Does Davis Stand a Chance? Rashad Evans v Phil Davis Preview

Who Wins? "Suga" or "Mr. Wonderful"

On the horn: 

Johnny Waugh

LEAD SR WRITER

Rashad Evans (left) vs Phil Davis (right) in the main event at UFC on FOX 2 / photo @DanaWhite

         After reading other's beliefs about Rashad Evans being unable to beat a young opponent in Phil Davis, and seeing so many people pick Davis to beat the former champion hands down, I had to make it clear why Evans with be tasting the sweet "Suga" taste of victory one more time at UFC on FOX 2.

      Rashad Evans has beaten a who's who of fighters and has only definitively lost once in his career. His only draw, against Tito Ortiz at UFC 73, was redeemed in brutal fashion. Evans finished Ortiz at UFC 133 with a vicious knee to the mid section before pounding out the victory with punches.

    Some writers feel Evans hasn't beaten quality opponents in their prime and, although I can see the logic in some of their arguments, this is just not correct. Evans has defeated some of the most quality opponents in the division. Evans beat Stephan Bonner (14-7) and at the time it was only the third loss of Bonnar's career, the other two up to that point were Forrest Griffin and Lyoto Machida (both former UFC champions)
(CONTINUED)...WHY EVANS WILL BEAT DAVIS INCLUDED

A Brazilian perspective on Chael Sonnen's persona - Mind Games or Mental

Is Chael Sonnen Playing Mind Tricks or is he Losing his Mind? Part 2 of 2


On the horn: 
Ty Silva
SR WRITER
Brazilian Correspondent

UFC middle weight contender Chael Sonnen.

       This is the second piece of the two part Chael Sonnen dissection. Many hear Chael Sonnen's comments and see his antics on pay-per-view, television, in interviews, and on social media. Often he tells stories of Brazilians and their fighters, many of them clearly untrue, in an attempt to get back at UFC middle weight champ Anderson Silva. Part 1 of two can be read here, this is finally a real Brazilian perspective of Chael Sonnen from a Brazilian writer in an attempt to answer the following question.


Is Sonnen really manipulating words to promote himself into another title shot and all the financial rewards attached, or is he losing grasp of reality?

       An interesting fact is that Chael shows good sense when he chooses to. Due to his respect for both guys he purposely never bad-mouthed Brian Stann or Mark Munoz. However, most of the time Sonnen chooses to act like a clown. He makes outrageous and false claims, too many to mention here, and does so with a straight face. His sense of humor can be clever at times, but for the most part is childish, bitter and filled with non-sense. It is easy to dismiss his antics as promotional in nature, but the reality is that he is increasingly losing control over his speech and behavior.

(CONTINUED)... LEBATARD INTERVIEW INCLUDED

Is Chael Sonnen playing mind tricks or is he losing his mind?

His trash-talk has become increasingly delusional. PART 1 of 2


On the horn: 
Ty Silva
SR WRITER
Brazilian Correspondent

UFC Middle weight Chael Sonnen, he's in the co-main event t UFC on Fox 2

       Have you ever seen a professional fighter wearing a fake belt before? Until a couple of days ago I hadn’t either, but that changed this week during Chael Sonnen’ interview on the show Dan Le Batard is Highly Questionable. For this interview Sonnen was wearing a fake UFC championship belt over his shoulder. When asked about it, he denied that Anderson Silva(31-4) is the current UFC Middleweight Champion and claimed that he instead is the  “…undefeated and undisputed…” champion.

       Following that interview Sonnen also showed up at the UFC on FOX 2 Pre-Fight Press Conference with the same fake belt claiming once again to be the UFC Middleweight Champion. A reporter asked Sonnen where he got the belt from and he said he got from the champ himself.


“…took [it] from Anderson Silva,” Sonnen said.


      Soon after, UFC president made clear that Sonnen is “…not the champion…” and called him “nuts”. In reality, the closest Chael has ever gotten to the real UFC Middleweight belt was when the true Champion Anderson Silva placed it on the octagon ground in front of him after submitting Sonnen, which is a ritual Silva performs every time he defends the belt successfully.

(CONTINUED)... LEBATARD INT. & PRESS CONFER. INCLUDED

No More Gun Sponsors for UFC, The Gun Store not happy

We see more of FOX's influence on the UFC

On the horn:
MattZilla
SR WRITER

       The Gun Store's owner Chris Irwin never got a call from the UFC saying that his business' logo will no longer be featured anywhere on the screen of a UFC televised event. Instead, he got a text from UFC lightweight Evan Dunham's manager, saying that FOX is not allowing any firearm-related sponsors.

