UFC 139 main card features Faber-Bowles, Kampmann-Story, Bonnar-Kingsbury

The pay-per-view main card for November's UFC 139 event is set.

The card features former UFC, WEC, PRIDE and Strikeforce champs, as well as cross-promotion notables, former UFC title-challengers and a winner from "The Ultimate Fighter."

Headlining the event, which takes place Nov. 19 at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., is a light-heavyweight bout between former big-show champions Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and the returning Dan Henderson.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/QrollOXaCh8/ufc-139-main-card-features-faber-bowles-kampmann-story-bonnar-kingsbury.mma

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Francona could be on White Sox radar now

With Red Sox cutting him loose, he seems like good fit for his former organization

Now that the Red Sox have made manager Terry Francona's departure official, there are several factors the White Sox and their former minor league manager might consider.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-spt-1001-manager-white-sox-chicago--20111001,0,4304470.story?track=rss

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Rays rookie Moore dominates Texas in ALDS opener

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Matt Moore was the ultimate wild card.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/chi-rays-rookie-moore-dominates-texas-in-alds-opener-20110930,0,1780352.story?track=rss

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?The Reem? video series returns: Overeem and UFC hooked up for the fans

The Reem is ready to wreak havoc permanently in America.

With Alistair Overeem signed by the UFC, anticipation is building for his Dec. 30 fight against Brock Lesnar at UFC 141.

The latest edition of "The Reem" documentary takes us through the fighter's visit to the U.S., and the Las Vegas offices of the UFC.

He stops first in Los Angeles to scout gyms where he meets up with an old friend in former UFC heavyweight Antoni Hardonk. Then it's on to Sin City to meet with UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta and sign his contract.

Overeem is jacked to be amongst the best big men in the world.

"The UFC is regarded as the No. 1 organization. That's my drive. I love challenges," said Overeem (9:55 mark).

The rabid MMA fanbase was also a factor in Overeem giving up K-1 to fight exclusively for the UFC.

"I have so many fans asking me when are you going to the UFC? It's time for you to go there. So that was a factor," Overeem said. "When I think of the possible dream match ups and the whole thing that comes with it, I'm just very excited."

Fertitta agreed that fans were vocal about seeing Overeem in the organization.

"From the UFC's standpoint, one of the goals we have is that we wanna put together the biggest fights that we can for the fans. And I think when you look at Alistair, he's obviously one of the best heavyweights in the world and the fans are demanding it. They want to see Alistair fight the best guys," said Fertitta (12:00 mark).

The clash between the massive Brock Lesnar and the imposing striker could be one for the ages.

"The fight with me and Brock, that just all excites me. He's a big guy, I'm a big guy," Overeem said (13:30 mark). "He brings it, I bring it. That fight will not go the distance."

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/-8216-The-Reem-8217-video-series-returns-Ove?urn=mma-wp7546

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All fighters on weight for Cage Warriors 44

All fighters who today weighed in for this weekend's Cage Warriors 44 event successfully made weight.

Today's festivities took place at The MMA Clinic, a London gym. The nearby HMV Forum plays host to Saturday's event, which features a main card that streams live on MMAjunkie.com.

Among those weighing in were Joseph Duffy and Ivan Musardo, who (eventually) made weight for their headlining bout.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/3732nlvbXlM/all-fighters-on-weight-for-cage-warriors-44.mma

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3-point stance: Another blow for Big East

1. Pittsburgh’s 44-17 rout of South Florida on Thursday night may be a boon for Todd Graham’s Panthers but it is one more indignity for the reeling Big East. The No. 16 Bulls are the conference’s highest-ranked team and held some promise as the league’s rejoinder to its critics, particularly in the wake of the decision by Pittsburgh and founding member Syracuse to abandon the league. Maybe Pittsburgh will carry the flag for the Big East. But these are the same Panthers who struggled against Iowa and Notre Dame.

2. Florida quarterback John Brantley looks more comfortable in the offense of new coordinator Charlie Weis than he ever did playing in Urban Meyer’s spread attack last season. But as Todd McShay pointed out in today’s ESPNU College Football podcast, Brantley’s success has come in short, quick passes, not downfield throws. Against a fast, experienced Alabama defense, Brantley must do more than dump the ball off if the No. 12 Gators are to upset the No. 3 Crimson Tide.

3. A reader and Longhorns fan challenged my comment that TCU has supplanted Texas as the state’s most successful program. Since the beginning of 2006, TCU is 58-11; Texas is 55-15. In that time, the Horned Frogs and the Longhorns each have been to two BCS bowls; each has won one. Texas fans argue that strength of schedule should be considered. But given TCU’s momentum -- 16-1 in 2010-11 vs. Texas’ 8-7 -- it’s hard to see why the Horned Frogs shouldn’t be considered the best.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/48384/3-point-stance-another-blow-for-big-east

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?The Reem? video series returns: Overeem and UFC hooked for the fans

The Reem is ready to wreak havoc permanently in America.

