New FCF Radio with Trainer, Brock Lesnar Coach, Greg Nelson

On this episode of Full Contact Fighter Radio, host Jeff "Wombat" Meszaros and co-host James Kellaris review the matches of "UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields."   First, what is going on with Georges St. Pierre?  Can anyone challenge him?  Can anyone take his belt away?   Or stop him from doing the same thing to them again and again for five rounds?  Tune in and hear what we have to say.  Also, if GSP was so much better at striking, why was it that he was the one who left the Octagon with a smashed face while Shields left looking his Sunday best?  Why wasn't GSP able to knock Shields out?  We have a variety of interesting thoughts.  Also, what about Mark Hominick vs. Jose Aldo?  Who was it that gave all five rounds to Aldo?  Did they even see the last round?  Come on.  Plus, Machida vs. Couture?  We honestly don't think there's much to say besides that Couture should never fight again and Steven Seagal is very likely paying fighters to say he taught them stuff.  What other explanation could there be?  Those are just a few of the nuggets we touch on as we cruise down a river of conversational gold.  

Then we call up MMA coach Greg Nelson to chat about training Brock Lesnar and his Ultimate Fighter team in Las Vegas.  Tune in and hear some answers to the questions burning a hole in your brain.  It's more than you deserve, but we're too jaded to care.

To listen to the show click here.

READ MORE - New FCF Radio with Trainer, Brock Lesnar Coach, Greg Nelson

Video: Guram Gugenishvili vs. Maxim Grishin

By FCF Staff

Below is video footage of M-1 Global Heavyweight Champion Guram Gugenishvili facing Maxim Grishin at M-1 Challenge XXIII on March 5^th. The promotion announced this week that Gugenishvili will face American heavyweight Pat Bennett, at its upcoming July 8^th event in the U.S. (Pictured: Gugenishvili after defeating Kenny Garner)

No venue or location has been announced yet.

READ MORE - Video: Guram Gugenishvili vs. Maxim Grishin

Rory Markham vs. Rudy Bears Confirmed for Titan FC 18

By FCF Staff

Titan Fighting Championship has confirmed another UFC vet for the promotion’s upcoming May 27^th event in Kansas City, as today the promotion has announced that Rory Markham (pictured) will take on Bellator vet Rudy Bears.

Markham (16-6) will be competing for the first time since he was stopped by Nate Diaz at UFC 111 last March, which led to the veteran’s UFC exit, after being knocked out by Dan Hardy in February, 2009. Markham made his UFC debut in July, 2008, and knocked out Brodie Farber with a highlight reel, head kick.

Bears (12-7) returns to Titan FC after being choked out by Jason High at the promotion’s sixteenth event in January. The former Strikeforce competitor has gone 2-3 in his last five bouts, which includes a first round, KO win over UFC vet Chad Reiner at Bellator 32.

Titan FC 18 will also feature former UFC lightweight champ Jens Pulver , former Octagon middleweight Drew McFedries and Strikeforce vet Darryl Cobb.

“Rory vs. Rudy has the chance to be a tremendous standup battle between two fighters who don’t know how to have a boring fight,” said Titan Fighting CEO Joe Kelly in the announcement. “Combined those two with the presence of Jens, Drew, and Darryl and have a pretty impressive collection of strikers that will be represented at Titan Fighting 18 on May 27.”

Titan FC 18 will be broadcast live on HDNet. More details regarding the card are expected to be announced soon.

READ MORE - Rory Markham vs. Rudy Bears Confirmed for Titan FC 18

Gugenishvili, Figueroa to Defend Titles at July 8th M-1 Challenge

By FCF Staff

M-1 Global’s next U.S. event will feature two of the European based promotion’s champions, as heavyweight champ Guram Gugenishvili (pictured) and lightweight king Jose Figueroa will both defend their titles, July 8^th at M-1 Challenge XXVI. No location or venue has yet been confirmed.

“M-1 Global is fully engaged in preparations for this year’s second US-based Challenge event,” said M-1 Global Director of Operations, Evgeni Kogan. “The European fighters who participated in the March card enjoyed great success in their North American debuts, setting the bar extremely high for those who coming from overseas in July. This group of fighters are eager to put on exciting performances for the fans.”

