Following his guilty plea in a mortgage fraud case, UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen has been suspended by the UFC, and his bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama is on hold. TMZ reported that Dana White said that Sonnen's contract is "frozen."
"Chael Sonnen has gone through a lot in the last few months and we think it's important for him to focus on getting his personal life together before focusing on his career in the UFC." White adds, "I spoke with Chael earlier today and he agrees that setting priorities in his life is the best thing for him right now. I sincerely hope Chael is able to straighten out his personal life."
Sonnen is expected to receive two years probation and be required to pay a $10,000 fine. He is far from the first UFC fighter to run afoul of the law while on the promotion's payroll.
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, the one-time light heavyweight champ, plead guilty last January to going on a reckless driving spree in southern California. Later in 2009, he coached on "The Ultimate Fighter" and starred in a remake of "The A-Team."
Josh Neer fought on Ultimate Fight Night 17 just over a month after his second DUI arrest, but wasn't cut from the UFC until he had two losses in a row. Chris Leben, who fought last weekend at UFC 125, was arrested for a DUI in October 2010 and a probation violation in April 2008.
UFC suspends Sonnen after guilty plea in mortgage fraud
The holidays have been awful for Marty Cordova and his family. The 1995 AL Rookie of the Year spent the last seven days in a Salt Lake City hospital at the bedside of his 15-year-old daughter.
On the morning of Dec. 16, Ashley McAdam was heading to Herriman High School just outside Salt Lake City. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a friend that was hit by a truck as it pulled into school. In addition to the head trauma, she broke her jaw, elbow and thighbone.
So far, she has been unresponsive. Cordova and Ashley's mother, Tamara McAdam-Burleigh, have set up a Facebook page "Supporting Ashley McAdam" where people can offer support. Friends and family have written dozens of messages and posted songs, photos and videos.
The teenage driver of the car broke her collar bone, and a passenger in the back seat needed back surgery. The truck struck the car right where Ashley was sitting.
"She's the victim of a tragic accident," Cordova said. "What I want is for people to see that this can happen to your own kids. Hug your kids spend time with them. And pay attention when you're behind the wheel of a car. Anything can happen."
Cordova, a high school friend of Dana White, is often seen around UFC events. He was recently seen in a White vlog (5:20 mark) before UFC 124. Cordova was on the roadtrip to Montreal.
Former MLBer and Dana White friend, Marty Cordova is asking for your prayers
On the morning of Dec. 16, Ashley McAdam was heading to Herriman High School just outside Salt Lake City. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a friend that was hit by a truck as it pulled into school. In addition to the head trauma, she broke her jaw, elbow and thighbone.
So far, she has been unresponsive. Cordova and Ashley's mother, Tamara McAdam-Burleigh, have set up a Facebook page "Supporting Ashley McAdam" where people can offer support. Friends and family have written dozens of messages and posted songs, photos and videos.
The teenage driver of the car broke her collar bone, and a passenger in the back seat needed back surgery. The truck struck the car right where Ashley was sitting.
"She's the victim of a tragic accident," Cordova said. "What I want is for people to see that this can happen to your own kids. Hug your kids spend time with them. And pay attention when you're behind the wheel of a car. Anything can happen."
Cordova, a high school friend of Dana White, is often seen around UFC events. He was recently seen in a White vlog (5:20 mark) before UFC 124. Cordova was on the roadtrip to Montreal.
Former MLBer and Dana White friend, Marty Cordova is asking for your prayers
Strikeforce announced Wednesday that Herschel Walker had to pull out of his bout with Scott Carson at Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu. He sustained a cut under his eye that needed several stitches, and won't be able to heal in time for next weekend's bout. From the press release:
“I feel terrible about this,’’ said Walker, who was cut from a knee strike while training with AKA teammate and two-time United States Olympic wrestling team member Daniel Cormier. “I know things like this happen in all sports, but I had trained very hard and was excited to be returning to the cage again. I hope to fight again as soon as the cut heals.’’
The card remains strong, headlined with Dan Henderson taking on Renato "Babalu" Sobral, and also including Paul Daley vs. Scott Smith, Robbie Lawler vs. Matt Lindland, and Antonio Silva vs. Valentijn Overeem.
