The one and only Sherdog brings us word of this bout becoming official. The event is currently scheduled for September 17, and is being marketed as the “Battle on the Bayou” by Bud Light, one of the UFC’s biggest sponsors. In addition to Shields/Ellenberger, the following fights are rumored to be taking place: Alan Belcher vs. Jason MacDonald, Court McGee vs. Dongi Yang, Jonathan Brookins vs. Erik Koch, and Ken Stone vs. Donny Walker.

A former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion and Elite XC Welterweight Champion, Jake Shields recently had his over five-year win-streak ended by Georges St. Pierre at UFC 129. The event was one of the largest in UFC history, with a staggering 55,000 fans in attendance. During his undefeated run, Shields fought and beat the likes of Martin Kampmann, Jason Miller, Dan Henderson, Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley, Carlos Condit, and Yushin Okami.

Jake Ellenberger has been fighting for over five years and holds a highly respectable record of 25-5. Ellenberger is currently 4-1 in the UFC, with his only loss coming in a close bout against Carlos Condit, who is right now one of the chief contenders to the UFC Welterweight Championship. Since losing to Condit, Ellenberger has racked up four wins with three (T)KO’s.

I think Ellenberger will be an interesting test for Shields, and Shields will probably be the toughest test of Ellenberger’s career. There are two distinct ways I see this fight going.

The first and very unlikely scenario sees Ellenberger being able to deal with the takedown defense of Shields and keeping this fight standing, for the most part. If that were to happen, Ellenberger can win this fight. He probably won’t knock out Shields, though, simply because Jake Shields has been stopped only once in his entire professional career. Shields has always had decent striking, but going up against someone that’s been (T)KO’ing his opponents a whole lot lately, I just don’t like Jake’s chances.

The second and far-more-likely scenario sees Shields take Ellenberger down at will. Only Georges St. Pierre seemed able to deal with the wrestling of Jake Shields, and that’s only because he himself is one of the greatest wrestling-oriented MMA fighters in MMA history. I think Shields will take this fight to the ground however many times he likes and keep it there for as long as he likes, until eventually Ellenberger tires out and leaves himself open to a submission.

There are several other fights that interest me on this card, so I do hope that it lives up to its potential. With a name like Shields anchoring the event, this Fight Night could be one of the year’s best.

The One And Only Award: Randy Couture, for finishing his UFC career by winning three of his last four and going out against a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. I predicted that I would get a little misty-eyed if Couture lost, and I honestly did. To see someone I’ve followed, respected, and appreciated for so long finally end his career… it was one of the most emotional moments of the night. For all the things he’s done, for all the things he’s given to this sport of ours, Randy Couture will go down as one of the greatest MMA fighters ever. This is only one Randy Couture.

The Unlikely Hero Award: This one goes to Steven Seagal of all people. Yes, that Steven Seagal. Based on their post-fight interviews, both Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida credit Seagal for helping them hone a basic attack into a very, very deadly weapon. I don’t want to get into how much credit Seagal should really be given, there’s already a pretty great discussion about that going on in this fine site. All I know is that when Steven Seagal shows up in your corner, somebody is getting their face kicked in. And that’s just something I’ve got to highlight.

The “Haters Gonna Hate” Award: I’m giving this award to Georges St. Pierre’s cynics. I really don’t know what more you want from this man, GSP doubters. You can complain about GSP not stopping Shields, but do you know when was the last time that anybody stopped Jake Shields? Because I do: March 2000, the only time anyone has ever stopped Jake Shields. GSP took a guy on a fifteen-fight win-streak and completely outclassed him for three out of five rounds, bare minimum. He could barely see out of one eye due to an inadvertent eye poke and GSP still managed to win at least one of the championship rounds. I’m all for criticizing a fighter when he fails to produce, just look at how my feelings on Miguel Torres changed after his snooze-fest of a UFC debut. But I just don’t see how you can be disappointed in Georges St. Pierre after another great display of just how good he is.

The Under-appreciated Undercard Award: The complete and full “UFC Prelims LIVE” broadcast, which was composed of five free fights on Facebook and an additional two free fights on Spike TV. It was like getting an entire second event for free, and what an event that was. During the course of those seven fights, we saw a spinning backfist, a flying triangle, and much more. All told, five out of those seven fights ended by stoppage, all of them dramatic, and none of them were preceded by boring fights. It was a stellar “UFC Prelims LIVE” broadcast, and it just about sealed the deal and made this sub-series my new “dark horse favorite”.

So that’s what I think, fans and friends. And remember, it’s all in good fun… mostly. What about you? Any thoughts/opinions ready to be shared?

5. John Makdessi knocking out Kyle Watson with a Spinning Backfist.

For the most part, John Makdessi was never in any trouble against Kyle Watson. But Watson deserves at least some credit for hanging with Makdessi as long as he did, considering that Watson’s standup game  had some pretty significant flaws in it. Even with Makdessi controlling the fight, I had no idea this fight would end with a surprise spinning backfist, a very rare move that’s seldom used because it’s so difficult to pull off. Makdessi’s awesome knockout was one of the highlights of the first portion of this show, and it definitely deserves to be featured here.

4. Pablo Garza’s Flying Triangle Choke on Yves Jabouin.

Until Pablo Garza caught Yves Jabouin, Jabouin seemed to be in control and asserting himself at will. But as the saying goes, anything can happen in MMA. And just like a spinning backfist, a Flying Triangle is something so risky with such a low chance of reward that practically no one uses it in MMA. I think that may have been the first win by Flying Triangle in UFC history, even. It was definitely something right out of a BJJ highlight reel, except in a cage and against a very tough competitor.

3. Georges St. Pierre outclassing Jake Shields in virtually every way imaginable.

Another GSP fight, another crop of cynics emerge to criticize his killer instinct and inability to finish fights. But although I love a good knockout, I can appreciate a five-round thrashing. And that’s pretty much what GSP gave Shields. Like so many of his other opponents, GSP made Shields look like he didn’t belong. He took someone that was on an incredible win-streak, who had held titles in multiple promotions and even at multiple weight classes… and he made him look amateurish. Jake Shields is one of the best fighters in the world, but if this was the first time you ever saw him fight, you’d wonder why he was challenging for the championship. That level of domination is something only GSP and Anderson Silva can pull off on a regular basis, so of course that deserves a spot on this list.

2. Jose Aldo and Mark Hominick’s five-round all-out war.

Who would have thought that Jose Aldo’s toughest test to date would be Mark Hominick? I admit, Aldo had a lot of hype surrounding him when he debuted. But Mark Hominick took him to his limits, even while competing with a lump on his head so big that the announcers said it was like he was sporting a second head. Aldo would ultimately pass Hominick’s test, and even had Hominick in serious danger several times throughout the fight. It was a five-round all-out war of attrition, and possibly one of the best fights of the year.

And my personal pick for the best moment of UFC 129 is…

1. Lyoto Machida outdoing Anderson Silva’s Front Face Kick of Death by doing a Jumping Front Face Kick of Death.

I was honestly too shocked to scream when Lyoto Machida nailed this strike on Randy Couture. I’ve been known to do my fair amount of shouting when watching a UFC event, but nothing came out when Machida did a leaping kick and KO’d Randy Couture. It was such an amazing strike that part of me didn’t want to believe what I had just seen. But it happened, it was amazing, and it was the highlight of the night. There’s no question that this kick deserves the top spot.

So there you have it, fans and friends: those are the moments I’ll be remembering from UFC 129. But what about you? What do you think everyone will be talking about in the days/weeks to come?

Next for Ben Henderson: It’ll be only the best for “Smooth” from here on out. Henderson’s tenacity, cardio, and punching power all looked very impressive in his UFC debut, as did his trademark flexibility. Henderson may fight John Makdessi next, who is undefeated and scored a dramatic spinning backfist KO at UFC 129. Other potential fighters for this year and beyond include Dennis Siver, George Sotiropoulos, and Clay Guida. The Lightweight division is still getting itself sorted out right now, so it’s hard to nail down an exact opponent, but I do think that Henderson will get a pretty big name for his next challenge.

Next for Vladimir Matyushenko: I think it’s time that Matyushenko met Antonio Rogerio Nogueira again. The two fought at an Affliction card back in 2009, with “Little Nog” winning by TKO in Round 2. But things have changed since then: Nogueira appears to be struggling to stay afloat in the super-competitive Light Heavyweight division, while “The Janitor” just got done with one of the fastest victories of his career. I think it’s time to see if “Little Nog” should still be considered amongst the 205 elite, or if it’s time for Vladimir to ascend to such a status.

Next for Randy Couture: Have we seen the last of Randy Couture? The world may never know. It would only moderately shock me if Couture waited a few years and then announced that he’d fight at 50 years old, just to prove that he could. In the near future, though, expect Couture to get offered up some kind of deal, kind of (but not exactly) similar to the deal Chuck Liddell took, which Couture may or may not take due to his film career. If nothing else, I think Couture will put the headset back on and be a guest announcer for at least a handful of UFC shows.

Next for Lyoto Machida: If Matt Hamill beats Quinton Jackson, then it’s time for the Rampage/Machida rematch so many wanted after Jackson won a controversial decision. If Jackson does beat Hamill, Machida could end up facing someone like Ryan Bader, Forrest Griffin, or Rich Franklin. I think Machida proved a lot in this fight with Couture, and I think the UFC is going to put Machida right back in the shark tank for his next bout.

Next for Jose Aldo: It’s currently rumored that Aldo’s next opponent will be Chad Mendes at UFC 133 in August. Mendes is an undefeated 10-0 fighter with two (T)KO’s and two submissions. I think it’s likely that Jose Aldo will beat Chad Mendes, and if he does, Aldo will then most likely face Kenny Florian in a bout that I think shows clear favoritism for Florian. Nonetheless, I think Aldo will beat both Mendes and Florian.

Next for Georges St. Pierre: I certainly know what I want to be next for GSP: either a super-fight with Anderson Silva or a “title vs. title” match with Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz. But I know that there’s a mountain of red tape preventing both of those fights from happening. So here’s what I think is most likely for GSP: Carlos Condit. Condit will steamroll Dong Hyun Kim, and with the rumors and speculation all coming to naught once again, GSP will fight Condit near the end of the year.

And that’s what I think, fans and friends. But what about you? What do you see happening in the near and not-so-near future of the big winners and losers of UFC 129?

Pablo Garza defeats Yves Jabouin by Submission (Flying Triangle) at 4:31 of Round 1. John Makdessi defeats Kyle Watson by KO (Spinning Backfist) at 1:27 of Round 3. Jason MacDonald defeats Ryan Jensen by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 1:37 of Round 1. Ivan Menjivar defeats Charlie Valencia by TKO (Strikes) at 1:30 of Round 1. Claude Patrick defeats Daniel Roberts by Unanimous Decision.

Jake Ellenberger defeats Sean Pierson by KO (Strikes) at 2:42 of Round 1. Rory MacDonald defeats Nate Diaz by Unanimous Decision. Ben Henderson defeats Mark Bocek by Unanimous Decision. Vladimir Matyushenko defeats Jason Brilz by KO (Strikes) at 0:20 of Round 1. Lyoto Machida defeats Randy Couture by KO (Front Kick) at 1:05 of Round 2. Jose Aldo defeats Mark Hominick by Unanimous Decision. Georges St. Pierre defeats Jake Shields by Unanimous Decision.

When it comes to the “UFC on Prelims LIVE” specials, both on Facebook and Spike TV, all I can really say is “Wow”. From the moment the first fight aired on Facebook (about five minutes late, mind you), we had non-stop fireworks and several amazing finishes. You know you’re in for something special when the first fight is a non-stop war that ends with a Flying Triangle submission.

From there, things got even better. John Makdessi nailed a fantastic spinning backfist to KO Kyle Watson after three very intense rounds of action. Then, Jason MacDonald triumphantly returned to the UFC after a serious injury and proceeded to put on a ground clinic before choking out Ryan Jensen. But that was only three of the four finishes we got to see on the Facebook stream of “UFC Prelims LIVE”. To top it all off, Ivan Menjivar heinously broke Charlie Valencia’s nose with a brutal elbow before finishing him.

And in the main event of the Facebook broadcast, Claude Patrick and Daniel Roberts had a pretty entertaining three-round scrap. As if that wasn’t good enough, we had a great finish from Jake Ellenberger and a landmark performance from Sean Pierson, who completely outclassed and outright schooled Nate Diaz. Pierson is definitely one of the can’t-miss prospects of the division.

Overall, this was by far the best “UFC Prelims LIVE” special I’ve ever seen. It’ll take me a few days to come to an official conclusion, but right now I can say that “Prelims LIVE” blasted ahead of the competition in the race to crown my next “dark horse favorite” and replacement to the WEC. I think I’ll be tied up with UFC 129 post-event coverage for the next several days, but sometime next week I may just officially declare “UFC Prelims LIVE” my new dark horse favorite. Stay tuned.

I was very, very, very happy that Ben Henderson defeated Mark Bocek. I think Henderson did more than enough to win all three rounds, and to be honest, I was very displeased with Mark Bocek utilizing lay and pray tactics. Henderson was clearly the better striker, by miles, and his flexibility and ever-improving ground game all but neutralized Mark Bocek. Part of me was worried that Bocek would have been gifted a decision, and that part of me was already planning a mini-tirade, but all is well now that “Smooth” has picked up his first win in the UFC.

Sometimes it’s true that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks… but Vladimir Matyushenko’s old bag of tricks seems to be doing him just fine. Matyushenko has arguably never looked more impressive in the UFC, and I think this is the start of a pretty interesting comeback. With this win, “The Janitor” has now won five out of his last six, and is currently riding high with back-to-back stoppages. So where does he go from here? I don’t know for sure, but I do know that Matyushenko just put a whole lot of Light Heavyweight fighters on notice with his fantastic KO’ing of Jason Brilz.

Does it really get any better than a leaping Front Face Kick KO? That was Lyoto Machida at his best, and I think this fight set up the comeback I’ve been waiting for. Lyoto Machida is back, ladies and gentlemen, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for him. When it comes to Randy Couture, there’s not too much I could say that I haven’t already said before. Randy is one of the most humble, most genuine, most amazing persons in the history of the UFC, as well as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. I hate to see him go, but I completely understand his decision to do so. Randy Couture… I’m going to miss watching you fight. I’m going to miss you a whole hell of a lot.

