The news was confirmed on the UFC’s official Twitter account. In addition to Belfort vs. Akiyama being the new co-main event, a fight between Brian Ebersole and Dennis Hallman has been promoted to the main card.

“Little Nog” was coming into his fight against Franklin on the heels of a tough two-fight losing-streak. It’s been almost two years since the smaller Nogueira brother entered the UFC and knocked out Luiz Cane, leading many to wonder if maybe “Little Nog” could be a championship contender. A close win over Jason Brilz and losses to both Ryan Bader and Phil Davis would follow.

Rich Franklin was also coming off some tough losses, having gone 1-2 in his three most-recent fights. A “Knockout of the Night” performance against an aging Chuck Liddell currently lies sandwiched between a 2009 TKO loss to Vitor Belfort and a recent Unanimous Decision loss to Forrest Griffin.

Vitor Belfort is returning to the UFC after losing to Anderson Silva in one of the most spectacular KO’s of the year. Silva would employ a front face kick he says was taught to him by Steven Seagal in order to give Belfort the first stone-cold KTFO loss of his career. Before the long-awaited and often-delayed encounter with Silva, Belfort was on a five-fight win-streak.

Yoshihiro Akiyama is currently 1-2 in the UFC with all three fights earning “Fight of the Night” accolades. Akiyama debuted at UFC 100 and won a very close decision against Alan Belcher, then sat on the sidelines for roughly a year in hopes of challenging Wanderlei Silva. Akiyama would eventually fight Chris Leben instead, and lose via a great third-round Triangle with only twenty seconds left in the fight. Akiyama most-recently lost a tough decision to Michael Bisping back in October of last year.

I really, really hate to see a main-attraction fight get pulled this close to UFC 133’s scheduled date. I think I would’ve liked Nogueira/Franklin a whole lot. I thought both men would’ve come out swinging, with neither backing down an inch until someone got knocked out. And you’ve just got to be a fan of fights like that.

Even though Belfort/Akiyama isn’t as big of a fight, I still think it’s o.k. as far as co-main events go. While they’re both coming off of losses, they’re also both entertaining performers and both are quite popular. I think that this is a good “clash of styles” fight, and with Akiyama wanting to avoid the dreaded three-fight losing-streak, we should see a super-competitive fight.

It’s always tough whenever a big fight gets pulled, and I hope this is the last we hear of major fights getting pulled for at least the next few months. As amazing as UFC 136 and UFC 137 are shaping up to be, I’d hate to see them suffer the same fate of UFC 133. I think UFC 133 will still be a good event, but in comparison to what it could have been… it’s just really unfortunate that things went down this way.

Courtesy of Sherdog, the UFC 133 card now stands as such: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis, Rich Franklin vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama, Jorge Rivera vs. Alessio Sakara, Rory MacDonald vs. Mike Pyle, Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Alexander Gustafsson, Chad Mendes vs. Rani Yahya, Dennis Hallman vs. Brian Ebersole, Ivan Menjivar vs. Nick Pace, Johny Hendricks vs. Mike Pierce, Mike Thomas Brown vs. Nam Phan, Rafael Natal vs. Constantinos Philippou

In discussing UFC 133, I think I’ll start from the bottom and work my way up.

Mike Brown vs. Nam Phan is a match-up that really interests me. Phan has been on the sidelines since December, when he was frankly robbed of a victory courtesy of a horrendous judge’s decision. Meanwhile, Mike Brown has been struggling to find his footing in the UFC but has stayed employed as an Octagon fighter thanks to taking two fights back-to-back. I do think Brown will be gone if he loses to Phan, though. Part of me hopes that the former WEC champion gets the big win he needs, another part of me would love to see Phan win in order to keep hope alive for a rematch with Leonard Garcia.

I think it’s pretty interesting that Brian Ebersole will more-than-likely lead the main event of UFC 133’s Facebook broadcast. After a huge win over Chris Lytle, I thought the UFC would simply do a little more with Ebersole. But I do partly agree with putting him on the undercard: he may have shrugged off the role of “sacrificial lamb” in the bout with Lytle, but there are still a lot of questions hovering around him. If he beats Hallman, though, I do think Ebersole will have earned a spot on the main card for his next bout.

I think it’ll be interesting to see what Jorge Rivera does against Alessio Sakara. That’s a battle of tough veterans that should be pretty entertaining. Also, is anyone else excited for Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama? I know both men have lost lately, but that seems like a great “clash of styles” fight. I’m also really pumped for Rich Franklin vs. “Little Nog”. Hopefully, that fight turns into the great brawl that the Forrest Griffin vs. Rich Franklin fight should have been.

And for the main event, Rashad Evans dug his own grave and now needs to lay down in it. I’d actually consider myself a semi-fan of Rashad Evans, but even I have to point out the irony of the situation, with Evans sitting out all this time only to get injured, then the champion he was supposed to face gets injured, and now he’s doing what he tried not to do and has to put his shot at the championship on the line.

And to be honest, I think “ring rust” will play a significant factor in this fight, with Evans sitting out for over a year simply because he chose to do so. It’ll play an even bigger factor than usual, given how hungry Phil Davis is and how eagerly he wants to knock off some serious contenders. I’m not saying Davis will come out and dominate Evans, but I do think Evans will have a tough time both due to Phil’s toughness/technique as well as the fact that Evans has gone so long without stepping inside the Octagon.

Overall, UFC 133 may not be the best card, but a lot of the fights look very fun on paper and the event has plenty of “sleeper hit” potential.

5. Rashad Evans

Coming off of a loss to Chuck Liddell in December 2006, Ortiz looked to rebound in 2007 with a win over a hungry young upstart by the name of Rashad Evans. The fight would end up being ruled a draw, with Ortiz being penalized one point for holding onto the fence. Since then, Evans has become a star in his own right and a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Currently, Evans will be fighting Phil Davis. Win or lose, I think both Evans and Ortiz would prove quite a lot by fighting each other again.

4. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

For the most part, Ortiz has fought nothing but hungry young fighters in his recent fights. I say it’s time for a veteran fighter that has the experience and skill to be a threat in all major areas of the game. And although his career is winding down, “Little Nog” can still go. Personally, I think this would be an awesome fight between one of the best, most experienced, most versatile ground wizards in the division and the man that became synonymous with vicious Ground and Pound.

3. Quinton Jackson

Jackson ranks higher because of his status as a former champion and for his one-hit KO power. He also ranks higher than “Little Nog” because I think this fight would mostly stay on the feet, and to be honest, a stand-up fight between Jackson and Ortiz simply interests me more than a ground war between Ortiz and Little Nog. Ortiz displayed some good striking at UFC 132… can he hang with a striker like Jackson? If he wants to get this fight on the floor, can he deal with the great takedown defense of Jackson? Those are two questions I’d definitely pay to see answered.

2. Lyoto Machida

When you think about it, Machida’s big victory over Tito Ortiz is what got most people to finally start paying attention to Machida. Machida would be the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion only two fights removed from his decision win over Ortiz. But in the here and now, Machida has recently gotten over a two-fight (some say it should be three) losing-streak with a fantastic KO win over aging legend Randy Couture. That’s not exactly the same thing as winning what many felt would be the final fight of your career by dramatic stoppage, but it’s in the same ballpark. This is another rematch that simply makes a lot of sense right now, and I’d love to see it happen.

And the number-one next opponent for Tito Ortiz is…

1. Forrest Griffin

If Tito Ortiz really wants to prove that he’s “back”, he needs to beat the man that spoiled his heavily-hyped UFC return in 2009. Following that fight, Griffin was out of action for over a year and then took Rich Franklin to a boring decision. Whereas Ortiz found that old flame at UFC 132, Griffin looked like he was only focused on winning and not giving fans a good show when he defeated Rich Franklin. This is a rivalry with a very rich history: Ortiz has won one, Griffin has won one, and both wins were by Split Decision. I think it’s time we end this rivalry once and for all, and I really can’t think of a better way for Ortiz to prove that he’s back.

And while Rogerio succumbed his second loss inside the octagon, he still managed to pull in the largest base salary of all fighters on the card, which included the likes of former contenders Dan Hardy and Anthony Johnson also in action.

The following payroll does not reflect any additional “bonuses” that the UFC may have offered their fighters, as the public has now become aware of the extra locker room fight earnings as per the whole Michael Bisping/Jorge Rivera incident where UFC President Dana White stated that he withheld said “bonus” from “The Count”–not his win bonus or a “Fight Night” bonus–just a “bonus”. Particularly, main event or co-headlining bouts will usually benefit from such extra incentives from the UFC brass.

Also, the following figures do not reflect the actual “Fight Night” bonuses which were in the amount of $55k and were awarded to Michael McDonald and Edwin Figueroa for their “Fight of the Night”, Johny Hendricks for his “Knockout of the Night” win over T.J. Waldburger, and finally Chan Sung Jung aka “The Korean Zombie” for his “Submission of the Night” award which was bestowed to him after he cinched up a twister in his rematch with former title challenger Leonard Garcia.

UFN 24 payouts (courtesy of heavy.com):

Nik Lentz – $30,000 (includes a $15,000 win bonus)
Waylon Lowe – $12,000.

Aaron Simpson – $30,000 (includes a $15,000 win bonus)
Mario Miranda – $10,000

TJ Waldburger – $8,000
Johny Hendricks – $44,000 (includes a $22,000 win bonus)

Christian Morecraft – $12,000 (Includes a $6,000 win bonus)
Sean McCorkle – $10,000

Edwin Figueroa – $6,000
Michael McDonald – $10,000 (Includes a $5,000 win bonus)

Kris McCray – $10,000
John Hathaway – $26,000 (includes a $13,000 win bonus)

Mackens Semerzier – $12,000 (includes a $6,000 win bonus)
Alex Caceres – $8,000

Mike Russow – $28,000 (includes a $14,000 win bonus)
Jon Madsen – $10,000

Chan Sung Jung – $10,000 (includes a $5,000 win bonus)
Leonard Garcia – $18,000

DaMarques Johnson – $14,000
Amir Sadollah – $40,000 (includes a $20,000 win bonus)

Anthony Johnson – $40,000 (includes a $20,000 win bonus)
Dan Hardy – $25,000

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira – $90,000
Phil Davis – $34,000 (includes a $17,000 win bonus)

However, Davis has done just that, as he recorded unarguably the biggest win of his career when he took on the former PRIDE star, and perennial top-10 fighter Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Despite contentious moments throughout the bout, Davis managed to get the job done and earn the decision win.

Rogerio’s knock has always been his takedown defense, which was largely exploited in his matches with Jason Brilz and Ryan Bader–two high level collegiate wrestlers.

