Cage Talk – MMA – All The Latest Mixed Martial Arts News

M-1 made its return to the United States last night with the five-fight M-1 Challenge 26 event inside the Hangar at the OC Fair & Events Center.

Here are the full main card results (courtesy of MMAJunkie):

• Kenny Garner def. Pat Bennett via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 1:15
• Arthur Guseinov def. Tyson Jeffries via knockout (spinning backfist) – Round 1, 1:32
• Mairbek Taisumov def. Josh Bacallao via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:01
• Daniel Weichel def. Bau Baker via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-25)
• Eddie Arizmendi def. Jason Norwood via knockout (strikes) – Round 2, 4:55

Garner vs. Bennett was a rather sloppy slugfest between two heavyweights, though was probably popular among MMA fans looking for a brawl. In the co-main event of the evening, Guseinov’s flashy strikes landed him in a difficult position — but he was able to survive, and then connected with a spinning backfist. Weichel was able to control his fight against Baker, as it was clear that Baker had very little for his European counterpart.

As mentioned by others, it remains to be seen if M-1 will be able to gain a major following in the US (even though the fights often end in finishes).

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Longtime UFC fighter Tito Ortiz effectively shocked the MMA world when he submitted Ryan Bader at UFC 132 in Las Vegas. Despite being the more experienced fighter, most wrote Ortiz off as too old and overmatched against the younger, more well-rounded Bader.

Ortiz has relied on his wrestling and grappling skills to punish opponents — but a properly timed right hand dropped Bader. The former champion quickly jumped ontop of his opponent, utilized a few more elbows, and sunk in the choke.

“[This was] the rebirth of Tito Ortiz. I’m injury free,” Ortiz said post-fight. “I’m very healthy. I had a great training camp. I did it at home. This was the first time in 11 years that I didn’t go up to Big Bear. I think being mentally focused really helped out a lot,” said Ortiz. “I had a lot of personal problems with my family, and I really focused on the positive and surrounded myself with people who uplifted me and showed me the true champion I really am.”

Ortiz, a former light heavyweight champion and important building block for the UFC, would have been forced into retirement with a loss. Instead, he already has a specific opponent he’d like to face at some point in the future: Forrest Griffin. A trilogy fight against a fellow former champion (each fighter has won a split-decision) against Griffin could help settle a lingering feud.

Ortiz also welcomes a rematch against former champion Rashad Evans, as he wants a bit of redemption against an opponent he thought he beat.

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Murilo “Ninja” Rua retired from active MMA after a knockout loss by Tom Watson during their recent middleweight title fight at BAMMA 6.

Ninja Rua, brother to MMA veteran Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, finishes his career with a 20-12-1 pro record collected in numerous organizations. Rua served as EliteXC middleweight champion while also showing off his fight game for PRIDE, Shooto, DREAM, and Strikeforce in addition to Elite XC during his career.

The experienced fighter plans to continue to be very active in the MMA world, with plans to coach and help pro fighters train.

Here is what he had to say on Twitter:

“I would like to announce officially my retirement from PRO MMA fights tonight. It was an amazing run, and its a very tough moment … But there comes a time for all in life, and it’s time to move on. I am proud of all I did in MMA and all experiences I had … I will continue to work with MMA, doing seminars, teaching classes, training fighters, and doing my share to help our sport that I love so much.”

Ninja Rua was often overlooked as Shogun Rua got the headlines — but experienced MMA fans are only wishing Ninja the best. It’s great to hear he still plans on helping fighters get ready, teach classes and seminars, and stay active within the sport.

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MMAHQ ROLLING DEALS DAY STARTS TODAY

May 18th – There will be over 20 different deals in one day. Check the site, then check it again. Go quickly and check back often!

www.mmahq.com

 

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Fuji BJJ Kassen Pearl Weave Black Gi for $94

Extremely light, high quality pearl weave gi with patches by Fuji.



Normally $139 .



Get them before midnight or they sell out.

