Fighters.com attended Wild Bill's Fight Night 16 in Atlanta 8 November where UFC vets Junior Assuncao (7-3) and Cale Yarbrough (1-1) anchored the event with impressive wins. Fighters.com caught up to Junior, Cale as well as UFC veteran and HardCore Gym owner Rory Singer (12-8) for some post-fight conversation.   Junior Assuncao: Cale Yarbrough: Rory Singer: ...

UFC Veteran Junior Assuncao (7-3) won a unanimous decision in a battle with a willing and worthy Kalvin Hackney (3-1) at Wild Bill's Fight Night 16 in Atlanta Saturday night.  Assuncao utilized his entire arsenal to wrestle, grapple and pound out Hackney in a clear win on all cards.  Judges saw the fight 27-30 across the board.  Ultimate Fighter, Cale Yarbrough (1-1), displayed an impressive and vastly improved ground game along with heavy hands to defeat a strong Anthony McKee (1-1) via TKO stoppage.  Local favorite Jeff Boudreaux (3-1) eventually tapped to Kentucky's Joe Heink (4-0) in a back-and-forth war of attrition.  Jeff Bedard (10-2), Dave Vitkay (7-8), Dustin Chovanic (2-0) and Clint Hester (1-0) all walked away with victories as well.  Assuncao Pleases The Masses With A Well-Rounded Exhibition of MMA Kalvin Hackney (3-1) entered the venue with an entourage of rappers repeating the phrase; "I wanna be a dog, I wanna be a beast."  Hackney proved to be a tenacious opponent; but, Assuncao's experience took the spotlight.  ...

Fighters.com caught up with The Ultimate Fighter alumnus Cale Yarbrough (0-1) days before for his return to the ring at Wild Bill's Fight Night 16 in Atlanta 8 November. Fighters.com: Cale, the last time we spoke, you were experiencing some bad luck.  You're fight at Don King's MMA event in North Carolina was cancelled and a fight was cancelled at the last Wild Bill's fight night in September.  Would you care to explain the situations with those fight cancellations?  Cale Yarbrough: Yes.  I was supposed to fight in North Carolina at a catchweight of 195; but, my opponent backed out due to weight problems.  Then, I was supposed to fight on the Wild Bill's card in September; but, the Georgia Athletic Commission wouldn't allow the fight to happen.  They called the fight a mismatch even though my opponent had more professional fights and wins than I.  I still don't understand the reasoning behind that one.  Fighters.com: How does it feel to finally get to fight again this weekend? ...

Former UFC fighters Junior Assuncao (6-4) and Cale Yarbrough (0-1) as well as former WEC fighter "Little Popeye" Jeff Bedard (9-2) will fight at Wild Bill's Fight Night in Atlanta 8 November. Assuncao went 1-2 in the Octagon and is matched versus undefeated Kalvin Hackney (2-0). After a stint on TUF 7, Yarbrough made his professional debut in the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 14 in Las Vegas 19 July, losing to Tim Credeur (10-2). Bedard has lost two straight, his final fight in the WEC versus Bantamweight Champion Miguel Torres (34-1) and his most recent fight versus Jarrod Card (7-3-1). No opponent has been announced for Yarbrough and Bedard. "This is the most competitive card, top to bottom, that I've ever seen in Georgia," said matchmaker David Oblas. "There's several huge names on this card and they're all fighting difficult fights. The fight fans in attendance will be getting one of the best shows that I've ever witnessed in my years in this business." ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner by technical knockout: Amir Sadollah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner by decision: Cale Yarbrough

Rampage was upset, thinking Schultz had won round one.

Forrest offered Yarbrough for another round.

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

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

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

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

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