James Toney, Shane Carwin and shadow steroids over UFC 118

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by Kid Nate on Aug 26, 2010 3:56 PM EDT in MMA News

Given the discussion about Fedor Emelianenko requesting that Alistair Overeem undergo extensive "Olympic style" drug testing before he'd be willing to fight him, I thought I would post some updates on the Shane Carwin situation and also discuss UFC 118 headliner James Toney's checkered past with PEDs.

First up, James Toney. Here's wikipedia on his career low point:

On April 30, 2005, he defeated John Ruiz by a unanimous decision in a 12-round match for the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight Championship. However, as of May 18, 2005, it was [1] reported that Toney failed his post-fight drug test, testing positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol. This led to the New York Athletic Commission changing the bout's official outcome to a "no-contest", deducting the win from Toney's career record and banning him from boxing for 90 days. The WBA ordered that Ruiz be reinstated as its champion and that Toney be ineligible for another WBA Heavyweight title shot for two years. Toney defended himself by claiming that the steroids were given to him by a doctor to treat an injured arm that occurred during his victory over Rydell Booker in his previous fight. Toney was also subject to a civil lawsuit by Ruiz claiming that Toney's illegal use of steroids gave him an edge in the fight.

The Boxing Insider commented at the time:

Why? Why did this have to happen? Here we had a physically limited heavyweight - he's just about 5-10 with an unheavyweight-like body frame - who basically dominated the well-established John Ruiz with his fighting genius and incomparable mental strength and determination. With his WBA title, Toney was all ready and primed to compete against any man in the world. Toney against any heavyweight out there was going to be guaranteed excitement.

Unfortunately, if this is all true and Toney knowingly used the steroids, the sport has lost one of it's finest performers. And it is a bit sad. Consider: Toney did not use steroids to beat up on a longshot journeyman contender like Richard Hall. This was a three-time champion allegedly using something illegal to, as he says, help speed the recovery of his biceps and triceps injuries.

And now that it's in the open, Toney must face the consequences. The likely 90-day suspension could be lights out on his boxing career at the highest level - he is 36. Unfortunately for Toney, there was no cover-up to hide the truth here.

And here we are five short years later and Toney, a man who was effectively exiled from the top ranks of boxing for failing drug tests is the star of the show at UFC 118.

I have been accused of being "pro-steroids" because I am extremely skeptical that the current testing regime catches anyone but the most incompetent of rules breakers and I also disagree with some of the choices of chemicals to ban. But let me state again, I'm for more testing, stricter punishments for violators and better fighter safety.

Let's talk Shane Carwin in the full entry.

According to Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer (subscription required and if you really want to keep up with MMA it's a must) MMA fans shouldn't be shocked that we're welcoming Toney into the sport:

When I met (Shane Carwin) in 2006, he was 289 ripped and when I asked him if he could cut to 265 (the weight he'd need to be for UFC), he laughed and said there was no way he could. Two years later, he was in UFC and fighting at 254 without cutting and physically he looked like a completely different person.

I think almost everyone realizes that when it comes to the upper level of MMA fighters, a lot of them are using PEDs. My feeling from talking with someone who directly distributed is that the people who say everyone or 90% of the top fighters are on them are people covering up for their own insecurities and justifying usage.

That said, the percentage is significant. Dennis Hallman was on Inside MMA a few weeks ago and said it was no less than 50%. When going through fighters at one prominent gym from someone who knew, person by person, we did end up right at 50% and again, some who did and didn't from that list would surprise you.

Everyone who is cut up people think is on, and that's often not the case. Everyone with a soft body people think aren't on, and Tim Sylvia and Josh Barnett have both failed tests multiple times. But the point is, steroids do change the game (one fighter who is very sophisticated on use noted to me about certain opponents that he's trained with both on and off and he mentioned one guy as almost a world beater on when he trained with him and he was `nothing' off, and talked about being genuinely scared of another fighter-keep in mind this was in a non-drug tested environment--who was a very dangerous and actually legendary striker at any weight and had in a very short period of time had suddenly packed on 20 extra pounds of muscle and completely changed his body).

And if you compete at a high level clean, you are in some ways at a competitive disadvantage. In other ways, you're not because a lot of the most mentally tough guys in the sport were not steroid users (and there are obvious exceptions to that rule as well) and in this sport, mental toughness, conditioning and technique are usually more important than strength. Some steroids can help with conditioning and others can hurt, but they don't give you technique and the mood and physical swings from them wreck havoc on some people's mental toughness.

