UFC Leaders - Significant Strikes Landed

UFC Leaders - Significant Strikes Landed

The third in our series going through the categories on our UFC Official Records page, this post deals with the record holders for the highest volume of significant strikes landed.

What: This volume or "counting" stat is one of the higher-profile records in MMA. It simply asks the question "which fighter has dished out the greatest volume of punishment in the history of the sport?" A quick definition: significant strikes refer to all strikes at distance and power strikes in the clinch and on the ground. It does not include small, short strikes in the clinch and on the ground. Those will be included in the Total Strikes category.

Why: This is one of the most fundamental statistics in the game. The fighter at the top of this list is as elemental to MMA as the all-time hits leader is to baseball. The fighters here need to have a lengthy tenure in the UFC and tend to take their time putting away their opponents. Fighters who finish too quickly won't have enough time to land the strikes necessary to make this list.

Who:
Rank Fighter Total
1 Georges St-Pierre 892
2 BJ Penn 734
3 Randy Couture 703
4 Rich Franklin 689
5 Chris Lytle 667
6 Forrest Griffin 658
7 Sam Stout 607
8 Michael Bisping 594
9 Tim Sylvia 585
10 Frank Edgar 572
Who's Next: The fighters at #11 and #13 are both out of the UFC (Chuck Liddell and Keith Jardine). That means the fighters closest to joining the top 10 are Tyson Griffin and Spencer Fisher.

The Breakdown: Not much of a surprise that GSP holds the top spot here by a comfortable margin; it would likely take two lengthy fights for anyone to supplant him and he's still accumulating more. It's entirely probably that St-Pierre will be the first 1,000 significant strike fighter in UFC history. It is even possible that he could do it in his next fight. Though he needs 102 strikes to reach the milestone, he has surpassed that total twice before, including his most recent fight against Josh Koscheck.

The leaderboard is populated with several fighters instrumental in bringing the UFC to prominence, and we see seven of 10 fighters are current or former champions. When it's all said and done, expect most of the guys on this list to make the UFC Hall of Fame. Also expect to see a lot of turnover on this list in the coming years. As the veterans retire, they will most likely be supplanted by newer fighters. The simple truth is that fighters today land more strikes than they did several years ago. A fighter today with a long enough career should have no problem moving the bar upward and pushing down on the champions from earlier eras.

The Takeaway: Note that only two fighters on this list (St-Pierre and Franklin) also appear on the leaders in total knockdowns. While the strikes these fighters land are certainly significant they are not the most damaging and often lack stopping power. Volume strikers abound and for good reason. Knocking out opponents quickly means fewer chances to land more strikes.

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Will any Fathead have more stains than this one?

While it's far from Arianny best picture, I'm sure some kids will be "tearing it up" on this fathead.

Only if they had one of these of Bo Derek when I was younger

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UFC Leaders - Significant Strikes Landed

UFC Leaders - Significant Strikes Landed

The third in our series going through the categories on our UFC Official Records page, this post deals with the record holders for the highest volume of significant strikes landed.

What: This volume or "counting" stat is one of the higher-profile records in MMA. It simply asks the question "which fighter has dished out the greatest volume of punishment in the history of the sport?" A quick definition: significant strikes refer to all strikes at distance and power strikes in the clinch and on the ground. It does not include small, short strikes in the clinch and on the ground. Those will be included in the Total Strikes category.

Why: This is one of the most fundamental statistics in the game. The fighter at the top of this list is as elemental to MMA as the all-time hits leader is to baseball. The fighters here need to have a lengthy tenure in the UFC and tend to take their time putting away their opponents. Fighters who finish too quickly won't have enough time to land the strikes necessary to make this list.

Who:
Rank Fighter Total
1 Georges St-Pierre 892
2 BJ Penn 734
3 Randy Couture 703
4 Rich Franklin 689
5 Chris Lytle 667
6 Forrest Griffin 658
7 Sam Stout 607
8 Michael Bisping 594
9 Tim Sylvia 585
10 Frank Edgar 572
Who's Next: The fighters at #11 and #13 are both out of the UFC (Chuck Liddell and Keith Jardine). That means the fighters closest to joining the top 10 are Tyson Griffin and Spencer Fisher.

The Breakdown: Not much of a surprise that GSP holds the top spot here by a comfortable margin; it would likely take two lengthy fights for anyone to supplant him and he's still accumulating more. It's entirely probably that St-Pierre will be the first 1,000 significant strike fighter in UFC history. It is even possible that he could do it in his next fight. Though he needs 102 strikes to reach the milestone, he has surpassed that total twice before, including his most recent fight against Josh Koscheck.

The leaderboard is populated with several fighters instrumental in bringing the UFC to prominence, and we see seven of 10 fighters are current or former champions. When it's all said and done, expect most of the guys on this list to make the UFC Hall of Fame. Also expect to see a lot of turnover on this list in the coming years. As the veterans retire, they will most likely be supplanted by newer fighters. The simple truth is that fighters today land more strikes than they did several years ago. A fighter today with a long enough career should have no problem moving the bar upward and pushing down on the champions from earlier eras.

The Takeaway: Note that only two fighters on this list (St-Pierre and Franklin) also appear on the leaders in total knockdowns. While the strikes these fighters land are certainly significant they are not the most damaging and often lack stopping power. Volume strikers abound and for good reason. Knocking out opponents quickly means fewer chances to land more strikes.

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Brock Lesnar Interview, talks doing TUF, Cain and coaching: Part 1

Brock Lesnar Interview, talks doing TUF, Cain and coaching: Part 1

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UFN 23 heavyweight Pat Barry: Some people are just going to hate your guts

KILLEEN, Texas – UFC heavyweight Pat Barry (6-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) can tell you all about emotion.

From rags to riches after dual "Fight Night" bonuses at UFC 104, to a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of his idol, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, at UFC 115, Barry always has been an open book to his fans.

Barry once again was riding high after a UFC Fight Night 23 win on Saturday, but he knows that performance wasn't enough to please his doubters. In fact, Barry couldn't even make it back to his hotel before the criticism came rolling in.

"I've already had bad things said to me as soon as I got out (of the cage)," Barry told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) following his Spike TV-broadcast win at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. "People said, 'Good fight, but what happened in round one?'

"I'm already hearing negative (comments). I'm getting bad text messages already. That's always going to happen. No matter what, some people are just going to hate your guts. It's impossible to make everyone happy."

In fairness, round one of Barry's unanimous-decision win over Joey Beltran was a bit lackluster. Fans expected fireworks between the two heavy-hitters, but the action was slow to develop, and Beltran actually claimed the opening frame on two of the three attending judges' cards.

Barry recognizes the opening five minutes might not have lived up to fans' expectations, but he believes the round played out as his camp intended.

"That was an absolute strategy on his part and my part," Barry explained. "Joey Beltran, statistically on paper, I'm the better stand-up guy. He's the better wrestler, jiu jitsu, maybe all-around guy, but I'm the better stand-up guy. So when the bell rang, he walked backward toward the cage. That's a trap.

"I don't know if anybody noticed that, but I was supposed to run at him, take him to the ground, put him against the cage, so I stood on the circle. That was the gameplan: I'm going to stand on this blue circle in the middle of the octagon, and you're going to have to go to me."

But after working form distance early, Beltran was more willing to engage in the final two rounds, especially as Barry's leg kicks began to hamper his mobility. Barry capitalized on the proximity of his opponent by continuing to chop the legs, as well as firing off a few highlight-reel headkicks.

