Another slice of the UFC 113 preview, Kimbo versus Matt Mitrione. Yes, the street certified slugger Kimbo Slice is back in the octagon.
Who are you betting on? Kimbo or ‘Meat Head’?
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
Video previewing the headline light-heavyweight clash of octagon legends: Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture vs Mark ‘The Hammer’ Coleman.
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights
After six episodes the score is 6 nil to Rashad Evan’s team. With no wins yet from Team Rampage things have really got to be getting to Quinton. It was only a matter of time until he snaps, this is the episode where the future star of the A-Team movie finally lets out his frustrations.
The show starts by showing the continuation of the banter between coaches Rashad and Rampage. Has it now stepped up a gear past being just banter? It seems to be getting emotional for Rampage. We get a small pause between their argument in time for Rashad to pick the fight.
Matt Matrione is picked by Evans to face Scott Junk of Team Rampage.
Which leaves the final pairing of the first round to be between ‘Big Baby’ Marcus Jones of Team Rampage to fight Mike Wessel of Team Rashad.
The contestants stand around patiently whilst the coaches continue to bad mouth each other. This is all great for the build to their fight that is no longer happening. Let’s hope Rampage doesn’t stay in Hollywood full-time and makes a return in the near future to give the UFC fans the fight they are left waiting and wanting to see.
Hawaiian Scott Junk is tipped to as the hot favourite for here, the guy has UFC experience and is aiming to make it in heavyweight ranks once more. Could Junk bring in the much needed first win for Team Rampage versus NFL veteran Matrione?
Mitrione is a real hard case, he tells Brendan Schaub of the demons habiting his head and that fighting keeps those demons quiet.
Scott Junk and Team Rampage are confident but were they over-confident?
During a heated sparring session between John Madsen and Matt Mitrione, big dude Matt is vexed and loses it with his sparring partner. The tension was caused by Brit James McSweeney, who informed Mitrione that Madsen said he’d slap him.
James McSweeney and Wes Simms plan to make the emotionally Mitrione snap. Wes Simms donning his Gi sneaks up on Matt Ninja style. This pair are a couple of wind up merchants. They take bets on what day “the rat will snap”.
“This boys cracker has fallen off his cheese”, remarked Rashed, following Matt telling him he spoke to his wife in his head making everything fine.
Fight time.
Round 1)
Aggressor Mitrione knocks down Junk, Mitrione looks like he really wants it. Mitrione knocks Junk to the floor several times but doesn’t want to follow up on the canvas. Junk’s take down attempts fail every time, Mitrione is sticking to a game plan, keeping the fight upright. By the last minute Mitrione is gassed and the pace slows down. Both combatants appear tired but Junk is less impressive especially as the experience veteran. Neither man is in the shape they need to be to compete in the octagon. Despite this Dana White is impressed with the scrap though.
Round 2)
The final round is like an underwater bout, so slow, both are running on an empty tank. Junk did little in the first round compared to Mitrione to be so tired out.
Junk manages to take the fight to the ground for a while. Considering what a huge opportunity this is it amazes me how out of condition both men are.
Matt Mitrione receives the decision win.
Here we go, Rampage finally snaps, takings his frustrations out on the gym door, completely obliterating it.
Team Rashad 7-0 Team Rampage.
Will Rampage’s last hopeful Marcus Jones get Rampage his only win next episode? Will Kimbo Slice get to step in and fight again?
Don’t forget you can watch all the Aftemath videos at UFC.com
Watch The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Saturdays 11pm on FIVE USA, 11pm in the UK on Freeview 31, Sky 174, Virgin Media 150 and Tiscali 30. If you are a subscriber you can also see the show aired on ESPN in the UK and Ireland.
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
The Mixed Martial Arts Handbook
This book written by John Ritschel is The Insider’s Guide to Fighting Techniques. Wether you are a spectator of the sport of mixed martial arts AKA cage fighting or a keen martial artist intending to make your octagon debut sometime in the future, this is your first stop in gaining the required knowledge on the fastest growing sport in the world today.
