Garner vs. Volkov Confirmed for M-1 Challenge XXIII

By FCF Staff

M-1 Global has confirmed that Kenny Garner (pictured) will soon be returning to Russia, as the promotion has announced that the American heavyweight will face the nation’s Alexander Volkov, March 5^th. The bout will be part of M-1 Challenge XXIII, which will be hosted by Moscow’s Crocus City Arena.

“Kenny was asking for a shot to come back to Russia even before he left St. Petersburg after his loss to Guram in October,” Evgeni Kogan, Director of Operations for M-1 Global was quoted saying in the press release. “Kenny brings relentless ‘heart’ in to all his fights and losing the title fight in the fashion he did left him upset and hungry to get back on track. Not only does the fight against Volkov make sense based on both fighters’ contention position, it makes a great fight stylistically.”

Garner (5-3) headed to St. Petersburg in October to fight Guram Gugenishvili for the M-1 heavyweight belt, but was submitted by the Ukrainian fighter in the second round.  The loss ended Garner’s three fight win streak which included winning the M-1 Americas tournament last year.

Volkov last competed on December 10^th at M-1 Challenge 22 and fought to a draw with Pat Bennett. Prior to the bout the Red Devil fighter had won back-to-back fights versus Evgeni Babich and Eldar Yagudin.

The March 5^th event will see the aforementioned Gugenishvili take on Eastern Europe champ Maxim Grishin in the main event.

The card will be streamed live on the official M-1 Global site.

READ MORE - Garner vs. Volkov Confirmed for M-1 Challenge XXIII

Not Thrilled with Latest Win, Cormier Drawing on the Positives

By Kelsey Mowatt

It’s no secret that many of mixed-martial-arts greatest fighters are their harshest critics, as in order to succeed at a high level in the sport, one must regroup from his or her setbacks, admit that improvements are in order and work hard to evolve as a fighter. Often, lessons can be learned in victory as well as in defeat, and following Daniel Cormier’s recent unanimous decision win over veteran Devin Cole, the former Olympic wrestler is looking to build on his performance and move forward . (Pictured: Cormier hitting Gary Frazier)

“From what I do in training at the gym, I know I could have done better,” the American Kickboxing Academy heavyweight recently told FCF, when asked to assess his January 7th, Strikeforce Challengers win over Cole. “I’m not saying that we don’t have decisions, obviously, that would be a crazy statement, I’m saying that what Bob (Cook) and I see at the gym is normally a lot better than what I showed on Friday night.”

The win was Cormier’s seventh straight since he transitioned into MMA in September, 2009, and marked the first time the 31 year-old-fighter was forced to compete beyond the second round.

“I did do some things that were positive,” said Cormier about the fight, which saw the heavyweight draw on his stand-up, wrestling and ground game to score the UD win. “The plan was to fight everywhere and be able to fight everywhere which I did. I just need to pay more attention to my corner...The biggest positive of that fight was going to decision, having to push through when you’re tired, when the dude is still there after you hit him with a hard shot, you can’t simulate that.”

Due to Cormier’s well documented wrestling abilities and the finishing skills he’s demonstrated in his first six MMA bouts, many observers had the highly touted prospect as a heavy favorite heading into the fight with Cole (18-9-1). The International Fight League vet pushed Cormier throughout the fight, however, presenting the kind of challenge Strikeforce officials had likely hoped for.

“I didn’t understand how some people were writing off a guy with like 26 fights, who had fought some of the people who he had fought,” Cormier said while discussing the speculation that surrounded the bout heading into it.  “To be fighting me, with just six fights under my belt, and a big reason I wasn’t able to finish the fight is because how tough he is. He’s a very tough guy.”

“Heading into the fight the odds were minus 1200,” Cormier added. “That’s ridiculous. For a guy that has six fights fighting someone who is as experienced as Devin is, I think people need to keep things in perspective. I’ve only been fighting for sixteen months.”

Cormier landing a left on Cole

While Cormier isn’t giving himself high marks for his recent performance, defeating an experienced vet like Cole, has only furthered his status as one of Strikeforce’s fastest rising commodities.  Recently the promotion made headlines by announcing a heavyweight grand-prix tournament, which will include several of the world’s more notable fighters like Fabricio Werdum, Josh Barnett, Fedor Emelianenko and Strikeforce champ Alistair Overeem. Although Cormier wasn’t named as one of the competitors, the undefeated fighter would welcome the opportunity to test his abilities against the promotion’s best heavyweights, if circumstances warrant.

“I hadn’t really thought about it going into my fight,” said Cormier while discussing the grand-prix which will begin February 12^th. “I think Strikeforce would have done both me and Devin a disservice if they had started tournament talk right before we were going to fight...I didn’t hear anything heading into it; my main focus was getting through that fight.”

“Now thinking about it; they have some really good fighters in there but if they need me I’m sure I’ll hear something,” Cormier added. “That’s how I’m looking at it. I think those are the best eight heavyweights in the world and I don’t think any other organization can put on a tournament like that. I’m super excited as a fighter and as a fan.”

READ MORE - Not Thrilled with Latest Win, Cormier Drawing on the Positives

Final Card Released for Jan. 29th MMA Xplosion

By FCF Staff

MMA Xplosion has released the final line-up for the promotion’s upcoming January 29^th 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

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 25^th. 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 1^st 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 10^th 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 12^th, 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 12^th. 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

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 1^st. 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 25^th, Titan FC debut has been determined yet.

The promotion’s next event takes place on January 28^th, 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 22^nd, “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 12^th, 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 22^nd, 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