George Sullivan after win at UFC on FOX 10 against Mike Rhodes "I love being under underestimated"

Kingdom MMA speak to George Sullivan after victory in his UFC debut against Mike Rhodes

by Ben Heather @benheather

Earlier today Kingdom MMA caught up with George "The Silencer" Sullivan to discuss his win at UFC on FOX 10 and his plans for the future now he is 1-0 in the UFC. Sullivan opened up the televised prelims against Mike Rhodes, who came in to the fight with a lot of hype but it was Sullivan who grinded out a unanimous decision victory on his UFC debut.  

Ben: Firstly congratulations on picking up the win in your UFC debut.
Taking your fight at UFC on Fox 10 on short notice, how much weight did you have to lose before the weigh ins?
Sullivan: Thank you very much! Well, when we got the call I was 202lb but I was in shape so it came off very quick so by fight week we were about 16-18 over. We had a great cut other then the fact I was getting sick.

Ben: How was your fight day preparation and was it any different for this fight, or did you stick to the same routine you have used with all of your previous fights?
Sullivan: Fight day prep was the same as always, we have this down to a science and nothing changes. The cold and my sinus infection was bothering me but we battled through it and everything worked out.

Ben: Did you have any nerves on your walk to the Octagon knowing that your fight was being shown live on Fox Sports in the USA and around the world including BT Sports in the UK?
Sullivan: I definitely was more focused them normal. I felt more pressure but wasn't nervous at all. CFFC did an amazing job in showing me what big shows are like, granted no one is bigger than the UFC and it's simply amazing to fight for them. CFFC just gives you a taste and it really prepared me for my debut. Walking out was the greatest day of my life!

Ben: Have you had chance to watch the fight back? If so, how do you feel you performed?
Sullivan: I have yet to watch the fight, I'm going to watch it this weekend. I got the flu Sunday after the fight and have been very sick. I'm just now feeling better so I'll watch it while I'm healthy so I can really pay attention to details.

Ben: When it went to the judges scorecards were you at all worried that the decision wasn't going to go your way?
Sullivan: Yes, you're always worried but I knew I did more than he did and I also knew I pressed the action a lot more then he did. But before they called my name I was really stressing.

Ben: How did it feel to be announced as the winner of the fight?
Sullivan: No words to describe what I felt other than it was amazing to hear Bruce Buffer say that (his name as winner) was a dream come true and I can't wait to hear it again!!!!!!!

Ben: It seemed to me in the third and final round that you showed more heart and wanted the win more than Rhodes, do you feel that was the case?
Sullivan: Yes I do I still wanted to knock him out, I wanted to finish him. I was mad it went to a decision. I hate it, I finish fights. But I could see he was done in the third round for sure, he was tough though. I hit him hard a couple of times and he kept standing so hats off to him, true warrior. It was an honor to fight him.

Ben: Does the win feel sweeter knowing that in the build up to this fight a lot of the talk was about your opponent Mike Rhodes and not much about your skills as a fighter?
Sullivan: Just winning was sweet enough, I'm not bitter and I don't care what others think. My record and finishes speak for themselves. I'm not really sure why he was so hyped but it did feel good to prove them all wrong.

Ben: Do you feel Rhodes may have underestimated you going in to this fight?
Sullivan: Yes I do, like everyone else does. I can't tell u how many guys I beat and after they say damn I thought you would be weaker or damn u hit a lot harder than I thought. But you know what I love being underestimated.

Ben: did you come out of the fight with a clean bill of health?
Sullivan: Just a sinus infection and then the flu, Chicago beat me up lol. In the fight nothing though (I'm) 100 percent healthy.

Ben: Now lets look to the future, will you be going back to work your day job or will you commit more time to MMA?
Sullivan: I'm getting Married in May so I'll work when I'm not fighting and I'll still be training full time. When we sign a fight contract I will not be working, UFC comes first. My fans and myself deserve the best George Sullivan I can be and that requires me training full time. My next UFC fight will be my best fight camp ever as I won't be working at all. I can't wait to destroy someone.

Ben: when would you like to get back in the Octagon?
Sullivan: Soon, we just have to figure things out. As I said, I'm getting married in May so we haven't decided yet.

Ben: In just over a month the UFC returns to the UK, does fighting in the UK in the future appeal to you?
Sullivan: Yes I would love to fight in the UK, that would be sick :) My good friend, Bellator fighter Liam McGeary lives in the UK. I'm going to cross train with him so look forward to getting some UK training in.

