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by MMAMartial July 26, 2019

UFC Fight Night 24 Results

Results for the UFC Fight Night 24 MMA event that took place at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington.

The UFC Fight Night 24 MMA event delivered some excellent matches that were good enough to make any pay-per-view card. The UFC Fight Night 24 event, which was held at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington, ended with another young MMA fighter reaching the next level in his career.

Phil Davis defeats Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Nogueira looked really sharp in the first round, effortlessly stuffing Davis' takedowns attempts and forcing him to strike. Davis looked better in the second round, finally managing to get Nogueira on the ground. Davis does the same in the third round, taking the Brazilian to the ground and pounding him out. At the end of the third, all three judges score the fight 30-27 for Davis.

Anthony Johnson defeats Dan Hardy

This was an entertaining fight between two solid MMA fighters. Johnson did a really good job of mixing his striking with some well timed takedowns. Some MMA fans at the Key Arena booed during the fight, obviously disappointed they didn't see the head-to-head brawl they had hoped. Personally, I thought it was a solid game plan for Johnson, who ended walking way with the unanimous decision.

Amir Sadollah defeats DaMarques Johnson

Definitely the best match on the UFC fight night 24 main card, both MMA fighters wasted no time punching each other in the face. Johnson even landed a well timed hip throw that sent MMA fans at the Key Arena into a frenzy. Sadollah managed to turn the fight around in the second round, taking Johnson to the ground and eventually working his way into mount. Sadollah lands some big punches from mount, forcing Johnson to tap out of the fight.

Chan Sung Jung defeats Leonard Garcia

Jung was bent on getting his revenge against Garcia, and he did just that at the UFC Fight Night 24 MMA event. After exchanging strikes with Garcia in the first round, Jung secured a twister in the second, finishing the fight.

Undercard

Mike Russow defeats Jon Madsen (doctor stoppage, round two)

Mackens Semerzier defeats Alex Caceres (submission, round one)

John Hathaway defeats Kris McCray (split decision)

Michael McDonald defeats Edwin Figueroa (unanimous decision)

Christian Morecraft defeats Sean McCorkle (submission, round two)

Johny Hendricks defeats Anthony Waldburger (KO, round one)

Aaron Simpson defeats Mario Miranda (unanimous decision)

Nik Lentz defeats Waylon Lowe (submission, round three)

by MMAMartial July 26, 2019

Clay Guida Says He’s The Best Lightweight in the UFC, Confident Against Pettis

UFC fighter Clay Guida claims he is the best fighter in the UFC lightweight division. The MMA veteran seems confident he’ll have no problems against Anthony Pettis.

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Always entertaining MMA fighter Clay Guida seems pretty confident he'll be able to hand the last WEC lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis, a loss in his UFC debut. According to MMA News, Guida declared he was the best fighter in the lightweight division , referring to himself as "better than everyone" in the weight class. Guida will get his chance to prove himself against Pettis, when the two MMA fighters meet at the Ultimate fighter 13 finale, on June 4.

It is quite surprising to hear such strong words coming from Guida, regarding his upcoming fight against Pettis. My initial reaction to the news was that the UFC was giving the former WEC champion a safe, yet potentially entertaining matchup. After all, Pettis is coming off an impressive victory over Benson Henderson. Henderson is well known by MMA fans, for his solid wrestling ability.

With Guida's main strength being his wrestling, he will be the one having a tough time adjusting to his opponent. Even if he manages to secure takedowns against Pettis, Guida will have a tough time keeping him on the ground.

While I always admire confidence in a MMA fighter, Guida has only given Pettis extra motivation with his comments. Come fight time, he will have a hard time trying to back his words up against Pettis, who only has one loss on his MMA record.

The fight really is a win-win situation for the UFC. A MMA match between Clay Guida and Anthony Pettis has fight of the night written all over it. It also gives one of their up and coming young MMA fighters, the opportunity to get a win over a well respected veteran of the sport.

While Guida has and always will be one of my favorite MMA fighters, at this point in his career, most wouldn't really consider him a potential champion. Guida at this point in his MMA career is a gatekeeper for the UFC. If you think you're good enough to fight for the lightweight belt, fight Guida and you'll know for sure. For many MMA fighters, Guida has been the end of the road. For Pettis, he'll represent the beginning what should be a successful UFC career.

