MMA Classic Photo #9 "The Flying Hendo"

UFC 127 Post Post

Jon Fitch and BJ Penn fight to a Majority Draw and with Chris Lytle's loss the Welterweight division has burst wide open. It's funny to me that it all hinges on GSP defeating Jake Shields and heading to Middleweight. After all the upsets in Australia I wouldn't bet on anything. Suddenly Josh Koscheck will also be back in the mix as well as Carlos Condit when he returns from injury.

Let me clear the division up....

BJ Penn vs Jon Fitch [Rematch] only this time we make it 5 rounds.

Jake Shields vs Josh Koscheck (Yes, I still think GSP wins)

* The winner of said bouts fights for the vacated title.

Carlos Condit vs Mike Pierce

Anthony Johnson vs Chris Lytle

* Winner of said bouts becomes new #1 contender

Michael Bisping did deliver an illegal knee on purpose and did spit on Jorge Rivera's corner men. He also grabbed the fence so blatantly that he was able to pull himself on top of Jorge which should have been yet another point deduction. The irony of the "Count" getting upset about trash talk is not lost on me and now the debate is to whether or not the Brit will be suspended or fined or both as the Sityodtong camp demands.

Rivera's management, Alchemist MMA, responds below:

"For the Jorge Rivera - Michael Bisping fight - the knee was illegal and flush on the face. But instead of taking a dive and possibly the win, Jorge fought on. Bisping tagged Jorge while BOTH of his knees were on the canvas. He wasn't the same afterward but fought on anyway. How many fighters would be able to fight on after that? The stoppage was quick, but we won't fight it. He won. That's all there is to it. But for all his talk of being a professional, Bisping spit on Rivera's coaches when the fight was over. How can you claim to be a professional after that?"

On MMA.tv there is currently a poll on the issue.

67.83% Yes, Fine & Suspension are warranted

25.16% No, move on

7.01% Can't make a decision in their lives.

All that being said, the illegal knee did hurt Jorge and his glass eyes told the tale as he never recovered or had at the very least a fair chance to get back into the fight. He should have taken the DQ and walked away but Jorge has honor something Michael has never heard of. Still, I don't believe Rivera would have won the fight had the knee not occurred. A fine and possible suspension will due until Bisping hits the upper Middleweight division and they take care of him.

* Speaking of next opponents for the "Count," Vitor Belfort got Tweet happy after the event, "On my way to the airport going back to vegas I am looking forward to fight bisping on may card I need to fight soon I want to get busy"

Brian Ebersole explained his chest hair arrow pointing to his face with beloved MMA journalist Ariel Helwani saying it is a good luck superstition where the arrow points to his jaw. Since he has done this, nobody has been able to KO him or touch his chin. Pretty funny stuff but everyone is impressed at the class this guy has shown in his long hard MMA career and his affability as a person. "Upset Of The Year" so far.

Mark Hunt (& I) was relieved to finally get off the snide and back into the win column. He said, "It's been a long time between drinks for me." and he straight destroyed "Crowbar's" eye as you can see in the picture. Welcome back "Super Samoan" and congratulations.

Riki Fukuta was the guy that got robbed by the judges and it seems like we have 1 egregious decision per event these days. Something needs to be done and it won't be. When Nick Ring (the winner?) was asked why he stayed on his back for so long during the fight he said, "I just felt really comfortable with him grinding on top of me. Jeezus he was so strong I really had to work my power bottom game. Jeezus!" PS-He never said any of that.

UFC 127 Results: Cheating, Upsets, & A Draw

Curt Warburton defeats Maciej Jewtuszko by Unanimous Decision. Maciej should be embarrassed at this loss. I blame that giant orb of a head. Piss poor.

Mark Hunt KO's Chris Tuchscherer in the 2nd round to finally get his 1st win since 2006! The Samoan's career isn't over with the UFC, but the "Crowbar's" might be. Mark threw an uppercut and walked away before the ref even called the fight! B-rutal KO gives Mark new life in the UFC Heavyweight Division! "KO Of The Night"

Tiequan Zhang tapped Jason Reinhardt by Guillotine Choke. Jason proved he doesn't belong and the "Mongolian Wolf" gets back in the win column before we announce a tour in China. That was an impressive lockdown guillotine with no chance of escape. "Submission Of The Night"

Anthony Perosh defeats Tom Blackledge by RNC to thrill his homeland fans. Who would've thought the "Hippo" had a prayer in this match but it just proves again that strikers need to learn that pesky ground game. And we all sing, "We come from the land down under...."

