Tag: MMA

UFC Announces Historic Event At Madison Square Garden

UFC issued the following:

UFC MAKES HISTORY WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF MAJOR EVENT AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NEW YORK ON NOVEMBER 12

Second event to be announced for Upstate New York by end of 2016

Las Vegas – Following today’s landmark bill signing by Governor Andrew Cuomo to legalize and regulate professional mixed martial arts (MMA) in New York, UFC® announced that it will host a major Pay-Per-View event at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 12.

Additionally, UFC will be adding another live event in Upstate New York before the end of the year. The organization has pledged four events per year for the first three years after passage of the bill. The events will be held in Upstate cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Albany, in addition to Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center.

Today’s bill signing and event date announcements cement mixed martial arts’ incredible future in the state of New York, and reaffirm UFC’s commitment to a market that is home to many top stars including former UFC champions Jon Jones, Chris Weidman and Rashad Evans, and countless other title contenders.

“I want to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle, Senator Joe Griffo and the many other leaders in the state of New York for legalizing and regulating the sport of mixed martial arts,” said UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta. “Our commitment to bringing incredible live events to New York starts immediately, as we’ve planned a major Pay-Per-View event at Madison Square Garden on November 12. It’s going to be a historic, monumental moment for this sport and our passionate fans when the Octagon finally arrives in New York.”

“Today marks a great day for both MMA fans and New York,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, Marquee Events and Operations, The Madison Square Garden Company. “We think it’s only fitting that the first UFC event is taking place at The World’s Most Famous Arena and look forward to these world-class athletes becoming part of The Garden’s storied history.”

Further information about the upcoming live event at Madison Square Garden will be announced in the weeks to come.

InvictaFC signs Tiffany Van Soest 

  Tiffany Van Soest, one of the top female Muay Thai fighters and kickboxers in the world, has signed a deal with Invicta FC, sources told MMA Fighting on Thursday. Van Soest has long spoken about crossing over to MMA and now she’ll do so with Invicta, with her debut likely coming this summer.

Van Soest is the former Lion Fight super bantamweight and featherweight champion. The karate black belt also held the WBC Muay Thai international super bantamweight title. Van Soest hails from Southern California, but now lives and trains in Bali
The news comes on the heels of Van Soest signing with GLORY kickboxing, which MMA Fighting reported Wednesday.

Van Soest, 27, is a huge pickup for both promotions, which coincidentally have broadcast deals with UFC Fight Pass. “Time Bomb” will make her GLORY debut at GLORY 30 SuperFight Series on May 13 against Jeri Sitzes in a rematch of their 2012 Muay Thai fight, sources said. The fight will air live on Fight Pass.
Sorce: MMAFighting.com 

Jon Jones Gets Five Tickets From Police Officer And Goes Off (Video), Jones And UFC Make Statement

Source: WrestlingINC

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones had yet another run-in with the police last week, and it wasn’t pretty.

Jones was ticketed for drag racing, and was pretty outspoken to the police officer who issued the ticket, who also didn’t shy away. The policeman claimed that Jones took off at a high rate of speed off from a stop in his Cadillac.

In the video, Jones can be heard going off on the cop, calling him a “pig,” and a “f–king liar,” before saying ‘you’re despicable.” The police officer later replied and said he felt the same way about Jones. Jones was given five tickets in total.

Jon Jones issued a statement maintaining his innocence, but says he regrets the terminology he used.

“I was not drag racing nor was I speeding. I did not get a speeding ticket. I was driving within the speed limit of the 35mph zone.”

“I feel that police used a technicality to ticket me for drag racing, for simply revving my engine and acknowledging some of my local fans. I regrettably said words to the police officer out of frustration, for which I apologize for, but I do feel this was excessive.”

The UFC also issued a statement, saying “We are aware of the situation and are looking into the matter. We’ve also been in touch with Jon’s team regarding the matter.”

Jones was also cited for a traffic violation last month.

Cris Cyborg Joins The UFC, Set To Compete At UFC 198

Source: WrestlingINC

It’s official. Invicta FC Featherweight Champion and former Strikeforce Featherweight Champion Cris “Cyborg” Justino has joined the UFC.

The news was mentioned as a possibility a few weeks ago on UFC Tonight, as the company wanted to stack the UFC 198 card in Brazil. She’ll be on the show, taking on Leslie Smith (8-6-1) in a catchweight of 140 pounds.

A former Flyweight, Smith has competed at 135 pounds in the UFC, and is perhaps best known for her ear exploding during a fight with Jessica Eye in 2014.

