Vitor Belfort Out At Cage Rage 15

February 4th, at Cage Rage 15, Vitor Belfort had a chance to get his career back on track if he was able to defeat the dominant dutchman, Melvin Manhoef. Unfortunately, Vitor has pulled out of the event citing, "personal issues." Vitor has long been criticized for giving up in fights (like against Couture & Ortiz) but I have never seen him quit before a fight. Rumors were flying that if Vitor won, he might have a chance to fight Wanderlei Silva. Vitor is one of the few who can say (possibly only) he ran through Silva to an impressive victory. A chance at redemption and return to glory are now put on hold as "The Phenom" almost seems to be breaking down mentally like his fellow Brazilian Pedro Rizzo.

Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos will now step in to face Manhoef.

In other Cage Rage news, Matt Lindland is slated to face Anderson Silva at Cage Rage 16. This is a dream fight for many hardcore MMA fans.

Finally, Tank Abbott will be on hand this weekend at Cage Rage 15. Amokrane Sabat ( a native United Kingdom fighter) has challenged Tank to a fight. This will no doubt set up a fight between the two, possibly at Cage Rage 16.

Roy Jones Jr. Versus Bernard Hopkins 2006

In what was once a super fight, Roy Jones Jr. returns to fight Bernard Hopkins in a rematch of their first battle in 1993. Now Roy is 37, and Bernard is 40. Both men are coming off consecutive losses in the ring. Both men have seen better days and are just looking for one last great win to retire on. If one of these men excels in the fight and wins, he will retire and claim his spot in history. The other will no doubt tarnish his legacy further. If both men have a boring fight, it will not matter who the victor is. Most people are picking Bernard to win as Roy has suffered two devastating KO's and many wonder if he is even fit to be in the boxing ring. I personally think Roy Jones Jr. is the best boxer of my lifetime and hope he comes out the winner. There are many questions leading to this fight, and very few reasons to believe the fight will be epic.

Boxing however, needs big fights now more than ever.

Bernard Hopkins' record is 46-4-1

Roy Jones Jr.'s record is 49-4

Oscar De La Hoya Returns in 2006

We haven't been covering boxing much, because let's face it, boxing is at an extreme low point these days. A new year and 2006 brings new hope.

The "Golden Boy" Oscar De La Hoya is apparently not done yet (though name a "retired" boxer who is). Oscar is reportedly returning to the ring, possibly May 6th against Ricardo Mayorga. This is not official but Oscar is planning to take the Mayorga fight, win, and then fight Felix Trinidad one last time before he really retires. We shall wait and see.

UFC 57 The Rubber Match

If you are not excited about the rubber match between champion Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture, then you are not a MMA fan! At UFC 57 two of the most popular fighters of all time will collide a final match. Randy won the first fight decisively, and Chuck KO'd Randy in the second. Anything is possible for the third fight!

Despite our picture (top), Chuck comes in the champion and full of confidence after soundly defeating a game Jeremy Horn. Randy comes in after an impressive win over Mike Van Arsdale (also fighting on the card). Can Randy dominate and take down Chuck as he did in the first fight? Or will Chuck keep it a stand up war and KO the "Natural." The MMA Mafia believes that this fight will be different that both previous fights. Both fighters are smart and learn from their mistakes. Randy will not try to stand with Chuck, but Chuck will do everything in his power not to go to the ground. We believe Randy (a takedown artist) will find a way to ground the champion. Then, it will be all over. When down, Chuck cannot withstand assaults and his only defense is just to try and stand back up. I see Randy having a tough time taking the "Iceman" down but eventually in later rounds, Chuck will tire and Randy will get the better of him. Do not be surprised to see this fight go into the later rounds. Randy will go slow and stay away from danger. He may also fail many times at the takedown but he will not give it up. Chucks loses either by exhaustion or decision. Randy becomes the champion again!

Frank Mir vs Marcio Cruz: Winner-Frank Mir The young brash former champion returns to the octagon. Everyone is asking, what kind of shape will he be in? Will he be able to return to form? The short answer is, Yes! Frank was in shape around November, but his agent held him back just to make sure. The UFC has also been nice enough to hand him an opponent who has only 1 professional fight to his record. Cruz is a Gracie trained fighter who has Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu, but Mir has had much more experience. Both have submissions but Frank is one of the best in the sport. At lot of the action will be on the ground and may bore fans, but this is just a warm up fight so Frank can fight Arlovski.

