Mike Tyson vs Butterbean

Mike Tyson vs Butterbean, why not? With Tyson signing a 10-fight exhibition contract with Japan's Pride FC, there are already overweight, over-hyped fighters calling him out. Butterbean, after a successful loss in his Bushido debut to Minowa, proceeded to announce Tyson has been ducking him for years and he would love to fight Tyson! Who wouldn't want to watch the freak show that is Tyson against the "King Of The 4 Rounders?" They would just slug it out until somebody fell down in a heap of wasted potential.

Still, Pride has yet to announce when, or who Tyson will be fighting. Rumors are circulating that they would love to match Mirko Cro Cop against the former "Baddest Man On The Planet" in a 4 or 5 round boxing exhibition (no MMA rules). However, if the contract situation with Bob "The Beast" Sapp could be sorted out, that is a match that was almost put together years ago (both men met face to face to hype the future bout that would never take place in K-1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3fWeORSvJQ). And how about former K-1 star and stand up slugger Mark Hunt? He would also be a good candidate for Tyson. Here is a big man (by big I mean fat) who loves to trade punches and seemingly cannot be KO'd. Or there is always Giant Silva, 7'2 385lb. target, who the Japanese love to see get pummeled by whomever. Hell, I'd like to see Phil Baroni get his head caved in by the past his prime Tyson.

The list is endless and the options fun (in a car wreck sort of way). I know people are saying what is the point to all this? Simple, Tyson's name puts butts in the seats. Also, when Tyson does get beat by Cro Cop, Fujita, or Aleksander Emelianenko, it only puts Pride's fighters in a more elite status to new MMA fans who don't know any better. Plus Tyson earns some cash so its a win, win for everyone.

Bring on the freak parade and just enjoy it. You never know, Tyson may just top the ear biting effort that gave Mike a special place in our hears forever.-MMA Mafia

Bushido Spoilers

If you don't want to know what happened on the Bushido Welterweight Tournament PPV, don't read anymore!

Kazuo Misaki defeated Dan Henderson by decision. Misaki gets the upset win yet again surprising Dan and eliminating last year's tournament winner. This leaves the series tied at 1 a piece for those counting. However, Misaki continues on in the tournament while the champion Henderson just goes home to think about his loss.

Takanori Gomi got back to his winning ways defeating David Baron by rear naked choke.

Akihiro Gono gets the armbar win over Mousasi to advance in the tournament.

Paulo Filho continues to rough up opponents and gets the win over the very tough Ryo Chonan by armbar submission. Filho's stock continues to rise. Watch out for this fighter!

Denis Kang (MMA Mafia's pick to win the tournament) just flat out dominated Suleov for the win via rear naked choke.

The Punk Minowa defeated Butterbean by armbar if anyone cares?

Mach Sakurai beat Azevedo by TKO. Mach continues his brilliant career. He must get a title shot sometime this year.

Mitsuhiro Ishida (this guy has serious potential and should be watched in the lightweight division) defeated Marcello by decision.

Fan favorite Kawajiri defeated Chris Brennan by TKO. (Kawajiri, Gomi, Sakurai, Ishida, jesus the best lightweights are all in Bushido!)

Gilbert Melendez (yet another promising lightweight and current Strikeforce Lightweight champion) successfully debuted against Obiya with a unanimous decision.

Shinya Aoki upset American Jason Black by triangle choke. Jason's career is going the wrong way fast.

Hioki defeats Curran by decision.

Abe and Matsushita's bout was declared a draw.

Daisuke defeated Ikemoto by armbar.

The Welterweight Final Four are Misaki, Gono, Kang, and Filho. Misaki and Gono are teammates so Kang and Filho will probably fight them next. I see Filho and Kang in the finals and hold to my original pick with Kang winning it all. Check out the free showing of this event Sunday on Fox Sports.-MMA Mafia

Chuck Dominates Babalu Again!!

Chuck Liddell defeats Renato Sobral by TKO (again)! I mean you just got to hand it to Chuck. The guys hands are lethal as Sobral found out yet again. Babalu tried to push Chuck to the fence looking to clinch and secure a takedown. Problem was, Chuck caught him with a brutal right cross that staggered Renato and then followed it with an uppercut/forearm that dropped Sobral. Chuck continued to assault as the ref gave Babalu as much time as he could to try and recover. The blows continued and finally John McCarthy (referee) had to stop the contest. Good stoppage and congratulations to Chuck, the most dominant man currently at 205lbs.

Forrest defeated Bonnar by unanimous decision. The fight wasn't as exciting as the first (as well all knew it wouldn't be) and the crowd even boo'd. The fight was competitive but Stephan just wouldn't engage long enough to win any rounds. Bonnar again seemed unsure (possibly because he lost mentor Carlson Gracie) and just didn't have it. The third round was good but too little too late as Forrest wins the decision again. Both men may have broken hands and we all must wonder why Stephan never went for one takedown.

