UFC 143 winners talk

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Condit upsets Diaz for UFC interim welter title

Octagonside by Anthony Springer Jr.
Photo by Nick Laham/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images 

As the adage goes in team sports, “defense wins championships.”

That now holds true for MMA.

Using a defensive strategy and varied striking, Carlos Condit defeated Nick Diaz to snare the UFC interim welterweight championship to set up a meeting with UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. (more…)

Video: NFL stars weigh in on UFC 143

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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

Condit is no stepping stone for Diaz

By Anthony Springer Jr.

If you’ve been following this week’s UFC 143 coverage, it almost seems like Carlos Condit has been relegated to the role of “the other guy.” In wrestling terms, he’s been treated like a jobber. In the boxing world, he’d be painted as the stepping stone. (more…)

UFC 143 weigh-in

Anthony Springer Jr. at the scales
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa 

Weigh-in results for UFC 143, which is headlined by the interim UFC welterweight championship bout between Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit and the heavyweight bout between Roy Nelson and Fabricio Werdum, airing live on Pay-Per-View from the Mandalay Bay Events Center at 10pm ET / 7pm PT. Fans can also tune in to FX for four televised prelims at 8pm ET / 5pm PT, and those who “like” the UFC on Facebook can see two additional prelim bouts at 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT.

MAIN EVENT – Interim UFC Welterweight Championship
Carlos Condit (169) VS Nick Diaz (169)

PPV
Fabricio Werdum (246) VS Roy Nelson (246)
Mike Pierce (170) VS Josh Koscheck (170)
Scott Jorgensen (135) vs Renan Barao (136)
Clifford Starks (185) VS Ed Herman (185)

FX PRELIMS
Max Holloway (144) VS Dustin Poirier (146)
Edwin Figueroa (135) vs Alex Caceres (136)
Chris Cope (171) VS Matt Brown (171)
Henry Martinez (169) VS Matt Riddle (170)

ONLINE FIGHTS
Michael Kuiper (183) VS Rafael Natal (186)
Stephen Thompson (171) VS Dan Stittgen (170)

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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

Watch UFC 143 weigh-in today

Watch the UFC 143 weigh-in streaming live from Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, February 3 at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT

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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

UFC Fan Expo returns to Las Vegas in July

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® presents its seventh UFC Fan Expo® event on Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. UFC® President Dana White made the announcement today during a press conference to promote UFC® 143, which takes place this Saturday from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

“We love giving UFC fans ultimate access to our sport and athletes,” UFC President Dana White said. “This July, we’re putting together our best UFC Fan Expo yet. We’re going to have dozens of our fighters in attendance to sign autographs and meet fans, and we’re going to have some of the world’s top vendors and exhibitors. This is an absolute can’t-miss event for UFC fans around the world!” (more…)

Condit, Diaz face off at UFC 143 presser

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC

On Saturday night, live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Pay-Per-View, elite welterweights Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit throw down for the interim UFC 170lbs championship in what some are predicting will be the fight of the year. Also on the stacked card, heavyweight contenders Roy Nelson and Fabricio Werdum collide and former UFC welterweight title challenger Josh Koscheck returns to action to face fellow NCAA Division I grappler Mike Pierce. (more…)

Koscheck: the fighter you love to hate

Story by Anthony Springer Jr.

It’s hard to hate an honest fighter. Unless that fighter’s name is Josh Koscheck. Since his appearance on the original Ultimate Fighter, the wrestler turned knockout artist has been anything but a fan favorite. Despite taking fights on short notice and consistently cranking out good performances, fans have not taken to Kos. (more…)

Watch UFC 143 presser today

Watch the UFC 143 pre-fight press conference live Thursday, February 2 at 4 pm ET/1 pm PT. Click here for more
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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

St-Pierre talks Diaz, tune-up fights

Story & photo by Anthony Springer Jr.

Listening to him talk, you’d think UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre was the one fighting on Saturday night. Forced out of action with an ACL injury, the champ has plenty of reason to be cage side as Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit battle for the interim welterweight strap—he fights the winner next.

After Diaz trashed the Canadian, St-Pierre seems motivated to get back in the cage to face the former Strikeforce champion. Gone are the usual pleasantries from the usual St-Pierre sound bites. He sounds excited to be in the sport again. That’s what a Diaz victory on Saturday brings: an enthusiastic St-Pierre. (more…)

Scott Jorgensen – Cowboy up

When it came to marketing, Scott Jorgensen wasn’t just good; he was damn good. A graduate of Boise State University who earned three Pac-10 wrestling titles in addition to his psychology degree, the Utah native was at a familiar crossroads for successful college athletes who don’t have a logical professional career (like the NFL or NBA) waiting for them in their sport as soon as school ends . . . Click here for more by Thomas Gerbasi, UFC.com
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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

