The Fightin' Stance News 04.12.08: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Posted by Adam Tool on 04.12.2008
Check out the latest edition of The Fightin' Stance News for a preview of tonight's "Strikeforce on NBC", the latest on Emelianenko/Sylvia, a look at new fights for UFC 86 and a breakdown of UFC title contenders. All this plus a video review of UFC 66, the MMA Calendar and a very funny video. Your weekend source for MMA news and opinions is just a click away!
It's week 3 of The Fightin' Stance News, I'm Adam Tool and I'm happy you‘re here. Hopefully by now you‘re all enjoying the Great 411 MMA Expansion of 2008. In addition to the new columns and news reports, we‘ve also started our line of 411 Fighter Profiles. If you haven‘t already, check out the profile for Anderson Silva written by one of our brilliant new staff members.
Here's what I've got for you today:
-the latest on a matchup between two top ten heavyweights
-we'll look at possible contenders for UFC gold
-updates on the UFC 86 card
-a look back at one of the UFC's highest grossing events in history in the Spotlight
-the always informative MMA Calendar
-an outstanding flash game and a hilarious fake ad in Outside The Cage
But first…
And So It Begins…
Tonight is the premiere of MMA on network TV as Strikeforce begins their partnership with NBC. The show is called "Strikeforce on NBC" (catchy name that one), and it will air at 2 am ET following "Poker After Dark", which is on after "Saturday Night Live". I know the time is messed up here in Des Moines so check your local listings to be sure.
In case you didn't know the show will be an anthology series showcasing fights from the Strikeforce library, as well as profiling fighters and their lives outside the cage. The first episode will focus on Cung Le, and will include a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming role in the "Tekken" feature film. Also shown will be Le's 2006 fight with Brian Warren, as well as a Tony Fryklund and Duane Ludwig match that has been described as "legendary."
I haven't seen much of Strikeforce, so I will be setting my VCR (yes, I'm still rocking the VHS) and watching the show this weekend. What about you? Will you make any sort of effort to watch the late-night broadcast?
Nations Collide…Possibly
The biggest story of the week was the announcement that Fedor Emelianenko will be fighting Tim Sylvia on July 19th in Texas. Sherdog reported that Fedor had confirmed the fight, and he would be facing a top 10 opponent for the first time in years. Most everyone on the internet was quick to assume that Fedor would run over Syliva, while fans of "The Maine-iac" (both of them) proclaimed that he would be the one to finally bring the #1 heavyweight down.
Just as soon as the story was reported, it was almost as quickly rescinded when management from both fighters announced the fight had NOT been made official. At this point it's also unclear who exactly would be promoting this contest, as Fedor is currently still a free agent. Sylvia did just sign with the newly formed Adrenaline MMA, but his deal was reportedly non-exclusive meaning that he could be loaned out to another organization.
The other remaining question about this fight is how will we watch it? Early rumors suggested that it would be carried on Mark Cuban's HDNet, but then the word going around was that it would be on PPV. However let me say that if this event does end up on PPV then the promoters will need to build a solid undercard and not just rely on this one fight to sell the show. Putting on a full night of great fights is one thing the UFC has been able to do so well for a while now, and their success shows it is a good idea. Yes, in the hardcore MMA fans' eyes this is a huge match-up, but the casual fan has never heard of Fedor and probably doesn't really care for Sylvia so they'll need another name or two to really sell the show.
Coulda Been a Contender
Earlier this week Thiago Alves, fresh off his defeat of Karo Parisyan, was on TAGG Radio and announced that he would be the next welterweight title contender following Jon Fitch. No word on whether Alves will fight again in the meantime, or simply wait on the sidelines to get his shot.
With the lack of any ranking system from the UFC I thought it'd be a good idea to look at the various top contenders in each weight division, and see how close they are to earning a title shot.
Heavyweights
1. Andre Arlovski - his status with the company is still in the air, but I for one would love to see Arlovski vs. Nogueira
2. Fabricio Werdum - Dana White said Werdum would be getting the next shot, but now seems to be back-peddling on that one.
3. Frank Mir - after submitting Brock Lesnar, Mir has some nice momentum that could transition into another shot at the heavyweight strap (which he never actually lost)
4. Handy Couture - I don't know who this guy is but after he won the belt Big Nog called him out so it could happen
Light Heavyweights
1. Keith Jardine - should he get past Wanderlei Silva next month I see no reason "The Dean Of Mean" shouldn't be next in line for a shot for the title.
