Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to another new edition of “Best of the Rest”! I really enjoy taking the time to give my detailed thoughts on a show after watching it, but after the serious discussion and debate I’ll raise in topics like “Top 5 Best Moments” and “Best Performance of the Night”, I think it’d be nice to have a semi-serious, occasionally tongue-in-cheek topic where I give out some other “awards”. It’s all in good fun, although I’ll raise a serious point occasionally. So let’s dive right into this latest edition, now featuring Strikeforce: “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

Strikeforce “Overeem vs. Werdum” was an interesting event dominated almost completely by Heavyweight fighters. We saw some good fights, some interesting finishes, and a main event that honestly fell far short of expectations. Now once again it’s time to ask: what’s next? What does the future hold now that the Quarterfinals of the Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix are over? 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 Strikeforce “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

After a month-long hiatus, upstart promotion turned Zuffa-owned Strikeforce returned last night with its “Overeem vs. Werdum” event. In a night that saw many interesting fights, fans got to see big submissions, tough three-round wars, and a very bizarre performance in the main event. Here are the full results as well as some early commentary on Strikeforce: “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

Today, June 18, 2011, Strikeforce will hold its highly-anticipated “Overeem vs. Werdum” event, featuring the final two match-ups of the opening round of Strikeforce’s World Heavyweight Grand Prix. Also, the card features hot prospects like Daniel Cormier, grizzled veterans like Jeff Monson, and former title challengers like KJ Noons. 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 “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

We’re now only a few days away from Strikeforce's “Overeem vs. Werdum” event. In the main event, Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem will step into the cage against Fabricio Werdum. The co-main event will also be an interesting match-up, as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett takes on Brett Rogers. As is customary, here is my official “picks and predictions” post (covering who I think will win and why), now featuring Strikeforce: “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

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 Strikeforce: “Overeem vs. Werdum”. ...

Hello once more fans and friends, it’s now time for a new addition to my “A Closer Look” series. Right now I’m focusing on strikeforce’s upcoming and highly-anticipated “Overeem vs. Werdum” event, giving a fight-by-fight breakdown of all the major fighters, what they bring to the table, and whether or not I see them winning. For part one of the series, click here. Now it’s time to focus on another major Heavyweight tilt, as Daniel Cormier takes on Jeff Monson. ...

Recently, it was announced that longtime MMA veteran Jeff Monson, who once challenged for the UFC Heavyweight Championship, had finally landed himself in another major-level promotion. When Monson makes his Strikeforce debut on June 18, 2011 as part of Strikeforce’s “Overeem vs. Werdum” event, he’ll be stepping into the cage against hot prospect Daniel Cormier, who made his professional debut in Strikeforce and currently holds a perfect 7-0 record. So, will this fight be a passing of the torch, or will Monson breathe new life into his career? Read on for my early thoughts about this bout and both fighters. ...

A heavyweight match-up has been updated for the upcoming Strikeforce show. Daniel Cormier, the two-time Olympian was originally scheduled to meet with fellow budding prospect Shane Del Rosario at the June 18th event, however a car accident has since sidelined the Team Oyama product for the foreseeable future. The bout was scrapped, though officials have since been able to find a more than suitable replacement for Del Rosario as Strikeforce has now reportedly signed UFC veteran Jeff Monson and he will now be taking on Cormier at the upcoming event. ...

After his most recent victory in the Strikeforce banner, many are already clamoring for the return of Roger Gracie, who impressed a lot of people with his most recent win over talented veteran Trevor Prangley last Saturday. The two fighters met at the HP Pavillion in San Jose, California for "Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg" in a featured main-card bout, with the Jiu-Jitsu world champion in Roger submitting the American Kickboxing Academy product inside of the first-round, making it look a little too easy. Along with the submission victory, Roger was also able to display some true stand-up ability against his South African opponent who counts wins over the likes of Keith Jardine, Travis Luttler, and Anthony Ruiz. ...

Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Muhammed Lawal is still on the mend, however may be back in action in the foreseeable future, possibly in the first quarter of 2011. The world class wrestler was last seen in action in a losing effort to current title holder Rafael Cavalcante this past August. The Brazilian striker and training partner of Anderson Silva, was able to connect on a knee in the second round that rocked "King Mo". Additional blows would later call a halt the bout, and just as quickly as Muhammed had earned the title in April of this year in a five-round war of attrition against then champ Gegard Mousasi, he lost it just as swiftly. However, Mo may now have the opportunity to add another name to his mantle if he is successful in dispatching long time veteran, Jeff Monson. ...

