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Martins Denis, UFC - If you had your eyes on nearly every Pride FC event since April of 2002, you would have seen the same tough guy in Mirko Cro Cop's corner - current UFC light heavyweight Igor Pokrajac.

UFC Interview, UFC

Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) legend Randy "The Natural" Couture will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Oakland A’s vs. Texas Rangers 1:10 p.m. game on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010.

First pitch is set for 12:55 pm and will be caught by A’s first baseman and die-hard UFC fan, Daric Barton.

Couture, a three-time former heavyweight champion and two-time light-heavyweight champion, is the only five-time champion in UFC history. He is also the only athlete in UFC history to win a championship after becoming a Hall of Fame member and one of only two men to win UFC titles in two weight classes.

At 47 years old, Couture is still one of the top fighters in the sport today. Couture is town promoting UFC 117: "Silva vs. Sonnen" held that night at Oracle Arena. His next fight is scheduled for Aug. 28 when he takes on boxing legend James Toney at UFC 118: "Edgar vs. Penn 2" at the TD Garden in Boston, Mass.

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Because he tells MMAFighting.com that he was just hurt too bad to do anything about it:

"The world couldn't see it because the camera wasn't close enough to my face, but as soon as I broke my hand – that was the second punch I landed that knocked him down – as soon as it happened, my lip was starting to tremble, and for two reasons. One, it hurt terribly. I never would have guessed that it was only one broken bone. I felt like all the bones in my hand were, like, entirely disintegrated.... We were on the ground in the second and he was on top of me punching me and he asked me what was wrong. He said, 'What's wrong with you? Why'd you stop fighting?' I told him, 'I broke my hand,' and he was like, 'Bullsh*t.' I said, 'No sir. My hand is broken. That hand is gone.'"

Does his disappearance after round one make a little more sense now, or did you put the pieces together when you saw him in a wheel chair after the three-round decision loss? Or maybe after you saw pics of his broken hand and foot right here. Either way, would you like to see an instant rematch or is it time to move on?

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Props: Houston Chronicle

Quoteworthy:

"At the end of the day, he's still going to be better than me. He's still going to punch better than me and kick better. He's going to have a black belt in jiu-jitsu and I'm gonna have no belt in jiu-jitsu. But who cares? Who cares who is better? In 25 minutes, it's a matter of who is tougher, who can stand out there and go harder for a longer amount of time. Who can be hurt and stay in the fight anyway. Who's going to get tired and stay in the fight anyway. That's really it. He's gonna be better, and I'm fine with that. He's going to hurt me when he punches me, and I'm fine with that. But I'm gonna walk straight up to him, put him on his ass and beat a hole in his face. And as long as this sport has been around, that strategy has never been beaten."

Number one middleweight contender, Chael Sonnen, continues the drumbeat of promotion for his upcoming fight against division champion Anderson Silva at UFC 117 on Aug. 7. Sonnen, who has disparaged the "Spider" just about every chance he can, admits that the Brazilian is probably a better fighter. However, his toughness and endurance will make up for whatever gap in talent appears on fight night. But will Silva allow Sonnen to get that close, meaning we can expect, gasp, another game of keep-away?

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The ninth installment of Strikeforce Challengers is set for tonight (July 23) at "The Ice Box" at Comcast Arena in Everett, Washington. The five-fight main card will air live on the premium cable channel Showtime beginning at 11 p.m. ET.

Heavyweight sluggers Lolohea Mahe and Shane del Rosario are set to trade leather in the night's featured main event, while Strikeforce female welterweight champion Sarah Kaufman will defend her title for the first time ever against dangerous top contender Roxanne Modefferi in the co-headliner.

MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of the event, beginning with the Showtime telecast at 11 p.m. ET.

Many of our readers check-in before, during and after the Showtime telecast to share their thoughts on the action. Therefore, feel free to leave a comment (or 10) before you leave and chat with all the other Maniacs during the show -- it always turns out to be a great discussion.

Keep in mind that we will also be the spot for the latest news, recaps and post-fight analysis after the show.

STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS IX QUICK RESULTS:

Shane Del Rosario vs. Lolohea Mahe
Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Sarah Kaufman vs. Roxanne Modafferi
Ron "Abongo" Humphrey vs. Mike Kyle
Cory "The One" Devela vs. Bobby Voelker
Thomas Diagne vs. Caros Fodor
Brent "Mankill" Knopp VS Ryan Hayes
Taurean "Black" Washington VS CJ Marsh
Chris Inman VS "Smokin" Joe Hernandez
"Psycho" Scott McDonald VS Doug Kay
Drew "The Eternal Fire" Brokenshire VS Mike Minniger
Jamen "Chainsaw" Olney VS Levi Alford
Frankie Orr VS John Elam
Wendel Horton VS Keith Mortuiccio

STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS IX PLAY-BY-PLAY LIVE MAIN CARD COMMENTARY:

James here!

Shane Del Rosario vs. Lolohea Mahe - (265 pounds)

Round one:
Round two:
Round three:

Final Result:

-end-

Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Sarah Kaufman vs. Roxanne Modafferi - (135 pounds)

Round one:
Round two:
Round three:

Final result:

-end-

Ron "Abongo" Humphrey vs. Mike Kyle - (205 pounds)

Round one:
Round two:
Round three:

Final result:

-end-

Cory "The One" Devela vs. Bobby Voelker - (170 pounds)

Round one:
Round two:
Round three:

Final result:

-end-

Thomas Diagne vs. Caros Fodor - (155 pounds)

Round one:
Round two:
Round three:

Final result:

-end-

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- Herman, Bellator Locked in Legal Battle

- Featherweight Zac George earns Shine Fights release after two-month wait

- Athletic commission knocked out by City of North Van

- Bully Beatdown Does Not Violate Violence Code

- XYIENCE and Montreal’s TriStar Martial Arts Center Sign Sponsorship Agreement

Herman, Bellator Locked in Legal Battle

Herman, 25, is suing Bellator Fighting Championships for allegedly breaching a six-fight, 30-month contract he signed into with the promotion on Oct. 28, 2008. Herman is also claiming tortuous interference on the part of Bellator for a handful of fight assignments — including a four-fight contract offer from Strikeforce — he’s tried to secure since January. The promotion is countersuing for alleged breach of contract as well. (Sherdog)

Featherweight Zac George earns Shine Fights release after two-month wait

Signing the contract – a one-year, three-fight deal – was easy. But after that, everything seemed hard.

“It was a total disaster,” George said after MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today reported that several fighters from the canceled “Shine Fights: Worlds Collide” event had not been paid.

“Worlds Collide” was scheduled to take place May 15 at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, N.C., before the North Carolina Boxing Authority pulled the plug on the show hours after it was set to begin… (MMAJunkie)

Athletic commission knocked out by City of North Van

City of North Vancouver councillors put the kibosh on hosting professional boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) fights in the city, after voting to disband the North Vancouver Athletic Commission Monday night.

“I’ve watched enough of it (Ultimate Fighting Championship) channel surfing to know that I find it repugnant … barbaric,” said Coun. Pam Bookham in an interview with The Outlook. (BCLocalNews)

Bully Beatdown Does Not Violate Violence Code

The CBSC received a complaint about this program from an anti-bullying activist who felt that it was inappropriate for the program to promote additional violence as the solution to the societal problem of bullying. MTV Canada argued that the premise of the program is to show “to instil a sense of empathy in the bully by asking him to face someone who might cause him/her fear or anxiety.” MTV also pointed out that the program carried a 14+ classification and viewer advisories. (Broadcaster Magazine)

XYIENCE and Montreal’s TriStar Martial Arts Center Sign Sponsorship Agreement

XYIENCE announces that it has signed a sponsorship agreement with Tristar Gym, a 13,500 sq. ft. mixed martial arts (MMA) training center in Montreal. The agreement means that the facility will retail XYIENCE’s energy drink brand, Xenergy, the official energy of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and XYIENCE supplements, the original fight nutrition brand, to the exclusion of all other brands. The partnership was made official on Thursday, July 15, 2010, and also includes logo placement on the training facility’s mats and banner placement throughout the gym. (PRESS RELEASE)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Spoke to Scott Coker yesterday. He’s receptive to promoting Werdum-Fedor 2 in Russia. And I know Showtime is looking at potential dates. (Josh Gross, Sports Illustrated)