Nick Diaz submitted Josh Neer, returning to the UFC and displaying yet again, he is one of the most exciting fighters today. This match stole the show with Nick dominating the stand up and landing almost at will. Finally in the last round, Diaz got the takedown and secured a tight kimura for the dominant victory.

Cheick Kongo defeated Wellisch easily with a beautiful set of knees for the KO win. Watch Kongo continue to climb the heavyweight ladder this year.

Hermes Franca had to stage yet another comeback against Jaime Varner in the 3rd round of their bout. Jaime seemed content to run, jab, takedown, and run some more. A patient Franca finally landed some harsh knees in the final round setting up the armbar submission for the win.

Eric Schafer defeated Rob MacDonald by completely choking him out in round one of his debut with the UFC.

Wilson Gouveia defeated Wes Combs by rear naked choke in his second bout in the octagon.

David Heath defeated Corey Walmsley by rear naked choke.

Yushin Okami got the decision against Belcher.

Terrible card but not the worst PPV. Diaz/Neer definitely was the best bout , but you got to hand it to Chuck, seeing how absolutely dominant he has been. I must stop betting against him.
And how about Tito Ortiz whoring in on Chuck's spotlight after the win. Tito managed to leave the lap of professional whore Jenna Jameson, long enough to look like an ass yet again. He went in the ring to tell Chuck he had time to lose his gut before their bout and then ran away. Thankfully, the octagon will prevent Ortiz from running away in the future. -MMA Mafia

BJ Penn vs Matt Hughes 2

Well it is official. Georges St. Pierre is injured and will not compete for the UFC Welterweight championship September 23, in Cali. In his place the UFC has announced former Welterweight champ BJ Penn! Bj never actually lost the Welterweight title. He defeated Matt Hughes and had a contract dispute with Zuffa (UFC). The UFC took the belt from BJ and it went back to Matt. BJ has always claimed he was the real champion and now he can prove it. Now he has only four weeks to get prepared to officially be named champion.

Matt Hughes has not lost since he fought BJ Penn in January of 2004. Before that Hughes had not lost since 2001. Matt will definitely be looking for redemption and BJ has already stated, "I'm just happy I'm going to be the champ again." This could be an epic battle!-MMA Mafia

Pride "Real Deal" in America

October 21st, Pride FC will invade the United States and put on a PPV show in Las Vegas.
Fighters scheduled to appear include Vitor Belfort, Wanderlei Silva, Mirko Cro Cop, Josh Barnett, Nakamura, Phil Baroni, Kazuyuta Fujita, & Pawel Nastula. Also, scheduled fights include....

Fedor Emelianenko vs Mark Coleman (non-title): Fedor is returning to action for the 1st time since 12/31/05! Fedor's hand is fully recovered and he will face Mark Coleman (why?) who just signed a new 3-fight deal with Pride.

Marucio "Shogun" Rua vs Kevin Randleman: Shogun returns since the injury that occurred in the Rua/Coleman fight. The dislocated elbow is healed and ready to go. Randleman has not fought since 10/9/05. Randleman suffered a shoulder injury and then got an infection after the surgery to repair the damage. Randleman has lost 6 of his last 8 and must win to keep at the top of the talent in MMA.

Also for the freak show fan, Iron Mike Tyson will appear for Pride (as he did at he press conference) and fight in a exhibition match (possibly the 1st of 10 signed).

*Note-Wanderlei Silva vs Chuck Liddell is OFF! This came from the mouth of Dana White, President of the UFC. Negotiations immediately stalled, and it looks as though Pride set the whole thing up just to promote their upcoming U.S. show.

MMA News Roundup 8-19-06

HUGE BAD NEWS! George St. Pierre has injured his elbow badly and is most likely out of the upcoming title fight with Matt Hughes! This is terrible as many were looking forward to this being the fight of the year. The fight has been taken off many gambling sites an a cancellation is to be announced soon. Look for BJ Penn to possibly get the title shot instead (as he already beat Matt once for the title).

Ssirum star Lee Tae-Hyun has been signed as a heavyweight with Pride FC. Lee is a rival of K-1 star Hong Man Choi, another former Ssirum fighter. Ssirum is a Korean fighting style similar to Sumo and Judo wrestling. Lee is a widely respected fighter who held all the top titles in Ssirum combat.

Brock Lesnar has now teamed up with legend Royce Gracie to learn ju-jitsu. K-1 reportedly put them together and we shall see if this is window dressing or real training.

Shonie Carter defeated Rich Clementi by decision on the 1st episode of the Ultimate Fighter 4. Thank god considering how hilarious, entertaining, and important, Shonie is to the show.