John Ritschel is more than qualified on the subject having an early start at age 12 in martial arts. He went on to study the styles of Karate, Taekwondo, HapKiDo, Western Boxing, KungFu, Kickboxing and Wrestling. John is a senior instructor holding various black belts and a 2nd Dan in the All Range Combat Systems, a Mixed Martial Arts style. Not only that he’s earnt a silver medal in the Open World Championship and the accolade of the ‘Fighter of the Year’ award from the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
In the past a book on combat sport fighting techniques would be written from the perspective of the instructor teaching one style that he believes to be the best style. That was a whole different era that MMA evolved out of, when the ultimate fighting contest was purely concerned with testing which martial art be it boxing, olympic wrestling, kickboxing or jiu jitsu would reign supreme. Now in the modern era of mixed fighting it is essential to be a well rounded fighter, not relying on one style to win the fight.
John Ritschel’s book perfectly illustrates how to be an all rounder, demonstrating how to defend and attack in many variable positions a fighter will face in MMA competition. Included are all the basic kicks, throws, punches along with how to avoid takedowns and defending off your back. It amazes me as spectator how these guys from these many uncomprimising positions are able to turn a disadvantage around to gain the upper hand.
Not only does the book cover the moves and tactics utilised within the sport, it covers the rules of the game along with a brief history of how it all began with Brazilian Vale Tudo bouts along with Japanese shoot wrestling, which led to the first ever Ultimate Fighting Championship event held in 1993.
If you haven’t got your copy yet make sure it’s on your Christmas list. The Mixed Martial Arts handbook published by A&C Black is out now in all good book shops or from online book sellers, priced £24.99.
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida became the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion at UFC 98 dazzling Rashad Evans with his elusive hybrid Karate MMA style for the win. Going back to the old school of Ultimate Fighting in the pre Zuffa era the battle of the two warriors locked in the cage were seeking to prove their martial art the supreme fighting style as Jiu Jitsu expert fought Taekwon Do master and shoot wrestlers fought boxers. As time has gone on and the sport has evolved out of the human cockfighting stage to be renamed Mixed Martial Arts establishing itself fully fledged sport with rules instead of no holds barred, plus it had been developed into a complete fighting discipline combining elements of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, boxing and kick boxing. So to have Lyoto Machida emerge from a background as a traditional Karate practioner is very refreshing and interesting for the development of MMA.
Of course we have already had UFC fan favorite Georges St Pierre entering the octagon garbed in his Gi and Danny Larusso style head band but GSP is a fighter who incorporates huge elements of wrestling thanks to his trainer Greg Jackson. The main significance about Machida’s style is that he brings something new and fresh, a style that hasn’t been done yet up to now. Lyoto utilises a stance and foot movement enabling the light heavyweight champion to dash in and out again, hitting his target without taking punishment himself. That is what is so unique about the way he fights, he rarely gets hit. A mixed martial artist able to avoid taking punishment is a fighter likely to a have a long and successful career.
As a master of Machida Karate as taught to him by his father Lyoto adapated to the cage by learning the ground grappling necassary. Since his win over Rashad the UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida (15-0) is now confirmed his first title defense against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (18-3). The fight will happen at UFC 104. Shogun not long ago was seen as the best lightheavyweight in the world as a competitor in former Japanese promotion PRIDE FC. Shogun was seen as THE man to topple the then UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck ‘The Iceman’ Liddell off his throne. Unfortunately for Rua since signing with the UFC the Brazilian fighter has not been on top form until recently it appears he has got his form back.
The light heavyweight title clash could be a test for Machida on the ground versus Rua but with his defence the bout may not make it to the canvas or on the other hand it could a chance to see Machida’s ground skills in action. Most are predicting a long reign at the top for Lyoto much like the present reign of Anderson Silva, let’s just hope he keeps it exciting with Dana White and Joe Silva pairing The Dragon with the right opponent. One thing is for certain as Joe Rogan said
Karate clubs all over will have booming business just like the impact the Gracies made on Jiu Jitsu.
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
The Ultimate Fighter - Team UK versus Team USA
Thanks to a friendly neighbour and their Sky Plus box and some useful websites I’ve now caught up on episode 12 along with the awesome finale show. So here’s a brief recap of the final episode from Virgin 1 with the finale review to follow shortly.
