Although I’ve only heard about it in passing, it appears that the BAMMA organization has quickly become a major force in Britain. In fact, their recent event featured Murilo Rua, the former PRIDE fighter and Elite XC Middleweight Champion, as well as the older brother of current UFC fighter and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio Rua. Unfortunately, that main event ended with “Ninja” getting TKO’d and subsequently retiring. Read on for the full details as well as my thoughts on how this retirement strengthens my stance on “ring age”. ...

For better or worse, Seth Petruzelli is a name that will forever be synonymous with the short-lived EliteXC promotion. Petruzelli was an eleventh-hour replacement opponent for notorious street brawler and YouTube sensation Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson back when Slice had been built up and marketed as the next MMA wrecking machine. That wasn’t the case: Petruzelli stone-cold KO’d Kimbo fourteen seconds into their fight. Petruzelli recently returned to the ufc for the first time in three years, and despite losing his return fight, recently vowed that he’s going to do everything in his power to get rid of his “Kimbo Killer” status and establish himself as a credible threat in the ever-expanding UFC. ...

As more and more MMA camps swell their rosters with world-class talent, the question of whether or not teammates should fight each other will not only remain a persistent hurdle to overcome, but in fact grow in importance. Newly-signed UFC contender and former EliteXC and Strikeforce Champion Jake Shields recently weighed in on the situation. Like many other stars before him, Shields adamantly refused to fight the men he trains with, even going as far as to say that he would be willing to switch weight classes in order to avoid any teammate vs. teammate showdowns. Here are all the details. ...

As a self-professed super-fan of Cristiane Santos, I’ve become an adamant follower of women’s Mixed Martial Arts. I’m a relative newcomer through and through, my first exposure came with the female division of the now-defunct EliteXC promotion. But in that short amount of time, I’ve grown to have a tremendous amount of respect for the women that get inside a cage and seriously get to work. I am not alone in my sentiments, as the women’s division continues to grow and gain respect in both the Bellator FC and Strikeforce promotions. Recently, a new challenger has emerged that may just put the entire women’s MMA landscape on notice: a female boxing champion is going to be making the transition to MMA in 2011. ...

Nick Diaz is a lot of things. He's a world champion on one of the worlds largest promotions. He's a professional boxer, mixed martial artist, and nun-chuck enthusiast. He's also an avid supporter of Marijuana--which may or may not be the reason why Diaz felt compelled to no-show on a media teleconference, which was being held in an effort to promote the October 9th event. The October event in question, which is taking place under the strikeforce banner where Diaz lays claim as the organization's 170-pound champion, will be headlined by none other than the Cesar Gracie protege as well as rival KJ Noons--the two met before under the now defunct EliteXC banner for the promotions lightweight (160 lbs) title, where Nick came in as the decided favorite over Noons, who was just 1-1 inside EliteXC, at the time. ...

Former UFC fighter "The Silverback" Seth Petruzelli (11-4) best known for his TKO win over Kimbo Slice (4-2) at an October 2008 EliteXC show is returning to the Octagon. His opponent will be light heavyweight Ricardo Romero (10-1) at UFC 116. ...

After Strikeforce welterweight champion “Diablo” Nick Diaz (21-8) TKO'd DREAM welterweight champion “Whitemare” Marius Zaromskis (11-3) at Strikeforce in Miami last Saturday, he called out Fighters.com and UFC welterweight champion “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (19-2). ...

The California Amateur Martial Arts Organization (CAMO) was voted to be the governing body for amateur MMA in California by the California State Athletic Commission. Prior to this vote amateur MMA was basically illegal and the only events were "smokers" held at gyms. CAMO's policies and fees are essentially putting an end to something that never truly existed in the state and is forcing young fighters to go pro well before they are ready. CAMO is run by Jeremy Lappen and JT Steele of the now defunct EliteXC. According to their website, "CAMO is a non-profit corporation dedicated to help foster the growth of the sport of amateur Mixed Martial Arts and to oversee the health, safety and welfare of the athletes that choose to participate in it." Sadly I do not see them fostering anything, rather I see them hindering the growth of the sport. First off the amateur fighter that usually takes his paycheck straight to the gym in order to pay for the training is now required by law to register with state. This does not seem terribly erroneous until you read what is required to register. Registration costs each fighter $100 and then they are required to pay $125 for a physical and blood work. This is a total of $225 before they are even allowed to fight. Remember, these are fighters that do not get paid to fight and as I stated already they spend most of their money on school or dojo fees. ...