The current testing system means nothing in most states and in the states like Nevada where it is legit, you still know well ahead of time the day you are being tested. They do have the power to test you off season, but it's rarely done, and if you aren't a top guy headlining a show in the next two months, there is no fear of it happening. California was very real before, but when you go from people failing tests nearly every weekend to nobody failing tests for months, either everyone smartened up at once or something has changed. Still, the Carwin story had no media legs at all as even though he's a UFC headliner, UFC is still not covered by the major media pros much, like major league baseball or the NFL.

For his part, Shane Carwin is maintaining his silence as this twitter exchange shows:

wclarke18 @shanecarwin you plan on making a statement about the steroids anytime soon? Dont mean to be a dick just curious/concerned.

Shane Carwin: @wclarke18 no comment will be made.

Roy Nelson, with whom Carwin had a twitter feud last week after Nelson commented on the news, talked to 5th Round about the controversy:

"I don't know. I wasn't even trying to sell a fight. I wasn't even talking about Shane Carwin," Nelson stated. "It was about steroids. I'm actually about trying to clean up our sport and keep integrity in our sport. That's all I'm trying to do."

When asked how his bubbly belly would fare against Carwin's chiseled frame, Nelson appeared confident in his chances if the contest came to fruition.

"Advantages; he has age on me, he definitely has size, a better supplement routine, he hits hard. There are a lot of things he brings to the table that he's better at," Nelson admitted. "I can definitely say I have better [jiu jitsu] than him."

The yawning abyss between reality and perception in these issues just kills me. The handful of fighters who apparently don't know enough about PEDs to beat the tests get relentlessly crucified while the guys who are a little smarter get away clean. This is a classic illustration of the American "just don't get caught" ethic. 

It's time for an open and honest discussion of steroids, HGH and other "performance enhancing drugs" that takes a hard look at what the dangers really are, who is being endangered, and how best to protect the health of MMA fighters. 

Blanket statements like "Drugs are bad, ok?" "He's a roider because he looks like one!" and "He's never tested positive!" don't get us very far. The current system is completely broken. We need a fix.

Read More: james toney, shane carwin, steroids, mma, ufc 118, roy nelson, UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2

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UFC Dana White 118 Video Blog-Episode 2

by Anton Tabuena on 26 August 2010 2: 56 AM EDT in MMA News

Dana White heads to ESPN preview UFC 118.

Read more: dana white, ufc 118, video blog, vlog, UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2

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UFC 118 Preview: B.J. Penn Says he's going to Knock Out or Submit Frankie Edgar

I had Penn 48-47 on my card, easy. The first three rounds. Clean sharp jabs, connected when Frankie moved and they have not already done so. Frankie won the last two. In my opinion, Frankie won fight the perception of movement alone. It was quick, moving and returning, throwing strikes (but not landing) and have created the impression on the minds of the judges (and fans alike), that it was to win the fight. When BJ could actually combine punches clean. Three rounds were not really anything Note be quite fair. Frankie moving, BJ taking Centre, some exchanges, where minimum landed, but BJ's were clean, while not.

I.e., rounds 1 and 2 were not even remotely close, benefit from BJ.Rounds 3 and 4 were close, but I had Penn earn 3 and Edgar with 4 and Edgar easily had five when it seemed as if Penn conceded in this moment (which if it did or not makes no difference to previous rounds just to stop enemy rebuttals "Penn knows lost").

For 118: I think if Penn focuses and in great shape and no reason to think that other wise, it picks up this fight easily. you will have played their adjustment to style Frankie's again in my opinion, with Edgar with less man Penn will likely be pressure to it and close the distance and when BJ gets its hands on Frankie almost is over you will search for. Round Three stopped the contest.

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UFC 118: B.j. Penn revitalized ... yet

B.j. Penn doesn't come from your traditional pugilist. He doesn't grow in the streets of some metropolitan hard. Either he is mad world, or keep the same out of prison. Penn has had a pretty good education in Hilo, Hawaii (may perhaps be as bad, right?) and when it ends his career of combat, got a good safety net to fall into. He is a smart guy, who was at the forefront, as fighters go, himself on Internet marketing. As he prepares for 118 UFC this weekend, he is putting forth an old theme--"focused/hungry B.j. Penn". Whenever he loses a fight Penn speaks to reinvent himself.

