Pat Healy fails UFC 159 Post Fight Drug Test

Pat Healy Misses Out On $130,000 in Bonus Money Following Positive UFC 159 Drug Test

by John Haigh @JohnBJayHaigh

Following UFC 159 on April 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. random drug test were carried out and Pat Healy’s came back positive for marijuana.

Healy quickly owned up to using the drug knowing it was a banned substance. The New Jersey Athletic Control Board handed Healy a 90-day suspension and changed the result of his third-round submission victory to a no contest, but that was not all that got changed.

Healy now misses out on both the submission of the night and fight of the night bonuses he had originally been awarded. The submission of the night has now been awarded to Bryan Caraway, who submitted Johnny Bedford.

“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.” Confirmed UFC President Dana White via his twitter account.

The fight of the night bonus is not expected to be awarded to a different bout. Healy loses his cheque but Jim Miller will not. The standard penalty for a first-time offense when a fighter tests positive for marijuana in New Jersey is a 90-day suspension, and if the fighter was victorious, his bout is ruled a no contest, according to NJSACB officials. That was the penalty handed down to Healy, as this was his first offense.

Healy is not expected to be fined further.

UFC 159 Main Card Results - Jon Jones vs Chael Sonnen

Jon Jones defeats Chael Sonnen by TKO Round 1, 4.33

by Ben Heather @benheather

Jon Jones proved once again that he seemingly has no weaknesses, mixing great wrestling with dangerous striking and as he put it "Chael Sonnened Chael Sonnen". In doing so he is now tied with Tito Ortiz's record for 5 consecutive title defenses in the UFC light heavyweight division.

However, he has yet to win back all the fans he lost after the UFC 151 incident. Sonnen is one of MMA's biggest characters and by far one of the best trash talkers, who again like Jones most fans either love him for it or hate him. That aside Sonnen is a very good wrestler, he is still the only person to dominate Anderson Silva during their first title fight in the middleweight division before he ultimately got submitted in the 5th round. However, few believe he had any chance against Jones. He had no UFC wins at light heavyweight going in to this title fight but the fight was made and both Jones and Sonnen became the new coaches opposite one another on the latest series of The Ultimate Fighter.

The fight began and Sonnen presses forward, Jones changes levels and straight away takes Sonnen down. Sonnen makes his way back up and goes all out, they exchange punches from the clinch and Chael seems to connect with some good shots before they separated. They clinch again and Jones takes Sonnen down again. This time Sonnen gets his legs in to the butterfly guard near the cage and from this Sonnen works his way back up and they clinch next to the cage.

 Jones goes for what seems to be a now trademark spinning back elbow but it misses. Jones moves in and slams Sonnen back down and now begins throwing punches and elbows from inside Sonnen's guard. Jones continues to drop down elbows and locks down Sonnen's arm. Sonnen covers up but Jones doesn't let up and then the referee steps in to prevent Sonnen taking anymore damage.

After the fight Jones was about to do his post fight interview when he realised he had a nasty broken toe. Sonnen said he had no problems with the decision to stop the fight and that Jones was the better fighter in his interview after the fight.

UFC 159: What's Next For The Winners?

UFC 159: What's Next For The Winners
by Chris Houten - @houts4thewin

Jon Jones 

Jones will most-likely be out now for 6 to 8 weeks while his toe heals. From there I'd love to see the Jones vs Silva superfight, but I think its more-likely we will see Jones vs Gustaffson or Machida. 

Personally I want to see Machida have another shot at Jones, purely for selfish reasons because I think Machida has the best chance of beating Jones with the style he employs - see round 1 of their previous fight, but realistically Gustaffson deserves the next shot.  

Michael Bisping

Bisping was simply brilliant on Saturday night. His cardio looked fantastic as always, he looked to be hitting harder than normal, and beat a solid striker in Belcher to the punch everytime. 

