BlurayMMA.com

Bobby Lashley - looking pleased.

FORMER WWE CHAMPION AND UNDEFEATED MMA HEAVYWEIGHT

BOBBY LASHLEY TO MAKE STRIKEFORCE DEBUT ON JANUARY 30

NEW YORK (December 10, 2009)-Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) heavyweight champion and undefeated mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter has signed a multi-year agreement with STRIKEFORCE and will make his debut for the world championship MMA promotion at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida on Saturday, January 30.

The 6 foot 3 inch, 250 pound Lashley, also a former collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College and member of The United States Army, will face an opponent that has not yet been determined during the live, SHOWTIME® telecast of STRIKEFORCE: Miami, the historic, first-ever STRIKEFORCE event in the state of Florida.

In his last MMA start on June 27, 2009, the 33-year-old pulverized and scored a first round (3:17) TKO on 6 foot 5 inch, 350 plus pound goliath Bob “The Beast” Sapp with a barrage of punches in Biloxi, Mississippi. The win brought Lashley’s overall MMA record to 4-0.

“I’m looking forward to fighting for STRIKEFORCE and challenging myself by taking on some of the top heavyweights in MMA,” said Lashley, a native of Junction City, Kansas and resident of Denver, Colorado.

After getting his feet wet with several matches in both the WWE Raw and SmackDown! shows in 2005 and 2006, Lashley captured the WWE United States Championship by defeating rival competitor “JBL.” During this stint with the league and another in 2007, Lashley wrestled several top superstars, including The Big Show and John Cena.

Lashley made his MMA debut on December 13, 2008, earning a 41 second TKO over Joshua Franklin after Franklin sustained a cut that would not allow him to continue their fight.

Earlier this year, Lashley joined Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling. In his first appearance with the league on July 30, he helped tag team matchup partner Mick Foley defeat superstars Kurt Angle and Kevin Nash.

Tickets for STRIKEFORCE: Miami officially go on-sale tomorrow/Friday, December 11 at the BankAtlantic Center ticket office as well as online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800)745-3000.

Doors at BankAtlantic Center open at 7 p.m. The first non-televised, preliminary card fight will begin at 8 p.m.

STRIKEFORCE in March 2009 signed a multi-year agreement to stage live MMA events on premium cable television network SHOWTIME. The promotion made its live, primetime debut on CBS with the “Fedor vs. Rogers” mega-fight that it co-promoted with M-1 Global on

Saturday, November 7 and generated 5.46 million viewers for the main event between the world’s number one heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko, and superstar Brett “The Grim” Rogers.

www.strikeforce.com

- It appears Bobby Lashley may well be done in the world of pro wrestling having signed a deal with the California based fight outfit and number 2 cage fighting brand Strikeforce. This may leave some of his British TNA fans disappointed who hoped to see the big man in action as part of the UK tour late January 2010, considering Lashley is to debut against a yet to be announced opponent on January 30th 2010 in the sunshine state of Florida.

Presumably Lashley joining Strikeforce will be a lucrative deal for the ex-WWE superstar, who will continue to enjoy good exposure on TV. For the MMA fans this is huge news, there is the potential for Lashley to challenge WAMMA champion Fedor “Last Emperor” Emelianko.

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

At UFC 107 on Saturday Dec. 12th, Mir plans on defeating Cheick Kongo after he takes the fight to the mat.

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

UFC 107 B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez

December 12th 2009, FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tenn.

See it live on ESPN and ESPN HD in the early hours of Sunday morning at 3am for UK viewers.

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

Don’t worry MMAniacs, the Hulkster will is not debuting anytime soon within a UFC octagon. Good to a see a healthy bit of cross promotion between Spike TV shows TNA Impact and the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter. The thing is a lot of UFC fans are old school wrestling fans, even if not fans of the current incarnation of WWE sports entertainment.

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

Rich "No Love" Clementi.

This month BluRayMMA.com is proud to introduce a new member to the team, welcome on board Gareth Doherty, debuting via an interview with TUF 4 veteran Rich Clementi.

