MMA Retirement: When is enough, enough?

by Chris Marzella @ChrisMarzella

Whose place is it to tell a fighter when enough is enough?

Everyone is forthcoming with retirement advise on a weekly basis, but when is enough really enough?

Case in point was this past Sunday night when Dan Henderson brutally knocked out Shogun Rua.

Rua dominated for two and a half rounds, knocking Henderson down, mounting him and clearly winning the fight. Winning the fight until a H-Bomb detonated on his nose that is.

What we learned coming out of that fight is that Shogun may very well be back to his best.

Coming off of his spectacular knock out of James Te Huna there were many questions relating to Shogun. Well, for over twelve minutes he put on a clinic. He looked fantastic. Hurting Henderson, taking him down. He looked threatening again.

Henderson, well, he didn't look so great. He was sluggish, he got caught with far too many punches for anyones liking. Shogun was dropping him at will and there only seemed one winner.

That is why both men still have a future with the UFC.

Firstly Henderson. When you carry the power that he does you can do this for as long as you choose. Speed and agility desert you first, power lasts the longest. What is clear is that Henderson doesn't belong in fights leading to a title shot.

At 43-years-old and having just signed a six fight contract recently, it could be that time to throw him into purely fun fights. 

Salivate at the prospect of Henderson vs Sonnen, Henderson vs Silva. Even Henderson vs Franklin.

The thought of Henderson mixing it with Gustafsson, Teixeira and the likes isn't exactly enticing.

Shogun on the other hand at 32-years-old should still have years in him. It's the wars he's been through and beatings he has taken that has people calling for his retirement.

However, excluding the result and solely looking at his performance there is no good reason not to go on. Anyone hit with the punch he was hit with would have gone down as was evident by his nose being smeared all over his face.

What it may take to revitalise his career is the same route that Lyoto Machida took, a trip down to middleweight.

He looked in fantastic condition for his last two fights, probably the best shape we've seen him in so cutting to 185-pounds isn't entirely out of the question.

There lies some old rematch as well as new, fresh challenges. Machida, Munoz, Bisping, Le, Belfort, Rockhold, Jacare. Even potentially Anderson Silva.

Whilst the title picture seems just out of reach for Henderson it does leave it slightly open for Shogun should he opt for a change of scenery and a move down to middleweight, despite being knocked out.

Whilst both their routes now seem uncertain, one thing that is certain is that you don't tell guys like Henderson and Shogun when to retire. Both have earned the right to decide that for themselves.

UFC Sign Noad Lahat, debuts at Fight Night 38

UFC sign Noad Lahat, Featherweight makes debut at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Henderson II

The UFC has announced the signing of Noad Lahat. The popularity of the UFC has soared in Israel recently, with all programming broadcast on the “free to air” Sport 5, part of The Sports Channel LTD group. Now with this announcement, made on Friday, that popularity will only increase.

Noad Lahat is an undefeated mixed martial artist with a 7-0 record. He is based out of the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, USA.

On the signing, Sean Shelby said:

“Israeli born, Noad Lahat is a great undefeated featherweight prospect possessing a strong ability to finish fights with an outstanding ground game.”

Lahat will make his UFC debut when Godofredo Pepey welcomes the undefeated featherweight prospect to the Octagon in Natal, Brazil at UFC Fight Night 38: Shogun vs. Henderson II on Saturday 23rd March. Both fighters have verbally agreed to the bout.

Noad Lahat said:

“I’m really excited to have signed with the UFC and can’t wait for my first fight. Getting this contract means that my years of hard work are finally paying off, but it’s also just the beginning of what I want to accomplish in the UFC and in my career. I’m an exciting fighter, I finish fights. I’m going to keep doing that and go out there and impress people.

“As the only Israeli fighter on the UFC roster I hope that my success will inspire and motivate fighters from my home country. I hope that I can connect with fans and be someone they cheer for and support. Having an Israeli fighting in the UFC will help educate people and grow the sport in the country.”

Shogun vs Hendo rematch announced for UFC Fight Night 38

Shogun vs Hendo II announced as the main event for UFC Fight Night 38

by Chris Marzella @ChrisMarzella

A UFC fight for the ages is set be revisited as Dan Henderson (29-11) and Shogun Rua (22-8) get set to meet again at UFC Fight Night 38. It was announced on Thursday that the two veterans will square off in Brazil on March 23.