"For the first part of the fight, the first round, he didn't come to me," Barry said. "I could have either gone to him and broken my gameplan, or he could have walked straight to me and broken his. It was kind of a tossup.

"Sorry it turned out to be a slow start, but we both had a strategy."

Nevertheless, Barry racked up the final two rounds on all three judges' cards, and he was awarded a unanimous-decision win. Following the victory, Barry's emotions once again took center stage as he addressed crowd, which was comprised entirely of troops stationed at Fort Hood. "HD" said the tears that flowed freely have been welling up since childhood.

"I come from a family with a lot of military personnel," Barry said. "My uncles and cousins, a lot of them joined the Navy and Army and Marines. My dad was in the Army. He passed away when we were all kids. We had a mother, an older sister, myself and a younger brother, and for years, we went on with just us. My grandmother mailed his dogtags back to his only two sons 20 years ago. We both wear them all the time. I never take it off unless I have to get an MRI for a fight. My brother wore his for 12 years straight. It broke off in the ocean one day. Now he's got it tattooed on his neck. There's a big long story that goes along with the military.

"To be here in front of everybody and to give everyone in that room an opportunity to have three hours away from their normal life – three hours to just put on a show – it's like watching a big, long movie but really being there. It was great to be able to give back in a way. We could say, 'Go Army' all day and night, but that only does so much. We can give support, but to actually put on a show and give them a release from their everyday lives, which has got to be stressful, is rare. To be a part of that is great."

With the win, Barry improves to 2-1 in his past three contests. And while still just eight fights into his MMA career, Barry remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the heavyweight division. But while the Louisiana native was enjoying his return to the win column, his emotional spectrum was far greater than simple joy.

"It's just life in general, not just the last fight," Barry said. "Everybody has a bad day eventually. Certain things just build up, build up, build up. I hadn't had a cranky fight in a long time. Do I feel it's behind me? No. I'm still hearing about kickboxing matches that I lost 10 years ago. It's never going to go away.

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UFN 23 heavyweight Pat Barry: Some people are just going to hate your guts

UFN 23 heavyweight Pat Barry: Some people are just going to hate your guts

KILLEEN, Texas – UFC heavyweight Pat Barry (6-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) can tell you all about emotion.

From rags to riches after dual "Fight Night" bonuses at UFC 104, to a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of his idol, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, at UFC 115, Barry always has been an open book to his fans.

Barry once again was riding high after a UFC Fight Night 23 win on Saturday, but he knows that performance wasn't enough to please his doubters. In fact, Barry couldn't even make it back to his hotel before the criticism came rolling in.

"I've already had bad things said to me as soon as I got out (of the cage)," Barry told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) following his Spike TV-broadcast win at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. "People said, 'Good fight, but what happened in round one?'

"I'm already hearing negative (comments). I'm getting bad text messages already. That's always going to happen. No matter what, some people are just going to hate your guts. It's impossible to make everyone happy."

In fairness, round one of Barry's unanimous-decision win over Joey Beltran was a bit lackluster. Fans expected fireworks between the two heavy-hitters, but the action was slow to develop, and Beltran actually claimed the opening frame on two of the three attending judges' cards.

Barry recognizes the opening five minutes might not have lived up to fans' expectations, but he believes the round played out as his camp intended.

"That was an absolute strategy on his part and my part," Barry explained. "Joey Beltran, statistically on paper, I'm the better stand-up guy. He's the better wrestler, jiu jitsu, maybe all-around guy, but I'm the better stand-up guy. So when the bell rang, he walked backward toward the cage. That's a trap.

"I don't know if anybody noticed that, but I was supposed to run at him, take him to the ground, put him against the cage, so I stood on the circle. That was the gameplan: I'm going to stand on this blue circle in the middle of the octagon, and you're going to have to go to me."

But after working form distance early, Beltran was more willing to engage in the final two rounds, especially as Barry's leg kicks began to hamper his mobility. Barry capitalized on the proximity of his opponent by continuing to chop the legs, as well as firing off a few highlight-reel headkicks.

"For the first part of the fight, the first round, he didn't come to me," Barry said. "I could have either gone to him and broken my gameplan, or he could have walked straight to me and broken his. It was kind of a tossup.

"Sorry it turned out to be a slow start, but we both had a strategy."

Nevertheless, Barry racked up the final two rounds on all three judges' cards, and he was awarded a unanimous-decision win. Following the victory, Barry's emotions once again took center stage as he addressed crowd, which was comprised entirely of troops stationed at Fort Hood. "HD" said the tears that flowed freely have been welling up since childhood.

"I come from a family with a lot of military personnel," Barry said. "My uncles and cousins, a lot of them joined the Navy and Army and Marines. My dad was in the Army. He passed away when we were all kids. We had a mother, an older sister, myself and a younger brother, and for years, we went on with just us. My grandmother mailed his dogtags back to his only two sons 20 years ago. We both wear them all the time. I never take it off unless I have to get an MRI for a fight. My brother wore his for 12 years straight. It broke off in the ocean one day. Now he's got it tattooed on his neck. There's a big long story that goes along with the military.

"To be here in front of everybody and to give everyone in that room an opportunity to have three hours away from their normal life – three hours to just put on a show – it's like watching a big, long movie but really being there. It was great to be able to give back in a way. We could say, 'Go Army' all day and night, but that only does so much. We can give support, but to actually put on a show and give them a release from their everyday lives, which has got to be stressful, is rare. To be a part of that is great."

With the win, Barry improves to 2-1 in his past three contests. And while still just eight fights into his MMA career, Barry remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the heavyweight division. But while the Louisiana native was enjoying his return to the win column, his emotional spectrum was far greater than simple joy.

"It's just life in general, not just the last fight," Barry said. "Everybody has a bad day eventually. Certain things just build up, build up, build up. I hadn't had a cranky fight in a long time. Do I feel it's behind me? No. I'm still hearing about kickboxing matches that I lost 10 years ago. It's never going to go away.

"Am I past [the critics' doubts following my last loss]? I'm fine with it. Am I still going to hear about it? Of course. That's just how it goes."

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Enson Inoue: Impossible to run a big MMA promotion in Japan without Yakuza

Enson Inoue: Impossible to run a big MMA promotion in Japan without Yakuza

4 hours ago |

TABLE.RatingSite TD { WIDTH: 110px}
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Hello everyone it's Enson Inoue.
I had a successful return to the ring last April and am currently in the process of writing a book
--ENSON ON JMMA TODAY--
lastcall - Enson, How do you think Kid will do in the UFC? Enson, further on Kid in the UFC, what would your main advice for him be?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
I think he will do great!
He needs to use his wrestling to get on top and use his ground and pound! His G n P is ferocious. However most important for Kid is to have confidence that he can kick anyone in this weight class's ass, in the world.
--
taruk mak tao - Enson, Can you discuss why you think japanese and asian fighters in general struggle (for the most part) when fighting in the US?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
I think the language and the atmosphere is what affects them most. The energy in the US arena is leaps different from the Japanese ones.
EVILYOSHIDA - hey enson. what do you think japan can do to save its mma industry?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Get the right people to run it who can get the right sponsors then get some of the top fighters back fighting on Japanese soil!
--
EVILYOSHIDA - Hey Enson, how prevalent is steroid usage among japanese fighters? is it rare or common?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Very rare
--
nobones - Hey Enson cool to see you on the UG again. What do you think of JMMA scene? Do you think it can revive and do you think the UFC is the promotion to do it considering the FEG president has basically declared FEG dead unless emergency VC arrives soon? Are there any Japanese promotions that could pick up the mantle left by Pride and soon Dream to carry on the JMMA torch and getting it burning again?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Dana is the man that can make it happen and I already have offered him my services if he needs them.
--
Jack Skellington - One last question: When was the last time you spoke to Dana White?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
About a year ago through email.
--
nobones - What do you think of JMMA scene? Do you think it can revive and do you think the UFC is the promotion to do it considering the FEG president has basically declared FEG dead unless emergency VC arrives soon? Are there any Japanese promotions that could pick up the mantle left by Pride and soon Dream to carry on the JMMA torch and getting it burning again?

