UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem is set to return to the Octagon on Sept. 5th when he faces Ben Rothwell at UFC Fight Night 50, but this time something will be different. While much of his more recent U.S. run was done as part of the Blackzilians camp, now Overeem returns to the cage as part (for now) as a student of the famed duo of Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn in Albuquerque, N.M.

While things clearly didn't work out Overeem in Florida with the Blackzilians, the former Strikeforce heavyweight champion - along with the rest of the Jackson's camp - report everything has been smooth sailing once he showed up to train.

I think it has to do with chemistry, Overeem told Ariel Helwani on Monday's The MMA Hour. And chemistry has a lot to do with that mentality. Some people just mix better with other people. From the get go - and you're aiming for the Blackzilians, I think - the mentality was different, so then the chemistry is not optimal.

It's not their fault, Overeem explained. It's not my fault. It's just the way it is. Sometimes you meet people and the chemistry's not all there, but still you're kind of in a marriage because you're training with them on your team. But when the chemistry's not optimal, you'll never get optimal results.

As soon as I came here with a blank sheet, I was just myself. I knew, 'You're coming into a new group.' I've been training for 20 years now, so I'd had my fair share of gyms. You just have to be relaxed. Give it some time, show yourself. There's other people in the gym, other stars. Just observe a little. Take it easy. And that's exactly what I've been doing here. The chemistry, people are a little more like the mentality that I have. So, it works.

http://www.mmafighting.com

Legacy Fighting Championship has added Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo and UFC veteran Jonathan Brookins to its Aug. 29 card in Tunica, Miss.

The Texas-based promotion Tuesday announced that Cejudo will compete in the flyweight headliner against Brian Hall, while Brookins will take on Austin Lyons in the bantamweight co-main event.  LFC 34 takes place at Horseshoe Tunica Hotel and Casino and airs live on AXS TV.

In two attempts, Cejudo has yet to successfully make weight at 125 pounds, and Legacy promoter Mick Maynard today told  MMAFighting.com that the wrestler will move up to 135 pounds if unsuccessful again. If the fight goes off without a hitch, according to Maynard, the winner will receive a flyweight title shot opposite Damacio Page. Cejudo, who won gold in Beijing at 121 pounds, was slated to face Page in June but  withdrew from the bout due to personal reasons.

Despite his weight issues, Cejudo has racked up a 6-0 record since beginning his MMA career 16 months ago, with wins in the Legacy cage against Elias Garcia and Ryan Hollis. Hall possesses a 6-2 mark, including a pair of stoppage victories under the Bellator MMA banner.

Brookins will make his sophomore appearance with Legacy after submitting Cody Fuller via rear-naked choke in his March debut. Lyons last appeared on the undercard of Bellator’s May pay-per-view, where he earned a truncated technical decision over Zach Underwood.

Also scheduled to compete at LFC 34 is lightweight kickboxing convert Cosmo Alexandre, whose opponent has not yet been announced.

http://www.sherdog.com

Maidana needs to win this fight or make it close like he did the last time if he wants to be able to continue to get big paydays in the future. A one-sided loss to Mayweather will hurt Maidana’s marketability, because he’ll come out of the fight with less bargaining room in the future when taking on the other top welterweights in the division.

Maidana expects to be able to jump on Mayweather from the first round and punish him the same way he did the last time they fought. Maidana doesn’t see their rematch being any different than their first fight from last May other than him landing stronger blows because he plans on standing farther apart from Mayweather. He felt that he smothered his best work the last time.

“I think I’m going to be able to make some adjustments, and change up a bit,” Maidana said via Fighthype.com. He won’t be able to make any adjustments. He always fights the same way, so I think that is going to be the difference.”

If Maidana is correct in Mayweather fighting the same as he did last time, then it’s quite possible that we could see an upset on September 13th, especially if Maidna is able to get more leverage on his shots than he did the last time.

Maidana definitely smothered his own work last time he fought Mayweather by staying on the inside for much of the fight. Had he stayed at medium distance, it’s likely that he would have had more impact on his shots.

What could be the most important thing for Maidana in the rematch is the type of gloves that he wears. If he’s stuck using gloves that he’s not comfortable with like the last time then it’s going to make it tough for him to get the win. He needs to be wearing gloves that fit his hands, and that allows him to get as much punishing force on his shots as possible.

The Everlast MX gloves, which had been approved previously by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, was perfect for him. It’s not likely that he’s going to be able to use these gloves for the rematch, but if he can get something close to them then he’s going to clearly fight a lot better.

Maidana feels that his stamina is going to be better for the rematch because he has 8 weeks to train instead of the 5 weeks for their fight last May. It’s unclear whether his stamina will be improved or not with the added training time, because Maidana has had stamina problems in his previous fights that have gone the distance, so it’s probable that he’s going to have some kinds of fatigue problems in the later rounds against Mayweather.

If Maidana rehydrates to 165, like he did last time, it’s going to be a problem for him because that’s 18 pounds of water weight Maidana put on overnight before facing Mayweather. He can’t do that this time and expect to be able to fight strong in the last 4 rounds of the fight.

Read more at http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/07/maidana-turns-31-today-feels-ready-for-upset-of-mayweather/#ut27rA5PG7YG3xbD.99

Nick Newell went into his July 5 fight with Justin Gaethje as the top contender to the  World Series of Fighting lightweight title and the owner of an unblemished record.