What a fantastic co-main event, a fight that truly displayed the tremendous heart and skill of both Jose Aldo and Mark Hominick. To be completely and bluntly honest, I would have only been slightly upset if Mark Hominick had pulled off the surprise upset. Hominick has now asserted himself as one of the best Featherweight fighters in the world, and Jose Aldo now has a giant target on his back since his aura of invincibility has taken a big hit. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Jose Aldo, and I wish nothing but the best for Mark Hominick.

And in the main event, Georges St. Pierre once again proved why he’s the Pound-for-Pound best fighter in the world. Jake Shields is arguably the toughest test GSP has ever faced, and if he’s not, he’s definitely one of the toughest. But just like so many of his other fights, GSP spent the majority of this fight utterly outclassing his opponent. There’s nothing left for GSP at Welterweight… it’s time for a super-fight with Anderson Silva.

Overall, I honestly can’t think of a better UFC event. I can’t think of an event that had more outstanding matches, more dramatic finishes, more amazing submissions, more highlight-reel KO’s. From the absolute bottom to the tip of the top, just about every fight not only lived up to my expectations, but exceeded them. This was a night I don’t think I’ll be forgetting for a long, long, long time. Perhaps it’s just the adrenaline talking right now, but I honestly think UFC 129 could go down as the greatest UFC event of all time.

But that’s just what I thought, fans and friends. What about you? Any thoughts on this card?

First up – Actor: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON, star of the hit movie Fast Five
Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“I think it’s going to be a five round epic war that redefines both fighters. I respect Shields too damn much to say it’ll end any other way. GSP, the best fighter on the planet, wins in the 5th.”

BRIAN DAWKINS, NFL Pro Bowl Safety, Denver Broncos
Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“I believe St-Pierre will be too much. He has all around talent, striking power and he’s a ground technician. He has no true weakness!”

CHEF MICHAEL SYMON, Food Network’s Iron Chef America and host of Food Feuds
Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“I’m saying St-Pierre. He is technically just too good.”

SHANE VICTORINO, Gold Glove Centerfielder from the Philadelphia Phillies
Prediction: JAKE SHIELDS

“I’m gonna have to say ‘Rush’ is the favorite, but I won’t put it past Shields for an upset victory. Shields by submission!”

DAVID HAYE, WBA Heavyweight boxing champion
Prediction: JAKE SHIELDS

“Shields is the underdog, but believe me, this is the year of the underdog. Just like when I KO Wladimir Klitschko in July, an underdog could send a stadium full of fans home very unhappy at UFC 129.”

TABOO, Black Eyed Peas
Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“GSP and Shields are both on top of their games, but I would have to give the edge to GSP. He’s got the Canadian home field advantage and I feel like it’s GSP’s time right now, but I gotta feeling that night’s gonna be a good night for the UFC.”

J.S. GIGUERE, Goaltender, Toronto Maple Leafs, Stanley Cup winner
Prediction:  GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“I have to go with GSP, he’s just too well rounded. Plus I have to go with the Quebec guy.”

NOEL CLARKE, BAFTA-winning film director and actor
Prediction: JAKE SHIELDS

“I’m gonna go out on a limb and pick Shields. GSP has all the tools to beat him, but for me, he is at a psychological disadvantage. He hasn’t finished anyone in a while and he showed that frustration after the Koscheck fight. If Shields can take the early onslaught, GSP will get more desperate to finish, make a mistake and Shields will get him.”

CLARKE MACARTHUR, Left Wing, Toronto Maple Leafs
Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“I think GSP will win by first round submission. He’s way too well rounded a fighter. Shields is tough and dangerous on the ground, but I think GSP is on another level.”

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL, NBA superstar, Boston Celtics
Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

—

So, there you have it.  Seven for St. Pierre and three for Shields.  About right, I suspect, with fans at large.

What are your thoughts?  Join the stars.  Make your prediction on the monster title fight tonight.  And thanks to the UFC PR department for the info!

Those that have followed me for any prolonged length of time know that I’ve struggled to find a proper replacement to the WEC as my “dark horse favorite”. That’s the show/series/promotion I constantly advocate and cover in hopes that people will tune in and see what all the fuss is about, and then consequently turn into fans that start supporting the promotion in earnest. Currently, three shows are battling it out for that spot: the “UFC Prelims LIVE” events, the Bellator events on MTV2, and Strikeforce’s “Challengers” series of shows.

With seven free preliminary fights scheduled for UFC 129, all of which sound great on paper, this could be the event that finally crowns a new “dark horse favorite”. But I have to wonder: is it fair to give that sort of accolade to this sort of show? It’s still the UFC, after all… it’s just the preliminary fights.

That’s one side of the argument, here’s the other: if “Prelims LIVE” is exempt because it’s just a different aspect of the same product, “Challengers” should be exempt as well, since it’s still Strikeforce. That would leave only Bellator, and I have to wonder: is that fair, given that both “Prelims LIVE” and “Challengers” are only beginning to come out of their bubbles as the “B-shows”? And don’t forget, Bellator is struggling to emerge out of that very same bubble.

So I’m going to throw it to you, fans and friends, to let me know what you think I should do. I’ll consider every option and give honest thought to any and all responses. The question is: in the hunt to crown my next “dark horse favorite”, is it fair that shows like “UFC Prelims LIVE” and “Strikeforce Challengers” are in the running? Because with seven free fights on Spike TV and Facebook, that question is more important to me now than ever, since UFC 129’s preliminary fights may finally tip the scales in that series’ favor.

In regards to the rest of the card, I’m really excited to see Ben Henderson debut in the UFC. He’s coming off of a loss, sure, but that fight just so happened to be one of the best fights I’ve ever seen. I think Ben Henderson can go very far in the UFC. Mark Bocek will be a tough test and a real proving point for Henderson, and I look forward to seeing him bring his incredibly effective mix of cardio, speed, power, and flexibility into the Octagon.

I think I may get a little misty-eyed if Randy Couture makes good on the rumors and retires if he loses to Lyoto Machida. I know it’s very selfish of me, but part of me just doesn’t want Randy Couture to stop fighting. I just like watching him so much, and he still puts so much into his fights even at his age. He may not have had the best record in the UFC, nor was he the most dominant fighter of his time, but Randy Couture is a legend nonetheless.

When it comes to the two title fights, I’ve said so much about both of them that I’m honestly out of words. I think they’re going to be excellent fights, and I can guarantee I’ll be on the edge of my seat for both of those fights. I think the following is a pretty fitting last thing to say about these fights, so here it is: I’m just glad the wait is almost over.

And there you have it, fans and friends: my final thoughts on UFC 129. And what about you? Any last thoughts before this historic event?

Mark Bocek vs. Ben Henderson: Although Bocek has fought eight times in the UFC, he’s lost to some of the UFC’s top-division stars. And Ben Henderson was one of the last WEC Lightweight Champions. By the time the WEC folded, I think you could make a serious argument that their best matched the UFC’s best, in particular, I’m talking about Anthony Pettis and Ben Henderson. “Bendo” is one of the best Lightweight fighters in the world, and I think he’s going to prove that at UFC 129. Ben Henderson wins by submission in Round 1.

Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Jason Brilz: “The Janitor” has lost one fight in his latest return to the UFC, and that was to eventual Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones. Matyushenko has won four of his last five, and I think he’s ready for a fighter like Jason Brilz. Brilz is very tough and has some good submissions on his record, but Matyushenko has fought his entire career without ever getting submitted. It’ll be a long, hard-fought war, but Vladimir Matyushenko will win by Unanimous Decision.

Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida: Part of me really, really wants the UFC’s ageless wonder to put together another legendary performance and defeat a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. But I just don’t think that’s going to happen. With his back against the wall, Lyoto Machida will come out with his best, and leagues better than he’s recently been. He’s had time to reflect and reconnect with what made him a champion, and I think this will be the start of Machida’s big comeback. As much as I hate to pick against Couture, I believe that Machida will win by KO in the first round.

Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick: I just can’t pick against Jose Aldo. It just strikes me as impossible. I truly think we’ve only begun to see the best Jose Aldo. With Aldo healthy and anxious to make his UFC debut, I think Mark Hominick is going to get destroyed. I don’t say that out of disrespect for Hominick, but out of the respect I have for Aldo’s killer instinct, smart technique, and ridiculous striking power. It’ll take him a round or two to find his flow and get into his groove, but sooner or later Mark Hominick will be just another victim laying on the canvas thanks to the hands and feet of Jose Aldo. Jose Aldo wins by (T)KO either in Round 2 or Round 3.

Georges St. Pierre vs. Jake Shields: Much like Couture/Machida, part of me really wants to see the underdog go all the way and shock everyone. I like Jake Shields, I really do. I’ve defended him from accusations of being a boring fighter, and I’ve followed him for quite some time. But there’s good, and then there’s great. And then there’s great and greater. Jake Shields is greater than most of the great Welterweights in the world… but George St. Pierre is the greatest. By far. GSP has just been too good for too long, and he’ll have over 55,000 screaming Canadians all on his side. It will probably stand out as one of the best fights of the year, and in the end, Georges St. Pierre will win by Unanimous Decision.

And that’s what I think, fans and friends. But what about you? Who do you see winning, and why, at UFC 129: “St. Pierre vs. Shields”?

The organization shattered their previous benchmark record of roughly 23,000 when they visited Montreal last December, by bringing this star studded event to arguably the most loyal fans–Canadians.

Two titles will be on the line, as featherweight champion Jose Aldo defends his UFC title for the first time when he takes on lethal striker in Canada’s own Mark Hominick. Also, the prodigal son Georges St. Pierre will take on the toughest challenge of his career when he meets with 5-time world champion Jake Shields in the main-event of the evening.

And while there were some mishaps during today’s weigh-ins, inevitably all fighters made their respective weight limits.

Ben Henderson, the former WEC lightweight champion, originally weighed in at 156.5 pounds for his lightweight bout with Canadian Mark Bocek, though on a second attempt eventually made 156-pounds, using his one pound allowance.

Initially, title challenger Mark Hominick weighed in for his championship bout with Jose Aldo at 145.25 pounds–a quarter pound over the 145-pound limit. In title bouts, it is required that athletes come in at the maximum of the weight limit without the aide of the one-pound allowance, and in Mark’s case, 145-pounds.

However, according to MMAJunkie.com, an official from the Ontario Athletic Commission said that Hominick was allowed to compete, since he had weighed in the quarter-pound over with his shorts on.

Here are the full weigh-in results, formated by MMAJunkie.com:

MAIN CARD (PPV)

Champ Georges St-Pierre (169.5) vs. Jake Shields (169) – for welterweight title
Champ Jose Aldo (145) vs. Mark Hominick (145) – for featherweight title
Randy Couture (203.5) vs. Lyoto Machida (204.5)
Jason Brilz (204.5) vs. Vladimir Matyushenko (205.5)
Mark Bocek (155) vs. Ben Henderson (156)*

PRELIMINARY CARD (Spike TV)

Nate Diaz (171) vs. Rory MacDonald (170.5)
Jake Ellenberger (170) vs. Sean Pierson (170)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)

Claude Patrick (169.5) vs. Daniel Roberts (170.5)
Ivan Menjivar (136) vs. Charlie Valencia (135.5)
Jason MacDonald (185) vs. Ryan Jensen (185)
John Makdessi (155.5) vs. Kyle Watson (155)
Pablo Garza (145) vs. Yves Jabouin (146)

UFC veteran David Branch (UFC: 2-2) recently sat down with Fighters.com to talk about his history and the next step in his career (That video coming next month).  However, we could not let him go without asking for his thoughts and predictions about the biggest UFC event in history going down tomorrow in Toronto.  We got his take on GSP v. Shields and the other main card bouts.

Click through for the video.

5. Seven free fights. Seven. That’s two more than the Pay-Per-View broadcast.

A certain section of fans love to complain about how they’re not getting their money’s worth when they purchase some of the UFC’s less-than-stellar Pay-Per-View shows. To counteract that, or at least to soften the blow somewhat, the UFC routinely offers up free preliminary fights from most major cards, whether it be through Facebook, Spike TV, or even ION Television. And this one event will see all seven preliminary fights broadcast, two on Spike TV and a whopping five on Facebook. If you’re a fan of free fights (and how could you not be?), UFC 129 is a can’t-miss event.

4. Randy Couture could be fighting for the very last time at UFC 129.

There is only one Randy Couture, and there will always be only one Randy Couture. Couture is a legend, a multi-division champion, one of the best Octagon warriors to ever call the UFC home. And his dramatic comeback that started all the way back when he won the UFC Heavyweight Championship may finally be at an end. Faced with former Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida, Couture may finally hang up the gloves following the bout. If only for what should be an amazing post-fight speech, this fight shouldn’t be missed.

3. Jose Aldo debuts in the UFC against feared striker Mark Hominick.

It’s time for the UFC faithful to see what all the fuss was about. It’s hard to justify hype like “the best Featherweight fighter in the world” and “currently one of the best pound-for-pound fighters”. But not only does Aldo justify that hype, he makes you feel foolish for even doubting him in the first place. But Mark Hominick won’t be going down without a fight. It’s going to be an all-out war between one of the best fighters competing today and the unlikely challenger that will try his hardest to do the impossible.

2. Georges St. Pierre defends his championship against Jake Shields.

Can anyone beat Georges St. Pierre? A lot of people say “no” to that question. But Jake Shields doesn’t think so. Jake Shields knows he can beat Georges St. Pierre, and even GSP himself knows that he’s not unstoppable. GSP will walk into UFC 129 with the odds overwhelmingly stacked in his favor, but when has that ever held back Jake Shields? There are so many things that could happen in this fight, and both men are at such a high skill level, that this fight has all the makings of an instant classic.

And the number-one reason to watch UFC 129 is…

1. It’s UFC 129. ‘Nuff said.

I’ve had a lot of time to think over this card, and I’ve spent a lot of time covering it in detail. And with every new fight covered, with all my research done, I can now say one thing for sure: this event is going to be the most important MMA event of 2011. It’s a major victory for the UFC, and in my opinion, it’s way bigger than the victory they scored when they booked an event in Abu Dhabi for the first time. This could go down as a defining moment in the UFC’s history. It absolutely should not be missed.

So there you have it, fans and friends: five great reasons to tune in and see UFC 129. What about you? As the date draws ever-closer, what are you most looking forward to for this event?