The pair first met in an instant classic back at UFC 139 in November 2011 in which Henderson came out on the right end of a hard fought decision in what many considered to be the fight of the year. Since then, both men have gone on to suffer a down turn of fortunes.

Henderson has lost three straight since then, most recently suffering the first knockout loss of his career to Vitor Belfort. Before that he lost two controversial decisions to Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida.

Rua has similarly been struggling for form, failing to string a winning run together. He spectacularly knocked out James Te Huna in little over a minute back in December. Prior to that he lost successive fights to Alexander Gustafsson and Chael Sonnen.

The fight sees Henderson return to the UFC after entering free agency after his fight with Belfort. It also sees Henderson head south, back to Brazil, to have another attempt at picking up a win.

It remains to be seen how Henderson can bounce back after being brutally knocked out back in November.

Whilst Rua was victorious in his last outing, as always, it all depends on what kind of condition he can get himself into ahead of this rematch.

The fight is between the number six and seven ranked light heavyweights, but it would seem that both men, at least Henderson at 43-years-old, could very well be about to begin their final attempt at a run in the UFC.

If history has taught us anything it's that rematches of legendary fights very rarely live up to the expectation, but the fact is we will be getting Henderson vs Shogu II. All we can do is accept that and hope that the rematch gets close to the first fight in terms of excitement.

UFC Fight Night 38 takes place on March 23 from the Ginasio Nelio Dias, Natal, Brazil.

Review of UFC Fight Night 33 - Hunt vs Silva

Event Review: UFC Fight Night 33 Hunt vs Silva

by Sam Heard @SamHeard_

The UFC’s latest international event from Brisbane, Australia was a card that went beneath many people’s radars; overshadowed by its close proximity to the crazily anticipated UFC 168 and headlined by one fighter with perhaps the worst MMA record in his division and the other coming off a loss in one of the most one-sided title fights you’re ever likely to see. However, the event proved to be anything but forgettable, featuring arguably one of the best Heavyweight bouts of all time, the renaissance of one of the sport’s legends and the emergence of some very promising fighters making their UFC debuts. Here’s a rundown of the fights.

Mark Hunt (9-8-1 MMA, 4-2-1 UFC) vs. Antonio Silva (18-5-1 MMA, 2-2-1 UFC)

Perhaps one of the reasons MMA is so appealing to we Britons is that the amount of football we watch makes us yearn for a sport with a definitive winner. Though this fight ended in a rare ‘Majority Draw’ ruling when it hit the judge’s scorecards, the feeling after witnessing this Heavyweight war was worlds away from the usual disappointment when a contest fails to produce a winner. Most people expected this fight to end in the first round. Either Hunt’s massive fists would connect with the even bigger head of Bigfoot or the Brazilian would manage to take Hunt down and exploit the Kiwi’s undeveloped ground game. As is often the case in MMA these pre-fight speculations were completely off. Mark Hunt scored several takedowns and effectively reversing Silva against the cage (comparable to Gustafsson’s outwrestling Jon Jones) while Bigfoot had success on his feet, dropping Hunt in the very first round. No one anticipated just how tough these two guys are. On several occasions both fighters were close to being stopped; at the end of the 4th round Bigfoot had his notoriously terrifying full mount on Hunt and I feared the fight would be stopped with just 15 seconds until the bell while there were several occasions were Hunt had Bigfoot severely rocked on the feet. Overall the draw was probably a fair result as the momentum shifted so many times during the five round war. Without a doubt a late entry into the Fight of the Year race.

