MMA News and UFC Betting Odds

New York, NY, January 12, 2009 — Spike TV heads across the pond for the fourth time to telecast a UFC fight card when “The Ultimate Fighter” champions Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez (Season 1), making his debut in the lightweight division, and Joe “Daddy” Stevenson (Season 2) meet in a bout which headlines the telecast Saturday, February 21 at 9:00pm ET/PT (same-day tape delay) from the O2 Arena in London, England.

UFC 95’s co-features are pivotal bouts in the middleweight and welterweight divisions, as Wilson Gouveia and Nate Marquardt meet at 185 lbs, and Rory Markham and Dan Hardy collide inside the Octagon at 170 lbs.

On the undercard, Josh Koscheck will look to spoil the UFC debut of newcomer Paulo Thiago in welterweight action, and submission specialist Demian Maia will welcome Chael Sonnen back to the UFC’s middleweight division in Sonnen’s first bout since coming over from the WEC.

Joe “Daddy” Stevenson (34-9) from Victorville, CA, burst onto the MMA scene while appearing on “The Ultimate Fighter 2,” defeating Luke Cummo in the show’s finale to win the welterweight competition. After dropping down to lightweight, Stevenson defeated a succession of impressive opponents, including Yves Edwards, Melvin Guillard, and Kurt Pellegrino, to earn a shot at the lightweight title against BJ Penn. And though Stevenson fell short in his title effort, he looks to kick off 2009 on a winning note against Sanchez.

Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez (21-2) will make his debut in the lightweight division at UFC 95, a far cry from his days on the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter”, where he, incredibly, fought at middleweight. After defeating Kenny Florian to take home “The Ultimate Fighter” crown at Season 1’s finale, Sanchez dropped down to welterweight, and rattled off wins against some of the division’s best, including Nick Diaz, Karo Parisyan, and Joe Riggs. After dropping back to back bouts to Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch, Sanchez left the welterweight division on a high note, besting David Bielkheden and Luigi Fioravanti before announcing his move to lightweight. Now he’ll be aiming for his third straight win, this time with his eyes on BJ Penn’s lightweight belt, as he takes on Stevenson.

The night’s co-features will go a long way towards sorting out the contenders from the pretenders in the middleweight and welterweight divisions.

In middleweight action, Wilson Gouveia (12-5) is on a quest to win his third straight bout, and seventh in eight tries. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, who trains with American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL, most recently defeated Jason McDonald at “The Ultimate Fighter 8” finale. He achieved this victory like he has all of his wins inside the Octagon: by finishing the bout before it went to the judges’ cards. Gouveia will look to continue that trend against Nate Marquardt.

Marquardt (30-8-2), who trains with Greg Jackson’s Submission Fighting camp in Albuquerque with current light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, made his UFC debut in 2005, and won his first four matches en route to a title shot against Anderson Silva at UFC 73 in July of 2007. Like so many of Silva’s foes, Marquardt dropped his bout with “The Spider,” but is hungry for another shot at the reigning middleweight champ. He began his quest by defeating Martin Kampmann at UFC 88 this past September, and Gouveia is the next step in his journey back towards the top of the 185 lbs. weight class.

In the welterweight division, Rory Markham takes on UK native Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy in a battle of two of the most promising talents in the division. Markham (16-4), a member of Team Miletich in Bettendorf, IA, made his UFC debut at “Ultimate Fight Night: Silva Vs Irvin” in July, winning by knockout in the first round over Brodie Farber. Finishing fights is not uncommon for Markham, who, in twenty professional bouts, has never had a fight go to decision. He’ll face a stiff test in Hardy (20-6, 1 NC), who showed great resiliency in winning his UFC debut against Akihiro Gono in October at UFC 89. Hardy won that slugfest via split decision, and the Nottingham, England native has never been stopped in a fight. He’ll need that iron jaw against Markham, as both men try and ascend the ranks of the welterweight division.

Also on the card, Josh Koscheck (14-3), coming off one of the most devastating knockouts of 2008 in defeating Yoshiyuki Yoshida on the UFC Fight for the Troops card in December, will take on UFC newcomer Paulo Thiago (7-0) in welterweight action. In the middleweight division, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu virtuoso Demian Maia (10-0) will look to remain perfect in the UFC and win his fifth straight fight via submission as he faces Team Quest member Chael Sonnen (23-9-1), who is fresh from a November 2008 victory over previously unbeaten Brazilian phenom Paulo Filho.

Spike TV is available in 97.3 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.