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Jon Jones is a beast.  His remarkable rise to fame in the UFC is nothing short of incredible.  He gets better each time he gets into the cage and is seemingly unbeatable!

In the business of professional fighting confidence is extremely important.  However, one loud mouth fighter is upset with the rest of the 205 pound weight class and issued a huge statement!

In an extended interview with MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani, Chael Sonnen said this nice quote…

“If you’re all scared of a 23-year-old kid, turn your gloves in, sign your pink slip and show yourself the door.”

If you think about it, the lack of opposition is for a couple of reasons.  first off, Jones is already slated to fight Rashad Evans.  Why would anyone step up and challenge the new champ when he is already scheduled for a fight.

Second off, everyone loves this guy.  No one is looking at Jones as a fluke.  They see him as an improving talent that will be a staple of the division for a long time to come.  He is respected just as much as any other fighter in the UFC.

I have to disagree with Chael.  Three weeks after this particular fighter won gold was not the time for someone to call him out.  In due time, someone will step up and be the anti-Jones, but not now.

I will post the entire 45 minute interview later today, it is a pretty good watch if you have the time.

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Russian light heavyweight Viktor Nemkov will battle BJJ specialist Vinny Magalhaes for the vacant M-1 light heavyweight championship in Russia. The championship fight will take place during M-1 Challenge 25 at the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia — serving as the card’s co-main event.

Nemkov is an accomplished sambo specialist and brown belt in judo, with a 2011 Russian Combat Sambo Championship also on his resume. The 24-year-old Russian trains at the Red Devil camp alongside the likes of Fedor Emelianenko and Maxim Grishin.

“I have been training very hard and reviewing as much video on Vinny as possible in order to choose the right tactics for my gameplan,” Nemkov recently told MMA Opinion. “I expect him to put me on the ground and wrestle (for submissions) … and of course I expect to win!”

Although Nemkov is a strong grappler himself, a fast-paced slugfest may be an ideal way to get Magalhaes off his gameplan. Honestly, I expect Nemkov has to turn this fight into more of a brawl, as he doesn’t want any parts of Magalhaes’ elite ground game.

“That would be the best situation since I know he has an advantage on the ground. If it turns into a boxing match – I will box and do my best fighting him standing up.”

Nemkov doesn’t expect to have an advantage fighting in his own nation, as Magalhaes is an extremely experienced competitor.

“He is a well-prepared fighter and has fought oversees before and knows what to expect. The only advantage I have from fighting in Russia is fan support, that’s all.”

The possibility of lingering jet-lag should lead to Nemkov trying to push the pace a bit more, but the fight outcome will come down to one simple thing: whether or not Magalhaes is able to get the fight down to the ground.

To finish our interview, Nemkov wanted to thank the fans for their continued support, but will wait until after the fight to make a full statement. I recently interviewed Vinny for a custom article on Squabbles.com, a sister site of MMA Opinion, which is available here.

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I am in a video mood today. Check out this one from Keith Jardine. Earlier today I posted saying that Gegard Mousasi was the events biggest loser because he couldn’t finish Jardine.

While I can’t say that I believe Jardine should get a free pass back to the UFC because of the draw, I do think he deserves a ton of respect for stepping up for the fight and showing up ready to compete.

The first thing you will notive is how bad Jardine was beaten up. I understand that draws are important to MMA, and rules are rules, but really? His face looks terrible!

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Dana What was available for an interesting interview with MMAfighting.com.  Its well worth the watch as he is candid regarding Nick Diaz, Strikeforce, and the future.

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Nick Diaz defeated Paul Daley in impressive fashion.  He was able to out strike the striker and KO the heavy handed Brit.  After the fight he was in a very weird mood.  In his interview with Ariel at MMAFighting.com

FOUND HERE

Throughout the entire interview Nick seemed disinterested, upset, and like his mind was going a million miles a minute.

One of the key things he mentioned was a rumor that he is going to get suspended for his in fight actions.  He never actually says what he is talking about, but it has to be about his in-fight antics.

