It only just happened, but Ryan Couture is now an undefeated 2-0 professional MMA fighter. The son of the legendary Randy Couture, Ryan fought a tough three-round battle against an outmatched Lee Higgins at Strikeforce: “Challengers 14”.. Even though Higgins staved off several submission attempts and worked through several close calls, in the end this was a fight that was all Ryan, almost all the time. But what does this mean? Is Ryan Couture ready for the main stage? Here’s my answer to that question: my top 5 opponents for Ryan Couture. ...

Ceasar Gracie fighter Nick Diaz finally gets his STRIKEFORCE rematch against KJ Noons on October 9th in San Jose, CA.  Diaz has been red-hot in the cage since his 2007 loss to Noons winning seven in a row.  Based out of San Diego, CA, Noons now has six wins in a row and has career victories over Jorge Gurgel and Yves Edwards. Noons, with speedy hands, expects Diaz to try and take this fight on the ground.  Earlier this week, Noons spoke to the media and shared thougths on his bitter rivalry with Diaz and the fight ahead. ...

While the Strikeforce event last Saturday, in Houston, Tex., has unveiled some interesting outcomes, exciting fights, the event itself didn't leave unscathed--not without controversy at least. The San Jose, based promotion took its show on the road down south, when Strikeforce visited Texas with two-title fights and some sure crowd pleasers. ...

I really enjoyed Strikeforce: “Houston”. We had some upsets, some shocking surprises, some highs, some lows, some quick finishes, some all-out wars, and even a couple of controversial moments. From Chad Griggs beating Bobby Lashley to Rafael Cavalcante KO’ing Muhammed Lawal, “Houston” was a solid event and gave MMA fans a great night of action. It’s true that the future is never certain, but here’s what I think the months ahead will hold for the winners and losers of Strikeforce: “Houston”. ...

If the recent Strikeforce: “Houston” event had lacked the Karl James Noons vs. Jorge Gurgel fight, the only thing even remotely controversial to come out of that show would have been Ronaldo Souza getting the decision victory over Tim Kennedy in a very close five-round war. Instead, we received not one but two moments of controversy, both at the hands (and feet) of “KJ” Noons. I don’t think anyone can dispute the fact that Noons was the better fighter, but I think the way in which he won is open to debate. I even think that there is some merit to the belief that Noons should have been disqualified for his actions. ...

Today marked the official weigh-ins for the upcoming Strikeforce: "Houston" event, scheduled for August 20, 2010 from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The event features controversial Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Muhammed Lawal, better known as “King Mo”, in his first defense of the championship he won after beating the highly-regarded Gegard Mousasi to win the belt. The co-main event will also be a championship affair, as feared submission wizard (his nickname, “Jacare”, means Alligator) Ronaldo Souza takes on 12-2 Tim Kennedy for the vacant Middleweight Championship, which was rendered vacant when former champion Jake Shields promptly left the promotion and signed with the UFC after defeating new Strikeforce signee and MMA legend, Dan Henderson. The “Houston” weigh-ins weren’t immune to a bit of controversy, as several fighters failed to make weight. Here’s how it all broke down. ...

First reported by MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani, a Strikeforce lightweight matchup between former EliteXC 160-pound champion KJ Noons (8-2) and eight-time UFC veteran Jorge Gurgel (13-6) may have been sealed on my Nokia N95 Thursday night. After reading Helwani's report, I text messaged both fighters for confirmation. Gurgel responded first: "I am!" ...

ufc 115 has come and gone and the main event was a great one with "The Iceman" Chuck Liddell (21-8) coming out very aggressive only to get knocked out by "Ace" Rich Franklin (27-5) in the first round. ...

UFC on Versus 1 was where The Ultimate Fighter 8 alum Eliot Marshall (7-2) found himself on the losing end of a fight for the first time in inside the Octagon. Is this going to be a trend for the less known fighters? ...

Quick-rising English MMA prospect “Semtex” Paul Daley (20-9-2) knocked out welterweight “McLovin” Dustin Hazelett (15-5) in 2:24 at UFC 108 in Las Vegas Saturday night. ...

