Who Should the Brits Face Following UFC London

Who Should the Brits Face Following UFC London
by Chris Houten - mrhouts

Saturday night was a great night for fight fans in the UK, but not the best night for fighters in the UK. The cards British contingency went 2-3, with some looking fantastic, and other looking decisively poor.

We take a look at what could be next up for the winning and losing British fight on Saturday night's UFC Fight Night 37. 

Jimi Manuwa
Alexander Gustafsson gave Jimi Manuwa a tough time both on the ground and on the feet on Saturday night; it what really was a difficult fight for Manuwa so early in his UFC career. Although Manuwa may have been ready for a top 10 test having looked virtually untouchable in the first 3 bouts of his UFC career, Gustafsson proved to be to much of a test.

Matching for Manuwa's next fight could prove to be a difficult one as it take some really consideration to where he now figure in the division. Does he stay around the top 10 or does he return back to the level of fighters his was fighting before the Gustafsson bout.

A fight against the loser of Phil Davis vs Anthony Johnson seems to be on the lips of fans, which would probably be a pretty descent contest should Johnson end up the loser. Both man have excellent striking and are equally capable of finishing each other with just one shot.

I still think Davis vs Johnson loser would be a tough test for Manuwa. I'd like Manuwa to fight one step lower and fight former Strikeforce Light-Heavyweight champion Rafael Cavalcante. Cavalcante might be coming off a win in his last fight, but I don't think Manuwa should loss to much position with the loss to Gustafsson. Cavalcante also carry the skill set and tools needed to give Manuwa a great fight.

Brad Pickett
Although Pickett was able to see off a game Neil Seery 30-27 on 2 judges score cards, I feel he will need to have at least one more fight before the UFC will give him a shot at the flyweight title.

I think we wait and see whats going on with Ian McCall and set that fight up again if he expects to be back soon. Failing that there are some excellent match ups out there for Pickett in the form of Dodson, Moraga, and Lineker.

Luke Barnatt
With another impressive victory this weekend against Mats Nilsson - his 3rd in the UFC, Luke Barnatt is rapidly becoming on of the finest prospects in the Middleweight division, and is on his way to becoming a the PPV main card fighter he promised to become on the MMA Hour.

I feel like it might be time to see how far Barnatt can go and put him in there with some one from the upper echelons of middleweight division. A fight against Costas Philippou might make sense for both men with Barnatt looking for the scalp which will take him to the next level, and Philipou needing a step away from the top 10 to try and get his career back on track, having lost his last 2.

I know the UFC likes to match winners vs winners, but this fight would suit both men.

Brad Scott
Scott may feel a little hard done by following his loss at the weekend to new-comer Claudio da Silva, and will feel the fouls which took place during the fight ultimately gave a tired and beaten da Silva to regain the energy needed to win the final round, and lead to him taking the victory. In reality Scott really only has his self to blame and will need to look at his take down defend over the next few months, as he ended up losing to a guy who is probably not as good overall because he couldn't stop the shot, and was unable to get up off the ground.

While Scott isn't done and dusted yet, at 1-2 in the UFC he will be pretty desperate for a win in his next fight. A fight with fellow Ultimate Fighter contestant Daniel Sarafian could prove to be a great battle, although it may not be a bad decision to go back to 170lb where he has previously fought, and could do again with just a few tweeks to his diet.

Danny Mitchell
Danny Mitchell didn't look particularly bad in his debut, he was just a slight second behind Igor Araujo on the ground on Saturday night, and by his own admission "felt pretty flat out there."

Mitchell will be given another opportunity to make up this on an upcoming EMEA Fight Pass card, and if I had to guess I'd say one of the Asian Fight Night cards planned for the Autumn. If this happens a fight against some one like Wang Sai who was runner up in TUF China, or Takenori Sato who recently lost his debut in Brazil to Erik Silva might be on the radar for Mitchell, as both men are 0-1 in the UFC also.

Phil Harris
As sad is it will sound for British fight fans,  at 1-3 in the UFC I feel Harris may get released following his loss to Louis Gaudinot this weekend. I genuinely think Harris is a better fighter than his UFC record suggests and with the skill-set he possesses he would have a complete different record is he wasn't 125 pounder.

Harris has a had a pretty tough run since joining the promotion with all of his of opponents being top 15 guys. But that's the problem with the flyweight division, there's not many of them but they are all super good.

If Harris does get another fight, and as a fellow Brit I hope he does (it's never nice to lose one of your own), Harris should be given a real step down in competition and a bout with TUF Smashes contestant Ritchie Vaculik could provide firework, with both men desperate for a victory.