       "UFC is complying with its FOX Sports Media Group contract, which applies to events and shows carried on its networks."

- Unnamed FOX representative

(CONTINUED)...

Sonnen: No problems with Bisping, HATES INSIDE MMA and Kenny Rice

Calls Inside MMA host Kenny Rice a liar.

On the horn:

MattZilla &

JOHNNY WAUGH

SR WRITERS

UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAEL SONNEN ON THE DAN LE BATARD IS HIGHLY QUESTIONABLE SHOW

      Despite what many people seem to think, Chael Sonnen is not a fighter who throws his verbal weight at any opponent they put in front of him. He didn't insult Mark Munoz or Brian Stann while they were on his schedule. Sure he's made a few comments about Bisping over Twitter, but he reserves his most eloquent vitriol for Anderson Silva and some seemingly arbitrary targets such as card girl Arianny Celeste, Heavyweight title contender Alistair Overeem, cyclist Lance Armstrong, and now Kenny Rice of Inside MMA.

"He has never done a show where he gets his facts right," Sonnen said in reference to Rice. 

"He doesn't care. He goes on, he disparages people, he lies about people, he never checks his facts, he does anything to put out a sound byte, and how he gets hired is beyond me."

 (CONTINUED)...SONNEN: INTERVIEW INCLUDED

Fans excited for Bisping, Not Munoz, against Sonnen. Right Reasons?

IS BISPING A BETTER OPPONENT FOR SONNEN?

On the horn:

Johnny Waugh

LEAD SR WRITER

UFC Middle weight Michael Bisping

       Michael Bisping (22-3) is a fantastic boxer in relation to many others within the middle weight division. With 14 knock outs to his credit and a highlight reel filled with trash talking spots of brilliance that have, and have not, endeared him to fight fans who wants to see someone they have an interest in throwing down inside the cage. Bisping has put on many quality bouts against MMA stars like Denis Kang, Chris Leben, and Wanderlei Silva and only has one definitive loss on his record to Dan Henderson. 

 

       When news of Mark Munoz, Sonnen's original opponent, being pulled from the card due to injury broke and Bisping was his replacement, I was not in the majority of people that apparently are more interested in this fight than the Sonnen vs Munoz. When Ariel Hawani interviewed Chael Sonnen at a UFC on FOX 2 workout, Sonnen (26-11-1) said he definitely felt the public response to the Bisping match up being stronger than that of the Munoz fight. 

"I felt that from the media, online, in interviews," Sonnen said. "I like it whe I can be part of something that people take an interest in."

(CONTINUED)...     INTERVIEW INCLUDED

UFC'S OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO THE UFC.COM HACKING

THE RESPONSE IS A BIT DIFFERENT THAN WHITE'S TWITTER RESPONSE.

On the horn: 

Johnny Waugh

LEAD SR WRITER

UFC Higher ups from left to right: Co-Owner Frank Fetitta, President Dana White, Co-Owner Lorenzo Fertitta. 

       SRMMA.COM reported that the UFC website was hacked by the Anti-SOPA hacker group identified as "Underground Nazi". Initially, UFC President Dana White didn't seem to care very much about the site being hacked when he responded on twitter that he was in the business of making fights and not the website industry. This attitude toward the hacking seems to be a complete 180 degrees turn by the UFC after they released an official statement telling fans and customers that the UFC is investigating the event and planning to prosecutor the parties involved.

       UFC executive vice president and general counsel Lawrence Epstein submitted an opinion piece that was printed by the Las Vegas Review-Journal shortly before the website was hacked which may have inflamed hacker groups that are against the SOPA bill in the House of Representatives

       Epstein proposed and answered the question, "What harm is done by these sites?" Epstein answered,"Foreign criminal websites cost legitimate U.S. businesses more than $200 billion a year, siphoning off American jobs, hurting businesses and dampening our economy."

(CONTINUED)...UFC'S OFFICIAL STATEMENT INCLUDED 

JIM MILLER VS NATE DIAZ AT UFC on FOX 3 In Jersey

ON THE DOTTED LINE: UFC ON FOX 3 JUST GOT REAL


On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

Nate Diaz flipping off Donald Cerrone at UFC 141

       The UFC made it official today that Nate Diaz (15-7) looked impressive enough at UFC 142 to move up in the division and take on a top five lightweight contender, as he faces off against Jim Miller (21-3) at UFC on FOX 3. The only problem is that it just so happens that day is the same day as boxing's Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. has reserved the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 5. 


