MMA news

• WSOF 31 Weigh-ins: Ivanov, Copeland Pass Final Hurdle for Heavyweight Title Tilt

  16-06-2016 23:41 via sherdog.com
  
  World Series of Fighting 31 goes down Friday night from within the storied Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., and in the main event, the Las Vegas-based promotion’s heavyweight champion will put his title on the line.
  
  Read more

• Update On Potential UFC Sale: Deal Nearly Finalized, Multiple Bids Over $4 Billion

  16-06-2016 23:22
  
  The sale of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) could very well be finalized soon, according to reports from multiple outlets, including ESPN.com.Two groups have reportedly made bids in the $4.1 billion range. One was a joint-bid by William Morris Endeavor Agency and The Dalian Wanda Group, while the other came from China Media Capital. Both offers for $4.1 billion would include complete, 100-percent control of the company.UFC used investment bank Goldman Sachs to facilitate the bids, howev
  
  Read more

• Nevada Athletic Commission to consider early weigh-in procedure

  16-06-2016 23:00
  
  An era of weigh-in reform could be upon us.
  The Nevada Athletic Commission, the most influential combat sports commission in the country, will consider adopting the early weigh-in rule currently being used by California and other jurisdictions at its next meeting Tuesday, NAC executive director Bob Bennett confirmed with MMA Fighting on Thursday.
  The development was first reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
  The consideration has been added to the NAC meeting agenda s a request by Zuff
  
  Read more

• UFC sale reportedly imminent with two bids in $4.1 billion range (updated)

  16-06-2016 22:13
  
  The "C" in UFC must stand for "cash."
  The UFC has received two bids in the range of $4.1 billion and a sale is close, according to an ESPN.com report Thursday. The two high bidders, per ESPN sports business inside Darren Rovell, are WME-IMG (in conjunction with Dalian Wanda Group) and China Media Capital.
  The bids are somewhere between $3.9 and $4.2 billion, sources said.
  The sale would be for the entire company. Currently, both groups are trying to completely finance the buyout, the report said
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• UFC sale reportedly imminent with two bids in $4.1 billion range

  16-06-2016 22:13
  
  The "C" in UFC must stand for "cash."
  The UFC has received two bids in the range of $4.1 billion and a sale is close, according to an ESPN.com report Thursday. The two high bidders, per ESPN sports business inside Darren Rovell, are WME-IMG (in conjunction with Dalian Wanda Group) and China Media Capital.
  The sale would be for the entire company. Currently, both groups are trying to completely finance the buyout, the report said. The results of that could determine which bidder ends up buying th
  
  Read more

• WSOF 31 weigh-in video

  16-06-2016 22:00
  
  At the WSOF 31 weigh-ins, all 24 fighters taking part in Friday night's WSOF 31 fights will step on the scale Thursday evening, and we'll have the live video here at MMAFighting.com.In the main event, Blagoy Ivanov and Josh Copeland will have to make the heavyweight limit of 265 pounds.The WSOF 31 weigh-in video takes place at 5 p.m. ET, and the video is above.Check out the WSOF 31 weigh-in results below.Main card (NBC Sports at 9 p.m. ET)
  Blagoy Ivanov vs. Josh Copeland
  Jason High vs. Mike Ricc
  
  Read more

• Reports: UFC Sale Nearly Finalized After Multiple Bids for Full Ownership Exceed $4 Billion

  16-06-2016 21:56 via sherdog.com
  
  The sale of the Ultimate Fighting Championship could be finalized soon, according to reports from both FloCombat.com and ESPN.com.
  
  Read more

• Jorge Masvidal Steps in for Claudio Silva, Faces Siyar Bahadurzada at UFC 201 in Atlanta

  16-06-2016 21:50 via sherdog.com
  
  Jorge Masvidal will replace Claudio Henrique da Silva and face Siyar Bahadurzada at UFC 201.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Marcos Galvao Waited Patiently Through ‘Disappointing’ Delay for Eduardo Dantas Rematch

  16-06-2016 21:45 via sherdog.com
  
  Several years ago in Brazil at the Nova Uniao main academy, Marcos Galvao and Eduardo Dantas were teammates. They became friends and trained together constantly but in the back of their minds, the two knew that someday their paths would inevitably cross in the throes of real combat, not just in the gym.
  