Also, do you think Shinya Aoki was overrated? Maybe he was top ten once in his career, but many pundits had him ranked #2 for several years. Seems ridiculous considering he never fought and beat a top five guy when they were top five.
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Mma in japan is not dead. Maybe K-1s Tanigawa was just talking about himself that fucken crook. he has 2 Y organizations pissed and after him.

Aoki is too 1 dimensional.
--
EVILYOSHIDA - tanigawa is a douche. i never hd faith in dream because of his idiocy. mma needs a real leader in japan, bring sakakibara back.
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Yes Tanigawa is a very dishonest who is on his way down hard.
--
Wasa-B - Actually, Enson on the JMMA management scene, corruption, yakuza, etc.....im not sure if most people here understand that much of the entertainment industry in Asia is intertwined with organized crime and that breaking out of it may be great but not exactly done at the flick of a switch.

Countries cannot change long historical patterns over night and Japan is an older country than the US.

So, that said, what, in a nutshell, do you think it will take to revive the JMMA scene again? Can a single figure or core management team that is not as crooked as Tanigawa for example lead the way on their own?

How difficult would it be for a major MMA org to run itself on the scale of a Pride or K1 without Yakuza ties?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Yes someone respected by the fighters, fans, and Yakuza will be able to revive JMMA.... and No. It would be impossible to run a big MMA promotion without getting involved with the Yakuza
--
thefightnerd - hey enson, just saw this thread on the front page and wanted to also say thanks for the great fights, I remember seeing some of your earlier battles when I used to tape-trade and its impossible not to be a fan of a guy like you. wanted to ask you a little more about JMMA, specifically if you could go in more detail on what the yakuza controls when it comes to the fight scene and how much control they ultimately have? thanks
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
More than control, you have to pay them to work in their territory. So instead of going in with no backing and get eaten up by the sharks... it's smartest to collaborate with a Yakuza group, give them a percentage and they keep all the other sharks away.
--
hiptosser - Can you explain to us the position Yazuza hold in Japanese culture/society, I think there is a disconnect with fans in the states when we hear that Yazuza is involved with MMA or entertainment.
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
It's quite common and accepted in Japan. But it's a no no to have it come public.
--
theken206 - "1) Why doesn't the Japanese government strip the Yakuza of their influence like the FBI does to the mafia(for the most part) in the States? Is it because of the group culture?"
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
The yakuza cant really be compared that well with Cosa Nostra. Diffrent set up/culture/influences/history etc etc
They are trying. They are cracking down hard.
--
theken206 - hmmmm quite intresting...... how are they going about it? Trying to tie illict buisnesses with legit ones? Some crazy japanese version of the RICO act lol?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Harassing them for no reason and changing laws to make life harder for them.
--
theken206 - gotcha gotcha. How has the effect been?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Pretty good. The Yakuzas are being squeezed good.
--
Bixby - Hi Enson

I wanted to ask you about the Yakuza and how strong they are involved in the combat scene.

What about Yakuza in general? THe west has probably the false image of these guys due to hollywood movies and such.

How present are they really in all of Japan?

From: Enson Yamato Inoue
They are silently present in every fight promotion.
They are also very present in everyday Japan. For example I hit the town last night randomly saw at least 20 Yakuzas and went drinking with 3 of them.
--
DreamerMMA - Damn, some of you are trying to get Enson killed with all the Yakuza questions.
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
No it's all good.

--ENSON ON PAST BATTLES & MAYBE FUTURE--
jittaz - hey enson, you are a legend, and a rolemodel to alot of us, my question in who was your toughest fight against in your career?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
1. Frank Shamrock
2. Igor Vovchanchin
3. Big Nog
4. Mark Kerr
--
kenshamrocktoehold

was mark kerr the strongest fighter you faced Enson?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Physically? Yes!
--
mijo - Sensei Enson. I dont want to bring up any bad memories, so hopefully I dont offend you. I always thought you were one the first real MMA guys, but I also thought your submissions were your strong point. Just how shock were you when Nog was putting you in those submission holds?

And what did you say after you fought and lost to Frank Shamrock. I remember you crying.

Im just curious. sorry.
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Felt like I was getting raped! Respect to Nog!

I said, "Franks 100% was better than my 100% tonight. There were days that I took of because I was sore. Losing doesn't necessarily need to be something bad. I can learn from this loss and make it something good. My heart has gotten stronger from this battle."
--
McCorkleRuinedMySN - Enson!! I you could fight anyone who would it be? we'll say one in mma, one not. also, Fedor, GSP, or Anderson? best p4p?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Of course it would be either my favorite fighter Vanderlei or a rematch with Frank.

Toss up between GSP and Cain.
--
leydster - Are you gonna be fighting again?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue

I'm 43 and the clock is ticking but if the right offer comes.
--
TheAlchemist - sup Enson! Glad to see you back on the forums. Will we see you in the ring again?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Only if a good opponent and a good offer comes.
--
Lee Conway - Enson, amazing to actually speak to you, just a quick question if you have the time. What would you say was the best win of your career? The one that you're most proud of. Thanks in advance.
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Win for the books, Randy Couture.
Win for my spirit, Igor Vovchanchin.
--
Im A Ninja - Thanks for taking the time to respond to the fans. You have always come across as an extremely respectful, and knowledgeable fighter. Many fighters should emulate the attitude that you carry. I think the sport would get a much better image, other than the barbaric, knuckle dragging buffoons that the media so likes to describe fighters.

What were some camps/fighters that you have prepared you for some of your fights? Can you remember the best training camp you had for preparing for a fight?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
The best training camp I ever had was my comeback fight in April 2010. The combination of my brother Egan overall training(http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1652956946), Fisticuffs Leonard Gabriel's boxing (http://www.fisticuffsgym.com/), and my O2 capsule, was the best training camp I ever had!!!
--
Benwahwah - Hey Enson, I'm wondering who do you wish you had been able to compete against. Also would you ever fight your brother in the cage or any of your students / teammates?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
I always wanted to fight Vanderlei. I would NEVER fight my brother.
--
Hel13torm - hey Enson, was just listening to a podcast with Heath Herring and he told an entertaining story about your fight with him in PRIDE. He said he got you in a keylock and was trying to convince you to tapout otherwise your arm would break. He said you basically replied "Do what ya gotta do, man. Just break it". Any other entertaining stories from or about that fight?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Yeah he asked me to give up or he is going to break my arm and I replied, "If you can break it then go ahead and break it." It was cracking and popping so I was wondering if he could actually break it. Then the referee came running over and asked me if I wanted to give up so I answered him by hitting Heath on the back of the head with my free hand. That was a funny situation.
--
jbbarne - Much respect for your fights, and thank you very much!

One quick question... do you feel MMA today is too boring, With the wrestling heavy, wall & stall tactics being used recently?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
The lack of Kill or be killed mentality is what's missing from MMA today. But it is doing well much much bigger and popular than when I was an active fighter.