Renato "Babalu" Sobral vs Mike Van Arsdale: Winner- Babalu Renato was on a collision course with the light heavyweight championship until Tito Ortiz returned to the UFC. If anyone is counting Sobral has won his last 9 fights! Mike had a good showing against Randy Couture and there is no shame in that loss. However, he has no fought the caliber of fighter Babalu has. Babalu is a monster who should get a title shot if he wins this fight. Hopefully, he will get the winner of the Couture/Liddell fight.

Alessio Sakara vs Elvis Sinosic: Winner-Sakara Sakara's first UFC fight was ruined when he was kicked in the groin and won by DQ. This will be his second coming out party. Sakara is a strong fighter with submission style coming out of Rome (his home). Elvis got this fight because of a good showing against Forrest Griffin and the fact he is loved by almost all in the sport. A good guy with a great attitude, though he doesn't even have a winning record. Elvis is a tough guy, but he will not win this fight.

Brandon "The Truth" Vera vs Justin Eilers: Winner-Vera The Truth has no shortage of confidence. At his last fight he claimed he is ready to take on Chuck Liddell. He is big on personality and talent. He is however, not a true heavyweight. He is fighting there because the competition is much easier than at light heavyweight. Eilers is coming off his title shot loss to Arlovski where he suffered a brutal leg injury. There are questions as to how he will respond to the injury and coming in after two consecutive losses. The natural heavyweight is very strong and does possess one punch KO power. Eilers also has good talent and has fought the likes of Arlovski, Severn, Cabbage, and Mike Kyle. Experience will be on his side. At the end of the day, the cocky, and crafty Vera should find a way this stand up battle.

Paul "Headhunter" Buentello vs Gilbert Aldana: Winner-???? This will be another crowd pleasing stand up war. Both men love to throw hands and do it well. Buentello has 12 (T)KO's and Aldana has KO'd all 5 fighters he has faced. We don't know a whole lot about Aldana except he can throw leather. We are gathering information, so check back soon for the fight pick winner.

Jeff "The Snowman" Monson vs Brandon "The Iron Lion" Hinkle: Winner-Monson Jeff is a member of American Top Team and has won 13, yes 13, fights in a row. Hinkle last beat Sean Cannon which counts for nothing (hardcore MMA fans know why). Hinkle has some good experience over seas, but he is more of a stand up fighter. I'm betting on the submission specialist with the amazing win streak. Heavyweights, The Snowman is going to make a large impression on the division in 2006. You heard it here first!

Nick Diaz vs Joe "Diesel" Riggs: Winner-????? We all know who both of these fighters are. Diaz, no longer a fan favorite after the Sanchez fight, is coming in with a chip on his shoulder. Joe also lost to Matt Hughes in his last fight (no shame there). The problem is he couldn't make weight for the fight (losing the title shot) and was embarrassed as the champ got an easy armbar victory. Both men are looking for a win, and to stay employed with the UFC. Both men are good at stand up and are both well versed in submissions and ground game (though Joe hasn't shown it recently). This is a pick em fight betters should stay away from. Either man could win, but I am pulling for my man Nick Diaz!

Keith "The Dean Of Mean" Jardine vs Mike "Iron" Whitehead: Winner-Jardine Many thought these two would slug it out for the championship of TUF2, but it did not happen. Whitehead has never shown me anything special though he does train with some great fighters. Jardine will have a hard time KOing Whitehead but if he is in good enough shape, he should win a decision easily. However, he cannot be taken down or he will be submitted.

Stay tuned as we update our picks for the fights and add new incoming information.

MMA Mafia:The Family of Mixed Martial Arts

The Ultimate In Fighting blog has gone the way of the dodo. In its place arises the first family of MMA. Our staff and highly edumicated prognosticators will deliver the best news, picks, notes, and rumors on the current MMA scene. We also offer best bets, er picks, for MMA events. For Ultimate Fight Night 1, UFC 54, Bushido 9, UFC 55, Pride 30, UFC 56, and Ultimate Fight Night 3 we have picked 40 correct and only 14 wrong. Bet with us and tell a friend. Perhaps one day, we will ask a favor of you.......

Frank Shamrock Officially Returns!!!