UFC light heavyweight champ Jon "Bones" Jones.

by MMAMartial July 26, 2019

Anderson Silva vs. Jon Jones – Will It Ever Happen?

With Jon Jones’ victory over Mauricio Rua at the UFC 128 fight event, MMA fans are discussing the likelihood of a potential bout.

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Ever since Jon Jones' domination of Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at the UFC 128 fight event, fans of MMA have been discussing a possible matchup with long-time UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva. It's no surprise that MMA fans want to see the brightest young superstar in the sport go up against the most dominant champion in the history of the UFC.

Unfortunately, the sad reality is that such a super-fight will probably never happen. During a live chat session with the Seattle times, UFC President Dana White indicated Silva has no desire to return to the light-heavyweight division. Not really surprising, given the MMA pound-for-pound champion will be thirty-six years old in less than a month. At this point in his MMA career, there is no point playing around in the light-heavyweight division.

Besides, a super-fight with Georges St. Pierre is a much safer option for Anderson Silva. A MMA fight between Silva and St. Pierre will probably be the biggest draw in the history of the UFC. Silva's primary concern against GSP would be his wrestling, while he would have worry about Jones' extra long limbs, along with his wrestling.

For Jon Jones, a fight against Silva is a win-win situation for his MMA career. If Jones losses, the loss is insignificant as Silva has done the same to every other MMA fighter that has faced him in the Octagon. If Jones wins, he'll add a victory over a legend to his MMA record and solidify his place in the UFC.

Predicting the outcome of a MMA fight between Anderson Silva and Jon Jones is as hard as it gets. If the fight were to happen right now, I would have to go with MMA's pound-for-pound king. If the fight ever happens down the road, then Jon Jones should be able to secure the victory.

For MMA fighters Silva and Jones, time has completely different meanings. For Silva, time will slowly become his worst enemy. For Jones, he couldn't have a better friend. As hard as it is to believe, the Jon Jones we saw manhandle Shogun at UFC 128, won't even stand a chance against the MMA fighter he will be in a few years. As long as he maintains his focus and keeps training hard, Jon Jones will be the future of the UFC.

Sources:

Seattle times," Rewind: Live chat with UFC president Dana White "

by MMAMartial July 26, 2019

Dana White Says Brock Lesnar is Underrated

UFC President Dana White says Brock Lesnar is overrated in a live chat with the Seattle times.

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According to UFC President Dana White, Brock Lesnar is the most underrated MMA fighter in the promotion. White revealed his opinion in a live chat with the Seattle times. Like many MMA fans, my initial reaction was to brush it off as Dana White being the salesman that he is. As I gave it more thought it became apparent that the UFC president might actually be on to something after all.

When Brock Lesnar first announced he would be competing in MMA, many fight fans never really took him seriously. Contrary to what some MMA fans seem to think, the UFC did not go out of their way to make Lesnar's transition into MMA any easier. Unless of course, you think putting someone in the Octagon, against former heavyweight champion Frank Mir, in his second MMA fight a favor.

Despite the fact that Mir was significantly more experienced than Lesnar in his UFC debut. Lesnar used his limited MMA training and years of college wrestling to his advantage. Lesnar pummeled Frank Mir with his super-sized fists, before exposing himself to a kneebar.

Two MMA fights later, Lesnar defeated UFC hall of famer Randy Couture for the heavyweight title. Lesnar's rematch with the then UFC interim heavyweight champion, Frank Mir was his most impressive performance inside the Octagon. Lesnar shut down Mir's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game, pinning him to the ground and pounding his face with punches.

In Lesnar's next fight, he successfully handed Shane Carwin the first loss on his MMA record. Coming into the fight against Lesnar, Carwin had defeated all off his previous opponents in the very first round. The toughness Lesnar displayed in the brutal first round against heavy handed Shane Carwin proves he has the heart of a MMA fighter.

Yet, with Lesnar's loss against current UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, MMA fans are once again taking him out of the picture. With the skills Lesnar has already displayed in his MMA career, he should have no problems fighting his way to another title shot. Unfortunately for Lesnar, he will probably remain a villain in the sport of MMA, as many fans refuse to give him the respect he deserves.

Sources:

Seattle Times," Rewind: Live chat with UFC president Dana White "

by MMAMartial July 26, 2019

Frank Shamrock Denies Match-Fixing Allegations

Veteran MMA fighter Frank Shamrock denies allegations by former Elite XC Vice-President Jared Shaw.