2. Chuck Liddell - you know Chuck is chomping at the bits for another chance at "Rampage," but first he's got to worry about Rashad Evans
3. Maurico Rua - his UFC debut didn't go as planned, but once he's healed up and back in the cage I look for "Shogun" to start making big waves at 205 lbs.
4. Lyoto Machida - next month Lyoto faces his biggest challenge yet in Tito Ortiz, and with a win I feel Machida would have be considered a top contender
Middleweights
1. Yushin Okami - this one is probably already in the works, since Okami has beaten almost everyone else in the division and holds the last victory over Anderson Silva
2. Patrick Cote - he had a rough start to his UFC career but "The Predator" has been racking up KO's lately and could very well become a contender before the year is out
3. Michael Bisping - keep in mind that "The Count" only has one loss on his record (two, if you're a Matt Hammill fan) and now that he's at 185 lbs. he could quickly rise up the ladder
4. Nate Marquardt - although he's already lost once to Silva, Marquardt looked good in his victory over Jeremy Horn and with the division in its current state I wouldn't be surprised to see him earn another chance.
Welterweights
1. Jon Fitch - we already know that Fitch will get the winner of Serra/GSP, but can he pull off the big win?
2. Thiago Alves - with his TKO of "The Heat" Alves leap-frogs the pack and gets the #2 spot in line
3. Marcus Davis - so far Davis has been unstoppable but he has yet to really step up in competition
4. Josh Koscheck - already lost a #1 contenders match to St. Pierre, but with a few wins he could be right back in it
5. Matt Hughes - let us not forget the former champ who probably won't get another chance at GSP…but if Serra wins next weekend those two still have unfinished business
Lightweights
1. Roger Huerta - he's 5-0 in the UFC but he will need another win over top-level competition before anyone considers him a contender…
2. Kenny Florian - and here is the right man for the job, as a Florian vs. Huerta fight would give us a definitive #1 to challenge for the belt
3. Tyson Griffin - he's won his last five fights and will probably be fighting for contender status sometime in the next year
4. Nate Diaz - the season 5 "Ultimate Fighter" winner is hungry for better competition, and if he gets it we'll know a lot more about whether the younger Diaz belongs in the title picture
Why Yes, it is a Slow News Week. Why Do You Ask?
Season 7 of "The Ultimate Fighter" is underway but in my eyes the show is really just one long hype video for the upcoming light heavyweight title fight between coaches Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Forrest Griffin. These two will square off at UFC 86 on July 5th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
A few more fights were added to the card this week, including a lightweight showdown between Joe Stevenson and Gleison Tibau. Stevenson is coming off of his loss to B.J. Penn for the lightweight championship at UFC 80, while Tibau will also be looking to bounce back after losing by decision to Tyson Griffin at UFC 81.
Speaking of Tyson Griffin, it was just announced that he would be taking on Marcus Aurelio at UFC 86 in a match that will almost certainly be on the main broadcast. Griffin is on a three-fight win streak, with his last (and only) loss against Frank Edgar. Aurelio is fresh off of Fight Night 13, where he submitted Ryan Roberts in just 18 seconds.
Also added to the card is a battle between season six "TUF" castmates Ben Saunders and Jared Rollins. Both fighters last competed at the Ultimate Finale where Saunders won a decision over Dan Barrera and Rollins lost an epic battle with John Koppenhaver. That match-up will likely be on the preliminary card.
Here's a look at the current lineup for the main card:
UFC Light Heavyweight Championship - Rampage Jackson vs. Forrest Griffin
Josh Koscheck vs. Chris Lytle (not yet confirmed)
Ricardo Almeida vs. Patrick Cote (not yet confirmed)
Frank Mir vs. Justin McCully
Joe Stevenson vs. Gleison Tibau
Tyson Griffin vs. Marcus Aurelio
I Have Nothing to Say About YAMMA But..
I did want to share this picture of Eric "Butterbean" Esch at the weigh-ins.
Why is this guy still fighting? Hasn't the sport moved on from the big fat brawlers? And why is he flexing? Does he feel the need to show off his awesome physique?
Time to fire up the way back machine and travel back to December 30th, 2006. Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz had already clashed once back in April 2004 at UFC 47, but now it was time for the rematch. This time the light heavyweight belt will be on the line as the two biggest draws in UFC history square off again.