Nick Ring defeats Riki Fukuta by Unanimous Decision!?! Nick found himself on his own ass all night and yet the judges felt his light loafers won the fight? Why aren't judges held accountable in their jobs? Yet another brown eye debacle for MMA judging ;)

Alexander Gustaffson taps James Te Huna with a RNC in the 1st round. The Australian took the fight to the Swede striking and actually taking Alex down. Skill was waiting in the guard as Gustaffson hit the reverse and latched onto the RNC. James defended at 1st but the position was too strong and the 2nd attempt got the win. Impressive comeback win and the crowd was dead silent when the fight was over. Eerie crowd tonight.

Ross Pearson defeats an always game Spencer Fisher by Unanimous Decision. The "Real Deal" started slowly as the "King" called him on. As the bout continued Pearson began to pull away as he got comfortable in letting his combinations fly and securing 2 takedowns in the final round for the final nail. I love ya Spence but it wasn't your day. Nice win for Ross who gets back in the win column and I really enjoy watching this guys growth as a fighter.

Brian Ebersole Upsets Chris Lytle by Unanimous Decision! Brian comes out wearing headgear and sporting chest hair manscaped into an arrow pointing up. Ebersole opens up with a cart-wheel kick that lands! Then Lytle takes control and almost secures 3 guillotines but the odd "Bry Guy" escapes them all. Brian mismanaged the clock halting his assault early about 4 seconds before the round really ended. The cut man was nowhere to be found as Matt Mitrione screamed for him as Lytle returned to the corner swollen and bleeding. Ebersole keeps the strange tactics going but lands a big right knee that drops Chris. Brian looks for the darse choke but Lytle escapes some tense moments. Chris seems OK and then Ebersole slams Lytle to the mat! Wow what a round for Ebersole who is now owning "Lights Out." The idiot referee yells, "Let's Rock this cage" again and here comes Brian with the cart-wheel kick again! Chris again goes for 2 guillotines but Brian has great escapes and defense. Mitrione is yelling from the cage for Brian to "get off his shorts" but the referee doesn't see the infraction. Chris keeps looking for the guillotine but Brian is still seeing it coming. A big short elbow lands for Brian and Lytle is out of time. A big Upset as the official judges and MMAFO all see the fight 29-28 for Ebersole. "Fight Of The Night"

Dennis Siver also pulls the Upset on Australia's golden boy George Sotiropoulos by Unanimous Decision. Ze German rocked the Aussie early and often as George looked to be on skates for the entire 1st round. Siver let George off the hook a bit by relaxing but it was a devastating round. Siver continued prodding along as George got more acclimated in the 2nd round and takes it with stellar combinations on the feet as he fails to get the fight to the mat. In the final stanza, its leg kicks and spinning back kicks that keep George from finding his rhythm as Siver edges out a judges nod.

Michael Bisping defeats (?) Jorge Rivera by TKO. OK here's the deal. The "Count" was looking good but then landed a blatant and intentional illegal knee to Jorge who obviously had 2 knees on the ground. There was a long pause in the bout as Bisping walked around the Octagon with his hands in the air as if he had not just cheated and ruined the bout. Jorge refused to quit and continued on with glass eyes and now weary from the illegal blow. From there it was all Bisping who earned the TKO over the collapsing Rivera and then proved to be a classless ass talking shit to Jorge and spitting on Rivera's corner men! Absolutely detestable action from the Brit and this should be a DQ win for "El Conquistador!"

Jon Fitch & B.J. Penn give us our 2nd "Main Event" Draw of 2011! BJ started out strong but looked to take the fight to the floor which surprised everyone. It was successful a bit but Fitch grew stronger in the later rounds and definitely beat up Penn for all of the 3rd. It was pretty close throughout but Fitch acted as though he wanted to keep fighting while BJ looked like he wanted to quit. Just an odd night of fights really in a really strange place.

The whole point of UFC 127 was to establish the 2 top Welterweights that would battle for the title vacated by GSP after he defeats Jake Shields. Nobody will say it that honestly but its the truth. Instead hardcore fan favorite Chris Lytle got thrashed by a Australian immigrant who was inferior in talent, but somebody quit training when "NBK" dropped out and it showed. Then we lose the possibility of a Fitch or Penn versus Lytle an neither man established themselves and suddenly the UFC Welterweight division is the Wild Wild West where anyone could step in to become champion. As soon as GSP leaves that is.

