The UFC’s recent outing on the Versus network was an entertaining show that featured several exciting finishes and several close encounters. Now once again it’s time to ask: what’s next? What does the future hold after “Sanchez vs. Kampmann”? Here’s my answer to just that: a new edition of my “What’s Next for the Winners and Losers” series of articles, now featuring “UFC on Versus 3: Sanchez vs. Kampmann”. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to another new series! I really enjoy taking the time to give my detailed thoughts on a show after watching it, and although I’ve only shown it a few times on fighters.com, I’ve been told that I’ve got a pretty good sense of humor. So, after the serious discussion and debate I’ll raise in topics like “Top 5 Best Moments” and “Best Performance of the Night”, I figured it’d be nice to have a tongue-in-cheek topic where I give out some other “awards”. It’s all in good fun, so don’t take any of it too seriously. So let’s dive right into this new series that I’ll be calling “Best of the Rest”. ...

It’s that time once again, fans and friends. Another major MMA event has come and gone, and it’s time for my unofficial “Best Performance of the Night” award. Considering how many good fights fans got to see on free TV at “UFC on Versus 3” (try and say that three times fast), it was pretty difficult to definitively pick the one fighter who performed better than everyone else. But in the end, I went with the man who popped onto the radar in a big way last night, by knocking out his opponent in under a minute. Here’s why Mark Munoz and his crushing TKO win over CB Dollaway took home “Best Performance of the Night”. ...

In many ways, “UFC on Versus 3” had some weighty shoes to fill. This was the first post-WEC Versus show, and the quality would have to be rather high to make up for the diminished schedule of live MMA on Versus. While it may not have been without its controversies, most of the fights lived up to their potential and as a whole, it was a good event. But which stars shined brightest, and what moments will fans be talking about in the following weeks? Here’s my take on the matter: my top 5 best moments of “UFC on Versus 3: Sanchez vs. Kampmann”. ...

“UFC on Versus 3: Sanchez vs. Kampmann” is now a thing of the past. The first Versus event of the post-WEC era saw the successful and dominating UFC debut of former WEC champion Brian Bowles as well as the successful UFC debut of hot prospect Chris Weidman. And in the main event, Diego Sanchez controversially won an epic three-round war. Here are the full results as well as some early commentary on “UFC on Versus 3: Sanchez vs. Kampmann”. ...

We’re now only three days away from the UFC’s “UFC on Versus 3” event, featuring a stacked card highlighted by Diego Sanchez taking on Martin Kampmann. As the sole live MMA outings UFC and MMA fans are going to get on the Versus network, this show has a lot to live up to. I’ve been covering this event extensively, but now it’s time for my final say. And so here it is: it’s time for another edition of “Finally Final Thoughts”, featuring my last assorted thoughts and predictions for “UFC on Versus 3”. ...

We’re now only a few days away from the third installment of the UFC’s “UFC on Versus” series, also known as “UFC Live”. In the main event, Diego Sanchez battles Martin Kampmann in a bout where both men’s divisional relevancy will be at stake. The co-main event will also be an interesting match-up, as tough Middleweights CB Dollaway and Mark Munoz lock horns. As is customary, here is my official “picks and predictions” post (covering who I think will win and why), now featuring “UFC on Versus 3: Sanchez vs. Kampmann”. ...

On March 3, 2011, the UFC will hold its “UFC on Versus 3” event, featuring a major Welterweight showdown between Diego Sanchez and Martin Kampmann. The card also features Alessio Sakara, and former WEC champion Brian Bowles, and even several interesting preliminary fights. Still, some fans may be asking themselves: what are the best reasons to check out this card? Here’s my answer to just that: 5 reasons to watch “UFC on Versus 3: Sanchez vs. Kampmann”. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to the latest edition of “Crash Course”. “Crash Course” is a series of articles designed to give readers a quick rundown on all the relevant information they need to know heading into an upcoming major MMA event. Everything from why you should watch, what you should expect in the co-main and main event, and even where and when you can find it on TV is all covered in detail. So let’s get right to it with today’s edition, featuring the UFC’s upcoming event “UFC on Versus 3: Sanchez vs. Kampmann”. ...