"The loss of Frankie actually I took a step back and realize that I want to fight as much as possible. (After this fight, if healthy)I want to fight the next week, next month, "Penn said during UFC 118 conference call last week." I don't know if I feel my biological clock ticking or thing ...I want to fight as much as possible ".

Penn is only 31 years old, but it seems that he looks back on his 20 's with some regret. Has spent a lot of time discussing contracts and taking long breaks between the fighting.

"I kind of spread my career in 10 years," said Penn (UFC 15-6, 11-5). "I kinda make a push to be really a real fighter. I had a good training camp and I kinda figured out how to keep me heatlhy through more training camps. "

In recent years, we've been down this path multiple times. Penn spoke of a renewed hunger and that he would after losses from Georges St. Pierre and Matt Hughes.Now his win-loss record serves as motivation.

"When I started before fighting. I thought that was the gift of God to the fight.I thought I would go with 100 knockouts 100-0. Sit back, look at my record and I can't believe that I have six losses, "Penn said.

He sees the loss of UFC 112 Edgar a blessing.

"If I win this fight would have you changed anything in my game and would've set me to fall even more difficult in the future," Penn said."whenever you get lost you can take a different path and you get back on the journey of right, because you started this thing first."

Penn not only lost his UFC Lightweight Title, but it was the first time he had fallen in combat 155 pounds since 2002.Was so a big upset that he was installed as preferred less-450 to regain his belt.He's not buying into hype.

"People are putting Frankie as the underdog. I feel like I am the underdog. I'm the guy who does not want this sport to be passed to him," said Penn. "And I want to remain at the forefront of everything. I am working day and night to keep tweaking these sparsely, to keep up with these young boys. "

Hopefully this is the last time that Penn must motivate himself to be at its best. When the right, he is a fighter pound for pound five top. If he remains in good condition and keeps improving, he probably will be able to get back its belt and have a race of 4-5 year before him as the best worldwide 155er. but it is up to its legacy now Penn cement as one of the best ever.

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Noons destroys Gurgel but did he land different strokes illegal?

 

Jorge Gurgel has had a bad habit of hitting with strikers. A brilliant Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, he did not suffer devastating consequences until this evening. Gurgel of Noons K.J. game and nearly banged your head off. In the first three minutes of struggle, Gurgel has been marked by 20-of-44 shots. It is only made worse from there. Noons eliminated almost Gurgel with a left hook at the end of the first. Then at the beginning of the second, he finished quickly when he landed a bad combination with right straight, followed by a left hook. Kerry Hatley Referee stopped the fight at 0: 19 of second Noons giving the victory, but was not without controversy.

Once Noons fell Gurgel, tried to Hatley to save Gurgel. The REF hesitated so Noons downloaded with three more left on Gurgel helpless. Then as the official carnage listlessly moved to stop the fight, Noons delivered a right knee. A problem, Gurgel was still on the soil. The blow was clearly illegal.Showtime Mauro Ranallo screeched color entry in protest. Apparently, Texas officials decided the knee was legal or simply not seeing it.

 

When Gus Johnson of Showtime entered the cage he probed Noons with four questions but shied away from him asking the illegal strike (pictured).

"Jorge is great adversary," said Noons (9-1). "He was to stay away from my hands trying to me enter into his gameplan but I instinct killer".

At the end of the first there was also a question about left hook that almost eliminated Gurgel (13-7).Showtime never shown a playback with sound.It seemed that the punch landed as the bell sounded.Ranallo and others thought that it may have come only after the Bell.

In all, 41-Noons landed of-80 strikes while Gurgel was just 21-of-67. Clearly, Noons landed the heaviest blows. Gurgel was bleeding around both the eyes and nose. he could barely stand at the end of the fight was noons of face markings.

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Lashley must obtain from Griggs ground fight high profile

 

Scott Coker certainly wants to see Chad Griggs engage in a good fight against Bobby Lashley. But must be Coker thinking, "don't get too froggy Mr. Griggs." After all, he took Lashley, a great signed Free-Agent back in early 2009 slow, along a path with the target you hopes to be some clashes mega-money for the star of former pro wrestling. The payoff for Strikeforce could come in the form of Lashley against another former WWE star Dave Batista or one of the big boys atop heavyweight division of promotion.