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Veteran MMA fighter Frank Shamrock was quick to deny allegations by Former Elite XC Vice-President Jared Shaw that he offered to fix a fight against Kevin Ferguson, better known as Kimbo Slice. Slice was originally scheduled to fight Frank's brother Ken Shamrock in the October 4, 2008, Elite XC MMA fight event, but ended up fighting Seth Petruzelli when Ken pulled out due a last minute injury.

The last minute matchup between Kimbo Slice and Seth Petruzelli turned out to be the worst thing that could have happened to the Elite XC MMA fight promotion. When the two MMA fighters met inside the cage, the Elite XC promotion was devastated as their golden boy was exposed by the former Ultimate fighter competitor. Kimbo suffered a humiliating knockout loss, and the Elite XC MMA promotion went out of business shortly after.

The events leading up to the Kimbo versus Petruzelli fight, is enough to cause tensions between Jared Shaw and Frank Shamrock. Kimbo would have probably secured an easy victory over the aging Ken Shamrock, and continued his role as Elite XC's fight ambassador.

Instead, Kimbo was forced to take a fight against a well rounded Petruzelli, who was obviously too much for the former street brawler turned MMA fighter.

Now, Shaw is claiming Frank Shamrock came to him after his brother pulled out from the fight and offered to throw it. Shaw even indicated he thinks Frank threw his highly anticipated MMA matchup against the then undefeated Cung Le.

While I never really believed Ken Shamrock's tale about how he accidentally got injured on the day of the fight, my feelings towards Frank are completely different. Frank was as instrumental as anyone else in developing the Elite XC brand, and I don't think a MMA fighter of his caliber would ever throw a fight against Kimbo. If anything, Frank would have taken it to the Elite XC hype machine, displaying the difference between professional and street fighters.

I guess it all come down to respect. Frank Shamrock is one of those MMA fighters I have always held in high regards while Jared Shaw always struck me as a snake-oil salesman type.

David is a Brazilian Jiu jitsu and boxing practitioner that has watched and studied MMA for the past 6 years.

Sources:

Sherdog.com," Shamrock Dismisses Shaw's Claim He Offered to Work Kimbo Fight "

Fight and fighter info from sherdog.com

by MMAMartial July 26, 2019

Rashad, UFC Wrong to Crash Jon Jones’ Moment

Dana White and Rashad Evans were wrong to crash Jon Jones moment at the UFC 128 MMA fight event.

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Some MMA fans might have been angered by the way the UFC handled Jon Jones' victory over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Moments after Jones' defeat of Rua at the UFC 128 MMA fight event, former Greg Jackson pupil Rashad Evans stepped into the cage, as the promotion announced the two fighters will be meeting up next for the light-heavyweight title.

While it is understandable the UFC would want to take advantage of the bad-blood between the two world class MMA fighters, I don't think it was necessary for the promotion to crash what was probably the greatest moment in 23 year old Jones' life.

One would think the UFC would be going out of their way, trying to keep Jon Jones happy. With his victory over Rua at the UFC 128 MMA fight event, Jones became the youngest champion in the promotion's history. The only loss on Jones 13-1 MMA record was by disqualification in a fight he was clearly dominating. Jones and his head trainer Greg Jackson even had time for public service before his UFC 128 fight against Mauricio Rua. While on their way to meditate in New Jersey, Jones and his trainers chased and subdued a robber .

Yet, the UFC had no problems crashing the Octagon, and alerting the young MMA fighter that he would be fighting someone he once considered a brother.

Even with the events that transpired after Jones' victory over Mauricio Rua at the UFC 128 MMA fight event, Jones kept his composure the entire time; reminding MMA fans why many have such high opinions of the new light-heavyweight champ. In the final weeks leading up to his title fight against Rua at the UFC 128 MMA fight event, Jones had many distractions that would have thrown off less focused fighters.

Rashad Evans definitely lost many MMA fans with his behavior leading up to the biggest fight in his teammate's career. Now Rashad will get his chance against Jones who will probably hold on to the light-heavyweight belt for quite some time. At this point, I'm pretty sure when Jones eventually meets Rashad in the Octagon, he won't have any problems smashing his face.

