http://www.mmafighting.com/news/2007/nakamura_tests_positive_for_marijuana.html

Hmmm.. his first fight in the U.S. after fighting in Japan for many years, now he tests positive for the wacky tobacky. Awesome. Anyway, I think the athletic commissions need to not worry about things like marijuana showing up in a fighter. Steroids, yes, they should perhaps be punished, because they are performance enhancing, but marijuana?

According to the Fight Network

By Loretta Hunt (loretta@thefightnetwork.com)
Photo Courtesy of UFC.com

If Chuck Liddell is contemplating retirement, his trainer and closest confidante John Hackleman is the last to hear about it.

“He’s already said he’ll be back in the gym next Monday,” said Hackleman, who has coached Liddell for 16 years. “He’s going to fight again, hopefully as soon as possible, maybe in December. We’re looking at ‘Shogun.’”

Along with Liddell, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was among the casualties at Saturday night’s at UFC 76 “Knockout” at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Rua, largely considered one of the top three light heavyweights in the world, was systematically dismantled by Forrest Griffin, succumbing to exhaustion and a rear-naked choke in the third round’s final seconds. With Griffin not even ranked in the top ten, the loss was considered a sizable upset, only matched by former light heavyweight champion Liddell’s defeat to Keith Jardine via a split decision a few moments later.

Liddell’s second consecutive loss successfully derailed a New Year’s Eve collision with former PRIDE light heavyweight champion Wanderlei Silva, who sat cageside shaking his head following Saturday’s results. The pairing of Silva and Liddell has been long sought-after by UFC president Dana White.

Popular San Luis Obispo trainer Hackleman says his camp had already been alerted that a match-up with the Brazilian Chute Boxe member could be on the horizon. In response, Hackleman approached both White and UFC matchmaker Joe Silva Saturday night to make it known Liddell’s team was favorable to the bout, which could take place as early as Dec. 29’s UFC 79 in Las Vegas, Nev.

“Chuck will face anyone they put in front of him,” says Hackleman. Due to their formidable records, a bout between Liddell and Rua would catapult either fighter back into title contention.

Speculation of Liddell’s retirement surfaced Saturday following a routine post-fight press conference where the 37-year-old deferred comments regarding his next career move and intonated he would have to mull things over.

“You’re dealing with a guy that just lost a fight, is totally depressed right after a humungous loss,” says Hackleman, who was not present at the press conference. “Of course, he’s disappointed. We didn’t get into details about the fight, especially after a loss, because that’s not the time you want to talk about it. We usually talk about it when we get back in the gym.”

Hackleman has his theories as to what went wrong for his prized student in the cage he dominated for four years till his defeat at the hands of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson last May at UFC 71.

“I think things went wrong with Keith Jardine. Keith Jardine came out and fought like a freakin’ killer,” says Hackleman. “Chuck just couldn’t pull the trigger in time and was just a hair off and Jardine’s timing was perfect.”

This is actually a great idea for a match. I hope it happens. Winner gets Wanderlei if he wins his first fight back in the Octagon. Visit our UFC Forums.

Fresh off his decision loss to Keith Jardine, former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell is scheduled to square off against Mike Nickels of “The Ultimate Fighter” fame at UFC 80. Mike Nickels has defeated such notables as Noah Inhofer, Carpacio Owens, and Wes Combs before losing by RNC to Stephan Bonnar at UFC 73.

Ok, maybe not. This post is fabricated horseshit, Chuck Liddell is not fighting Mike Nickels (as far as I know), but the idea is just as stupid as Joe Silva and Dana White’s decision to have Liddell fight Keith Jardine in the first place.

At the UFC 76 post fight press conference, Diego Sanchez said he is considering dropping to lightweight (155lbs) because he didn’t feel as strong last night as he would like to be. Diego seems much more humble since his days on and immediately after his season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. He was very respectful at the post fight press conference and said “I’m contemplating in my mind whether I’m gonna drop to ’55 or not, cuz I really am a smaller welterweight, but it’s either that, or start power lifting and get a little stronger, because ya know, I did feel a little bit not as strong in there as I should’ve been”

 http://www.mma-extreme.com/?p=204

Liddell possibly won the first round, but Jardine dominated the rest of the fight. This was the first time Chuck Liddell has went the distance in a fight in 5 years. Sign up on the new UFC Forums and discuss UFC 76.

I actually hated this UFC 76: Knockout (decision). Other than the Forrest Griffin/Shogun Rua  fight, the whole thing was shit in my opinion.