With Alistair Overeem signed by the UFC, anticipation is building for his Dec. 30 fight against Brock Lesnar at UFC 141.

The latest edition of "The Reem" documentary takes us through the fighter's visit to the U.S., and the Las Vegas offices of the UFC.

He stops first in Los Angeles to scout gyms where he meets up with an old friend in former UFC heavyweight Antoni Hardonk. Then it's on to Sin City to meet with UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta and sign his contract.

Overeem is jacked to be amongst the best big men in the world.

"The UFC is regarded as the No. 1 organization. That's my drive. I love challenges," said Overeem (9:55 mark).

The rabid MMA fanbase was also a factor in Overeem giving up K-1 to fight exclusively for the UFC.

"I have so many fans asking me when are you going to the UFC? It's time for you to go there. So that was a factor," Overeem said. "When I think of the possible dream match ups and the whole thing that comes with it, I'm just very excited."

Fertitta agreed that fans were vocal about seeing Overeem in the organization.

"From the UFC's standpoint, one of the goals we have is that we wanna put together the biggest fights that we can for the fans. And I think when you look at Alistair, he's obviously one of the best heavyweights in the world and the fans are demanding it. They want to see Alistair fight the best guys," said Fertitta (12:00 mark).

The clash between the massive Brock Lesnar and the imposing striker could be one for the ages.

"The fight with me and Brock, that just all excites me. He's a big guy, I'm a big guy," Overeem said (13:30 mark). "He brings it, I bring it. That fight will not go the distance."

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/-The-Reem-video-series-returns-Overeem-and-UFC?urn=mma-wp7546

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UFC 139 main card features Faber-Bowles, Kampmann-Story, Bonnar-Kingsbury

The pay-per-view main card for November's UFC 139 event is set.

The card features former UFC, WEC, PRIDE and Strikeforce champs, as well as cross-promotion notables, former UFC title-challengers and a winner from "The Ultimate Fighter."

Headlining the event, which takes place Nov. 19 at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., is a light-heavyweight bout between former big-show champions Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and the returning Dan Henderson.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/QrollOXaCh8/ufc-139-main-card-features-faber-bowles-kampmann-story-bonnar-kingsbury.mma

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Episode No. 2 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter 14: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller'

Welcome to MMAjunkie.com's recap for episode No. 2 of "The Ultimate Fighter 14."

The first-ever bantamweights and featherweights season of the reality show airs each Wednesday (9 p.m. ET/PT) on Spike TV. Michael Bisping and Jason "Mayhem" Miller are coaches as the cast is reduced from the initial 32 to two eventual winners.

For a full rundown of the latest episode, which features the first quarterfinal-round matchup, check out this week's show summary. (Warning: Episode spoilers are included.)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/h76fbecN8aw/episode-no-2-recap-the-ultimate-fighter-14-team-bisping-vs-team-miller.mma

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Another Strikeforce defection: Henderson vs. Rua at UFC 139

Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson will reportedly meet up with former UFC light heavyweight champ Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Nov. 19. This bout should make longtime MMA fans happy, but raises even more questions about the future of Strikeforce.

Both fighters made their names while in the Pride Fighting Championships in Japan. Rua was Pride's Grand Prix middleweight winner, while Henderson held multiple titles with the now-defunct promotion. Even with that shared history, this will be the first time they meet in a fight. Ten years ago, Henderson did defeat Shogun's brother, Murilo.

Henderson's last bout was a knockout of Fedor Emelianenko in what turned out to be the last Strikeforce fight for both men. Just weeks ago at UFC 134 in Brazil, Rua KOed Forrest Griffin.

This will be Henderson's third stint with the UFC. He fought at UFC 17 before Pride, then came back after Zuffa, the promotion that owns the UFC, bought Pride. When Strikeforce offered him a better contract, Henderson defected, but Zuffa purchased Strikeforce in March.

That purchase has allowed the UFC to pick off some of the Strikeforce's champs, like Nick Diaz, who will fight B.J. Penn at UFC 137, and Alistair Overeem, who will take on Brock Lesnar at UFC 141. Three men's championship belts -- heavyweight, light heavyweight and welterweight -- now stand vacant. After his win over Roger Gracie, former Strikeforce light heavyweight champ Mo Lawal said that he was not interested in fighting for a vacant belt, so that division's future is in flux.

[Related: Win tickets to UFC 135 from Edge Shave Gel and Cagewriter]

Henderson won't be the only former Strikeforcer to fight at UFC 139, as former middleweight champ, Cung Le, will take on Vitor Belfort at 139. The fights are expected to take place in San Jose, the one-time home of Strikeforce's offices.

***

Win tickets to UFC 135 though Edge Shave Gel and Cagewriter. Click here for more information.

Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
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? High school team punished for 9/11 tribute

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Another-Strikeforce-defection-Henderson-vs-Rua?urn=mma-wp7055

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Pregame: USF at Pitt

PITTSBURGH -- Kickoff is closing in between No. 16 USF and Pitt on a cool, breezy night at Heinz Field. Here are a few keys to the game.

