UFC: UNMISSABLE The funniest Chael Sonnen interview with Canadian television

Sonnen was a guest on Off The Record, the longest-running sports talk show on Canadian television. It airs on TSN, the Canadian equivalent of ESPN. Sonnen exploded on host Michael Landsberg, who was caught off guard. The interview got off to a poor start when Sonnen warned Landsberg to moderate his tone.

Landsberg had opened the interview by suggesting that Sonnen had “backed down” from Anderson Silva by supposedly withdrawing the offer he had made to Anderson Silva after beating Brian Stann at UFC 136.

Sonnen had made Anderson a ‘loser leaves town’ offer to Silva, who was ringside at UFC 136, after defeating Brian Stann yet when Silva stayed silent for weeks afterwards, Sonnen said the offer was no longer valid.

The insinuation made Sonnen rise. Once up, there was no backing down. “You’re telling me I backed down? That’s garbage. How do you say things like, ‘I hear you backed down?’ Here I am looking to pick a fight with Anderson and I backed down? I stood there big and tall while he covered his mouth like a little fruity boy, and you’re gonna come on ESPN and say I backed down while I give you a free interview?” he raged.

“He’s the one that backed down – how could you even say something so stupid? Why don’t you go and try and get a free interview with Anderson Silva and see how that works for you? You’re going to tell me that I backed down? Offers expire, it didn’t work, he didn’t accept it, so its not that I backed down but I need to make a new offer.”

UFC: The funniest Chael Sonnen interview with Canadian television

UFC on FOX: Historic night sees Junior Dos Santos become heavyweight champion flooring Cain Velasquez

Junior Dos Santos lets his hands go in UFC heavyweight title fight against Cain Velasquez

JUNIOR DOS SANTOS THE NEW UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION AFTER FLOORING AND STOPPING CAIN VELASQUEZ IN 64 SECONDS

Junior Dos Santos emphatically took the UFC heavyweight title by stopping Cain Velasquez in 1 minute 4 seconds of the opening round in Anaheim, California.

It was as quick as it was brutal. Dos Santos signalled his intent with two long straight right hands which landed heavily on Velasquez in the opening salvos, Velasquez scoring with a pair of leg strikes. But then that huge booming right hand hook of Dos Santos landed flush to the side of the champion's head to scramble his senses. He was floored. Dos Santos dropped onto him and threw 11 unanswered punches as Velasquez covered up.

It was all over…huge emotion from both men in the Octagon. Velasquez had looked tense and nervous in the minutes leading up to the start. This was not the fighter who did for Brock Lesnar a year ago.

Dos Santos, however, looked magnificent. Velasquez was a 7-to-4 favourite coming into this fight, and had not fought since winning the title due to surgery for a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder.

There was the feeling in the build-up to this event that this could be Velasquez’s coming-out party in front of a terrestrial TV audience, which could have established him as a star to the Latin American community. Velasquez was the first Mexican heavyweight champion in a combat sport.

“I have no words to say what I’m feeling,” an emotional Dos Santos said. “It’s amazing, my life. I want to thank all of my team, all my family, I’ve got a lot of good people around me. Thank you very much.”

A desperately disappointed Velasquez said: “I’m sorry for all the fans, my family and my friends that I disappointed you. I will come back. I will get this belt back for sure.”

Dos Santos will now face the winner of the December 30 fight between UFC neophyte Alistair Overeem and Brock Lesnar in Las Vegas. What will be intriguing is how 40 minutes of hype followed by 64 seconds of action will be viewed on American network television.

BEN HENDERSON STRIKES CLAIM TO UFC LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT AFTER DEFEATING CLAY GUIDA

In an action-packed fight, Henderson defeated Guida to stake his claim to a lightweight title shot against Frankie Edgar.

While only the night's heavyweight title fight between champion Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos aired on FOX, the entire nine-bout preliminary card streamed on Facebook and FOXSports.com.

Early in the opening stanza, Henderson dropped Guida with a right hand. Guida worked for a single-leg takedown, but Henderson defended it, attacking Guida to the body. Guida attempted a guillotine choke – Henderson escaped, and threw a knee and kick to the body.

As expected, the frenetic pace continued into the second. Henderson scored the takedown. Guida scrambled, Henderson took Guida's back and worked for a rear-naked choke that was cut short by the end of the round.

Henderson closed the distance in a competitive third round and forced Guida against the Octagon wall, delivering some fine short elbows. Henderson continued scoring with knees and elbows, but then Guida forced Henderson to the canvas, and and worked away for a guillotine choke, but was unable to succeed. Henderson took the fight via decision, 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27 on the cards. "He's super hard to deal with," Henderson said. "But Frankie Edgar, we've got it. Let's do it baby." Henderson deserves his shot.

UFC on Fox: Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos live results

UFC runs its first event on Fox Saturday night, an important milestone for the young sport as it begins a lucrative, longterm television deal with Fox. The one fight television card will feature a UFC heavyweight title showdown between champion Cain Velasquez and challenger Junior Dos Santos. Velasquez and Dos Santos are the consensus number one and number two heavyweights in the world. Preliminary bouts begin around 2PM Pacific.

Aaron Rosa vs. Matt Lucas

Aaron Rosa is coming off a loss in an exciting UFC debut against Joey Beltran. He has moved down from heavyweight to light heavyweight and is in much better shape. Matt Lucas is a 37-year-old fighter in his first UFC contest.

Round 1. The fighters clinch at the start of the first round. Lucas lands a few punches and they separate. They exchange punches from close range, with both men landing solidly. Lucas pushes Rosa against the cage but then backs off. Lucas re-engages the clinch and lands a nice hook before backing off. Again they exchange and again Lucas pushes Rosa against the cage. This time, Lucas ducks lower and pushes more for a takedown. Rosa defends well. He then throws a series of knees to the body. They break, and Rosa opens up with kicks and punches as the round concludes. 10-9 Rosa.

Round 2. Lucas lands a hook and takes Rosa down. Rosa, however, immediately gets back up. Rosa grabs a Thai plum and throws a few knees before they separate again. Lucas once more goes back to the clinch. This has been a slow moving fight due mostly to Lucas' style. He continues to press Rosa against the cage. Rosa looks for a standing kimura but Lucas backs out of trouble. Lucas is deducted a point by referee John McCarthy, apparently for intentionally spitting out his mouthpiece. After the break, Lucas takes Rosa down. He lands a few punches from the top before Rosa stands up at the end. 10-9 Lucas, 9-9 with the deduction.

Round 3. They throw wild hooks to start the round, each looking for a knockout blow. The pace slows back down and Lucas moves to take Rosa back down. They separate again and Rosa catches Lucas with a pair of heavy straight punches and a knee to the body. Lucas grabs a leg and tries to take Rosa down again. Rosa defends and throws elbows to the body. Rosa lands a knee to the body that backs Lucas up and follows with another punch and leg kick. Lucas clinches and Rosa throws some additional knees to the body. Rosa continues to punish Lucas with punches to the body and head plus knees to the body. Lucas is very tired. Rosa has taken over the final round. He blocks one final takedown and the round ends. 10-9 Rosa, 29-27 Rosa.

Winner: Aaron Rosa, majority decision (30-26, 28-28, 30-26).

Mike Pierce vs. Paul Bradley

Pierce and Bradley are both fighters that rely heavily on their wrestling. Pierce has a prior win over Bradley and holds a 4-2 UFC record. Bradley lost in his only UFC bout.

Round 1. Pierce presses forward and looks for a takedown. Bradley defends and connects with a solid hook right on the chin. Bradley follows with a pair of leg kicks. Pierce shoots for a takedown and eats a knee to the body. Pierce staggers Bradley with a right to the jaw but Bradley recovers well. Pierce lands a hard leg kick and shrugs off a Bradley takedown attempt. Bradley changes levels nicely and takes Pierce down for a moment but Pierce immediately stands back up. Pierce pushes in with a couple punches and the round concludes. Very close, competitive round. 10-9 Bradley.

Round 2. Pierce lands a solid left/right combination and clinches. They trade knees from the clinch. Pierce lands punch to the body and head as they break. They then return to the clinch and exchange knees. Pierce lands a pair of big hooks and backs Bradley against the cage. Pierce begins to take over the boxing, connecting with punches and avoiding Bradley's attempts. Bradley seemed to surprise Pierce with his striking early but he has struggled since. 10-9 Pierce.

Round 3. The fighters clinch early and then separate. Pierce begins to establish his jab but Bradley moves back to the clinch. Referee Larry Landless separates them but they throw a few punches and return to the clinch. The pace of the fight has slowed significantly in the second and third rounds. Piece lands a low kick and a straight right punch. Bradley takes Pierce down but Pierce instantaneously starts to get back up and throws a series of punches and elbows in the process. Pierce returns to his feet with a minute left in the fight. Bradley lands a nice left hook and Pierce lands one of his own at the close. 10-9 Pierce, 29-28 Pierce.