Although Newell left WSOF 11 with the first loss of his career, “Notorious” still feels he should be next in line for another shot at the belt due to the circumstances of his defeat.

Speaking to Sherdog.com this week, Newell pointed toward the tail end of round one, where he took a pair of illegal knee strikes to the head while grounded, as the turning point in the bout.

“It’s not something that is up for debate,” Newell said. “It’s very blatant that the knees hit me in the head. I wasn’t the same. It’s obvious when you watch the video that it’s what cut me. It’s obvious that, when I got up, I was wobbly, and they need to closely monitor who they hire as referees, and they need to have stricter standards.

“Always being the good guy and taking the high road, it sucks sometimes, especially in this situation. I wasn’t given a fair shake and I got robbed of a great opportunity.”

For Newell, the first round was an even matchup. If anything, the Springfield, Mass., native felt like he was getting the better of his exchanges with Gaethje before suffering the blows to the temple.

“I’m not saying that I would have won had it not happened,” said Newell. “I respect Justin. He’s a great fighter, but I was winning the fight up until it did happen, and it happened, and it changed the fight. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It was a huge momentum swing. It went from me winning, to me just getting destroyed. I don’t even remember the fight after the knee. I don’t remember anything my corner said to me or anything.”

The defeat will go down as a technical knockout for Newell, a loss that was seen on national television during World Series of Fighting’s NBC debut. For the former Xtreme Fighting Championship titleholder, the knees are emblematic of a bigger problem for the sport of MMA.

“We aren’t playing horseshoes over here. It’s a violent sport, and it’s a referee’s responsibility to catch something illegal that could hurt someone. It cost me half my paycheck and it cost me a world title,” Newell explained. “It’s a really sh---y situation for me and something that I have to deal with, and it’s something I am trying not to dwell on too much. One thing I pride myself on is being a good sport and, win or lose, you just have to accept it. But, in this situation, it’s very different because I just had some really bad luck in this one.”

The 28-year-old isn’t allowing the loss to derail his future plans with WSOF. While he obviously feels an immediate rematch is more than warranted, Newell doesn’t see a need for his path back to the title being a long one. In fact, fighting the winner of the recently announced Gathje versus Melvin Guillard matchup makes sense.

“I honestly think I deserve a rematch, but I am not going to be bitter about. If they want those two to fight, I think I should only have to win one more to get back in contention,” Newell said. “There’s plenty of good guys in the division that I haven’t fought yet. I am down to fight whoever they want me to fight, I just want to work my way back into title contention as soon as possible and show everyone what I am really capable of.

“I’m not mad at Justin. I want to fight whoever wins between him and Melvin. I want the belt. The belt is what motivates me. But I would rather have a rematch with Justin, rather than fight Melvin... That’s purely based off the fact that he has beaten me. Isn’t that what everyone wants? To wipe the slate clean? I am more determined than ever.”

It was quite public during the build-up to WSOF 11 that Newell and Gaethje had become friends outside of the cage. This isn’t something that has changed since the tilt, as Newell holds no ill will towards his opponent for the knees.

“Last Saturday wasn’t me. It sucks, but I guess it’s the game. Sometimes you get the call, sometime you don’t. It could have played out either way. I usually watch where I hit. I am not saying Justin’s a dirty fighter or trying to throw his name in the mud or anything like that. I am just saying he got reckless, hit me with illegal blows and it changed the fight,” Newell said. “It went from being someone clearly winning to someone else clearly winning after the knees. I feel like I deserve another chance because the first one wasn’t fair.”

http://www.sherdog.com

Terence Crawford retained the WBO lightweight title he won off Ricky Burns in March thanks to a thrilling ninth-round stoppage of Yuriorkis Gamboa in his home town of Omaha, Nebraska.

Crawford stepped into the ring in his own backyard for the first time a s a professional in the first world title fight to be held in the city in 42 years, and he did not disappoint his raucous following.

Cuban Gamboa, a 2004 Olympic champion, came into the fight unbeaten in 23 bouts and made a confident start with his quick hand speed taking him into a big lead when arguably winning all of the first four rounds.

But Crawford responded in style and floored Gamboa four times on the way to victory, the first coming in the fifth round which helped turn the fight in the American’s favour.

Gamboa was down again in the eight after being backed into a corner, but he continued and in desperation he rocked Crawford in the ninth with a heavy right hand.

26-year-old Crawford hit back though in a thrilling round and put Gamboa down twice more – the second of the round and fourth of the fight enough for referee Genaro Rodriguez to stop the fight.

Wrong choice

I told Gamboa he picked the wrong fighter and the wrong city and I was right, Crawford said. I never felt any danger in the fight.

I was warming up, getting used to his style the first couple of rounds, just wanted to test him out, see where he was and adjust.

He caught me with a good shot. I got careless. I commend him. He caught me with a good shot I wasn't ready for, and I felt I came back strong.”

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum plans to bring Crawford back to his home town of Omaha, and is eyeing a step up in weight for Crawford and a possible fight with superstar Manny Pacquiao.

We'll be back in Omaha with him before the end of the year, Arum said. When you get a guy like Crawford, who is a great technical fighter but who also can slug, you have something special.

Down the road - and it's very possible - that a year from now we put him in with Pacquiao. That would be a huge fight and a great fight. If you really think you have a great fighter with superstar qualities you move him that way, you don't protect him.”

www1.skysports.com

One of my favorite things to do in life is say I’m gonna do something and then go out and do it. There’s no better feeling for me than doing that. It’s a beautiful thing. - Conor McGregor

Just two fights into his UFC career, and Conor McGregor is an old pro at this whole media thing. How good is he? He can do an interview in the midst of warming up for a training session that will hone his skills for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night main event against Diego Brandao in Dublin, Ireland.

