Jesse Taylor Dropped From The UFC

The Ultimate Fighter 7 caniddate Jesse Taylor has been dropped from the UFC this week, following an outburst on a radio station regarding Quinton Jackson's current state.

Taylor had a huge outburst during the filming of the Ultimate Fighter 7, where he terrorized staff and customers at a Palace Casino and caused damage to a limousine. Resulting from this, Taylor was dropped from the show and told to sort himself out, before he would be allowed another chance.

Taylor fought at the last Fight Night, losing to C.B. Dollaway. He had spoken to Dana White and told him he was back on track and had started to attend AA meetings. There has since been doubts raised to Dana regarding these claims, and how much he has actually changed.

Taylor then was interviewed for a radio station and made the following comment Oh yeah, it's a big double standard, I'm sure if I were the ex-middleweight champion, I could get away with stuff. I'm sure if I would have done (what Jackson did), I'd be banned."

The UFC have now confirmed that they have dropped Taylor from their roster.

RUMOR: Quinton Jackson Fires Ibarra

Quinton Jackson has recently suffered an endless barrage of tough tests, resulting in his arrest for reckless driving and subsequent admission to a hospital for a mental evaluation.

In an interview at http://www.si.com/ It has now been suggested that his long time trainer and friend Juanito Ibarra is no longer his trainer, which, according to an anonymous friend, was prompted by an issue over money.

This friend also stated that Quinton is slowly recovering from his problems, and that, should all continue to go well, the UFC is considering finding him an opponent for the November show.

UPDATE: Takaya - Davis Fight Off WEC 35

Yesterday we reported that Cub Swanson had pulled out of a WEC 35 fight with Hiroyuki Takaya, to be replaced by L.C. Davis (see here for original story http://mmatrivia.blogspot.com/2008/07/cub-swanson-out-of-wec-fight.html)

We have now learned that this fight has not been signed, as Takaya refused to accept the replacement. The fight has now been pulled from the event.

Medical Suspensions issued for Affliction Fighters

California State Althletic Commission has released the following medical suspensions to fighters in the aftermath of last weekend's Affliction: Banned event:

Fedor Emelianenko - Suspended 180 days with no contact for 180 days due to a right-hand injury (can be cleared early by an orthopedic doctor)
Tim Sylvia - Suspended 180 days with no contact for 180 days due to a left-elbow injury (can be cleared early by an orthopedic doctor)
Ben Rothwell - Suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days due to an ear-lobe laceration (can be cleared early by a doctor); minimum suspension of 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Edwin Dewees - Suspended 180 days with no contact for 180 days due to undisclosed reasons (can be cleared early by an orthopedic doctor); minimum suspension of 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Pedro Rizzo - Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Mike Whitehead - Suspended 180 days with no contact for 180 days due to a left-hand injury (can be cleared early by an orthopedic doctor)
Vitor Belfort - Suspended 180 days with no contact for 180 days due to undisclosed reasons (can be cleared early by an orthopedic doctor)
Terry Martin - Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Fabio Nascimento - Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons

Suspensions handed down for Elite XC Fighters

California State Athletic Commission have released the following medical suspensions issued to fighters in the aftermath of last weekend's Elite XC Saturday Night Fights:

Robbie Lawler - Suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days due to skull laceration
Scott Smith (lost to Robbie Lawler): Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Thomas Denny - Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Marlon Mathias - Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Shayna Baszler - Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Justin Eilers - Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Travis Galbraith - Suspended 180 days with no contact for 180 days due to a possible broken rib (can be cleared early by a doctor); minimum suspension of 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Wilson Reis - Suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days due to skull laceration
Mike Cook- Suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days due to right lateral knee injury; minimum suspension of 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons
Drew Montgomery -Suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days due to a left-eye-area laceration
Brandon Tarn - Suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days due to a forehead laceration

Aleksander Emelianenko Expected To Fight At Affliction 2

Aleksander Emelianenko was pulled from the recent Affliction: Banned card due to "not meeting licensing requirements" of California State Athletic Commission.

