STRIKEFORCE NEWS: Tim Kennedy vs. Jason "Mayhem" Miller III reportedly targeted for March 5 in Columbus

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

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A middleweight bout between Tim Kennedy and Jason "Mayhem" Miller, initially discussed for this month's Strikeforce: San Jose event, may be coming to the March 5 event in Columbus, according to a report from MMAMania.com.

The two have met twice before, splitting decisions at events spread four years apart in two separate promotions. It's been three years since their last meeting, a bout that Miller won in Texas on HDNet.

Kennedy is looking to rebound from a loss to Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza by decision last August in his first title bout in Strikeforce. The loss was his first since the Miller loss in 2007, snapping a four fight win streak.

Miller has won two straight since his title loss to Jake Shields in November of 2009. He rebounded with a win over Tim Stout in Nashville last April, then defeated longtime Japanese MMA veteran Kazushi Sakuraba in DREAM.

Strikeforce's first event in Ohio is expected to be headlined by a Light Heavyweight Championship bout between Dan Henderson and Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante.

Link to Original Source Article

Penick's Analysis: This is the bout that makes sense for Kennedy and Miller, especially when Kennedy's having issues with people turning him down for fights. Both fighters have been away from Strikeforce television for some time, and this will make for a very good, important fight for both in the middleweight division. The winner will move themselves towards a title shot, and it will be a good fight for Showtime and the fans in attendance in Columbus.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Affliction2/article_8148.shtml

Brock Lesnar Frank Shamrock Tito Ortiz Randy Couture Vitor Belfort

PATCHING: UFC Fan Bar Without the Grill 1/14 - Lesnar vs. JDS on TUF 13, Shane Carwin's return and Phan-Garcia II

By: Marc Patching, MMATorch Contributor

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After a two year hiatus, Patching's UFC Fan Bar without the Grill is once again opened for business. This week, take a seat around the table as I discuss some of the latest news in the UFC. Unlike previous editions, I will not rant about Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, or Matt Hughes. I'll save all that for another time. Instead, this week I'll give my thoughts on Brock Lesnar, Junior Dos Santos, Shane Carwin, and Garcia vs. Phan II.

Let's tuck in.

Soup of the Day - Lesnar and Dos Santos named TUF 13 coaches, will fight in June

"Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in"

Michael Corleone ? Godfather: Part III.

One of the main things that excites me about a UFC event is the marquee match-up. Sure it's good to analyze a card looking at what fight could be the greatest technical showdown ever, but what I find myself getting emotionally invested in is when I see a fight like Brock Lesnar vs. Junior Dos Santos.

This fight has so much going for it, with real implications on not only the heavyweight division but also on the future of Brock Lesnar in general. Let's face it, the literal beatings he received at the hands of Shane Carwin and Cain Velazquez have put his whole MMA career in need of resuscitation.

Another exciting aspect of this battle is if Dos Santos can successfully defend Lesnar's takedowns. This was one of the keys to the Velazquez victory at UFC 121, and is something that others before him failed to do. On the same level, can Lesnar withstand Dos Santos' punches? Lesnar showed against Shane Carwin that he can take a certain barrage of attack. Though some will argue that if it was any other fighter then Lesnar, the fight would have been stopped.

As far as The Ultimate Fighter itself goes, I think it may be an interesting season. Whilst Lesnar may come across as anti-social, I think he may hone-in on his previous experiences in television while with the WWE. We already know that he may not be exactly hands-on coaching wise, with the majority being carried out by other members of DeathClutch. Dos Santos, meanwhile, may possibly call upon the services of Anderson Silva, and the Nogueiras.

Right now I'm going to call a victory for Lesnar. At the same time, the thought of a Heavyweight Title fight between Junior Dos Santos and Cain Velazquez in Brazil certainly does whet the appetite.

Steak Fajita Salad - Shane Carwin confirms UFC 131 booking, no opponent set

Keeping on the heavyweight theme, Shane Carwin has confirmed that he is to fight at UFC 131. He mentioned on his official blog site that he was originally offered Roy Nelson as an opponent, but the plans for that changed. I'm thinking that it will be Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, with the winner maybe facing the victor of the Frank Mir vs. Nelson fight for number one contendership to the Heavyweight Title.

I'm a big Carwin fan, and hope that he has learned from his defeat to Lesnar. He is still a major threat in the heavyweight division, and should not be written off in any manner. With exciting match-ups with Dos Santos, Velazquez and an eventual re-match with Lesnar in the future, Carwin has plenty on his plate and he should be an interesting fighter to follow.

