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"Jon 'Homo' Jones better do his research before he talks [expletive] about me. He doesn't know anything about me. He's about to learn though because when I see Jon Jones, I'ma slap his ass. I don't play those games. He better learn how to fight before he talks shit about me. My debut fight in the UFC is against a Hall of Famer. Who the [expletive] did he fight in his first fight in the UFC? [Andre Gusmao] Isn't he like 22? He better go find some tapes of me because I'm not the one to [expletive] with and he gonna see that when I bump into his ass. Keep my name out your mouth boy."

"Jones is the 2010 Rampage Jackson; both straight up yes men. Tell him to go drink an Ecstasy drink because I heard that’s what he likes to do; just another bitch ass New Yorker."

--James Toney, talked to FightHype, and responds to Jon Jones' statements where he called the boxer "ignorant" for criticizing Mixed Martial Arts.

Here is what Jones said on TapouT Radio that riled up James "Lights Out" Toney:

"Really? Do you really think you're going to uppercut a collegiate wrestler when he's going full force into a double leg dive? I think he [James Toney] is just really naive to think that with hand combinations alone he's going to be able to defend takedowns from the clinch and collegiate double leg dives. I think he's just ignorant in a way and I don't really have a hard time calling him ignorant because of some of the statements he's made about our sport."

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I’m thinking I’ll be using the “nice ass” Versus picture every time there’s a fight on that network.

We’ve seen a great deal of evolution in terms of human behavior and interaction over the last hundred years. People are now able to communicate in real time, cross-reference their beliefs and actions with others, and are provided with the greatest tools for introspection and development in our history. However, we haven’t seen such a corresponding drop in what is popularly considered immoral or counterproductive behavior – alcoholics exchanging drink recipes, pot growers discussing techniques for greater yields and defendants in court comparing notes with others. Rather than kick our bad habits, we’ve streamlined them, made them more efficient, and imbued ourselves with the belief that we, as individuals, are in fact smarter than everyone else, and able to maintain OUR bad habits while OTHERS are consumed by them.

It is in this spirit of recklessly disregarding the very real possible negative consequences of our actions that I begin my career as an analyst of betting lines for MMA cards. Betting on MMA has never been easier – not only is Congress finally going through the process of overturning the bullshit internet gambling ban passed by the outgoing Republican majority in 2006, but there are all kinds of new fans getting into MMA putting their stupid money where their equally stupid mouths are (kind of like when everyone started seeing poker on TV and then proceeded to get pillaged on the felt). BetUS is our official Fightlinker gambling partner, and I have to report that, since signing up with them, I’m happy – you get a personal account representative that you can call anytime, a variety of initial buy-in bonuses and the ability to bet on just about whatever your heart desires once it’s in season. Plus, every time one of you Jackals clicks on one of these links and signs up (no deposit required to create an account), Ryan gains access to a new flavor of cat food. Do your Orange Drug Den a favor and sign up if you haven’t already.

DISCLAIMER: Fightlinker is an MMA blog that specialize in welched bets and jokes about horse dicks. Any betting advice given out by us must be underscored by this fact. You can’t sue us, and even if you could, we don’t have any money.

Prelims: I know very little about a lot of these fighters – concurrently, I’ll be keeping my mouth shut on them.
* Brian Stann is making his 185 debut against Mike “The Master of Disaster” Massenzio, who is coming off of a TKO loss to CB Dollaway. You may remember Stann being dominated by Phil Davis, but Davis could turn out to me a monster at 205 and Stann looked much better at today’s weigh ins. Combine Stann’s great work with soldiers returning from battle with Mike’s absymal, unbettable nickname – you get a small play on Stann at +150.
* James Irvin returns to 205 after an ill-fated (and Tales From The Crypt-esque) drop to middleweight against Igor Pokrajac. Igor has pretty much used up his “I was Cro Cop’s training partner” frequent flier miles, losing his first two UFC fights to the Janitor and James Te Huna – he’ll need this win to keep his job. Come to think of it, this is probably a pinkslip on a pole match – thus, despite my faith that Irvin will pull this off, I’m keeping my money away from his -180 line (could be attractive as part of a parlay bet).
* Matthew Riddle, still riding the crest of the wave created by his jaw-breaking knockout during the fight-ins for TUF, has been installed as a -210 favorite against DeMarques Johnson (+185). I find this ridiculous. Johnson has won two straight fights since falling to James Wilks at the TUF finale, scoring a SOTN bonus against Edgar Garcia and KO…OTN against against Brad Blackburn. Riddle, on the other hand, has lost to Nick Osipczak and earned an upkick DQ victory against Greg Soto (to be fair, Riddle was winning that fight). Methinks this is a clear cut case of remembering one badass knockout (and, of course, taking a shit on season 9 of TUF) – I like a play on Johnson, despite what looked to be a rough cut at today’s weigh-ins.
* FOTN will probably be Jacob Volkmann and Paul Taylor, which is currently a toss-up. Don’t bet it.