Phil Harris UFC Fight Night London Pre Fight Interview

Phil Harris talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of his fight in London

by Sam Heard @SamHeard_

On Saturday night in London's O2 arena the UFC will return to England for UFC Fight Night London: Gustafsson vs Manuwa. Opening up the event on Saturday night will be Phil Harris who will face off against Louis Gaudinot in a flyweight battle. Phil returns to fight in London where last February he picked up his first win in the Octagon and will be looking to add to that this weekend. Today Phil took some time out of his schedule to talk to Kingdom MMA about his fight and a few more topics such as John Lineker, Vaughan Lee and Davey Grant.

Sam: Thanks again for the interview ahead of your fight in London, we really appreciate your time.
How are you feeling with just under a week to go before the big fight? Has the training camp gone well?
Harris: Training camp has been very good, I'm feeling great and ready to fight.

Sam: Gaudinot clearly represents a completely different challenge to John Lineker, but are there any adjustments you will be making from your last fight?
Harris: We've worked on a few things for this fight that I'll be putting into action come Saturday.

Sam: At 1-2 in the UFC do you see this fight as all or nothing for your UFC career?
Harris: Pretty much, but I don't think about it.

Sam: Let's take a look back to your last fight, How did you feel when Lineker once again failed to make weight last October? Do you feel it put you at a disadvantage?
Harris: Being heavier is definitely an advantage it's annoying, I knew it was likely that he would miss weight.

Sam: Would you agree that in your last fight after getting caught with some heavy punches early on you forgot about your game plan and tried to compete with Lineker at his own game?
Harris: Yeah I made the mistake of wanting to get into a war and get FOTN I've learnt a lot from fight.

Sam: Do you think if you were given the opportunity to fight Lineker and stuck to the plan you had trained it would have been a different outcome?
Harris: Definitely I'd love to fight him again at some point.

Sam: The man who beat Gaudinot in his last fight is now scheduled to fight rank #2 Joseph Benavidez. Where do you hope a win over Gaudinot would put you in the division?
Harris: Just as long as I'm moving up closer to that title I'm happy, I think that's a way off ATM though. I've got to get some solid wins first.

Sam: You’ve fought in some of the biggest venues around the country from Wembley to the Phones 4U arena and will soon be throwing down in the O2 arena. Would you say it’s preferential to fight in London, closer to your hometown in Portsmouth, over Manchester or does it not really factor in?
Harris: I like fighting in London it feels like home to me, the fans will be behind me, it will give me that little edge.

Sam: With a win in London, would you like your next fight to still be on a UK UFC event or would you like to travel the world and fight like your fellow UFC fighter and occasional training partner Vaughan Lee?
Harris: I do prefer fighting in the UK but I'd like a fight in Vegas the home of fighting!

Sam: Have you had chance to see Vaughan Lee's fight yet and if so what did you think to Vaughan's performance in Macau?
Harris: I've just seen it, Vaughan performed like he does in training, for me it was the performance of the night. I was very impressed and very happy for him.

Sam: What has it been like experiencing the growth of MMA in the UK having been one of the early pioneers in the UK?
Harris: It's come along way from the days of training in garages and fighting in tiny clubs full of smoke. It's a great sport and I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve over the next 10 years.

Sam: Also on the same card as you is the guy you have been training with for this event, Davey Grant. What's it been like training with Davey and have you picked up any skills from him that you will be using in this fight?
Harris: Davey is a top guy it was great having him at the gym, we both got a lot out of training together and I will for sure be doing it again. I'm looking forward to seeing him win his fight.

Sam: Would you like to thank any one?
Harris: Thanks to all my sponsors and all at gym01 Portsmouth.

Best of luck with your fight on March 8th, thank you so much for your time Phil, we really appreciate it.

Danny Mitchell UFC Fight Night London Pre Fight Interview

Kingdom MMA talk to Danny Mitchell before his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 38

by Chris Marzella @ChrisMarzella

An array of European fighters are gearing up for yet another UFC EMEA event. One of the UFC's Brit influx looking to get off to a winning start this Saturday night is Danny "The Cheesecake Assassin" Mitchell who will make his UFC debut at the O2.

A charismatic character boasting an impressive record the "Chesecake Assassin", a nickname given to him he says because "I like cakes and I like violence", takes on welterweight Igor Araujo and will not only be looking for the debut win but for a memorable performance in the process.

Speaking to KingdomMMA.co.uk Mitchell said:

"I think the most important thing is just to be myself and not hold anything back.

"Many people suffer the UFC jitters in their debut bout and it can cripple your usual game so it's just a case of trying to stay relaxed and fighting the way I want to fight. I think my style is pretty entertaining and I just hope it's a good one for all the fans."

