Kingdom MMA Awards 2013: Upset of the Year

Kingdom MMA Upset of the Year Award 2013: Chris Weidman

by Ben Heather @benheather

2013 has been a great year for MMA, champions have been dethroned and if not have finally looked like they might actually be human after all and can be challenged. Which leads us to present our award for the upset of the year.

Benson Henderson lost his title to long time rival Anthony Pettis. GSP got pushed all the way and took more punishment this year than we have ever seen him take. He ultimately kept his title before giving it up as he took an indefinite leave of absence from fighting and Johny Hendricks will get his chance again to be crowned the UFC Welterweight champion. It has also been the year that Chris Weidman has twice defeated the fighter many thought was unbeatable and rightfully so classified as the greatest of all time in Anderson Silva. Alexander Gustafsson also pushed Jon Jones to the limit but just missed out on defeating the champion and this is only what happened in title fights in the UFC.

In Bellator the biggest upset of the year came in February as Emanuel Newton defeated the massive favourite King Mo. Again just beating him was a massive upset win but the manner in which he did it really was special winning via a spinning back fist halfway through the first round of there fight at Bellator 90. This then set in place a rivalry which came to a head when they faced off for the rematch at Bellator 106 in November. Where again Newton won but this time via unanimous decision after 5 rounds to become the Bellator interim Light Heavyweight Champion.

Bigfoot Silva went in to his heavyweight battle with Alistair Overeem at UFC 156 as a massive underdog and the first two rounds looked like the bookies were right to make him the underdog going in to the fight. However, just at the end of the second round Bigfoot caught Overeem. When they came out for the start of the third round it was a completely different fight and Bigfoot picked apart Overeem before the referee had seen enough and Bigfoot got a massive TKO victory which set him up for the a title shot against Cain Velasquez. This was certainly one of the biggest upsets of the year and in any other year may have got the award but not 2013.

2013's award belongs to one man and that man did the impossible and defeated a fighter who was unbeaten in the UFC with a record of 16-0, held the record for the longest championship reign of any champion in the UFC ever and truly looked unbeatable. That was until UFC 162 on July 6th when Chris Weidman faced off against Anderson Silva.

What Chris Weidman did against Anderson Silva may not just be the biggest upset of the year, it has to be up there with the biggest upsets of all time. Chris Weidman knocked out the greatest fighter of all time when nobody predicted that could happen. People were saying Weidman could win but maybe by submission or decision. Nobody other than Weidman's camp said he would knockout the champ.

People can say what they want about the first fight "Anderson was clowning around" "Anderson was playing with Weidman and he got caught with a lucky shot" but in my opinion people who say stupid comments like that after seeing Chris Weidman knock out the greatest fighter on the planet are crazy. Anderson Silva fought Weidman the same way he fought every single fight in the UFC before that day the only difference is Anderson Silva's showboating made him even better because he was winning. As soon as he got caught and knocked out not many people gave Weidman any credit or the respect he deserved but instead said it will be different the second time.

This past weekend they had the rematch, we all know by now the outcome and nobody wants to see a fight finish with such a major injury like that, but up until the injury Chris Weidman was clearly in control of that fight. He nearly knocked out Anderson Silva in the first round and in the second made the changes to his game from the first fight by checking the kicks instead of taking the punishment on his legs. It was one of those checked kicks which resulted in a broken leg for Silva.

After the fight some of those same people who gave Weidman no credit for the first win were calling the injury "a fluke injury" but it was as a result of the changes Weidman had made to his game and if he didn't make those changes Silva would not have a broken leg now.

Weidman not only did the impossible and pulled off the biggest upset of the year once, he did it twice in the space of six months. For that Kingdom MMA's award for Upset of the Year 2013 goes to Chris Weidman.

We salute you Chris and hope that you start to get the respect you deserve for pulling off such a great achievement.

Kingdom MMA fights to make after UFC 162

The fights we would like to see after UFC 162

by Tommy Strong @Strong_tea

It's been over a week now since UFC 162, and I'm still pinching myself in case its a dream! Did Anderson Silva really get knocked out?!?! Is Chris Weidman really the new UFC Middleweight champion? As it happens it's all true.

