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Vitor Belfort vs. Luke Rockhold fight video highlights

2013-05-19T04:22:41Z

Watch Vitor Belfort vs. Luke Rockhold fight video highlights from UFC on FX 8's main event above, courtesy of FOX Sports.

UFC on FX 8 took place May 18, 2013 at the Arena Jaraguá in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil. The old lion, Vitor Belfort (23-10), welcomed former Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold (10-2) into the Octagon in the night's brutal main event. Catch the video highlights above, along with highlights of the rest of the main card.

For more on Belfort's explosive victory, check out the play-by-play from our own Luke Thomas.

Round 1: Leon Roberts is the referee in charge. Both fighters open orthodox. Rockhold shoots and is stuffed. Belfort follows up with a right and they briefly tie up. Rockhold staying active with...

Video: UFC on FUEL TV: Highlights - UFC on FX 8

UFC on FX 8 in Tweets: Pros react to Vitor Belfort's spectacular knockout, 'Jacare' vs. Camozzi, more

2013-05-19T03:48:47Z

UFC on FX 8 may have been short on stars, but the few that were in the arena on Saturday night made their presence felt with style.

Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza put on an absolute clinic, lulling Chris Camozzi into unconsciousness within a matter of seconds after locking in a first-round arm triangle for his UFC debut. And then came Vitor Belfort. An underdog once again, the old lion saved his best trick for last, unleashing a devastating spinning heel kick that toppled Strikeforce's other middleweight standout, Luke Rockhold, midway through the main event's opening frame.

It was as spectacular of a knockout as they come, one that may have opened the door for Belfort to seize the UFC middleweight championship rematch that's eluded him for so long. And all along the way, Belfort's supporters and critics within the MMA community were there to weigh on the carnage.

Wow! That was unbelievable!! What about that leg speed, spinning? Are you kidding? Freaking awesome!
— Bas Rutten (@BasRuttenMMA) May 19, 2013

OMFG!!!!!! @vitorbelfort is the man
— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouseUFC) May 19, 2013

Victor did look good. Congrats. Bummed for my boy Luke though. He will be back strong.
— Dan Henderson (@danhendo) May 19, 2013

Wowser!!!!!!!!! #UFConFX8
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) May 19, 2013

My heart goes out to @lukerockhold awesome fighter & works so hard. Hats off to @vitorbelfort, awesome kick & all around legend #UFConFX8
— Mike Quick Swick (@officialswick) May 19, 2013

Oh you stronger than ever, huh Vitor…yea, we know… #UFConFX
— Jason Highwalker(@KCBanditMMA) May 19, 2013

But TRT or no TRT that shit was mad spectacular. #UFConFX
— Jason Highwalker(@KCBanditMMA) May 19, 2013

Wow!!!!!
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) May 19, 2013

That was unexpected. What a kick.
— Stipe Miocic (@smiocic) May 19, 2013

Belfort keeps looking better each time out...
— Mark Bocek (@MarkBocek) May 19, 2013

@benfowlkesmma @mmajunkiesteven I disagree. I have trained with guys pre & post testosterone usage & difference is incredible. Speed & power
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) May 19, 2013

I am not trying to be a jerk & not jealous of other fighter success, I am secure in who I am. (cont) tl.gd/lriei6
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) May 19, 2013

In a day & age where we discover new long term effects of concussions and how horrible they are, I speak out of concern for my peers
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) May 19, 2013

@brianstann agree . confidence , energy , swag , cardio everything goes up . It allows you to train harder , etc . Just ridiculous
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) May 19, 2013

@brianstann don’t justify it to please morons who don’t compete. Plain & simple insecurities somewhere means they need shit
— Tom Kong Watson (@TomKongWatson) May 19, 2013

Holy shit that was brutal #ufconfx8 amazing!
— Steven Siler (@Stevesiler) May 19, 2013

Wow vitor...
— Erik Jon Koch (@NEWBREED04) May 19, 2013

…… What in the world… Really?…. A spinning wheel kick… From Vitor Belfort… tmblr.co/Z8wavwlImWtj
— Michael McDonald (@MaydayMcDonald) May 19, 2013

Wow!! Just wow!! Vitor is the man!
— Costas Philippou (@Philippou185UFC) May 19, 2013

Keep your head up @lukerockhold all the greats have been put down along their journey. Yours is just beginning!!
— Tyson Griffin (@TysonGriffin) May 19, 2013

Hell yea wow wow wow belfort is my hero
— Melvin Guillard (@Young__Assassin) May 19, 2013

Great KO @vitorbelfort, The things we can do when we get older, we just get better. fb.me/Df4HrKQa
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) May 19, 2013

Holy shit! #PHENOM
— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) May 19, 2013

can't wait to hear the all TRT comments about Vitors speech when he says he is stronger than ever!I think he realized it when he said it!
— Chris Clements(@menaceclements) May 19, 2013

Oooooh my!!!!! Craziest finish I've ever seen @vitorbelfort @ufc #ufconfx8
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) May 19, 2013

I've always been a Vitor fan but I really thought it was Rockholds time... I'm still blown away.. Congrats to the Phenom.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) May 19, 2013

It had to have been the haircut! #ufconfx8
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) May 19, 2013

#wordsofadvice if your debuting in the UFC....stay off the main card! You gotta ease into it
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) May 19, 2013

Vitor's spinning kick just tucked Uriah Hall's spinning kick in bed #UFConFOX8
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) May 19, 2013

Incredible win for #VitorBelfort #ufconfx8
— Darren Elkins (@Darren_Elkins) May 19, 2013

Wow! Spinning heel kick KO for vitorbelfort ! #evolving #UFConFX8 @ufc @fueltv instagram.com/p/ZeihGuM5K4/
— Mark Muñoz (@mark_munoz) May 19, 2013

In my opinion @vitorbelfort has earned a shot at the title after his last two wins. #impressive #sickninjakick
— Vinny Magalhaes (@VinnyMMA) May 19, 2013

Vitor looks like an action figure. #Badass
— Duane Ludwig (@DUANEBANGCOM) May 19, 2013

KO of the Night! Another Spinning Wheel Kick added to the @ufc highlight reels! Mad #respect @vitorbelfort
— Jon Tuck (@JonCruzTuck) May 19, 2013

Vitor is still a beast!
— Pat Curran (@PatCurranMMA) May 19, 2013

I'm signing up for karate classes... All these dam windmill kicks n shit!! #smh #muaythai
— David Rickels (@TheCaveman316) May 19, 2013

.@danawhite @jacaremma vs @vitorbelfort Gonna be a great Fight :)
— Thiago Tavares UFC (@TavaresMMA) May 19, 2013

#Flyweights we can't let these heavyweights out flashy move. As a group we need to step our game up. @ufc #ninjastatus
— John Dodson III (@JohnDodsonMMA) May 19, 2013

That was amazing....... Well done Belfort
— Kyle Noke (@KyleNoke) May 19, 2013

Tae Kwon Do still works! Massive congrats to Belfort! #ufconfx8 #blackbelt
— Akira Corassani (@AkiraCorassani) May 19, 2013

That's why Vitor Belfort has been n always will be one of my favorite fighters since like 5th grade! #SavageKO
— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) May 19, 2013

Tough loss for @lukerockholdkeep your head up my friend.
— Tarec Saffiedine (@tarecfighter) May 19, 2013

OH MY GOSH!!! CONGRATULATIONS @vitorbelfort & THANKS FOR THE MOMENTUM!!! LETS GOOOOOO!!!!
— Abel Trujillo (@AbelTrujillo1) May 19, 2013

Holy moly that was a crazy KO @vitorbelfort still looking great. So awesome @jacoclothing @glennauthentic @ufc @ufcbelle.
— Seth Baczynski (@Sethbmma) May 19, 2013

What's making the old vitor the old vitor
— Daniel Straus (@DanielStraus) May 19, 2013

WTF!!!! THAT WAS SSOOOOOO CCCRRRAAAAAAZZZZYYYYYY!!!! @ufc #UFConFX
— Bubba McDaniel (@BubbaTheMenace) May 19, 2013

Give that man @vitorbelfort the next title shot!!!! @danawhite @ufc #UFConFX
— Bubba McDaniel (@BubbaTheMenace) May 19, 2013

Freaking beautiful @vitorbelfort with the spinning kick to the head!! @ufc
— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) May 19, 2013