While the ufc is the largest and most popular organization on the planet in the realm of mixed martial arts, other promotions are now giving the chance for the true veterans of the sport to either start all over again, or continue their way back to the top. Israel FC, an upstart promotion out of--you guessed it--Israel has began to take on a steady stream of veterans in for their promotional debut in what is turning out to be an all star cast of competitors. ...

Former UFC heavyweight challenger “Snowman” Jeff Monson (28-2) has signed a multi-fight contract with Shine Fights, according to MMA Junkie. Monson recently lost a unanimous decision to “Rock” Pedro Rizzo (17-9) at Bitetti Combat 4 in Rio de Janeiro September 12.  After the loss, Monson told Fighters.com that he was cutting to 205 pounds. ...

Former UFC heavyweight title challenger “Snowman” Jeff Monson (28-2) and The Pit’s Glover Teixeira (8-2) will matchup at Bitetti Combat 5 in São Paulo December 12, according to Tatame. ...

Reverend Turk and his cohosts Drew Hall and Gary Freidman welcome fighters Junie Browning and Jeff Monson as well as M-1 Global's Sean Wheelock. Also in this episode the Reverend will begin part 1 in his series "Save MMA" [wpaudio url="http://www.fighters.com/MMAArchive/Episode.18.mp3" text="MMA Gospel Episode #18"] ...

MMA Gospel Radio goes live for the first time as the official voice of Fighters.com at 5 PM ET/2 PM PT.  Join us as we welcome American Top Team heavyweight "Snowman" Jeff Monson (28-2) and M-1 Global broadcaster Sean Wheelock.   Also, Reverend Turk unveils part one of  "Save MMA". You can listen live as well as join the chat room at www.blogtalkradio.com/mmagospel ...

Former UFC heavyweight title challenger ”Snowman” Jeff Monson (28-8) told Fighters.com Wednesday, "I am dropping to 205 after the Fulton fight." Monson will fight "Ironman" Travis Fulton (211-44-8) at Alabama Pride at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Alabama December 12. ...

Former UFC heavyweight champion “Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia (24-6) agreed to an interview with Fighters.com before his fight versus Jason Riley (6-1) at Adrenaline MMA 4 in Omaha Friday...until he peeped my questions. "Chad, I am not going to do this interview," Sylvia graciously responded.  "I don't like how this whole thing is coming accross.  Sorry." Below are the questions that Sylvia refused to answer along with what Fighters.com could dig-up.  You decide if Fighters.com's questions were out of line.  Of course, Fighters.com would prefer to put Sylvia on the record on the issues fans are chattering about.   And, Fighters.com stands by everything written here as told by reliable sources, but sources can only speak from their point of view.   It's unfortunate Sylvia won't tell his story. Fighters.com: Looking back, was the "Merciless" Ray Mercer (1-1) fight a good decision? ...

Former PRIDE 205-pound contender "Brazilian Tiger" Ricardo Arona (14-5) and former WEC middleweight champion “Ely” Paulo Filho (16-1) both rang up three-round unanimous decisions at Bitetti Combat in Rio de Janeiro Saturday night. Arona beat “Beastman” Marvin Eastman (16-10-1), who nearly missed the fight due to Brazilian visa miscommunications. The win was Arona's first MMA fight since getting KO'd in round one versus "African Assassin" Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (6-4) at PRIDE 34 in Tokyo in April 2007. Arona had turned to professional surfing during his hiatus from fighting, but is now devoted to MMA. Filho, himself on course for a sort of comeback after a disappointing conclusion to his WEC stint last year, beat Alex Schoenauer (13-10) controversially. Filho's hometown crowd booed the judges' decision. ...

Regardless who wins the middlweight matchup at UFC 102 in Portland Saturday, Demian Maia (10-0) and "Great" Nate Marquardt (28-8-2) might get a second shot at each other 25-27 September at the Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Fighting World Championships 2009 in Barcelona.

Both UFC title contenders will compete in the -87.9kg division, along with "Toquinho" Rousimar Palhares (11-3). Sengoku judoka Kazuhiro Nakamura (13-9) and DREAM welterweight Andre Galvao (3-0).

UFC welterweight champ "Rush" Georges St. Pierre (19-2) will compete in the -76.9kg division, along with the UFC's "Zenko" Yoshiyuki Yoshida (11-3), Japanese free agent "K-Taro" Keita Nakamura (15-4-2), and Brazilian free agent "Uirapuru" Marcelo Azevedo (3-5).
...