The Event: UFC 129 “St. Pierre vs. Shields”, currently scheduled for April 30, 2011 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Five preliminary fights will be shown on the UFC’s Facebook page starting at 6:00 PM ET. Two additional preliminary fights will be shown on Spike TV starting at 8:00 PM ET. The five-fight main card will be shown live on Pay-Per-View starting at 9:00 PM ET.

Why You Should Care: This is the UFC’s debut in Toronto after a long, long period of legal strife. It is also the first UFC event ever to be held inside of a stadium. It will also set the record for the largest North American MMA crowd in history, with over 55,000 fans expected to fill the Rogers Centre. And to top it all off, the event features two championship bouts with two dominant champions defending against two tough challengers, in addition to what could be the last fight of MMA legend Randy Couture’s career.

What to Look Forward to in the Main Event: Georges St. Pierre is considered the greatest fighter in the world, in the eyes of many. He’s practically revered in Canada. And as good as he’s been, Georges St. Pierre just keeps improving. We think his ground game has peaked, then he just comes out and dominates like never before. We think his striking isn’t good anymore, then he jabs Josh Koscheck at will for five rounds and breaks his orbital bone. GSP is one of the toughest tests any MMA fighter at any weight class could ever face. And in his path is Jake Shields, a multi-promotion champion with great wrestling, great submissions, good hand speed and power, and impressive cardio. Shields may be the underdog, but if there was a world out there where Georges St. Pierre didn’t exist, Jake Shields would probably be the one wearing UFC gold right now.

What to Look Forward to in the Co-Main Event: Jose Aldo was so dominant inside the WEC’s famous blue cage that he looked almost inhuman. He finished so many people, and the one man he couldn’t finish in the WEC just so happened to be one of the greatest Featherweight fighters of all time. Aldo is a wrecking machine disguised as a man, and he’s facing a very tough test in Mark Hominick. Hominick is fast, packs a powerful punch, and is a very cerebral striker. This is going to be a very violent fight, but it should also be a great one.

Why You Should Watch This Card: There’s not a lot more I could say about this card other than “go watch it”. It’s really getting to that point. I’m such a big fan of this card. You want free fights? You get seven. You want a good PPV card? You get five fights, two title fights, Randy Couture, and more. There’s very, very, very little not to like about this card.

Why You Shouldn’t Watch This Card: I honestly can’t think of one. Some of the fights may not look all that close on paper, but anything can happen in MMA and 2010 taught us that that’s a saying that’s more true now than ever. It’s a ridiculously stacked card and you should watch it. Period.

Closing Thoughts: I can’t wait to see this card. I’ve been building it up for the past several weeks and days, but I have complete faith that it’s going to live up to its potential. This is going to be an awesome, awesome event.

And what about you, fans and friends? Anybody out there looking forward to UFC 129?

Georges St. Pierre is on my personal shortlist of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. The fact that he’s not even thirty yet and has lost only twice honestly scares me a little. Georges St. Pierre has performed flawlessly for so long and during so many fights that he’s currently ranked as the top Pound-for-Pound fighter in the world on many popular websites and forums. Currently, Georges St. Pierre is unbeaten for over four years, and is on a eight-fight win-streak.

When he takes on Jake Shields at UFC 129, GSP will be defending his Welterweight Championship for the sixth time. He’s made great strikers like Thiago Alves and Dan Hardy look like amateurs with his dominant, unstoppable wrestling and Ground and Pound. He’s rearranged the faces of dominant wrestlers like Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck with his crisp, powerful, precise punches. And he’s outright dominated fellow legends like BJ Penn and Matt Hughes with a mix of everything in his arsenal.

It doesn’t matter who he’s put up against in his most-recent reign as Welterweight Champion, Georges St. Pierre tears them all down. One way or another, not one fighter of this current undefeated streak has ever made Georges St. Pierre look human. No one has done that, regardless of their skill level, regardless of their strengths, not since Matt Serra shocked the world and scored the biggest upset in UFC history by TKO’ing him. Since Serra, no one has even come remotely close.

But Jake Shields may be the man to do just that. Shields is highly decorated in the cage, in submission grappling, in collegiate wrestling, and is adept at all facets of the game. He is a former Shooto Middleweight Champion, a former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion, and a former EliteXC Welterweight Champion. And let’s not forget that Shields never lost the EliteXC title, the promotion folded before they found someone that could beat Shields. And also don’t forget that Jake Shields gave up his Strikeforce Middleweight Championship when he signed to the UFC.

And perhaps most importantly, try and remember the last time someone beat Jake Shields. Pretty tough, isn’t it? That’s because Jake Shields last lost in 2004. For over six years, no one has been able to beat Jake Shields. That’s fifteen straight fights, with six submissions and two TKO’s. The rest were all decision victories, with Shields winning all but two fights by Unanimous Decision.

It’s hard to pick against Georges St. Pierre. Wait, let me rephrase that: it’s nearly impossible. The man is a freak of nature, plain and simple. And he always brings out his best when he fights in Canada. And he’ll be fighting in Canada at UFC 129, in front of over 55,000 fans that nearly revere him. And Georges St. Pierre keeps improving.

But if you could make one man that held the best chance against Georges St. Pierre, it would be Jake Shields. Booked as a sacrificial lamb and not much else, Shields survived the early-round onslaughts of the legendary Dan Henderson and then dominated him for four straight rounds. He’s got impressive takedown ability, great ground control, and an amazing submission game. Shields won’t have a problem with GSP’s size since he’s fought at and dominated at Middleweight. Jake Shields is the complete package… GSP just happens to be the “completer” package. But no matter who wins, this fight has all the makings of a Fight of the Year contender.

And with that said, fans and friends, “UFC 129 Complete Collection” now draws to a close. I would like to take this time to thank any and all of you that tuned in, and I hope you’re now as pumped up for this show as I am. Tomorrow, I’ll be posting an “epilogue” with my final thoughts on this series as well as a complete archive of all twelve parts. And now it’s time to ask one final time: what about you, fans and friends? What do you think of this upcoming championship showdown?

If Jake Shields wins by anything other than a stoppage or blowout decision, Georges St. Pierre will be granted an immediate title shot.

I have two major, somewhat-conflicting responses when it comes to this topic. And both of those responses take the form of a question. The first is: what do you expect? It’s that response that’s a bit more negative: the UFC knows how big of a cash cow GSP is, and they’ll do everything in their power to get the gold back around his waist if he loses a close fight to Shields. The second, more-positive reaction is: is that such a bad thing? With all GSP has accomplished both in and outside of the ring, wouldn’t he be fully deserving of a title shot if the fight is close, even if some would call it an obvious ploy by the UFC to get their belt back around one of their highest-drawing stars?

Even if Shields stops or dominates GSP, he’ll probably face him in roughly a year, maybe less.

The last time Georges St. Pierre lost the UFC Welterweight Championship, he was fighting for the title again after winning two fights. It should also be noted that one of those fights was for an Interim Welterweight Championship due to Matt Serra getting injured. So even if Jake Shields does something perceived as even more of an impossibility than just simply beating GSP and actually dominates or stops GSP, that still doesn’t mean that he won’t be fight GSP again in the immediate future. Depending on how things shake out, Shields could be right back here next year fighting GSP again.

Shields will likely have to defend his title against most of the people GSP defeated.

When Frank Edgar defeated BJ Penn for the second time, one of my earliest reactions was “it’s a whole new ballgame”. What I mean by that is that all of the people BJ Penn beat could be right back at it and in championship bouts since Frank Edgar is a very different fighter when compared to BJ Penn. And in much the same way, Jake Shields is a very different fighter when compared to Georges St. Pierre. Since so many of the fighters GSP has faced and defeated have only looked bad against GSP, I think Shields will probably end up fighting people like Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Thiago Alves, etc.

Jake Shields will eventually move up to Middleweight and challenge Anderson Silva.

This is definitely something I can put my foot down on and firmly state that I think it’ll happen. It’s simple, really: not only has Jake Shields competed at Middleweight before, he’s won championships at Middleweight. Jake Shields would gladly fight Anderson Silva, if only to prove himself against such a high-quality fighter. It may not have all the allure of GSP vs. Silva, but at least it’s a fight that wouldn’t be bogged down by months of negotiation and rumor.

And that wraps up part 2 of today’s special two-parter, fans and friends. One last time: what about you? What do you think will happen if Jake Shields beats Georges St. Pierre?

If GSP wins a close fight, Jake Shields will be given an immediate rematch.

A lot of people (including me) have stated their belief that GSP will more than likely be rocketed back up to top contender status if he wins one or two fights after losing to Shields. We even believe that GSP will probably be given an immediate rematch if the fight is close. But I think the same exact thing can be said about Jake Shields. Jake Shields may not be as universally popular as GSP, but he’s certainly got the credentials and accolades to deserve an immediate rematch if the fight is close.

If GSP wins in dominating fashion, the UFC will do everything in their power to finally convince him to fight Anderson Silva.

Will it happen? Or won’t it? That’s the question that will be on everyone’s minds if Georges St. Pierre beats Jake Shields. I honestly don’t know what will happen, but I’ll give my thoughts on either of those two outcomes below. But here’s something I can predict: expect the UFC to go out of their way to make GSP vs. Anderson Silva a reality, far more than they’ve ever tried to in the past.

If GSP doesn’t end up fighting Anderson Silva, he’ll probably face the winner of the upcoming Carlos Condit vs. Dong Hyun Kim fight.

The winner of that fight is the most-likely candidate to receive the next shot at the title if the mega-match against Silva fails to materialize yet again. In Carlos Condit, you’ve got a very exciting knockout artist that has only lost one fight in the UFC. In “Stun Gun” Kim you’ve got a dominant wrestler with big power and serious international appeal. And perhaps most importantly, both fighters have never fought Georges St. Pierre before, which is a breath of fresh air in a Welterweight division where most of the persistently-ranked top contenders have all tasted defeat at the hands of Georges St. Pierre.

If GSP does end up fighting Anderson Silva, it will be the biggest match-up in the history of the UFC.

There’s really no other way to describe a fight as big as GSP vs. Anderson Silva. There have been a few fights that come close, but this match-up would pit two of the most-dominant fighters in UFC history, who are both considered two of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, against each other. The UFC would spare no expense for this bout, they’d find a way to book a stadium with a maximum capacity of well over 55,000. Without hyperbole, Georges St. Pierre vs. Anderson Silva would be one of the biggest fights in the history of MMA.

And that’s what I think, fans and friends. What about you? What do you think will happen if Georges St. Pierre wins?

5. Sometimes you perform at your best when everyone around you is screaming for your head.

There’s some movie floating around somewhere that features a fighter going into a hostile nation and putting on the performance of a lifetime before beating the heavily-favored, nationally-adored champion. I think it was called “Rocky” something. Kidding aside, there’s been multiple cases of UFC fighters entering into hostile territory only to put on a terrific performance. When your back is against the wall and everyone wants to see you lose, sometimes that’s the best motivation possible.

4. Jake Shields has never been submitted, and has one TKO loss on his record, which occurred at the start of his career.

Georges  St. Pierre is great at all facets of the game… but only one person has ever managed to stop Jake Shields. One person in thirty-one fights. Three people have beaten him by decision. Georges St. Pierre has a great record, but so does Jake Shields. And Jake Shields won’t forever be haunted by a TKO loss to an 11-to-1 underdog.

3. Before debuting in the UFC, Jake Shields’ last victory was against a dominant, heavy-handed wrestler… at Middleweight.

It’s the fight that so angered Shields that he left Strikeforce following a fantastic performance and while still holding that promotion’s championship. When matched up against Dan Henderson, Strikeforce bizarrely chose to focus on “Hendo” almost exclusively in their pre-fight hype and marketing, throwing the actual champion (Shields) into the background and casting him as a sacrificial lamb. This policy of putting all their eggs in one basket promptly bit Strikeforce right on the behind, as Shields survived a first-round scare to control and ultimately dominate Dan Henderson, an Olympic-level wrestler, for four straight rounds.

2. Jake Shields is a multi-promotion champion and a highly-decorated athlete in general.

Jake Shields has fought and beat the best fighters any promotion could throw at him. He’s a former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion. He’s a former EliteXC Welterweight Champion. He’s a former Shooto Middleweight Champion. He’s got numerous awards in both college wrestling and submission grappling. Jake Shields has only fought the best for a long, long time… and he’s assembled a fifteen-fight win-streak that started over five years ago.

And the number-one reason why I think Jake Shields could beat Georges St. Pierre is…

1. Jake Shields is ready to fight and defeat Georges St. Pierre.

Everyone loves to talk about Georges St. Pierre in this fight, but this fight is the culmination of so many things for Jake Shields. It’s the culmination of several long years of hard work that saw Shields struggle for relevance and credibility. It’s the culmination of an epic win-streak that saw him win multiple championships. And most importantly, this fight could see Jake Shields fully realizing his potential after years of strife, after constant accusations of being a boring fighter, and after being marketed as little more than a sacrificial lamb in the promotion where he last held a major championship.

I want to say that Jake Shields has been waiting all his life for this opportunity, but “waiting” does a great disservice to the fights he’s won and the gold he’s claimed. You can doubt him all you want, but Jake Shields knows he can beat Georges St. Pierre and will do everything in his power to do just that. And that’s the number-one reason why I think Jake Shields could beat Georges St. Pierre.

And that’s what I think, fans and friends. What about you? One last time: it’s GSP vs. Jake Shields. Who wins it, how, and why?

5. Georges St. Pierre will have 55,000 screaming Canadians cheering him on.

Whenever Georges St. Pierre fights in Canada, he’s guaranteed the largest reaction of the night while also nearly single-handedly guaranteeing the UFC a sellout. Without hyperbole, I think a few cageside fans may go a little deaf after the 55,000 in the Rogers Centre are done cheering for GSP during his initial walk-out. GSP always brings out his best when he fights in Canada, and that may have something to do with the fact that he’s got an entire country on his side when he fights in Canada.

4. Georges St. Pierre will have a significant size and strength advantage.

Jake Shields has competed at Middleweight before, there’s no denying that. There’s also no denying that he’s had some very successful runs at Middleweight. But here’s a question for you: did Jake Shields ever really look natural at Middleweight, especially compared to Georges St. Pierre? GSP has always looked like a freak of nature at Welterweight, and that’s going to give him a pretty big advantage over Shields.

