General

Quote of the Day: Mousasi Preparing for Strikeforce Return in November

“In November my second fight for Strikeforce will take place but my opponent is not been determined. I heard some rumors like Kevin Randleman, Paulo Filho and Mike Whitehead. Whitehead would be the most logical pick because he recently won against Randleman. I’ve also heard a rumor that Arona is fighting again and it would be great if Strikeforce can pick him up. We can use a new light heavyweight fighter.”

— Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi tells M-1 Global.com that he will return to the organization for a possible title defense at Strikeforce’s “Fedor vs. Rogers” event on November 7.

Linhares to Replace Sakara Against Palhares at “TUF 10 Finale”

It appears that M-1 veteran Lucio Linhares will be headed to the UFC. The Brazilian middleweight has reportedly been selected to replace an injured Alessio Sakara against Rousimar Palhares at “The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale” on December 5 in Las Vegas.

Multiple outlets are reporting the news, including MMA Junkie, which cites sources close to Linhares. Nor M-1 Global or the UFC have yet to officially comment on the potential signing.

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Report: Swick-Hardy Targeted for UFC 105

Mike Swick has reportedly been tapped as an injury replacement for Dong-Hyun Kim and will likely face fellow UFC welterweight contender Dan Hardy in the co-main event of UFC 105, which will take place on November 14 in Manchester, England.

Details regarding Kim’s injury are unknown at this time according to Mike Chiapetta of MMA FanHouse, which received the news in a text message from UFC President Dana White.

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Weekend Preview: Wang Headlines Art of War, ADCC ‘09 in Barcelona & More

Tonight’s Strikeforce Challengers event on Showtime isn’t the only notable event taking place this weekend. China-based Art of War will hold its latest offering on Saturday at the Cotai Arena in Macao with “Ultimate Fighter 5” cast member Andy Wang headlining the event against Tsuboi Atsuhiro.

Other featured bouts include one of the newest member of Greg Jackson’s camp, Rolles Gracie, challenging K-1 kickboxer Peter Graham and Sengoku veteran Michael Costa facing highly-touted welterweight prospect Simeon Thoresen.

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Quick Hits: Strikeforce Inks Ribeiro, Thomson Injured Once Again & More

— Brazilian lightweight standout Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro has reportedly signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce. The promotion is expected to officially announce the signing shortly. While Ribeiro may actually still be under contract with DREAM, the two organizations share a talent-exchange program. Ribeiro returned to active competition earlier this year after an 18-month hiatus, defeating Katsuhiko Nagata and falling to Shinya Aoki thus far. [Sherdog.com]

—Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson will be sidelined until at least December after breaking his leg for the second time this year during training. The injury will now keep Thomson from a potential showdown against Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce’s “Fedor vs. Rogers” event on November 7 in Chicago. According to Thomson, a return bout for him could be possible at a yet-to-be-announced event on December 19. [MMA Weekly]

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Kennedy, Cummings Make Weight for “Strikeforce Challengers”

The official weigh-in results for tomorrow night’s “Strikeforce Challengers: Kennedy vs. Cummings” event, which takes place at the SpiritBank Event Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, are below. All fighters successfully made weight.

Army veteran Tim Kennedy will battle undefeated prospect Zak Cummings in the show’s main event. Other fights set for the Showtime telecast include K-1 star Ray Sefo vs. UFC veteran Kevin Jordan and All-American wrestler Tyron Woodley vs. Wolfslair coach Zach Light.

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ESPN’s MMA Live Discusses Rampage’s Retirement Announcement

From ESPN.com, here’s this week’s installment of “MMA Live” with Jon Anik, Franklin McNeil, and UFC lightweight contender Kenny Florian.

Quote of the Day: Mirko Cro Cop Undecided on Retirement

“Often things can get on top of you but I cannot say that I don’t love this sport. It’s hard for me to decide now but I think that I will do these last two fights for UFC. This [fighting] thing is stronger than me. Sometimes the mind says yes but the heart says no. I thank everyone for their support, for watching and following me, but I hate that I am expected to answer to people. This is my decision. My blood, my sweat, my tears - as such I don’t owe anybody anything. The day I say I won’t do it anymore I’ll stick to my word. But I still haven’t said that and I haven’t decided that this is the end. I know I must rest well and decide.”

— Longtime PRIDE standout Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic tells Croatian newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija that he yet to make an official decision regarding the remainder of his professional MMA career following his latest defeat to Junior Dos Santos at UFC 103 last weekend.

Rampage’s Latest Words: “I’ll Be Damned if Anybody Disrespects Me

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson isn’t done venting yet.

In his latest response to remarks by UFC President Dana White and fellow “TUF 10” coach Rashad Evans, Jackson reiterated his stance on leaving the UFC in order to pursue acting, gave his feelings on Evans and White, and listed the differences between competing for the UFC and PRIDE among other things.

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Emelianenko-Rogers to Be Held in Chicago

Strikeforce and M-1 Global announced today that longtime heavyweight king Fedor Emelianenko’s U.S. network television debut against undefeated prospect Brett Rogers on November 7 will take place at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, located just outside of Chicago.

Tickets for the event will go on sale to the public on Monday, September 28 at 11 AM ET. A special pre-sale ticket purchase opportunity will take place for “Strikeforce Insider” e-newsletter subscribers beginning at 10:00 AM ET on Friday, September 27.

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