MMA FanHouse

Thiago Silva Believes Rashad Evans UFC 108 Victory Would Warrant Title Shot

Ariel Helwani — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

Thiago Silva recently spent a week training with the fighters at the Wand Fight Team Gym in Las Vegas, and that's where FanHouse caught up with the light heavyweight contender to talk about his upcoming UFC 108 main event fight against Rashad Evans.

Silva talked about turning his career around following his January loss to Lyoto Machida and why a convincing victory over Evans would warrant a title shot later next year. Check out the video interview below.

Thiago Silva Believes Rashad Evans UFC 108 Victory Would Warrant Title Shot originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Cain Velasquez Ready for Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira or Shane Carwin

Ariel Helwani — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

Cain Velasquez was supposed to face Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 108, but "Big Nog" recently had to pull out due to a severe staph infection. And with Brock Lesnar's recent health troubles keeping the heavyweight champion on the sidelines for an indefinite period of time, Velasquez told FanHouse that he doesn't know if his next opponent will be Nogueira or Shane Carwin and whether an interim title will be on the line.

The undefeated heavyweight contender also talked about his recent victory over Ben Rothwell, dealing with the media and his dream of fighting in Mexico. Check out the video interview below.

Cain Velasquez Ready for Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira or Shane Carwin originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Dan Hardy Talks Josh Koscheck, Georges St-Pierre and Mind Games

Ariel Helwani — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

It seems like every MMA fan, critic and fighter has an opinion on whether Dan Hardy deserves a title shot against UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. And while many people -- most notably Josh Koscheck -- think he hasn't done enough to warrant the fight just yet, Hardy doesn't seem to care.

FanHouse spoke to "The Outlaw" last week about dealing with the criticism, his recent victory against Mike Swick and what kind of mind games he plans to play with GSP. The video interview is below.

Dan Hardy Talks Josh Koscheck, Georges St-Pierre and Mind Games originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Yoshihiro Akiyama 'Grateful' for Upcoming Wanderlei Silva UFC Fight

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- Yoshihiro Akiyama has been spending some time training with the stars at Xtreme Couture, and that's where FanHouse caught up with him last week.

Akiyama talked about facing Wanderlei Silva in 2010, whether he would ever consider dropping down to welterweight, the legend that is "Sexyama," and his unique entrance music. The video interview is below.

Yoshihiro Akiyama 'Grateful' for Upcoming Wanderlei Silva UFC Fight originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Nogueira Brothers Celebrate 'Little Nog's' UFC Debut Victory

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:40:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira has won three UFC fights, including one for the interim heavyweight title, but he was just as excited to see his twin brother, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, defeat Luiz Cane via first round TKO at UFC 106 on Saturday.

FanHouse spoke to the most famous twins in MMA about "Minotoro's" stellar UFC debut and "Minotauro's" current health status. The video interview.

Nogueira Brothers Celebrate 'Little Nog's' UFC Debut Victory originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Josh Koscheck Reflects on UFC 106 Victory, Clarifies Stance on Dan Hardy

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:01:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- Josh Koscheck proved that he is definitely a force to be reckoned in the UFC's welterweight division after overcoming an early illegal knee to the head and eye poke to submit Anthony Johnson in the second round at UFC 106.

FanHouse spoke to Koscheck at the post-fight press conference about getting past the early controversy and his issue with Dan Hardy getting a welterweight title shot before him. The video interview is below.

Josh Koscheck Reflects on UFC 106 Victory, Clarifies Stance on Dan Hardy originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Dana White Looks Back at UFC 106

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:20:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- FanHouse caught up with UFC president Dana White following UFC 106 to talk about Saturday night's event. White said he disagreed with Tito Ortiz's proclamation that he was robbed by the judges and was pleased with the way Forrest Griffin rebounded from his loss to Anderson Silva.

White also talked about Josh Koscheck's dominant performance and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira's stellar UFC debut. The video interview is below.

