3 rounds: FO scores MMA’s hottest stories

Round 1: ‘The prodigy’ to be inducted into UFC Hall of Fame

BJ Penn will be inducted into the modern wing of the revamped UFC Hall of Fame during International Fight Week in July.

The 36-year-old former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion helped the lighter weight classes gain attention due to his outstanding well-rounded skillset and brutally honest personality.

“It is our honor to induct BJ Penn into the UFC Hall of Fame,” said UFC president Dana White. “He was one of the few stars who helped build the UFC. When we bought this company, we were told no one cared about lightweights. BJ Penn not only made people care, he was one of the biggest draws in UFC history.

“What he accomplished inside the Octagon speaks for itself – he is one of only two people to win UFC titles in two different divisions and he beat a who’s who of his era. He is a legend and no-brainer for the UFC Hall of Fame.”

After losing via third-round TKO stoppage to arch rival Frankie Edgar last July at the TUF 19 Finale, the Hawaiian legend retired from the sport with a 16-10-2 record, which included dominant victories over the likes of Matt Hughes, Sean Sherk and Diego Sanchez during his 13-year MMA career.

FO SCORE: If anyone deserves to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame it’s Penn. Regardless of the weight class, he was always ready to fight and defeated a number of tough opponents during his incredible career.

Round 2: Alexander Emelianenko jailed for sexual assault

Former Pride heavyweight Alexander Emelianenko was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison and fined 50,000 rubles after being convicted of sexual assault, kidnap and forcing his housekeeper to take narcotics.

The 33-year-old younger brother of MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko was convicted of sexually assaulting 27-year-old Polina Stepanova, taking her passport and making her take a number of drugs. Emelianenko pleaded not guilty to all charges and stated he will appeal.

FO SCORE: This is one of the MMA’s most shocking stories. It’s hard to believe the contrast between Emelianenko and his brother – who was one of the sport’s most humble and respected athletes.

Round 3: Wanderlei Silva’s lifetime ban reversed

The lifetime ban from MMA and $70,000 (£45,000) fine imposed on Wanderlei Silva after he ran away from a Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) random drug test last May has been overturned by a Nevada district judge. According to Judge Kerry L. Earley, the punishment was “arbitrary, capricious and not supported by substantial evidence.”

The court also ordered the NSAC to give Silva a rehearing so the 38-year-old Brazilian could be handed a more appropriate punishment.

FO SCORE: It’s very rare to see a fighter take on an athletic commission and actually come through victorious. Will a smaller sentence mean we’ll see ‘The Axe Murderer’ come out of retirement sometime soon?

ON THE RADAR

Three red-hot prospects worth keeping an eye on...

Magomed Bibulatov, 9-0

Despite only two years of competition, ‘Gladiator’ has quickly made a name for himself on the European scene due to his constantly evolving skillset. Like many fighters from the Caucasus region, the 26-year-old is a very good grappler with a versatile submission game. In his last bout, the 125lb’er won by knockout in 90 seconds, showing fans that he’s quickly becoming a dangerous, well-rounded fighter.

Josh San Diego, 5-0

At 30 years old, ‘JSD’ is certainly no spring chicken, but he’s shown he’s a natural at mixed martial arts. The Californian bantamweight is good in all aspects of the game, and stands out thanks to his toughness and the relentless pressure he puts on opponents. He’s one of the most exciting prospects coming through the regional circuits in the US right now.

Felipe Froes, 11-2

As a featherweight coming out of Nova Uniao, expectations are high for the 23-year-old from northern Brazil and he hasn’t let anyone down yet. Currently on a five-fight win streak, he has very good Muay Thai, using a variety of strikes to keep his opponents at bay. His ground game is still a work in progress but under Andre Pederneiras’ tutelage it can only improve.

QUOTES

“I just don’t think she stands a chance, really. That’s my opinion… I feel like she’s kind of being thrown to the wolves.”

Miesha Tate doesn’t hold out much hope for Beth Correia against Ronda Rousey

“I know I’m better everywhere it goes. The striking, cage work, ground, everything… You know, if she’s lucky, I’ll stop it early.”

Jessica Eye, meanwhile, is thinking only about her fight with Tate

“It will be a little while until I step into the cage for the first time – but when I do, everyone they put in front of me is in for a world of hurt.”

Olympic wrestling standout Ed Ruth puts Bellator’s roster on notice

“There was a moment when I was being offered a contract by Pride in Pride’s heyday. It was a sizeable monetary contract for that time. I had to consider it, for sure. The UFC came back, they had first right of refusal and all that stuff. It ended up making more sense for me to end up staying in the American marketplace.”

MMA legend Randy Couture on how he nearly made the move to Pride

“The Reebok deal, you know, the first couple of fights, the first year, is gonna be kinda shaky ground while they figure everything out. But I think it’s awesome. Per fight, yeah, I’m going to take a little bit of a cut, sure. I think my pay grade with the Reebok deal is, $20,000 or $22,000. So, comfortably, I’m going to be losing $60,000 a fight.”

‘Cowboy’ Cerrone’s life is truly trouble-free

STAR SIGHTING: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Who? Hollywood action hero Where? UFC 187

When he’s not presenting at the Arnold Sports Classic or busy trying to save Sarah Connor in his latest Terminator flick, there’s a possibility you’ll find legendary action hero and bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger at a UFC event. And with the light heavyweight and middleweight straps both on the line at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, there’s no chance Arnie would’ve missed what turned out to be a blockbuster event.