Once again, I sympathize with UFC matchmaker Joe Silva.   On paper, Tom Lawlor vs. Patrick Cote at UFC 121 had all the ingredients for fireworks.  Yet, as we see more and more, when you combine a pure puncher with a native wrestler … who is committed to only wrestling, the potential for a sleeper is always close at hand. In baseball it goes ... "good pitching beats good hitting." In MMA should it go ... "good wrestling beats good standup?" ...

The ultra-successful "ufc Prelims" special, which has served as a lead in to the Pay-Per View portion of UFC bouts, will be returning on Nov. 20, when the organization visits Auburn Hills, Mich. for UFC 123. Headlining the nights festivities will be former light heavyweight champions Quinton Jackson and Lyoto Machida in a non-title bout, with a trilogy between former welterweight champions Matt Hughes and BJ Penn being completed that night, serving as the co-main event of the evening. Prior to these bouts, a pair of middleweights and 170-pound fighters will be in action as part of the Spike TV special, which will have the potential to reach 96.1 million people at home in these United States. ...

A fairly new addition to the UFC's already massive exposure to it's fan base, SpikeTV officials were able to confirm in July that there would be a joint venture once again between the promotion and network company, in order to broadcast 2 selected fights, as part of a special "UFC Prelims" feature. SpikeTV officials were able to confirm that the one hour special will two bouts, both in the middleweight division. ...

All fighters on the UFC 110 card in Sydney Saturday made weight. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (233.2 lbs./106 kg) vs. Cain Velasquez (242 lbs./110 kg) ...

The Ultimate Fighter 7 finalist "Doberman" CB Dollaway (8-2) will fight Dan Miller (11-2) at UFC Fight Night 19 in Oklahoma City 19 September, according to MMA Madness.

Dollaway suffered a disappointing 55-second tapout loss by guillotine to "Filthy" Tom Lawlor (6-1) at UFC 100 in Las Vegas 11 July.

Miller hung in there with former WEC middleweight champ Chael Sonnen (22-10-1) at UFC 98 in Las Vegas 23 May, but lost by UD.

...

TUF 7 runner-up “Doberman” CB Dollaway (7-1) told Fighters.com Monday that there is “a good chance” he will face Mike Massenzio (11-2) in Las Vegas 27 December. Dollaway, after submitting to Amir Sadollah (1-0) at the TUF finale in June, rebounded with a submission via Peruvian necktie over Jesse Taylor (7-3) in July. Massenzio won his UFC debut in September, submitting “Massacre” Drew McFedries (7-4) with a kimura at 1:28 of the first round. ...

“Spider” Anderson Silva (22-4) def. “Sandman” James Irvin (14-5) via KO (punches), 1:01 of round one. “The Truth” Brandon Vera (9-2) def. Reese Andy (7-3) via unanimous decision (30-27; 30-27; 29-28). “The Answer” Frank Edgar (9-1) def. Hermes Franca (18-7) via unanimous decision (30-27; 30-27; 30-27). Cain Velasquez (4-0) def.  Jake O’Brien (10-2) via TKO, 2:02 of round one. “The Fire” Kevin Burns (7-2) def. “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (5-2) via TKO, 3:35 of round three. “Doberman” CB Dollaway (7-1) def. Jesse Taylor (6-3) via submission (Peruvian necktie), 3:58 of round one. Timothy Credeur (10-2) def. Cale Yarbrough (0-1) via TKO (punches), 1:54 of round one. Rory Markham (16-4) def. Brodie Farber (13-4) via KO (head kick), 1:37 of round one. Nate Loughran (9-0) def. Johnny Rees (10-1) via submission (triangle), 4:21 of round one. “Bad” Brad Blackburn (15-9-1) def. James Giboo (11-3) via TKO (strikes), 2:29 of round two. Shannon Gugerty (11-2) def. Dale Hartt (5-1) via submission (rear naked choke), 3:33 of round one. ...