The hard part is avoiding looking for Lashley in front of the little known Griggs.

"The hardest thing about him (Griggs) you do not know much about the guy at all," said Anderson."Is another opponent. Has a very impressive record. Is going to be a good challenge for me to return from the long break. "

Lashley (5-0) last fought in January make quick work of Wes Sims. Some fans MMA and bloggers were frustrated by the slow path Lashley taking. Coker and Lashley seems happy with where he is.From Las Vegas Sun:

"I always told me, ' what Bobby is going to look like in 18 months? '" Coker said. "With his athletic ability and wrestling, the sky's the limit ".A guy who has to get through is Chad. That has got to be the first thing that is at the top of her mind.As you all know, (Strikeforce) has some of the heavyweights top worldwide, and adapts Bobby right there. "

And now Lashley is talking about moving into five main Strikeforce. a jolt of confidence gained from working with UFC title contender Cain Velasquez and companion Strikeforce heavyweight perspective at the American Academy well-regarded Kickboxing in San Jose.

"Cain is probably the best heavyweight there is now," said Anderson. "You got to be ready training with him.The guy had great conditioning and was good mixing with him and [...] Cormier.

"We've had some great practice sessions, and I know that my conditioning isn't going to be a factor."

That is good to hear. why so much as another fighter brawny Shane Carwin, where previously there were questions about cardio of Lashley if struggles to enter the second and third rounds. Lashley was only for the second round once in five fighting.

What's next? Should push a promotion Strikeforce Lashley-Batista only cash? Or, at age 34, Lashley goes more interested to promote his career MMA legitimate?

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UFC 118 Preview: Will Nate Diaz spoil Marcus Davis Return Boston?

by Roling Leland on 26 August 2010 3: 20 PM EDT in MMA Events

UFC 118 receive things started on Saturday night in the main Division as Southpaw Boxer Marcus Davis (UFC 17-6, 9-4) will hopefully begin streak as it battles new statements Nate Diaz (12-5, 7-3 UFC). Both fighters are on similar terms in recent performances Davis has produced 3-3 record in his last 6 appearances Diaz 2-3 at the time of its last five bouts. Both fighters, coming off a victory.Davis Jonathan Goulet are dropped on UFC 113 in the second round them up against while Diaz sheet outside Rory Markham in only 2: 47 first round at UFC 111. This is the official debut main Diaz's bout with Markham was fought in catchweight when Markham weighed in seven pounds over 170 pound limit.

Matched up seems fairly uninteresting cursory glance does not take a genius to realize that gameplan Davis will revolve around establishing leather to Chin and Diaz Diaz's more than likely to be compatible with stand-up games, he suffers from what appears to be inherited cloud judgment in its strategy. Fascinating appeal to this fight, but that Diaz boxing training and game for risk on legs and its immense reach compared to most fighters certainly gives him an edge.

More although consideration.While we have all used to viewing Nate brother Nick demolition opponents from peppering shots on face and body blows harmful, Nate is beginning to show, that can operate at this level, as well as enduring success comes from attitude that can left field, and which may not be the best gameplan against the Boxer like Davis. Diaz will have to deal with the fact that the country as Boston is old stomping ground, where Davis professionally Boxed in his youthful days. Sometimes you can keep the crowd Support adrenaline going to fighter and can cause Davis additional power later rounds.

So Interestingly Diaz can benefit from considering the strategy taking down Davis and threatening his feet on the ground. After all, when is the last time Davis actually fought grappler who actually tried to grapple? And may be actually argue that never recorded such challenge, primarily because Davis was placed in entertaining match solely for doing exactly that--entertainment.

When you actually put Diaz in frame however, anything is possible.Nate probably winnable for legs and on the floor in this fight, only because I believe that I say that Davis has started to decline with age.It doesn't take a punch, as well as it used to, and it is certainly more susceptible to being battered in. ..While it looks bulked up behemoth fighter, we've seen far too many times that it can be bullied around the cage and air force bombed by precision strikes.Diaz will provide these strikes precision scope and Davis will explode to catch Diaz.Unfortunately, that would open him worldwide hurt on Earth.

With all that said Diaz should receive victory on Saturday night, whether it is on Earth is the question I would have just.. I think Davis will be forced to be very aggressive in stand-up for around Diaz's coverage and when that happens--will struggle of the ground in these encrypts I believe Diaz will secure a dominant position and place a huge danger in Davis or catch him in the submission.