Silva vs Weidman

As much as I was completely wrong about the outcome of the fight, there seems to be a very fine line between a genius and a dope! Silva has shown in many cases and especially in his light heavyweight bout with Stephan Bonnar putting his hands down, leaning up against the fence inviting Bonnar to land a punch or take him down, only seconds later to find himself knocked out. This was the genius of Silva and lauded by the fans and media.

Doing the same against Weidman and getting caught and knocked out we all call into question what the heck he was playing at!! Taking nothing away from Weidman as he took advantage of the opportunity given to him by Silva and become the first fighter to ever knock out Silva and put an end to his 7 years as UFC middleweight champion.

Where next for both fighters? Verdict: Rematch!

Even though at the time Silva said he isn't interested in a re-match with Weidman, I think money will talk. Now it has been confirmed we will get to see it. I hope for one it actually happens and nothing changes this between now and December, though the massive downfall of this happening is the title being on hold for so long. As if Silva wins the rematch, there is no doubt the Trilogy will happen, leaving the belt on hold between 2 fighters for another year at least.

If this wasn't to happen, there is only one fighter at the moment worthy of a title shot. If you like it or not Vitor Belfort has steamrolled Bisping & Luke Rockhold by devastating knock out to earn that title shot. With Belfort on TRT the fight would either have to take place in Brazil (which wouldn't be likely) or we will get the see the 'real' Belfort in Vegas without having the helping hand of TRT.

Silva hmmmmmm.. Without a rematch, I think a new challenge up at light heavyweight to take on Rashad Evans.

Frankie Def Oliveira

After three straight losses , even though some of the very questionable, Frankie Edgar went into Saturday nights fight with Oliveira feeling the pressure to get back into the winning circle. Putting on a very impressive performance and beating a very game and solid Oliveira via unanimous decision (30-27 x2 29-28) .
This was the first time since 2010 that Edgar has be in a 3 round fight, and proved once again why he is so feared. 

Where next for both fighters?

Winner: Frankie Edgar vs Cub Swanson

I feel after his loss to Aldo he still needs one or possibly two more fights, to get himself back fighting for the title. With both fighters at the top of their game and with both fighters love a good tear up my match up would be Cub Swanson!


Loser: Charles Oliveira vs loser of Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway

Having lost his last two fights, Oliveira needs to bounce back with a win. Having fought Cub Swanson and Frankie Edgar back to back, I think he'll be given a more winnable fight to get back to winning ways. A fight with either Conor McGregor or Max Holloway could suit the young fighter!

Tim Kennedy Def Roger Gracie:

Someone give me back 15 minutes of my life after having to watch this fight!! Both making their UFC middleweight debuts since signing from Strikeforce.
I'll cut this short to say you and me time from what was a low point of the night! Tim Kennedy def Roger Gracie (30-27 x 2 29-28) 

Winner: Tim Kennedy vs Alan Belcher.

Tim Kennedy got himself the win on Saturday night, but what proved to be over a limited Roger Gracie. I don't see Kennedy fighting for any title soon though he might prove a stern test for a few middleweight fighters. I would like to see Kennedy prove he's a better fighter than this, and test himself.
I really like the idea of Luke Barnett next for Kennedy , though maybe a little to soon for the Ultimate Fighter contestant. Therefore I put forward to you Alan Belcher, yes he's on a two fight losing streak, though I think Belcher is ranked above Kennedy and would make for a good fight!


Loser: Roger Gracie vs Rousimar Palhares

Whenever you hear the name Gracie I tend to get excited, though it might only be me that isn't excited by the prospect of Roger Gracie? So, what next for Roger, Anderson Silva? Nah, not a chance folks, though a fight vs Rousimar Palhares who is coming of losses to Alan Belcher and Hector Lombard , and with a great ground game Palhares could make for the perfect opponent.

Mark Munoz Def Tim Boestch:

Was great to see Mark Munoz back inside the octagon and a devastating defeat to the hands of now UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. Having to deal with depression, and piling on the weight ballooning to 260lbs. Munoz has worked very hard to get himself back into shape and it proved Saturday night it has all paid off.
With a dismantling display over Boestch , Munoz looked very impressive dominating Boestch and bullying him to a unanimous decision (30-26,30-27,29-28) all in favour of a Munoz win.

