Fighter vs Writer: Cathal Pendred - UFC Fight Night 26

Fighter vs Writer: Cathal Pendred - UFC Fight Night 26
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Joe.ie & Cage Warriors

Welcome to another Kingdom MMA fighter vs writer challenge.

For this challenge we challenge some of the big names from the world of MMA to give us their picks and fight outcomes for specific MMA events. Then they will be challenged by one of our writers, who will make their own predictions. Previously we have challenged the likes of Luke Barnatt, Jim Alers, Mike Wilkison and Phil Harris. Last time out at UFC 163, Mike Wilkinson was defeated by 2 point by Tommy, leaving Jim Alers the only fighter to beat one of our Kingdom MMA writers.

This weeks opponent needs no introduction. One of the biggest prospects on the European scene, he is the current Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion, holds impressive victories over Gael Grimaud, Che Mills and many more, and is a team mate of Conor McGregor. He is Cathal Pendred and you can expect to see him taking UFCs welterweight division by storm within the next 18 months.

The Scoring
If you predict the correct winner of the fight you will get one point and if you predict the correct method of victory you will get an extra point. However, if the fight ends in a stoppage and you predict the round as well the method you could earn a third bonus point. If the fight goes the distance you can only earn a maximum of two points.

The Predictions


Chael Sonnen vs Shogun Rua

Pendred: You never know what you're going to get with Shogun. He can sometimes look like that world class fighter that won the Pride tournament, but at other times he looks very average and even sluggish. You always know what you're going to get with Chael and his style is generally very effective.

Prediction: Chael Sonnen - Unanimous Decision 

Houten: This is a big fight for both guys, with both needing to avoid a loss to save the curtains coming down on their careers. Shogun has looked up for it in the lead up to the fight, and could knock Chael out if he keeps the fight standing. Unfortunately I don't think he will be able to stop Sonnens relentless grinding style.

Prediction: Chael Sonnen - Unanimous Decision

Alistair Overeem vs Travis Browne
Pendred: These big boys are most likely gonna hit each other with big shots early and one of them will probably go unconscious. If that doesn't happen we might see a 3 round sloppy affair where both guys gas out. Lets hope not.

Prediction: Alistair Overeem - TKO (RD 1)

Houten: I think this is the fight Overeem gets found out in - no roids, no good. I expect him to look a little sluggish compared to the athletic Browne. I think Browne grind on Overeem, gets a few takedowns and wins this one.

Predictions: Travis Browne - Unanimous Decision

Urijah Faber vs Yuri Alcantara
Pendred: Faber always brings it. And he is world class, but unfortunately just falls short of being a champion. I haven't seen many of Alcantara's fights, but looking down his record he looks very good. I think this one will go the distance, unless Faber manages to slap on one of his viscous guillotines.

Prediction: Urijah Faber - Unanimous Decision 

Houten:Alcantara is a pretty serious guy, but hes not a patch on Faber. I think Faber will catch Alcantara with a big shot in second and finish the fight by submission.

Prediction: Urijah Faber - Submission

Matt Brown vs Mike Pyle
Pendred: Great welterweight fight here. Both guys are on a serious run here and a win for either will be huge. Pyle definitely has the experience advantage here and I think they'd going to play the difference here. The majority of Pyle's wins have come from submission and the majority of Brown's losses have come by submission.

Prediction: Mike Pyle - Submission (RD 2) 

Houten: This fight could be fight of the night. Both a savy vets who are competent in pretty much all areas of MMA. This fight is a pick 'em if ever there was one, but I'm gonna go with Pyle. I think Pyle has the ability to take more punishment, and might be the deciding factor in what could be an electric fight.

Prediction: Mike Pyle - Unanimous Decision 

Uriah Hall vs John Howard
Pendred: Howard is usually welterweight and I think Hall is a bit over rated because of that infamous KO. I'm really not sure about this one.

Prediction: Uriah Hall - TKO (RD 2)

Houten: John Howard has been knocking fools out since he was cut from the UFC, and say 185 is where he is best at. The problem is he is nowhere the stiker Hall is. I do however think Hall might be a little overrated thanks to the highlight real he produced against a bunch of cans in TUF, and I question whether he has the bottle to hack in on the big stage.

This fight is hard for Hall than people think. I think Howard could take this one - it will be a bit boring the way he does it but I'm having Howard as a dark house.

Prediction: John Howard - Unanimous Decision

Joe Lauzon vs Michael Johnson
Pendred: Lauzon is a submission machine and I don't rate Johnson too much. I actually think this fight is a bit of a mismatch.