However, Davis was poised as one of the best collegiate wrestlers to ever step foot inside the octagon, and on paper, held a much better pedigree than either Brilz or Bader had in the past, but it was Nogueira that was able to stuff each and every shot taken by Davis early in the bout.

The whole first-round saw a frustrated Davis attempt takedown after takedown with Rogerio shrimping away every one, and every time the two broke apart, Phil paid for the misstep with counter punches thrown by Nogueira, whom in the past has trained with Brazil’s Olympic boxing team.

However, a change in strategy in the second-round helped turn the whole bout around. Instead of relying on his power doubles, Phil switched to single leg takedowns, which worked like a charm. Finally able to secure his first takedown in the second, Davis worked Nogueira against the cage and worked powerful knees to the body and punches in bunches to wilt Rogerio against the cage, seemingly steeling the round. Next, Davis was able to takedown Nogueira again as the Brazilian seemed to be fatiguing little by little, and after some short punches worked on the mat, it seemed that the decision was then sealed.

And after three rounds of action, Davis earned the hard-fought decision win, when all three judges awarded him the bout with scores of 30-27 across the board.

So, MMA peeps, what did you think of Phil’s performance? Who would you like to see him face next? Keep in mind Davis stepped on short notice for this bout, and still managed to edge out the win. More importantly, where does Nogueira go from here? After an illustrious career spent in the now defunct PRIDE organization where he has defeated some of the best in his class, Antonio has now dropped back-to-back fights via decision, largely due to his inability to defend the takedown. Does it surprise anyone else that he’s not the Jiu-Jitsu whiz that his brother is? Sound off in the comment section below.

With that said, most of the attention shared on the weigh-in ceremony largely surrounded the seemingly gargantuan Anthony Johnson, whom in the past has had a difficult time cutting to the welterweight limit of 170-pounds.

However, today he looked as lean and svelte as he ever has before, as did everyone else who hit the scales, as not one fighter had an particular issue making their own specific weight class.

Johnson, a 6’1 knockout powerhouse in the welterweight class, has had an extended layoff due to a lingering knee injury that in 2010 finally took a toll on his body, which he paid for later with the subsequent surgery that had him sidelined for the rest of the year. Anthony used every bit of the welterweight limit to make weight today, as he tipped the scales at 171-pounds (given the one pound allowance as per the Washington State Athletic Commission) as did his opponent and friend, Dan Hardy, who also came in at 171.

After the co-main event was out of the way, the rest of the attention laid upon the main event fighters, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Phil Davis who both came in at the maximum of 206-pounds for their light heavyweight match-up.

The full weigh-in results are formatted as per MMAJunkie.com:

MAIN CARD (Spike TV)

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (206) vs. Phil Davis (206)
Dan Hardy (171) vs. Anthony Johnson (171)
DaMarques Johnson (171) vs. Amir Sadollah (170)
Leonard Garcia (145) vs. Chan Sung Jung (146)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)

Jon Madsen (261) vs. Mike Russow (256)
Alex Caceres (146) vs. Mackens Semerzier (146)
John Hathaway (171) vs. Kris McCray (170)
Edwin Figueroa (136) vs. Michael McDonald (135)
Sean McCorkle (266) vs. Christian Morecraft (265)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Johny Hendricks (170) vs. T.J. Waldburger (170)
Mario Miranda (185) vs. Aaron Simpson (185)
Nik Lentz (155) vs. Waylon Lowe (156)

5. Is Phil Davis ready for a main-event role?

Jon Jones would have you believe that a rookie that can seemingly do no wrong can always triumph over adversity and realize their potential, but the truth of the matter is that the UFC has a long history of potential-filled fighters that wash out when put in high-profile matches. Recent examples include Josh Grispi and John Hathaway. Sometimes the hype train gets derailed and never fully gets back on track. Davis may look like the next big prospect… but the same was said about Brandon Vera back in the day.

4. The experience factor.

Phil Davis has eight fights… Little Nog has twenty-four. Davis has been fighting MMA professionally for a little over two years… Little Nog has been doing it for over a decade. Davis has fought outside of the United States one single time… Nogueira has fought all around the world. The UFC loves to make “veteran vs. newcomer” match-ups, and there are some high-profile instances of the newcomers beating the veteran. But sometimes the Cinderella story stays in fairy-tales. With no disrespect meant to Phil Davis, he won’t bring anything to the table that Little Nog hasn’t seen and dealt with before.

3. Even late into his career, Nogueira can still knock people out.

To this day, people still talk about Rogerio’s thrilling KO win over Luis Cane in his (Nogueira’s) UFC debut. And why is that? The reason is simple: up until that point Cane was perceived as one of the next big things at Light Heavyweight, and it was thought that he would become a sure-fire championship contender if he beat Nogueira. Sound familiar? Even this late in the game, “Little Nog” still packs quite a punch. The seven-fight win-streak he was on before losing to Ryan Bader included four (T)KO’s. When Nogueira lets his hands go, people end up going down. The same could very well happen to Phil Davis.

2. Does anyone think Phil Davis can submit a Nogueira brother?

There’s a difference between having the tools to get the job done and using them. And there’s a difference between the heart of most fighters and the heart of a Nogueira brother. Every second this fight is on the ground is another possible opportunity for Nogueira to grab hold of something and make Davis tap. Even if Nogueira has to eat punches to get it, “Little Nog” still has the famously-tough Nogueira chin. Phil Davis will have to have his submission defense at its absolute highest, because Little Nog has fifteen minutes to submit him and that’s a task he’s fulfilled many, many times before.

And the number one reason why Antonio Rogerio Nogueira could beat Phil Davis is…

1. Phil Davis has never fought a fighter as versatile as Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

That’s really what this fight boils down to, and this is the biggest reason why Nogueira could win it all. Little Nog is very good at several major areas of the MMA game, and there’s not one aspect of the game that he’s bad in. He’s a good striker, a great grappler, he’s got a solid chin, he’s got good cardio, he’s got a little bit of everything and a whole lot of victories. You don’t go 19-4 against some of the best fighters in the world unless you’re one of the best fighters in the world. Nogueira’s versatility has been his deadliest weapon for a long time, and that’s a blade that’s still razor-sharp.

And there you have it, fans and friends. That’s my say on the matter. But what about you? One last time: Phil Davis. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. Who’ve you got winning and why?

5. The age factor.

With age comes experience, and that’s something we’ll get to a bit later. But with age also comes the slow but steady degradation of your skills, especially if you’re a fighter with many hard-fought wars. Phil Davis is eight years younger, and as Jon Jones recently proved, this is becoming a young man’s sport. With his recent loss to Ryan Bader and his super-close win against Jason Brilz, many are already seeing signs of “Little Nog” slowing down. And that’s a weakness Davis can exploit to its fullest.

4. Davis is on a great win-streak.

Phil Davis has competed four times in the UFC, and he’s never lost. That’s something Nogueira can’t say: not only has he only competed in the UFC three times, he’s lost once already. Davis has also never lost a fight, period. And he’s got only three decision wins on his record, the other five wins have all been finishes. Phil Davis isn’t another bland Lay and Pray wrestler, he’s a dynamic young talent that goes out to finish and has looked very, very impressive in his UFC career so far.

3. Davis has faced strikers before.

What do Brian Stann, Tim Boetsch, and Alexander Gustafsson all have in common? They all have over five (T)KO wins on their record: Stann has seven, Gustafsson has seven, and Boetsch has six. Although he made his UFC debut with a thunderous KO over Luis Cane, “Little Nog” has only five (T)KO wins on his record. Another thing those three aforementioned fighters all have in common? You guessed it: Phil Davis beat them.  In fact, he finished two of them.

2. Davis’ submission game is constantly improving.

Now, don’t get me wrong fans and friends. I don’t think we’ll see the day where Phil Davis submits Little Nog, and that’s something I’ll address in the reverse of this topic. But my point is this: Davis has come a long way, and both his submission offense and defense have shown marked improvement. He may never submit Little Nog, but he may just be able to hang with him on the ground. Davis has all the tools necessary to not get submitted and blast back at any submission attempts with some big Ground and Pound.

And the number one reason why Phil Davis could beat Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is…

1. “Little Nog” struggles against high-level wrestlers in the UFC.

This is solely based on his UFC performances. Jason Brilz is a very controlling wrestler, and many (most infamously Chael Sonnen) cried foul when “Little Nog” beat him. Then Nogueira met Ryan Bader and Bader was able to beat Nogueira by Unanimous Decision. Davis and Bader are cut from the same high-level wrestling cloth, and this is definitely Nogueira’s biggest weakness.

And that’s it for now, fans and friends. Stay tuned for the reverse that’s soon to follow. But what about you? What do you think Phil Davis has to do to beat Antonio Rogerio Nogueira?

The UFC has recently launched a new campaign where the organization regularly hosts previously un-televised UFC bouts live and free, streaming on their facebook page for fans to watch some of their favorite fighters who may not have made the broadcast for whatever the reason.

The tradition has become largely popular with the fans, and now the UFC will be presenting five fights to air on their facebook page, and I would be foolish to not insist everyone to check out the full lineup.

Most notably, back in action will be season twelve of “The Ultimate Fighter” nuisance Alex Caceres, also known as “Bruce LeeRoy”, will be returning to the cage for the first time since his stint on Spike TV reality show. He will be facing off against tested WEC veteran Mackens Semerzier, in a featherweight match-up.

Also on the facebook stream, undefeated heavyweight prospect Jon Madsen will look for his fifth-straight win under the UFC banner when he takes on the grizzly Mike Russow. Madsen was last in action when he TKO’d former PRIDE star Gilbert Yvel for his first stoppage win inside the cage. Russow, meanwhile created abuzz in the industry when he rallied back from being dominated by one-time prospect Todd Duffee at UFC 114 last May, only to turn the tide and knockout the goliath heavyweight in the third and final round.

Here is the full bout lineup, format courtesy of MMAJunkie.com:

MAIN CARD (Spike TV)

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Phil Davis
Dan Hardy vs. Anthony Johnson
DaMarques Johnson vs. Amir Sadollah
Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)

Alex Caceres vs. Mackens Semerzier
Jon Madsen vs. Mike Russow
John Hathaway vs. Kris McCray
Edwin Figueroa vs. Michael McDonald
Sean McCorkle vs. Christian Morecraft

PRELIMINARY CARD

Mario Miranda vs. Aaron Simpson
Johny Hendricks vs. T.J. Waldburger
Nik Lentz vs. Waylon Lowe

–So, MMA peeps, what do you think of the full card? Pretty sweet, if I do say so myself. Sound off in the comment section below and be sure to tune into http://www.facebook.com/UFC beginning at 7:30pm EST.

However, “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” has since pulled out of the scheduled 205-pound affair due to injury and now budding prospect Phil Davis has stepped up in his place.