Winner: Mark Munoz vs Michael Bisping

With Munoz official ranked 6th and Bisping 4th it makes sense to make the fight happen when/if the UFC return to Bisping's home town of Manchester in October. This would make the perfect main event and push one of them nearer the title shot.

Loser: Boestch vs Luke Rockhold

Since making his middleweight debut back in 2011 , Tim Boestch went onto a 4 fight winning streak with impressive wins of Kendall Grove, Nick Ring, Okami & beating Hector Lombard who hadn't lost for 5 years!
Having lost to Costa Philippou and now Mark Munoz , he will have to work his way back up the rankings and back nearer that title shot. I really like the match up of Luke Rockhold, who himself coming off a KO defeat to Vitor Belfort.

Cub Swanson Def Dennis Siver (Fight of The Night)

This fight wasn't to be missed, and it didn't fail to deliver! Cub always comes into the octagon with one thing in his mind! That's to finish his opponent. And more often than that he does just that! Having KO/TKO'd 4 of his last 5 opponents in his 5 fight win streak Cub is nearing the title shot he has no doubt deserved.
Having to endure an early onslaught from the much bigger Siver , both men went toe to toe for the first two rounds. Then in the third round Swanson came out stronger to finish Siver via TKO.

Winner: Cub Swanson vs Frankie 'The Answer' Edgar

I've always wanted to see this match up and now it makes perfect sense to me! 'The Answer' is Frankie Edgar

Loser: Dennis Siver vs Winner of ( Dustin Poirier vs Erik Koch)

Despite losing to Cub, Siver is still one of the best fighters in the Featherweight division. Being (2/1) since moving down to featherweight we still haven't seen the best of Siver.
With a lot of top ranked fighters already due to fight, this one was a little harder to choose for Siver. Nik Lentz would seem a obvious choice but having a three fight winning streak I don't see this fight happening?
Maybe fighting the loser of Guida v Mendes would make sense. But I'm going for the following! The Winner of Dustin Poirier vs Erik Koch to be his next opponent.

Other entries.... because he was our TUF Smashes champion 

Norman Parke Def Kazuki Tokudome

The ultimate fighter winner Norman Parke put on a great performance in his official UFC debut beating Tokudome via unanimous decision (30-27 x2 29-28) I expect a step up in class for the norther Irishman.

Verdict: Parke vs Winner of (Myles Jury v Mike Ricci)

This has been one of my hardest picks, My head would like Norman in with more competitive fighter , and my heart would like the UFC to take their time with Norman and build him up , giving him more of a chance that some of the British fighters we have seen lately. So in that case I'm going with my head and picking the winner of the up and coming bout between Myles Jury and Mike Ricci.

UFC 162 Weigh in results

Weigh in Results for UFC 162

by Ben Heather @benheather

Tomorrow nights UFC live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Nevada, is now set after the weigh ins have now made the fights official. The main event sees Anderson Silva attempt to defend his UFC Middleweight title for a record 11th time against Chris Weidman. Silva already holds the UFC record for most title defenses which currently stands at 10, however a lot of people have been saying that Weidman is different to all the other challengers and could me the man to beat the greatest MMA fighter of all time.  Both men weighed in within the 185lbs limit to make the fight official. Now its just a matter of time before we see if Anderson stays undefeated in the UFC or will Weidman shock the world and defeat the GOAT. All we know is somebody will be losing their undefeated record in the UFC tomorrow night.

In the co main event, we will see a featherweight fight as Frankie Edgar is set to battle Charles Oliveira in a bout which has could have title implications. Both men weighed in under the 146lbs limit at the weigh ins, and they both know that a big win will move them a step closer to a potential title shot. Frankie comes in to this fight needing to get a win, he has no worries for his job but having lost his last three fights (all of which were title fights in which many people thought he did enough to win each time but the judges gave it against him) he is desperate to get back to winning ways and work his way back in to contention.