HOLY SHIT!!!!!! The Immortal Vitor Belford!!
— MIKE RICHMAN (@MikeUSMCRichman) May 19, 2013

Vitor needs to layoff that juice
— RyanMartinez (@970King) May 19, 2013

Holy juicyness wtf
— RyanMartinez (@970King) May 19, 2013

Vitor's win creates an interesting problem - as far as I know Nevada hasn't licensed him for TRT but he's on it, & clearly the #1 contender
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) May 19, 2013

THE GATOR SAYS GO TO SLEEP

WOW!! Jacare is NASTY
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 19, 2013

Man, @jacaremma is a BEAST! That's some top shelf strangulation skills right there
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) May 19, 2013

Maybe the fastest I’ve ever seen anybody put to sleep. Choke prob started 2-3 secs before it actually looked like an arm triangle #UFConFX
— Jason Highwalker(@KCBanditMMA) May 19, 2013

Camozzi is tough but I saw that 1st round submission coming from the day this fight was announced. Just a bad match up for him
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) May 19, 2013

Dayum
— Michelle Ould (@MichelleOuldMMA) May 19, 2013

Middleweights,Jacare just arrived!!!!!
— patrick cote (@patrick_cote) May 19, 2013

Wow camozzi went out fast! Jacare super impressive as always!! I'm a huge fan #ufconfox
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) May 19, 2013

Jeez Jacare looks solid. @ufc
— Bristol Marunde (@BristolMarunde) May 19, 2013

Slickness at its finest! @jacaremma
— Jon Tuck (@JonCruzTuck) May 19, 2013

Thank you @danawhite @lorenzofertitta and @reedharrisufc . I knew it was a tough fight on short notice but I thought I had it. I'll be back
— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) May 19, 2013

DOS ANJOS, DUNHAM AND CONTROVERSY

Action packed fight by DosAnjos n Dunham, that's dem #LightweightsBestWeight in the @ufc!!! #UFConFX8...
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) May 19, 2013

Dunham got ROBBED!!!!
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 19, 2013

Wow gr8 fight! Thought @evandunham155 had it though! One of my fav fighters.
— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) May 19, 2013

I thought @evandunham155 won all three rounds, can see the judges giving Him a 29-28 though.
— Vinny Magalhaes (@VinnyMMA) May 19, 2013

R.O.B.B.E.R.Y much?
— Vinny Magalhaes (@VinnyMMA) May 19, 2013

Close and good fight but @evandunham155 got robbed!
— Patrick Healy (@BamBamHealy) May 19, 2013

Bullshit
— Daniel Straus (@DanielStraus) May 19, 2013

That a boy @evandunham155 FOTN .got him winning all 3 rounds! I hope the judges see it that way. They'll probably score 29-28 Dunham.
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) May 19, 2013

Holy freaking BULLSHIT right there!!! @evandunham155 won that fight hands down! Horrible decision!
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) May 19, 2013

I've seen bad decisions in my day but these idiots obviously score off crowd reaction then the fight itself.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) May 19, 2013

Great fight!
— Costas Philippou (@Philippou185UFC) May 19, 2013

That was BS, @evandunham155 won that fight #UFConFX
— Martin Kampmann (@MartinKampmann) May 19, 2013

Wow the was the worst decision in Mma history! UFC should NOT go back to Brazil after a decision like that. What corruption and prejudice!
— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) May 19, 2013

Dunham got robbed
— Mitch Gagnon (@MitchGagnonUFC) May 19, 2013

I feel very bad for Dunham who put his heart in the cage, won and got roooobbed! #ufconfx8
— Akira Corassani (@AkiraCorassani) May 19, 2013

Wow don't know how ever @evandunham155 lost that one! Shocking judges decision there! #ufconfx8 #UFConFX
— John Maguire (@MaguireTheOne) May 19, 2013

Wow!!!@evandunham155 won that fight!Robbed!@ufc
— Bristol Marunde (@BristolMarunde) May 19, 2013

Dunham got screwed. I sometimes wonder what the judges are watching
— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) May 19, 2013

Not the way I scored it but who am I? #UFConFX
— Bubba McDaniel (@BubbaTheMenace) May 19, 2013

Hey @evandunham155, I thought you won that fight and so did everyone else on here. Sucky decision but you're still the man! Proud of you bro
— Ulysses Gomez (@uselessgomez) May 19, 2013

Brazilians would boo Jesus if he was going up against another Brazilian #UFConFX8
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) May 19, 2013

Tough fight don't agree with the decision like usual. Thanks everyone for the love.
— Evan Dunham (@evandunham155) May 19, 2013

NATAL EDGES ZEFERINO

Congrats @rafaelsaponatal way to push the pace!
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) May 19, 2013

Took the fight on short notice in a higher weight class true warrior @zeferinomma you'll be back!!!
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) May 19, 2013

Big congrats to @rafaelsaponatalon his UFC win tonight!!! Great job vs a game opponent!
— Matt Serra (@MattSerraUFC) May 19, 2013

Nice ground and pound from @rafaelsaponatal!
— Phillipe Nover (@PhillipeNover) May 19, 2013

I wanna see some 50/50 guard on the main card #shitnoonesays
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) May 19, 2013

Congrats to Rafael "Sucko" Natal, if he woulda known the counter to 50/50 guard was being a man then maybe he would of finished him.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) May 19, 2013

There's @ufc on?!?!?! Who gots a link for me??? Wait, who's fighting???
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) May 19, 2013

UFC on FX 8 Undercard Live Blog: Dias vs. Lentz, Trinaldo vs. Rio, More

2013-05-18T20:26:06Z

This is the UFC on FX 8 undercard live blog for the Belfort vs. Rockhold event at the Arena Jaragua in Brazil.

There will be nine fights on the undercard. Hacran Dias vs. Nik Lentz, Francisco Trinaldo vs. Mike Rio, Gleison Tibau vs. John Cholish, Paulo Thiago vs. Michel Prazeres, Yuri Alcantara vs. Iliarde Santos, Fabio Maldonado vs. Roger Hollett, John Lineker vs. Azamat Gashimov, Jussier Formiga vs. Chris Cariaso, and Lucas Martins vs. Jeremy Larsen will be featured on the prelims.

Check out the UFC on FX 8 undercard live blog below.

More Coverage: UFC on FX 8 Results | UFC news
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Lucas Martins vs. Jeremy Larsen

Round 1: Here we go, folks. Mario Yamasaki our the referee for this opening lightweight bout. Martins picks his shots from the outside early. Larsen trips Martins then lands a big right hand. Martins recovers and responds with a standing elbow to the jaw. Larsen ducks under for a single, but can't get it. Larsen catches a leg kick and tosses Martins away. Martins swings for the fences. Larsen bulldozes in and floors Martins with a straight right. Martins snatches a heel hook from the bottom, then transitions to a calf slicer. Larsen wants no part of it and backs out. Larsen wades in, eats a knee and completes a double leg. Another double from Larsen, and the boos start to trickle in from the biased Brazilian crowd. Martins stands, finds his range with a few combinations, then slips to the mat. Larsen jumps on top, landing in full guard. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Larsen.

Round 2: Huge one-two lands for Martins. Larsen just eats it. Martins chips away with a leg kick. Larsen closes the distance and lands a few knees to the thigh, but is unable to complete a single. Larsen dives in again, this time for a double, but Martins fights it off. Martins snaps off a leg kick. Larsen staggers Martins with a straight right. Martins answers with an uppercut. A huge gash is ripped open below Larsen's right eye. Body kick for Martins, followed by a flurry. Larsen cracks Martins with a giant straight right. And another. Wow. Martins still standing. Another huge right hand from Larsen. Martins is on wobbly legs. Larsen just stole the round. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Larsen.

Round 3: Larsen storms across the cage winging looping punches. Martins eats a shot then crumbles Larsen with a dagger of a right hand. Wow. Larsen is out cold. This one is over.

Lucas Martins def. Jeremy Larsen via KO (punch) at 0:13 of round 3.

Jussier Formiga vs. Chris Cariaso

Round 1: Kevin Mulhall is our referee for this flyweight bout. Cariaso pumps his jab. Formiga misses a right hook then connects with a leg kick. Formiga changes levels for a double against the cage. He gets it. Cariaso scrambles to his feet, but Formiga plants him back on the mat, landing in side control. Cariaso regains his guard. Formiga patiently advances into half guard, then side control. Formiga plants his knee on Cariaso's stomach and looks to pass to mount. Cariaso fights it off, eventually regaining half guard. Formiga relentless with his advances, but Cariaso is doing a good job stifling any damage. Mulhall stands the fighters. Leg kick from Cariaso. Formiga returns the favor. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Formiga.