Such a bewildering Australian crowd. At times, the event was silent and then someone would be heard yelling a comment that made the entire crowd laugh. Then at other times, the crowd has full on soccer chants and conversations back and forth in Aussie. The fans knew ground techniques that the US kids don't notice and even respectfully clapped for them which impressed me.

A crappy 7-4-1 on the picks.

UFC 127 Penn vs Fitch: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 127 Penn vs. Fitch
February 27, 2011
Acer Arena
Sydney, Australia

Main Bouts
Jon Fitch (23-3) vs. B.J. Penn (16-7-1) Fitch has a size advantage here as well as training at AKA with Penn's longtime Jiu-Jitsu coach and striking coach. Despite BJ finding inspiration to train properly, he is going to be grounded and pounded. Baby Joe is taking over the role of Frankie Edgar while Fitch becomes Penn at the Welterweight level. Jon just has to catch and bust up Penn while the "Prodigy" is going to need his striking at its best and find ways back to the feet with the Fitch monster all over him. I don't like the weight move for BJ or how he matches up with Fitch. I'll take Fitch to win a spirited affair and then get a title shot against Chris Lytle for the abandoned Welterweight title that GSP drops after defeating Jake Shields and heading to the dream Middleweight showdown with Anderson Silva.

WINNER-Jon Fitch by Decision

Michael Bisping (20-3) vs. Jorge Rivera (19-7) You have to admit, Jorge has become very popular making fun of the "Count" with his hilarious Internet videos, but he has also got into Mike's head. Bisping has been vitriolic when speaking about Jorge and vowing to KO him with his "pillow fists" while Rivera stays calm and smiles. Despite all of this, Jorge is 38 years old and though he has 1-punch KO power in his right hand, the rest of the game will belong to the "Count." I love the revitalization of Rivera's career and hope he wins but Mike is going to stick and move as he always does and the older fighter will show it before the end of the night.

WINNER-Michael Bisping by KO (just kidding) Decision

George Sotiropoulos (14-2) vs. Dennis Siver (17-7) I was baffled when Zuffa made this bout. I just don't see Siver as deserving a shot at a guy so close to title contention. I'm guessing this was done to make Sotir look good as the face of Australian MMA. George needs to use his ground prowess and avoid Siver's spinning back kick and power filled stand up. Sotir will accomplish the task and slowly but surely pulls away on points.

WINNER-George Sotiropoulos by Decision

Chris Lytle (30-17-5) vs. Brian Ebersole (46-14-1) "Lights Out" deserves a title shot or at the very least a #1 contenders bout. Carlos Condit pulled out of what might have been a #1 contenders match had "NBK" not been injured training. "Bad Boy" is riding a 7 fight winning streak but hasn't fought top tier competition save Hector Lombard who almost killed him. Take the firefighter in exciting as always action.

WINNER-Chris Lytle by Decision

Chris Camozzi (14-3) vs. Kyle Noke (18-4-1) A bit of a toss up here with 2 Middleweights who haven't impressed yet. I like Kyle everywhere this fight could go and as we know Noke was at 1 time Steve Irwin's bodyguard, so I have to root for him.

WINNER-Kyle Noke by Decision

Prelims (On Ion Television):
Ross Pearson (11-4) vs. Spencer Fisher (24-6) Ross fell short in his last outing against Cole Miller but my man, my "King" is facing the tail end of his career. Pearson has far more varied and quick strikes while Fisher is slowing and easily cut. Pearson should avoid wrestling with Spence but Ross is where Fisher was in 2006 when he was rolling. Time has caught Spencer and he will bring a good solid fight but the "Real Deal" finds the day his.

WINNER-Ross Pearson by Decision

James Te Huna (12-4) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (10-1) This is a close fight in my eyes. Xander is a talented Swede that is very long and a good striker. Te Huna is the Australian who can KO you but Gustafsson will take him to the mat where he finds himself out worked. Alex is a far more well rounded fighter and takes this late after an exciting back and forth.

WINNER-Alexander Gustafsson by Rd.3 Submission

Riki Fukuda (17-4) vs. Nick Ring (10-0) Every one's favorite closeted fighter graduates from TUF to the true Octagon. The Ring is a grappler while the DEEP Champion and veteran would prefer to counter strike but can wrestle. I'll take Ring's hunger over Riki who has gotten complacent in his career in recent years. Jeezus I'll take Nick to just hold down and grind his opponent while battling a growing erection in his pants.