This event was (until UFC 83) the highest grossing live MMA event in North America ever, and it still holds the record as the most watched UFC PPV, with a little over 1 million buys. It was also during this show that the UFC announced they had signed Mirko Cro Cop to a fight contract. Sure we know how well that turned out now, but at the time it was a pretty big deal.
Unrelated Factoid: this event took place on the same day Saddam Hussein was executed in Baghdad.
(note: for your sake and mine we'll skip past the boring opener between Christian Wellisch and Anthony Perosh. Wellisch won by unanimous decision.)
Middleweights Rory Singer vs. Yushin Okami
Okami is already 2-0 in the octagon, with wins over Kalib Starnes and Alan Belcher. Singer was also 2-0 in the UFC after his appearance on "The Ultimate Fighter 3." In the fight intro Mike Goldberg refers to Singer's opponent as "Yushi Okami." You gotta love Goldie.
Round 1
Not much happens early as neither man lands any shots. About two minutes in Okami lands a head kick but it doesn't seem to do any damage. More dancing around now, and the crowd starts booing. Rory lands a few shots against the cage but Okami gets out of danger quickly. Joe Rogan notes that the fight has been "very uneventful so far." Crowd boos as the round ends. Nothing really happened but Rory seemed to be more aggressive so I'll give him the round 10-9.
Round 2
Yushin comes out swinging then shoots for a takedown, and eventually gets Rory on the ground. Singer is staying active in the guard and keeping Okami close so he can't posture up. Okami backs out and Singer springs right up. Okami lands a nice body kick and Singer presses forward trying for a takedown. He can't get it so they stay pressed against the cage. Okami trips him up and gets the takedown right into full guard. Yushin throws some hammer fists but Rory is working hard to get back up. Okami gets side control for a second but Singer gets right back into half guard. Yushin stands and eats a few up-kicks. Singer is on his back kicking the crap out of Okami's right leg. He lands about 10 shots to the leg before the round ends. Okami had the takedowns and some good strikes so he gets the round 10-9.
Round 3
Okami misses with a high kick early. Singer seems to be pressing the action again, but he can't land much. They tie up and press against the cage, but Okami drops and swings Singer around to take him down. Yushin gets side control and starts dropping his elbow on Rory's big bald dome. Singer tries to get up and Okami holds on to his neck and starts throwing knees to the body, so Singer goes back down. Yushin's got him pressed against the cage and Rory can't spin out. Okami gets side-control then swings into the full mount. Okami postures up and starts throwing bombs, and before Steve Mazzagatti can step in Singer taps.
Winner: Yushin Okami, submission (strikes), round 3, 4:00
The first round was dull as hell but things picked up slowly all the way to the finish.
Heavyweights Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Carmelo Marrero
This was Gonzaga's last fight in the pre-lims, as he was four months away from shocking the world and knocking Mirko Cro Cop's head off. Marrero had just beaten Cheick Kongo, and after this fight he would drop down to light heavyweight.
Round 1
Gonzaga catches Marrero with a nice left hook early and they tie up. Gonzaga trips him up and gets the takedown into half-guard. He moves to the full mount and starts raining down punches. Marrero rolls and Gonzaga locks up an arm triangle. Carmelo is trying to roll out but it just allows Gabriel the opportunity to sink it in tighter. Marrero keeps trying to fight out, so Gonzaga lets go and takes the mount. Marrero tries to spin out, so Gonzaga quickly stands and spins into side control, then the full mount. He starts throwing the leather, but Carmelo is covering up so Gonzaga grabs the arm and switches to a SICK armbar. Marrero taps immediately.
Winner: Gabriel Gonzaga, submission (armbar), round 1, 3:21
I love me some Gonzaga, and I hope he can get back to his winning ways soon.
Welterweights Thiago Alves vs. Tony DeSouza
Alves was still working his way back up after the loss to Jon Fitch in June at Fight Night 5. This would be DeSouza's last fight for almost a year, as he spent a good chunk of 2007 as B.J. Penn's assistant coach on "The Ultimate Fighter."
Round 1
Nothing much happens for about 30 seconds until DeSouza shoots for a takedown, but Alves is having none of that. Thiago stuffs a second takedown attempt and they continue dancing around the cage. Tony tries a third time and grabs the leg but again Thiago gets out. They start to exchange and Alves lands a HUGE right hook that floors DeSouza. He jumps in and looks for the finish but DeSouza grabs him and holds him close to avoid any further damage. Thiago can't get anything done in the full guard so he stands up. DeSouza shoots again but Alves' sprawl is too good. Tony tries to trip him up and they end up landing on their heads, but Thiago gets in the guard then postures up and starts throwing some big shots as the round ends. He stuffed the takedowns and landed a lot more strikes so Alves wins this round 10-9 easily.