Round 2: Formiga immediately plants Cariaso on the mat, then advances to mount. Cariaso shrimps out and regains half guard, then back to full guard. Formiga slips into half guard. The crowd is getting restless. Cariaso locks up his guard and scoots his back against the cage. Formiga pries him away and retakes full mount. Formiga finally postures up and rains down a few punches. Cariaso escapes back into guard. Another quick stand-up from Mulhall. Have to question that one. Formiga clinches against the fence. Cariaso breaks away. Cariaso wades forward with straight punches, but nothing lands flush. Cariaso sprawls to defend a double. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Formiga.

Round 3: Cariaso the aggressor to start the final round. Formiga avoids any danger, then locks up and trips Cariaso to the floor. Cariaso stands and defends a double. Mulhall breaks up the action again. Why? Cariaso finds a home for a straight left on Formiga's chin. Formiga slips a combination then clinches against the fence. Formiga hunting for a single. Cariaso seizes a no-hooks d'arce choke. Oh wow. Formiga falls to the ground, rolls out, then retakes his feet. Cariaso plants Formiga on the mat and starts raining down blows. Huge elbows bloody the face of Formiga. Cariaso advances to side control. Massive shots from Cariaso. Formiga stands but eats a huge knee for his troubles. Valiant effort from Cariaso. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Cariaso.

Jussier Formiga def. Chris Cariaso via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

John Lineker vs. Azamat Gashimov

Round 1: Our referee for this flyweight fight is Mario Yamasaki. Wild overhand right misses for Lineker. Huge right hook topples Gashimov. Lineker starts pounding away. Gashimov climbs back to his feet and ties up. Gashimov seems to have regained his senses. Lineker reverses a single, winding up on top inside Gashimov's guard. Lineker wings a few hard shots into Gashimov's body as he uses the cage to stand up. Gashimov sweeps out Likeker's leg. Lineker wobbles Gashimov with a big left hand. Gashimov answers with a counter right. Lineker swarms on Gashimov, and Gashimov grabs the fence while trying to defend the takedown. Yamasaki takes away a point. That was quick. Lineker floors Gashimov again with a looping hook. Gashimov clamors up, but that was a rough round. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-8 Lineker.

Round 2: Wild spinning backfist misses for Gashimov. Lineker unloads a flurry, and another. Kick to the body lands for Lineker. Lineker follows up with a massive right hand to the body that drops Gashimov. Lineker swarms. Gashimov is turtled up, eating shot after shot. That's it, folks. What of a performance by John Lineker.

John Lineker def. Azamat Gashimov via TKO (strikes) at 1:07 of round 2.

Fabio Maldonado vs. Roger Hollett

Round 1: Leon Roberts is our referee for this light heavyweight bout. Hollett misses wildly with an overhand right. Hollett charges forward. Maldonado finds a home for his right hook. Spinning back kick absolutely obliterates Maldonado's groin. Man, that was painful to watch. After watching Maldonado writhe in pain on the mat for a few minutes, we're back. Hollett times a double and gets it, landing in half guard. Hollett can't get anything going, so Roberts stands it up. Hollett pressures Maldonado against the cage then drops down for a double. Maldonado defends. Roberts splits the fighters. Hollett immediately seizes a takedown, then passes into half guard. What a weird, kind of awful round. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Hollett.

Round 2: Hollett lands a few short shots against the fence. Standing knee to the jaw from Hollett. Maldonado swings wildly and misses. Maldonado clinches Hollett against the fence, then unloads a series of short punches. Hollett reverses, but eats a flurry of jabs. Maldonado going head-body, head-body. Hollett looks exhausted. Maldonado urges him to come forward. Hollett shoots for a high single. Maldonado fights it off. Hollett is cut wide open across his forehead. More body shots from Maldonado. MMA Fighting score it 10-9 Maldonado.

Round 3: Hollett immediately secures a single leg takedown. Maldonado scrambles to his feet, then clinches Hollett against the cage. Maldonado unloads a slew of body shots. Hollett fires back and Maldonado loves it. Maldonado back to work, going head-body against the fence. Hollett eats a series of jabs. Another jab. Hollett is fading hard. Maldonado relentless with his body shots. One-two to the head dazes Hollett. Hollett just looking to survive. Hollet ties up against the fence, much to the distaste of the Brazilian crowd. Roberts splits it up. Hollett wades back inside, but Maldonado hits an inside trip and lands on top. Maldonado rains down punches. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Maldonado, and the fight 29-28 Maldonado.

Fabio Maldonado def. Roger Hollet via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-27)

Yuri Alcantara vs. Iliarde Santos

Round 1: Our referee is Kevin Mulhall. Alcantara rips a right hand into Santos' jaw. Alcantara follows with a flying knee, but Santos closes the distance. Santos hunts for a double against the fence and can't get it. Alcantara unloads a huge flurry of rights and lefts. Somehow Santos avoids any major damage. Santos connects with a body kick, Alcantara responds with a one-two. High kick from Alcantara. Huge straight left topples Santos. Alcantara swarms. Eight unanswered shots later, this one is over.

Yuri Alcantara def. Iliarde Santos via TKO (strikes) at 2:31 of round 1.

Paulo Thiago vs. Michel Prazeres

Round 1: Referee Mario Yamasaki oversees this welterweight bout. Thiago blocks a high kick, and another. Prazeres catches a leg then hunts for a single against the cage. Thiago fights it off. Prazeres nearly trips Thiago to the canvas. Thiago reverses the position into mount, but only briefly. Prazeres still looking for a trip against the fence. Boos start to rain down and Yamasaki quickly separates the action. Prazeres is really working on that high kick. Thiago connects with a big combination, starting with a shot to the ribs. More boos. The Brazilian crowd isn't too pleased with this one. Thiago backs away from a looping left hook. Prazeres ducks under a right and clinches against the fence. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Prazeres.

Round 2: Another high kick from Prazeres is blocked. Thiago storms forward and drops from Prazeres with a short right hand. Thiago pounces, raining down shots from half guard. Thiago on top, looking to pass, but Prazeres escapes. Thiago trips Prazeres to the canvas but can't do anything with it. Prazeres stands, then returns the favor to Thiago. Thiago trying to climb to his feet, and he does. Thiago with double underhooks, briefly drags down Prazeres. We're back standing and Thiago eats a huge straight right. Prazeres changes levels for a double. Thiago sweeps into top position. Thiago working short elbows from half guard. Thiago traps an arm and unloads. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Thiago.

Round 3: Both fighters touch gloves. Thiago stalking forward, unloading looping hooks from range. Thiago ties up, and the boos rain down once more. Prazeres finds a home for a big combination, but Thiago just eats it. Prazeres drops down for a double. He can't get it. Yamasaki splits the action. Strong counter right connects for Thiago. Right hook from Thiago. Thiago clearly willing to push the pace. Prazeres defends a trip then pressures Thiago against the fence. Thiago finally trips Prazeres, landing in full mount. That might've just won him the fight. Thiago transitions to Prazeres' back and works short punches. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Thiago, and the fight 29-28 Thiago.

Paulo Thiago def. Michel Prazeres via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Gleison Tibau vs. John Cholish

Round 1: Leon Roberts is our referee for this lightweight bout. Cholish pumps his jab, Tibau returns the favor. Looping left misses for Tibau. Tibau follows with a hard shot to the body. Big exchange from both fighters. Tibau catches a kick and muscles Cholish to the mat. Cholish quickly works to his feet. Cholish eats a left hook, then blocks a high kick. Tibau catches another kick, but Cholish escapes unscathed. Tibau catches yet another kick and fires off a strong jab. Tibau briefly wrestles Cholish down, but can't do anything with it. We're back standing. Tibau stalks forward. Cholish defends a double leg against the fence. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Tibau.

Round 2: Tibau storms forward with a flying knee. Cholish connects with a short shot inside the pocket. Tibau fires back. Tibau muscles Cholish against the fence. Cholish backs out into the center of the cage. Slow pace here. Just as I say that, a huge straight left staggers Cholish. Cholish shoots for a desperation takedown. Tibau brushes it off, then seizes a guillotine during the ensuing scramble. It's in tight. That's it, folks.

