Jon Jones Dominates “Shogun” Rua to Win UFC Light-Heavyweight Title

Saturday, March 19, 2011

By FCF Staff 

Jon Jones demonstrated once again tonight in Newark, New Jersey, why he is the sport’s fastest rising commodity, as the dynamic fighter dominated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua en route to a third round, championship win. Jones outscored the champion throughout the fight, utilizing his range to land strikes on his feet or punishing Rua from above with ground-and-pound blows. Despite Jones attacks and effective takedowns, a fatigued looking Rua fought on, attempting to secure the challenger’s legs on several occasions in search of a submission.

As the bout entered the third frame Rua was visibly fading, and after struggling back to his feet following more punches and elbows from above, Jones finished the deal with a punishing knee and a hard left hook to the body. After Jones received his new light-heavyweight championship belt, his training partner Rashad Evans was brought into the Octagon and confirmed as his next opponent.

Here are the official results for UFC 128.

Jon Jones def. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua via TKO (strikes) - R3, 2:37

Urijah Faber def. Eddie Wineland via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Jim Miller def. Kamal Shalorus via TKO (strikes) - R3, 2:15

Nate Marquardt def. Dan Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Brendan Schaub def. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic via TKO (punch) - R3, 3:44

Luiz Cane def.  Eliot Marshall via TKO (punches) – R1, 2:15

Edson Barboza def. Anthony Njokuani via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mike Pyle def. Ricardo Almeida via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Gleison Tibau def. Kurt Pellegrino via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Joseph Benavidez def. Ian Loveland via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Nick Catone def. Costantinos Philippou via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Erik Koch def. Raphael Assuncao via knockout (punch) - R1, 2:32
READ MORE - Jon Jones Dominates “Shogun” Rua to Win UFC Light-Heavyweight Title

Bellator 37 Weigh-In Results


By FCF Staff, photo courtesy Bellator FC

Bellator’s fourth season, featherweight tournament gets underway tonight in Concho, Oklahoma, showcasing a line-up that includes several experienced vets including Georgi Karakhanyan, Wilson Reis and Zac George.

The event will be hosted by the Lucky Star Casino and will be broadcast on MTV 2. Here are the official weigh-in results for Bellator 37.

Featherweight Tournament
Georgi Karakhanyan (146 lbs) vs. Patricio Freire (146 lbs)
Wilson Reis (145.6 lbs) vs. Zac George (145.8 lbs)
Kenny Foster (145.4 lbs) vs. Eric Larkin (145.4 lbs)
Daniel Straus (144 lbs) vs. Nazareno Malegarie (145.6 lbs)

Undercard
Jake Rosholt (185.8 lbs) vs. John Bryant (186.8 lbs)
Jeremy Spoon (143.6 lbs) vs. Jerrod Sanders (146 lbs)
Brandon Shelton (153 lbs) vs. Adam Snook*
Roli Delgado (144.4 lbs) vs. Jameel Massouh (145 lbs)

*Adam Snook will conduct his weigh-in today
READ MORE - Bellator 37 Weigh-In Results

UFC 128 Weigh-In Results

Friday, March 18, 2011


By FCF Staff

The Ultimate Fighting Championship held the official weigh-in results this afternoon in anticipation of the promotion’s “Shogun” vs. Jones event tomorrow night, in Newark, New Jersey. The card will be headlined by a light-heavyweight bout between champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and challenger Jon “Bones” Jones.

 Here are the official weigh-in results.

Mauricio Rua (205) vs. Jon Jones (205)
Eddie Wineland (135.5) vs. Urijah Faber (135.5)
Dan Miller (185) vs. Nate Marquardt (186)
Brendan Schaub (245) vs. Mirko Filipovic (229)
Jim Miller (155.5) vs. Kamal Shalorus (155)
Eliot Marshall (205) vs. Luiz Cane (205.5)
Anthony Njokuani (155) vs. Edson Barboza (155.5)
Mike Pyle (171) vs. Ricardo Almeida (170)
Gleison Tibau (155) vs. Kurt Pellegrino (156)
Ian Loveland (135) vs. Joseph Benavidez (136)
Costa Philippou (195) vs. Nick Catone (194)
Erik Koch (145) vs. Raphael Assuncao (145)



READ MORE - UFC 128 Weigh-In Results

Video: "Shogun" Rua Training for UFC 128



READ MORE - Video: "Shogun" Rua Training for UFC 128

Video: Wanderlei Silva and Rafael Cordeiro Talk "Shogun" vs. Jones

Wanderlei Silva continues to be featured in videos by Dogged.TV; in this latest clip the decorated fighter talks with renowned trainer Rafael Cordeiro, about this Saturday's bout between "Shogun" Rua and Jon Jones.