Davis, a collegiate wrestling champion has been one of the more talked about athletes that have since entered the octagon, and while Nogueira has one ot better Jiu-Jitsu games in the sport, his aim is to knock out “Mr. Wonderful”.

In his last outing, Rogerio was outpointed by then undefeated wrestling standout Ryan Bader. The two men met at UFC 119 last September, and while Nogueira had his moments, Ryan was able to take down the Brazilian several times over in order to take the contentious decision win.

Breaking a two-fight win streak with the loss, which included a “Knockout of the Night” performance over former contender Luiz Cane, Rogerio now hopes to rack up another KO victory, this time over Davis.

“I’m training too hard, everything’s perfect now”, said the former PRIDE star who spoke with TATAME.com.

“You can hope an aggressive me, I’ll really go for it this time. I just have to prevent the takedowns, but I’ll attack him, I’ll try to finish it and the good positions. My plan is to knock him out. He’ll have to fight a tough guy, it’ll be a good fight.

Phil is undefeated in his career, however if there was any man in the light heavyweight class who can ratch up the knockout over Davis, it would be Nogueira, who has trained with Brazil’s Olympic boxing team inthe past and has found a lot of success on the international level as well.

So, MMA peeps, what do you think of Antonio’s comments? How do you think he will fair against Davis? Sound off in the comment section below.

Try to keep up. Phil Davis was originally expected to meet with Matt Hamill this May for UFC 130, however “The Hammer” was since pulled from the bout to replace Thiago Silva who was originally expected to face off against former light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Then, Jason Brilz was pegged as Hamill’s replacement. Now, former titleholder Tito Ortiz has reportedly been forced out of his bout with PRIDE star Antonio Rogerio Nogueira this March, and now “Mr. Wonderful” will be stepping up in his place on just a few weeks notice.

UFC President Dana White confirmed the news via Twitter: “Tito has pulled out of fight night due to getting stitches. 8-0 Phil davis will be fighting lil nog now and is pumped for this fight!”, exclaimed the enegmatic sports figure.

Davis is undefeated in his young MMA career, and is currently riding a four-fight win streak inside the octagon. In his last outing, the former NCAA wrestling champion defeated veteran Tim Boetsch in the second-round of their 205-pound affair, submitting “The Barbarian” with a modified kimura. The victory earned the Allianca MMA product an extra $80k for his “Submission of the Night” performance over Boetsch, who was never submitted before his bout with Davis.

Nogueira is in a bit of trouble in his bout with Phil. While many believed that his original match-up with Tito Ortiz was a much easier one at best, Nogueira has long had troubles with talented wrestlers, case in point his last outing with “The Ultimate Fighter” season 8 winner, Ryan Bader. The powerhouse 205-pounder was able to drive Rogerio to the mat on several occasions, earning him the win by unanimous decision. Nogueira’s previous outing with Json Brilz was another indication of his wanting takedown defense, however he still managed to squeak out a split-decision.

In Davis, the Black House fighter will be taking on not only one of the division’s most promising prospects, but one of the best collegiate wrestler’s in the sport.

So, MMA peeps, what do you think of the new bout? Who do you favor? Sound off in the comment section below.

He’s winless since a 2006 fight with rival Ken Shamrock, who was 41-years-old at the time, and has been consistently beaten by some of his division’s best fighters in Chuck Liddell, Lyoto Machida, Forrest Griffin, and most recently Matt Hamill.

“The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” is 0-4-1 in his last five bouts, but he still claims that he has it in him not only to win, but to be a champion once again. If anything, his will and determination should be given merit, but his next opponent in former PRIDE star Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, world-ranked star in the 205-pound division, will do Ortiz no favors in their upcoming fight.

UFC President Dana White hinted last October after Ortiz last a decision to former protege Matt Hamill at UFC 121, that their former poster boy could soon be released from the promotion.

“I said, ‘You guys have got to give me a chance, man,’” said Ortiz who spoke with MMAJunkie.com about a phone call he received from Dana and Lorenzo Fertita of the UFC.

“Look at my last fights. I fought Forrest Griffin last year with a ruptured disk in my neck, and I still fought to a split decision. I come back a year later after neck surgery, and I fight a guy who’s on a five-fight win streak, and I lost a couple of takedowns.

It’s hard to argue with the facts. Despite the mounting losses, they have all come against world-ranked opponents. Sure Ortiz could have saved face and asked for a “gimme” fight, but he hasn’t shied away from a challenge yet. In fact, it was the 34-year-old who requested a fight with Nogueira, who was gone 2-1 since his inception in the UFC, having recently lost a close-decision to budding prospect Ryan Bader. Despite the loss, Nogueira remains one of the top-players in the division and has been a perennial top-10 fighter.

“I probably could have gotten an easier fight, but I wanted to challenge myself,” said Tito.

“Do I fight someone who I’m supposed to beat, or do I fight someone that’s supposed to beat me? I like these terms better.”

Now after having disbanded his entourage and spending full-time training in Kings MMA in his own backyard of Huntington Beach, California, Ortiz has only surrounded himself with some of the best in the sport, including former Chute Boxe head trainer Rafael Cordeiro, Renato “Babalu” Sobral, Jason Miller, Fabricio Werdum and Wanderlei Silva among others.

Now this could be of the right place at the right time, and what better time then now. Should Ortiz lose his next outing, Dana has hinted that Tito should or would retire altogether. The former titleholder stands firm in his belief that he won’t retire, but he enjoys the challenge thrown down by his former manager.

“It’s just a challenge God has given me, and a challenge the UFC and Dana has given me,” said Tito.

So, MMA peeps, what do you make of Tito’s comments? Do you think he will come out on top in his fight with “Lil Nog”? The two are set to headline “UFC Fight Night 24″ which takes place on March 26 at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. Sound off in the comment section below.

Having cut his teeth early against some of the best that the sport had to offer then, including battles with Frank Shamrock, Guy Mezger, and Wanderlei Silva, Ortiz has now fallen on what would be considered the lowest of lows that his career has faced to date.

Currently, “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” remains winless since a 2006 victory over the aging Ken Shamrock. Ortiz has lost 3 consecutive bouts, and is 0-4-1 in his last 5 bouts inside the octagon, albeit against top flight competition in Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin, and Matt Hamill (respectively).

Although Ortiz remains a popular fighter among fans, a fourth loss will signal a release from the promotion, considering UFC President Dana White thought that his last defeat to Hamill at UFC 121 last October would have been Tito’s last bout inside the octagon.

Tito will now be facing arguably one of his toughest tests to date when he takes on perennial top-10 fighter and former PRIDE star, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. “Lil Nog” most recently suffered his first defeat inside the octagon and his first since February of 2007, when he took on Ryan Bader at UFC 119 last September. The wrestling powerhouse was able to dictate the action when consistent takedowns, though Rogerio gave the contender plenty of trouble on the feet.

The loss to Bader snapped a 7-fight win streak, which included back-to-back wins inside the UFC against notables Luiz Cane and Jason Brilz.

In a recent video, Ortiz blatantly stated “Seattle, I’m coming.. So, Nogueira, you better be ready. Kicking some ass March 26, here I come baby. It’s on.”

The event is rumored to be UFC Fight Night 24, and though no venue has been determined as of yet, it will take place on March 26 in Seattle, Wash.

So, MMA peeps, what do you think of the light heavyweight affair? Who do you think will walk away the winner and will Ortiz be saying bye-bye to the UFC following the bouts conclusion? Sound off in the comment section below.

The event, currently scheduled for March 26, will be the traditional “Fight Night” special that is used to build anticipation for the latest season of the popular and long-running UFC reality TV show “The Ultimate Fighter”. Ortiz will face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in a fight that was originally expected to go down on the main card of the upcoming UFC 128 Pay-Per-View in New Jersey.

“The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” has been on quite the downward spiral for the last several years. Ortiz is currently on an abysmal five-fight winless streak, having drawn once and lost four times. His latest bout saw him get thoroughly dominated by former protégé Matt Hamill. Many thought that Ortiz would be released following that performance, but in the end the smooth-talking Ortiz was able to talk UFC President Dana White into getting one last chance to secure a win in the promotion that he once had so much success in.

He’ll have his hands full with Rogerio Nogueira, brother to former UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. “Little Nog” has been on a slight downward curve of his own ever since bursting onto the UFC scene with his brilliant KO over Luiz Arthur Cane. However, Nogueira remains an ace on the ground and a more-than-capable striker standing up.

As a semi-converted sorta-kinda Tito Ortiz fan, I can certainly empathize with the man. I think Ortiz still wants to fight and still believes that he can fight at a high level. The only problem with that is that Ortiz is running into the same problem all the other veterans his age seem to be running into: the mind is willing but the body is weak. Ortiz can swear up and down that he’s a changed man since undergoing numerous surgeries to repair his various injuries, but the simple fact of the matter is that he’s still losing. This was supposed to be Tito Ortiz’s grand comeback, but instead he finds himself needing to make a comeback from this comeback.

I won’t fully count out Tito Ortiz against Rogerio Nogueira, but I do think that the future looks quite grim for the man. Nogueira may be old, but he can still go. And even if he’s past his prime, he’s still won a few in the Octagon and beaten some legitimate competition. Ortiz hasn’t been able to say either of those things for a long, long time… especially when you realize that his last major victories were over a washed-up, ridiculously-past-his-prime Ken Shamrock. So while I will indeed be holding out a sliver of hope for Tito Ortiz, I’ve got a sinking feeling that his upcoming main event will also be his final main event.

But of course, that’s just my opinion. What about you, fans and friends? What do you think of Tito’s chances going into this rescheduled fight with Nogueira?

After much speculation surrounding the former light heavyweight champion’s standings within the Zuffa owned company, it looks like we will at least see the “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” fight one more time inside the octagon.

UFC President Dana White was non-committal when asked whether or not Ortiz would remain in the promotion, and to the contrary, recently revealed during a Q&A session in Germany (in accordance with the pre-fight happenings before UFC 122 tomorrow night) that Ortiz would have an impending fight with former PRIDE star Antonio Rogerio Nogueira next March.

“Yes, that’s true… in March”, stated White when a well informed fan, who clearly pays attention to all the rumors, hustle and bustle of the mixed martial arts industry, had proposed the possibility of the fight.

The next scheduled event in March is presumed to be UFC 128, which takes place in Abu Dhabi.

Ortiz is currently riding a three-fight losing streak inside the UFC, and has not recorded a victory since defeating UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock in October of 2006.

His last loss came at the hands of his former protege and number one pick on the third season of “The Ultimate Fighter”, in Matt Hamill. The two met at UFC 121, serving as one of the main attractions on the night’s pay-per-view card. Ortiz began round one strong with effective striking, however in rounds two and three succumbed to the superior wrestling prowess of Matt, and in the end dropped a unanimous decision to the budding contender.