QUICK HITS

• UFC targeting ‘four to six’ Fight Nights in UK next year (ESPN UK)
• Not So Fast – UFC China Office Yet to Open (BloodyElbow)
• Matt Hamill vs. Tito Ortiz added to UFC 121 in October (MMAJunkie)
• Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Brendan Schaub meet at UFC 121 in California (MMAJunkie)
• Massachusetts eliminates double weigh-in policy for mixed martial arts (MMAJunkie)
• Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs. Dan Hornbuckle not happening at Bellator 25 (MMAJunkie)
• Strikeforce 135-pound tourney official (MMAJunkie)
• Coker: Fedor Could Return in October, November (Sherdog)
• Santiago-Misaki Rematch Headlines Sengoku 14 (Sherdog)
• Bellator Hits ‘The Big Easy’ on Sept. 9 (Sherdog)
• CAMO Launches California State Tournament for Amateurs (Sherdog)
• Mike Russow Out Until Next Year With Injury (MMAFighting)
• Joe Rogan, Mayhem Miller Rip Gus Johnson (MMAFighting)
• ROXANNE MODAFFERI: I’LL FINISH THE FIGHT FOR HER (MMAWeekly)
• MIKE KYLE SET FOR COMEBACK IN STRIKEFORCE (MMAWeekly)
• Todd Duffee, Jon Madsen Agree To UFC 121 Bout (Heavy)
• Phil Davis Replaces Nedkov, Faces Wallace At UFC 117 (Heavy)

TV LISTINGS

• HDNet Fights Vault: 2009 World GP Final HL’s at 8:00 PM ET on HDNet (07/23/10)
• Fighting Words with Mike Straka (Frankie Edgar) at 8:30 PM ET on HDNet (07/23/10)
• Inside MMA at 9 PM ET on HDNet (07/23/10)
• HDNet Fights: K-1 World MAX 2010 at 10 PM ET on HDNet (07/23/10)
• Strikeforce Challengers: Del Rosario vs Mahe at 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime (07/23/10)

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Strikeforce Challengers: Del Rosario vs Mahe at 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime(07/23/10)
• HDNet Fights: K-1 World Max 2010 Final 10 PM ET on HDNet (07/23/10)
• HDNet Fights: K-1 World GP 2010 at 10 PM ET on HDNet (07/30/10)
• UFC on Versus 2 : Jones vs Matyushenko at 10 PM ET on Versus (08/01/10)
• UFC 117 : Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen at 10 PM ET on PPV (08/7/10)
• Bellator 24: Lombard vs Goodman on FSN (08/12/10)
• Strikeforce Challengers: Riggs vs Taylor 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime (08/13/10)
• HDNet Fights: KOTC: Imminent Danger at 9 PM ET on HDNet (08/13/10)
• WEC 50: Cruz vs Benavidez at 9 PM ET on Versus (08/18/10)
• Bellator 25 on FSN (08/19/10)
• Strikeforce: King Mo vs Rafael Feijao at 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime (08/21/10)
• Bellator 26 on FSN (08/26/10)
• HDNet Fights: Sengoku Raiden Championships 14 on HDNet (08/27/10)
• UFC 118: Edgar vs Penn 2 at 10 PM ET on PPV (08/28/10)
• Bellator 26 on FSN (09/2/10)
• UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Belcher at 9 PM ET on SPIKE TV (09/15/10)
• UFC 119 : Minotauro Nogueira vs Frank Mir 2 at 10 PM ET on PPV (09/25/10)

MMAPayout MMA Payout, MMAterial Facts

“We’re all very good at doing what we like to do. BJ’s ground game and wrestling is unbelievable, but I feel I’m a far better striker than he is. I might never be as good as he is at one thing, but he might never be as good as me at another. I’m not near a BJJ black belt, but a fight is a fight and anything can happen, that’s what makes the sport so exciting.”

