MMA News and Fight Videos

Former NCAA All-American wrestler Cain Velasquez has every intention of remaining with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, according to a report by Franklin McNeil of ESPN.com and the Newark Star-Ledger. McNeil issued the report during this week’s edition of “MMA Live,” which can be viewed every week on FiveOuncesOfPain.com. Velasquez is considered by most pundits to be one [...]

Cain Velasquez has reportedly pulled out of a proposed bout with former Cage Rage British heavyweight champion Mustafa Al-Turk at UFC 92 due to a knee injury that was sustained in training. Velasquez is reported be undergoing knee surgery to fix the issue and will be unavailable to take the fight against Al-Turk. “We got word [...]

UFC heavyweight up and comer Cain Velasquez is scheduled to take on Mustafa Al-Turk at UFC Fight Night 16 “UFC Fights for the Troops” on December 10th, but a source close to the fighter stated that Velasquez underwent surgery for a knee injury.

Velasquez had arthroscopic surgery to smooth out tears in his meniscus, and is currently undergoing physical therapy.

The fight is not officially cancelled but the source is claiming that the fight is in serious doubt.

“My gut feeling is that he won’t make it [UFN 16], A return at UFC 92 on Dec. 27 or UFC 93 on January 31 is likely”

American Kickboxing Academy trained fighter, Cain Velasquez is coming off a dominating performance over Jake O’Brien at UFN “Silva vs. Irvin”

The 2-time All American collegiate wrestler made his UFC debut by defeating Brad Morris by TKO in the first round at UFC 83.

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Published reports indicate that current Cage Rage British heavyweight champion Mustafa Al-Turk has signed a four-fight deal with the UFC. Al-Turk is 6-3 overall with all six of his victories coming inside of the British Cage Rage promotion. Al-Turk is riding a two fight win streak and holds a victory over former UFC and PRIDE [...]

Hot heavyweight blue chip prospect Cain Velasquez (4-0) will likely return to action against Octagon newcomer Mustafa Al-Turk (6-3) at UFC Fight Night 16: “Fights for the Troops” at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C., on December 10.

MMAmania.com recently learned of the possible match up between the future the division and the current Cage Rage British Heavyweight Champion.

Velasquez is an undefeated American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) standout who has won all of his UFC bouts (two), building a reputation as a dangerous opponent who many in the division would prefer to avoid. Brad Morris and Jake O’Brien weren’t so lucky, and the former Arizona State University wrestler stopped them both in the first round.

He is widely regarded as a future champion, a distinction his possible opponent already has locked down.

Al-Turk — who fights out of the famous London Shoot gym in the United Kingdom — reportedly just signed a four-fight contract to fight for the UFC after a successful run in Europe on the Cage Rage circuit. In fact, he has six wins in seven attempts for the promotion and is riding a two-fight win streak.

He is a pretty well-rounded fighter with serviceable boxing and solid grappling skills. However, he will need to polish his wrestling if he wants to stay in good positions against a stud like Velasquez.

UFC Fight Night 16: “Fights for the Troops” features two welterweight clashes between Josh Koscheck and Yoshiyuki Yoshida, as well as Mike Swick against Jonathan Goulet. In case your keeping score it’s an AKA attack on Fort Bragg and likely Spike TV — the bout between Velasquez and Turk would likely join these two bouts on the three-hour televised main card.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates and rumors regarding UFC Fight Night 16: “Fights for the Troops.”

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The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) today issued its medical suspensions for UFC Fight Night 14: “Silva vs. Irvin,” which took place on Saturday, July 19 at “The Pearl” at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Surprisingly, the list of wounded is extensive. However, the only serious injuries appear to be those suffered by Brad Blackburn (thumb) and Anthony Johnson (eye).

Heavyweight prospect Cain Velasquez popped up on the report with a possible knee injury. And if it’s confirmed he can be on the shelf for a little bit.

Fortunately, Brodie Farber –- the unlucky dude on the receiving end of a devastating Rory Markham head kick –- appears to be just fine.

Here’s the complete list of injuries and their medical instructions:

James Irvin – “The Sandman” is suspended until September 3 with a right cheek laceration and there in no contact allowed until August 19.

Hermes Franca – The charismatic Brazilian fighter is suspended until August 19 and there is no contact allowed until August 10.

Frank Edgar – “The Answer” is suspended until August 19 with a chin laceration and there is no contact allowed until August 10.

Jake O’Brien – “Irish” is suspended until September 3 and there is no contact allowed until August 19.

Cain Velasquez – The up-and-comer must have a meniscal/ligament tear in his knee cleared by an orthopedic doctor or no contest until January 7, 2009. His minimum suspension will last until August 9 and there is no contact allowed until August 10.