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MMA News, UFC 95, UFC UK, UFC on SpikeTV, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

Highly touted British heavyweight Neil Grove (7-1) will make his debut for the Zuffa-owned promotion against three-fight Octagon veteran Justin McCully (9-4-2) at UFC 95, which is slated to take place at The O2 Arena in London, England, on February 21, according to a recent report.

Grove recently signed a four-fight deal to compete in the UFC. Before that he was a regular on the Cage Rage fight circuit for the last couple of years. While fighting for the British promotion he compiled a solid record (4-1) with the lone loss coming at the hands of Rob Broughton via majority decision at Cage Rage 25: “Bring It On” last March.

All four of those wins were first or second round stoppages due to strikes. In fact, all seven of his career wins have been by some form of knockout. He likes to swing for the fences and is capable of ending a fight at anytime.

McCully, on the other hand, uses a more methodical approach to winning fights. He wears on his opponents with a strong wrestling base and then usually tries to end fights with his solid submission game.

The 32-year-old Team Punishment product has had some decent success as of late. He’s won four of his last five fights, including two of three in the Octagon since returning to action from a three-year hiatus in 2006.

He defeated talented striker Antoni Hardonk at Ultimate Fight Night 9 by unanimous decision in April of 2007, then lost to Gabriel Gonzaga by first round submission at UFC 86: “Jackson vs. Griffin” over a year later. “The Insane One” most recently grinded out another unanimous decision victory over Eddie Sanchez at “Fight For The Troops” in December.

Basically this fight is a match of contrasting styles. So whoever can execute their gameplan the best on February 21 will likely leave London a winner.

UFC 95 is scheduled to be headlined by a lightweight main event between Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez and Joe “Daddy” Stevenson. To check out the latest fight card and rumors click here.

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Justin McCully, MMA News, UFC 95, UFC Heavyweight Division, UFC UK, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

MMAmania.com has confirmed that a welterweight bout between Englishman Paul “Tellys” Kelly (7-1) and The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 6 alum Troy “Rude Boy” Mandaloniz (3-1) is in the works for UFC 95 at The O2 Arena in London, England, on February 21.

This will be Kelly’s third fight in the Octagon. He defeated fellow Brit Paul Taylor via unanimous decision in a great fight at UFC 80: “Rapid Fire.” He followed that up with a submission (guillotine) loss to Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis nine months later at UFC 89: “Bisping vs. Leben,” marking the first blemish of his previously perfect mixed martial arts record.

Kelly has made a home fighting on the UFC cards in England — each of his other two fights for the promotion have also taken place across the pond.

“Rude Boy” will make his second start for the organization. After losing to Matt Arroyo in the quarter finals on the reality show, he went on to stop his former teammate Richie Hightower via first round technical knockout at the show’s finale in December 2007.

That fight was the last one to date for the Hilo, Hawaii, native. When he faces Kelly on February 21 it will have been more than months since his last professional fight.

Both of these guys like to bang it out with their opponents so we should be in for a classic slug fest in London.

UFC 95 is scheduled to be headlined by a lightweight bout between Diego “Nightmare” Sancez and Joe “Daddy” Stevenson. Demian Maia, Nate Marquardt, Josh Koscheck, Junior Dos Santos, Wilson Gouveia and Chael Sonnen are all expected to be in action as well.

For more on the UFC 95 fight card click here.

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MMA News, Paul Kelly, UFC UK, UFC Welterweight Division, UFC on SpikeTV, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

As MMAmania.com first reported over the weekend, top welterweight contender Josh Koscheck is expected to return to action at UFC 95 card, which is slated for The O2 Arena in London, England, on February 21.

We can now confirm that he is expected to welcome undefeated Brazilian up-and-comer, Paulo Thiago (7-0), to the Octagon for the first time ever. It’s important to note that bout agreements have been distributed but are still unsigned.

Koscheck most recently annihilated the very dangerous Japanese fighter, Yoshiyuki Yoshida, at UFC Fight Night 16: “Fight for the Troops” with a scary-looking two-punch knockout on December 10. He defeated “Zenko” just six weeks after losing to number one division contender Thiago Alves at UFC 90 via unanimous decision back on October 25.

He took the fight against the bruising Brazilian on less than 14 days notice to replace an injured Diego Sanchez. It didn’t go his way, but it’s hard to hold it against him.

The former contestant on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) has won three of his last four fights — he knocked off Dustin Hazelett and Chris Lytle before the Alves loss — and appears that he is willing to do whatever it takes — and fight as often as possible — to get back in the 170-pound title chase.

But he’ll have to do it against an opponent who is not well-known in the United States.