-- The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 lightweight winner, Ross Pearson, is anything but short on confidence, telling UK-based Fighters Only magazine (via Pedro Carrasco of BJPENN.COM) that he believes he can outstrike former 155-pound champion, BJ Penn. That's a bold statement, considering Penn has tremendous boxing skills in addition to his "unbelievable" ground game. In 14 career professional fights, Pearson has three (technical) knockout finishes, which is less than 30 percent. Penn, meanwhile, finishes 40 percent of his opponents via (technical) knockout. Has Pearson -- who is set to battle Cole Miller at UFC Fight Night 22 on Sept. 15 -- lost his mind or is he, in fact, the "Real Deal?"

Poll

Who would win in a 'PURE' Kickboxing match?

• BJ Penn
• Ross Pearson

  83 votes | Results

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MMAmania.com today (July 20) participated in a chat with UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva courtesy of UOL in Brazil. "The Spider" dished on his upcoming challenge against Chael Sonnen in the UFC 117 main event on August 7 from the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, as well as Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture and much more.

Anderson said that perhaps the fans will one day see him and Georges St. Pierre clash to find out who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

The amazing striker was seen training with actor and Aikido master Steven Seagal recently. The Spider said "Yeah, the master taught me some techniques."

Over his comment in which he called Chael Sonnen "gangster," he insists he meant nothing with that and revealed that he doesn't intend to move up to the light heavyweight division after fighting Sonnen.

"It would be a pretension on my part to move up to perform at 205-pounds or even in the heavyweight division. I feel good in my category, happy with our outcomes and there will always be someone to challenge for the 185-pound belt."

Chael has called Silva some names but the Muay Thai expert hasn't lost his cool. He remarked that "(Sonnen) can say what he wants, after all U.S. is a free country. Of course he is a good fighter and this is the reason he is in the biggest event in the world."

"The preparation is nice. People have helped me a lot. Black House family is supporting me so much. Lyoto Machida and Mark Munoz, among others, are focused for this match-up. I'm very happy. Regardless the result, I think it will be a good experience for all of us and I'm preparing for the worst" he joked.

Silva thinks it's great that Randy Couture wishes to fight him and says "It would be such an honor to face off against somebody that I got a great admiration either as a fighter or as a person. I respect him so much."

The Spider was asked about Fedor Emelianenko's status after his loss to Fabricio Werdum and how would a bout versus UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar turn out.

"In my opinion Fedor still is the best heavyweight for all the achievements he has gotten. Regarding to Fedor-Lesnar clash, I think it would be a big fight, a great spectacle and the MMA fans would be the winners."

Anderson credits his success to everything he went through in his childhood and the idols he admires today. The inspiration comes from two world class boxers. "I watched many fights of Roy Jones Jr and Muhammad Ali. I inspire myself on them and try to give my best in a different way, more intelligent and superior."

Due to his ability while striking, Anderson is cited as a man with potential to perform at the K-1 level. The Spider said "I dreamt with K-1 and had nightmares in which I was knocked out, (laughs) but I am glad with the UFC and hope to finish my career there."

Anderson Silva ends the chat analyzing his evolution since coming from Meca to UFC and thanks the fans for all the support.

"Well, I guess the technical evolution that I had was impressive. I owe this to all my coaches who helped in my formation as a fighter, athlete and trainer. I'm always in search for the perfection. Though it is something impossible, I keep improving and trying to make the difference."

"I'd like to thank God to give me health and conditions to bring gladness to the fans. Thanks everybody of the chat and I expect to speak to you soon. God bless you all."

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To check out the latest UFC 119: "Mir vs. Nogueira 2" fight card and rumors click here.

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Chuck Mindenhall, UFC - Right after he fought Evan Dunham on June 12 at UFC 115, Tyson Griffin made the type of request that always plays like music to Dana White's ears: Get me back in there as soon as possible. Having dropped a tough split decision to his Xtreme Couture training partner—yet coming out of the fight healthy—Griffin made the call and volunteered his services should anything open up for him.

UFC Interview, UFC

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Thomas Gerbasi, UFC - In a war of words, soft-spoken middleweight champion Anderson Silva would likely be on the losing end to his August 7th challenger, the loquacious Chael Sonnen. But fights are won and lost in the Octagon, and not in the press, and that's where Silva has reigned over the 185-pound division since late-2006. Despite this, "The Spider" has had plenty to say over the years about his style, his upbringing, and his place in the MMA history books, and here's a sampling from the pound for pound king.