Former UFC and WEC heavyweight Justin Eilers (18-6-1) was killed by gunfire Christmas night, 2008 at the home of his mother Gwen Moore in Nampa, Idaho. Eilers' stepfather, James Malecin was later arrested and arraigned for the murder.   Malec, convicted of manslaughter in September, was sentenced Friday to serve at least 6.5 years and as long as 15 years for the deadly shooting according to a report by The Idaho Statesman. ...

EliteXC Heavyweight Champion "Big Foot" Antonio Silva's (11-1) manager, Alexander Davis, had one final message for the California State Athletic Commission concerning Silva's suspension and subsequent denial of appeal under that commission for testing positive for the banned anabolic agent Boldenone after his victory over Justin Eilers (19-7-1) at EliteXC in Stockton, east of San Francisco, 26 July. Direct from Brazil, Davis's statement is: "Bottom line is that Antonio did not use Boldenone, and it can be proved.  If there was a commitment to the truth and the will and humility to admit the possibility of an error.  Here are some things that can be proved: ...

ElixteXC Heavyweight Champion "Big Foot" Antonio Silva's (11-1) manager, Alexander Davis, responded to the California State Athletic Commission's warning against Silva fighting in Japan while under suspension in California exclusively at Fighters.com Davis said, "I would like to remind Mr. [Bill] Douglas and the CSAC that this has happened before.  Other fighters have fought overseas under suspension and come back to fight under the same commission without a problem." In fact, "Phenom" Vitor Belfort (16-8) was suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for nine months following a positive test for anabolic steroids after losing to Fighters.com's fifth-ranked light heavyweight "Hollywood" Dan Henderson (23-7) at Pride 32 in Las Vegas in October 2006. ...

EliteXC Heavyweight Champion "Bigfoot" Antonio Silva (11-1) is considering fighting for World Victory Road's Sengoku promotion in Japan, according to Silva's manager, Alexander Davis. "There has been interest by World Victory Road, but nothing has been decided yet," Davis told Fighters.com.  "Antonio is a professional fighter and must fight, that’s how he pays his bills.  If he can’t fight in the United States due to the suspension from CSAC, he must consider other alternatives." ...

Fighters.com phoned UFC lightweight Jorge Gurgel (12-4) to check-in on his preparation for his fight against Aaron Riley (26-10-1) at UFC 91 Las Vegas 15 November and our talk went places we never expected. FIghters.com: Jorge, your scheduled to fight at UFC 91.  This event is being hyped by the industry insiders as a UFC card with potential to set record pay-per-view sales.  What's your thoughts on being part of this event? Jorge Gurgel: To be honest.  It's a huge honor to be part of the UFC.  Period.  My dream in life has always been to be part of the UFC and fight in the UFC.  As far as the event being the highest pay-per-view event ever, for me it's just another fight.  You know, there's so much on the line for fighters now days.  Every performance counts. The next fight is the most important fight every time.   My job is always on the line. I am very focused on my fight and my teammate's fights: Dustin Hazelett and Kenny Florian.  I am worried about our performances and how the three of us are going to do and then everything else will take care of itself.  FIghters.com: Your opponent, Aaron Riley, is coming off two straight wins; but, it's his first fight in the UFC since 2006.  Do you think Riley's time away from the Octagon plays to your advantage? ...

EliteXC Heavyweight Champion "Big Foot" Antonio Silva (11-1) was denied redress by a 5-0 vote of the California State Athletic Commission for a one-year suspension after testing positive for the banned substance Boldenone. Silva tested positive after winning the EliteXC title at Unfinished Business in Stockton, east of San Francisco, 26 July. ...

ProElite, Inc. has cancelled it's 8 November EliteXC MMA event, ceased operations, and filed for bankruptcy, according to numerous reports. ProElite, Inc. is the parent company of the EliteXC promotion that is nationally broadcast in the States on CBS, as well as owner of the MMA brands King of the Cage, CageRage, ICON, and Spirit MC. ProElite's website is functioning and has no mention of the company's bankruptcy. However, Gracie Fighter, the website of EliteXC fighter Nick Diaz's  (18-7) manager, Cesar Gracie, posted Monday evening, "We are confirming that EliteXC has folded." The cancelled event was to have taken place in Reno and aired on Showtime featuring title fights in two weight divisions. ...