Result: Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Silva declared majority draw (48-47 Hunt, 47-47, 47-47)

Mauricio Rua (22-8 MMA, 6-6 UFC) vs. James Te Huna (16-7 MMA, 5-3 UFC)

Astoundingly there were very few people giving Shogun a chance in his fight against Australia’s own James Te Huna. Granted, Te Huna is visually the larger, stronger man and many had speculated that the numerous wars Shogun has found himself in throughout the years had finally had an impact on his reflexes and fight technique. It seemed that either retirement or a drop to 185lb loomed for Shogun. You can never count out a former champion like Shogun and for the duration of the one minute fight he looked sharper then the favourite, stuffing his takedown attempt and throwing some nice leg kicks into the mix. Just when Te Huna thought it was his time to seize control of the fight with the Brazillian’s back against the cage, he walked on to a stiff left hook, instantly sending him to the canvas. Shogun tried to follow up with a Henderson-esque right which fortunately missed the already unconscious Australian. Is Shogun back? I think so.
Result: Mauricio Rua def. James Te Huna via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:03

Ryan Bader (16-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) vs. Anthony Perosh (14-8 MMA, 4-5 UFC)

In what was perhaps the most predictable bout on the card, Bader got a Unanimous Decision victory over Anthony Perosh, bossing the Australian for the entirety of the fight. It seemed a certainty that Bader was going to get a stoppage in the very first round, rocking Perosh several times on the feet, knocking him down and bullying him on the ground. As was to be expected, Bader was the faster and stronger of the two fighters, beating Perosh to the punch on all exchanges. As Bader noted in his post-fight interview, Perosh is a sickeningly tough creature. Bader has revealed that he broke his right hand during the fight which is probably why he wasn’t able to get the stoppage. Perhaps the most surprising thing to come out of this fight was that but a single judge ruled one round to be 10-8 when, in my opinion at least, both the 1st and 3rd rounds were as deserving of a 10-8 as any.
Result: Ryan Bader def. Anthony Perosh via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Pat Barry (8-7 MMA, 5-7 UFC) vs. Soa Palelei (20-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC)

Once again, this fight ended with the uncomfortable footage of Pat Barry unconscious on the mat – perhaps it is time for HD to re-evaluate his position in the UFC’s heavyweight division… This time the knockout would come by the hands of Soa Palelei, a fighter many were surprised to see return to the Octagon. Barry’s game plan should have been a simple one; avoid Palelei’s initial rush, keep it standing and then exploit the Australian’s abysmal conditioning. Instead, Barry threw a questionable flying knee which allowed Palelei to catch him and get the takedown before mounting him and hammering his lights out. The power of these shots never seemed that devastating so it seems Barry’s chin is done.
Result: Soa Palelei def. Pat Barry via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:09

Dylan Andrews (17-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) vs. Clint Hester (9-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC)

TUF 17 housemates came out immediately throwing bombs at each other in the first round of this Middleweight bout. With friends like these who needs enemies, eh? Andrews got the better of the opening exchanges until attempting a guillotine choke. When this failed, Hester found himself in half guard and was able to rough Andrews up with some vicious elbows from top. The theme of Hester dominating with ground and pound continued into the second round. After round two Andrew’s corner pulled him out of the fight due to a suspected dislocated shoulder. The replays afterwards revealed that Andrew’s shoulder does indeed pop-out as he throws an overhand right at Hester. Gut-wrenching.
Result: Clint Hester def. Dylan Andrews via TKO (injury) – Round 2, 5:00

Bethe Correia (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Julie Kedzie (16-13 MMA, 0-2 UFC)

The intense weigh-in stare down between these female Bantamweights promised an exciting fight which certainly delivered. Both women demonstrated some high-level striking and rigorous cardio. Kedzie’s losing via split decision is in part to blame on Greg Jackson who gave the (incorrect) advice that she was two rounds up heading into the third. Even when a fighter is up on rounds I believe it’s detrimental to let them know – we all know that you cannot trust the judges and Kedzie’s intensity certainly diminished in the third. After this loss Kedzie has announced her retirement from MMA, a great shame as she is still a very competitive fighter with a particularly nice kicking game.
Result: Bethe Correia def. Julie Kedzie via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Highlights from the Undercard

Alex Garcia’s R1 KO of Ben Wall. Jheez – Hector Lombard Mk II.

Takeya Mizugaki vs Nam Phan. A great back and forth stand-up battle. Mizugaki wins via UD.

Chael Sonnen vs Rashad Evan Confirmed For UFC 167

SONNEN VS EVANS TO CO-MAIN UFC 167 IN LAS VEGAS

By Tommy Strong @strong_tea

If UFC 167 wasn't wetting your appetite enough already, then news of Chael Sonnen vs Rashad Evans being the co-main event of the evening, will surely have the desired effect?!

