Issue 125

February 2015

Things we hear, things we see, things we know,

Anderson Silva set for AXS TV reality show

Despite the UFC’s long and lucrative deal with Fox, marquee star Anderson Silva will appear on AXS TV in 2015 as part of a brand new reality TV show. The former middleweight champion is one of a host of celebrities and athletes set to feature in ‘Celebrity Sweat’, which is due to premiere on January 20th.

Hosted by celebrity trainer Eric Fleishman, the show will explore how celebrities, athletes and entertainers stay in shape. Along with Silva, fellow fighters Cung Le, Evander Holyfield, Victor Ortiz, Billy Blanks and others will appear throughout the 10-episode debut season. ‘The Spider’ is set to return from a year-long layoff on January 31st at UFC 183 for a showdown with Nick Diaz.

‘Rogan made me cry,’ admits Schaub

Joe Rogan sure has a way with words. The UFC color commentator basically tore strips off of the career ambitions of Brendan Schaub – supposedly a close friend – and left the UFC heavyweight choking back the tears live on air.

During a live broadcast of his own Fighter and the Kid podcast on December 8th, Schaub’s co-host Bryan Callen shipped in Rogan for what can only be described as a sobering intervention. What followed was a Rogan reality check served ice cold to the UFC veteran.

Rogan practically begged Schuab to quit fighting, stating clearly that he believed his faculties would be best saved for a life away from the Octagon. At times the silence was painful, as Schaub later admitted he was dumbfounded and upset by the attack.

Afterwards, he told MMA Junkie: “When I think about concussions, that bothers me down the road. Am I going to have a stutter? Am I going to be able to play with my kids? But to say I can’t compete at this level because I think of this stuff, that isn’t true.”

Jones knows best

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones left no stone unturned in preparation for his latest world title defense at UFC 182 against former Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier. To prepare for the challenge of ‘DC’s wrestling, Jones brought a current Olympic medal-chasing grappler for fight camp in the form of NCAA champion Ed Ruth from Penn State University.

Ruth, who is currently preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games with Team USA, traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico to prepare Jones for what many see as the toughest test of his title reign.

Fitch open to Askren title fight

World Series of Fighting’s Jon Fitch has revealed his contract may allow him to cross-promotions and oceans in pursuit of the biggest fights outside of the UFC. The Octagon’s former number-one contender is rebuilding his career after being dropped by Zuffa and it appears his options are wide open.

Despite being signed to the Las Vegas-based organization, Fitch told mmafighting.com he’s got his sights set on a title fight with One FC’s welterweight champion Ben Askren over in Asia.

“I have it in my contract that I may be able to go over there,” he said. “If it’s not going to impede on a fight they have planned for me and it’s not a competitive, local US show, then I could possibly be able to fight.”



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