Ben: Thank you for your time, would you like to say thank you to anyone?
Sullivan: Thanks for taking the time to ask me these questions, you guys rock. Thanks to Kurt Pellegrino, Dan Fischer and Dan Ocone for flying out for my fight and special thanks to Matt Jennings my strength and conditioning coach located in point pleasant NJ, you're the man I've never felt better. Also Thanks to Joe from www.njnutrishop.com.

UFC on FOX 10 Medical Suspensions

UFC on FOX 10 Medical Suspensions
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Adriano Martins tops the list of UFC On Fox 10 medical suspensions which will see the Brazilian out for 90 days following a head-kick knockout loss to Donald Cerrone. Other long term suspensions include Yves Jabouin, Mike Rio, and Walt Harris who have have all been suspended for 45 days following TKO losses.

The remaining fighters on the card including Josh Thomson and  Gabriel Gonzaga, who both suffered broken hands during their fight have been suspended for 15 days for precautionary measures.

"The suspensions provided below were automatic suspensions and were given ringside. The determination to suspend a fighter for a hand injury is discretionary and the amount of time is indefinite and dependent upon further medical clearance after the event," Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation communications manager Susan Hofer told MMAFighting.com earlier today.

A complete list of UFC on FOX 10's medical suspensions can be seen below.

Adriano Martins: Suspended 90 days; 60 days no contact
Yves Jabouin: Suspended 45 days; 30 days no contact
Mike Rio: Suspended 45 days; 30 days no contact
Walt Harris: Suspended 45 days; 30 days no contact
Benson Henderson: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Josh Thomson: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Stipe Miocic: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Gabriel Gonzaga: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Donald Cerrone: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Jeremy Stephens: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Darren Elkins: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Alex Caceres: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Sergio Pettis: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Eddie Wineland: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Chico Camus: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Yaotzin Meza: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Hugo Viana: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Junior Hernandez: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Daron Cruickshank: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
George Sullivan: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Mike Rhodes: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures
Nikita Krylov: Suspended 15 days for precautionary measures

Kingdom MMA review UFC on FOX 10

UFC on Fox 10: Henderson vs Thomson

by Sam Heard @SamHeard_

The UFC on FOX 10 card was arguably never that highly anticipated with many noting the lack of title fight compared to most other UFC on Fox cards. Nonetheless, there was certainly enough here to generate interest; the former Lightweight champion facing off against the ex-Strikeforce champ, two heavyweights causing a storm in the big-boy leagues, the never dull Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone and the decimating power of Jeremy Stephens. The main card had quite a few stellar moments but overall the undercard stole the show – too bad for the big-wig ringside ticket holders who only show up for the main card! It was certainly a decent night of fights overall, but had yet another main event ending in controversy over a contentious judge’s decision, leaving some fans with a sour taste.

Benson Henderson (19-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) VS. Josh Thomson (20-5 MMA, 3-1 UFC)

Another Benson Henderson main-event, another highly-debated, controversial judges’ decision. The fight overall was a dream for any grappling fans with plenty of high level wrestling and groundwork and fairly little in the striking department. In the opening two rounds, Thomson arguably had the edge. In the first round he was able to take Benson down at will and take his back before locking in a body triangle and going for numerous submission attempts.

However, between the first and second rounds Josh reported to his corner that he’d broken his hand and this was painfully evident for the remainder of the fight where Thomson threw very few punches and struggled to pursue the takedown as he was unable to clasp his hands together. This was where Bendo came into his own. The strength advantage he had over Thomson anyway combined with Josh’s injury meant he was able to have his way for much of the fight, particularly in the third round. He also used his trademark calf kicks to wear Thomson down even more. I always find it strange watching Benson that such a large, muscular Lightweight has so little finishing power.

Despite the balanced nature of this fight, many had Thomson up three rounds to one going into the fifth, meaning Benson would need a stoppage to be victorious. I personally had it two-two going into the fifth round, and with Benson edging it in the fifth for me I gave it 48-47 to the former champion. However, one of the judges (Sal D’Amato) scored it 49-46 to Henderson which many online found to be a particularly egregious call.

In the post-fight press conference Thomson revealed that he was considering retirement while Dana stated that Benson’s performance would not be enough to get him a shot at the belt.

Result: Benson Henderson def. Josh Thomson via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46)

Gabriel Gonzaga (16-8 MMA, 11-7 UFC) VS. Stipe Miocic (11-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC)

In a departure from form, we saw a heavyweight fight which actually hit the judges’ scorecards – the first one since the epic battle between Mark Hunt and Bigfoot Silva (by far the more entertaining fight).