The comeback of Ed Herman continues

Despite three surgeries on his knee that were costing him nearly two years of his prime as a mixed martial artist, Ed Herman knew that he would eventually come back to the UFC and life as a full-time fighter. That doesn’t mean there weren’t questions, both internally and externally, and days when everything just seemed to go wrong . . . Click here for more by Thomas Gerbasi, UFC.com
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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

UFC updates

The Countdown to UFC 143 Begins Tonight On FUEL TV: Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit prepare for their epic welterweight title showdown this Saturday, Roy Nelson and Fabricio Werdum ready themselves for their meeting in the Octagon, plus a look at Josh Koscheck and Mike Pierce! Premieres tonight at 9pm ET / 6pm PT on FUEL TV

For The First Time Ever, See The UFC Live and In 3D In Select Theaters: Watch UFC 143: Condit vs Diaz LIVE and in 3D! Tickets on sale now
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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

Poirier won’t let his guard down

The old saying “diamonds are a girl’s best friend and a man’s worst enemy” goes double for the UFC’s featherweight division because it’s their most dangerous competition. The shiniest and sharpest jewel of the resident 145ers cut a three fight win streak in 2011 that announced the presence of the weight class’ newest rising star. Whether they’re from Antwerp or Africa, the only allotrope of carbon fight fans need to know about is the one born, raised, and training to get meaner in Lafayette, Louisiana: Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier . . . Click here for more by Jordan Newmark, UFC.com
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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

GSP on Nick Diaz, Carlos Condit

On Saturday night, live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, elite welterweights Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit will collide for the interim UFC 170lbs championship.

UFC superstar Georges St-Pierre will be a very interested – and conflicted – ringside observer to the UFC 143 main event. ‘GSP’ has been the undisputed welterweight king since the spring of 2008, but knee injuries have forced him to withdraw from scheduled bouts with both Condit and Diaz and so he must sit on the sidelines while the pair stake a claim to his crown. (more…)

Roy Nelson, gold digger

For people who enjoy collision competition, nothing will beat this upcoming first Saturday and Sunday in February. On Sunday, it’s the final NFL game of the season: Super Bowl XLVI between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. But the night prior, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, UFC 143 will be the proving ground for two of the top heavyweights in the world: Fabricio Werdum and Roy Nelson. Before the nation crowns a new Super Bowl champion, the big boys of the UFC will clash to see who is one step closer to a title shot. For “Big Country”, nothing could be sweeter than another win in his hometown, which puts him that much closer to UFC gold . . . Click here for more by Jordan Newmark, UFC.com
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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

The Blueprint: Diaz vs. Condit

Russell Crowe, in his career-defining role as Maximus in the box office bonanza “Gladiator,” made famous a line that has been uttered more than once to a crowd by UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer in the off-camera moments just before a pay-per-view broadcast kicks in . . . Click here for more by Michael DiSanto, UFC.com
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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

Carlos Condit: My goal is to be the best

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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

Video: Rashad Evans at UFC postfight

Videos by Przemek Garczarcyk

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UFC on FOX 2: Report

By Tim Hobscheid, Fightnews

In the main event, Rashad Evans earned a decisive victory over Phil Davis. Davis was aggressive throughout the fight, pushing forward and throwing a lot of punches, but Evans was true to his name. “Suga” was smooth on his feet and always a step ahead of the young Penn State wrestler. Throughout the build-up to this fight, Davis cited his wrestling pedigree and vowed that he would have the upper hand when the fight hit the ground.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Evans used a great sprawl to stay away from Davis’ shots and was able to use an improved transitional jiu-jitsu game to secure positioning. On three occasions, Evans was able to position Davis in a crucifix and work strikes to his head, but the finish proved elusive to Evans. That seemed to be the theme of the evening for Rashad Evans. He was always in control, but was never aggressive enough to pull out a stoppage. (more…)

Evans eying Jones showdown in April

By Tim Hobscheid, Fightnews

On Saturday night, Rashad Evans scored a unanimous decision victory over Phil Davis, securing a title shot against Jon Jones in April.

When asked about his victory, Evans stated, “I felt good about the performance, but you always strive to be better. There were a couple of opportunities that I wish I would have capitalized on. I wanted to put on a more spectacular fight for the fans, but I can’t be too overly critical.” (more…)

Evans routes Davis, earns shot at rival Jones

By Anthony Springer

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans made the third time a charm. After missing out on title shots due to injuries, “Suga” is on the verge of facing Jon Jones. All he had to do was defeat prospect Phil Davis in a one sided decision win in the feature UFC on Fox 2 bout.