But if he’s doing two things at once, will we still get some good material for the story?

“Always,” said McGregor. “Wait until July 19th and you’ll see good material, material that hasn’t been seen before.”

It’s pretty obvious that “The Notorious” McGregor is feeling the pressure before headlining in the O2 Arena this weekend, and yes, you can note the sarcasm in that statement.

“It’s just another day for me,” said the 26-year-old Irishman. “I’ve been the star since Day One. It’s just another day in the life of a king, and it feels normal. Everything is the same. In my head it was always like this, no different. And I’m going to perform like that as well. People think there’s pressure; I don’t feel pressure, I never did. I’ve been in a UFC main event every fight of my career.”

The crazy thing about all this is that McGregor believes every word of it. Ask those around him and they’ll say the same thing. From the first time he strapped on the gloves, he’s known that this was his destiny. To fight in the UFC, to headline at home, to eventually win a world title and become a crossover superstar, it’s all been part of the plan. That’s confidence on top of confidence, but even the man of a thousand answers can’t pinpoint how it became that way for him.

“I don’t know where it comes from, I just feel it,” he said. “I feel like I always did, even fighting in the small shows. My very first fight, I was the first guy on the card, 50 people in the place, and to me that was the UFC main event. I wore a robe out, had a hood up, and that was a world title, a packed arena. Who can tell me otherwise? If that’s the way I feel, and that’s what I see, then that’s the way it is. No one can say any different.”

Yet while the fans eat up every word and the rest of the featherweight division seethes at his trash talk, some also resenting the attention he’s received heading into his third Octagon bout, he has delivered on the boasts he’s been put in position to back up thus far. He knocked out Marcus Brimage in 67 seconds in his UFC debut in April of 2013, he beat a tough foe in Hawaii’s Max Holloway last August, and after returning from nearly a year off due to knee surgery, he sold out the O2 in Dublin in minutes.

“One of my favorite things to do in life is say I’m gonna do something and then go out and do it,” he said. “There’s no better feeling for me than doing that. It’s a beautiful thing.”

It is, and when you mix his talent with his charisma and knack for self-promotion, his star potential is limitless. But he has to win his fights, and Brazil’s Brandao, a late replacement for the injured Cole Miller, is a dangerous foe, at least to the outside world. To McGregor, he’s just another victim.

“Diego is one of the most feared guys in the division,” McGregor begins, verbally jabbing before whipping in the hook. “He’s a bad, bad man until the door shuts, until it’s time to fight. Then he crumbles, then he’s like a little boy in there. He’s a tough guy outside, but when it’s time to fight he doesn’t show up. So July 19, we’ll see.”

At this point, the amount of fans who want to see McGregor lose is probably neck and neck with those who want to see him win, and the same goes for his peers at 145 pounds. They would love to see the Dubliner get his comeuppance, but if he keeps winning and they get a crack at him, the match isn’t a fight anymore, but an event. None of this is news to McGregor, and even though he’s set his sights on practically everyone in the division, despite their greater standing or experience, he knows when it comes to the bottom line, he’s the A side.

“In my eyes, I’m speaking the truth on these guys,” he said. “I was never impressed with any of them before and I’m not impressed with any of them now. I just happened to infiltrate the division, and everyone’s tuning in to see what I’m going to do July 19. Cole pulled out, but did anyone even bat an eyelid? And Diego’s brought in and no one batted an eyelid. No one actually cares who’s in front of me; no one cares who the opponent is. It’s me they’re coming to see, it’s me people are cheering for July 19, and that’s on both sides of the border – your side and my side.”

And from his point of view, this is just the beginning.

www.ufc.com

The King of the Cage 135-pound Amateur Title was supposed to be on the line this Saturday night, April 19th, in Las Cruces as part of a solid “Throwdown” fight card. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Champion Robert Herrera was forced out of his highly anticipated re-match with the opponent who handed him his lone career defeat and in the place of a title fight, a number one contender bout was inserted to be the co-headlining feature bout of the evening.

When El Paso’s Cristobal Chavez Davila (4-0) took the walk down to the cage over a year ago in March of 2013, few could have guessed as to where the two combatants would be today. Chavez-Davila and current KOTC Champion Robert Herrera met inside the cage in a bout that would mark both fighter’s second MMA bout. Herrera, who we all know today to be a human-highlight reel in his recent outings succumbed to his lone career defeat to Chavez-Davila on this particular night. While Herrera would go on to capture the promotion’s title and rattle off five consecutive victories, the victory by Chavez-Davila really put him on the regional map. Following up with two more victories, the undefeated fighter out of El Paso is poised to make his own mark within the King of the Cage circuit.

Chavez-Davila operates the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu gym in El Paso, Texas and is currently a Purple Belt under Master Victor Davila and the famed Eddie Bravo. With four years of experience in Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, Chavez-Davila already possesses a healthy dosage of martial arts experience at 24-years old. In four career outings, Chavez-Davila has defeated four New Mexican opponents; aside from Farmington’s Herrera, he holds wins over Thomas Mills of the Perez Fighting Systems, Brent James, then of the J5′s MMA gym, and Josh Rodriguez in his MMA debut.