-- If you're headed to the Strikeforce event in St. Louis, stop at a toy store on your way in. Strikeforce is partnering with Toys for Tots to collect holiday presents for underprivileged children. Bring a new, unwrapped toy with you to the fights, and volunteers will be there to collect your gift.
Herschel Walker off Strikeforce's St. Louis card
Alistair Overeem has been on a quite tear in and out the ring. Since 2007, he's ripped through his MMA and K-1 fights, winning 14-of-16. He's also wrecked weight rooms around the world. At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, he possesses one of the most impressive physiques in the fight game. Plain and simple, he looks like a heavyweight champ.
Japan is fascinated with the Dutchman. His endorsement and merchandising potential in Japan is massive. Overeem, 30, released another great episode in his documentary series "The Reem." It's a nice look into the Japanese culture and its relationship with star athletes from the West.
Overeem's future will be interesting to track. When Dana White questions his standing in the heavyweight rankings, in what may be an effort to push him towards the UFC, should "The Reem" even pay attention?
It depends on what Overeem wants.
"For me, it's all about my career and my success. And my financial situation. On the other hand I'm kind of proud to represent K-1," Overeem said. "I think I've grown as a striker. I think the striking has really developed me as an MMA fighter. I want to win that (2010 K-1 WGP) title. I want to prove to the world that I'm unique, a champion in MMA (and) a champion in K-1."
If he wants to fight the best in MMA - and that's certainly a debatable topic when it comes to heavyweights - then he'll eventually make his way to the UFC.
If Overeem covets the freedom of fighting both MMA and kickboxing, then he'll never fight for Zuffa.
There's also the issue of money. Just look at the endorsement career of someone like Bob Sapp, to witness how much potential the Japanese market holds for elite fighters who have that certain look. If Overeem came to the UFC and eventually won the title, he could make a killing in the U.S. If he fell short and was just one of many on the massive UFC roster, then most major U.S. corporations would have zero familiarity with him and he'd probably lose out on some serious cash.
Overeem is currently ranked No. 8 in the USA Today/Bloody Elbow rankings. He's ahead of UFC heavyweights like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Cheick Kongo, Brendan Schaub and Roy Nelson. Should he yearn for a spot with America's biggest promotion or is it counterproductive to his career?
With love affair in Japan maybe Overeem doesn't need the UFC
Japan is fascinated with the Dutchman. His endorsement and merchandising potential in Japan is massive. Overeem, 30, released another great episode in his documentary series "The Reem." It's a nice look into the Japanese culture and its relationship with star athletes from the West.
Overeem's future will be interesting to track. When Dana White questions his standing in the heavyweight rankings, in what may be an effort to push him towards the UFC, should "The Reem" even pay attention?
It depends on what Overeem wants.
"For me, it's all about my career and my success. And my financial situation. On the other hand I'm kind of proud to represent K-1," Overeem said. "I think I've grown as a striker. I think the striking has really developed me as an MMA fighter. I want to win that (2010 K-1 WGP) title. I want to prove to the world that I'm unique, a champion in MMA (and) a champion in K-1."
If he wants to fight the best in MMA - and that's certainly a debatable topic when it comes to heavyweights - then he'll eventually make his way to the UFC.
If Overeem covets the freedom of fighting both MMA and kickboxing, then he'll never fight for Zuffa.
There's also the issue of money. Just look at the endorsement career of someone like Bob Sapp, to witness how much potential the Japanese market holds for elite fighters who have that certain look. If Overeem came to the UFC and eventually won the title, he could make a killing in the U.S. If he fell short and was just one of many on the massive UFC roster, then most major U.S. corporations would have zero familiarity with him and he'd probably lose out on some serious cash.
Overeem is currently ranked No. 8 in the USA Today/Bloody Elbow rankings. He's ahead of UFC heavyweights like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Cheick Kongo, Brendan Schaub and Roy Nelson. Should he yearn for a spot with America's biggest promotion or is it counterproductive to his career?
With love affair in Japan maybe Overeem doesn't need the UFC
Mark Munoz and Aaron Simpson are remarkably similar. Both have strong wrestling pedigrees: Munoz was a national champion at Oklahoma St. while Simpson was an All-American at Arizona St. They both coached in the wrestling Pac-10. Munoz helped UC-Davis to their first national champion, and Simpson was key to success at both Arizona St. and Cal Tech. They both got into the MMA game relatively late, but won right from the start. Munoz is 8-2 and Simpson is 7-1.
