The UFC/FOX Announcements

Today, the UFC announced a 7 year deal with FOX for $100 million a year compared to the $35 million bid from Spike TV.

The Stations

FOX the #1 broadcaster will hold 4 "major" cards per year.

FX will host 6 UFC Fight Nights per year.

Fuel TV will broadcast UFC Prelims and perhaps pre and post fight shows.

The inaugural event of this new deal begins Nov. 12 and will air on FOX.

Then beginning in January 2012, FOX will begin broadcasting pre and post fight shows, countdown shows for PPV's, UFC Unleashed, Primetime, Knockouts, Best of Pride, weigh-in specials and whatever else they have in their goodie bag.

The Ultimate Fighter

• The long running reality show is going to get a major shakeup when it moves to FOX next year. Spike TV will air their last season of TUF 14 in September featuring Coaches Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Michael "The Count" Bisping. The featured weight classes will be Bantamweight and Featherweight.
• Somewhere around "spring," TUF will begin airing on FX on Friday nights. Now the fights will be shown "live" with the remaining footage from the episode taken that week. The Coaches will now always be training for an upcoming bout to up the stakes of training on the show.
• The UFC is very interactive and fans will get to vote on matchups for the next episode.
• A season of TUF will last 12 weeks, twice a year, and still ends in a live finale.

One of Dana White's greatest fears was always handing over control of his baby to someone else who would damage the brand. FOX has allowed Zuffa control over their regular shows and FOX Sports will run the pre and post-show broadcasts.

Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg are still the "head" commentators for PPV's, and UFC Fight Nights, but with all the new programming, they will have to bring in more people. I for one implore them to hire Pat Miletich, Frank Mir, and Jens Pulver immediately!

The Quotes
“We’re excited to be part of the FOX family,” said Dana White, UFC President. “The UFC is finally where it belongs on the number one network in the country and aligned with the most prestigious sports properties in the world. I’ve always said that the UFC will be the biggest sport in the world and with this relationship it will become a reality.”

“My brother Frank, Dana and I always believed that our passion for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts would help us to build the UFC into a successful global brand and ultimately make it one of the premier sports properties in the world,” said Lorenzo Fertitta, Chairman and CEO of the UFC. “The partnership with FOX is a major step in making this a reality and also builds on the great relationship that we already have established with FOX in Latin America, Australia and Europe.”

“Mixed martial arts is not only the fastest growing sport in the world, but also the world’s most exciting form of man-to-man competition, and the UFC is the world’s premier MMA organization,” said FSMG President Eric Shanks. “Since FOX Sports is America’s No. 1 sports network and FOX is America’s No. 1 network for young adults, the UFC on FOX is a perfect match.”

“UFC’s growth over the past decade is nothing short of phenomenal and it has become one of the marquee sports in this country,” said John Landgraf, President and General Manager, FX Networks. “There is a reason for its rising popularity. It features some of the greatest athletes in the world, and we believe it will be a terrific addition to our schedule and look forward to our relationship.”

I just cannot express how important this is for the world of MMA. The #1 national broadcaster will bring the fledgling sport of MMA into so many more households that I am giddy with anticipation. No offense to Spike TV, but FOX also has massive resources at their disposal and to listen to Mr. Shanks, it seems like they believe MMA will be to today's generation, what boxing was to the greatest generation. I love their confidence and support which will take MMA to a level I don't think we can even comprehend yet.

The UFC Signs TV Deal With FOX

Rumors are flying that the UFC has agreed to a deal that will see 20th Century Fox air as many as 4 MMA events per year, according to several sources. The multi year deal would mark the first time the UFC will have consistent airtime on a broadcast network. Nobody in the know is willing to make a statement yet but sources with knowledge of the negotiations said bidding had gone as high as $90M per year!

The Fox deal is believed to be for 7 or 8 years. As part of the deal, most of the weekly programming that UFC has on Versus and Spike TV will move to FX starting in January. That includes several fight cards, plus shows like the reality series "The Ultimate Fighter." Fox owned Fuel also will wind up with some UFC content. But rumors that Fox will re brand Fuel as a UFC channel are untrue.

This is bigger than the Strikeforce on CBS deal and brings great opportunity for Zuffa and the sport of MMA!

UFC On Versus 5: Lytle Retires A Winner & Record Breaker!

Edwin Figueroa TKO's Jason Reinhardt with elbows and punches just under a minute into the 2nd round.

Jacob Volkmann defeats Danny Castillo by Unanimous Decision. Dammit! We just can't get rid of this guy.