Sources:

Brian Knapp," Tweets Confirm Evans-Jackson Split "

Nick Thomas," Champ Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans is Official " Bloody elbow

Geno Mrosko," Jon Jones catches a robber in Paterson N.J., before UFC 128 fight " MMA Mania

by MMAMartial July 23, 2019

UFC 128 Results

Here are the results for the UFC 128 MMA fight event that took place at the Prudential Center on March 19.

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UFC 128 lived up to the hype surrounding it. The main event between Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Jon Jones ended with the crowning of a new UFC light-heavyweight champion. The UFC 128 MMA fight event took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on March 19. Here are the results for the UFC 128 MMA fight event.

Jon Jones defeats Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

Many MMA fans thought I was delusional when I declared Jon Jones would be the next UFC light-heavyweight champion . The 23 year old MMA fighter stole the show at UFC 128; manhandling Shogun like no other opponent has ever done before. Jones easily won the first and second round, seemingly the better striker, wrestler and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter. Jones really let loose in the third round, finishing Rua with a left hook and knee combo that forces referee Herb Dean to stop the fight.

Urijah Faber defeats Eddie Wineland

MMA veteran Wineland comes out hard in the first round, holding his own against the former WEC featherweight champion. He starts to fade in the second round and Faber is able to secure a few takedowns. Faber pounds him out for the next two rounds and earns the unanimous decision.

Jim Miller defeats Kamal Shalorus

This was a very entertaining fight with both MMA fighters ready to stand and trade. Shalorus showed his iron chin, absorbing big punches and kicks with ease. They entertain MMA fans for two rounds before Miller finally finishes him off with a barrage of punches in the third.

Nate Marquardt defeats Dan Miller

Marquardt takes a step closer to a title shot against MMA legend Anderson Silva, dominating Miller in every round. Marquardt walks away with the easy unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27.

Brendan Schaub defeats Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic

Schaub adds a Pride legend to his MMA resume with his win over the Croatian at the UFC 128 fight event. Schaub outpoints Mirko for two rounds, before sending MMA veteran to the ground in the third round with a left hook.

Undercard

Luis Artur Cane Jr. defeats Eliot Marshall (TKO round 1)

Anthony Njokuani defeats Edson Barboza Jr. (unanimous decision)

Mike Pyle defeats Ricardo Almeida (unanimous decision)

Gleison Tibau defeats Kurt Pellegrino (split decision)

Joseph Benavidez defeats Ian Loveland (unanimous decision)

Nick Catone defeats Constantinos Philippou (unanimous decision)

Erik Koch defeats Raphael Assuncao (KO round 1)

by MMAMartial July 23, 2019

BJ Penn and Jon Fitch Rematch Set for UFC 132

Former lightweight champion BJ Penn will have a second chance against Jon Fitch at the UFC 132 MMA fight event, set for July 2.

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Top welterweight fighters BJ Penn and Jon Fitch will get another chance against one another at the UFC 132 MMA fight event, scheduled for July 2, at the Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The first matchup between the two top contenders at the UFC 127 MMA fight event, ended in a controversial draw. The winner of the UFC 127 fight between the two MMA fighters was expected to face current welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre down the road.

In the only encounter between the two well respected MMA fighters, BJ Penn came out sharp in the first round, easily outpointing Fitch. In the second round, Penn's biggest weakness became apparent during the UFC 127 fight between the two MMA fighters. Penn started showing signs of fatigue in the second round, giving Jon Fitch the opportunity to get back in the fight.

If Penn hadn't gassed out at the UFC 127 MMA fight event against Jon Fitch, BJ would have probably secured the victory over him. Unfortunately for BJ, his cardio once again let him down. The draw wasn't the worst possible outcome for the former lightweight champion who had been written off by some after his second loss to current UFC lightweight champion, Frankie Edgar. For BJ, a draw against a bigger Fitch who had won 21 of his last 22 fights, sends a clear message that the Hawaiian is far from done.

Fitch on the other hand was disappointed with the draw at UFC 127 MMA fight event. Fitch, who has been one of the most dominant MMA fighters in the UFC's welterweight division, was the favorite going into the fight against Penn. The fact he was unable to squeeze out a win against BJ who has competed at the lightweight division for most of his MMA career, doesn't earn Fitch any extra points with the UFC matchmakers.

The fight between BJ Penn and Jon Fitch at the UFC 132 MMA fight event should be as interesting as the first encounter between the two fighters. As long as BJ's cardio is up to par come fight time, the MMA legend should be successful in handing Fitch his second loss in the UFC.