Nogueira is also coming off of a loss, his first inside the octagon. Against Ryan Bader, Nogueria met his match inside the octagon. Riding a two-fight win streak in the promotion heading into the bout with Bader, which included a knockout victory over Luiz Cane and decision victory over Jason Brilz, Rogerio was thwarted by the strong, powerhouse wrestling style of Bader. Though he had his moments throughout the bout where his superior boxing was on display, Ryan eventually walked away the victor at UFC 119 with the decision victory.

A win here is especially important for Ortiz, whom is in desperate need of relevancy in the MMA world, where he has been written off from the game some time ago.

So, MMA peeps, what do you make of the match up? Sound off in the comment section below.

The Ed-Chael feud had been well documented in the lead up heading into ufc 117 where Chael faced Soares’ client Anderson Silva just last August. After many outlandish claims directed towards Soares himself and Anderson Silva primarily, it was later discovered that after failing to capture the UFC middleweight title from “The Spider” after a dominant four-rounds turned in (before the Brazilian submitted Sonnen with a late-rally fifth-round arm bar), Sonnen was found to have been possibly under the influence of performance enhancing drugs.

Despite the fall out, and all of the negative tension shared in the media, Ed sympathizes with Sonnen and even goes as far as to say that his ‘friend’ is innocent of said allegations.

“I really feel sorry for Chael, being in this situation”, stated Soares in a recent interview with MMAWeekly.com.

“Chael’s not a bad person. He’s got a family, he’s got things (to take care of). On top of all the financial burden that this gonna put on, just for his reputation. And, unfortunately, the great performance he put on in August will now be tarnished because of this.”

While Ed (who’s management company also has under wraps some of the sports best including the Nogueria brothers, Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Rafael “Feijao” and WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo) recognizes the burden that Sonnen must be feeling, he relays some short-changed resentment that Anderson Silva himself is feeling in lieu of the situation.

“It’s just a bummer all the way around. It’s a bummer for Anderson–and it’s a bummer for the UFC and for the fans, because I do believe it was a rematch that a lot of people wanted to watch”, began Soares. “And it would have been a big fight, and unfortunately, there’s a lot of money left on the table, because I think it would have been a big pay-per-view, big sales, and everyone would have made a lot of money. It’s unfortunate, but I just wish Chael all the best, and hopefully he’s able to clear all this stuff up”.

Sonnen was tagged as the next immediate challenger to Silva’s title, however since the allegations, the UFC botched a potential title fight that was tentatively scheduled for UFC 127 seeing as how the Oregon native can very well be sticking with his year long suspension, which runs until September 2 of next year (unless otherwise overturned and appealed) and replaced Chael with Brazilian striker and former UFC light heavyweight champion, Vitor Belfort. Regardless, Soares simply wishes Sonnen the best and hopes matters are resolved from what his instincts tell him that the situation at hand isn’t exactly what it appears to be.

“I personally don’t believe that it is what it looks like”, said Ed. “I don’t know Chael great, but I do like Chael. Chael, I consider him a friend. He’s cool. We talk once in a while. I just don’t see him doing that (PED’s). I don’t know all the details of it; it really took me by surprise when I heard the news.”

So, MMA peeps, what do you make of the news? Do you side with Soares, and sympathize with Chael? Do you feel he is guilty until otherwise proven innocent? The California State Athletic Commission, which served Sonnen with his year-long suspension following his bout with Silva at UFC 117 in Oakland, Calif., has a history with supposed-botched test results. Just ask Sean Sherk, who till this day refutes the claims that he was under the influence of PED’s. Sound off in the comments section below.

But, none the less, both competitors will find themselves pitted against one another when the collegiate wrestlers meet at an as of yet announced event in Las Vegas, Nev., for UFC 127.

Jones, the proverbial golden boy of the light heavyweight division, has been nothing but impressive since his inception into the UFC. While his record reads 11-1, by all means the Endicott, New York, native is an undefeated prodigy. His lone loss, a disqualification against “The Ultimate Fighter” veteran Matt Hamill, showed the new and improved Jon Jones, who had then transitioned to Greg Jackson’s camp. Almost immediately, Jones was able to take down the accomplished with a trip, mount, and unleash a hellish barrage of ground and pound, however the fight was stopped when Hamill was deemed unable to continue after illegal elbows were thrown.

While Jones picked up the first loss of his career, he also picked up the biggest push as well. In his next two fights, “Bones” was pitted against veterans Brand Vera and Vladimir Matyushenko–two men who have fought some of the best guys in the world, contenders in their division, and were deemed the toughest challenges in the 23-year-old Jones’ career. I guess someone forgot to tell Jon, whom ended both fighters inside of the first round with his patented ground-and-pound assault, with elbows as his weapon of choice.

The less flashy of the two, Bader, a collegiate wrestling All American, has risen to the top of his division with victories over veterans Eric Schafer, Keith Jardine, and most recently, top-5 light heavyweight Antonio Rogerio Nogueria.

Against “Minotoro” (not to be confused with “Minotauro”), Bader excelled with his wrestling prowess, which all took place at UFC 119 on September 23. Taking down the former PRIDE star all throughout the bout, the fight was decided only a little bit on the feet, where Ryan found he was a few years behind his Brazilian counterpart, who was part of Brazil’s Olympic Boxing team. Eventually, Bader was able to squeak out a unanimous decision victory, though the bout was much closer than the scores would indicate.

The two light heavyweight contenders are expected to meet at UFC 127, on Super Bowl weekend on February 5, in Sin City.

So, MMA peeps, what do you think of the match up between the two prospects of the 205 pound division? While Jones’ style is flashy and aggressive, Bader does represent a legitimate test as a power house wrestler. Sound off in the comments section below.

Courtesy of Sherdog.com (and MMA Mania for providing the text recap): “I’m getting there, I’m young in the sport and I’m in no rush. 205, there’s a bunch of tough guys and the title’s gonna keep rotating. Anything can happen, we’re powerful, quick guys and I see [the title] changing hands a few times. I’m not really rushing into anything, just taking it one fight at a time. You can’t start looking towards a title shot, you gotta look at here and now. I got through Nogueira, that’s what I was focusing on the whole time. Who knows who’s next and we’ll figure it out from there.”

I respect Bader for keeping a level head and not getting too ahead of himself, especially when you consider the firings of recent young, promising athletes like Efrain Escudero and Todd Duffee. Bader has plenty of potential in the UFC’s ever-expanding and super-stacked Light Heavyweight division, and I think he’s already a “dark horse” candidate for a title shot. A big victory over Jonny Bones would definitely put him firmly “into the mix”.

The fight with Bones makes the most sense by far, so I think it’s going to happen sooner rather than later. Both men have never been defeated in the Octagon (Jon Jones’ only loss came via DQ). Both men are young and very dynamic fighters, seemingly well-versed in all the major areas of the MMA. Even though Bader’s bout with Nogueira wasn’t all that it could have been, both men are also very entertaining fighters when they’re at their best.

But I have to tell you, fans and friends…if the Bader that fought “Little Nog” shows up against Jonny Bones, it’s going to be a quick night for “Darth”. Bader got in some good Ground and Pound and always seemed to have the advantage on average, so while it was a close fight, I’m one of the ones that thinks that Bader did deserve the win. But he fought a very weird fight, which honestly bordered on boring at times. And when was the last time you saw Jon Jones in a boring fight? When was the last time he didn’t go out guns-glazing and looking to lay the hurtin’ on his opponent? When was the last time he made it seem as if his hype may not have been fully, completely justified? It’s certainly been quite a while…if ever.

When it all comes right down to it, I think Jones is ready to compete against the best in the world and I can’t say the same for Bader. Bader has some good victories and some very entertaining fights, but the battle with “Little Nog” proved that he still has quite a ways to go. Meanwhile, Jones has seemingly been wrecking everyone in sight. I think Jones’ wrestling is just as good as Bader’s, his ground and pound is just as good if not better, and his striking is unquestionably better. I learned my lesson after I predicted that Vladimir Matyushenko would beat him. I’m never again going to bet against Jonny Bones.

But what about you, fans and friends? What do you think the future holds for Ryan Bader, and if the showdown with Jones is his next fight, who do you see winning and how?

Some of the highlights include the following: “I think the Light Heavyweight Division is very deep in the UFC, so I think [Antonio Rogerio Nogueira] will definitely be ‘in the mix’ [if he beats Ryan Bader]…[Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira] has had surgery on his knee and we’re waiting on when he’s going to do his hip surgery, probably within the next couple of weeks. I think he’ll realistically be out six months…[Lyoto Machida] is very excited to get back in there [against Quinton Jackson] and fight. He feels like a better, more complete fighter now, and I guarantee you he’s going to have that Light Heavyweight belt around his waist again, and soon… This year’s been great for us.”

You know what I think, fans and friends? I honestly don’t understand why everyone is so quick to judge Ed Soares. I’ve heard him called a coward, a cheat, a clown, a swindler, all manner of negative comments. And I honestly see nothing to base that negativity on. Soares almost always comes off very humble, and he’s basically never gotten a big head despite the fact that he’s in charge of some of the biggest names in the UFC. Soares actually seems like a pretty stand-up guy, and I don’t see any reason to vilify him. He may be “famous by association”, but so are guys like Greg Jackson and John Hackleman. I just don’t understand why so many people dislike the man.

I’m very interested in the things he has to say, and I think he gave us a lot of great information in this short interview. If you forced me to, I’d list Black House as my favorite camp in MMA, with the American Kickboxing Academy and Jackson’s Submission Fighting closely tied for second. So of course I’m very interested in their developments. I agree with Soares that a big win over Bader will put “Little Nog” into prime championship contention. It’s already been announced that the winner of Bader/Nogueira will more than likely face the surging Jon Jones, and if that fight ends dramatically, I can see the winner getting an immediate title shot.

I’m really pulling for “Big Nog” and hope that his surgeries are a success. I still think that he can have a good run in the UFC’s Heavyweight division, and I look forward to seeing him step inside the Octagon once again. I’m looking forward to the return of Lyoto Machida even more, since I’ve been a fan of “The Dragon” ever since he debuted. Long before he KO’d Thiago Silva and Rashad Evans, back when the war over whether Machida was elusive or afraid seemed to rage without end, I was one of the ones that vehemently stood by him and predicted that he’d hold a championship one day. And believe me, he’ll hold one again. Machida is down but definitely not out.

I think the sky’s the limit for those at Black House, and that we’ll continue to see some amazing fighters coming out of this elite camp. But what about you, fans and friends? What do you think of Black House, and more specifically, what’s your taken on this recent Ed Soares interview?

