UFC News - Page 2

UFC President Dana White has confirmed in a recent interview with Yahoo! Sports that UFC 91 will not take place in Montreal, however it will take place at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon, featuring Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson.

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“…. If the UFC wants me to fight Lesnar, I’ll do it for sure…. Lesnar was impressive [against Heath Herring at UFC 87]. He showed confidence in his standup striking and completely dominated Heath Herring…. I try to never underestimate any of my opponents but there’s really nothing that worries me too much with Brock Lesnar. I know it could be a tough fight, but, you know, I train hard and I will be ready for this one too. I am hungry.”

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Cheick Kongo talks about a potential heavyweight showdown with Brock Lesnar at UFC 91 in Portland, Ore., at the Rose Garden Arena on November 15. In short, he’s not scared of the mammoth former highly decorated collegiate national wrestling champion. Let’s just hope the “French Sensation” has polished his takedown defense since the loss to Carmelo Marrero at UFC 64: “Unstoppable” back in 2006.

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“I think this is a good match up for me. I’m going to be the guy that’s a lot more dangerous on my feet and it’s somewhere he doesn’t want to be with me. So it’s going to be his task to get me into his world on the ground. I’m not the easiest guy to take down, you know—so the determining factor of the fight is who can defend takedowns, who can get their takedown and if I can knock him out coming in or whatever. [Pretty] much all Palhares has is submissions. I try to come up with a game plan not to fight right in the guy’s strengths, so obviously I’m going to be trying to stay up on my feet with him. I just see myself knocking him out. I was pretty pissed at my last performance and I’m probably going to be a little bit pissed when I go out there and fight this guy. I’m ready to do a 15-minute grappling match with him if I have to, but I’m not going to lose.”

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– Former PRIDE champion Dan “Hollywood” Henderson talks to UFC.com about fighting grappling phenom Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares at UFC 88 in Atlanta, Georgia on September 6. “Hendo” has his back against the wall after dropping his first two UFC matches (against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 75 and Anderson Silva at UFC 82). Has time run out on the 37 year-old superstar? Or is he going to wreak havoc on the up-and-coming Palhares? We’ll know soon enough.

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EliteXC welterweight champion Jake Shields is ready to defend his title for the first time, as he steps into the cage to face British heavy hitter Paul “Semtex” Daley on Oct. 4 as a part of the latest edition of CBS-EliteXC Saturday Night Fights. Shields’ list of potential opponents has bounced around from everyone including John Alessio to Shinya Aoki and now finally settling on Daley. “I think it’s a good fight,” he said in an interview with MMAWeekly.com. “He’s got great stand-up. I actually haven’t seen that many of his fights. I’ve got to start watching him fight. He’s a young kid, tough, so obviously I’m going to take him serious, start watching tapes and figure it out from there.” Previous to this announcement, Shields had been waiting on an answer from EliteXC to take a fight at 185 pounds for Affliction, but that option was declined and he was brought on board for the Oct. 4 card instead. “I really wanted to fight (Matt) Lindland, but maybe that one can be put on in the future,” Shields commented. “Right now, I’m looking at Daley, getting this win… He’s a legit opponent.” Daley is the current Cage Rage world welterweight champion. Cage Rage is EliteXC’s sister promotion in the U.K. ProElite, Inc. owns both promotions. “I was very disappointed, but at this point all you can do is move on and get through the fight in front of you. I was a little disappointed I didn’t get to do the (Lindland) fight, but at least Elite is treating me really good and you know, they didn’t give me that fight, but they put me on CBS, gave me another good fight and I hear they’re trying to get me (Shinya) Aoki.” Hearing Shinya Aoki’s name will likely spark up matchmaking conversation for every fan of the colorful Japanese fighter, but according to Shields, he doesn’t think the current Dream lightweight will accept the bout. “I guess they were trying to get Aoki, but he’s got no bushido,” Shields said. “I don’t think Aoki wants to fight me. He’s got no warrior spirit. He’s from Japan, who’d have thought?” With all the other potential opponents now behind him, Shields will focus solely on Daley. While many fighters love to try and match their opponent’s strengths going into a big fight, Shields will keep things simple. “I’d like to take him down and submit him,” he commented. “I’m definitely not going to try and knock him out, but anything’s possible. I’m going to throw some punches.”