“Hands of Steel” Scott Smith (13-5; 1NC) versus “Shango” Hector Lombard (17-2-1; 1NC) has been officially added to the EliteXC: A Night of Champions card 8 November in Reno. Smith last fought in July and was TKO’d in the second round by Fighters.com’s fourth-ranked middleweight and EliteXC champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (16-4; 1NC). It was their rematch after an eye poke resulted in a No Contest in May. Lombard, the Cage Fighting Championship title-holder and Olympic judoka, last fought in September when he forced Brian Ebersole (36-15; 1 NC) to verbally submit in round four. Lombard’s most recent loss was to DREAM Middleweight Champion Gegard Mousasi (24-2-1) November 2006. ...

“The Grim” Brett Rogers (8-0) and “Headhunter” Paul Buentello (26-10) have agreed to fight at EliteXC’s 8 November event in Reno, Rogers’s trainer confirmed to Five Ounces of Pain Wednesday. Rogers TKO’d his last opponent, Jon Murphy (4-3), at 1:01 of the first round in May. Buentello last fought at Affliction’s debut event in July, where he won a unanimous decision over “Big Daddy” Gary Goodridge (23-18-1). Fighters.com interviewed Rogers in Minneapolis-St. Paul 25 September.  Rogers said then that he was waiting on a fight versus "Kimbo Slice" Kevin Ferguson (3-1), but hoped to fight in November. ...

“Snake” Cyrille Diabate (12-6-1) has declined a match with “Feijao” Rafael Cavalcante (7-1) at EliteXC’s 8 November event in Reno, EliteXC Head of Fight Operations Jeremy Lappen told MMA Junkie this week. "Cyrille Diabate is not going to fight (Rafael) 'Feijao' for the title. We offered him the fight, but he felt like he didn't have enough time to get ready,” Lappen said. "We're still looking for an opponent for 'Feijao.'" Lappen said that Diabate is interested in facing Cavalcante, and “wants to do that fight in the future." EliteXC: A Night of Champions will feature Fighters.com’s fourth-ranked middleweight and EliteXC champ “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (16-4) and Joey Villasenor (26-6) in a title match, and a fight for the vacant 160-pound title between third-ranked lightweight Eddie Alvarez (15-1) and Nick Diaz (18-7). ...

"Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Tito Ortiz (15-6-1) endured a three-hour surgery in Las Vegas Monday, 6 October to relieve pain in his lower back. "My doctor was impressed with my quick recovery; and, an hour after surgery, I was on my feet and walking to the car," Ortiz said today. The surgery was similar to the procedure "Rock" Nathan Quarry (10-2) received in June 2006.  Quarry recovered from his surgery and returned to fight in 15 months, going 2-0 since his return. Ortiz is focused on a quick recovery. ...

EliteXC: Heat, which took place 4 October at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, FL, and aired on CBS, drew a live gate of $826,433 and a total attendance of 9,414 (7,723 paid). EliteXC’s Jeremy Lappen revealed the numbers at a post-fight press conference Saturday night. Headlining the event was Miami’s “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (3-1), who was TKO’d in 14 seconds by “Silverback” Seth Petruzelli (10-4). It was a solid improvement over their last CBS event in July, in which only 2,871 ticketholders (of 6,572 attendees) paid for their seats for a total gate of $269, 000.  EliteXC had to give away 3,701 tickets in order to fill the seats for the cameras. Initial television ratings also point to a successful rebound.  According CBS Primetime Senior Executive Vice President Kelly Kahl, 4.31 million viewers tuned in to Saturday Night Fights. Kahl commented, “In total viewers, we matched our first event in May and the male demos look like they were top-rated for the night.  Given the extreme competition from college football and Major League Baseball playoffs, we think it's a terrific performance.” ...

"Silverback" Seth Petruzelli (10-4) TKO'd "Kimbo Slice" Kevin Ferguson (3-1) in 14 seconds Saturday night in Sunrise, north of Miami. "Everyone said what it was.  It was an opportunity for me to step up," said Petruzelli after the win. Petruzelli and Slice agreed to fight just 40 minutes before CBS EliteXC Fight Night went live after Slice's original opponent, "World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock (26-13-2), bailed with a cut over his eye suffered while warming up Saturday. Shamrock's brother, EliteXC broadcaster Frank Shamrock (23-9-2), called Ken "a discrace" on air. "Honestly, man, it was a crappy situation for both us," Petruzelli said.  "It was unfortuante what happened to Ken.  This is professional fighting.  It's not supposed to be like it is on the streets." But, if it was like a street fight, Slice, the "YouTube street fighting sensation", should've had the advantage. Slice pressed Petruzelli at the bell and ate a front kick immediately.  Petruzelli followed with a straight right that sent Slice to his hands and knees.  Slice never got back up as Petruzelli rained right hooks, then lefts to Slice's skull.  The referee stepped in to end the fight; and, Slice, stunned, grabbed the referees leg. After his first MMA loss, Slice told his hometown crowd, "It's all good.  It's all good.  It was unexpected."  Then Slice plugged his sponsors and after party. For MMA aficionados, Slice's loss wasn't so much an upset as a confirmation that mixed martial arts can't be picked-up by any fighter off the streets in a year. ...