The bout will be at light heavyweight (205lbs) and take place on November 16th in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Sonnen (29-13-1) found himself fighting at light heavyweight after being the only fighter to step up at short notice to fight Jon Jones after Dan Henderson had to pull out due to an injury. Though it was Jones who refused to take the fight on such short notice forcing the UFC to cancel UFC 151.

With a heavy first round loss to Jon Jones at UFC 159 in April, when the pair met after being 'TUF' 17 coaches. Sonnen looked like he was fighting in the wrong division. Though a very impressive win over 'Shogun' Rua last month at UFC Fight Night 26, Sonnen managed to pull off a first round submission victory that earn't himself a top contender in Evans.

Though defeat for him here would more than likely see him return to the middleweight division, where he will be seeking to get another crack at the title or just possibly Anderson Silva!

Former light heavyweight Rashad Evans (18-3-1) has looked very poor since his defeat to Jon Jones in April 2012 when the pair squared off at UFC 145 for the light heavyweight title, losing via unanimous decision after 5 rounds.

Then going onto lose his next fight to Antionio Nogueira in a woeful performance and more recently getting back to winning ways with a split decision win over Dan Henderson at UFC 161 in June which wasn't easy to digest.

This could be just the type of fight Rashad needs to find his mojo, and climb his way back up to the top of the division where he belongs.

UFC 167 will be headlined by Georges St-Pierre when he puts his Welterweight belt on the line and faces the very dangerous and heavy handed Johny Hendricks.

'Shogun' Rua vs James Te Huna Announced for Fight Night 33

FIGHT NIGHT 33 GETS A LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE

By Tommy Strong @strong_tea

Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua will get the chance to bounce back from defeat to Chael Sonnen last month, when he takes on New Zealand's light heavyweight, James Te Huna. The fight is scheduled to take place at Fight Night 33 which is being held in Australia on December 7th.

Rua (21-8) will be coming into a fight for the first time ever, with back to back losses on his record with defeats to Alexander Gustafsson and more recently losing to Chael Sonnen via submission inside the first round at last months UFC on FOX Sports 1 launch event.

Te-Huna (16-6) had his four fight winning streak snapped, when he fought top light heavyweight contender Glover Teixeira at UFC 160 in May, losing in the first round via submission.

UFC Fight Night 33 will be main headlined in a heavyweight battle that sees Mark Hunt vs Antonio Silva.

UFC on FOX SPORTS 1 Main Card Predictions

Kingdom MMA: UFC on FOX Sports 1 Main Card Predictions

by Ben Heather @benheather, Tommy Strong @Strong_tea and Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

This weekend is the launch of Fox Sports 1 in the USA and the UFC will be a massive part of the launch with the highlight being the UFC Fight Night 26 Shogun vs Sonnen. This card has been dubbed the best free to air (in the USA) card in MMA history. At first I was sceptical but now when you look down the fights that will take place on Saturday night you come to realise that this card is absolutely stacked!!

You just need to look at the names on show to realise how good this card is. Obviously you have Chael P Sonnen and Shogun Rua in the main event but when you look a bit further down and see names like Overeem, Faber and Pickett to name a few. On top of that you need to add in the always exciting Joe Lauzon and Matt Brown who I don't believe have ever been in boring fights.

With everything being said I believe the UFC has hit the nail on the head and I can't wait for Saturday night to witness the best free card in MMA history.

Below you can find the predictions for what some of the guys at Kingdom MMA expect to happen on Saturday night.

Chael Sonnen (27-13-1) vs Shogun Rua (21-7) 

Jack: The five round factor of the main event could be key here. Can Sonnen keep Shogun on his back for five rounds? I'm not so sure he will need to. He will put him there enough for Shogun to become desperate and either tire or force a mistake. I think Shogun can hang around to see the end of the fight but I see Sonnen winning a relatively comfortable decision.

Prediction: Sonnen by Decision

Tommy: This is such a sick card! The fans will be in for a real treat here with so many 50/50 fights! So here goes my predictions:

I'll be pleased when we see Sonnen back at this natural weight, Middleweight. He just isn't a light heavyweight and size again will be the difference come Saturday night. 18 of Shoguns 21 victories have come via knockout and at some point I see him catching Sonnen and finishing him inside two rounds.