Gleison Tibau def. John Cholish via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:34 of round 2.

Francisco Trinaldo vs. Mike Rio

Round 1: Referee Kevin Mulhall oversees this lightweight bout. Trinaldo furiously pumps his right hand to gauge distance. Rio half-heartedly shoots for a takedown. Trinaldo defends, but succumbs to a second attempt. Rio lands on top with a front headlock and Trinaldo's left leg tied up. Trinaldo escapes to his feet and pressures Rio against the fence. Trinaldo seizes a body lock then drags Rio to the mat. Trinaldo snakes in an arm triangle from half guard. Trinaldo cranks down. Oh wow, he actually got it.

Francisco Trinaldo def. Mike Rio via submission (arm triangle choke) at 3:08 of round 1.

Hacran Dias vs. Nik Lentz

Round 1: Mario Yamasaki is our referee for this final UFC on FX 8 prelim. Lentz charges forward with a one-two. Lentz closes the distance against the fence. Dias backs out and unloads a combination. Lentz shoots for a single but fails to secure it. Lentz connects with a flurry. Lentz grabs a leg and works for a single against the cage. Dias defends and reverses. Lentz tries again for the takedown, but still nothing gives. Lentz reverses a trip attempt and takes Dias' back. Dias hits a switch and latches onto Lentz. Lentz squirms out and muscles Dias into the cage, much to the displeasure of the Brazilian crowd. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Lentz.

Round 2: Lentz takes Dias' back early in a scramble. Lentz working short punches while trying to secure his second hook. Shot after shot is blasting through Dias' defense. Lentz transitions to top position, winding up in half guard. Dias works to his feet but Lentz seizes a front headlock. Lentz thoroughly stifling Dias' attack right now. Lentz moves to Dias' back then trips him, landing again in half guard. Lentz stands, eats a few upkicks, then jumps back into Dias' half guard. Lentz advances into mount. Lentz postures up and unleashes a salvo, but nothing lands clean. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Lentz.

Round 3: Dias comes out firing. Lentz ducks under a shot, then eats a huge right hand. And another. Dias gets the best of a wild exchange. Lentz briefly ties up. Dias still firing. Dias muscles Lentz against the fence, then slams Lentz to the mat. Lentz seizes a guillotine from the bottom. Dias slowly works out of it. Dias sinks in an arm triangle. Oh man, this one is deep. Lentz looks like he might tap. Nope, he somehow survives, but Dias advances to half guard. Lentz reclaims his guard, hunts for a kimura, then nearly blasts Dias with an illegal upkick. We're back standing and Dias is firing. Lentz locks up, hunting for a single against the fence. Dias eyes a switch as the horn sounds. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Dias.

Nik Lentz def. Hacran Dias via unanimous decision (28-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Morning Report: Nate Diaz to either be 'fined, suspended, or cut' for homophobic slur, manager responds

2013-05-17T12:05:43Z

It continues to confuse me when professional athletes fail to recognize the weight their words carry on social media. You already know what happened by now. Thursday morning, UFC lightweight Nate Diaz popped open his Twitter account and fired off a pair of tweets in defense of Pat Healy, who, as silly as sounds, recently lost a very large sum of money because he smoked marijuana.

Now that's all well and good. Diaz is more than welcome to express his opinion; in fact it's often encouraged. Where he made his mistake, though, is the homophobic slur Diaz haphazardly included in his tweets, which were assumedly directed towards the recipient of Healy's money, Bryan Caraway.

Obviously it was a poor choice of words. Offensive slurs of that magnitude aren't tolerated in any professional sports league. Athletes are public figures both on and off the playing field, and always represent the employers who pay them larger salaries than most of the world will ever dream of earning. It's the downside of the money, prestige and fame. The New England Patriots wouldn't tolerate it if Tom Brady tweeted that to Peyton Manning, the Chicago Bulls wouldn't tolerate that if Derrick Rose tweeted that to LeBron James, and it definitely won't be tolerated in this new era of the UFC, in which inroads to the mainstream and legalization of MMA in New York are top priorities for Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta. This isn't wild, wild west anymore.

So, not surprisingly, it didn't take long for White to respond.

"We are going to fine, suspend or cut him," White told MMAFighting.com's Dave Meltzer. "One or two of those three will happen."

White was in Germany when the news dropped on Thursday, but is expected to make his decision regarding Diaz's fate Friday morning after he arrives in the United States.

As of this writing Diaz's tweets remain posted on his Twitter account, apparently on the advice of his manager, Mike Kogan, who also urged his followers to look up the slur on Urban Dictionary.

"Guess what? The word f----t, at least in Northern California, and where Nate is from, means b---h," Kogan said to MMAJunkie.com. "It means you're a little punk. It has nothing to do with homosexuals at all. So when Nate made the comment that he made, he didn't make it in reference to homosexuals or calling Caraway a homosexual. He just said it was a b---h move.

"How people take it is beyond my control. But that's what my intent was. And it was a b---h move, for the record. Pat Healy? It's not like Pat Healy is Georges St-Pierre and he could afford it. That was probably the most money he's ever made in his life. And because of something he did, I'm pretty sure way before the fight ... it's not like he walked out into the cage with f--king weed in his mouth, he got fined. He doesn't need somebody else dwelling over it."

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Healy's drug test. Pat Healy lost nearly 80% of his fight earnings, just because he smoked marijuana during his training camp. MMAFighting.com's Mike Chiappetta argues that in this case, the punishment doesn't fit the crime.

Diaz uses gay slur. In a misguided attempt to defend Pat Healy, Stockton's favorite son, Nate Diaz, hurled a homophobic slur at the "guy who took the money" on Twitter. UFC President Dana White quickly responded, telling MMAFighting.com's Dave Meltzer, "We are going to fine, suspend or cut him. One or two of those three will happen." White is expected to decide Diaz's fate sometime Friday morning.

Vera vs. Rothwell. UFC veteran Brandon Vera returns to heavyweight for the first time in five years to take on "Big" Ben Rothwell at UFC 164. Vera announced the bout Thursday morning via Twitter.

UFC on FX 8 preview. Get ready for Saturday's UFC on FX 8 showdown with previews and predictions of the 13-fight card.

Florida gon' crazy. Let's talk about something fun, for a change. Two rival Florida mayors, Hialeah's Carlos Hernandez and Miami Lakes' Michael Pizzi, have agreed to settle their political differences in the cage with a charity amateur MMA match. For real.

MEDIA STEW

For a guy that doesn't like fighting fellow Brazilians, Anderson Silva has sure embarrassed quite a few of them.

A clip from Joe Rogan's new stand up. This is totally NSFW, just an FYI. (Also, "Josh" is referring to Josh Barnett, who was in the crowd that night.)

(HT: Reddit)

I wonder how much that 118-pound weight advantage is going to help Scott Ferrozzo against a 19-year-old Vitor Belfort? Seriously folks, if you've never seen this fight, click below and behold the hilarity.

As someone who lives in Arizona, the sentence, "Unfortunately, I live in Arizona," is probably the most accurate sentence I've ever heard.

Shinya Aoki absolutely worked Kotetsu Boku last month to add the ONE FC lightweight belt to his mantle. Now he'll show you how he did it.

NOT A GOOD CHOICE OF WORDS

I feel bad for pat Healy that they took a innocent mans money and I think the guy who took the money is the biggest Fag in the world ..
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) May 16, 2013

#sorryasslittlebitch
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) May 16, 2013

THESE GUYS GET IT

Twitter has struck again . TKO- ed another fighter's wallet !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) May 16, 2013

Language is powerful peeps. Consider that before you hit that "tweet" button.
— Jason Highwalker(@KCBanditMMA) May 17, 2013

SO DO THESE GUYS

I never smoked, I'm not against those people that do, but how can you allow people to do TRT and not smoke weed before a fight?
— Vinny Magalhaes (@VinnyMMA) May 16, 2013

Don't know why #mma fighters aren't allowed to smoke weed before fights. If judges can do it then the fighters should be able to as well. 😁
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) May 16, 2013

CARAWAY RESPONDS

I feel I deserved the SOTN anyways for my sub. And fighting on 5 days notice cutting 23.5 pounds and making weight and winning!
— Bryan Caraway (@BryanCaraway) May 17, 2013

My oldest sister is heavily involved in drugs an has caused many hardships on my fam And she started w weed Dnt judge me u dnt know my story
— Bryan Caraway (@BryanCaraway) May 17, 2013

MEANWHILE, IN BRAZIL

Press conference today. Can't stand fist to face bullshit, he will get his, I promise! instagram.com/p/ZYnlUqIaD8/
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 16, 2013

HUNTOOOOOOO!

