Morning take: Are Bills a title contender?

Here are the most interesting stories Friday morning in the AFC East: Running back C.J. Spiller says the Buffalo Bills are close to being a title contender. Morning take: There are a lot of good vibes coming out of that Bills locker room. But you hope this team doesn’t start believing in its own hype. Buffalo is not a Super Bowl contender but it can make some noise this season -- if the team stays focused. New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis was voted the fifth-best player in the NFL by his peers.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/44029/morning-take-are-bills-a-title-contender

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UFC 150's Tavares looking for win over Hallman, bout with Diaz or Maynard

Twelve fights into his UFC career, Brazilian lightweight Thiago Tavares is tired of flying under the radar.

He's lost just once since 2009, and three of his four career octagon defeats came along with a "Fight of the Night" bonus.

As he prepares to face longtime veteran Dennis Hallman at August's UFC 150 event, Tavares is ready to make a little noise. Once he puts "Superman" away, Tavares is calling out Nate Diaz and Gray Maynard.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/FMZ8PGEq-xk/ufc-150s-tavares-looking-for-win-over-hallman-bout-with-diaz-or-maynard.mma

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I'm going fishing

Ok, I don't really fish. I've probably done it two or three times in my life. But I am taking another week away from the AFC East blog before the 2012 season begins with training camp. I will return on Monday, July 9. My buddy, "ESPN.com staff," will provide our community the latest updates, links and videos in the AFC East. We have a few tricks up our sleeve, so continue reading the AFC East blog next week. If you want to communicate with me directly while I'm vacationing, feel free to follow my Twitter account.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/44053/im-going-fishing

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Pac-12: A look at Year 1

On Sunday, the Pac-12 will celebrate its first birthday. If you forgot to get the conference a gift, just send a check my way. I'll make sure Larry Scott gets it. Promise. A year ago, Utah and Colorado held celebrations on campus as they officially transitioned into a new conference. Colorado moved from the prairies and tumbleweeds of the Big 12 into a more like-minded conference with big cities, snow-capped mountains and beaches. Utah took a step up from a non-AQ conference, the Mountain West, to an AQ one, meaning it could blow raspberries at programs with whom it once shared a common gripe.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/62551/pac-12-a-look-at-year-1

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Anderson Silva is the greatest commercial actor of our time

It's possible UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva is the greatest mixed martial artist in the sport's brief history. With a record of 31-4, a 15-fight win streak, wins at middleweight and light heavyweight and eight fight night bonuses, it's easy to make that case.

But what he might excel at even more is making commercials. Seriously, watch the above for a razor and tell me you don't want to buy it. His ads for Burger King and Budweiser were instant classics.

The man has some range. Whether you need a kick to the face or a reliable pitchman, Silva's your guy.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/anderson-silva-greatest-commercial-actor-time-181041362--mma.html

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Erick Silva and Eddie Wineland big winners at UFC on FX 3

Several contenders distinguished themselves at UFC on FX 2 in Fort Lauderdale on Friday night.

Erick Silva continued his path of domination through the welterweight division with another first round win. This time, the victim was Charlie Brenneman.

Though Brenneman held off early submission attempts, he couldn't stay out of Silva's clutches for long. After getting the fight to the ground, Silva easily stretched out Brenneman and sunk in a rear naked choke to stop the bout at 4:33 in the first round. With that tapout, Silva won a $40,000 Submission of the Night bonus.

Silva now has two wins in the UFC, and his loss came by a weird disqualification. He's taken a step up in competition with every bout, and should continue to move up the crowded welterweight class.

Eddie Wineland sustained a large cut early in his fight with Scott Jorgensen, but that didn't slow either man. With blood gushing from his face, Wineland matched up with Jorgensen's wrestling for a tight first round. Wineland blew the bout open with a right cross in the second round. Jorgensen immediately dropped and the bout was stopped at 4:10 in the second round to give Wineland his first UFC win. For their exciting bout, Jorgensen and Wineland were rewarded an extra $40,000 each for Fight of the Night.

