Former UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn is still very relevant in the overall division picture, but he’s taking on Matt Hughes at welterweight rather than fighting lightweight top contender Kenny “Kenflo” Florian. Many wondered if Penn was looking for a more likely win versus a tough battle, but that doesn’t seem to be the case at all. Talking to MMAJunkie, Penn explained how the fight with Hughes went down:
“I talked to Dana, and they tried to put me in the ring with Florian, (and) Dana said Florian was hurt,” said Penn, who submitted Florian in 2009 to defend the belt. “[Dana] said, ‘What do you think about Hughes?’ I said, ‘Matt Hughes?’ I got chicken skin all over my body. I said, ‘Tell him I’m coming. Tell him, let’s go.’”
After suffering back-to-back defeats, Penn said he had more sense than to request a fight with a UFC Hall of Famer who fights at a heavier weight class – especially one who’s climbed back into title contention with a string of wins over Matt Serra, Renzo Gracie and Ricardo Almeida. But with the opportunity to fight again quickly, and with Hughes on board, he simply couldn’t pass it up.
“I’m more respectful than that to lose two fights in a row and say, ‘OK, give me Matt Hughes,’” Penn said. “They offered me that fight. Matt was really excited about the fight. Dana called me and said, ‘We offered Matt the fight. He’s going to put everything on hold to take the fight if you want it.’ And I said, ‘I’ve got nothing else better to do. Let’s do this.’
Penn doesn’t gain much with a win except for a paycheck, as most would expect him to return to the lightweight division and make another run at the title. With current champion Frankie Edgar next looking to take on Gray Maynard you could certainly see Penn still fighting Florian for rights to the next title shot. Still a matchup with Hughes does seem like something that fans want, and it should make for a very entertaining bout especially with Hughes recent ressurgence.
The welterweight bout will take place at the yet to be officially announced UFC 123, which goes down at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan on Nov. 20.
Both of their previous meetings have been fought for the UFC welterweight title with each fighter holding a win over the other. Hughes holds the last victory, defending the welterweight title at UFC 63, defeating Penn by TKO (punches) in the third round. While Penn earned the first victory by submitting Hughes by rear-naked-choke at UFC 40 to earn the Hawaiian his first UFC title.
Penn is coming off back-to-back lightweight championship losses to Frankie Edgar at UFC 118 and UFC 112. “The Prodigy” has stated that he wanted to come back quickly to face a big name and now has it in Hughes. Penn has fought for either the UFC lightweight or welterweight title in his past seven fights going 4-3 overall in those bouts.
The UFC Hall of Famer, Hughes, has shown a resurgence in his career after losing back-to-back matches to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 79 for the UFC interim welterweight title, and to Thiago Alves at UFC 85 in a 174 lbs catchweight bout. Since those losses he’s earned three straight wins against some tough opponents. He’s defeated Matt Hughes at UFC 98, Renzo Gracie at UFC 112, and earned his first “Submission of the Night” bonus for choking out Ricardo Almeida at UFC 117.
UFC 123 is expected to be headlined by a light-heavyweight bout between another set of former champions, Lyoto Machida vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
NEW YORK, NY (September 1, 2010) – Shine Fight Promotions (Shine Fights) COO Jason Chambers, a veteran of both the MMA game and Hollywood, is a rare combination in the sports world. A man that has experienced success in both the sports and acting worlds, Chambers sports an impressive 18-5-2 record in the cage, where he faced well-known MMA veterans such as ultra-tough Japanese fighter Michihiro Omigawa and current UFC star Thiago Alves. He has also appeared on several television programs during his career, hosting the very popular History Channel series “Human Weapon.” With his combination of good looks and athletic talent, Chambers has garnered a reputation as a unique personality with an interesting story.