Bisping will be taking some time off following his win over Belcher to go under the knife, to correct a trapped nerve in his neck. Following the surgery I think a fight against the winner of Phillipou vs Souza should be next for Bisping. The winner of Bisping vs Phillipou / Souza would have a real claim at a title shot in a division which would be crying out for a challenger should Silva be victorious over Weidman........... if the mysterious superfight does not happen. 

Roy Nelson

According to Dana White, Daniel Cormier is most-likely next for Roy Nelson. 

Not gonna lie, I like it, I like it alot. Cormier's hand speed vs Nelson's one punch KO power, Cormier's wrestling vs Roy Nelson's Jui-Jitsu - awesome fight, end of!  

Phil Davis

Phil Davis' striking looked better than ever on Saturday...... but its still not quite there - yet!

I'd like Davis to fight the winner of Texeria / Te Huna next, with the winner in the mix for a title shot.  

Pat Healy

I was really impressed with Pat Healy on Saturday night, not only did he beat a tough opponent in Jim Miller, he finished him - a feat only previously achieved by Nate Diaz in Jim Millers 27 fights. 

Last week in "Fights to make after Fox 7" I wrote I would like to see Josh Thomson take on the winner of Miller and Healy, and I would still like to see that fight happen. It just makes sense - both guys coming over from Strikeforce, both are coming off impressive finish victories over top 10 UFC lightweights, and both seem hungry to carve a place in the top 10 of the UFC lightweight division.

UFC 159 Main Card Results - Vinny Magalhaes vs Phil Davis

Phil Davis defeats Vinny Magalhaes by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

Both men talked a lot in the build up to this one but the fight itself left a lot to be desired. Going into the fight the whole MMA world knew the key to Magalhaes winning this fight was his ability to take this fight to the ground. Whether that be a trip or even pulling guard to execute his outstanding Jiu Jitsu game.

Davis stifled him brilliantly but was clearly petrified of getting into a grappling match with Vinny so boxed beautifully from the outside and kept distance very well. He was in and out of range all night landing his combos then taking evasive action to get out again. He executed his gameplan superbly.

Magalhaes really struggled to implement his game plan and couldn't get close enough to Davis for his game to be effective. He briefly had Davis back but an uncharacteristic mistake let Davis of the hook. It wasn't the best fight in the world from either guy but Davis did what he had to do to nullify a world class Jiu Jitsu exponent and will move on a step closer to getting back towards the top of the division.

UFC 159 Main Card Results - Michael Bisping vs Alan Belcher

Michael Bisping defeats Alan Belcher by Technical Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

by John Haigh @JohnBjayHaigh

This fight had massive hype before the fight with both fighters showing a big disliking of one another. Often with fights that have been hyped up like this they usually turn in to a bit of an anti climax, as was the case in this fight.

This fight went “just about” three rounds, more on that later. All three rounds were just about identical. The two men set out very different in this fight, Belcher tried to establish his power punches immediately while Bisping used his hand speed, superior movement and technique.

Bisping quickly took control of the fight, every time Belcher would swing for the fences Bisping would slip out of the way and counter landing every time.

As the fight continued Belcher started to gas with his hands dropped almost showing no respect for Bisping’s striking. Bisping as usual showed no sign off slowing down and continued to push the fight countering and every time landing decent combinations.

Late in the third round Bisping accidentally caught Belcher in the eye with a thumb. This sent Belcher to the mat clearly in significant pain. The doctor was called in and when he finally was able to open his eye it was actually bleeding. This was a very bad sign considering Belcher has already had surgeries on this right eye before and was kept out of the octagon for 16 months, hopefully this is not the case this time.

The fight was stopped there and went to the judges scorecards. Bisping had easily done enough and to no surprise got the decision.

After the fight Bisping was very apologetic about the accidental eye poke and said he has nothing against Belcher and was just promoting the fight with his trash talk pre fight.

UFC 159 Main Card Results - Roy Nelson vs Cheick Kongo

Roy Nelson defeats Cheick Kongo by KO Round 1, 2:03

by John Haigh @JohnBjayHaigh

Despite looking completely different, more like a before and after picture in a diet advert. This was a good match up with both fighters being well rounded possessing KO power.