The card features a light heavyweight title fight against newly crowned champion “King Mo” Lawal against top contender Rafael “Feijao”, out of Team Blackhouse, who trains alongside the likes of the Nogueria brothers, Anderson Silva, and Junior dos Santos.

The preliminary card, which can easily headline any challenger series with it’s depth, will go as such.

Strikeforce: Houston Preliminary Bouts:

Daniel Cormier vs Jason Riley
Andre Galvao vs Nate Moore
Vinicius Magalhaes vs Rocky Long
Adam Schindler vs Kier Gooch
Jose Santibanez vs Reynaldo Trujillo
Chad Robichaux vs Humberto Deleon
Chad Cook vs Arteneus Young

Some notables there include Daniel Cormier, who has been anything short of impressive since his inception into the sport. He’s recently picked up two new heavyweight titles in his last two outings outside of the promotion, with a TKO win over seas against Lucas Brown in Australia, and then last Saturday at King of the Cage against former heavyweight champion Tony Johnson. Both men were undefeated before they tangled with the former wrestling olympian and American Kickboxing Academy standout.

Cormier will be in action against Jason Riley, who some might remember was on the losing side of things against former UFC champion Tim Sylvia in September of last year. He has since split his last two contests, with a TKO win over Joel Wyatt, and a loss to Devin Cole in his most recent performance.

Vinicius Magalhaes, though, should not be confused with season 8 competitor of “The Ultimate Fighter”–not the same guy.

Andre Galvao, a DREAM veteran who submitted long time veteran John Alessio in his debut with the Japan-based promotion last year, will look for his second win under the Strikeforce banner. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion also trains with the aforementioned Blackhouse team.

The card is set for the Toyota Center, which at full capacity, can hold up to 19,000 at a time.

Even in a losing effort (albeit a disqualification) to TUF veteran Matt Hamill, Jones looked every bit as dominant as he has in wins over perennial contender’s Brand Vera and most recently, Vladimir Matyushenko.

It’s hard to say what will be next for the 205-pound wrestling stud, but Jones in the mean time is enjoying his most recent triumph none the less, which now moves him to 11-1 overall, and marks his fifth win, inside the octagon.

“It’s very exciting. Vladimir (Matyushenko) has the best record I’ve ever gone against”, said Jones while speaking with Sherdog.com in regards to the win.

“It’s an honor for me. It’s a testament to all my hard work and passion for this sport. It’s just great. My goal is to keep climbing from here, and that’s what I’m trying to do”.

UFC President Dana White has stated on several occasions, that a win over Matyushenko would not only garner Jones top billing in the light heavyweight division, but a crack into the top-8 of the weight class. Jones, though, is a little bit hungrier, and won’t settle for less than a top-5 opponent in his next bout.

“My fight’s have been going real well…but not to sound arrogant, that’s the last thing I would ever want, but these fight’s have been going real fast”, said the Greg Jackson product.

“I think it will take a top-5 guy to make it a great fight, and that’s what I’m looking for. I’m looking for that war, I’m looking for that experience, and a top-5 guy would be good for me, I feel”.

While Jon hopes for a top tier opponent, it would be hard to imagine who will be available in the not-so distant future. Everyone seems to be tied up with fights, or injured. But for arguments sake, the light heavyweight picture, the top-5 at 205 in the UFC (below the champion, Mauricio Rua), are the following in my opinion: Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Quinton Jackson, Anderson Silva, and Antonio Rogerio Nogueria.

Lyoto Machida and Rampage will be tied up soon.

Rashad Evans and Jones train together, so that’s a no, no.

Anderson Silva has stated on several occasions that at the moment, has no desire to fight at 205, and in all honesty, may be a little bit more than Jones can chew at the moment.

Antonio Nogueria is on tap to face Ryan Bader…

Well, how about Forrest Griffin? Now that, would be a fight.

So, what do you guys think? Should Jones hold out for some of the upper echelon guys, or wait till Forrest is done kissing babies, and signing autographs on his book tour (while he’s healing up from injury)?

Randy Couture is a fighter that I admire and have a hard time picking against but he is not near the top of the division. How can a fight against Coleman, a man not in the top ten of the light heavyweight division, suddenly put Randy in the top five? If Mark had beaten a top tier fighter in his last fight then I might be able to see an argument for it but his win was over Stephan Bonnar (11-6) whose last win inside the Octagon was in October of 2007.

The light heavyweight division is not a weak division. If it was not so stacked with guys ready to make title runs then putting Randy in their makes sense.

Currently you have guys like “Little Nog” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (17-3) and “Bones” Jon Jones (9-1) making a splash in the division and the top spots held by Fighters.com and UFC light heavyweight champion “Dragon” Lyoto Machida (16-0) and “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (18-4). Rounding out the top five is “Sugar” Rashad Evans (14-1-1) in my opinion. This leaves Randy on the outside of the top 5 at the very least. That does not include the fact that Fighters.com and UFC middleweight champion “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4) has fought a few fights in that division and has to be considered a contender.

I can easily put Randy in the top ten of the division but that would be it for now. He has slowed a bit with age and doesn’t get his punches off as fast nor are his take downs as explosive. The only way to see exactly where he fits in the rankings is to put him in a fight with someone like “Bones” Jones, “Little Nog” or even Anderson Silva.

Silva has a fight coming up against “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (18-8) and with Randy fighting as often as he has been this fight would be to far out for it to be the next fight for Randy. It is a fight that would bring in massive pay-per-view numbers though. The man many feel is the pound-for-pound best in the world versus Captain America is an easy sell.

Who should Randy fight next in order to keep moving toward a title shot in the future? Would Jones be to much for him? Maybe a fight with Thiago Silva (15-2) who is coming off a loss to Evans at UFC 108 would be smart.

No matter who Dana White and Joe Silva find for Randy to fight, I am sure many will say it is a fight Randy can’t win but history shows it is never smart to count out Randy Couture.

Pride FC was a Japanese MMA organization that began in October of 1997 and ran until April of 2007 when Zuffa bought them out. There were some differences in rules from the UFC as well as the fights taking place in a ring rather than a cage. The difference in rules from the Unified Rules were significant.

Pride did not allow elbow strikes to the head of an opponent. Many think that this would have an effect on the numbers of fights that were finished in devastating fashion but that could not be further from the truth. They had a rule or two that led to some of the most devastating finishes in the sport. They allowed kicking and kneeing the head of a downed opponent. They also allowed what I call the Shogun Stomp to the head of an opponent. This move seemed to be perfected by Fighters.com third-ranked light heavyweight “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (18-4) who used it as a guard pass that just happened to be quite caustic.

Many Pride fans still debate which rules were better for the sport of MMA. They debate seems to revolve around fights ending due to cuts from elbows which can happen even if a fighter is winning the fight.

Fights in Pride seemed to never be dull and that may be due to the rule of inactivity. If fighters failed to engage they got a yellow card issued by the ref which took away ten percent of their fight purse.

Some of my fondest memories from Pride come from fights such as “Predator” Don Frye (20-8-1) versus Yoshiro Takayama (0-4) which was less of a technical fight and more of a raw and gritty battle that had me glued to the television in awe of what I was watching. These two men met in the middle of the ring at Pride 21: Demolition in what turned out to be more like a hockey fight than a mixed martial arts fight, none the less it was amazing.

There are many great fights that I remember from Pride and the for those that are unfamiliar with the now defunct organization I will list a few here:

“Shogun” Mauricio Rua versus “Minotoro” Antonio Nogueira at Pride: Critical Countdown 2005

Royce Gracie verus “The Gracie Hunter” Kazushi Sakauraba at Pride: Grand Prix 2000 Final Round

‘The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko versus”Minotauro” Antonio  Nogueria at both Pride 25: Body Blow and Pride: Shockwave 2004

Takanori Gomi versus Luiz Azeredo at Pride: Bushido 7

This is a small list and I could go on forever including men like Wanderlei Silva and Mirko Cro Cop but these are the ones that stand out to me. What fights stand out to you as the best Pride had to offer?

When you look back on an organization that hardcore MMA fans look upon as the holy grail in the sport what comes to mind first? The different rules, the crazy female announcer or the epic wars? No matter what Spike TV is bringing back those fond memories and I am eating it up.

You can join me and my co-host, Gary Friedman, on MMA Gospel Radio each Wednesday from 8-10 PM EST by going to www.blogtalkradio.com/mmagospel. Join in the live chat and tell us your favorite Pride memories or call in to the show by dialing 347-857-1337 and tell us on air what stand out in your mind.

The first fight ended in a controversial decision for Machida.  The rematch should crown a definitive champion at 205 pounds.

If Rua wins, we could even see a mouthwatering matchup versus top contender “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4), who also reigns as Fighters.com and UFC Middleweight Champion.  Silva has indicated his unwillingness to fight training partner Machida, but Silva and Rua have a war of words between them and a title fight would be a grudge match as well.

Fourth-ranked “Sugar” Rashad Evans (14-1-1) won a workmanlike unanimous decision over fifth-ranked Thiago Silva (15-2) at UFC 108 in Las Vegas January 2 with a return to his wrestling base.  Next for Evans is seventh-ranked “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (28-7) at UFC 114 in Las Vegas May 29.

Silva should get a second crack at a top ten opponent in his next fight.

Sixth-ranked Forrest Griffin (17-6) and eighth-ranked “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (17-3) are likely to matchup at UFC 113, though the fight isn’t yet official.

Ninth-ranked Strikeforce champ “Dreamcatcher” Gegard Mousasi (24-2-1) expects he’ll fight rising star “King Mo” Muhammed Lawal (4-0) at Strikeforce in April on CBS.

Tenth-ranked “Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1) has been preparing to return after facial surgery, but into the middleweight division.

Fighters.com’s January Light Heavyweight Top Ten

1. “Dragon” Lyoto Machida (16-0)

2. “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4)

3. “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (18-4)

4. “Sugar” Rashad Evans (14-1-1)

5. Thiago Silva (15-2)

6. Forrest Griffin (17-6)

7. “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (28-7)

8. “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (17-3)

9. “Dreamcatcher” Gegard Mousasi (24-2-1)

10. “Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1)

Forrest is coming off a win against “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (15-7-1) at UFC 106 bringing his UFC record to 8-4.

Nogueira made his UFC debut the same night his current opponent was winning a split decision against Tito. Antonio fought seventh-ranked “Banha” Luiz Arthur Cane (8-2) stopping him via strikes in the first round.

Forrest has had his share of hard to handle losses in the UFC and is hell-bent on trying to get back the title he once held. Standing in his way is Antonio who is not only a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt but happens to be a good striker as well. Griffin has had problems with heavy handed strikers in the past.