       Mayweather has been rumored to fight Manny Pacquiao on that day, but Miguel Cotto is a more likely opponent since Pacquaio is looking more unlikely to be interested in a Mayweather match up. The UFC will struggle to pull viewers set on watching the undefeated Mayweather potentially pick apart another opponent. This match up expresses that the UFC does a fantastic job in offering a quality fight to fans that even UFC President Dana White doesn't fear will fail against a major boxing card.


"We never plan it, but when you're picking dates, you've got boxing, NFL, playoffs, college basketball. You've got everything, Every other sport that's going on " White told mmajunkie.
(CONTINUED)...  DIAZ VS MILLER BREAKDOWN

MMA FIGHTER PARALYZED WITH NO INSURANCE, NEEDS HELP

"My son is fighting for his life and I'm fighting with him," Kathy Dunbar (Mom) said.

On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

       On Dec. 17, in an amateur MMA match in Joiliet, Ill., Jeff Dunbar went into his bout against Rudy Bahena in the ninth fight of 11 on Fight Card Entertainment event. In an attempt to break a hold, he fell onto his head and crushed his spinal cord. Dunbar has no insurance and the fight promotion has not contacted Dunbar's mother, Kathy Dunbar, about any financial support for Dunbar. The family is asking for your help.


       Kathy Dunbar herself is in a wheel chair due to a series of strokes a few years ago and relied on her son as a caretaker. Dunbar was also the primary source of money in the household and his mother has no idea how to deal with the mounting medical bills and no support from the fight organization themselves.


HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?:
(CONTINUED)...

The UFC is good for FOX but is FOX good for the UFC?

WHO IS CHANGING WHO??


On the horn:
Schroe 
SR WRITER

UFC President Dana White. 

       The UFC has its own brand that has very clearly become the favorite to millions of Mixed Martial Arts fans. Now that the FOX Sports network has become partners with the UFC, their influence is changing that brand and not for the better. After watching the very first UFC on FX 1 a few days ago, I have to agree with SRMMA fan Mr. Vieta.

"I don't like the way they are making it look like the NFL. The same music and commentators behind a desk. Just not my thing," Mark Vieta, Fan of SR wrote us on our Google+. 


"I think a better way to describe how I feel about the new set up is... I feel that Fox is changing the UFC, and I think the UFC should be changing Fox." 
(CONTINUED)...

February: The Month of Boxing Part 2, Maidana vs Alexander

The Second Installment of what to look forward to in February.


On the Horn:
Scottie 2Piece
LEAD BOXING WRITER 

       Feb. 18 will see Devon Alexander (22-1, 13KO's) vs Marcos Maidana (31-2, 28KO's) in a match up of speed vs brute force. Alexander has been riding on "Home Cooking" his last couple of fights in which he might have lost on the cards if he wasn't fighting at home in St. Louis. 


       Maidana's last major outing saw him floored early by a vicious body shot at the hands of Amir Khan (26-2, 18KO's), only to fight back and almost knock Khan out before losing on the cards in a thriller in 2010. Maidana has the pressure to beat Alexander but Alexanders speed may prove to be too much for Maidana's "come forward at all costs" approach.  
(CONTINUED)...          

MMA Student Expelled from Shogun's Gym for Soccer Riot

Another reason not to swing a tripod at a cop


On the horn:
MattZilla
SR WRITER


        During a soccer riot at Couto Pereira Stadium, a student at Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua’s gym, Alexandre Sangue, brandished a tripod onto the pitch as it was swarmed with fans. He was seen on camera carrying a camera tirpod as a weapon to hit others during the riot.


        Though it didn't seem like he caused any damage with the weapon, the footage of his boisterous display was something Rua didn't want representing his gym, Universidade de Luta (translated: University of Fighting).  As soon as the footage made it to Rua's attention, Sangue was expelled.


"The gym has some rules, and this is our rule. If you fight on the street, you're out."

- Mauricio Rua

       This is a good example of a fighter expressing class and professionalism. The casual-viewing public should be aware that the UFC ranks are not all Diaz-style street thuggery.

(CONTINUED)... Videos below

UFC.COM Hacked by Anti - SOPA Supporters

ANTI- SOPA SUPPORTERS REACH MMA


On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER


       UFC.COM website has been hacked by a group claiming named "Underground Nazi H4ck3rGr0up". 