The talented fighter from El Paso will find himself in a number one contender fight on Saturday night against Kevin Wirth, his first non-New Mexican opponent. Training out of Durango, Colorado and the Durango Martial Arts gym, Wirth has also met up with the Champion Herrera inside the cage losing a judge’s decision this past December in what was one of the best amateur fights arguably ever to happen in this region.

Prior to the bout this weekend, Chavez-Davila shared some time with SWFight and offered his thoughts on several topics.

On his involvement with the 10th Planet system of Jiu Jitsu and how the Eddie Bravo created system is effective

10th Planet Jiu Jitsu is the only system I have been a part of. I started from zero with Master Victor Davila. Therefore, I think I am a good example of a pure 10th Planet grappler. I think it is very effective in the sense that it is always evolving and growing. We have an open mind to whatever works in MMA, if it works.. we add it. Our system specializes in our back game and a clinching style. In my opinion all MMA fighters need to have a good back game because eventually you will end up on your back and if you do not know how to defend or get out you can get hurt or finished easy.

On why he chose to pursue MMA and combat sports as a career field

It’s the ultimate challenge between two people. Physical strength, mental strength, spiritual strength, strategy, guts, luck, everything. Fighting changed my life, it makes you stronger in day-to-day activities and you stress less about everything.

The most important aspect of it all is mental. Your mind controls everything

On the feeling of owning the lone career defeat on the heavily hyped King of the Cage Champion Robert Herrera and thoughts on that fight from 13-months ago

Well, of course it feels good. I am happy that after that fight he has gone on a winning streak. Unfortunately, I have not been able to fight as much as him because I do more grappling tournaments. So hopefully if I win this fight I will get to prove again to everyone I’m a better and smarter fighter.

To what I remember, I came out with strikes and he clinched, I took him down and he reversed it. It was basically more wrestling to try to get the top position the whole round. It was pretty even but I would give him that round. Second round, same thing, I came out with strikes he took me down I closed a triangle, he tried slamming me and just got deeper in the triangle. He is a strong dude that throws people around, powers through people on the ground, he has a good base.

I’m way more prepared for our next fight. I know I can finish him again

On the benefits of fighting so close to home

It’s huge! I have never fought here and a lot of people haven’t been able to see me fight. I will fight my heart out to not disappoint. I have a lot of support and I can feel their energy. I feed off of the energy when i am in the cage.  I will be 7 feet tall and 300 pounds in there.

All other times I have fought, it has been in way higher altitude so I had to go days before to try and get accustomed, this time I won’t need to do that.

On switching opponents and going from a 5-round fight to a 3-round fight

I was preparing for a 5 round battle and now its 3 rounds. So all that energy I had for 5 rounds will all be compacted into 3 rounds. I was pretty upset I wasn’t going to fight for the belt but it just made me hungrier for it. I know for a fact this guy does not want it as much as I do.

On the feeling of stepping into the cage

I feel like a lion when they would open the gate at the coliseum.  Coincidently I always go in first so that’s what i feel, I’m just waiting for them to let my guy in. It’s a pretty indescribable feeling for me, I feel invincible and all eyes are on me. Like I said before I feed off all that energy.

That is a wrap fight fans! Make arrangements to be in the building Saturday night, inside the Las Cruces Convention Center for King of the Cage “Throwdown”. Chavez-Davila and many others will be in action, showcasing their hard-work and martial arts talent for the enjoyment of the fight fans. Stay locked into SWFight for more King of the Cage coverage, bout breakdowns and analysis as we are only three days from MMA action in Las Cruces!

http://swfight.com

A press conference to announce the first Legacy Fighting Championship mixed martial arts card to take place in New Mexico was held today inside the Route 66 Casino. We already knew in advance that the featured name scheduled for the  Legacy Fighting Championship 30 (LC 30) event would be undefeated WMMA standout Holly Holm (6-0). The April 4th event is billed as a co-promotion venture between Legacy FC and Fresquez Productions which has been home to most of the professional bouts for Holm’s MMA and Boxing career.

While it had been announced in December after Holm’s decision victory on the Fresquez Promotion’s “Havoc” event by Southwest Fight News and other media sources, it was confirmed today that Holm would pair with Juliana Werner (7-3) of Rio Negrinho, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Often a Flyweight, Werner will step up to the plate to take on her toughest challenge to date when she faces the striking phenomenon and hometown fighter Holly Holm. Wenrer has an interesting resume; she has won five in a row and all of her three career losses have come to the same opponent (Vanessa Porto).

Holm and Werner are going to fight for the vacant Women’s 135-pound Legacy FC Title which means the bout will be scheduled for five (5) rounds. This will be the first time Holm will fight for a regional title and also the first time she will have the opportunity to fight for 25-minutes. Should Holm continue down her UFC-bound career path, this type of 25-minute fight may be in her future.

Also announced for the event is the highly anticipated match-up between FIT NHB’s top prospect  Ray Borg (5-0) and Jackson-Winkeljohn top prospect Nick Urso (7-1). Southwest Fight News broke the reported match-up a couple of weeks ago and the pairing was atop the fights” we wanted to see in 2014. This fight is a big deal fight fans, arguably one of the best match-ups in New Mexico MMA history.

Judgement MMA’s Adrian Cruz (5-1) was part of the announcement process as well; looking to bounce back from his first professional loss he will take on a very tough opponent in Enrique “Henry” Briones (13-4) who will come into the bout representing the Jackson-Winkeljohn gym. Another quality match-up, Mikey “The Burque Bulldog” Lovato (10-3) will end a lengthy hiatus to take on the very tough Gene Perez (3-6).