Winner: Mike Pierce, split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28).

Alex Caceres vs. Cole Escovedo

The colorful Caceres made a name for himself as "Bruce Leroy" on the Ultimate Fighter. He is 0-2 in the UFC and 1-4 in his last 5 MMA bouts and hasn't proved to be a UFC caliber fighter. Cole Escovedo is an experienced veteran of the sport and was once considered one of the premier lighter weight fighters in the world. He is also 0-2 in the UFC.

Round 1. Caceres starts off with a push kick and a superman punch. Escovedo connects with a straight right punch. Caceres backs down Escovedo with punches but Escovedo sends him back with a counter. Caceres throws a nice spinning back fist that connects well. He follows with a few punches up against the cage and a flying knee. They clinch and tumble to the ground, where Caceres lands some punches from the top. Caceres fakes a low kick to the right side of Escovdeo and then lands a cool leaping left head kick. Caceres lands a few straight punches and Escovedo counters with a leg kick. Escovedo drops Caceres with a right head kick and moves forward aggressively but Caceres fires back and dances out of the way to signal he is fine. Heck of a first round performance from Bruce Leroy, both entertaining and effective. 10-9 Caceres.

Round 2. Caceres pushes the pace with a series of punches and then backs off as Escovedo looks to respond. Caceres mixes in punches to the head and body, moving out of range before Escovedo can counter. Caceres is throwing so much more but he doesn't have a ton of power. Caceres throws a spinning back kick and leaping thrust kick. Escovedo goes for a takedown but Caceres comes out on top and stands back up. Escovedo looks to pull guard but Caceres backs away. Escovedo lands a big hook that sends Caceres back. Caceres throws a spinning backfist that is blocked. They clinch and trade a couple knees before separating. 10-9 Caceres.

Round 3. Caceres opens with a solid side kick to the body. Escovedo takes Caceres down but Caceres looks for a guillotine choke and then a triangle choke. Escovedo avoids both but Caceres moves right into an armbar and has it pretty solidly. Caceres tries to crank the arm but can't get it. Caceres then switches into an omoplata. Escovedo gets out of that too. Caceres stands up, having done better on the ground. Caceres throws a few straight punches and mixes in leg kicks. Caceres throws a high kick that makes a loud sound on the shoulder of Escovedo and Escovedo gestures to indicate it wasn't on the head. Escovedo gets a takedown with a minute left and then looks for a rear naked choke. He tries for an armbar but Caceres is out of that too. 10-9 Caceres, 30-27 Caceres.

Winner: Alex Caceres, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Mackens Semerzier vs. Robert Peralta

Semerzier is a ground oriented fighter with a 1-0 UFC record. Peralta is 1-0 in the UFC as well, having scored a decision win in November.

--Todd Martin

Dana White: UFC and boxing will co-exist in harmony when fightnights are great

It is a historic night for the UFC on Saturday when the heavyweight belt between Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos live on network television in the United States. UK viewers can also see the contest free on any one of several platforms, including an internet stream.

Dana White, the UFC President, made a statement today about what is being seen as a landmark day for mixed martial arts.

The FOX network has signed a seven-year deal with the UFC worth $700 million US dollars.

"This Saturday night is a huge night for fight fans, maybe the best night of fighting in 2012. In boxing, Manny Pacquiao faces Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas on Pay-Per-View and – before the boxing even gets started – the UFC has an historic fight live and free on FOX.

In the first UFC fight ever on network TV, undisputed, undefeated UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez defends his title against the awesome No 1 contender Junior dos Santos. Modern mixed martial arts may be a young sport, but this fight from Honda Center in Anaheim, CA is a real throwback to the days of Dempsey or Ali or Tyson.

Cain became 'the Man' the old fashioned way just like Dempsey or Ali did: he beat the Man who beat the Man who beat the Man. And Junior earned his shot just like a Sonny Liston or a Mike Tyson: did he knocked out top 10 guys until he was the last man standing.

Cain and Junior are the biggest punchers in the heavyweight division and this is a fight that, as a promoter, I have no doubt that it will deliver on FOX.

The Velasquez v dos Santos fight on FOX revives the great tradition from boxing where the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship will be defend on network TV. It’s taken a long time for this to happen again – it is 26 years since Larry Holmes last fought on NBC. I have always wanted to bring big fights back to network TV.

There’s always been a lot of talk about the UFC killing boxing. I’ve always said that boxing is hurting boxing, not the UFC. I honestly believe that many people are fans of both. And I can prove it: on September 17, the UFC drew 2million viewers to a live fight on cable TV… a couple hours later over 1.3million fans bought the Floyd Mayweather PPV. Fight fans stayed in and watched both!

It will happen again this Saturday. The Cain v JDS fight will start at 6pm on the West Coast and 9pm in the East. [2am Sunday morning in the UK]. There will be a full hour between the UFC fight ending and the Pac-Man v Marquez fight beginning – and I promise you it will be a huge night for combat sports again.

On Monday morning, millions of Americans will go to work and be asked by a colleague if he saw ‘the fights’ on Saturday night. And the conversation will be about boxing AND the UFC on FOX."

UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos on November 12, 2011, at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California will air on Premiere Sports in the UK (SKY CHANNEL 433) and on Setanta in Ireland, as well as free on UFC.com. This event will be the UFC debut on Fox, with the Heavyweight Championship on the line.

UFC 138 Post event reaction: Mark Munoz, Che Mills, Brad Pickett, Rafael Cordeiro videos

Dana White on the UK UFC scene. Says television deal needs working out. Committed and embedded in UK and not going anywhere… CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Mark Munoz on Bruce Lee moment with Anderson Silva; wants to fight for the UFC middleweight title. CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Rafael Cordeiro on the Anderson Silva – Mark Munoz match-up. "It's just a sport. They are friends now, they can be friends afterwards. CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Brad Pickett on needing 'to get back on the horse' as soon as possible after defeat to Renan Barao at UFC 138

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Che Mills on his future in the UFC after 17 second KO of Chris Cope. CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

UFC 138: Terry Etim and Che Mills star, Mark Munoz calls out Anderson Silva, Brad Pickett beaten by Renan Barao

Notes from UFC 138 in Birmingham:

UFC 138: Mark Munoz admits he had “a Bruce Lee moment with Anderson Silva” VIDEO TO FOLLOW on the night he retired Chris Leben on his stool after two rounds. But Munoz is also looking for a UFC middleweight title fight with team-mate Anderson Silva.

Leben had had a difficult weight cut, looked exhausted and was badly cut on the eye, and the side of his face.

The LG Arena was sold out, 10,000 seats.

Dana White – there are 40 fighters in the UFC who are millionaires

UFC president Dana White, after answering personal view and general questions from a broad European group of journalists, reckoned there are 40 US dollar millionaire fighters in the UFC.

White also expressed relief that the fan who ran into the Octagon – to be ejected like a rag doll by Referee Marc Goddard – ‘wasn't naked’. White may have jinxed himself for the next time.

Disappointment for Brad Pickett, Renan Barao brilliant

There was huge disappointment for Brad Pickett, beaten by Brazilian Renan Barao. It earned ‘fight of the night’ honours. A deflated Pickett told The Telegraph that he would have taken the ‘W’ instead of a $500,000 bonus. Pickett was submitted by Barao after being knocked down by right knee. Pickett scrambled but was tapped out by rear naked choke. Both fighters had gone heavily for each other for the first three minutes of the opening round, Barao having more accuracy in his strikes, though both men enjoyed success.

Great striking and submission from Terry Etim over Edward Faaloloto 17 seconds. Earns fight of the night.

Great to see Terry Etim show his personality after the win. One of the shyest men in MMA, and also one of the most dangerous lightweights. Etim had the chance to call out Donald Cerrone, after it was suggested the Liverpudlian was a better muay thai fighter that ‘The Cowboy’, but Etim’s response was simply that he “will fight anyone” Joe Silva, the UFC matchmaker, puts in front of him.

British fighters Che Mills [KO of the night 70K] over Chris Cope, and John Maguire, with points victory over Justin Edwards, performed brilliantly.

Mills put Cope away with a devastating knee to the chin, Maguire was knocked down early but then grappled his way to victory to win 30-27 unanimous decision.

Vaughan Lee lost 29-28 on the cards in a very technical fight against Chris Cariaso and Jason Young lost to Michihiro Omigawa in a close contest, which was even going into the third round.

Thiago Alves is back in the UK with a vengeance, enacting a vicious knockdown, ground and pound then submission of Papi Abedi.