On a cold winters night in Belfast, Northern Ireland “Cage Wars – Nightmare” raged with a clearly partisan crowd, having witnessed two local fighters crowned victorious with Colin “The Gift” McKee (7-2) beating BJJ Brown Belt Neydson Santos Ferreira (0-1) via TKO taking “The Gift” on a seven fight winning streak. Also victorious was Lee “The Dragon” McKibbin (3-5) defeating UFC veteran John ‘”The Machine” Lober (5-9-4) via standing guillotine choke in only 45 seconds, then it was time for the main event.

The home crowd hoped that the top three fights could be rounded out with victories from the home fighters. The main event featured another UFC veteran Rich “No Love” Clementi (34-15-1) vs Chris “Menace 2 Society” Stringer (5-10-1) with Stringer taking the fight on a months notice after Peter “Slam” Duncan (4-5) got injured. The first stanza begins with both fighters exchanging on their feet until Stringer catches a kick and takes Clementi to the ground. The crowd erupts in what seems to be the local fighter gaining control, however Clementi remains calm and we soon see why, with Stringer being reversed and put on his back with “No Love” living up to his moniker by seeing out the round with strong elbows from the top.

The second round shows a determined Clementi taking to the cage and employing superior wrestling skills to take the fight to the ground where the barrage of elbows start anew until Stringer is caught in a triangle choke and forced to tap 3:11 into the second round. Within ten minutes of the fight ending the hall was empty. Five minutes later I was conducting this interview in Clementi’s changing room among the well wishers after his victory. Sporting no signs of injury apart from a cut on his left foot received from landing a kick on Stringers elbow.

Clementi was relaxed saying training went well for the fight and was happy to be back in Northern Ireland again having previously seen his student JC Pennington (19-9-1) victorious at Cage Wars Decade. Among his trips included an opportunity to come over for UFC 72 also in Belfast, where he had accepted a fight with Dustin “McLovin” Hazelett (12-4) on two days notice however Hazelett’s opponent was passed fit, so his time was spent drinking instead.

Clementi known for his time on season 4 of the Ultimate Fighter had mixed views on his association with the UFC saying, as others had, that the TUF house was not an enjoyable place but was thankful his season was full of seasoned professionals. The show helped rejuvenate his career with notable victories coming inside the octagon over Anthony Johnson, Melvin Guillard and Terry Etim. “No Love”’s girlfriend, shortly after standing on his injured foot, stated she feared for him whenever she saw Anthony Johnson (a man who weighs as much as 200 pounds between fights) at the weigh in. Her fears were not helped when Johnson weighed in at 177.5 lbs for the welterweight bout, Clementi submitted the then unbeaten Johnson in the second.

Although believing the UFC gave him the chance “I earned what I got, I fought for them on short notice and helped them out. It was disappointing being cut, one month after I had been re-signed to another contract and to find out online that I’m not needed I feel like they could have treated me better.” Clementi was open to a return , “I’m willing to fight for anyone, anywhere or for any promotion I just want to stay active and fight as much as possible. I doubt the reason behind why any fighter wouldn’t want to be in the UFC.” Probed on Fedor’s move to Strikeforce rather than UFC, Clementi admitted “well whenever your the number 1 fighter in the world, things are different.”

Clementi was complimentary on emerging UK talent, when asked who was his toughest fight, “Terry Etim” declaring “he was quick, long and knew how to use his reach to his advantage. He needs to be watched out for and nurtured to let his skills develop, the UFC tries to make stars out of everyone and he just needs to be given the chance to fulfill his potential.” Lofty praise for Liverpool’s Etim (14-2) who has a four fight winning streak since his decision loss to Clementi at UFC 84.

Clementi’s next opponent is Derek Krantz (9-1-1) on a December 12th Louisiana show, but when asked about his dream opponent he declares “that fucking wrecking machine, you know him the Lithuanian guy, Zaromskis”. Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis (13-3) recently signed to Strikeforce and fighting out of London Shootfighters impressed with his underdog victory in the Dream Welterweight Grand Prix with two Head Kick K.O.’s bringing victory. Apparently the fact that Zaromskis is heavier and a “fucking wrecking machine” only excites Clementi who would love the chance to fight the Lithuanian.