Cole Miller taps T.J. O'Brien with a Guillotine Choke.

Jim Hettes submits Alex Caceres by RNC in the 2nd. Whew. Thank you Jim for sending "Bruce Leroy" to the minor leagues where he belongs. I am now a Jim Hettes fan.

Ronny Markes defeats Karlos Vemola by Unanimous Decision. Oh the Czech has let me down again.

Ed Herman taps Kyle Noke with an Inverted Heel Hook in the very 1st round. Did not see that coming. Perhaps "Short Fuse" has his career on track and is going to make a run for the belt. I doubt it.

Joseph Benavidez defeats Eddie Wineland by Unanimous Decision.

Jared Hamman TKO's C.B. Dollaway in the 2nd round!

Duane Ludwig Upsets Amir Sadollah by Unanimous Decision. Amir found himself getting raped in the clinch as "Bang" looked better than he has in years. "Bang" was faster, more accurate, and mixed up his strikes confusing the TUF winner on more than one exchange. There will be growing pains for Sadollah who will learn from this but kudos to Ludwig who is now on a 2 fight winning streak and fully recovered from the gruesome ankle injury.

Donald Cerrone TKO's Charles Oliveira with punches in the 1st round. Folks, the "Cowboy" is rolling these days and keeping his name near the elite of the Lightweights.

Benson Henderson soundly defeats Jim Miller by Unanimous Decision. I though either way this would be a close fight but "Bendo" just rand away with it from the get go. Jim was always trying to play ketchup the whole fight but Henderson just looked spectacular as things just seemed to go his way. So sad for Miller who had won 7 in a row and deserved a title shot. Now the Lightweight scene is muddled again since Henderson beat Miller, and Pettis beat Henderson, and Guida beat Pettis,............CLAY GUIDA SHOULD GET THE TITLE SHOT!

Chris Lytle defeats Dan Hardy by Guillotine Choke submission in the final round, and the final fight of "Lights Out." It could not have gone much better. Lytle who had never been stopped in a professional bout save for cuts, was rocked by power striking from the "Outlaw" on more than one occasion. That being said, Hardy did not look right. He was very slow and just seemed to be ubable to get his body going. Chris hung strong throwing wildly as he does, bringing that overhand right from the floor toward Dan's mowhawk. It was a good fight with lots of action and a storybook ending for an amazing MMA athlete who has competed in 54 professional bouts going 31-18-5. Chris began his career in 1999 and consisted of 6 TKO wins and an amazing 22 submission wins! Lyte has also won 10 UFC fight bonuses, the most in UFC history, including 6 Fight of the Night Honors, 3 Submission of the Night Honors, and 1 Knockout Of The Night Honor.

An impressive 6-6 on the nose picks.

Kimbo Slice Pro Boxing Debut Video

UFC On Versus 5 Hardy vs Lytle: Picks & Prognostications

UFC on Versus 5: Hardy vs. Lytle

August 14, 2011
The Bradley Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Main Bouts:
Dan Hardy (23-9) [-102] vs. Chris Lytle (30-18-5) [-108]

This bout was put together for the fans. Both men who are exciting stand up fighters in their own rights, have all but guaranteed to stand eye to eye and throw bombs until somebody falls. The "Outlaw" has hit a disastrous run losing his last 3 a decision loss to champion GSP, a brutal KO loss to Carlos Condit, and a 15 minute sleep inducing dry hump loss to Anthony Johnson proving his inability to handle any wrestling. "Lights Out" can fight and fight well anywhere the fight goes but has embraced the role of the exciting fighter who wants a finish, fight of the night, or he'll die trying. Chris is coming off a loss to the quirky Brian Ebersole in Australia in which he secretly fought with a broken rib.

If these men are just going to stand and trade I'll take Lytle's chin (he's never been stopped in his career except by cut) and boxing ability over the Team Rough House member who if Chris gets on top of, will surrender to a choke, or if Lytle dials in that overhand right, its hibernation for the Nottingham Brit. More likely its a crazy back and forth affair with Lylte out working his opponent with reckless abandon.

WINNER-Chris Lytle by Decision

Jim Miller (20-2) [-153] vs. Ben Henderson (13-2) [+143]

Here we have a bout with two elite on the cusp of a title shot Lightweights looking to make the last move before a title shot. Both men are some of the best wrestlers in the division though "Bendo" can contort his body to escape almost any submission with blurring fast strikes, while Jim is a more blue collar grind em out kind of guy.