That is not the only featherweight fight on the card as Cub Swanson will face Dennis Siver in a fight that was originally scheduled to be the co main event on the UFC on Fuel TV 7 event in London back in February. That time Siver had to pull out due to injury but now they will meet in the octagon. Again like the Edgar vs Oliviera fight a big win could put them at the front of the queue for a title shot. Cub certainly has done enough to get one in my opinion.

Also on the main card we have two middleweight contests in Roger Gracie vs Tim Kennedy we see two men making their debuts in the UFC and after Kennedy's comments before this fight he may need a good performance and more importantly a win if he intends on having more than just the one fight in the UFC. The other middleweight contest sees two former contenders try to get back to winning ways as Tim Boetsch and Mark Munoz meet in the octagon.

All of the fighters made weight when they stepped on to the scales making all of the fights official.

A full list of results from today's weigh in can be found below.

Main Card - Live on ESPN at 3am Sunday 7th July 2013

Anderson Silva (c) (184lbs) vs. Chris Weidman (185lbs)
Frankie Edgar (146lbs) vs. Charles Oliveira (144lbs)    
Tim Kennedy (186lbs) vs. Roger Gracie (186lbs)
Mark Munoz (185lbs) vs. Tim Boetsch (186lbs)
Cub Swanson (144lbs) vs. Dennis Siver (145lbs)   

Prelims - Live on ESPN at 1am Sunday 7th July 2013

Chris Leben (186lbs) vs. Andrew Craig (186lbs)    
Norman Parke (156lbs) vs. Kazuki Tokudome (155lbs)   
Gabriel Gonzaga (262lbs) vs. Dave Herman (242lbs)   
Edson Barboza (155lbs) vs. Rafaello Oliveira (155lbs)

Facebook Prelims - Live on facebook

Seth Baczynski (170lbs) vs. Brian Melancon (170lbs)   
Mike Pierce (171lbs) vs. David Mitchell (171lbs)   

Fighter vs Writer - UFC 162 Main Card Picks Challenge - Phil Harris vs Jack Broadey

UFC Fighter Phil Harris challenges Kingdom MMA in a picks challenge

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

Welcome to another Kingdom MMA fighter vs writer challenge.

For this challenge we challenge some of the big names from the world of MMA to give us their picks and fight outcomes for specific MMA events. Then they will be challenged by one of our writers, who will make their own predictions. Previously we have challenged Luke Barnatt twice and Jim Alers. Last time out at UFC 161 Jim Alers was the first fighter to beat one of our Kingdom MMA writers.

For this event I will be challenging Phil Harris, who is set to fight at UFC 163 will be predicting the fight outcomes from UFC 162 which is headlined by Chris Weidman challenging Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight championship. 

Before we go in to the details of the competition we caught up with Phil Harris this week and spoke about his fight at UFC 163.

You are fighting at UFC 163 in Brazil and we all know the Brazilian crowd back their fighters more than any other fight fan in the world, how have you been preparing yourself mentally to enter the 'lions den'?
The Brazilian fans are well known for backing their fighters but once the cage door closes its me vs him so no matter who the crowd are cheering for this wont change my focus to win.

You are fighting John Lineker, who is considered a top 10 flyweight in the world. Do you think a win over Lineker cements your place in the top 10 rankings?
Beating John Lineker will definitely put me in the top 10, he's one of the best 125lb fighters in the world.

How has your training camp been for the fight, have you been working on improving any part of your game going into the bout?
Training has been great for this fight camp, just about all of my camp is done at gym01 in Portsmouth we have great coaches and a gym full of small guys so its ideal for me.

I believe you have also been out in Thailand training at Tiger Muay Thai ahead of this fight, is that something you do during most fight camps, or is your striking game something you have specifically worked on for this fight?
I went to Tiger Muay Thai before I knew about the fight, just to improve on my all round game but specifically my striking.

What areas do you feel you have an advantage over John Lineker?
John is obviously a good striker but I'm happy to trade with him but I think my advantage will be against the cage in the clinch and on the ground.

Are you hoping to fight again this year after UFC 163, would the Manchester event be a card you'd like to fight on?
I've not thought about fighting again this year, I want to get this fight done then make plans. It would be good to spend some time with the family after this fight.

Thank you for answering our questions Phil, now its time to start the competition.