READ MORE - Video: Wanderlei Silva and Rafael Cordeiro Talk "Shogun" vs. Jones

Vinnny Magalhaes Eager to Deepen his Impact


Photo and story from M-1 Global

Decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Vinny ‘Pezao’ Magalhaes (6-5) faces stiff competition at M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa where he’ll aim to hand undefeated Jake Doerr (6-0) his first loss and move one step closer to earning a shot at the M-1 Global light heavyweight championship belt. Fans can capture the submission specialist in action live on Showtime on Friday, March 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).Riding solid momentum from back-to-back wins and victorious in four of his last five outings it seems that the three time BJJ world champion has a re-focussed mindset.

In his first outing with M-1 Global this past December, Magalhaes executed an impressive inverted triangle submission for the victory over Alihan Magomedov, an excellent performance to mark his return to the ring after being sidelined for the better portion of 2010 while rehabbing from knee surgery. The win caught the attention of the M-1 Global executive team who offered up a six-fight contract with Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion; the battle with Doerr marks the slick submission specialist’s first trip into the ring under the new 2-year deal.

As a world-class BJJ expert, Magalhaes currently trains and teaches at the TapouT Training Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he’s dedicated to evolving his skills in Wrestling, Muay Thai and Boxing; with a versatile arsenal, Magalhaes has every opportunity to become one of the world’s best light heavyweight fighters and a marquee name for the M-1 Global promotion
.
A Black Belt under instructors Vinicius Aieta and Royler Gracie, Magalhaes won thirteen matches - ten by submission - and took home two Gold Medals in the 2005 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship while still a Brown Belt. In 2007, Magalhaes would become the first Jiu-Jitsu No Gi World Champion in the Super Heavy Weight Division as a Black Belt.

2009 marked an impressive year for Magalhaes at the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship, where he took home a pair of bronze medals in the Under 99 kg and Absolute Divisions. On his way to win the bronze in his weight Division, Magalhaes defeated BJJ World Champion Rodrigo Cavaca, the 2003 ADCC World Champion and two-time BJJ Absolute World Champion, Marcio Cruz, ADCC Brazil Trial Winner Glover Teixeira; the quest for gold ended with a loss by points to the eventual Champion Xande Ribeiro.

On his run for his second bronze, Magalhaes beat the 2005 ADCC Absolute World Champion Dean Lister by Judges Decision, moving on to the Quarter-Finals against the two-time NCAA Wrestler and MMA Prospect Chris Weidman, who he beat with his patented ‘Flying Armbar’; the semi-final match against Braulio Estima ended with Magalhaes losing by points. In the 3rd Place match, Vinny scored a late takedown against Gunnar Nelson which guaranteed the win.

Magalhaes after submitting Magomedov
Magalhaes has also been instrumental in educating some of Europe’s top prospects and M-1Global’s upcoming stable of young fighters by leading a training seminar in Saint Petersburg, Russia late last year. Talking about his experience, ‘Pezao’ was quick to point out the determination his pupils possessed. “I’ve trained in Japan, Brazil, the United States and now Russia, one thing that I can say is that the Russian fighters were some of the most intense guys that I have ever been around. It’s clear they don’t have the same resources we have in the U.S.A. but that doesn’t change how tough they can be.” 

A recognizable figure to the North American fan base, Magalhaes was part of the eighth season of The Ultimate Fighter where he went on to defeat Lance Evans, Jules Bruchez and Krzysztof Soszynski, advancing to the TUF finals against Ryan Bader where he lost by TKO.

Ready to continue making his impact felt within the 205-pound division, Magalhaes is primed to make the most of his opportunity against Doerr on one of the United States’ most prestigious, premium television networks; a win places him atop the LHW food chain and directly into title contention.
READ MORE - Vinnny Magalhaes Eager to Deepen his Impact

Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung II Booked for Mar. 26th

Thursday, March 17, 2011

By FCF Staff, photo courtesy Sengoku

An injury to featherweight Nam Phan has entrenched a rematch between Chan Sung Jung and Leonard Garcia, at the upcoming March 26th, UFC Fight Night card in Seattle. According to the UFC’s confirmation, Phan was forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout with Garcia due to a broken foot.

Jung (10-3) is coming off a devastating knockout loss to George Roop in September, after “The Korean Zombie” (pictured) lost by split decision to Garcia at WEC last April. The bout was widely considered to be one of the best tilts of the year.