How do yo pick between two guys so similarly talented fighters? The main difference I see is that Jim has improved his hands and is sturdier. Ben can do anything but tends to need points to win while avoiding his opponent while if Miller can get a hold of Ben, he could rip a limb off or crush his face. Different styles that get similar results but one of the best Lightweight bouts of 2011!

The winner of this bout should be the new #1 contender to the Lightweight title getting the winner of Edgar/Maynard 3 since Clay Guida ruined Anthony Pettis' dream.

WINNER-Jim Miller by Decision

Donald Cerrone (15-3) [+108] vs. Charles Oliveira (14-1) [-118]

Yet another epic Lightweight showdown as the "Cowboy" mossies in to face "Do Bronx" who is coming off a NC vs Nik Lentz involving an illegal knee. Illegalities aside, Oliveira burst onto the UFC scene last year winning impressively before being brought down to Earth by "Bendo," who also defeated Cerrone. Donald has only lost in his career to men holding belts (and one of those was twice) and has become uber-well rounded with the Greg Jackson Camp.

If you blink you might miss something important here. These guys are super fast and with such offensive arsenals at their disposal, anything can happen at anytime. The ridiculous speed of "Do Bronx" may keep Cerrone on his heels preventing him to amass enough points but who knows?

WINNER-Charles Oliveira by Decision?

Amir Sadollah (5-2) [-320] vs. Duane Ludwig (20-11) [+290]

This should be a fun striking affair with two kickboxing based fighters. "Bang" is a killer but oft injured and beginning to decline in his career. Amir is just beginning and will find spots of trouble in this bout, but he is technically finer and hungrier.

WINNER-Amir Sadollah by Decision

Prelims:
CB Dollaway (11-3) [-255] vs. Jared Hamman (11-3) [+215]

Its the frat boy vs the stock broker. Jared has much better hands but CB will probably keep him grounded for most of the night while trying to place his finger in Hamman's ass.

WINNER-CB Dollaway by Decision

* Don't bet here as CB is known to make mistakes and Jared does have KO power.

Joseph Benavidez (14-2) [-270] vs. Eddie Wineland (18-7-1) [+230]

Eddie just can't catch a break. Ed lost a spirited effort against Urijah Faber and now faces another member of Team Alpha Male. Joey is just biding his time to move down to 125 lbs. when the UFC unveils it late next year but now deals with the former WEC Featherweight champion. Both men can mirror each other and the only difference is Ed's hands are a bit better. This could really go either way but take Benavidez just on durability.

* As far as odds go, this isn't a bad one. Ed held firm against Faber, Joey's mentor, and he has great wrestling as well, just not as fluid transitions but better hands.

WINNER-Joeseph Benavidez by Decision

Ed Herman (22-9) [+120] vs. Kyle Noke (19-4-1) [-140]

"Short Fuse" returned to the UFC after a long injury filled layoff for a mere 48 seconds. That quick defeat of Tim Credeur led to this quick turn around. Both men are solid but Steve Irwin's former bodyguard has much crisper hands and power. That and the ring rust Ed should have had to shake off in his last bout and we have a winner.

WINNER-Kyle Noke by Decision

Karlos Vemola (8-1) [-230] vs. Ronny Markes (11-1) [+190]

Ronny steps in for the oft injured Stephan Bonnar to face the little known Brazilian. The Czech "Terminator" needs to employ his old favorite "gong & dash" to put Ronny away quickly before the gas tank empties.

WINNER-Karlos Vemola by Rd.1 TKO

Jim Hettes (8-0) [-390] vs. Alex Caceres (5-3) [+320]

Jim steps in for the injured Leonard Garcia to make his UFC debut. Alex is here because he is known as the "Bruce Leroy Brown" on TUF who acted like a moron in a yellow suit. Hettes is a brilliant grappler and I would doubt Caceres sees the final bell and instead finds a pink slip in his locker Monday morning.

WINNER-Jim Hettes by Rd.2 Submission

Cole Miller (17-5) [-425] vs. T.J. O’Brien (16-4) [+340]

This fight is easily within the grasp of Miller who can best TJ is about every single area. What interests me most is whether or not in the post fight interview, Miller addresses arch nemesis Donald Cerrone who will also fight later on the card.

WINNER-Cole Miller Rd.1 by Whatever he feels like

Jacob Volkmann (12-2) [+120] vs. Danny Castillo (11-3) [Even]

There is nothing to like about "Christmas." By that I mean Jacob is one of the most boring fighters ever and he attempts to wax intellectual about President Barack Obama which got him a visit from the Secret Service. "Last Call" has won 3 in a row looking better each time out.