Since then, rumors have circulated that Aleks had contracted Hepatitis B, and may never be licensed to fight in the U.S.A again.

In a recent video interview with a Russian website, Aleksander has dismissed these claims, stating that he was unable to receive his license to fight due to timing issues. Emelianenko was due to be given his medical and drug tests in California on the 13th June, but his visa was not issued until the 14th. He arrived in California on the 15th, but the California State Athletic Commission refused to license him as he didn't turn up at the correct time.

Aleksander expects to be able to compete at Affliction 2.

James Irvin Test Positive For Two Banned Substances

In the aftermath of his loss to Anderson Silva, James Irvin has tested positive for two banned substances - Oxymorphone and Methdone.

Oxymorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic, which is a prescribed medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. Methadone is a drug which is often used to treat people who have been addicted to narcotics such as heroin, but can also be prescribed as a painkiller.

Nevada State Athletic Commission has not issued a fine or suspension yet, as their rules state that Irvin has 20 days to submit an appeal. If his test results are upheld, he will face a suspension of 6-12 months and a fine of anything up to the full amount of his purse.

Justin Levens Tests Positive For Banned Substance

Justin Levens has reportedly tested positive for the drug oxymorphone in the aftermath of the Affliction: Banned fight card.

Levens was scheduled to fight Ray Lazama, but due to time constraints, the bout did not go ahead.

Oxymorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic, which is a prescribed medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. The levels of this substance in his blood stream were 10,141 ng/ml, way above the California State Athletic Commission's cut off limit of 120ng/ml.

Levens has been issued with a $1000 dollar fine and is suspended for six months, until January 15th 2009.

Gary Shaw And Doug Deluca Step Down From Pro Elite

Two of Elite XC's main event organizers have stepped down from their roles in the company today.

Gary Shaw has stepped down from his role as Elite XC's Live Events President. Doug Deluca has resigned his post as Pro Elite, Inc's Executive chairman. Both have also stepped down from the board of directors.

Both men have been very vocal in the running of Elite XC up until this point, and the move comes as something of a suprise. There was a noticable absence of Gary Shaw from the promotional material for last weekend's Saturday Night Fights event, and this would explain why.

Gary Shaw has reportedly been forced to step back from his role due to health issues caused by the pressures of his job. Both men have agreed to stay with the company as consultants.

Jared Rollins Out Of UFC 87

Former TUF 6 cast member Jared "J-Rock" Rollins has been pulled from his UFC 87 bout against fellow cast member Ben Saunders.

The reason for Rollins removal has not been disclosed. He will be replaced by newcomer Ryan Thomas. Thomas holds a record of 8-1. Whilst he has only ever fought on the smaller circuits, he has never gone to a decision, finishing all 8 of his wins via TKO or Submission.

UFC 87 takes place on August 9th and is headlined by Georges St. Pierre and Jon Fitch.

Dan Miller Makes His UFC Debut At Fight Night 15

Current IFL Middleweight champion Dan Miller is slated to fight his first fight for the UFC at Fight Night 15.

Miller has recently signed for the company, along with his brother Jim. His opponent is expected to be Xtreme Couture fighter Rob Kimmons. Kimmons made his debut at the Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale and scored a submission victory over Rob Yundt.

The event will take place on September 17th, and is headlined by Nate Diaz and Josh Neer.

RUMOR: Shogun To Face Coleman In December

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has recently stated that a fight between himself and Mark Coleman may happen in December.

Rua, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, has expressed a desire to face Coleman since Coleman defeated him in a Pride event via broken arm. Rua also suggested that Coleman has turned down a rematch on several occasions.

The fight will take place in December, giving both Shogun and Coleman time to recover from their recent injuries. The fight is expected to take place at Shogun's natural weight of 205, as Coleman recently expressed a desire to drop down from heavyweight to light heavyweight.