--ENSON ON THE SF GRAND PRIX--
muay_jitsu - Any thoughts on the Strikeforce HW grand Prix? I see you think highly of Cain, how do you think he would do if he was involved? It is a honor to even have the privilege to be able to ask a legend any question. Thanks for the memories and hopefully you will have the opportunities somehow to give us more.
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Cain would do great where ever he goes. Striking, wrestling, ground, stamina, killer instinct, heart of a lion, what else can you ask for?
--
Jack Skellington - Enson, who are you picking as the winner of the Strikeforce GP?
BigFoot Silva vs. Fedor
Alistar Overeem vs. Fabrico Werdum
Andre Arlovski vs. Sergie Kharatonov
Josh Barnett vs. Brett 'Grimm' Rogers
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
I see Fedor vs Barnett in the final.
--
Jack Skellington - Can I quote you on that big man? lol
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Go right ahead. The sleeper will be Alistar!
I must warn you though, my predictions suck.

--ENSON ON TRAINING--
UnzippedAndMcCorkh0led Question - when you are getting guys ready to compete, what do you do, or how do you tell them to handle the butterflies, nerves ?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
I tell them to train as hard as they can because feeling that you are ready for the fight will subside the jitters. I also let them know that the jitters are normal and that they need to help it become aggression to smash their opponent.
--
DPhoenix - wow, the legendary Enson Inoue! I bow to you, sir!

Is it possible if you could please share some advice to a future MMA fighter (me)? I wish to learn anything I can from the best and I dream of going professional and fighting the best!

Thank you so much and best of luck in your book, which I will definitely look out for when it comes out!
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Train BJJ with a BJJ Black belt, kickboxing with a kick boxer, and wrestling with wrestlers.
--
Hunter V - how many black belts have you produced? You still do gi training or is it mainly no gi and muay thai these days?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
I've produced 9 black belts that are better than me now. I train 95% MMA and 5% gi.
--
tatamiburns - Hey Enson, it must have been you on subfighter as talking to you on there was how I found Purebred Kyoto. Can you list your nine black-belts just out of curiosity.
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Steve Roberto, Terrence, Shshido Tikita, Yoshioka, Hashi, and 3 other Japanese fighters.

--ENSON GENERAL QUESTIONS--
PitbullMMA - When do you expect your book to be out? What is your favorite book?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Later this year. My favorite book although I can barely understand it is the Holy Bible
--
mandible - Much respect, old school legend of the sport. I recently recalled hearing or reading somewhere that you were on some sort of epic journey by foot across Japan. What happened with that?
From: Enson Yamato Inoue
Came back alive. 1400 kilos by foot and sleeping out every night.

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Jon Fitch Warns BJ Penn About His Cardio and Gas Tank

Jon Fitch Warns BJ Penn About His Cardio and Gas Tank

"I'm extremely hard to finish and I have a huge gas tank and historically that's a big problem for B.J. Penn. If he doesn't have the cardio to keep up with my pace, there's no way he's going to last."

"If I went out there and tried to match BJ's timing, or match BJ's speed, it would never happen. And a lot of guys fall into that trap. It's more about setting your pace and dictating the action, dictating what's going on in the fight. That way you're not reacting to things, you're making the faster guy react to you. If you're good enough you can set traps, make them react the wrong way."

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Wanderlei Silva has no desire to play Brian Stann's villain

Wanderlei Silva has no desire to play Brian Stann's villain

KILLEEN, Texas – For aspiring UFC middleweight contenders, it's almost become standard operating procedure.

First, win a fight. Second, call out MMA legend Wanderlei Silva.

Earlier this month, Brian Stann became the latest 185-pounder to request a booking with Silva, and at Friday's "UFC Fight Night 23: Fight for the Troops 2" Q&A session, UFC president Dana White admitted the promotion is currently trying to arrange just such a fight. There's just one problem: "The Axe Murderer" isn't exactly keen on playing the bad guy.

"We were actually trying to hook [Silva] up with Brian Stann," White said. "He doesn't want to fight Brian Stann. He's like, '[Expletive] that. Everybody is going to hate me if I fight Brian Stann. Everybody loves Brian Stann.' But that's the fight we're trying to make right now."

A former WEC champion and decorated war hero, Stann's stock has risen in recent months with a pair of impressive wins in the middleweight division. Following a UFC 125 win over Chris Leben (in a fight Stann also requested), the 30 year old again made his intentions clear.

"This is with the utmost respect," Stann started. "I'm fighting in the house that guys like Chris Leben built. ... I think I'd like to fight Wanderlei (Silva) next. He's been a guy that I've watched for years before I ever put a glove on. He's amazing. I want him."

Silva long played the role of feared monster during his PRIDE days, but the Brazilian has undergone a renaissance of sorts during his second octagon run and is now considered among the most lovable, fan-friendly fighters in the promotion. White will now be assigned the task of talking Silva into taking on a respected American hero.

The good news? According to White, Silva's knee injury is no longer an issue, and he has fully recovered from the 2010 procedure that repaired the joint.

"He's recovered now and back in training," White said.

"Rampage" next in line for title; Jones or Bader far behind?

Speaking of Silva opponents, a man the former PRIDE champion fought in three historical matchups, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, may soon find himself next in line for a shot at the UFC's light heavyweight title, according to the UFC boss.

"There are so many guys at 205 (pounds)," White said. "'Rampage' is probably next in line. 'Rampage' is still in the mix."

Jackson previously held the UFC's 205-pound title in 2007, when he claimed the belt with a knockout win over Chuck Liddell and then defended the title with a decision over PRIDE champ Dan Henderson. Jackson then lost the belt to Forrest Griffin in July 2008 and has since been on a quest to retrieve it.

White said Jackson's November 2010 over Lyoto Machida may have been enough to earn him a shot. Of course, White said a few other big names may very well be worthy of that chance, as well. The bottom line: the light heavyweight division is stacked, and with champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua finally back from knee surgery, there are several intriguing matchups on the horizon.

"We've got Jon Jones and Ryan Bader and the 5th, which is going to be a great fight and catapults one of those guys to the top five," White said. "There's so many great guys in the 205-pound division.

"The big problem has been 'Shogun's' injury has been clogging up the division. Now he's healthy and going to fight, and we'll get everything rolling."

Machida, Ortiz in must-win matches

While the talent-laden 205-pound division features several fighters on their way up the ladder, White also mentioned a few that are on the way down: former champion Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz.

The UFC boss, who also confirmed a long-rumored April matchup between Machida and UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture at UFC 129, said both "The Dragon" and the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy" are in desperate need of a win.

"I didn't think [Machida] was ever going to lose," White said. "'Shogun beat him, and then he just lost to 'Rampage,' too. Now he's fighting Randy Couture. It's a must-win for him."

It's odd to consider a man that won his first 16 fights, including his first eight in the UFC, may be nearing the end of his octagon run, but at 0-2 in his past two fights, the reality of the situation is evident.

White said Ortiz, who faces Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in the main event of UFC Fight Night 24, is in a strikingly similar situation. However, with Ortiz winless in his past five trips to the cage, the UFC boss said it's not just a UFC release that the former champ could be facing with a loss in his March matchup – it's retirement.

"Tito's got to win this fight to stay in the UFC," White said. "He loses this fight, he'll probably retire."

Could UFC Hall of Famer Gracie return to octagon?

Speaking of retired greats, White confirmed several swirling rumors that UFC Hall of Famer and the company's first-ever champion Royce Gracie was indeed plotting a return to action.

"We're actually doing a fight in Brazil on Aug. 29," White said. "It's our first time ever going to Rio de Janeiro.

"We went down there to do a big press conference. [Gracie] came with us and was part of the press conference. He's still very close to the UFC, and we talk to him all the time. He still wants to fight one more time."