I had picked Rob Broughton for the win in the all-British heavyweight fight, but was clearly wrong, Phil DeFries grinding out a 29-28 unanimous win, mainly on the ground.

UFC 138: Brad Pickett could be shoo-in for first British UFC champion

Mixed martial artist Brad Pickett has lived an incongruous existence

where the worlds of sport and fashion collide.

Pickett, 33, is rated as a top 10 bantamweight (135lbs) in the world,

and has been tipped to become the first British Ultimate Fighting

Championship world title holder.

Tonight, at UFC 138 at the LG Arena in Birmingham, Pickett will be

looking to create fireworks of his own against highly-rated Brazilian

star Renan Barao, on a 26-fight unbeaten streak.

Schooled in east London, then Delhi, followed by an American

International School in the Himalayas (where he fought off packs of

scavenging monkeys between boarding house and school house) and Oundle

–he grew up around the fashion industry, with customers Elton John and

Mick Jagger dropping into his parents’ bespoke shoe shop in London.

Pickett’s parents – Sid and Sheila – were prominent shoe designers,

his mother having taught at the London School of Fashion, where one of

her protégés was Patrick Cox. In the late Eighties, they went into

business with a prominent Indian entrepreneur, Ajay Kalsi, whose

wealth today is estimated at $1.7billion. It meant a move to Delhi to

set up four factories, train the machinists, and educate the pattern

designers.

“It was an amazing experience living in India, but it was in the

Himalayas that I really discovered that I have great cardio-vascular

strength, as cross-country was something I excelled in there,” Pickett

told The Daily Telegraph yesterday.

“I worked in the family firm – I can design shoes myself — but sport

was always my first love.” Pickett flirted with careers in

semi-professional football and amateur boxing, but began training in

martial arts eight years ago in order to train as a stuntman.

“I just took to it straightaway, and was quickly addicted. What’s

exciting at the moment is the fast-moving developments both within the

sport itself, and the growing fanbase worldwide. To get into the UFC

is great, but I’ve got to get the ‘W’ now against Renan Barao, who is

very, very skilful.”

If Pickett can extend his winning run he will move close to a title

shot against UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. No British

fighter has won a UFC belt since the fighting organisation was formed

back in 1993.

Mixed martial artists use a combination of boxing, taekwondo, judo,

wrestling and jiu-jitsu to win on points, by submission, or knockout,

over three five-minute rounds. Pickett is as dangerous on the mat as

he is in the stand-up boxing and striking.

There are eight British fighters are on the card, including rising

British star Terry Etim, who faces Hawaiian Eddie Faalato. Che Mills,

Vaughan Lee, John Maguire and Philip DeFries are all on UFC debut.

Heavyweight DeFries faces Liverpudlian Rob Broughton, to establish the

British No 1, while featherweight Jason Young has a tough assignment

against Japanese wrestler and judo expert Michihiro Omigawa.

TELEGRAPH MAIN CARD PICKS:

Munoz

Pickett

Alves

Etim

Diabate

UFC 138: Chris Leben faces Mark Munoz but has sideswipe at Michael Bisping

Chris Leben prepares for his historic 5-round bonfire night battle with Mark Munoz in Birmingham on Saturday, returning to the city where he lost to British fighter Michael Bisping at UFC 89. Leben even had time for a sideswipe at the TUF coach, who faces off against Jason Miller in Las Vegas on Dec 5.

"Yeah, I remember Birmingham. I fought Bisping, he must prepare for his fights by running five miles backwards," Leben told The Telegraph. Leben was comprehensively outpointed on the night. Leben also said all he could find to eat in the hotel was "a salad". The American was not in too jovial a mood in the workouts in Birmingham. Good sign. Both Leben and Munoz love to battle, and it should be thrilling as long as it lasts.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS LEBEN

CLICK HERE FOR THIS WEEK's BUMPER ESPN UFC PODCAST WITH GUESTS GALORE ON UFC 138. JUST OUT…

OR ON iTUNES

HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH SET FOR MAINSTREAM ON FOX BETWEEN VELASQUEZ AND DOS SANTOS

With the world heavyweight championship fight set to air live on FOX a week on Saturday – Nov. 12 – from Honda Center in Anaheim, a major step change for the UFC on network television in the United States, Dana White, UFC President, said yesterday: “This is going to be a different format than we’ve ever done before. Obviously this is a show featuring one fight so we’re doing a lot of things differently. We are going to be rehearsing for this from Thursday."

“This is a throw-back to the old days of boxing; we are putting a big fight – a huge fight – on free TV to expose this thing to a new audience. Our goal has always been to bring big fights back to network television; we are thinking long-term for the future of this sport. It is an investment in the future of the UFC. Fans that have never seen the UFC before will see this show and that’s why we decided to put Cain and Junior in this position."

“I know for a fact this is going to be an awesome fight. I know it is going to be great. That’s why it was these two in this position. I have no worries at all this is going to be a great fight.

“There’s going to be a lot of backstage features, we are going to be talking to both guys backstage before they fight which isn’t something we’ve done for a very long time.”

The two protagonists are also primed. Cain Velasquez, the UFC heavyweight champion, who has not fought for a year, said:

“There’s always butterflies when you have a fight. It is natural to feel nervous, it means you are ready. But I’m not more nervous because I’ve been out (hurt) for more than a year. I know from my training camp I’m 100 percent and ready to go. I was 100 percent in July."

“I’m excited and it is a great honor to have this fight chosen by the UFC to be the first one on FOX. But I am not focused on the event, the hype or the (expected large TV audience), like any other fight I am focused on my opponent and not much else. Dos Santos is a great opponent. He’s very dangerous.”

Junior dos Santos, No. 1 ranked UFC heavyweight contender, added: “It was such a long wait for my title shot, but I am not sorry. This, right now, is the greatest opportunity I could have had, fighting for the world heavyweight title live on FOX for the very first time."

“I’m very happy in my life right now. I’m in such a good place mentally and physically. I’m proof that if you work hard, treat people right and don’t doubt yourself, you can achieve your dreams. I genuinely believe that Cain is the greatest heavyweight in the world and it is an honor to fight him."

“Yes, I come from humble beginnings, but I have been very lucky in my life. I don’t think this fight will go five rounds. I have trained for five rounds but I don’t expect this to do the distance.”



UFC 138 events this week:

Thursday Nov 3

Evening (5pm), Evans and Pearson will attend Hunt@UFC at Birmingham Bull Ring Shopping Centre, followed by Tesco DVD signing with the pair at Town Gate Retail Park, Birmingham Road.

Friday Nov 4

There is a Fight Club Signing at 1pm with Arianny Celeste, and Pearson, a Fight Club Q&A with Rashad (TBC) at 2pm, with the UFC 138 official weigh-in – at Community Hall, National Indoor Arena, King Edwards Road, B1 2AA – with fighters on the scales at 4pm. Doors open at 3pm. At 5pm, there is a Fight Club after party with Pearson.

From 6pm to 8pm, a signing session at HMV with Rashad Evans.

Saturday Nov 5

10am: JD Sports Signing with Rashad and Ross (Arianny to join from 12noon – 1pm)

1:30pm: Hunt @ UFC (Dana White TBC) with Pearson at Birmingham Bull Ring shopping centre

2pm: THQ Press Conference for UFC game at LG Arena

UFC 138 Leben vs Munoz, LG Arena, National Exhibition Centre, B40 1NT:

5:30pm: First Bout

11pm: UFC 138 Concludes

11.15pm: Post-fight press conference.

Main card

Middleweight bout: United States Chris Leben vs.United States Mark Muñoz

Bantamweight bout: England Brad Pickett vs. Brazil Renan Barão

Welterweight bout: Brazil Thiago Alves vs. Sweden Papy Abedi

Lightweight bout: England Terry Etim vs. United States Eddie Faaloloto

Light Heavyweight bout: France Cyrille Diabaté vs. Australia Anthony Perosh

Preliminary card (Facebook)

Welterweight bout: England John Maguire vs. United States Justin Edwards

Featherweight bout: Japan Michihiro Omigawa vs. England Jason Young

Heavyweight bout: England Rob Broughton vs. England Philip De Fries

Welterweight bout: United States Chris Cope vs. England Che Mills

Bantamweight bout: United States Chris Cariaso vs. England Vaughan Lee

UFC 138 is live on ESPN UK on Saturday night.

UFC 138: Paul Taylor out after car crash; Rashad Evans and Ross Pearson appear in Birmingham

UFC 138 took something of a body blow this week, when local lightweight fighter Paul Taylor was withdrawn from the event after a car crash. Tylor's injuries are not serious. It means, however, Anthony Njokuani is forced off the card, with the UFC unable to secure a late replacement.

Taylor was involved in a car accident late Monday night that resulted in him suffering a severe case of whiplash.