Round one stated with Kongo trying to keep Nelson at bay with his jab. Nelson was patient and walked his opponent down towards the cage. There was a brief clinch and a few meaningless kicks were exchanged.

Then out of nowhere Nelson landed a sloppy overhand right that dropped Kongo face first to the mat. Nelson swarmed and the landed another big shot finishing Kongo. Nelson didn’t even connect with the first punch properly showing the devastating KO power he has in his right hand.

Nelson won KO of the night and this was his third straight first round KO victory.
When Joe Rogan asked where he got his power from “I get it all from the fans,” “The fans energise me. They’re the reason I knock people out.” Nelson responded.

When asked the ever-looming question posed to all victorious fighters, “What’s next?” Nelson replied, “All I do is, they set ’em up, and I knock ’em down. I want that gold. At UFC 160, whoever wins that, I want ’em!”

After his current run he can’t be far away from getting his wish.

UFC 159 Main Card Results - Jim Miller vs Pat Healy

Pat Healy defeats Jim Miller by Rear Naked Choke Round 3, 4:02

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

In the battle of the beards Pat Healy took his chance to prove he belongs in the UFC in his return to the octagon. The fight opened up the PPV and many expected an exciting battle that could potentially win Fight of the night. That's exactly what we got.

Jim Miller coming off an exciting fight of the year contender with Joe Lauzon, came out very aggressive in the 1st round. He went after Healy trying to end the fight early with power strikes. Healy however had the know how to survive the early onslaught.

As clearly as Healy knew he lost the 1st round he also knew he tuned the tables on a tiring Miller in the second with an effective ground game. As the old saying goes styles make fights and this stylistic clash was great. In a topsy turvey fight where both men found success,  Healy eventually took control of the fight in the 3rd and final round.

The effective ground game on a tiring Miller finally paid dividends with a late submission. Healy managed to sneak his hooks in to complete a rear naked choke after a long battle. Miller is as tough as they come and you could tell he was never going to tap out. Healy squeezed it in and put Miller to sleep to win a brilliant fight.

Healy was on quite a tear in Strikeforce before the promotion folded He will be pleased to prove he belongs in the upper echelons of the Lightweigt division after beating a perennial contender like Jim Miller. He has always been in contention himself though. He was twice scheduled to fight the ex Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez before the fights fell through due to injury.

Gilbert Melendez would be a logical fight for the UFC to make next for Healy but I believe the UFC will want to avoid putting Strikeforce fighters in with each other too early. Not that Healy will care who he gets next. He won impressively on his return to the UFC after a long 7 year absence. That's all that mattered to him. In his words "All the 155ers out there, I'm putting you on blast,"

Did Anderson Silva Call Dana White and Ask for Jon Jones Following UFC 159?

Could A Super Fight Actually Happen?

by John Haigh @JohnBjayHaigh

A potential super fight in the UFC is never far away from the news at the moment and after about two years of talking it might finally happen with a bombshell dropped at the UFC 159 post fight press conference.

Chael Sonnen was sounding off about a potential super fight between his former nemesis long time Middleweight champion Anderson Silva and his most recent conqueror Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

“If you’re gonna go fight a guy, go fight a guy. It drives me crazy, man. People are out talking about Anderson and Jon – these guys, right now, should be begging (Dana White) to fight each other,” proclaimed a heated Sonnen."
“But it’s not gonna go that way. You got these two guys, and they’re great, but they’re a couple of chickens. They should be calling each other out."

“They should be grabbing the mic and saying, ‘Hey, I want to fight that guy! I don’t want the debate. I want this figured out. Dana, give me a date. I want this figured out. Give me the fight.’"

“But it won’t happen that way. Dana’s gonna have to call these guys, and they’re gonna have to dangle a carrot. And then they’re gonna want to negotiate. We’re in the fight business, if you don’t want to fight, then don’t raise your hand.”