Episode 12 focuses on the final fight between American Frank Lester and Brit James Wilks to decide who will go head to head with Team USA welter weight hopeful DeMarques Johnson. Wilks has the advantage since beating Lester once already plus he is the fresher fighter.
It’s interesting to see Wilks and Lester are good buddies despite competing against each other inside the octagon.
Curry night for Team UK courtesy of Dean Amarasinghe. Michael Bisping tells of how chuffed he is to have put British MMA on the map with this series of The Ultimate Fighter.
Fun and games ensue, as the team mates knock each other in the pool! It truly is fantastic how well Team UK have all bonded so well.
Jame Wilks vs Frank Lester
Round 1) A tough fought first round, featuring lots of standup action and clinching defending against takedowns. Very close, infact both coaches believe their fighter won the round.
Round 2) Wilks receives a low blow pausing the action straight away but they are soon back to it. Another close tough round with no clear winner.
Round 3) James keeps his composure, eventually winning via knee strikes.
Lester did well, he was one tough cookie, you can’t take that away from him. Wilks’ win earns him the spot for the Ultimate Finale for the welter weight TUF 9 prize taking on DeMarques Johnson.
Team UK doing so well spurs Dan Henderson on for his confrontation with Team UK coach Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping at UFC 100 on July 11th.
The Ultimate Fighter as shown on Virgin 1 Sunday nights at 11pm
in the UK on Freeview TV, Sky or Virgin Media.
UFC & MMA blog by Dynamite Duane
Bisping and Henderson - coaches clash.
The series continues with Team USA trailing 3 to 4 but they are gaining on Mike Bisping’s Team UK. Last time we find out Jason Pierce had lost his opportunity. Dana White meets with the Welter weight fighters to see who wants it the most to take Pierce’s spot versus David Faulkner. Frank Lester is the man begging for the chance to enter the octagon again despite having his teeth knocked out last time. Dana admires his heart and so chooses Lester despite his war wounds.
Bisping is not happy with Henderson and the change of training times, he doesn’t want to switch just because Dan Henderson says so. The reason for the change is due to Frank Lester not being 100% for the clash with Dave Faulkner. A wound up Bisping squirts water at DaMarques Johnson, the guy he thought made a racist comment at him during the tennis game coaches challenge previously. After it was explained DaMarques was the wrong man Bisping apologises for his antics.
In an attempt to sort his gag reflex problem Dave Faulkner visits a hypnotherapist. But did the therapy do the trick?
So here we have it the final preliminary of the season from the welters. Bisping has a lot riding on Faulkner, for one he a fellow Wolfslair fighter and secondly if he loses to Lester Bisping’s Team UK will no longer be in the lead but neck and neck with the Americans.
Round 1) A close first round with Faulkner taking a slight advantage.
Round 2) Well Faulkner wasn’t totally cured of his gag reflex problem since the gum shield flew out causing referee Steve Mazzagatti to call for a time out early on in the round. American Lester makes good use of the Muay Thai clinch piling in some strong knee strikes. Faulkner appears tired but manages to land some good punches to Lester. Another closely fought round. Dana declares a third round to decide the winner. Mean while in Faulkner’s corner the Team UK coach Bisping is having a hard job encouraging the Liverpudlian to continue. Despite all the words of encouragement Faulkner gives in to his body, the third round wasn’t to be.
A dark day for Team UK but only Faulkner does how he feels. Frank Lester deserves the victory, the guy has a ton of heart, you got to admire that him taking this fight and winning coming off a loss so soon and losing his front teeth.
Team UK 4 – 4 Team USA
Bisping is gutted to be blunt. Storming off for a breather he takes 4 remaining contestants to one side for a chat preparing them for the semi finals away from Faulkner. Bisping has got to feel disappointed since David Faulkner was the fighter he talked up so much being a fellow Wolfslair team member.
Episode 10 the semi final picks plus two welters clash in the cage.
Make sure you tune into Virgin 1 every Sunday at 11pm in the UK on Freeview TV, Sky or Virgin Media. Setanta Sports subscribers can catch The Ultimate Fighter second showing every Wednesday. Over in the States the programme is aired on Spike TV a few days earlier.
