Mutual Opponent Joe Orrey Weighs In On Brett Johns vs James Brum

Mutual Opponent Joe Orrey Weighs In On Brett Johns and James Brum
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

On Saturday night at The LC in Swansea, 2 of the best bantamweights in Europe will meet to determine who is next to sit atop of the Cage warriors 135lb division, looking down on would be challengers.

The man holding the belt is 22-year old Brett Johns, a Judo black belt with a perfect 9-0 professional record dating back to 2012 when he made his pro debut after racking up a 5-0 amateur record. A former British champion with Pain Pit, Johns signed for Cage Warriors in 2013 where he took on James MacAlister at Cage Warriors 54 who he defeated via TKO before going on to earn decision victories over David Haggstrom and Jordan Desborough at Cage Warriors 59's 4 man Bantamweight tournament to win the Cage Warriors bantamweight title and earn his place amongst the best in Europe.

His opponent James Brum has been on a tear, rattling off 9 straight victories since 2011 earning a reputation as one of the most dangerous 135lber in Europe. With 8 impressive wins under the Cage Warriors banner Brum has not only earned his shot at the belt, he's earned the right to be considered one of these fighters in Europe.

One man who knows just how good both men are is Welsh Bantamweight Joe Orrey of Tillery Combat who has faced both men inside the cage, and feels both men can expect a tough fight this Saturday:

'I think it's a really tough fight for both guys. There both at the top of the game at the moment and on massive win streaks'

Having fought Brum early in his career at Shock N Awe 5, and Brett Johns at Pain Pit 6 for the British Bantamweight title, it's safe to say Orrey knows better than most what both Brum and Johns do well, and while he knows this is a tough fight for both men, he's confident that one man goes into the bout with the edge:

'For me I got to give the fight to Brett, I just think he's slightly better in all areas.' Said Orrey.

'He's such a hard working lad. Having been lucky enough to train with him after our fight, he's so level headed and grounded for a young lad who's already achieved so much. I'll be be rooting for him on the night to keep the belt in Wales!'

Cage Warriors 67 takes place April 12th at The LC in Swansea, Wales. North American viewer can watch the show live on MMAjunkie beginning at 9 p.m. GMT (4 p.m ET / 1 p.m. PT). Other viewers can catch the event at cagewarriors.tv.

You can follow Joe Orrey on twitter - @joeorrey

Should The UFC Give Rumble Johnson Another Chance?

Should The UFC Give Rumble Johnson Another Chance?
by Sam Heard - @samheard_ 

World Series of Fighting

Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson (16-4) made short work of Mike Kyle last Saturday at WSOF 8, dispatching the veteran by 1st round KO to create a rumble in the MMA community. The cause of this commotion? The fact that the in-form Blackzillian is now a free-agent, eligible to potentially be resigned by the UFC.

Anthony Johnson is a fighter whose career – filled with devastating highlight-reel knockouts – has been overshadowed by his inability to find a division he is effective in whilst still being able to make weight. Johnson’s skill already earned him a spot in MMA’s top-tier promotion; primarily fighting at Welterweight before moving up to Middleweight (where he was still incapable of meeting the 185-lbs weight requirement). His decent 7-4 UFC record would normally be more than enough to warrant keeping him signed, but Johnson’s inability to consistently make weight meant he was cut after suffering an understandable loss to Vitor Belfort. He then attempted to fight David Branch at Middleweight for Titan Fighting Championship and once again failed to make weight.

Johnson’s quest to find his best fighting weight – which has seen the 6’2 brute go from Welterweight to Heavyweight – may finally be at an end. Since settling at Light Heavyweight, Johnson has stringed together an impressive six wins – four of them coming via impressive knockouts. It is this brilliant form combined with his not having missed weight since the David Branch fight which means he is now a very viable option for the UFC.

So, should the UFC give Rumble another chance?