“I was very excited for the opportunity to fight in the UK. Unfortunately a situation outside of our control has caused the bout to be scrapped. I am sure Paul was excited to fight on his own soil so I feel for him as well,” Njokuani told MMAWeekly.com.

It seems that the Taylor-Njokuani bout could be rescheduled for Dec 30, when Brock Lesnar squares off against Alistair Overeem at UFC 141. Njokuani will remain in England through the week at UFC 138 and then head back home to Las Vegas to get back in training on Monday.

Carlos Condit given no option to step aside – claims agent Malki Kawa

Malki Kawa, president of First Round Management and agent for Carlos Condit, claimed this week that Condit had not agreed to step aside from his welterweight title shot against GSP.

“We are obviously disappointed in the UFC’s decision to cancel its commitment with Carlos Condit to give another fighter an opportunity at the Welterweight title based on emotional reactions from UFC 137," said Kawa. "Contrary to what has been stated, Carlos did not step aside to allow this to happen, and would not just hand over an opportunity for him to achieve his greatest career goal, one that he has earned through his strong performances in the Octagon. No option was given to him."

"For the second time in less than two weeks, Carlos has had an opportunity swept out from beneath his feet. He has shown nothing but pure class in his drive to the title, and will continue to do so. Carlos does not need motivation to fight for the title, he already has it."

However, Kawa claimed Condit will return even more motivated. "He will move forward and continue to train at the level that has made him the legitimate number one contender for the UFC Welterweight championship, and he is looking forward to the opportunity to earn that title.”

There is a busy sequence of events for the only UFC event in the UK in 2011

Wednesday, Nov 2:

There are UFC 138 fighter workouts at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. Mark Munoz and Chris Leben, who headline the event, and British mixed martial artists Brad Pickett, Vaughan Lee and Jason Young will be working out there in the afternoon.

Throughout the week, Rashad Evans and Ross Pearson will be making several appearances. On Wednesday afternoon, Smiling Families Charity will come to the Hilton Hotel to meet the fighters. Later on Wednesday afternoon, Evans and Pearson will visit Birmingham Children's hospital. At 6:30pm – 8pm, at Waterstone’s, Birmingham New Street, Evans and Pearson will then move on to a book signing of the UFC Fan Guide, which has just been published. The book was written by Tom Gerbasi, and Anthony Evans, two of the most knowledgeable writers on the planet on boxing and MMA.

Thursday Nov 3

Evening (5pm), Evans and Pearson will attend Hunt@UFC at Birmingham Bull Ring shopping Centre, followed by Tesco DVD signing with the pair at Town Gate Retail Park, Birmingham Road.

Friday Nov 4

There is a Fight Club Signing at 1pm with Arianny Celeste, and Pearson, a Fight Club Q&A with Rashad (TBC) at 2pm, with the UFC 138 official weigh-in – at Community Hall, National Indoor Arena, King Edwards Road, B1 2AA – with fighters on the scales at 4pm. Doors open at 3pm. At 5pm, there is a Fight Club after party with Pearson.

From 6pm to 8pm, a signing session at HMV with Rashad Evans.

Saturday Nov 5

10am: JD Sports Signing with Rashad and Ross (Arianny to join from 12noon – 1pm)

1:30pm: Hunt @ UFC (Dana White TBC) with Pearson at Birmingham Bull Ring shopping centre

2pm: THQ Press Conference for UFC game at LG Arena

UFC 138 Lebon vs Munoz, LG Arena, National Exhibition Centre, B40 1NT:

5:30pm: First Bout

11pm: UFC 138 Concludes

11.15pm: Post-fight press conference.

Main card

Middleweight bout: United States Chris Leben vs.United States Mark Muñoz

Bantamweight bout: England Brad Pickett vs. Brazil Renan Barão

Welterweight bout: Brazil Thiago Alves vs. Sweden Papy Abedi

Lightweight bout: England Terry Etim vs. United States Eddie Faaloloto

Light Heavyweight bout: France Cyrille Diabaté vs. Australia Anthony Perosh

Preliminary card (Facebook)

Welterweight bout: England John Maguire vs. United States Justin Edwards

Featherweight bout: Japan Michihiro Omigawa vs. England Jason Young

Heavyweight bout: England Rob Broughton vs. England Philip De Fries

Welterweight bout: United States Chris Cope vs. England Che Mills

Bantamweight bout: United States Chris Cariaso vs. England Vaughan Lee

UFC 138 is live on ESPN UK on Saturday night.

UFC: Telegraph video Cesar Gracie on Nick Diaz; Rampage Jackson on Cheick Kongo

CESAR GRACIE ON NICK DIAZ POST-FIGHT

RAMPAGE JACKSON ON HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

UFC 137: Nick Diaz versus GSP back on again; BJ Penn and Mirko Cro Cop retire

Newslines from UFC 137:

Carlos Condit steps side for GSP to defend welterweight title against Nick Diaz next

Beaten BJ Penn retires; defeated Mirko Cro Cop announces it is all over for him

Roy Nelson and Cheick Kongo both call for heavyweight title shot

Donald Cerrone enhances his credentials for a lightweight title shot

Nick Diaz will face Georges St Pierre for the UFC welterweight title next up, in the wake of his victory at UFC 137 over BJ Penn. Diaz told a Mandalay Bay Events Center crowd he thinks UFC champion Georges St-Pierre faked an injury in order to avoid the fight. "He's not really injured; he's scared," said Diaz.

The move earned St-Pierre's attention, and UFC president Dana White confirmed at a news conference an hour later that Carlos Condit has agreed to step aside in order to make the fight. St Pierre said: "This is what I wanted since the beginning. Let's do what was supposed to be done originally. I've always wanted this fight — now I want it even more. I can't wait for Superbowl weekend."

White said: "Condit has agreed that he will fight on the same event. We spoke about it and if he wins, he will fight the winner of Diaz and GSP."

White announced the change with Diaz in attendance at press conference. Diaz then complained his preparation for the Penn fight and the lead up to the card. Diaz and his camp appear to believe that the fighter should not have been withdrawn from the original main event against St-Pierre. His manager Cesar Gracie echoed similar views after the news conference. But now it's game on.

UFC legends BJ Penn and Mirko Cr Cop retired in the Octagon in Las Vegas after their respective contests. Cro Cop was stopped by Roy Nelson; Penn decided to call it a day after a mainly stand-up war with Nick Diaz in which the ramparts were slowly taken apart for the Hawaiian. It was one-sided in the last two rounds, as Diaz set about Penn's body and head with a relish. The onslaught in the second round all but did for Penn. All but did… yet the hugely popular mixed martial artist came forward himself in the third, but his tired arms would not allow him much success against the relentlessness, and spite, of Diaz. Some will call it a war. But it was one-sided in many ways.

Diaz was marginal favourite coming in with the bookmakers. Penn looked tense. There were great exchanges in the stand up in the early seconds. Both had success. Penn with the right; Diaz with a right left. They then went to the ground, they rolled. Penn got the better of it, taking dominant position. It was Penn's round. But the second saw a dramatic shift. Diaz punished Penn for almost three and a half minutes. They may become known as the 200 seconds which heralded Penn's retirement call. If this is to be his swan song, it was a great way to go out. But who knows.. ? Although Penn left no caveat, minds can change when spirits repair.

For the record, it was 29-28, 29-28, 29-27 in Penn's favour. Diaz was his inimitable self straightaway after the contest. He was asked about fighting GSP. "I don’t think he's hurt. He’s scared." 'GSP, GSP' they crowd in the events center chanted. Penn had kind words for Diaz, who had admitted in the lead up to this contest that Penn had been his first MMA idol. "It sucked when I learnt I'd be fighting him," said Diaz. Most likely felt something similar to that for Penn to lose to a protegee. Always gracious Penn said: "Hats off to Nick Diaz, he was the man in there tonight. But it's time for me to call it a day. I have a daughter, another on the way, and i don't want to go home looking like this."

Time will tell.

Dana White said afterwards: "Diaz can fight. Penn got busted up tonight. Nick Diaz is the real deal. And what a warrior BJ Penn, there were moments in that third round even when he was exhausted he was firing back…"

Frenchman Cheick Kongo emerged victorious against Matt Mitrione. Kongo did just enough to take the first round against Mitrione and completely outstruck the American in the second. He then slammed his opponent to the ground twice in round 3. The canvas vibrated with the combined weight of the two big men thumping onto the surface. From the top, he threw strikes and elbows. I had it 30-27.

Roy Nelson ended the career of the ever popular Mirko Cro Cop. “I’m getting too old for this s***. I want to fight for the heavyweight championship. I want the winner of [Junior] Dos Santos and [Cain] Velasquez,” said Nelson.