Round 2
Slow start to the second round (much like the first), and Alves stuffs another takedown attempt. Tony tries a flying knee but he misses wide. DeSouza shoots again but eats a knee and HE IS OUT. Thiago gets a few punches in before McCarthy stops it.
Winner: Thiago Alves, KO (knee), round 2, 1:09
Upon watching the replay you can see DeSouza's knee is already down when he takes the knee to the face, but nothing can be done about that now.
Light Heavyweights Michael Bisping vs. Eric Schafer
We're into the main card now. This is Bisping's PPV debut after beating Josh Haynes to win season 3 of "The Ultimate Fighter." Schafer had made his octagon debut at UFC 62, where he submitted Rob MacDonald with a triangle choke.
Round 1
Bisping is throwing the jab early and lands a few shots before Schafer gets a takedown, but Bisping scrambles to get back to his feet while Schafer is still holding the left leg. Michael lands a right and Eric shoots. He gets the takedown and is stuck in half-guard, then tries to lock in an arm triangle. Bisping fights out of it and gets back to his feet, but Schafer is still holding onto his back. What does Bisping do? He falls forward and slams Schafer on his head of course. Eric holds on and transitions to the mount but Michael is scrambling out of it and he gets it back to the feet. Bisping starts to throw combinations and catches Schafer with a nice little head kick, but Schafer grabs his leg trying another takedown which gets stuffed. They get back down and Schafer keeps pressing on top of him but Bisping is able to get up and start throwing down punches. Schafer eats a lot of shots on the ground and Mario Yamasaki steps in to end it.
Winner: Michael Bisping, TKO (strikes), round 1, 4:24
Schafer was relentless with his takedown attempts but once Bisping started throwing the bombs it was over quickly. Great fight.
Heavyweights Andre Arlovski vs. Marcio Cruz
Arlovski is coming off his series with Tim Sylvia where he lost the third fight via decision. For Cruz this would be his final fight in the UFC (he was last seen in the IFL).
Round 1
Arlovski is the aggressor early on, throwing a nice leg kick and a few jabs. Cruz shoots but ends up on his back in half-guard. Marcio holds on to avoid damage, then goes for Andre's left leg. They end up back on their feet with Cruz still holding the leg, however he can't get Arlovski down and eats some shots. Cruz STILL holds the leg but Arlovski is maintaining his balance. Cruz drops down and tries to get a heel hook, but can't get it locked in. Arlovski tries for a leglock of his own, then decides to kick Cruz in the face while they're both down. Herb Dean steps in to warn him and then once Dean steps out and lets them start again Arlovski lands a BIG right. Cruz is hurt but still holding the leg while Arlovski rains down punches. Herb warns him not to punch the back of the head, but then steps in and stops the fight.
Winner: Andre Arlovski, KO (strikes), round 1, 3:15
Cruz tried and tried to get the fight to the ground but Arlovski wouldn't let him and his superior striking won out in the end.
Middleweights Chris Leben vs. Jason McDonald
McDonald had already won his UFC debut via submission against Ed Herman in October. Leben had gained notoriety as a member of the first "Ultimate Fighter" cast and was 6-1 in the UFC (with his only loss against Anderson Silva).
Round 1
McDonald tries a body kick and Leben catches it and uses it to take the fight down. Leben can't do much from the guard so he stands up and comes in with a big shot that misses. Back on the ground with both guys throwing small punches. Leben stands up and once McDonald is on his feet Leben rushes in with some big lefts. McDonald avoids the big shots and ties up with Leben against the cage. Referee Steve Mazzagatti doesn't like the action so he separates them. McDonald ties up again trying for the takedown but Leben gets away. Jason throws a leg kick but Leben counters with a left hook. Once again McDonald ties up and again Leben pulls away and starts throwing his hands. McDonald keeps trying to tie up but Leben throws knees and punches to stop it. Leben throws a few more shots as the round ends. McDonald couldn't get much going and Leben was more aggressive so I'd call this one 10-9 for Leben.