Born in Chicago, IL, Jason “Hollywood” Chambers, as he is known in the MMA world, is a former professional fighter with a record of 18-5. Perhaps best-known as the host of the hit History Channel Series “Human Weapon,” Jason traveled the globe to explore the history and techniques of various martial arts as part of the show. A diverse artist in every sense of the word, Jason is a certified Jeet Kune Do Concepts Instructor, and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jason’s career, though, has often blurred the lines between cage and stage. Jason has been involved in the entertainment field since 2002, when he began to study the craft of acting in Chicago at “Act One” studios, as well as improvisation at the world famous “Second City.” Chambers solidified his decision to pursue the entertainment field in 2003 by moving to New York to further study his craft, while continuing his BJJ training at Renzo Gracie’s academy. He quickly landed appearances in established television series such as “Guiding Light,” “All My Children,” “Can You Tell?” and most frequently on “As the World Turns.” Jason has done numerous commercials and has also been a guest star on “Days of Our Lives,” “The Middleman,” and “CSI: NY.” In addition to acting, Jason can be seen on G4’s “Attack of the Show,” where he gives his insights on upcoming MMA fights in their “MMA Chokehold” segment, and in FIGHT! Magazine, where he is a regular contributor. Jason continues to train in BJJ and MMA in his free time. His unique combination of in-the-cage and on-the-air experience will bring great insight to Shine Fight fans worldwide.
Shine Fights Promotions recently announced it will make its return to the MMA ring on Friday, September 10th at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginiawith a Grand Prix Lightweight Tournament. This event, regulated by the Virginia State Athletic Commission, will feature an eight-man, single-elimination tournament taking place in one night. This is the first such event to be held in the United States in over 15 years. The bouts will be broadcasted live on PPV by MultiVision Media, Inc., beginning at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST. The promo video for the Shine Fights Lightweight Grand Prix can be viewed here:http://www.shinefights.com/
Ticket Information: Tickets for the Mixed Martial Arts Tournament at the Patriot Center on Friday, September 10 at 8:00 p.m. are $350.00, $154, $94.00, $74.00, $64.00, $44.00 and $24.00 (plus applicable service charges) and go on sale August 14 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 703-993-3035. For more information please visitwww.patriotcenter.com. Follow us on Facebook (PatriotCenter) or on Twitter (@patriotcenter).
To learn more about Shine Fight Promotions, visit www.shinefights.com or follow the organization on Twitter @ShineFights, Myspace (www.myspace.com/ShineFights), YouTube (www.youtube.com/ShineFights) or become a fan on Facebook.
About Shine Fight Promotions
Shine Fight Promotions, LLC is a U.S.-based organization that seeks to deliver the art, discipline, respect, and passion that is mixed martial arts (MMA) to the global market. Shine is committed to the growth of MMA, and is focused on creating a positive experience for both fighters and fans. Organizing the fights that fighters and fans want to see by arranging the most competitive and interesting matches available is the foremost goal of the promotion. Shine Fight Promotion seeks to grow through innovation, high production values, dramatic and engaging fights, and the promotion of authentic MMA. Above all, Shine is committed to letting fighters, fans, and the sport “shine” through dynamic events. For additional information on Shine Fights, please visit http://www.shinefights.com/
This weekend Strikeforce light-heayweight champion Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (7-0) will defend his title for the first time since defeating Gegard Mousasi last April at the “Strikeforce: Nashville” event. The “King” faces Brazilian Rafael Cavalcante in the main event on Saturday’s “Strikeforce: Houston” show.
Lawal talked to Tatame.com recently about the title and preparing for fight on Saturday.
“I love to be the underdog, I’ve been the underdog my whole life. I inspired myself on great wrestlers when I began my journey on MMA. I admired a lot Kevin Jackson, Mark Kerr, Mark Coleman, Kenny Mnday, Randy Couture and Renzo Gracie”.
Coming from a surprising win over the sensation Gerard Mousasi, the new champion set a “safe” strategy to win. “That was the best strategy at that point because I’m still new on this sport, I’m training for a year and a half only… To beat Gerard Mousasi was my greatest conquest.”
“The most important thing in MMA is to adapt yourself and improve in all matters… The people who train with you helps you to improve on the things you need in order to win.”