  Read more

• WSOF 31 Weigh-In Results From Mashantucket, Connecticut

  16-06-2016 20:55
  
  On Friday evening,World Series Of Fighting (WSOF) Heavyweight Champion Blagoi Ivanow will put his title on the line in the main event of WSOF 31 against Josh Copeland, but before that happens, all of the fighters on Friday's card must tip the scales.Later this evening, the official weigh-in results for the WSOF 31 event will take place in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Make sure to check back here for the official numbers from the WSOF 31 weigh-ins.Below is the official lineup for Friday night's WSO
  
  Read more

• Cortney Casey, Cristina Stanciu to Clash at UFC Fight Night in Sioux Falls

  16-06-2016 20:37 via sherdog.com
  
  Cortney Casey will lock horns wih Cristina Stanciu in a strawweight bout at UFC Fight Night “Ferguson vs. Chiesa” on July 13.
  
  Read more

• Fedor vs. Maldonado weigh-in video

  16-06-2016 20:23
  
  The Fedor vs. Maldonado weigh-in video is for Friday's showdown between Fedor Emelianenko and Fabio Maldonado at EFN 50 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
  
  Read more

• Video: EFN 50: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Fabio Maldonado Weigh-Ins

  16-06-2016 20:10
  
  The official weigh-ins for this weekend's EFN 50 event have come and gone.EFN 50 will feature an anticipated main event with MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko fighting former UFC contender Fabio Maldonado in what could be his final fight before possibly signing with the UFC, as he alluded to during his interview with Ariel Helwani at MMAFighting.com earlier this week.Embedded above is a complete video archive of the official EFN 50 weigh-ins. EFN 50 takes place live on Friday, June 17, 2016 from St.
  
  Read more

• Video: Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2 Weigh-In Results

  16-06-2016 19:53
  
  https://youtu.be/9kvrjW03OF0On Friday night, Bellator Bantamweight Champion Marcos Galvao will compete in a rematch against former champion Eduardo Dantas in the main event of the Bellator 156 event, which will air live on Spike TV. Before Galvao and Dantas enter the Bellator cage, however, they, as well as the rest of the fighters scheduled for Friday night's fight card, must step on the official scales.Later this evening, the official Bellator 156 weigh-ins will take place and will be streamed
  
  Read more

• Photos: Conor McGregor Spars With All-Ireland Boxing Champion Conor Wallace

  16-06-2016 19:33
  
  UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor continues to bring in specialists to help him prepare for his upcoming 170-pound immediate rematch against the first and only man to ever beat him inside the UFC's Octagon, Nate Diaz, as he recently brought in a decorated professional boxer to his camp.McGregor, who mocked Diaz repeatedly during the build-up to their first fight at UFC 196 in March for putting so much stock in the fact that he trains with world class boxers like Andre Ward and world clas
  
  Read more

• Brock Lesnar Talks More In-Depth About UFC 200 With Paul Heyman

  16-06-2016 19:32
  
  Part two of an exclusive interview between Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman has been released courtesy "Heyman Hustle," complete with behind the scenes footage.Lesnar returns to MMA next month at UFC 200 vs. Mark Hunt.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37GRkZn8WLY[/embed]
  
  Read more

• Michael Bisping Wants To “Destroy” Dan Henderson

  16-06-2016 19:23
  
  Fresh off his UFC 199 victory over Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping returned to the "UFC Tonight" desk Wednesday as a co-host.The reigning UFC middleweight champion again made it perfectly clear that he wants a rematch with Dan Henderson for his first title defense, not Chris Weidman or a rematch with Rockhold.“With Chris Weidman, he’s coming off a loss. I believe he should rematch with Luke, and the winner gets shot at the belt," he said. "I want to get revenge on Dan Henderson before
  
  Read more

• Fedor Emelianenko Vs. Kevin Randleman Fight Replay

  16-06-2016 19:20
  
  Friday, Fedor Emelianenko returns to action against Fabio Maldonado at EFN 50 on UFC Fight Pass.To help promote the bout, the UFC has been releasing previous fights featuring "The Last Emperor."The latest addition to the collection comes from 2004 when Emelianenko took on former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman.
  Check it out in the video below:[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wULK3lFpB3g[/embed]
  
  Read more

• Bellator MMA Inks Wrestling Standout Joey Davis

  16-06-2016 19:17
  
  Joey Davis found nothing but success while on the wrestling mats competing for Div. II Norte Dame College.Now, the 21-year-old will attempt to duplicate that in MMA after signing a multi-year, multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA recently.Davis went 131-0 during his four year career, including capturing four national titles. He is the only Div. II wrestler to accomplish both feats.“With God you can achieve anything, and I’m gonna do it with high fashion,” Davis said, who will com
  