Check out my brand new UFC blog by visiting http://blurayufc.com/ the sister site of bluraymma.com
MMA blog by Dynamite Duane
The TUF 9 lightweight fighters
This episode we see Brit fighter David Faulkner not struggling with training in the usual sense but trying to get over his gum shield phobia. Dave’s problem is a gag reflex from wearing a gum shield. Something you can do without as a mixed martial artist, seeing as it is essential to protect your teeth inside the octagon.
Mean while in Dan Henderson’s American training camp Jason Pierce is suffering from what is now known to be a Staph infection. It is still unclear wether Pierce is going to fight.
Next up Henderson gives his trainees a timeout from the gruelling sparring and strength training as Team USA play the Ultimate Frisbee. It’s a game of Frisbee but with a squad of ultimate fighters it is resembling a game of Rugby on a dusty pitch in Arizona. Despite the morale boost of the team game out in the open Pierce with his ailment is a source of negative energy for the his team mates.
The next fight in the lightweight category is decided between Bournemouth Bulldog gym fighter Jeff Lawson against American Jason Dent. Both guys are technically sound MMA practioners. Lawson is the fighter I have been waiting to see since he impressed me on the first episode plus he is a Bournemouth lad so I’m rooting for him.
Over in Team USA coach Hendo is having problems with Dent who is not open to learning, strange considering this is a once in a life time opportunity for the American mixed martial artist.
Along with being a fantastic grappler and all round exciting fighter Jeff Lawson turns out to be a funny entertaining bloke to watch on TV. This my friends and fellow ultimate fight fanatics is the episode of the pro wrestling match! What a classic moment seeing 3 real fighters Faulkner, Amarasinghe and Lawson donning Lucha Libre style masks acting out WWE wrestling in the TUF 9 house. Not only was it fun to see them vertical suplex each other off the diving board but a great example of Team UK’s bonding. There was me presuming Team USA would get up to tongfoolery of that kind.
Jeff Lawson is fully prepared for the fight ahead of him having recovered from a chest infection earlier in the series. By appearance Lawson does not standout as an obvious tough guy like Brit MMA legend Ian Freeman for instance but watch out for this red devil.
Mean while Dana White questions Jason Pierce if he can fight because a decision needs to be made. Dana is not convinced he really wants it. Could someone else get another crack at it? Who might replace Pierce?
Jeff Lawson’s opponent Jason Dent is sure of himself, expressing confidence in kicking Lawson’s butt.
It’s fight time, Herb Dean is the fight official for this lightweight bout.
Round 1) Lawson is exciting watch, impressing attacking with a Capoirora style kick. Dorset lad Lawson dominates the 1st round on the mat, attempting numerous submissions to tapout Dent. Dent defends himself managing to last the round but it doesn’t look good for the American fighter.
Round 2) Another exciting fast paced round which inluded more aerial assault from Lawson in the form of a flying knee. The problem for Lawson despite the heart he shows he is gassed appearing not to be fully fit to go the distance since his chest infection. Dent on the ground sneaks in an Anaconda choke to take the win by tap out. The chest infection affected Lawson’s cardio but still looked ace despite gassing. If anyone can recommend me a DVD featuring Lawson please let me known.
Dent won but Dana White was not impressed by Dent’s performance. There you have it UK 4-3 USA. We are still ahead but the Yanks are gaining on us.
At the close of the show Dana declares Pierce is not going to fight. The question remains of who will take his place?
Make sure you tune into Virgin 1 every Sunday at 11pm in the UK on Freeview TV, Sky or Virgin Media. Setanta Sports subscribers can catch The Ultimate Fighter second showing every Wednesday. Over in the States the programme is aired on Spike TV a few days earlier.
MMA blog by Dynamite Duane
The Ultimate Fighter - Team UK versus Team USA
Tonight’s first fight is announced between Martin Stapleton from Rochdale
taking on American Cameron Dollar in the Light weight bracket.
Royal Marine Stapleton is very confident where as Dollar
confesses to being nervous.
Following last episodes no showing by Mike Bisping we see him wholeheartedly apologise to Dean Amarasinghe for his absence at cage side. Bisping explains he overslept due to not sleeping sleeping well since landing in the US.
Stapes is the sort of bloke you would respect but not want to get on the wrong side of down your local boozer carries himself with the confidence you would expect from a tough as a nails military man. Dollar looks scared of the northener when he comes near him.