3. Jake Shields has never been much of a puncher.

A lot of people complain that Georges St. Pierre has been going to a decision a lot recently, but he’s still (T)KO’d eight people throughout his career. Jake Shields has (T)KO’d a grand total of… three. GSP has more striking stoppages in fewer fights, and for those complaining about decisions, GSP has been to a decision eight times to Shields’ thirteen. Georges St. Pierre is and always will be a finisher, and his ever-improving striking is a big weapon against Shields.

2. Only one person has ever submitted Georges St. Pierre… Matt Hughes, one of the best Welterweight MMA fighters of all time.

It’s true that Jake Shields is a very good submission-based fighter. I’ll go one step further: he’s one of the few fighters I actually consider a “submission artist”, and that’s a term I absolutely do not throw about loosely. I’m not doubting Jake’s great ground game… I’m just saying that Georges St. Pierre has no equal when it comes to the ground game. Especially in his last few fights, he’s ran circles on the ground against people like Dan Hardy, Thiago Alves, and even BJ Penn. Shields may have a great ground game, but St. Pierre’s ground game is nothing short of astounding.

And the number-one reason why I think Georges St. Pierre could beat Jake Shields is…

1. It’s Georges St. Pierre. That’s really all that needs to be said.

Try to list off all the achievements that Georges St. Pierre has garnered throughout his career, try and count all the awards he’s won. We’d be here all day. Try and look at some of the man’s training videos and not marvel at how intensely he trains for a fight. It’s impossible not to respect Georges St. Pierre. Without a shadow of a doubt in my mind, I consider GSP one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. And the thing that’s so awesome that it’s almost scary? The man isn’t even thirty years old yet. The simple fact that GSP is who he is… that’s definitely the number-one reason why I think he could beat Jake Shields.

So that’s it for the first part of today’s two-parter, fans and friends. Stay tuned for the follow-up, it’ll be up soon. But for now: do you think GSP will beat Jake Shields? Why or why not?

Furthering this notion, people sometimes forget that the first time St. Pierre fought and defeated Josh Koscheck at UFC 74, his ground and pound game plan was shocking. At the time, though people knew that “Rush” was highly athletic, explosive, and a good wrestler, virtually no one understood just how good a wrestler he was. He was able to take a former Division 1 national wrestling champion in Koscheck down at will, something that almost no one expected a man with no formal wrestling background capable of doing. Speaking to this, Koscheck was so sure that his wrestling skills wouldn’t be an issue that according to training partner Jon Fitch, he didn’t even focus on those skills at all during his camp.

Well, fast forward to UFC 124 and their rematch. By that time, just about everyone considered St. Pierre to be the best wrestler in MMA. People wondered aloud if his ground and pound game plan would work the second time through against a wary Koscheck. But we never found out because this time St. Pierre jabbed his way to a dominant decision victory.

Surprising to say the least.

There have been many other instances where St. Pierre’s game plans have proven priceless. Remember when he dominated BJ Penn at UFC 94?  Many wondered if St. Pierre would purposefully choose to stand with Penn during the fight, considering his opponent’s submission capabilities. Instead, St. Pierre continually proved his amazing cardio, having trouble with takedowns early on only to find them just too easy to come by during the late stanzas en-route to a dominating decision victory.  Though this game plan wasn’t nearly as surprising as those he utilized against Koscheck, it sure did wear his opponent down and net a surprisingly easy win.

This leads us to UFC 129 and his upcoming championship fight with Jake Shields. Shields may very well be the best overall grappler that St. Pierre has ever faced. We’re talking about a guy that was able to consistently take Dan Henderson down- a much bigger fighter with a great wrestling background- in the later rounds of their recent fight. On top of that, Shields is also a big time submission threat from both the top position and his back. It’s that ground versatility that has a lot of people thinking St. Pierre will use his strong takedown defense to stand with Shields. After all, Shields isn’t known to be a very good striker, even if he certainly proved to have a solid jaw in the aforementioned Henderson bout (he was pummeled in round one on his feet by “Hollywood”).

In fact, that’s what I would expect St. Pierre to do with Shields. It seems to make all the sense in the world. Then again, I expected him to try and strike with Koscheck in their first encounter and try and take him down in their second. I have no idea what I expected him to do against Penn in their second fight, but I do know that I didn’t believe he’d have as easy a time doing it as he did.

In other words, don’t be shocked if “Rush” tries to take Shields down and ground and pound him into oblivion. Easier said than done? Absolutely. But remember- St. Pierre is very confident in all of his skills and likes to surprise opponents by doing the complete opposite of what they expect. It may also be important to note that “Rush” did some significant training with Roger Gracie leading up to this fight (article on St. Pierre training with Gracie). Sure that could have been just to work on his submission defense, readying to take on a wizard in that arena. But then again…..

Looking forward to seeing St. Pierre’s game plan against Shields at UFC 129. Will he try and surprise his opponent? If he does, will it work again, as it has on so many other occasions? It sure will be interesting, of that much we can be sure.

5. Gilbert Melendez vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri at Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Daley”.

Much like Bellator’s Eddie Alvarez, I consider Gilbert Melendez one of the most under-rated Lightweights on the planet. Melendez is a very worthy Strikeforce champion, and I think he’s going to hold his belt for some time. For those of you who may not know, “Crusher” Kawajiri loves to knock people out and will be a very worthy test for “El Nino”. This has all the makings of a fantastic brawl.

4. Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick at UFC 129: “St. Pierre vs. Shields”.

Speaking of fantastic brawls… seeing Jose Aldo debut in the UFC is going to be amazing. Aldo was arguably the WEC’s brightest star and biggest asset before it was merged with the UFC. Aldo simply ran through everybody, he dominated and demolished every single fighter in his path and even made it look easy on many occasions. Aldo is one of the best and most dynamic strikers in the business, and now UFC fans finally get to see first-hand what all the fuss is about.

3. Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida UFC 129: “St. Pierre vs. Shields”.

If I could pick one fight from all the fights on this list and have it end with neither man losing, it would be this one. I just don’t want to think about what another loss will do to these two: if Couture gets TKO’d or KO’d he may hang it up again, if Machida loses again he may be cut from the UFC. This should be an excellent match, but I think the end will be tough for me to sit through. This is a fight that puts one of the greatest of all time and one of my favorite fighters (Couture) against another favorite of mine, someone I’ve continued to proudly support throughout all his ups and downs (Machida). It’ll be a great fight no matter who wins.

2. Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley at Strikeforce: “Diaz vs. Daley”.

Who is Paul Daley? He’s the man that exited the UFC on the heels of an embarrassing loss to Josh Koscheck and received a permanent exile for attacking Koscheck after the fight. He’s the man that continually has problems with his weight. But he’s also the most dangerous striker Nick Diaz has ever faced. Despite all his flaws, there is no coming back from a Paul Daley punch: if he hits you good, you’re as good as done. In one way, Diaz has the ability to mop the floor with Daley. But in another way, this is one of the biggest challenges Diaz will ever face. And there’s only one way to see which way this fight goes.

And my number-one most-anticipated fight of April 2011 is…

1. Georges St. Pierre vs. Jake Shields UFC 129: “St. Pierre vs. Shields”.

If you thought GSP got a big reaction in Canada before, picture what the crowd will be like when they number over 55,000. In Jake Shields, GSP faces a very different threat than any of the fighters he’s faced in a long, long, long time: not only does Shields have good standup, not only does he have impressive takedown ability, he’s also a wizard on the ground. GSP is just too good at everything, though. Or is he? Anything is possible in MMA, especially when you’re talking about a multiple promotion, multiple weight class champion like Jake Shields. I have no doubt that this will go down as one of the biggest fights of the year.

And there you have it, fans and friends! But what about you? What bouts are you most looking forward to for April 2011?

April 9, 2011 – “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley”: Nick Diaz looks to become the most dominant champion in Strikeforce history by defending his Welterweight Championship for a third time. Standing in his way is iron-fisted power-puncher Paul Daley. Also on the card, Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez defends his championship against international star Tatsuya Kawajiri.

April 9, 2011 – “Bellator 40”: Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren fights grizzled veteran and former champion Nick Thompson in a non-title bout. Also in action is another tough veteran, as Jay Hieron fights for his shot in the finals of the Bellator Welterweight Tournament against Brent Weedman. And Michael Chandler fights Lloyd Woodard to determine one of the finalists for Bellator’s current Lightweight Tournament.

April 16, 2011 – “Bellator 41”: Both the Bellator Bantamweight and Featherweight Champions will be in action, although in non-title bouts. 125-pound champ Zach Makovsky fights Chad Robichaux while Joe Warren fights Marcos Galvao. Also, both the Featherweight semi-final match-ups are scheduled for Bellator 41, with Daniel Straus taking on Kenny Foster and Wilson Reis fighting Patricio Freire.

April 23, 2011 – “Bellator 42”: The Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Final round is scheduled for Bellator 42. Richard Hale will be taking on DJ Linderman while Tim Carpenter faces Christian M’Pumbu.

April 30, 2011 – “UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields”: In front of over 55,000 fans in Toronto’s Rogers Centre, UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre will defend the title against multiple-promotion champion Jake Shields. Also, Featherweight engine of destruction Jose Aldo makes the first defense of his newly-minted UFC Featherweight Championship against Mark Hominick. And to top it all off, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida will face legendary UFC Hall of Fame member Randy Couture.

And now, here are some thoughts on how I think the month of April 2011 will unfold.

I’m really looking forward to “Diaz vs. Daley”, it has the potential to be perhaps the best event Strikeforce has given us in 2011 so far. I think the main event will be an excellent fight, and I think Diaz will be willing to stand and trade with Paul Daley just to prove that he can.

The month of April will be a good time to be a Bellator fan, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the Bellator champions compete, even in non-title bouts. The semi-final match-ups of Bellator’s various tournaments all have serious potential, and as a whole, I think April 2011 will be a very good month for the upstart promotion.

I can’t even begin to imagine how utterly insane UFC 129 will be. GSP/Shields, Couture/Machida, and Aldo/Hominick could have all been the main event of a Pay-Per-View on their own, but the UFC saw fit to cram those three mega-matches inside the sold-out Rogers Centre. I truly believe this will be a massive turning point for the UFC, it may even go down as the most important UFC event since UFC 100. I absolutely cannot wait for this event.

And what about you, fans and friends? What MMA events are you looking forward to in April 2011?

He’s proven such accolades in the past, as he has taken fights in the lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, and even light heavyweight division. So now with the acquisition of Strikeforce into the Zuffa fold, things have gotten a little bit skewed once again.

The loyalty that him and his team (Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) share is undeniable–arguably the most loyal team in the sport of mixed martial arts. When Jake Shields and Nick Diaz were both under the Strikeforce banner, Shields moved up to the middleweight class exclusively, just so he can avoid having to run into his teammate, and eventually both men became champions.

So when people ask whether Diaz will fight any of his teammates, the answer is clear. So in Diaz’ opinion, were Rashad Evans and Jon Jones ever “real teammates”? Definitely, not. Because that’s not loyalty.

“They’re not real training partners though,” said Diaz during a recent conference call leading up to his fight with Paul Daley on April 9, regarding Evans and Jones.

“You don’t understand, they’re like 10 years apart for one and they didn’t grow up training together. That guy’s just brand new into the sport. He’s just doing whatever, they’ve got him busy making photo shoots and press conferences, and conference calls and all this.”

Diaz went on to explain more about his training styling’s and highlighted the fact that the wars he has with his brother Nate Diaz, and his best friends Gilbert Melendez and Shields are the only fights that you will see any of them in. Real teammates do not fight each other, is a point he tries to make clear.

“That’s what they’ve got them doing and they’re not focused on what’s important to them in life. I’ve got what works, and I’ve got what’s got me there and that’s my team. That’s a disgusting thought to have to fight my brother. I don’t even appreciate being asked about that,” said Nick.

Thank to MMAWeekly.com for the transcribe from the teleconference.

So, MMA peeps, what do you think of the whole “not fighting teammates” routine? Does it hurt the sport? I think in some cases, it’s not necessary, but when their all under the same roof and if they all reach the top of the division, questions will begin to arise. Sound off in the comment section below.

Courtesy of MMA Weekly, the UFC recently made official two bouts that many were already expecting to be added to this card. First up is a major Featherweight showdown between UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo and fantastic striker Mark Hominick, with Aldo’s championship on the line. The fight will take co-main event duties behind Georges St. Pierre and his UFC Welterweight Championship defense against high-profile Strikeforce defector and former Strikeforce champion Jake Shields.

The other confirmed bout is a battle between a legend and a legend-in-the-making, as it’s now been confirmed that Lyoto Machida will face Randy Couture. Machida is coming off of a somewhat-controversial loss to Quinton Jackson, and needs a win badly or else he’ll be on a three-fight losing-streak. It was widely rumored that Randy Couture was unofficially retired, but the UFC appears to have made him a fight and given him an opponent he simply couldn’t refuse. Both men are former UFC champions.

With the addition of these two bouts, the UFC 129 card is now complete, pending any unforeseen injuries that necessitate changes. So long as everyone remains healthy, the official fight card is as follows: Georges St-Pierre (c) vs. Jake Shields for the UFC Welterweight Championship, José Aldo (c) vs Mark Hominick for the UFC Featherweight Championship, Matt Hamill vs.  Phil Davis, Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida, Mark Bocek vs. Ben Henderson, Rory MacDonald vs.  Nate Diaz, Sean Pierson vs.  Brian Foster, Yves Jabouin vs.  Pablo Garza, Claude Patrick vs.  Daniel Roberts, Ivan Menjivar vs.  Charlie Valencia, Jason MacDonald vs. Ryan Jensen, and John Makdessi vs. Kyle Watson.

At least on paper, this looks to be the best card of the year. It simply doesn’t get much better than this. The UFC is bringing everything to the table for this show, it’s a pivotal moment and the UFC fully knows this. I can’t wait to see GSP defend his belt against Jake Shields, even though I think St. Pierre will once again put on a flawless performance, I know Jake Shields will make it a fight. We’re certainly in for a great battle no matter where this fight goes.

Then you have Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick, which should be a fantastic clash of high-level strikers that should fully and triumphantly introduce Jose Aldo to UFC fans and help mold him into the superstar every former WEC fan knows he could one day become. And to top it all off, you’ve even got Randy Couture taking on Lyoto Machida in a fight that should be awesome even though I’d hate to see either man lose, since I’m a big Couture fan as well as a huge Machida fan. Finally, we’ve even got entertaining stars like Ben Henderson, Nate Diaz, and more. UFC 129 should be an excellent event, and set the standard for the year.