Survey Read more: nate diaz, marcus davis, ufc, ufc 118 118 main Card, UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2

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UFC 118 Preview: Why MMA Fans should appreciate James Toney and Herschel Walker

by Nate Kid on 26 August 2010 6: 02 PM EDT in MMA News

MMA Fans tend to reflexively dismiss fighters "freakshow", such as James Toney and Herschel Walker and resent account lead for our sport, but Let's not forget is still growing and we need eyeballs, paid by the spectacle.

B.J. Penn is Here in case for James Toney, via Ariel Helwani (transcript via Fight views):

BJ PENN: "what is worse than having champ WWF as our heavyweight champ? That ain't no worse than having James Toney enter and win the fight. "

HELWANI ARIEL: "So this is not all bad for the sport, right? It is bringing a little hype.Cannot be worse, right? "

BJ PENN: "is perfect for sport James Toney is now a gift of God to MMA. He is promoting the sport. Is he saying everybody go out and buy tickets.You cannot ask for a better person. What does James Toney is putting more money into everybody's pockets. "

And here's a great quote from Herschel Walker speaking Michael David Smith sees it as its contribution to MMA:

"I think My glory may be helpful to mixed martial arts, and I hope that helps, because I love mixed martial arts, UFC is Strikeforce or or smaller promotions," Walker said."People think all blood--this is a sport, but is really about sport most technical.So many go about technique. "

Now not I would pretend that James Toney is doing to help the MMA does not he does for James Toney, but Hey, whatever works.

Luke Thomas wrote a piece last year of that sums the role of spectacle in the building of this sport, And will offer it again:

... trying to convince (MMA sceptyka with) beauty MMA conditions MMA's is an infinitely more difficult than using little carrots with the stick.

The lesson is that not all are created equal freakshows, but that time products can be improved and refined palates. What begins as crew mess room often causes enough sparks eventually away record and produce something the unessential. properly underlines, MMA Ross himself in America began as a freakshow, but melee bouts circus, and the alligator pit nevertheless proposed homed core concept hand-to-hand fighting, which has matured, and has flourished in the sophisticated, porzadna versions of its former self.

My hope for UFC 118 is that several fans curious boks will tune in to see James Toney and will enjoy the rest of the show and come for more.

Read more: james toney, herschel walker, 118, randy couture ufc, UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2

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Coaster of struggles: The ups and downs of Kenny Florian

Kenny Florian will fight Gray Maynard in his hometown of Boston this weekend. The winner will get a shot at UFC Lightweight title. If this is Florian, will be his third bite at the Apple of title. For someone with so much success, Florian has faced some ups and downs.

Hill: Dana White was a fight in Massachusetts for scout Drew Fickett.Although won Fickett, his opponent, Florian, white eye caught. Florian was expressed in a new reality show where the winner would get a contract with the UFC.

Valley: on the much-touted season finale of the first season of the reality show, "The Ultimate Fighter", Florian was man managed by Diego Sanchez, losing in a first-round TKO.

Hill:Florian rebounded from lost Sanchez with three victories, all breaks: a TKO of Alex Karalexis and observations of Kit Cope and Sam Stout. Florian who earned a shot at Sean Sherk and lightweight title vacated.

Valley: That title first shot didn't work so well.UFC 68, Sherk not leave elbows of Florian bothering him and Florian controlled for a unanimous decision.

Hill: After losing that title first shot, Florian walked the ladder light That began with WINS over Dokonjonosuke Mishima, Alvin Robinson and DIN Thomas--all communication.

Bigger Hill: Florian titled UFC Fight Night 13 in an attack with fellow Bostonian, Joe Lauzon. Florian avoided submission attempts of Lauzon with elbows mortals, winning by TKO.He followed that with a decision at UFC 87 over warmer light perspective of the UFC, Roger Huerta.

Not exactly fights, but still a hill: Florian compiled for as commentator for Frank Mir WEC 41 to rave reviews, which opened the door for Florian more forward work for ESPN, UFC and WEC.

Mountain: Florian was promised another shot of the title if he got through Joe Stevenson. he gets what he wants after the presentation of Stevenson in the first round at UFC 91. after the fight, he calls out UFC Lightweight Champion B.j. Penn with the now famous, "I want to belt of B.J.!"