Appropriately, I think the main movie sponsor for this past weeks Ultimate Fight Night was a movie named “Good Luck, Chuck”. Well, Chuck Liddell needed luck and he didn’t have it. He damn near got knocked out by Keith Jardine, but he survived that near KO to get his ass whupped the rest of the fight with Jardine’s kicks.

Anyway, I’m convinced Chuck Liddell will never make his way back into title contention with the UFC. Ever. Even if he wins his next few fights, I think it will be 2-3 years before he “earns” his shot at a top 3 fighter.

Forrest pretty much dominated the entire fight before submitting Shogun with a RNC at the end of round 3. Discuss this fight on the new UFC Forums!

As I’ve already said, this is one of the worst fights Chuck Liddell could have taken. But regardless, it’s supposed to happen tonight at UFC 76: Knockout. I really think Chuck will win this, but anything could happen.

John Fitch vs. Diego Sanches should be a great fight, I don’t really have a favorite to win.

How about Kaz Nakamura vs. Lyoto Machida?! Nakamura making his UFC debut, a lot of folks don’t know about him, hopefully he’ll put on a good showing tonight, whether he’ll win or not against the undefeated Machida, who knows. Both guys are tough as hell. Although Machida needs to start finishing fights, after having his last 3 bouts go to judges decisions. This is a tough fight to call, I’m gonna go with Nakamura by sub though, or Machida by decision.

 Anyway, I’ve been kinda busy lately and haven’t been keeping up with everything MMA, but here are my picks to win for tonight:

Liddell by KO

Shogun by sub

Fitch by KO/TKO

Nakamura by sub

Tyson Griffin by TKO

Anthony Johnson vs. Rich Clementi, hmmm, Anthony Johnson looked strong in his UFC debut, but I’d really like to see Clementi get a win here. Odds are against it happening.

Scott Junk vs. Christian Wellisch, I’m going with Scott Junk just because his last name is Junk.

Sign up on our UFC Forums and discuss the fights!

WAR Diaz!

Currently fighting are Joey Villasenor and some cat named Fukuda. These guys slugged it out during the first round, good fight so far, some decent kicks and knees mixed in. Round 2 coming up, Fukuda shoots and fails, Villasenor elbows him to the jaw, then a little head kick. Damn, Fukuda’s right eye looks trashed. Damn, Joey Villasenor is owning round 2, there’s another headkick, Fukuda clinches, lands a good uppercut, clinches a body lock on Joey Villasenor, lands some knees to the side, not hurting Villasenor too much but I’m sure they’re adding up. Referree Steve Mazagatti starts them back in the center of the cage. Villasenor might be getting tired, Fukuda has the best of the last few exchanges, 90 seconds left in round 2. Over now, I say Round 2 was pretty much even. Round 3, more good fight action, it’s a judges split decision, winner of the fight: Joey Villasenor. The audience boos Joey Villasenor, so Bill Goldberg says again “Let’s Hear It For Joey Villasenor” and the crowd boos even louder. Haha. Split decisions suck.

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Now we got a chick fight, Gina Carano vs. Tonya Evinger. Meh.. Gina is hot, but I’m not so into female MMA. Tonya Evinger says she used to beat up her brothers on the farm. Gina has excellent boobage, also Tony Evinger isn’t too bad looking herself. I’m not too sure what Maura Renallo and BilL Goldberg were talking about, but they mentioned poking these women with poles, and Mauro said he’d like to poke them with a 25 centimeter one.. WTF? Anyway, Evinger came out and shot on Carano quick and took her down, but now with 40 seconds left Carano has taken Tonya’s back and is looking for a rear naked choke, Tonya Evinger doesn’t seem to be doing anything except waiting for the round to end. 8 seconds left, IT’S OVER, Gina Carano wins by submission with just a few seconds left in Round 1. Mauro Renallo says “That fight lasted about as long as Lindsay Lohans rehab”. Haha, also, 25 centimeters = 9.8 inches, so what the hell was Mauro Renallo implying? Great stuff. That was a weird fight.