Gugenishvili (11-0) will look to keep his undefeated record against American heavyweight Pat Bennett (4-2). The 24 year-old, Ukrainian heavyweight is coming off a first round, rear-naked-choke submission win over Maxim Grishin in March.

Bennett last competed in December, and scored a unanimous decision win over Alexander Volkov.

Figueroa (10-4) will hope to defend his lightweight title for the first time against German veteran Daniel Weichel (26-7).

Figueroa is coming off an impressive, second round stoppage of former champion Artiom Damkovsky, at M-1 Global’s first Showtime broadcast in March. The American lightweight has won three straight.

Weichel has also won three in a row; at M-1 Challenge XXIII the well travelled vet choked out Magomedrasul Khasbulaev with a first round, triangle-choke.

READ MORE - Gugenishvili, Figueroa to Defend Titles at July 8th M-1 Challenge

Jay Hieron and Rick Hawn Ready for Bellator Tourney Final

By FCF Staff

One of this coming weekend’s more noteworthy bouts, will be the welterweight bout between Jay Hieron (pictured) and Rick Hawn at Bellator 43 Saturday night, which will determine who will challenge Ben Askren next for his world championship. The May 7th fight, which will be broadcast live on MTV 2, will take place at the First Council Casino in Newkirk, Oklahoma.

Hieron (21-4) signed on to compete with Bellator earlier this year, and has scored victories over Anthony Lapsley and more recently Brent Weedman, to advance to the tourney finals. The Xtreme Couture fighter, who has now won nine straight, is extremely confident about his chances against Hawn Saturday.

“I feel like I'm just way too experienced for Rick Hawn, and I'm just a better fighter,” Hieron was quoted saying in a press release from Bellator. “I just have to go out there and do what I do every day in the gym. I'm going to bring my A-game to this fight. I'm healthy, I'm ready and I'm focused. I'm just counting down the days right now.”

“I'm not looking past anybody. I'm not looking past Rick Hawn,” Hieron added. “I train like I'm fighting for a world title every time. This is my world title fight, right now. This is my final fight in the tournament, and I'm not looking past it. It's time for me to go out there and take it.”

While Hawn (11-0) has gone undefeated in MMA, since the former Judo Olympian transitioned into the sport, he likely will be viewed by most as the underdog heading into Saturday’s tilt. Hawn has gone 3-0 to date fighting under the Bellator banner, and earned decision wins over Jim Wallhead and former champion Lyman Good, to earn a spot in Saturday’s final.

“I'm very motivated heading into this fight with Jay Hieron,” said Hawn. “It's just one last fight and then I'll be able to take a little break. I'm just looking forward to getting this fight over with, getting out of there with a win, and then enjoying some time off after I earn my title shot.”

“I think Lyman [Good] was the toughest guy in the division, besides me of course. I'm not looking past Jay [Hieron] at all,” Hawn was quoted saying. “He's a really good athlete and a really good fighter, but honestly I feel like Lyman was a tougher fight for me than Jay's going to be.” 

Riggs punching Louis Taylor

In another notable bout scheduled for Bellator 43, UFC veteran Joe Riggs (34-12) will take on rising middleweight, Bryan Baker (14-2).

“Bryan Baker is a really tough guy,” said Riggs, who is coming off a TKO loss to Canadian prospect Jordan Mein. “His wrestling base is really solid, his striking looks like it's getting better, and he obviously has a ton of heart considering some of the obstacles he's had to overcome.”

“I feel like I match up perfect with a guy like Joe Riggs,” said Baker, who also reported that the leukemia he was plagued with is in full remission. “I think I'm better than him in any area. I'm more athletic than he is. I'm just going to go out there, have some fun and showcase all of my skills. No matter what position this fight ends up in, I'm going to be confident that I'm better in that position. I'm going to be looking to finish the fight.”

