MMA Odds

UFC 110
Big Nog		-110	-110	N/A	-126	N/A
Cain Velasquez		-120	-120	N/A	-104	N/A
Wanderlei Silva		-130	-155	N/A	-153	N/A
Michael Bisping		+130	+125	N/A	+123	N/A
Cro Crop		-170	N/A	N/A	-150	N/A
Ben Rothwell		+140	N/A	N/A	+120	N/A
Keith Jardine		+135	+125	N/A	+110	N/A
Ryan Bader		-165	-155	N/A	-140	N/A

Dana White and Bob Arum Declare Truce?

The UFC’s signing of James Toney will no doubt  further contribute to the blurring lines between boxing and mixed-martial-arts fans. One would think that even some of the most ardent boxing purists will tune in to see how a decorated boxer like Toney fairs in the Octagon (remember his warning that heads are gonna fly…). There will always of course be a rivalry between the two sports as to what’s more entertaining or bad ass (although at this point trying to argue that boxers rule fighting is like stating the world is flat), but it seems like the two sports are here to co-exist, even peacefully…at least for the time being.

Fighters Only Magazine has posted an interesting article on how UFC boss man Dana White has actually been helping boxing promoter Bob Arum (yes, the dude that not too long ago described MMA’s fanbase as “skinheads”), hype up the upcoming Mar. 13^th bout between Manny Pacquia and Joshua Clottey. According to the story, White has encouraged his loyal Twitter subjects (over a million strong) to check out the fight, and further, the report states that the UFC likely moved the original date for UFC 111, as to not compete with the boxing match. And, oh yeah, White, who will be in attendance with UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta apparently, was also giving away a few free tickets… 

Damn. That’s a far cry from the days when UFC 103 went up head-to-head against Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Marquez. See what a fragile economy and thin wallets can do? Building friendships one fight at a time…

Posted on March 12, 2010
Filed Under Dana White, MMA, MMA News, UFC | Leave a Comment

James Toney Calls Out Brock Lesnar

If you’re not a boxing fan and your exposure to the sport has been solely limited to five second glimpses while channel surfing (as then you realize ‘oh sh-t this isn’t MMA’), then you’re probably picking up by now that UFC newcomer James Toney isn’t exactly known for being shy. From warning that future opponents may have their heads launched into the stands when going in for a takedown, or, that MMA legend Randy Couture is in a “lose-lose” situation if he fights the boxing champ, you can see why the UFC was willing to give Toney a go. As the Wu-Tang Clan so eloquently put it C.R.E.A.M.

This AM HDNet Fights has let the word out that Mr. Toney will appear on the network’s Inside MMA show later tonight, and in a crafty way to run up viewership, they’ve posted a sample of Toney’s latest ‘dude are you serious’ quote.

“I want Brock Lesnar,” says Toney. “I’m the heavyweight champion of the world vs. the UFC champion. That’d be a hell of a match…I’ll fight anybody you got.”

Yes, that would be a hell of an interesting fight (particularly for those who want to see Toney brutally beat down) and with reports surfacing this week that some of the recent UFC pay-per-views haven’t exactly been through the roof, some serious dough could likely be made off such a match-up. But before everyone gets ahead of themselves here (and by everyone we mean Toney) maybe the boxer should, you know, actually win a MMA fight before calling out for a title shot. But just as it was in the 90’s… C.R.E.A.M.

Posted on March 12, 2010
Filed Under Brock Lesnar, MMA, MMA News, UFC, UFC News | 1 Comment

Roger Gracie Scheduled for May 15th Strikeforce

MMA Junkie is reporting today that renowned jiu-jitsu competitor and 2-0 MMA fighter, Roger Gracie, will make his Strikeforce debut at the promotion’s upcoming May 15^th event in St. Louis. The report states that according to “sources close to the event”, a bout between Gracie and Kevin Randleman is in the works, with Thierry Rameau Sokoudjou in the running as a second candidate.

Now if you don’t pay attention to the jiu-jitsu world you might be saying ‘so effin what’ right now, but for BJJ enthusiasts, this is big news. Roger has won enough jiu-jitsu titles to fill the mother of all trophy cases, and not with local ‘Sunnyside Lane Not Open Invitational’ medals either, we’re talking multiple ADCC World Submission Wrestling and BJJ World Championships. In MMA, Roger has gone 2-0 to date, tapping out the veterans Ron Waterman and Yuki Kondo, with the last win over Kondo coming in May, 2008.

Of course, some people might be recalling the recent ‘WTF was that?’ UFC debut of Rolles Gracie, another heralded jiu-jitsu dude that got beat down by Joey Beltran in February, after his lungs said ‘eff this, we’re done’ shortly into the second round. Although there were varying opinions as to what happened with Rolles (who was promptly cut by the UFC), not only is Roger not the same dude, clearly, but it should also be noted that his jits career has been a step above his fellow Gracie.