Hell yeah, next fight is Nick “Bonghit” Diaz vs. Mike Aina. LOL, Nick Diaz came out in a cloud of smoke during his entrance. Damn, even referee Steve Mazagatti looks stoned tonight. The first round was all stand-up, no ground work. Aina came out striking, but it was a close round, he hit Diaz with some shots, but Diaz never seemed hurt. Diaz delivered a few knees as well, but he seems like his usual calm self right now. He doesn’t seem to worried. Round 2 in process now. Diaz got knocked down but immediately rolled and almost got an arm, they’re back on their feet now, Diaz is cut open, damn Nick Diaz should take this dude down and submit him. Diaz just throws his usual soft pawing punches, uh oh Diaz has him mounted with 30 seconds left in the round, 10 second, round over. Here comes round 3. I dig the EliteXC dancing chicks in between rounds. Nick Diaz finally decided to take Aina down with about 1:30 left in round 3, where he pretty much owned him and spent the rest of the round going for a RNC. As the bell rand, Diaz got an armbar but the fight was already over. Diaz held it just a secon after the bell to show he could’ve had it. Damnit, another judges decision. Surely they will give it to Nick Diaz, he obviously would’ve had homeboy tapped out if the 3rd round was 5 seconds longer. Another split decision, Winner of the fight: NICK DIAZ

Can’t wait to hear the results of Nick Diaz’ piss test. Do they piss test in Hawaii?

Main event next, Robbie Lawler vs. Murillo “Ninja” Rua. Hopefully these guys will throw some concrete fists. I’d like to see Ruthless Robbie Lawler KO Ninja Rua. We’ll see. Lawler with the wrestling takedown, has side mount, back to their feet. Round 1 is over, I give it to Lawler. Round 2 was another stand-up round, Rua seems to be the mroe tired fighter, this is scheduled for 5 rounds though, so we’ll see who lasts longer. I give round 2 to Lawler also. Here comes round 3. Robbie Lawler totally owned round 3 before connecting with a left uppercut that rocked Ninja Rua, then a couple right hands sent Rua to the mat where Robbie Lawler elbowed him to sleep. Winner and new EliteXC Middleweight Champion: ROBBIE LAWLER.

Seriously. He’s a decent commentator as far as explaining the techniques to viewers, but it’s painful to watch the WEC fights on TV and have to listen to him say the word “gots” over and over again. I remember kids in elementary who did that all the time, but I think they eventually added the word “has” to their vocabulary.

Examples of Frank Mir’s lingo:

“He gots that armbar in tight”

“He gots side control”

“He gots his back”

“See how he gots the figure-4 body lock?”

Ok, maybe I shouldn’t be so harsh on Frank Mir’s vocabulary, but damn it’s irritating.
UFC Forums

The UFC and Pride Light Heavyweight Belts are now unified, both belong to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson after he defeated Dan Henderson by unanimous decision after a 5 round battle at UFC 75 that saw both land some good punches and score a few takedowns, but ultimately Rampage got the best of Dan Henderson.

What a fraudulent decision. Matt Hamill clearly won this fight, and the asshole idiot judges gave it to Michael Bisping? Who the hell were these judges? What are their credentials? What an absolute mess. Matt Hamill scored multiple, multiple takedowns, outboxed Bisping on his feet, beat him up with dirty boxing, Michael Bisping did nothing but attempt a few unsuccessful submissions. The UFC and Dana White should be ashamed of the outcome.

Ha, who would’ve thought. Cheick Kongo by total domination and judges decision. When Fedor comes to the UFC, he’s going to lose also.

Here is an interview by The Independent in the U.K.

The 5-minute Interview: Mirko Filipovic, Politican and cage fighter

‘It’s hard to believe a cage fighter has a sense of humour’

Published: 07 September 2007

Besides having a seat in the Croatian parliament, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, 32, makes a living as a professional cage fighter. This weekend he will appear on the card of UFC 75 at the O2 Arena in London. A former police officer, Filipovic is known in fighting circles as “the Croatian Sensation,” and lives in Zagreb with his wife and son

If I weren’t talking to you right now I’d be …

In the gym. I train from 7am until 9.30am, six mornings a week, boxing, or conditioning, or doing weights. Because I spend so long there, I just had a gym put in my house.

A phrase I use far too often is …

“Catastrophe.” It’s the same word in Croatian and English. Every time something goes wrong, or there’s a disaster, we just go “aargh … catastrophe!”

A common misconception of me is …

People think I’m a cold person, or that I’m hard to make contact with. Even the other fighters say that. But it isn’t true: I like to play practical jokes. Maybe people find it hard to believe that a cage fighter can have a sense of humour.

I wish people would pay more attention to …

Each other. I wish people would try a little harder not to hurt each other. I don’t mean hurt as in what happens when people like me punch each other in a cage, but in the other sense, the emotional sense of the word.

I’m not a politician but …

Actually I am. I have been a member of Croatia’s parliament for four years. I’m, an independent MP, though I was elected on the list of the Social Democratic Party, and my politics are centre left.