Sources:

Jordan Breen," Fitch-Penn 2, Sotiropoulos-Dunham Tapped for UFC 132 in July " sherdog.com

by MMAMartial July 23, 2019

Fighter Pay: The Downside of MMA

While the sport of MMA continues to grow, full contact fighters are not yet getting paid anything close to their counterparts in other sports.

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A week ago, MMA bad boy Nick Diaz, announced his plans to compete as a professional boxer in 2011. Diaz cited money as one of the reasons he was contemplating giving boxing another shot. Most MMA fans understand Diaz's point, as full contact fighters are yet to make anything close to their counterparts in boxing or any other sport for that matter.

" ESPN The Magazine " released a list of the top paid athletes in various sports, and MMA fans will be shocked to see how far behind the sport really is. Former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar was the highest paid MMA fighter in 2010, bringing in a total of $5.3 million in prize money and pay-per-view shares. Manny Pacquiao led the sport of boxing, making 32 million dollars in only two fights.

Given the fact that MMA has become even more popular than boxing, it is easy to understand why fighters like Nick Diaz feel disgruntled with the sport. The UFC and Zuffa are obviously doing very well financially, as their gradual takeover of the sport has clearly indicated. Yet, their fighters are still underpaid, especially given all the risks involved with MMA.

To be fair to the UFC, fighter pay has gradually increased over the years. They are still the most lucrative MMA promotion from a fighter's angle, and they deserve a lot of credit for the sport's growing popularity. Many around the sport of MMA would just like to see those who put it all on the line, get rewarded for their actions.

MMA will never reach its peak, until fighters start getting similar checks to other professional athletes. Brock Lesnar's 2010 earnings, was not even a quarter of what the highest paid boxer, basketball player (Kobe Bryant $24.8 million), or baseball player (Alex Rodriguez $32 million) made in the same year.

Right now, that kid that has a promising future in sports isn't thinking of MMA, he/she is thinking of sports like baseball, basketball or football where athletes are properly compensated for their work. Why get kicked in the face for little pay when you can make a lot more money in less demanding sports?

Sources:

John Mastroberardino," Best-paid athletes in 30 sports " ESPN The Magazine

by MMAMartial July 23, 2019

Rashad Evans Leaves Longtime Trainer Greg Jackson

UFC fighter Rashad Evans announced his split with well respected MMA trainer Greg Jackson via twitter,

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No one could have guessed Jon Jones getting a shot at the UFC light-heavyweight belt would have caused so much tension within the ranks of the Greg Jackson MMA academy. Before Jones was offered the fight, things seemed to be going on pretty well for the Jackson camp. Now, with Jon Jones victory at the UFC 128 MMA fight event, Rashad Evans has announced he will be leaving his longtime trainer .

Apparently, Rashad has problems with Greg Jackson's statements stating he wouldn't coach Evans or Jones if a fight between the two MMA fighters ever happened. On BJ Penn's website , Evans was quoted to have said

"What's gonna happen is, the team's are gonna split apart. If I know there's a chance I'm training with Jon and Greg's training with Jon, I'm not gonna train with Greg any more, EVER again. Because I need my coach to always be able to coach me no matter who I'm gonna fight. If he can't do that, I don't feel that there's a use for me having him as my coach"

Very strong words coming from Rashad, who has trained with the Greg Jackson MMA academy ever since winning the second season of the Ultimate fighter reality series.

It is very surprising to see Jon Jones' opportunity to fight for the UFC light-heavyweight title of the world cause so many problems for the Greg Jackson MMA academy. The Jackson camp fighters have always seemed close with one another, and it is rather surprising to see a MMA fighter of Rashad Evans caliber react so negatively to his teammate's chance at an amazing opportunity.

While no one knows exactly what went on between these two MMA fighters behind closed doors, I have a hard time placing any blame on Jones for all the drama that has taken place between the two. The UFC gave him a shot at the title after defeating Ryan Bader at the UFC 126 MMA fight event, what was Jones supposed to do, decline the opportunity of a lifetime because he was worried he might offend his teammate?

Sources:

Brian Knapp," Tweets Confirm Evans-Jackson Split " sherdog.com

George C. Mathews," Rashad Evans "I'm not gonna train with Greg any " bjpenn.com

Duane Finley," UFC Coach Greg Jackson: 'Friends & Teammates Can Fight... " Bloody elbow