On a side note, Shogun's new training centre, UDL (Universidade da Luta), has opened this week. Shogun runs this training facility along with his brother, Murilo "Ninja" Rua.

Pedro Rizzo To Fight At Affliction 2

Despite a loss to Josh Barnett at Affliction 2, he will be fighting at the next Affliction card.

Rizzo made this announcement on Tatame.com, in an interview talking about his recent loss. Rizzo also stated in this interview that he felt some ring rust in his fight with Barnett, but is not using this as an excuse.

No official announcement has been made regarding this fight, and no opponents have been suggested.

Elite XC Sign John Alessio

Former UFC and WEC veteran John Alessio has reportedly signed a three fight deal with Elite XC.

Alessio currently holds a record of 23-11, and most recently faced Pete Spratt in a Banner Promotions fight card, where he won by Rear Naked Choke in the second round. Alessio is a welterweight contender and could provide a challenge for newly crowned champion Jake Shields in the future.

There has been no word from Alessio or Elite XC as to the precise terms of his contract, or the monetary value placed on it.

Ryan Schultz Signs With World Victory Road

Former IFL Lightweight Champion Ryan Schultz has reportedly signed a contract with World Victory Road.

World Victory Road made the announcement today, and also announced that Schultz's first fight under their banner would be at the Sengoku Lightweight Tournament's opening round, to be held on August 24th.

If Schultz makes it past the first round of the tournament, he will be looking at a potential contract of six fights, although a monetary figure has not been disclosed. Schultz, who holds a professional record of 20-9-1, will make his debut against Shooto veteran Mizuto Hirota.

Cub Swanson Out Of WEC Fight

MMA Trivia has learned that Cub Swanson is unable to compete at WEC 35, due to be held on August 5th, due to a broken hand.

Taking his place will be former IFL fighter L.C. Davis. Davis is 10-1 and is a newcomer to WEC. He will take on Hiroyuki Takaya at the event, to be held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Replacement for Tomasz Drwal at UFC 87

UFC fighter Tomasz Drwal has reportedly pulled out of next month's fight card, although no reason has been given as to why.

Stepping in in his place will be UFC newcomer Jon Jones, who currently holds a 6-0 MMA record. Jones is an accomplised wrestler and is a very young fighter at only 20 years old.

UFC 87 takes place on August 8th, and features a headline bout between Chuck Liddell and Rashad Evans.

Joe Riggs Gets The Break He's Been Looking For

Joe "Deisel" Riggs could possibly be the unluckiest fighter in the history of MMA. He has had more ups and downs in his life than any human should ever have to endure, and he has always come out the other side with a smile, determined to carry on with his fighting career.

I am happy to report that despite numerous health complaints that restricted his fighting career, Riggs fought at Rage in the Cage 112 this weekend and emerged victorious. Riggs last fought in February, but suffered a back injury that left him sidelined once again. He was then scheduled to fight at a Strikeforce event in June, but the California State Athletic Commission refused to issue him with a license due to medical reports.

Riggs' latest victory comes to a Miletich fighter named matt Dempsey, who holds a record of 1-1. Riggs took the fight at short notice, after Edwin Dewees pulled out to fight at Affliction instead. Riggs' latest win took the fighters record to 28-10. He is expected to fight again at the next Strikeforce event which is scheduled for 20th Spetember.

Scott Smith Suffers Broken Hand In Lawler Fight

According to a California based radio station, Scott Smith sustained a broken hand in his foght against Robbie Lawler on Saturday night.

The fight was the main event in Elite XC's second Saturday Night Fights card, aired on CBS. Smith came out swinging in the first round, throwing punch after punch at Lawler, and eating a few ounches in the process. Many fans noted that Smith looked very tentative in the second round, a stark contrast to the first, and this injury could have contributed to this sudden change.