Prediction: Shogun by TKO Round 2

Ben: I think Sonnen has been criticised far too much about the fact he hasn't won a fight since he beat Bisping in Jan '12. Yes its now over 18 months since he last won but how many guys fight Anderson Silva and then Jon Jones.... not many guys will be coming out of those with even one win.

As for this fight I think Jack has summed it up perfectly. Shogun has not looked the same fighter recently, in my opinion Sonnen will be able to control the fight to begin with in the first couple of rounds and this will tire out Shogun. Then when it gets in to the championship rounds it will start to become easier for Sonnen.

Yes, if Shogun catches Sonnen he could easily end the fight but I don't see it happening.

Prediction: Sonnen by Unanimous Decision

Alastair Overeem (36-12-1) vs Travis Browne (14-1-1) 

Jack: An intriguing battle. Overeem has to win to get back into contention. Browne is kind of an unknown quantity at this stage. He lost to Bigfoot Silva but that was due to him blowing his knee out. I quite like the way Browne matches up with Overeem and I will take him for the win. 

Prediction: Browne by TKO Round 2

Tommy: Seeing Bigfoot knockout Overeem back in February still brings a smile to my face, though I don't see Overeem underestimating Travis Browne having learnt a harsh lesson last time out.
I really rate Browne but this isn't a great match up for him. I hope he wins , though I just don't see it.

Prediction: Overeem by TKO Round 3

Ben: I have been going back and forth with this fight, both fighters have the ability to finish the fight at any stage of the fight. However, after being embarrassed by Bigfoot in his last fight I believe "the Reem" will be coming in to this fight having put everything in to his camp to make sure he does not gas again.

That being said, I don't think it will be a decision. I see Overeem finishing the fight in the second round after picking apart Browne in the first.

Prediction: Overeem by TKO Round 2

Urijah Faber (28-6) vs Yuri Alcantara (28-4-1) 

Jack: This is a great matchup on a card full of amazing fights. This being only a 3 round fight negates Faber's experience advantage. He should however have the overall advantage in this fight and he still seems hungry for UFC gold. It should be a close fight but I see Faber just edging it.

Prediction: Faber by Split Decision

Tommy: I'll keep this very short and sweet! Faber destroys anyone in the division except Cruz and Barao, this will be no different.

Prediction: Faber by a very one sided Unanimous Decision

Ben: I was disappointed when this fight was made. The fight I wanted to see was Faber vs Pickett and I am hoping with a win for both that we can still see that fight next. As for this fight as Tommy said I think Faber will be able to beat Alcantara in any area he wants.

If he wants a submission victory I believe he can pull it off or if he wants to beat him on his feet I am sure he can cruise to a decision victory.

Prediction: Faber by Unanimous Decision

Matt Brown (17-11) vs Mike Pyle (25-8-1) 

Jack: This is a strange fight and could play out a number of ways. Brown and Pyle are both on really hot streaks right now and whilst Brown is getting the attention I'd argue Pyle has beaten the better competition and in better fashion. Brown fights in clusters on the feet whereas Pyle throws power shots. Should the fight hit the ground Pyle has a big advantage there. In a pick em fight I like the look of the underdog here.

Prediction: Pyle by Submission Round 1

Tommy: This fight has me licking my lips!! If you don't like this match up you shouldn't be anywhere near MMA. This has fight of the night written all over it! Brown has TKO/KO'd four of his last five opponents, Pyle has knocked out three of his last four.
Toss the coin and see where it lands on this one! Though I'm edging towards Brown taking a UD in a back and forth battle!

Prediction: Brown by Unanimous Decision

Ben: This is my prediction for KO of the night. I think Matt Brown will pick up yet another finish via KO. I expect him to come out quick like he did in his last fight against Jordan Mein and pressure Pyle before finding his range and finishing the fight in style.


Prediction: Brown by KO Round 1

Uriah Hall (7-3) vs John Howard (20-8) 

Jack: Hall is the biggest favourite on the whole card. I can see why, but Howard is no mug. If he spots an opportunity he will take it. It will be interesting to see what tactics are employed by both men here.