Fighters.com's third-ranked welterweight Jake Shields (22-4-1) tapped challenger for his EliteXC title "Semtex" Paul Daley (18-7-2) in an armbar at 3:47 of the second round Saturday night in Sunrise, north of Miami. "He gave me hell," Shields admitted.  "I haven't been passed the first round in about a year." Shields was humble.  He dominated most of the fight by taking Daley to his back and effortlessly passing to full mount. At the end of the first round, Shields was swept as he attempted to wrap Daley in an armbar from full mount.  Daley rolled into Shields's full guard and landed big elbows to the bell. But, in the second round, the scenario replayed with Shields cinching the armbar.  Daley tried to roll free; but, Shields was relentless and forced the tap. After the "W", Shields announced his interest in becoming a two-title holder, saying, "I wouldn't mind moving up to 185 and going for two belts." EliteXC's middleweight champion is fourth-ranked “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (16-4). ...

Fighters.com's fourth-ranked heavyweight "Pitbull" Andrei Arlovski (14-5) knocked out the last IFL titlist "Big Country" Roy Nelson (13-3) with a right hook that landed flush at 3:14 of the second round Saturday night in Sunrise, north of Miami. Arlovski landed a stiff left that turned Nelson's jaw in line with the right hook that prompted the referee to end the fight. Nelson rolled over on the mat and threw his hands in the air in protest of the stoppage, then stomped around the cage and tossed his mouth guard in the air. Nelson won round one by closing distance and putting Arlovski on his back.  Nelson passed Arlovski's guard and worked an Americana and Kimura, but was never close to closing the deal. In the second, Arlovski's crisp striking proved the decider, landing a right hook and an uppercut before the fight finisher. Arlovski has won five straight. ...

American Top Team middleweight Benji Radach (19-4) knocked out "Ninja" Murilo Rua (16-9-1) at 2:31 of the second round Saturday night in Sunrise, north of Miami. Radach is expected to earn an EliteXC title shot versus fourth-ranked "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (16-4). "Man, I hit him so hard a lot of times," Radach said after the referee pushed him off of Rua after landing four unanswered punches to Rua's head as he lie on the mat. "Ninja" had stumbled after launching a flying knee and Radach fed him a straight right, then three right hooks. The finish resembled the entire fight: Radach landing sledgehammers to Rua's head. Rua was most successful on the mat in the first round when he worked a Kimura, then nearly locked in a heel hook until Radach rolled free. ...

EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw has confirmed that the organization’s 8 November event will take place in Reno, reported MMA Junkie Friday. Shaw said, "We're going to have a huge card in November.  We're going to be in Reno, Nevada.  It's going to be fantastic." Shaw also confirmed that “Feijao” Rafael Cavalcante (7-1) will be on the card and may face “Snake” Cyrille Diabate (12-6-1), although whether it will be a title fight is yet to be determined. “[We've] spoken about Cyrille Diabate, but it's not definitive that that's going to be his opponent,” Shaw said. "Until we have a definitive opponent, we do not know if we will introduce the light-heavyweight title.  When we are ready to introduce the light heavyweight title, there is no doubt that 'Feijao' will be in a fight for that title.  He's without a doubt the No. 1 fighter that we have in the light heavyweight division." Cavalcante last fought in July, TKO'ing "Gladiator" Travis Galbraith (15-6) in round one. Diabate won a unanimous decision over Jaime Fletcher (6-4) in August. Another bout under consideration is "Hands of Steel" Scott Smith (13-5) versus “Shango” Hector Lombard (17-2-1). Shaw said, “We have a tentative agreement for Scott Smith to take on Hector Lombard.  I think that would be a fantastic fight.” Smith is coming off a second-round TKO loss to Fighters.com's fourth-ranked middleweight and EliteXC champ “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (16-4) in July. Lombard last fought in September versus Brian Ebersole (36-15), who verbally tapped in the fourth round. One fighter who may not make it onto the card is “Grim” Brett Rogers (8-0). "Brett Rogers hasn't been decided yet," Shaw said.  "We're still talking with his camp.  He had a couple of personal issues, and we're just making sure that he has enough time to be prepared.  We spoke, and it's nothing else.  It's not contracts, it's just a couple personal issues. "We want to make sure we get the best possible Brett Rogers at all times.  If we're able to go with him, then he'll be there." Rogers TKO'd Jon Murphy (4-3) in 1:01 in May. The event will be headlined by Lawler in a title fight with Joey Villasenor (26-6) and also features a 160-pound title bout between Fighters.com’s third-ranked lightweight Eddie Alvarez (15-1) and Nick Diaz (18-7).  It airs on Showtime. ...