WINNER-Nick Ring by Power Bottom Blast

Prelims (On Facebook.com/UFC):
Tom Blackledge (10-6) vs. Anthony Perosh (10-6) Tommy gets his 1st shot at the UFC coming from the Wolfslair, but the Perosh is the beloved journeyman from Australia. This is the bout where you use the restroom or get some snack foods. Both men are average at best but at least Tom has been active in M-1 while the "Hippo" hasn't worked since he stepped in at the last second to face Mirko Cro Cop over a year ago. We may still get that head kick KO on Tony that Mirko didn't land since Blackledge has a similar style and Perosh has a questionable chin.

WINNER-Tom Blackledge by Decision

Tie Quan Zhang (12-1) vs. Jason Reinhardt (20-1) Don't let the bloated record fool you, the "Mongolian Wolf" is going to tap Jason in what may be the most lopsided fight on the card. Zuffa set this up for Zhang to win (since he lost his 1st bout in Dec. @WEC) before the UFC makes way into China. Bet on it.

WINNER-Tie Quan Zhang by Rd.2 Submission

Prelims (Non-Televised):
Mark Hunt (5-7) vs. Chris Tuchscherer (21-3) Brock Lesnar's "Crowbar" is going to takedown the Samoan who hasn't sniffed a victory since 2006 and probably doesn't even care to keep fighting after this last payday with the UFC. That being said, tubby fat fat is due for a win and Chris showed last time he can be KO'd.

WINNER-Mark Hunt by Rd.3 TKO

Maciej Jewtuszko (8-0) vs. Curt Warburton (6-2) "Irokez" has this all day as he continues on undefeated.

WINNER-Maciej Jewtuszko by Rd.2 TKO

The UFC Lightweight Top 10

UFC Lightweight Champion FRANKIE EDGAR

1. Gray Maynard
2. George Sotiropoulous
3. Jim Miller
4. Anthony Pettis
5. Clay Guida
6. Ben Henderson
7. Donald Cerrone
8. Melvin Guillard
9. Evan Dunham
10. Mark Bocek

* Kenny Florian has moved to 145 lbs.

MFC 28, BAMMA 5, & XFC 2 Picks & Prognostications

MFC 28 Supremacy
Feburary 25, 2011
River Cree Resort & Casino
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Ryan Jimmo vs. Dwayne Lewis Jimmo is the big man who's a "Big Deal" while d-bag is the "D-Bomber" who probably will get bombed out here.

WINNER-Ryan Jimmo

Drew Fickett vs. Matt Veach With Drew you don't know if he will come in drunk, out of shape, weeping, or a brilliant submissionist with 29 taps to his credit. Veach is no slouch coming out of the HITSquad and got on a roll at Shark Fights after having a cup of tea with the UFC. If Drew is a focused Drew, he should win but it's a roll of the dice.

WINNER-Drew Fickett by Decision

Richie Whitson vs. Curtis Demarce My dearly missed young ginger is still impressing and improving as he faces the "Demon" of 5-Star. I'll take Team Quest here with little trepidation as he drags Curt to the floor for a beating. Pay attention UFC that had this kid on TUF but didn't allow him a chance in the real Octagon. 3 stars are better than 5.

WINNER-Richie Whitson by Decision

Emanuel Newton vs. Rodney Wallace "Sho-Nuff" is getting back on track and Newton is just another victim.

WINNER-Rodney Wallace by Rd.2 TKO

BAMMA 5: Daley vs. Shirai
February 26, 2011
M.E.N. Arena
Manchester, England

Main Bouts
Welterweight Champion Yuya Shirai vs Paul Daley We all know the interest in this fight is based upon if "Semtex" will come out healthy enough to battle Nick Diaz next for Strikeforce's belt. The collection starts here as Paul will put poor Yuya to sleep and then sneak away with said title.

WINNER-Paul Daley by Rd1. TKO

Ricco Rodriguez vs. James McSweeney "Suave" really thinks he is going to make it back to the UFC someday but I see Dana's grudge to be far too strong for that. Here Ricco tests the feet, his weight, and then wins the bout on the floor.

WINNER-Ricco Rodriguez by Rd.2 Submission

Alex Makhonin vs. Xavier Foupa-Pokam "Professor X" has lost 4 of his 5 bouts since leaving the UFC where he went 0-2. The Brit is more well rounded and if he survives the feet he will school the guy who refuses to learn the ground game to his detriment.