Prediction: Hall by KO Round 1

Tommy: Uriah will be wanting to put the disappointment of the TUF 17 finale behind him and losing to Kelvin Gastelum in an awful performance we haven't been accustomed to.

Howard will have home advantage being a Boston born , and making his comeback to the UFC since being released in 2011. If Hall turns up like he did against Gastelum, I see Howard winning. Though I think that was a one off and we will see the best of Hall and getting him back in the winning column.

Prediction: Hall by KO Round 2

Ben: I'm going to go for the underdog in this fight again. I called Kelvin beating Uriah in the TUF Finale when everyone thought I was crazy and I am calling it again today.

I think the hype behind Hall from his days in the TUF house was crazy. Some people were even calling for him to jump straight from TUF to fighting Anderson.... Seriously what the fuck were these people thinking!! In the TUF house at no point was he tested, he didn't get put on his back and he certainly didn't come up against somebody with the same striking skills as Howard.

I feel its going to be a pretty decent fight but I believe Howard's experience will be able to get him a win in his hometown.

Prediction: Howard by Unanimous Decision

Joe Lauzon (22-8) vs Michael Johnson (12-8) 

Jack: Lauzon is never in a dull fight, Johnson is prime to be submitted. Lauzon will walk away with yet another fight bonus.

Prediction: Lauzon by Submission Round 1

Tommy: Johnson coming into this fight on the back two losses is very much up against it facing Joe Lauzon. Lauzon is one of my favourite fighters to watch and rarely comes out of the octagon without a fight of the night or submission of the night award.

Six of Johnson's eight losses have come via submission, something that Lauzon excels at. This will be his undoing.

Prediction: Lauzon by Submission Round 2

Ben: Now let me ask you a question, if you had to pick one person to open up the main card on potentially the biggest UFC card ever who would it be? If Joe Lauzon is not one of the first names you would pick then I am shocked. Every single Joe Lauzon fight you can guarantee one thing and that is excitement. Win or lose you will know by the end of the fight Lauzon has given his all (and probably most of his blood)

Michael Johnson is in serious need of a victory and is fighting for more than just a win on Saturday night. The bit which will work against him more though is exactly the point Tommy made. 75% of Johnson's losses have come by being submitted. For this reason I think it will be a long night for Johnson before he gets caught in yet another submission.

Prediction: Lauzon by Submission Round 2

Now we will also predict a couple of important fights for the UK fans. These don't feature on the main card but are the last two prelim fights.

Brad Pickett (23-7) vs Michael McDonald (15-2) 

Jack: This fight should have been on the main card. All the potential to be a barn burner and it really is a pick em. McDonald should have the edge standing but Pickett's movement and level changes are fantastic. He will try to mix it up constantly and keep McDonald guessing. This is my fight of the night pick. Both fighters will have there moments and I guess this will be difficult to score.

Prediction: McDonald by Split Decision

Tommy: I'm a little disappointed this hasn't made the main event, with both fighters at the top of their game so we are in for a barn burner here! My heart would love Pickett to win though my head rules on this one. I think McDonald just has a little to much for Pickett and it pains me to say that.
On this one I really really hope I'm wrong!

Prediction: McDonald by Unanimous Decision

Ben: Unlike the other two I am picking Brad here. I think he still wants to prove he can beat the best in the division and his two losses in the UFC are against Barao and Wineland. They are competing for the belt later this year and I see that driving Brad on thinking..... That should be me!!

I see Pickett come out swinging as he always does and I think the fight will carry on this way for the full three rounds. McDonald is a very game fighter and I hope he also does the same, if he does this will surely be the fight of the night. I am not sure if I think Pickett will get the finish but I really feel he will have enough to get the victory.

Prediction: Pickett by Unanimous Decision

Conor McGregor (13-2) vs Max Holloway (7-2) 

Jack: The Irish sensation is back in action and I can't see him being troubled at all here. Holloway will try to keep this standing and that's a huge mistake. Brimage offered more in the stand up than Holloway does and he was dealt with easily. This looks like the UFC are trying to create a highlight reel for McGregor as they are really pushing him in anticipation of an upcoming Dublin card in 2014.

