http://www.yardbarker.com/mma Recent articles about MMA en-us Blood is thicker than water, homie. That’s why UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie (Pictured) didn’t hesitate to stick up for Nick Diaz, a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu family member, following Saturday’s highly controversial unanimous decision loss to Carlos Condit at UFC 143. “@nickdiaz209 won that fight in my opinion,” Gracie tweeted. “He is what every fighter should be a true martial artists who comes to fight. Well prepared and with a gameplan. Not one that [involves] running from a fight. “Why come to fight if you gonna run. Hackney was running when we fought and I had to take the fight to him, Shamrock showed up not to lose in our rematch it’s a shame really. I for one am proud of Nick and happy he is part of Grace Jiu-jitsu family.” Like many of Diaz’s supporters, Gracie believes Mr. 209 dominated the ever-ambiguous ‘Octagon control’ aspect of his 25-minute affair with Condit and should have been awarded the interim welterweight crown. Although Diaz appeared to play the role of hunter more than hunted against “The Natural Born Killer,” Condit bob and weaved his way to connecting on more significant (151 to 105) and total strikes (159 to 117) landed during their five round tango. Depending on Georges St-Pierre’s availability, Condit now advances to a title unification bout against the division’s king – much to the dismay of Diaz and Co. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:41:04 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/royce_gracie_why_come_to_fight_if_you_gonna_run/9810763 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/royce_gracie_why_come_to_fight_if_you_gonna_run/9810763 Royce Gracie: “Why Come to Fight if You Gonna Run?” http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/royce_gracie_why_come_to_fight_if_you_gonna_run/9810763 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Brandon Vera’s (Pictured) fanboys were ecstatic when the light heavyweight was granted a rematch with Thiago Silva. Those same fanatics were equally as puzzled when Vera revealed just three days after the announcement that he would be have to pull out of “UFC on FX 3″ due to injury. “The Truth” took to his Facebook over the weekend to clear the air regarding last week’s mysterious 72-hour stretch. “I’ve been bugging my manager, I’ve been bugging [UFC matchmaker] Joe Silva and the UFC, so as soon as Thiago Silva’s suspension was over and he was available, I would like to be the first one to fight him and get back in there with him. Kind of a welcome back thing,” Vera stated. “Finally the fight came, Joe said the fight can happen May 15th. My manager told me the fight is happening May 15th. “Without thinking, without talking to my coaches, without talking to my doctors, I verbally said ‘Yes, I’m down for the fight, let’s do this, let’s get it done. I’m in.’ The next morning I went to my doctors after training and … they said there’s no way I’ll be ready by then, and I need to focus on getting better. So I sat down and was thinking, ‘Yeah, maybe those guys are right.’ So I didn’t check with my doctors, I didn’t check with my coaches. “I still wanna fight you bad Thiago, Thiago, however you say your name juice monkey. I still wanna fight you bad. So whenever you’re ready, whenever I’m healthy enough, I’m your huckleberry.” Although the 34-year-old didn’t specify what injury is preventing him from battling the Brazilian, it is likely due to the medical suspension he received for his left elbow following UFC 137. Vera was ordered to sit the sidelines until April 28th unless an orthopedic doctor cleared him. It appears his doc isn’t prepared to do so at this moment. Silva initially posted a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Vera at UFC 125 on New Year’s Day in 2011. However, the Brazilian subsequently flunked his drug test and had his win overturned to a no contest. He was also issued a year-long suspension and fined $2,500 by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Vera was originally released from the UFC following the defeat, but was given a new lease on life after Silva’s cheating ways came to light. He bounced back at in October by hanging a unanimous decision over Eliot Marshall. No word if the organization is planning to keep Silva in the May 15th event or shelf him until Vera is able to return. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:50 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/brandon_vera_explains_withdrawal_from_thiago_silva_rematch/9808501 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/brandon_vera_explains_withdrawal_from_thiago_silva_rematch/9808501 Brandon Vera Explains Withdrawal from Thiago Silva Rematch http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/brandon_vera_explains_withdrawal_from_thiago_silva_rematch/9808501 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png “Hey everybody, it’s Brandon “The Truth” Vera here. I wanted to clear up some stuff, and apologize. I’ve been bugging my manager, I’ve been bugging Joe Silva and the UFC, so as soon as Thiago Silva’s suspension was over and he was available, I would like to be the first one to fight him and [...] Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:22:01 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/brandon_vera_explains_his_reasons_and_disappointment_for_pulling_out_of_silva_fight/9806536 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/brandon_vera_explains_his_reasons_and_disappointment_for_pulling_out_of_silva_fight/9806536 Brandon Vera Explains His Reasons And Disappointment For Pulling Out Of Silva Fight http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/brandon_vera_explains_his_reasons_and_disappointment_for_pulling_out_of_silva_fight/9806536 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After Monday’s announcement that Rashad Evans would in fact headline UFC 145 opposite light heavyweight champ Jon Jones (Pictured), 11 fights have now been confirmed for the April 21st show. Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia hosts the UFC’s return to the Peach State. The card’s official bout order has yet to be confirmed. Furthermore, because it will be a pay-per-view broadcast, it’s possible the organization could add one final scrap to the lineup. The event marks the second Octagon show to hit the ATL. UFC 88 in September of 2008 was the organization’s last card in the city. Evans put Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell to sleep in the card’s featured contest. That promotion also took place at Philips Arena. Here are the athletes slated to participate in Hotlanta: Keith Wisniewski vs. Chris Clements Maximo Blanco vs. Marcus Brimage Mac Danzig vs. Efrain Escudero Anthony Njokuani vs. John Makdessi Matt Wiman vs. Mark Bocek Ben Rothwell vs. Brendan Schaub Miguel Torres vs. Michael McDonald Mark Hominick vs. Eddie Yagin Travis Browne vs. Chad Griggs Rory MacDonald vs. Che Mills Rashad Evans vs. Jon Jones (UFC Light Heavyweight Champion) Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:43 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/ufc_145_jones_vs_evans_fight_card_updated_11_bouts_confirmed/9806368 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/ufc_145_jones_vs_evans_fight_card_updated_11_bouts_confirmed/9806368 ‘UFC 145: Jones vs. Evans’ Fight Card Updated, 11 Bouts Confirmed http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/ufc_145_jones_vs_evans_fight_card_updated_11_bouts_confirmed/9806368 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira broke his arm in his last fight against Frank Mir at UFC UFC 140 when he refused to tap to a Kimura slapped on by Mir. It was a rematch that gave “Big Nog” his second loss to Mir, the first by KO and the second via broken arm submission. Photo’s via [...] Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:08:40 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/photos_big_nog_shows_recovery_progress_from_broken_arm/9804835 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/photos_big_nog_shows_recovery_progress_from_broken_arm/9804835 Photo’s: “Big Nog” Shows Recovery Progress From Broken Arm http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/photos_big_nog_shows_recovery_progress_from_broken_arm/9804835 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/c/fc2b449dd449f8d16622e740a54898dc471e2516/mini/Frank_Mir.jpg Legendary MMA coach Greg Jackson (Pictured) has a couple of significant scraps coming up in the not-so-distant future. Now that Carlos Condit has captured the interim welterweight crown, “The Natural Born Killer” faces the possibility of unifying the belt against fellow Jackson-trained fighter and current 170-pound champ Georges St-Pierre. However, since both athletes are still currently under his tutelage, the groundwork has already been laid out so Jackson won’t have to pick which champion he backs. “Georges is on our team, Carlos is on our team. We know what to do now,” Jackson stated on Savage Dog Show. “I’m stepping out. I don’t corner either guy. As long as everybody’s on our team, I don’t corner against you. Hopefully it’ll be an amazing fight and they’ll get ‘Fight of the Night.’ I’ll be eating a hamburger somewhere in a restaurant.” On the opposite end of the spectrum, there will be no burger munching when reigning light heavyweight king Jon Jones defends his throne against former Jackson protégé Rashad Evans. “Suga” quickly turned sour on Jackson’s famed academy when he believed they favored Jones over him. Evans has been training with the Blackzilians at Imperial Athletics in Boca Raton, Florida since last spring. After the swap was made, a definitive line in the sand was drawn that allowed Jackson to conclude he could corner Jones in their shootout if he wished. “I’ve got to sit down and make my decision and see what I feel is best for the team. Not for me, because I have my own personal feelings where I never want to ever do that,” Jackson said. “I’m going back and forth now because I have to think about what it means to be on a team. Are we just a collection of friends that train together? For me, it’s much more than that. It means something to be on this team and it means something to have teammates. “Rashad kind of left that. I don’t know, I’m leaning toward cornering Jon right now. Just because, am I selfish, am I going to make this about me? Or am I gonna make this about the team? I can’t be self-centered. Even though it’s something that I don’t want to do, it might end up that way.” Jones and Evans will headline UFC 145 on April 21st inside Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:32 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/greg_jackson_leaning_toward_cornering_jon_jones_against_rashad_evans/9804862 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/greg_jackson_leaning_toward_cornering_jon_jones_against_rashad_evans/9804862 Greg Jackson “Leaning Toward” Cornering Jon Jones Against Rashad Evans http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/greg_jackson_leaning_toward_cornering_jon_jones_against_rashad_evans/9804862 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png With a possible super fight with Floyd Mayweather or a rematch with Puerto Rican star Miguel Cotto out of the question, Bob Arum and Top Rank’s cash cow Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) have pegged undefeated junior welterweight Tim Bradley (28-0, 12 KOs) to be his next opponent on June 9th at the MGM Grand, per reports [...] Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:28:26 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/pacquiao_agrees_to_fight_tim_bradley_june_9th/9795043 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/pacquiao_agrees_to_fight_tim_bradley_june_9th/9795043 Pacquiao agrees to his next fight http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/pacquiao_agrees_to_fight_tim_bradley_june_9th/9795043 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/2/22de08e6611b574a4976881862b8bfda8079ddf5/mini/mp.jpg Although welterweight king Georges St-Pierre and his surgically-repaired knee has yet to be confirmed as Carlos Condit’s next opponent, it hasn’t stopped the Gambling Gods from dropping their two cents on the subject. The 170-pounders were initially slated to square-off at UFC 137, but a last-minute injury suffered by GSP forced him out of the shootout. Nonetheless, there was a betting line released for that matchup before he was scratched. Despite collecting a win over Nick Diaz to capture the interim welterweight crown this past Saturday, Condit’s odds of beating St-Pierre barely increased. He was initially rated as a +285 longshot and now checks in as a +270 underdog. “Rush” was originally pegged as a -365 odds-on favorite. He’s now a 3.5-to-1 favorite to unify the title. Here are the early lines for St-Pierre vs. Condit (Courtesy of BetOnFighting): Favorite (-) Underdog (+) Carlos Condit +270 Georges St-Pierre -350 Gambling 101: Bet $100 on Condit and he wins, you win $270 Bet $350 on GSP and he wins, you win $100 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:00:30 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/georges_st_pierre_vs_carlos_condit_betting_odds/9788872 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/georges_st_pierre_vs_carlos_condit_betting_odds/9788872 Georges St-Pierre vs. Carlos Condit Betting Odds http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/georges_st_pierre_vs_carlos_condit_betting_odds/9788872 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/6/b64cbe17b4df1a9430c9085196442681d33aa59e/mini/georges_small.jpg If you're not yet a fan of UFC, then maybe you haven't laid eyes on their cover girl Arianny Celeste. The Las Vegas model has been stealing the attention of mixed martial arts fighting fanatics since 2006. At the tender age of 26, Arianny has hit the mainstream through Twitter beefs, Maxim photoshoots and even a couple of calendars here and there. The sultry bombshell and self described fitness nerd lends her talents to Complex magazine's February/March issue 2012. On what the common misconceptions about Octagon Girls: People think we’re ditzy and stupid. But the UFC girls have changed the game. It’s not just about walking around, showing the goods. We’re not in thongs and high heels. You need to be educated about the sport if you’re going to represent the UFC. You can be the most beautiful girl in the world but if you can’t talk about the sport then you’re not valuable to them. On what she looks for in a fighter: Going for it every time. Some of the fighters, once they ... Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:08:01 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/octagon_girl_arianny_celeste_spices_up_complex_magazine/9788164 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/octagon_girl_arianny_celeste_spices_up_complex_magazine/9788164 Octagon Girl Arianny Celeste Spices Up Complex Magazine http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/octagon_girl_arianny_celeste_spices_up_complex_magazine/9788164 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/9/795e28f66fc84abd105229a8cdba92fb3a5631ac/mini/UFC_Ring_Girl_53f2.jpg Featured | Written by: CouchFighter | Published in: Podcasts Feb. 4th at UFC 143, Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit squared off in the Octagon for the interim Welterweight Title, with the winner getting a shot at Georges St-Pierre. While the fight that was supposed to be an all out war, it turned out to be a tactical, game planned fight. weeks in a row fighters have learned a valuable lesson, and thats to never leave it in the hands of the judges. Nick Diaz learned this lesson last night when he lost to Carlos Condit by decision. There are specific aspects in this fight that need to be looked at closely. For instance Greg Jackson's game plan and Condit's ability to execute. Cesar Gracie being out-coached, and Nick Diaz finally be put out of his comfort zone. On top of all of what took place in the Octagon, Nick Diaz expressed his frustration with the decision and announced his retirement from the sport of MMA. Needless to say UFC 143's main event had its ups, its downs, and caught a few of us by surprise. So, what does the future have in store for the fans? Is Nick Diaz going to stay retired from MMA? Will Carlos Condit defeat Georges St-Pierre or will GSP come back from injury and retain his welterweight title? Tune in for a fight recap of Nick Diaz Vs. Carlos Condit. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:57:08 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/nick_diaz_vs_carlos_condit_what_really_happened_at_ufc_143/9783061 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/nick_diaz_vs_carlos_condit_what_really_happened_at_ufc_143/9783061 Nick Diaz Vs. Carlos Condit: What Really Happened at UFC 143? http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/nick_diaz_vs_carlos_condit_what_really_happened_at_ufc_143/9783061 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Roy Nelson took to his twitter account today to show off the cut on his forehead, which was caused by a knee by Fabricio Werdum in their co-main event match last night (Feb.4) at UFC 143. In a match that most thought would come down to the ground game, Nelson was battered and bruised on the feet by Werdum almost the entire fight. He did however also mention on twitter today, “was never rocked, Hurt him a couple of times just didn’t capitalize & mat was a little slippery that why I need the blood to stick.” Below you will see the pic that was caused by the Werdum knee. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Follow @JerBrand on Twitter and keep up with the latest news by following @MMASucka on Twitter and on Facebook Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:00:29 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/roy_nelson_shows_off_extreme_cut_from_werdums_knee/9782305 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/roy_nelson_shows_off_extreme_cut_from_werdums_knee/9782305 Roy Nelson shows off extreme cut from Werdum’s Knee http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/roy_nelson_shows_off_extreme_cut_from_werdums_knee/9782305 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Despite what the challenger has said in recent weeks, Chael Sonnen will face Anderson Silva for the UFC Middleweight championship this summer. During the UFC 143 post-fight press conference, White was asked if the two will meet, now that Sonnen survived won his match-up with Michael Bisping last Saturday at UFC on FOX 2. "It's on," White responded to the question. White was asked if the fight had been finalized and signed between the two. "It's not signed, but it is verbally agreed to," White responded. White confirmed the fight would take place in Brazil in June, although no specific date was given. The two first met on Aug. 7, 2010 in Oakland, Calif. Sonnen dominated the champion for four and a half rounds before being submitted to a triangle armbar by Silva. Sonnen subsequently failed a post-fight drug test and was suspended for a year. He has defeated Brian Stann and Bisping since his return to the Octogon. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:10:16 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/sonnen_silva_verbally_agree_to_bout/9774154 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/sonnen_silva_verbally_agree_to_bout/9774154 Sonnen, Silva verbally agree to bout http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/sonnen_silva_verbally_agree_to_bout/9774154 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/4/24528e6463acecc893b45b3866efe99f4c8d6fab/mini/UFC_COUTURE_vs_8bd8.jpg It was announced earlier this week that Brandon Vera would get his long awaited rematch with Thiago Silva at UFC on FX 3 in May, however an injury to Vera will put that fight on hold. The UFC announced Vera’s injury earlier today. The fight between Vera and Silva was a rematch after Silva absolutely beat down Vera at UFC 125. Vera was subsequently released following the loss, but brought back after Silva tested positive for steroids. Silva (14-2, 1 NC) is still expected to make his return after a one year suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, however he will have to wait for his opponent to be determined. UFC on FX 3 is expected to take place at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia with Tom Lawlor vs. Jason MacDonald being the only other fight announced. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:32:14 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/brandon_vera_injured_ufc_looking_for_replacement_for_thiago_silva_at_ufc_on_fx_3/9765475 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/brandon_vera_injured_ufc_looking_for_replacement_for_thiago_silva_at_ufc_on_fx_3/9765475 Brandon Vera injured, UFC looking for replacement for Thiago Silva at UFC on FX 3 http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/brandon_vera_injured_ufc_looking_for_replacement_for_thiago_silva_at_ufc_on_fx_3/9765475 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png According to UFC president Dana White, it’s Jon Jones or bust for Dan Henderson (Pictured). Instead of looking to solidify his next in line status, White claims Henderson is willing to play the waiting game until Jones becomes available. “Dan Henderson’s in a position right now where it looks like he wants to wait for Jon Jones,” White said following Thursday’s press conference. “We’ll see what happens with this Rashad [Evans] fight.” Henderson was hoping his instant classic win over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua this past November would have allowed him to leapfrog into a title bout. He was so hellbent on immediately fighting for the hardware that he turned down a bout against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at “UFC on FUEL 2.” Unfortunately for the former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, White has always considered him as Option B behind Evans. Following last Saturday’s lopsided unanimous decision victory over Phil Davis, Evans earned next dibs at Jones’ strap. Although nothing has been officially announced by the organization, “Suga” is expected to challenge his friend-turned-foe for his crown at UFC 145 on April 21st. Just in case you were wondering, “Bones” is an overwhelming 6-to-1 favorite to successfully defend his throne against Evans. So if the Gambling Gods prove correct, Jones will be Henderson’s next opponent. If Hendo is in fact content on taking a bit of a sabbatical, the 41-year-old could be riding the pine until the summertime. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:43 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/dan_henderson_plans_to_wait_for_jon_jones/9745714 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/dan_henderson_plans_to_wait_for_jon_jones/9745714 Dan Henderson Plans to Wait for Jon Jones http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/dan_henderson_plans_to_wait_for_jon_jones/9745714 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png