A freshly brewed coffee - Garcia vs. Phan II officially announced for UFC Fight Night 24

If ever there was a fight that should have shaken the way fights are judged in the UFC, then the first Garcia vs. Phan fight should have been it. It has to go down as the worst judged fight in UFC history, and really makes you question the integrity of some of the judges.

While watching the fight, I was full of approval in how Joe Rogan dealt with what was going on. Many people seem to think that a bad decision by the judges or a poor referee stoppage is all UFC's fault, but it's not. Admittedly, they could make some changes to how fights are scored, but as they have said countless times ? "don't leave it to the judges." Hopefully the rematch will be just as exciting with a "true" winner having his hand held high in the end.

That is that for this week's delight filled edition of the UFC Fan Bar without the Grill. Next week I'll post my predictions for the main card of UFC: Fight for the Troops 2, which takes place on Saturday, January 22.

Until then,

Marc Patching

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Staff_Editorials_19/article_8163.shtml

Jason Guida Melvin Guillard Cody Guinn Jorge Gurgel Andre Gusmao

ROUNDTABLE: Is the immediate rematch between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard the correct move following their UFC 125 split draw? Hansen, Hyden, Hobaugh, Williams and Penick

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Is the immediate rematch between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard the correct move following their UFC 125 split draw?


RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I'm a die-hard Pettis guy, but after 24 hours of feeling that Maynard needed to be behind Pettis in line for the next shot, I've reversed course (grudgingly) and have become convinced that the better option is to see an immediate rematch between Edgar and Maynard.

To be honest, there are no bad choices here.  Either you capitalize on the momentum that Pettis built up with his amazing performance against Ben Henderson, or you capitalize on the momentum that Maynard built up in the Edgar fight.  Of course the flip-side is that someone's going to have to wait and feel screwed, and their momentum will stagnate as a result.  But here's the (cynical) viewpoint that I haven't seen discussed anywhere in the aftermath of UFC 125?

Before right now, when's the last time more than 42 people wanted to pay money to watch Gray Maynard fight?  Hell, on free tv, when's the last time?  Right now, at this very moment, Gray Maynard is marketable, but only against Frankie Edgar for the Lightweight Title.  Anthony Pettis will remain hot, Gray Maynard will not.  Make the Maynard fight.

FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

It's hard to argue against a rematch after a split draw. I only hope that they put the fight together as quickly as they can. This rematch needs to happen as soon as possible. They've both been training for the other anyhow, so the only concern should be when they're healthy enough to fight again. They also need to have the rematch as soon as possible to not leave Anthony Pettis hanging in the breeze for too long.

ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH SPECIALIST

YES!  Without a doubt, this is the right decision.  The best way to capitalize on this amazing fight is to go with an immediate rematch. For me, this is one of my favorite all time fights.  The rematch should be an amazing fight as well.  The immediate rematch is what is best for Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard, the UFC and the sport. When I heard the initial reports that there would not be a rematch I was disappointed to say the least. The Anthony Pettis fight did not make any sense because of the draw.  I am surprised that Dana White and Joe Silva made the correct decision and made it reasonably quickly. I can not wait for the rematch.

ALEX WILLIAMS, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Yes.  I'm looking forward to Anthony Pettis receiving his title shot, but it wouldn't be fair to Gray Maynard to have anything but an immediate rematch between Maynard and Frankie Edgar.

JAMIE PENICK, MMATORCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For as much as I was looking forward to a potential Anthony Pettis vs. Frankie Edgar fight, the rematch is absolutely the way to go. Maynard nearly had Edgar finished off in the first round, and plain and simple he didn't LOSE the fight. He didn't win either, but he didn't lose. And coming off of one of the UFC's best ever fights, there has never been and may never again be this big of a market for a Gray Maynard fight. This rematch will sell. People that thought the first fight would be boring were proven dead wrong, and the third fight will get people interested in a way they were not in this rematch. Pettis has plenty of time. He can wait, or he can take a fight in between and earn his right to a title shot with a win over another step up in competition. His star isn't going out anytime soon, and Gray Maynard' may be at the peak of his drawing ability off of that fight on New Year's Day. The third fight needs to happen, and the third fight is going to happen because it's the money fight right now.


Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/roundtables/article_8054.shtml

Icho Larenas Bobby Lashley Joe Lauzon Mo Lawal Ruthless Robbie Lawler

Rafael Cavalcante defends title against Dan Henderson this March in Strikeforce

Newly minted light heavyweight champion Rafael Cavalcante will defend his title for the first time when he takes on mixed martial arts pioneer Dan Henderson this March. The event is rumored to take place on March 5 to coincide with the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio at the Nationwide Arena. MMAFighting.com has been able [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/01/12/rafael-cavalcante-defends-title-against-dan-henderson-this-march-in-strikeforce

Renzo Gracie Rickson Gracie Rodrigo Gracie Roger Gracie Rolles Gracie

Strikeforce CEO expects Gina Carano back before the end of the year

Gina Carano, the former face of women’s mixed martial arts, has been missing in action for quite a while now. After debuting in Strikeforce in August of 2009 in disappointing fashion when she was defeated be reining 145-pound champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos (for the then vacant title), Carano has done everything to stay away from [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/01/12/strikeforce-ceo-expects-gina-carano-before-the-end-of-the-year

Tim Sylvia Frank Mir Andrei Arlovski Tim Sylvia Randy Couture

UFC NEWS: Junior Dos Santos opens as the betting favorite against Brock Lesnar

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

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Junior Dos Santos has opened up as the favorite in the betting lines for his heavyweight fight with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar in June.

The two will meet after a stint as opposing coaches on the upcoming 13th season of The Ultimate Fighter. UFC President Dana White made the announcement of the pairing and the bout on Tuesday, and odds opened up on Wednesday with Dos Santos a -160 favorite on Bodog.com.

Lesnar opened as a +130 underdog.

For those unfamiliar with betting lines in sports gambling, the -160 mark for Dos Santos means that in order to win $100, you would need to place a bet of $160 on Dos Santos. A bet of $100 on the underdog Lesnar would garner a win of $130.

However, with bets already coming in on the former Champion, the line has come down to +115, with Dos Santos' favorited margin shrinking to -145. Betting lines will continue to fluctuate throughout the next several months until the fight happens in June.

Penick's Analysis: With Lesnar getting beaten soundly by a good striker in Velasquez, it's not surprising to see him open as the underdog as he's facing another heavy handed striker. At the same time, because of his wrestling game and the fact that Dos Santos hasn't ever faced anyone like Lesnar, it's not at all surprising to see the money coming in on Lesnar right off the bat and bringing the line down a bit. This fight could be close to an even pick 'em by the time this season of TUF is finished airing and the two step in the cage.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_8142.shtml

Marzagui Ayoub Paul McVeigh Frank Mir Daniel Moraes Scott Morris

UFC NEWS: Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida reportedly a "done deal" for UFC 129

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

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UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture will indeed make at least one more appearance in the Octagon, as MMAFighting.com reports that his rumored bout with Lyoto Machida at UFC 129 in April is a "done deal."

The confirmation comes courtesy of UFC President Dana White, who confirmed the booking of the fight for the UFC's first ever event in Toronto.

Couture is riding a three fight win streak heading into this bout, with his most recent fight being a first round submission victory over professional boxer James Toney at UFC 118. The 47-year-old then appeared en route to retirement from the sport with a burgeoning film career taking much of his time at the turn of the year, but the prospects of fighting Machida is keeping him around.

Machida is out to halt a two fight losing streak. After beginning his career with a 16-0 mark, capturing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in the process, Machida was knocked out last May by Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. In his return at UFC 123 in November, Machida dropped a split decision to fellow former Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

UFC 129 takes place from the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, headlined by the Welterweight Championship bout between Georges St. Pierre and Jake Shields.

Link to Original Source Article

Penick's Analysis: I don't know how much Couture's got left to offer Machida in this fight, but he's proven time and time again throughout his career that he can't be counted out. It's going to be a huge co-main event in Toronto, and this card overall is looking really good. Machida is in an absolute must-win position after consecutive losses. It's not like he'll be cut or anything like that, but a three fight losing streak would take him far away from a return to a title shot in the division.

[Randy Couture art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_8155.shtml

Alex Schoenauer Ryan Schultz Pete Sell Andrei Semenov Ivan Serati

PARK: The case for Anthony Pettis and a UFC-WEC unification bout next for Frankie Edgar

By: Chris Park, MMATorch UK Specialist

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As the MMA world reflects on last weekend's hotly contested draw between Frankie "The Answer" Edgar and Gray "The Bully" Maynard, the next chapter of this new look lightweight division now has a question mark hanging over its head.