       SR reporter Schroe sent me information about the Ultimate Fighting Championship website being hacked by a hacker group for the UFC's support of SOPA.


      Someone named "Josh The God"  identified himself on his twitter as the entity behind the inability to access UFC.COM.


       If you logged on to UFC .COM while it was hacked you would have seen the glassy eye'd Nazi looking figure with a twinkle in his eye.


       SOPA (Stopping Online Piracy Act) is a new bill currently in the Hoes of Representatives in Congress. It basically will give Justice Department prosecutors the power to seek a court orders and enforce their own rules.


       Overall, they will be that can force United States Internet providers to block access to foreign pirate websites that are costing American companies and advertisers to lose profits.


(CONTINUED)...   SOPA Analyzed

February is the Month of Boxing: Berto vs Ortiz 2, Julio Chavez Jr.

PART ONE of a two part break down of February's Boxing Bouts

On the horn:

Scottie 2 Piece

LEAD BOXING WRITER

       The first month of 2012 is almost over and the fight game is about to pick-up in February. Feb.11 will showcase the rematch of 2011's Fight of the Year between Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO's) and Andre Berto (28-1, 22KO's). In their last bout, both touched the canvass twice but both got up and continued fighting hard until the final bell saw Ortiz getting the victory and Berto his first loss. 

       Looking to avenge I expect Berto will come out hard and try to get Ortiz out of there early because he has always seemed to have trouble with stamina. Expect Ortiz to be a little gun shy at first up until his mind wraps around the fact that its not Floyd Mayweather Jr. across the ring from him and if the fight stretches into the later rounds it will be interesting to watch these two bang on each other again.

       A week earlier, On Feb. 4, WBC Middleweight Champ Julio Cesar Chavez jr. (44-0-1, 31KO's) will be taking on number one ranked Marco Antonio Rubio (53-5-1,46KO's) in what will be a step up in class for Chavez Jr. 

(CONTINUED)... A MONTH OF FIGHTS BROKEN DOWN

Pertinent Prelim: Khabib Nurmagomedov Dominates Shalorus

New up-and-comer shuts down the WEC veteran


On the horn:
MattZilla
SR WRITER

UFC light weight new comer Khabib Nurmagomedov defeating Shalorus ay UFC on FX 1

      Kamal "The Prince of Persia" Shalorus (7-2-2) didn't need this coming off of a loss from the night's main event winner Jim Miller in his last fight. Wrestling didn't save him, as Khabib Nurmagomedov (17-0) repeatedly took him to the ground for a pounding at UFC on FX 1. 


       Kickboxing didn't save him, as Khabib consistently landed clean combos while mixing in unorthodox strikes, keeping Kamal guessing. Khabib was playing it safe at first, this being his first UFC fight. 


(CONTINUED)... GIF INCLUDED

UFC on Fox 2: Evans vs Davis Preview and Prediction

Who Takes the Main Event?


On the horn: 
Ty Silva
SR WRITER
Brazilian Correspondent

UFC Light Heavyweight Rashad Evans

       The next UFC card going down this Saturday in Chicago will decide the next challengers for the middleweight and light heavyweight titles. 

       On the co-main event Michael Bisping will battle Chael Sonnen for the right to fight Anderson Silva. The main event between Rashad Evans (16-1-1) and Phil Davis (9-0) will most likely produce the next challenger to fight the man of the hour, Jon “Bones” Jones.

       Also on the card is Demian Maia vs Chris Weidman. This fight is of significance in the middleweight division because the winner will be securing his place among the division’s elite. 
(CONTINUED)... FIGHT BREAKDOWN 

RIVERA RETIRES AFTER SHAFER TKO - "EL CONQUISTADOR" RIDES AWAY

RIVERA'S BIGGEST STRUGGLE WASN'T INSIDE THE CAGE

On the horn: 

Johnny Waugh

LEAD SR WRITER

Jorge Rivera leaving the cage for the last time after beating Eric Shafer at UFC on FX 1.

       At the UFC on FX 1 event that took place last night on national television, UFC middleweight Jorge Rivera (20-9) knocked out Eric Shafer (12-7-2) in the second round of what would be his final fight.

       Rivera said he made the decision to retire win, lose, or draw at the start of training camp and his victory over Shafer won't change his mind about setting off to the MMA sunset he told mmajunkie.

"I just told myself I would leave no matter what happens," Rivera said.

(CONTINUED)...Rivera's Legacy Discussed