Prediction: McGregor by KO Round 1

Tommy: I've been outspoken about Conor aka hype train and I'm yet to believe in him. A win over a wrestler who decides to stand with a striker isn't the evidence I need to be convinced.
Holloway only being 21 has a bright future, he was very unlucky not to have got the decision win last time out when he fought Dennis Bermudez in May.
If Conor can take Holloway out in fashion, I might just buy a ticket and climb aboard the train! Though I think this will be a harder test for Conor than the odds suggest!

Prediction: Holloway by Unanimous Decision

Ben: I like watching Conor fight. I wouldn't go as far as saying I believe in all the hype that has been thrown around about him as I still feel he has not been tested against a top talent and I don't think that will happen again on Saturday night.

I like Max as a fighter and have enjoyed his fights too but I wouldn't say he is the finished article yet. I think Conor is the better fighter and I think it will be a fairly easy fight for Conor. If the fight makes the second round I will be very surprised.

What I am looking forward to though is that hopefully after a good win on Saturday night we could see Conor fight on the Manchester card against a serious contender. I would love to see the fight against the winner of Koch vs Poirier which takes place at the end of the month.

Prediction: McGregor by TKO Round 1

Our Predictions for Post Fight Bonuses are:

Fight of the Night - Pickett vs McDonald (Jack & Ben) Brown vs Pyle (Tommy)
KO of the Night - Conor McGregor (Jack) Uriah Hall (Tommy) Matt Brown (Ben)
Sub of the Night - Joe Lauzon (all)

Chael Sonnen was never the shy and retiring type

Chael Sonnen signs new contract and will drop to middleweight after fight against Shogun

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

The UFC has confirmed Chael Sonnen has signed a new deal, the deal will coincide with his return to the middleweight division.

Sonnen confirmed a 5 fight deal which will kick in after his August 17 fight with Shogun Rua which headlines the first UFC on Fox Sports 1 event. Sonnen also told of a move in his training camp to help with the drop back to middleweight. He has moved to California to train at Mark Munuz's 'Reign'.

With the former Middleweight and Light Heavyweight contender known to talk his way into several huge fights there is no shortage of opponents for him. Vitor Belfort is stuck in a bit of a no mans land at the minute and has asked for the fight at the massive end of year ppv on Dec 28th.

Wanderlei Silva is another possible opponent. First and foremost though Sonnen has to deal with a very tough opponent in Shogun Rua who certainly can't be taken lightly.

What has Chael Sonnen got on the UFC?

My thoughts on Chael Sonnen getting to headline UFC on Fox Sports 1

by John Haigh @JohnBJayHaigh

When Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, had to drop out of the fight with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 161 due to back problems Chael Sonnen offered his services straight away.

Shogun immediately accepted, but the fight isn’t going to happen at UFC 161 on June 15th in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It will instead be the headlining bout at UFC on FS1 1 on Aug 17th in Boston.
Sonnen announced the bout on Tuesday night’s edition of UFC Tonight.

“Shogun and I are going to be the main event on FOX Sports 1 on Aug. 17. We were going to fight in Winnipeg, and they pulled it,” Sonnen proclaimed before getting his digs in at his original target, Wanderlei Silva.

“I like Shogun. I admire him a lot,” he continued. “I wanted to fight Wanderlei. He’s the worst fighter in the UFC. I couldn’t get him. I figured I’d get the guy who destroyed Wanderlei in the practice room for all these years.”

So why does Sonnen keep getting these big fights?
Sure he can sell a fight with his endless ramblings and trash talking but surely there’s someone actually deserving of a bout with a top 10 ranked fighter? Maybe the current 10th placed fighter Ryan Bader?
In my eyes Sonnen has only won one of his last five fights and that was against Brian Stann in 2011. It might say win from the Bisping fight but everyone who has seen the fight says Bisping won two rounds including UFC President Dana White.

So in my opinion I really can’t see why they keep giving him these fights he clearly doesn’t deserve them.

As for Sonnen saying “I wanted to fight Wanderlei. He’s the worst fighter in the UFC.” Silva has had more fights then Sonnen and lost less than Sonnen. Surely “The worst fighter in the UFC” title is a title that Sonnen could actually win.

Chael vs Shogun to headline UFC on Fox Sports 1

Shogun pulled from UFC 161 card to fight on UFC on Fox Sports 1

by John Haigh @JohnBJayHaigh

Chael Sonnen (27-13-1) vs Shogun Rua (21-7) fight to serve as the first ever UFC on FOX Sports 1 main event on Aug. 17 in Boston.