"McLovin" Dustin Hazelett (15-4) is a fast rising star in the UFC and will be facing KO artist "Semtex" Paul Daley (19-9-2) at UFC 108 tonight. Dustin has made a name for himself by getting awarded three "Submission of the Night" honors coming by way of amazing set ups. Dustin joined myself and Gary Friedman live on MMA Gospel Radio to discuss this fight, his future in the sport and much more. MMA Gospel Radio (MGR): We are excited to have you on the show. You are on of the biggest up and coming fighters right now. Everyone is talking about Dustin Hazelett. You earned your black belt under Jorge Gurgel, you have three submission of the night honors. People see you as a jiu jitsu guy. Tell me about your stand up game because I know you have been working on it. ...

Today in an interview with Fight Magazine Frank Shamrock (22-9-1) stated "I don’t want to fight  Jake Shields because he has no personality, he’s a boring fighter, and when he got on to CBS, and it was his chance to be a star, he leg humped ["Mayhem" Jason Miller] all night long, and killed our ratings. That’s why I don’t want to fight Jake Shields". ...

Strikeforce lightweight title contender Billy Evangelista (9-1) defeated Jorge Gurgel (13-6) in a unanimous decision by judges' scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28 once at Strikeforce Challenger Series 4 in Fresno Friday night. ...

Lightweight Jorge Gurgel (12-5) has signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce after the UFC released him Wednesday, reported ProMMA. “I am very, very excited to be part of Strikeforce and given a chance to fight new blood and capture a belt.  UFC has been my family for a few years now but I am ready for the next chapter,” Gurgel said. “There are some amazing contenders in my weight class including Josh Thomson (14-2-1) and Gilbert Melendez (14-2).  I will do whatever it takes to climb to the top of this league.” Despite losing his last fight to Aaron Riley (27-10-1) via unanimous decision earlier this month, he and Riley earned UFC 91’s “Fight of the Night” honours. Gurgel’s UFC record was 3-4. ...

“Lil’ Heathen” Jeremy Stephens (15-3), “McLovin” Dustin Hazelett (13-4), Aaron Riley (26-10-1), and Jorge Gurgel (12-5), each pocketed an extra $60,000 on top of their regular fight purse Saturday night at UFC 91 in Las Vegas. Lightweight Stephens earned “Knockout of the Night” with an epic third-round uppercut delivered to the chin of Rafael dos Anjos (12-1). Welterweight Hazelett secured the second “Submission of the Night” of his career with his “armbar from the omoplata”, forcing “Barn Cat” Tamdan McCrory (10-2) in round one. The back-and-forth lightweight scrap between Riley and Gurgel was “Fight of the Night”, which Riley took in a narrow unanimous decision. ...

American Top Team lightweight Aaron Riley (26-10-1) won a fast-paced unanimous decision over Jorge Gurgel (12-5) at UFC 91 in Las Vegas Saturday night.  All three judges scored the fight 29-28. Both fighters had their moments with Gurgel seeming to edge on the cards. At one point, the opening round exploded into a flurry of punches from both fighters ended by a powerful body kick from Gurgel. The second round started just like the round before with both fighters throwing the idea of a ground fight out of the window and swinging hard and constantly.  Riley threw a number of strong punches on Gurgel following a trip along the fence.  Riley looked to have control at the middle of the fight.  A powerful left hook to the jaw of Gurgel left him rattled only to recover and throw head kicks that were all blocked by Riley. Both fighters returned to form in round three by throwing leather with no regard.  Riley eventually tagged Gurgel with a kick to the head that sent Gurgel into the cage.  Gurgel survived, but followed with tired action for moments.  The pace of the fight eventually caught up to both men, leaving them visibly weaker than round one.  The final round ended with two respectable punches from Riley and an attempted head kick. ...

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

BJJ black belt Jorge Gurgel (12-4) will face lightweight Aaron Riley (26-10-1) at UFC 91 on 15 November in Las Vegas, Gurgel told MMA Junkie Tuesday. Gurgel is looking to rebound from a triangle-choke loss in July to “Magrino” Cole Miller (14-3) with only 12 seconds left in the fight. Riley last fought in September, winning a unanimous decision over “Snake” Steve Claveau (7-7-1). ...