The 44-year-old Gracie hasn't fought since a 2007 decision win over fellow MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba. His last octagon appearance was a 2006 loss to Matt Hughes.

White declined to comment further on the potential for Gracie to fight at the UFC's Brazilian event, but he had nothing but kind words for the man whose victories revolutionized combat sports.

"He's retired right now," White said. "He's a good guy, though.

"We look at him as the father of this whole thing. We've got nothing but respect for him, and he's still very much involved with us."

Nate Diaz fights in Toronto; Nick Diaz welcome to return to UFC

In addition to the Couture vs. Machida matchup at UFC 129, White also revealed another previously reported Toronto participant: Nate Diaz, who is expected to face Rory McDonald.

"Nate Diaz is on the Toronto card, too," White said. "I'm a big Nate Diaz fan. I like him a lot – him and his brother."

Nate looks to bounce back from a UFC 125 loss to Dong Hyun Kim.

Nick Diaz, of course, is Strikeforce's current welterweight champion and a 10-time UFC veteran.

While Nick's often-controversial antics can prove both entertaining and maddening, White said the door isn't closed to a potential return to the octagon – provided the California native is willing to make a few minor changes.

"The problem with Nick Diaz is Nick won't play the game even [a little]," White said. "You can't [flip off] the athletic commission. You can't tell people – you have to play the game a little bit.

"When Nick Diaz he wants to play just a little bit – and nobody's telling him not to be who he is and not to act the way he wants, but you've got to play a little – when he does, we'd love to have him back in the UFC."

Roy Nelson vs. Frank Mir set for May

In White's final booking update of the afternoon, the UFC boss confirmed a previously reported heavyweight matchup for UFC 130, which takes place May 28 in Las Vegas.

"We've also got 'Big Country' (Roy Nelson) fighting Frank Mir," White said. "That fight's going to happen, too. That's a fun one."

"TUF" to get lighter-weight fighters; flyweights to UFC in 2012

The upcoming 13th season of "The Ultimate Fighter" looks on paper to be a sure-fire hit with coaches Brock Lesnar and Junior Dos Santos set to tangle.

In the weeks leading up to the official coaching announcement, speculation ran rampant as to who would ultimately earn the gig, and many MMA fans and pundits suggested the Spike TV series would prove an excellent stage for recent WEC imports like Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber to earn national recognition.

Ultimately, the UFC decided against that, but White said future editions of the longrunning series will undoubtedly feature lighter-weight fighters as both coaches and contestants.

"It's going to happen," White said. "We do two of these things a year. We'll end up having those guys in one of these seasons of 'The Ultimate Fighter.'"

And just how low will the UFC go? Well, White said featherweight and bantamweight are enough for now, but fans should expect the long-awaited debut of the flyweight class sometime in 2012.

"We just added the weightclasses from the WEC," White said. "[Flyweight] will be the next one.

"The reason we didn't have it before was that we didn't have enough fights. We weren't putting on enough fights to get all these fights on in these different weightclasses. Now that we're going all over the world, it's going to happen – next year."

More outdoor events possible, Hawaii targeted

Speaking of worldwide destinations, the UFC's return to Abu Dhabi looks to be on hold for now, though to promotion will unquestionably hold another event there at some point. While the 2010 event made history as the UFC's first-ever outdoor show, White (albeit a bit reluctantly) said Abu Dhabi may someday earn a bit company.

"We've talked about it a few times," White said. "To be honest, it scares me to death, doing it outdoors. Look how beautiful it is today. Yesterday was freezing cold with wind. You never know.

"This is a tough sport to do outside. You can play a football game in this kind of weather, but fighting is a whole different ballgame. I guess if we really decided to do it, Hawaii would probably be the best place to do it. We'd do it in the Aloha Bowl."

Hawaii began officially regulating MMA in 2009. Since that time, White has often mentioned Aloha Stadium as a potential host site for a historic outdoor event. However, serious negotiations for such an event have yet to take place.

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UFC 'Lasts'

UFC 'Lasts'

(The last time Big Daddy got paid on time and in full.)

By Cage Potato contributor Chris Colemon
Only 17 years removed from its inaugural bout, the UFC is just now exiting its awkward teen years and developing into a suave, sophisticated adult. After an extended bout of growing pains that at times threatened the sport’s very existence, MMA is finally coming into its own. Today’s fans witness seemingly daily achievements and milestones that speak to the sport’s rapid expansion. In 2010 alone, the UFC held its first events in Abu Dhabi and Australia, opened offices in China, set a new North American attendance record for an MMA event, crowned its first Mexican heavyweight champion, and launched their first attack in the Battle for New York.
But the UFC’s epic tale is not unlike any other in that each chapter begins where another one ends. For every historic first, there is an all but forgotten last.
Here is a short list of some of the UFC’s important lasts -- the rules and regulations sacrificed in the fight for our sport’s survival.
Check them out after the jump.
Last bare knuckle fight - UFC 13: Ultimate Force (Randy Couture def. Steven Graham via TKO @ 3:31, R1)

The early days of MMA marketing were rife with hyperbole. The UFC was never truly “No Holds Barred”, nor was it ever “banned in 49 states”. One tough-sounding term aptly applied through UFC 13 however was “bare knuckle fighting”. While fighters did have the option to protect their hands, the use of open-fingered gloves was not mandatory until UFC 14. Couture opted for the 4-ouncers, while Graham kept it street. Lucky for his hands, the 290lb Extension fighter was promptly taken down 6 seconds into the bout and he only landed a single punch from his back. Couture dominated on the ground, running through an array of positions while launching a ground and pound assault featuring headbutts, elbows and punches to the back of the skull, and knees to his downed opponent’s head; basically, all of the classics.
*Surprise bonus: Stay tuned for the post fight interview to see a young Joe Rogan in a sports coat!
**Not such a surprise bonus: The suit is solid black, so is the t-shirt he’s wearing underneath.

Last legal headbutt - UFC 14: Showdown
(Maurice Smith def. Mark Coleman via unanimous decision after 21 minutes)

Whereas bare knuckle punches faded away with a whimper, headbutts went out in a blaze of glory. Few fighters utilized the headbutt as effectively as “The Hammer”, but even the viscous nuances with which he smashed his cranium into another man’s weren’t enough to take out Smith. In what would become a hallmark of his later career, Coleman didn’t really have a Plan B when “stomp a hole in his ass” didn’t come to fruition in the opening minutes of the fight, and his suspect gas tank allowed the patient Smith to keep it standing and land pot shots at his leisure en route to a unanimous decision.

Last fight without a time limit - UFC 4: Revenge of the Warriors
(Royce Gracie def. Dan Severn via triangle choke at 15:49)

It’s fitting that Royce Gracie, staunch defender of infinite bouts, would see them off into the sunset. While this match may not have set any records for being insanely long, it did set a record for pissed off pay-per-view customers. The tournament finale would begin just 12 scant minutes before the broadcast was scheduled to end; I think you can see where this is heading. Despite an emergency effort from UFC executives to have the broadcast time extended, countless customers lost their signal minutes before Royce unveiled the triangle choke to the masses. PPV providers were besieged with complaints and demands for refunds. Unable to risk losing their young fan base to another disaster, the UFC instituted time limits on all future bouts. But as they’d soon learn at UFC 7, there’s an important distinction between controlling the length of your fights and controlling the length of your event. An interesting footnote, the last match without a time limit, the UFC’s longest at the time, would end sooner than four of the five most recent championship matches.