Tomorrow, we’ll break down the main card, make some more self-deprecating jokes to illustrate the absurdity of taking betting advice from a guy that lives in his mom’s basement, and try to get more of you fuckers to sign up for BetUS. Join us then!

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Props: CombatLifestyle.com (Click the link to check out the complete gallery)

For complete UFC on Versus 2: "Jones vs Matyushenko" weigh in results click here. Check out the size difference between lightweights Takanori Gomi and Tyson Griffin after the jump.

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Below are the official weigh-in results for Sunday's UFC on VERSUS: Jones vs Matyushenko event. This event, which is headlined by the light heavyweight bout between Jon Jones and Vladimir Matyushenko, and the middleweight showdown between Yushin Okami and Mark Munoz, airs live on VERSUS from the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, California beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.

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The classic battle of youth vs. experience is now official, as both Jon Jones and Vladimir Matyushenko made weight for their UFC on Versus 2 clash.

Today's weigh-in ceremonies, which saw all but one of the 20 competitors from Sunday's Versus-televised card make weight on their first pass across the stage, took place at the San Diego Sports Arena.

The same venue hosts Sunday's 10-fight event.

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UFC on Versus 2 Predictions
Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010, at 9 p.m. on Versus
San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, California

Jon Jones vs. Vladimir Matyushenko

Luke Thomas: Matyushenko fights at a measured pace, is very tough, doesn't take a ton of risks and obviously packs legit wrestling credentials. He's also used to fighting big guys. What that means is he'll last longer than many would against Jones before succumbing to too much punishment. Jones by TKO, round 3.

Kid Nate: I remember when Matyushenko was a formidable member of the hot new wave of highly credentialed wrestlers called the RAW Team. That was a long ass time ago, in another decade, century and millennium. Jones by TKO.

Brent Brookhouse: I don't like certain things Jones does when he throws punches. His kicks are really sharp and he throws them from a distance that doesn't allow for him to be countered, but I think a sharp striker could counter his punches.  That being said he's way too fast and long for Matyushenko. Barring some sort of fluke ending I don't see any way Jones loses here. Jon Jones by TKO, round 2.

Mike Fagan: Even if Matyushenko has a significant edge somewhere on Jones, it wouldn't matter. Jones is much faster than the "Janitor" and that's all that really matters. This ends as quickly as Jones wants it to. Jon Jones by TKO, round 1.

Chris Nelson: Jones has been at this for just over two years; Matyushenko is a few months shy of celebrating his 13th MMAnniversary. Nonetheless, young "Bones" has developed quickly and should be able to stop the crafty veteran. Jones via TKO, round two.

Nick Thomas: Matyushenko will not be an easy fight for Jones. But Jones is faster and has a huge reach advantage. Jones by decision.

Leland Roling: Wrestling will be Matyushenko's only plus, and while his striking has improved - Jones has better wrestling, immense strength, and an unpredictability factor in his stand-up. He isn't overly technical by any means or shown proven conditioning in the late rounds, but he'll trounce Matyushenko here. Jones via TKO.

Jonathan Snowden: Jones via not being 39 years old. TKO, Round 2.



Yushin Okami vs. Mark Munoz

Luke Thomas: The fact is Okami has a tendency to fight at his competitor's pace and he's never faced a wrestler the caliber of Munoz. Okami is strong and tough and defensively sound, but the onslaught of wrestling as well as the pace/speed of Munoz will be too much. Munoz by decision.

Kid Nate:  I think Okami's recent display of crisp aggressive boxing will be too much for the hapless-on-his-feet Munoz. If Munoz can outwrestle him though, Okami's in big trouble. But I'm going with Okami by TKO.

Brent Brookhouse: Munoz had a lot of trouble with Kendall Grove, Yushin Okami is a much better fighter than Grove and he won't let Munoz off the hook if he has him in trouble. I like Okami's boxing but I think it'd be a mistake for him to become too reliant on it and move away from the best parts of his game. Yushin Okami by decision.