After shogun was pulled from the UFC 161 card following the injury to Lil Nog the UFC officials announced the fight as the main event for the inaugural event on Fox Sports 1. The fight came about when in typical fashion, Sonnen jumped into the hero role and sent a message to the Brazilian on Twitter stating he was "available" to step in to fight on just 13 days notice.

The fight was not made for the UFC 161 card though, presumably so Sonnen can sell the fight on Fox Sports 1 in his usual fashion. But the official word was the fight couldn’t take place because Sonnen would not be able to get a visa in time.

Sonnen comes into the fight with back to back losses to his name. Both against arguably the best two fighters in the history of MMA UFC champions Anderson Silva and Jon Jones in very one sided fights.

Shogun also comes in to this fight with a lot of inconsistency. Shogun has not won back to back fights since 2009 with victories over Chuck Liddell and Mark Coleman both by TKO and both been fight night bonuses.

In his last fight shogun lost via decision to Alexander Gustafsson at UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz. There is one thing about the ex UFC Light Heavyweight champion's fights though, there always entertaining and Shogun leaves everything in the cage so Sonnen will have another tough fight on his hands.... has he bitten off more than he can chew again. We will find out in August.

Sonnen Offers to step in to face Shogun at UFC 161

Chael Sonnen wants to replace Nogueria and fight Shogun

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

Chael Sonnen has history, he has history with Brazilian's. He has history offering to step in to fight at late notice. Recently he has stepped in on last minute notice to fight Michael Bisping. He also tried to step in at the last minute to fight Jon Jones and in doing so earned himself the chance to coach on The Ultimate Fighter season 17 and a title shot.

Now after Antônio Rogério Nogueira had to pull out of his fight with Shogun Rua due to an undisclosed injury at UFC 161, Sonnen is up to the old tricks again. Sonnen took the media by storm in his efforts to promote his two title fights with Anderson Silva. He has noted rivalry with the majority of the Brazilian roster and was expected to face Wanderlei Silva in the near future.

Sonnen took to his twitter to leave the following message for Shogun Rua making it clear he is the ultimate company man.

"@sonnench: @ShogunRua I HEAR BRAZILIAN
CHICKEN IS OFF THE MENU. AMERICAN GANGSTER IS STILL AVAILABLE IF YOU WANT TO SEND YOUR WAITRESS OVER."

Video: Shogun Rua on Working with Freddie Roach Ahead of UFC 161

Video: Shogun Rua on Working with Freddie Roach Ahead of UFC 161  

Ahead of his UFC 161 bout with Rogerio Nogueira, Shogun Rua has been working with infamous boxing trainer Freddie Roach.  In a video released earlier today by The UFC Shogun discusses the improvements working with Roach has added to his game:

I started training with Freddie Roach because my manager contacted him and his team. For me this is good because I learned some things that can make the difference against Rogerio Nogueira.

I was always confident in my boxing. In camp, I always train a lot of boxing. But Freddie showed me specific details that will help me improve my game.

I am going to go back to Brazil and keep practicing what I learned and hope to apply it to the fight.
He is a south paw and that already makes him harder to deal with. Nogueira is a guy that likes to setup his jab to throw his left hand. I know this and I am going to be prepared when we step inside the Octagon.

UFC 161 takes place on June 15, 2013 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, with Rashad Evans vs Dan Henderson headlining the card. Shogun Rua vs Rogerio Nogueira will serves as the events co-main event, with The UKs Rosi Sexton and John Maguire also on the card.

UFC 161 Full Card:

MAIN CARD
Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Mauricio Rua
Stipe Miocic vs. Roy Nelson
Alexis Davis vs. Rosi Sexton
Pat Barry vs. Shawn Jordan

PRELIMINARY CARD 
Jake Shields vs. Tyron Woodley
James Krause vs. Sam Stout
Ryan Jimmo vs. Igor Pokrajac
Sean Pierson vs. Kenny Robertson
PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook) 
Roland Delorme vs. Edwin Figueroa
Mitch Clarke vs. John Maguire
Yves Jabouin vs. Dustin Pague