Prediction: Joe Lauzon - Submission (RD 1) 

Prendred: The UFC must has decided the want rid of Johnson cause this fight is a major mismatch. Johnson is on a 2 fight losing streak to guys that our half the fighter that Lauzon is. Expect this one to end in Lauzon collection a bonus, and Johnson collection the US equivalent of a P45.

Prediction: Joe Lauzon - Submission (RD 1)

Brad Pickett vs Michael McDonald
Pendred: This is an incredible fight. I can't believe how little attention it's getting! Both guys are awesome, the only thing I can separate them by is experience, which Pickett has more off (although McDonald did fight for the title).

Prediction: Brad Pickett - Unanimous Decision

Houten: The fact that this fight is on the undercard shows how deep the line up for UFC Fight Night 26 is! No. 5 vs No.3 is worth of a main card maybe even main / co-main event on some cards.

I have been thinking about this fight all day, and I' struggling to pick. I can make cases for either guy, and while I deep down I think McDonald is probably the better fighter, I can't go against my man Pickett.

Prediction: Brad Pickett - Unanimous Decision

Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway
Prendred: MY MANNNN!! Conor can finish this fight wherever he wants! Unfortunately for Holloway the fight starts standing. The fight might last 2 rounds because I think Holloway will respect Conor's power and keep his distance. But if I predict anything less than a first round finish for Conor he'll kill me!!

Prediction: Conor McGregor - TKO (RD 1)

Houten: Simple - Holloway way came out in the press this week slating the media attention McGregor has received this week, and I expect him to come out feeling like he has something to prove. I expect Holloway to go toe-to-toe with McGregor in the first round and get knocked out for his trouble.

McGregor deserves the attention he has received, he is a start in the making. Here's hoping a big win sets up a fight on the Manchester card against some one like Nick Lentz or the winner of Poirier / Koch

Prediction: Conor McGregor - TKO (RD 1)

So that's our predictions for the fights, we will be live tweeting on Saturday night as always and we will keep you all informed as to how the challenge is going with latest scores throughout the main card.

Thanks again to Cathal for providing us with his picks for this weekends fights and it just leaves me to say.... May the best man win!!

Kingdom MMA speak to James Vicks before his UFC Fight Night 26 fight

UFC on Fox Sports 1's James Vick chats to Kingdom MMA about Ramsey Nijem, what it would be like to fight in the UK and more

by Chris Houten @mrhouts

Recently Kingdom MMA had the pleasure of catching up with UFC fighter James Vick who on Saturday night will open up the UFC Fight Night 26 event taking part in the first fight of the night live on Facebook. Vick who made his way to the UFC via The Ultimate Fighter Live as the fifth pick for Team Cruz. Since then Vick has gone off the radar but now he is most definitely back in the spot light.

Chris: It's been over a year since you were not medically cleared to face Vinc Pichel at The TUF 15 finale, how did you feel when you got the news you couldn't fight?
Vick: Well honestly after we both lost in the semi finals of the show I don't think either one of us, me or Vinc thought we were going to fight the next week on the finale. We both believed we were just going to get placed on a different card later down the road.

Chris: Did you ever feel like you might not make your debut or was there always the promise of a fight down the line?
Vick: Well immediately following TUF the UFC matchmaker Joe Silva promised me a fight. Then once I got injured he told me go ahead and get the surgery and then he would find me a fight once I was healthy again.

Chris: You face Ramsey Nijem on the debut UFC on FOX Sports card, why has it taken so long since the TUF finale to be handed your UFC debut?
Vick: I got injured during training and had to have surgery on my shoulder.

Chris: How has your preparation gone for the fight?
Vick: My preparation for this fight has gone great so far!   

Chris: Going into to the fight with Nijem you have a pretty big height and reach advantage, is the game plan to fight tall and keep Nijem from being able to close the distance?
Vick: Yes its no secret that my plan is to stand with him and try to keep him on the outside and land some big shots and possibly knock him out.

Chris: Nijem is known as a wrestler, with the reach advantage you have do you expect him to be keen to try and take you down?
Vick: Yes I definitely think his plan is to take me down. He'll probably start off trying to come in hard and fast with wild punches and then immediately go for the takedown just like he has done in all of his fights I've seen.

Chris: Do you feel any pressure going into the fight knowing the ufc could cut you with a loss?
Vick: I think every fighter feels some pressure going into these fights since they have been cutting people so frequently recently. But I'm not that worried about it because I plan on winning and then won't have to worry about it for awhile!

Chris: What's your keys to victory against Nijem and how do you see yourself winning the fight?
Vick: Well my keys to victory are to use my superior boxing skills to pick him apart or get back up to my feet should he take me down or work my jiu jitsu to catch him in a submission.