Mike Fagan: One might point to the Sonnen fight as a blueprint for Munoz, but it's important to note that Okami was fresh off a torn knee ligament in that fight. I expect the typical Okami counterfest. Yushin Okami by decision.

Chris Nelson: Could really see this going either way - including a crushing KO from Munoz - but in this case I think the most obvious answer is the correct one. Okami via decision.

Nick Thomas: Hopefully Okami has learned enough from the loss to Sonnen to not let that happen against Munoz. Okami will finish what Grove was unable to do. Okami by decision.

Leland Roling: Munoz has the wrestling to keep Okami down and out in this fight, but Munoz's stand-up isn't great at all. Okami's improving striking along with being 100% healthy should give him the win here. Okami via decision.

Jonathan Snowden: Okami via jab, jab, jab. Decision.



Jake Ellenberger vs. John Howard

Luke Thomas: Tough call. I tend to think the physicality of Ellenberger will be too much here. Ellenberger by decision.

Kid Nate: Ellenberger gave Carlos Condit a scare and Condit is one of the hardest to finish guys in the game. He'll snuff Howard. Ellenberger by TKO.

Brent Brookhouse: I hope I'm wrong but this is going to be a snoozer. Ellenberger is the better of the two though.  Jake Ellenberger by decision.

Mike Fagan: Ellenberger has better performances against better competition. Jake Ellenberger by decision.

Chris Nelson: Even though Howard tends to win close decisions that he shouldn't, and Ellenberger has been known to lose them, I'll say Ellenberger via decision.

Nick Thomas: Wrestler vs. wrestler here. Going to pick Ellenberger by being just a little bit better at everything. Ellenberger by decision.

Leland Roling: Not too much discrepancy in our staff picks, and this is no different. Ellenberger has the wrestling and top control game to stay away from Howard's underrated grappling. Howard won't pull off a miracle here. Ellenberger via decision.

Jonathan Snowden: Howard via contrariness. Decision.



Takanori Gomi vs. Tyson Griffin

Luke Thomas: I wouldn't rule out Gomi giving Griffin a decent crack here or there. But Griffin tends to get himself into problems against superior positional BJJ players in loose scrambles. Gomi ain't that guy. Griffin by decision.

Kid Nate: Ahh I want Gomi to come back and win so bad but I just can't bring myself to do it. Griffin by decision.

Brent Brookhouse: Gomi against these kind of UFC guys just isn't going to get "back on track." And honestly, while some people will try to argue, Gomi is shot. His time is over. Tyson Griffin by decision.

Mike Fagan: I think this is actually a very winnable fight for the "Fireball Kid", but Griffin's pace will be a big factor in this one. Tyson Griffin by decision.

Chris Nelson: For once, I really don't doubt that Gomi is focused and wants to win here... it's just a terrible matchup for him. Griffin via decision.

Nick Thomas: Griffin is a tougher fight than Stevenson imho. Plus after seeing Gomi vs. Florian, I don't see it any other way than Griffin by decision.

Leland Roling: Gomi has a solid chance in this fight, and he's always game for landing one of his patented one-two combinations that puts opponents on ice. Griffin, while a good fighter, can get sucked int a stand-up war, which would not bode well for his chin. I think Griffin will stay away from that, but honestly.... WAR GOMI! Takanori Gomi via TKO!

Jonathan Snowden: Gomi via BUDO! Decision.

Paul Kelly vs. Jacob Volkmann

Luke Thomas: Tough call again. Obviously the question is who controls the wrestling here. I'll gamble and give Kelly the nod. Kelly by decision.

Kid Nate:  I don't believe in Paul Kelly. Volkman will out muscle him and dominate the wrestling to a decision. Volkmann by decision.

Brent Brookhouse: Volkmann is now at a good weight and should be a bit better in what he can get done. He's still a bit lacking but I think he's a bad fight for Kelly and should be able to win two out of three rounds. Jacob Volkmann by decision.

Mike Fagan: This is either a short night for Kelly, or a long three rounds for all involved. I'm banking on the latter. Jacob Volkmann by decision.

Chris Nelson: This is either a short night for Kelly, or a long three rounds for all involved. I'm banking on the former. Kelly via submission, round one.

Nick Thomas: Kelly looked amazing against Veach. Kelly by decision.

Leland Roling: Volkmann is a question mark in this fight, and he needs to prove he's a legitimate wrestler here by pressing the pace and hitting the takedowns before Kelly can do the same. I think Volkmann edges him out. Volkmann via split decision.