Josh Neer started strong against Mike Pyle, wobbling him several times in the first round, but Pyle got his revenge with a huge right hand. Neer was moving forward when Pyle caught him with a short right hook that sent Neer to the ground. The fight was stopped at 4:56 of the fight round. Like the other main card fighters, Pyle won $40,000, but for Knockout of the Night. (more...)

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/erick-silva-eddie-wineland-big-winners-ufc-fx-045601956--mma.html

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Vitor Belfort has strong feelings on shaving

Vitor Belfort missed out on the chance to fight in front of a home crowd over the weekend, as he had to pull out from his bout with Wanderlei Silva because of an injury. However, he is not going to miss on the chance to tell fellow Brazilians how to shave.

In other Belfort news, the UFC is still hoping for a fight between Belfort and Silva, and they are aiming for an October show in Brazil. However, Belfort doesn't think that fight makes sense and would rather fight Michael Bisping, and then get another shot at the UFC middleweight belt. He's also open to moving to light heavyweight, and he isn't afraid of Jon Jones.

Consider this your daily Vitor Belfort briefing. You are now briefed.

Thanks, Fightlinker.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/vitor-belfort-strong-feelings-shaving-191143064--mma.html

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Youkilis seeks Saturday return to Sox's lineup

NEW YORK - An upset stomach Friday appeared to be a more persistent nemesis Friday night for Chicago White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis than the New York Yankees.

Source: http://ChicagoTribune.feedsportal.com/c/34253/f/622872/s/20dd2272/l/0L0Schicagotribune0N0Csports0Cbreaking0Cchi0Eyoukilis0Eseeks0Esaturday0Ereturn0Eto0Esoxs0Elineup0E20A120A6290H0A0H47951870Bstory0Dtrack0Frss/story01.htm

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HDNet relaunches Monday as AXS TV, promises continued MMA programming

HDNet's near-11-year run comes to a close on Monday, July 2, but the all-high-definition cable channel's replacement promises to have a familiar feel for MMA fans.

In January, HDNet announced a joint venture with AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media and Creative Artists Agency that sees HDNet rebranded as AXS TV (pronounced "access").

On Monday, that relaunch goes live, but AXS TV officials promise MMA-related programming such as "Inside MMA" and "HDNet Fights" will continue to feature prominently on the rebranded outlet.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/KlQxFKxqsGo/hdnet-relaunches-monday-as-axs-tv-promises-continued-mma-programming.mma

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Picture of the day: Flying Donald Cerrone

After beating Jeremy Stephens in a decision at UFC on Fuel 3, Donald Cerrone is taking a well-deserved vacation. In addition to being a fighter, a rodeo-er (because I assume that's the word for someone involved with rodeos) and a fan of pontoon boats, Cerrone is also a wakeboarder.

Thanks, Combat Lifestyle.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/picture-day-flying-donald-cerrone-184125087--mma.html

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Dana White and UFC fighters explain why they love Burt Watson

Did you ever wonder how fighters are always in the right place and right time when their walkout music starts at UFC events? Or how weigh-ins are as well-timed as a Swiss watch? Or how fighters can focus on their fights and forget about the logistics of fight weekends?

It doesn't take an army of drones with clipboards and walkie-talkies for the UFC to make this happen. It takes Burt Watson. Fighters -- including Georges St-Pierre with a hilarious impersonation -- explain why they respect and appreciate Watson.

Are you surprised by the one fighter who said he didn't like Watson's yelling?

Thanks, MMA Fighting.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/dana-white-ufc-fighters-explain-why-love-burt-132739136--mma.html

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MLB All-Star online balloting sets voting records

Source: http://ChicagoTribune.feedsportal.com/c/34253/f/622872/s/20dbc72b/l/0L0Schicagotribune0N0Csports0Cbreaking0Cchi0Emlb0Eallstar0Eonline0Eballoting0Esets0Evoting0Erecords0E20A120A6290H0A0H17194740Bstory0Dtrack0Frss/story01.htm

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Teague on Teague: 'He's really explosive'

Late Thursday night, Tom Thibodeau and Gar Forman talked about new Chicago Bulls point guard Marquis Teague's attributes.

