MMA Hot Stuff

Strikeforce Weighins

The Strikeforce Weighins will be FREE and open to the public this friday! January 29th at 5:30pm ET at the Chairman's Club at BankAtlantic Center. AND it gets better. Immediately following the weighins in MMA Superstar Dan Henderson will be on hand doing an autograph signing!

This is your time to see/meet Herschel Walker, Bobby Lashley, Nick Diaz, Marius "The Whitemare" Zaromskis, Cris Cyborg and Marloes Coenen.

All 24 fighters will participate in the final weigh in on Friday, Jan. 29, just one day prior to the STRIKEFORCE mixed martial arts (MMA) fight card on Saturday, Jan. 30 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).  The weigh in is open to the public, free of charge.

Walker, the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner, will make his MMA debut against Greg Nagy.  The 47-year-old two-time Pro Bowler will compete in the cage the night before the Pro Bowl and one week prior to the Super Bowl.  The 6-foot 1-inch, 220 pound Walker holds a fifth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has experience in the combat disciplines of Muay Thai and Kenpo.

The 26 year old Diaz (20-7), a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, will take on DREAM welterweight (170 pounds) champ Zaromskis (13-3) in the main event and first STRIKEFORCE welterweight championship bout in history.

STRIKEFORCE 145-pound women's champion Cyborg (8-1) will defend her crown against submission expert Coenen (17-3). Cyborg became the first STRIKEFORCE women's champion in history on Aug. 15, 2009 when the Brazilian native stopped superstar Gina Carano.

The 6-foot, 3-inch, 250 pound Lashley, also a former collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College and member of The United States Army, competed in both the WWE Raw and SmackDown! shows in 2005 and '06.  The undefeated MMA heavyweight will face Wes Sims.

BankAtlantic Center Chairman's Club
1 Panther Pkwy
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33323
(954) 835-7000

UFC 102 Predictions - FROM A GIRL'S PERSPECTIVE

Okay, I know it feels like I waited until the last minute to post my predictions (and let's be real here, I did) but I have a good reason. I didn't want people to steal my predictions for our fantasy league. Hey, it could happen.

While I thought I was super excited for UFC 101, I'm even more excited for UFC 102. The card doesn't have a title fight but it's stacked with killer match ups. Good job Joe Silva!

Where to start.. It's Friday night and I've got things to do so we'll skip around and cover the fights I'm anxious to see and the main card.

Mark Munoz vs Nick Catone: First of all, this is Mark's second fight in the UFC. If you recall his debut with the UFC was against Matt Hamill (one of my favs), where he was KNOCKED the eff OUT with a head kick early in to the first round. I think a lot of Mark and his wrestling skills. And I'm anxious to see how he does against Nick. But since this is a prediction post I'll just lay it out here. I believe Mark is going to suffer another loss. I have Nick winning by TKO in the first.

Gabriel Gonzaga vs Chris Tuchscherer Even though Gabriel is coming off a loss against Shane Carwin (hello one of the best fights of 2009 so far) he's still a skilled fighter. We all remember how he caught Shane and rocked him pretty good. A lot of people are saying this is a do or die fight for Gonzaga but I disagree. Either way, I have Gonzaga winning the fight by TKO in the first.

Here's an upset pick. Damnit I just gave it away. Ed Herman vs Aaron Simpson. While many people are going to pick Ed, and I understand why, I think Aaron is going to win his UFC debut fight. No real reason. The kid has experience from being in the WEC and he's shown his wins by KO or TKO (all in the first round but one). Impressive in my book. So there you have it. My upset pick. Aaron by TKO in the first

A CAN'T WAIT FOR THESE FIGHTS:

Brandon Vera vs Krzysztof Soszynski I actually had a hard time with this pick. I think both fighters are great. Krz has won submission of the night multiple times and has some big wins under his belt. Assuming Brandon can keep this fight standing, I'm giving him the fight by TKO in the second. 

Nate Marquardt vs Demian Maia This very well could be THE FIGHT OF THE NIGHT. Again, I've gone back and forth on this one. I've even argued with myself over it. Both fighters are some of the top middleweights in the UFC without a doubt. The thing about Demian is he hasn't been a MMA for all that long. However in his short stint he's proven his ability and then some. Currently with a record of 10-0 his style is unusual or as some people say unorthodox. He's won all of his fights (but two) via submission and has won submission of the night honors on many occasions. This is without a doubt going to be Demian's hardest fight yet. However, I have him winning by Choke in the first round.