WINNER-Alex Makhonin Rd.3 Submission

Claudio Henrique Da Silva vs. Jean-Francois Lenogue Another Brazilian "Smith" arrives with much less fanfare and only a knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu. Old "Jeff" isn't going to set the world on fire but probably has enough to keep his record above .500.

WINNER-"Jeff" Lenogue by Decision

XTREME FIGHT NIGHT II: HARRIS VS HEAD
February 25, 2011
The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Gerald Harris (17-3) vs. James Head (5-1) The "Hurricane" is going to make an example of Head. A 10 fight winning streak continued into the UFC and the guy was cut after 1 loss! A mistake was made and Harris will be proving that with each bout.

WINNER-Gerald Harris Rd.2 TKO
* It should be noted that Boxing legend Mickey Ward, whose true life story is the subject of the Academy Award nominated movie "The Fighter," will be in attendance greeting fans.

STRIKEFORCE Heavyweight Grand Prix Post Post

Lost in the scuffle of last night's soul crushing defeat, Gina Carano is returning to Strikeforce to compete in their women’s division after more than a year away from the sport. The Las Vegas based fighter was in attendance for the Strikeforce show on Saturday night in New Jersey, where she announced her intentions to return to MMA in 2011.

“I think I just need to settle the score with myself really. I just need to get back in there for me,” she said.

While no definitive timetable has been determined for her return to the cage, Carano has been back in training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. Her film “Haywire” opens this summer. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker indicated that the promotion is targeting June for Carano’s return.

Of course, the UFC's Dana White was in standard form last night getting into a Tweeting war with MMA fans. Here are some highlights from a class guy who is the face and big mouth of the UFC.
@danawhite: @ BloodstainLane lmfao!! Quit ur cryin b*tch. You don’t have to live the lie anymore. Get his n*ts out of ur mouth now.
@danawhite: @ PuroresuPride18 u got 18 tweets and they are all to me. Is ur butt a little sore tonite? Quit ur crying and face reality b*tch!
@danawhite: @ gilmarsden I f*cking love it! They are in a frenzy and running here from the net cause I have been right and it KILLS the net nerds
@danawhite: @ theMMAnation yes I try to respond to everyone even the butt hurt ball l*ckin fedor fans 
@danawhite: @ justnif really!? Hundreds of net nerds signed up for twitter tonite cause they are pissed he lost and all their BS came crashn down 2 nite
@danawhite: @ anoncthul deal with it nuthugger. I know it hurts but reality is a bitch

@danawhite: @Miketiglio  the net pussies RAN to twitter last nite!!! Crying, name calling!! Love it

Now, we have Evgeni Kogan, M-1 Global‘s Director of Operations responding to Dana by tweeting him the following message..

“@danawhite easy to be a prick tweeting on your phone, isn’t it? Come see us and say it to Vadim’s face – we’re in ‘Jersey, coward.”

Gus Johnson is soon to be an Internet legend as the keyboard warriors exploded over the ridiculous amount of lipstick and makeup he wore on the broadcast. It really is hilarious and

then he could not remember Sergei Kharitonov's name after conducting post fight interview, Gus said something along the lines of "Let's give it up for...(awkward pause)...the Russian." Idiot.

STRIKEFORCE Heavyweight Grand Prix Injury Suspensions

Full list of NJSACB suspensions includes:


Fedor Emelianenko: suspended indefinitely pending CT scan of head and facial bones.

Also, suspended 90 days for head strikes


Andrei Arlovski: suspended 30 days for knockout


Chad Griggs: suspended 30 days for hematoma on ear


Gian Villante: suspended 30 days for precautionary reasons


Don Carlo-Clauss: suspended 30 days for laceration healing


Anthony Leone: suspended indefinitely pending clearance by ear, nose and throat doctor for damage to nose; also suspended 90 days for healing.

Fedor Emelianenko was declared unfit to continue by ring doctors at the close of the second round against Antonio Silva. He hinted at retirement after the fight, but should he chose to continue, he is suspended a minimum of 90 days for strikes to the head. After that point he can be cleared to compete if no serious injuries are found in a CT scan of his head and facial bones.

MMAFighting is reporting that doctors have already cleared Fedor to fight (after the 90 days supension).

Of course, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has already hinted that Emelianenko could be an "injury replacement."

STRIKEFORCE Heavyweight Grand Prix Results: "Bigfoot" Defeats Fedor & Kharitonov KO's Arlovski

Jason McLean defeats Kevin Roddy by Split-Decision.

