Issue 037

May 2008

Forrest and Rampage get TUF

There is a rumor going around that the seventh series of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) could be the most explosive yet, but not for the reason you might expect. Reports from insiders close to the UFC have said there was an ‘altercation’ between rival coaches Forrest Griffin and Rampage Jackson on the set, leading many to draw conclusion the two came to blows. The seventh series start airing in April, so we’ll have to wait and see, but if it is true then it could be one hell of a precursor to their July showdown for the light heavyweight title. 

Kimbo returns at end of May

As EliteXC announce that they have entered into a landmark deal with US TV network CBS, it appears that Kimbo will be used to headline the May 31st event along with middleweight champ ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler, who fights Scott ‘Hands of Steel’ Smith. Additional matchups will be announced at a later date.

The Nightmare returns

The middleweight winner of the first-ever season of TUF, Diego Sanchez, will headline “The Ultimate Fighter 7 season finale in July, it has been reported. Sanchez had back-to-back decision losses against team-mates Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck, but bounced back by beating David Bielkheden in one round on the undercard of UFC 82. 

TUF 8 News

Wow, we’re only just getting ready for season seven when details of season eight started to crop up! Applications are open, and the show will feature heavyweights and lightweights. Sign up at www.ufc.com. 

Filho goes into rehab

WEC Middleweight Champion Paulo Filho withdrew from his March 26th title fight with Chael Sonnen after checking himself into rehab in Brazil to seek help for a ‘substance abuse’ problem. Filho has been said to have suffered depression in recent months and has struggled to become motivated to train. He pulled out of the fight, then decided he would in fact be OK to appear before withdrawing again citing a ‘chemical dependency’. “This is horrible news, but we’re proud of him for stepping up and recognizing his problem,” said Filho’s manager, Ed Soares. “Paulo apologizes to his fans but he thanks them for their support and he promised that the next time they see him, he’ll be back at 100 percent and will be the Paulo Filho everyone expects to see.” The WEC have wished Paulo well and will allow him to retain his title until he is able to return. 

Dana still wants Fedor 

Though he loves to talk shit (who knew?) Dana really does still want Fedor. Posed the question ‘would you still sign Fedor’, Dana responded “Absolutely, 100 percent, in a heartbeat. People think he’s the best – I don’t, not even close. But if it’s somehow possible, I would make it happen. As much as we’ve gone back and forth on this, I would sign Fedor and do everything possible to get Randy in the Octagon with him, because A., it’s a great fight and B., I think Randy would smash Fedor.” Well there’s a turn-up for the books. 

Cage Rage to host first show outside of London 

London-based promotion Cage Rage are to take their flagship event outside of London or the first time on the 10th May. Though smaller franchise events known as ‘Contenders’ run throughout the British Isles, this is the first time we will see the big show leave the capital city. 

Confirmed bouts so far include Ian Freeman vs. Paul Cahoon for the light heavyweight title, Ross Pointon vs. Ross Mason, Mark Epstein vs. Matt Ewin, James Zikic vs. Rodney Faverus, Henrique Nogueria vs. Marc Goddard, Harvey Harra vs. Gary Kelly and Brad Pickett vs. Paul Reed. For more info go to www.cagerage.tv. 

Paul Daley to defend at Cage Rage 

Cage Rage welterweight champion Paul Daley will defend his title on May 10th at Cage Rage 26 in Birmingham. His opponent is rumored to be Aaron Wetherspoon, a 6-2 fighter from the USA nicknamed ‘Slam’. 

Cro Cop to face Kharitonov?

Reports in the Croatian media have surfaced suggesting a fight between Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovic and dangerous Russian fighter Sergei Kharitonov. Former team-mate of Fedor Emelianenko, Kharitonov is a 27-year-old heavyweight who had many fights in Pride. Boasting an impressive 15-3-0 record, he would be a tough test for the off-form Croatian as he has dangerous kickboxing and is physically very imposing. If the fight comes off it is expected to take place on the upcoming DREAM.4 event in mid-June.