They are old friends, and even helped each other get into MMA when coaching wrestling. Check the 3:30 point in the video to hear how Simpson and Munoz discussed getting into MMA while coaching at the NCAA championships in 2007 at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Mich.
When they fight at UFC 123 at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Mich., two remarkably similar men will have to put their friendship aside. Munoz admits that he's not looking forward to punching Simpson, but he'll find a way.
"No, I'm not. I'll try to picture somebody else's face in front of him."
Munoz and Simpson: Fighters put friendship aside at UFC 123
Javier Vazquez has experienced the ups and downs of mixed martial arts. He says Chad Mendes hasn't and it's time for the hot shot featherweight prospect to learn a thing or two.
"He's got eight fights," Vazquez told the Las Vegas Sun. "This will be my 20th. I know where my
mind was at eight fights. I don't care who he trains with, his mind is still
going to be at eight fights. And the second he runs into somebody he can't just bully around, he's going
to break. I'm going to break him mentally. I know I am."
Vazquez (15-4, 2-2 WEC) looks for a third straight win when he faces Mendes (8-0, 3-0 WEC) next week at WEC 52 in Las Vegas.
With a win over the unbeaten Mendes, he also has a chance to move up the ladder in search of a Jose Aldo fight. Mendes is already in that discussion for the 145-pound title belt. Vazquez doesn't see what he's has done to earn that status.
"I feel like I've earned my stripes in this sport," Vazquez said. "I've
fought on the lower shows, fought on the undercard and worked my way up to the
main card. I've put in my time. I don't feel like this kid has."
Mendes trains in Sacramento with a slew of lower weight stars under the
tutelage of former WEC featherweight champ Urijah Faber.�
"He's a good athlete, but he's been kind of spoon-fed in a lot of ways.
People like to drink the Alpha Male Kool-Aid and think everyone who comes out of
that camp is the next best thing. I'm not hating," said Vazquez. "I'm just looking forward to
proving I'm better."
Vazquez's career path is unique. The 33-year-old began fighting back in 1998 but grew tired of toiling in a sport that wasn't getting much attention or delivering legitimate paydays. He walked away from MMA for nearly four years before returning in 2007. He's looked good his last two times out and is now working with Antonio McKee. His takedown defense should be solid. It better be. Mendes was the runner-up in 141-pound weight class at the 2008 NCAA wrestling championships.
Vazquez says he'll break spoon-fed Mendes
Dana White is a longtime boxing fan so he's seen on numerous occasions how rabid Mexican fight fans can be. Breaking into the Latino market has always been a goal of the UFC and they may finally have their guy if Mexican-American Cain Velasquez can pull the upset on UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar at UFC 121.
"If Cain Velasquez wins on Saturday night, for the Hispanic market, it's crazy," White told Karyn Bryant. "Mexicans and Puerto Ricans, when they have a champion, it's crazy."
White pointed to the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez as a prime example.
"It's like when Greg Haugen went down into Mexico City and said all that crazy stuff. I think that's this type of fight," said White.
The prefight talk for the 1993 match got nasty.
"(Chavez's 82-fight win streak consisted of) Tijuana taxi drivers that my mother could have knocked out," said Haugen. He also took a shot at the Mexican fans. "There aren't 130,000 Mexicans who can afford tickets."
Chavez hyped the fight by saying, "I really hate him bad. When he looks at me, I want to
vomit. I am going to give him the worst beating of his life. I am going to make
him swallow the words that came out of his dirty mouth."
Chavez-Haugen drew 130,000-plus fans in Mexico City.
Velasquez overcoming the might of Lesnar, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound monster, who looks like he came straight out of video game, only adds to the passion of the Latino fans.
"Brock Lesnar is the guy that the Mexican community wants to see Cain Velasquez smash," said White.
The fanbase starting getting revved up during a Velasquez rally last Sunday in Los Angeles. It was a wild scene attended by a thousand-plus fight fans.
White says Mexican community is fired up to see Velasquez whip Lesnar
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