The Scoring

If you predict the correct winner of the fight you will get one point and if you predict the correct method of victory you will get an extra point. However, if the fight ends in a stoppage and you predict the round as well the method you could earn a third bonus point. If the fight goes the distance you can only earn a maximum of two points.

The predictions:

Main Event: Anderson Silva vs Chris Weidman

Harris: Anyone who bets against Anderson is insane.

Prediction: Silva by TKO Round 2 

Jack: I'm torn on this one. Anderson can't go on forever and he will eventually lose to a top wrestler. I just don't know if that top wrestler will be Weidman. He certainly will take Silva down but can he rinse and repeat for 5 rounds? That's the big question for me. I'm just insane enough to believe he can do it.

Prediction: Weidman by Decision

Frankie Edgar vs Charles Oliveira

Harris: Frankie will comfortably win every round.

Prediction: Edgar by Decision

Jack: This is an awesome fight. Oliveira is no joke but he's no Frankie Edgar. I expect Edgar to stamp his authority on this one and get the finish.

Prediction: Edgar by TKO Round 3

Tim Kennedy vs Roger Gracie

Harris: I am not sure about this fight but I'm going for Gracie.

Prediction: Gracie by Submission Round 1

Jack: I like Gracie as well here. Could look very similar to Maia-Fitch but I also see Gracie eventually locking onto some sort of choke.

Prediction: Gracie by Submission Round 2

Mark Munoz vs Tim Boetsch

Harris: Tim Boetsch will take this fight. 

Prediction: Boetsch by Decision 

Jack: Difficult one to read. Munoz has been inactive for so long but Boetsch isn't all that great either. I think Munoz if he's anywhere near what he used to be should be able to take this down and use his G&P to win this.

Prediction: Munoz by TKO Round 2

Cub Swanson vs Dennis Siver

Harris: Cub will take this, he will out wrestle Siver.

Prediction: Swanson by Decision 

Jack: I Like Siver in the upset here. Siver has looked great since dropping down to Featherweight. I think he's the better technical striker and should be able to keep it up long enough to win a decision.

Prediction: Siver by Decision

So that's our predictions for the fights, we will be live tweeting on Saturday night as always and we will keep you all informed as to how the challenge is going with latest scores throughout the main card.

Thanks again to Phil for providing us with his picks for this weekends fights and it just leaves me to say.... May the best man win!!

UFC 162 - UK Betting Odds

UFC 162 - UK Betting Odds

With UFC 162 approaching at a rapid pace, we team up with partners William Hill to bring those who fancy a little flutter the latest clear cut, betting odds - Good Luck, and don't miss out on your free £25 bet below!

Preliminary Card
1/5 Mike Pierce v David Mitchell 7/2
2/5 Seth Baczynski v Brian Melancon 19/10
1/5 Edson Barboza v Rafaello Oliverira 7/2
2/5 Gabriel Gonzaga v Dave Herman 19/10
8/15 Norman Parke v Kazuki Tokudome 6/4
11/10 Chris Leben v Andrew Craig 8/11
 Main Card
19/10 Dennis Siver v Cub Swanson 2/5
8/13 Tim Kennedy v Roger Gracie 13/10
8/11 Mark Munoz v Tim Boetsch 11/10
1/5 Frankie Edgar v Charles Oliveira 7/2
4/11 Anderson Silva v Chris Weidman

* Blue denotes The Favourite

UFC 162 Predictions

UFC 162 Predictions
by Tom Rooney - @oldmanrooney

The UFC is back in Las Vegas for what we are being told, not for the first time, is the toughest test of Anderson Silva’s career to date. Is the hype behind Chris Weidman genuinely justified or will he prove to be yet another unworthy pretender fed to the Spider, while the Dana and Co continue to dangle the super fight carrot without the slightest chance of follow through?

Elsewhere, the Featherweight rankings are set to oscillate once more with Frankie Edgar, in desperate need of a W, taking on Charles Oliveira and head hunters Cub Swanson and Denis Siver going toe-to-toe. The main card is completed by two Middleweight bouts between perennial contenders Mark Munoz and Tim Boetsch and octagon debutantes Roger Gracie and Tim Kennedy.