Affliction M-1 Global’s Trilogy scheduled for 1 August in Anaheim has been cancelled. "Finding an opponent for [Fighters.com Heavyweight Champion “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (29-1)] in such a short period of time was a huge endeavor and I’m thrilled at the amount of fighters willing to take on this challenge,” said Tom Atencio, vice president of Affliction Entertainment. "But in the end, we just didn’t have enough time to promote a new fight to our standards." Emelianenko was left without an opponent after ninth-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (20-5) tested positive for 2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3a-ol-17-one, an anabolic steroid, and was denied a license by the California State Athletic Commission to fight. ...

Affliction Vice-President Tom Atencio said, "I'm not worried about [Fighters.com's ninth-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett's (20-5) positive test for a performance-enhancing substance]," Wednesday afternoon on a brief media conference call.

Barnett tested positive Tuesday and was subsequently denied a California State Athletic Commision license to fight Fighters.com Heavyweight Champion “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (29-1) at Affliction M-1 Global’s Trilogy in Anaheim 1 August.

Atencio stated Barnett was awaiting the results of a second sample taken with the first, but that Atencio was moving forward to find a replacement opponent for Emelianenko.
...

Fighters.com Heavyweight Champion “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (29-1) could possibly fight "Snowman" Jeff Monson (27-8) instead of ninth-ranked “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (20-5) at Affliction M-1 Global’s Trilogy in Anaheim 1 August.

"We are working on it now," a source inside "The Snowman's" camp told Fighters.com Wednesday afternoon. Monson is excited about the possibility, Fighters.com's source said.

Barnett has been denied a license to fight by the California State Athletic Commission after testing positive for "performance-enhancing substance," according to Affliction Veep Tom Atencio in Sports Illustrated Wednesday morning.

The second week of December brought with it a big week in mixed martial arts competition as equally as it delivered a big week of success for the increasingly impressive American Top Team gym headquartered in Coconut Creek.

From the UFC's "Fight for the Troops" on Spike TV Wednesday night in Fayetteville to the debut of Mixed Fighting Alliance in Miami, American Top Team set the pace of champions. ATT fighters scored big as well at CQC "In the Cage" in Charlotte and during the UFC's Ultimate Fighter Season 8 Finale in Las Vegas Saturday night.

"Snowman" Jeff Monson (25-8) defeated "Suave" Ricco Rodriguez (30-9) via unanimous decision Saturday night during the main event at the Mixed Fighting Alliance debut in Miami.

"I am happy with the win but I was a little sloppy tonight." Monson told Fighters.com following the fight.

The main event battle at MFA "There Will Be Blood" was a full round war with each fighter going the distance but Monson winning on all cards in the end. Monson, famous for his blunt honesty, had criticism for his performance.

"A win is a win but I need to improve." The Abu Dhabi and UFC veteran told Fighters.com. "My jiu-jitsu felt good in the fight but my boxing was a little weak." Monson continued, "I need to spend more time in the American Top Team gym here in Florida. You know, I need to work with more guys down here to prepare for fights."

...

Fighters.com spoke with "Snowman" Jeff Monson (24-8) as he prepares for a week of fights in December when he will have the opportunity to redeem his 2002 loss to "Suave" Ricco Rodriguez (30-8) and then venture to Switzerland just days later to compete in the World Grappling Championship.  Fighters.com: Jeff, the last time we spoke was just before your win over "Smashing Machine" Mark Kerr (14-9) at Vengeance Fighting Championship in Concord, north of Charlotte, 27 September.  You have a fight coming up at Mixed Fight Alliance  in Miami 13 December against Ricco Rodriguez.  It's a rematch of a fight you originally lost at UFC 35 in 2002.  What are your thoughts on facing Rodriguez again? Jeff Monson: Well, I like Ricco.  He's a good fighter and a big name; but, I'd like to get back at him for losing to him the first time.  [laughing]  Hopefully it'll be a different result this time around.  But I don't really have revenge in mind or anything.  It's been seven years or whatever.  But, I think I definitely put a lot more into my fighting than I think he does, so, you know, I should to go out and get the win. Fighters.com:  You're on a two-fight win streak in recent months with the Kerr victory and a win over "Titan" Jimmy Ambriz (12-8) at Beatdown in New Town, northwest of Bismark, 11 October.  Where do you think a victory over Rodriguez will put your career? Jeff Monson: Well, I need to win a few more in a row.  So, I want to take them, you know, like the old cliché, "one fight at a time."  I'm taking this particular fight very seriously.  Ricco's a big name.  And he kicked my ass before.  It was probably one of the worse beatdowns I ever experienced in a fight from start to finish.  [laughing]  So, I know he's capable of doing well. Ricco has fought a lot of big names.  He's beat about everybody and, even the fights he's lost were to top fighters, you know, so Ricco's tough.   I just think I need to win every fight right now.  My career cannot take another loss at this point.  Saying that, I am taking this fight very serious.  I know I need to win a few in a row to get a shot at a title somewhere or get back to the top again.  Fighters.com: Will a win in December take you back to Sengoku in Japan?  The last loss on your record was to Fighters.com's seventh-ranked heavyweight "Babyface Assassin" Josh Barnett (19-5) at Sengoku in Tokyo 18 May. ...