Warning: The video below contains some explicit language.

Dana White Looks Back at UFC 106 originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Amir Sadollah Realizes He Belongs in UFC After Defeating Phil Baroni

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:57:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- Amir Sadollah entered his UFC 106 fight against Phil Baroni surrounded by many question marks: how would he recover from the controversial loss to Johny Hendricks? Could he outslug the slugger, Phil Baroni? And does he have what it takes to win a grueling fight in the UFC?

Well, Sadollah answered all those questions and more in his unanimous decision victory over Baroni, and when FanHouse caught up with him after the victory, his boss, UFC president Dana White, said he was very impressed with his performance. The video interview is below.

Amir Sadollah Realizes He Belongs in UFC After Defeating Phil Baroni originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Win at UFC 106 Helps George Sotiropoulos Land on Australian Card

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:44:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- George Sotiropoulous has quietly won his last five fights in a row, which includes his first three in the UFC. On Saturday at UFC 106, he dominated Jason Dent en route to submitting him via armbar in the second round.

FanHouse spoke to Sotiropoulous moments after the victory about his rise up the UFC's lightweight rankings and this victory sets him up for a UFC homecoming next February. The video interview is below.

Win at UFC 106 Helps George Sotiropoulos Land on Australian Card originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Emotional Kendall Grove Gets Back on Track, Dedicates Win to Grandmother

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:38:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- Prior to UFC 106, Kendall Grove felt like he was being overlooked in the UFC's middleweight division, but after submitting Jake Rosholt in the first round on Saturday, "Da Spyder" proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with at 185 pounds.

FanHouse spoke to Grove after the victory about weathering Rosholt's early attack and dedicating his victory to his recently deceased grandmother. Check out the video interview below.

Emotional Kendall Grove Gets Back on Track, Dedicates Win to Grandmother originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Brian Foster Survives the Brock Larson Jungle at UFC 106

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:35:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- Brian Foster needed a win after losing his UFC debut in September in what he called the worst performance of his career. And not only did the now 13-4 fighter win on Saturday night at UFC 106, he dominated one of the toughest welterweights in MMA, Brock Larson.

FanHouse spoke to Foster immediately after his victory about Larson's two point deductions and rebounding after his first UFC loss. The video interview is below.

Brian Foster Survives the Brock Larson Jungle at UFC 106 originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Wanderlei Silva Talks Yoshihiro Akiyama, Weight Cut, Fighting in Australia

Ariel Helwani — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- FanHouse caught up with Wanderlei Silva at his Wand Fight Team Gym on Tuesday to discuss his upcoming fight against Yoshihiro Akiyama.

"The Axe Murderer" also talked about his dream of fighting at Madison Square Garden, introducing the Australian fans to MMA, and dropping down to 185 pounds for the first time. Check out the video interview below.

Wanderlei Silva Talks Yoshihiro Akiyama, Weight Cut, Fighting in Australia originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Ben Saunders to Give Fans a 'Good Scrap' Against Marcus Davis

Ray Hui — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

Ben Saunders made an impression last December when he destroyed Brandon Wolff with knees, but after falling short in his next fight in June to Mike Swick, Saunders will have to wait longer to be considered a contender as he now has to reestablish himself in the welterweight ranks.

In this exclusive interview with FanHouse, Saunders talks about fighting Marcus Davis at UFC 106 and learns through this interview of friend War Machine's new career in the adult film industry.

Ray Hui: On paper, this fight has Fight of the Night written all over it. How important for you is it to entertain as well as perform to the best of your fighting abilities?

Ben Saunders: In all honesty, performing is definitely up there. Entertainment-wise for the fans. That seems to be my no. 1 job of all-time. At the end of the day, when you're fighting for the UFC, you could lose numerous fights in a row, as long as you go out there and put it all on the line and put on a good performance and show for the crowd. That seems to be the deciding factor, so I can say [entertaining] is one of my no. 1 priorities.