Valley: heads in UFC 101 and his second title shot, Florian was flying high. Unfortunately, Penn has brought him back to Earth with a beating that ended with a rear naked choke in the fourth round.

Hill: chokes nude back on Takanori Gomi and Clay Guide has helped bring Florian closest to a title shot, and struggling with Maynard.

What do you think that this weekend will be for Florian, a hill or Valley?

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Bellator: Frausto, nicknamed hornbuckle and large heavyweights shine

Bellator continued their third season with an event in Chicago that featured three periods of tournament and a featured event.

Zoila Frausto started things with a decision that dominates on Penis of Jessica, 30-27 on the cards of all three judges.Frausto used takedown defense and kicks to go to the tournament Bellator. She seemed eager to hire any fighter Bellator put in front of her.

"Who's next. I want that number one spot and I'm gunning for it, "Frausto said after the fight.

Frausto combines Jessica Aguilar and Megumi Fujii semi-finalist Bellator's women's tournament, but the tournament may have hit a snag. At a press conference Frausto postfight, who said he injured his foot.The seriousness of the injury will decide whether you can continue.

After Brad Blackburn dominated the first round, Dan Hornbuckle is back with a vengeance.He checked Blackburn during the second and even he knocked the round ended. the third was more of the same, with crispy hits Ashrah showing until late television ... bitter With this, has won the match of the tournament-not in a unanimous decision, 29-28 on all three cards.

Ashrah had lost fought in season two final Bellator's welterweight, deleting a decision by Ben Askren.Blackburn, a veterinarian UFC, now lost three fights in a row.

In addition, the event featured two heavyweight tournament fighting.

Damian Grabowski, a maximum weight of Poland, has won the first battle in a unanimous decision, 30-27 by all three judges. his opponent Scott Barrett kept fighting nearest indicating the score. Has used his wrestling control Grabowski but inflicted little damage, while Grabowski threw continually strikes from below. for the third round, Barrett looked exhausted, and Grabowski not had no difficulty in throwing fist after the punch.

Cole Konrad, an NCAA champion in Minnesota, controlled Rogent Lloret, on the way to a unanimous decision. during the attack, Konrad took Lloret time. Vaunted Jiu-Jitsu Lloret did factor Konrad--that looked in much better shape than in his last bout Bellator--kept Lloret on land with strikes and Staples.

Grabowski and Konrad Subscribe now Neil Grove in the semi-finals of the inaugural tournament Bellator's heavyweights.

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Davis on Boxing MMA: Toney has little shot and not a UFC Fighter Noons

Waiting for UFC 118, Boxer versus grappler was talking all week long. James Toney will try to pull the upset Randy Couture. But don't forget that the Charter has Marcus Davis vs. Nate Diaz. If there's someone who understands how difficult the transition is from ring to the cage, it is Davis.

Once upon a time was in position of Toney Davis.No, he was never on the level that Toney was in boxing, but after 18 attacks pro wearing gloves large, Davis moved to MMA. having a single legitimate weapon, Davis was above her head during season 2 of "The Ultimate Fighter".

"There's nothing that James Toney to Randy Couture can do other than punch him and knocking him out," Davis said hardcore sports radio (audio). "He is basically going into this fight one-dimensional completely."

"Randy will do what he wants to do for him," Davis said."There's five ranges of fight-kicking, punching, abundance, and fight ground grappling. Those are five different ways in which a fight can be fought and all Randy has to do is stop punching range. That's it! And that is easy to do, especially for someone, when this is all they do ever ".

Davis knows first hand what it's like bringing so few weapons to the Octagon. It was so bad for him on 2 TUF and then the final 2 TUF, was close to walk away from the sport.And that was against the prospects MMA. Toney is facing a 13-year veteran of the sport.

"His first professional MMA fight, his first one, is going to be against one of the great," said Davis."Who like me just jump in professional basketball and a game of one-on-one against Michael Jordan.It is not only gonna happen. "

It is a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point.

Toney spoke also faced Brock Lesnar if he wins on Saturday night and it is said that he is still a boxing career balancing. Davis said it is not possible.Then host Mauro Ranallo threw out Strikeforce fighter as example K.J. Noons. Noons (10-2 MMA) he also boxed professionally 13 times. Davis, wasn't impressed.