Source: http://ChicagoTribune.feedsportal.com/c/34253/f/622872/s/20d9c4cc/l/0L0Schicagotribune0N0Csports0Cbreaking0Cchi0Eteague0Eon0Eteague0Ehes0Ereally0Eexplosive0E20A120A6290H0A0H40A998630Bstory0Dtrack0Frss/story01.htm

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Anderson Silva is the greatest commercial actor of our time

It's possible UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva is the greatest mixed martial artist in the sport's brief history. With a record of 31-4, a 15-fight win streak, wins at middleweight and light heavyweight and eight fight night bonuses, it's easy to make that case.

But what he might excel at even more is making commercials. Seriously, watch the above for a razor and tell me you don't want to buy it. His ads for Burger King and Budweiser were instant classics.

The man has some range. Whether you need a kick to the face or a reliable pitchman, Silva's your guy.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/anderson-silva-greatest-commercial-actor-time-181041362--mma.html

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Actress Charlize Theron wonders what her love of the UFC says about her

Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron was out promoting "Prometheus" and "Snow White and the Huntsman" when she took a chance to discuss her love for the UFC. She told Conan O'Brien that a friend introduced her to fights and she hasn't looked back.

"I wonder what it says about me that I like sweaty, hot men bleeding all over each other and bashing each other in the face, but I can live with that," Theron said.

Oh, Charlize. You're not truly an MMA fan until you have that conversation with yourself. Welcome to the fold.

Thanks, Bloody Elbow.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/actress-charlize-theron-wonders-her-love-ufc-says-182043642--mma.html

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With 'TUF: Brazil' win complete, Cezar Ferreira aims for top of sport

With his victory over Sergio Moraes at this past Saturday's UFC 147 event in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Vitor Belfort protege Cezar "Mutante" Ferreira earned his way into the UFC as the first-ever middleweight winner of "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil."

Now he's setting his sights much higher.

"I'm going to grow step by step and be amongst the biggest names of this event," Ferreira said through an interpreter. "That is my dream. That's what I'm going to do, and I'm going to do it well."

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/HM9DpRTHh8s/with-tuf-brazil-win-complete-cezar-ferreira-aims-for-top-of-sport.mma

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Urijah Faber vs. Renan Barao moved to UFC 149 after injury to Jose Aldo

The UFC's game of musical chairs continues, as Jose Aldo's bout with Erik Koch for the main event of UFC 149 has been scrapped because of an injury to Aldo. Urijah Faber's bout with Renan Barao was moved to the main event at 149 from being the co-main event at UFC 148.

This is the second change to Faber's bout this summer. After coaching against bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz on "The Ultimate Fighter," the two were slated to face off at UFC 148 in Las Vegas. Now, it's Faber vs. Barao for the interim belt at UFC 149 in Calgary.

It's also the latest in a string of main event changes to UFC events. This summer, the main event at UFC 146 was supposed to feature Alistair Overeem vs. Junior dos Santos, but Overeem's inability to get a license in Nevada gave Frank Mir a chance. UFC 147 was supposed to be at a soccer stadium in Rio de Janeiro for Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva's rematch. After the UFC couldn't get a venue, the bout was moved to UFC 148.

The bad luck continued for UFC 147 as main eventer Vitor Belfort was injured and Rich Franklin had to fill in. UFC on Fox 4 was also hit as Brian Stann's shoulder injury forced him out of the main event against Hector Lombard. Maurico "Shogun" Rua, who was free because of an injury to his UFC 149 opponent Thiago Silva, will now fight Brandon Vera in the main event of the UFC's fourth Fox show.