READ MORE - Jay Hieron and Rick Hawn Ready for Bellator Tourney Final

Marcus Davis vs. Pete Spratt Confirmed for MFC 30

By FCF Staff

After losing a fight with lightweight opponent Richie Whitson due to injury, Marcus Davis will return to welterweight to face fellow UFC vet Pete Spratt, at the Maximum Fighting Championship’s upcoming June 10^th event. The promotion’s thirtieth event will be hosted by the Mayfield Conference Center in Edmonton, Alberta.

“There will be no shortage of fireworks in this fight,” touted MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “I can’t see anything but explosive excitement happening. This should be an awesome display – one of the best all-out wars the MFC has ever put together.”

Davis (pictured) is coming off a successful MFC debut in April, as the former pro boxer worked his way to a split decision win over Canadian lightweight Curtis Demarce. The win came after Davis dropped back-to-backs bouts to Nate Diaz and Jeremy Stephens, which led to his UFC exit.

Spratt (22-19) is also coming off a win at MFC 29, as the welterweight vet submitted Demi Deeds in the second round, to end a two fight losing streak.

Davis and Spratt fought once before at UFC 69 in April, 2007, which saw Davis scored a second round, submission win via Achilles Lock.

The June 10^th, MFC 30 card will be broadcast live on HDNet.

READ MORE - Marcus Davis vs. Pete Spratt Confirmed for MFC 30

Ryan Ford Fighting Nick Hinchliffe at June 10th Aggression MMA

By FCF Staff

Aggression MMA has announced that noted welterweight Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford will face resilient veteran Nick Hinchliffe in the main event of the promotion’s upcoming, June 10^th, event in Edmonton, Alberta. “Confrontation” will be hosted by the city’s Shaw Conference Centre.

Ford (14-3) made his Aggression debut in March and stopped Johnny Davis in the second round, after scoring a submission win over Pete Spratt at a Maximum Fighting Championship card last November.

“All I gotta say is that Nick better step his game up from his last few fights, cause I’m on a whole different level than any fighter he’s fought,” Ford was quoted saying in the official announcement. “Everything that I bring to the fight…he won’t be able to handle it. So, bottom line, he ain’t G’d up, so he’s gettin’ beat up.”

Hinchliffe (18-7) continues to keep a busy schedule, as after going 4-2 in 2010, the Nanaimo fighter earned a majority decision win over Ryan Machan at Armageddon Fighting Championship 5 in April.

“Confrontation” will also feature accomplished Muay Thai competitor Shane Campbell (4-1), grappling specialist Luke Harris (6-1), the MMA debut of kickboxing champion Levi Krupe, and UFC veteran Victor Valimaki (16-8).

The full card will be announced shortly.

READ MORE - Ryan Ford Fighting Nick Hinchliffe at June 10th Aggression MMA

Mark Hominick Already Recovering, Credits Jose Aldo on Performance

By Kelsey Mowatt; photo courtesy Adrenaline Training Center

While UFC 129 featured several highlight reel stoppages and yet another title defence from welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre, one of the card’s more compelling performances came from Ontario’s own, Mark Hominick. While ultimately the veteran failed to unseat featherweight champion Jose Aldo, many throughout the MMA world were left discussing the tenacity Hominick demonstrated throughout the bout, as the battered fighter pushed the renowned Aldo until the final bell. Of course, despite winning “Fight of the Night” honors and widespread praise for his efforts, Hominick isn’t celebrating the defeat.

“I have not sat down and watched the fight yet but I understand some of the mistakes I made in the fight,” Hominick told FCF. “I believe I was throwing too many single shots instead of combinations. Also, I underestimated my ground game and wished I would have attacked more off the bottom, as opposed to looking for a stand-up. It is easy to break down the fight after words, but Jose proved why he is the champion and lets me know I have to get back to the gym and work my way back to title contention.”

One of the reasons the fight was so memorable was due to the massive hematoma Hominick incurred on his forehead during the bout, in addition to a cut under the featherweight’s left eye, which also didn’t diminish the Canadian’s efforts.

“The injuries during the fight were mainly superficial,” Hominick reported. “Most of the swelling is already gone and I am simply left with a pair of black eyes. There were no stitches required and the CAT scan came back clear, so aside from the bruising and hurt pride I will bounce back very soon.”

“I appreciate all of the support I have been receiving and my hat goes off to the champ Jose Aldo.”