And what about you, fans and friends? What do you make of this finalized UFC 129 card?

MMA Weekly reports that Kevin Iole of Yahoo!! Sports has confirmed with UFC President Dana White that a fight between GSP and Shields for the UFC Welterweight Championship is being scheduled for April 30 and will headline UFC 129. Confirming several weeks of speculation, the bout would take center stage when the UFC debuts in Toronto in the massive Rogers Centre, or as it was once known, the Toronto SkyDome. Canada remains one of the UFC’s strongest international markets, and Georges St. Pierre remains one of the UFC’s top-drawing stars, especially in his native Canada.

I’m very glad that we will indeed be getting this fight, but I hesitate to say that this will be the key in selling out the Toronto Centre. I think it’s going to be a huge part of the puzzle, but I also think that the venue is so big that a one-fight event (in regards to big/major value fights) just isn’t good enough to put what could be over 60,000 fans into seats… even if that fight features GSP, who is arguably the biggest Canadian icon since Wayne Gretzky, fighting in Canada. The good thing about this, though, is that the UFC 129 card is already shaping up to be a can’t-miss event featuring some of the UFC’s best talent in several intriguing match-ups. So make no mistake, I do think the Rogers Centre will sell out.

In regards to the fight itself, I hate to come down so harshly on Jake Shields because I’ve been a fan of the man for quite some time… but I really don’t have much of a choice. As I said, I like Jake Shields. I think he’s got an incredible amount of heart, great cardio, and a very impressive ground game. His stand-up really isn’t anything to write home about, but when he can basically take you down and keep you down almost whenever he wants, passable stand-up is perfectly fine. That is, of course, until he fights someone the caliber of Georges St. Pierre.

I really don’t see how anyone can still say anything negative about Georges St. Pierre. People thought Jon Fitch would outwrestle him, so he outwrestled Jon Fitch. People swore up and down that it would take only one good counter-hit as he dived in for a takedown for Thiago Alves and Dan Hardy to knock GSP out, and then GSP took them both down countless times throughout two five-round bouts and not once seemed to be in any sort of danger. Then people criticized him for being afraid to strike… so he spent five rounds on his feet, jabbing Josh Koscheck’s eye closed and breaking his orbital bone in the process.

From the tip of his head to the bottom of his feet, Georges St. Pierre is easily one of the most complete fighters in the history of MMA. He does it all, he does it flawlessly, and no one has been able to find a way to beat him in over three years. In fact, it’ll officially be over four years since GSP’s last loss by the time GSP steps into the Octagon against Shields. I don’t know how GSP will beat Jake Shields, I think he’ll surprise me like he always does. But I believe fully and wholeheartedly that, once again, GSP will beat the living daylights out of a high-level opponent and make it look easy. And remember, that’s coming from a Jake Shields fan.

And what about you, fans and friends? Do you see Shields being the one to finally beat GSP?

When talking to MMA Weekly, Shields said the following: “[Nate Diaz] is fighting in the UFC too, but we’ll find a way to avoid each other. I know Dana [White] is big on teammates fighting each other, but like I said I can go to [1]85, he can go to [1]55. I look at Nate like he’s my little brother, so I don’t see us fighting. One of us will move over… Fighting against your sparring partners is kind of weird to me. Not that I won’t do it, [it’s] just not something I’m really stoked to do.”

In the past I’ve been very critical of teammates not fighting each other. I’ve said that these holdouts are very detrimental to the sport, since it prevents some big-money high-interest fights that would definitively prove who the best fighters in the world are. I know that it’s a lot to ask to put the business before your friendship, but refusing to fight, no matter what the circumstances surrounding that refusal may be, is detrimental to a fighter’s career. And let’s not forget what the worst-case scenario in this situation is: as more and more notable fighters sign to big-name camps, what we could end up seeing is all the best fighters in the world refusing to fight each other because they train together.

Moving up or down a weight class does seem to be a remedy to the problem, but in reality it’s a Band-Aid on a gunshot wound. Cutting or putting on weight does free an athlete up and allow them to face new competition, but the prevalent problem is still in full effect: they’re still not fighting the best talent in the world. In Jake’s particular case, I would absolutely love to see him take on Nate Diaz. Their styles clash in such a way that we’re nearly guaranteed an amazing performance from both fighters. But unless UFC President Dana White stops with the talk and begins forcing everyone’s hands, that’s a fight that isn’t happening anytime soon despite the fact that both Jake Shields and Nate Diaz are hovering around title contention in the here and now.

To be brutally honest, I think a lot of fighters and even a few members of the press are blowing this thing out of proportion. You’d think this was a Civil War reenactment with all the overblown drama and the refusal to fight a brother on the battlefield. This isn’t a war movie where the hero puts his nearly-dead best friend out of his misery and is haunted by the murder for the rest of his life. This is a sport, and sometimes you have to step on a few toes to truly prove that you’re the best in the world. Try as I might, I’ve got very little sympathy for fighters who refuse to fight their teammates.

And what about you, fans and friends? Where do you stand on this subject, and why?

The Cesar Gracie product showed superior grappling skills over the well-rounded Kampmann. Though his gas tank was depleted early, by what Shields claims was the result of a 20-pound weight cut which hindered both his performance and his conditioning inside the cage.

It’s conceivable, considering Shields had just come off from back-to-back five five-minute rounds against middleweight standouts Jason Miller and Dan Henderson, respectively, as an 185-pound fighter before dropping back down to his natural weight class at 170.

Now garnering his title shot against the winner of UFC 124′s main event, Shields will be cage side for the action, possibly to formally challenge his next opponent in 2011.

“It was a great feeling because after that fight I knew I put on such a poor performance, I wouldn’t have been surprised at all if (UFC president Dana White) said either (Jon) Fitch or (Carlos) Condit or something for the title shot”, said to MMAWeekly.com Jake after hearing news that he would now be considered the number one contender to the welterweight belt.

“I wouldn’t have blamed him at all cause I was so mad at myself for putting on such a bad performance,”

“I think it’s awesome that they’re still giving me the shot. Even though this wasn’t the best performance, I honestly do still feel I deserve a title shot, on a 15-fight winning streak, over some pretty decent opponents.”

Shields, a long time training partner of Josh Koscheck‘s out of the American Kickboxing Academy, is hoping that current welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre will come out victorious in their match in December, in front of “Rush’s” hometown crowd, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

It’s nothing personal against Koscheck, who served as the season 12 coach of “The Ultimate Fighter” series opposite of the 170-pound champion. Shields claims it’s business as usual, and that it’s GSP’s recognition in the sport that the former EliteXC welterweight champion is ultimately after, even if it mean’s enticing the Quebec crowd and fighting Georges in the UFC’s inaugural debut in Toronto, which is scheduled to take place sometime next year.

“I definitely plan on going up to Montreal and be watching to see who I’m fighting. Maybe I’ll pull a Koscheck and bash their hockey team or something like that,” Shields joked.

“There’s a possibility of me fighting him in Toronto in that big 50,000 seat arena or whatever it is. You might as well make them hate you like Koscheck’s done.”

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

Here are just a few of the verbal jabs Ellenberger took at Shields on his official Twitter account (none of the following quotes have been edited in any way): “Jake Shields, you’re as exciting as watching a bowl of mash potatoes get cold… I would rather fight jake shields handcuffed than wrestle GSP… Hey Ms Piggy (aka Jake Shields) if u swing ur purse at me like that, I’ll rub ur face in the mat like a puppy that missed the newspaper… Jake Shields’ cardio won’t be a factor if he fights me next. I won’t keep him around long enough to get tired—… He’ll be breathin’ free & easy, snoring away for the ride to the Hospital.”

It may be too early to definitively say so, but I think it’s a safe bet that we’ve got the next Chael Sonnen on our hands, fans and friends. And Jake Ellenberger is no joke: he’s 2-1 in the UFC, with his only loss coming by way of a very controversial Split Decision that didn’t go his way in his debut against Carlos Condit. Jake quickly rebounded and now has two back-to-back (T)KO’s.

It remains to be seen whether or not Ellenberger really has a problem with Shields or if he’s just trying to make a name for himself. But in all honesty, does it really matter if Ellenberger believes what he says? What he’s trying is obviously working, otherwise I wouldn’t have written this article and you, dear reader, wouldn’t have your attention focused on it right now.

I’ll say this plainly: I love a little smack talk, and I like how Ellenberger is willing to put his money where his mouth is and how he repeatedly says in all these Twitter attacks that he would relish the opportunity to get inside the Octagon with Jake Shields. And the best thing about this match-up is that it’s a solid fight on paper. Unfortunately, it probably won’t be happening anytime soon, now that it’s been confirmed that Shields is next in line for a shot at the UFC Welterweight Championship. But if Ellenberger keeps prodding the bull, sooner or later he’ll get the horns.

Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing how Ellenberger progresses in this verbal war and what reaction, if any, we’ll get out of Jake Shields. Jake Ellenberger isn’t the first man to try and make a name for himself by spouting off every few seconds, and he also wouldn’t be the first man to either have this backfire on him in a huge way or not get him nearly enough attention as he thought such an attack might. But at the end of the day, Jake Ellenberger is a talented fighter and I’d love to see him fight Jake Shields.

But what about you, fans and friends? What do you think of Ellenberger’s attacks, and a possible match-up with Shields?

As if you couldn’t guess, UFC mega-star Brock Lesnar earned the most money at UFC 121. In fact, he earned double that of his opponent, despite losing to Velasquez in very humbling fashion. Lesnar’s situation is mirrored by Tito Ortiz, who pocketed a cool quarter million despite Matt Hamill making easy work of him. Here’s how everyone’s pay scale broke down, courtesy of MMA Weekly.

Cain Velasquez: $200,000 (includes $100,000 win bonus) defeated Brock Lesnar: $400,000. Jake Shields: $150,000 (includes $75,000 win bonus) defeated Martin Kampmann: $27,000. Diego Sanchez: $100,000 (includes $50,000 win bonus) defeated Paulo Thiago: $18,000. Matt Hamill: $58,000 (includes $29,000 win bonus) defeated Tito Ortiz: $250,000. Brendan Schaub: $20,000 (includes $10,000 win. Court McGee: $30,000 (includes $15,000 win bonus) defeated Ryan Jensen: $10,000. Tom Lawlor: $20,000 (includes $10,000 win bonus) defeated Patrick Cote: $21,000. Daniel Roberts: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) defeated Mike Guymon: $8,000. Sam Stout: $32,000 (includes $16,000 win bonus) defeated Paul Taylor: $16,000. Chris Camozzi: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) defeated Dongi Yang: $8,000. Jon Madsen: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) defeated Gilbert Yvel: $30,000.

Ironically, Lesnar finds himself the most well-paid fighter of UFC 121 but also the fighter that may be out the longest due to injuries sustained during the fight. Unless Lesnar is medically cleared, he’s looking at a six-month layoff thanks to Cain Velasquez’s barrage of fists. Jake Shields could also be sitting on the sidelines for 180 days unless he too is cleared by a doctor. Courtesy of MMA Mania, here are the full list of medical suspensions for UFC 121.

Brock Lesnar, Jake Shields, Diego Sanchez, and Court McGee are all suspended for 180 days unless cleared by a doctor for various injuries incurred during the course of their fights. Brendan Schaub, Tito Ortiz, Ryan Jensen, Dongi Yang, Gilbert Yvel, and Gabriel Gonzaga were all suspended for 45 days with no contact for 30 days, for precautionary reasons. Paulo Thiago and Chris Camozzi were suspended 60 days, with no contact for 60 days, due to the cuts they sustained during their fights. Both men are looking at reduced suspensions if they are cleared by a doctor.

Love him or hate him, I think Brock Lesnar earned every penny of his almost half-million salary. Everyone is still talking about UFC 121, and that’s a good thing even if you hate Lesnar. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if this Lesnar-headlined card drew another million buys, which seems to be the norm for him nowadays. And people wonder why UFC President Dana White looked so crestfallen when he had to put that big lump of gold around Cain’s waist. In regards to the fighter suspensions, they all seem par for the course.

So what do you think, fans and friends? Who earned their dollars and who got an easy paycheck at UFC 121? And anything noticeable about the suspensions from where you’re sitting?

After a lackluster performance against Martin Kampann last Saturday at UFC 121 in Anaheim, Calif., the former Strikeforce middleweight champion has attributed his condition in the cage as part of a gruesome weight-cut prior to the welterweight tilt.

Going five 5-minute rounds in back-to-back performances against the likes of Jason “Mayhem” Miller and Dan Henderson would certainly make you think that Shields has his conditioning down packed, however those two stints at the middleweight division is what ultimately (as he suggests) caused his weak performance against “The Hitman”, though the Cesar Gracie protege eventually walked out the victor of a split-decision win.

And with that win, Shields has now become the next man in line against the winner of GSP and Koscheck at UFC 124 in December, and if he had it his way, the French-Canadian will walk out with his belt around his waist, despite ties with the American Kickboxing Academy.

It wouldn’t be any secret that most people already believe that St. Pierre will be the decided favorite for the December 5th title fight, after all, the reigning and defending champion has already beat his foe, Koscheck, at UFC 74, albeit 3 years ago.

And while a match up pitting a “prime” Shields against St. Pierre is something that both competitors have been talking about for some time now, it doesn’t come without a little bit of back lash against Jake, considering he’s choosing against a training partner in Koscheck as far as how his chances will look against “Rush”.

Jake splits his time in several locations, mainly Fairtex to keep his striking up to par, his stomping grounds of the Cesar Gracie Academy where he was homegrown so to speak, and of course the aforementioned American Kickboxing Academy where other welterweight stars such as Mike Swick, Jon Fitch, and of course “Kos” all call home.

“I would much rather take it from GSP because he’s the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world right now, in my opinion,” said Shields during the post-fight press conference following UFC 121. “Koscheck is a phenomenal fighter, but right now it’s a little more prestigious to beat GSP.”

So, MMA peeps, what do you make of this? Is too much being read into this or is it a slap in the face for the AKA guys? You decide. Sound off in the comment section below.

