Contrary view on the worlds fastest growing sport...Mixed Martial Arts. Unique, original and fun commentary on the top fighters, trainers and promoters. See how the sport of MMA is becoming an economic force on the sports landscape. Enjoy!
As reported by fightline.com the UFC has released Akhiro Gono.
Entertaining Japanese MMA veteran Akihiro Gono has been released from the UFC. Gono’s release comes after his decision loss to Jon Fitch at UFC 94 in January.
The loss to Fitch was Gono’s 2nd straight and he carried an overall UFC record of 1-2; his lone UFC win came over Tamdan McCrory at UFC 78 in November 2007.
However, it appears Gono will not be unemployed for long as he is currently in negotiations with the Japanese-based Sengoku promotion. If Gono reaches a deal with Sengoku then he could fight for them as early as May 22nd for Sengoku 8.
That really is a shame. a 1-2 record may not be anything to get excited about but he lost two decisions...one to Dan Hardy who is no joke and one to Fitch who is a top10 WW. The guy can fight.
Plus he was fun....hey Dana, remember fun?
Maybe he was just a quick distraction...a hired gun of hilarity and cross dressing. Or maybe they don't have room for him at 170. In either case, he will be missed.
In all fairness...he is also 17-1 and has never been stopped. Not a bad anchor for the UFCs presence in the UK. Zuffa, never one to miss an opportunity to make more money, has offered the fighter a new 8 fight contract. As reported by Fightersonlymagazine.com: (Excerpts)
The middleweight star won series three of The Ultimate Fighter (as a light-heavyweight) and returns as a coach in season nine, which begins airing next week.
His contract with the UFC is apparently drawing towards its end and the organization is looking to negotiate a new deal as he moves forward with his career.
Bisping is 17-1 in MMA and 6-1 in the UFC. He has never been stopped in a fight and his only loss is a split-decision to current light-heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, a verdict he disagrees with.
Starting April 1st (April 5th in the UK) Bisping will be seen coaching a team of UK fighters on season nine of The Ultimate Fighter.
His rival coach is Dan Henderson, who will be captaining Team USA and who will fight Bisping in a middleweight bout at UFC 100.
Bisbing along with fellow Brit Dan Hardy are helping the UFC establish themselves as a global fight brand without equal. Add to that up and comers Terry Etim and Paul Kelly and their UK stable is looking very good.
Expect them to replicate that strategy in other corners of the small and getting smaller world.
As rumors continue to circulate regarding a UFC 101 main event between Penn and top contender Kenny Florian (11-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), the challenger said on the latest episode of ESPN.com's "MMA Live," he's still waiting to secure the deal.
"At the end of the day, I just want this fight to be signed," Florian said. "Let's get an event, let's get a date, and let's make it happen."
Florian, currently riding a six-fight win streak in the UFC, then clarified that nothing was finalized, but that he was hopeful for the bout.
"Hopefully it is true," Florian said. "Aug. 8, it's supposed to be in Philadelphia at the Wachovia Center, which would be phenomenal for me. I'm from the East Coast."
Later in the episode Florian answered a viewer mail question which asked if the events of "Greasegate" made a third bout between Penn and UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre (18-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC) a marketable option for the organization.
Florian had a simple answer.
"I think the fans want to see Penn against Florian," Florian said.
I think Kenny is 100% correct.
No one really wants to see GSP beat up BJ...again. Only to have BJ think of some other excuse why he lost. BJ: Stick to 155. And while you're at it...beware of Kenny Florian. What happens when Kenny beats BJ? Is BJ going to insist that Kenny is an alien from outer space and that he cheated by channelling his alien laser beam when BJ was on his back.
There is no good reason for this fight not to happen and when it does there will be a new LW Champ.
TTC- You area renowned poker player. How did you get started in poker?
BB- Probably around the age of eight, I was taught three things basically; poker, 5/7 card stud and black jack. I was taught everything I needed to know about horse racing; the only way to follow a horse is with a shovel. Basically I never got into horse racing.
Poker is my game. I was a professional black jack player for awhile. I made a living playing black jack for about a year. Now I solely play poker. You control money and treat it like a business. I love it.
TTC- Where do you find time to play poker along with your responsibilities with UFC?
BB- I think the easiest part is I never got married. That has allowed me to enjoy things and take the piece of pie in life, whether it be a girl friend on one end, my business interests which takes up most of my time and taking care of my family. I also have my interests such as surfing; I'm a film buff, history buff and plenty of hobbies. The daily poker is something I like to do.
I actually make what most people would consider a nice living playing poker. I could actually turn pro and make a living just playing poker. But, I only have so much time, so the time I do get to play, I really enjoy it and have a lot of passion for the game.
Instead I will hang out with the UFC brass, hot chicks and the best fighters in the world. Oh and by the way...I will also play cards at a professional level.
SuperPimp. Pro BlackJack, potential for pro poker, UFC announcer and proud NOT to be married. Bad Ass.
That plus the 180 flip makes him close to deity status.
While UFC 97 may not be the greatest card of all time on paper...I dig it's vibe.
Some reasons why...
No Brainer: It's really fun to watch Anderson fight. By just being on the card he makes it worth buying. Plus, after the Cote fight, he is looking to establish his rightful place...leaving no question that he is the best fighter on the planet.
Cheick Mate: IF Mr. Congo can get past Antoni...he needs to be considered for a shot or a shot for a shot.
TUF Love: Krzysztof Soszynski is totally psyched.
Kool and the Kang: Dennis Kang is not as psyched as the loveable Pol. For Dennis Kang...this is what some would call...A Money Fight. The people that would not call it a Money fight are fools.
Say it ain't so: Two aging legends try to prove that they are both still relevant. For right now...they are. This is the lynch pin of the fight card. If these guys bring their "A" games this will be a sick card. Write it down. However, if this fight is a repeat of Shogun/Coleman someone is out of the UFC.
WEC Light Heavyweight champion: Sink or Swim.
TUF love, Part 2; Return of the Love: I hope Eliot wins. I also hope for nightly motorboats. That does not happen.
The Return of the Crow: So Much Promise. Running out of time...another "Money Fight". Textbook. Ed Herman really needs this fight as well. Sleeper pick for fight of the night.
He Beat Anderson Silva: His fight may not be televised.
Slugfest: This will be the first fight on the under card to be broadcast on PPV. It's a Lock...you know what fight this is.
and...a few more fights...however, those were not as intriguing and spawned zero words.