The first round was very even and highly entertaining, pitting the good boxing and footwork skills of Miocic against the brutal leg kicks and takedown threat of Gonzaga. However, after the opening five minutes, Gonzaga’s gas tank emptied quickly and he just covered up his face for large expanses of the fight, leaving Stipe free to pick him apart with his jab. Gonzaga tried on multiple occasions to get Stipe to the ground where he could implement his high level BJJ-game but Stipe was able on all-but-one occasion to stuff the takedown. I can’t help but question Stipe’s lack of power with his inability to stop a completely exhausted Gonzaga.

Result: Stipe Miocic def. Gabriel Gonzaga via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Donald Cerrone (22-6 MMA, 9-3 UFC) VS. Adriano Martins (25-7 MMA, 1-1 UFC)

This highly anticipated matchup saw Donald Cerrone, who looked exceptional in his last fight against Evan Dunham, take on Adriano Martins who looked none-too-shabby himself against Daron Cruikshank.

Cerrone’s fights are always interesting – sometimes he comes out looking unbeatable while other times Cowboy can seem a little tentative and flat. Interestingly, in the opening exchanges in this fight Cerrone wasn’t looking at his best in my opinion. Given the circumstances in which the fight finished this must sound like the statement of a madman, but in my opinion it looked like Martins was getting the better of Cowboy on the feet. Martins was landing some dangerous looking overhand rights and absorbing Cerrone’s leg kicks without taking any visible damage. Cerrone hit a takedown from which the BJJ Blackbelt was able to immediately get back up. However, seemingly from nowhere, Cerrone threw a right head kick which connected perfectly with the Brazilian sending him straight to the mat. Knowing that his technique had been picture perfect, Cerrone didn’t follow up the assault on his unconscious opponent – what a class act.

Result: Donald Cerrone def. Adriano Martins via knockout (head kick) – Round 1, 4:40

Darren Elkins (17-4 MMA, 7-3 UFC) VS. Jeremy Stephens (23-9 MMA, 10-8 UFC)

This looked to be one of the most balanced fights on the main card; a classic grappler versus striker matchup pitting ultra-tough Darren Elkins against hard-hitting Jeremy Stephens. Since dropping to featherweight, Jeremy Stephens has experienced a renaissance which certainly continued into last night’s matchup. In the past Stephens has ran into difficulty when facing good quality wrestlers but the takedown defence he displayed against Elkins shows exactly why Stephens’s name is now being discussed alongside Featherweight contenders.

Elkins’ offence was mainly neutralised by Stephens’ exceptional takedown defence. Some fairly questionable fight IQ from Stephens where he engaged Elkins on the ground meant he found himself in a fairly tight Guillotine choke late in the third round, but Elkins didn’t have the time to force the tap. Elkins ate some huge uppercuts from Stephens – whose only level seems to be full power – showing why people consider him to be so tough. Overall, an impressive display from the Lil Heathen.

Result: Jeremy Stephens def. Darren Elkins via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Highlights from the Undercard

Alex Caceres (10-5 MMA, 5-3 UFC) VS. Sergio Pettis (10-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)

Caceres would win not just the Submission of the Night award for his Rear Naked Choke victory over young Sergio Pettis deep into the third round but the fight would also win Fight of the Night honours. Some brilliant stuff from both combatants.

Daron Cruickshank (14-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) VS. Mike Rio (9-4 MMA, 1-3 UFC)

A master class in striking from Cruickshank against Mike Rio. Rocked him in a magnificent display in the first before finishing him in the second. The best Cruickshank we've seen in the Octagon.

Fighter vs Writer - UFC on FOX 10 - Nurmagomedov vs Heather

Fighter vs Writer: Khabib Nurmagomedov - UFC on FOX 10 

by Ben Heather @benheather

Welcome to another Kingdom MMA fighter vs writer challenge.

For this challenge we challenge some of the biggest 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 Wilkinson, Phil Harris, Cathal Pendred, JoJo Calderwood and Dustin Poirier. Last time out at UFC 168, JoJo Calderwood defeated Sam on his first attempt at a fighter vs writer, so this time I will be trying to regain our pride.

This weeks opponent needs no introduction. He is one of the biggest names in the Lightweight division and is currently ranked #7 in the UFC official rankings. He is the man nobody wants to fight, with all the top stars supposedly turning fights down with him and the lesser ranked fighters trying to call him out to make a name for themselves. He is of course our breakthrough fighter of 2013, the one, the only, "The Eagle" Khabib Nurmagomedov.