Donald Sanchez (29-13) will also end his own hiatus and will make his debut as a fighter representing the Jackson-Winkeljohn gym and he will be taking on a very tough Brazilian fighter Flavio Alvarado (45-10). Both fighters are extremely experienced and have about 100-professional bouts between them.

Legacy FC 30 Fight Card: (Subject to change, bout order and line-up)

Main Event:

Legacy FC Bantamweight WMMA Title Fight – Holly Holm (6-0) vs. Juliana Werner (7-3)

Professional Undercard:

145 Pounds: Donald Sanchez – Albuquerque, NM (29-13) vs. Flavio Alvaro – Sao Paulo, Brazil (45-10)

125 Pounds: Nick Urso – Albuquerque, NM (7-1) vs. Ray Borg – Albuquerque, NM (5-0)

135 Pounds: Adrian Cruz – Albuquerque, NM (5-1) vs. Henry Briones – Tijuana, Mexico (13-4)

170 Pounds: Clint Roberts – Albuquerque, NM (4-1) vs. Martin Sano – El Paso, Tx (3-0)

125 Pounds: Mikey Lovato – Albuquerque, NM (10-3) vs. Gene Perez - Belen, NM (3-6)

170 Pounds: Lenny Lovato - Albuquerque, NM (8-2) vs. Kamaru Usman - Del Ray Beach, Fl (3-1)

170 Pounds: Stacy Cly - Gallup, NM (pro debut) vs. Eric Saavedra (3-5) Albuquerque, NM

Amateur Bouts:

170 Pounds: Hunter Tower (debut) vs. Leonardo Pena (debut)

135 Pounds: Jesse Sandoval (1-3) vs. Terrance Shields (debut)

170 Pounds: Mike Benafiel (debut) vs. Jose Cueto (3-0)

145 Pounds: Nate Armstrong (1-0) vs. TBA

125 Pounds: Jesse Tafoya (debut) vs. TBA

125 Pounds: Ricky Esquibel (3-1) vs. TBA

http://swfight.com

World middleweight champion Savannah Marshall is hoping for redemption in this month’s Commonwealth Games.

The Sky Scholar is targeting a gold medal in Glasgow following her shock defeat at the London 2012 Olympics.

Marshall headed to the capital as one of the strongest British favourites for gold after claiming the world title just three months prior to the Olympics.

However, the Hartlepool fighter suffered a shock first round defeat to Kazakhstan's Marina Volnova.

Marshall underwent shoulder surgery in the winter and is now aiming to make amends for disappointment in London by becoming one of the first women to win a gold medal in Glasgow.

“I’m really looking forward to it, I haven’t boxed for about six months because of my injury so I’m just really looking forward to getting back in the ring, Marshall told Sky Spors News.

I’m back to 100 per cent, I’m injury free and glad to say that I’m over it the shoulder injury now.

“I’m just looking forward to getting back in to the ring really. It would have been ideal to have boxed before the Commonwealths but obviously things didn’t work out that way so I’m just looking to see where I’m at competition-wise after such a long lay-off. I’m hoping I’m not too far from my best.”

www1.skysports.com

Stefan Struve released the following statement regarding his UFC 175 bout with Matt Mitrione...

Tonight, during my warm up prior to my scheduled fight with Matt Mitrione at UFC 175, I began experiencing discomfort and anxiety. However, given my extended layoff as a result of my recent medical issues and the passing of my father, I dismissed my physical and emotional feelings as nothing more than nervousness. Unfortunately, as my warm up progressed, I collapsed in the locker room. After consulting the UFC and the doctors, the determination was made that in an abundance of caution I should not be allowed to compete.

While, I am deeply disappointed that I was not able to perform for myself and the fans, I respect the decision and know that my health is the most important issue. I want to thank the UFC, Dana White, Lorenzo Fertita, Burt Watson, the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Dr. Jeff Davidson for putting my safety first and showing tremendous compassion and empathy in a difficult situation. I also want to apologize to Matt Mitrione, he spent long months preparing to compete and was not able to do so. I want to thank my team, coaches, management and family for their unwavering support. Finally, I want to thank the fans for being by my side and supporting me throughout my career. I will take some time to myself to evaluate my health and career. Thank you for your support and understanding.

www.ufc.com

If BJ Penn is not one of your all-time favorite fighters then you’re doing it wrong.

At UFC 31, a 22-year-old BJJ black belt from Hawaii entered the Octagon for the first time to deliver a star-in-the-making performance. Of course, Penn displayed excellent grappling skills, but, more so, Penn showed unique flexibility and devastating punching power as well. Within the year, “The Prodigy” would become a huge fan favorite with his willingness to scrap wherever the fight went and his ability to finish once there.

What UFC fans grew to understand was that with Penn in the cage, everything was possible.

Knockouts and submissions were both on the table. Takedown defense became an art form. Weight classes became pedestrian as Penn went on to win UFC titles as a welterweight and lightweight. The Hawaiian was creating a legacy from Day One and everyone was in on that exciting ride for 13 years.

Here are the 10 most memorable UFC performances from “The Prodigy”.