From TUF to top! New UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin (16-4) demoralized and upset former Champ "Rampage" Quinton Jackson (29-6) by unanimous decision Saturday night in Las Vegas. "This is the greatest night of my life," Griffin said after toppling the odds. Though Jackson won the first round by staggering Griffin with a left, then dropping the challenger with a right uppercut, Griffin laid the groundwork for his decision victory by whittling away at Jackson's lead leg with low kicks. “He jacked my leg up,” Jackson admitted. In the second round, Griffin buckled the champ with a leg kick and passed to mount on the mat, grinding elbows into Rampage's head, but doing little damage. Rampage limped into round three searching for a knockout, but managed only a combination that Griffin weathered, though he admitted, "Every punch that motherfucker threw hurt.” Jackson scored a fourth-round takedown; but, Griffin wrapped a leg triangle, then transitioned to an omoplata when Jackson freed himself from the triangle. Jackson stood out of the submission and cracked Griffin with a right hand, opening a cut on the challenger's right eyelid, then followed with a left as the bell ended the round. It was back-and-forth and both fighters felt they needed the final round to win; but, Jackson seemed disappointed by the situation, while Griffin was inspired. Griffin got back to game plan in the fifth round, stinging Rampage's lead leg, as Jackson threw desperate haymakers without landing. The judges scored the fight 48-46 twice and 49-46 once for Griffin. Fighters.com scored it 48-46 for Griffin, our new champion. “He whupped my ass,” Jackson admitted after the battle; but, Griffin said, "It was close and I think we’re gonna have to do it again.” ...

"For all you Rampage haters, you might as well get used to me," Fighters.com's Light Heavyweight Champion "Rampage" Quinton Jackson (28-6) announced to the crowd at the UFC 86 weigh-ins in Las Vegas Friday.  "I'ma be here for a long time," he added, then flashed the peace sign. Rampage weighed in at 205-pounds, as did eighth-ranked title challenger Forrest Griffin (15-4). Xtreme Couture's Griffin said, "It's nice to fight in your hometown.  Thank you, guys." Griffin smirked in the gaze of an intense Rampage stare down. All fighters on Saturday night's card made weight. Only lightweight Gleison Tibau (15-5) missed the mark, but by the allowed one pound at 156-pounds.  Tibau will fight "Daddy" Joe Stevenson (33-8). 6'4" lightweight Corey Hill (2-0) looked absolutely emaciated at 155-pounds. ...

The UFC has announced three additional fights on 5 July's UFC 86 card in Las Vegas. Fighters.com's fourth-ranked welterweight "Kos" Josh Koscheck (10-2) is set to face rugged vet "Lights Out" Chris Lytle (25-15-5). Both fighters come off exciting TKOs in their previous bouts. In February, Lytle ran roughshod over UFC debuting Kyle Bradley (13-5) in just 33 seconds. "Kos" and "McLovin" Dustin Hazelett (10-4) traded evenly for a round before Koschek tagged "McLovin" with punches and kicks 1:24 into round two in March. Hazelett's trainer, Jorge Gurgel (12-3), will fight 6'1" "Magrino" Cole Miller (13-3) at 86. Miller of Georgia comes off his first UFC loss to Jeremy Stephens (13-2), a second-round TKO in January. Gurgel won a unanimous decision over John Halverson (16-6) in March. Rising middleweight "Cachorrao" Ricardo Almeida (9-2) will face streaking "The Predator" Patrick Cote (12-4) on the card. Cote has won four straight, three consecutive by first-round stoppage.  Most recently "The Predator" devoured Andrew McFedries (6-3) in 1:44. Almeida returned to MMA after a four-year hiatus to submit Rob Yundt(6-1) in a guillotine choke in February. "Cachorrao" boasts wins over Fighters.com's eighth-ranked middleweight "Grabaka Hitman" Kazuo Misaki (19-8-2) and UFC title contender Nathan Marquardt (26-7-2) in the early '90s. ...

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion, "Pitbull" Andrei Arlovski pocketed the biggest purse Saturday night in Columbus, $105,000 to show plus a $65,000 win bonus.  His victory over "Irish" Jake O'Brien completed his UFC contract. However, it was UFC Middleweight Champion "Spider" Anderson Silva who left Nationwide Arena big pimpin' with a total disclosed payday of $260,000 for his second round submission of "Hollywood" Dan Henderson. Silva received $70,000 to show, a $70,000 win bonus, a $60,000 Submission of the Night bonus, and a $60,000 Fight of the Night bonus.  Mo' money, mo' money, mo' money! Henderson received a $60,000 bonus for participating in Fight of the Night.  "The Crippler" Chris Leben received $60,000 for Knockout of the Night in his victory over "Legionarius" Alessio Sakara. Despite making the PPV broadcast in an non-stop stand-up war, Josh Koscheck and Dustin Hazelett lost out to Silva v Henderson for Fight of the Night. The entire run-down below: Andrei Arlovski: $170,000 Anderson Silva: $140,000 Heath Herring: $140,000 Dan Henderson: $100,000 Diego Sanchez: $60,000 Chris Leben: $50,000 Cheick Kongo: $30,000 Yushin Okami: $28,000 Evan Tanner: $25,000 Josh Koscheck: $20,000 Alessio Sakara: $17,000 Luigi Fioravanti: $16,000 Luke Cummo: $16,000 Jorge Gurgel: $14,000 Dustin Hazelett: $12,000 Jake O’Brien: $11,000 David Bielkheden: $8,000 John Halverson: $3,000 ...