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

Benson Henderson vs Josh Thomson

Khabib's Prediction: Josh Thomson

Heather: I really am looking forward to this fight, it has been the first main event which really excites me in 2014. Thomson finally made it back to the UFC last year and certainly made an impact becoming the first man to knock out Nate Diaz.... Something that Henderson couldn't do when he fought Nate although he did everything but, in a dominant display.

I think Benson will be looking to get back in the win column and prove to the world once again that he is an exciting fighter, now he has lost his title. People have said that he shouldn't have won all the fights in the UFC and i agree they were all very close fights but at this level of MMA that's what I want to see and I think we will see that again on Saturday night. However, I think it will be Benson who gets his arm raised as the smarter fighter. Thomson may take some risks in the fight and I think Benson will be able to exploit these when it happens.

Prediction: Benson Henderson - Unanimous Decision

Gabriel Gonzaga vs Stipe Miocic

Khabib's Prediction: Stipe Miocic

Heather: Stipe has to keep this fight standing if he is going to win the fight, I think if he keeps it standing he will be able to showcase his strikes and start to breakdown Gonzaga before finishing him later in the fight.

That being said, Gonzaga does have one punch KO power and some amazing kicks. Certainly if this fight goes to the ground then Gonzaga will be in his element and in my opinion certainly has the edge at this part of the fight. The only problem is, the only time I see Gonzaga hitting the mat is just after Stipe lands his power punches and finishes the fight

Prediction: Stipe Miocic - TKO Round 3

Donald Cerrone vs Adriano Martins

Khabib's Prediction: Donald Cerrone

Heather: For me going in to this fight I don't know too much about Martins other than his finish against Cruickshank in his UFC debut but I feel the jump in opponent between Daron and the cowboy will be too much for him. Cerrone is one of the best lightweight fighters in the world..... on his day and proved that in his last fight he is back. I think he will carry on his good form in this fight and pick up the win.

Prediction: Donald Cerrone - Sub Round 2

Darren Elkins vs Jeremy Stephens

Khabib's Prediction: Jeremy Stephens 

Heather: I like the underdog in this fight, Elkins has beaten some really tough opponents but came unstuck against Chad Mendes, who is arguably the best featherweight in the world not called Jose Aldo. So that result was nothing to be ashamed by. He then bounced back defeating the highly regard Hatsu Hioki in August and I think he will pick up the win again on Saturday night before looking to the top 10 for his next opponent.

Stephens looks to have got his career back on track with back to back wins since dropping to featherweight following three losses in a row to end his career at lightweight. Last time out he scored a highlight reel knock out over Rony Jason which really put him on the map in the featherweight division but I think Elkins

Prediction: Darren Elkins - Unanimous Decision


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

George Sullivan Ahead of UFC Debut "My Only Focus is Knocking Mike Rhodes Out"

Kingdom MMA Talks to George Sullivan Ahead of UFC on Fox 10
by Ben Heather @benheather

A Pro for over 7 years, George Sullivan has come a long way since making his pro debut back in 2006. With an impressive 14-3 record, the 32-year is currently enjoying a 6 fight winning streak, claiming and defending the CFFC welterweight title along the way – not bad for someone who got into MMA because he couldn’t find enough Thai boxing fights to satisfy his desire to fight.

Possibly Sullivan’s biggest achievement to date though is getting his call up to the UFC, a call that at one stage the Pellegrino fighter never thought he would get when a controversial Star-Ledger article came out about the dangers of MMA on the body and brain injuries. Sullivan was one of the fighters who had been part of the article which went in to great detail on what Sullivan puts his body through outside of the fight itself, including in depth details of a past weight cut and how hard it is to train as a MMA fighter.

Following the story Sullivan went to great lengths to express the story had taken a lot of what he does in the gym and before a fight out of context, that being said Sullivan felt the story might have affected his chances of one day fighting in the UFC.

"They lied to me and many others, they took 8 years of stories and turned it into what they wanted. Even why they wanted to interview us was a lie. I was afraid it made me look like I was careless and thoughtless when all I wanted was to help MMA. We thought we were showing how hard we worked and how dedicated we are. The other reason I was told [they wanted to interview me] was to help legalise MMA in New York. They only wanted to make us look bad and barbaric but in the long run the truth came out and we won not them! Just for the record my scans came back perfect. My brain has no signs of anything, they need to learn facts before printing it in the paper!"

