Issue 096

December 2012

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

Gunnar Nelson turned down Hollywood for UFC debut

Recent UFC debutant welterweight Gunnar Nelson passed on a role in a Hollywood movie to prepare for his first UFC bout. Sources close to the Nelson camp revealed to Fighters Only the grappling sensation turned down the part in the Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler, Black Swan) directed blockbuster, Noah, which was filming in his native Iceland, as it would interfere with preparation for what would be his victorious UFC debut at UFC on Fuel 5 in England. Noah is set for a 2014 release.

Bellator heavyweight champ Konrad retires to trade milk

Now-former Bellator heavyweight champion Cole Konrad has retired from MMA in order to work for a Minnesota food-trading firm. Konrad will specialize in milk products. A long-time training partner of Brock Lesnar, Konrad’s career switch came despite being 9-0 in his two-year MMA career. Konrad, who moved into mixed martial arts after becoming a two-time NCAA wrestling champion, reportedly revealed: “[MMA] was never really my passion.”

Judo gold medalist Harrison planning MMA move?

US female judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison may follow in the footsteps of former training partner, and Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champ, Ronda Rousey with a jump to MMA. Harrison’s manger, Ali Abdel-Aziz, told Sherdog that Harrison is “a big fan of mixed martial arts” and that she’s watched the accomplishments of 2008 bronze medalist judoka Rousey. “She’s seen her friend Ronda Rousey doing big things,” said Aziz, “but her main focus right now is the next Olympics.”

Buffer picks Crocodile Dundee as announcer replacement

Bruce Buffer will not be the ring announcer for Australia’s UFC on FX 6, the first UFC event he will have missed since debuting at UFC 13 in 1997. A replacement MC is required due to the tight turnaround it would require for Buffer to attend the TUF 16 Finale scheduled for later the same day in Las Vegas. Buffer, in fact, suggested stand-in when approached recently by Fighters Only. “Paul Hogan,” he said with a grin. However, the Aussie Crocodile Dundee actor has yet to accept Buffer’s offer.