Dollar’s strengths lay in wrestling so in training he concentrates on improving his stand up game. But will it pay off for him inside the octagon?
Stapes the very confident 8 year army veteran confesses to missing his daughter.
All preparation is over – it’s fight time!
Round 1)
It transpired that coach Dan Henderson did a fantastic job training and inspiring Cameron Dollar who demolished the British fighter Martin Stapleton. Stapes following a powerful blow to the head tapped out to the American’s Rear Naked Choke submission. Now that is what I call a surprise result, that is why the UFC and the sport of MMA is so damn exciting for us spectators.
At 2 a piece it made the scores even between Team UK and Team USA but don’t forget there was one more fight to be shown on episode 6.
The next bout was chosen between 2 welters this time, Frank Lester of San Diego taking on James Wilks originally from the Midlands. Wilks a resident in the States moved to the US having trained in Orange County, California. Lester labels Wilks a traitor to his country having left the UK to train MMA stateside, also saying he is spoilt.
Frank Lester in training is an intense dude. Dan Henderson sits down and has a chat with him encouraging the guy to loosen up and relax more as he needs a clear mind pre-fight.
Round 1)
Worthy of note here Steve Mazzagatti as the asigned referee. Lester looks the better striker but Wilks takes a leg of Lester’s attempting a heel hook submission showing he isn’t a one dimensional Brit striker but a skilled BJJ grappler. A tough fought round going mostly Wilks’ way, ending with Lester being saved by the bell caught in Wilks’ choke hold. There is a delay in starting the second round due to Lester have teeth knocked out by the Brit fighter stuck in his gum-shield. Mazzagatti instructs the cornermen to remove the teeth and continue the contest. Bisping expresses disapproval that if he is unable to start then his man Wilks has won the fight by default.
Round 2)
The 2nd round under way and Wilks is mauling his American counterpart. It’s not long before James Wilks takes a tap out win via Arm-bar. Awesome fight. Frank Lester showed a lot of heart continuing despite having teeth knocked out but the battling Brit fighter was the better man on the day.
UK 3-2 USA, yes Team UK is back in the lead. Two more scraps next week where it could all change.
Make sure you tune into Virgin 1 every Sunday at 11pm in the UK on Freeview TV, Sky or Virgin Media. Setanta Sports subscribers can catch The Ultimate Fighter second showing every Wednesday. Over in the States the programme is aired on Spike TV a few days earlier.
MMA blog by Dynamite Duane
duane@bluraymma.com
UFC 97 - Redemption
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Pay per view review
As often is the case the UFC doesn’t rely on one fight as the main event but rather feature a double main event to sell their monthly pay per views. In this case of the UFC return to Canada UFC 97 featured one championship title clash from Anderson ‘Spider’ Silva challenged by top contender Thales Leites, backed up by a fight featuring arguably the most marketable face of the UFC ‘The Iceman’ Chuck Liddell. Skipping forward to the two main events we’ll take a detailed look at both bouts.
Liddell’s opponent on the night was Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, both
Light-heavyweights had something to prove tonight in Montreal. Chuck the most recognisable MMA fighter in the world, with a distinct look plus a great fighter who put the UFC firmly in the mainstream along with Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture and Tito Ortiz, is now at a junction in his career. When I first started watching the UFC Liddell was the exciting dominant light-heavyweight champion who consistently won by knocking his opponents to the deck. Time has passed Liddell’s star is fading following a succession of losses inside the octagon. It is make or break versus Shogun. Then we have Rua another fighter with past glories on a comeback trail. The difference with Rua is he a younger fighter than Chuck who has been recovering from an injury for a long time. Will Shogun return to his form in Pride or will Liddell surprise us? Let’s see what went down in this decisive fight for Liddell and Shogun.
Round 1)
First round underway, Shogun looks noticeable light and nibble with great footwork. Liddell receives some brutal leg kicks from Shogun to weaken his defence. On the ground Shogun attempts a leg submission on Liddell. The action is up and down from the mat and back to an upright position. Chuck shoots in on Rua taking him down but he defends well standing back up. In a flash Rua knocks down former champ Liddell, pounces on his him laying in hammer fists. The Iceman was down and out! He didn’t know what had happened, asking referee Mario Yamazaki what had happened. Rua got the TKO win.