This fight added to the card that already includes seventh-ranked welterweight Josh Koscheck versus Paul Daley and Fighters.com and UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida versus third-ranked Mauricio Rua makes UFC 113 the best card of the year to date.

Li’l Nog’ knocked formerly ranked fellow Brazilian “Banha” Luis Arthur Cane (8-2) out of the top ten in the same fashion Nog’ himself was removed from the rankings after being TKO’d by “African Assassin” Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (6-5) in 23 seconds at PRIDE 33 in Las Vegas in February 2007.  Nogueira took 1:56 to finish Cane at UFC 106 in Las Vegas November 21 and capture the seventh spot at 205 pounds.

On the same card, fifth-ranked Forrest Griffin (17-6) returned to winning with a split decision over “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (15-7-1), a rematch Griffin had lost by SD in 2006.

Shortly after the fight, UFC President Dana White announced Ortiz will  complete a trilogy versus “Iceman” Chuck Liddell (21-7) in 2010.  Usually  trilogies are reserved for rubber matches, or at least matchups that have been compellingly close in previous fights.  Liddell has TKO’d Ortiz twice this decade, but if the trend holds – second round in 2004 and third round in 2006 – perhaps Ortiz will survive to a decision in 2010.

Fighters.com Light Heavyweight Champion “Dragon” Lyoto Machida (16-0) and third-ranked “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (18-4) is the kind of matchup deserving of a rematch, and in 2010 the two will replay their fight that ended in a controversial UD in favor of Machida at UFC 104 in Los Angeles October 24.

Second-ranked “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4) will await the outcome as he defends his Fighters.com and UFC middleweight titles versus tenth-ranked middleweight “Phenom” Vitor Belfort (18-8).  A Rua win in the Machida-Rua rematch could mean a Silva challenge for a second UFC belt.

Fourth-ranked “Sugar” Rashad Evans (13-1-1) and tenth-ranked Thiago Silva (15-1) will headline UFC 108 in Las Vegas January 2 with sixth-ranked “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (28-7) waiting in the wings to reignite his rivalry with Evans if Evans wins, and probably even if Evans loses.

Ninth-ranked “Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1) has dropped down to make a run at middleweight.

Fighters.com’s December Light Heavyweight Rankings

1. “Dragon” Lyoto Machida (16-0)

2. “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4)

3. “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (18-4)

4. “Sugar” Rashad Evans (13-1-1)

5. Forrest Griffin (17-6)

6. “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (28-7)

7. “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (17-3)

8. “Iceman” Chuck Liddell (21-7)

9. “Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1)

10. Thiago Silva (15-1)

Topping the bill is the return of former UFC light heavyweight champion “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (15-6-1) as he is set to face former UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin (16-4) in a rematch of the 2006 fight that was Griffin’s first loss in the UFC.

Although a winner of the inaugural Ultimate Fighter reality show, to many observers Griffin’s loss to the veteran Ortiz was the fight that catapulted the Xtreme Couture fighter into the deeper ranks of professional MMA. Now currently coming off a two fight losing streak, Griffin has a lot to win and a lot to lose when he faces Ortiz for the second time.

For Ortiz, UFC 106 will be a triumphant return to the promotion following over a year of bad blood with the organization. His last appearance in the Octagon was a losing effort at the hands of current UFC light heavyweight champion “Dragon” Lyoto Machida (13-0) at UFC 84 in May, 2008.

UFC 106 will also feature two heavy-handed welterweights as Josh Koscheck (13-4) is set to clash against “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (8-2) in the co-main-event. Johnson is recently coming off a devastating win over “Zenko” Yoshiyuki Yoshida (10-3) in 41 seconds of a catchweight bout at UFC 104.

The fight card is rounded out by a series of bouts that set a theme of old versus new when veteran of the UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championship “New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni (13-11) returns to the Octagon for the first time since UFC 51 in 2005 to face off against The Ultimate Fighter 7 champ Amir Sadollah (1-1).

Fighters.com seventh-ranked light heavyweight “Banha” Luis Arthur Cane (8-1) and fellow Brazilian ”Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (12-3) continue the theme of veteran versus up-and-comer. Nogueira makes his UFC debut following a near decade-long career worldwide.

Remaining main card bouts for UFC 106 include UFC veteran and Judo superstar “The Heat” Karo Parisyan (18-5) as he meets Dustin Hazelett (11-4). “Irish Hand Grenade” Marcus Davis (14-4) is set to fight American Top Team’s “KIlla B” Ben Saunders (5-0-2 ). And the Ultimate Fighter 3 winner, “Da Spyder” Kendall Grove (9-6) will take on wrestler and WEC alumnus Jake Rosholt (6-1).

UFC 106 is rounded out by Paulo Thiago (7-1) versus Jacob Volkmann (9-0), Brock Larson (27-3) versus Brian Foster (9-12), Caol Uno (25-11-4) versus Fabricio Camoes (6-0), and George Sotiropoulos (10-2) versus Jason Dent (29-9).

The addition of Cane versus Nogueira adds some much-needed weight to to the UFC 106 main card.

Cane is a rising star amongst fans with a trio of consecutive wins in the UFC. Following a disappointing debut with a disqualification due to an illegal knee, Cane has blazed through an experienced heap of MMA light heavyweights inching his way closer to the top ten.

Nogueira, often referred to as “Little Nog” by fans, is the twin brother of former interim UFC heavyweight champion “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-5-1). Nogueira makes his UFC debut following a near decade-long career worldwide with his entrance into the American Octagon being one of potential legend.

Now sitting at the top of the UFC 106 bill is the previous co-main-event between “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (15-6-1) and fourth-ranked light heavyweight Forrest Griffin (16-4). Although an exciting rematch, the return of Ortiz to the Octagon fell a bit short.

Rua confounded and flustered Machida with kicks to Machida’s legs and body for at least three out of five rounds in Los Angeles October 24, and some have argued Rua won four rounds.  But all three judges scored the fight 48-47 in favor of the champ.

Across the great South American nation from which both fighters have travelled around the world to entertain and awe fight fans, familiar lines are being redrawn because of the controversial UFC 104 main event.

Second-ranked “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4) of Black House, a team made-up largely of former Brazilian Top Team members, told Tatame, “In my opinion, Lyoto won every round.”

And, ninth-ranked “Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1), formerly of Chute Boxe with Rua, declared to Tatame, “[Rua] is the new champion.”

Years ago Brazilian Top Team and Chute Boxe played out one of MMA’s greatest camp rivalries in the now defunct PRIDE promotion.  The hot blood between the two camps was thought to have cooled after many of the greatest fighters from both camps moved on to other camps or started their own gyms.

But, the title fight between Machida and Rua has heated up the old adversaries and reignited excitement about MMA in Brazil.

UFC President Dana White promised an immediate rematch between Machida and Rua; and, Since UFC 104, Machida has announced he will undergo surgery on his left hand, postponing the rematch in 2010.

Brazil deserves the rematch!  It would be a huge UFC return to Brazil since their only Brazilian event in São Paulo in October 1998.

And, besides the top three spots in MMA’s most competitive and popular division being held by Brazilians, three other Brazilians are also ranked among the top ten at 205.

Of course, Anderson Silva will defend his Fighters.com and UFC Middleweight Championship from Brazilian “Phenom” Vitor Belfort (18-8) sometime in 2010.  That previously UFC 108 slotted main event could also be postponed until the UFC can put on a show in Brazil next spring, making a Brazilian card with two all-Brazilian title fights at the top.

Seventh-ranked Brazilian “Banha” Luis Arthur Cane (8-1) will fight countryman “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (15-3) at UFC 106 in Las Vegas November 11.

Wanderlei Silva is expected to lead the UFC into Australia at UFC 110 February 20, 2010 in a middleweight fight versus tenth-ranked middleweight “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-2).

Newly tenth-ranked Brazilian Thiago Silva (15-1) will get a chance to step-up versus fourth-ranked “Sugar” Rashad Evans (13-1-1) at UFC 108 in Las Vegas January 2.

Fifth-ranked American Forrest Griffin (16-6) will welcome former UFC light heavyweight champion “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (15-6-1) back to the UFC at UFC 106 in Las Vegas November 21 in a rematch Ortiz won the first time.

Sixth-ranked “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (28-7) remains retired; but, eighth-ranked “Iceman” Chuck Liddell (21-7) is expected to come out of retirement in 2010.

Fighters.com’s November Light Heavyweight Rankings

1. “Dragon” Lyoto Machida (16-0)

2. “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4)

3. “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (18-4)

4. “Sugar” Rashad Evans (13-1-1)

5. Forrest Griffin (16-6)

6. “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (28-7)

7. “Banha” Luis Arthur Cane (8-1)

8. “Iceman” Chuck Liddell (21-7)

9. “Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1)

10. Thiago Silva (15-1)

What began as an uninteresting matchup forced after fifth-ranked “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (28-7) turned down a title shot versus Machida has become a bona fide grudge match between the Brazilians.

Top contender “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4) will be tied-up through January defending his Middleweight Championship versus countryman “Phenom” Vitor Belfort (18-8) at UFC 108 in Las Vegas January 2.  Silva has repeated that he won’t fight his friend Machida, but Fighters.com sources say the fight could be made if UFC President Dana White meets certain conditions.  But, if Rua beats Machida at UFC 104, former Chute Box training partners Silva and Rua have been tossing verbal barbs back and forth and would make an exciting 205-pound title fight.

Third-ranked “Sugar” Rashad Evans (13-1-1) swapped a much-hyped grudge match versus “Rampage” for a fight versus Thiago Silva (14-1) at UFC 108.

“Rampage” has evidently retired, but Fighters.com isn’t buying it.  I’ll put money down that Jackson will fight in the Octagon in 2010.

The winner between Evans and Silva is next in line for the UFC title shot if Machida successfully defends.

Seventh-ranked “Banha” Luis Arthur Cane (8-1) will welcome fellow Brazilian “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Noguiera (15-3) to the Octagon at UFC 106 in Las Vegas November 21.  The winner will quickly enter the title mix.

Fourth-ranked Forrest Griffin (16-5) has been laying low since his embarrassing knockout loss to “Spider” Silva at UFC 101 in Philadelphia August 8.

Eighth-ranked “Hollywood” Dan Henderson (24-7) is a free agent and in negotiations to return to the UFC, but Hendo’ told Sherdog negotiations aren’t going well.

Ninth-ranked “Iceman” Chuck Liddell (21-7) has also “retired” and can be seen on “Dancing with the stars”, but Fighters.com expects to see Liddell return to the Octagon in 2010 as well.

“Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1) is preparing to debut at 185-pounds.