Garcia (15-6-1) has gone 1-1 since his memorable encounter with Jung; at WEC 51 in September, he lost by split decision to Mark Hominick, before scoring a split decision win over Phan at the TUF 12 Finale in December.

UFC Fight Night 24 will be headlined by a light-heavyweight bout between Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Phil Davis. The card, which will be broadcast on Spike, will also feature a notable welterweight bout between Dan Hardy and Anthony Johnson.
READ MORE - Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung II Booked for Mar. 26th

Jake Doerr to Meet Vinny Magalhaes at Mar. 25th M-1 Challenge

By FCF Staff

M-1 Global continues to round out the card for the promotion’s upcoming March 25th, “Damkovsky vs. Figueroa” event in Norfolk, Virginia, as today it has announced that undefeated light-heavyweight Jake Doerr will take on accomplished BJJ stylist Vinny Magalhaes.

Doerr (6-0) will make his M-1 Global debut having won six straight since he turned pro in 2004. The 31 year-old-fighter hasn’t fought since February, 2009, when he submitted Rico Washington Sr.

Magalhaes (6-5) heads into the fight having won back-to-back bouts competing under the M-1 Global banner. In December, the 26 year-old-fighter submitted Alihan Magomedov with a second round, triangle choke, and most recently in January, he tapped out Robert Scott with an armbar in the second frame.

The March 25th event will feature lightweight champion Artiom Damkovsky versus contender Jose Figueroa in the main event. The card will be broadcast on Showtime.

Here is the video of Magalhaes facing Magomedov courtesy M-1 Global.


READ MORE - Jake Doerr to Meet Vinny Magalhaes at Mar. 25th M-1 Challenge

Penn vs. Fitch II, Other Fights Confirmed for UFC 132

By FCF Staff

After the BJ Penn and Jon Fitch clash in February didn’t produce a winner, but spawned countess debates throughout the MMA world as to who was the victor, the UFC has confirmed today that the two will meet again, July 2nd, at UF 132. The event will be hosted by the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Despite the draw result, Penn (16-7-2) impressed many in his second bout as a welterweight since 2009, pushing the highly regarded Fitch throughout the first two rounds. The former lightweight champ returned to 170lbs. last November and knocked out the accomplished Matt Hughes.

Penn’s performance ended Fitch’s (23-3-1) five fight winning streak, which included wins over Thiago Silva, Paulo Thiago and Mike Pierce.The American Kickboxing Academy fighter's UFC record is a remarkable 13-1-1.

The UFC also confirmed two notable lightweight bouts for the July 2nd card, as Dennis Siver has verbally agreed to face Matt Wiman and George Sotiropoulus has verbally signed off on fighting Evan Dunham.

Siver (18-7) continue his climb up the lightweight rankings in February, by handing Sotiropoulus a unanimous decision loss at UFC 127, to extend his winning streak to three. Wiman (13-5) has also won three consecutive bouts; most recently in January he worked his way to a UD victory over Cole Miller.

The aforementioned loss to Siver, marked the first time Sotiropoulus (14-3) had lost since 2006, and ended the Australian fighter’s eight fighting winning streak. Dunham (11-2) will also be looking to return to the winner’s column, as the lightweight prospect has now dropped back-to-back bouts against Sean Sherk and most recently Melvin Guillard.

READ MORE - Penn vs. Fitch II, Other Fights Confirmed for UFC 132

M-1 Challenge: Zavurov vs. Magomedov II Set for April 28th

Wednesday, March 16, 2011


By FCF Staff, photo courtesy M-1 Global

M-1 Global has announced that the promotion’s upcoming, April 28th, M-1 Challenge XXV event in St.Petersburg, Russia, will feature a rematch between current welterweight champion Shamil Zavurov (19-1) and contender Rashid Magomedov (8-1).

Magomedov is the only man to have defeated Zavurov (pictured) to date; at a M-1 Challenge Selections event in November, 2009, he was awarded the split decision victory over the current champion. Magomedov is coming off a first round, stoppage of Rafal Moks at M-1 Challenge XXIII on March 5th.

Since losing to Magomedov, Zavurov has won ten straight, including a TKO win over Tom Gallicchio at the aforementioned M-1 Challenge 23 event.

The April 28th M-1 Challenge event will be streamed live on the official M-1 Global website. Here is the line-up to date for the upcoming card.