When you yourself in the shoes of a fan, what's the most important quality of a fighter, when you're watching fights?

The people that I look up to the most are so ridiculously good at being technical. That alone is going to bring the entertainment value through the roof. Anderson Silva, granted some of his performances, some people have say have been not that great, but for the most part that guy is so ridiculously amazing with his technique and so on point with everything that he goes out there and his showmanship is automatically going to be entertaining.

Who are you working with for this fight?

We got some southpaws that we have me specifically work with for Davis that are good at mimicking his style. I've been working with Paul Rodriguez, Esteban Ramos and a number of other guys from American Top Team that are either southpaws or can switch it up for me.

Every time Marcus fights, seems like both guys can expect to be banged up by the end of the night. How do you approach a fighter like that?

Dude, I love it man. I respect him tremendously and I've met him on numerous occasions. He's real professional and a very, very nice guy. And for that reason alone, I'm really honored to fight him. And the fact that he likes to stand and bang. We're similar a lot in that we're both martial artists. We enjoy every aspect of the sport but I'd say as far as what we like to do is put on a show for the crowd and give a good scrap for the fans.

Davis last fought in a loss to Dan Hardy. Davis claims he won, how did you score that fight?

It was a close fight. He definitely had an argument, I guess you can say. I'd say the third round was really the deciding factor and was really close. He was the aggressor with that footlock, kneebar and anklelock and when that ended up not working for him and he ended up on the bottom. That's what probably ended up giving Hardy the edge cause Hardy ended up being on top for the remainder of that round. On top of that, he ended up cutting him, and that's what Davis does. He cuts easily so unfortunately, that probably worked against him. He ended up losing the decision and nonetheless it was a split decision so that probably gives him more reason why he's arguing it.

You're also coming off a loss -- the first in your career. How did you mentally deal with that? How did you bounce back from that?

To be honest, I just underperformed. That wasn't me in there that night. It wasn't much go watch the video and see what you did wrong and what you could have done right. I mean bottom line is, I knew for a fact I didn't fight up to my potential and I felt at the end of the fight, pretty much why I got caught was because of my mentality going into the fight, win, lose or draw.

I want to be entertaining. I want the crowd to enjoy seeing me fight. Unfortunately with that fight, the crowd didn't seem to enjoy it at all. That was on both of our behalf, and because of that I tried to be a little more aggressive and I threw an outside leg kick that I honestly when I threw it, I just knew it wasn't right timing and distance and the right technique to throw at the time, but I was just trying to give the crowd a little something -- more entertainment, action to the fight and I ended up being clipped. And that's just what happened and it was bad judgment on my part.

There was part where you two threw in some trash-talking during the fight. Was that the first time you exchanged words in the middle of a fight?

Yeah it definitely was. Actually, I was on the verge of saying, "let's stand back up" and he cut me off in the process, and he said, "hey man, are you going f---in' hold me all night?" and I didn't approve of the way he was speaking to me so I was like, "let's stand back up, b---h!"

It was mainly the boos that was frustrating to me. I understand that I wasn't doing much but I'm the one on my back and [Mike] was the one on top. Why are you screaming do something when you're the one keeping us in this position for the most part.

Your last fight was against Swick, who is one of the contenders for the welterweight title, so an argument can be made that you were fights away from title shot. Where do you see yourself now in the current standings?

My mentality is that no one can beat me. Even if you beat me on a given night, you beat me on that night, but we'll do it again and I'll show you [differently]. My mentality is that no one can make me fear them. In that sense, mentally, I can take anybody. Unfortunately, it goes by performance, it goes by statistics and records, and who you fought, and who you won against and how you won. And under those rules, I'm probably not very high up there as far as what the fans might think. But I've been a hard worker all my life and I've worked my ass off to get where I am right now and I just feel if I can perform against Davis the way I can, that will definitely put my name back up there as a title contender. And then whoever they want to give me, bring it.