Chris: Finally do you have any interest in fighting outside of the US, maybe on a UK card?
Vick: I would love to fight outside of the US, I've never been outside of the country and it would be so exciting to travel the world some. The UK would be a great place to go fight and visit, since the TUF show I've had alot of really cool and supportive fans from the UK so it would be a honor to fight there!

Chris: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Vick: I would like to thank all my teammates and friends from Team Lloyd Irvin, Phalanx mma academy, Ironside mma, and Weatherford boxing team who have all been so supportive and helped me progress into the fighter I am today. Also my Mom and Dad  and all my brothers and sister who are always so supportive of me and my career.

Thank you to James Vick for taking the time out to talk to us, we all wish him all the best for his fight and for all the fans who want to watch that fight against Ramsey Nijem then log on to Facebook on Saturday night.

UFC on FOX SPORTS 1 Main Card Predictions

Kingdom MMA: UFC on FOX Sports 1 Main Card Predictions

by Ben Heather @benheather, Tommy Strong @Strong_tea and Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

This weekend is the launch of Fox Sports 1 in the USA and the UFC will be a massive part of the launch with the highlight being the UFC Fight Night 26 Shogun vs Sonnen. This card has been dubbed the best free to air (in the USA) card in MMA history. At first I was sceptical but now when you look down the fights that will take place on Saturday night you come to realise that this card is absolutely stacked!!

You just need to look at the names on show to realise how good this card is. Obviously you have Chael P Sonnen and Shogun Rua in the main event but when you look a bit further down and see names like Overeem, Faber and Pickett to name a few. On top of that you need to add in the always exciting Joe Lauzon and Matt Brown who I don't believe have ever been in boring fights.

With everything being said I believe the UFC has hit the nail on the head and I can't wait for Saturday night to witness the best free card in MMA history.

Below you can find the predictions for what some of the guys at Kingdom MMA expect to happen on Saturday night.

Chael Sonnen (27-13-1) vs Shogun Rua (21-7) 

Jack: The five round factor of the main event could be key here. Can Sonnen keep Shogun on his back for five rounds? I'm not so sure he will need to. He will put him there enough for Shogun to become desperate and either tire or force a mistake. I think Shogun can hang around to see the end of the fight but I see Sonnen winning a relatively comfortable decision.

Prediction: Sonnen by Decision

Tommy: This is such a sick card! The fans will be in for a real treat here with so many 50/50 fights! So here goes my predictions:

I'll be pleased when we see Sonnen back at this natural weight, Middleweight. He just isn't a light heavyweight and size again will be the difference come Saturday night. 18 of Shoguns 21 victories have come via knockout and at some point I see him catching Sonnen and finishing him inside two rounds.

Prediction: Shogun by TKO Round 2

Ben: I think Sonnen has been criticised far too much about the fact he hasn't won a fight since he beat Bisping in Jan '12. Yes its now over 18 months since he last won but how many guys fight Anderson Silva and then Jon Jones.... not many guys will be coming out of those with even one win.

As for this fight I think Jack has summed it up perfectly. Shogun has not looked the same fighter recently, in my opinion Sonnen will be able to control the fight to begin with in the first couple of rounds and this will tire out Shogun. Then when it gets in to the championship rounds it will start to become easier for Sonnen.

Yes, if Shogun catches Sonnen he could easily end the fight but I don't see it happening.

Prediction: Sonnen by Unanimous Decision

Alastair Overeem (36-12-1) vs Travis Browne (14-1-1) 

Jack: An intriguing battle. Overeem has to win to get back into contention. Browne is kind of an unknown quantity at this stage. He lost to Bigfoot Silva but that was due to him blowing his knee out. I quite like the way Browne matches up with Overeem and I will take him for the win. 

Prediction: Browne by TKO Round 2

Tommy: Seeing Bigfoot knockout Overeem back in February still brings a smile to my face, though I don't see Overeem underestimating Travis Browne having learnt a harsh lesson last time out.
I really rate Browne but this isn't a great match up for him. I hope he wins , though I just don't see it.

Prediction: Overeem by TKO Round 3

Ben: I have been going back and forth with this fight, both fighters have the ability to finish the fight at any stage of the fight. However, after being embarrassed by Bigfoot in his last fight I believe "the Reem" will be coming in to this fight having put everything in to his camp to make sure he does not gas again.

That being said, I don't think it will be a decision. I see Overeem finishing the fight in the second round after picking apart Browne in the first.