Liddell and Rua gave us an exciting scrap with a decisive win, but perhaps not the fighter most fans wanted to win. Sad to see Liddell lose again but it seems his best is past him. The fight could possibly be the last appearance inside the octagon for the Iceman. For Rua it pushes him higher up the ladder towards the gold with this impressive performance.
The story here is we have Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva the seemingly undefeatable champion a master Muay Thai kickboxer who is great on the ground defending against Thales Leites a fantastic BJJ practioner unbeaten in the UFC since 2006. Both men are Brazilians so neither are as marketable as an English speaking fighter both none the less both are outstanding martial artists. Anderson Silva is up there as one of the top 3 pound for pound best fighters in the world so Leites has a tough contest ahead of him but would the Canadian fans get their money’s worth?
Round 1)
Just before the first round Georges St Pierre shown sitting in the front row gets a huge ovation from his Montreal fan base. Both fighters are slow getting started; Silva keeps his arms low inviting his opponent in, as he is a fighter who plays the counter attack game. Silva sweep kicks Leites off of his feet landing him on the canvas. Silva despite possessing excellent BJJ skills stays standing deciding not to follow, letting Leites back up to his feet.
Round 2)
In the second round Leites takes down Silva, he defends well underneath eventually regaining a standing position. On their feet neither fighter show any clear sign of wanting to win, making it frustrating viewing. The fighting spirit is missing.
Round 3)
The fight continues into the third round of this five round title fight. Throughout the round Anderson avoids Leites guard repeatedly creating pauses in the action. We hear chants of GSP! GSP! He’s not in this fight but the Montreal fans make it clear he’s the man to beat Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva. Forget the idea of a BJ Penn and GSP rematch a dream match-up of GSP versus Silva is the way to go. By the sounds of the crowd the Montreal fans will lap it up! Back to what is happening inside the octagon and it is much of the same – Leites laying on his back but Silva wants no part in a BJJ contest.
Round 4)
The way it looks by round four we have Silva mentally winning as he frustrates Leites but the Brazilian is not doing enough to finish the fight. Silva shimmies, putting on a show as he dominates in the striking game. Anderson is amazingly nibble and loose limbed making it hard for Leites to get him to the ground.
Round 5)
Here we are the fifth and final round of the middleweight title contest. Silva is without a doubt intelligently defending himself appearing unscathed but the fight is rarely exciting. Chants of BULLSHIT! BULLSHIT! Followed by GSP! Then boos are heard from the crowd. Silva wins on a judge’s decision but failed to entertain the masses. Was it his fault? Both fighters could be to blame if we are to be fair. Despite not putting on the fight the fans wanted Anderson set the record for the most championship defences. Plus it was the first time he had gone the distance since September 2004.
The rest of the PPV from the bottom up:
Luis Cane vs. Steve Cantwell – Light Heavyweight
A tough stand-up battle fought over the 3 round the time limit. Brazilian Cane won this close fight on a decision over Cantwell, the last WEC Light Heavyweight titleholder.
Cheick Kongo vs. Antoni Hardonk – Heavyweight
A battle of heavy hitters that was won by fan favourite Kongo using a successful strategy of taking the fight to the ground thus besting the Dutchman with brutal ground and pound in the second round. Another impressive victory for the French man.
Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Brian Stann – Light Heavyweight
Canadian Soszynski successfully beat Stann in the 1st round via Kimura submission for the tap-out win. Very impressive.
Sam Stout vs. Matt Wiman - Lightweight
(Aired from the preliminary card) A fast paced contest that became a pure battle of wills between 2 young warriors of the cage. After 3 tough rounds Canadian Sam Stout is declared the winner on the judges scorecard.
Some great performances from the Canadian fan favourites. Unfortunately it was a shame Silva versus Leites did not deliver.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to PPV on May 23rd for UFC 98 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. Top of the bill will see Lyoto Machida challenging Rashad Evans for his Light Heavyweight crown. Co-headlining for UFC 98 will be the long-delayed welterweight bout between Matt Hughes and Matt Serra.
MMA blog by Dynamite Duane