I’m very good at …

Playing cards. I don’t drink but I often have friends round and we play Belot. I also play chess. I’m better than most of my friends, though obviously I’mnot good enough to play professionally.

But I’m very bad at …

Tennis. I just can’t do it.

The ideal night out is …

A night in. I don’t drink, so hardly go out at all, except to a local coffee bar in Zagreb, which I own and visit every afternoon.

You might know me asa cage fighter, but in another life …

I would hardly have changed a thing. I am very satisfied. The only other sport I would have done, given the chance, would be football.

My biggest weakness …

Is that I’m too open to people, and too ready to help. Of course, I’m an MP, but I have paid the price for it too many times.

The best age to be is …

Fifteen. You’re at school and, there’s nothing to worry about. Your parents take care of it all.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is …

Pretty simple. Live and let other people live.

Check it out when Dan Henderson is weighing in, Matt Lindland is in the background standing next to Dana White. Last I heard, Lindland and Dana disliked each other quite a bit. It’s no surprise that Lindland would be in his Team Quest teammates corner at UFC 75, but knowing Dana White, I’m surprised he let Lindland in the building. Dana needs to let Lindland come in and be a middleweight contender again.

If you live outside the U.K., you might have the UFC 75 Event spoiled before they air it on Spike TV, because it will be tape-delayed from London, England.

Personally, I won’t be adding anything to MMA-Extreme.com until 9pm EST when the fights are shown on SpikeTV. The last time UFC was tape delayed because of time-zone differences, some major MMA sites posted the results in large print on the front page, hours before the event was televised in the U.S., spoiling it for many fans.

So unless you want the events spoiled, stay away from MMA sites until the show is over.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times

UFC’s Martin claims he was falsely arrested

September 6, 2007

BY ROMAN MODROWSKI rmodrowski@suntimes.com

Ultimate Fighting Championship rising star Terry Martin was falsely arrested as he was on his way into a police station to report police harassment, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday.

Martin, 26, is suing Mayor Daley and Chicago Police officials and officers for misconduct, alleging that corruption within the Chicago Police Department led to Martin being arrested and prosecuted.

Martin was stopped by police Oct. 22, 2005, for alleged minor traffic offenses while driving with his girlfriend, a 911 operator. He claims the officers used racial slurs during the encounter and other disrespectful comments. The next evening, according to the suit, Martin went to the police station to report the incident and was spotted by the same two officers.

”The police said Terry drove past the station, and when the officers turned on their sirens, he did a U-turn and fled,” Martin’s attorney, Blake Horowitz, said. ”They said he got up to a half-mile away before they brought him back and arrested him for fleeing and eluding.

”During the trial, another officer said he saw Terry pull up to the station calmly and they arrested him. He would have been able to see if there was a chase.”

Martin’s a Chicago native who worked his way up from gangbanger in the North Lawndale area to a college graduate with a master’s in psychology. He’s 2-2 in the UFC, having won his last two matches. Martin is scheduled to fight Chris Leben on Sept. 19 in Las Vegas.

Haha, epic. He says he’s tired of hearing all the crap about his loss, he said he lost, so get over it.

I kind of feel sorry for his opponent, Cheick Kongo, Saturday night at UFC 75. I think Mirko is going to destroy him, although there is no doubt Mirko’s “invincibility” level dropped some after nearly being decapitated by Gabriel Gonzagas head kick, some people are wondering if Mirko Crocop has a glass jaw. I don’t think so, I believe that head kick would have KO’d anybody the way it landed.

Regardless, this is kind of a make-or-break fight for Mirko, in my opinion.

according to CBSSportsline:

Q: You have said that Dec. 29 is a possible re-debut date for Wanderlei Silva. If Chuck Liddell defeats Keith Jardine at UFC 76 on Sept. 22, might Liddell fight next on Dec. 29?

Dana White: He might.

Q: So it’s possible we could finally see Liddell vs. Silva on Dec. 29?

DW: It’s possible. Liddell would have to win. Liddell would have to come out injury free. There’s a lot of ifs.

Q: But if he’s able to beat Jardine and get through the match healthy, is that the match we’re going to see on Dec. 29?

DW: I’d like to see it, wouldn’t you?

Q: (Laughs.) I’ve been waiting to see it for five years, Dana!

DW: You!?

So anyway, that sounds good. I still say that fighting Keith Jardine is the stupidest decision the UFC has ever made for Chuck Liddell. Clearly a no-win situation for Chuck.