http://www.yardbarker.com/mma Recent articles about MMA en-us With the UFC's next visit to Western Canada under a month away, the promotion is taking the necessary steps to avoid another Canadian disaster, a la UFC 149 in Calgary. Following the recent injury to interim bantamweight champion Renan Barao, the powers that be behind the curtains at Zuffa seem to feel that this event needed a little beef. And by beef I mean Roy Nelson. It was teased on the Fuel TV weekly 'UFC Tonight' that Nelson would be fighting on the pay-per-view portion of UFC 161 in Winnipeg against a yet to be named opponent. It was later confirmed by MMA Junkie that the opponent would be none other than Strong Style Fight Team's Stipe Miocic. Miocic was originally scheduled to welcome Aussie heavyweight favorite Soa 'The Hulk' Palelei back into the Octagon after a five-year plus absence, but now Palelei is left without a fight as it stands today. Miocic will be upgraded from the FX card to the PPV portion of the June 15th event when he returns to t... Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/manitoba_makeover_ufc_161_evans_vs_hendo_gets_heavy/13667986 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/manitoba_makeover_ufc_161_evans_vs_hendo_gets_heavy/13667986 Manitoba Makeover: 'UFC 161: Evans vs. Hendo' Gets Heavy http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/manitoba_makeover_ufc_161_evans_vs_hendo_gets_heavy/13667986 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After the last few years at light heavyweight, it looks like Gegard has seen the light and will take his talents to middleweight, where he belongs. As a middleweight, Mousasi went 24-2-1 with his only losses coming to Akihiro Gono and Petras Markivcius. Then, Gegard moved to light heavyweight, took part in the Super Hulk Tournament, defeating Mark Hunt at heavyweight, then won the light heavyweight Strikeforce strap, losing it to King Mo, but never losing again. In fact, he has a 9-1-1 lhw record (remember that ridiculous Keith Jardine draw????). Now the 27-year -old is reevaluating his torso, and he’s come to the conclusion that middleweight may be best for him. Gegard’s achilles heel has long been his wrestling, so maybe he thinks his lack of takedown defense will effect him more at light heavyweight than middleweight. Makes sense. He gave MMAFighting these quotes: “There’s a big chance that I will go to middleweight, it all depends on the fights that I’m going to get. If I’m goi... Tue, 21 May 2013 18:13:05 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/gegard_mousasi_believes_the_move_back_to_middleweight_is_inevitable_says_he_matches_up_better_with_anderson_than_bones/13666132 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/gegard_mousasi_believes_the_move_back_to_middleweight_is_inevitable_says_he_matches_up_better_with_anderson_than_bones/13666132 Gegard Mousasi believes the move back to middleweight is inevitable. Says he matches up better with Anderson than Bones. http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/gegard_mousasi_believes_the_move_back_to_middleweight_is_inevitable_says_he_matches_up_better_with_anderson_than_bones/13666132 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png These fight fans in Brazil, they just aren't like the Vegas crowds. A full capacity Arena Jaragua started off hungry for action, these weren't suits strolling in towards the end of the preliminaries inside of the MGM Grand. These were blood thirsty Brazilians ready to cheer on their fellow countrymen and enjoy a full night of UFC action. And every single one of them were rewarded for showing up right on time. 1st Star(s) - Lucas Martins & Jeremy Larsen "You're gonna hear a lot about me - Lucas Mineiro from Brazil." - Lucas 'Mineiro' Martins (pictured above) after his fight of the night performance against Jeremy Larsen. The final result may have saw Lucas Martins earning the KO victory just 13 seconds into the final round of the contest. That said, his opponent Jeremy Larsen should not be feeling down following this fight. For one, he did get a $50K fight of the night bonus for his duel with Martins. And two, I swear he knocked out Mart... Tue, 21 May 2013 17:06:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/weekend_in_violence_3_stars_ufc_on_fx_8_edition/13665583 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/weekend_in_violence_3_stars_ufc_on_fx_8_edition/13665583 Weekend in Violence 3 Stars: UFC on FX 8 Edition http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/weekend_in_violence_3_stars_ufc_on_fx_8_edition/13665583 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png On Tuesday, Bellator MMA announced reigning welterweight champ Ben Askren (pictured) will defend his crown against Andrey Koreshkov July 31 inside Santa Ana Star Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “I’m really looking forward to getting back into that cage and putting on a show,” Askren said. “I feel like I’ve continued to