Prediction: Overeem by TKO Round 2

Urijah Faber (28-6) vs Yuri Alcantara (28-4-1) 

Jack: This is a great matchup on a card full of amazing fights. This being only a 3 round fight negates Faber's experience advantage. He should however have the overall advantage in this fight and he still seems hungry for UFC gold. It should be a close fight but I see Faber just edging it.

Prediction: Faber by Split Decision

Tommy: I'll keep this very short and sweet! Faber destroys anyone in the division except Cruz and Barao, this will be no different.

Prediction: Faber by a very one sided Unanimous Decision

Ben: I was disappointed when this fight was made. The fight I wanted to see was Faber vs Pickett and I am hoping with a win for both that we can still see that fight next. As for this fight as Tommy said I think Faber will be able to beat Alcantara in any area he wants.

If he wants a submission victory I believe he can pull it off or if he wants to beat him on his feet I am sure he can cruise to a decision victory.

Prediction: Faber by Unanimous Decision

Matt Brown (17-11) vs Mike Pyle (25-8-1) 

Jack: This is a strange fight and could play out a number of ways. Brown and Pyle are both on really hot streaks right now and whilst Brown is getting the attention I'd argue Pyle has beaten the better competition and in better fashion. Brown fights in clusters on the feet whereas Pyle throws power shots. Should the fight hit the ground Pyle has a big advantage there. In a pick em fight I like the look of the underdog here.

Prediction: Pyle by Submission Round 1

Tommy: This fight has me licking my lips!! If you don't like this match up you shouldn't be anywhere near MMA. This has fight of the night written all over it! Brown has TKO/KO'd four of his last five opponents, Pyle has knocked out three of his last four.
Toss the coin and see where it lands on this one! Though I'm edging towards Brown taking a UD in a back and forth battle!

Prediction: Brown by Unanimous Decision

Ben: This is my prediction for KO of the night. I think Matt Brown will pick up yet another finish via KO. I expect him to come out quick like he did in his last fight against Jordan Mein and pressure Pyle before finding his range and finishing the fight in style.


Prediction: Brown by KO Round 1

Uriah Hall (7-3) vs John Howard (20-8) 

Jack: Hall is the biggest favourite on the whole card. I can see why, but Howard is no mug. If he spots an opportunity he will take it. It will be interesting to see what tactics are employed by both men here.

Prediction: Hall by KO Round 1

Tommy: Uriah will be wanting to put the disappointment of the TUF 17 finale behind him and losing to Kelvin Gastelum in an awful performance we haven't been accustomed to.

Howard will have home advantage being a Boston born , and making his comeback to the UFC since being released in 2011. If Hall turns up like he did against Gastelum, I see Howard winning. Though I think that was a one off and we will see the best of Hall and getting him back in the winning column.

Prediction: Hall by KO Round 2

Ben: I'm going to go for the underdog in this fight again. I called Kelvin beating Uriah in the TUF Finale when everyone thought I was crazy and I am calling it again today.

I think the hype behind Hall from his days in the TUF house was crazy. Some people were even calling for him to jump straight from TUF to fighting Anderson.... Seriously what the fuck were these people thinking!! In the TUF house at no point was he tested, he didn't get put on his back and he certainly didn't come up against somebody with the same striking skills as Howard.

I feel its going to be a pretty decent fight but I believe Howard's experience will be able to get him a win in his hometown.

Prediction: Howard by Unanimous Decision

Joe Lauzon (22-8) vs Michael Johnson (12-8) 

Jack: Lauzon is never in a dull fight, Johnson is prime to be submitted. Lauzon will walk away with yet another fight bonus.

Prediction: Lauzon by Submission Round 1

Tommy: Johnson coming into this fight on the back two losses is very much up against it facing Joe Lauzon. Lauzon is one of my favourite fighters to watch and rarely comes out of the octagon without a fight of the night or submission of the night award.

Six of Johnson's eight losses have come via submission, something that Lauzon excels at. This will be his undoing.

Prediction: Lauzon by Submission Round 2

Ben: Now let me ask you a question, if you had to pick one person to open up the main card on potentially the biggest UFC card ever who would it be? If Joe Lauzon is not one of the first names you would pick then I am shocked. Every single Joe Lauzon fight you can guarantee one thing and that is excitement. Win or lose you will know by the end of the fight Lauzon has given his all (and probably most of his blood)

Michael Johnson is in serious need of a victory and is fighting for more than just a win on Saturday night. The bit which will work against him more though is exactly the point Tommy made. 75% of Johnson's losses have come by being submitted. For this reason I think it will be a long night for Johnson before he gets caught in yet another submission.