I never like a fighter who excels in only one area of combat and that is Volkmann to a T. His striking is rudimentary and though his amateur wrestling skills are stellar, the offense that should follow is not. Expect Castillo's better hands to be the deciding factor as the wrestling more or less cancels each other out and the always high Team Alpha Male pace hinders Volkmann.

WINNER-Danny Castillo by Decision

Edwin Figueroa (7-1) [-355] vs. Jason Reinhardt (20-2) [+295] Don't let the records fool you. Figueroa has this thing running away. Jason has no business being in the UFC and probably got back in thanks to buddy Wanderlei Silva.

WINNER-Edwin Figueroa by Rd.2 TKO

UFC 133 Results: Evans, Belfort, MacDonald, Ebersole, & Gustafsson All Finish In Style!

Why was there constant booing from the moronic crowd every two seconds of inaction you might ask? Because we are in Philadelphia where the crowd is as awful as you would expect.

Rafael Natal defeats Paul Bradley by Unanimous Decision. "Sapao" shows he's not done yet cutting down Paul with nasty leg kicks. The "Gentleman" couldn't get anything going failing on takedown attempts and eating leg kicks without developing a defense. Pretty clear cut.

Mike Thomas Brown defeats Nam Phan by Unanimous Decision. In the 1st, "MTB" got to work taking down Phan and just big brother abusing him for five minutes and leaving him bloody. Phan avoided the ground in the 2nd and got his punches together to even up the rounds. For the finale, Mike had to reach down as he grew tired but slapped around the pesky Phan with his standard G&P en route to the judges nod.

* Not sure Mike Thomas Brown has the "it" needed to get back to his Featherweight title, but a sturdy test vs Tiequan Zhang or Javier Vazquez would help fill in the question marks.

Johny Hendricks defeats Mike Pierce by Split-Decision. This was a great fight. The two welterweight prospects didn't disappoint with a razor close back and forth fight with Johny looking a bit better on the feet taking more chances which paid off with most of the judges. Pierce looked good too but Henricks is now 11-1 with his only stumble to the feared Rick Story. "Fight Of The Night"

* Lets continue to move Johny Hendricks up the ladder slowly but surely perhaps facing Brian Foster, Jake Ellenberger or Anthony Johnson to see who's the leader of the new school.

Mike Pierce can rebound easily after a gutsy performance against Chris Lytle or the aforementioned Rick Story.

Ivan Menjivar defeats Nick Pace by Unanimous Decision. This is one of those fights where the loser gained more stock in defeat than the winner did with victory. Ivan has been rolling with Tristar gym in Canada and has looked vastly improved as of late. Pace was kind of the unheard of replacement that looked like a metro-sexual and little else. Nick stuck to Menjivar like glue and made it a highly contested bout. Pace set the Nick early smothering Ivan who seemed a bit rattled. The "Pride Of El Salvador" got going in the 2nd starting with an overhand right followed by landing knees but Pace was able to score a takedown to survive until the final round. Ivan took the lead with leg kicks but suffered some sort of left eye injury which forced him into survival mode for the finish.

* Brian Bowles needs a fight or perhaps Brad Pickett should he defeat his next opponent whose name eludes me right now. Ivan is climbing the ladder and those fights make sense.

Chad Mendes defeats Rani Yahya by Unanimous Decision. Rani needs to develop some semblance of striking ability or I'm just not going to pay attention anymore. "Money" literally threw Yahya around and into the mat with thundering slams. Deftly opting to stay on the feet, Chad sparred a bit and put in another solid performance for his perfect 11-0 record.

* "Money$" awaits the winner of Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo vs Kenny Florian.

Alexander Gustafsson defeats Matt Hamill by TKO from punches and elbows in the 2nd round. Is Matt even trying anymore? What are these half hearted takedown attempts where he looks as though he is aiming at the shoulders? Hamill was the expected punching bag for Alexander who honestly didn't look as good as I had hoped. People are now clamoring for Gustafsson to get a "big name" opponent but I'm less sure now that he is ready. Alexander seemed too loose on the feet straight missing most of his strikes while being passive and absorbing unnecessary shots.

* I'd like to reschedule Alexander Gustafsson vs Vladimir Matyushenko to give the Swede more growing time before we throw him in against the Phil Davis types of the world. I got nothing for Hamill save I bet these losses aren't helping the release of his "life story" in movie form. The guy has simply quit evolving and is regressing.