Today is the day if I don't get visa today I'm going to start eating cake u guys didnt know bout cake day
— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) May 16, 2013

SPIDER TRAINING

Cool pic of GSP and I getting some work in @renzograciebjj twitter.com/ChrisWeidmanUF…
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) May 16, 2013

LIKE MAGIC

The CURE!!!! Germany kicks ass. twitter.com/danawhite/stat…
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 16, 2013

MORE GOOD NEWS

Just got my stitches taken out!! Oh yea baby, feelin good
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 16, 2013

VOICE ACTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

Proud to give my voice to French-Canadian version of @monstersu! Merci à Disney-Pixar & Studio SPR à Montréal!! twitter.com/GeorgesStPierr…
— Georges St-Pierre(@GeorgesStPierre) May 16, 2013

O_O

Okay tried to Tattoo someone,,,,I suckkkkkk!!
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) May 16, 2013

... I GOT NOTHING

Ranger panties, "Come And Take It" shirt, and cowboy boots make the perfect post workout outfit! twitter.com/TimKennedyMMA/…
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) May 16, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Thursday, May 15, 2013):

UFC 164: Brandon Vera (12-6) vs. Ben Rothwell (32-9)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes to us from our old friend Steve Borchadt, who writes: Pat Healy and the absurdity of how commissions, UFC handle marijuana test failures

Let's make one thing perfectly clear from the get go: Pat Healy has no one but himself to blame for failing his post-fight drug test for marijuana at UFC 159.

The 29 year old Healy is a twelve year veteran of the sport -- and although he may have spent the early years of his career honing his skills on cards with dubious names such as FCFF: Throwdown on the Fairground that reek of, shall we say, laissez faire regulation -- during that time he's doubtlessly learned a thing or two about how this whole drug testing business works. In fact, up until last month Healy spent the entirety of his regulated MMA career peeing as clean as the jokes in a televangelist's sermon.

Which is why he's no doubt going through his own personal regret-laden hell right now. Of all the fights to get popped with a test failure, why did it have to be this one?

Healy's victory over Jim Miller at UFC 159 was the crowning moment of his career. After years of mixed results - including a one and done UFC stint back in 2006 that ended with Healy getting choked out in the first round - here the guy had finally gotten a signature win that established him as a real player at lightweight. It wasn't a case of Healy merely eking out a decision either; he dominated a perennial top five contender in Miller and became the first to ever submit him.

Making an already great night no doubt one of the best of Healy's life, the blue collar fighter earned $152,500 for his efforts between his contracted show purse of $17,500, a $5,000 win bonus, and a whopping $130,000 in bonus money for winning both Submission of the Night and Fight of the Night.

Now, thanks to one dumb mistake, all that has made like the title to a Cheech and Chong movie and disappeared in a cloud of pungent smoke.

If Healy has the stomach to take a look at his bank statement today, it might feel like UFC 159 was just a particularly sweet daydream he was in no hurry to wake up from.

However, something tells me that even if a few weeks after the fight Jim Miller's face isn't still wearing the beating he received at Healy's hands, the scrappy New Jersey native is still going to wake up tomorrow morning feeling like he's coming off a loss. Miller and Healy may both have an unsightly purple box marked NC on their Wikipedia pages now, but everyone who saw UFC 159 knows what really happened that night.

Yet here we are having to pretend like the fight never took place. Might as well erase it from the upcoming UFC 159 DVD and replace it with Healy delivering an insincere PSA on the evils of smoking dope. After all, according to the rules set by both state commissions and the UFC, Healy's ill-advised choice to get high a month before competing somehow cancels out his performance in the fight.

And that's a big part of what makes the standard protocol in situations like this so unsatisfying. You'd have to have red tape flowing through your veins rather than blood to honestly think Healy hitting the bong and watching the Outdoor Channel after training one day had any effect on the beatdown he laid on Miller.

After all, it's not like he was caught with elevated levels of testosterone or some other performance enhancing drug. Healy's only crime was being dumb enough to risk using a banned recreational drug in the weeks before his match at UFC 159.

Maybe it's worth taking a second here to ask ourselves what purpose regulators and the UFC are trying to serve by overturning the result after a victorious fighter gets popped for weed. If the point is to scare fighters away from toking up in their spare time, then it's hopelessly misguided. We aren't exactly talking about the most risk-adverse segment of the population here after all. There are always going to be fighters who look at the case of a Healy or a Nick Diaz and say it couldn't happen to them as long as they stop smoking far enough out and use the proper masking agents.

On the other hand, if what commissions and the UFC are trying to do is punish the stoners in their midst for using a non-performance enhancing drug in their spare time, then they might just be overreacting. It seems reasonable to give fighters a uniform monetary fine for an infraction like this - say $10,000 or so - but it's simply tone deaf to the changing society we live in to treat a marijuana test failure the same as one for steroids. Why erase a fighter's hard fought victory because he was boneheaded enough to use a banned substance that didn't give him a performance advantage?

Again, there's no question Healy messed up; he made a mistake and should be expected to shoulder the full responsibly for it.

What's not quite so open and shut a case however is the whether or not fighters like Healy who test positive for pot deserve to have their wins overturned and the entirety of their bonuses taken away. Smoking marijuana may be against the Unified Rules of MMA, but can we honestly say the punishment fits the crime?

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in Monday's column.

Brandon Vera returns to heavyweight, battles Ben Rothwell at UFC 164

2013-05-16T17:38:34Z

UFC veteran Brandon Vera (12-6, 1 NC) returns to heavyweight for the first time in five years to take on "Big" Ben Rothwell (32-9) at UFC 164. Vera announced the bout Thursday morning via Twitter.

UFC 164 takes place August 31, 2013 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. No additional bouts have been confirmed by promotion officials, although recent reports linked both Alistair Overeem and Diego Sanchez to the fight card.

Vera returns to his former weight class after compiling a lukewarm 4-4 (1 NC) record at light heavyweight since 2008. The 35-year-old owns just one win over his last five UFC appearances, having defeated Eliot Marshall via unanimous decision, fought to a no contest against Thiago Silva, and lost to Randy Couture, Jon Jones, and Mauricio Rua, the last of which came in the tightly contested main event of UFC on FOX 4.

Vera racked up a 4-2 record during his original UFC run at heavyweight, winning four straight punctuated by a 69-second TKO victory over Frank Mir, before losing consecutive bouts to Tim Sylvia and Fabricio Werdum.

Rothwell, meanwhile, looks to rebound after submitting to a second-round guillotine choke at the hands of Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC on FX 7. The 31-year-old former IFL standout has alternated wins and loses since 2008, notably defeating Gilbert Yvel and Brendan Schaub, but losing to Andrei Arlovski, Cain Velasquez, Mark Hunt and Gonzaga.

Rothwell fought just once a year for each of the past four years, however that streak will end if he makes it to UFC 164 unscathed.

Morning Report: Chris Weidman imitates Anderson Silva; Nick Diaz's War MMA targeting summer debut

2013-05-16T12:07:30Z

Welcome back, folks. It's good to see you again. The summer schedule may be creeping closer, but at least for now there's still plenty of downtime to be had. So what better way to spend it than with the latest and greatest from the MMA community?

We have a full docket on tap today. So instead of me sitting here blathering on and on like an idiot, let's jump ahead and get to the goods.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

War MMA eyeing June debut. Nick Diaz's rumored fight promotion, War MMA, is targeting a debut date of June 22 at the Stockton Arena, according to a report from Sherdog. War MMA also plans to live stream the event online.

MMA Roundtable. Luke Thomas joins your ol' pal Shaun to peruse the UFC cut list, analyze the latest in Eddie Alvarez's crusade against Bellator, debate which UFC champion will be the next to lose their title, plus more on the latest edition of the MMA Roundtable.

Caraway lands SOTN bonus. Bantamweight veteran Bryan Caraway retroactively received Pat Healy's $65,000 'Submission of the Night' bonus for his third-round guillotine choke over Johnny Bedford at UFC 159. Healy forfeited the cash after testing positive for marijuana in a post-fight drug test.