UFC UFC, Ufc In The News

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- UFC 116 officially draws 12,740 attendees for $4.05 million live gate
- American Forces Network to broadcast Bellator to 1 million military personnel
- Strikeforce to bring MMA special to Toyota Center
- Lance Palmer, Mark Ellis Sign With MMA Agencies
- MusclePharm Set to Launch GNC Athlete Tour

UFC 116 officially draws 12,740 attendees for $4.05 million live gate

July’s “UFC 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin” event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas officially drew 12,740 spectators for a $4,053,990 live gate. … Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer today emailed the official figures to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

Of the 12,740 fans in the arena, 9,218 purchased tickets and 3,522 were issued complimentary admission. Additionally, 2,194 tickets went unsold. (MMAJunkie)

***

Note: It appears that the event will break 1 million buys, but not beat UFC 100 or UFC 114: Rampage vs Evans. (F4WOnline)

American Forces Network to broadcast Bellator to 1 million military personnel

Bellator Fighting Championships will expand its reach to the more than 1 million brave American service men and women, as well as Department of Defense and other US government civilians and their families stationed overseas through a new alliance with the American Forces Network.

Beginning this fall, all military personnel, Department of Defense civilian employees and their families stationed in 175 countries and territories overseas from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe — and aboard 140 U.S. Navy ships at sea — will be able to watch all of Bellator Seasons 2 and 3 in their entirety via satellite broadcast.

The 24 Bellator broadcasts will air for 24 consecutive weeks every Monday night at 9 p.m. “viewer time overseas” with Bellator Season 2 running from Sept. 6th to Nov. 22 and Bellator Season 3 running from Nov. 29th to Feb. 14th.

Rights to air the broadcasts are being provided to the American Forces Network by Bellator free of charge. (PRESS RELEASE)

Strikeforce to bring MMA special to Toyota Center

Mixed martial arts will be on display when the Strikeforce promotion visits the Toyota Center on Aug. 21.

The card, announced in a press conference Tuesday, will be broadcast by Showtime Television and start at 9 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday.

It’s been three years since Houston was last in the mixed martial arts spotlight. Ultimate Fighting Championship, the top promotion in MMA, brought its UFC 69 pay-per-view event to the Toyota Center in April 2007.  (The Houston Chronicle)

Lance Palmer, Mark Ellis Sign With MMA Agencies

Up and coming mixed martial arts prospect Lance Palmer has a new agency to call home. The former Ohio State University wrestler has signed on with MMA agency MMA Incorporated today for an exclusive management and marketing deal.

Palmer, who has yet to make his professional debut in the sport, was a four-time All American wrestler as a Buckeye. In  2010, he earned the title of Big Ten Champion and was also a finalist in the NCAA Division 1 National Championship that year. He competed in the 149 pound weight class.  (Heavy)

MusclePharm Set to Launch GNC Athlete Tour

MusclePharm® Corporation (OTCBB:MSLP), a fast-growing nutritional supplement company with a proprietary formulation used in eight performance products, announced plans to launch an innovative General Nutrition Centers (GNC) Athlete Tour starting this month.

The athlete tour dates will run from July through December 2010 and will feature some of the biggest names from the NFL, UFC and WEC. The athletes will be signing autographs at each GNC appearance, promoting the MusclePharm brand in the process. (The Financial Post)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

QUICK HITS

• Bob Sapp pulled off July 18′s “Impact FC,” threatens legal action (MMAJunkie)
• UFC announcer Bruce Buffer cashes in 2010 World Series of Poker (MMAJunkie)
• With Strikeforce title on line, Kennedy says “Jacare” is just his next biggest fight (MMAJunkie)
• Film Room: How Werdum Submitted Fedor (Sherdog)
• Bellator Confirms Lombard-Goodman for Aug. 12 (Sherdog)
• UFC 116 Drugs Tests Clean (Sherdog)
• King Mo Promises to Show New Skills in First Title Defense (Sherdog)
• Rich Clementi Targeted for Bellator 28 (MMAFighting)
• For Leben, Most of UFC 116 Victory Is a Blur (MMAFighting)
• VARNER WANTS HENDERSON, DENIES COWBOY FIGHT (MMAWeekly)
• MELENDEZ ON SHIELDS TO UFC; WILL HE FOLLOW? (MMAWeekly)
• Is Cain able to take Lesnar’s title? (Yahoo! Sports)
• UK: Impact FC Confirmed to air on Primetime (Fighters Only)
• Scott Coker Talks Shields, Bautista, Lashley, Fedor And More (Heavy)
• Keith Jardine vs. Trevor Prangley Set For Shark Fights 13 (Heavy)