Rory MacDonald TKO's Mike Pyle in the very 1st round. Holy "GSPJr.'s" that was impressive. For all the hype placed on this poor kid, he performs like its nothing. The Tristar golden boy was abusing the legs of "Quicksand" who paid the price for constantly retreating to his rear. MacDonald took his time as the crowd boo'd the 2 seconds of inactivity when "Ares" dropped a sledgehammer right hand that forced Pyle into turtle mode. More brutal right hands come down unanswered and the referee stops the fight. MacDonald just dominated a very tough veteran as his record climbs to 12-1 at only 22 years of age.

* Rory MacDonald could easily face the new big thing Charlie Brenneman or fellow youth superstar John Hathaway.

Constantinos Philippou defeats Jorge Rivera by Split-Decision. Ahh, that was a shame. Unfortunately, I also scored the bout 29-28 for Philippou who just out worked the veteran. Jorge struggled in the clinch where I thought he would be better though a lot of the bout was spent pressed up against the cage with little action even after re-starts. Rivera got dropped in the 2nd and it looked like the referee was about to stop the fight as Jorge was taking a lot of punishment, when "El Conquistador" reversed position and began unloading some G&P of his own. The men tired as the round continued and Constantinos rolled into an omoplata but could not finish correctly. Jorge started strong for the final round but was nullified by being stuck against the Octagon time and time again. Time ran out on the bout and perhaps Rivera's career. Sad if true but much respect to a class warrior.

Brian Ebersole KO's Dennis Hallman at the end of the 1st round. So, "Superman," who needs TRT injects to be super, came into the bout wearing speedo's. Yes, speedos. Tiny little blue shorts that made even "Hairrow" uncomfortable. Dennis attacked from the opening bell forcing Brian to defend the RNC in the early going and doing little else. Ebersole then reversed position and landed a right hand that seemed to hurt Hallman. Dennis survives the hammer fists but when Ebersole's elbows come crashing down the lights go out in Philly. "KO Of The Night"

* Dana White honestly gace Brian Ebersole $70,000 for a, "Bonus For Getting That Off Television As Fast As Possible." Dana was in rare form tonight as you will soon see.

** Brian Ebersole vs a returning Josh Koscheck would be hilarity but "Hairrow" can make any fight fun.

Vitor Belfort KO's Yoshihiro Akiyama a mere 1:52 into the 1st round. "Sexyama" decided standing with the "Phenom" who has 13 (now 14) KO's to his credit was a good idea. It wasn't ass Belfort rocked and attacked but more people than just men are beginning to notice Vitor "Back Of The Head" Belfort in recent fights. Watch his fast hands and you'll see he keeps landing punches behind the ear on the feet (as if training to do so) and hammerfisting the back of guys domes on the mat is the norm.

* At any rate, the overrated superstar wins again and could match up nicely with oft overlooked power puncher Brian Stann. "Sexyama" will probably find himself cut this coming week which is unfortunate.

Rashad Evans TKO's Tito Ortiz by knee to the body and punches in the 2nd round. The fact that Dana White gave this "Fight of the Night" is hilarious. Anywho, "Suga" did look great putting together combinatons and looking very fluid in the Octagon for having been away for over a year. Everything seemed to land as the step slow Ortiz landed shots to Evan's retreating shoulders or armpits. "Suga" brought it home in the 2nd with a brutal knee to the chest of Tito. The "HBBB" folded up shop and Rashad raised his hand.

* Nobody seems to like Rashad Evans which perplexes me. He's the consummate professional nice guy which I guess gets you hated. "Suga" had some wonderful quotes at the post fight presser.

"Boo if ya love me!" as a slogan for his new T-Shirt.

"Rampage does move like Frakenstein now.” Alluding to Jackson's standup inability.
"He's going to sleep praising himself cocky." on Jon Jones recent behavior.

Classic, and nothing but the winner of Quinton Jackson vs Jon Jones will due for Evans who is by the way 16-1-1 in his career!
** Tito Ortiz can fight Stephan Bonnar or even Rich Franklin. Nobody wants to see Tito/Griffin 3 which sucked the first two times.

Also at the post fight presser, Dana White called Matt Serra fat in front of the world when protoge Constantinos Philippou was asked about training with the "Terra" and Ray Longo. Dana quipped, "It had to help you are traing with a a super heavyweight now." When the gallery laughed and you could hear Serra groan White said, "Is he back there eating?" Wonderful.

9-2 on the picks people!

UFC 133 Evans vs Ortiz 2: Picks & Prognostications

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