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"Breakthrough" is the name given to UFC 88, and for veteran fighter Michael Patt (12-2), it couldn't be more appropriate. The veteran fighter recently stepped up as a late replacement for James Lee, who was forced to withdraw from the event due to an arm injury, and will make his long-awaited octagon debut next month at the event. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) spoke to Patt as he prepares to fight fellow light heavyweight Tim Boetsch (7-2) at the Sept. 6 event in Atlanta's Philips Arena. Patt discussed a number of topics, including taking the fight on short notice, his fighting style, training with Team Jorge Gurgel and the choices a fighter faces when the UFC calls with an opportunity. MMAjunkie.com: You fought just one week ago on Aug. 15. Are there any lingering injuries that you'll take into your fight with Tim Boetsch ? Michael Patt: No, I didn't take any damage in that fight. I took the fight to get some ring work in. It was a really quick fight. It lasted about two minutes. I thought I'd signed up for three five-minute rounds, but when I got to Texas, I found out they were only three three-minute rounds. I decided I didn't want to let my opponent out of the first round, so it ended quickly. MMAjunkie.com: When you take a fight on short notice, and you are coming off such a recent fight, is it easier or harder on your body and state of mind? Michael Patt: After a fight your body goes through what I call a "full-body hangover." It just wants a chance to recoup. My management called me at 2 a.m. and told me that I would be fighting in the UFC. Quite honestly at that point, you have two choices: take the fight, or probably never get called again. Fortunately, the full-body hangover only lasted a few days. I've been back training hard and have a few weeks left. I'll be ready. MMAjunkie.com: You've been fighting for a while and have a pretty good record. But were you surprised by the call? Michael Patt: I don't know. I thought I was close a few times and felt like I was knocking on the door. Things in the business have changed so much over the years, and getting noticed is more than just a good record. Being in the right place at the right time and having great management with good relationships with the UFC helps a lot. MMAjunkie.com: You train out of Ohio with Team Jorge Gurgel, correct? Michael Patt: Yeah, I've been training with Jorge Gurgel for a long time -- since he was a blue belt, in fact. Back when I started training, if you could find someone who was a blue belt or a purple, you had struck gold. It's a strong team and has been very good for a long time. MMAjunkie.com: You were only recently notified about the fight, but what do you know about your opponent Tim Boetsch? Michael Patt: He's a good wrestler, aggressive, OK stand up, not really a [Brazilian jiu-jitsu] guy, and I expect he'll want to keep it standing. MMAjunkie.com: For people who may be unfamiliar with you and your fighting style, how would you describe yourself. Michael Patt: Patient. I'm all over the board. I'll stand, work in the clinch, use knees and work on the ground. A lot of people enter a fight saying, "I'm going to keep it standing, or I'll take it to the ground." And when their gameplan doesn't work, they are mentally ruined. I want to hit you in the face and work from there and be comfortable wherever the fight goes. MMAjunkie.com: You have been a free agent for a while. Do you prefer that as opposed to signing a longer-term deal with a single organization? Michael Patt: There are plenty of places to fight, and some guys will tell you how they want to fight here or there. But given the chance, they would all fight for the UFC regardless of what they might say. It validates everything you do as a fighter. I would be very happy to call the UFC home. MMAjunkie.com: Let's talk about the contract that brought you in for the Boetsch fight. Michael Patt: I believe it is a standard four-fight deal, but like any contract, the company reserves the right to terminate it if I stink the place up. MMAjunkie.com: Do you have any shout-outs or thank yous for your supporters or sponsors? Michael Patt: Yes, I have to thank the guys at Denaro Sports Marketing, Wade Hampel at Rumble Sports Management, and Biva Advisor Group. Also I'd like to thank Pete MacCallum at Line Handlers, my strength and conditioning coach Eric Ramsey, and all the guys at Team Jorge Gurgel. MMAjunkie.com: Do you have a website where fans and supporters can contact you? Michael Patt: Yes, they can visit www.mikepatt.com.

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To be honest he was really slippery and I don’t mean that like technically-wise, he was really slippery. I don’t know, I don’t want to speculate and say that something was used or whatever but he was just hard to hang on to and that was from all the positions. Even when I had him in like a headlock or a guillotine everything was just really slippery. When I get the position, when I get mount, when I get back-mount, I’ve fought and I’ve wrestled some of the best guys on the ground from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission wrestling to MMA and when I get those positions you’re not getting out and Roger was able to get out. It was pretty slippery so I was a little surprised. Just the first time I was mounted on him and he gave his back I was a little suspicious, I knew something was up. Who knows, all I know is I’m good at keeping those positions and I know the difference between sweat and something else and it felt like something else but who knows. (Jokingly) Maybe it’s Albolene left over from the day before from the weight cut! -UFC lightweight contender Kenny Florian tells The Fight Card radio show that something didn’t feel quite right in his decision win over Roger Huerta at UFC 87: “Seek and Destroy” on August 9.