In my opinion, yes. Though he certainly messed the UFC around before, he is now settled as a Light Heavyweight; two weight classes above the Welterweight division he struggled to meet the requirements of back during his first UFC run. Moreover, the UFC’s Light Heavyweight division is in desperate need of a rejuvenated talented pool. Unlike any of the other UFC divisions, the average age of Light Heavyweight fighters is well on the wrong side of 30 (no thanks to Hendo). Introducing younger fighters is essential for the long term health of the division. It is very difficult to make a case that Dana and the gang shouldn’t sign Johnson.

If the UFC do choose to give Johnson a second run, who would be a good candidate to welcome him back? Phil Davis has recently been tweeting about wanting a fight, though I cannot see the UFC giving Johnson such a high level opponent to begin with. I personally would’ve loved to have seen him fight Jimi Manuwa in what would essentially be a feast of high-level kickboxing, though clearly Manuwa literally has bigger fish to fry with his fight against the towering Alexander Gustafsson.

Rumble Johnson’s future may be unclear at the moment but there can be no denying that his recent performances – both in preparation for a fight and in the cage itself – will certainly have strengthened his case for getting back into the UFC.

15 European Fighters Who Could Sign for The UFC in 2014 (Part 1)

15 European Fighters Who Could Sign for The UFC in 2014 (Part 1)
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

2014 is set to be the busiest year in the UFC's history with between 40 to 50 cards planned for the year. The UFC are looking to expand in a big way this year, and with Garry Cook at the helm as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Europe, 2014 is set to be a huge year for European MMA.

With a minimum of 6 European cards planned for 2014, Joe Silva and Sean Shelby will need to book around 72 fights just for Europe - that's 144 fighters! With all of these cards expected to take place on the UFCs new online subscription service Fight Pass, its likely Silva and Shelby will be looking to add local talent to these cards, to not only sell tickets but to keep the cost of the cards down.

With so many talented fighters in European, we look at some of the names which the UFC could add over the next year. Starting with our first 5 names, in NO particular order.

Jan Blachowicz - Poland
The first of several Polish fighters on this list, 30 year old Jan Blachowicz has established himself as one of the best light-heavyweights in the world not signed to the UFC. At 17-3, Blachowicz has not lost a fight since 2011. Since then he has defeated four UFC vets in a row - Sokoudjou, Mario Maranda, Houston Alexander and Goran Reljić on route to earning and defending the KSW light-heavyweight title.

Popular in his native Poland, Blachowicz is no doubt on a far better contract than the UFCs standard 6k & 6k, but with the growing trend of light-heavyweights dropping to 185 - Machida, Mousasi, and Te Tuna all in recent months, and a proposed UFC debut in Poland this year, Blachowicz would be an excellent addition to the promotions 205lb division.

Max Nunes - Sweden
Had Max Nunes not lost to Jason Jones at Bamma 13 for the first pro loss of his career, it's likely the Swedish fighter would have already been signed to the UFC.

After suffering a set back against Jones, Nunes bounced back by dropping to middleweight and picking up a unanimous decision victory against Ion Pascu. With several Scandinavian's already booked for UFC London, the UFC may look to add to their roster for their annual return to Sweden. At 12-1 with 11 finishes, Max Nunes would be a worthy addition a UFC card in Sweden particularly if the 24 year old can pick up another win or two before then.

Mamed Khalidov - Poland
Easily the fighter most worthy of a place on the UFC roster on this list, Khalidov is a top 10 middleweight with an outstanding 28-4 record which includes an impressive 27 finishes. What's more 12 of those victories are over former or current UFC fighters.

A huge star in Poland, the KSW champion is Poland's equivalent of Conor McGregor, appearing on various national adverts and TV talkshows, and could easily headline a sold out arena when the UFC make their debut in Poland this year.

A stumbling block however  could be the reported $30,000 Khalidov earns per fight, and the sponsorship deal Khalidov could lose by joining the UFC, these were the reasons sited in 2012 when Khalidov turned down a UFC contract. With a card planned in Poland in 2014 though, it would be worth the UFC matching Khalidov's current contract just for the revenue he would bring to that card alone.