  Read more

• Stephen Thompson With Nothing But Praise For Opponent Rory MacDonald

  16-06-2016 19:14
  
  When Stephen Thompson watches film of Rory MacDonald, he sees one of the best fighters in the world.This Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 89, "Wonderboy" will get to test his skills against the former title contender in a five-round welterweight main event.“He’s the best well rounded fighter that I’ve faced," said Thompson, during an interview on UFC Tonight recently. "He’s got great standup, He’s got good wrestling and phenomenal jiu-jitsu. He’s the No. 1 co
  
  Read more

• Rory MacDonald “Absolutely” Will Call For UFC Title Shot With Win Over Thompson

  16-06-2016 19:11
  
  Rory MacDonald confirmed on Wednesday night's edition of "UFC Tonight" that he absolutely will ask for another crack at the UFC welterweight title with a win over Stephen Thompson this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 89 - under one condition."If I end up staying with the UFC and I have a successful fight," MacDonald said. "I'll definitely have something to say about (being the No. 1 contender)."MacDonald, who lost to current champion Robbie Lawler recently in a bout that is sure to garner "Fight of
  
  Read more

• Live Video Stream: M-1 Challenge 68 ‘Shlemenko vs. Vasilevsky 2’ (12 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT)

  16-06-2016 18:00 via sherdog.com
  
  Watch a free live stream of Thursday’s M-1 Challenge 68 “Shlemenko vs. Vasilevsky 2” from St. Petersburg, Russia, beginning at 12 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT.
  
  Read more

• Bellator's Brandon Halsey vows to be 'reinvented' after disastrous 2015

  16-06-2016 18:00
  
  Brandon Halsey lost his belt last year after missing weight. Then, with a chance to reclaim it, he was knocked out by a liver kick.
  It was a bad 2015 for the former Bellator middleweight champion. It also gave him a chance to look inward and make important changes.
  "Am I really where I want to be at as a fighter?" Halsey said he asked himself. "Have I progressed in these three years to where I want to be? I didn't."
  After losing to Rafael Carvalho by second-round knockout in October, Halsey did
  
  Read more

• Frankie Edgar's plan: Beat Jose Aldo, then fight Conor McGregor at Madison Square Garden

  16-06-2016 17:00
  
  As a native of neighboring New Jersey, Frankie Edgar has long dreamt of fighting at New York's Madison Square Garden.
  And now that there's a date in place for the UFC's debut in the famed venue -- Nov. 12 for UFC 205 -- the former UFC lightweight champion has an opponent in mind.
  The way Edgar sees it, should he defeat Jose Aldo for the UFC interim featherweight title next month at UFC 200, a date with featherweight champ Conor McGregor at MSG would be a no-brainer.
  "You can't write something be
  
  Read more

• UFC Sale Bidding Officially Underway

  16-06-2016 16:55
  
  The story regarding the potential sale of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is about to get a lot more interesting. Dave Meltzer, editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and journalist at MMAFighting.com, noted during his latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that the opening bids for the UFC sale will be taking place today.Apparently the highest bidder could very well end up the new owners of the UFC, as it's rumored that there are bids out there that are in or above the ra
  
  Read more

• UFC roundup: Mairbek Taisumov vs. Nik Lentz added to UFC 203

  16-06-2016 16:10
  
  The UFC has officially announced two bouts for upcoming events in the United States.
  At UFC 203, rising lightweight Mairbek Taisumov will take on longtime UFC veteran Nik Lentz. Taisumov (25-5) enters the bout riding a four-fight knockout streak, while Lentz (26-7-2) looks for his second straight win following a split decision over Danny Castillo in December.
  UFC 203 takes place at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 10, and features Stipe Miocic’s first heavyweight title
  
  Read more

• At age 33, John Howard finally freed by diagnosis of clinical autism

  16-06-2016 15:00
  
  A few months ago, as the ink still dried on his new World Series of Fighting contract, John Howard stumbled headfirst into a conversation he never expected to have. He was midway through a neurological exam, the kind required of 33-year-old fighters who are closer to the home stretch than the starting line, and the discussion turned to his elementary school days in south Boston. The stroll down memory lane ended up being more than small talk.
  There were certain patterns doctors kept picking up i
  
  Read more

• Morning Report: Carlos Condit open to return for Robbie Lawler or Nick Diaz rematches, ready to step in should Tyron Woodley get hurt