Bellator Summer Series. Bellator announced the four-man heavyweight tournament field that will compete in its upcoming Summer Series: former UFC fighter Vinicius Queiroz, former tournament finalist Richard Hale, Ron Sparks and undefeated Vitaly Minakov.

UFC on FX 8 facts. Did you know that Vitor Belfort holds the UFC record for most first-round finishes? Yup, somehow he does with 10. Check out more UFC on FX 8 pre-fight facts here.

MEDIA STEW

Chris Weidman evoking a little of that Prebek/Tommy Toe Hold style with his Anderson Silva impression here. I dig it.

I don't want to live in a world where Anderson Silva retired before making his legendary UFC run, but hey, it almost happened, and it'll always be one of MMA's biggest 'what ifs.' Who knows? Maybe Rich Franklin would've have ended up becoming the greatest middleweight in UFC history.

This clip couldn't be more aptly titled.

(HT: Reddit)

Let me explain this real quick: Tall Guy was going to fight Guy 2. But then Guy 2 saw Tall Guy, decided 'eff that' and dropped out 24 hours before from the fight. So what happened? If you guessed a spectator at the weigh-ins stepped in to fight on one day's notice, then you'd be absolutely correct. And yes, this ends exactly how you think it will.

(HT: Reddit)

Wait... Bruce Buffer can do the splits? What???

Guile's theme song finally makes it into the Morning Report. Welcome, old friend. We've been expecting you.

FALLOUT

@_royy it's known up front that checks are held until everyone passes the drug test. Brian Caraway get the SON now. Healy did himself dirty.
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 15, 2013

Hey boss thanks for being so F'n cool!! Dinner is on @bryancaraway tonight for sure haha ;-) @danawhite
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) May 15, 2013

Thanks everyone for their support, made a huge mistake and gotta pay for it.
— Patrick Healy (@BamBamHealy) May 15, 2013

THE NEWEST MEMBER OF BLACK HOUSE

The beginnings of a great partnership between @phenommgt, @edblackhouse & myself! So excited to have a great team! twitter.com/CatZingano/sta…
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) May 13, 2013

I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT THIS IS

Back to Montréal and working on a very cool special project this morning!! twitter.com/GeorgesStPierr…
— Georges St-Pierre(@GeorgesStPierre) May 10, 2013

HMMMM...

Hey @nicktriga I just met your sister at a soup lounge.. She was telling me that you are a huge supporter! just wanted to say thanks
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 6, 2013

@jonnybones thanks Johnny bones jones. That's my wife, but she is my sister in Christ. Lol
— Nicholas Cummins (@nicktriga) May 6, 2013

wife? She told me you were her little brother, someone has some explaining to do lol @nicktriga
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 6, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Wednesday, May 14, 2013):

Bellator 96: Vinicius Queiroz (6-3) vs. Rich Hale (21-5)
Bellator 96: Vitaly Minakov (10-0) vs. Ron Sparks (8-1)
WSOF 3: Chris Gruetzemacher (11-1) vs. Jerrod Sanders (11-1)
WSOF 3: Carson Beebe (13-2) vs. Joe Murphy (6-0)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day joeyperez, who looks back at: 10 Things that had to happen for Chris Weidman to fight Anderson Silva.

1.

Silva v Munoz/Weidman winner...

Mark Munoz (12-2) +115 vs. Chris Weidman (8-0) -145

Chris Weidman wins a close paper match up and title fight eliminator by total destruction. Anderson decides to take the rest of the year off, to look for other challengers and that Weidman isn’t a big enough name. Weidman wasn’t really meant to win this fight. The idea was a nice easy bout between Anderson and his wrestling coach.

2.

Silva v Bisping?

The organization quickly found a dream candidate in the rock solid power punching kickboxer Michael Bisping. They matched him up against Tim Boetsch, but...

He got injured...

3.

Silva v Lombard?

Tim was then matched up against an even better candidate, the much hyped and newly acquired ‘Ector Lombard.

-310 Hector Lombard v +240 Tim Boetsch

Tim wins. Underdog wins. Silva v Lombard fight cant happen.

4.

Silva v Bonnar

Next up came Anderson v. Bonnar. Of course Anderson needed to win this or the fight with Weidman couldn’t happen. A very tough paper match up for Anderson, who didn’t want to fight in 2012, and had stated this as a reason for not fighting Weidman. A slim -1200 favourite, Silva shocked the world with this great legacy affirming victory.

The search for a legit challenger for the great one continued. Cung Le and even Rich Franklin were mentioned, but laughed out of the park. Jacare would have been a good match, but he had lost to Luke Rockhold. Luke was mentioned, but he had taken 5 rounds to beat Tim Kennedy.

5. + 6.

Silva v Boetsch/Beltcher?

Eventually two names seemed to shine. Those names were Tim Boetsch and Alan Beltcher. Tim had come through Okami and Lombard. He would surely be a worthy match against the aging king. Beltcher had defeated the incredible Blanka like warrior from Brazil, and previous contender to be a contender, known to many as Paul Harris.

Tim was matched up with Costa Philippou; a -155 wrestler favourite against a +130 striker and underdog.

Beltcher had a harder task and was +140 underdog against -170 Okami.

They both lost. On the same night.

Another two worthy challengers for Silva went up in smoke.

All of this told Anderson and Dana one thing. They had been avoiding the real man for far too long. The challenger for the throne already existed. In fact he had already won a title eliminator fight and not been given his credit. That man was out there…and his name was Michael Bisping!

7.

Silva v Bisping?

+110 Bisping was set up with a fight against -140 Belfort and got smashed in the second round, by a guy who is only supposed to be good for one.

Another title fight up in smoke.

8.

Silva v GSP?

GSP had just come back from injury and didn’t want the fight. Silva was much taller, with a much greater reach and would have dwarfed the canadian. For some reason Silva preferred this match up over the less proven Jones and Weidman. Wasnt going to happen.

Another title fight up in smoke.

9.

Jones v Silva?

Jones would be happy to fight silva, but if Silva werent fighting Weidman, he sure as s--t werent about to fight Jones.

Another title fight up in smoke.

Well there we go, no fighter in the whole middleweight division was in a position to take on Anderson. Clearly he had cleared the whole division without even fighting, so that left one chance. And that chance was Rashad Evans. Ex LHW champ Evans would be the guy to take on Silva. Provided -345 Rashad could defeat +265 Lil Nog, a guy who was a very good fighter, but who had seen better days…the fight with silva would be his.

10.

Silva v Rashad Evans?

Shad lost.

Another title fight up in smoke.

And that's how Anderson came to be in a fight with Chris Weidman. The guy he had ducked, and gone to the lengths of ufcs credibility as an organization to avoid, when he had won his title fight eliminator, all those months ago.

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.

MMA Roundtable: Title talk, Bellator vs. Eddie Alvarez, UFC roster cuts, more

2013-05-15T18:37:08Z

Hopefully everyone out there enjoyed the recent mini-summer break, because from here on out, it's going to be a wild ride.

As the mixed martial arts schedule kicks back into high gear, I'm happy to be once again joined by my colleague, Luke Thomas, for this latest edition of the MMA Roundtable. We'll peruse the UFC cut list, analyze the latest in Eddie Alvarez's crusade against Bellator, and debate which UFC champion will be the next to lose their belt. But first, let's look ahead towards the weekend.

1. Luke Rockhold is about to fight the most important bout of his career against Vitor Belfort on Saturday. How far would a win put the last Strikeforce champion to crossover to the UFC in terms of title shot opportunities?

Thomas: I have a hard time seeing how he isn't very, very close.

Let's say one of two winning outcomes are possible: either Rockhold wins by stoppage or by decision. Obviously Belfort could win, but let's just assume he won't for our present purposes. If Rockhold wins by stoppage and manages to look impressive (enough) in the process, he has to be on the shortlist for the winner of Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva. He's marketable, ever improving and if he proves to be a viable contender, couldn't be far outside of the realm of top contender.

If he wins via decision, that could slow his momentum. The truth is even a stoppage win for Rockhold could still leave him in a position to face Michael Bisping if, say, Weidman beats Silva and the UFC wants to book an immediate rematch. But a decision win, even a decisive one, almost guarantees a collision course with Bisping (or perhaps some emergent contender). He'll need the extra exposure to be marketable in a title fight and one more win after Belfort could help substantiate Rockhold's bona fides as a top middleweight both to UFC brass and fans.