As Hominick reported to UFC commentator Joe Rogan afterwards, his bout with Aldo came just days before the London resident is set to welcome a new addition to his family.

“Right now this week I am focused on preparing for the baby, but as soon as the baby comes and we settle down I will back in the gym and looking to sign a fight as soon as I can.”

READ MORE - Mark Hominick Already Recovering, Credits Jose Aldo on Performance

Doerksen, Sokoudjou, Mein and More Confirmed for June 10th Score Fighting Series

By FCF Staff

Score Media’s upcoming June 10th event in Mississauga, Ontario, will feature several notable MMA competitors, as the company has announced that UFC vets like Joe Doerksen (pictured), Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou as well as former Shooto contender Antonio Carvalho will fight on the card.

In addition, Score has announced that rising prospects like Adrian Wooley and Jordan Mein will also fight at the event. When FCF spoke with Mein recently, the Lethbridge fighter reported that he could face Dream welterweight champ Marius Zaromskis on the card.

Other fighters that have been confirmed for the event include Canadian’s Jorge Britto, Josh Hill, Will Romero, Tyler Hardcastle, Denis Puric and Alex Ricci.

The press release reported that opponents will be announced shortly, pending approval from the Ontario Athletics Commission.

The June 10th card will be hosted by Mississauga’s Hershey Centre, and it will eventually be broadcast on The Score Fighting Series, which airs in Canada Thursdays and Saturdays on the Score sports network.

READ MORE - Doerksen, Sokoudjou, Mein and More Confirmed for June 10th Score Fighting Series

Video: Shamil Zavurov vs. Yasubey Enomoto FOTN

By FCF Staff

M-1 Global has posted the video footage of the recent “fight of the night” between welterweight champion Shamil Zavurov and Sengoku vet Yasubey Enomoto. The bout took place April 28^th, at M-1 Challenge XXV in St. Petersburg, Russia. You can check out the fight below.

READ MORE - Video: Shamil Zavurov vs. Yasubey Enomoto FOTN

Marcos Galvao to Compete in Bellator Season 5

By FCF Staff

Just weeks removed from his controversial, unanimous decision loss to Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe Warren on April 16th, the promotion has announced that it has signed Marcos Galvao to a long term contract. The 29 year-old-fighter will compete in Bellator’s upcoming Season Five bantamweight tourney.

“After going blow for blow with our Featherweight Champion Joe Warren, there was really no doubt we wanted Galvao back with Bellator,” Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney was quoted saying in the official announcement. “In Bellator, fighters control their own destiny, and after the performance Marcos put on at Bellator 41, he definitely earned a spot in our bantamweight tournament.”

Galvao (9-4-1) will return to Bellator having gone 3-2 in his last five fights, with his only other loss during that stretch coming against Damacio Page at WEC 39. The Nova Uniao will hope to work his way back to a rematch with Warren, who is also dropping to 135lbs. and will apparently compete in the upcoming bantamweight tourney.

“I definitely don't believe I lost my fight with Joe Warren,” said Galvao. “I want a rematch just in case there was doubt in the first fight. I'll clear up those doubts the second time around.”

“I'm extremely excited to show the world that I can compete and win at this top level here with Bellator,” said Galvao. “Fans were able to see what I brought to the table the first time around against Joe Warren, and there's a lot more where that came from.”

READ MORE - Marcos Galvao to Compete in Bellator Season 5

Video: Vinny Magalhaes vs. Viktor Nemkov

By FCF Staff

M-1 Global has posted the video footage of the recent, April 28^th bout between former TUF competitor Vinny Magalhaes and Viktor Nemkov, which was contested for the promotion’s vacant light-heavyweight crown.

READ MORE - Video: Vinny Magalhaes vs. Viktor Nemkov

Report: Georges St. Pierre Eye Injury Not Believed to be Serious

By FCF Staff

Immediately following his unanimous decision win over Jake Shields Saturday night at UFC 129, UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre informed color commentator Joe Rogan that he was unable to see out of his left eye. The statement backed up comments St. Pierre was heard making to his corner earlier, when he informed his coaching staff after the second round that he was having trouble seeing out of the eye.

