UFC Returns to Japan: UFC 144 Frankie Edgar vs. Benson ‘Smooth’ Henderson
The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced the full title card on November 30 of the organization’s return to the birthplace of mixed martial arts.
This highly anticipated event, the first in Asia under Zuffa ownership, features an epic lightweight title fight pitting champion Frankie Edgar against former WEC Champion Benson Henderson. “UFC JAPAN: EDGAR vs. HENDERSON” will take place at the Saitama Super Arena, in suburban Tokyo, on Sunday, February 26, 2012.
UFC Japan — or UFC 144 — will also feature the return to the Land of the Rising Sun of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, one of the biggest stars in the sport, in a bout which will mark the 6th anniversary to the day of his last fight in Japan. Jackson faces rising star Ryan Bader, whose most recent win came just two weeks ago at UFC 139 in San Jose. Other key matchups feature Mark Hunt, a veteran of Japanese kickboxing, versus French heavyweight contender Cheick Kongo; and Japanese superstar Yoshihiro Akiyama cutting weight to meet the always dangerous Jake Shields in the welterweight division. Rounding out the main card will be a lightweight bout pitting the underrated Joe Lauzon, coming off a stunning 67-second submission over Melvin Guillard, against former WEC champion Anthony Pettis. Read more
Brock Lesnar: Winning the Fight Outside the Cage
It’s not often that a world-class and former MMA heavyweight champion gets knocked down, but sometimes what happens outside of the cage can be a tougher battle.
Last year Brock Lesnar was diagnosed with Diverticulitis, an infection in the intestinal tract that causes extreme abdominal pain, often requiring surgery. Thus was the case with Lesnar, who, only in May, underwent surgery to have a foot of his colon removed. He is set to compete against Alistair Overeem on December 30th, in one of the most highly-anticipated fights of the year, and is now battling back to rebuild for a fight, only seven months after surgery. With the support of his personal nutritionist, former Olympian Anita Richesson and a new, specifically-formulated Dymatize nutritional supplement, Lesnar is now on his way back to a full recovery.
“It hasn’t been easy,” said Lesnar. ”But I have a great group helping me. Anita and the Dymatize team have been with me each step of the way. The Dymatize products have enabled me to bounce back faster and feel stronger about getting back in the cage for the December fight,” he said.
The specific nutritional line was developed for Lesnar to facilitate in his complex recovery efforts and fulfill a unique need otherwise not met by the current products in the industry.
“We are committed to developing the highest quality and most advanced sports nutrition products that meet the needs of elite athletes,” said Dr. Rob Wildman, Chief Science Officer and nutrition expert at Dymatize. “We recognize the need for products that do more than just assist with muscle recovery, but delve deeper into whole body recovery, and we’re committed to supporting Brock’s nutritional needs,” he said.
For Lesnar’s comeback fight, what’s at stake is huge – and he’s ready for the challenge. ”I’m looking forward to the next couple of months of training,” he said. “I’m feeling great and I’m ready to show everyone I’m stronger than ever.”
UFC Embraces Mexico as a Potential New Market for Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is the fastest growing sport in the world, and sees incredible potential in Mexico. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which recently announced a reported seven-year, $100 million partnership with FOX Sports Network, is enthusiastic about both Mexican fighters and fans.
One reason the Mexican market is attractive to the UFC is that many top-tier MMA fighters are Mexican or Mexican-American. Names such as Cain Velasquez, Dominick Cruz, Tito Ortiz, Miguel Torres, Roger Huerta, and Gilbert Melendez shine in the UFC and are considered elite martial artists.
In recent interviews with MexicoToday, UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz credited the incredible work ethic of the Mexican fighter to this success, whereas rising UFC contender Aaron Rosa explained Mexican athletes such as himself have the heart that set them apart. Read more
ProElite Announced Multi-Fight Deal with HDNet
ProElite announced it has signed a new, multi-fight, multi-year television deal, unveiled on last night’s LIVE broadcast of “Inside MMA”. The fight promotions company will air LIVE coverage of “HDNet Fights: ProElite – Big Guns” on November 5 at the iWireless Center in Moline, IL.
“After watching their first event in Hawaii, I could see ProElite was a great fit for HDNet,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “This upcoming card has the perfect mix of marquee names and an innovative Heavyweight tournament that fight fans won’t want to miss!”
Former UFC Heavyweight Champions Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski will headline the event in separate bouts in addition to an 8-man Heavyweight tournament to identify the up-and-coming talent among MMA’s heavy hitters. Read more
UFC Event on Aug. 6 Expected to Boost Philadelphia Regional Economy
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission expects a major Ultimate Fighting Championship event on Aug. 6 will generate millions of dollars in regional and state economic benefits.
The Rashard Evans vs. Tito Ortiz bout will headline the UFC card Saturday at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.
Philadelphia’s UFC event, combined with a similar event at Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center June 26, could generate between $6 million and $8 million in total economic activity, based on a study of similar events in New York. Attendance in Pittsburgh exceeded projections by 3 percent.
“With these two well-known fighters in the main event, we project ticket sales for Philadelphia to total about 12,000,” said Greg Sirb, executive director of the State Athletic Commission. The commission, which oversees boxing, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling in Pennsylvania, is part of the Department of State.
Sirb has promoted Pennsylvania for UFC events since the sport was legalized here in 2009. He believes Pennsylvania is the first state other than Nevada to attract two UFC events in the same summer. If these dates are successful, Sirb expects more UFC bouts and their overnight visitors will come to Pennsylvania in the future.
“Hotels, restaurants, bars, and other service businesses near the venue will see large increases in business,” Sirb said. Estimated ticket sales of 12,000 would be expected to generate between $4 million and $5 million for Philadelphia’s economy; the 7,000 attendees projected for Pittsburgh were expected to mean between $2 million and $3 million for that area. Read more