There was no question that Edgar was close to being finished. His immense heart, however, proved to the whole world why he is the champion. At the same time, in reality, he lost that first round, and lost it badly. A 10-8 round in favour of the challenger seemed a fair reflection, but Edgar bounced back with a spectacular second round and could argue his case for claiming the three remaining rounds that followed as well.

As the judges scores were revealed both men appeared bitterly disappointed with the split-draw announcement; although Maynard, despite missing a golden opportunity to finish matters early, should be grateful to walk away with his undefeated record intact.

Edgar took three, possibly even four of the five rounds and, even with that first round 10-8 scoring, could quite easily have still been given the nod. One judge scored the bout 47-47 meaning he favoured Edgar for three rounds, but the extra point deduction meant his scorecard, and subsequently the overally result, was levelled.

Either way of looking at it, Gray Maynard did not win three rounds. He won one, at best he could stake a claim for two, and so a draw is about as good a decision as "The Bully" deserved.

The UFC's lightweight division is in the most unique situation it has ever been in before. At the end of December the curtain came down on the WEC in style as Ben Henderson and Anthony Pettis put on one of the best fights of the year, with the winner knowing he would enter the UFC into a unification bout as the WEC/UFC merger would come to its conclusion.

Anthony Pettis put on the performance of his life in taking the WEC title from Henderson; his "Showtime Kick" was one of the most surreal actions to ever take place in MMA history. With the UFC lightweight title being contested just a few weeks later the script couldn't have been written any better for the emerging Pettis as he awaited Saturday's outcome with baited breath.

The division is now entering a whole new era, and a unification bout between Edgar and Pettis would carry such momentum with all MMA fans. Edgar continues to prove everyone wrong as he happily carries his underdog tag, while the extent of Pettis' abilities is both mouth-watering and unknown fully at this point.

There is no doubt that Edgar vs. Maynard III should happen one day; to enable these two to finally settle to score, but it should not be either fighter's next bout. While the unification bout is an immediate must, Maynard could position himself nicely for the winner should he win a bout against another top contender; Ben Henderson is positioned as the perfect opponent but it appears Mark Bocek will play host to his welcome party at UFC 129 in April.

A division that was dominated by one man for so long is now enjoying a hugely competetive spell with a number of top contenders who are excelling now that B.J. Penn's reign is over; to stand in the way of the natural progression of this new era, not to mention the irrevocable unification bout, is something we can all hope is avoided.

Yes, the third bout has to happen, and depending on the outcome a fourth bout may be deemed neccessary; but before any of that Anthony "Showtime" Pettis deserves his chance in what should be Frankie Edgar's next UFC title defence.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/ukscene/article_8044.shtml

Rob Sinclair Rory Singer Elvis Sinosic Dennis Siver Kestutis Smirnovas

UFC Fight for the Troops 2, January 22

UFC Fight for the Troops 2
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Fort Hood
near Killeen, TX
Airing on Spike
MAIN CARD

* Evan Dunham (#10 Ranked Lightweight) vs. Melvin Guillard
* Tim Hague vs. Matt Mitrione
* Mark Hominick vs. George Roop
* Pat Barry vs. Joey Beltran
* Cole Miller vs. Matt Wiman

PRELIMINARY CARD

* Yves Edwards vs. Cody McKenzie
* Mike Guymon vs. DaMarques Johnson
* Mike Brown (#9 Ranked Featherweight) vs. Rani Yahya (#10 Ranked Bantamweight)
* Willamy "Chiquerim" Freire vs. Waylon Lowe
* Amilcar Alves vs. Charlie Brenneman
* Will Campuzano vs. Chris Cariaso

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Upcoming_Events_42/article_7370.shtml

Tom Big Cat Erickson Martinsh Egle Eric Butterbean Esch Efrain Escudero Rashad Evans

Gilbert Melendez Says Nick Diaz And Jake Shields Are The Guys To Beat Georges St. Pierre ? Is He Right?

On one hand, anything Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez says regarding training partners Nick Diaz and Jake Shields is biased.  After all, these guys constantly work together, are friends, and therefore share a special bond.  So you might want to take the following Melendez quote, solicited by a ’what if’ fight scenario between Georges St. Pierre and Diaz, with [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/01/11/gilbert-melendez-says-nick-diaz-and-jake-shields-are-the-guys-to-beat-georges-st-pierre-%e2%80%93-is-he-right

Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus  Todd Duffee  Marvin Eastman  Stav Crazy Bear EconomouÂ