As luck would have it the UFC did call and as far as Sullivan is concerned the thought of turning down a fight, short notice or not is not one which is in his mindset. This is ultimately what resulted in him signing with the UFC and the opponent didn't matter, he certainly wasn't going to say no.

"I was sitting at home and got a call from Kurt [Pellegrino] asking if I wanted to fill in and fight Pascal Krauss. We said yes right away. The next day they [the UFC] said the fight was off but they wanted to give me a contract anyway and I was beyond excited there is no one I won't fight, it didn't matter who. I just wanted to call myself a UFC fighter and show the world what I can do."

"I always wanted to be in the UFC and the feeling is so amazing words can not describe what I'm feeling. I'm so proud and honoured, I still have so much more to work for and I can't wait to climb this final ladder. I live for challenges and I just got accepted to the hardest challenge in the world. I can't wait to start... let's go!"

And go he shall straight into a fight with the much hyped prospect Mike Rhodes on the undercard of UFC of FOX 10 this Saturday. Even with Rhodes rolling in to the fight with all the hype he has, Sullivan hasn't changed his approach to training for this fight. Even admitting he "hasn't seen much tape on Rhodes" previous fights instead believing "that you never know what a fighter will do until they are stood in front of you" in the cage.

The biggest surprise to Sullivan is how much hype Rhodes is getting going in to the fight and he is "not sure why Mike Rhodes has so much hype other than the fact of who he trains with and where he trains."

Sullivan however is relishing coming in to this fight as the underdog and if anyone questions why he has been signed you just have to look at his record.

"I hope I'm the underdog because shutting people up is what "the silencer" does. I've knocked out 11 pros and I have nothing to prove, my only focus is knocking Mike Rhodes out. I hit extremely hard and my only goal is to hit and win, I look forward to this test."

Sullivan doesn't just turn up to try and steal a win on the judges score cards, he comes to fight and put on a exciting show for the fans. He already has a record which is scattered with wins over fighters who have fought at the top level including ex UFC and Bellator fighters and in most cases he won by stoppage.

"I'm known for knocking people out, anyone I hit gets KO'd. I'm always looking to land power strikes. Winning isn't enough, finishing is what I want to do. I try and make the fights as exciting as possible for myself and most importantly the fans!"

Last year Sullivan also won via TKO against Julian "Let me bang bro" Lane who famously appeared on The Ultimate Fighter. As usual, Julian was talking trash before the fight and after getting the TKO Sullivan was given his nickname "The Silencer" or more to the point his right hand is his silencer.

With Kurt Pellegrino as a coach, Sullivan knows he has had the best preparation possible for this camp and he will be in safe hands when it comes to fight night and he makes his way out to the Octagon for the first time.

"Training with Kurt is amazing, hard work and fun at the same time. Kurt and Mellisa Pellegrino changed my life. They run the best BJJ and MMA academy in New Jersey, we have amazing students and fighters. He also brings in some of the best wrestling coaches around including Dan Ocone, a NJ legend and black belt in judo. Being apart of Kurt gets you Matt Jennings, the best strength and condition coach hands down in point pleasant NJ and training under a UFC vet and a grappling world champ is simply amazing. I'm so blessed to have Kurt Pellegrino lead me into battle. A true leader, KPMMA all day!"

When it comes to how the fight will go on Saturday night George sees only one outcome.

"I see myself knocking Mike Rhodes out, I know he's a great striker but I'm the better MMA fighter. I can't wait to fight him, I live for this. UFC here I come."

UFC on Fox 10 takes place January 25 from the United Centre, Chicago, Illinois.

Alex Caceres UK Exclusive: "I am Ready to Remind People I am Still Here"

Kingdom MMA Talk to Alex Caceres ahead of his Fight with Sergio Pettis

by Chris Marzella - @chrismarzella

There aren't many guys in the UFC bantamweight currently riding a four fight win streak, well, sort of.

There is, however, one man flying under the radar, piecing together a noce little run of form for himself.

Alex Caceres (9-5), better known to fans as Bruce Leeroy, is back in action at UFC on Fox 10 this coming Saturday night against the impressive Sergio Pettis (10-0).

Caceres is back for the first time since his split decision win over Roland Delorme at UFC 165 back in September.

He has pieced together a four fight win streak, well he would have had he not failed a post fight drug test at UFC on Fuel TV 8 in Japan last March resulting in his win over Kyung Ho Kang being overturned and being recorded as a no-contest.

