Fighters Only

Issue 088

May 2012

All the head-turning information every mma fan needs to know

DOS SANTOS VS OVEREEM REPORTED FOR MAY UFC 146 HEADLINER

Brazilian boxer Junior Dos Santos is set to defend his UFC heavyweight title against Dutch striker Alistair Overeem at UFC 146 on May 26th, according to UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta. Fertitta made the announcement during an impromptu fan Q&A on Twitter.

The main event bout would mark Junior Dos Santos’ first defense of his title since recovering from a knee injury he sustained before knocking out the undefeated Cain Velasquez in 64 seconds at UFC on Fox 1 back in November to earn the belt.

In challenging for Dos Santos’ title, Alistair Overeem will have the chance to add to a gamut of achievements – including winning the Strikeforce, K-1 and Dream heavyweight titles. An opportunity earned after ‘The Reem’ brutally picked apart former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar on the feet at UFC 141 in December, ultimately retiring the Minnesotan.

MELVIN GUILLARD SEEKS REVENGE AGAINST FORMER OPPONENT JOE LAUZON

A war of words has erupted between former UFC lightweight opponents Melvin Guillard and Joe Lauzon, resulting in Guillard requesting a rematch against his Bostonian rival.

In a heavy upset, underdog Lauzon defeated Guillard at UFC 136 in October last year with a rear naked choke. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Joe Lauzon claimed that Guillard was disrespectful and dismissive of the result in the aftermath. Lauzon, who suffered a knockout loss at the hands of Anthony Pettis at UFC 144 in Japan, said: “In interviews I see him say, ‘Well, Joe didn’t beat me, I beat myself.’ It’s like, ‘No, I slapped you in the face with my fist and then you went down and I choked you. I’m pretty sure I am taking credit for that.’”

Retorting via MMA Weekly, Guillard said: “The old me is about to come out on Joe Lauzon. He’s about to take Rich Clementi’s place of being that guy that I just don’t like.” Guillard’s last bout was a first-round submission loss to Jim Miller in January.

UFC 144 in Japan was the first event in the modern era of the company to have a seven-fight main card

In losing to Carlos Condit at UFC 143, Nick Diaz earned $200,000. That’s $90,000 more than the winner Carlos Condit, who officially took home a $110,000 check

WHAT'S HOT

UFC OPEN WEIGHT TOURNAMENT

Doesn’t exist. Should exist

STEPHEN THOMPSON’S KARATE

They’re all talking about the UFC’s undefeated karateka

UFC JAPAN’S TRANSLATOR

Don’t pretend you weren’t mesmerized by her rainbow afro pen

WHAT'S NOT

‘OSS!’

Not even the Japanese use their martial arts expression as much as your kickboxing and grappling buddies

CHEST SHAVING

Real men wear their battle fur with pride. Right?