10. BJ Penn vs. Caol Uno - UFC 34

Following back-to-back first round KO/TKO finishes inside the Octagon in New Jersey, “The Prodigy” had lived up to his moniker and then some by showing heavyweight knockout power in a spry lightweight’s body. Penn’s third trip into the cage had title implications as he was set to scrap with Japanese MMA star Caol Uno, who had already gone the distance in his failed title bid with then champ Jens Pulver. The stage was set for a classic confrontation between the two skilled fighters, but instead it took longer for the introductions than the fight. As the bout started, Uno screamed across the cage to throw a flying knee/sidekick, which Penn swiftly avoided then returned fire with a combination of punches that left Uno out on his back against the cage. “The Prodigy” celebrated his 11-second win by exiting the cage and running back up the entrance ramp.

9. BJ Penn vs. Matt Hughes - UFC 123

It only took 21 seconds for “The Prodigy” to cap off one of the greatest trilogies the Octagon has ever known. In “BJ Penn: A Fighter Retires,” Thomas Gerbasi paints the picture of the former two-time UFC champion sharing an honest and calm moment with his older brother JD prior to highly-anticipated third clash with UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes. After the back-and-forth, Penn calls to UFC site coordinator Burt Watson to yell his name and lead him out to the Octagon like “The Godfather of Soul” James Brown being brought to the stage for one final performance. Once inside the cage, “The Prodigy” stamped out his final UFC win with a counter right, which dropped Hughes and led to Penn following up with some shots on the ground. Nine-plus years in the UFC, “The Prodigy” still packed that one-punch power.

8. BJ Penn vs. Georges St-Pierre - UFC 58

It was the first time fight fans really saw the eventual longtime UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre hurt inside the Octagon. Marking his return to the UFC cage for the first time in over two years, “The Prodigy” collided in a title eliminator with St-Pierre, who was on a three-fight win streak in the organization. The opening round went from bad to worse for St-Pierre, who was clearly outmatched by Penn’s knuckled attack, which tore up St-Pierre’s face as well as his body. Sporting a crimson mask for the first time inside the Octagon, St-Pierre would use his superior gas tank to push the pace and outlast Penn in the next two rounds en route to a split decision victory. While not a win, seeing the damage Penn could do to an uber-athletic specimen like St-Pierre in such a short time span on the feet with his fists was possibly more impressive than the final outcome.

7. BJ Penn vs. Matt Hughes - UFC 63

Part II of the Hughes/Penn trilogy featured the quintessential entrance of “The Prodigy,” with Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Hawai’i ‘78” setting an emotional tone for the Hilo warrior. With tears in Penn’s unflinching stare, the music switched to Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” and, for some unknown reason, fight fans now knew they were about to witness a special scrap. Round one, Penn’s takedown defense was can’t miss as he stuffed all of the then-UFC welterweight champion Hughes’ 7 takedown attempts. In the second stanza, the title fight went to the floor and it was shades of their first encounter as Penn, with less than two minutes in the round, exploded from bottom and took Hughes’ back. From there, “The Prodigy” worked his legs up and squeezed a reverse triangle attempt as well as cranked on an armbar with victory seemingly in his grasp. Hughes gutted out the final seconds and made it to round three, where Penn looked listless from either gassing out or some believe a rib injury. With Hughes on a five-fight unbeaten streak since his first meeting with “The Prodigy,” those first two rounds made it clear again that it was the undersized Penn who still had the tools to beat the eventual UFC Hall of Famer Hughes.

6. BJ Penn vs. Jens Pulver - The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale

If one needed to see what waiting for five and a half years of revenge looked like, one would only need to see the coaches’ clash from The Ultimate Fighter 5. Back in early 2002, it appeared to be a foregone conclusion that “The Prodigy” would march into the Octagon and, simply, take the title from then UFC lightweight champ Jens Pulver. Instead, Pulver met Penn head-on and the two battled for 25 minutes to the majority decision in favor of “Lil’ Evil.” Half a decade later, the pair of top 155ers had traveled the globe and found themselves set for another scrap inside the Octagon following a season of being rival coaches on TUF. As the rematch was finally underway, “The Prodigy” was clearly on a mission to right this wrong as quickly as possible. Penn shot for takedowns, passed Pulver’s guard, and threatened submissions from the onset. Penn didn’t just want the win; he wanted to make a statement. In the second round, “The Prodigy” did just that by taking Pulver’s back and trapping his left arm in the process, which gave Penn the express lane toward his rear naked choke victory.

5. BJ Penn vs. Kenny Florian - UFC 101

Takedown defense! Over the course of Penn’s incredible career, fans got to see what a versatile fighter “The Prodigy” was both offensively as well as defensively. Was Penn a BJJ wunderkind? Yep. Did Penn have knockout power in both hands? Affirmative. On top of that, “The Prodigy” was known for his baffling balance, which was the tentpole for his heralded takedown defense that Octagon regulars can remember UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture lauding. In Philadelphia, Penn shook off all 15 of Kenny Florian’s takedown attempts over the course of four rounds. 15?! After successfully defending five in that fourth stanza, “The Prodigy” shot for a takedown of his own, which took Florian off his feet and put his back on the mat. From there, Penn masterfully passed through Florian’s vaunted guard while blasting away with some ground and pound. Finally, “The Prodigy” took Florian’s back and sunk in a rear naked choke for Penn’s second UFC lightweight title defense.