Speaking to KingdomMMA.co.uk, Caceres said of his Pettis and his UFC debut: "I did not watch the fight so all I can expect from what I hear is a tough stand up guy."

"I'm never sure how it will end there are so many possibilities so I try to keep my options open, but as for advantages I believe length and experience would be my biggest."

The prospect of having a win against an up and comer like Pettis could very well be the fight Caceres needs to get more attention from both the UFC and the fans. Of the match up he said: "Well I'm never too sure, I will just do my best and let the UFC decide from there hopefully it will finally prove my worth to others but if not I still know my true value, what appeals to me is a chance to fight, it doesn't matter who.

"I feel like I'm always getting better in all areas as for this fight we just worked on becoming a better version of Alex."

As confident as he is in his own abilities Caceres does not seem the type to open his mouth and talk his way up the rankings. When asked where a win would leave him in the bantamweight rankings he said: "That is not my choice for I'm not the type to call out anyone so it truly depends on the UFC whether they want to keep me hidden or show me off.

"All I can do is keep performing well against whoever."

Coming off of the six month drug suspension in 2013 could very well have harmed not only Caceres standing in the division but his very spot on the roster. Caceres, however, was never fearful for his spot in the organisation and claims that he doesn't need to use the experience as motivation going forward.

He said: "There was no concern. I don't really care so much how I am ranked, as for the motivation it's life that drives me, nothing outside of myself can do the same."

His fight with Pettis will be Caceres first fight on US soil since he defeated Damacio Page back on July 2012. Returning to action in the USA may prove to be the fragment of motivation needed to extended the unbeaten run. Caceres said "Wow. I did not realise it's been that long but it feels good to bring it back to the States to give the people something to go crazy about, remind them that I am still here."

UFC on Fox 10 takes place January 25 from the United Centre, Chicago, Illinois.

Darren Elkins vs Jeremy Stephens Set for UFC on FOX 10

Darren Elkins vs Jeremy Stephens Set for UFC on FOX 10  
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Fresh off a spectacular first round finish of Rony Jason at last weeks UFC Fight Night 32, Jeremy Stephens will make a quick return to the cage taking on top 10 ranked featherweight Darren Elkins at UFC on Fox 10.

UFC on Fox 10 takes place Jan. 25 at Chicago's United Center. it is not yet known if Elkins vs Stephens will take place on the main card or the preliminary card.

Rejuvenated since making the drop to 145 Stephens (22-9 MMA, 9-8 UFC) snapped a 3 fight losing streak since making the drop which included a 1 way beat down of Estevan Payan, and brutal head kick knockout of Rony Jason. One of the hardest hitting fighters at 145 and 155, Stephens hold notable KO victories over Rafael Dos Anjos, Marcus Davis, and Cole Miller.

Elkins (16-3, 6-2 UFC) enters the bout on the back of a unanimous decision victory over Hatsu Hioki at UFC Fight Night 27 in his home town of Indiana. The victory against Hioki took Elkins back into the win column following a short notice knockout loss in April. A state champion wrestler, Elkins loss to Mendes snapped a five-fight winning streak. Elkins is the first fighter in the UFC's feathweight division to record 5 straight victories.

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on UFC on FOX 10

Benson Henderson vs Josh Thompson Set for UFC on FOX 10

Benson Henderson vs Josh Thompson Set for UFC on FOX 10
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Following the recent injury to UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis, John Thompson will now meet Benson Henderson at UFC on Fox 10, the bout will serves as the main event.

UFC on Fox 10 takes place at the United Center in Chicago on Jan 25, and will be the 3rd straight January the venue has hosted a Fox show.

Former lightweight champion Benson Henderson (19-3, 7-1 UFC) fights for the first time since losing his title to Anthony Pettis at UFC 164 via first round armbar. Prior to his loss at UFC 164 Henderson had put together a 7 fight win streak including successful title defenses over Nate Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, and Frankie Edgar.

His opponent, former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thompson (25-5, 3-1) fights for the 2nd since rejoining The UFC when Strikeforce dissolved into The UFC. In his last outing Thompson knocked out former contender Nick Diaz with a spectacular head kick which earned the fighter knock out of the night and a lightweight title shot to go with it, when TJ Grant who was originally meant to challenge for the title suffered the effects of a concussion that took him out of the fight with Henderson, as well as a fight with Pettis who was brought in as a replacement for Grant when he was unable to fight Pettis.

Now in his second stint with the UFC, Thompson has has fought all over the world including Pride.

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for more on UFC on FOX 10.