteran has been up to.

“I’ve just been training super-duper hard, getting ready for my pro debut,” said Obasi, who splits his time between Grados Wing Chun and Alliance BJJ, and has gone from 278 pounds to 210.  “I’m going to be fighting for the light-heavyweight belt at Brick City Fighting Championships against Carlos Cline. He’s a Gracie fighter so I’m really looking forward to that.”

How did the Bloodstain Lane challenge match come about?  “He was on Facebook and I was on Facebook, and it’s kind of funny how that came about.  In my head I was saying, ‘Man, this guy talks so much shit about MMA fighters and how they lay-and-pray’, and he was talking about how he’d kick someone’s ass and do this and that.  And I was saying, ‘You know, I would like to fight this guy, but I don’t know how to go about it.’  Well, one day he left a post saying, ‘I’m going to be at Brooklyn Fight Factory sparring.  If any of you bozos want to come down and spar with me, come on out.’  I was like, oh wow.  This would be a great opportunity.  I left him a message asking what time, and all of sudden people on the thread started realizing who I was.  Then it became crazy.  It was on Twitter and all over the place, so we decided we were going to meet up and bang it out, and we did.”

The subsequent video of the match, which made the rounds on the Internet, show Bloodstain Lane taking the Wing Chun rep down repeatedly, but unable to do much while there.  It ends with Obasi snagging an armbar in the third round.  Obasi’s thoughts on the fight?  

“It went okay.  I want people to understand it was just like a sparring match, not a full-contact thing.  I had spoken to Bloodstain Lane before, and he’d specifically asked me not to go hard, so I was going about 45 percent.  I won in the last round with an armbar, and I didn’t use any Wing Chun.  The reason why is, 1) I wasn’t really trying to hurt the guy, and 2) I wanted to test myself.  The way I was testing myself was by letting the guy put me into bad situations and letting the guy do what he wanted.”

“My teacher said something to me a while back and it stuck in my head.  He said, ‘Shawn, when you start to win fights by beating people effortlessly, that’s when you know you’ve reached a high-level of martial arts.’  When people see the video they can tell that I wasn’t aggressive.  I was pretty much relaxed.  And it makes me feel good that someone was going 100 percent and I was going 45 percent and I could still beat them.  But it wasn’t really I big deal.”

Will Obasi step into the cage against Cline with the same intensity?  “Absolutely not.  What you’re going to see is a culmination of that same theory of ‘effortlessness’, but you’ll also see emotional content.  You will know I’m fighting when you see the expressions on my face – I make crazy expressions on my face.  You can hear me raise my chi.  And that’s how you’ll know I’m fighting for real.  When I fight Carlos Cline I’m going to go at him with everything I got.  This is not a game, this is the professional level.  I’m getting paid for this.  I have expectations to live up to, and trust me when I tell you, when there’s a belt on the line, there’s no games.”

With no sanctioned matches to his name, Obasi finds himself in the unique position of fighting for a championship title in his pro debut – a feat due in no small part to his reputation as a tough fighter, as well as his ability to generate hype.  But the man whose YouTube highlight reel includes an emotional tirade at last year’s M-1 Global tryouts (“I’m a Wing Chun man!  I’ll be a Wing Chun man until the day I die!”) is taking it all in stride.  “It’s a really great feeling that I’m going to fight for the belt,” he says.  “And it’s crazy because once I do win, I will be Wing Chun’s first MMA champion.  It’s going to be really big.  I have a chance to make history.  Everything I’ve ever wanted, I have the opportunity to make it happen.”

Adds Obasi: “I feel really great.  I’m ready to go out and crush the guy.”

READ MORE - Catching Up with “Wing Chun Man” Shawn Obasi

MFC Signs Robert Washington, Meets Glover Feb. 25th

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

By FCF Staff

The Maximum Fighting Championship has announced that is has signed H.I.T. Squad prospect Robert “The Beast” Washington to a multi-fight contract, and that the lightweight will face Tyrone Glover, February 25th. MFC 28 “Supremacy” will be hosted by the River Cree Resort and Casino in Enoch, Alberta and will be broadcast live on HDNet.

Washington (9-1) went 5-1 in 2010 and is coming off a unanimous decision win over Tony Parker in December, while fighting under the Annihilation Productions Banner. The 27 year-old-fighter’s only professional loss took place last July when he was knocked out by Ronnie Borja.

“I think every fighter’s goal should be to become a champion,” Washington was quoted saying in the MFC press release. “I’ve never had the chance to be a champion and the biggest goal of my life is to fight for a belt. I want to be the best 155-pounder in the world and I train for that every day. I’m super excited to be in the MFC where I will get the chance to make that happen.”

Washington began fighting while serving with the United States Navy and competed on the Navy’s wrestling team for three years.

“It took a lot of sacrifice,” Washington explained. “I had to be at work with the Navy at 7:30 in the morning so I trained from 5 until 7:15. Then I’d be at work until 5 and then back to train from 5:30 to 7 at night – Monday through Friday. I never took any vacation. My vacation days were used to travel for my fights.”

Glover (5-0), who will also be making his MFC debut on February 25th, is coming off a first round, submission victory over Nick Buschman in November.