James Brum - UK
James 'Job Done' Brum has been doing just that - getting the job done for 2 years straight. Currently on an 8-fight win streak, Brum has not lost since Bamma 7 in September 2011 when he was defeated by current UFC bantamweight Erik Perez.

Currently Europe's highest ranked bantamweight not signed to the UFC, Brum has fought all of his Cage Warriors fights outside of the UK showing the ability to win and make weight around the world making James Brum a great addition to the UFC's Bantamweight division.

Neil Seery - Ireland
The UFC will make their long awaited return to Ireland this year and will no doubt be in the market for some of the finest local talent, and Neil Seery is one of the finest fighters Ireland have to offer right now.

While Seery may not have the best record in European MMA, Seery is popular, and has put together a 4 fight win streak on route to winning the Cage Warriors flyweight title; a division the UFC certainly could do with adding to.

Seery would be a popular addition amongst local fans to UFC Dublin 2014.

CLICK HERE TO READ PART 2 NOW

Press Release: UFC London 2014 Ticket Information

Press Release: UFC London 2014 Ticket Information

Tickets for UFC® FIGHT NIGHT LONDON: GUSTAFSSON vs. MANUWA at The O2 on Saturday 8th March 2014 will go on sale to the public on 31st January 2014 at 10am. Ticket prices range from £40-£850 for the UFC VIP Experience. 

Londoner Jimi “Posterboy” Manuwa will face his biggest test to date as he goes up against Sweden’s Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson, who recently came off a narrow loss against world light-heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones.

The UFC has also announced that fan favourite Brad “One Punch” Pickett will make his flyweight debut against USA’s Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall. Pickett, who is also from London, dropped down from the bantamweight division in October.

The undefeated Manuwa has a unique opportunity to prove himself against his weight division’s number one title contender Gustafsson. “I cannot wait to enter the Octagon in London, where I grew up,” Manuwa said, “and to headline an event at The O2 after just three fights in the UFC is incredible. People think I am crazy and need a few more fights but I always say if you want to be the best you have to beat the best.”

“Alex is a huge test for me, but it is one I have long dreamed of. I’m ready to take this opportunity to climb up the light-heavyweight ladder and get closer to my goal of being a UFC champion.  I asked for this fight and thought Alex would avoid me, but he is a true professional and I have great respect for him; he knows my record and he knows how unpredictable every fight can be in the UFC. We’ve seen Silva, Jones and GSP all showing their vulnerability this year.”

His opponent Gustafsson said: “His clean record is impressive but I am one opponent away from challenging the champion again and I will fight my heart out to get a win in March.”

The Swede added that he does not believe that competing in London will be an advantage for Manuwa: “We will put on a hell of a show, but I am not sure who will have the hometown advantage since I expect an invasion of Swedish fans to come and support me.”

Brad Pickett said: “For me this is absolutely massive. I’ve fought in the UFC a couple of times in the UK, and the crowds have always been great, but to actually be competing at home in London is something I’ve always wanted.”

UFC FIGHT NIGHT London will also feature Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson taking on Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard, for the second time in six months.  The original bout took place at UFC Manchester in October this year, but was deemed a no-contest due to an unintentional illegal knee from Guillard.  The two will look to settle the score once and for all next March.

Iceland’s Gunnar “Gunni” Nelson is set to face his toughest test to date in Russia’s Omari “Lakec” Akhmedov as the two meet in a welterweight bout. Nelson’s return to the Octagon will be met with eager anticipation after he underwent surgery on his knee earlier this year, leaving him sidelined after two notable performances in the UFC. The two opponents will both be looking to maintain their undefeated record, standing 11-0 and 12-0 respectively. 

Sweden’s Ilir “The Sledgehammer” Latifi will make his second Octagon appearance after stepping in as a late replacement for Alex Gustafsson against Gegard Mousasi in Stockholm last April. Latifi will take on French light-heavyweight Cyrille “Snake” Diabate, who last fought in London earlier this year. Another addition to the card will see England’s Danny “The Cheesecake Assassin” Mitchell make his UFC debut against Brazil’s Igor Araujo. The Doncaster athlete has a challenging test in front of him with Araujo’s record of five consecutive wins.

