Can Anyone Beat Anderson Silva?

Once again, Anderson Silva proved that he's on another planet in terms of the middleweight division. It's basically Silva, then the rest of the division. They shouldn't have rankings in the UFC for that division because Silva should occupy the top 5 spots. They have to start with the number 6 ranked contender, that's how far ahead Silva is from the rest of the division.

The only way this guy is going to lose is by a fluke. There isn't a fighter on the planet, in any organization, that can hold a candle to Silva in the middleweight division. He just walked through a force in Dan Henderson, who, oh by the way, knocked out Wanderlei Silva just last year at 205.

We have Anderson Silva to blame for the lousy middleweight division. He's just too good. Without him, there really is talent in the division. Rich Franklin, Travis Lutter, Nate Marquardt, Yushin Okami, Evan Tanner, Ed Herman, Chris Leben, these guys have some serious talent. Yet not one of them can even touch Silva.

So don't lose faith in the middleweight division even though I've been trashing it over the last couple months. There are plenty of exciting fighters who will step up and get thrashed by Silva. That doesn't go for just the UFC either. Silva will destroy anyone in this weight class no matter what organization it is. This could be Dana White's way of getting into some cross promoting because he can boast that his fighter is by far the best in the world.

UFC Hall of Famer Marc Coleman to Face Brock Lesnar

Mark Coleman’s (15-8 MMA, 6-3 UFC) induction into the UFC Hall of Fame came with an interesting footnote: he’s returning to the UFC to fight Brock Lesnar (1-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in August.

Just a few hours after the former Ohio State national wrestling champion and first-ever UFC heavyweight title-holder became the fifth fighter inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, the 43-year-old fighter confirmed the bout to a sold-out crowd and pay-per-view audience.

Saturday’s UFC 82 event took place at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

No exact date or location has been announced for the looming heavyweight fight.

“He’s a beast; he’s an animal,” Coleman said. “But I plan to find a way to beat his — I promised my mom I wouldn’t cuss — to beat his butt."

Coleman, who was the tournament winner at UFC 10 and 11 before staking claim to the first-ever heavyweight title at UFC 12, hasn’t fought since an October 2006 submission loss to Fedor Emelianenko at PRIDE 32. The Columbus native hasn’t fought in the octagon since UFC 18, which took place more than nine years ago.

Lesnar, a former NCAA Division I national wrestling champion and World Wrestling Entertainment performer, made his much-hyped UFC debut earlier this month at UFC 81. Although he’d batter his opponent for all but a few seconds of the fight, Lesnar ultimately suffered a first-round submission via kneebar to former UFC heavyweight champ Frank Mir.

Team Punishment’s Justin McCully had been a frontrunner to fight Lesnar in his next match and even went as far as stating that the UFC had “presented” him the fight. However, Coleman said he pleaded to UFC president Dana White for another fight, which likely prompted the scheduling change.

UFC 82 Preliminary Card

What could be Andrei Arlovski‘s final fight in the UFC began with a whimper but finished with a bang. After going on the defensive to stuff Jake O’Brien‘s takedown attempts, the former UFC heavyweight champion eventually scored his own takedown in the second. Arlovski immediately landed in full mount and unloaded a dizzying storm of ground and pound until the stoppage at 4:17. With his UFC contract fulfilled, Arlovski is now free to negotiate with rival organizations. However, he wasn’t about to get a free advertisement during Saturday’s event; Arlovski was the only fighter not awarded a post-fight interview.

After showing marked improvement during recent back-to-back victories, Luke Cummo came out flat in his fight with Luigi Fioravanti and was taken down with ease. Fioravanti scored a couple dozen takedowns to control the fight en route to a unanimous-decision victory. All three judges had it 30-27 in his favor.

Josh Koscheck, who fought the last fight of his current UFC contract, made his case for a pay raise with a come-from-behind victory over local fighter Dustin Hazelett. Although known as a grappler, Hazelett used his reach advantage to win a first-round stand-up war. However, when Koscheck did revert to his wrestling skills for a takedown, Hazelett nearly ended it with a triangle choke. In the second round, though, Koscheck connected on a head kick that sent Hazelett stumbling to the mat. A few follow-up punches on his dazed opponent was all it took for Koscheck to earn the TKO victory at the 1:24 mark of the second round.