"If he came at UFC in Division 155-pound, he'd eaten and spitting out. He didn't make it here," Davis said. "He wouldn't be able to come and fight MMA, box, and won't happen ".

In addition to pro boxing career, Davis and Toney share another thing in common, both celebrated a birthday on Tuesday. Davis, 37 said that he expects a better birthday present on Saturday night that Toney, 42, will always be.

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James Toney looks like he is in shape for 118 UFC?

James Toney has been fighting the battle of the bulge for most of his time at heavy in boxing. Body Is simply a bad boy. So how much read in recent photos featuring Toney crossing his MMA conditioning? 47-Year-old Randy Couture next weekend at UFC 118 he faced.

When he weighed between 234; 237 pounds for some of his struggles in 2006 and 2007, his cardio was shaky at best.Toney, 41, fought down to 217 1/2 in his latest boxing match. He seems to be around that number with less than two weeks before he makes his MMA debut.

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Canadians react to passing MMA in Ontario

Saturday, Canadian MMA fans heard some good news. The sport was legalized in Ontario, with events starting in 2011.

The UFC brass rejoiced. the President Dana White Tweeted his thanks to the Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty, and VP of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner Tweeted that, "we're excited."

They have good reason to be excited about. capital of Ontario in Toronto is the largest city in Canada, a paradise for MMA. Performances in Montreal and Vancouver have sold out quickly, and the UFC is eager to try for another sellout at the Rogers Centre, a large arena in Toronto.

White and Ratner are not alone in their enthusiasm. Joe Ferraro of sportsnet, a native of Ontario that long has covered MMA, was emotional over the prospect of finally get to see her sport in his hometown.

As I write this article, I'm experiencing greater feeling that sees my vista as blurry and my veins with adrenaline pumping while I smile from ear to ear.I knew this day would come, but that never expected the emotional race. Many of my friends, colleagues, peers and family members are calling this my personal victory, comparison to have my hand raised in a fight for the title.

UFC veteran and Jason Canadian MacDonald that worries though MMA in Toronto will not be enough to move sport next whereas Vancouver close ports to MMA UFC after 115.

That is great news, but I must say I'm not sure that is so huge as everyone thought it would. Toronto's largest city in Canada and opens the door to having a UFC event in Toronto, and is great to have another MMA event in Canada. But the port appears to have been slammed closure on MMA in Vancouver as a door is opened, closes another.

Jeff Joslin, a former fighter, is looking beyond Toronto. he wants to bring MMA to his hometown of Hamilton.From: thespec.com

"I have relatives and friends who have never seen me fight," he said.

"I never had a chance to be a fighter hometown ... maybe now I can be part of bringing a fight in Hamilton."

Not everyone in Canada is thrilled. a group of doctors in Ontario has called for a prohibition of this sport, even if a writer points out the problems with such a ban.By province:

Concern of physicians, the health of combatants--presumably their motivation in asking the prohibition--is reasonable. After all, are doctors.

But their call for a ban is illogical. Many sport kill and maim their participants in many more MMA, which has lost only two fighters in its history. compare that with the hundreds of auto racing driver or the soccer players who died while competitors and dozens of boxers, skiers, jockeys and soccer, hockey players who have perished. And that is without counting The BCMA injured. logic, shouldn't these sport also be banned? MMA fighters, as athletes in other sports risky, accept the risks they run.

MMA is already an incredibly popular sport in Canada. Welcome into the fray, Ontario.

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Night of upheaval in Strikeforce: 're Mo ' loses the title ' Propiedades '

 

Competitive Equilibrium can be a fallacy that it is possible to search in other sports, but in the fight you need big stars. Strikeforce took a beating tonight as Bobby Lashley declined to launch the Showtime television, then one of the brightest young stars promotion "King Mo" Muhammed Lawal came firstly on the mat in under 12 minutes.

Rafael Cavalcante "Propiedades ' was the biggest, most powerful and most technical fighter. It was only a matter of time before King mo has captured by some sort of ugly strike. In the third round, he was hit with a huge knee in a situation of clinch. Knee buckled and as he was tripping backward, Propiedades nailed him with another right. Lawal fell to his back and retro rose up in fashion flaky. Has struggled to maintain the Propiedades against Cage as he got pummeled by elbows. After absorbing more than a dozen elbows and punches, dropped left arm of Lawal. This is when referee John McCarthy intervened to stop things at 1: 14 of third.Lawal was clearly out, as he fell first face to mat. Propiedades (10-2) took the title of heavy Strikeforce light from Lawal.

