Archive for July, 2009

UFC Press Conference: Tito is back, Franklin vs. Belfort to headline UFC 103

Dana White and the UFC held a press conference today promising “Crazy things.” The announcements probably fell short of crazy, but were significant nonetheless.
Dana White announced that Tito Ortiz is indeed back in the UFC. No return date was set, but Tito said that he was healthy and working with Freddie Roach on his striking. [...]

Statement from Josh Barnett on positive drug test

Here is the statement that the management from Josh Barnett released on Wednesday evening:
The media has reported that Mixed Martial Arts Heavyweight fighter Josh Barnett would not be eligible to fight Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction Trilogy as he was denied his California license due to an alleged positive test for 2α-methyl-5α-androstan-3α-ol-17-one, which is purportedly a [...]

Nick Diaz vs. Jay Hieron set for Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg

After Joe Riggs had to pull out of the Strikeforce welterweight title fight with Nick Diaz at August 15th’s Strikeforce event, there was much speculation as to who Diaz’s new opponent would be. Today it was announced that former Affliction fighter Jay Hieron would take Riggs’ place against Diaz.
Hieron had been scheduled to fight Paul [...]

Report: UFC offers Fedor 30 million dollar contract

According to Carmichael Dave at KTHK 1140am in Sacramento, the UFC offered Fedor Emelianenko and M-1 global a pretty enormous offer:
- The UFC offered Fedor a 6 fight, 30 million dollar contract.
- An immediate title shot
- The UFC offered M-1 Global a cut of the PPV on top of Fedor’s purse
- Fedor was free to wear as [...]

Fedor conference call: No UFC contract without co-promotion with M-1

Fedor Emelianenko just wrapped up his conference call, and there is little news to report. However, it appears that there is no deal imminent with the UFC, at least according to Fedor and his people.
The CEO of M-1, Vadim Finkelstein, reiterated that Fedor will only work on a co-promotional basis, which means that any organization [...]

Report: Fedor Emelianenko headed to UFC

Last week, UFC president Dana White promised some “crazy” announcements this week. One of them appears to be the signing of the #1 heavyweight in the world, Fedor Emelianenko. The UFC has tenatively scheduled a press conference for Friday afternoon, and according to the L.A. Times, Fedor and the UFC are close to a deal:
A [...]

“The Ultimate Fighter” Season 10 extended preview

For a show that started running out of steam a few seasons ago, this upcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter” should get a much needed injection of excitement.

Ultimate Fighter Cast Preview