4. BJ Penn vs. Joe Stevenson - UFC 80

Like the rematch with Pulver, it was crystal clear that “The Prodigy” was not letting this opportunity slip through his fingers. In his third bid for the UFC lightweight title, Penn met The Ultimate Fighter 2 winner Joe “Daddy” Stevenson, who was on a four-fight win streak inside the Octagon since his return to the 155-pound division. Maybe Penn hits that hard or it was a sheer intimidation factor, but, two seconds into the bout and one uppercut later, Stevenson was on the ground with “The Prodigy” manhandling him. Penn kept Stevenson on his back with constant top pressure and some fierce ground and pound, with one elbow in particular near the end of the first giving “Daddy” a red mask to wear. The second round featured Penn as a matador and Stevenson as a bull, literally, seeing red (from the blood trickling down his face). “The Prodigy” picked Stevenson apart on the feet with counter rights and lefts until Stevenson crumpled from the punching pressure and succumbed to ground and pound.

3. BJ Penn vs. Sean Sherk - UFC 84

Its frenetic final moments have been rightfully immortalized in the UFC’s “Evolution” intro. Although he won the UFC lightweight title earlier in the year, in the eyes of many critics, Penn’s title as “undisputed” champ would only be secured if he bested the belt’s previous owner: Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk. With an unbelievable 34-2-1 pro record at the time, Sherk was undefeated at 155 pounds and was on a three-fight win streak prior to his failed post-fight drug test at UFC 73. When the two top 155-pounders collided in May 2008, Penn put on a technical striking showcase, scoring on 69% of his significant strikes. With only seconds remaining in the third round, Penn pushed Sherk toward the cage with punches while “The Muscle Shark” lazily bounced off the cage toward “The Prodigy,” who exploded with a flying knee to Sherk’s defenseless face. Penn cleaned up the fallen Sherk with punches for a TKO as the round came to a close.

2. BJ Penn vs. Diego Sanchez - UFC 107

Immaculate. Literally, from start to finish, Penn dominated The Ultimate Fighter 1 winner in every capacity on the feet toward Penn’s third UFC lightweight title defense. Offensively, “The Prodigy” landed his heavy hands from the opening moments to the fifth round doctor’s stoppage following Penn’s head kick, which split Sanchez’s forehead in two. Defensively, it was like “The Prodigy” was playing with cheat codes by avoiding 93% of Sanchez’s significant strike attempts and, of course, Penn’s master class takedown defense was in full display by stuffing all 27 of Sanchez’s attempts. Yes, 27. In essence, it’s a 23-minute long 10-8 round, which shows off Penn’s striking brilliance and Sanchez’s granite chin eating it. Punches, kicks, knees, stuffing takedowns, head movement, a full gas tank? “The Prodigy” showed it all.

1. BJ Penn vs. Matt Hughes - UFC 46

With good reason, no win in BJ Penn’s career will eclipse this first round rear naked choke win over Matt Hughes at UFC 46. At the time, “The Prodigy” was easily one of the top lightweights in the world following a one-sided beating of Takanori Gomi outside of the UFC, but this fight was at 170 pounds. The UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes was a wrecking crew, having won 13 straight fights, including five successful defenses of the UFC title. Needless to say, Penn was the underdog prior to the bell, but moments into the bout it was Hughes who appeared in danger early and often. “The Prodigy” quickly stung Hughes with punches, including one that led the then-champ to the floor less than a minute into the bout. With Hughes on the defensive on the ground, Penn almost immediately took Hughes’ back in a scramble, which was foreshadowing what would transpire minutes later. With 30 seconds left, Penn scored a solid punch, jumped into mount, Hughes instinctively spun ,giving up his back, and “The Prodigy” gladly sunk in his hooks. Penn worked over the champ with elbows and punches until Hughes gave an opening for “The Prodigy” to slide in a tap-inducing rear naked choke. It was quick, it was clean, and, once it was over, Penn sealed the win with a kiss on Hughes’ cheek. Without a doubt, there will never be another like “The Prodigy”.

www.ufc.com

As he took home the ESPY for 2014's Best Fighter, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was finally introduced to a nemesis he didn't even realize he had. Mayweather was quoted earlier this week saying he didn't even know who UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey was, but that changed Wednesday night as MMA's queen scored her own ESPY for the year's Best Female Athlete.

I wish her congratulations because I didn't know who she was the other day, Mayweather told Fighthub. I apologize because I didn't know. I'm used to watching football and basketball. I'm not really into boxing like that. When they tell me, 'Floyd, you need to check out a fighter, you need to scout a fighter' I'll say, 'Well, let me see him. We need to sign him.'

Worry not. Mayweather added he and his promotion company are still interested in branching out into representing MMA fighters.

Of course, said Mayweather. Mayweather Promotions, we are the past, present and future of sports entertainment. And yes, we will get involved with other contact sports in the future.

Mayweather and Rousey have shared headlines ever since the latter was asked in a radio interview how she would approach a hypothetical fight with Mayweather. Conceding the boxing edge, Rousey was adamant she'd carry the day if the scrap ever happened on the street. UFC president Dana White has taken every opportunity to carry water for the narrative, adamantly professing Rousey wouldn't just beat Mayweather in a fight, 'she'd hurt him bad.'

http://www.mmafighting.com

Ricky Burns returns to the ring against Dejan Zlaticanin on Friday night for the first time since losing his WBO world lightweight title in March

The 31-year-old lost his belt to Terence Crawford earlier this year after nine successful world title bouts but he goes into a WBC eliminator against unbeaten Montenegrin Dejan Zlaticanin in Glasgow with champion Omar Figueroa firmly in his sights.

However, Burns insisted he would not underestimate dangerous opponent Zlaticanin ahead of the big fight.