Kongo also stated afterwards that he wants a re-match with Velasquez, to whom he lost in their first meeting, and a shot at the heavyweight title belt. The contenders are stacking up.

Nelson had Cro Cop onto the ground in the opening round, having taken the famed left leg strike of the Croatian and a left upper cut. Nelson appeared to rock Cro Cop with a right hand early in the second round, then slipped. Cro Cop, seizing his moment, let fly with a welt of left hands, as Nelson covered up. The American recovered to get a takedown. Nelson had Cro Cop in crucifix for the final minute, pounding his opponent from above. After a quiet start to third, Nelson unleashed a big straight right, Cro Cop fell flat, and ‘Big Country’ pounced, pounding at the fallen Croatian. It brought him a TKO victory.

Donald Cerrone bulls Dennis Siver in another impressive display

Donald Cerrone against Dennis Siver was always destined for something special.

They stood, they threw, Cerrone conquered. Siver’s world was rocked by a heavy left leg kick from ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, leaving his legs jiggly, although the German scrambled to recover his feet and land with a left-right combination.

Seconds later, Siver was off balance again, stumbling out of contact, and to the ground. Cerrone galloped after his foe. Flattening Siver out, the submission by rear naked choke was inevitable. As Siver reddened, the canvas got thumped by the flat of the German’s hand. It took Cerrone 2 minutes 22 seconds to complete the rout. Title shot ? Maybe not for two fights, but certainly Cerrone is now heading that way.

Bart Palaszewski reckons he broke both hands KO-ing Tyson Griffin

Bart Palaszewski knocked out Tyson Griffin with a barrage of punches in the opening round of their 148lb fight after Griffin weighed in at 149 yesterday. The veteran of 48 fights, making his UFC debut, rocked Griffin with two left hands, and as his opponent covered up, he let fly like a threshing machine. He cut Griffin to the floor, his legs crumpling like a loose shirt. Dramatic finish.

Brandon Vera lost soul of the light-heavyweights

Strange to see Brandon Vera not even headlining the prelims. Time was when he was talked about in the same buffed terms as Jon Bones Jones is today. The world was Vera's oyster. He was the next best thing. He defeated Frank Mir. Would he go on to be a double divisional champion. Vera defeated Eliot Marshall, winning the first two rounds, but was dangerously rocked in the third. But the bigger picture is that the enigmatic fighter now resides in the wilderness of the roster. So much talent. Such a waste.

FULL RESULTS from UFC 137:

Preliminary card (Facebook)

Middleweight bout: United States Dustin Jacoby vs. United States Clifford Starks

Starks defeated Jacoby via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27).

Middleweight bout: United States Chris Camozzi vs. France Francis Carmont

Carmont defeated Camozzi via unanimous decision (30–26, 30–27, 30–27).

Lightweight bout: United States Ramsey Nijem vs. United States Danny Downes

Nijem defeated Downes via unanimous decision (30–25, 30–26, 30–27).

Light Heavyweight bout: United States Brandon Vera vs. United States Eliot Marshall

Vera defeated Marshall via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28). This fight aired on the Preliminary card after the Siver / Cerrone fight.

Preliminary card (Spike TV)

Catchweight (148 lb) bout: United States Tyson Griffin vs. Poland Bart Palaszewski

Palaszewski defeated Griffin via KO (punches) at 2:45 of round 1.

Lightweight Bout: Germany Dennis Siver vs. United States Donald Cerrone

Cerrone defeated Siver via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:22 of round 1.

Main card

Featherweight bout: Japan Hatsu Hioki vs. United States George Roop

Hioki defeated Roop via split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28).

Bantamweight bout: United States Scott Jorgensen vs. United States Jeff Curran

Jorgensen defeated Curran via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 30–27).

Heavyweight bout: Croatia Mirko Filipović vs. United States Roy Nelson

Nelson defeated Filipović via TKO (punches) at 1:30 of round 3.

Heavyweight bout: France Cheick Kongo vs. United States Matt Mitrione

Kongo defeated Mitrione via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–27, 29–28).

Welterweight bout: United States BJ Penn vs. United States Nick Diaz

Diaz defeated Penn via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-28).

UFC: Carlos Condit steps aside for GSP to face Nick Diaz next

Nick Diaz will face Georges St Pierre for the UFC welterweight title next up, in the wake of his victory at UFC 137 over BJ Penn. Diaz told a Mandalay Bay Events Center crowd he thinks UFC champion Georges St-Pierre faked an injury in order to avoid the fight. "He's not really injured; he's scared," said Diaz.

The move earned St-Pierre's attention, and UFC president Dana White confirmed at a news conference an hour later that Carlos Condit has agreed to step aside in order to make the fight. St Pierre said: "This is what I wanted since the beginning. Let's do what was supposed to be done originally. I've always wanted this fight — now I want it even more. I can't wait for Superbowl weekend."

White said: "Condit has agreed that he will fight on the same event. We spoke about it and if he wins, he will fight the winner of Diaz and GSP."

White announced the change with Diaz in attendance at press conference. Diaz then complained his preparation for the Penn fight and the lead up to the card. Diaz and his camp appear to believe that the fighter should not have been withdrawn from the original main event against St-Pierre. His manager Cesar Gracie echoed similar views after the news conference. But now it's game on.

UFC 137: Legends BJ Penn and Mirko Cro Cop retire in Octagon after defeats

UFC legends BJ Penn and Mirko Cr Cop retired in the Octagon tonight on Las Vegas after their respective contests. Cro Cop was stopped by Roy Nelson; Penn decided to call it a day after a mainly stand-up war with Nick Diaz in which the ramparts were slowly taken apart.

UFC 137 BJ Penn vs. Nick Diaz Live Results: Cro Cop, Penn Retire?

UFC 137 takes place from Las Vegas Saturday night headlined by a welterweight bout between Nick Diaz and B.J. Penn. Both are action fighters with fan pleasing styles. Diaz is looking to secure a UFC welterweight title shot against Georges St. Pierre, a fight he had scheduled before he skipped a pair of press conferences promoting the event. Penn is a former UFC welterweight and lightweight champion, one of St. Pierre's top career rivals.

Dustin Jacoby vs. Clifford Starks

Jacoby is an undefeated Illinois prospect making his UFC debut. He possesses unusual height for a middleweight fighter. Starks is an undefeated Arizona Combat Sports fighter with a collegiate wrestling background also making his UFC debut.

Round 1. Neither man throws much at the start of the contest. Each throws out a few jabs, with Starks collecting a little bit more. Starks connects with a few straight punches but they don't have a lot of power behind them. Starks lands a straight right punch that is the best blow of the round three minutes in. Jacoby answers with a couple of quality hooks. As Jacoby throws a punch, Starks changes levels and secures a takedown with 30 seconds left in the round. Jacoby looks for a kimura as the round comes to a close. Dull round. 10-9 Starks.

Round 2. Jacoby lands a hard straight right punch early in the round. Jacoby then lands a spinning back kick to the body. Jacoby lands another straight right punch moments later. Starks responds by getting more aggressive, moving forward with straight punches. There is very little diversity in the offense of either man. Starks takes Jacoby down with two minutes left into the round. Starks throws punches and some elbows from inside Jacoby's guard. Starks is pretty active throwing punches towards the end of the round and pulls ahead in the scoring. 10-9 Starks.

Round 3. Starks lands a nice overhand right early in the round that connects solidly on the chin of Jacoby. Jacoby counters Starks well as Starks moves in. Jacoby lands a nice knee to the head but Starks then takes him down 90 seconds into the final stanza. Starks just methodically pounds away from inside Jacoby's guard while Jacoby isn't able to do much at all off his back. Jacoby looks for a kimura again with a minute and change left in the round. Starks tries to pass guard and ends up in half guard towards the end of the fight. 10-9 Starks. Jacoby is not a UFC caliber fighter.

Winner: Clifford Starks, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Chris Camozzi vs. Francis Carmont

Camozzi is an Ultimate Fighter alumnus with a 2-1 UFC record. Carmont trains out of the Tristar Gym in Montreal and has a 16-7 MMA record. Georges St. Pierre, who was originally supposed to headline this card, is in Carmont's corner.

Round 1. Carmont lands a few leg kicks early. He takes Camozzi down 40 seconds in but Camozzi is able to work his way back up. Camozzi then looks for a takedown of his own halfway through the round. Carmont avoids that and they separate. Camozzi again looks for a takedown and eats some knees to the body in the process. Carmont then reverses and looks for a takedown of his own. Carmont hits a spinning back elbow and breaks. Camozzi presses forward with punches and a nice flying knee to the head before pressing Carmont back against the cage. They jockey for position as the round comes to a close. 10-9 Carmont.