Either way, he's a max of two fights away with a win over Belfort. A loss substantially slows his roll, but there's no doubt the path to a UFC title for Rockhold is not long at this point.

Al-Shatti: Luke's right on the money with this one.

Rockhold has the good fortune of joining a UFC middleweight division that just cannibalized itself over the past six months. Boetsch knocked off Lombard. Philippou knocked off Boetsch. Sonnen is long gone. Okami and Bisping handled Belcher. Belfort flattened Bisping. At this point, if Rockhold can return the favor to Belfort, even in unimpressive fashion, there won't really be anybody left to stand in his way.

The UFC could certainly do worse. Rockhold is one of the few available contenders yet to fight Anderson Silva, and a champion vs. champion match is sellable, so it wouldn't be an egregious booking by any stretch of the imagination. Of course, if Chris Weidman actually defeats Silva, or Silva elects to gallivant across different divisions looking for a superfight, then the story changes entirely.

2. 10 fighters have been cut from the UFC roster so far in the month of May. Which of those 10, if any, are most likely to find their way back into the Octagon?

Al-Shatti: As much as I appreciate the potential of guys still in their twenties like Justin Lawrence or Pablo Garza going and ripping off a string of regional conquests, the honest answer here, as silly as it sounds, is Leonard Garcia.

Zuffa just loves the guy. If not for the inevitable public backlash that would've arisen, I believe very much that Garcia would still be employed by the UFC despite suffering five straight losses. He's a perfect company man; always candid, a willing participant for any media obligations, never says a peep about his bosses that isn't complimentary, and for the most part, he throws caution to the wind during his fights, just the way Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta like. Come fight night, if a card was dying on the vine due to a few slow decisions, UFC officials could always take a deep sigh of relief knowing that Garcia would turn things around.

In an era where top-10 fighters can get released from the roster after one loss, it's telling that Garcia was given every chance to stay before finally being cut loose. Even then, Garcia told me that UFC officials helped him narrow down his available offers before finally settling on Legacy FC. The lines of communication between the two sides remain surprisingly strong. Garcia never hid his desire to ultimately return to the UFC throughout the process, and even threw an extra jab at Bellator for good measure.

If the move to Team Alpha pays any dividends at all, it wouldn't surprise me to see Garcia back inside the Octagon by the end of the year.

Thomas: I don't see Garcia returning at all. He isn't just able to compete at this level. He's also shopworn. I don't say that to be insulting or hurtful or dismissive, but there's no such thing as a free lunch. The punishment he's taken in and out of the cage has taken a toll on his body. I don't believe he takes damage as well as he used to, his reflexes have slowed and it's made his offense more desperate. If he proves me wrong, that's good. Part of me hopes he does. But of anyone, I don't see him returning ever.

I'd say the most obvious candidate is probably Antonio Carvalho. He went 2-2 in the UFC and never looked super out of his depth in the UFC featherweight division. Yes, he was cut because he was .500 in a division that's being shrunk, but he could easily see his way back in as an injury replacement or by going on a dominant run on the regional scene. Structural limitations don't make his return obvious or imminent, but I'd favor his chances more than most.

For me, Cheick Kongo is probably too old, but I wouldn't discount the chances of him returning. Pablo Garza and Bart Palaszewski are also strong contenders for a UFC return relative to the crop we're measuring them against. Of them all, Carvalho isn't too old, too damaged and could be valuable if the UFC is a pinch.

3. It's been a rough week for Bellator on the public relations front. How do you evaluate their response to Eddie Alvarez's accusation and does it change your opinion of the case?

Thomas: My opinion of the case is unchanged, namely, I still have no idea what a court will or should do. It's not a layman's question. It's a legal question, one specific to New Jersey: is Bellator's match of Zuffa's offer actually a match? I'm not a lawyer and couldn't pretend to be one if I tried. On these grounds I remain agnostic and nothing that happened this week really shifts that debate one way or the other.

In terms of public relations impact, Alvarez won this round. That isn't to say Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney didn't make his fair share of points. I thought he put out the fires of Cosmo Alexandre and perhaps Zack Makovsky (I'm still looking into it). I also believe he more or less stated the case about why Bellator is pursuing this lawsuit with Alvarez despite the criticisms. Viacom isn't in this to be No. 2 and have the resources, at least, to eventually get there. The only reason we are even having this discussion is because, in part, Bellator promoted Alvarez enough to make fans care. That's a testament to Bellator's promotional skills. Alvarez is one of their top draws. Viacom is simply not willing to let him go given their objections, fans crowing on Twitter or message boards be damned.

That said, Alvarez's interests more closely align with those of fans. What Alvarez wants is what more closely services fan interest. As a result, they are much more sympathetic to their position. That's a problem for Bellator. Another problem is history with fighters. UFC has gone to litigation with many more fighters than the UFC, but they don't carry the perception among fans (as much) that they're bad faith contractual partners. Alvarez is portraying his situation as part of a Bellator pattern and whether that's true or not is irrelevant. Fans believe it and it's tainting their brand.

In the end, Bellator has tried their best to effectively reply to Alvarez, but it's an uphill climb as far as public relations go. Moreover, this is the key time in the organization's development to be currying fan favor. Even if they're justified in - nay, obligated - going to war with Alvarez, it deeply undercuts any effort to form a more robust bond with fans. If all we're measuring is P.R., I score this round Alvarez 10-9.

Al-Shatti: That 10-9 is a bit generous if you ask me. Just in terms of the comments section on this website and what I've heard from fans on Twitter, we're looking at a clear 10-8 Alvarez on the public relations front, if not worse.

Luke mentioned that Alvarez's interests more closely align with those of fans, and that's true. Though to me the overriding sentiment doesn't appear that cut and dry. It seems like the community is backing Alvarez, more so than anything else, from an ethical standpoint. The story of the little man taking on the big corporation is universally sympathetic, and this is a perfect example. I'm obviously no legal expert, but just using common sense, there are a few definitive facts in this case: 1.) Spike is not FOX, 2.) Bellator doesn't run pay-per-views, 3.) Alvarez's UFC contact was far more lucrative than Bellator's, and most importantly, 4.) Bellator is willing to grind a fighter's career to a screeching halt for one or more precious years of his prime just to argue semantics of the previous three. That, in my eyes, is why the public is backing Alvarez. To use his own metaphor, this has become a big dick-swinging contest, and he's stuck in the middle of it, languishing in the abyss and selling off investment property to pay his bills.

Now, obviously none of this will mean much come trial time. But it's still noteworthy that Alvarez conjured up a big enough storm that Rebney and Bellator finally felt it necessary to break their silence and try to publicly quash it.

4. Considering their timetables and match-ups, which of the current crop of UFC champions will be the next to lose their title?

Al-Shatti: This one is tricky, since the question isn't so much asking which of the 10 champions (counting Barao) appear the most vulnerable, but really, which of the 10 champions has the most dangerous upcoming challenger. To start, I'll rule out Rousey (likely not fighting until the end of the year), Jones (same), and Cruz (still no timetable for his return). Personally I believe Velasquez will have no problem with ‘Bigfoot,' and likewise with Barao-Wineland, so they're out.

That just leaves Silva (fighting Weidman in July), Johnson (fighting Moraga in July), Aldo (fighting Pettis in August), Henderson (fighting Maynard-Grant winner, likely in fall), and St-Pierre (fighting Hendricks or Silva, no timetable). Among those five, Silva and St-Pierre are my next two to go. Both men are eyeing tough challenges, maybe the toughest of their careers, but ultimately I think both get the job done -- unless St-Pierre somehow winds up fighting Silva next, in which case, a superfight of that magnitude wouldn't take place until the end of the year, so St-Pierre's out of the question anyway.

With the remaining three champions, I'd rank them in order of vulnerability: Johnson, Henderson, then Aldo. But that's not the question. In Moraga, Johnson also meets the least accomplished opponent among the trio. Don't get me wrong, Moraga poses a very credible threat to "Mighty Mouse," but it's hard to look past the fact that his biggest win is Chris Cariaso. That doesn't exactly inspire confidence.

So Johnson gets off the hook, leaving just Henderson and Aldo. Maynard -- or if he pulls the upset, Grant -- is no joke. Both possess the physical tools to present Henderson a far different challenge than he's faced in recent years. It's also fair to say Aldo has been the far more dominant champion of the two, just on the basis that a public furor doesn't ignite anytime a judge's scorecard is read in his favor. But unfortunately for Aldo, he's also fighting the man Henderson should really be fighting; the same man who defeated Henderson with this absurd move when he was just 23 years old. (Stephan Bonnar's call on that is still such a classic.)