M-1 Challenge XXV Under Card:
Alexander Kosarev (1-2) vs. Denis Goltsov (2-1) Heavyweight

M-1 Challenge XXV Main Card: (Streaming Live):
Andrei Semenov (29-9-2) vs. Luigi Fioravanti (22-8) Middleweight

Welterweight Championship Bout
Shamil Zavurov(19-1) vs. Rashid Magomedov (8-1)

More bouts will be announced shortly.
READ MORE - M-1 Challenge: Zavurov vs. Magomedov II Set for April 28th

Recovered from Surgeries, Soszynski Excited for UFC 131


By Kelsey Mowatt

After Krzysztof Soszynski was stopped in his rematch against fellow TUF vet Stephan Bonnar last July, the veteran light-heavyweight returned to the winner’s column four months later at UFC 122, with a memorable unanimous decision victory over Goran Reljic. While the victory ended Soszynki’s three fight, 2010 campaign on a high note; it would also mark the last time he would fight for quite some time. (Pictured: Soszynski (right) with Muay Thai instructor Ed Buckley)

“I had both of my knees done at the same time,” Soszynski told FCF recently, while discussing the surgeries that have sidelined the 33 year-old –fighter thus far in 2011. “A week earlier I had a deviated septum fixed from my last fight too, so, I had my nose done the week before. Three surgeries within two weeks meant it’s been a long journey to get back to health, but I took some time off from training, laid around the house, and let everything heal. Everything’s nearly 100% now and I’m really excited to fight.”

Recently the UFC confirmed that Soszysnki (25-11-1) will return to action at the promotion’s upcoming, June 11th, UFC 131 card in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Poland native and Canadian citizen will take on Australia’s Anthony Perosh (11-6).

“As a fighter, he’s going to be a bit taller than me, have a little bit of a reach,” said Soszynski about the 6’3 tall Perosh, who is coming off a first round, submission victory over Tom Blackledge at UFC 127 in February. “He gave Cro Cop (Filipovic) a war, got cut, and the fight had to be stopped. He won his last fight in Australia by submission, so he has very good jiu-jitsu, but I think his weaknesses will be the striking and the wrestling.”

“I’m sure he’ll be busting his but to get ready,” Soszynski added. “I’m going to have to be ready. I’m going to train like I do for every fight; I train like I’m fighting the world light-heavyweight champion.”

While Soszynski traveled to Germany for his last fight in November, this time around the long time Winnipeg resident will remain much closer to home, fighting in Vancouver for the first time since 2004.

“I fought Lee Mein in Vancouver way back in the day,” Soszynski recalled. “I had a great time being out there. My wife’s family all live in Victoria,  so they’re going to come to the fight; my parents are going to fly over, my son’s flying over, I’m going to have my whole family there, bunch of friends, so it’s going to be a blast. UFC 97 in Montreal was one of the best experiences in my career, but I expect Vancouver to be just as loud, just as good an experience.”

To prepare for his upcoming bout with Perosh, Soszynski will remain in California as he has been for some time now, splitting his time between several gyms that include world class trainers and fighters.

“I spend most of my time in Southern California,” Soszynski acknowledged. “I’m here at the Reign Training Center with Mark Munoz; it’s his gym, and there are a whole bunch of great fighters. I also train at Rafael Cordeiro’s gym, Kings MMA, so I have the best of both worlds... I got to train there with Fabricio Werdum, Wanderlei Silva was in town; the list goes on and on.”

Although Soszynski is no longer spending as much time training with Team Quest in Temecula as he used to, he reports that he still retains a solid relationship with its members and founders.

“I was back at Team Quest last week,” said Soszynski. “I was doing some work with my Muay Thai coach Ed Buckley, who still trains out of Team Quest. I have a great relationship with those guys but it was just something I had to do. When I left, there was just no training partners for me and I needed to go somewhere where they had the 205’ers, some heavyweights to train with me. So I spoke to Mark Munoz about the making the move and he said come on out, but I still talk to Dan Henderson; Heath Sims and I still talk all the time.”
READ MORE - Recovered from Surgeries, Soszynski Excited for UFC 131

New FCF Radio: UFC 128 Preview and Joe Doerksen

On this episode of Full Contact Fighter Radio, host Jeff Meszaros and co-host James Kellaris share their predictions for the next UFC event, where the terrifying fast-rising monster Jon Jones faces legendary living legend "Shogun" Rua for the light-heavyweight belt.  What should fans expect?  No one is sure -- especially us.  Tune in and hear our supporting arguments for picking either Jones or Rua, as well as a host of other illogical reasons that no one can explain or even explain as relevant.  Then, after riding that horse into the sunset, we move on to chat about the other fights on the event, like Mirko "Cro Cop" vs. Brenden Shaub.  Is it Sakuraba-esque that "Cro Cop" is still fighting?  Or can the Croatian land one final head kick to cap off his career.  Answer: Probably not.  Also, what about Urijah Faber?  Does his chin look exactly like a tiny bum or what?  Plus, who is this guy he is fighting?  Is he going to beat Faber and ruin his welcome to the Octagon?  Plus what about Dan Miller vs. Nate Marquardt?  Damn, that one is impossible to predict.  Or is it?