According to comments attributed to St. Pierre on the fighter’s Twitter account, the champion does not believe the injury is severe, as apparently he has been told that there is no damage to his retina.

"Hey guys just want to say that I am ok. I'll need to see a doctor in the next days! Yesterday I was told it was not a retina problem"

As a result of the injury, St.Pierre did not attend Saturday night’s post-fight press conference, and went to the hospital to have his eye checked out. The following statement appeared on the fighter’s Twitter account afterwards.

"Hey everybody, leaving the hospital soon, just finished all my eye tests, I still don't see anything from my left eye but I'll be find"

With the win at UFC 129, St. Pierre extended his winning streak to nine and his overall record to 22-2. The veteran fighter is set to turn 30 on May 19^th.

READ MORE - Report: Georges St. Pierre Eye Injury Not Believed to be Serious

Robert Drysdale Eager to Take “Next Step” Against Mike Nickels

By Kelsey Mowatt

Armageddon Fighting Championship turned many heads throughout the MMA and jiu-jitsu world last year, when the upstart, Canadian promotion announced the signing of former ADCC world champion, Robert Drysdale. Since then, the renowned BJJ practitioner has forged ahead with his MMA career, entrenching his position as a highly touted prospect by submitting established British Columbian fighters Clay Davidson and Bastien Huveneers. Now, Drysdale will look to his next challenge in the former “Ultimate Fighter” competitor and well travelled veteran, Mike Nickels, who the AFC announced recently will fight Drysdale on June 18^th.

“I think the fact that he’s a UFC vet is huge,” Drysdale told FCF, while discussing the heightened profile of his next opponent. “He brings a lot more attention, and I think that in some ways it’s like I’m taking the next step up the ladder. It’s a tough fight. He’s experienced and there will be a lot more people watching this fight than the previous two. I like that; I want people to know that I’m fighting and that I’m serious about this.”

While Nickels (9-4) has been involved in some memorable battles where he primarily utilized his striking skills, the veteran is likely better known for his grappling abilities. Like Drysdale, Nickels is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and it will be interesting to see at AFC 6, whether Nickels looks to engage the ADCC champ on the ground.

“I think he’s skilled,” said Drysdale, when asked to assess the ground skills of Nickels. “Of course grappling for MMA and grappling for submission tournaments are two different things. He’s a guy with far more fighting experience than myself and that counts, it counts a lot. So I’d say I have the edge on the sports jiu-jitsu, and he has the edge on the MMA aspect of it.”

“I’ve only seen a little bit of his ground game though,” Drysdale added. “I haven’t seen much, but he’s skilled. He’s someone that I respect; I feel like overall I’ll have an edge on him, but I definitely respect his ground skills. I’m not going to be that guy who says I’ll go in there and smoke him.”

Like any other accomplished BJJ competitor who has transitioned into MMA, Drysdale will continue to face questions, as to whether or not he is improving all of the skills that are necessary to be successful at the highest levels of the sport.

“I just want to get better at what I do,” said Drysdale, while discussing his evolution as a fighter. “There’s a lot to improve. My stand-up still has a long ways to go, my wrestling still has a long ways to go and my jiu-jitsu still has a long ways to go. So there are a number of different areas that I’m still improving on and that’s what I’m focusing on right now. We’ll see what happens in the future; I just want to get this fight out of the way.”

According to Drysdale, after his upcoming bout with Nickels, the 28 year-old-light-heavyweight has one more bout on his current contract with AFC, which he believes will take place in August. Unlike many other rising prospects, Drysdale insists he’s not worried about what offers may or may not come his way later this year, provided he wins his upcoming fights.

“My whole life I’ve always been the kind of guy that doesn’t like to plan too much out in the future,” Drysdale noted. “So much can change. I like doing what I love to do. I’ve always loved jiu-jitsu and I stuck with it, had success with it, then I wanted to move on to MMA. That’s where I am right now. I’m in no hurry to accomplish what other people think I should accomplish. My goal is to get better at what I do and keep doing what I love.”

READ MORE - Robert Drysdale Eager to Take “Next Step” Against Mike Nickels