When asked about his MMA career Clementi disputes his official 50 fight record “you know not even every fight is on my record. I knocked out Krazy Horse in Floridia in an underground show, which isnt there.” “No Love” prefers limited rules MMA, stating “ I like knees to the head on the ground, its true to the sport, I prefer the Vale Tudo style, I fought 16 men tournaments where I have had to fight three times in one night, ” Concerning the 16 man tournaments for ZST, Clementi talks of his discontent with the Kotani brothers because of the disrespect shown. He illustrates that “whenever your training for someone you hate its easier. The worst thing is if a guy disrespects you, I would wake up fantasying about the guys and what I would do to them, putting pictures of their face everywhere to keep me motivated” a sentiment also expressed regarding the Melvin Guillard fight.

The final point of discussion between Clementi and I centered upon the scoring system, with the boy from the Bayou believing “the ten point must system isn’t accurate in MMA”. He explains, “You can have a guy beat the shit out of the other guy for one round and doesn’t finish him whereas the other guy could use his jab and work around him for two rounds and will get a decision”. And with regards to a remedy to the current ailing system Clementi suggests that “increments could be used to make the difference and reflect the fight itself better”and expresses a personal preference for the Japanese style of scoring as “the fight as a whole is scored rather than the rounds.”

Clementi’s next opponent is Derek Krantz (9-1-1) at “Team 3:16 – Seasons Beatings” at Shreveport, Louisiana.

Coaches clash: Rashad and Rampage

FIVE USA are showing episodes 11 + 12 back to back in the usual Saturday night time slot, giving us a double of whammy of The Ultimate Fighter. The finale show is being aired the following Thursday or ESPN subscribers can see the finale live at 2am in the early hours of Sunday morning. Before then let’s take a look back at episode 10 recapping on what took place.

Is Mitrione in or not? Matt Mitrione informs his coach Rashad Evans that he has swelling of the brain but should be OK to fight. Mean while Brit James McSweeney does not trust Matt’s motives.  Street brawler turned mixed martial arts competitor Kimbo Slice prepares for kick boxer McSweeney eager to replace Mitrione.

The confirmed match-up for this episode was Brendan Schaub battling it out with John Madsen. McSweeney does a fantastic job preparing Schaub, while Rashad leaves them to it, remaining impartial.

This episode was the week of the coaches challenge, the challenge was 2 on 2 volley ball – Rashad and Mike vs Rampage and Tiki. Amazingly these sets of tough dudes did well. The win went to Rashad, gaining $10,000 for Team Rashad. As you can imagine Evans was quick to rub it in Quinton’s face.

To the amusement of the rest of the house Kimbo endures an ice bath, to help work through knee pain. There is no doubt Slice is serious about being an Ultimate Fighter.

John Madsen is fortunate to train with fellow wrestler and former UFC light-heavyweight champion Rashad. So he changed his mind about being impartial after all.

Coaches Rashad and Mike have it out with Mitrione about whether he will continue to compete or not. Following this chat Dana White addresses the remaining TUF 10 entrants about the Mitrione situation, explaining how huge an opportunity the ultimate fighter is.

Comparing Madsen and Schaub it’s NFL veteran Schaub going into the fight having more experience but Madsen comes from Matt Hughes’ camp and is a serious threat in the octagon with pure wrestling strength.

Fight time. McSweeney hypes up Brendan by slapping his face.

Round 1)

Madsen utilises his strength advantage slamming down Schaub to the deck. Madsen however doesn’t do enough on top, the referee calls for a restart back upright. Madsen wastes no time once again slamming NFL veteran Brendan but again he lays and prays, simply not doing enough despite his dominant position.

Round 2)

Corner-man McSweeney encourages Schaub at the end of round interval. Brendan defends much better come round 2. The pace of action slows down due to the energy exerted in the previous round. Out of nowhere Brendan knocks out Madsen smashing the wrestler with 2 punches. Schaub is one to look out for, he has heavy hands.