Prediction: Lauzon by Submission Round 2

Now we will also predict a couple of important fights for the UK fans. These don't feature on the main card but are the last two prelim fights.

Brad Pickett (23-7) vs Michael McDonald (15-2) 

Jack: This fight should have been on the main card. All the potential to be a barn burner and it really is a pick em. McDonald should have the edge standing but Pickett's movement and level changes are fantastic. He will try to mix it up constantly and keep McDonald guessing. This is my fight of the night pick. Both fighters will have there moments and I guess this will be difficult to score.

Prediction: McDonald by Split Decision

Tommy: I'm a little disappointed this hasn't made the main event, with both fighters at the top of their game so we are in for a barn burner here! My heart would love Pickett to win though my head rules on this one. I think McDonald just has a little to much for Pickett and it pains me to say that.
On this one I really really hope I'm wrong!

Prediction: McDonald by Unanimous Decision

Ben: Unlike the other two I am picking Brad here. I think he still wants to prove he can beat the best in the division and his two losses in the UFC are against Barao and Wineland. They are competing for the belt later this year and I see that driving Brad on thinking..... That should be me!!

I see Pickett come out swinging as he always does and I think the fight will carry on this way for the full three rounds. McDonald is a very game fighter and I hope he also does the same, if he does this will surely be the fight of the night. I am not sure if I think Pickett will get the finish but I really feel he will have enough to get the victory.

Prediction: Pickett by Unanimous Decision

Conor McGregor (13-2) vs Max Holloway (7-2) 

Jack: The Irish sensation is back in action and I can't see him being troubled at all here. Holloway will try to keep this standing and that's a huge mistake. Brimage offered more in the stand up than Holloway does and he was dealt with easily. This looks like the UFC are trying to create a highlight reel for McGregor as they are really pushing him in anticipation of an upcoming Dublin card in 2014.

Prediction: McGregor by KO Round 1

Tommy: I've been outspoken about Conor aka hype train and I'm yet to believe in him. A win over a wrestler who decides to stand with a striker isn't the evidence I need to be convinced.
Holloway only being 21 has a bright future, he was very unlucky not to have got the decision win last time out when he fought Dennis Bermudez in May.
If Conor can take Holloway out in fashion, I might just buy a ticket and climb aboard the train! Though I think this will be a harder test for Conor than the odds suggest!

Prediction: Holloway by Unanimous Decision

Ben: I like watching Conor fight. I wouldn't go as far as saying I believe in all the hype that has been thrown around about him as I still feel he has not been tested against a top talent and I don't think that will happen again on Saturday night.

I like Max as a fighter and have enjoyed his fights too but I wouldn't say he is the finished article yet. I think Conor is the better fighter and I think it will be a fairly easy fight for Conor. If the fight makes the second round I will be very surprised.

What I am looking forward to though is that hopefully after a good win on Saturday night we could see Conor fight on the Manchester card against a serious contender. I would love to see the fight against the winner of Koch vs Poirier which takes place at the end of the month.

Prediction: McGregor by TKO Round 1

Our Predictions for Post Fight Bonuses are:

Fight of the Night - Pickett vs McDonald (Jack & Ben) Brown vs Pyle (Tommy)
KO of the Night - Conor McGregor (Jack) Uriah Hall (Tommy) Matt Brown (Ben)
Sub of the Night - Joe Lauzon (all)

Chael Sonnen was never the shy and retiring type

Chael Sonnen signs new contract and will drop to middleweight after fight against Shogun

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

The UFC has confirmed Chael Sonnen has signed a new deal, the deal will coincide with his return to the middleweight division.

Sonnen confirmed a 5 fight deal which will kick in after his August 17 fight with Shogun Rua which headlines the first UFC on Fox Sports 1 event. Sonnen also told of a move in his training camp to help with the drop back to middleweight. He has moved to California to train at Mark Munuz's 'Reign'.

With the former Middleweight and Light Heavyweight contender known to talk his way into several huge fights there is no shortage of opponents for him. Vitor Belfort is stuck in a bit of a no mans land at the minute and has asked for the fight at the massive end of year ppv on Dec 28th.

Wanderlei Silva is another possible opponent. First and foremost though Sonnen has to deal with a very tough opponent in Shogun Rua who certainly can't be taken lightly.

Ogle out, McGregor now faces Max Holloway in Boston

Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway announced for UFC on FOX Sports 1

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

Andy Ogle is out of the Conor McGregor fight and Max Holloway has stepped up.

UFC today broke some injury news. Andy Ogle is out of his UFC on Fox Sports 1 bout with Conor McGregor with an undisclosed injury.