The UFC released the following statement:

One of the most feared fighters in the world is finally making her way to the Octagon, as Invicta FC featherweight champion Cris “Cyborg” Justino faces Leslie Smith at UFC 198 on May 14.The bout, which takes place at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil, will be held at a catchweight of 140 pounds.

A native of Curitiba, the 30-year-old Justino (15-1, 1 NC) is unbeaten for over 10 years, and with 13 of her 15 pro wins coming by knockout, it’s not surprising that she has soared to the top of every organization she has competed in. Owner of victories over Gina Carano, Marloes Coenen (twice), and Shayna Baszler, the former Strikeforce champion has compiled a 5-0 record with five knockouts as a member of the Invicta FC roster.

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UFC 198 is indeed a loaded show, as Fabricio Werdum defends his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic. Also on the show are Anderson Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Antonio Rogerio Noguiera and Vitor Belfort

MMA finally becomes legal in New York 

  As of Tuesday evening the state of New York has become the 50th state to make mixed martial arts events legal. 

The final vote between New York lawmakers was 113 to 25. Now the bill heads to the desk of Governor Andrew Cuomo, who included MMA revenue in an executive budget proposal earlier this year and is widely expected it sign it into the law 

Bill NoA02604 “establishes protocols for combative sports; authorizes mixed martial arts events in this state; establishes procedures for applications for licenses; establishes penalties for violations; imposes taxes on gross receipts of such events.”

This is great news for fighters and fans alike. The possibilities are now endless and we’re sure to be getting some history making moments in the future 

The good, the bad and the ugly of being a fight fan: from the prospective of a fan turned friend 

If you’ve been following this site for the past 3 years you know that I’m the resident MMA fan in the crew. It was my accidental stumble into the fight world that allowed us to cover the sport of MMA on our site. Through interviews, social networking and some really crazy shit I found myself falling in love with MMA, even more so then professional wrestling. However if you would’ve asked me if I thought I’d be where I am now a few years ago I would’ve smiled and said “I wish”

This past weekend was InvictaFC16 and thanks to some really cool people I was there in Vegas as it went down live. This marked my second invicta event this year (and there’s many more where that came from) It was a fantastic card with every fight delivering.

For me personally there were lots of happy tears and lots of sad tears. Watching fights live is something I can’t really explain, you get so wrapped into it and you almost feel like you’re the one in the cage. That feeling intensifies when it’s your friend locked in there and in my case that happened twice.

First up was The Happy Warrior Roxanne Modaferri. Prior to the fight I had communicated with her via Twitter and Facebook. She was kind enough to be interviewed by me a few years ago but other than that we didn’t know much about each other outside of social media. That is until this past week of course. I met her for the first time the morning of weigh ins. She embraced me like she knew me for years

A few hours pass and before you know it is was time for the fighters to weigh in. As always Roxy had something awesome up her sleeve. She dressed up as Melina from Mortal Kombat and our friends accompanied her to the stage. It was the moment that stole the show and I was thrilled to be able to say “those guys are my friends”


The fill good moments of the weigh ins didn’t stop for me there though because up next on the scales where Jessamyn Duke and Irene Aldana. Again if you’ve been following this site you know the history with Jessamyn and myself goes deep. It’s been on my bucket list for quite sometime to see her fight live. I made a promise to myself that if I ever got that chance I would make her a sign and well I made  good on that promise.

 The sign reads “You’re my hero Jessamyn Duke” words that carry so much weight. I screamed loud and she looked right over at me and pointed. Later in the week I would find out how much that sign really meant to her and it’s a moment I’ll always be proud to have been a part of.

Friday night was fight night and from the moment I woke up my stomach was in knots. Two of my friends would be going to war that day and all I wanted was the best outcome. Roxanne’s fight was 5th on the card. Seeing her make her way to the cage as Deanna Bennett was staring her down did things to my heart that I didn’t think possible. Roxy ended up getting the split decision win against Benett and as expected my friends and I were overjoyed. She came out and hugged us all and even say in the crowd with us to enjoy the rest of the fights.

I couldn’t let my overwhelming sense of happiness distract me from the next fight though because it was time for Aldana and Duke to go to battle

 I watched on like my life depended on it. It’s a tough pill to swallow but Irene Aldana came out of the exchange victorious as she put Jessamyn Duke away with a TKO victory in the first round. I instantly felt the hot tears run down my face as my friend candy and Aldana’s family celebrated only a few inches from me. My heart broke for Jess and I felt like I too had lost.

The great thing about the fight world though is that as much as it hurts you know you can’t win them all. You know that it’s just another day in the life. You know that your fighter will bounce back. I got to see Jess right after her fight and we had a moment where we both cried. She buried her face in my shoulder. I told her she’d be back, she replied with an “I know” followed by “I’m so happy to have you in my coroner”.