Now, at no point during the fight did I think his actions were that bad.  Maybe a bit distasteful, but this is Nick Diaz.  I was more surprised that he wasn’t covering up against a powerful puncher than his taunting.

In terms of disrespect, the hands in the air was about a 4 out of a 10.  It wasn’t anywhere near what we have seen from Anderson Silva or Brock Lesnar.

Moving on…  Nick Diaz has now won ten straight fights.  Without a doubt he is one of the top fighters in the world.  Time has come where the stars have aligned and he may have the chance to return to the UFC. 

Throughout the MMA world, a ton of fans have stated that it is time for him to fight GSP.  While, GSP is the ultimate grading scale to test your skill set, you can’t just step in and get a shot at the champ.

If and it still may be a long shot, IF Nick is allowed to compete in the UFC, then he will have to prove himself first.  He will have to step up in competition and take on at least a gate keeper.

One large obstacle keeping Diaz from the UFC is his constant attitude and inability to follow leadership.  He is the type that seems to push back against authority and his constant diarrhea of the mouth doesn’t sit well with the UFC brass.

Nick Diaz could be a huge star inside of the UFC.  He skill set is extremely rare and he could be a huge asset inside of the Octagon.  However, if this is to happen then he needs to clean up his act.  That and not smoke weed…

One failed urine test would all but get him the boot, but if he can stay clean (in all sense of the word) then he could make a run for a UFC title.  If not, he could join Paul Daley and fade away into the sunset.

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Watch out, Strikeforce has talent!!!  Prior to last night’s event a ton of people doubted the entire existence of Strikeforce, but today they may have a few more believers.

The Strikeforce crew may have rolled out the red carpet in their large scale Zuffa debut, but they did not disappoint.  Now that we have time to recollect on the evening we can determine who was the biggest winner and biggest loser of the night; both of which may surprise you. 

Biggest Loser:  Gegard Mousasi

Keith Jardine was left for dead.  Taking the fight on short notice was impressive and courageous, but everyone thought he was going to get destroyed by Mousasi.  On paper they may have fought to a draw, but in all honesty Jardine got worked.  Jardine’s face told most of the story, he just got beat up. 

Mousasi may have tied due to an illegal upkick, but the fight as a whole puts him in a curious situation.  He was a fighter who was supposed to be able to make the transition and be one of the top talents in the org, but instead he was pushed by a has-been UFC fighter who has a suspect chin.

Although Gegard may have dominated the majority of the last two rounds, he was unable to finish an in trouble Keith Jardine.  It is not enough for me to question his killer instinct, but it is enough for me to question his level.

If he can’t defeat a person who lost his last four in the UFC, how can you handle the current roster?

Biggest Winner:  Gilbert Melendez

Growth in this sport is incredibly important.  Gilbert Melendez showed that he has been growing and is more than ready for the UFC light weights.  In his destruction of Kawajiri, he fought like an American who was dedicated to dominance.  Gilbert had arguably the best showing out of every fighter on the night and is in great shape to step into the Octagon this summer and take on one of the top fighters in the division.

In the UFC you have to be able to stand and bang or go to the ground.  Melendez proved that he has the skill set to stand and bang!  It will be very interesting to see if the UFC wants to unify the belt, or push Strikeforce as a separate entity.  One option is to have journeymen UFC types to cross into S’Force and see how well the talent carries over.

During the event there were even more winners and loser, but these are the biggest!  Some would argue that Diaz is the biggest winner, but he was litterly a punch away from a stoppage throughout the entire round.  Some would argue that the fight should have been stopped (I am not one). 

It was a surprisingly good event on the night.  I didn’t expect much and was pleasantly pleased with the entire event.

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Last night the Strikeforce crew put it all on the line.  In what some believe will be their last major promotion, they put on a great night of fights.

If you missed them, here are the fights.

Diaz vs. Daley

Mousasi vs. Jardine

Melendez vs. Kawajiri

Aoki vs. Beerbohm

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Later today we will have a ton of backlash and conversation ragarding last night’s fights, but in the mean time here are the results.

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