Round 2
Before the rounds starts we get a shot of Anderson Silva and his PIMP COAT sitting in the stands. McDonald looks to be more aggressive coming out with a high kick and a straight right, but neither catches. Jason throws a body kick and Chris catches it and takes him down just like he did in the first round. McDonald catches him with an up-kick but Leben manages to get side-control. McDonald is staying busy on his back, and tries to get a kimura. He can't lock it in but uses it to get back to the feet where he immediately grabs a leg to try and get the takedown. Leben is keeping it on the feet and they tie up against the cage. Mazzagatti steps in again to restart them and they start exchanging punches. Jason lands a left but eats a knee from Chris when he shoots in. McDonald in half-guard now but he can't improve his position. They each throw some punches for a while and McDonald works his way up the body and starts to secure a guillotine. He gets it hooked in fully then turns his body over and locks his legs to make it tighter. Leben won't tap, so he passes out instead and Mazzagatti stops it.
Winner: Jason McDonald, submission (guillotine choke), round 2, 4:03
This fight could've gone either way really. Leben has big power but he wasn't able to connect with much, so wrestling and jiu-jitsu win the day.
Light Heavyweights Forrest Griffin vs. Keith Jardine
Both fighters were on the "The Ultimate Fighter," although Griffin was on season 1 and Jardine competed as a heavyweight on season 2. Griffin is coming off his second three round war with Stephan Bonnar, while Jardine was five months away from his showdown with the then-unknown Houston Alexander. In the pre-fight spiel Buffer informs us that this fight is sanctioned by Mickey's Fine Malt Liquor. Classic.
Round 1
Big John McCarthy gets us started and both guys are active from the word go. They exchange and Keith lands a jab on Forrest's chin, but then Forrest hits a good right hand to the body. They square off and exchange some more, and the fans start chanting "Forrest." Griffin lands a solid left hook but Jardine shakes it off. Inside leg kick from Jardine, and neither one can get the better of the exchange. Jardine is keeping a good distance and causing Griffin to miss a lot of his shots. They slug it out and Jardine starts to find the leg kick. He comes in again with the kick and Forrest catches it and throws a big right. Jardine backs away and they circle and exchange some more. Keith lands a stiff body kick, but nothing major yet. Jardine tags Griffin with a left hook and Griffin looks a little wobbly. Jardine senses blood and rushes in letting his hands fly. Forrest is hurt so he falls back into guard but Keith postures up and rains down with big punches. Jardine lands 4 or 5 NASTY shots and Big John has seen enough. The crowd is STUNNED.
Winner: Keith Jardine, TKO (strikes), round 1, 4:41
Nobody gave Jardine much of a chance in this fight, just as they wouldn't give him a chance against Chuck Liddell. Both times "The Dean of Mean" proved everyone wrong and showed why he belongs in the upper-level of the 205 lbs. division.
Light Heavyweight Championship Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz
Here we are at the main event of the evening. Liddell had defeated Randy Couture to win the title, and had already successfully defended it against Jeremy Horn, Couture again, and Renato "Babalu" Sobral. After this fight "The Iceman" would be matched up against the last guy to beat him, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Meanwhile Ortiz had been a coach on season three of "The Ultimate Fighter" and was coming off of two consecutive victories against Ken Shamrock.
Round 1
To say the crowd is pumped would be a big understatement. They come out and Liddell lands a nice outside leg kick to start. Lots of dancing around in the first minute with Tito looking for the shoot and coming up empty. Chuck looks for the looping-left, but Tito is staying clear of Chuck's hands. Ortiz catches Liddell with a nice right hook but nothing comes of it. Chuck hits a straight right and opens a small cut over Tito's left eye. Liddell is closing in and moving forward, and Ortiz keeps backing away. They exchange and Liddell tags Ortiz on the chin with that looping left, and it's enough to put Ortiz on queer street and he goes down with his arms over his head. Chuck starts letting his fists fly but referee Mario Yamasaki is giving Tito plenty of time to survive, which he does. The cut over his eye is starting to bleed a lot more as they go back to the feet. Liddell keeps his hands low, seemingly inviting Ortiz to come in. Ortiz manages a few shots as the round ends. Liddell obviously won the advantage in the striking, and Ortiz couldn't take him down or mount any real offense, so Chuck wins the round 10-9.