That’s when UFC President Dana White dropped a bombshell

“It actually did happen tonight. Anderson called and he wants the fight tonight.”
Wait, what? am I hearing this right?
Dana continued “It did happen. Anderson called and he wants the fight, and I’m not going to tell you which one it is, but I’m going to get to work on it as soon as possible.”

It may not be that hard to work out with GSP all but ruling himself out of any potential super fight with the spider.

If Silva gets past his next opponent Chris Weidman at UFC 162 in July uninjured it wouldn’t be that hard to make the fight happen as Jones will be out for a few months with his nasty broken toe and by the time he’s good to go again Silva will have fought Weidman.

If the fight does happen it will be the biggest fight in the UFC’s 20 year history and will likely take place in a huge venue given is marketability.

Nothing is being confirmed yet but there has finally been a massive step toward it actually happening in the not to distant future.

Keep checking Kingdom MMA for any further updates on this evolving story.

UFC 159: Weigh In Results

Weigh in Results for UFC 159

by Ben Heather @benheather

Tomorrow will see UFC 159 live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The main event will see Jon Jones attempt to defend his UFC World Light Heavyweight title when he faces Chael Sonnen.

The two have recently been opposing coaches on the latest series of The Ultimate Fighter and now its time for the talking to stop and time for them to get in to the octagon to see who is the better fighter. Earlier today they both stepped on to the scales and made weight to make the fight official.

Also on the card is the fights between Michael Bisping vs Alan Belcher and Vinny Magalhaes vs Phil Davis both of these fights have become personal with insults going back and forth between the fighters. This will hopefully lead to some good fights for all of us fans to watch.

UFC 159 Full Weigh-in Results:

Jon Jones (205) vs Chael Sonnen (205)

Alan Belcher (185) vs Michael Bisping (186)

Cheick Kongo (237) vs Roy Nelson (258)

Phil Davis (205) vs Vinny Magalhaes (205.5)

Pat Healy (155.5) vs Jim Miller (155)

Johnny Bedford (136) vs Bryan Caraway (136)

Ovince St. Preux (206) vs Gian Villante (206)

Sheila Gaff  (133) vs Sara McMann (134)

Rustam Khabilov (156) vs Yancy Medeiros (155.5)

Leonard Garcia (145) vs Cody McKenzie (145)

Nick Catone (173) vs James Head (170.25)*

Kurt Holobaugh (145) vs Steven Siler (145.25)

*Catone will forfeit 20 percent of his fight purse after coming in 2 lbs overweight.

UFC 159 - UK Betting Odds

UFC 159 - UK Betting Odds

With UFC 159 approaching at a rapid pace, we team up with partners William Hill to bring those who fancy a little flutter the latest clear cut, betting odds - Good Luck, and don't miss out on your free £25 bet below!

Main Card

1/9 Jon Jones vs Chael Sonnen 11/2 - For The UFC Light-Heavyweight Title
4/7 Michael Bisping vs Alan Belecher 11/8
4/9 Roy Nelson vs Cheick Kongo 7/4
3/10 Phil Davis vs Vinny Magalhaes 5/2
2/7 Jim Miller vs Pat Healy 5/2

Preliminary Card

1/7 Sara McMann vs Shelia Gaff 4/1
13/8 Gian Villante vs Ovince St. Preux 4/9
1/3 Rustam Khabilov vs Yancy Medeiros 9/4
6/5 Nick Catone vs James Head 8/13
8/15 Leonard Garcia vs Cody McKenzie 11/8
4/6 Steven Siler vs Kurt Holobaugh 11/10

* Blue denotes The Favourite

Writer vs Fighter - UFC 159 Main Card Picks Challenge - Heather vs Barnatt

UFC fighter Luke Barnatt challenges Kingdom MMA in a picks challenge

by Ben Heather @benheather

Welcome to Kingdom MMA's inaugural writer vs fighter challenge.