Anderson Silva v Chris Weidman
It’s probably a little redundant to highlight the plethora of ways the champion can win this fight; the man operates on a different plane to any other fighter on the planet and even the most casual of fight fans will have been witness to that. Weidman’s path to victory could not be more academic-get it to mat and be quick about it. At this stage Weidman’s credentials as both a wrestler and grappler have been extolled to the point of saturation and, to be fair, with good reason. He mixes his takedowns between Greco and Free-style intelligently and, when on top, he is equally brutal with ground and pound or submissions. But, herein lays the problem; while he has not put a foot wrong in his time in the UFC, on paper his highest ranked and toughest opponent thus far was a bloated, out of shape Mark Munoz. The jump in competition he will experience on Saturday night is so glaring that it’s near impossible to verbalise.

The variety and accuracy in Silva’s striking arsenal is breath-taking, he also possesses a stealth of movement and appreciation of space and angles that is truly unique. If Weidman can take Chael Sonnen’s game-plan from UFC 117 and appropriately modify it, at the very least, we’re in for an interesting night. In all honesty, since that night in August 2010, the champion has not been offered a challenge equating to more than a mid-tempo sparring session. If Weidman loses, but does so competitively, it will at the very least legitimise a division that no longer has anything to offer its champion, bar pay cheques.

My Prediction: Silva by TKO/KO in Round 3.

Frankie Edgar v Charles Oliveira
Frankie Edgar goes into his first non-title fight in over three years, knowing a loss against the dangerous Charles Oliveira could send him into MMA purgatory. His career since capturing the lightweight crown form BJ Penn, has been a litany of draws, re-matches and razor-thin decision losses. He debatably lost his last three fights because he was unable to assert himself in the opening two and-a-half rounds. A return to the three round time limit should compel him to make things happen from the off. He has better boxing and wrestling than Oliveira and has also fought a much higher calibre of opponent-the guy is also impossible to finish. Oliveira has a sound submission game and competent Maui Thai in which he utilises his long limbs to keep opponents at bay. But he has a questionable chin and heart as his fights with Cub Swanson and Jim Miller demonstrated respectively. In the end, Frankie needs it more.

My Prediction: Edgar by unanimous decision.

Roger Gracie v Tim Kennedy
There shouldn’t be too much pressure on Roger Gracie for his UFC debut; he’s only representing the name of a familial dynasty responsible for the entire sport’s existence! Beaten only once in his professional career, he and fellow Strikeforce ex-pat Tim Kennedy know a loss on Saturday means they could be on the chopping block with one more slip up. Kennedy is a powerful striker and decent wrestler, but Gracie’s BJJ is so refined that even the slightest error on Kennedy’s part could signal the end.

My Prediction:  Gracie by submission in Round 2.

Mark Munoz v Tim Boetsch
Mark Munoz looked to be on his way to a title shot until he was unceremoniously knocked out by Chris Weidman at UFC on Fuel TV in June of last year, since then he has overcome both mental and physical demons to make his UFC return against Tim Boetsch, also rendered unconscious in his last fight by Costa Philippou. Both guys are strong wrestlers, with seriously powerful, if uncouth striking. Munoz has the better wrestling pedigree and that should prove decisive.

My Prediction: Munoz by split decision.

Cub Swanson v Denis Siver
There is a credible argument to made, considering his last four fights that Cub Swanson should be facing Jose Aldo at UFC 163 and not the Korean Zombie, but the powers that be think otherwise and only time will tell. This one has fight of the night and/or knockout of night written all over it. Swanson is a pure beast and is one of the most destructive stand-up fighters in the division; he combines this ballast with a tapered technique. Siver is an outstanding kick-boxer and loves to brawl and his spinning back kick is always a sight to behold, yet Swanson is just a little better everywhere and will be out to prove a point after being overlooked for a title shot. Fireworks all round!

My Prediction: Swanson by KO/TKO in Round 2.

Stay tuned to Kingdom MMA for the latest on UFC 162

Nike Preview 'Anderson Know' T-Shirt

Nike Preview 'Anderson Know' T-Shirt
by Chris Houten - @KingdomMMAChris

Fight fashion fans around the world will remember Anderson Silva sporting the 'Spider Knows' T-Shirt at UFC 153 just weeks after signing global sponsorship deal with Nike. Now just weeks away from his fight at UFC 162, photos have surfaced of Silva sporting a Nike 'Anderson Knows' T-Shirt.