September 2nd, Robbie Lawler will put his Icon Sport Title on the line against Mayhem Miller. This bout was supposed to happen last year, but Mayhem was arrested and suspended causing the fight to be cancelled. This should be a real entertaining battle in Hawaii.

Evander "Holy Shit Is He Fighting Again" Holyfield successfully returned to boxing after almost two years, with a KO win over journeyman Jeremy Bates. We can all look forward to Evander getting back in the ultra-lame heavyweight title hunt and then dying in the ring.

And finally, congratulations to new dad Caol Uno who just welcomed his two twin boys to the world.

UFC Fight Night 6 Results

Diego Sanchez defeats Karo Paryisian by unanimous decision. It was a really close, grueling match. In the end, Karo just ran out of gas while Diego kept attacking. Some saw the decision going the other way, and Diego gets another controversial decision win.

Chris Leben defeats Santiago via KO.

Josh Koscheck defeats Jon "Glass Jaw" Goulet by strikes! Koscheck continues to silence critics.

Dean Lister eeked out a decision win over a very game Sasaki.

Kampmann beats Wallace by rear naked choke.

Joe Riggs easily beat Von Flue by triangle and called out Drew Fickett to fight him.

Jake O'Brien defeats Midoux by TKO and Midoux should be out of the UFC.

Forrest Petz sends Sammy Morgan away from the UFC by lopsided decision.

Torres defeats Healy by rear naked choke.

Actually a decent TV showing for the UFC. The main event was brutal and very entertaining. Koscheck and Diego continue to distance themselves from the TUF alumni. Jonathan Goulet must get a chin/check as he continues to be dropped and dominated by one punch shots. He probably won't be back in the UFC along with Sam Morgan, Midoux, and possibly Von Flue (who had a bad showing against Riggs). Dean Lister must develop some sort of stand up as Sasaki really stifled his ground attack forcing Dean to barely win by decision. Leben looked alright and Diego/Karo was a real, good, war!-MMA Mafia

Ultimate Fight Night 8/17/06

Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez (16-0) vs Karo "The Heat" Parisyan (15-3) WINNER-Parisyan This is actually a good competitive main event. Both of these men are explosive fighters with great ground games. Diego is wrestling based and his g&p is deadly. Karo is a judo master whose throws dislodge opponents game plans. The difference here, is that Karo has had more experience against better talent. Also, keep in mind that before getting injured last year, Karo, then #1 contender, was getting a shot against Matt Hughes. Parisyan is hungry to get back to where he already was. Diego is also a very odd cat who hasn't been tested yet. Diego fought Nick Diaz but his other opponents were not rankable. Karo fought GSP, Sean Sherk, Diaz as well, and Shonie Carter. Neither of these men have great hands, but you have to lean toward Karo there as well. I expect a very close fight, but look for Karo, who just has more tools, to find a way to win. This is a very important match and the winner has to be considered #2 or #3 contender to Hughes Welterweight title.

Chris "Just Got Knocked The Fuck Out" Leben (15-2) vs Jorge Santiago (11-5) WINNER-Leben Leben is coming off his disastrous loss to Anderson Silva where he was just outgunned and outclassed. Santiago is stepping up in class to debut in the UFC. He is an American Top Team member who likes subs, but has been winning with KO's as of late. Don't expect him to trade with Leben too much unless he is stupid. Jorge should take this fight to the ground and let his quick pace work for him. Leben just needs to get some confidence back. I fully believe he'll outstrike Jorge, and then wrestle him to the ground for a g&p win.

Dean "Boogyman" Lister (8-4) vs Yuki Sasaki (20-12-1) WINNER-Lister Now here is an interesting match. Sasaki is a submission machine, 12 bouts by sub, and is rarely submitted. His problem is finishing matches and losing decisions. Dean is possibly the best sub man in the biz today. This fight will also be at his normal weight (185lbs.) and he continues his climb toward Rich Franklin's title. Dean should get the win in a very technical bout, probably by decision.

Josh "Blanket" Koscheck (6-1) vs Jonathan "Road Warrior" Goulet (16-6) WINNER-Goulet Jon is a uber-talented fighter who is very well rounded and trains with GSP. He was perhaps overconfident, and got caught by Bang with one punch in his UFC debut. He came back and beat a very game Luke Cummo. Goulet's weakness is strikers, so he has absolutely nothing to worry about with Koscheck. Josh is a very talented wrestler. Ah, a real good wrestler. Problem is, that's all he has right now. The kid is young and can be real good some day but he has very little experience against good fighters. The last time he stepped up in talent Drew Fickett tapped him. If Goulet lets Koscheck take him down and lay on him (as he often does to opponents) he'll lose. In every other scenario, he should win.