When talking about the situation, Dana White said the following, courtesy of MMA Mania: “How could you not be impressed with his performance? …Martin Kampmann is no joke. When you come [into the UFC] — and I don’t care where you’ve been, who you’ve fought or what you’ve done — the guys who you fight in the UFC fight the best in the world three times a year… He kept his composure… Jake’s in the mix.”

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: I still consider myself a fan of Jake Shields. I realize that he had some problems going into and during his fight with Kampmann, most of which were his fault, but I think that everyone is allowed one bad performance in the UFC, especially if they win. Shields let the pressure get to him, it’s nothing new and it can happen to the best of us. Even if his win against Kampmann wasn’t the highlight of his career, I still think Shields performed at a very high level and fully deserved the win. The way Shields fought for his takedowns, passed to Mount and Side Control frequently, and outright disregarded any and all of Martin Kampmann’s submission attempts… that’s the Jake Shields I know and respect, that’s the Jake Shields that just might beat Georges St. Pierre.

But does Jake Shields deserve to be in title contention after this fight? I honestly believe that he does. Martin Kampmann has been at or near the top of the UFC’s welterweight division for some time now, and several fighters have used a win over him to springboard over the competition and get directly into the title hunt. They’ve been able to do this because, like Dana White says, Martin Kampmann is no joke. Even though three out of the four losses of his entire career have occurred in the UFC, Martin Kampmann is an easy test for no man, and beating him is a sure sign that you’re ready for top-division athletes.

Now, does Jake Shields deserve an immediate title shot? That’s where it gets very interesting. And unfortunately, this is where I deviate from the fighter I support. Jake Shields earned himself a big win and I give him a lot of praise for beating Martin Kampmann, but I’m not going to sit here and tell you that he deserves a shot over someone like Jon Fitch. Fitch hasn’t lost in over two years and has chained together five straight victories after losing to Georges St. Pierre in 2008. So that’s my big issue with Shields in a nutshell: he does deserve a title shot, but he didn’t do enough to pass over people like Jon Fitch.

But Shields is who we’re getting and Shields is who we’ll have to live with. And honestly, I don’t mind living with the fact that Shields is going to get a shot at the title in his next fight. I think Shields is ready for the opportunity, and will show up better than ever. One lackluster performance does not indicate that he is doomed to failure, and in fact, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Jake Shields in the UFC.

But what about you, fans and friends? How do you feel about Jake Shields getting an immediate title shot, and what do you think his chances will be against Georges St. Pierre or Josh Koscheck?

New UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez was rightfully awarded “Knockout of the Night” for making quick work of former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar. The fight was blissfully brief: both men traded takedowns, then Lesnar got clipped and Cain pounced on him like the monster that he is. Daniel Roberts earned himself $70,000 as well for a great Anaconda Choke on Michael Guymon that Guymon fought bravely against but ultimately tapped to. And finally, Paulo Thiago and Diego Sanchez each got their additional $70,000 as well, as the two men received the “Fight of the Night” award for their fast-paced and very exciting encounter.

I think Cain Velasquez definitely deserved “Knockout of the Night” for his amazing performance against Brock Lesnar. If you recall, I thought Cain would win it by TKO, but I had Lesnar lasting four rounds and succumbing to punches out of fatigue more than anything. Instead, Cain picked his shots, delivered huge power right onto Lesnar’s chin, opened up a massive gash on his cheek, and pounded out the man who famously survived the striking game of Shane Carwin. In an era where “bigger is better”, Velasquez proves that you don’t need to tip the scales at 265 to be a UFC Heavyweight Champion. I wish him all the best and am really looking forward to seeing him defend his championship.

As for Paulo Thiago and Diego Sanchez, I was very impressed by their fight as well. Paulo Thiago always seems to have a problem when it comes to justifying his hype, he’s never truly gotten out of the shadow of his KO win over Josh Koscheck but he’s made some admirable attempts. Diego Sanchez seemed to discover that old fire inside himself in this fight, and I think he earned himself another worthy entry into his highlight reel when he ran screaming across the cage with Paulo Thiago on his shoulders before sending the man crashing down to the mat with a massive slam.

Overall, UFC 121 was a big event and saw some big finishes that were awarded with big bonuses. I’m glad that the UFC’s “Of the Night” bonuses continue to increase, the athletes receiving them usually fully deserve them, and a huge bonus is a great incentive to keep producing entertaining and engaging fights. I think UFC 121 set up quite a lot of fights that will play out in 2011, so I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

And what about you, fans and friends? What do you think of the UFC 121 fight bonuses, and UFC 121 as a whole?

Here’s what Shields had to say at the UFC 121 post-fight press conference, courtesy of Sherdog: “I don’t want to make excuses, but it was my first time at 170 in while. I cut 20 pounds in a day… I don’t think it was my best performance, but this is a learning experience… I kept my winning streak going, and I’m going to come back stronger next time.”

UFC President Dana White was adamant that Shields would remain at 170 despite his performance against Kampmann, and he had this to say: “That’s ridiculous to cut 20 pounds in a day. That’s stupid… I don’t think any differently about (Jake Shields) now than I did at the weigh-in yesterday… He should be at 170 pounds. If he fights at 185 here, he’ll feel the difference in strength and size against guys like Anderson Silva and Nate Marquardt.”

I honestly agree with Dana White, I think Jake Shields belongs at welterweight and should stay at welterweight. The UFC is a very different organization when compared to others, the vast majority of fighters fight in a division below their natural weight class. White isn’t kidding when he talks about the size and strength difference. There are some insane weight cuts going on in the UFC, which leads to a lot of jacked-up weight classes where guys walk around thirty/forty pounds over their weight class and somehow find a way to cut it all down by the time they’re scheduled to fight.

Even at 170 Shields faces monster welterweights like Thiago Alves and Georges St. Pierre. As I’ve said multiple times in the past, I think GSP could make 185 with ease and I’m convinced that Thiago Alves could make Middleweight and even Light Heavyweight with his eyes closed. Meanwhile you’ve got Jake Shields, who just doesn’t have the frame for the kind of muscle folks like Alves and Nate Marquardt pack onto themselves. But his small stature and extreme flexibility are two of the biggest reasons Jake Shields has remained successful while the era of the huge-and-hugely-talented has continued to dawn. He needs to keep that if he wants to be successful now that he’s right in the middle of the shark tank.

I honestly think Jake Shields simply let the pressure get to him in his UFC debut. It happens, no one is immune to it. He made some mistakes and I don’t believe he’ll make them again, since it’s now been confirmed that Jake Shields will indeed be the next man to challenge for the UFC Welterweight Championship. In regards to his fight with Kampmann, I thought it was very close but I definitely had Shields winning. I’m still a fan of Shields, even though UFC 121 wasn’t his best or his brightest moment, and I think we’ll see the true Jake Shields emerge triumphantly when he gets his shot at the belt.

And what about you, fans and friends? What did you think of Jake’s performance at UFC 121, and what do you think his chances are against Georges St. Pierre or Josh Koscheck?

Next for Brendan Schaub: In all likelihood it’ll be a rematch with Roy Nelson once Roy Nelson loses to Shane Carwin. I love me some “Big Country”, but I just don’t see him being able to withstand Carwin’s raw punching power, which I think is the pound-for-pound best in the UFC right now. If Nelson does beat Carwin somehow, then Schaub might get another gatekeeper like Cheick Kongo.

Next for Gabriel Gonzaga: Gatekeeper status, as harsh as that sounds. Gonzaga has been hit-or-miss for a long while now, and his performance against Schaub proved that that’s not going to change anytime soon. He’ll always have the Mirko Filipovic KO to look back on, but he’s never again going to be anywhere close to a UFC championship. Even with all that said, though, he’ll probably be a pretty good gatekeeper. I still like Gonzaga, I’m just being a realist when I say that he’s going to be welcoming rookies into the upper echelon or sending them back down the pecking order for quite some time.

Next for Tito Ortiz: Retirement. No more excuses, Tito. Ortiz looked downright bad against Matt Hamill, and with absolutely no disrespect meant to the man, Matt Hamill has never been a top-division fighter. No matter how many corrective surgeries he’s had or how healthy he keeps saying he is, Tito Ortiz hasn’t gotten a good win over a relevant opponent in a long, long, long time. It’s time to pack it in and call it a career before you become your most hated adversary, Ken Shamrock.

Next for Diego Sanchez: It’ll be a trip back down to 155 as earlier reported, but now I can safely say that I think Sanchez will work his way back up to title contention when he cuts to Lightweight once again. Sanchez put on a vintage performance and rejuvenated a career that had honestly begun to stagnate. If we see the Diego Sanchez of UFC 121 show up in the UFC’s Lightweight division as it stands right now, we’re looking at a possible champion.

Next for Jake Shields: It’s already been confirmed that Dana White has made Jake Shields the top contender to the UFC Welterweight Championship. How do I think he’ll do? It depends who he’s facing. I think Jake Shields is a phenomenal fighter that simply made a few mistakes and perhaps let the pressure get to him, which is why he gassed out and barely edged out Martin Kampmann at this event. Whether it’s Georges St. Pierre or Josh Koscheck, I think Shields will once again do a lot better than virtually anyone gives him credit for and perhaps even win the title.

Next for Brock Lesnar: He’ll be back and better than ever, that’s all I can really say right now. Lesnar isn’t done, and he’s still growing by leaps and bounds as a Mixed Martial Artist. In his next fight, we’ll either see a Lesnar with an incredibly improved stand-up game or a Lesnar that does nothing but shoot for a takedown. Either way, I think Lesnar will jump right back into the title picture and may even get another shot at it by the end of 2011.

Next for Cain Velasquez: Junior Dos Santos if we’re talking specifics, getting marketed for everything he’s worth by the UFC if we’re talking in generalities. With how stacked the Heavyweight division has been lately, the UFC is going to milk Cain’s status as the first Mexican UFC Champion for all it’s worth, both because it makes sense and also because he may lose to Dos Santos.

And that’s what I see when I stare into my little crystal ball, fans and friends. What about you? What do you think is next for the winners and losers of UFC 121 “Lesnar vs. Velasquez”?

Brendan Schaub vs. Gabriel Gonzaga: I honestly believe that Schaub is overlooking Gonzaga and is beginning to believe his own hype. There’s no doubt that Schaub is talented, but the fact that he’s already talking about a title shot convinces me that he’s not nearly focused enough on “Napao”, who can still be a major threat to the right opponent. Gonzaga may be a glorified gatekeeper, but he’s got a lot of fight left in him. Expect him to catch Schaub off-guard and get the (T)KO in the second round.

Diego Sanchez vs. Paulo Thiago: I think this is a make-or-break fight for both fighters, although much more for Sanchez. Even if it’s been revealed that Sanchez is dropping back down to Lightweight win or lose, I think that another loss would put his job in serious jeopardy. For Thiago, it’s all about getting the hype train rolling again after Martin Kampmann derailed it. I simply think Sanchez has more experience and wants the win more, but it’s going to be close, so I’m picking Sanchez by Unanimous Decision with 29-28 scores across the board.

Tito Ortiz vs. Matt Hamill: Part of me hates myself for doing this again, but I truly believe Ortiz when he says that he’s back and healthy and better than ever. I think Matt is a good fighter, but he’s consistently proven that he’s just not up to top-level standards. And if Ortiz really is as healthy as he says he is, he’s still a top-level athlete. This is another do-or-die situation, with Ortiz squarely in the cross-hairs. Because he needs it badly and says that he hasn’t felt this good since he went on his historic run as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, I’m picking Ortiz to win via Unanimous Decision. But if he loses again, and worse yet, if he makes more excuses, Tito Ortiz may as well call it a career.

Jake Shields vs. Martin Kampmann: His performance against Dan Henderson fully converted me; I now consider myself a Jake Shields fan. As such, I’m pulling for him as well as picking him to defeat Kampmann. I think Kampmann will always be a real-life example of “so close and yet so far away”, I see him hovering around the top of the division for the foreseeable future but rarely getting into true title contention. Shields is already a proven champion, so I think he’ll really impress in his UFC debut. I don’t expect him to outright dominate Kampmann, but I do think he’ll finish this fight. I’m picking Jake Shields to submit Martin Kampmann early in the third round.

Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar: I’ve been favoring Velasquez from the start, and that hasn’t changed. Cain has incredible cardio, serious power, unbreakable will, incredible heart, and trains with one of the most prestigious training camps in Mixed Martial Arts. Lesnar won’t be able to withstand the pace Cain will set and the leather he will throw for what could turn into a five-round fight. I’m still thinking Lesnar gasses out, despite the negative reaction that opinion has been getting. Trust me: Lesnar’s cardio has looked great because he’s controlled the pace for every single one of his fights, other than the Shane Carwin fight where he just absorbed punishment and survived to the end of the round. Cain will push Brock like he’s never been pushed before and tire him out. Look for Cain to nail one last barrage on a weakened and slow Lesnar and get the TKO in the fourth round.

And those are my picks, fans and friends. It’s not final call: who’ve you got for UFC 121 and why?

Stay tuned to Fighters.com for Part 2 of our video interview where we talk about Matt Hughes, Ricardo Almeida, and the upcoming Frankie Edgar v. Gray Maynard lightweight title fight.  Coming soon.

Click through to watch the video.

Nothing was made more evident when the former Strikeforce middleweight champion was able to successfully defend his title against former PRIDE middleweight and welterweight champion, MMA legend Dan Henderson.

After a shaky first round which saw Henderson land his trademark thunderous right hand which dropped Jake, he was able to mount back an offense, and dominated the Team Quest fighter for the remainder of the fight, winning every round thereafter en route to a unanimous decision victory, which was aided through his ground prowess.

Soon after the victory, which was Jake’s 13th consecutive victory overall dating back to 2005, he became the most popular free agent in the sport, and when Strikeforce was unable to come to terms with Shields, his destiny always remained with the UFC, where he felt he’s belonged all along.

And a victory over Dan Henderson, even if he’s not in the UFC, still means something.

“He just beat Dan Henderson. He should actually get the shot just for that, but timing and the way everything went,” said Dana during the pre-fight press conference heading into UFC 121, where Shields will make his debut with the organization against fellow welterweight contender, Martin Kampmann as the co-main event of the evening.

“He’s going to take a fight against a really tough guy.

“He should get the shot coming off the Dan Henderson win, but timing and coming into the UFC, it is what it is.”