Posted on March 11, 2010
Filed Under MMA, MMA News, Strikeforce | Leave a Comment

GSP Has No Plans of Trash Talking with Dan Hardy

As we’ve noted here at MMA Fix over the last couple of weeks, the trash talk front heading into the March 27^th bout between Georges St. Pierre and Dan Hardy has been relatively quiet. Yeah, Hardy has taken the odd little jab at GSP or his fans, but nothing nowhere near the “fraggle” comments he used to describe Josh Koscheck, or the “fake Irish man” assault he threw at Marcus Davis last year (which is nothing compared to their latest ‘we’ll steer clear of’ war of words).

It will be interesting to see whether or not the outspoken Hardy takes the smack talk up a notch with GSP, during Spike’s UFC Primetime series, which is set to air over the coming weeks. Don’t expect any from GSP, however, as in an interview with Andy Blatchford of the Canadian Press, the champ makes it clear that trash talking isn’t his ‘coupe’ of tea.

“Trash talk is not my thing, there is a line I will never cross,”

 ”If he wants to cross the line then he’s going to cross it alone and I’m going to answer back with my fists in the Octagon.”

GSP does seem like the kind of guy that you don’t want to rile up (maybe it has something to do with that whole pound-for-pound contender thing). After all, in the fights where he’s appeared to be pissed off (Matt Serra rematch, second and third bouts with Matt Hughes, BJ Penn rematch), he’s been extremely thorough.

To bet on the fight, or any others at UFC 111, head here.

Posted on March 11, 2010
Filed Under Georges St. Pierre, MMA, MMA News, UFC 111, UFC News | Leave a Comment

Rachelle Leah Returning as Octagon Girl for UFC 111

Now maybe you didn’t plan on checking out the upcoming March 27^th UFC 111; times are tough, cash could be on short supply, or maybe you just don’t care for the card’s line-up. If GSP vs. Dan Hardy, Frank Mir vs. Shane Carwin and Jon Fitch vs. Thiago Alves doesn’t entice you, however, maybe it’s time to examine why you claim to like MMA.

Well if you’re a fan of beautiful brunettes and Playboy cover models, as we most definitely are, UFC 111 just got a lot more interesting. The promotion has announced that talented UFC All-Access host, Rachelle Leah, will be returning to her former gig as an Octagon Girl for the March 27^th show. That’s some sweet ass news (wink wink). Unfortunately it’s just for the 27^th. The announcement offered no info as to whether or not Octagon Girls Arianny Celeste and Chandella Powell will be in attendance.

At any rate, it will be nice to see Rachelle back in action again, and if you’re still saying ‘meh’ about UFC 111, move along.

For more fantastic pics of Rachelle and her bio head here.

Posted on March 11, 2010
Filed Under MMA, MMA News, Rachelle Leah, UFC, UFC 111 | Leave a Comment

A Look at the Workouts of Jon “Bones” Jones

Any regular reader of MMA Fix knows that Jon “Bones” Jones continues to steadily rise up our ‘Now That’s What’s Up’ index, after all, this is a guy that has tossed studs like Matt Hamill and Stephan Bonnar through the air like beach balls (not to mention flooring the latter with a spinning elbow). That’s some entertaining sh-t, and part of the reason why the 22 year-old light-heavyweight is quickly becoming one of the sport’s fastest rising commodities. If he can take out Brandon Vera on the 21^st, the “Bones” Jones bandwagon will be maxed out before your buddy can say ‘he’s always been my favorite fighter.’

The official UFC site has an interesting report posted about the All-American Greco-Roman wrestler’s training regiment; yeah, it looks difficult. Check out this sample while we duck out for KFC. 

AVERAGE DAY

1.Hang Clean (5 sets of 5 reps)

2.Barbell Push Press (8 sets of 5 reps: 30 sec. rest between sets)

3. Lying Leg Curl (6 sets of 6 reps)

4. Depth Dumbbell Snatch (4 sets of 4 reps)

5. Ring Twists (3 sets of 4 reps to each side)

6. Clean from Knees w/Jump (3 sets of 10 reps)

7. Medicine ball superset (run the cycle three times for a total of three supersets)

•    Medicine Ball Power Up (5 reps)

•    Medicine Ball Sprawl and Jump (8 reps)

•    Medicine Ball Plyo Push Up (8 reps)

8. One-Leg Straight Leg Walking Dumbbell Deadlifts (3 sets for 25 yards each)

Posted on March 10, 2010
Filed Under Brandon Vera, Jon Bones Jones, UFC, UFC News | Leave a Comment

Juanito Ibarra Says James Toney is “Going to Shock the World”

Since news surfaced that renowned boxer (and talker) James Toney had signed with the UFC, there has been varying opinions offered, as to how the 41 year-old-fighter will fair when he makes his MMA debut. Of course, it will all depend on how serious Toney takes this whole ‘cage fighting’ thing, and despite comments that he’s going to send “heads into orbit” (an effective way to counter the takedown apparently or any other human activity for that matter), if he doesn’t train for all aspects of MMA he’s probably going to get schooled.

Toney has reportedly been doing some training with noted striking coach Juanito Ibarra, who if you just pay passing attention to MMA, he was the dude with the hat that was always with “Rampage” Jackson (although no longer). At any rate, Mr. Ibarra knows a thing or two about fighting, and although cynics will say he has a vested interest in hyping up Toney, the veteran trainer told Fight Hype that he’s expecting big things out of the boxer.