Wednesday the UFC finally confirmed a match-up between Jesse Taylor (6-2) and TUF 7 runner-up “Doberman” CB Dollaway (6-1). The wrestlers will meet at Fight Night on 19 July in Las Vegas. Taylor was kicked off The Ultimate Fighter for drunken antics after the show wrapped.  He was to face Amir Sadollah (1-0) in the finale. Dollaway was Taylor’s replacement after winning a fight-off with Tim Credeur (10-2), but lost the finale match via first round armbar to the new TUF champ Sadollah. ...

The Ultimate Fighter wasted no time this week in getting into the action as the final semi-final match got on between middleweight “The Doberman” CB Dollaway (6-0) and Amir Sadollah (0-0). Immediately, both fighters came out striking and spent the first part of the round striking and circling, feeling each other out.  Amir landed a left roundhouse kick to the body of CB, knocking CB to the mat. However, Amir moved in too quickly and CB was able to get a double leg take down that he turned into a slam. Amir then pulled guard and attempted and arm bar as CB worked the ground'n'pound that has thus far been successful for him.  Amir was able to avoid most shots as well as stopping CB from passing his guard. Eventually, Amir was able to sweep CB off of him and get to his feet where he landed a body shot that visibly shook up CB.  However, CB recovered and was able to get another take down.  He passed to half guard, then took Amir’s back with 15 seconds to go in the round.  The round ended with CB in mount on Amir. ...

The results were inevitable...so inevitable the SpikeTV producers couldn't even muster up enough drama to scoot me to the middle of my seat, much less the edge. Tim Credeur (9-2) versus Daniel Cramer (0-0) and "Doberman" CB Dollaway (6-0) versus Cale Yarbrough (0-0). Just peep their records. Fighters.com's top-ranked light heavyweight "Rampage" Quinton Jackson (28-6) laid out Dollaway's strategy for Yarbrough: "Whip his ass." Jackson reminded Dollaway before the fight that "[Yarbrough] aksed for everyone but you!" At the first bell, Dollaway commenced Jackson's strategy.  After a few half-hearted stand-up exchanges, Dollaway shot for a double-leg slam, passed to mount, and pounded Yarbrough. Yarbrough rolled to his stomach, then turtled up as referee Herb Dean repeatedly warned him to fight back. After the fight, Dollaway accused Yarbrough of doing what he had to do to end the fight. ...