The Coatbridge boxer told Sky Sports News: Hopefully after this fight, if all goes well and I get the win, we're going down the WBC route. There are still some big fights out there at lightweight but I never, ever look beyond an opponent.

I've got to give this guy the respect he deserves, coming over here undefeated, a great knockout record so. We're expecting a tough fight but a fight I'm more than confident of winning.

Burns claimed he had enjoyed his 10-week training camp in Essex with new trainer Tony Sims following his split from Billy Nelson but admitted he had missed his family.

He said: I feel as if I've just fitted right in down there now. Obviously it's hard being away from your family but I got home every second or third weekend, getting home where I could, so it really wasn't all that bad.

Hopefully come fight night it's going to pay off and be worth it. Like I said training's gone really well, I'm just looking forward to Friday night now and putting on a good performance.

Burns also concurred with critics' opinions that he had to show big improvement after defeat to Crawford followed a below-par display against Raymundo Beltran, during which the Scot suffered a broken jaw.

That bout followed an unconvincing win over Jose Gonzalez, who was forced to retire with a wrist injury, and when asked if he had a point to prove, Burns added: I do with myself but I don't really want to be putting any more pressure on myself.

The way I'm seeing it is I just need to go out there and do what I've been doing in the gym. I'm confident of going into my next fight and producing the goods.

www1.skysports.com

Carl Frampton has warned Kiko Martinez there will be 16,000 fans 'baying for his blood' when the duo slug it out for the IBF super-bantamweight title in Belfast on 6 September.

Frampton stopped the Spaniard in the ninth round in February 2013 but Martinez has since won four fights including a portion of the world title with an impressive victory over Jhonatan Romero.

The rematch is expected to sell out and Frampton believes his vociferous home support will hand him a pivotal advantage.

He said: I'm a live fighter, I'm hungry, I'm fighting in my own back yard in front of 16,000 people who are going to be baying for his blood and he's not going to be ready for that.

If you look at Kiko's last performances since losing to me he's won a world title against a weak champion, he's boxed two over-the-hill guys - and looked good against them - but this is a different story.

I know I'm ready. I know from what I've been doing in sparring and to my opponents - I'm sparring light welterweight guys in the gym and throwing them around.

Prime

I just feel everything has fallen into place. I'm 27 now, I'm in the prime of my life and the next few years are going to be the best you're going to see from me.

Frampton, who has won all of his 18 fights since turning professional in 2009, knocked out Hugo Fidel Cazares in the second round in April and stopped Jeremy Pardoi in the sixth round last October.

His bout with Martinez at the Odyssey Arena last year, which drew 9,000 spectators, was, however, a tight contest until Frampton unleashed his decisive blow.

People say it was close - I don't think it was close - you'd be generous to give him two rounds, Frampton said.

We're both aggressive fighters, we're both compact and like to come forward but Kiko can only come forward.

He's had more than 30 fights in his career and in every single one he's always on the front foot whereas I can go backwards, forwards, wherever, so that can make the difference.

Both of us have exciting styles - the first fight was a great fight until the knock-out and I think it'll be more of the same this time round.

www1.skysports.com

Derry Mathews has tipped Luke Campbell to become a future world champion ahead of his return to the ring.

The 26-year-old Olympic gold medallist took a break from the sport after his father’s cancer diagnosis, but is back in action on Saturday’s bumper Liverpool bill, live on Sky Sports.

Lightweight rival Mathews has watched Campbell’s progress with interest and expects him to succeed at world level.

“He’s the cream of the crop. I just think Luke is going to be one of the best fighters in the world,” Mathews told Sky Sports.

“I’ve been very impressed with him. He’s big for the weight, seems to be a puncher now. Maybe not in the amateurs he wasn’t a puncher, but all of a sudden he’s knocking people out.

“I think he can go right to the very top.”

Welshman Craig Woodruff is expected to be in the opposite corner as Campbell targets his sixth straight win since joining the professional ranks.

Mathews, a two-time British champion, believes Campbell is just two fights away from challenging for a first title.

“With the experience he has got from the amateurs, I think he is ready in two more fights,” said the Liverpudlian.

“I would do a six and an eight or two eight-rounders and then maybe an English title. If I was him, I’d go English title, British title, Commonwealth, European then fight for a world title.

“He’s an Olympic gold medallist, he’s the world’s best and I just think he’s very, very good and it’s just about getting the rounds in the gym and in sparring.”

An exciting domestic division includes the likes of Anthony Crolla and Kevin Mitchell, who are both hoping to land world title fights in the near future.

Manchester’s Crolla is targeting WBA King Richar Abril, while Mitchell has been pursuing IBF champion Miguel Vazquez.

Mathews has twice fought Crolla, halting him in 2012 before a drawn rematch, and doubts whether his old foe can compete with Abril.

“Listen if the fight happens good luck to Anthony but let’s be realistic about this, he can’t beat me,” said the 30-year-old. “He’s not even the best in the North West, that’s what I keep saying and he’s talking about fighting Abril.

“If it does happen, good luck to him let the best man win, but there’s no way he deserves a shot at that let’s be realistic. Kevin Mitchell deserves a shot more than him.”

Reflecting on Mitchell’s possible match-up with Vazquez, Mathews added: “If the fight happens here it will be a great fight and I hope Kevin does it because I like him as a person.

“He’s a massive, massive puncher at the weight and I think he can beat Vazquez.”

www1.skysports.com