Hang on as we share our thoughts, and for an added kick in the shorts we bring by UFC veteran Joe Doerksen to discuss his upcoming fight in Australia vs. Hector Lombard.  That's a fight sure to be entertaining.  Listen as Doerksen shares his thoughts, expert analysis and witty comments, both for his fight and the UFC card that awaits us this weekend.  Bang!  Snap!  Zoom!  Which of these words doesn't belong?  Listen and find out.  Hint: the it might be all of them.

To check out the show head here.
READ MORE - New FCF Radio: UFC 128 Preview and Joe Doerksen

Video: The Reem Season 2 Episode 1

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

By FCF Staff

The first episode of  "The Reem", Season Two has been released; the ongoing web-mini-series documentary follows Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem.


THE REEM 2 EPISODE 1: COMING TO AMERICA from THE REEM on Vimeo.
READ MORE - Video: The Reem Season 2 Episode 1

FEG President Tanikawa Comments on Crisis in Japan, Future of Company

By FCF Staff

In response to the tragic earthquake that has struck Japan, and the ongoing crises the nation is enduring, Fighting and Entertainment President Sadaharu Tanikawa has released a statement on the official K-1 website. In it, Tanikawa offers his condolences to the victims of the recent tragedy, before discussing the future of fight sports in Japan.

Over the last few months, speculation has been rampant regarding the future of FEG, which is the parent company behind kickboxing promotion K-1 and MMA organization Dream. Amidst reports that the organization is in dire straits financially, fellow Japanese promoter and competitor World Victory Road (Sengoku Raiden Championships) also appear to be on the ropes.

Here is the Tanikawa statement which is posted on the K-1 site.

First of all, I would like to express my condolences to the victims of the disaster. The victims and their families must be going through hell now. Please, stay strong and overcome this tragedy. I hope you will be able to return to normal life soon.

As we can all see, this disaster has caused massive damage to Japan. All we can do right now is to encourage people by harnessing the collective power of fight sports fans. Another major local organization SRC has stated the possibility of withdrawal from the scene. Additionally the organization we work closely with, Strikeforce, has been purchased by Zuffa/UFC recently. We have to say, fight sports in Japan is currently going through the hardest time that we've ever experienced before. However, we are not giving up! We know we have to keep moving forward. We will do our best to make it. So please stick by us, and support us.

We have received many messages from fighters, promoters and fans since the tragedy. It really shows their love for Japan and the Japanese fight sports scene. Now we are determined to fight for them! We will keep on updating these special messages from fighters to our official website, Twitter and Facebook. We hope these messages will go some way to cheering up the people of Japan. Let's unite and overcome this adversity!

Sadaharu Tanikawa


READ MORE - FEG President Tanikawa Comments on Crisis in Japan, Future of Company

Matt Brown and Rich Attonito Agree to TUF 13 Bout


By FCF Staff, photo courtesy American Top Team

Matt Brown reportedly will look to end a three fight losing streak against fellow Rich Attonito, at the upcoming, June 4th, “Ultimate Fighter Finale” card in Las Vegas, Nevada. According to a post on the official UFC website, the two welterweights have verbally agreed to the fight. (Pictured: Attonito)

Brown (11-10) hasn’t fought since November, when the 30 year-old-veteran was tapped out by Brian Foster, with a second round, guillotine choke. The defeat followed back-to-back losses to Chris Lytle and Ricardo Almeida, both of which also came by submission. Prior to the losing streak, Brown had won three straight, scoring wins over Pete Sell, Ryan Thomas and James Wilks.

Attonito (9-4) is coming off a unanimous decision loss to David Branch, at the TUF 12 Finale in December, which ended the American Top Team fighter’s four fight win streak. Since competing on the eleventh season of TUF, the 33 year-old Attonito has earned Octagon wins over Jamie Yager and Rafael Natal.

The welterweight bout is the latest to be confirmed by the UFC over the last couple of days. Additional fights that are in the works include lightweight fights featuring Donald Cerrone vs. lightweight Mac Danzig and Sam Stout vs. Yves Edwards for UFC 131, Shane Roller vs. lightweight vet Melvin Guillard at UFC 132, and bantamweight bouts featuring Demetrious Johnson vs. Renen Barao and Norifumi Yamamoto vs. Chris Cariaso for UFC 130.


READ MORE - Matt Brown and Rich Attonito Agree to TUF 13 Bout