Round 2. Carmont looks for a high front kick and a few hooks from close range early, but Camozzi closes the distance and presses Carmont back against the cage. They struggle back and forth for position next to the cage. Neither man is able to come close to a takedown but Carmont does use some effective knees to the body. He lands some more heavy knees and Camozzi backs up. Carmont mixes in knees to the body and head and has Camozzi in a little bit of trouble up against the cage. Carmont grabs a body lock and slams Camozzi down spectacularly. Carmont postures up high and drops down some punches. He lets Camozzi up but as Camozzi gets up, he is dropped with a big right hook/left hook combination and Carmont looks to finish the fight. Camozzi is able to weather the storm and looks for a guillotine choke at the close of the round. Carmont won that round decisively but not quite enough for 10-8. 10-9 Carmont.

Round 3. Carmont comes out swinging with big punches as Camozzi just covers up. Camozzi then looks to counter with punches of his own and presses Carmont against the cage. Carmont quickly reverses and lands some knees. They separate and Carmont opens up with leg kicks and straight punches. Carmont is pulling away. Camozzi lands a couple nice straight punches and pushes Carmont against the cage. Carmont pushes him off and takes him down. Carmont can't get a position he likes on the ground and lets Camozzi stand back up. Camozzi grabs a standing kimura as the round comes to a close and drops down. He cranks the arm and shoulder pretty well but Carmont holds on for the end of the round. 10-9 Carmont, 30-27 Carmont.

Winner: Francis Carmont, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-27).

Danny Downes vs. Ramsey Nijem

Downes is as unintimidating looking a fighter you're going to find, but he sports an 8-2 record and fights out of the highly respected Duke Roufus team in Milwaukee. Nijem was runner up on the last season of the Ultimate Fighter, gaining notoriety (perhaps infamy) for acting like a stripper.

Round 1. Nijem immediately lands a nice left/right combination. He charges forward with additional punches and takes Downes down. The rest of the round consists of Downes trying to get up only to be continually pulled back down. Nijem lands a few punches standing and then takes Downes back down. Downes keeps trying to fight up but Nijem dominates the round. 10-8 Nijem.

Round 2. Nijem lands a nice straight right punch and takes Downes down again. Downes gets up but is yanked back down. Nijem takes Downes' back and spends the rest of the ground looking for a rear naked choke submission. Downes looks in big trouble but is able to avoid the submission repeatedly. 10-8 Nijem.

Round 3. Nijem lands a few hard punches, a knee, and takes Downes back down again. Downes in trying to get up again gives up his back. Nijem looks for a rear naked choke but Downes is able to avoid getting caught. Nijem flattens Downes and lands some punches from the back. He looks for the rear naked choke again but can't get it. Downes is able to hang on for the final bell. This fight almost felt cruel, with Downes on defense for practically every second but refusing to give up. 10-8 Nijem, 30-24 Nijem.

Winner: Ramsey Nijem, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-25).

Apparently some judges are completely opposed to the notion of a 10-8 round. How on Earth does someone get no offense for the entire 15 minutes and only lose 30-27? That's as baffling a score as imaginable.

Brandon Vera vs. Eliot Marshall

Vera is a charismatic muay thai and jiu jitsu fighter who was once considered an elite prospect but has had a disappointing career. Marshall is 3-2 in the UFC and coming off a loss to Luiz Cane.

Round 1. Vera connects with a hard right hook and left body kick. Vera lands another hard left body kick and throws a flying knee to the body. Vera then pushes Marshall up against the cage. He can't get much in the way of offense or a takedown so he backs off. Marshall pushes forward with hard hooks and appears to stun Vera temporarily. Vera clinches and pushes Marshall against the cage. They battle for position against the cage until they are separated with a minute left in the round. Vera connects with a leg kick well but neither man is able to land much as the round concludes. Very close round. 10-9 Vera narrowly.

Round 2. Vera lands a kick to the body and kick to the leg early. Marshall throws a hook to the chin and looks for a takedown. Neither man is able to accomplish much at all pressed against the cage. Vera finally executes a trip takedown two minutes into the round. Vera drops a few elbows from close position. Marshall gets up with 90 seconds left but eats a knee to the head in the process. They clinch against the cage for most of the remainder of the round. 10-9 Vera.

Round 3. Marshall drops Vera with a straight right punch. Vera scrambles to get out of danger but he is dropped again by another heavy punch. Marshall moves in looking to close the fight but Vera recovers and stands back up, which the crowd heavily applauds. They then trade big hooks and Vera pushes Marshall against the cage. They eventually break and Marshall looks for a takedown. He gets it this time and takes Vera's back. Marshall has two hooks in and throws punches looking to get a rear naked choke. He then transitions to an armbar and looks to extend it pretty well. Vera is barely able to escape the submission and he throws down some elbows as the round closes. 10-8 Marshall, 28-28 draw.

Winner: Brandon Vera, unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Tyson Griffin vs. Bart Palaszewski

Griffin was once considered an elite lightweight fighter but a string of setbacks led him to drop to featherweight. He missed weight by three pounds yesterday. Bart is a tough WEC and IFL veteran making his UFC debut.

Round 1. They exchange punches to start, with Griffin landing the best of the bunch, a straight right. Bart throws a pair of front kicks, something that we've seen with increasing regularity throughout 2011. Bart lands a good right cross and Griffin lands one of his own shortly thereafter. Bart stuns Griffin with a left hook and Griffin backs up against the cage. Bart opens up with a rapid fire series of punches against the cage. Griffin covers up and blocks most of the punches but he lets his guard down momentarily and Bart gets through with a left/right combination that drops Griffin and the fight is stopped. Griffin may be cut from the UFC, a development that would have not long ago seemed unthinkable at this stage of his career.

Winner: Bart Palaszewski, TKO, round 1.

Dennis Siver vs. Donald Cerrone

Siver is a German kickboxer with solid takedown defense. He has won four straight fights and seven of eight in the UFC. Cerrone is a rapidly improving tall lightweight contender with a well rounded skill set and a big fanbase.

Round 1. Siver connects with a couple punches right on the chin of Cerrone and a high kick. They trade leg kicks. Cerrone lands a leg kick and then fires a head kick that connects with the knee to Siver's head. Siver is momentarily stunned and looks for a takedown. Cerrone defends against the cage while Siver regains his composure. They separate and a scramble ensues for position. Siver appears to simply slip and Cerrone dives in from behind with a rear naked choke for the submission.

Winner: Donald Cerrone, submission, round 1.

Hatsu Hioki vs. George Roop

Hioki is one of the world's most highly regarded featherweights and is making his UFC debut. Many Japanese fighters coming over to the States have not done well, so the question is whether he can have the same performance here that he did in Japan. Roop has a 12-7-1 record and is coming off an impressive win over Josh Grispi.

Round 1. Hioki goes for a head kick and then lands a nice hook. Roop lands a head kick of his own. They exchange heavy hooks from close range. Hioki catches a Roop kick and looks for a takedown but Roop isn't off balance enough to come close. Hioki clinches and looks for the takedown against the cage. Roop defends and they grapple for position against the cage. Hioki throws a few knees to the body and Roop looks to push him off. Hioki steps over a leg and looks to grab Roop's back but doesn't come close. Hioki finally gets the takedown with a minute left in the round. Hioki ends up in side control. Roop tries to get up but can't do so. He throws some elbows from the bottom and stands back up. Roop lands a few punches against the cage as the round concludes. Very close round. 10-9 Hioki.

Round 2. Hioki lands a nice straight punch but Roop answers with a few hooks and a head kick. It's interesting to see Roop continue to be aggressive with kicks after being taken down in the first.  Roop connects with a straight punch but Hioki grabs him and gets him down with full mount. Roop tries to get him back into guard and Hioki settles for sliding into side control. Hioki works into full mount. He moves up Roop's body and appears to be looking for an armbar, but Roop shakes him lower down his frame. Hioki drops down some punches but Roop uses the opportunity to get out of mount. He lands an upkick, stands back up, and walks down Hioki with punches and kicks as the round comes to a close. 10-9 Hioki. Roop is doing much more damage but Hioki has done better with takedowns and positioning.

Round 3. Roop takes down Hioki to start the round. He then stands back up. He throws a flying knee that grazes Hioki. Hioki goes for a takedown but it is blocked. Roop grabs a clinch and they work against the Octagon. Hioki throws a few knees and Roop lands some punches from the clinch. They are separated with two minutes left in the fight. Roop lands a nice hook and takes Hioki down. If the score is 19-19, that's a smart strategy. If it's 20-18 Hioki, that's a dumb strategy. Roop throws down a few punches while Hioki uses a closed guard. Roop keeps working punches as the round closes. 10-9 Roop, 29-28 Hioki. The key is the first round, as the other two are pretty clear.