Fight Club™ members will have an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets to this event from 29th January via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. To join UFC Fight Club™ go to UFC.com.

Tickets will be available to UFC Newsletter subscribers from 30th January. To sign up to the UFC Newsletter visit UFC.com and enter your email address.


Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT LONDON: Gustafsson vs. Manuwa will be available via www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.theo2.co.uk.

Is UFC on FOX 9 the Best Free Card Ever?

Is UFC on FOX 9 the Best Free Card Ever?
by Jack Broadey - @j3cK_b

In all my time watching the UFC this is not only the best free card the UFC and Zuffa have produced it is probably the best single card they have produced full stop. It has everything. Title fights, fights with title implications, comeback fights and just generally very good stylistic match ups.

The main event sees Anthony Pettis defend his lightweight strap for the 1st time. With TJ Grant still unavailable the next viable contender steps up to the plate, that man is Josh Thomson. This is a better stylistic fight and should be all out war in a standup battle. On any other card you would expect this fight to be a solid fight of the night contender, it still is but has some serious competition. I will be bold and predict the fight of the year will come from this card.

The only slight criticism if the co main event you can have is that it's only 3 rounds long. When that's the biggest concern you have of a fight then your onto something. The co main event will see Urijah Faber v Michael McDonald battle it out. With Dominic Cruz status still unknown this could very well find the next bantamweight contender. Both men are stuck in the Vitor Belfort position in that they've suffered recent damaging losses to the champion. Barao has pretty much cleaned out his division now so the winner of this fight will more than deserve there rematch.

The next fight on the card is dairy similar to the above. Carlos Condit V Matt Brown has violence written all over it. It can't fail to deliver. This will win something of the night and possibly year. Condit is in a similar position that Faber and McDonald find themselves in. A win over Brown is serious news now though after the tear he's been on. Brown has serious incentives here. A win almost certainly guarantees a title shot. The only shame here again is that it's not a main event and as such will only be 3 rounds. That's 2 fights i am already kicking myself that this isn't a 5 rounder. That's the consequence for building such a fantastic card.

The next fight might not stand out as much or look as thrilling on paper. Lentz-Mendes is however a fantastic fight and had serious title implications. Lentz has looked amazing since his drop to featherweight and both men have been tearing through the division. Mendes is again in that position of having recently lost to the champion and that's still fresh in the mind. He's done everything in his power to set that right though and knocking Clay Guida out is a serious statement. This is very important fight to figure a lot of things out in the featherweight division.

We won't go as in depth into the rest of the card but if we have a glance through you will realise the top end action doesn't end here. Ian McCall snapped his losing streak winning impressively in Brazil. He has an interesting fight on his hands as he takes on Scott Jorgensen making his flyweight debut. Only 1-3 in his last 4 but those losses coming to some of the very best, the same as McCall in a way. The winner moves into contention at flyweight as the division is still very shallow in its early days. 2 lightweight fights next as we have the perennial 'of the night winner Joe Lauzon back in action against Mac Danzig and Danny Castillo v Edson Barboza. Lauzon tends to always be in very exciting fights with his last outing being the anomaly. Barboza has looked fantastic so far in the UFC and looks to keep gaining experience in his quest to win gold.

The latest announced fight is perhaps the closest to call. Both men winning different seasons of TUF we have Court McGee against the youngest ever 'ultimate fighter' Kelvin Gastelum. Both men have amazing heart and have come through as serious underdogs. Can they be any more than gatekeepers. They have to win this to move up I the division and only one man can do that. It's a great fight so low down on a card and it just adds to what should be a fantastic night. I could quite easily see any one of these fights being spectacular enough to earn fight of the year honours. The top 3 fights on the card are as loaded and stacked as you will ever find. What's your prediction for fight of the night? Will it be good enough to earn fight of the year? I can't wait to find out.