Diego Sanchez looked — and fought — like a man possessed, dominating UFC newcomer David Bielkheden and overpowering him to take the mount position. The Swede initially kept his opponent tied up, but Sanchez postured up and rained down a fight-ending ground-and-pound barrage late in the first. Sanchez earned the submisson victory (via strikes) at 4:42 of the first round to snap a two-fight losing streak. The fighter, who publicly contemplated a move to lightweight in recent moves, said he’ll stay at welterweight for future fights.

In the night’s opening bout, local fighter and Brazilian jiu-jitu black belt Jorge Gurgel grinded his way to a unanimous-decision victory over Iowa fighter John Halverson. The judges had it 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 in Gurgel’s favor.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Anderson Silva def. Dan Henderson via submission (rear-naked choke) — Round 2, 4:52
Heath Herring def. Cheick Kongo via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Chris Leben def. Alessio Sakara via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 3:36
Yushin Okami def. Evan Tanner via KO (knee) — Round 2, 3:00
Jon Fitch def. Chris Wilson via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Andrei Arlovski def. Jake O’Brien via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 4:17
Luigi Fioravanti def. Luke Cummo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Josh Koscheck def. Dustin Hazelett via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 1:24
Diego Sanchez def. David Bielkheden via submission (strikes) — Round 1, 4:42
Jorge Gurgel def. John Halverson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

UFC 82 Recap: Silva Dominates

He beat the best that the UFC could possibly throw at him, and Anderson Silva (21-4 MMA, 6-0 UFC) again made it look easy.

The UFC middleweight champion knocked off PRIDE 183-lb. title-holder Dan Henderson (22-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) to unify the belts and cement his standing as the most dominant and best pound-for-pound fighter anywhere in mixed martial arts.

The fight — one of the biggest and most significant in MMA history — capped off Saturday’s UFC 82 event, a 10-fight card that took place at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The event drew more than 16,000 spectators for a $2.2 million live gate.

Although Silva reigned supreme, Henderson took the first round and made it interesting. After securing a takedown, the two-time Olympian tagged Silva with the occasional punch and elbow. He got the openings by covering Silva’s mouth with a free hand — and then punishing him with the free one. The system worked for the final three minutes of the first round.

However, the tides would turn in the second round as Silva’s striking began landing with pinpoint accuracy. Henderson closed the distance only to find himself in Silva’s clinch — a horribly dangerous position. Silva partially connected on what otherwise would have been a bone-crushing knee to the face. However, the blow was enough to send Henderson to the ground, and he’d never get back up.

The end would come soon after when Silva took his opponent’s back, locked in a body triangle and secured the fight-ending rear-naked choke. The tap-out would come with just eight seconds remaining in the second round.

In the week leading up to his co-main-event clash, Heath Herring bragged of career-best conditioning. And it paid off. He didn't talk much of how his fights are simply boring and he's always apologizing to the fans afterwards.

While opponent Cheick Kongo first looked as though he would simply muscle his way to victory, Herring eventually used his opponent’s size to his advantage to score pivotal takedowns. Once there, he transitioned into sidemount — a position that had Kongo as unnatural as a fish out of water. Unable to escape the position, Kongo was tagged with repeated knees to the ribs and shoulder. The French kickboxer repeatedly looked to his corner for instruction, but Herring displayed just enough power and poise to keep his opponent pinned.

It’d prove the deciding factor as two of the night’s three judges awarded him the second and third rounds.

Herring earned his first big UFC victory and won over the fans in the process.

“I wanted this to be a stand-up battle,” Herring said. “I wanted to duke it out with this guy. I didn’t think he was going to take me down. I didn’t train ground (fighting) at all for this fight.“
Regardless, though, Herring pulled out the split-decision victory via scores of 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28.

When is Heath Herring going to realize that this is Mixed Martial Arts? Every fight he says how he didn't want the other fighter to fight like they did. And that he didn't train the right way. Aren't you supposed to train for all aspects?

As far as strict entertainment value, a middleweight bout between Chris Leben and Alessio Sakara delivered. Neither fighter cared much for a ground game, and both appeared content to slug it out to determine the last man standing.

That man would turn out to be Leben, every MMA fan’s guilty pleasure. Both fighters connected on numerous big shots throughout the first round, yet neither ever seemed in real trouble. Punches would land flush, and they’d land with cracks and thuds, yet neither fighter seemed fazed.