Winner: Hatsu Hioki, split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

Hioki after the fight declares that Japanese MMA is not dead.

Scott Jorgensen vs. Jeff Curran

Jorgensen is a solid wrestler and striker who has fought for the WEC bantamweight title. Curran is a well respected veteran of the sport and has said that if he loses this fight he will retire.

Round 1. They move to the center and immediately begin trading punches. Curran lands a nice overhand and Jorgensen takes him down. Jorgensen lands a few punches from inside Curran's guard but is mostly inactive. Curran looks to reverse to top position but can't do it. They stand back up briefly but Jorgensen takes Curran right back down. The fight is stood up with 40 seconds remaining. Curran unloads with punches, landing to Jorgensen's body and head. Jorgensen then takes Curran back down to close the round. 10-9 Jorgensen.

Round 2. Jorgensen is more aggressive with punches and lands a nice hook. Curran shoots for a takedown but Jorgensen defends easily. Jorgensen lands a series of knees to the head. They battle for position against the cage. Curran attempts a knee to the head but Jorgensen hooks the leg and takes Curran down. Curran gets up and in a scramble attempts for an anaconda choke. Jorgensen rolls out of danger. Jorgensen then takes Curran down. Jorgensen lands a little but not much and Curran works to get up as the round concludes. 10-9 Jorgensen.

Round 3. Curran is more active in the standup, although he isn't landing much. He throws some looping haymakers and mixes in some kicks as well. Curran lands a nice hook and uppercut and smiles at Jorgensen. He tries the same combination but Jorgensen defends this time. Curran scores another uppercut and a couple leg kicks. Jorgensen clinches, lands a couple knees, and looks for a takedown. They stalemate against the cage, trading knees. Curran consistently is landing better punches as the round winds down. Curran looks for a takedown but Jorgensen blocks it. 10-9 Curran, 29-28 Jorgensen. Jorgensen's going to get the decision for sure but he doesn't feel like much of a winner.

Winner: Scott Jorgensen, unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28).

Mirko Cro Cop vs. Roy Nelson

Cro Cop is one of the best heavyweight fighters in the history of MMA, a feared striker with excellent kicks and takedown defense. However, at 37, he has rarely looked impressive in recent years. Nelson is an Ultimate Fighter winner known for his hefty physique and is now sporting a very wild beard.

Round 1. Nelson lunges forward early on, throwing wild punches that don't come close. Cro Cop throws sparingly and Nelson takes him down a little over a minute into the round. Nelson postures up and drops down some punches and elbows. As Nelson moves up, he can't secure Cro Cop's body and Cro Cop slips up back to his feet. Cro Cop nails Nelson with a strong counterpunch. Nelson lands a big overhand and Cro Cop answers back with a couple heavy punches of his own. Cro Cop follows with a nice uppercut and the crowd chants for Cro Cop. Nelson pushes forward while Cro Cop counters with clean, effective punching. 10-9 Cro Cop.

Round 2. Nelson looks to close the distance and Cro Cop pushes him off. Nelson appears to rock Cro Cop with a punch but he moves in recklessly and gets countered. Cro Cop thinks he has the fight won and unloads with a torrent of punches on Nelson. Nelson just covers up, but he is able to weather the storm and Cro Cop eventually backs off. Nelson returns to stalking Cro Cop with a bloodied face. Cro Cop throws his famous head kick but it is blocked by Nelson and they clinch against the cage. Nelson takes Cro Cop down with two minutes left in the round and moves into side control quickly. He looks to crucifix Cro Cop's arms but can't secure the right arm. He finally gets it locked in and throws down punches to the head as both of Cro Cop's arms are trapped. That was an exceedingly exciting round. Cro Cop dominated early and Nelson late. 10-9 Cro Cop.

Round 3. Nelson staggers Cro Cop with a hard overhand right. He drops Cro Cop with a right hook and takes Cro Cop's back. He opens up with huge punches and the fight is stopped. If that's Cro Cop's final fight, he went out on his shield with heart and skill and reminded fans of the prolific fighter he once was.

Winner: Roy Nelson, TKO, round 3.

Cro Cop says this was his farewell fight and thanks UFC fans and ownership. He receives a standing ovation from the crowd.

Matt Mitrione vs. Cheick Kongo

Mitrione is a surging heavyweight striker and former NFL player who has showed tremendous improvement in a short MMA career. He is overflowing with charisma and potential star power but started his career late and is already 33 years old. Kongo is a powerful French striker who has fought many of the division's best.

Round 1. Mitrione walks forward sticking his chin out in the air seemingly taunting Kongo. Neither man throws much of anything for the first couple minutes. They clinch against the cage. Nothing happens and they are separated with two minutes left in the round. Mitrione moves forward with a few punches but backs off when Kongo counters. Mitrione keeps pursuing but then backs off when Kongo doesn't throw. Kongo lands a nice right hand late in the round. Nothing much happened and the crowd heavily boos. 10-10.

Round 2. They start much more active and Mitrione lands a nice straight left up the middle. Kongo uses a few leg kicks. He then connects with a couple rights. Kongo opens up with big punches and Mitrione fires back. Kongo is landing the better blows but Mitrione is getting his shots in. Mitrione walks Kongo down but Mitrione isn't throwing a lot. Kongo continues to use leg kicks. Mitrione lands a nice straight punch. He tries to back Kongo against the cage but Kongo casually walks away. Kongo is landing more but his disinterested posture and constant backpedalling may cost him with the judges. 10-9 Kongo.

Round 3. Kongo lands a couple punches, grabs a double leg, and slams Mitrione down. Mitrione looks for a kimura but Kongo is in side control. Mitrione then looks for a knee bar but can't get it. Kongo grabs Mitrione's back and throws some punches to the side of the head. Mitrione stands back up. Kongo grabs both legs again and slams Mitrione back down. Kongo throws a few punches and elbows down and picks up the pace a little as the round comes to a close. 10-9 Kongo, 30-28 Kongo. If Kongo loses the decision, however, he has no one but himself to blame.

Winner: Cheick Kongo, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-28, 29-28).

B.J. Penn vs. Nick Diaz

Penn burst onto the MMA scene with world championship jiu jitsu and spectacular knockouts in the UFC at the age of 22. Since then he has become one of the sport's most popular and iconic stars. Nick Diaz is a controversial bad boy with excellent submissions and a unique striking game. He was the Strikeforce welterweight champion and now moves to the UFC looks to prove himself the best 170 pound fighter in the sport.

Round 1. The crowd is solidly behind Penn. Diaz clinches early and works against the cage with Penn. They separate and Diaz begins to open up with his punches. He lands a few quality punches and Penn goes for a takedown. A scramble ensues and Penn briefly has Diaz's back. Penn takes top position and throws some punches from half guard. Diaz gets up and looks for a takedown of his own. He can't get it so he backs up. They return to boxing, with Penn looking to get through Diaz's punches into his own range. Diaz lands some jabs and a nice straight right. Diaz begins taunting Penn. Tough round to score. Penn got the takedown but Diaz was more effective with strikes. 10-9 Diaz narrowly.

Round 2. Penn throws a few jabs and Diaz head butts the fist. They clinch and Diaz pushes Penn against the Octagon. They trade punches and Diaz is bleeding near the right eye. Penn shoots for a takedown but Diaz defends. Diaz throws a few punches to the body and head. Diaz keeps pushing with punches and is landing much more than Penn. Penn connects with a nice counter hook. Diaz is opening up with punches to the head and body. Diaz then drops down and tries for a takedown with two minutes left in the round. He can't get it and returns to striking. He backs up Penn with heavy punches that snap Penn's head back. Penn is struggling against the cage and Diaz is chasing Penn down and peppering him with punches. Penn begins answering back but can't land nearly as much as Diaz and is wobbly. Diaz is just picking Penn apart and Penn is covering up in huge trouble. 10-8 Diaz.

Round 3. Penn lands a nice counter punch early as Diaz comes forward. Penn drops down and looks for a takedown but Diaz defends. Diaz goes back to work with a series of punches to the head and Penn just can't time him. Diaz continues to follow Penn around the cage, landing punches in bunches. Penn occasionally gets in a strong counter and the crowd explodes. But Diaz is dominating. He's mixing in punches to the head and body, from all angles. Diaz throws his hands up in the air and begins taunting. With two minutes left in the fight, Penn needs a miracle. Diaz keeps walking Penn down and landing punches. Penn's face is a bloodied and bruised up mess. Diaz keeps hammering Penn but Penn shows great heart in hanging in there and firing back as much as he can. The crowd stands as the fight comes to an end. 10-9 Diaz, 30-26 Diaz. The crowd chants "GSP" as Diaz celebrates.