Thiago has competed primarily in his native Brazil, posting a four-fight win streak for the Jungle Fight promotion last year. He most recently stopped Luis Dutra Jr. via technical knockout (strikes) in round one of their bout in September 2008.

He’ll be thrown right into the deepend against Koscheck. It also appears to be a fight for Koscheck without much upside … unless of course he scores another sensational knockout on cable television in front of millions watching across the nation at home.

We shall see soon enough.

UFC 95 features the highly anticipated lightweight debut of Diego Sanchez against Joe Stevenson in the main event of the evening. Middleweights Nate Marquardt and Wilson Gouveia, as well as Demian Maia and Chael Sonnen, are also expected to mix it up in two very important division clashes.

To check out the latest UFC 95 fight card and rumors click here.

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Josh Koscheck, MMA News, UFC 95, UFC UK, UFC Welterweight Division, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

Perhaps the biggest gamer in the welterweight division today, Josh Koscheck (12-3), will likely compete for the third time in four months when he participates on the upcoming UFC 95 card, which is slated for The O2 Arena in London, England, on February 21.

MMAmania.com learned this weekend that the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) member has been approached about beefing up an event that could need a little more of it. The promotion has done a nice job of filling up the card with solid match ups after the services of marquee attractions such as Chuck Liddell and Anderson Silva could not be secured, but the Spike TV special could use a little more star power.

And the addition of the collegiate national wrestling champion would do just that.

Koscheck most recently annihilated the very dangerous Japanese fighter, Yoshiyuki Yoshida, at UFC Fight Night 16: “Fight for the Troops” with a scary-looking two-punch knockout on December 10. He defeated “Zenko” just six weeks after losing to number one division contender Thiago Alves at UFC 90 via unanimous decision back on October 25.

He took the fight against the bruising Brazilian on less than 14 days notice to replace an injured Diego Sanchez. It didn’t go his way, but it’s hard to hold it against him.

The former contestant on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) has won three of his last four fights — he knocked off Dustin Hazelett and Chris Lytle before the Alves loss — and appears that he is willing to do whatever it takes — and fight as often as possible — to get back in the 170-pound title chase.

No possible opponent is known at this time, but it may not matter — Koscheck appears down to fight anyone. Based on our previous interviews with Koscheck, it would appear that this is the last fight on his contract.

Let’s hope that changes before he steps inside the Octagon once again on Feb. 21.

UFC 95 currently features the highly anticipated lightweight debut of Diego Sanchez against Joe Stevenson in the main event of the evening. Middleweights Nate Marquardt and Wilson Gouveia, as well as Demian Maia and Chael Sonnen, are also expected to mix it up in two very important division clashes.

To check out the latest UFC 95 fight card and rumors click here. It’s looking pretty sweet.

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Josh Koscheck, MMA News, UFC 95, UFC UK, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

With less than 10 weeks until fight night, UFC 95, which is scheduled to take place from the O2 Arena on February 21, still remains without a main event, according to WrestlingObserver.com.

Perhaps more alarming is that the early candidate to headline at least one half of the pay-per-view (PPV) show, UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva, has informed the promotion that he will not be ready to compete on that date.

Therefore, a possible match up between the “Spider” and Thales Leites has been scrapped.

UFC 95 — the fourth event of 2009 for the UFC and the second in as many months to be held in the United Kingom — will take place just two weeks after UFC Fight Night 17 (February 7), three after UFC 94: “St. Pierre vs. Penn 2” (January 31) and little more than two weeks before UFC 96 in Columbus, Ohio (March 7).

That’s a ton of programming in a short amount of time. And if the promotion can’t secure a solid draw atop the card it’s very likely that most fight fans might pass on the tape-delayed PPV purchase.

In addition, fans in the area who have already purchased tickets are more than likely expecting at least one marquee name to be added to the fight card sooner rather than later.

The good news is that if there’s anyone in the business who can pull it off it’s Dana White and the Ultimate fighting Championship.

For more on UFC 95 click here.

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MMA News, UFC 95, UFC UK, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

To check out the latest UFC 93: “Franklin vs. Henderson” fight card click here.

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MMA News, UFC 93, UFC UK, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

Former top middleweight contender Martin Kampmann (13-2) could make his welterweight debut against Octagon newcomer Alexandre Barros (13-5) at UFC 93: “Franklin vs. Henderson” at The O2 in Dublin, Ireland, on January 17, acoording to MMA Insider Blog.

The “Hitman” recently had his nine-fight win streak snapped after getting wrecked by Nate Marquardt in short order via bruising first round technical knockout at UFC 88: “Breakthrough” back in September. It was apparently a wake up call for the Danish kickboxer that perhaps he is better suited to compete in a division 15 pounds lighter.