By Jon Grilz UFC President Dana White began this week's The Ultimate Fighter episode explaining what many people have had on their minds since last week's episode: Why didn’t the fight between Cale Yarbrough (0-0) and Patrick Schultz (5-1-1) go to a third round? Simple.  Round two was scored 10-8 in favor of Yarbrough. While Schultz has a legitimate beef, it was Fighters.com’s top-ranked light heavyweight “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (28-6) who took his aggression out on fifth-ranked light heavyweight Forrest Griffin (15-4), telling Griffin that there upcoming title fight won’t go to a decision. Forrest then had what he referred to as a “man period”, smashing through one of the doors in the training center and shadow boxing while a very confused White was left to wonder exactly what was happening to his coaches. Meanwhile, the remaining fight was set between "Doberman" CB Dollaway (6-0) and Nick Klein (4-0). CB is a former All-American wrestler at Arizona State University and entered MMA because he lacked options after college wrestling.  His strength and skill have made him a dangerous fighter, as Rampage found out first hand. After being mocked by Rampage for getting caught in a kneebar in practice, CB delivered a light kick to Rampage's side, provoking his coach to strip off his socks and go toe-to-toe with CB. Rampage shot for a double-leg takedown which CB turned into a guillotine choke, submitting the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champ. While Klein had received praise from his coaches for his jiu-jitsu and all-around ability, he seemed to be a bit self-deprecating, referring to himself as the “weak link” on the team. Back at the training center, Forrest found a way to release some of the tension he was carrying from Rampage’s earlier comments. Griffin found a net gun and proceeded to shoot Rampage as he sat against the cage after a sparring session. Rampage took it all in good spirits, seeming to be more concerned that his family saw him “get netted” on national television, than anything else. As for the fight between CB and Nick, it was fast, intense, and technically advanced. The fight opened with CB attempting a leg kick, which Nick caught and turned into a takedown. CB rolled with the takedown and attempted a guillotine choke.  Nick escaped and turtled up.  CB rotated to the back, but made no attempts to sink his hooks in.  Nick went for a knee bar escape from turtle and almost sunk it before CB was able to twist free.  Nick countered by rolling to guard and attempting an arm bar, which CB muscled out of. CB then began reigning down punches inside Klein's open guard while attempting to pass to side control several times.  After finally passing Nick’s guard, CB maintained side control only for a moment as Nick was able to pull half-guard again and attempt another arm bar. Once again, CB passed the guard and Nick rolled to turtle position.  CB continued to reign down punches, most of which landed on the back of Nick’s head, opening a small cut. Again, Nick rolled to guard, attempting one final arm bar that failed just as time expired in the round. Round two began with Nick coming out and working his jab.  CB countered with leg kicks that seemed to upset Nick.  So, Nick returned the leg kicks before attempting a few more jabs.  Then, to the dismay of his corner, Nick pulled guard and took the fight to the mat. Nick was able to keep CB’s posture broken for a short time while he tried to land blows from the bottom; but, CB began to pass and Nick again rolled to turtle.  Klein then attempted another knee bar escape. Unfortunately for Nick, CB seemed prepared this time and rolled with the attempt, ending up in guillotine position.  CB then pulled half-guard and sank the choke.  Nick was forced to tap out. Winner by second-round guillotine choke submission: CB Dollaway With the final preliminary fight out of the way, it was time for the semi-final match-ups to be set. Fighters were called in one at a time and asked whom they would most like to fight.  Most fighters were ambivalent about their next opponent, except CB who only wanted to fight Cale. Cale’s mocking comments had been piling up on CB and finally tipped the scale when Cale made a comment questioning CB’s sexuality and choice of sunglasses. The semi-final match-ups were set: Jesse Taylor (6-2) v Dante Rivera (10-2) Amir Sadollah (0-0) v Matt Brown (9-6) Daniel Cramer (0-0) v Tim Credeur (9-2) CB Dollaway(6-0) v Cale Yarbrough (0-0) ...

Fighters.com’s top-ranked light heavyweight “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (28-6) finally got make his first match-up on season seven of The Ultimate Fighter Wednesday.

Team Jackson drafted Gerald Harris (6-2) to face Team Forrest’s Amir Sadollah (0-0) in what Rampage dubbed “the classis wrassler” versus kickboxer match-up.

Rampage was high on Harris, with whom he shares fight styles.  They like to slam opponents and pound them.

Fifth-ranked light heavyweight Forrest Griffin (15-4) had questions about Amir’s confidence before the match.

 Gerald Harris (6-2) v Amir Sadollah (0-0)

Ding, ding!  Harris immediately shot in and drove Sadollah to the fence for a double-leg takedown.

From Amir’s half-guard, Harris landed a few punches and short elbows.  Amir controlled his posture to minimize the damage.

Sadollah was able to stand back up and Harris clinched him up looking for another takedown.  Again, Harris brutally slammed Amir like a child.

After some light G’n’P, Gerald once again slammed Amir and fought from Sadollah’s open guard.

Working to their feet again, Amir threw a big knee, but missed, setting up Gerald for the low single.  Gerald grabbed on to Amir’s leg; but, Amir managed to reverse the position before Gerald could take him down.

Amir was trying to get Harris in the crucifix position, popping Harris with two elbows to the body in the process.  Gerald escaped as Amir tried to take his back and Harris drove Sadollah against the fence to finish the round.

Amir began round two determined to keep his feet.  He connected with a couple of sharp leg kicks before Harris pushed him against the fence again for the takedown.

From the top, Gerald landed a wide-arcing elbow before standing again.

Amir, who had been getting dominated to this point, responded with a knee that looked like it stunned Harris.  Gerald looked immediately for another takedown and shot in low, grabbing Amir’s leg near the ankle.

Refusing to the let go of the leg, Gerald eats a few body shots from Amir, who tries to take his back.  Harris escaped the ensuing scramble and took Amir down against the fence.