After winning Strikeforce’s belt, Lawal called in a black belt to join his camp. “Bruno (Bastos) is a monster! I’ve tapped out so many times on the trainings that I think I got a hole on my arm (laughs)… He’s helping me a lot on my positioning”, jokes Muhammad. “I want to keep on training and evolving. I won the belt, but I have a lot to improve”.
As far as storylines go, the UFC 117 bout between Ricardo Almeida and
Matt Hughes has plenty, and they all center on revenge.
Hughes defeated Almeida in a grappling match back in 2000. Ten years later, Hughes beat
Almeida's teacher, Renzo Gracie, at UFC 112 in April. Surely that must
get Almeida's blood boiling, right?
UFC veteran lightweight Jim Miller recently reached a plateau in his extensive grappling career, becoming only the fourth athlete to receive his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the decorated Jamie Cruz.
Cruz is himself a black belt under the legendary Renzo Gracie and currently trains BJJ out of AMA Fight Club to UFC fighters such as Dan Miller, Charlie Brenneman and Ricardo Romero, among others.
Miller sports a professional record of 17-2, which includes an impressive UFC record of 6-1. Miller is currently riding a four-fight win streak in the Octagon and is expected to face off with Gleison Tibau at “UFC Fight Night 22” in Austin, Texas.
Check out Miller receiving his black belt in the video below:
Rafael Sapo, who picked up his fifth win in six fights with a knockout of Travis Lutter at the recent Moosin MMA event in Massachusetts, has signed a four-fight deal with the UFC.
Renzo Gracie announced the middleweight fighter's signing via his official website.
Natal is an instructor ("professor") at Gracie's New York City-based academy.
Thomas Gerbasi, UFC - Of the 35 fighters making their UFC debuts thus far in 2010, the big names were undoubtedly international stars Takanori Gomi, Renzo Gracie, and Gilbert Yvel. Yet the newcomers who truly made an impact in the Octagon were the fighters you may not have even heard of before the New Year began, but that you certainly know now.
Matt Hughes doesn't see why Ricardo Almeida wants revenge, but he's not in a position to second-guess
matchups.
Hughes, who was recently inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, on Tuesday
told MMAjunkie.com that his upcoming fight with the
"Big Dog" was put together after Hughes' most recent victory over
Almeida's longtime teacher, Renzo Gracie, at UFC 112.
"[Almeida] asked for the matchup right after I beat Renzo," Hughes said.
"He's wanting to get some payback, which is whatever. Whatever he wants
to fight for, I don't care."
UFC middleweight fighter Gerrald Harris (15-2) finally has an opponent for UFC 116.
Harris was previously named to the event without an opponent will now face Renzo Gracie fighter Dave Branch (6-0) on the unbroadcasted preliminary card.
UFC 116 will take place on July 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be headlined by a UFC heavyweight unification title bout between champ Brock Lesnar vs. interim champ Shane Carwin.
Harris has won his last nine fights including his past two UFC bouts against Mario Miranda and John Salter. This will be his first UFC pay-per-view fight as his wins over Miranda and Salter took place at UFC Fight Night events.
The “TUF 7″ cast member has won 7 victories via T(KO) and 5 by submission. He also earned the “Knockout of the Night” bonus against Salter at UFN 20 after earning the TKO win in the third round.
Undefeated Renzo Gracie fighter, Branch, has yet to lose and carries a 6-0 record into the octagon when he makes his UFC debut against Harris. None of his six opponents have been able to carry the fight into the third round, with Branch earning 3 submission and 3 T(KO) victories.
As far as storylines go, the UFC 117 bout between Ricardo Almeida and
Rafael Sapo, who picked up his fifth win in six fights with a knockout of Travis Lutter at the recent Moosin MMA event in Massachusetts, has signed a four-fight deal with the UFC.
Matt Hughes doesn't see why Ricardo Almeida wants revenge, but he's not in a position to second-guess