Winner Brendan Schaub advances to the semi finals. McSweeney’s seconding was of a great help in keeping the ex American football player focussed.

That leaves us with Marcus Jones vs. Darrill Schoonover and Matt Mitrione vs. James McSweeney followed by the semi finals.

The Finale show will feature Matt Hamill vs Jon Jones and 2 heavy hitters - Kimbo Slice vs Houston Alexander. Plus of course TUF 10 winner will be crowned.

Don’t forget you can watch all the Aftemath videos at UFC.com

Watch The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Saturdays 11pm on FIVE USA,

in the UK on Freeview 31, Sky 174, Virgin Media 150 and Tiscali 30. Also shown on subscription channel ESPN and ESPN HD.

Wednesdays on Spike TV in the US.

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

UFC 99 - The Comeback: Franklin vs Silva

It is just a matter of weeks since the last UFC event our side of the Atlantic took place, when the UFC landed down in Manchester, England for UFC 105. UFC 99 was the last time back on June 13th, 2009 we didn’t have to watch a live UFC card at stupid o’clock. Now is your chance to add this fightdvd release to your collection, complete with all the preliminary bouts, countdown show, the weigh-ins plus a special look behind the scenes of this mammoth MMA event from Lanxess Arena, Cologne, Germany.

The marquee match-up featured Pride FC veteran Wanderlei ‘The Axe Murderer’ Silva facing off against UFC babyface Rich ‘Ace’ Franklin. Both competitors are enormously popular, Franklin being a likable fan favourite American hero, then we have Wanderlei the Brazilian rugged old school Pride campaigner. Surprisingly despite appearances there is little age difference between the pairing but Wanderlei has seen more wear and tear.

Both fighters were looking to climb back to the top having lost on their previous outings in the octagon, hence the comeback title. The contest was billed as a catch-weight bout at 195lbs, since Franklin was heading up to light-heavyweight and Silva down to the middle-weight division. A division dominated by another Silva and former Chute Boxe training partner Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva. Added to the fight build-up was Anderson choosing to train with Franklin, a fighter the middle-weight champ had beaten and wanted to help beat Wanderlei.  Incidently this headline showdown is the first time I placed a bet on a UFC fight and I lost it. Don’t always bet on the meanest looking dude is my advice!

Just below the top spot on the card is a brutal gruelling contest between heavyweight contenders, Latino wrestler Cain Valesquez taking on French-African striker Cheick Kongo. Cain is hotly tipped as a possible challenger to Brock Lesnar’s heavyweight thrown in the near future.

Another heavyweight bout features the return of the Croatian K1 kick-boxing sensation Mirko Cro Cop facing off against British based cage combatant Mostupha Al-Turk.

For us Brits the top fight featured here on this 2 disc DVD release has to be the welterweight grudge match of Marcus ‘The Irish Hand Grenade’ versus Dan ‘The Outlaw’ Hardy. Davis is a fighter who made a name for himself fighting this side of the Atlantic beating home-grown talent, fitting Hardy put an end to his streak. A new star was created in The Outlaw due to this showdown in Germany, cementing Hardy’s place in the top tier of the UFC welterweight division and the hearts of Brit MMA fans. That’s hope he gained more admirers in the USA and worldwide following his display of sportsmanship post fight, Davis did himself no favours leaving the octagon so swiftly. Look out for the UFC match-makers to announce a date for Dan Hardy to challenge Georges St Pierre in 2010 for the welterweight gold.

You can also view my original review of the live event by visiting our sister site BluRayUFC.com

UFC 99 is out now on DVD, available direct from www.fightdvd.co.uk and all good retailers.

Keep visiting BluRayMMA.com for more reviews of brand new UFC and related combat sports and martial arts DVD releases.

UFC DVD review by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

Wreck MMA and Top MMA News have teamed up to present to you the Wreck MMA Pick’em Contest. Now that we are less than two weeks away from Wreck MMA: Fights for the Troops, we would like to give our fans the opportunity to win two VIP Tickets to the next Wreck MMA event in early 2010. The winner will also receive a signed poster from all the athletes participating in the event, a signed photo of the legendary Renzo Gracie and a chance to meet all the fighters as a special VIP at the after party. In addition, two random draws will be made by Top MMA News from all entries submitted by Wednesday December 9th, 2010 for a pair of tickets to the upcoming event on December 12th.