TV LISTINGS

• HDNet Fights Vault: Dynamite 2009  at 8:00 PM ET on HDNet (07/16/10)
• Fighting Words with Mike Straka (Ken Shamrock) at 8:30 PM ET on HDNet (07/16/10)
• Inside MMA (Matyushenko and Ellengerger) at 9 PM ET on HDNet (07/16/10)
• HDNet Fights: DREAM.15 Replay at 10 PM ET on HDNet (07/16/10)

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Strikeforce Challengers: Del Rosario vs Mahe at 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime(07/23/10)
• HDNet Fights: K-1 World Max 2010 Final 10 PM ET on HDNet (07/23/10)
• HDNet Fights: K-1 World GP 2010 at 10 PM ET on HDNet (07/23/10)
• UFC on Versus 2 : Jones vs Matyushenko at 10 PM ET on Versus (08/01/10)
• Strikeforce Challengers: Riggs vs Taylor 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime (08/13/10)
• HDNet Fights: KOTC: Imminent Danger at 9 PM ET on HDNet (08/13/10)
• UFC 117 : Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen at 10 PM ET on PPV (08/18/10)
• WEC 50: Cruz vs Benavidez at 9 PM ET on Versus (08/18/10)
• Strikeforce: King Mo vs Rafael Feijao at 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime (08/26/10)
• HDNet Fights: Sengoku Raiden Championships 14 on HDNet (08/27/10)
• UFC 118: Edgar vs Penn 2 at 10 PM ET on PPV (08/28/10)

MMAPayout Bellator, MMA Payout, MMAterial Facts, UFC

Photos courtesy of Rosemary Acosta Clark for Strikeforce. More pics from the July 13 "Houston" press conference after the jump.

For the latest Strikeforce: "Houston" fight card and rumors click here.

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Pro MMA Radio live feed featuring "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and James Irvin now playing after the jump.

Pro MMA Radio will begin playing automatically. Press (||) to turn it off.

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British sports journalist Gareth Davies of the London Telegraph takes on New York Assemblyman Bob Reilly in a BBC debate over the moral and legal nature of mixed martial arts competitions.

Payout Perspective:

I think it bears repeating that it’s not enough to just call Bob Reilly ignorant and dismiss him. He’s got the ear of many people in New York and has proven to be an influential member of the Assembly, especially where MMA is concerned.

Reilly is a shining of example of where MMA’s effort to seek legalization needs to be taken to the next level. It’s not about shoving this $15-20 million economic windfall down New York’s throat, but instead sitting down with these people and addressing their concerns. That’s why it’s important to get Reilly and others like him to an event. These staunch opponents need to see the sport with their own eyes and have someone available to answer their questions openly and honestly.

In Reilly’s case, perhaps he’s already been extended numerous invitations by the UFC or even attended an event, but the way he speaks about the sport leads me to believe he’s yet to see an event for himself (or even watch but more than a highlight clip on the internet).

If Reilly truly is the rational, honest and good intentioned man that he claims to be, he’ll do everything in his power to educate himself about the sport on the whole – not just what he perceives to be bad, but all parts of the sport. That means watching an event, interacting with the crowd, and engaging in more due diligence than simple informal polls or “people come up to me on the street” non-sense.

I don’t expect he’ll do a complete 180 and start attending UFC events on the regular, but maybe he gains a better understanding of the sport that limits the extent of his now endless hyperbole or comes to see the sport as this generation’s version of his beloved boxing.

There’s no guarantee that either of those outcomes happen, but at least the MMA community will have done everything in its power to educate and convince a prominent opponent of its worth.