For this challenge we will be challenging some 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.

For this first event we will be predicting the fight outcomes from UFC 159 which is headlined by Chael Sonnen challenging Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight championship. As this is the coaches fight at the end of the latest series of TUF, there was only one person we wanted to do the writer vs fighter challenge against.... As we said earlier we will be challenging some big names from the world of MMA and coming in at 6'6 there are not many guys bigger than "Bigslow" himself Luke Barnatt.

Luke Barnatt was part of Team Sonnen on the latest series of TUF where he made the quarter finals on the show. After filming for the show finished he spent the next few months training with Chael to prepare for his fight with Collin Hart at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale as well as helping Chael prepare for his fight this weekend against Jon Jones.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Luke this past week and he gave us one of the most open and in depth interviews Kingdom MMA has had, which can be read here. At the same time he provided us with his predictions for UFC 159.

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 bonus point and if the fight ends in a stoppage and you predict the round as well you could earn a third point. If the fight goes the distance you can only earn a maximum of two points.

The predictions:

Main Event: Jon Jones vs Chael Sonnen

Luke: Mr Chael P Sonnen via devastating beatdown... pretty much a sequel of the Silva beating... but with a much happier ending.

Prediction: Sonnen

Ben: I cant look past Jon Jones in this fight, realistically he should still be undefeated and nobody has still looked like testing him. For that reason I can't predict anything other than a Jones win. However I do think Chael will put up one of the hardest tests that Jones has had yet.

Prediction: Jones by TKO Round 4

Co Main Event: Michael Bisping vs Alan Belcher

Luke: Michael has Alan beat everywhere... I see this being a 1st round stoppage. Bisping has fire brewing inside from the Belfort fight. he'll come out fast and hard.

Prediction: Bisping by TKO Round 1

Ben: I agree with Luke, I think Bisping wants to win this fight more than any other in his career so far. Yes obviously he wanted to win his last one which would have got him a title shot but if he losses this weekend he may struggle to get back up the ranks again. A win is vital and I predict Bisping to win on points.

Prediction: Bisping by Unanimous Decision

Roy Nelson vs Cheick Kongo

Luke: Who Cares??

Prediction: N/A

Ben: I think this is another fight where Nelson will finish the fight early, Kongo has had his chin tested a few times and buckled and nobody hits harder than Nelson.

Prediction: Nelson by KO Round 1

Phil Davis vs Vinny Magalhaes

Luke: Vinny Magalhaes via 2nd round Leg Lock ;)

Prediction: Magalhaes by Submission Round 2

Ben: I again agree with Luke on this fight I think the underdog will come through and pick up the win. Davis is a good fighter and his record shows that but I think Vinny has enough to be in a position at some point to get hold of a limb and keep hold of it long enough to finish the fight. Most likely via an armbar.

Prediction: Magalhaes by Submission Round 3

Jim Miller vs Pat Healy

Luke: This is a tough one... but after what Miller did to Lauzon, I can't see a way he can lose this fight.

Prediction: Miller

Ben: Miller wins this fight for me 9/10 and I don't think Saturday will be the exception. Healy has been on a great run lately and should have had his chance to fight for the Strikeforce title but against Miller I don't think he will be able to enforce his game plan and Miller will be able to pick up a tough, hard fought Unanimous Decision victory.

If its anything like his fight with Lauzon we will be in for a treat.

Prediction: Miller by Unanimous Decision

So that's our predictions for this 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 Luke for providing us with his picks for this weekends fights and it just leaves me to say.... May the best man win!!

UFC 159 Main Card Predictions

Kingdom MMA: UFC 159 Main Card Predictions

by Tommy Strong @strong_tea and Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

On Saturday night we will finally be able to put an end to the legacy of UFC 151 as Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen meet in the octagon at UFC 159. The two have recently been coaches on the latest series of The Ultimate Fighter in which Kelvin Gastelum from Team Sonnen won the contract to the UFC.