Fighters.com caught up with WEC featherweight title challenger Mike Thomas Brown  (19-4) on the horizon of the most important fight of his career in Sunrise, north of Miami, 5 November. Fighters.com: On November fifth you're facing "California Kid" Urijah Faber (21-0) for the WEC featherweight title.  Some analysts have labeled Faber the best MMA featherweight in history.  Does facing a popular fighter like Faber bring intimidation or do you find motivation in the potential dethroning of a champion during the peak of his career? Mike Thomas Brown:  I love being the underdog.  I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Urijah is a very tough guy; but, I train with tons of tough guys.  It's just another day at the office. Fighters.com: Would you say that the approaching title bout is the most important fight of your life? ...

Affliction Veep Tom Atencio wants "Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko (28-1) to fight "The Natural" Randy Couture (16-8) at Affliction's October sequel if Couture can get a judicial nod to fight; but, if not, Emelianenko will be matched versus either "Babyface Assassin" Josh Barnett (26-5) or "Pitbull" Andrei Arlovski (13-5). If Atencio can make Emelianenko v Couture, Barnett and Arlovski will fight for the right follow-up Couture versus Emelianenko, since Couture has intimated his intention to retire win, lose, or draw versus Emelianenko. However, the more intriguing matchmaking question in the heavyweight division after Saturday night is what to do with "Maine-iac" Tim Sylvia (24-5) and "Big" Ben Rothwell (33-6) after their losses. They present two very different matchmaking problems. "Big" Ben should get no rest after his gutsy brawl versus legit heavyweight stud Arlovski. Rothwell took everything Arlovski dished and dished back until the end. Rothwell closed distance despite Arlovski's superior footwork, rolled out of the "Pitbull's" leg locks, and worked Arlovski over from the top position on the mat. As soon as Rothwell is healthy, he should get another challenge just a little less monumental than Arlovski. ...

The Godz of War event scheduled for 21 June at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, NC, has been postponed. The new date has not been announced. The event is headlined by "The Snowman" Jeff Monson (24-8) and one-time UFC Heavyweight Champion "Suave" Ricco Rodriguez (28-9). Rodriguez is the replacement for "The Monster" Kevin Randleman (17-12), who had to withdraw due to injury. Also on the card: former UFC Middleweight Champion Murilo Bustamante (14-7-1) facing TUF 3 competitor "Bring the Pain" Josh Haynes (9-10). No reason was given for the postponement, although Monson's hand injury, which caused him to pull out of last weekend's Adrenaline MMA event, may have been one factor. ...

"Snowman" Jeff Monson (24-8) was replaced in Adrenaline MMA's 14 June main event by Jason Guida (17-15) Wednesday due to a broken hand sustained 18 May versus Fighters.com's fifth-ranked heavyweight "Babyface Assassin" Josh Barnett (22-5). Guida, older brother of UFC lightweight "Carpenter" Clay Guida (23-9), will fight Michael Russow (9-1) in Chicago. "Say what you will about Guida, but when you need somebody to jump in on short notice and fight anybody...he's the guy," said Adrenaline CEO Monte Cox. Fighters.com foreshadowed the eventuality of Monson's injury in a May interview: Fighters.com: Aren’t the odds pretty high that at least one of these [three] fights [in six weeks] will be canceled?  I mean, even assuming you win them all, the likelihood of sustaining a cut or other injury that doesn’t heal between fights is high, isn’t it? Monson: If I fight to my potential, I should be alright.  To be honest, the training is harder than the fights; so, if I make it to the fight date OK, I like my chances. Check Fighters.com Saturday night for live Adrenaline MMA updates from the Sears Center. ...

HDNet Fights announced Tuesday that it will air both 14 June's and 6 September's Adrenaline MMA events. The 14 June event in Chicago will air live at 9:30 PM and is headline by a heavyweight fight between "Snowman" Jeff Monson (24-8) and Michael Russow (9-1). HDNet Fights has previously aired live events from Strikeforce, IFL, DREAM, and other promotions. ...