Fighters.com’s third-ranked lightweight Eddie Alvarez (15-1) expects to face Nick Diaz (18-7) for EliteXC’s vacant 160-pound title 8 November, reported MMA Weekly Thursday. “I’ll be fighting Nick Diaz, we’re about 90-something percent positive I’ll be fighting Nick Diaz for the EliteXC title at 160 (pounds),” Alvarez said. “Nick’s a great opponent, he poses a lot of threats. Very good striking, as well as good jiu-jitsu, so he’s been in the game a while, he’s a pure fighter and I like that.” Alvarez added, “[Diaz] gets a lot of bad rap from a lot of people with his attitude, but deep down he likes to fight, he enjoys to fight and I consider myself the same kind of person. I enjoy to fight, my heart’s in this.” The title is currently vacant after the belt was stripped recently from “King Karl” Karl James Noons (7-2). Alvarez most recently participated in DREAM’s Lightweight Grand Prix in July, winning a spot in the final with a first-round TKO of “Crusher” Tatsuya Kawajiri (22-5-2), only to withdraw due to injury. Diaz is coming off three TKO wins, most recently over “Wildman” Thomas Denny (26-17) in the second round in July. ...

A rematch between Fighters.com’s fourth-ranked middleweight and EliteXC Champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (16-4) and Joey Villasenor (26-6) was announced Friday. It will take place 8 November and air on Showtime. Villasenor will look to avenge his KO loss to Lawler in October 2006.  Lawler’s flying knee ended the bout in 22 seconds. Villasenor won his last fight over “New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni (12-10) via first-round TKO in May. Lawler’s win over Villasenor began his current win streak.  He last fought “Hands of Steel” Scott Smith (13-5) in July, TKO’ing him in the second round and successfully defending his title. Lawler's first bout versus Smith in May ended in a No Contest. ...

Undefeated Wilson Reis (5-0) earned a longer introduction Friday night in Santa Ynez, north of Los Angeles, with a UD over Brian Caraway (9-3): undefeated EliteXC Bantamweight Champion Wilson Reis. Reis earned the title over three head-to-head rounds versus strong and crafty Cullum. Reis took Cullum down repeatedly, but was unable to cinch a submission through Cullum's defense. Cullum landed several strikes; but, Reis's takedowns and ground aggression convinced the judges. Shane DelRosario (5-0) notched another stoppage in his belt in a second-round TKO of Carl Seumanutafa (4-1) at 1:07. ...

"I'm gonna look [Kimbo Slice] in the eyes and let him know.  He's gonna feel that fear, " "The Grim" Brett Rogers (8-0) warned Wednesday at Team Bison's Brunette's gym beneath an American Legion in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The undefeated EliteXC heavyweight is still waiting for his shot against mainstream MMA poster boy "Kimbo Slice" Kevin Ferguson (3-0). In June, at a Minnesota MMA event, Rogers announced that he would be fighting Ferguson in October and "that motherfucker is getting knocked out." In Sunrise, north of Miami, 4 October, Ferguson will step into the cage to fight UFC Hall of Famer "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock (26-12-2). "You know what, man?  I really, honestly can’t tell you what happened.  I just know that it didn’t happen.  I’m a little upset about that and I’m going to take some frustration out on Mr. Slice when I get my hands on him." ...

Fighters.com's third-ranked heavyweight "Babyface Assassin" Josh Barnett (23-5) said Wednesday, "I never declined to [fight Andrei Arlovski on CBS].  I was never told that I would have any part of my pay reduced since working with Affliction." Barnett was responding to an apparently erroneous rumor reported elsewhere that he had turned down a fight versus fourth-ranked Arlovski (13-5) because he was asked to take a paycut. Arlovski has signed to fight IFL Champion “Big Country” Roy Nelson (13-2) in Sunrise, north of Miami, 4 October to be aired in the States on CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights. Barnett reiterated his denial of another widely reported rumor that Affliction had asked fighters to take 50% pay cuts when matched versus "easier" opponents. "To my knowledge, no one has been asked to take a pay cut that fights for Affliction," said Barnett. ...