mature and get better in every one of my fights, and July 31st should be no different. I don’t think Andrey has any ability to stop my wrestling and ground attack, so this will be another successful title defense.” Koreshkov had a torrid 2012 run, as the Russian knockout specialist went 5-0 through the year en route to sweeping the Bellator Welterweight Tournament to earn next dibs at the belt. “I’ll be 110% ready for this fight,” Koreshkov said. “I’ll make sure that Askren’s tactics to put everybody in the audience to sleep won’t work this time. Instead, I’ll keep everybody entertained by putting him to sleep.” In addition, Douglas Lima faces Ben Saunders in Tue, 21 May 2013 15:26:32 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/ben_askren_defends_bellator_title_against_andrey_koreshkov_in_july/13664866 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/ben_askren_defends_bellator_title_against_andrey_koreshkov_in_july/13664866 Ben Askren Defends Bellator Title Against Andrey Koreshkov in July http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/ben_askren_defends_bellator_title_against_andrey_koreshkov_in_july/13664866 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Jon Jones is coming off a nasty toe injury that he suffered in his total destruction of Chael Sonnen at UFC 159.  That injury turned out to be less severe than most anticipated and the champ has to be in a boot for six weeks.  Once his foot is healed Jones wants to get right back in the Octagon and defend his title for a record sixth time as a light heavyweight.  Here is what Jon’s agent, Malki Kawa had to say about the champ to Bleacher Report.  “I’ll just tell you this, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jon fights two more times this year.  That’s very aggressive and I know that’s crazy, but it’s something that he discussed with me and we talked about it.  I told Superman to relax a little bit, you’re injured right now, but he’s got an aggressive timeline in his head. Certain goals and accomplishments that he wants and we’re looking to get that record.  The truth and the fact of the matter is before we can talk any superfight or any move in weight class or anything to that effect, Jon J Tue, 21 May 2013 11:24:25 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/light_heavyweight_champ_jon_jones_wants_two_more_fights_in_2013/13662772 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/light_heavyweight_champ_jon_jones_wants_two_more_fights_in_2013/13662772 Light Heavyweight Champ Jon Jones Wants Two More Fights In 2013 http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/light_heavyweight_champ_jon_jones_wants_two_more_fights_in_2013/13662772 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/9/39da147318f25150c89d783f18fc94f3e2f81437/mini/6609608.jpg Two primary topics of discussion arose within MMA circles after Vitor Belfort (pictured) planted his foot in Luke Rockhold’s face his past Saturday – ironically, one of which was not the highlight reel strike itself. The giant elephant in the Octagon was, ‘How much did testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) have to do with Belfort’s second consecutive head kick (T)KO victory?‘ The second subject that emerged from this weekend was how Belfort reacted at the UFC on FX 8 post-fight press conference when MMAJunkie reporter John Morgan asked him about said elephant. Just in case you missed Belfort’s rant, it went a little something like this, “Can somebody beat him up for me, please? Can somebody beat him up? “You’re boring, man. You’re boring. Get out of here. I don’t want to talk to him. Talk to my hand, man.” Clearly, there were at least a million better ways the 36-year-old could have answered the question, and he took some heat for it after the presser wrapped. That must be why “The Tue, 21 May 2013 10:05:17 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/vitor_belfort_apologizes_for_immature_behavior/13662082 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/vitor_belfort_apologizes_for_immature_behavior/13662082 Vitor Belfort Apologizes for ‘Immature’ Behavior http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/vitor_belfort_apologizes_for_immature_behavior/13662082 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png ​UFC fights in Brazil are always high energy, in large part due to the raucous fans and extra hyped Brazilian fighters. UFC on FX 8 was no different. With great fights top to bottom, and an unbelievable finish in the Main Event, the card was another home run for the UFC in Brazil. Vitor Belfort def. Luke Rockhold (KO, 2:32 Round 1) ​If you said you were surprised by the quick finish of Rockhold by Belfort, I would kindly ask where you've been the last decade.I know Rockhold was a very hot fighter and was on a roll coming into Saturdays fight. But c'mon... Belfort is 5-1 in the Middleweight Division, with his sole loss coming to Anderson Silva. No shame there. Also, Belfort is 4-0 fighting in