Although not confirmed, it is possible Silva who will face Chris Weidman on July the 6th, will use the 'Anderson Knows' which maintains the same signature black &yellow colour combination as the 'Spider Knows', as his official walkout t-shirt.

Stay tuned to Kingdom MMA - Fight Fashion for more on 'Anderson Knows' and all the latest in Fightwear Fashion

Del Rosario out injured, Dave Herman now meets Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 162

Gabriel Gonzaga saves the day

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

An undisclosed injury has forced Shane Del Rosario out of the UFC 162 card and Gabriel Gonzaga will step in to take his place and fight Dave Herman.

The ADCC grappling specialist Gonzaga needs to get back on track. After a resurgence of late he suffered a knockout loss to Travis Browne last time out. The defeat was however controversial as many believe he was stopped due to illegal blows to the back of the head. The fight should perhaps have been ruled as a no contest.

Herman is on a losing skid of his own and really needs to win if he has hopes of sticking around in the UFC. He's on a three fight losing streak after being stopped by Stefan Struve, Roy Nelsen and Antonio Nogueira. He also tested positive for marijuana after his most recent loss at the hands of Nogueira in a battle which he went in to the fight declaring that BJJ wouldn't work on him. This back fired as Big Nog got the win via submission.

UFC Fine Silva $50k for missing UFC 162 media tour

Anderson Silva Refuses to Attend UFC 162 Media Day

by Ben Heather @benheather

The UFC yesterday fined Anderson Silva $50,000 after he decided to fly back to Brazil instead of attend the previously arranged UFC 162 media day which was scheduled for today in Los Angeles today.

Dana White broke the news to USA Today and was quoted as saying

"We had a full media day set up for him in Los Angeles and he decided he didn't want to do it, so he is being fined $50,000"

"He doesn't like talking to the media, but its part of his contractual obligation"

"Everybody wants more money, more money, more money , but nobody wants to sell the fight or go out and talk to the media. Talking to the media is part of your job, whether you like it or not"

Silva should have been promoting his upcoming middleweight title fight against Chris Weidman at UFC 162 as it coincided with the start of the tickets going on sale for the July 6th battle. That fight will take place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Norman Parke vs Kazuki Tokudome Added to UFC 162

TUF Smashes Winner Norman Parke Meets Kazuki Tokudome at UFC 162
by Chris Houten - @houts4thewin

A Lightweight match up between British fighter Norman Parke and Japanese prospect Kazuki Tokudome has been added to UFC 162.

Featuring a UFC middleweight title fight between current champion Anderson Silva and undefeated contender Chris Weidman, UFC 162 takes place July 6 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Parke (17-2, 1-0 UFC) winner of The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes will be entering the cage for this first time since his December victory over Colin Fletcher to earn him The Smashes title. Parke was previously scheduled to face John Tuck at this past weekends UFC on Fox 7 card, however Parke was pulled from the card when Tuck withdraw from injury on 1 weeks notice, and The UFC was unable to find a replacement.

7-1 in his past eight fights, his opponent Tokudome (12-3, 1-0 UFC), a Pancrase and Sengoku veteran, made his UFC debut in his native Japan at March's UFC on Fuel 8 where beat Christiano Marcello by unanimous decision. 

The UFC 162 matchup marks just the second time, 26-year-old Tokudome has fought outside of Japan.

With the addition to the card, UFC 162 now includes:
Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman - For The UFC Middleweight Title 
Chan Sung Jung vs. Ricardo Lamas
Tim Boetsch vs. Mark Munoz
Frankie Edgar vs. Charles Oliveira
Dennis Siver vs. Cub Swanson
Roger Gracie vs. Tim Kennedy
Andrew Craig vs. Chris Leben
Seth Baczynski vs. Brian Melancon
Shane Del Rosario vs. Dave Herman
Edson Barboza vs. John Makdessi
Norman Parke vs. Kazuki Tokudome
David Mitchell vs. Mike Pierce*

UFC 162 adds a potential loser gets cut fight

Dave Herman Vs Shane Del Rosario added to UFC 162

by John Haigh @JohnBjayHaigh

On Thursday the UFC matchmakers added another bout to the July 6th Silva vs Weidman card in Las Vegas.