It's not shocking that Lawal (7-1) lost. After you move from the world of amateur wrestling is still a fighter, very newbie.Lawal, who just lost in the u.s. 2008 Olympic wrestling team, allowed his grappling to bring it to an unbeaten record against a decent slate of combatants.But tonight Propiedades proved to be too strong. Lawal scored two Takedown but also worked extremely hard while missing out on three other. even when Propiedades hit the deck, scored the same relatively rapid at his feet

Propiedades outlanded Lawal 67-50, but most of the shots of Brazilian were much heavier.

 

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Semper Fi: Semerzier, repping the Marines to 50 WEC Micklewright

From halls of Montezuma to fight for the WEC: Mackens Semerzier two and Zack Micklewright started their careers fight after serving in the Marines. Both will also fight to 50 WEC Wednesday evening.

Semerzier, who served in Iraq in 2003, says that the training they received in the military reported to combat training.

"Is the discipline to train when you don't want to train and push past those mental and physical barriers," said Cagewriter. "Distributed, you get to see a lot and being put in stressful situations, and you know that the closure is not an option. You take that in training and in a fight. "

Micklewright caught the bug combat while still an active marine. While amateur MMA in one night, it was necessary a fighter. He answered the call and continued to be fascinated with fighting after going into Iraq to serve.

After returning from Iraq, has committed itself to training and joined Miletich Fighting Systems in Davenport, Iowa. heading into his attack with Bart Palaszewski Micklewright, is 8-0.

Coincidentally, Semerzier trained with Palaszewski for 50 WEC, where Javier Vazquez Semerzier will fight.When he discovered his partner training was fighting a marine, Semerzier laughed and said Palaszewski, "you're fighting a marine. watch out, son."

Semerzier said that this is one of the few times when he's not be feast on a colleague marine. he normally supports any service member. Brian Stann, a UFC Fighter and a marine, was to attack Semerzier. He said that the Marines are always concerned with representing persons who came before them.

"We are proud of what we do and who we are," said Semerzier. "Because we are a small unit like this, we feel like we ourselves are well in front of other people just so they know that we are experiencing the rules that were set before us with the Marines who came before us. "

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Be careful what you wish for: WEC future of Njokuani on life support

At the beginning of 2010, was one of the hottest prospects in the WEC lightweight Division. Coming off three straight WINS ugly TKO, Anthony Njokuani looked like he was on the fast paced with a lightweight WEC title shot. He scored instructed by Shane Roller wrestling in April and the last night at 50 WEC, he destroyed his game from Maciej Jewtuszko.

In defense of Njokuani, Herb Dean stopped the fight pretty quickly (1: 57 mark--1: 51 struggling). The 30-year-old had 15 fights under his belt. He doesn't deserve a few seconds to try and recover?Once Dean stopped, Njokuani arose immediately. What is done is done, but now she needs Njokuani return to the drawing board.

Fightlinker was happy to see Njokuani lose, pointing the ugly Tweet has sent after his loss of Roller. Njokuani asked someone stay with him. scored his desire and a loss which he moves dangerously close to the unemployment line.

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Recovery with Gabe Ruediger for 118 UFC

Although he has 17 victories, including 12 communications, Gabe Ruediger has left two lasting impressions on most fans of struggle. One is that when he was dismissed from "The Ultimate Fighter" for not having weight and two when Melvin Guillard him out with a shot of the body.

But now, Ruediger wants to make a different impressions. instead of being the boy who ate the cake ice cream the night before a weigh in, he wants to be the man who beat his fellow TUF Joe Lauzon.

Since he was outside the UFC, he left the Team Quest, affectionately a neck injury and claims that he is in the best shape of his life.

I was looking at the pictures of UFC last I was in and I can't believe the difference in me. But everything really. My hits is much improved. You look at a number of my recent victories, who came from the presentation, but I set everything with punches. It was a long and tiring journey.I have matured.I don't think I was ready to TUF.Skill wise, I was mentally let me ... but I think if we'd gone away that he would have started partying and stuff. now, I'm all about fight.

Ruediger got his chance at Lauzon because Terry Etim abandoned the attack planned three weeks ago.

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