Last fight without judges - UFC 7: Brawl in Buffalo
(Ken Shamrock & Oleg Taktarov fight to a draw after 33:00 minutes)

(Save yourself the 33 minutes; the fans were declared the losers of this bout.)

You thought fighting to a draw with the champion retaining the belt was just the flavor of the month? Sorry, junior, but fighters have been getting down like that since ’95. Unlike today’s spoiled warriors, however, poor Ken and Oleg didn’t have the option of leaving the fight in the hands of the judges. No, back then Cecil Peoples was still playing first base in the minor leagues. A brief 3-minute overtime period proved insufficient for either fighter to put his foe away. This wasn’t the UFC’s first draw due to the lack of judges, but the backlash from fans ensured it would be their last. And everyone fought happily ever after, right? The biggest blow on this card wasn’t thrown by Shamrock or Taktarov- once again the PPV broadcast would run over its allotted time, though in this case it was a merciful ending.

Last legal groin shot - UFC 12: Judgment Day
(Kazuo “Yoshiki” Takahashi def. Wallid Ismail via decision in 15 minutes)

(Nut shots- the reason slow-mo replay was invented and why Bob Saget has a yacht.)

First things first: Fuck this match is painful to watch. Takahashi’s translator clearly didn’t bother taking the three minutes needed to go over the limited rules enforced at the time of this bout. To review: Big John McCarthy screams at him nothing short of 47 times to “let go of the fence” before repeatedly slapping his hands free of the cage; Takahashi stops fighting and notifies BJM when he knocks Ismail down, not realizing he’s able to continue the fight on the ground; he kicks a downed Ismail with prohibited shoes on; he attempts to call time out when he’s nearly been poked in the eye; he has no idea that there is an extra three minute round if the fight isn’t ended in the first. But you don’t want to read about rules being flaunted; you’re here to read about balls getting smashed. You’re in luck. No, these weren’t the vasectomising type of blows that Hackney unleashed on Joe Son, but they were equally disturbing. In an act of premeditated nut crushing, Takahashi removes Wallid’s cup manually (ed. note: Gross!!!) before delivering a crisp punch and knee to the unprotected coin purse. The sight of Ismail’s cup dangling from his Speedo is, in a word, unpleasant. Thankfully, today’s civilized man has seen the err of his ways and amended groin strikes from "legal" to "slightly frowned upon."

Last fighter to wear a gi - UFC 18: Road to the Heavyweight Title (Laverne Clark def. Frank Carraci via submission to strikes at 6:52)

For all of the iconic images produced since 1993, none represent the sport’s early years more than a gi-clad Gracie. Royce’s gi seemed to impart him with powers well beyond the reach of his 186lb frame, and in it he looked as invincible as Superman in his cape. Fighters from various disciplines would don the gi inside the Octagon, but as time went on and knowledge of the ground game grew its presence became rare. At UFC 18, Frank Carraci became the last competitor to rock the gi in a UFC event. Its send off was not a triumphant one, as he would be dropped and pounded into submission by pro-boxer turned mixed martial artist Laverne Clark. Strict guidelines on wardrobe were set into stone when the Unified Rules were adopted by the New Jersey State Athletic Commission nearly two years later. Before those rules would take effect, Clark would also defeat Koji Oishi, who along with Yoji Anjo competed wearing an amateur wrestling singlet at UFC 25: Ultimate Japan 3.

Last legal knees to the head of a downed fighter - UFC 14: Showdown (Mark Kerr def. Moti Horenstein via TKO (punches) @ 2:22 R1)

YouTube - Mark Kerr vs Moti Horenstein

You’ve got to feel bad for poor Moti. After getting drubbed by Mark Coleman in his UFC debut, he returned at UFC 14 to find himself standing across the Octagon from Mark Kerr. This time Horenstein had picked up one of those gis that had proven so popular, but once again he was promptly dumped on his back and beaten into the canvas. Kerr begins the assault with several hard knees to the skull, followed by solid punches and yet another knee. From here “The Smashing Machine” patiently pounds Horenstein, choosing his shots until he unleashes hell and Big John can’t take it any more. While most of the practices covered in this article will never again see the light of day, knees to a downed opponent are seen by many fans as a necessary element of the fight game and are often mentioned in the discussion of how to improve our sport, even by D-Dub himself.

Last UFC event without weight classes - Ultimate Ultimate 96*

("The single greatest night of fighting ever.")
MMA Forums would be a barren wasteland if not for this pivotal rule change. Prior to UFC 12 fans didn’t ask, “Who is the best fighter pound for pound?”; they merely asked, “Who is the best fighter?” Debate over weight cutting, walk around weight, and cleaning out a division didn’t transpire. While UU96 did not feature the massive weight disparities so celebrated in earlier events, it did host the UFC’s last purely open weight fights before it evolved to the two weight class system introduced at UFC 12.
* UFCJ (UFC Japan) events were less stringent on weight restrictions

Last one-night tournament - UFC 23: Ultimate Japan 2
(Kenichi Yamamoto def. Katsuhisa Fujii via kneebar @ 4:15 of Rd. 2)

(PART 2)
It’s no secret that the UFC had many obstacles to throwing events stateside in its formative years. Japan was far more enlightened and accepting of human cockfighting at the time, making the Land of the Rising Sun an ideal market for growth, Yakuza be damned. By this point tournaments were pared to half the size of the eight-man tournaments that formed the backbone of the early franchise. While the fights lack flash and excitement, the four competitors display a skill set well beyond their 3-7-1 combined record. Any review of this tournament would be remiss without mentioning the curious behavior of Takase, who gave up 30lbs in his match against Yamamato. In addition to taking a brief nap in the Octagon during the fighter introductions, Daiju opted to leave his t-shirt on for the fight. It’s not as weird as it sounds, though; he did tuck it into his shorts.
Last fighter to legally wear shoes in a fight - UFC 30: Battle on the Boardwalk (Bobby Hoffman def. Mark Robinson via KO at 3:27 of R1*)
There were always tells from the announcers in the early days of the UFC, small phrases that tipped their hand and let you know if a new fighter sucked. Alarm bells sounded whenever they touted the physical strength of an inexperienced competitor. In a bit of cringe-worthy foreboding, commentator Frank Shamrock says of Robinson, “pure power IS his style”; you really know he’s screwed when his credentials are flashed on the screen and “Incredibly Strong” sits atop the list. While only in his second fight, the 285lb “White Rhino” did show a bit of savvy: spotting a barefoot Hoffman backstage, Robinson laced up his wrestling shoes, hoping to enhance his performance with additional traction. But Hoffman, the cagy vet, had been enhancing his performance for months by lacing his blood with illegal steroids. Advantage, Hoffman. Robinson’s strategy was clear from the opening bell: push Hoffman to the fence and smoosh him through it like a 253-pound lump of Play-Doh. Hoffman was pinned to the cage and restricted to rabbit punches for the majority of the bout, but when he created any space at all he landed with big punches or knees. At 3:27 of R1, he scored a big elbow to the temple that put Robinson out for good.

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Maybe, just maybe the gayest Fedor video to date.

Maybe, just maybe the gayest Fedor video to date.

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UFC Fight for the Troops 2 Event Pool

Event Pool XV - UFC Fight for the Troops 2
Date: January 22, 2011
Location: Kileen, Texas
Venue: Fort Hood
Broadcast: Live on Spike TV
Broadcast Time: 9:00 PM ET

We are betting all the fights from this point on.