CONTEST RULES

Just pick the winner of these eight fights from the upcoming event on December 12th in Gatineau, Quebec.

* Sean Pierson vs. Fabio Holanda
* Mark Holst vs. Nabil Khatib
* Sean Quinn vs. Nick Denis
* Chris Vorano vs. Igor Gracie
* Roland Delorme vs. Remi Morvan
* Yanick Galipeau vs. Louis-Philippe Carle
* Mitch Gagnon vs. Stephane Bernadel
* Anna Barone vs. Josee Aupry

TIEBREAKER: For only ONE fight, you must provide the method of ending  (choose only from submission, (T)KO, or Decision (specifics are not needed)).

** If any bout is cancelled, or the participants have been changed, the fight will be voided and not count towards the contest **

TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY

To enter, send your predictions to contest@wreckmma.com. Please put “Wreck MMA Pick’em Contest’ in the subject line. Entries must be submitted via the above email address by 6:00 PM ET on Saturday, December 12, 2009. In addition to the above details, the email must also contain the entrant’s name and phone numbers (so we can contact you if you win the contest).

Wreck MMA: Fights for the Troops is shaping up to be the most talent rich event in Gatineau/Ottawa MMA history.  Tickets for this star studded event are available at TICKETMASTER.CA or by calling (613) 755-1111. Buy your tickets now to assure yourself a spot for the one show you do not want to miss!!

ABOUT WRECK MMA & SOLDIER ON
WRECK MMA is looking to place MMA in a positive light, a major focus of the promotion will be charitable work. With this goal in mind a portion of the proceeds will be going to SOLDIER ON, which contributes to optimizing the functional independence of ill or injured Canadian Forces personnel or former personnel by delivering programs and services and facilitating and integrating opportunities that support their full and active participation in physical fitness, health promotion and sport. For more information about SOLDIER ON, visit: http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/SoldierOn/index.asp.

WRECK MMA: FIGHTS FOR THE TROOPS – CONFIRMED FIGHTS
Date: DECEMBER 12th, 2009
Venue: ROBERT GUERTIN ARENA
Location: GATINEAU, QUEBEC

MAIN EVENT
Sean Pierson (Ruffneck/Tapstar, Toronto) vs. Fabio Holanda (BTT Canada, Montreal)

CO-MAIN EVENT
Mark ‘Boots’ Holst (OAMA, Ottawa) vs. Nabil ‘The Thrill’ Khatib (Team Bushido/BTT Canada, Ottawa)

Sean Quinn (Siam Muay Thai, Regina) vs. Nick ‘The Ninja of Love’ Denis (Ronin MMA, Ottawa)
Chris Vorano (Barrie) vs. Igor Gracie (Gracie Barra, Rio de Janeiro)
Roland Delorme (WAMMA, Winnipeg)vs. Remi ‘Bam Bam’ Morvan (OAMA, Ottawa)
Yannick Galipeau (Speedy Gym, Magog) vs. Louis-Philippe Carle (FIT MMA/Zahabi MMA, Ottawa)
Mitch Gagnon (Team Shredder, Sudbury) vs. Stephane Bernadel (OAMA, Ottawa)
Anna Barone (FIT MMA, Ottawa) vs. Josee Aupry (Team Machado/K2 Martial Arts, Ottawa)
Ben ‘The Hitman’ Jamieson (Adrenaline, London) vs. Josh Hill (Iron Tiger Muay Thai, Stoney Creek)
Chris Myra (Team Dux, Pembroke) vs. Xavier Desrochers (OAMA, Ottawa)
John Cholish (Renzo Gracie NY, New York) vs. Rob Tracey (Team Dux, Pembroke)
Tim Chessel (Team Pathless, North Bay) vs. Randy Turner (OAMA, Ottawa)