Jonathan Snowden: Volkman via wrestling. Decision.


DaMarques Johnson vs. Matt Riddle

Luke Thomas: Riddle's got too much in every department but BJJ for Johnson. That should be enough for him to find a way to win. Riddle by TKO.

Kid Nate: We're a considerable distance down the card before some TUF vets are featured. I have to go with Riddle based on rock-paper-scissors, ie a stylistic advantage. Riddle by decision.

Brent Brookhouse: Good fight here. Riddle is improving and is very physically gifted as well as willing to learn. Johnson has looked great lately. I could honestly see this one going either way but I'll go with...Matt Riddle by decision.

Mike Fagan: I think Riddle's wrestling will be the difference here. Matt Riddle by decision.

Chris Nelson: Johnson via decision.

Nick Thomas: Johnson has been a beast in his last couple fights. Johnson by decision.

Leland Roling: Johnson has shown solid improvement, and Riddle has been brought along quite slowly. Riddle has the opportunity here in this fairly even match-up, but I like Johnson's resilience in his last couple of fights. Johnson via decision.

Jonathan Snowden: Johnson via explosive athleticism. Decision.


James Irvin vs. Igor Pokrajac

Luke Thomas: I guess I'll go with Irvin, but I wouldn't be surprised to see any winner here. Irvin by KO.

Kid Nate:  Hard to muster up much excitement here, but I'll take the dangerous but vulnerable Irvin over the not-ready-for-the-UFC Pokrajac. Irvin by TKO.

Brent Brookhouse: Irvin looked like death making that cut to 185. Pokrajac is not UFC caliber so it will be the kind of fight where you get to see Irvin knock a guy out quickly and  declare that he is "back."  James Irvin by KO, round 1.

Mike Fagan: Pokrajac is not very good. I'm not sold on the Irvin/185 stuff, as I haven't heard anything about it from Irvin himself. Whatever. James Irvin by TKO, round 2.

Chris Nelson: Glad to see Irvin back at 205; while I'm no great fan of his, I really didn't want to see "The Sandman" die from complications related to weight cutting. This is a nice opponent for him to return to, as well, since Pokrajac seems to struggle against any half-decent fighter. Irvin via TKO, round two.

Nick Thomas: Irvin back at his natural weight = 3rd loss for Pokrajac. Irvin by decision.

Leland Roling: Unless Irvin compound fractures his entire leg, he should crush Pokrajac with some devastating power. Irvin via TKO.

Jonathan Snowden: Irvin via bad tattoos. TKO, Round 2.


Brian Stann vs. Mike Massenzio

Luke Thomas: Despite the fact that he hates my guts, I like Stann here. He's a more physical fighter at middleweight, which perfectly fits his general style. He's also got better defensive wrestling than people realize. Massenzio might get more than a few takedowns, but he's going to lose on points. Stann by TKO.

Kid Nate: Massenzio has been out too long to beat Stann. Stann by KO.

Brent Brookhouse: Stann has some big ol' problems in his wrestling game. Massenzio is not anything special but he could take advantage of that and get a decision win. I'm going to bank on Stann catching him early though. Brian Stann by TKO, round one.

Mike Fagan: Has Stann learned to wrestle yet? I don't think so. Mike Massenzio by decision.

Chris Nelson: Stann is going to be a handful at middleweight. Stann via TKO, round one.

Nick Thomas: Stann's 185 debut vs. Massenzio's ring rust. Ring rust always loses. Stann by decision.

Leland Roling: Massenzio's wrestling will be a factor, and he's actually pretty aggressive when the confidence is there in gaining the clinch and getting takedowns. I like Massenzio via decision.

Jonathan Snowden: Hopefully this will be the fight that knocks Stann out of the spotlight. I'm not a big fan of someone trying to commercialize their service. Massenzio via Decision.


Darren Elkins vs. Charles Oliveira

Luke Thomas: I'd be very surprised to see Oliveira lose. Oliveira by submission.

Kid Nate: The money is on Oliveira, so am I. Oliveira by submission.

Brent Brookhouse: Oliveira by decision.

Mike Fagan: Oliveira's a huge favorite with the books. In gambling I trust. Charles Oliveira by decision.

Chris Nelson: Oliveira has shown some great slams and speedy strikes, but he's also extremely susceptible to takedowns. Elkins has a solid wrestling base and can probably grind out a close decision here. Elkins via decision.

Nick Thomas: Elkins by experience.