Legendary fighter Frank Shamrock will be returning to MMA action March 10th against Cesar Gracie! These two have been verbally bashing each other for years. Now they will finally settle their fued in the ring.
This is not however, a one shot deal for Frank. He is planning to return to MMA action full time. He plans to sign only 1 fight deals so he can move freely to any organization he wishes.

Also on the card, the nearly unbeatable San Shou champion Cung Le will be making his long awaited MMA debut.

Ultimate Fight Night 3 Results & Notes

Ultimate Fight Night 3 has to be ruled a success. The fights were entertaining and personalities shined in the post interviews. And of course there was the huge announcement! First, to the results and picks.

The main event saw Tim Sylvia vs Ausserio Silva with the winner becoming the #1 contender for Arlovski's heavyweight title. It seemed early that Tim was going to be able to control the fight. He continued to dominate until Ausserio caught him with a looping right hand in the second round. This cut open the former champion though it was not bad enough to end the fight. Tim even seemed a little rocked in this round but recovered and continued to score though Silva never seemed to be very hurt or in trouble. The final round saw the pace slow and the crowd began to boo. Tim came on and won the decision victory to become the #1 contender.

Stephen Bonner faced off against power stiker James Irvin (the sandman). They would not stand long as Bonner took control, and the fight, to the ground. There he sunk in a kimura and wrenched it with all he had. James held on for a while showing true toughness, but finally had to tap for the loss in the first round. After the fight Bonnar made it clear he is ready to step up and fight a "legend" or possibly Griffin again.

Josh Burkman came out faster than Drew Fickett and quickly took him down into a guillotine choke. Drew could not defend and was forced to tap out for a suprisingly quick loss. After the match, Burkman called out Diego Sanchez for a fight.

Bas Rutten's student, Bang Ludwig walked out and in one punch, KO'd Jonathan Goulet. I expected this would be a coming out party for the ultra talented Goulet, but he came into Bang with his hands down and was caught by the world class striker.

Chris Leben suprised some by KOing Jorge Rivera in the first round. It seemed as though Jorge had stunned Leben with a punch when Chris landed on of his own to end the fight. It seemed a little lucky to me but a win is a win.

Josh Neer pulled off an upset in my mind by submitting Melvin Guillard in the final round.

Spencer Fisher defeated Aaron Riley by TKO after Riley sustained an injury.

Jason Von Flue defeated Alex Karalexis by choke in round one.

The biggest news of the night was Matt Hughes will be fighting none other than Royce Gracie in May. Matt's welterweight title will NOT be on the line for this fight. Royce spoke saying that he "was home" in the house that he had built. It should make for a legendary fight. Next up for the UFC will be the PPV rubber match between Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell.
Another hard to pick fight night as the newly formed Mafia went 5 correct and 3 wrong. Not very good for our standards but there were a lot of upsets tonight. Stay tuned for the picks and advice for UFC 57.

Cage Rage 15

The Ultimate in Fighting will now be covering some of the premiere fights and fighters from the Cage Rage promotion. For those new to the organization, Cage Rage is based out of London England and has "shared" contracts with Pride FC and other larger fight companies. Their next show, Cage Rage 15, will be February 4th.

Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort vs Melvin Manhoef: Vitor is well known for his ultra fast stand up skills and KO power. As Vitor tries to get his career back on track (after 3 consecutive losses in UFC & Pride FC) he will be facing an equally powerful and fast KO expert in Holland's own Melvin Manhoef. Both fighters are coming off KO wins in their last respective outings in Cage Rage. This will be a great stand up war!

Travis Lutter vs Jose "Pele" Landi-Jons: Lutter is a member of Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den while Jose "Pele" is a feared veteran fighter who used to terrorize opponents early in his career. Recently, Pele has lost 5 fights in a row before getting 2 wins in Jungle Fight. This is a step up for Lutter against a crafty veteran who knows his Muay Thai and BJJ skills well. Pele is trying for a comeback as Lutter is trying to climb the rankings.

Ikuhisa "The Punk" Minowa vs Dave Legeno: The Punk is a hero in Japan where he has beaten the likes of Kimo, Phil Baroni, Gilbert Yvel, and more in 61 professional fights. Dave has 1 pro fight which he lost at the last Cage Rage event. Minowa was sent to Cage Rage (much like Vitor Belfort) from Pride FC to get his career back on track. I believe he will.