Even for a sport as dangerous as MMA, that's a crazy run of bad luck. Can the UFC do anything to prevent injuries? Speak up in the comments, on Facebook or on Twitter.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/urijah-faber-vs-renan-barao-moved-ufc-149-200748264--mma.html

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ACC's ideal selection committee

One of the most important questions remaining for the four-team playoff is who will choose the teams. In the best-case scenario for the ACC -- i.e. the most fair -- the selection committee would be comprised of 16 people, and it would be a mix of eight former coaches and eight current athletic directors (one from each of the six current BCS conferences, and a rotation of two others). During the selection process, if one or more of the teams being considered was affiliated with any of the committee members, that person would have to leave the room (just as they are asked to do for the NCAA tournament).

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/62491/accs-ideal-selection-committee

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Anderson Silva is the greatest commercial actor of our time

It's possible UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva is the greatest mixed martial artist in the sport's brief history. With a record of 31-4, a 15-fight win streak, wins at middleweight and light heavyweight and eight fight night bonuses, it's easy to make that case.

But what he might excel at even more is making commercials. Seriously, watch the above for a razor and tell me you don't want to buy it. His ads for Burger King and Budweiser were instant classics.

The man has some range. Whether you need a kick to the face or a reliable pitchman, Silva's your guy.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/anderson-silva-greatest-commercial-actor-time-181041362--mma.html

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UFC on FX 4 winner Cub Swanson unsure of nickname, but knows he wants title shot

Fight Night bonuses he's got down, but that whole nickname thing is still a work in progress for Cub Swanson.

The 28-year-old UFC featherweight laughed off the notion to go with "Cookie Monster" after posing for pictures with the "Sesame Street" character during a celebratory trip to New York after his UFC on FX 4 victory over Ross Pearson this past weekend.

"I was very close to having the announcer announce me as 'Killer Cub,' but never got around to talking to him about it," said Swanson on Monday's edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/nnozI1VBXgI/ufc-on-fx-4-winner-cub-swanson-unsure-of-nickname-but-knows-he-wants-title-shot.mma

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Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva at UFC 147: Will you tune in? (VIDEO)

OK, so it's not the main event Brazil was hoping for when the UFC announced a June event, since they thought they were going to see Chael Sonnen's rematch with Anderson Silva. After Vitor Belfort's injury forced him to pull out of the event, it's not even the runner-up to the event Brazil wanted. But looking at Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva in a vacuum, is it a bout you're excited about?

It's a rematch of their close, 2009 bout that ended in a unanimous decision for Franklin. Since then, Franklin is 1-2, with a win over Chuck Liddell and losses to Forrest Griffin and Vitor Belfort, while Silva is 2-1 with wins over Cung Le and Michael Bisping and a loss to Chris Leben. Is this bout at the top of the card enough to make you want to pay for UFC 147? Tell us in the comments, on Facebook or on Twitter.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/rich-franklin-vs-wanderlei-silva-ufc-147-tune-131816343--mma.html

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Bellator Announces Exclusive United States Spanish Language Broadcast Partnership With mun2

Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2012/6/28/3123682/bellator-mun2

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UFA Forward Scott Nichol Re-Signed By Blues

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-blues/2012/6/28/3123589/ufa-forward-scott-nichol-re-signed-by-blues

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Phil Davis vs. Wagner Prado official for August's UFC on FOX 4 event

A light heavyweight matchup between top prospect Phil Davis and promotional newcomer Wagner Prado is now official for UFC on FOX 4.

Davis was originally expected to face Chad Griggs on the card, but "The Grave Digger" was forced to withdraw due to injury. MMAjunkie.com in May reported the switch, and UFC officials recently confirmed the new matchup.

Featuring a main event between Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Brandon Vera, UFC on FOX 4 takes place Aug. 4 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/bv62q652HNs/phil-davis-vs-wagner-prado-official-for-augusts-ufc-on-fox-4-event.mma

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