McGregor will now meet Max Holloway instead. Holloway is coming off a tough split decision loss to Dennis Bermudez that many felt he deserved to win. It still promises to be an exciting fight as Holloway has an exciting stand up orientated style but is more than competent should the fight hit the floor.

The fight goes down on 17th August at The Garden in Boston.

Thiago Alves injured Matt Brown now faces Mike Pyle

Matt Brown to meet Mike Pyle at UFC on Fox Sports 1

by Tommy Strong @Strong_tea

UFC Welterweight Thiago 'Pitbull' Alves has been forced to withdraw from his clash with Matt Brown (17-11) at UFC on Fox Sports 1 card in Boston due to a bicep injury that occurred in training.

Alves' replacement has already been announced and we will now get to see Mike Pyle vs Matt Brown on August 17th. Pyle (28-8-1) last fought at UFC 160 on May 25th which lead to a razor thin split decision win over Rick Story, putting Pyle on a four fight winning streak.

Brown (17-11) himself is on a winning streak of his own after stringing together five consecutive wins, finishing four of his last five opponents via TKO/KO.

To a lot of MMA fans this will seem as a more of a sensible match up as both fighters come in to the fight on winning streaks and a win would move one of them nearer to that title shot. Where as Alves was coming in to the fight off a submission loss to Martin Kampmann back in March '12. That was a fight in which he was controlling for the first 2 rounds before being forced to submit at the end of the third round.

UFC on Fox Sports 1 will be headlined by light heavyweights Shogun vs Sonnen in Boston on August 17th and will also see the return of Heavyweight Alistair Overeem who will be facing Travis Browne in the co-main event of the evening.

What has Chael Sonnen got on the UFC?

My thoughts on Chael Sonnen getting to headline UFC on Fox Sports 1

by John Haigh @JohnBJayHaigh

When Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, had to drop out of the fight with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 161 due to back problems Chael Sonnen offered his services straight away.

Shogun immediately accepted, but the fight isn’t going to happen at UFC 161 on June 15th in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It will instead be the headlining bout at UFC on FS1 1 on Aug 17th in Boston.
Sonnen announced the bout on Tuesday night’s edition of UFC Tonight.

“Shogun and I are going to be the main event on FOX Sports 1 on Aug. 17. We were going to fight in Winnipeg, and they pulled it,” Sonnen proclaimed before getting his digs in at his original target, Wanderlei Silva.

“I like Shogun. I admire him a lot,” he continued. “I wanted to fight Wanderlei. He’s the worst fighter in the UFC. I couldn’t get him. I figured I’d get the guy who destroyed Wanderlei in the practice room for all these years.”

So why does Sonnen keep getting these big fights?
Sure he can sell a fight with his endless ramblings and trash talking but surely there’s someone actually deserving of a bout with a top 10 ranked fighter? Maybe the current 10th placed fighter Ryan Bader?
In my eyes Sonnen has only won one of his last five fights and that was against Brian Stann in 2011. It might say win from the Bisping fight but everyone who has seen the fight says Bisping won two rounds including UFC President Dana White.

So in my opinion I really can’t see why they keep giving him these fights he clearly doesn’t deserve them.

As for Sonnen saying “I wanted to fight Wanderlei. He’s the worst fighter in the UFC.” Silva has had more fights then Sonnen and lost less than Sonnen. Surely “The worst fighter in the UFC” title is a title that Sonnen could actually win.

Chael vs Shogun to headline UFC on Fox Sports 1

Shogun pulled from UFC 161 card to fight on UFC on Fox Sports 1

by John Haigh @JohnBJayHaigh

Chael Sonnen (27-13-1) vs Shogun Rua (21-7) fight to serve as the first ever UFC on FOX Sports 1 main event on Aug. 17 in Boston.

After shogun was pulled from the UFC 161 card following the injury to Lil Nog the UFC officials announced the fight as the main event for the inaugural event on Fox Sports 1. The fight came about when in typical fashion, Sonnen jumped into the hero role and sent a message to the Brazilian on Twitter stating he was "available" to step in to fight on just 13 days notice.

The fight was not made for the UFC 161 card though, presumably so Sonnen can sell the fight on Fox Sports 1 in his usual fashion. But the official word was the fight couldn’t take place because Sonnen would not be able to get a visa in time.

Sonnen comes into the fight with back to back losses to his name. Both against arguably the best two fighters in the history of MMA UFC champions Anderson Silva and Jon Jones in very one sided fights.

Shogun also comes in to this fight with a lot of inconsistency. Shogun has not won back to back fights since 2009 with victories over Chuck Liddell and Mark Coleman both by TKO and both been fight night bonuses.