Anthony Johnson — “Rumble” must have Johnson must have a right eye conjunctiva laceration cleared by an ophthalmologist before he can return to action. His minimum suspension and no contest will last until August 19 and there is no contact until August 10.

Tim Credeur – The Louisiana native must have an MRI of right knee and receive orthopedic clearance from a doctor otherwise there is no contest until January 17, 2009. His minimum suspension and no contest will last until August 19 and there’s no contact allowed until August 10.

Cale Yarbrough – He is suspended until September 13 and there is no contact allowed until August 19.

Brodie Farber – The Octagon newcomer is suspended until September 18 and there is no contact allowed until September 3.

Rory Markham – He is suspended until August 19 and there is no contact allowed until August 10.

Nate Loughran – He is suspended until September 13 with lacerations and there is no contact allowed until August 19.

James Giboo – The Iowa-based fighter is suspended until September 13 and there is no contact allowed until August 19.

Brad Blackburn – He must have a broken left thumb cleared by an orthopedic doctor or no contest until January 7, 2009.

Just a quick reminder: Fighters often return to action much quicker once doctors give them the green light. The lengthy suspensions are just a precaution in most cases.

For complete UFC Fight Night 14: “Silva vs. Irvin” results and coverage click here and here.

These numbers don’t include the fight night bonuses,

The Winners

Anderson Silva: $200,000 (200k to show)
Brandon Vera: $200,000 (100k to win, 100k to show)
Frankie Edgar: $26,000 (13k to win, 13k to show)
Cain Velasquez: $14,000 (7k to win, 7k to show)
Kevin Burns: $10,000 (5k to win, 5k to show)
CB Dollaway: $20,000 (10k to win, 10k to show)
Tim Credeur: $16,000 (8k to win, 8k to show)
Rory Markham: $12,000 (6k to win, 6k to show)
Nate Loughran: $8,000 (4k to win, 4k to show)
Brad Blackburn: $10,000 (5k to win, 5k to show)
Shannon Gugerty: $6,000 (3k to win, 3k to show)

The Losers

James Irvin: $20,000
Reese Andy $15,000
Hermes Franca : $17,000
Jake O’Brien: $11,000
Anthony Johnson: $9,000
Jesse Taylor: $8,000
Cale Yarbrough: $8,000
Brodie Farber: $3,00O
Johnny Rees: $4,000
James Gaboo: $3,000
Dale Hartt: $3,000

Total Payout: $623,000

TUF 14 Fight Bonuses

Frankie Edgar ($25,000 for “Fight of the Night”)
Hermes Franca ($25,000 for “Fight of the Night”)
Rory Markham ($25,000 for “Submission of the Night”)
C.B. Dollaway ($25,000 for “Knockout of the Night”)

All reported payouts don’t include deductions for insurance, licenses, gym dues, management commissions, and taxes. They also don’t reflect fighter sponsorships, signing bonuses and sometimes PPV percentages.

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He also provides background on the “Brown Pride” tattoo across his chest:

Note that this was conducted by his training partner, Josh Koscheck, just days before Cain stepped inside the Octagon.

Click the banner above or right here for up-to-the-minute results and blow-by-blow coverage of UFC Fight Night 14: “Silva vs. Irvin.”

Quick results of the prelim fights will begin to flow around 8 p.m. ET and LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of the main card action will start at 9:00 p.m. ET with the three-hour Spike TV telecast.

If you’re going to leave comments and discuss the fights with all the other MMAmania.com readers be sure to do it on the main UFC Fight Night 14 results post and not this one.

On October 14 2006, Rich Franklin staggered backwards in the octagon after being hit with a barrage of strikes. His mouth was agape, his nose broken and his body language conceded defeat. But, it was Franklin’s wide, terror-filled eyes that resonated most to MMA fans. Nothing could be more shocking than seeing a fighter of Franklin’s pedigree look so flustered and exasperated. That look was one of sheer dread. He was scared of Anderson Silva. Franklin had zero idea how to beat him and didn’t want to be in the same ring as him. Getting into a fighter’s head to that degree is very rare in professional sports and Anderson Silva had found a home inside Franklins. It was on that fateful evening that Anderson Silva truly began to make his presence felt in the sport.
           
Despite having notable wins over Hayato Sakurai, Carlos Newton and Jeremy Horn, it wasn’t until his arrival in the UFC that he began to establish a lasting legacy. Since joining the UFC in 2006, Silva has been the most dominant athlete in the sport. Silva has looked nearly unbeatable en route to destroying Chris Leben, dethroning Rich Franklin in brutal fashion, and handing Dan Henderson - arguably the worst dismantling of his career. With the UFC, Silva is a perfect 6-0 over quality opposition.
         