Dave Herman (21-5 MMA 1-3 UFC) returns to the UFC after recently being cleared to fight following a stint in rehab after testing positive for marijuana metabolites in relation to his last fight. That fight was the fight he lost via armbar to Big Nog in Brazil after claiming Jui-Jitsu does not work and in the process he upset a lot of people for being disrespectful including Big Nog himself who proved that BJJ works after all.

He's also on a three fight losing streak and with the UFC's roster overflowing a forth defeat would almost certainly spell the end for Herman.

Del Rosario is not in a much better position himself. After going undefeated under the Strikeforce banner, he's yet to win in his UFC career.

In his last two fights Del Rosario has been knocked out by both Stipe Miocic and Pat Barry in the Octagon.

UFC 162: Silva vs Weidman (Fight Card)

UFC 162
Date July 6, 2013
MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Fight Card
Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman - For The UFC Middleweight Title
Tim Boetsch vs. Mark Munoz
Chan Sung Jung vs. Ricardo Lamas
Roger Gracie vs. Tim Kennedy
Andrew Craig vs. Chris Leben
Seth Baczynski vs. Brian Melancon

Feijao vs Silva moved to UFC on Fuel TV 10

Rafael Cavalcante vs Thiago Silva moved from UFC 162 to June's UFC on FUEL TV 10

A light heavyweight battle between Rafael Cavalcante (11-3 MMA 0-0 UFC) and Thiago Silva (14-3 MMA 5-3 UFC) which was originally announced for UFC 162 has now been moved to UFC on Fuel TV 10.

The move was first reported by brazilian website Tatame.com and then later confirmed by MMAjunkie.com with sources close to the fighters, however no reason for the move has been made or is clear as things stand.

This change in schedule means the fight has been pulled forward a month and now takes place on 8th June from Fortaleza, Brazil.

Cavalcante, a former strikeforce light heavyweight champion fights for the first time in the UFC following a year layoff after his win vs Mike Kyle in May 2012 was overturned after he tested positive for stanozolol. This is also the case for Silva who will return to the octagon following a failed drugs test in November 2012 due to a positive test for marijuana metabolites after his win over Stanislav Nedkov. That win was also overturned.

The UFC on Fuel TV 10 card can be found below:

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Fabricio Werdum

Rafael Cavalcante vs. Thiago Silva

John Hathaway vs. Erick Silva

Caio Magalhaes vs. Karlos Vemola* (not officially announced) 

Silva vs Weidman Official for UFC 162

Chris Weidman finally gets his shot at the Spider at UFC 162

Chris Weidman's (9-0 MMA 5-0 UFC) lobbying for a middleweight title match with Anderson Silva (33-4 MMA 16-0 UFC) has finally paid off as the spider has agreed to face him at UFC 162 on the 6th July in Las Vegas.

Weidman was told by UFC chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta that his request to challenge Silva has finally been accepted. Weidman described the announcement as a "Dream come true" stating that "Ever since I've been fighting, Anderson Silva has been the champion and I've been visualizing beating him. Now I have the opportunity. I have to make the most of it."

Weidman 28 has a perfect 9-0 record and last fought in July 2012 when he knocked out Mark Munoz. Since this win he has done everything he can to get the shot at Anderson Silva, but late last year his shot looked to have slipped his grasp. So he accepted a fight with Tim Boetsch at UFC 155 before ultimately pulling out with a shoulder injury which required surgery. Weidman is now 100% and cleared to start training for the biggest fight of his career.

Anderson Silva, ranked by most as the pound for pound best MMA fighter of all time has never lost in the octagon with a record 16 consecuctive wins in the UFC. The Spider has held the middleweight belt since defeating Rich Franklin in October 2006.

Only once has Silva looked set for defeat in the UFC in his first battle with Chael Sonnen, before pulling out a submission victory in the 5th round. With Weidmans skills as a Division 1 wrestler as well as his powerful strikes could this be Silva's toughest test yet... only time will tell.