MMAPayout MMA Payout, regulation

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• Two-year Vancouver trial MMA period, Vancouver fires head of athletic commission
• Ultimate fight: to convince Victoria
• UFC Hires Leadership to Open China Office
• UFC Announces Anti-Piracy Settlements with 500 Businesses and Individuals
• Strikeforce’s August schedule, UFC 119, 120, 121 Announcements

Two-year Vancouver trial MMA period could end with only one pro event having been held

Ongoing insurance and indemnity issues surrounding professional mixed martial arts in the city of Vancouver could well see the two-year trial of regulated MMA pass with only a single professional event having been held, according to Vision Vancouver city council member Dr Kerry Jang and licensing staffer Tom Hammel. (Vancouver Sun)

***

Vancouver fires head of athletic commission

City council fired the head of the Vancouver Athletic Commission on Thursday after city staff and others complained about his conduct during the recent debate over allowing an Ultimate Fighting Championship event.

Citing a lack of confidence in Mirko Mladenovic, the council appointed Dave Rudberg, a longtime city bureaucrat, to replace him as head of the commission when it reconvenes later this month. (Vancouver Sun)

Ultimate fight: to convince Victoria (Australia)

THE Ultimate Fighting Championship will use Geelong star George Sotiropoulos and the lure of a $15 million tourist injection to convince the Victorian government to allow cage-fighting into Melbourne, after the sport was again rejected by the state.

Having sold out its debut Australian event at the 17,000-capacity Acer Arena in Sydney in February within 90 minutes, the UFC will be returning early next year but wants to infiltrate the Victorian market, with figures suggesting the state harbours the most mixed martial arts fans in the country. (Sydney Morning Herald)

UFC Hires Leadership to Open China Office

The UFC’s global expansion has become a business in and of itself lately, and the next stop for the promotion will be in China.

Just weeks after the UFC opened an office in Canada – with former CFL commissioner Tom Wright leading the charge – the company hired a leader for a new office in China, which should open in the next few weeks.  (MMAWeekly) … (MMAPayout Perspective)

UFC Announces Anti-Piracy Settlements with 500 Businesses and Individuals

The organization today announced it has reached “confidential settlements” with more than 500 businesses and individuals as a result of illegal broadcasts and viewing of UFC events…The settlements span over the past two years.

“We are committed to standing toe to toe with anyone trying to illegally broadcast or stream UFC events,” UFC President Dana White stated. “Today’s announcement further drives home the fact that we are fully prepared to pursue any business or individual that steals our programming.”  (MMAJunkie) … (MMAPayout Perspective)

Strikeforce’s August schedule, UFC 119, 120, 121 Announcements

Strikeforce Houston Card (8/21): “King Mo” Lawal (7-0) vs Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (9-2) [LHW Title] , Tim Kennedy (12-2) vs “Jacare” Souza (12-2) [Vacant MW Title], KJ Noons (9-2) vs Jorge Gurgel (13-6), Bobby Lashley (5-0) vs TBA, POSS: Sergei Kharitonov (16-4) vs Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (14-2) have all been rumored for the card at the Toyota Center.  Erin Toughill (10-2) vs Shana Olsen (4-0) has also been recently rumored for this event, where the winner would take on “Cyborg” Santos in a future 145 lbs Title bout.

Strikeforce Phoenix (8/13): J. Riggs (32-11) v L. Taylor(6-1), D. Cormier (2-0) v TBA, Women’s 1-Night 135 lbs GP: Maiju Kujala (4-1), Hitomi Akano (15-7), Miesha Tate (9-2), and TBD.

Strikeforce Washington (7/23): Shane Del Rosario (9-0) v Lolohea Mahe (4-1), Sarah Kaufman (11-0) v Roxanne Modafferi (15-5) [135 lbs Title], Mike Kyle (16-7) v Abongo Humphrey (7-1), Corey Devela (9-4) v Bobby Voelker (21-8).

***

UFC 119: A rematch between heavyweights Frank Mir (13-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-6-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) headlines September’s UFC 119 event.  (MMAJunkie) ..  this event is also rumored to have Ryan Bader vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira penciled in as their co-main event, which would be the first time in UFC history to have twins headlining an event.