After seemingly clearing out the majority of the division, Silva will look to further his status by trying his hand as a light heavyweight. This coming Saturday, he will face off against up-and- comer, James Irvin. Although against a lesser opponent, this bout could have major repercussions for his career and legacy. A win would secure upcoming fights with world-class fighters and the opportunity to leave the sport as the best ever. But, a loss would burst the Spider’s bubble, disposing of his heir of invincibility.
           
When witnessing an Anderson Silva fight, the chances are he will thrill you at some point. And, in most of his recent bouts, he has yet to disappoint. Moving up yet another weight class is no easy task. Silva will have his hands full with James Irvin. But, for MMA purists, the thought of Silva punctuating his dominance by defeating Irvin and other future light heavyweights=2 0is an exhilarating prospect.  

What sets Silva apart from his obvious skills, is his desire to fight the best. Silva is not satisfied fighting contenders he knows he can beat. Instead, he strives to test himself by continually embarking on new challenges – the litmus test of a true competitor. It would be extremely easy for Silva to sit back, fight three times-a-year and dominate mid-tier opposition in the middleweight division. There is no question; he’d still be remembered as one of the better fighters of his time. But, that isn’t enough for Silva. Being remembered, as one of the best does not serve his purposes, Silva’s driven to extend his legacy as THE best fighter of all time. And on Saturday, he will risk a great deal in order to try and achieve that. There is no reward without risk and that is what being a true champion is all about. 
 

Brandon Vera vs. Reese Andy

Even in defeat, Brandon Vera held his own against some of the best heavyweights the UFC threw his way. Nonetheless, he will be making his light heavyweight debut. His opponent, the unheralded and former IFL fighter, Reese Andy, is going to have his hands full. This is looking like one of those spoon fed, warm up opponents. This fight should not last very long. Vera is the better fighter in almost every area. Andy’s best bet will be to try and smother Vera using ground n’ pound. Most likely, Vera will use Andy to test the waters of the 205 division, to get comfortable, and end the fight by an early TKO.
 

Frankie Edgar vs. Hermes Franca

Frankie Edgar versus Hermes Franca should be an interesting match. For Edgar, the fight will determine one of two things. Either Edgar will prove that he is a legitimate contender and can beat most fighters thrown his way. Or, his lack of size will be emphasized as a glaring weakness (as it was against Gray Maynard) and he will be forced to drop to 145, most likely in the WEC. Franca is an exceptional jiu-jitsu artist, with surprisingly heavy hands. He is not a crisp striker and throws wildly, but can knock an opponent out. Although skilled, his take down defense is severely lacking. Sean Sherk took him down at will. If Edger is strong enough to maintain control of Franca, then his solid wrestling should be enough to win him the fight. If Franca20proves to be far too strong, then he could end up getting submitted. Yet, Edger is a scrappy guy who should be able to eek out a decision.
 

Anthony Johnson vs. Kevin Burns

The last time Anthony Johnson fought, the result was one of the most brutal knockouts I have ever seen. Tommy Speer was knocked out, while still standing and Johnson continued to tee off on him as Speer collapsed onto the ropes. Kevin Burns is coming off an impressive UFC debut but might have bitten off more than he can chew in the form of “big Rumble J.” TKO Johnson, round one.
 

Cain Velasquez vs. Jake O’Brien

The UFC is doing a poor job of marketing Cain Velasquez versus Jake O’Brien. These two fighters could very well be the future of the division and somewhere down the line could be challenging for the heavyweight strap. Velasquez is one of the big three UFC rookies (along with Shane Carwin and Brock Lesnar) who are being highly touted. O’Brien has done well for himself, except for losing a fight he had been winning to Andrei Arlovski. Both fighters have solid wrestling skills, but Velasquez is just such a physical freak. I hope this fight is televised because it should be an exciting brawl. It’s tough to rule out O’Brien, but Velasquez seems like he is going mirk and beast (a Brett Rogers quote) people for a long time to come. Velasquez by TKO, round two. 

CB Dolloway vs. Jesse Taylor

The fight between C.B. Dolloway and Jesse Taylor will reunite the Ultimate Fighter cast members. Dolloway is by far, the more well rounded fighter of the two. Taylor has not displayed much of anything besides solid wrestling and takedowns. But, against a fellow wrestler, it remains to be seen if he achieve the same success. Dolloway is athletic and seems to have all the physical tools to become a decent fighter. He should be able to put together a solid performance and beat Taylor at his own game. Dolloway via decision.

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