“He’s a tough opponent. I’ll be there on February 25th to throw down and put on a good show for the fans,” said Glover.

MFC 28 will feature a light-heavyweight bout between Ryan Jimmo and Dwayne Lewis to determine the promotion’s champion. Other bouts that have been confirmed for the event include Kajan Johnson vs. Richie Whitson, Razak Al-Hassan vs. Rodney Wallace and Thomas Denny vs. Sheldon Westcott.




READ MORE - MFC Signs Robert Washington, Meets Glover Feb. 25th

Lozano Latest Welterweight Confirmed for Bellator Tourney


By FCF Staff, photo courtesy Bellator FC

Bellator Fighting Championships continues to confirm participants for the promotion’s upcoming, season four welterweight tournament, as the organization has announced that Chris Lozano will join Dan Hornbuckle, Brent Weedman and Rick Hawn as competitors. The tourney, which is set to begin in March, will be broadcast live on MTV2. (Pictured: Lozano)

“I fight to finish people. I don't fight to be nice. I understand that it's a sport, but at the same time, I'm in there to finish guys,” said Lozano in the official announcement. “I'm going to come into this tournament the same way I've come into every single one of my fights, and that's to put guys away.”

Lozano will head into the competition having gone 6-0 since he turned pro in 2009. The Cleveland fighter has stopped all six of his opponents; most recently at Bellator 31 in September, he defeated UFC vet Yoshiyuki Yoshida by corner stoppage.

 “It's hard to put a limit to Chris’ potential in the welterweight division.  His skills and ability have shown through devastating stoppages time and time again,” added Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “It will be great to watch Lozano face the toughest test(s) of his fast-rising career in our Season 4 Welterweight Tournament.”

“I've always been hungry, but I'm hungrier than I've ever been right now. Knowing how stacked this tournament is going to be, and knowing how bad I want to win it, has really helped to elevate my game,” said Lozano, who is a member of Cleveland’s Strong Style Fight Team.  “From the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep, there's only one thing on my mind, and that's being ready and prepared for this tournament.”



READ MORE - Lozano Latest Welterweight Confirmed for Bellator Tourney

L.C. Davis vs. Jared Downing Confirmed for Titan FC 16

Monday, January 10, 2011

By FCF Staff

Titan Fighting Championship has confirmed that noted veteran L.C. Davis will take on featherweight Jared Downing at the promotion’s upcoming January 28th, event in Kansas City, Kansas. The event, which will be hosted by the city’s Memorial Hall, will be broadcast on HDNet.

Davis (16-4) will head into the bout having dropped back-to-back bouts to Josh Grispi and more recently Raphael Assuncao, while competing under the World Extreme Cagefighting banner. The losses ended the 30 year-old-fighter’s three fighting winning streak in the promotion, which saw Davis earn wins over Javier Vazquez, Deivdas Taurosevicius, and Diego Nunes.

"It means a lot to get to come home and fight in front of all my family and friends," Davis was quoted saying in a press release from the promotion. "I'm really thankful that Titan is giving me the opportunity to compete in my hometown. I'm looking forward to showcasing my talents on Jan. 28.

Downing (6-0) has gone undefeated since the fighter began competing professionally in the summer of 2009. The featherweight scored wins over Chad Vandenberg and William Joplin last year while fighting for Bellator FC.

“Jared is one of the strongest fighters you will encounter in the lighter weight divisions. He's fought twice for Bellator and has looked dominant against strong competition," said Titan Fighting Championship CEO Joe Kelly. "L.C. has fought at the highest level of MMA and has designs on returning. Jared is being looked at by numerous organizations right now. There is a lot on the line for both fighters."

Titan FC 16 will also feature former UFC heavyweight champ Tim Sylvia against “Ultimate Fighter” veteran Abe Wagner, as well as, Drew McFedries vs. Gary Tapasua and Jason High vs. Rudy Bears.


READ MORE - L.C. Davis vs. Jared Downing Confirmed for Titan FC 16

UFC 128: Shogun vs. Evans Update

By FCF Staff

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has announced that tickets for the promotion’s upcoming March 19th, “Shogun vs. Evans” card in Newark, New Jersey, will go on sale Tuesday. The card will be headlined with a light-heavyweight championship between Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (pictured) and challenger Rashad Evans and will be hosted by Newark’s Prudential Center.

Rua (19-4) took home the UFC title last May by knocking out Lyoto Machida in the first round at UFC 113. Following the bout the 29 year-old-fighter underwent knee surgery and has not fought since. The win avenged a previous loss to Machida, who narrowly defeated Rua by unanimous decision at UFC 104, in October, 2009.

Evans (15-1-1) has been waiting on the sidelines for the return of Rua, after the former light-heavyweight champ scored a UD win over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson last May. Evans only other bout in 2010 took place last January, when he earned another unanimous decision win over Thiago Silva.

Other bouts that have been confirmed for UFC 128 include two bantamweight bouts, Urijah Faber vs. Eddie Wineland and Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland, as well as three lightweight tilts, Jim Miller vs. Kamal Shalorous, Edson Barboza vs. Anthony Njokuani, and Kurt Pellegrino vs. Gleison Tibau.
READ MORE - UFC 128: Shogun vs. Evans Update