While a title shot may not loom in his future right away, at least not without a victory over Kampmann, who has won 4 of his last 5 fights, Shield’s acknowledges that yes, he’s the UFC “newbie”, but by no means is he someone to be forgotten in the title picture, which his accolades in the sport leading up to his UFC debut would all but warrant just that.

“It’s been a long, hard road for me. I’m a new guy to the UFC, but everyone that’s been following the sport knows I’ve been at it for 11 years and on quite a streak”, said Shields.

“Obviously, it’s not a done deal yet, I’ve got to go out there and win the fight and it’s still up to the people that make the decisions, but honestly I would love to get that shot”.

So, MMA peeps, what do you make of this 170-pound match up? If Shields wins, would you like to see him in next for the title shot? Georges St. Pierre will first look to defend his title against Josh Koscheck in December, so Shields could conceivably fight the winner afterwards. Or would you like to see someone get the shot in before Shields, or Kampmann if he’s successful? Sound off in the comment section below.

Now riding a 14-fight win streak, retaining his Strikeforce middleweight title in a successful defense against former PRIDE and UFC star, Dan Henderson. After contract negotiations fizzled out with the San Jose based organization, Shields eventually landed his spot atop of the UFC’s 170-pound weight class, where now, he might be one win away from a coveted shot at the most prestigious title in the world.

During a press conference held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada this afternoon in preparation for “UFC 124: St. Pierre vs Koscheck II”, Dana White stated that a win for Shields, who has been mentioned as an immediate contender to GSP’s welterweight title, would mean an almost certain immediate title shot for Jake.

“If Jake Shields should win against Martin Kampmann, it will probably be him next,” White said.

Kampmann and Shields meet as the co-main event of the evening for UFC 121, which will take place in Anaheim, Calif., at the Honda Center, on October 23.

So, MMA peeps, what do you make of Shields becoming an immediate contender to the welterweight title with a win over Kampann? Should Martin be granted the same accolades with a victory as well? Or does Jon Fitch, who has been knocking at the door of the welterweight title for the last couple of years, earn another title shot? Sound off in the comment section below.

5. KJ Noons

I know this could be considered cheating, since the fight has already been announced, but I’m looking forward to this fight so much that it just had to be included on this list. There’s a huge amount of bad blood between the two, to the point where both men were involved in an infamous post-fight brawl in the defunct Elite XC promotion. This fight will really put Diaz to the test and will once and for all legitimize him as one of the top Welterweights in the world.

4. Jake Shields

It’s not very likely since Shields is headed to the UFC and will probably never set foot back in Strikeforce, based on how Strikeforce mistreated him leading up to his victory over Dan Henderson, but this would be a great fight between two top Welterweights. Shields may be able to take Diaz down, but Diaz’s ground game is fantastic. Diaz also holds a significant striking advantage, but Shields has been stopped due to strikes only once in his entire career, at the very beginning of his career in fact. Both men are just starting to be taken seriously as “best in the world” athletes, so this would be an important stepping stone for whoever won.

3. Cung Le

Now this is a fight that anybody can get behind. Both men are so far removed from traditional striking that “unorthodox” barely begins to describe how they put their combinations together. Cung Le’s style looks flashy and ineffectual, when in truth it does major damage and has given Le all seven of his wins by (T)KO. Diaz’s peppering style of “punches in bunches” makes his punches seem weak, when in truth they do large cumulative damage and have given Diaz more wins by (T)KO than by Submissions and Decisions combined. I have no doubt that we’d see some seriously crazy things in this fight, so I’d love to see it happen.

2. Georges St. Pierre

Again, this is very unlikely but it’s a fantastic fight on paper. The number of natural Welterweights with good submission games that Georges St. Pierre has beaten can be counted on one hand. GSP would dominate with the takedown, but every takedown is another opportunity for Diaz to latch onto an arm or try for a choke. I even think GSP would have problems going for a takedown, given Diaz’s long reach and penchant for using it to the best of his ability. I honestly think GSP would win this one, but I’d be pulling for Nick. Also, I think Nick’s got a lot better of a shot than people like Dan Hardy and Thiago Alves, who lacked a good ground game, or people like Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck, who lacked good striking.

But my top pick simply has got to go to…

1. Jason Miller

“Mayhem” wants this fight to happen. Diaz wants this fight to happen. In regards to bad blood, it doesn’t get much badder than this. Both men just hate each other. Both men would step into the Strikeforce cage looking to seriously hurt each other, so I think they would both show up in the best shape of their lives, having gone through one of their toughest training camps ever. This could even be a champion-versus-champion fight by the time it takes place, stranger things have happened. But no matter when it goes down, look for Jason Miller vs. Nick Diaz to be an awesome, awesome fight.

So there are my picks, fans and friends. Who would you like to see face off against Nick Diaz?

5. Matt Serra vs. Chris Lytle

I know it may be considered a “dark horse candidate”, but this fight interests me for several reasons. The winner will most likely be put back “into the mix” with a strong victory. Both men are veteran fighters that have almost always given us some very entertaining fights. It’s a rematch, but the best kind of rematch: both men are at very different points in their careers compared to when they first fought. And most importantly, this is a fight between a fighter with a great ground game and very under-rated striking going against a fighter with great striking and a very under-rated ground game.

4. Jake Shields vs. Martin Kampmann

I admit that you could put Jake Shields inside the Octagon against thin air and he’d still probably make this list, but I think Martin Kampmann is a great opponent for Jake Shields’ first fight inside the UFC. Kampmann was in serious contention for a title shot not too long ago, and Shields has never looked better. Shields is also coming off of the biggest win of his career, and will most likely receive a hero’s welcome based on how Strikeforce mistreated and mishandled Shields leading up to his surprise victory over PRIDE FC legend Dan Henderson. On the feet or on the ground, this should be a very, very exciting fight.

3. Jose Aldo vs. Manvel Gamburyan

To be bluntly honest, I don’t see anyone beating Jose Aldo for quite some time. But I also see every fight being immensely fun to watch and bringing something new to the table. In regards to top-tier opponents, Manvel “The Anvil” doesn’t get much better, given the great steak of wins he’s been on for over a year, which includes wins over a former WEC Featherweight Champion and a WEC Featherweight Championship contender. But Aldo is one of the most dynamic, exciting fighters currently fighting in MMA , and the best fighter in the WEC. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Jose Aldo, so I can’t wait to see this fight.

2. Nick Diaz vs. KJ Noons 2

Now this is the type of rematch everybody loves. Both men have a lot of ill will and bad blood towards each other, and both are at very different points in their careers. Noon has had to re-introduce himself to MMA fans following a stint in pro boxing, while Diaz needs no introduction and is standing tall as Strikeforce’s Welterweight Champion. Diaz’s striking has never looked better, while KJ’s stint in boxing has made his striking even more precise and powerful. There’s going to be fists flying a mile a minute in this fight, and as wild brawls go, this has the potential to be one of the wildest we’ve seen in quite some time.

But my number 1 must-see fight has simply got to go to…

1. Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez

So many questions will be answered in this match. Can Cain handle Brock’s wrestling? Can Brock stand up to the punching power Cain will be throwing consistently throughout all five rounds (if it goes that long) of their fight? How will Lesnar’s cardio look when he’s not almost completely dictating the pace of the fight? Both men are great wrestlers, both men are big Heavyweights, and both men have an amazing amount of skill. A few years ago the UFC Heavyweight division was a non-entity, but now, the division grows by leaps and bounds with every single fight.

So those are my picks, fans and friends. What remaining fights are you still looking forward to as we get closer and closer to 2011?

But first, here’s how the Middleweight roster breaks down. Looking at the title picture from left to right, the EA Sports Middleweight roster features Benji Radach, Lyman Good, Matt Lindland, Luke Rockhold, Frank Trigg, Joe Riggs, Kazuo Misaki, Scott Smith, Murilo Rua, Tim Kennedy, Pat Miletich, Jake Shields, Nick Thompson, Melvin Manhoef, Robbie Lawler, Dan Henderson, Gegard Mousasi, Jason Miller, Cung Le, Nick Diaz, Frank Shamrock, and Ronaldo Souza.

It should be noted that eight fighters in the Middleweight division are carry-overs from the already-announced Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight divisions. There’s some debate going around the internet gaming forums as to whether or not this is a cheap move in order to cut the time down on coding and creating different fighters, or a good way to ensure quality cross-division super-fights. I personally think it’s a little of both: I think the roster is a little limited, but the fact that you can play as your favorite fighter in several different weight classes mostly balances that out. Plus, with download-a-fighter being included, I think this game’s roster will be massive once people start creating famous MMA fighters are putting them online for anybody and everybody to download.

Much like the UFC including the famous Madison Square Garden in their “UFC Undisputed” games, it’s recently been confirmed that EA Sports MMA will have the Cowboys Stadium as an in-game venue despite the fact that a major Mixed Martial Arts event has never been booked there. An online image has already surfaced, which you can view here. Even as a huge fan of UFC Undisputed 2009, I think Madison Square Garden was really under-played in both UFC 2009 and 2010. Not so with Cowboys Stadium- the images revealed so far look downright amazing. I may actually get goosebumps when my Create-a-Fighter either defends or tries to get at the Strikeforce Championship in that mega-arena.

The last time I was this excited for a sports game, my hopes met quite the rude awakening. So, even with all the hype I’m buying into, I know that there’s still a chance for EA Sports MMA to let me down in much the same way that UFC Undisputed 2010 let me down. But until that day, I have to say…this is shaping up to be a genre-defining game. Every time I hear something new about this game, it’s something I think I could find myself enjoying immensely. When October 19 hits, I’ve got a pretty good feeling that there’s going to be a new Undisputed Champion of Mixed Martial Arts video games.

But what about you, fans and friends? How high would you rate your anticipation of “EA Sports MMA”?

I’ll start with something all of us have had to unfortunately get used to in today’s MMA world: there are some truly brain-dead judges out there. It’s hard to figure out why, and every decision is open for debate, but poor judging has become such a sticking point in this sport that everyone from the announcers to the fighters to even the promoters stress time and time again that you can’t leave it in the hands of the judges if you want to be successful. Even if you agree with giving the fight to “Jacare”, and trust me I do, I think the fight was so close that an immediate rematch in order to have a definitive outcome would be very welcome as Strikeforce continues to find stars for its ailing divisions.

Which brings me to my next point: Ronaldo Souza only has a couple of big-money fights open for him in Strikeforce, since Strikeforce simply doesn’t have that many big-money Middleweights. If Tim Kennedy were to lose and lose big in his next several fights, his status as a contender would be in doubt and it would severely devalue the drawing power of a Kennedy/Souza rematch. Likewise, if Souza loses and lose big in his next few fights, it will diminish Souza’s accomplishment of winning the hard-fought war that was their first fight, which also devalues the appeal of giving it another go-round. If not because the fight was so close, the inherent marketability of rematches should give Strikeforce a good enough reason to strike while the iron is hot and book an immediate rematch.

Usually, I’m against immediate rematches. Unless the fight ended in some extenuating circumstance, such as a fighter injuring himself or a fighter accidentally getting himself disqualified, I think a former contender has to work his way back up to contention with at least a couple of fights. But then there are those rare occasions where a fight is so comparatively close that you just know that the fighters involved didn’t prove who was the best, just who was the best on that particular day in time. I think Tim Kennedy could both beat and finish Ronaldo Souza, just like I think Ronaldo Souza could once again defeat and this time finish Tim Kennedy. But no one will know until we get the rematch, and as I said before, having an immediate rematch would help prevent any loss of marketability if the rematch was made further down the road. If for no other reason than the fact that it would be an entertaining and marketable fight in the limited division of a promotion that is always searching for the next big entertaining and marketable fight within their limited divisions, I think Tim Kennedy should get an immediate rematch with Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.

And what do you think, fans and friends? Would you be excited to see these two give it another go, or should Kennedy work his way back up first?

In the co-main event slot, former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion and Elite XC Welterweight Champion Jake Shields will make his debut in the UFC, fresh off his five-round outclassing of Dan Henderson at Strikeforce: Nashville in April of this year. Standing in his way is the tough Martin Kampmann, who rebounded from a KO loss to UFC exile Paul Daley with big wins over Jacob Volkmann and Paulo Thiago. Speaking of Paulo Thiago, the man still trying to step out of the shadow of his surprise KO over the current UFC Welterweight Championship #1 Contender Josh Koscheck will also be competing at UFC 121. Facing Thiago will be Diego Sanchez, in Sanchez’s second Welterweight fight since losing a fight for the UFC Lightweight Championship to then-champion BJ Penn.

Also announced is a fight between popular UFC Light Heavyweight Matt Hamill and his friend/coach/mentor Tito Ortiz, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and one of the most controversial fighters to ever step foot in the Octagon. Ortiz will be returning from an injury that forced him to back out of a proposed third fight with Chuck Liddell. It’s been four long years since Tito Ortiz has scored a win inside the Octagon. Rounding out the main card is a fight pitting Heavyweights Brendan Schaub and Gabriel Gonzaga against each other. Gonzaga may have been cast in the role of elite-level gatekeeper in his recent fights, but should prove a very tough test for Schaub, who has looked excellent in all his UFC fights save for a KO loss to Roy Nelson.

UFC 121 is shaping up to be one of the best cards of the year, an astonishing fact considering that 2010 gave us “Aldo vs. Faber” and UFC 116. This card is loaded with potential from top to bottom, and I think every single Pay-Per-View fight could have been a headline attraction in their own right. Lesnar vs. Velasquez is a no-brainer. With the mentor vs. student appeal, Ortiz vs. Hamill could have headlined its own Pay-Per-View. Shields/Kampmann could easily have led a British PPV or a Fight Night Live, as could Paul Thiago vs. Diego Sanchez and Brendan Schaub vs. Gabriel Gonzaga. Anything can happen when the cameras go live, but on paper, the Pay-Per-View card is filed to the brim with can’t-miss fights. If all the fights live up to their potential, UFC 121 will be like a Christmas gift come early, even though it takes place near Halloween.

And what do you think, fans and friends? How excited are you for UFC 121, and which fight in particular are you looking forward to the most?

The suspensions come as a result of the post-fight brawl that broke out in the cage at “Strikeforce: Nashville” at the Bridgestone Arena on April 17.

The five individuals will not be named according to their regulations, until all administrative actions are finalized.