Round 2
Tito starts out throwing a big right hand that misses completely, then tries to shoot in and misses again. The fans are chanting "Chuck" as both men circle around not doing much. Joe Rogan refers to Tito's training at altitude at Big Bear, as he is contractually obligated to do anytime Ortiz fights. Ortiz is swinging a lot more in this round, but he has yet to really connect. Liddell throws some combinations but Ortiz is quick to back away. Tito throws a right hand then lands a body kick. He shoots again and gets nowhere near taking Liddell down. Tito lands a right hand then misses the high kick. Ortiz goes for the shoot, then switches around and takes the back, finally getting Liddell down. Chuck stands right back up and they tie up against the cage. Liddell throws an elbow as they separate, then it's back to the center and more circling as the horn sounds. This round was a lot closer as Tito landed some good shots and finally got the takedown, so I'll go 10-9 for Ortiz.
Round 3
More circling to start the round, and the fans bust out a "Tito" chant. They exchange and Ortiz seems to be gaining confidence. Liddell hits a solid leg kick and they circle some more. Chuck throws some big punches to the body, then tries to come over the top with the right. Tito tries again for the takedown and gets stuffed. Ortiz is still on his back and Liddell tries to get a few shots from the top. He lets Tito up and they circle some more. Liddell landing some more shots now. They exchange and Chuck gets the better of it, forcing Tito to drop down and try to grab a leg. Liddell starts to unload but Ortiz is still covering up. Yamasaki has seen enough though and stops the fight.
Winner: Chuck Liddell, TKO, round 3, 3:57
This was the most hyped fight in UFC history up to that point, and luckily for them Chuck and Tito delivered. Time will tell if either of these men fight for the title again (although in Tito's case I'd file that one directly after hell freezing over).
Some memorable moments and several awesome fights makes this card a must-see for any fan. Thumbs up.
-Even though the idea was already shot down by UFC President Dana White, Anderson Silva is still hoping to fight Roy Jones Jr. in a boxing match sometime in the next year or two. Silva said he respects White and the UFC, but a fight with Jones is a "huge personal wish."
-EliteXC finally has their main-event for the first broadcast on CBS, as Kimbo Slice will take on former PRIDE and Cage Rage veteran Justin Thompson.
-Sam Vasquez is officially the first death from MMA-related injuries, as the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office in Texas ruled Vasquez's death was a result of "complications from blunt trauma to the head with subdural hemorrhage." Vasquez was fighting Vince Libardi on October 20th when he collapsed in the ring and appeared to have suffered a seizure. He passed away on November 30th.
-Former UFC competitor Terry Martin made his boxing debut last night at an event outside of Chicago.
-WEC has announced that Richard Crunkilton will take on Donald Cerrone at the upcoming June 1st show that will be headlined by the featherweight title match between Urijah Faber and Jens Pulver.
-Last week Kurt Angle said the submission match between him and Randy Couture was signed, but now Couture has come out and stated the match is still speculation, citing the fact that he still has to clear up his contract status with the UFC.
-Bill O'Reilly recently spoke out against MMA, and I've already wasted too much space talking about him.
I Keep My Pimp Hand Strong
Sure I'm great, but why not check out some of our other fine writers?
4/19 - UFC 83: Serra vs. St. Pierre 2
Live on PPV at 10 pm ET
4/19 - IFL Fight Night - Season Premiere
On Fox Sports Net at 12 m ET
4/29 - DREAM 2 - Middleweight Grand Prix
(no U.S. broadcast at this time)
5/11 - DREAM 3 - Lightweight Grand Prix Rd. 2
(no U.S. broadcast at this time)
5/24 - UFC 84: Ill Will - Penn vs. Sherk
Live on PPV at 10 pm ET
5/31 - EliteXC Saturday Night Fights - Premiere
Live on CBS at 9 pm ET
6/1 - WEC 34: Faber vs. Pulver
Live on VS. (time TBA)
6/7 - UFC 85: Liddell vs. Evans
On PPV (time TBA)
6/14 - EliteXC: Noons vs. Edwards
Live on Showtime at 10 pm ET
If you've got some time to kill, I suggest taking a few minutes to play an excellent new Flash game.
The objective of the game is right there in the title:
That's all for this week. Come back next week as 411 MMA will kick into overdrive leading up to UFC 83. We'll have tons of columns and reports on all the big news leading up the show, the always entertaining 411 Roundtable, and I will be making my Fact or Fiction debut in an all UFC 83 edition later in the week. Then come back here in seven days and I will have the final preview of what is sure to be an explosive night in Montreal. Wendell's in tomorrow, and Bren is back on Monday. Until next time…
Credit: MMAJunkie.com, Sherdog.com, Fiveouncesofpain.com, MMAWeekly.com, TAGG Radio