For USF

1. Establish the run game. Pitt would love nothing more than to test the new-found confidence B.J. Daniels is playing with in his first road game since the opener at Notre Dame. Darrell Scott has shown some nice flashes, but it is one thing to have a big game against Florida A&M. It is quite another to have a big game on the road against a Big East opponent as solid as Pitt.

2. Harass Tino Sunseri. This is something that nearly everybody has had success doing early on in the season, a big reason why Pitt has given up 19 sacks. Sunseri has not looked comfortable running this offense, and USF needs to keep it that way. The Bulls have played decently well on the defensive line, and should have an advantage against a Pitt offensive line that has struggled at times.

3. Keep testing the Pitt linebackers. Pitt actually played its best game on defense last season, but the Panthers have shown problems covering underneath routes in the pass game. USF could take advantage of this with its fast receivers that have the potential to get big plays in the pass game.

For Pitt

1. Get to B.J. Daniels. Pitt has played well up front, and that has to continue against a Bulls team that has done essentially whatever it has wanted in the past three games. Much has been made of the way Daniels has played through the first three games of the season, but we will see how he responds if Pitt knocks him down a few times and keeps the pressure on. Todd Thomas and Ejuan Price are going to be huge in the contain game, should Daniels be able to escape the pocket when the pressure closes in.

2. Get Sunseri comfortable. That means getting a little more help from his teammates. Better play from the offensive line. More consistent play from the receivers. More of a reliance on Ray Graham. Sunseri has not been able to shoulder the entire offensive load thus far.

3. Get Graham going. Graham slowed down a bit in his past two games, but there is no question he has got to help the Pitt offense get going with some big plays.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/48368/pregame-usf-at-pitt

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Putting in some beach time, Cruz talks about strengths vs. Johnson

Dominick Cruz is already back in the Octagon. It seems like Cruz just fought Urijah Faber. After a grinding five round war won by Cruz in early July, the UFC bantamweight champ will defend his title against Demetrious Johnson this weekend at UFC on Versus 6.

It's a bit unusual for a fighter to turn around in three months to take another fight, but that's what the lower level fighters bring to the table. There is no getting out of shape or need for a massive weight cut.

Cruz is facing the diminutive, but super-active Johnson. Thus far in the WEC and UFC, the 25-year-old Johnson (10-1) has completely confused his opponents. Sound familiar? It's exactly what Cruz does with his constant movement.

In the video by Shoot, Cruz says that'll be the difference on Saturday in Washington, D.C.� Johnson will be thrown off by an opponent who is finally dipping and darting.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Putting-in-some-beach-time-Cruz-talks-about-str?urn=mma-wp7463

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Koch takes UFN 25 decision over TUF winner Brookins

Erik Koch took a unanimous decision win at Ultimate Fight Night 25 over "The Ultimate Fighter" winner Jonathan Brookins. Koch won the fight 30-27, 29-28, 30-27 on the judges cards.

Koch was strong in the first round, landing more strikes and controlling Brookins against the fence. After Koch got the better of Brookins in striking in the second round, Brookins tried for a takedown. He had a hard time bringing the fight to the ground and when he did, Koch landed on top of him. They worked back to their feet, where Koch landed leg kicks. Brookins finally got the takedown in the final minute of the second, but was not able to do much with it except take knees from Koch as they returned to their feet.

Koch continued to win the striking game in the third round, as he stuck to the game plan of punch-punch-kick and using his speed to throw Brookins off. He also continued to be successful in holding off Brookins' takedown attempts.

A one-time WEC fighter, Koch has rattled off four straight wins. His record is now 13-1, with the lone loss coming to Chad Mendes. Brookins, who won the 12th season of TUF, falls to 12-4. His last previous loss was to featherweight champ Jose Aldo.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Koch-takes-UFN-25-decision-over-TUF-winner-Brook?urn=mma-wp6989

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UFC co-founder Art Davie relaunching XARM; live events, gaming debut this year

The man behind the launch of the Ultimate Fighting Championship is again turning his focus to combat sports, and he's holding global aspirations for the hybrid sport of XARM.

And while XARM was once billed as "the evolution of combat sports," Davie and his partners Alan Winters and Wyndam Chow now have a new vision for their invention.

"We're doing things in a non-traditional way, and we think there will be some unique things that are really interesting to MMA fans," Davie told MMAjunkie.com.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/Vzvh-W2dtao/ufc-co-founder-art-davie-relaunching-xarm-live-events-gaming-debut-this-year.mma

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Herman-Russow scratched from UFC 136, Garcia-Phan promoted to PPV main card

An undisclosed injury has forced Dave "Pee Wee" Herman out of a UFC 136 bout with Mike Russow, officials today announced.

As a result, a long-awaited rematch between featherweights Leonard Garcia and Nam Phan has taken its spot on the night's pay-per-view main card.

UFC 136 takes place Oct. 8 at Houston's Toyota Center.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/etL7jNLnzmY/herman-russow-scratched-from-ufc-136-garcia-phan-promoted-to-ppv-main-card.mma

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