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UFC President Dana White, speaking to Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole, has confirmed the UFC’s plans for the remainder of the calendar year. After getting Montreal fans’ hopes up about a possible return before the end of the year, White revealed to Iole that they won’t be able to hold a second show this year after all. Instead, UFC 91 is planned for Nov. 15 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore. and UFC 92 is planned for Dec. 27 in Las Vegas. White also stated that a planned Georges St. Pierre vs. B.J. Penn fight will not take place at UFC 92 and will instead happen on Jan. 31 during the promotion’s annual Super Bowl weekend show. The UFC’s calendar for the remainder of the year is as follows: * Sept. 6 in Atlanta: UFC 88 featuring Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans * Sept. 17 in Omaha: UFC Fight Night 15 featuring Nate Diaz vs. Josh Neer * Oct. 18 in Birmingham, England: UFC 89 featuring Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben * Oct. 25 in Rosemont, Ill.: UFC 90 featuring Anderson Silva vs. Patrick Cote * Nov. 15 in Portland: UFC 91 with Kenny Florian vs. Joe Stevenson * Dec. 13 in Las Vegas: LIVE Finale for the eighth season of “The Ultimate Fighter” * Dec. 27 in Las Vegas: UFC 92 with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Frank Mir * Jan. 31 (2009): UFC’s annual Super Bowl weekend event

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The UFC will, in fact, head to Portland, Ore., for a UFC 91 event on Nov. 15, and UFC President Dana White also confirmed the organization's traditional SuperBowl weekend card will take place on Jan. 31 in Las Vegas. As reported earlier this week, the UFC had been in talks with the Oregon State Athletic Commission to host an event at Portland's Rose Garden Arena. It'll be the UFC's first event in the state. White confirmed that the upcoming event will feature a lightweight bout between contender Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson. He also gave an update on Wanderlei Silva. Although Silva previously stated that he expected to return at the organization's year-end Dec. 27 card, White said the booking isn't a done deal and that he's "thinking [Silva's] not going to be on that (card) at this point."

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Big news, ladies and gents: Our own Jeffrey Lee has tracked down the "International Man of Mystery" himself, Cheick Kongo. Not sure how he did it but good on him for doing so. Stay tuned for his interview with the Frenchman in the coming days. In the meantime, we leave you with these two little nuggets: Kongo on Brock Lesnar: "There's really nothing that worries me too much with Brock Lesnar." Oooh, nice. So, wait, are these two behemoths about to get it on? Well, according to a member of Kongo's management team the answer is yes: "Cheick has been contacted about his next fight. It should be Lesnar maybe in November or December."

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Check out all the Interviews by Penny Buffington on Here is just part of the Interview from Mikey Gomez who was voted #1 unsigned Fighter in Florida!!!!!!! "Gomez is fighting Charley Blanchard for the welterweight title. On Thursday August 15, 2008 I spoke with a happy Mikey. He told me, “I am really excited to fight for the Cage Warriors belt. I’m fighting a really tough aponant named Charley Blanchard from American Top Team. I’ve been training really hard for this upcoming belt and now I’m just tweaking up my game in preparation for it.” - Mikey Gomez Check out the Full interview by Penny Buffington on

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According to the Pioneer Press, Brock Lesnar will next fight for UFC in November. No date or location was mentioned though, and no formal announcement has been made by UFC.

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Hermes Franca 'Ready to Show My Full Potential' By Dave Carpinello UFC Lightweight contender Hermes Franca took some time to talk with PDG after his trip to New York about his comeback, future opponents and his upcoming fight with Gleison Tibau at UFC 90 in Chicago.

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PDG: All right, let's talk just a little bit about the past; did it bother you at all that you served a full one-year suspension and Sean Sherk only had to sit out six months? Franca: It doesn't bother me because it was my problem and my fault. I told the commission the truth and it doesn't matter to me what Sherk told them. It is just great to be back and the commission has a lot of great guys that came up to me at my last fight and told me they were glad to have me back. They told me I was the man and I had balls because I told the truth which apparently a lot of people don't.