Smith is scheduled to have surgery to fix the problem on Wednesday.

RUMOR: The Ultimate Fighter 8

Rumors of the cast for the next series of The Ultimate Fighter are starting to leak. The coaches of this season are Frank Mir and current UFC Heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. The two are expected to fight after the show has aired.

The following names have been leaked so far, although there is no official confirmation of these names at the moment:

Light Heavyweights:

Krzysztof Soszynski

Shane Primm

Lance Evans (Brother of Rashad Evans)

Ryan Jimmo

Ryan Bader (Trains at Arizona Combat Sports)

Vinicius Magalhaes (Trains with Team Quest)

Lightweights:

Shane Nelson (Trains at BJ Penn's school)

Junie Allen Browning.

Sengoku 4 Current Fight Card

World Victory Road have announced most of the bouts for their upcoming card "Sengoku 4".

This event will take place on August 24th, which doesn't leave the promotion much time to finalize their fight card, although this does seem to be a trend with the upstart promotion. The card for Sengoku 3 was only finalized in the few days running up to the event, so this one may not be so different.

Here is the card as it stands, featuring the return of Takanori Gomi and the arrival of Frank Trigg:

Takanori Gomi (28-3) vs Sung Hwan Pang (5-1)Makoto Takimoto (4-4) vs Frank Trigg (16-6)Peter Graham (0-1) vs Moise Rimbon (12-7-3)
Clay French (16-2) vs Satoru Kitaoka (20-8-9)Rodrigo Damm (8-1) vs Eiji Mitsuoka (13-5-2)Bojan Kosednar (6-1) vs Kazunori Yokota (6-1-3)Mizuto Hirota (9-2) vs Ryan Schultz (20-9-1)

M-1 Challenge To Hit UK Shores

Russian company M-1 Challenge has announced an event to be held in Nottingham, England on September 27th.

The event will be hosted by Warrior Promotions, the team in charge of UK Promotion Cage Warriors. They are expected to enter their own team of fighters into the M-1 line up for the first time.

The team format for the event will be Red Devils versus USA, and Russia Legion versus Europe. Expected to attend the event are Aleksander Emelianenko and Ian Freeman, who will be holding a seminar on September 26th, and Cage Warriors champions Dan Hardy and Gegard Mousasi.

UFC 89 To Be Aired Free On Spike

UFC President Dana White has announced today that UFC 89, to be held in Birmingham, England, will be aired free on Spike TV.

This news comes as no suprise to most fans, who have been expecting this announcement since the card was announced. Whilst the card features a solid line up, there is no main event title fight to bring in the pay per view buys that the UFC have come to expect. The main event of Michael Bisping versus Chris Leben will be a huge draw for UK fans, who will have to pay to view the event live.

Here is the line up for the event, which will be aired on a tape delay basis on October 18th.

Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben
Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva
Keith Jardine vs. Brandon Vera
Luiz Cane vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
Akihiro Gono vs. Dan Hardy
Shane Carwin vs. Neil Wain
Marcus Davis vs. Paul Kelly
Terry Etim vs. Sam Stout
Chris Lylte vs. Paul Taylor
David Bielkheden vs. Jess Liaudin
Per Eklund vs. Sammy Schiavo

Huerta Says Move To 170 Inevitable

In an interview given to MMA Weekly, Roger Huerta has stated that he will need to move to the 170lb division in the future.

Huerta emphasizes that he does not expect the move to come any time in the near future, but in 3or 4 years instead. He gives good reasoning for this revalation:

I’m 25 years old and the older I get, the more training I do, the more weight I gain, the more muscle mass I get,” Huerta says. “It’s not a problem at the moment, but I don’t doubt that in maybe 3 or 4 years from now that I know I’m going to have problems making 155, so that’s when I’ll start thinking about moving up to 170.”

You can read the full interview here:(http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=6771&zoneid=2)