“He’s a workhorse and I have a good team behind me as always, and I truly believe we’re going to shock the world. When we are ready to fight I believe people will see that James Toney is for real, and I won’t be surprised but I think the world will be surprised.”

Want evidence? Ibarra goes on to say that Toney threw a head kick at him the other day. Wow. If he busts out the gogoplata then people will really start talking.

Posted on March 10, 2010
Filed Under MMA, MMA News, UFC, UFC News | Leave a Comment

Mike Swick Changes Mind; Believes Dan Hardy Worthy of Title Shot

If you’ve been following the pre-fight storyline heading into the upcoming March 27^th bout between UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre and challenger Dan Hardy, you know that for the most part, Hardy has been busy taking a piss at those who say the British slugger doesn’t deserve a title shot. In particular, vocal critics like Mike Swick and his AKA teammate Josh Koscheck, have bore the brunt of the Hardy’s rebuttals (who could forget the “fraggle” comments? That’s not something that just gets swept under the insult rug…).

It appears as though Swick, who lost by UD to Hardy last November, has had a change of heart. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Hardy’s former foe went on record stating that not only does he think the Briton can beat GSP (to be clear, he also said that “overall”, the champion “has a better chance to win”) but that yes, Hardy is in fact deserving of a crack at the belt.

“Dan Hardy definitely deserves his title shot in Newark. I said in a few interviews he didn’t but – I want to clear the air – when I said that I was still upset I’d got beat by him at UFC 105. I made that mistake of talking when I was feeling emotional, when I was feeling down and was disappointed in my performance. But it wasn’t my true opinion; at least not one I’d actually thought about.”

Wow. You don’t hear that kind of admission very often. Just a hunch, but we’re not expecting similar comments from “Kos” anytime soon.

To bet on UFC 111 head here.

Posted on March 10, 2010
Filed Under Georges St. Pierre, MMA, Mike Swick, UFC, UFC 111, UFC News | Leave a Comment

James Toney Talks MMA; Warns Heads May “Go Into Orbit”

It’s only been a few days since the UFC announced the signing of boxing champion James Toney, and already, the fruits of their labor are paying off. Why? Well, if you don’t follow boxing, you’re about to discover that Mr. Toney has a gift for gab that is on par with MMA smack talk greats like “Rampage” Jackson and Dan Hardy (amongst others). In other words, when Toney talks, people fire up the popcorn and pull up a chair.

The latest, ‘dude check this out’ offerings from Toney, come courtesy an interview he did with the On the Grind Boxing Radio Show (thanks to Fight Hype for the quotes). From commenting on a possible bout with Randy Couture (apparently Randy is in a “lose-lose situation” if it goes down), saying Dana White “put his money where his mouth is” (does that mean it’s a lot of cash?), to saying that boxing promoters got “fat and lazy”, there are a few ‘wow’ statements in the interview.

When asked about his MMA skills, however, this comment from Toney in particular, seemed to jump through our monitors right smack dab into our eyeballs.

“I look at it like this, if a guy get in there and try to take me to the ground, he might see his head go into orbit. The head is going into orbit, for real. These guys in MMA, they good wrestlers and good grapplers and good kickers, like girls, but, you know, when it comes to throwing them blows, they ain’t got a chance in hell.”

Heads into orbit huh? Fighters beware.

Posted on March 9, 2010
Filed Under MMA, MMA News, Randy Couture, UFC, UFC News | Leave a Comment

Nearly Completed Deal Could See Fedor Emelianenko Fight in June / July

Not only is Fedor Emelianenko one of the sport’s best, and thus, entertaining fighters, but the constant drama surrounding the renowned heavyweight as to when, who and if he’s going to fight kind of adds to the intrigue. News about Fedor is kind of like scratching a lottery ticket; every time you do you’re super excited, but often, you end up being damn disappointed. If it’s a winner though…hot damn.

Yesterday we passed along a report from MMA Bay that said sources had informed the outlet that Fedor had injured his hand recently, and as a result, “The Last Emperor’s” expected bout with Fabricio Werdum could be delayed. In a report from Sherdog.com this AM, however, M-1 Global representative Evgeni Kogan has said reports of Fedor being injured are false.

In respect to recent speculation that negotiations between Strikeforce and Fedor’s management (M-1) weren’t going swimmingly, according to the Sherdog report, the two organizations are in the final stages of revising Fedor’s contract. Kogan added that getting the M-1 brand out there more, at their co-promoted events with Strikeforce, was a big part of the negotiations (cue Dana White laughing).

So, yadda, yadda, yadda, when’s Fedor fighting?

“I think June, July is realistic,” said Kogan, “It’s not 100 percent. Don’t take this as a fight announcement, but I think during the summer.”

Nice. Although crossing our fingers until then isn’t going to be easy.

Posted on March 9, 2010
Filed Under Fedor Emelianenko, MMA, MMA News, Strikeforce | Leave a Comment

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