Brazil, where nationals seem to fight on another level. One more fact for you. Vitor Belfort owns the UFC record for first round knockout at 11. So all things considered, consider me not surprised. Impressed? Oh yeah! But not surprised. “Jacare” Souza def. Chris Camozz... Mon, 20 May 2013 22:39:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/ufc_on_fx_8_brazil_shines/13659820 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/ufc_on_fx_8_brazil_shines/13659820 UFC on FX 8 – Brazil Shines http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/ufc_on_fx_8_brazil_shines/13659820 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/5/853740ac35c5486b7bf0f5ffc56f1be0f540bbcb/mini/e1.jpg With a division already boasting the likes of Ben Askren, Paul Daley, Douglas Lima, Ben Saunders, Andrey Koreshkov and Karl Amoussou, Matt Riddle knows he will be swimming in “Deep Waters” when he enters the Bellator Welterweight Tournament this Fall as Bellator has signed a long-term promotional agreement with the controversial Pennsylvania native. Riddle joins [...] Mon, 20 May 2013 18:53:08 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/matt_riddle_signs_with_bellator_mma/13658722 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/matt_riddle_signs_with_bellator_mma/13658722 Matt Riddle Signs with Bellator MMA http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/matt_riddle_signs_with_bellator_mma/13658722 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Vitor Belfort made a huge statement saturday night with his win over Luke Rockhold at UFC on FX 8. His talent level in the ring has never been questioned but with this amazing KO his training methods must be questioned. Belfort was cleared to fight Rockhold after he’d admittedly taken synthetic testosterone during his training. Belfort took all of the proper channels of getting cleared for the testosterone, even going as far as acquiring prescriptions from licensed professionals. Though he has gone through all of the necessary steps a lot of people will still see this as performance enhancement but it clearly paid dividends in his fight. Check out Belfort’s KO of Rockhold below: Mon, 20 May 2013 10:57:19 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/vitor_belfort_head_kick_ko_at_ufc_on_fx_8_video/13655272 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/vitor_belfort_head_kick_ko_at_ufc_on_fx_8_video/13655272 Vitor Belfort Head Kick KO at UFC on FX 8 (Video) http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/vitor_belfort_head_kick_ko_at_ufc_on_fx_8_video/13655272 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png UFC on FX 8 is in the history books and last night’s event provided some very entertaining scraps, some controversial decisions and some excellent finishes in the final fights. Before getting into my post-fight analysis of this card, including what’s next for the winners of each bout, I’m going to make a slight complaint to the UFC. Mon, 20 May 2013 10:50:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/ufc_on_fx_8_belfort_vs_rockhold_results_and_wrap_up/13654579 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/ufc_on_fx_8_belfort_vs_rockhold_results_and_wrap_up/13654579 UFC on FX 8 Belfort vs. Rockhold results and wrap up http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/ufc_on_fx_8_belfort_vs_rockhold_results_and_wrap_up/13654579 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Vitor Belfort is without a doubt a multi-dimensional UFC personality. Only Vitor can thank God for his strength and ask a rabid Brazilian fan base to beat up a reporter that dares ask him about TRT in one press conference. Sun, 19 May 2013 21:39:10 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/vitor_belfort_wants_reporter_beat_up_over_trt_question/13651840 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/vitor_belfort_wants_reporter_beat_up_over_trt_question/13651840 Vitor Belfort wants reporter beat up over TRT question http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/vitor_belfort_wants_reporter_beat_up_over_trt_question/13651840 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/f/bfb69680d9ba90593e2fdb6d85a49591e3f5f245/mini/5d.jpg Sunday Morning Coming Down “You’re Boring…talk to the hand” is the new, “Guilty as Charged” Not long after Vitor Belfort helped Luke Rockhold lay out his mat for his kindergarten slumber, he was at the press conference, celebrating his victory when a member of the media dared to ask him a question about his TRT usage.  Vitor frowned on the question and said, “You’re boring man, you’re boring.  Please get out of here; I am not going to talk to you. Talk to the hand.”  Yes, Vitor Belfort told another grown man to, “Talk to the hand.”  Benjamin Grimm needs a timeout.   If you don’t know who that is, Google it, chuckle and then get back to this article.  I mean, Vitor is just becoming an unstoppable force these days.  If he needs TRT, what hope is there for the rest of us?  