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ESPN's Franklin McNeil (grrooooaaannnn) has talked to both Florian and Edgar. Both, it seems, believe they need a fight with each other to earn a shot at BJ Penn's title. Notable quote: "Like Kenny, I want to fight the best in my division and right now he might be the No. 1 contender. So, fighting him is kind of a no-brainer. I want to get one [fight] in before the year is out. I would prefer November, but I would wait around to fight Kenny in December." As for having his name mentioned prominently by Florian? That's fine by Edgar. "It kind of gives me some recognition," Edgar said. "For a guy like Kenny to consider me as a formidable opponent; he's fought for the title and he's on a lot of people's list for a possible future title shot. So, it's good for me. "I don't think Kenny's really calling me out; he's just making a statement that he wants to fight tough opponents." Florian and Edgar are friends. The dropping of Edgar's name was not a show of disrespect by Florian. "As an athlete, I have a lot of respect for [Frankie Edgar] for what he's accomplished," Florian said. "I respect him as a fighter and a person. "It was the same with Roger Huerta. I had nothing against Roger; I liked Roger. But he was the best opponent available at the time. … It's nothing personal. "I want to fight Frankie because he's a great fighter. That's the most important thing. It's about respect, and beating someone like Frankie Edgar will get me more respect."

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It appears that Gray Maynard will be making his return at UFC 90 after his victory over Frankie Edgar to take on Rich Clementi whos coming off of a 6 fight win streak with wins over Kyle Gibbons, Anthony Johnson, Antoine Skinner, Melvin Guillard, Sam Stout, and Terry Etim

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When Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White announced that the leading mixed martial arts promotion had struck a sponsorship deal with Anheuser-Busch, he was ecstatic about the partnership and optimistic about the possibilities. “This is a historical moment for the company,” he said at a press conference in Columbus, Ohio on Feb. 28, announcing the deal. “I can’t express to you enough how excited I am.” Anheuser-Busch is stepping up its involvement in MMA by making UFC middleweight champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva and former UFC light heavyweight titleholder Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell spokesmen for the Bud Light brand. Silva's manager, Ed Soares, told MMAWeekly Radio, "We just finalized a deal with Anheuser-Busch. Him (Silva) and Chuck Liddell are going to be spokespeople for Bud Light and Anheuser-Busch here in the U.S." When reached for comment, Liddell told MMAWeekly, "It's great. It's really nice that these companies are getting behind MMA. Bud Light's been around a long time. I think it's a great sponsor to have." The campaign is set to hit 4,000 convenience stores throughout the country immediately as well as include billboards and television commercial appearances.

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Despite hopes that he would be able to fight on the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s upcoming Chicago debut on Oct. 25, Mike Swick told MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday that he hasn’t recovered enough from recent surgery on his right elbow to be ready for UFC 90. “I had a few bone fragments floating around in my elbow joint causing inflammation. There were also bone spurs that needed to be removed. It has been ongoing for a while… It reduced my flexibility in the right arm and if it was extended too much it would swell up and be useless for a few days until the inflammation went down,” said the American Kickboxing Academy fighter. “So it was a priority to get it fixed as soon as this last fight was over, which is what we did. Dr. Sanders and Young operated on it in Las Vegas on July 10 and removed the bone fragments and bone spurs.” He is already back training, but still not up to speed for an October return. With The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 Finale in early December and the UFC’s year-end event late in the month, his plans more likely are aimed at a December return.

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“I think my wrestling ability will match up very well with his. I wrestle with Division I wrestlers all the time, like Gray Maynard and Johny Hendricks. I came a long way since I started training MMA. My wrestling may be even better than his. I don’t know for sure — we’ll find out. He’s got good hands, too. I think I have better standup, though. He (tends) to throw only arm punches where he doesn’t really commit. I’d like to stand out of his range and pick him apart like BJ [did].” -UFC lightweight contender Tyson Griffin (12-1) compares himself with former lightweight champion and UFC 90 opponent Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk. While I’m all for self-confidence, Sherk is a very experienced 32-3-1 and probably one of the best wrestlers in the game today. Good luck Mr. Griffin.

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You probably remember Sam Hoger (Pictures). He was the “thief” on the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” the Spike TV reality show that breathed new life into the Ultimate Fighting Championship and put it on track to windfall profits. In an episode toward the end of the season, Hoger played dumb when his training partners discovered their gear was missing. When it was later found in Hoger’s bags, he halfheartedly apologized with a wide grin, and just like that the show had a villain viewers couldn’t wait to see smashed in the cage. If you remember Hoger, it’s likely because of that little piece of drama. He’ll take that.

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Bryan Alvarez of Figure 4 Online reported during the site’s daily update on Tuesday that the UFC appears likely to return to Montreal at the Bell Centre on Dec. 5 with current UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre a possible headliner.

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