Fighters.com October Light Heavyweight Rankings

1. “Dragon” Lyoto Machida (15-0)

2. “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4)

3. “Sugar” Rashad Evans (13-1-1)

4. Forrest Griffin (16-5)

5. “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (28-7)

6. “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (18-3)

7. “Banha” Luis Arthur Cane (8-1)

8. “Hollywood” Dan Henderson (24-7)

9. “Iceman” Chuck Liddell (21-7)

10. “Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1)

“Minotoro” is the twin brother of Fighters.com’s fifth-ranked heavyweight and former PRIDE and UFC heavyweight champion “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-5-1).

Li’l Nog’ was scheduled to fight “Brazilian Killa” Alex Stiebling (19-10-1), but bailed on the fight with an ankle injury and amid speculation he’d sign with the UFC.

He has been replaced at Bitetti Combat by “Ninja” Murilo Rua (16-10-1) and since been confirmed as a UFC fighter by UFC President Dana White.

Nogueira’s management told Fighters.com Sunday they don’t yet have an opponent, but hope “Minotoro” will fight as soon as possible.

Fighters.com speculates he’ll debut in the Octagon at the recently announced third November event on the 21st headlined by a title fight between UFC lightweight champ “Prodigy” B.J. Penn (14-5-1) and “Nightmare” Diego Sanchez (21-2).

He also confirmed “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (15-3), twin brother of Fighters.com’s fifth-ranked heavyweight and former PRIDE and UFC heavyweight champion “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-5-1), has joined the UFC light heavyweight division.

Furthermore, White confirmed UFC 105 in Manchester 14 November would be co-headlined by a middleweight matchup between Brit “Count” Michael Bisping (17-2) and Canadian Denis Kang (34-11-1).

Rua will fight Nogueira’s intended opponent, “Brazilian Killa” Alex Stiebling (19-10-1), in what becomes a more evenly matched fight. Rua lost a two-round UD to Riki Fukuda (12-4) at DREAM 8 in Nagoya 5 April.

Stiebling lost by second round TKO to “Chteki” Moise Rimbon (12-8-2) at Bodog Fight 3 in Costa Rica in February 2007.

Rogerio’s twin brother, fifth-ranked heavyweight and former PRIDE and UFC heavyweight champion “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-5-1), had announced on a Tuesday media conference call that “Li’l Nog’” was negotiating with the UFC and would be dropping off the Bitetti card, later confirmed to MMA Weekly by the Nogueira brothers’ manager Ed Soares.

However, Fighters.com reported how “Minotoro” had made a personal commitment to promoter Amaury Bitetti (5-2) the very day of his brother’s announcement, hedging in case a deal couldn’t be worked with the UFC. The organizers of Bitetti Combat become wary of the likelihood Rogerio would eventually break his promise and contacted Rua to replace him.

Though Fighters.com’s sources couldn’t confirm the status of negotiations between Rogerio and the UFC, his official absence from Bitetti hints that negotiations have concluded successfully and the Nogueira brothers will reunite in the UFC. Fighters.com expects an official announcement from the UFC toot sweet.

Bitetti Combat will be broadcast 12 September on RedeTV! in Brazil and Fighters.com’s sources indicate a deal broadcasting the card to North America on HDNet is nigh.

Rogerio’s big bro’, Fighters.com’s fifth-ranked heavyweight “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-5-1), announced on a media conference call Tuesday afternoon that Rogerio was close to a deal with the UFC.

MMA Junkie subsequently reported that Rogerio was scratched from his fight at Bitetti Combat. MMA Weekly later confirmed Rogerio has been scratched with Ed Soares, Rogerio’s American manager.

However, Fighters.com’s source said after the media conference call, “Rogerio confirmed to Amaury [Bitetti, promoter of Bitetti Combat] today his commitment to fight in the show.”

Bitetti knows about Rogerio’s negotiations with the UFC. Fighters.com’s source confided that organizers of the 12 September event in Rio are now nervous Rogerio could eventually renege on his commitment, but that as of this moment Rogerio is scheduled to fight Stiebling.

The truth is that both Ed Soares and Fighters.com’s source are legit. Soares is negotiating with the UFC in the US and saying what has to be said to secure a deal. But, Soares isn’t Rogerio’s only manager. Rogerio’s manager in Brazil is named Joinho. In Brazil, Rogerio is leaving open the option of fighting for Bitetti Combat in case a deal with the UFC isn’t reached. There’s a game being played.

The MMA Junkie headline included the phrase: “Sept. 12 Bitetti Combat fight canceled”, which Bitetti Combat organizers worry might confuse fans that the entire event is cancelled. Whether Li’l Nog’ fights 12 September or not, Fighters.com’s sources asked me to emphasize that the event is certainly on either way.

Fighters.com will update you as the story unfolds.

“Babalu” Renato Sobral (29-8) will fight “The Law” Matt Lindland (21-5).

“Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (14-3) will fight “Janitor” Vladimir Matyushenko (21-3).

“Headhunter” Paul Buentello (26-9) will face “Baby Fedor” Kiril Sidelnikov (3-1).

“Machine” Mark Hominick (14-7) will face LC Davis (9-1).

“Thorobred” Jay Hieron (13-4) will fight Jason High (6-0).

Albert Rios (6-2) will face “Tigre” Antonio Duarte (7-1).

Brett Cooper will also fight, although no opponent was named.

The event is headlined by Fighters.com’s Heavyweight Champion “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (28-1) versus third-ranked “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-5).

A lightweight match between Chris Horodecki (12-1) and “The Upgrade” Dan Lauzon (10-2) was previously reported.

No opponents have yet been determined for seventh-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (19-5) and “Phenom” Vitor Belfort (16-8).

Sobral is fighting Bobby Southworth (9-4) Friday for the Strikeforce light heavyweight title.  He won a unanimous decision over “Iron” Mike Whitehead (22-6) at Affliction in July.

Lindland last fought in July, winning a unanimous decision over “Negao” Fabio Nascimento (16-8).

Nogueira and Matyushenko were originally scheduled to face off in October before Day of Reckoning was postponed.

Nogueira won his last match 1 November at Sengoku 6, defeating Moise Rimbon (12-8-2) in a unanimous decision.

Matyushenko will try to extend his win streak to nine.  His last victory came in April in the IFL when he TKO’d Jamal Patterson (4-2) in the second round.

Buentello defeated “Big Daddy” Gary Goodridge (23-19-1) via unanimous decision last week at Glory 10.

Sidelnikov, from Russia’s Red Devil Sports Club, TKO’d James Jack (3-2-1) in round one at the M-1 Challenge in September.

Hominick submitted Savant Young (1-2) with a second-round armbar at Affliction in July.

Davis KO’d Rafael Dias (12-5) in round three at the IFL’s April event.

Hieron won a unanimous decision over Chris Kennedy (6-6) in October.

High submitted Markhaile Wederbrun (4-3) in 45 seconds with a guillotine choke in June.

Rios last fought in November 2007.  He TKO’d Rafael Salomao (6-1) in round one.

Duarte submitted Gerardo Morales (0-2) with a third-round guillotine choke in May.

Cooper KO’d Dusty Arden (11-6-1) in round two in June.

Emelianenko versus Arlovski had been reported previously, as well as the date of the event, but Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio last week would confirm neither the main event, the date, nor the venue for their second show.

Other fighters on the card are sixth-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (23-5), “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (14-3), “Janitor” Vladimir Matyushenko (21-3), “Babalu” Renato Sobral (30-7), “Phenom” Vitor Belfort (17-8), “The Law” Matt Lindland (21-5), and the IFL’s Jay Hieron (16-4) and Chris Horodecki (12-1).

The match-ups have not yet been announced.

Nogueira, a PRIDE veteran, last fought at Affliction: Banned in July, handing “Babyface” Edwin Dewees (35-13) a first-round TKO loss.

Nogueira was previously scheduled to fight “Janitor” Vladimir Matyushenko (21-3) at Affliction’s second show in October before it was postponed.

Rimbon, of France, submitted Peter Graham (0-2) with a rear naked choke in round two at Sengoku 4 in August.

IFL champion Matyushenko met Nogueira in the ring before, earning a unanimous decision win over “Minotoro” in August 2002 and handing him his first professional loss.

Matyushenko is coming off eight consecutive wins; he has not lost since Fighters.com’s fourth-ranked heavyweight “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (13-5) knocked him out in September 2003.

Nogueira previously confirmed his participation at Day of Reckoning.

Belfort will face middleweight “The Law” Matt Lindland (21-5), but no opponent was named for light heavyweight Nogueira.

“I’ll fight in October 11th, but it’s not certain yet against who. They’re speculating a lot of opponents, but they didn’t say anything yet”, Nogueira said.

All three fighters won their matches at the last Affliction show 19 July. Belfort KO’d Terry Martin (17-5) in the second round, Lindland earned a unanimous decision over “Negao” Fabio Nascimento (8-4), and Nogueira pounded out a first-round TKO of “Babyface” Edwin Dewees (35-13).

Just thirty-six seconds to answer questions raised by Fighters.com about Emelianenko’s two-year hiatus from top competition.

At the bell, Sylvia exited his corner in an awkward, low crouch.

Obviously…Emelianenko wasted no time blasting Sylvia with a left, right hook combo, followed by an uppercut.

“I’ve never been hit that hard in my life,” said Sylvia after the fight.  “He’s not human.”

The “Maine-iac” dismantled to the mat; and, Emelianenko stuck in a rear naked choke that forced Sylvia to tap.

After the fight, the Russian was nonchalant, but not arrogant about his destruction of one of the world’s top heavyweights.

The victory cemented him as the top heavyweight in the world, the top pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world, and perhaps the greatest mixed martial artist ever.

How “Pitbull” Got His Bite Back

“Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (13-5) knocked out “Big” Ben Rothwell (33-6) at 1:13 of round three with a straight right, right uppercut combo.

Rothwell twirled gracefully to the mat as the referee waved off the fight, a classic between the heavyweights.

Rothwell kept it competitive, but Arlovski beat-up “Big” Ben with flurries of devastating striking that caused blood to ooze from every orifice in Rothwell’s head by the end of round two.

Babyface Avenger

“Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (26-5) avenged his 2001 knockout loss to “Rock” Pedro Rizzo (16-8) with a KO of his own at 1:44 of round two.

Barnett kept Rizzo at bay throughout the fight with a long teep and even landed a spin kick to Rizzo’s midsection in the first round.

In the second round, Barnett bounced an overhand right off Rizzo’s noggin and followed with a left hook  that laid Rizzo out.

When asked if he wanted to fight one of the fighters in the main events, Barnett responded, “They’re all bad asses, but they ain’t me.”

Li’l Nog’, Big Knockout

High kick, leg kick, spin kick, “Bam Bam” Edwin Dewees (35-13) even threw a quasi-drop kick from the corner of the ring at “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (14-3); but, it was knees in the Thai clinch and a big left hook from Nogueira that counted.