He will likely have to keep fighting outside of the US, as Keith Kizar, per Damon Martin, said the NSAC was “unlikely” to issue Belfort a TRT exemption, which wouldn’t bo Sun, 19 May 2013 15:55:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/sunday_morning_coming_down_ufc_on_fx_8/13650409 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/sunday_morning_coming_down_ufc_on_fx_8/13650409 Sunday Morning Coming Down - UFC on FX 8 http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/sunday_morning_coming_down_ufc_on_fx_8/13650409 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/2/d283ab20f4cf67748c080b2cfae80e51a98cafe6/mini/5a.jpg For the second time in as many fights, Vitor Belfort (pictured) put his opponent to sleep with a vicious head kick. In January, it was Michael Bisping who found himself on the business end of Belfort’s leg. On Saturday, it was former Strikeforce middleweight champ Luke Rockhold who was on the receiving end of a highlight reel strike. The good news for Rockhold, his big league debut will forever be a part of the UFC’s highlight reel package. The bad news… Jaragua Arena in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil hosted Saturday’s festivities. Please click the media player below to watch the highlights: Video: UFC on FUEL TV: Highlights – UFC on FX 8 Sun, 19 May 2013 00:15:08 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/ufc_on_fx_8_vitor_belfort_kos_luke_rockhold_with_head_kick_video/13647982 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/ufc_on_fx_8_vitor_belfort_kos_luke_rockhold_with_head_kick_video/13647982 Belfort beats Rockhold with spinning heel kick http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/ufc_on_fx_8_vitor_belfort_kos_luke_rockhold_with_head_kick_video/13647982 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/1/d1e06d0f9de08375caa0d9b4559b73bcfc08e593/mini/vt.jpg Questions arose regarding the UFC 160 co-main event last week, as Mark Hunt had Visa issues while at the airport. Hunt stepped in for the injured Alistair Overeem in the co-main event at UFC 160 to face the former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos. When the Visa issues first came to fruition the name many people were throwing out as a replacement was Roy Nelson and it just so happens the UFC was thinking the same thing. On Friday, Nelson announced via his Twitter account that he has been approved by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to fight next weekend if necessary. NV commission approved, ready for fight capital of the world fb.me/1GHT6xWdS — Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) May 18, 2013 During the UFC 160 media conference call, Hunt gave an update on his situation. “I’m still waiting. I think I should be getting one on Monday. Hopefully Monday.” Keep it locked to MMASucka.com for more news on the UFC 160 co-main event as it arises. Sat, 18 May 2013 00:26:04 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/roy_nelson_approved_by_nsac_to_fight_at_ufc_160_if_necessary/13643410 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/roy_nelson_approved_by_nsac_to_fight_at_ufc_160_if_necessary/13643410 Roy Nelson approved by NSAC to fight at UFC 160 if necessary http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/roy_nelson_approved_by_nsac_to_fight_at_ufc_160_if_necessary/13643410 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The good news for Nate Diaz (pictured), he’s still employed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The bad news for the lightweight, his bank account is $20,000 lighter and he was issued a 90-day suspension for the homophobic tweet he sent Thursday. “UFC lightweight Nate Diaz has received an immediate 90-day suspension and $20,000 fine for violating the UFC’s fighter code of conduct,” the UFC expressed in a prepared statement. “The language used in his tweet was regrettable, offensive and inconsistent with the values and culture of the organization, and is not tolerated.” Just two days after Pat Healy revealed he tested positive for marijuana following last month’s submission victory over Jim Miller, which cost “Bam Bam” $130,000 in Fight Night bonuses, Diaz, one of the UFC’s most notorious medical marijuana smokers, came to Healy’s defense. Diaz was all good until he decided to throw in the homophobic F-word. “I feel bad for pat Healy that they took a innocent mans money and I think Fri, 17 May 2013 20:23:57 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/ufc_fines_nate_diaz_20000_and_suspends_lightweight_90_days_for_gay_slur/13642309 http://network.yardbarker.com/mma/article_external/ufc_fines_nate_diaz_20000_and_suspends_lightweight_90_days_for_gay_slur/13642309 Diaz fined, suspended for slur http://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/ufc_fines_nate_diaz_20000_and_suspends_lightweight_90_days_for_gay_slur/13642309 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/e/aef4a3e0202e4ae8867dc61406df67bccdd6d0d4/mini/nd.jpg