Main Card:

Lightweight Bout:
Evan Dunham (11-1-0) vs. Melvin Guillard (25-8-2, 1 NC)

Heavyweight Bout:
Matt Mitrione (3-0-0) vs. Tim Hague (12-4-0)

Lightweight Bout:
Cole Miller (17-4-0) vs. Matt Wiman (12-5-0)

Heavyweight Bout:
Pat Barry (5-2-0) vs. Joey Beltran (12-4-0)

Featherweight Bout:
Mark Hominick (19-8-0) vs. George Roop (11-6-1)

Preliminary Card:

Lightweight Bout:
Cody Mckenzie (12-0-0) vs. Yves Edwards (39-16-0)

Welterweight bout:
Mike Guymon (12-4-1) vs. Damarques Johnson (11-8-0)

Featherweight Bout:
Mike Brown (33-5-1) vs. Rani Yahya (15-6-0)

Lightweight bout:
Waylon Lowe (9-3-0) vs. Willamy Freire (17-3-0)

Welterweight Bout:
Amilcar Alves (11-2-0) vs. Charlie Brenneman (12-2-0)

Bantamweight Bout:
Chris Campiaso (10-2-0) vs. Will Campuzano (8-3-0)

********************************

Rules & Payouts :

1) This pool requires that you pick a fighter to win for each fight.

2) If 2 players are tied for 1st Place, they will split the 1st & 2nd Place awards, leaving only the 3rd Place award for any other player or players in 3rd Place.

3) If 3 or more players are tied for 1st Place, they will split the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place awards, and there will be no 2nd or 3rd place winner.

4) The pool closes January 22, 2011 at 6:00PM East Coast Time.

ENTER HERE

Prizes:

1st Place: 20,000
2nd Place: 10,000
3rd Place: 5,000

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Cesar Gracie: 'Greg Jackson is not one of the greatest coaches in the world'

Cesar Gracie on Nick Diaz-Mayhem Miller, Greg Jackson and Batista

1/19/2011 4:27 PM ET By Mike Chiappetta

Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz is about 10 days from his title defense against Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos. If most fans had their way, Diaz would be fighting Jason "Mayhem" Miller that night.

The rivalry between Diaz and Miller exploded last April, when the two were among the participants in a post-fight brawl following Jake Shields' championship win over Dan Henderson.

On Wednesday's edition of The MMA Hour, Diaz's manager and trainer Cesar Gracie explained why the matchup has yet to happen.

According to Gracie, Strikeforce ultimately decided that Diaz-Cyborg was the company's direction, although company president Scott Coker at one time believed that Miller-Diaz would happen.

"Part of me was disappointed because I wanted Nick to shut him up," Gracie said. "That's about it, to beat him up. But the other part, I kind of realized why that fight can't happen. You can't give a guy a fight just because he talks a lot. It sets a precedent."

Strikeforce did look into the possibility of putting the feuding duo in the cage, but the bout may have been undone by the weight differential between the pair. Gracie said Diaz is lighter than usual because he's been competing in triathlons, and would not go all the way to the middleweight division's 185-pound weight class.

According to him, Miller only wanted to meet him at 183.

"You don't ask the champion to move up a weight class just because you want to fight him. That's stupid," he said. "If that happened in the UFC, Dana [White] would shut people up. It'd be the equivalent of Chris Leben calling out [Georges St. Pierre] and saying, 'I don't like you. You have to fight me at 185.' Dana would ridicule that. Everybody would ridicule that. I don't know how this thing got legs. It's stupid."

Diaz recently signed an extension with Strikeforce. Though Gracie could not discuss the exact terms, he said reports the contract was for a three-year deal were inaccurate.

He confirmed that the UFC was interested in Diaz but noted that the decision was ultimately made to stay with Strikeforce because Diaz's brother Nate and his main training partner Jake Shields also fight in the UFC's welterweight class.

Diaz, however, is not closing the door on a return to the UFC (he fought 10 times for the promotion between 2003-2006, going 6-4).

"There's definitely scenarios where I could see Nick back in the UFC," he said. "Right now though, we've got a very good contract with Strikeforce. They treat Nick very well. The terms of the contract are favorable, and as a manager, I'm happy with the contract."

In April, Gracie will take Shields into battle against the aforementioned St. Pierre, who is viewed by most as a Greg Jackson-trained fighter. Gracie, however, doesn't see it that way, referring to Shields and GSP as "two Gracie-trained fighters fighting each other."

Interestingly, he disagrees with people who call the noted trainer Jackson a great coach, or who refer to him as a coach at all.

Gracie said he believes Jackson often receives too much credit for his fighters' successes. In the case of St. Pierre, he noted, technical coaches like Firas Zahabi, Phil Nurse, John Danaher and Renzo Gracie are the ones handling the details that are often the difference between winning and losing.

"He's more of a coordinator where he puts things in perspective," he said. "And he's great at what he does. Training's at this time, let's go run the mountain or something. Let's go train with this guy. He's more of a motivational speaker possibly, but as a true sense of the word 'coach,' he's not on the same page as great coaches of the world. He's not."

Gracie said if someone were to credit him on Nick Diaz's striking progress, for example, he would have to credit Diaz's striking coach rather than accept the praise himself.

"I've got nothing against Greg Jackson in particular," he said. "It's just that we're talking about him. There's a lot of guys like that. I'm sure he's a great guy and everything. But the guys from [American Top Team] in Florida, it's like, you don't have Dan Lambert doing that. He doesn't get in the limelight and he's great, he does everything. He sets it all up, and he's done an incredible job. You never see him pretending he did something he didn't do. The great coaches are in the background."

Gracie, himself a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, also trains Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez.

Asked about another student, the former WWE wrestler Dave Batista, who was rumored to one day be fighting in a Strikeforce cage, Gracie said it's still a possibility.

"I really hope to see him in Strikeforce," he said. "Strikeforce said they want him. They're doing so many things at once that they're a little slow sometimes on doing stuff. But he's become a friend and that would be great.

"He's not going to beat Fedor," he continued. "Everybody has what it takes. Everybody can fight and push yourself. This is a sport, like anything else. He's not going to be world champ, probably, because he's older. But If Herschel Walker can have a shot, why can't Batista?"

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Dana White would love to see Anderson Silva go to 205

"I'd love to see [Anderson Silva] go to 205. I'll tell you what, you want your challenge? You'll get challenged at 205-pounds from number one all the way down to number twelve. I mean that division is so stacked with so much talent and I don't disagree with you, I would love to see him [make that move]. It would have been great to see him go to 205 three years ago. Him and ‘Bones' Jones, him and anybody in that division. There's so many guys at 205 that would be fun." -Dana White via MMADigest
UFC president Dana White reveals his desire to see his middleweight champion head back up to light heavyweight where he'll find a bevy of exciting challenges.
Despite occasional forays up to the weight class, Silva, who walks around between 215-220 lbs, has fought the majority of his career at middleweight. The highly regarded champion has had a strangle-hold on the division since becoming the champion in 2007 and has dispatched of nearly every worthy opponent en route to a UFC record 12 straight wins and six straight title defenses.
He'll face what many believe to be his toughest test to date when he squares off against former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 on Feb. 5.
Take a listen to the video clip below:

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Antonio Silva: "Fedor's main weakness is on the ground."