According to Loretta Hunt, “the nine-member commission voted to propose $20,000 fines and nine-month suspensions for all five individuals at a formal disciplinary hearing. However, these initial figures can all be reduced to fines ranging between $5,000-$7,500 and three-month suspensions if the recipients do not contest the proceedings and agree to “settle this matter with a consent order.”

In three of the cases, the commission found cause to move forward with a formal hearing for a civil penalty of $20,000 each as well as associated costs and a nine-month suspension. The individuals can agree to a “consent order” which would allow them to bypass the hearing and agree to a three-month suspension and a reduced fine of $5,000.

The fourth individual can receive the same deal but with a higher fine of $7,500. That is due to the fact that the individual did not respond to the commission’s inquiry as instructed.

The fifth individual also gets the $7,500 settlement fine because of lack of proper response. This individual is not licensed with the state and the complaint alleges “unlicensed activity” according to Christopher Garrett who is the director of communications for the state of Tennessee.

The brawl was live on CBS after Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields (25-4-1) had defended his title. During the post-fight interview “Mayhem” Jason Miller (23-6) interrupted Jake to demand a rematch.

This led to shoving and eventually turned into a brawl. Also involved in the brawl were Strikeforce lightweight champion “El Nino” Gilbert Melendez (18-2), “Diablo” Nick Diaz (21-8) and UFC fighter Nate Diaz (11-6).

Stay tuned to Fighters.com and MMA Gospel Radio as we work to bring you the latest on this story. As always please let us know your thoughts in the fines and suspensions by commenting below.

Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields (25-4-1) won a five-round unanimous decision over former two-division PRIDE champion “Hollywood” Dan Henderson (25-8) by judges’ scores of 49-46, 49-45, 48-45 to retain his title in Nashville Saturday night.  Fighters.com scored the fight 49-45 for Shields.

Shields dominated rounds two through five by putting Henderson on his back with tenacious takedowns, often initially stuffed by Hendo’, and tagging the former UFC challenger with punches from the mount.  Henderson was lost on his back, regaining his guard periodically, but never putting up much of a fight to get Shields off of him.

As Shields became more confident in the mount, he mixed in submission attempts on Henderson.   The third round ended with Henderson struggling to defend a Shields armbar attempt and in the final round Shields attempted a side choke, armbar, and kneebar.

As badly as Hendo’s was dominated from round two, he nearly finished the fight with a right hook to Shields’s temple in round one.  Shields tipped over head first, but scrambled to make Henderson defend a kneebar as Shields recovered.  Later in the round, Henderson dropped Shields again with three right hooks and followed-up with an uppercut as Shields tried to stand.

After the fight, former Shields opponent “Mayhem” Jason Miller (23-7) interrupted Shields’s post-fight interview and a fight errupted in the cage.  After the chaos subdued, Shields apologized for the interruption, though he had little to do with it.

That next fight will be his first title defense and comes against high profile Strikeforce import “Hendo” Dan Henderson (25-7). Typically we see organizations use the “champion clause” in contracts to keep their investments with them once they become a champion.

Shields told MMA Junkie that his fight with Hendo is in fact his final obligation on his Strikeforce contract.

This leaves him in a very unique position. When Jake appeared on MMA Gospel Radio with myself and Gary Friedman, who mentioned that he really wanted a chance to fight Fighters.com and UFC welterweight champion “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (19-2). Georges has stated that he would also welcome a fight with Shields as he feels that he is one of the best in the world.

Shields has recently been a coach on the soon to air UFC program The Ultimate Fighter 11 which leaves many to wonder if this is a step towards him heading to the UFC to get bigger fights with some of the top fighters in the world.

Obviously Jake would like to test the waters to see what he is actually worth on the open market. This could be a tool he can use to get a bigger contract with Strikeforce. The UFC can make him an offer and he could allow Strikeforce to counter if he decides he really wants to stay there.

However there are a few problems with all of this. First, he has to face Henderson before becoming a free agent and a loss would dramatically drop his stock on the market. However, even with a loss the UFC may decide to strike and make him an offer that Strikeforce just can’t match. After all, Dana White seems to love to kick Strikeforce any chance he gets and this would be a Shogun style kick if he can steal Shields.

Even more of a kick in the pants to Strikeforce would be if Shields were to beat Hendo and then leave for the UFC. This would leave them without a champion and one less fighter that they can use to promote big fights. He has been a cornerstone of many of the major cards they have put on to date.

This is without a doubt a very high risk, high reward for Shields and I know all of us will be watching to see just how this unfolds.

Rumors had surfaced that the date of the second Strikeforce event to air live on CBS could be moved depending on the UFC’s decision to air counter programming coinciding with the Strikeforce broadcast.

However, the event in Nasvhille featuring a main event middleweight title fight between second-ranked Strikeforce champion Jake Shields (24-4-1) and third-ranked “Hollywood” Dan Henderson (25-7) is set for April 17, according to Coker.

Coker also seemed to plead for mercy from the UFC and it’s president, Dana White.  “The thought of somebody trying to counter-program you just to hurt your number or try to hurt your business or to create confusion in the marketplace, I mean, that’s something that just seems so unnecessary.”  He added, “We’re just trying to build the industry. Here’s what I mean by that: when the fans get to watch these fights on TV for free, I think that’s good for the sport. The more eyeballs we have on the sport, I think it’s better for the industry as a whole. Maybe some people might not feel that way today, but I think in the long run, free TV is what keeps MMA alive.”

To this point, the UFC hasn’t agreed, consistently airing counter programming to high profile MMA events in the United States, including the now defunct Affliction promotion and Strikeforce.

“I certainly wouldn’t let him come into my gym,” Shields claimed.  It’s an awkward situation for Shields because Canseco is training with Shields’s trainer, Cesar Gracie.

“I guess that’s Cesar’s decision,” said Shields.  He added, “I don’t really want to help the guy. I haven’t met the guy yet, but seeing his track record, I don’t really want to have anything to do with him. He’s not someone I want in my life. I don’t want to help a guy out who has constantly screwed everyone over who has been close to him.”

Since retiring from professional baseball, Canseco is perhaps most infamous for outting current and former baseball stars for using steroids and admitting his own use of performance enhancing drugs in his books “Juiced” and “Vindicated”.

Canseco’s MMA career has thus far only featured a hilarious beatdown by “Techno Goliath” Hong Man Choi (2-3) after which Canseco claimed he was led to believe before the fight that the fighting wasn’t going to be real.  However, Strikeforce is reportedly considering matching Canseco versus former former NFL Pro Bowl running back Herschel Walker (0-0).

Shields weighed-in, saying, “I like Hershel Walker and I’d like to see Hershel kick his ass, but if he was fighting under my team that would make me feel a little weird, so I don’t know how I feel about that.”

With Canseco’s reputation as a steroids whistle-blower and MMA’s past struggles with fighters testing clean, Canseco might find more cold shoulders than just Shields’s.  (Clearly, that’s in no way an insinuation that Shields is steering clear of Canseco because of performance enhancing drugs.)  However, though Fighters.com agrees with Shields that Canseco is a scumbag, he’s a useful scumbag.  Canseco’s claims about steroid abuse in baseball have helped clean up that sport and, if his presence in MMA accomplishes anything similar, Fighters.com is all for it.

Shields will defends his title from third-ranked “Hollywood” Dan Henderson (25-7) at Strikefore in Nashville April 17.

Emelianenko will likely fight ninth-ranked “Vai Cavalo” Fabricio Werdum (12-4-1) .  Also likely is a matchup between Strikeforce light heavyweight champion “Dreamcatcher” Gegard Mousasi (24-2-1) and “King Mo” Muhammed Lawal (4-0).  And, second-ranked Strikeforce middlweight champion Jake Shields (24-4-1) announced Tuesday at MMA Weekly that he’ll take on a challenge from third-ranked “Hollywood” Dan Henderson (25-7).

Shields also told MMA Weekly he knows the date and the venue, but wouldn’t elaborate.

Sports Illustrated has alternatively reported that Strikeforce is considering holding the CBS-broadcast event on April 24 in California.

Fighters.com and UFC Welterweight Champion “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (19-2) and fifth-ranked “Outlaw” Dan Hardy (23-6) are set to battle for the top spot at UFC 111 in Newark March 27.  Predictions range far and wide, from Hardy has one foot in the grave to Hardy is the man to upset St. Pierre like “The Terror” Matt Serra (9-6) di at UFC 69 in Houston in 2007.

Fighters.com doesn’t worry about Hardy’s health, but think he’ll be easily handled by the champ.

An exciting rematch between second-ranked “Pitbull” Thiago Alves (16-4) and third-ranked Jon Fitch (20-3) has also been rumored for UFC 111.  Fitch TKO’d Alves at UFC Fight Night 5 in 2006 and claims he gets a rematch versus St. Pierre if he stops Alves.

Fourth-ranked Paulo Thiago (8-1) and ninth-ranked “Quick” Mike Swick (14-3) of American Top Team will matchup at UFC 109 in Las Vegas Saturday.  Thiago is 1-1 versus ATT, knocking out seventh-ranked Josh Koscheck (14-4) and losing a decision to Fitch.

Koscheck will take on “Semtex” Paul Daley (20-9-2) at UFC 113 in Montreal May 8.

Eigth-ranked Matt Hughes (41-7) and and PRIDE veteran Renzo Gracie (13-6-1) will fight at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi April 10.

Tenth-ranked “Killa B” Ben Saunders (8-1-2) and “Hitman” Martin Kampmann (16-3) will matchup at UFC 111.

Sixth-ranked Jake Shields (24-4-1) has moved to middleweight as the champion in Strikeforce.

Fighters.com’s February Welterweight Top Ten

1. “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (19-2)

2. “Pitbull” Thiago Alves (16-4)

3. Jon Fitch (20-3)

4. Paulo Thiago (8-1)

5. “Outlaw” Dan Hardy (23-6)

6. Jake Shields (24-4-1)

7. Josh Koscheck (14-4)

8. Matt Hughes (41-7)

9. “Quick” Mike Swick (14-3)

10. “Killa B” Ben Saunders (8-1-2)

That sums it.

Until last year, UFC President Dana White boasted that his top-down authority over MMA led to matchups between the two best fighters in any division, unlike boxing where fighters were matched according to marketability wich has led to the unmarketability of boxing.  And, until November 2008 White was right.  But, in the past year-and-a-half or so, the matchups in the UFC have been determined by market more than sport.

The top challenger to Fighters.com and UFC Middleweight Champion “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4) is second-ranked Strikeforce champion Jake Shields (24-4-1).  And, it’s a good matchup on paper too, Silva being the best striker in the sport and Shields being at the top of his grappling game.

But, I understand the business and give White a pass for not collaborating on big fights with competing promotions.  So, the next best matchup for Silva in the UFC was third-ranked “Hollywood” Dan Henderson (25-7).  But, White wouldn’t pony up the cash to keep Hendo in the Octagon to make the fight.  Henderson abandoned White and the UFC and signed with Strikeforce.

It happens.  Then, the next best matchup for Silva is fourth-ranked “Great” Nate Marquardt (29-8-2), whom Silva himself calls the next king of the division.  But, Marquardt was passed over.

Instead, eighth-ranked “Phenom” Vitor Belfort (18-8) will challenge Silva at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi April 10 in a more marketing stand-up war between two big names.  But, Marquardt is right.  Belfort has been in and out of the middlweight division and his most recent TKO of “Ace” Rich Franklin (26-5) at UFC 103 in Dallas September 19 was at 195 pounds.

But, as the hype behind Silva-Belfort barely simmers, a better matchup between Shields and Henderson at Strikeforce boils hot.

Shields is expected defend his Strikeforce title from newly-signed Henderson on CBS in April.  That’s the biggest fight in the division, bigger than the UFC’s title fight the same month.

The champion, Shields, is a long-time holdout from the UFC who has managed nonetheless to put together an outstanding record versus established talent.  Henderson was to be Silva’s next challenger in the UFC and, therefore, even White can’t talk-down Henderson’s ranking.  So, whichever fighter leaves the cage with the Strikeforce title in April is the legitimate world’s top contender to Silva.  And, he’s not in the UFC.  It’s a better matchup on paper, it’s a better matchup in the division rankings, and there’s a lot more on the line.

Fighters.com’s January Middleweight Top Ten

1. “Spider” Anderson Silva (25-4)

2. Jake Shields (24-4-1)

3. “Hollywood” Dan Henderson (25-7)

4. “Great” Nate Marquardt (29-8-2)

5. “Dreamcatcher” Gegard Mousasi (23-2-1)

6. Demian Maia (10-1)

7. Chael Sonnen (23-10-1)

8. “Phenom” Vitor Belfort (18-8)

9. “Jacare” Ronaldo Souza (9-2)

10. “Ely” Paulo Filho (16-1)

If Hardy wants to win he has to be aggressive, unlike second-ranked “Pitbull” Thiago Alves (16-4) was when he turned into a poodle in the Octagon versus St. Pierre at UFC 100 in Las Vegas last July.

Now, it’s likely…  No, let me correct myself.  St. Pierre is going to slam Hardy to the mat every time Hardy throws a combination.  But, St. Pierre is going to do that anyway.

So, my message to Hardy, if he’s reading, is this: Go ahead and let me know now whether you’re going to be satisfied with going five rounds on your back just so you can claim you went the distance.  That way I can save $44.95.

However, if you want to take the slim chance that you can connect on GSP and, if not finish him, at least reset the dynamics of the fight and give yourself an oppotunity for an upset, then you can have my $44.95.

On the undercard of UFC 111, newly tenth-ranked “Killa B” Ben Saunders (8-1-2) and “Hitman” Martin Kampmann (16-3) will matchup.

Saunders made the list this month and Hardy jumped from ninth to fifth after Hardy’s disqualification loss to “Zenko” Yoshiyuki Yoshida (11-4) in 2007 expired from Hardy’s two-year record.  Yoshida will need to prove himself to return to the welterweight top ten.

Fighters.com’s January Welterweight Rankings

1. “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (19-2)

2. “Pitbull” Thiago Alves (16-4)

3. Jon Fitch (20-3)

4. Paulo Thiago (8-1)

5. “Outlaw” Dan Hardy (23-6)

6. Jake Shields (24-4-1)

7. Josh Koscheck (14-4)

8. Matt Hughes (41-7)

9. “Quick” Mike Swick (14-3)

10. “Killa B” Ben Saunders (8-1-2)