Chris Leben vs Jake Rosholt Chris Chris Chris... being from Portland I expect the crowd to be rowdy for this fight. Recently in Jon Anik's ESPN chat, some people said Chris is a gatekeeper for the middle weight division. I think he's a good/emotional fighter but definitely NOT a gatekeeper. In my opinion, this is a must win fight for Chris. I don't mean must win as in he'll be cut from the UFC but pretty dang close. Coming off a loss from well over a year ago against Mike Bisping, and then later testing positive for steroids, Chris hasn't been in the public eye for a while now. His record isn't bad, and again he's an emotional fighter. He's fighting someone who has pretty limited MMA experience (5-1) vs Chris' record of 18-5. Because of the emotion, the home town advantage and something to prove attitude, I give this fight to Chris via quick TKO in the first.

Don't think I'm picking every fight to go by TKO! Dun Dun Dun... The Dean of Mean Keith Jardine vs Thiago Silva! I can't wait for this fight! Keith Jardine is one of those fighters I love to watch. He doesn't always win but he always gives his best. Okay that was the girl in me saying that. But it's true he's a fighter that just never (or rarely) leaves the crowd disappointed. I think Keith is going to do everything he can to ensure this doesn't go to the ground given Thiago is known for his ground and pound style. I have this one going the distance my friends. But in the end I'm giving it to Keith by Unanimous Decision. 

And the MAIN EVENT!!! Randy Couture vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - I can list all the reasons why I believe Randy will win. Never mind his age and that he's almost as old as dirt (I kid I kid), his body and mind are that of a youngin'. Did you see him at weigh-ins? The guy is ripped. If I saw him (and were single duh) at the beach I'd be like.. "damn'. He's coming focused and with a game plan. He's going to take Nogueira down but will be smart enough to stay out of his submissions. I'm giving this fight to Randy by TKO in the second.

Again, I'm really looking forward to a great night of fights. Superb card and match ups. I love MMA!

I'll be on twitter ( twitter.com/mmahotstuff ) and we'll also have an open post/chat open during the fights. Check back here later with more details.

Also, friendly reminder. If you haven't already done so MAKE YOUR UFC FANTASY PICKS! Time is running out. 19 hours left. Go to http://fantasy.ufc.com/

If you haven't decided where you're watching the fights, don't worry I'm here to help. Here's a list of bars/restaurants showing the PPV events. http://www.mmahotstuff.com/about/2009/08/ufc-102-pay-per-view-locations.html

WEC Brown vs Faber II Weigh-Ins Today

Just a friendly reminder the weigh-ins for the WEC Brown vs Faber II fights are happening today and they're FREE and open to the public! Come out and support your favorite fighters as they strip down and get on the scale.

Live at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium at 4pm PT. Doors open at 3:00pm PT.

Can't make it to the weigh-ins? You're in luck because you'll be able to watch the weigh-ins on line - LIVE!

Q&A with the WEC's Bantamweight Champion Miguel Angel Torres and WEC fighter Brian Bowles immediately follows the weigh-in.

For more information go to http://www.ufc.com/live_videos/index.htm

UFC 92: Weigh-In Video - No love lost between Jackson & Silva!!!

Here's a video of the weigh-ins for UFC 92, courtesy of ESPN.com. As you'll see, the beef between Rampage & Wanderlei is no joke, and lives on beyond their days in PRIDE. This will be one hell of a fight... Wanderlei has that "Axe Murderer" look in his eyes!

UFC 92 Weigh-In Results

Here are the weigh-in results for UFC 92 from UFC.com!!!! Can't wait for these fights, but can someone tell me why CB Dollaway is on the main card over the likes of Matt Hamill or even Yushin Okami? Seems ridiculous...

Main Event - UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Rashad Evans (203) VS Forrest Griffin (205)

Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship
Frank Mir (251) VS Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (246)

Wanderlei Silva (203) VS Quinton Jackson (206)
Mostapha Al Turk (237) VS Cheick Kongo (233)
Mike Massenzio (184) VS CB Dollaway (186)

Dean Lister (186) VS Yushin Okami (185)
Mike Wessel (260) VS Antoni Hardonk (246)
Reese Andy (206) VS Matt Hamill (205)
Brad Blackburn (170) VS Ryo Chonan (171)
Patrick Barry (233) VS Dan Evensen (242)

Strikeforce "Destruction": Weigh-In Results

San Jose, CA. —Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (13-5) weighed in at 185 ½ lbs. and his opponent, Terry Martin (18-5), tipped the scales at 186 lbs. one day before their meeting at Strikeforce “Destruction,” the mixed martial arts mega-event at San Jose’s HP Pavilion.

Strikeforce World Light Heavyweight (205 lb. limit) Champion Bobby Southworth (9-5) and his opponent, Renato “Babalu” Sobral (30-7), both registered in at 204 lbs.  Knockout artists and opponents Duane “Bang” Ludwig (17-8) and Yves Edwards (34-14-1) weighed in at 163 lbs. and 164 lbs, respectively.