This will mark the first time ever that Kampmann will compete at 170 pounds. And if he is able to adjust and perform well he could facing some top competition in the category sooner rather than later.

His possible opponent, Barros, is currently enjoying a streak of nine consecutive victories. In fact, the Brazilian product has not dropped a bout since 2004. He is coming off a unanimous decision win over Udi Lima at Watch Out Combat Show 2 in September.

Barros — who has been competing in professional mixed martial arts since 1999 — has a notable loss (unanimous decision) to former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes back in 2000 at World Extreme Fighting show in Indiana.

UFC 93 features the highly anticipated light heavyweight clash between former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin and former Pride FC dual welterweight and middleweight champion Dan Henderson.

In the co main event of the pay-per-view (PPV) event, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will rematch the most recent UFC Hall of Fame inductee, former UFC heavyweight champion and 2000 Pride FC Open Weight Champion, Mark Coleman.

To check out the latest UFC 93 fight card and rumors click here.

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MMA News, Martin Kampmann, UFC UK, UFC Welterweight Division, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

Brazilian jiu-jitsu submission specialist Rousimar Palhares (8-2) and mixed martial arts journeyman Jeremy Horn (80-18-5) are expected to collide in a 185-pound tilt at UFC 93 at The O2 in Dublin, Ireland, on January 17, according to a report confirmed by InTheGuard.tv.

The up-and-coming Palhares recently dropped a unanimous decision to Dan Henderson at UFC 88: “Breakthrough” on September 6. Once again, however, he demonstrated just how dangerous he can be on the ground — Henderson did everything he could to keep the fight standing.

Palhares tapped the experienced Ivan Salaverry with a super slick armbar at UFC 84: “Ill Will” in his Octagon debut back in May. It was so slick, in fact, it earned him a $70,000 “Submission of the Night” bonus.

Horn is on a two fight skid since returning to the promotion, losing to Dean Lister and Nate Marquardt, respectively, via submission (guillotine chokes), which does not bode well for “Gumby” against a beast like Palhares.

In fact, Horn has won just two of his last six fights.He was supposed to return against Wilson Gouveia at UFC Fight Night 15 on September 17 before an injury forced him off the card.

Regardless, Horn — a 103-fight mixed martial arts veteran — is a legend in the sport at just 32-years-old, meaning that he has the ability to win a fight every time he competes. But it’s not going to be easy — Palhares is very well-versed in submissions and is extremely powerful

UFC 93 will feature two of the world’s most elite 205-pound fighters, Rich “Ace” Franklin (24-3) and Dan “Hollywood” Henderson (23-7), duking it out in the main event. And Brazilian powerhouse Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will return and look to get back in the win column as he takes on UFC pioneer Mark “The Hammer” Coleman.

For more on UFC 93 stay dialed in to MMAmania.com and remember to check out our event archive right here. Be sure to also check out the latest UFC 93 fight card and rumors right here.

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MMA News, UFC 93, UFC UK, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), jeremy horn, rousimar palhares

An explosive match up between heavy-handed welterweights Dan Hardy (20–6) and Rory Markham (16-4) is in the works for UFC 95 from the O2 Arena in London, England, on February 21, according to MMAWeekly.com.

Hardy lived up to his billing as the top British 170-pound prospect in his Octagon debut with a hard-fought split decision win over the crafty Akihiro Gono at UFC 89: “Bisping vs. Leben” last month.

With the win, “The Outlaw” kept his red hot win streak intact, taking nine of his last 10 fights. And the lone loss during that span was because of a disqualification. It won’t get any easier for the former Cage Warriors welterweight champion … he has essentially been thrown into the deep end over a very deep division right off the bat.

Markham is a super tough competitor who has also been on a tear of his own of late. The former International Fight League (IFL) welterweight standout continued that success within the eight-sided cage, kicking off his UFC career with a bang … literally.

He nearly decapitated Brodie Farber at UFC Fight Night 14 back in July, earning “Knockout of the Night” honors for the scary finish. It has to rank among the best knockouts of the 2008 fight campaign.

But that’s Markham’s MO — the Miletich-trained fighter has never gone the distance in 20 professional fights — win or lose — since his pro debut back in 2003. He comes to scrap and leaves it all on the table … just ask notable opponents such as Mike Pyle, Brad Blackburn and, of course, Mr. Farber.

For more on UFC 95, which could feature middleweight champion Anderson Silva in a light heavyweight main event special attraction, click here.

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MMA News, Rory Singer, UFC 95, UFC UK, UFC Welterweight Division, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)