Chris Lytle vs Ross "The Boss" Mason: Chris has been on the verge of breaking into the top 170lb.'s fighters in the business. He suffered a cut loss to Joe Riggs and another loss to Karo Parisyan (of which there is no shame). The Boss is an up and comer who likes to KO men like he did in his last fight at Cage Rage 14. One of these men will get on the radar of good up and coming fighters with a win here.

There are 13 total fights on this card. It is a good promotion that should not be overlooked. Stay here for more info.

Ultimate Fight Night January 16th, 2006

Tim "The Maniac" Sylvia vs Ausserio Silva: Both of these heavyweights have good hands with good power. Silva will be much better on the ground if he can get it there. Tim has great sprawl (thanks to the Miletich camp) and can KO anyone in the game. I've got this weird feeling that Silva is going to pull an upset here and enter the rankings of the heavyweights.
Winner-Tim Sylvia: I love the Brazillian fighters and usually pick them to win. Yet, do not be suprised if Sylvia wins this fight. He is very good (underrated in fact) and is fighting a man who should be fighting at light heavyweight (205lbs.) A dangerous fight betting men should avoid, but look for the Maniac to win by KO.
Stephan "American Psycho" Bonnar vs James "Sandman" Irvin: Another very interesting fight. Bonnar will be much better on the ground against James who is a KO artist. The Sandman always lives up to his name and Bonnar must take him down to win this.
Winner-Stephan Bonnar: Bonnar knows that even with his great chin (see the match against Griffin) his best odds are to take this to the ground like his teacher Cesar Gracie would do. I think he will and win via decision. However, he must keep this on the ground and not try to strike with Irvin. Should be a great fight.Chris Leben vs Jorge "E' Conquistador" Rivera: Rivera has fought much tougher opponents though he lost to them. This is a definate stand up slugfest battle. A dream match for Leben. These guys are just going to swing and swing.
Winner-Chris Leben: Leben has a great chin and that will be the defining factor in this fight between to brawlers.
Spencer Fisher vs Aaron Riley Miletich Camp vs American Top Team. Both of these guys are good on the feet and on the ground. The edge goes to Spencer on the feet and to Riley on the ground. Very equal records with good experience on both sides.
Winner-Spencer Fisher: I like this Miletich kid. He has a lot of heart and is a part of one of the best MMA teams today. He'll find a way to win.
Jonathan Goulet vs Duane "Bang" Ludwig: Goulet has one his last ten fights. Another top prospect coming down from Canada. Goulet also trains with GSP, Loiseau, and Cote. Bang trains with legend Bas Rutten. Bang is more known for his K-1 fights than MMA.
Winner-Jonathan Goulet: Bang is a very tough fighter with good stand up skills. Goulet is part of the Canadian invasion of great fighters. His game is just so smooth that I see him winning with a submission.
Drew "The Master" Fickett vs Josh Burkman: Josh won his last bout against Sam Morgan via an accidental headbutt. He has a only six pro fights with one being a loss to Jeremy Horn (which there is no shame in a loss there). Drew has much more experience with a 26-3 record. Drew's last match against Josh Koscheck had him losing all rounds until a brutal knee was followed up with a rear naked choke. Drew picked up the win in a big way. Josh is the "next big thing" from The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Injury took him out though he was one of the favorites to win the whole show. He is good but Drew has already disposed of one Ultimate Fighter contestant.
Winner: Drew Fickett: I believe the man with much more experience will again find a way to pull out a victory against a tough rising star named Burkman.
Melvin "The Young Assassin" Guillard vs Anthony Torres: Anthony has two career fights total. One of his two victories came from the opposing corner's trainer illegally entering the ring. Melvin is another fighter from TUF who left suprisingly early. Melvin has 26 pro fights and amazing speed. This kid is very strong and very fast. Very fast with loads of talent.
Winner: Melvin Guillard: Melvin should win this pretty easily against a weak opponent.
Jason Von Flue vs Alex Karalexis: Alex has one punch KO power though he is normally a lightweight fighter. Von Flue is a natural 17o pounder who also has great hands and trains with Chuck Liddell! Von Flue should have the reach and ground advantage.
Winner- Jason Von Flue: If Jason doesn't stand too long and takes this fight to the ground I believe my favorite fighter from TUF show will win. My only worry is he has been KO'd twice in his career and Karalexis has heavy hands. Hopefully Von Flue will use his ground game to win with a submission.