Josh LaBerge got that TKO via Doctor Stoppage over Anthony Leone after the 1st round. Leone was winning but caught a big knee to the nose which exploded with just a faucet of pouring blood. Sorry kid, the doctors had no choice.

Sam Oropeza punched Don Carlo-Clauss until he Submitted which is always embarrassing. Sam has a shot with the Philly Fight Factory to become legit if he continues to impress in this way. Dominance.
Igor Gracie sneaks above .500 by securing an Arm-Triangle Choke on John Salgado for the Submission in the 2nd. Not impressed.

John Cholish Submits Marc Stevens by Kneebar. Cholish owned Marc ever where the fight went and Josh Koscheck has got to teach his boy some submission defense. Really, Cholish just looked really good and even brought out the old school kneebar which I love to see. "Submission Of The Night"

Valentijn Overeem defeats Ray Sefo via Submission, Neck Crank in the 1st round? I know "Sugarfoot" doesn't know that ground game but that came damn close to looking like a "work" to me. I hate to be "that guy" but come on.

Chad Griggs TKO's Gian Villante in his home dump of New Jersey in the very 1st round. Gian came to fight but the "Gravedigger" was more than willing as he brawled like his mentor Don Frye. It was sloppy but fun as Griggs put Villante on his ass numerous times using dirty boxing. Villante was falling all about the ring like the fish at the end of Faith No More's "Epic" video. Old muttonchops impresses again though both men should probably move down to Light Heavyweight. "Fight Of The Night"

Shane del Rosario Submits Lavar Johnson by Armbar in the 1st. Lavar landed some of his big bombs but Rosario rolled with the punches and got the fight to the floor where Johnson defended for a bit before the painful armbar ending.

Sergei Kharitonov shockingly KO'd Andrei Arlovski in the 1st round. Arlovski came out confident and was landing well using speed and angles as advertised. Unfortunately, his soap bubble chin popped and once again Andrei found himself awaking to the Strikeforce medical staff. How do you solve the problem of the glass jaw? Kharitonov looked even better than he did in DREAM and has quickly become the media darling of the moment. At least all the Russian fans in attendance had something to cheer about. "KO Of The Night"

* Look at the bright side "Pitbull" fans. Yet another fight with Tim Sylvia is a distinct possibility now. Losing 4 fights in a row, 3 by KO, 7 KO losses in his career, means retirement is looming.

Antonio Silva defeated Fedor Emelianenko by TKO (Doctor Stoppage) after the 2nd round. The "Last Emperor" came out surprisingly aggressive throwing both hands but not returning them to protect his chin. It was a back and forth affair in the 1st round but the 2nd was the story. "Bigfoot" got on top of Fedor and never looked back. For the entire 5 minutes Emelianenko played defense while hammer fists got through and bludgeoned the legend. Fedor escaped the RNC 2 times with deftness but the continual G&P left him a bruised swollen mess with his right eye completely closed as the round ended. The doctors wasted little time in calling the fight in favor of Antonio Silva.

* "Pezao" deserved the win and I don't doubt he would have most likely gone on to win the fight but I would have liked a legend like Fedor to be given the option. The doctors took the chance out of his hands and I remember a similar situation with Nate Diaz versus Marcus Davis when the "IHG" was allowed to go out on his shield. Its a shame the same respect wasn't given to the greatest Heavyweight of all time.

After the bout, Fedor Emelianenko hinted at retirement. "Something went wrong from the very beginning, and I didn't re-adjust myself," Emelianenko said through an interpreter. "Maybe it's time leave."

When pressed further on the matter by female Showtime broadcaster Gus Johnson, Emelianenko didn't change his position.

"Maybe it's the last time," Emelianenko said. "Maybe it's high time. I thank God for everything. I've spent a great, beautiful, long sport life."

* Unofficial Russian interpreters have noted that Fedor never added the word "maybe" when he spoke and that was added by Roseanne Barr his interpreter.

M-1 President Vadim Finkelchtein added, "I hope that he doesn't retire. I am going to see what I can do and talk to him and convince him not to, because I don't beleive he lost the fight in terms of he showed a lot of heart, he survived that second round, he could have come back and won that fight, and I believe he has enough strength to continue to fight..."

"It's ultimately Fedor's decision."

 "I believe the doctor made the right decision because the fighter's health is the utmost priority ...
if that i s what the doctor felt was right, then I agree with that." He went on to say, "Fedor is 'really upset' because he was ready for this fight."