However, that all changed late in the first round when Leben stunned Sakara with a knee to the head and followed with a left hook that dropped the Italian boxer. Leben swarmed in to finish him off before the referee called for the stoppage. Credit Leben with the TKO victory at 3:36 of the first round.

“When I came out, he actually hit a lot harder than I thought,” Leben said. “It takes a lot to hurt me, so more power to him, but I put him in the blender, took him into the deep end and said, ‘You want to swing? Let’s swing.’ That’s what these fans came to see."

The storybook return of former UFC middleweight champ Evan Tanner from a two-year absence hit a roadblock in Yushin Okami. Then again, things never really got off to a good start. After signing Tanner to a new four-fight deal with the organization in November, the UFC had a difficult time finding him an opponent. Tanner states that at least 4 fighters turned the fight down.

Okami eventually accepted the bout, and the test would prove too much too soon for the 37-year-old Tanner. After a competitive first round, Okami took over in the second, using the clinch to set up a knockout via knee. The bout was stopped as soon as Tanner hit the mat at the 3:00 mark.

The victory pushes Okami’s UFC record to 6-1 and could put him next in line for the title shot with Silva.

“It’s up to the UFC,” he said. “If they feel I am ready for a title shot, I’d be honored. If they want me to take on another tough opponent before getting a shot… then that’s what I’ll do."

Jon Fitch opened the night’s televised main card in familiar fashion: with a win. UFC newcomer and former IFL fighter Chris Wilson proved a game opponent, especially early on as he took the first round on one of the three judges’ scorecards. However, Fitch would run away with the next two rounds, closing the distance, and inflicting an increasing amount of damage as the fight wore on. In the end, he earned the unanimous decision with two scores of 30-27 and one of 29-28.

With a spotless 8-0 record in the octagon, Fitch wants just one fight.

“I’m ready for that strap,” he said. “I’m ready to fight for the title… Once you have the belt, then every fight you have is the toughest, so that’s where I want to be."

Legendary Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope dies at 79

As you're aware, this website is dedicated to MMA, however, tragic news was reported yesterday as longtime Pittsburgh Steelers broadcaster, and inventor of 'The Terrible Towel', Myron Cope died yesterday morning of respiratory failure at the age of 79.

One of the last of the great sports characters, Mr. Cope's life and career were nothing less than book-worthy, even if he had to write it himself. Twice.

"Double Yoi" it was called both times, the second an updated version of the original 2002 volume, the title immortalizing one of Mr. Cope's signature exclamations, which, along with "Okle-dokle," "Dumbkopf!", and "How do?", became so familiar to his radio and TV audiences.

His creation of The Terrible Towel has developed into a worldwide symbol that is synonymous with Steelers football. He also helped immortalize the most famous play in NFL history when he popularized the term 'Immaculate Reception.'

The Terrible Towel is arguably the best-known fan symbol of any major pro sports team, has raised millions of dollars for charity and is displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Steeler Nation may have lost their favorite broadcaster, but they will never lose his voice.

MMA Superstar Sighting

Ken Shamrock was spotted by one of our frequent commenters on mmafest. You may have seen him on the comment page numerous times and goes by the threatening, chick magnet moniker of 'God of Thunder'.

He was picking me up at Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, GA waiting for me at the baggage claim. I had just gotten off the plane when I got the call that Ken Shamrock was standing right next to him.

He took Shamrocks picture and actually said to him, "man you gotta be tired of this shit" which got a chuckle from Ken. He shook Ken's hand and chatted for a brief minute. By the time I got there he was at the rent-a-car area with what looked like some of his family.

God of Thunder says that he was fairly pleasant but not overly outgoing. Although it was around 10:30 pm on a Wednesday so you can't expect people to be in the best moods especially at an airport.

God of Thunder works at a place of leisure where some other MMA stars have been known to show up on occasion. In the past he's met Forrest Griffin, Cole Miller, Big Nog, and Matt Serra, saying that each one of them was very friendly and chatted it up for a while.

It's refreshing to know that these guys are pretty regular and approachable. Try doing that with a baseball or football player and you won't get that type of response at all. MMA fighters appreciate the fans more so than any other sport which is why we connect with them so well.