In his last fight shogun lost via decision to Alexander Gustafsson at UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz. There is one thing about the ex UFC Light Heavyweight champion's fights though, there always entertaining and Shogun leaves everything in the cage so Sonnen will have another tough fight on his hands.... has he bitten off more than he can chew again. We will find out in August.

TUF 17 fighters Uriah Hall and Bubba McDaniel fights announced as more fights added to UFC on Fox Sports events

Two more fights added to UFC on Fox Sports events in August

by John Haigh @JohnBJayHaigh

The first fight announced for the Fox Sports 1 Shogun vs. Sonnen event is TUF 17 runner up Uriah Hall (7-3 MMA 0-1 UFC) vs. Nick Ring (13-2 MMA 3-2 UFC). Hall was hotly tipped to win TUF 17 after some impressive performances in the early rounds of the competition. However, Hall was left disappointed after losing to Kelvin Gastelum in the final of the series.

Now hall will be out to prove it was just a blip and will be looking to get back to winning ways.
He faces TUF veteran Nick Ring who had an impressive run on the show but had to withdraw after blowing out his knee. He debuted in the UFC the following year and has gone 3 and 2 in his career so far losing his last fight against Chris Camozzi by decision at UFC 158. In a fight many people thought he may have done enough to get the win.

So with both fighters desperate for a win it makes for a good fight, it may not be a long fight if Hall is back to his early TUF 17 KO form.

Second up at Fox Sports 1 Condit vs. Kampmann is Bubba McDaniel (21-6 MMA 1-0 UFC) who won in his UFC debut in April at the TUF 17 finale after exercising his demons from his time on the show. McDaniel was given a chance in the octagon after key losses on the show to the eventual season finalists Uriah Hall and Kevin Gastelum.

Bubba looks to prove his win wasn’t a fluke after submitting Gilbert Smith, he was due to face swede Magnus Cadenlad after that bout was scrapped he will now face off against Brad Tavares (10-1 MMA 5-1 UFC). Tavares fought in TUF 11 and has only lost one fight in his MMA career at the hands of Aaron Simpson in July 2011. He has since gone on a three fight win streak following decision wins over Riki Fukuda, Tom Watson at UFC on Fuel TV 5 in Nottingham and most recently against Dongi Yang.

Faber meets Alcantara at UFC on Fox sports 1

Urijah Faber vs Yuri Alcantara scheduled to fight in August

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

Urijah Faber will take his third fight of 2013 against rising star Yuri Alcantara. Faber is trying to get back into title contention after two submission wins both by rear naked choke already this year. The California Kid is very active lately as he had no other option to get some wins under his belt after his recent losses in title fights. It seems the only time he loses is in title fights and there is only so many times he can get the shot again, but he certainly is on a roll lately.

Alcantara on the other hand will feel he deserves a fight of this magnitude. He blasted his last two opponents out early on with one being wrongly overturned to a no contest due to strikes to the back of the head. This is a big step up in competitor for him but it is one he needs for us to gauge his current level. A win over Faber will put him right in with the top contenders in the UFC's bantamweight division.

UFC on Fox Sports 1 is shaping up to be a massive event for Zuffa. When the deal was announced by Lorenzo Fertita he promised the best free card the company had ever produced. The addition of this fight to the already stacked card certainly helps with that theory.

Brad Pickett gets a date with Michael McDonald

Brad Pickett vs Michael McDonald added to UFC on FOX Sports 1

by Jack Broadey @J3ck_b

Coming off a title shot with Renan Barao in London, Michael McDonald has got his comeback fight. It's no easy one either as he takes on top contender Brad Pickett. McDonald vs Pickett will go down on the now stacked UFC on Fox Sports 1 card on August 17th in Boston. As the UFC are delivering on the promise they made of putting on a great show to open the new TV channel in the states.

This should be a fun slugfest and Pickett who is a renowned fun fighter will relish this test. Dana White has not been shy in hiding the exciting Brit is one of his favourite fighters and it's a little wonder why. His fights never fail to live up to the excitement. His all action style wherever the fight goes means he is a big fan favourite.

McDonald himself is getting a similar reputation of late. He's still only a young man learning his game but he gave Barao everything he had in London, ultimately it wasn't good enough on the night. He has hands of stone though and will be looking to connect with Pickett's chin throughout the fight. With Faber vs Alcantara also added to the card it isn't hard to imagine that the winners will face off for a number 1 contender slot.