On a night in Columbus when the original UFC Heavyweight Champion and tactician behind the ground'n'pound "The Hammer" Mark Coleman became a legend joining the UFC Hall of Fame, UFC Middleweight Champion "Spider" Anderson Silva knocked on that same hallowed door. The kickboxer from Curitiba vanquished former PRIDE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion "Hollywood" Dan Henderson in a rear naked choke at 4:52 of the second round. The first round illustrated why Henderson, 22-7, was pegged as Silva's last great challenge at 185-pounds. The wrestler from California nixed the champion's world class stand-up with lateral movement that prevented Silva from setting and delivering his laser-like strikes. Henderson grabbed hold of the "Spider" and dumped him to the mat in an awkward half guard that allowed "Hollywood" to smother Silva while peppering him with hammer fists. The frustrated champion endured to the second frame. In a sloppy Thai clinch, Silva slammed a knee to Henderson's chiseled chin, causing the the top contender to crumble. Silva pounced!  A barrage of strikes convinced Henderson to give up his back, the fatal flaw leading to a rear naked choke submission with just eight seconds to spare in the round. While UFC broadcasters Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan wondered allowed who could challenge the champion, Silva seemed to indicate a third tussle with former UFC Middleweight Champion "Ace" Rich Franklin was due. In the broadcasted card's only heavyweight rumble, "The Texas Crazy Horse" Heath Herring tumbled into a split decision "W" over Cheick Kongo of France. The Parisian kickboxer insisted on wrestling, to the surprise of everyone including Herring.  Kongo dumped the Texan by force of will, but never capitalized on his advantageous ground positions as Herring consistently swept and reversed into safer territory. In the end, Herring's pitter-patter of pounding and Kongo's cluelessness on the mat served Herring the "W" and a possible rematch with current interim UFC belt holder Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, whom Herring came within a hair of beating last year. In untelevised heavyweight action, former UFC titlist "The Pitbull" Andrei Arlovski wrapped-up his current UFC contract and possibly his Octagon career with second round TKO of Jake O'Brien. Arlovski has openly entertained the idea of quitting the UFC for greener opportunities. Another pair of middleweights made the PPV broadcast when former UFC Middleweight Champion Evan Tanner was knocked silly...er with a knee from the Thai clinch by Yushin Okami. The fight was Tanner's first since April 2006 and the vet seemed to gas late into the first round before eating the death blow at 3:00 of the second. 18-4 Chris Leben TKO'd 185-pound newbie "Legionarius" Alessio Sakara of Italy at 3:16 of round one. "The Crippler" Leben knocked Sakara to his back with a left hook behind the ear, then pounced on the Roman with six unanswered punches before referee Herb Dean waved the affair closed. Welterweights Josh Koscheck and Dustin Hazelett lit each other up for a round before a Koscheck kick found the button behind Hazelett's ear a minute into round two.  Koschek pummeled the fallen fighter until the referee called it a TKO for Koscheck. The PPV opened with the longest three rounds of my life between welterweight contender Jon Fitch and UFC-debuting Chris Wilson of Team Quest. Wilson spent most of his Octagon initiation on his bicycle while Fitch tried to chase him down.  The judges awarded Fitch a unanimous decision for aggression and superior wrestling positioning. The rest of the untelevised portion of the card included a unanimous decision  "W" for 12-3 welterweight Luigi Fioravanti over Luke Cummo, who falls to 6-5. "Nightmare" Diego Sanchez was tossed a bit of red meat in Sweden's David Bielkheden after dropping two consecutive fights.  Sanchez devoured Bielkheden in a first round strikes submission. Lightweight Jorge Gurgel took a unanimous decision over John Halverson to improve to 12-3, 3-2 in the Octagon.  UFC 82 sold out Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. ...