UFC 120: A middleweight bout between Michael Bisping and Yoshihiro Akiyama will be part of October’s UFC 120 event in London.  (MMAJunkie) .. UFC 120 is also set to have Dan Hardy vs Carlos Condit as the co-main event and the event is scheduled to be televised on Spike TV from London.

UFC 121 : UFC 121, which was rumored to be taking place in Germany, is now reported by MMAJunkie to be likely moving to California.  Germany has made a firm stance against the UFC moving into the country, as was reported back in March, when they banned UFC from television.  The rumored main-event here was Vitor Belfort (19-8) versus the winner of Anderson Silva (26-4)/Chael Sonnen (24-10). UPDATE: Brock Lesnar vs Cain Velasquez signed for UFC 121 (MMAFighting).

QUICK HITS

• FC: The Uprising Airing Live on Viewers Choice Canada (The Fight Network)
• HDNet to Broadcast ‘HDNet Fights: DREAM 15′ Live (PRESS RELEASE)
• SUFFER Signs Robert Drysdale Endorsement Deal (MarketWatch)
• Strikeforce’s August schedule headlined by ‘King Mo’ title defense (LA Times)
• Sifting through the rubble of the Fedor fallout (Yahoo! Sports)
• STRIKEFORCE Looks to Phoenix’s Dodge Theater for AUG. 13 (ULTMMA)
• Strikeforce Defy Boycott, Put Card in Arizona (Exile In Fightville)
• German UFC lightweight Dennis Siver hoping for MMA acceptance in home country (MMAJunkie)
• Voting ends Saturday for 2010 ESPY voting, UFC’s St-Pierre and Edgar nominated (MMAJunkie)
• Faber Out of WEC 50, Expected Back in September (Sherdog)
• Riggs-Taylor Heads Up Aug. 13 Strikeforce Challengers (Sherdog)
• Strikeforce Champion’s Clause an Issue in Fedor Talks (MMAFighting)
• Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez Won’t Happen at UFC 119 (MMAFighting)
• CAIN VELASQUEZ WAITING ON A CALL FROM THE UFC (MMAWeekly)
• SYLVIA VS. BUENTELLO IN AUGUST; PULVER RETURNS (MMAWeekly)
• Torres vs. Valencia Slated For Co-Main Event Of WEC 51 (Heavy)
• UFC 121 In The Works For Oct. 23 in Anaheim (Heavy)

TV LISTINGS

• HDNet Fights: XFC: The Next Generation at 9 PM ET on HDNet (07/09/10)
• Fighting Words with Mike Straka (Frank Shamrock) at 1 AM ET on HDNet (07/10/10)
• HDNet Fights: Affliction Day Of Reckoning at 1:30 AM ET on HDNet (07/10/10)
• HDNet Fights: DREAM.15 at 3 AM ET on HDNet (07/10/10)

UPCOMING EVENTS

• HDNet Fights: XFC: The Next Generation at 9 PM ET on HDNet (07/09/10)
• HDNet Fights: DREAM.15 at 3 AM ET on HDNet (07/10/10)
• Strikeforce Challengers: Del Rosario vs Mahe at 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime(07/23/10)
• HDNet Fights: K-1 World Max 2010 Final 10 PM ET on HDNet (07/23/10)
• HDNet Fights: K-1 World GP 2010 at 10 PM ET on HDNet (07/23/10)
• UFC on Versus 2 : Jones vs Matyushenko at 10 PM ET on Versus (08/01/10)
• Strikeforce Challengers: Riggs vs Taylor 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime (08/13/10)
• HDNet Fights: KOTC: Imminent Danger at 9 PM ET on HDNet (08/13/10)
• UFC 117 : Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen at 10 PM ET on PPV (08/18/10)
• WEC 50: Cruz vs Benavidez at 9 PM ET on Versus (08/18/10)
• Strikeforce: King Mo vs Rafael Feijao at 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime (08/26/10)
• HDNet Fights: Sengoku Raiden Championships 14 on HDNet (08/27/10)
• UFC 118: Edgar vs Penn 2 at 10 PM ET on PPV (08/28/10)

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