Tag: UFC 134 (Page 3 of 3)

Matchmaking Update: Franklin, Mayhem find next opponents

April 23, 2011 / Drew Ellis

This weekend has been pretty quiet for MMA news, but a few interesting UFC bouts were announced for upcoming events.

The most notable fight will take place at UFC 133 in August from Philadelphia where light heavyweights Rich Franklin and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira will collide.

Both fighters are coming off decision losses in their last fight. Franklin was beaten by Forrest Griffin at UFC 126 while Nogeuira was beaten by Phil Davis at UFC Fight Night 24 by decision.

This fight will be important for both men as each is struggling to stay relevant in the always-growing light heavyweight division. It should be a kickboxing contest, as both men are known for their striking.

Another fight that has been made is newly-signed Jason “Mayhem” Miller taking on Aaron Simpson at UFC 132 on July 2 from Las Vegas.

Miller has won his last two fights, but not been in action since September 25 of last year. Simpson is coming off a decision win over Mario Miranda at UFC Fight Night 24. That win ended a two-fight losing streak for Simpson. The bout should be a classic striker vs. grappler showdown and will be a good litmus test for where Miller fits in the UFC middleweight division.

Events, Fighters, News, UFC

Aaron Simpson Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Forrest Griffin Jason “Mayhem” Miller Phil Davis Rich Franklin UFC 132 UFC 134

UFC bouts that I’d pay to see that will never happen

April 19, 2011 / Drew Ellis

Just when it looked like the UFC might go all nostalgia at UFC 134 in Brazil with a bout featuring Royce Gracie, Dana White nixed the idea (MMAFighting.com).

But with names like Dan Severn and Art Jimmerson being thrown around lately, it made me think of the past and weird fights that I have always wanted to see for one reason or another.

Here are some fights that I would pay to see if the UFC deeply cared to entertain me:

Tank Abbott vs. Roy Nelson – Roy Nelson is what Tank Abbott should have been. Abbott has always been a fan favorite, yet is one of the worst fighters I have ever seen. At 10-14, Abbott was good for about 30 seconds of haymakers and then he gassed out. Nelson, who has a similar shape, is actually pretty impressive at grappling and jiu-jitsu, and he hits even harder than Tank. I would love to see Nelson toy with Abbott and then rub his giant belly in celebration.

Matt Hughes vs. Mark Hughes – Who better to match strength with Matt Hughes than his twin brother Mark? Mark has dipped into the MMA world, as he has a 6-2 record in his career. Granted, he hasn’t fought since 2003, but it was just be interesting to see the UFC find a way to pit twin brothers against one another. Would they both come out to “Country Boy Can Survive?”

Hong Man Choi vs. Jose Aldo – Granted Choi would have the size edge at 7-foot-2, 352-pounds, but I think the UFC featherweight champion (145 pounds, 5-7) can take him. I would love to see Jose speed around Choi and pepper him with leg kicks until the 7-footer comes crashing down like a giant oak tree.

Jose Canseco vs. Johnnie Morton – This is a must-see match. Both are former athletes. Both are 0-1 in their career. And both men lasted less than 90 seconds in their fight. Oh, and both men use steroids. It is a perfect match. Which man will be able to out-juice the other and get their first MMA victory?

Wesley Snipes vs. Joe Rogan – It has been a fight that has been talked about before, and I know Rogan would be down to fight. What better way to truly win over the fan base than seeing Rogan put a beat down on Snipes?

Events, Fighters, UFC

Joe Rogan Jose Aldo Jose Canseco Matt Hughes Roy Nelson Royce Gracie Tank Abbott UFC 134

Break out the Bengay: Old Fighters want to challenge Royce Gracie

April 17, 2011 / Drew Ellis

The rumors have been swirling in the MMA community that Royce Gracie will be taking part in the upcoming UFC 134 event that will be held in Brazil.

With the Hall of Famer gearing up for the bout, the question has been, who will be fighting Gracie?

Gracie hasn’t competed since June of 2007 and his most notable fight came in May of 2006 when he was dominated by Matt Hughes at UFC 60

If the UFC is really going to trot Gracie into the octagon in his home country, they need to give him an opponent he can beat.

Well, have no fear UFC, as plenty of elderly fighters seem to want that fight.

It started with Art Jimmerson tossing his name into the hat. You remember Art Jimmerson, he was the guy that fought Gracie at the first UFC with one boxing glove on. A game plan that sharp hasn’t been seen since. Gracie quickly submitted Jimmerson and began his Hall of Fame legacy.

Now, former UFC champion, Dan Severn, wants a piece of the action. Severn, who is now 52-years-old, has been competing regularly in smaller MMA shows. He is requesting a retirement match with Gracie at UFC 134.

Gracie submitted Severn at UFC 4 and the wrestler has been looking for a rematch ever since.

This situation has become a bit of a mess. I respect the UFC wanting to pay respect to Gracie, but he is simply not a fighter that is capable of fighting at a high level, and his opponent surely won’t be able to either.

A fight featuring Gracie can still draw as he is a legend with a fan base, but hopefully the UFC won’t be looking to make any more of these bouts any time soon.