McGregor vs Ogle and Brown vs Corrasani set for UFC on Fox Sports 1

Two more fights added to UFC on Fox Sports 1

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

The UFC on Fox Sports 1 card is starting to take shape now after two more fights have been announced for the card. Andy Ogle vs Conor McGregor and Mike Brown vs Akira Corrasani are both set to take place on the event which will be held in Boston on August 17th. McGregor came into the UFC with a ton of hype from both his fights in Cage Warriors but also from his appearances on The MMA Hour. He duly delivered destroying Marcus Brimage in the 1st round in Sweden with precision and power strikes. Next up is a matchup with TUF veteran Andy Ogle.

Ogle should arguably be 2-0 in the UFC after losing a controversial decision to Akira Corrasani in his UFC debut and then beating Josh Grispi at UFC Wembley. He was on the 1st live edition of the ultimate fighter format and will be a good test for the rising McGregor.

The bout will be both men's American debut. Ogle has of course had 3 bouts in the 'TUF' gym but these fights are classed as exhibition bouts and don't count towards a fighters official record.

Also added to the same card is a fight between Akira Corrasani and long time contender Mike Brown. Akira had recently called out McGregor but the UFC matchmakers Joe Silva and Sean Selby have decided to take a different route.

Brown recently retired after injury trouble but since healing up he has gone back on his decision and will now return to the octagon in August. He's on a two fight winning streak and holds two wins over perennial contender Urijah Faber. The first of which won him the WEC featherweight championship.

Whilst Akira is coming off an incredible win of his own over heavily favoured Robbie Peralta in his home country he knows he will be in for a tricky night against the gritty veteran. The night could well serve as a mini tournament as having the winners face off against each other would seem to make sense.

Joe Lauzon Meets Michael Johnson in Boston

Lauzon v Johnson added to UFC on Fox Sports 1

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

Joe Lauzon has got a fight on the card he wanted. The man from East Bridgewater, Boston, desperately wanted to fight in front of his hometown fans again. He has his wish as he will face Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox Sports 1 on Aug 17.

The last time the UFC was in Boston, Lauzon was lucky enough to be on the card. In 2010 he destroyed Gabe Reudiger in the 1st round picking up submission of the night honours for his troubles.

He will be hoping for a similar return this time round after a difficult recent run. He is 2-2 in his last 4 fights but losses have come to top contender Anthony Pettis and a fight of the year contender to Jim Miller. Lauzon is in exciting fight win or lose and expect nothing else here. The man doesn't know how to fight boring.

Michael Johnson is on a difficult run of his own of late despite starting his UFC run very strongly. He's coming of a big loss to hometown favourite Reza Madadi in Sweden. He did have Madadi in heaps of trouble with a head kick but could not close the fight out and went on to lose in dominant fashion. Previously to that he had lost a decision to Miles Jury at UFC 155 snapping a 3 fight win streak in the UFC. With the lightweight division constantly evolving this could be a vital fight for Johnson if he has hopes of staying around for much longer.

This is a solid addition to a card expected to be fully announced shortly. Conor McGregor is expected to be added to this card with his opponent as yet unknown although Akira Corrasani is doing his utmost to talk his way into the fight.

Brown vs Alves announced for UFC on Fox Sports 1

Matt Brown vs. Thiago Alves verbally agreed to for UFC on Fox Sports 1

by John Haigh @JohnBjayHaigh

The event on August 17th in Boston has yet to get a main event but this but this welterweight bout is the first fight added to the card. This is a fight between two fighter on completely different paths in the UFC, one marching toward the top of the division the other fighting to stay in it.

By the time of the fight Alves will have been out of the octagon for nearly 18 months due to having surgery in early 2012 for a torn pectoral muscle, then having to under the knife again for a long standing injury to his left knee.

Alves has not had the best of runs in the octagon of late having lost four of his last six fights, his most recent been a submission lose to Marin Kampmann at UFC on FX 2 in March 2012. With the UFC having way to many contracted fighters on its roster I think this is a must win fight for Alves if he’s to stay a UFC fighter.

Matt Brown comes into the fight on an opposite run to Alves, with a five fight win streak. His last being a fight of the night against the highly touted former Strikeforce fighter Jordan Mein, stopping him by TKO in the second round at UFC on Fox 7.

Its not all being smooth sailing for Brown just two years ago Brown was on the verge of being cut from the UFC himself having lost four of five fights his last being to Seth Baczynski at UFC 139 before his fortunes quickly changed. Surely if he can win this fight and go six in a row he’s got to be considered for a title shot or at least a top contender?

This event will be the first on Fox’s new national sports network, launching on the same day. The UFC is going to be a huge part of the new networks programming.