Leland Roling: Oliveira is very susceptible to the wrestling game, but I'm going to risk it and go with the rookie here. Charles Oliveira via TKO.

Jonathan Snowden: Oliveira via Brazilian-ness. TKO, Round 3.


Rob Kimmons vs. Steve Steinbeiss

Luke Thomas: Kimmons isn't a world beater, but he's too much for Steinbeiss. Kimmons by submission.

Kid Nate: Not really into focusing on this fight but I'll pick Kimmons by utter domination. Should be it for Steinbeiss in the UFC. Kimmons by TKO.

Brent Brookhouse: Steinbeiss is going to have nothing for him here. Rob Kimmons by TKO, round 2.

Mike Fagan: I'm surprised these guys have contracts. I'm guessing loser leaves town. Rob Kimmons by decision.

Chris Nelson: Steinbeiss caught a tough break in his last fight with Ryan Jensen, but he wasn't exactly having the best night of his (brief) career before the botched submission stoppage. Kimmons should be able to do as Jensen did: take Steinbeiss down, ground and pound, and maybe even submit him for real. Kimmons via submission, round one.

Nick Thomas: Kimmons by decision.

Leland Roling: Kimmons' grappling should catch Steinbeiss here, who really doesn't belong in the UFC quite yet.

Jonathan Snowden: The SUPER BOWL of mixed martial arts! Kimmons via grappline. Submission, Round 1.

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"Jon 'Homo' Jones better do his research before he talks shit about me. He doesn’t know anything about me. He's about to learn though because when I see Jon Jones, I’ma slap his ass. I don’t play those games. He better learn how to fight before he talks shit about me. Jones is the 2010 Rampage Jackson; both straight up yes men. Tell him to go drink an Ecstasy drink because I heard that’s what he likes to do; just another bitch ass New Yorker."

-- Well, this just keeps getting uglier. Professional boxer and UFC newcomer James Toney calls out light heavyweight prospect Jon Jones in a recent interview with FightHype, resorting to juvenile name calling and hurling baseless allegations that likely won't make company president Dana White very happy. Toney is booked to battle Randy Couture at UFC 118 at the end of August, but he has called out just about everyone, including Brock Lesnar, who has been skeptical about his success inside the Octagon. Is Toney just doing his part to promote his fight or has he crossed the line?

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SAN DIEGO - Official fighter weigh-ins for UFC on Versus 2 take place today, and you can catch a live video stream of the proceedings here on MMAjunkie.com beginning at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT).

Today's festivities take place at the San Diego Sports Arena in California. Prior to the weigh-ins, you can also watch a live stream of the UFC Fight Club Q&A session with Krzysztof Soszynski at 5 p.m. ET.

In addition to the video stream, you can get live updates of the weigh-ins in our text-only results post on the MMAjunkie.com homepage.

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Aug 21st on Showtime:
Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal (7-0) vs. Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante (9-2) [LHW title]

Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (12-2) vs. Tim Kennedy (12-2) [MW title]

K.J. Noons (9-2) vs. Jorge Gurgel (13-6)

Bobby Lashley (5-0) vs. Chad Griggs (8-1)

Strikeforce: Houston coverage

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Dana White on Jon Jones - "Once he breaks into that top eight [at 205], you're talking Shogun Rua, you're talking Machida, you're talking Rampage Jackson, Rashad Evans, you know, you're talking all the best guys in the world right now. He’s got a long way for a title shot, it’s gonna take a while. He’s gotta knock off some serious competition."

Dana White On Yushin Okami - "Winning this fight would be big. I say it all the time, you know, Yushin Okami is one of the best 185lb’ers in the world and has been for a while. This guy’s due for a title shot."

HT: versus.com

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(*... sigh ... * VideoProps: Baller Status.com ... we guess)

Seriously you guys, how many patently bad ideas can the mixed martial arts industry possibly support before it collapses inward on itself like a dying star? Answer: At least one more.

Props to the boys at MiddleEasy.com for pulling our coat to this thing, which frankly sounds like the worst proposal since Nick Cannon married Mariah Carey. It seems a couple of impresarios previously responsible for a video series called “Felony Fights” – which reportedly pits recently released prisoners against each other in what we can only imagine are incredibly gripping no rules fights – are bringing their singular promotional talents to MMA with an event called “Cage vs. Cons,”  … and yeah, it’s exactly what you think it is: Professional MMA fighters battling ex-cons inside the cage.

No, we’re not making this up.

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