The pair went back and forth throughout the week. When Evans called Davis’ wrestling technique “trash,” many (this writer included) thought he’d lost his mind. However Evans proved that despite lacking the collegiage credentials of Davis, the vet indeed has better MMA wrestling. (more…)

The Downes Side: UFC on FOX 2 predictions

The Downes Side is riding a lot of momentum after going 4-0 last week. Truth be told, it’s the most impressive I’ve felt since I had a friend’s older brother buy me a CD with a parental advisory sticker. Okay, so it was a KoRn album, but that did help me learn how to take a punch after my parents found it . . . Click here for more by Dan Downes, UFC.com
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For more info on the UFC or UFC on FOX, visit www.UFC.com

UFC on FOX at the scales

Videos and weights by Przemek Garczarcyzk, Fightnews

At the scales for UFC on FOX, which is headlined by the light heavyweight bout between Rashad Evans and Phil Davis and the middleweight bout between Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping, airing live on FOX from the United Center in Chicago, IL at 8pm ET / 5pm PT. Fans can also tune in to FUEL TV for seven prelim bouts at 5pm ET / 2pm PT.

MAIN EVENT
Phil Davis (205) VS Rashad Evans (205)

FOX MAIN CARD
Michael Bisping (185) VS Chael Sonnen (185)
Demian Maia (186) VS Chris Weidman (185)

FUEL PRELIMS
Nik Lentz (155) VS Evan Dunham (155)
John-Olav Einemo (253) VS Mike Russow (251)
George Roop (145) vs Cub Swanson (145)
Eric Wisely (145) vs Charles Oliveira (144)
Michael Johnson (156) VS Shane Roller (156)
Lavar Johnson (252) VS Joey Beltran (228)
Dustin Jacoby (185) VS Chris Camozzi (185)

See videos of weigh-in:  (more…)

Evans confident heading into UFC on FOX 2 bout vs. Davis

Story by Anthony Springer Jr.

To say that Rashad Evans (16-1-1) is confident heading into his UFC on Fox 2 bout with Phil Davis might be the understatement of the year. But when you’ve got wins over Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin and “Rampage” Jackson, you can call yourself a top-ten fighter.

Still, it’s not like Davis (9-0) is a slouch, but it’s clear that Evans expects to roll over the still-green, but surging prospect. (more…)

Watch UFC on FOX weigh-in

Watch the UFC on FOX: Evans vs. Davis weigh-in live Friday, January 27 at 5 pm ET/2 pm PT. Click here
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For more info on the UFC or UFC on FOX, visit www.UFC.com

Dana White uncensored!

Story and photo by Przemek Garczarcyzk, Fightnews

Dana White, UFC president was ready for every question during Thursday’s final press conference in Chicago before the “UFC on FOX 2” sold-out January 28 event at the United Center. White faced reporters on a variety of topics . . . . (more…)

UFC on FOX video: Michael Bisping

Video by Przemek Garczarcyzk, Fightnews

Michael Bisping Evans, UFC middleweight: “I know some fans are disappointed that there hasn’t been eight weeks of zingers between us and, to be honest, I think we would have got into it if this fight had been made two months ago. But right now, both of us had to focus on getting ready for a new opponent – and in his case a more dangerous opponent in me – on a week’s notice. I never talk trash unless someone has disrespected me and, to be honest, Chael has been very complimentary of me.

Chael and I have thrown a few little jokes here and there but that’s because we’ve both got a sense of humor. And he’ll need that sense of humor after he goes to the hospital on Saturday night just like seven of my last eight opponents have. I am under no illusions – I am getting kicked, punched, elbowed and taken down by Chael but he’s getting punched, kicked, kneed, elbowed and knocked out in return. It will be a nasty, nasty war, but I’m beating him up and winning this fight. I am sure I will be taken down, but he’s going to have to worry about being submitted each time he does that. He won’t be able to hold me down and I know I can pick him apart standing.

“It is a great fight, I am sure we are both going to look like car-crash victims on Sunday AM. Never mind the trashtalk, we can both do that in our sleep, just tune in on FOX and watch the fight of the year. I may have only been told about this fight last Tuesday, but I have trained my arse off since I was eight years old. I am going to make the oddsmakers look like fools; I am winning this fight.”
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For more info on the UFC or UFC on FOX, visit www.UFC.com

UFC on FOX video: Rashad Evans

Video by Przemek Garczarcyzk, Fightnews

Rashad Evans, UFC light heavyweight: “Davis is intimidated. I’ve seen him around and he’s not looking too confident. He’s not ready for this level, and he knows it. He’s coming to put up a good show, go back down a level, and come back again in a year or two. He’s not coming to take it to me, but I am gonna’ take it to him. After I had my year off (with injury) I came back with the attitude of never, ever leaving it up to the judges and just throwing hands all the time. That’s the way my career is going to go, and that’s how I am going to.

Phil is just a nice guy. He’s not a fighter. He’s an athlete, a great athlete, but not a fighter. He has no killer instinct for this and he’s got no experience at this level. He’s never fought at heavyweight like I had to (in TUF 2) to get into the UFC. He didn’t get punched by Chuck Liddell and Rampage Jackson like I did. He’s not had to dig deep at all.

He’s in deep water, and I’m the shark.”
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For more info on the UFC or UFC on FOX, visit www.UFC.com