If anyone reading has an experience meeting some MMA fighters please feel free to respond with a comment and let us know how the experience was.

Silva-Jardine confirmed for UFC 84

The UFC confirmed Thursday the much-talked-about matchup between Wanderlei Silva and Keith Jardine.

The bout will take place at UFC 84 "ill will" on Saturday, May 24 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Jardine can build on his momentum from his surprising win over Chuck Liddell at UFC 76 when he battles another former champion in Wanderlei Silva, who unlike Jardine, fell to Chuck Liddell at UFC 79.

Also on the card is former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz as he bids farewell to the UFC when he faces the undefeated Lyoto Machida. Ortiz has already said numerous times that he won't be re-signing with the UFC.

Headlining the card is the lightweight title fight between BJ Penn and former champ Sean Sherk.

CURRENT RUMORED UFC 84 CARD:

155 lbs: B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk
205 lbs: Tito Ortiz vs. Lyoto Machida
205 lbs: Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine
205 lbs: Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
205 lbs: Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva
205 lbs: Wilson Gouveia vs. Goran Reljic
185 lbs: Rousimar Palhares vs. Ivan Salaverry
170 lbs: Dong-Hyun Kim vs. Jason Tan
155 lbs: Terry Etim vs. Jeremy Stephens

EliteXC Expected to Sign Deal With CBS

ProElite Inc., the parent company of Elite Xtreme Combat, is expected to announce a deal with CBS that will put MMA on major network television for the first time.

EliteXC was founded as a partnership with Showtime Networks Inc. in 2006. The organization’s events, which are held under the EliteXC and ShowXC banners, currently air on Showtime. Showtime is owned by CBS.

CBS will broadcast live EliteXC events in prime-time slots. The events will likely take place every other month.

The announcement will come just weeks after EliteXC’s successful “Street Certified” event in Miami, Fla. In addition to drawing a sold-out crowd and setting a live gate record at the BankUnited Center, the event reportedly drew more than half a million Showtime viewers. The fact that EliteXC — and not the UFC, the worldwide MMA leader — landed the first network-television deal is a bit of a surprise.

Dana White was certain that the UFC would be the first MMA organization that would land a network deal. It appears the networks are wanting in on the MMA boom which should mean an instant climb for EliteXC.

UFC Fight Night Guaranteed to Show 5 Fights

An ultra-stacked UFC Fight Night 13 event will, in fact, run three hours and will include five — possibly even six — televised fights.

Televised bouts include Kenny Florian vs. Joe Lauzon, Thiago Alves vs. Karo Parisyan, Tim Boetsch vs. Matt Hamill, Nate Diaz vs. Kurt Pellegrino, and Houston Alexander vs. James Irvin.

The Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard bout is listed as the swing bout. Meaning that it will be televised if time is permitted. Basically we have to root for lots of knockouts.

The event features a record 12 fights — and it’s possibly the deepest fight card in Spike TV history. In fact, the card is so deep that MMA fans began an email and letter-writing campaign to Spike TV to formally request that the event run three hours instead of the normal two.

Here is the full card:

MAIN CARD (TELEVISED)

Kenny Florian vs. Joe Lauzon
Thiago Alves vs. Karo Parisyan
Tim Boetsch vs. Matt Hamill
Nate Diaz vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Houston Alexander vs. James Irvin
Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard (swing bout; may not be televised)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UN-TELEVISED)

Marcus Aurelio vs. Spencer Fisher
Josh Neer vs. Din Thomas
Jeff Cox vs. Manny Gamburyan
Samy Schiavo vs. Clay Guida
Roman Mitichyan vs. George Sotiropoulos
Anthony Johnson vs. Tommy Speer

Hermes Franca Released from UFC Contract

Lightweight Hermes Franca is in the midst of serving a 1 year suspension for testing positive for a banned substance after his title fight with Sean Sherk.

Franca was contacted by other organizations to fight outside of the U.S. over the past few months and has been open about needing the money due to not fighting. He asked the UFC to release him from his contract so he could pursue fighting outside the U.S.

However, the NVAC contacted Franca and said if he fought anywhere while currently suspended in the U.S. he would never be allowed to fight in the U.S. again.

Franca will try to make some money doing seminars and appearances while serving the rest of his suspension which will be over in July.