Jake O'Brien (7-0) vs Christophe "French Hurricane" Midoux (5-5) WINNER-O'Brien Both men are debuting for the UFC here. Jake is a wrestler, Midoux is a wrestler. If it stays on the feet, Midoux wins. On the ground, Jake wins. Look for O'Brien to get a double leg takedown and end the fight with g&p. New heavyweight blood, lets see how they do.

Pat "Bam Bam" Healy (15-9) vs Anthony "Crush" Torres (3-0) WINNER-Healy Pat has all the experience and wait, why are these guys here? UFC has too many events and is just throwing guys out there, Pat wins because he can wrestle. Just a guess.

Jason Von Flue (11-5-1) vs Joe "How Many Opportunities Do I Get" Riggs (24-8) WINNER-Riggs Seriously, does Riggs have a 20 fight contract? He lost to Swick, Hughes, Salavarry, and won a close/controversial decision to Diaz. He has been all over the weight classes from Heavyweight down to Welterweight, where I guess this fight is. Jesus, the UFC hands him, granted a tough kid I like to watch, but a kid taylor made for Joe to KO. This is stupid. I hope Riggs passes out from the extreme weight loss.

Sammy "Squeeze" Morgan (18-7) vs Forrest "Meat Cleaver" Petz (17-2) WINNER-Petz Petz is a striker but can grapple as well. Morgan is back, I guess because he's won 2 in a row and is a former TUF contestant. I hope Petz wins since Morgan shouldn't be here.

Crafton "Blaze" Wallace (9-1-1) vs Martin "Just Up From WFA" Kampmann (12-2) WINNER-Wallace Crafton is an exciting striker I can't wait to see. Kampmann is coming off a win at the return WFA show and is a competent striker but is more well rounded than Crafton. Could be a good match and I hope it gets on TV. Could go either way but lets pull for Crafton.

This is an odd sort of event that seems to be for testing new talent. UFC needs to look closer because they are not signing the best guys out there. Still its free so enjoy, I guess. The new season of the Ultimate Fighter debuts after the show. Hopefully, it will be better that the joke that was last season. -MMA Mafia

*Whenever possible we go by true fight records, not the embellished records given by the UFC.

Upcoming Fight Schedules

Many new notable fights have been signed recently. Here is the rundown on some of them.

Takanori Gomi (24-3) will return at Bushido, August 26th, against David Baron (10-1). Gomi is coming off a loss to Aurelio, his 1st in his last 10 fights! Baron, a Japan MMA vet, is debuting in Pride. Gomi's title may be on the line since it wasn't in his last bout, and he lost. This caused a stir in the MMA community so Gomi will be looking silence the critics.

Matt Lindland (18-4) will face Jeremy Horn (77-14-5) September 9th, in the IFL. Hardcore MMA fans have wanted this "super-fight" for many many years. Both men are legendary ground warriors who always bring hard gritty, never say die, fights. This has the makings of an amazing fight!!

Tito Ortiz (14-4) and Ken Shamrock (26-11-2) will get it on again, in their 3rd, ultra-unnecessary fight. Granted the last fight was stopped early, but we all know the outcome will be the same. Ken has stated he will retire win or lose, following the scheduled October 10 fight. Luckily for us (I suppose), the fight will be on Spike TV. I guess the UFC does have limits to how much money they will gouge from their fans.

BJ Penn (10-3-1) is also rumored to be fighting on the Ortiz/Shamrock III card. He is set to face Kuniyoshi Hironaka (10-2). Kun is a good shooto fighter who will test BJ.

Tank Abbott (9-11) (another vet who just can't give it up) will fight Paul Buentello (20-8) at Strikeforce October 7th. Tank is taking another payday while Paul is looking to establish his name away from his former employers in the UFC. Obviously this will be a very technical bout with lots of submission attempts and ju-jitsu.

Finally Brandon Vera (7-0) will step in against the unbelievably bloated Frank Mir (9-2) at UFC 64 in November. This is interesting considering Mir was once the UFC heavyweight champ and is now terribly, and embarrassingly out of shape. Vera now looks like the future of the division as Mir once was. This could be a passing of the torch unless Frank decides to get serious.

-MMA Mafia

More Brock Lesnar Crap

Former WWE "professional" wrestler Brock Lesnar (seen here in a cute pink little number), has joined up with the Miletich Fighters in Iowa. Brock is a former collegiate wrestler so he should fit in easily with a wrestling based system. Brock arrived and impressed MFS leader Pat Miletich from the beginning. Pat was even quoted as saying, "In a year from now, he will be unstoppable." I didn't know Pat was a heavy drinker.

Brock Lesnar is not officially signed with K-1 as many believed. He is now listening to offers from Pride, K-1, and the UFC. -MMA Mafia