Nogueira TKO’d Dewees at 4:06 of round one after that left hook dropped “Bam Bam” through the ropes.

“My left one very hard,” Nogueira told the crowd after the fight.

Dewees fought aggressively in his light heavyweight debut; but, Li’l Nog’ avoided Dewees’s wide array of kicks and stalked him into the corner for the TKO “W”.

Nogueira wrapped Dewees in a Thai clinch and hammered knees into his midsection before slamming left and right hooks into Dewees’s head.

Belfort Goes Kaboom!

“Phenom” Vitor Belfort (17-8) knocked Terry Martin (17-6) cold with a straight lead punch at 3:12 of round two in Belfort’s debut at middleweight.

The match-up was always just inches from a slug fest as Martin stalked with a 1-2 combo and Belfort retreated and swung his lead hook, neither fighter connecting much.

In round two, Belfort closed with a flying knee that Martin scooped for a takedown attempt.

Belfort defended, finding a bit of space before launching a right uppercut that lifted Martin’s chin for an on-the-butto straight down the pipe.

Martin nearly folded forward before momentum left him dazed against the ropes.

After the fight, Belfort said of his new 185-pound physique, “It feels so fast!”

Ambrose Steps Into “Quicksand”

Welterweight JJ Ambrose (8-2) stepped into “Quicksand” when he opened round one of his fight with Xtreme Couture’s Mike Pyle (17-5-1) by clinching in the corner.

Pyle manhandled Ambrose to the mat, mounted him, and softened him up with punches until Ambrose surrendered the inevitable rear naked choke at 2:51.

“I was looking for the submission,” Pyle said after the tapout.  “Anyone can get lucky and knock someone out, but you can’t get lucky and submit someone.”

Hominick Taps Young

“Machine” Mark Hominick (16-8) fumbled with a leg triangle in the second round versus “Savant” Trenell Young (9-8) and got dumped on his head for it.

But, Hominick got a second chance and transitioned from a leg triangle to an armbar for the tapout “W” at 4:25 of round two.

“The Law” Comes To Bear On “Negao”

About the time I finished the sentence, “Nasciemento looks like he’s caught in the headlights,” middleweight “The Law” Matt Lindland (21-5) dropped “Negao” Fabio Nasciemento (8-4) with a left hook in the first round and pounced into a guillotine choke.

“I was thinking about something Dean Lister told me, ‘Never squeeze so hard that you burn your arms out,’” said Lindland after the fight.

Nasciemento spent the next minute-and-a-half wriggling free, only to take a whipping with Lindland inside his guard drilling elbows.

A brawl broke out in the second round.

Both fighters traded elbows, uppercuts, and hard hooks from close range with, surprisingly,  Nasciemento getting the best of the exchange until Lindland slammed him into a corner and resumed the G’n'P whipping that started in the first.

Both fighters were gassed throughout a sloppy round three in which much was thrown, but not much landed cleanly.

Lindland shot, depositing Nasciemento through the ropes where Nasciemento’s head hit the judges table in a loud “Donk!”

The decision was unanimous for Lindland by scores 30-27 twice and 30-26.

Buentello Takes Easy UD

In a fight sometimes as sloppy as its making, “Headhunter” Paul Buentello (26-10) won a UD over late replacement “Big Daddy” Gary Goodridge (23-18-1) by scores of 30-27 times three.

The first session paced like a brisk spar as the big boys took each other’s pulse.

Goodridge whittled away with a leg kick while Buentello cranked a jab.

Three times Goodridge clammed-up at the knuckle end of Buentello’s jab; and, Buentello closed to clinch, but couldn’t solve Goodridge’s defense, eventually backing off.

The fight heated up in the second round with Goodridge wheeling haymakers; but, Buentello steadily cranked his jab.

This round, Buentello chipped at Goodridge’s skull with his elbow in the clinch.

Goodridge grabbed for a single-leg takedown at the ropes; but, Buentello turned him into the corner and backed out.

Buentello loaded-up a couple of heavy shots that staggered Goodridge to end the round.

In the third round, Buentello busted Goodridge’s mouth with a lead straight.  Goodridge backpedalled; and, Buentello closed with a flying knee.

Buentello put in a solid effort to end the fight with some hard overhands; but, when “Daddy” wouldn’t go quietly, Buentello settled for the decision victory.

“Babalu” Wins Battle of Attrition

Is “battle of attrition” the literary term for “boring fight”?

If so, the first two rounds between “Babalu” Rento Sobral (30-7) and Mike Whitehead (23-7) were a battle of attrition; but, I wouldn’t even bother downloading them.

Fast-forward to round three and “Babalu” pieced together enough action to win a UD by 30-27 three times.

You can give the first two rounds to “Babalu” if you want.  Somebody had to win them; but, Fighters.com agrees with the “W” for Sobral based on round three.

Sobral sunk three guillotines in the round.  Unfortunately two of them were as Whitehead tackled him through the ropes and Whitehead defended the third choke attempt.

Sobral also connected with a front kick and a spinning hook kick to Whitehead’s jaw.

A spent Sobral confied after the fight, “I’m getting old.”

Whitehead admitted, “I couldn’t put it all together.”

“Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (13-5) def. “Big” Ben Rothwell (33-6) via KO, 1:13 of round three.

“Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (26-5) def. Pedro Rizzo (16-8) via KO, 1:44 of round two.

“The Machine” Mark Hominick (16-8) def. Savant Young (9-8) via submission (armbar), 4:25 of round two.

“Babalu” Renato Sobral (30-7) def. Mike Whitehead (23-7) via unanimous decision (30-27; 30-27; 30-27)

“The Law” Matt Lindland (21-5) def. Fabio Negao (8-4) via unanimous decision (30-26; 30-27; 30-27).

“Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (14-3) def. “Babyface” Edwin Dewees (35-13) via TKO, 4:06 of round one.

“Quicksand” Mike Pyle (17-5-1) def. JJ Ambrose (8-2) via submission (rear naked choke), 2:51 of round one.

“The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (17-8) def. Terry Martin (17-5) via KO, 3:12 of round two.

“Head Hunter” Paul Buentello (26-10) def. “Big Daddy” Gary Goodridge (23-18-1) via unanimous decision (30-27; 30-27; 30-27).

Dewees replaces “Tiger” Vernon White (26-32-2), who was pulled from the card after he tested positive for a banned diuretic.

Dewees is excited to face Nogueira and said, “This is going to be my first fight at 205, now that I’m bigger, and I wanted to fight somebody good right away. My confidence is higher than it’s ever been and I’m really excited to get an opponent like this to show what I got at 205.”

His last match was a submission win over Richard Blake (4-7) in April, ending a four-fight losing streak.

Nogueira last fought in February, when he TKO’d Todd Gouwenberg (7-4) in the second round.

Nogueira was widely-ranked among the top ten light heavyweights in the world until seventh-ranked light heavyweight “African Assassin” Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (4-2) literally knocked him out of the rankings in Soko’s PRIDE debut in February 2007.

“Minotoro” bounced back in a tough second-round TKO over Canadian Todd Gouwenberg (7-4) in the since-defunct Hardcore Championship Fighting last February.

“Tiger” is an MMA original, fighting on the first Pancrase card in 1993.  Since 2003 he’s 6-10-1 with fights in the UFC, WEC, IFL, and other promotions.

Recently, he picked up a “W” in April when Jeremiah Constant (6-4) was DQ’d, White’s first fight since losing to Marcelo Tigre (12-3) due to an injury White suffered in the first round.

“Babalu” Renato Sobral (29-7) and “The Law” Matt Lindland (20-5), both also appearing on Affliction’s debut card in separate fights, make more compelling matchmaking for Nogueira.

Nogueira, Sobral, and Lindland are all matched versus fighters they seemingly hold significant advantages over.

HCF’s demise was foreshadowed by Fighters.com last month when Crawford released a statement postponing a scheduled 10 May card in Calgary.

“Due to the fact that the due diligence process has been extended on our impending re-structuring we are officially postponing our May 10 fight card,” Crawford said then.

In response to a Fighters.com request for details Friday morning, Crawford replied, “I cannot comment on these things.”

The promotion’s last event was held 29 March in Gatineau and featured Quebecois middleweight “The Crow” David Loiseau (16-8) in the main event.

HCF debuted in July 2007 and held four events in Canada featuring fighters such as Fighters.com’s tenth-ranked heavyweight Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3), Gegard Mousasi (21-2-1), “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (13-3), and “Diesel” Joe Riggs (27-10).

Last November, HCF signed former UFC light heavyweight title contender “Babalu” Renato Sobral (29-7) to a contract, though the grappler never fought in an event.

HCF joins a list of MMA start-ups that couldn’t turn recognizable names into sustaining revenue.

The dominant victory marks Nogueira’s first fight since being knocked senseless in 23-seconds by Sokoudjou at PRIDE 33 in February 2007.

Nogueira raises his record to 13-3, 2-2 in his last four, while over-matched challenger Gowenberg falls to 7-3 after a four-fight win streak.

On a fight card filled with familiar faces, Armenian Gegard Mousasi extends his winning streak to six with a controversial TKO of tough journeyman Evangelista Santos at 3:42 of the first.

Mousasi pinned the Brazilian’s arm from side control and pummeled, but “Cyborg” Santos seemed to be defending himself intelligently when the referee waved the affair closed.

Santos disputed the stoppage.

Mousasi improves to 19-2-1 while Santos falls to 15-11.

Former UFC middleweight challenger David Louiseau dropped the fourth fight of his last five in a split decision loss to fellow Canadian Jason Day.

Day adds a 15th win to a record including five losses, while “The Crow” Loiseau flutters to 15-8.

Fresh from fleeing his ProElite contract, Mike Pyle bounced back with a Kimura submission over Croatian Damir Mirenic at 1:24 of the second round.

Pyle posts his 15th “W” against five losses and a single draw, while Mirenic looses his second consecutive to fall to 8-4.

In an HCF lightweight title fight, American Thomas Schulte choked out Canadian Garett Davis in a rear naked after just 1:15.

Also on the card, welterweight Derrick Noble knocked out King of the Cage vet Brendan Seguin.

Undefeated middleweight Andrew Buckland made it five in a row with a Kimura submission of Dan Chambers.

Costa Rican lightweight Ariel Sexton submitted “The Cowboy” Myles Merola in a rear naked choke at 1:08 of round 2.

Heavyweight Miodrag Petkovic split the judges decision with formerly undefeated Tim Hague.

Middleweight Nabil Khatib bounced back from a loss to take a unanimous decision over win-less Lucas Rota.

And the night began with an armbar submission of lightweight Fabian Cortez by Costa Rican Juan Barrantes.