A lot of people have got an opinion as to whether or not Chael deserves this title shot but the talking will end on Saturday night and we will find out who the better man is.

Below you will find the predictions from some of the guys at Kingdom MMA for the main card.

Jon Jones (17-1) LHW Champ vs Chael Sonnen (27-12-1) #9 MW
 

Tommy: I feel this match up was more to do with boosting the TUF series ratings than it was to do with the fight, one in which Chael shouldn't be anywhere near. But that's a different topic altogether.

We all know Chael is the most entertaining fighter in the UFC and certainly has brought more hype to this fight. He may have won the battle of the TUF series, but it will be Jon Jones that wins the war!

Chael's wrestling is one of the best in the UFC, but Jones has shown he's very hard to take down with a 100% take down defence in all of his UFC fights. I find it impossible to find a way that Chael can win this fight. Even if Chael can get him to the ground, he's very vulnerable to submissions.

Prediction: Jones by TKO Round 2

Jack: I believe this could get more interesting than people think. Sonnen without doubt has the game to put Jones on his back. Although Rashad struggled to take there fight to the ground I believe Sonnen is the better wrestler. That being said Jones should work his way up and deal with Sonnen. Not as quickly or as easily as some think though.

Prediction: Jones by Submission Round 3

Michael Bisping (23-5) #4 MW vs Alan Belcher (18-7) #10 MW

Jack: I think this is a good fight for Bisping. Belcher is actually quite good everywhere and probably has the edge in jiu jitsu. For that advantage to come into play though he has to get Bisping down or rock him. I don't see either happening. Belcher doesn't deal well with pressure.  Something Bisping happens to be excellent at with his gas tank.

I think we see the old Bisping pressure style here maybe looking for a clinch for some Knees.

Prediction: Bisping by TKO from Ground and Pound following knees in the clinch Round 3

Tommy: I feel this really is the last chance saloon for Bisping to get the title shot he probably deserves.

Belcher will prove a very stern test for him on Saturday night. Belcher has a brilliant ground game and that was shown against Palhares, that he can submit very good fighters. Though Bisping has proved time and time again he has one of the best take down defences, and showed against Sonnen he's difficult to take down and keep down.

Bisping has a lot to prove after his loss to Belfort and after a lot of trash talking I feel he's going to back up and stop Belcher for the first time in his career.

Prediction: Bisping by TKO Round 2

Roy Nelson (18-7) #6 HW vs Cheick Kongo (18-7-2)

Tommy: Not ashamed to admit it, but I'm a massive Roy Nelson fan. Since winning the Ultimate Fighter back in 2009, I've really taken to him. He has a granite chin, and power that can knock out any heavyweight fighter!

I don't think Kongo has the power to knockout 'Big Country' and would be wise to keep the fight at range and pick his way to victory.  But at some point Roy will get close to him and land something heavy on Cheick and knock him out.

Prediction: Roy Nelson by KO Round 1

Jack: This fight to me should be easy to pick and see how it plays out. Of course we all know this is MMA and anything can happen though. I will keep this one brief. Both men hit hard. Only Nelson has a good chin. That points to one thing for me.

Prediction: Nelson by KO Round 2

Phil Davis (10-1-1) #8 LHW vs Vinny Magalhães (10-5-1)

Jack: This is classic wrestler vs grappler match up. What's the best weapon Wrestling or BJJ?

I'm a firm believer that a solid wrestling practitioner with some solid defensive BJJ should be able to shutdown the offensive BJJ side with good positioning and strikes. Although Vinny is a threat here I see Davis having enough know how to keep out of submissions.

Prediction: Davis by Decision

Tommy: Both fighters seem to have a dislike for each other after a war of words over twitter. Magalhaes is brilliant on the ground with 8 out his 10 wins coming from submission. Though getting a world class wrestler like Davis to the ground will be near on impossible. Giving Davis a huge advantage on their feet.