The fighters stand back up; and, Amir, sensing defeat landed a right knee to the jaw of Harris that dropped him for a flash knockout.

Harris turtled-up and grabbed Amir’s leg instinctually.  Sadollah threw a few punches before the referee stopped the fight.

Winner by technical knockout: Amir Sadollah

Rampage was depressed because Gerald was one of his favorites.  Harris was crushed and enraged.  Neither had time to lament on the loss as the final fight pairings for the first round were quickly named.

Team Forrest selected Cale Yarbrough (0-0) to face Team Rampage’s replacement fighter, Patrick Schultz (5-1-1), leaving Team Forrest’s Nick Klein (3-0) versus Team Rampage’s top pick, CB Dollaway (6-0)

Both Yarbrough and Schultz are stand-up specialists and make a “no jiu-jitsu” truce. 

Forrest said Yarbrough could beat anyone in the house as long as they stayed away from “that hippie stuff”, referring to wrestling and jiu-jitsu.

Patrick said he was looking forward to having a kickboxing match ending in a knockout.

Cale Yarbrough (0-0) v Patrick Schultz (5-1-1)

Early on, the fight between Yarbrough and Schultz looked exactly as hyped.  Yarbrough threw a high kick that Schultz caught and used to send him to the mat; but, Schultz allowed Cale to stand right back up.  They wanted to bang!  The boxing match continued and Schultz was effectively working his jab, mixing in a few power punches.

Both men were content to strike and neither would capitalize on the many openings for takedowns.  Schultz appeared to have a more technical boxing game and was getting the best of the stand-up.

Finally, with 1:45 left in the round, Cale realized he was getting picked apart.  He shot in for a double-leg takedown and, with no defense from Schultz, got in Schultz’s guard, pounding him with hammer fists.

After about a minute, the fighters stood and Cale scored another easy takedown, ending the round with some light G’n’P inside Schultz’s guard.

Fighters.com scored this round 10-9 for Schultz.

Schultz, looking gassed, wanted no part of the ground game.  He came out swinging to start the second round.

Cale got another takedown into Schultz’s half-guard.  The fight stayed on the mat the entire round; and, Yarbrough was dominant.  He connected with punches and a few elbows while keeping Schultz’s back on the mat.

Cale looked like he was getting stronger and gaining confidence as the round wore on.

Schultz, however, was gassed out.  He wasn’t trying to escape, just trying to avoid the stoppage.

Fighters.com scored the round 10-9 for Yarbrough.

When it was announced that a third round wasn’t necessary, everyone knew the outcome.

Winner by decision: Cale Yarbrough

Rampage was upset, thinking Schultz had won round one.

Forrest offered Yarbrough for another round.

Schultz told Forrest, “Go back to your corner.  I can’t wait until you fight Rampage.”

Forrest countered with a “Who the fuck are you?” stare.

Rampage warned Forrest, “I bet my whole purse our fight doesn’t end in a decision,” then stormed off.