It's fair comment that Mitchell has already faced UFC calibre competition before even stepping foot in the octagon. However, as far as he's concerned none of that matters when he's under the bright lights of the O2.

"There's lots of great talent in the UFC and ultimately that is where everyone wants to test themselves. I definitely think I am at the level to be in there" Mitchell said. He added: "I have fought some tough guys and that should stand me in good stead for the big show.

"Thing is with MMA it's so hard to judge fights on people's past experience as there are so many variables within a fight and people are always changing their training, their style and that is what makes this sport so exciting!"

Araujo is a skilled jiu jitsu artist but Mitchell is adamant that he is fully prepared for all eventualities.
Mitchell said:

"He is a good black belt who favours submissions on the ground but again this is MMA and anything can happen."

"Its so hard to predict how the fight will go so it's all about preparing for every outcome and making sure all your bases are covered. I will be prepared on the feet and on the ground, as I am sure he will be too."

With the UFC global expansion plans well underway there are more and more talents visiting multiple countries on various continents. Mitchell is one of many Brits to be given the nod March 8, he said:

"It's always good to get kicked off in England, I have a lot of fans and support travelling down which will be a great boost for me and I am looking forward to the atmosphere in the o2 on March 8th. Its gonna be crazy!

As he enters the final week of his preparations Mitchell is raring for fight day, saying:

"Me and my coaches have watched the tape and figured a few things out. He's skilled opponent and tough but then again so is every fighter in the UFC!

"All the hard training and prep is done now, just a few pounds to lose and the rest is history."

Danny Mitchell vs Igor Araujo takes place on March 8 at UFC Fight Night 38 from the O2, London.

UFC Sign Noad Lahat, debuts at Fight Night 38

UFC sign Noad Lahat, Featherweight makes debut at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Henderson II

The UFC has announced the signing of Noad Lahat. The popularity of the UFC has soared in Israel recently, with all programming broadcast on the “free to air” Sport 5, part of The Sports Channel LTD group. Now with this announcement, made on Friday, that popularity will only increase.

Noad Lahat is an undefeated mixed martial artist with a 7-0 record. He is based out of the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, USA.

On the signing, Sean Shelby said:

“Israeli born, Noad Lahat is a great undefeated featherweight prospect possessing a strong ability to finish fights with an outstanding ground game.”

Lahat will make his UFC debut when Godofredo Pepey welcomes the undefeated featherweight prospect to the Octagon in Natal, Brazil at UFC Fight Night 38: Shogun vs. Henderson II on Saturday 23rd March. Both fighters have verbally agreed to the bout.

Noad Lahat said:

“I’m really excited to have signed with the UFC and can’t wait for my first fight. Getting this contract means that my years of hard work are finally paying off, but it’s also just the beginning of what I want to accomplish in the UFC and in my career. I’m an exciting fighter, I finish fights. I’m going to keep doing that and go out there and impress people.

“As the only Israeli fighter on the UFC roster I hope that my success will inspire and motivate fighters from my home country. I hope that I can connect with fans and be someone they cheer for and support. Having an Israeli fighting in the UFC will help educate people and grow the sport in the country.”

UFC target Diego Brandao vs. Will Chope for UFC Fight Night 38

Brandao vs. Chope planned for UFC Fight Night 38

by Chris Houten @mrhouts

A featherweight bout between Diego Brandao (18-9 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and Will Chope (19-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC) is being targeted for UFC Fight Night 38. MMAjunkie.com announced the bout earlier today, however UFC officials have yet officially announce the bout.

UFC Fight Night 38 takes place March 23 at Ginasio Nelio Dias in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil in his headlined by a rematch between Dan Henderson and Shogun Rua.

The Ultimate Fighter season 14 winner, Diego Brandao enters the bout with Chope looking to get back to winning ways, having had a 3 fight win streak snapped by Dustin Poirier in his most recent bout at UFC 168. 

A product a Jackson's MMA, the Brazilian won The Ultimate Fighter season 14 by defeating current high-flying featherweight Dennis Bermudez in the finale. Upon winning the show, Brandao lost to Darren Elkins, before beating Joey Gambino, Pablo Garza and Daniel Pineda in succession.

His opponent, 6-foot-4 Will Chope, enters the bout with Brandao looking for his first UFC victory, having lost to Max Holloway by 2nd round TKO his debut at UFC Fight Night 34 in Singapore. The loss snapped a 14 fight win streak for the Californian who fights out of  Maha Sarakham in Thailand.