The following are the official fighter weights from today’s weigh-ins at Hotel DeAnza:

UFC 91: Pictures from weigh-ins

As you may know, I was lucky enough to go to UFC 91. Weigh-ins are a great event and a great way to get hyped up for the fight the next day. If you go to a live event, I highly suggest attending the weigh-ins the day before! You'll also typically see a lot of fighters roaming. For instance, I saw BJ Penn walking around the concession area and Frank Trigg was sitting just a few rows in front of me.

Click here to check out some pictures from the weigh-ins

As always, you can check out all of my photo albums in the sidebar to the right!

WEC: Faber VS Brown Weigh-In Results

Here are the weigh-in results for tomorrow's WEC event, featuring what was suppose to be two title bouts but is now only one. Way to go Paulo...

Main Event – WEC Featherweight Championship
Mike Brown (145**) vs Urijah Faber (144.5)

Chael Sonnen (184.5) vs Paulo Filho (189***) ------->
Leonard Garcia (145.5) vs Jens Pulver (144)
Nissen Osterneck (184.5) vs Jake Rosholt (185.5)

Donald Cerrone (156) vs Rob McCullough (155.5)
Steve Steinbeiss (202) vs Carmelo Marrero (206)
Rani Yahya (137*) vs Yoshiro Maeda (135)
Aaron Simpson (184.5) vs David Avellan (185)
Jonathan Brookins (146) vs Jose Aldo (146)
Rafael Dias (155) vs Danny Castillo (156)

* Maeda has agreed to fight Yahya at 137 pounds.
** Brown made weight on his second attempt - he initially weighed in at 145.5
*** Filho initially weighed in at 192.  On his second attempt he came in at 189, still four pounds over the middleweight limit.  The fight against Sonnen will go on as a three round non-title fight, and Sonnen will be awarded 25% of Filho's purse.

Strikeforce Weigh-ins Live

I'm here at the Strikeforce weigh-ins!

First up for the Strikeforce lightweight title is Josh Thomson weighing in at 156 in his underwear. His opponent Gilbert Melendez came in at a ripped 155. They then made josh take his underwear off and weigh in again. He made weight. Who knew underwear could weigh a pound!

Here's video of the weigh ins! Enjoy.

Fighting for the Strikeforce World Light Heavyweight Title, Anthony Ruiz came in at a lean 203 lbs and his opponenet Bobby Southworth was a cut 204.5!

Billy Evangelista weighed in at 156 and his opponent Nam Phan was under the class weight coming in at 154. Luckily Billy was able to weigh in again and made 155!

Chris Cariaso was a half pound over the class coming in at 135.5 and his opponent was that much under weighing in at 134.5

Oh ladies you wouldn't believe this one... Jeremiah Metcal came out, dropped his pants and he was wearing bikini underwear!!! In those bikinis he weighed in at 185 and will be fighting Raymond Daniels who weighed in at 184.

We have a female bout that is sure to be a great one. Miesha Tate from Washington weighed in at 145lbs and she'll be taking on Elaina Maxwell who weighed in at 146lbs.

Worth noting; Joe Riggs wasn't present at weigh ins and the story I heard was he didn't pass medical. They now have Drew Fickett in his place and will be facing off with Luke Stewart.

You can check out some MMAHotStuff pictures from the weigh-ins here!

UFC 85 Weigh-In Results: Alves misses weight

As reported on UFC.com today, UFC 85 weigh-ins took place at the O2 Arena in London and the main event between Matt Hughes and Thiago Alves will take place at a catchweight of 174 pounds. Alves failed to make weight, coming it 3 pounds above the welterweight limit of 171 pounds, while Hughes weighed in at 170 pounds.

Each weight class is given a 1 pound allowance above the actual weight class, for instance the lightweight class is described as "155 pounds" yet participants are allowed to weigh in at 156 pounds or below.

The fact that Alves did not make the 171 pound limit is pretty interesting given the fact that he's been suspended in the past for the use of a diuretic. Alves served an 8-month suspension for the use of Spironolactone, which is a diuretic that helps fighters shed water weight in order to more easily get their weight down to the necessary limit. Alves has been known to cut a lot of weight as a fairly big welterweigh. One could interpret a few things from Alves failure to make weight; 1) either he's just a really big welterweight that has trouble cutting that much water weight, or 2) Alves' training camp wasn't as focused as it needed to be (both cardio and diet) and he's not coming into this fight in top physicial condition.

Should make for an interesting fight. Will Alves come in out of shape and run out of gas agains the notoriously intense and in-shape Hughes? Or is he just "big", and how will that effect the smaller Hughes? Will Matt be able to deal with Alves' youth and size? Will he be able to take the youngster down and keep him there? We'll find out tomorrow!

Read more for the other weigh-in results!