  16-06-2016 14:00
  
  Former UFC interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit is still uncertain of returning to MMA but would be happy to step in on short notice to UFC 201 if needed. Carlos Condit isn't coming back just yet but his list of possible fights is growing.
  On Tuesday, the former UFC interim welterweight champion posted a video on his Instagram of him hitting pads with the caption "One more..." leaving many to speculate that Condit was ready to return to the octagon once again. Yesterday, Condit went
  
  Read more

• Pete Williams vs. Mark Coleman Fight From UFC 17 Being Inducted Into UFC HOF

  16-06-2016 11:49
  
  This week, UFC announced the fight that will be inducted in this year's UFC Hall Of Fame class.The historic showdown from UFC 17 between Pete Williams and Mark Coleman, a fight that was long-considered one of the best "highlight reel" knockouts of all-time with Williams head-kicking Coleman and shocking the MMA world by pulling off the upset.The Williams-Coleman fight will be inducted this year, along with UFC legend Don Frye, former UFC promoter Bob Meyrowitz, former NSAC executive director and
  
  Read more

• Cortney Casey vs. Cristina Stanciu Confirmed For UFC Fight Night 91

  16-06-2016 11:39
  
  In addition to the many other fights officially announced on Wednesday, UFC confirmed an intriguing women's strawweight bout for their upcoming UFC Fight Night 91 event in July.UFC.com announced on Wednesday evening that Cortney Casey will meet Cristina Stanciu in women's 115-pound action.Headlined by Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa, UFC Fight Night 91 is scheduled to take place on July 13, 2016 from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
  
  Read more

• Nik Lentz vs. Mairbek Taisumov Announced For UFC 203 In September

  16-06-2016 11:31
  
  On Wednesday, UFC announced a new lightweight bout for their upcoming UFC 203 pay-per-view in September.Mairbek Taisumov, who is currently riding a four-fight winning streak inside the Octagon, all of which came by knockout, will look to crack into the UFC top 15 rankings for the lightweight division, as he faces battle-tested Nik Lentz.Lentz last fought in the UFC back in December, returning to the 155 pound division with a victory over highly regarded contender Danny Castillo.Headlined by Stip
  
  Read more

• UFC Announces Main Event, Five Undercard Fights For UFC Fight Night 92

  16-06-2016 11:25
  
  On Wednesday, UFC announced the main event for their upcoming UFC Fight Night 92 event in August.Headlining the UFN 92 event, which is scheduled to take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be dynamic featherweight contenders Yair Rodriguez and Alex "Bruce Leeroy" Caceres.Also officially announced for the card on Wednesday were the following fights:* Cub Swanson vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri* Court McGee vs. Dominique Steele* Zak Cummings vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio* Marcin Tybura vs. Viktor Pesta* Thales Le
  
  Read more

• The Downes Side: Fight Night Ottawa picks

  16-06-2016 07:00 via ufc.com
  
  That’s right, boys and girls, it’s time for another Canadian edition of The Downes Side. While I can’t promise it will be as surprising as finding out Brock Lesnar will represent Canada at UFC 200, it might be as shocking as learning Seth Rogan is Canadian. Live from the TD Place Arena in Ottawa, Ontario, Rory MacDonald resumes his path toward UFC gold as he takes on the “Wonderboy,” Stephen Thompson. We’ll be looking at that fight as well as three others feat
  
  Read more

• Letourneau, Calderwood make history in first UFC female flyweight bout

  16-06-2016 07:00 via ufc.com
  
  OTTAWA Given the chance to skip the weight cut down to 115 pounds for their Fight Night Ottawa main card bout, Valerie Letourneau and Joanne Calderwood snatched it like a slice of pizza on fight week. Instead, Letourneau, the No. 5-ranked strawweight, and No. 12-ranked Calderwood will make history on Saturday when they meet in the first UFC female flyweight bout. Calderwood doesn’t expect a lot to be different about fight week though – just more food. How does she feel about that? &l
  
  Read more

• Cote aims to pull a Bisping and earn title shot

  16-06-2016 07:00 via ufc.com
  
  OTTAWA As Michael Bisping lifted the middleweight championship belt after knocking out Luke Rockhold at UFC 199, Patrick Cote sat at a TV at his home in Montreal, wide-eyed. Bisping’s 10-year trek for the elusive crown meant something to Cote, who got his own shot at the middleweight title and legend Anderson Silva back at UFC 90. But that was eight years ago. Almost like another lifetime for Cote, who now fights at 170 pounds and has compiled a record of 5-1 in his new division.“I d
  
  Read more

• UFC 203 Update: Mairbek Taisumov to Face Nik Lentz on Sept. 10 in Cleveland

  16-06-2016 04:36 via sherdog.com
  
  Mairbek Taisumov will attempt to earn his fifth straight win inside the Octagon when he faces Nik Lentz at UFC 203.
  