"I am very happy to be fighting Fedor, who people still consider the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. Fedor is a legend and to be a legend you have to beat a legend. And I'm ready to be the best heavyweight in the world. Fedor is the best so this is the top of the food chain. For me, this is the final and I will give it all I have to make this happen. This is my dream and I'm going to beat the legend and I'm going to be a legend. I think I will do more stand up in this fight. If it goes to the ground then it does. One thing I have in my mind is that Werdum showed to the world that Fedor's main weakness is on the ground. But he's a complete fighter and I'm going to follow where the fight goes. Everyone has been saying that I can be the man to beat Fedor in the future. And now I know in my mind that I can beat him. I know this is the right time and that God has given me this time and that I can beat the great Fedor." - Antonio "Big Foot" Silva

Antonio Silva addresses his thoughts on his upcoming fight against MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. The two will square off in the opening round of Strikeforce's highly anticipated 8-man heavyweight tournament on Feb. 12.

Silva (15-2), the last Elite XC heavyweight champion, will outweigh Emelianenko by more than 30-pounds when the two step inside the cage opposite each other. He'll look to get the fight to the ground to avoid Emelianenko's big power and expose his perceived weakness.

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UFC Fighter Daniel “Ninja” Roberts: Facing the Fears of Fatherhood

“The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs.”—Joan Didion

Anyone who is a parent can attest to the fact that it’s a job in this life that never seems to get any easier.

Raising a child is the single most important responsibility that any person can take on.

The moment that your child comes into this world, is the exact same moment that you realize that nothing will ever be the same again. Suddenly, your life will have a whole new meaning with a refreshed sense of priorities.

There’s nothing that you wouldn’t do to protect or help your child.

Having a child can make anyone a better person—or at least, it should. Unfortunately, not all men (or even women) are up for the challenge.

Recently, UFC fighter, Daniel “Ninja” Roberts had a major revelation in his life.

A baby girl.

Please enjoy this very personal and special interview.

James Ryan: Hi Daniel. How you been?

Daniel Roberts: Really good thanks.

James Ryan: First off…congratulations on winning your last three fights in the UFC. That’s a pretty amazing accomplishment actually.

You really seem to be hitting your stride right now, which is awesome. I’ve watched you on TV the last couple of times and it’s been pretty exciting to see you up there.

I’m sure it’s been exciting for you too.

Daniel Roberts: Definitely, thank you.

James Ryan: So we know how your fighting career is going. It seems to be coming along very well. But now, you’ve got this new part to your life.

You’re a father now.

Daniel Roberts: Yes, I am. I recently found out about a week before my last fight that I had a daughter.

James Ryan: Wow. So you didn’t know that you had a daughter before that?

Daniel Roberts: Well, not exactly.

I had an ex-girlfriend, and I did know that she was pregnant, and I just…

You know…I wasn’t really ready for a kid, so I kinda just…I got into a big argument with her and I suggested that she not have it.

James Ryan: Right.

Daniel Roberts: But then I just told her not to ever contact me any more.

I was kinda thinking that maybe I did have a child, but I honestly didn’t know for sure until about a week before my last fight.

James Ryan: Well, you seem to have embraced this new role of being a father pretty quickly.

A few weeks ago you had no idea. Now it seems to be the biggest part of your life.

What’s changed with you personally?

Daniel Roberts: I mean, she’s just so adorable. And man, I’d do anything for her. She’s so cute. I just fell in love with her once I saw her.

And I think that there are a lot of men out there who have gone through similar situations as mine, you know?

I don’t know, I mean, maybe there are a lot of men that are ready to be a father, but I definitely know that there are a lot of men out there that are scared. And once they know that they’re having a kid, they start freaking out and stuff—cause I was.

I was just…I don’t know…kinda immature about the situation. But I realized, and I learned from it. Now I want to be a positive role model to other men that might go through similar situations.

So that’s why I wrote a letter to my daughter.

James Ryan: A letter? Well, that sounds awesome. That’s really good.

So ultimately, you were experiencing something that I think all new fathers might go through.

I went through it myself, where it was kinda this unexpected thing. And it’s like “wow, am I ready for this?”

You sorta have this vision of your life and how you see it now and where you think it’s gonna go, and you don’t think that there’s any room for this kid in the mix, but then once you see the child, your whole attitude changes.

Daniel Roberts: Ya, it does. It really does.

James Ryan: Now your priorities change, right?

So what’s the best advice that you could give to “would-be” fathers out there that are worried about having a child?

Daniel Roberts: That it’s normal to be scared. It’s normal to think that you would be unprepared.

You’re gonna be okay and you’re gonna be fine. That’s the advice I would like to give.

It’s natural to be scared and sometimes when you’re scared and afraid, you make bad decisions like I did.

But the best thing that you can do for your child is to be there for them.

So, that’s what I’m gonna do.

James Ryan: That’s a great message, Daniel. Very well said. I’m really proud of you for showing the courage to be a better man.

Thank you very much for sharing this very personal side to your life.

Daniel Roberts: Thanks a lot, man.

And please enjoy the letter that I have written especially for my daughter. It’s my honour to be able to share it with everyone.

A LETTER 2 MY BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER

To my beautiful daughter Gabrielle,

Words can hardly express how I feel about you but I’ll try. Your daddy loves you so much more then you can imagine, please know that you will be well taken care of and I promise that I will raise you up right and do everything I possibly can to prepare you for your voyage in life. You’re my little princess and you’re the exact description of adorable.

God has a significant and extraordinary plan for your life and you’re here on this earth to achieve so many incredible things. I love you more than anything in the whole world and I’ll do anything for you. I’m extremely glad that your mother is such a wonderful and caring woman. I know she will raise you up right to be a sweet little lady. You won’t understand your parents all the time and you might even be upset at us occasionally, just know we love you and want what’s best for you.

My life changed dramatically when I first knew you existed; you come first now and everything else comes second. You’re truly a wonderful and miraculous gift from God. You’re so cute and when I see you, it brings me joy and happiness. No matter how down I’m feeling, the very sight of you, makes me smile.

Your daddy’s sunshine, seeing you brightens up my day. It’s such an amazing experience just to gaze into your beautiful eyes. Know that life can be rough from time to time and things aren’t always going to go your way; just know that God has his own special way of preparing us for the journey that lies ahead.

My first instincts were to suggest to your mother not to have you. I had a lot of things going on at the time. I was very upset at momma and told her to never contact me again. Sometimes people can make bad decisions when they are unprepared and afraid. Your daddy made some mistakes earlier in his life, however, I learn from them.

I can assure you that I will be in your life from now on. I’ll be here for you whenever you need me, to hold your hand through the journey of life. And I’ll be the greatest dad in the world. Without hesitation I will risk my life to protect you. Always know that you’re safe when you’re around daddy. I will provide for you whatever you need. I know you will make some mistakes in life but I want you to learn from them.

I have a successful career; I’m an inventor and have accomplished so many things. Yet still I always felt an empty void in my life. I still would find myself wondering from time to time, what’s my God given purpose in this world? I now know.

My purpose is to be there for you, to teach you, to adore you, to show you right from wrong, to set an example for other men that might go through similar situations. To help them and to let them know that a great deal of men are afraid and think they’re not ready to be a father. To tell them that it will be alright and let them know they will grow to be courageous and well prepared as time goes on. To tell men that children truly need there daddy’s. And most importantly, show them how to be a responsible and loving father.

I want to thank you sweetie for helping daddy find his purpose in life. Never let anyone mistreat or disrespect you. Be strong; don’t let people bring you down. Keep good company and positive people around you. Be allergic to failure and addicted to success. When you set a goal, be determined, persistent and focused until you achieve it. Be loving, thoughtful, considerate and helpful to others.

I want you to know that you mean the world to me. Please remember to think before you act and always put God first.

With so much love, your daddy,

Daniel Roberts
www.ninjaroberts.com

Daniel is currently scheduled to fight Claude Patrick (Canadian) at UFC 129 on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Best of luck, Daniel!

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