That’s when it hit me…… I love this sport. I love the cheers, the tears, the violence, the sportsmanship, I love it all. I don’t know exactly how or why I got into this sport but I do know it’s where I am now and as long as I have a friend to cheer for I’m not going anywhere.

It’s the first time the my heart experienced pure joy and pure heartache all in the span of 30 mins. This sport will step on your heart more times than you count but it’ll also leave you with a sence of happiness and pride you’ll never be able to shake.

 Invicta16 is an experience I’ll never forget. Not only did it enforce my motto of Loyalty is everything but it also reminded me that life is filled with good and bad moments and those moments shape you into the person you are. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m 100% completely in love with the world of MMA. I’ve gained so many amazing friends and although we may not always agree we know that the fight world created a bond that can never be broken.

It’s one invicta in the books and another one is just around the corner. On May 7th the promotion returns to California as Tonya Evinger will defend her Bantamweight title against Colleen Schneider. A fight that will have me torn. Both Evinger and Schneider have been nothing but kind to me.

I had breakfast with Evinger for 3 straight days while in Vegas. I’ve seen Schneider train and have connected with her because of Shayna and Jessamyn. I already told myself that I’m simply just watching this fight. No matter the outcome one friend wins while the other looses. It’s going to be s bitter sweet moment but one that I’m prepared to face because I love these moments


 If I could give any advice to a fight fan I’ll say this. It won’t always go the way you want it to. Your favorites will fight your favorites and in my case friends will fight friends, but don’t let that discourage you. Live it up. Cheer who you want to cheer. Boo who you want to boo, but know that every man or woman who steps in that cage is human too. One with real feelings and a life to live. They do it because the love what they do. Just like we love what we do! Love the sport, be a smart fan and remember Loyalty is everything.

WWE Announcer Signs On To Host MMA Show For AXS TV

WWE SmackDown announcer Mauro Ranallo has signed on to be host of a MMA show on AXS TV:

AXS TV released the following:

RENOWNED COMBAT SPORTS PERSONALITY MAURO RANALLO JOINS AXS TV AS NEW HOST OF ‘INSIDE MMA’ BEGINNING MARCH 25

LOS ANGELES – March 9, 2016 – AXS TV FIGHTS today announced renowned combat sports personality and broadcaster Mauro Ranallo will be the new host of INSIDE MMA, the longest running and only independent MMA news series on television, beginning Friday, March 25. A veteran broadcaster with over 30 years’ experience, Ranallo will bring his energetic broadcasting style and opinionated views on the world of combat sports to INSIDE MMA alongside UFC Hall of Famer Bas Rutten and correspondent Ron Kruck Friday nights at 9:30 p.m. PT/12:30 a.m. ET following AXS TV FIGHTS’ weekly live MMA and Muay Thai broadcasts.

Ranallo is best known for his play-by-play commentary for prestigious organizations such as Pride Fighting Championships, which he called alongside his new co-host Rutten for several years; Showtime Boxing, where he recently called the international feed of the historic Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight; and Strikeforce, which was home to MMA superstars like Ronda Rousey, Daniel Cormier and Luke Rockhold. In 2015, Ranallo helped AXS TV launch its hit pro wrestling series NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING calling matches alongside former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett, before signing with WWE as the new voice of Smackdown.

“Mauro Ranallo’s contributions to the success of New Japan Pro Wrestling on AXS TV were undeniable and we are confident he will take INSIDE MMA to new heights,” said AXS TV FIGHTS CEO Andrew Simon. “The opportunity to pair the ‘dream team’ together of Mauro and Bas Rutten is exciting and I can’t wait to see what happens when these two super-charged personalities are reunited on March 25.”

“AXS TV would like to thank longtime host Kenny Rice for his dedication to growing INSIDE MMA since our launch in 2007,” Simon continued, “and we plan to continue a relationship with him as a special correspondent.”

Said Ranallo, “In a year in which I landed a dream job with WWE, my dream to once again cover MMA and work with my broadcasting brother Bas Rutten has also come true. Filling the shoes of consummate pro Kenny Rice won’t be easy but I can’t wait to return to AXS TV for some strong style MMA coverage!”

“I am super stoked to work with Mauro again,” said Rutten. “We had such a great time in Japan for Pride Fighting Championships, so get ready for the craziness! Kenny Rice and I have become great friends over the years, so I am happy that, despite his busy schedule, he will still be involved with INSIDE MMA.”