This is not really a fight I'm looking forward too and I find Davis one of the most boring fighters in the UFC, but he is a tough fighter to beat and will dictate where the fight goes. For this reason I can see Davis winning a UD.

Prediction: Davis by Unanimous Decision

Jim Miller (22-4) #4 LW vs Pat Healy (29-16)

Tommy: Jim Miller really impressed me in his fight of the night (year) win against Joe Lauzon back in December.

Pat Healy comes into the fight on a 6 fight win streak, and since moving down to lightweight he's looked a top contender, with only injuries to Gilbert Melendez costing him the opportunity to fight for the StrikeForce Lightweight belt.

This could have fight of the night written all over it. Both very tough and pressure fighters who come to fight. I think Miller has a more rounded game than Healy and will just edge this. Though I wouldn't be surprised at all if Pat Healy was to get a decision in a very close fight.

Prediction: Jim Miler by Split Decision

Jack: This fight really excites me and is my pick for fight of the night. Great fight to open the card with and it's a tough one. Healy is on a role of late coming in from Strikeforce. Miller is always tough whoever he's put in with. I see a lot of action on the mat and Miller should be able to control the majority of rounds.

Prediction: Miller by Decision

Erik Perez signs new six-fight deal with UFC

Bantamweight Erik Perez rewarded with new six fight deal

Erik "Goyito" Perez (13-4 MMA 3-0 UFC) the Mexican bantamweight has been rewarded for his 3-0 record in the UFC with a new six fight deal. Perez's management team at VFD Marketing today announced the details for the new deal.

The new contract which is set to earn $18,000 to fight Johnny Bedford at UFC 159, if he wins he will receive a further $18,000 bonus. The announcement also stated that Perez will earn "significant increases" following each victory.

"I'm very proud to fight in the UFC," Perez stated. "My goal is to become a champion, and I will work extremely hard in the gym and inside the octagon to reach it." Perez who currently boasts an eight fight win streak, a run that includes first round UFC victories over Byron Bloodworth, Ken Stone and John Albert.

UFC 159 takes place in New Jersey on April 29th and is headlined by the much anticipated light heavyweight clash between Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen.

The latest card for UFC 159 is below:

• Jon Jones vs. Chael Sonnen - for UFC light heavyweight title
• Alan Belcher vs. Michael Bisping
• Phil Davis vs. Vinny Magalhaes
• Pat Healy vs. Jim Miller
• Cheick Kongo vs. Roy Nelson
• Sheila Gaff vs. Sara McMann
• Johnny Bedford vs. Erik Perez
• Nick Catone vs. James Head
• Jimy Hettes vs. Steven Siler
• Leonard Garcia vs. Cody McKenzie
• Al Iaquinta vs. Joe Proctor
• Ovince St. Preux vs. Gian Villante
• Rustam Khabilov vs. Yancy Medeiros

UFC 159: Jones vs Sonnen (Fight Card)

UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen
Date: April 28, 2013 00:00 GMT
Prudential Center,Newark, New Jersey

UFC 159 sees the return of the greatest British Mixed Martial Artist of all time in Michael Bisping who takes on Alan Belcher in a card which is headline by TUF 17 Coaches Chael Sonnen who will challenge opposite Jon Jones for his Lightheavyweight title belt. French Heavyweight Cheick congo is also on the card taking on Ultimate Fighter Winner Roy 'Big Country' Nelson.

Fightcard
Jon Jones vs. Chael Sonnen - Lightheavyweight Title Bout
Alan Belcher vs. Michael Bisping
Phil Davis vs. Vinny Magalhaes
Pat Healy vs. Jim Miller
Cheick Kongo vs. Roy Nelson
Johnny Bedford vs Erik Perez
Sheila Gaff vs Sara McMann
Leonard Garcia vs Cody McKenzie
Nick Catone vs. James Head
Kurt Holobaugh vs. Steven Siler
Ovince St. Preux vs Gian Villante
Al Iaquinta vs. Joe Proctor
Rustam Khabilov vs. Yancy Medeiros