5 UFC fights to watch in the next 6 weeks

5 Fights To Look Out For In The Near Future

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

With a break in the UFC schedule I thought I would take a look at the fights upcoming with some maybe flying under the radar. We have been spoilt lately with UFC events the last few weekends. These are my 5 must watch fights that take place over the next 6 weeks and I have tried to avoid picking the obvious matches and main events. However some main events do deserve inclusion here.

1. Junior Dos Santos v Mark Hunt
For me the co main event of the heavyweight double bill at UFC 160 is the more intriguing fight. Can Mark Hunt's fairy tale rise back up the rankings continue? Can Dos Santos get back into contention after a brutal beatdown and losing his title last time out? It's going to be great whilst it lasts either way!

2.Antonio Nogueira v Fabricio Werdum
What has Nogueira got left in the tank? This kind of fight should suit him stylistically. His boxing ability means this almost certainly will end up as jiu jitsu battle. Is Werdum the real deal and the next title contender many think he is? The 2 BJJ experts go at it in Brazil in June.

3. Gray Maynard v TJ Grant
The winner of this fight will meet Benson Henderson for the chance to win Lightweight gold. Gray Maynard is always a solid contender at the top of the division and Grant has rose very quickly with a string of not only good wins but very good performances to go with them. Can he get past his biggest test to date to get that elusive title shot?

4. Vitor Belfort v Luke Rockhold
If Belfort keeps winning in the fashion he is the UFC can't keep denying him another title shot. He's running through top contenders. Rockhold comes over from Strikeforce as the last Middleweight champion. Can he defeat Belfort and set up his own title shot? It would be hard to argue against the winner being granted a title shot whoever that might be.

5. Rashad Evans v Dan Henderson
Lets face it both men are coming off hugely disappointing losses. Henderson was supposed to fight Jon Jones for the Light Heavyweight title and instead got injured. He lost to Lyoto Machida instead in a very boring fight. An unmotivated  Rashad Evans surprisingly lost to little Nog and that's what makes this fight so exciting. Both men badly need to get back into the win column if they have serious title aspirations. Who wants it more at this stage of their career?

The Merits of Super Fights

Super fights, should they happen??

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

Are there any real super fights?
This has suddenly become quite a big topic. GSP vs Anderson Silva has always been Mooted and more recently everyone wants to see Jon Jones vs Anderson Silva. But now we also have Benson Henderson wanting to step up to fight GSP. Aldo wants to go up to 155. GSP possibly wants to avoid Hendricks again to finally fight Anderson.

This should not be allowed in my opinion. People like Hendricks fully deserves his title shot. Where is the incentive to take difficult fights if you are not rewarded? If you can just trash talk your way to a title shot instead of actually earning one.

It makes a mockery of the sport if people that earn title shots don't actually get them. If Henderson or St Pierre want to test themselves against another champion then that's fine, but you have to vacate the belt. Without a full ranking system implemented that seems the only fair option to me. Super fights should only occur when there is no viable contender to give the division time to work itself out.

GSP was out for 18 months recovering from injury. This put the division on hold. He came back and legitimately defended against Carlos Condit. He then held up the division again by taking the Nick Diaz fight who did not deserve a title shot. If he decides to fight Anderson next he's putting the division on hold again for another year. How can this possibly be fair?

I think the UFC need to put in place some rules for its champions. We all want to see the best fighting the best. That is the UFC's major pulling point over boxing, we don't want politics to affect title shots. At a push I can understand how team mates don't want to fight each other, but if that's the case then they should go up or down in weight to avoid that happening. That is where the politics should end in my opinion.

In my opinion the UFC also need to look at a rule for its champions in case of injuries. The fact Dominic Cruz is coming up to 2 years out and is still the UFC Bantamweight champion, is in my book ridiculous. At the minute no one knows where we stand though. I believe going forward with a rule in place it would be better for everyone involved and lead to people thinking one fighter is being treated differently to another if they are both in the same position.