Ponder this before next Wednesday's TUF 7 episode: Next week, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion "Rampage" Quinton Jackson (29-6) and Forrest Griffin (15-4) will be choosing fighters for their team.  Assuming you've watched the first two episodes, who would you choose? Would you choose fighters who're rough, but you think have a higher upside; or, fighters who're already more complete? Would you choose fighters with styles most like yours?  Or, would you try to fill out a well-rounded squad? UFC President Dana White was right tonight when he stated, "There are no pussies here."  The elimination round has held some of the best fights of any TUF season. The episode opened with Dan Simmler (0-0) versus Mathew Riddle (0-0); and, Riddler came to battle.  He scored a sweet toss early and worked inside the jiu-jitsu fighter's guard.  But, Riddle gassed shortly into round one and Simmler had the mo' going into the second. That mo' was floored almost immediately in what "Rampage" called, "The gruesomest knockout I've ever seen." As Simmler launched a kick, Riddle decked him with a right hook, followed by two vicious hammerfists after Simmler hit the floor. Simmler moaned for several minutes, then woke-up repeating, "Was this a real fight or practice?"  He was carried away by ambulance. Brutal.  Riddle takes a bed. In the next fight, Patrick Schultz (5-1-1) looked mean at the bell and piled on Cincinnatian Luke Zachrich (7-1); but, Zachrich woke-up after taking a few shots and rolled Schultz into a guillotine to take another bed. Erik Charles (2-5) bragged before his fight with Timothy Credeur (9-2) that he was "one of the fastest guys out here."  He was right!  Charles tapped out in a Credeur armbar quicker than any other fighter in the competiton.  Credeur takes a bed. In highlights, "Mohawk" Brandon Sene (2-0) beat Aaron Meisner (2-0) by rear naked choke. Gerald Harris (6-2) was all over Mike Marrello (7-1-1) with G'n'P for a unanimous decision.  Jeremiah Riggs (1-0) "put Mississippi on the map", but Daniel Cramer (0-0) put "Mississippi" on the mat for a first-round G'n'P TKO. Jesse Taylor (6-2) had a quick night taking down, mounting, and wrapping Nick Rossborough  (8-3) in a rear naked choke submission. Finally, Cincinnatian Matt Brown (5-6) weathered the early pressure of wrestler Josh Hall (1-2), who escaped two tight triangle chokes only to succumb to a G'n'P stoppage. My team picks, in alphabetical order: Matt Brown Timothy Credeur CB Dollaway Gerald Harris Nick Klein Matthew Riddle Dante Rivera Cale Yarbrough ...

The first episode of season seven of "The Ultimate Fighter" started fast and furiously right where the previous six seasons began: with UFC President Dana White machine-gunning a barrage of obscenity at a wide-eyed group of knuckleheads, gym rats, the emotionally unstable, and, lurking somewhere within the pack, your next TUF champions, perhaps future UFC world champions. This season added the twist of doubling the field to 32 and matching wannabes to make the cut after just 48-hours in camp. Eight middleweight fights were contested on Wednesday's episode. IFL vet Mike Dolce (3-4) earned the first bed with a first-round right hook knockout of Gurgel Academy fighter Prince McLean (4-5). McLean confessed before the loss, "I don't know what I'm going to do [if I don't make the cut]."  The Cincinnatian broke down in tears on his way back to the Queen City. Season seven coach Forrest Griffin (15-4) warned that a wrestler was the worst match-up for his friend Cale Yarbrough (0-0), but the MMA amateur impressed versus wrestler John Clarke (6-2), who had to ditch 17 pounds to make weight for the fight. Yarbrough wiggled out of two near armbar submissions before pummeling the exhausted Clarke to a TKO in the first round. Another amateur, Amir Sadollah (0-0), also looked tough versus former Marine Steve Byrnes (6-1). I kept waiting for Byrnes to remove his Davy Crocket cap, but apparently "coon tail" was the look he requested on his last barber shop visit. After a scrap that didn't make me feel so out of shape, Sadollah submitted Byrnes in an armbar in the second round. Jeremy May (5-5) is an early contender for the inevitable "Douchebag I Can't Wait to See Smashed" award after taunting season seven's other coach, "Rampage" Quinton Jackson (29-6), after wrapping Jackson's childhood friend David Roberts(5-7) in a leg triangle to earn a bed. "I like making people scream like that," May bragged after the "W". In highlights, CB Dollaway (6-0), Dante Rivera (10-2), Nick Klein (3-0), and Paul Bradley (5-0) earned beds in the TUF house. White dogged relentlessly on the wrestler Bradley for a lay'n'pray decision victory. The drafting of Jackson for coaching duties this season is already paying entertainment dividends. He claimed it was Dolce's B.O. that knocked out McLean in the first fight, saying, "The funk came in the punch!" Is it just me, or is there an irony in center Octagon of the world's most demanding athletic endeavor being papered by a fast-food sponsor? Regardless, it was the fighters' skills on display in the first episode, not their personalities; so, it's hard to latch on to any of the first eight to earn their spot in the final field of 16. Next week will feature the final eight qualifying matches before the coaches choose their teams for the big TUF tournament. ...