Winner: Nick Diaz, unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-28).

Diaz said he doesn't think Georges St. Pierre is hurt (he pulled out from a fight with Carlos Condit on this show) but rather scared. The crowd chants for GSP and GSP shakes his head no with a smile on his face. Penn said after the fight that he plans to retire, not wanting his daughter to see him with his face beaten up so badly.

--Todd Martin

UFC 137 BJ Penn vs. Nick Diaz, live updates

UFC 137 takes place from Las Vegas Saturday night headlined by a welterweight bout between Nick Diaz and B.J. Penn. Both are action fighters with fan pleasing styles. Diaz is looking to secure a UFC welterweight title shot against Georges St. Pierre, a fight he had scheduled before he skipped a pair of press conferences promoting the event. Penn is a former UFC welterweight and lightweight champion, one of St. Pierre's top career rivals.

Dustin Jacoby vs. Clifford Starks

Jacoby is an undefeated Illinois prospect making his UFC debut. He possesses unusual height for a middleweight fighter. Starks is an undefeated Arizona Combat Sports fighter with a collegiate wrestling background also making his UFC debut.

Round 1. Neither man throws much at the start of the contest. Each throws out a few jabs, with Starks collecting a little bit more. Starks connects with a few straight punches but they don't have a lot of power behind them. Starks lands a straight right punch that is the best blow of the round three minutes in. Jacoby answers with a couple of quality hooks. As Jacoby throws a punch, Starks changes levels and secures a takedown with 30 seconds left in the round. Jacoby looks for a kimura as the round comes to a close. Dull round. 10-9 Starks.

Round 2. Jacoby lands a hard straight right punch early in the round. Jacoby then lands a spinning back kick to the body. Jacoby lands another straight right punch moments later. Starks responds by getting more aggressive, moving forward with straight punches. There is very little diversity in the offense of either man. Starks takes Jacoby down with two minutes left into the round. Starks throws punches and some elbows from inside Jacoby's guard. Starks is pretty active throwing punches towards the end of the round and pulls ahead in the scoring. 10-9 Starks.

Round 3. Starks lands a nice overhand right early in the round that connects solidly on the chin of Jacoby. Jacoby counters Starks well as Starks moves in. Jacoby lands a nice knee to the head but Starks then takes him down 90 seconds into the final stanza. Starks just methodically pounds away from inside Jacoby's guard while Jacoby isn't able to do much at all off his back. Jacoby looks for a kimura again with a minute and change left in the round. Starks tries to pass guard and ends up in half guard towards the end of the fight. 10-9 Starks. Jacoby is not a UFC caliber fighter.

Winner: Clifford Starks, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Chris Camozzi vs. Francis Carmont

Camozzi is an Ultimate Fighter alumnus with a 2-1 UFC record. Carmont trains out of the Tristar Gym in Montreal and has a 16-7 MMA record. Georges St. Pierre, who was originally supposed to headline this card, is in Carmont's corner.

Round 1. Carmont lands a few leg kicks early. He takes Camozzi down 40 seconds in but Camozzi is able to work his way back up. Camozzi then looks for a takedown of his own halfway through the round. Carmont avoids that and they separate. Camozzi again looks for a takedown and eats some knees to the body in the process. Carmont then reverses and looks for a takedown of his own. Carmont hits a spinning back elbow and breaks. Camozzi presses forward with punches and a nice flying knee to the head before pressing Carmont back against the cage. They jockey for position as the round comes to a close. 10-9 Carmont.

Round 2. Carmont looks for a high front kick and a few hooks from close range early, but Camozzi closes the distance and presses Carmont back against the cage. They struggle back and forth for position next to the cage. Neither man is able to come close to a takedown but Carmont does use some effective knees to the body. He lands some more heavy knees and Camozzi backs up. Carmont mixes in knees to the body and head and has Camozzi in a little bit of trouble up against the cage. Carmont grabs a body lock and slams Camozzi down spectacularly. Carmont postures up high and drops down some punches. He lets Camozzi up but as Camozzi gets up, he is dropped with a big right hook/left hook combination and Carmont looks to finish the fight. Camozzi is able to weather the storm and looks for a guillotine choke at the close of the round. Carmont won that round decisively but not quite enough for 10-8. 10-9 Carmont.

Round 3. Carmont comes out swinging with big punches as Camozzi just covers up. Camozzi then looks to counter with punches of his own and presses Carmont against the cage. Carmont quickly reverses and lands some knees. They separate and Carmont opens up with leg kicks and straight punches. Carmont is pulling away. Camozzi lands a couple nice straight punches and pushes Carmont against the cage. Carmont pushes him off and takes him down. Carmont can't get a position he likes on the ground and lets Camozzi stand back up. Camozzi grabs a standing kimura as the round comes to a close and drops down. He cranks the arm and shoulder pretty well but Carmont holds on for the end of the round. 10-9 Carmont, 30-27 Carmont.

Winner: Francis Carmont, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-27).

Danny Downes vs. Ramsey Nijem

Downes is as unintimidating looking a fighter you're going to find, but he sports an 8-2 record and fights out of the highly respected Duke Roufus team in Milwaukee. Nijem was runner up on the last season of the Ultimate Fighter, gaining notoriety (perhaps infamy) for acting like a stripper.

Round 1. Nijem immediately lands a nice left/right combination. He charges forward with additional punches and takes Downes down.

--Todd Martin

UFC 137: Nick Diaz busts out on BJ Penn at weigh-in; Dan Hardy picks for Telegraph

Twenty four hours away from the highly anticipated welterweight showdown between former two-division UFC champion BJ Penn and the unpredictable Nick Diaz, the main event stars came together at Friday's weigh-in from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. To no one’s surprise, things quickly got explosive. Who needed it most ? Did Diaz need to get himself fired up against the man who was once his idol ? Will stirring the pot against Penn work against him ?

The 32-year-old Hawaiian and the 28-year-old from Stockton, Calif. came nose to nose in front of the capacity crowd, then Diaz put his head in on Penn, who responded by bulling back with his forehead. They were rapidly separated.

Penn is the marginal favourite, but the experts are split on who will take this.

Dan Hardy spoke to The Telegraph and gave his UFC 137 picks…and says he'll be back in action next May. He needs to regroup in his fighting style and development.(Hardy video interview up later today).

Hardy said his heart was for Penn, but his head says Diaz. "I just think Nick has the tenacity to upset BJ's rhythm. If it was a five rounder I'd strongly favour Diaz. But it will be close. And I'm really looking forward to it."

Dan Hardy Picks: Nick Diaz, Mitrione, Nelson (Hardy cornering), Jorgensen-Curran 50/50, Hioki, Cerrone…

Telegraph Picks for UFC 137 this weekend: Diaz, Kongo, Nelson, Jorgensen, Hioki, Cerrone, Griffin #MMA #UFC137

UFC 137: Telegraph Video Dana White on the BJ Penn – Nick Diaz main event

UFC video: Dana White on UFC 138 and commitment to next year in the UK is there

Dana White answers questions about UFC 138 in Birmingham next week… and explains that the UFC will be looking to increase projection in the UK next year.

UFC 137: Hobo chic from Roy Nelson; presenter Jon Anik joins UFC from ESPN

Roy Nelson – (or was it a man imitating Willie Nelson or Grizzly Adams ?) – showed a fine line in what he referred to as "hobo chic" when I spoke to him backstage after the press conference for UFC 137 on Las Vegas Boulevard this week. The thinking behind the grey suit, shirt and tie ? "My wife said that having grown the beard, I needed to smarten up, so here we are…" explained a thinned-down Nelson, who meets a determined-looking Mirko Cro Cop in a heavyweight bout at the Mandalay Bay on Saturday night.

Have just finished recording the last episode of ESPN's MMA Live show with Jon Anik as anchor. Anik joins the UFC as a presenter, and will alternate with Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg with the UFC having upped the number of events it will be staging next year. Anik flew down from Bristol, Connecticut on Wednesday for the UFC press conference, then back up to CT for MMA Live on Thursday night. "Man, I actually felt nervous getting up there on the dais," said Anik. He won't ne, though, when it comes to covering fights blow by blow. Knowing him well, he's a perfectionist.

Anik, well known in the MMA world for his excellent anchorage of ground breaking show MMA Live on ESPN, joins the UFC as a play by play commentator on the FX shows from January. Anik will also anchor a newly-revamped version of The Ultimate Fighter, and present a weekly show for the fight organization.

“It was a great opportunity and it is the only place I would have left ESPN for. The sport is on the up and up and it will be great to be a part of it.”

UFC President Dana White joked: “We needed extra talent for the roles Jon will take on. Our schedule over the next few years is going to be so busy let me tell you now, Jon’s going to wonder whether he should be back at ESPN.”