With the addition of Brandao vs Chope, UFC Fight Night 38 card now includes:

Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio Rua
C.B. Dollaway vs. Cezar Ferreira
Norman Parke vs. Leonardo Santos
Fabio Maldonado vs. Gian Villante
Rony Jason vs. Steven Siler
Mairbek Taisumov vs. Gleison Tibau
Ronny Markes vs. Thiago “Marreta” Santos
Jussier Formiga vs. Scott Jorgensen
Thiago Perpetuo vs. Kenny Robertson
Diego Brandao vs. Will Chope*

Two TUF champions set to face off in Brazil

Norman Parke set to meet Leonardo Santos at UFC Fight Night 38

by Sam Heard @SamHeard_

‘Stormin’ has become one of the most fitting fighter nicknames in the UFC, with Norman Parke (19-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) on a nine fight streak.

Reports from Brazilian site MMA Informativo indicate that Parke’s next match-up will take place at UFC Fight Night 38 against fellow TUF winner Leonardo Santos (12-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC). The main event for this fight card is scheduled to be the second meeting of Dan Henderson and Shogun Rua, a rematch of what is considered to be one of the greatest bouts in MMA history.

Since winning The Ultimate Fighter: Smashes series with a decision victory over self-proclaimed oddball Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher, Parke has added a further two decision wins to his record over Kazuki Tokudome and Jon Tuck. Though he is yet to pick up that important first UFC stoppage, Parke has distinguished himself with his crisp, technical kickboxing skills and super-human cardio. Indeed, in his last outing against knockout artist Jon Tuck, Parke’s cardio advantage was what allowed him to outwork Tuck on the feet enroute to getting the nod from the judges.
Parke’s next challenge comes in the shape of TUF: Brazil 2 winner Leonardo Santos. Santos is easily the most talented grappler to have crossed Parke’s path; of the Brazilian’s 12 wins, a whopping eight have come by submission. Santos became the TUF winner with a highly skilled arm-triangle victory over William Macario on UFC on FUEL 10: Nogueira vs Werdum. This was that card you may remember from last year which broke records for having the most wins coming by submission; eight out of 12 fights ended with the loser tapping, the same as Santos’ submission record – weird…
This fight looks to be the classic grappler versus striker affair. It will be a tall order for Santos’ first UFC fight as the TUF champion to be facing Parke who is already on a roll in the Octagon. However, the notorious home-field advantage of fighting in Brazil is likely to give Santos an edge. Moreover, Santos fought in the TUF Brazil 2 tournament at Welterweight but has since made the drop to his more natural Lightweight – this drop in division may well translate into a strength advantage. This match is certain to be highly competitive.
This clash of TUF champs looks to be an intriguing, well-balanced matchup. Over here at Kingdom MMA we’ll be backing Norman to keep Stormin and get the job done in Brazil.

Shogun vs Hendo rematch announced for UFC Fight Night 38

Shogun vs Hendo II announced as the main event for UFC Fight Night 38

by Chris Marzella @ChrisMarzella

A UFC fight for the ages is set be revisited as Dan Henderson (29-11) and Shogun Rua (22-8) get set to meet again at UFC Fight Night 38. It was announced on Thursday that the two veterans will square off in Brazil on March 23.

The pair first met in an instant classic back at UFC 139 in November 2011 in which Henderson came out on the right end of a hard fought decision in what many considered to be the fight of the year. Since then, both men have gone on to suffer a down turn of fortunes.

Henderson has lost three straight since then, most recently suffering the first knockout loss of his career to Vitor Belfort. Before that he lost two controversial decisions to Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida.

Rua has similarly been struggling for form, failing to string a winning run together. He spectacularly knocked out James Te Huna in little over a minute back in December. Prior to that he lost successive fights to Alexander Gustafsson and Chael Sonnen.

The fight sees Henderson return to the UFC after entering free agency after his fight with Belfort. It also sees Henderson head south, back to Brazil, to have another attempt at picking up a win.

It remains to be seen how Henderson can bounce back after being brutally knocked out back in November.

Whilst Rua was victorious in his last outing, as always, it all depends on what kind of condition he can get himself into ahead of this rematch.

The fight is between the number six and seven ranked light heavyweights, but it would seem that both men, at least Henderson at 43-years-old, could very well be about to begin their final attempt at a run in the UFC.

If history has taught us anything it's that rematches of legendary fights very rarely live up to the expectation, but the fact is we will be getting Henderson vs Shogu II. All we can do is accept that and hope that the rematch gets close to the first fight in terms of excitement.

UFC Fight Night 38 takes place on March 23 from the Ginasio Nelio Dias, Natal, Brazil.