Said Rice, “I am excited to step into the new role as a special correspondent, continuing to bring the exclusive access to our viewers that has been synonymous with Inside MMA over the past ten seasons. It’s a true team at Inside MMA and I welcome longtime friend Mauro Ranallo to it.”

Paige VanZant Joins Cast Of ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 22

Source: Fox Sports

UFC strawweight Paige VanZant has joined the cast of “Dancing with the Stars” season 22, with the show set to debut on March 21 on ABC.

VanZant joins another all-star cast of celebrities and sports stars on the show this season including Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, “Fuller House” star Jodie Sweetin, Football legend Doug Flutie and Super Bowl champion Von Miller.

The 21-year-old joins Hall of Famers Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture as UFC fighters who have appeared on the show, but she is the first ever to join the series as an active competitor.

VanZant last fought in December, when she lost by rear naked choke to Rose Namajunas at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas.

Prior to that loss, VanZant had won her first three fights in the UFC as she climbed into the top 10 rankings at 115 pounds.

“Dancing with the Stars” will kick off in March with the show running all the way through May for the celebrities who make it all the way through the elimination-style competition.

Before she was a fighter, VanZant was actively involved in dance and cheerleading so this seems like a natural fit for the Team Alpha Male fighter.

VanZant is expected to compete on the show while still training for her return to the Octagon later this year. While nothing has been booked, VanZant has targeted UFC 200 for her next fight but she’ll look to knock out a “Dancing with the Stars” championship first.

Huge UFC Fight Is Reportedly Off

Source: WrestlingINC

What was set to be a huge, historic fight next week is now off the books for the time being, as Rafael Dos Anjos has pulled out of his UFC 196 title fight against Conor McGregor.

Kings MMA has confirmed that Dos Anjos broke his foot during a Friday sparring session. Dos Anjos kicked and connected with his sparring partner’s knee, effectively ending his participation in UFC 196.

This is the second straight year McGregor has had a championship opponent withdraw from a fight, as Jose Aldo pulled out of their planned UFC 189 bout last July. Aldo would face McGregor at UFC 194, where he was knocked out.

Former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis, as well as highly ranked lightweight Tony Ferguson have volunteered to take on McGregor to fill in for the main event fight. It’s unlikely the company would institute an interim title fight, as RDA defended the championship three months ago.

UFC 196 still has a championship fight at the top of the card, with Holly Holm defending against Miesha Tate.

Wanderlei Silva’s Lifetime Ban Reduced

Source: MMAJUNKIE

The Nevada State Athletic Commission today voted to suspend Wanderlei Silva for three years following a re-hearing on a lifetime ban issued 17 months ago.

The NSAC banned Silva and fined him $70,000 for evading a drug test in connection with a proposed fight against Chael Sonnen at UFC 175.

Silva’s suspension is retroactive to the date of his evasion, May 24, 2014, meaning he is eligible to apply for a license on May 25, 2017. He is also required to provide a clean drug test upon applying for a new license.

The NSAC decided against a monetary penalty toward Silva since his proposed bout with Sonnen didn’t take place and he did not receive a purse.

The decision comes nine months after a judge called the NSAC’s lifetime ban arbitrary and capricious, and overturned it, sending the case back to the commission for a re-hearing. The second hearing was delayed on multiple occasions.

Silva was not present at the hearing today in Las Vegas and was represented by his longtime attorney, Ross Goodman, who attempted to reassert his argument that the commission overstepped its bounds by punishing Silva, who was unlicensed at the time of his evaded test. Commission chair Anthony Marnell shot down Goodman’s attempt, arguing it was “irrelevant” to the re-hearing.

The NSAC’s attorney, Caroline Bateman, recommended a suspension in the range of 32 to 48 months based on decisions from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and World Anti-Doping Agency. Former NSAC chairman and commissioner Francisco Aguilar recommended the 36-month punishment after an initial proposal of four years by commissioner Pat Lundvall, who called Silva’s behavior “some of the most egregious actions we’ve seen from an athletes.”

The NSAC’s decision is likely to spur an appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court from Goodman, who in a previous interview said he needed the commission to re-hear Silva as a precursor to additional legal action.

Silva (35-12-1 MMA, 5-7 UFC), 39, retired after his lifetime ban, but this past month was released from his UFC contract after he apologized for accusing the promotion of fight-fixing. Silva is scheduled to appear tonight at the Bellator MMA Fan Fest at Dave & Busters in Houston, TX which is being held the day before Bellator 149, that will air live on Spike TV – Friday, 9/8c.

On Monday, Silva made a mock poster of him opposite Fedor Emelianenko in the upstart Japanese promotion Rizin FF, suggesting his desire to fight the former PRIDE heavyweight champion.