  Read more

• Yair Rodriguez-Alex Caceres Headliner, 5 Other Bouts Set for UFC Fight Night in Utah

  16-06-2016 04:04 via sherdog.com
  
  The UFC’s Aug. 6 trip to Salt Lake City is beginning to take shape, beginning with a featherweight headliner between Yair Rodriguez and Alex Caceres.
  
  Read more

• Bellator signs four-time NCAA Division II champion Joey Davis

  16-06-2016 04:00
  
  Four-time NCAA Division champion wrestler Joey Davis has inked a multi-year, multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA, promotion officials announced Wednesday. FloWrestling.org first reported the news.
  Davis, 21, recently graduated from Notre Dame University, where he accumulated an undefeated 131-0 record over the course of four seasons during his collegiate wrestling career. He is the only Division II wrestler in NCAA history to win four consecutive national titles, and is one of
  
  Read more

• Pete Williams vs. Mark Coleman to Be Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame ‘Fight Wing’

  16-06-2016 03:45 via sherdog.com
  
  The 1998 bout between Pete Williams and Mark Coleman will be the last member of the 2016 UFC Hall of Fame class, the promotion announced on Wednesday.
  
  Read more

• Pete Williams vs. Mark Coleman to be inducted into UFC Hall of Fame's fight wing

  16-06-2016 03:00
  
  Pete Williams made history in 1998 by knocking out Mark Coleman with a head kick at UFC 17. The finish was the first of its kind inside the UFC Octagon.
  Now, that moment will live forever in the UFC Hall of Fame.
  On Wednesday's episode of UFC Tonight, it was announced that Williams vs. Coleman will officially be inducted into the fight wing during the 2016 UFC Hall of Fame ceremony July 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
  "Williams against Coleman was the biggest upset of 1998 and the finish
  
  Read more

• Alex Caceres vs. Yair Rodriguez to headline UFC Fight Night 92, five other matchups announced

  16-06-2016 02:40
  
  The UFC Fight Night 92 card is shaping up.
  UFC Tonight announced Wednesday that featherweights Alex Caceres and Yair Rodriguez will headline the Aug. 6 show in Salt Lake City.
  Caceres is 2-0 since returning to featherweight in January, defeating Masio Fullen and Cole Miller via unanimous decision.
  Rodriguez, meanwhile, has won six straight and is a perfect 4-0 inside the UFC Octagon. His most recent victory over Andre Fili at UFC 197 came in spectacular fashion, as he knocked out his foe with a
  
  Read more

• Bellator MMA Signs 4-Time NCAA Division II National Champion Wrestler Joey Davis

  16-06-2016 01:17 via sherdog.com
  
  Bellator MMA has added another decorated wrestler to its roster.
  
  Read more

• Tallest UFC Fighters Include a ‘Skyscraper’ and Former Heavyweight Champion

  16-06-2016 00:34 via sherdog.com
  
  When examining the tallest UFC fighters, it’s best to start at the top — literally.
  
  Read more

• Gray Maynard, Robert Emerson Combined for Rare Double Knockout at ‘TUF 5’ Finale

  16-06-2016 00:27 via sherdog.com
  
  Video game aficionados are quite familiar with the concept, because in the button-mashing world of fighting classics such as Street Fighter or Tekken, the double knockout is all too common. In mixed martial arts, however, the feat is far more difficult to achieve, particularly at the sport’s highest level.
  
  Read more

• Will Brooks says he 'broke down into tears' after fulfilling dream of signing with UFC

  16-06-2016 00:19
  
  Will Brooks got back home from training at American Top Team and immediately saw his fiancée. The developments of the day -- he had just fulfilled a goal of signing with the UFC -- were just beginning to set in.
  "She was just smiling, laughing," Brooks told MMA Fighting on Wednesday, hours after he put his name on the dotted line. "I broke down into tears, man. Straight up broke down into tears. There's a lot of work that has been put into this. Of course, as I said, the work isn't done,
  
  Read more

• One Punch KO of Jose Aldo Tops Lengthy List of Conor McGregor Highlights

  16-06-2016 00:02 via sherdog.com
  
  When examining the lengthy list of Conor McGregor highlights in UFC competition, his one-punch knockout of Jose Aldo to claim featherweight gold immediately comes to mind.
  
  Read more

Follow @NewsMMAUSA on Twitter!