Henderson vs. Maynard/Grant should be competitive, but Aldo vs. Pettis should be something on an entirely different level. It may seem blasphemous, and I'll preface this with the fact that I'm picking Aldo to beat Pettis at UFC 163, but for the sake of fun (and this exercise), in my eyes Jose Aldo may be the next UFC champion to relinquish their belt.

Thomas: I get this question all the time during my live chats. I admire Shaun's attempt to map this out, but I wonder if it's all just too hard to measure this far out. Let's just say the two biggest threats with scheduled bouts are Chris Weidman and Anthony Pettis (Eddie Wineland gets honorable mention).

The problem with MMA prognostication is that it almost exclusively relies on resume reviews. If you haven't already done something, few are going to say you can do something you haven't already done. That's partly Weidman's issue. Most would admit his skills match up reasonably well with Silva even if they think the Spider is going to keep his title. I tend to think they're going to match up well enough to take the title, but I recognize my argument can't really rely on Weidman's resume. Therefore, I'm going to struggle to convince anyone until Weidman redefines how people perceive him.

As for Anthony Pettis, he obviously has the ability to give Jose Aldo a very difficult time. I don't know yet which way I'm leaning, but as Duke Roufus as pointed out, Pettis will be able to match Aldo both in kicking proactively and checking Aldo's advances. Aldo probably has greater speed and is a better athlete, but he also fades. Pettis can be patient, creative and lethal in his steady, methodical attacks...that is, when he isn't being wildly creative. He's going to be a handful for Aldo if not in the early going, certainly in the later rounds.

Morning Report: Wanderlei Silva wants to suck and smell Chael Sonnen's blood

2013-05-15T13:34:18Z

In case you hadn't heard, Chael Sonnen really, really wants to fight Wanderlei Silva.

Sonnen called out "The Ax Murderer" on television, Twitter, and even issued a 24-hour deadline for Silva to accept his challenge in recent weeks. The deadline ultimately came and went, and through it all Silva mostly remained mum on the subject. But that ended in magnificent fashion on Tuesday.

"Jon Jones and Anderson (Silva) have been too nice to Chael. I want to suck his blood. I want to smell it. Not just fight. Not just fight. I want to hurt him," Silva said to MMAFighting.com's Ariel Helwani (via UFC Tonight).

"Chael is a joke, man. He is going to be second forever. He is never going to be first."

Silva went on state that "of course" he wanted to take Sonnen up on his challenge, before laughing heartily and loudly, sarcastically adding, "I'm not going sleep tonight.

"I am just waiting for the UFC. That's all I want to say."

A tirade like that put Sonnen on the spot, but of course the pride of West Linn didn't skip a beat.

"Well I think the real breaking news there is that Wanderlei Silva put together a coherent sentence that somebody understood," Sonnen shot back. "But I can assure you, Wanderlei, I will not be signing a contract for you to suck on any part of me. I suggest you go to a bath and find yourself."

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Sonnen vs. Silva. Like clockwork, Wanderlei Silva accepted Chael Sonnen's challenge on UFC Tonight, but not before spitting some bizarrely hot fire. The best line: "I want to suck his blood. I want to smell it. Not just fight. Not just fight. I want to hurt him."

A look at the UFC contract. Several notable figures in mixed martial arts, including UFC President Dana White, UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta and former two-division UFC champion Randy Couture, analyzed the intricacies of UFC contracts. A lengthy, but highly recommended read for all fight fans.

Hunt visa issues continue. UFC 160 co-main event fighter Mark Hunt continued to work through his visa issues, stating on a Tuesday media conference call that he, "should be clear to fly sometime tomorrow, tonight, whenever." Regardless, UFC officials asked heavyweight contender Roy Nelson to apply for a license to fight Junior dos Santos in the co-main event of UFC 160 in case Hunt is unable to resolve the situation.

WSOF schedules tourney. World Series of Fighting plans to stage a four-man tournament to crown it's inaugural middleweight champion. Jesse Taylor, Dave Branch, Danilo Villefort and Elvis Mutapcic will compete in the bracket, with the first semi-final fight taking place at WSOF 4 on August 10, and the second taking place at WSOF 5 in September. The finals are expected to be held in December.

Healy popped for marijuana. Lightweight contender Pat Healy tested positive for marijuana in a UFC 159 post-fight drug test. Healy's third-round victory over Jim Miller has been overturned into a 'no contest.' Additionally, Healy received a 90-day suspension and has been forced to forfeit $130,000 in bonus cash.

MEDIA STEW

It's falling under the radar, but don't sleep on 'Jacare' Souza. The former Strikeforce champ makes his UFC debut this weekend.

Six fighters in. Two spots left. The quarterfinals are finalized on the latest subtitled episode of TUF Brazil 2. (Click to watch.)

For today's daily dose of regional action, Justin Buchholz makes Emanuel Newton proud. (Jump to 1:55 to see the beginning of the end.)

Video mixtape! (It's like a rap battle, but with a lot more violence.) So, folks, who wins this one?

Joe Lauzon, a man of the people.

Okay, this clip is titled "Worst MMA Fighter in the World." My mother always told me If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. So, I guess, here's this:

A PROPOSITION

If not Mir how do the fans feel about a rubber match to finalize the trilogy between me and Noguiera? I'm game to end it w/Big Nog. @ufc
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) May 14, 2013

NEW SPONSOR?

"@themmapodcast: @theantjimmyshowCongrats on the Coca-Cola deal, Uncle C! @sonnench" Tnx- couldn't have happened to a better guy.
— chael sonnen (@sonnench) May 15, 2013

INVICTA UPDATE

The decision was overturned to a NC! Thank you to all my friends and fans who supported me. #gunclub facebook.com/jessamynduke/p…
— Jessamyn Duke (@jessamynduke) May 14, 2013

THE BOSS BITES BACK

@kandywilson money can get u a better bleach job for that hair and u might be able to get those nasty crossed eyes fixed.
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 15, 2013

@kandywilson u might be attractive by "southern Indiana" standards but welcome to the rest of the world. That nappy hay hair has gotta go!!
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 15, 2013

@kandywilson with hair like yours you should keep your options open! Shaving it might be the only way to fix it. Is that even a color?
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 15, 2013

WINNER

If you ever have something illegal on you, and are getting pulled over by the cops, just shove it up your butt. Don't risk it. #REALTALK
— War Machine (@WarMachine170) May 14, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Tuesday, May 13, 2013):

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes to us from EthanRubyMMA, who optimistically looks ahead to: 5 fights for Josh Barnett in the UFC

Josh Barnett has recently expressed the want to sign with the UFC and finish his long storied career where he started it. These are 5 fights for "The war-master" to cement his legacy with.

5. Roy Nelson

Josh Barnett vs. Roy Nelson could go of two ways, an instant slugfest on the feet or a spirited ground exchange. Now "Big Country" as of late hasn't shown his ground skills but none the less their there, this combined with his striking credentials and we could have a great fight between the two veterans of the sport.

4. Travis Browne

Browne is one of the hottest prospects in the heavyweight division with the only bump on his record coming from the No.1 contender Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva with him losing after tearing his hamstring in the first round. A win over Browne for "The war-master" would be a great first fight back in the UFC. For Browne it would do wonders for his career with a win over a highly regarded veteran in Barnett.

3. Loser of Werdum vs. Nogueira

Barnett with 19 submission wins in his career is no slouch on the ground and neither is Fabrico Werdum. A fight between these two would be won an exciting exchange on the ground which is something we're not used to seeing in the heavyweight division. A fight between Nogueira and barnett would be an end to a trilogy that started in Pride and a fitting one at that. With each man taking a win in their past 2 battles a third in the ufc would be a perfect end.

2. Alistair Overeem

Coming off a loss to Antonio Silva, Overeem will be looking for a good bounce back fight later this year. With Barnett looking to sign with the UFC the timing couldn't be more perfect. A match between these two would be the perfect striker vs. grappler.

1. Frank Mir

This is a match up we could have already seen, if Barnett wasn't stripped of the title in '02 these two could have fought with a belt potentially on the line. But better late than never, both known for their skills on the mat this fight would certainly end before the final bell.

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.