Finally, I wanted to get your take ont his because you've developed a friendship with War Machine from your days with him on The Ultimate Fighter 6. What are your thoughts on his recent career choice? This interview was conducted a week after War Machine spoke about his entry into the adult industry.

What do you mean his career choice?

He entered the adult industry.

What?

Yeah, he did.

No [way] cause I talked to him like -- we frequently talked. I had no clue. He's now in adult entertainment? Like porn?

Yeah, he's already shot a film or two.

What the hell -- [Laughs.] Ah, to be honest, it makes sense. I know the guy pretty well. I wouldn't put it past him. That seems to be right up there with his fight career, as far as, what does he like to say, "laying b---hes or whatever, man." He likes to have sex with numerous women all the time. That seems to be his second career. [Laughs.] That's hilarious that you tell me that now.

Hey, good for him! Cause if it works for him, if he can balance the two and make it work for him, then more power to him. I don't think that works well as far as getting him back in the UFC, cause they might not necessarily condone that, but I don't know if that would affect his career with other organizations. Hopefully it doesn't, but more power to him.

His reasoning was that pretty much burned his bridges with the UFC and he was tired of living paycheck by paycheck, so he's making money through adult films.

[Laughs.] That's too funny, man.

Ben Saunders to Give Fans a 'Good Scrap' Against Marcus Davis originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

'FanHouse at UFC 106' Pre-Fight Video Special With Jon Fitch

Ariel Helwani — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:22:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- On the latest edition of FanHouse at the Ultimate Fighting Championship, we were joined by UFC welterweight star Jon Fitch to preview Saturday night's UFC 106 card.

Can Tito Ortiz rebound from an 18-month layoff and extensive back surgery? What does Forrest Griffin need to do to get over his recent loss to Anderson Silva? And will a victory over Josh Koscheck propel Anthony Johnson into a top-level 170-pound fight? All those questions and more were answer. Enjoy the pre-fight video special below.

Please click on the second icon from the left to watch the show.

'FanHouse at UFC 106' Pre-Fight Video Special With Jon Fitch originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

UFC 110: Dong Hyun Kim vs. Chris Lytle

Michael David Smith — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

The UFC's first fight card in Australia is rounding out, with a fight between Chris Lytle and Dong Hyun Kim being added to the Feb. 21 UFC 110 event, FanHouse's Ariel Helwani has learned.

The Lytle vs. Kim welterweight bout will be part of the undercard at the Acer Arena in Sydney.

Lytle, who has a record of 27-17-5, is known for exciting fights; in his last eight UFC fights he's won fight of the night four times, submission of the night once and knockout of the night once. Kim, who has a record of 12-0-1 with one no contest, is a judo specialist who's coming off a decision win over T.J. Grant at UFC 100.

The main event of UFC 110 is a middleweight bout between Wanderlei Silva and Yoshihiro Akiyama. Other fights that have been discussed for the card include Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic vs. Ben Rothwell and Stephan Bonnar vs. Krzysztof Soszynski.

UFC 110: Dong Hyun Kim vs. Chris Lytle originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Veteran Fabricio Camoes Says UFC Debut Is 'Dream Come True'

Ariel Helwani — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- Fabricio Camoes has long been considered one of the best kept secrets in mixed martial arts, but come Saturday night, that all might change. The former middleweight Brazilian fighter who now competes as a lightweight will face veteran Caol Uno in his Octagon debut at UFC 106.

When FanHouse spoke to Camoes, who's nicknamed "Morango," which means strawberry in Portuguese, due to his love of strawberry yogurt, at the Wand Fight Team Gym in Las Vegas on Tuesday, he said that while Uno already had a run in the UFC, his time is now. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Royler Gracie and Vini Aieta also talked about what it means to finally get a shot in the UFC after competing in the sport for nine years. The video interview is below.

Veteran Fabricio Camoes Says UFC Debut Is 'Dream Come True' originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Prior to UFC 106, Kendall Grove Is Hungry in More Ways Than One

Ariel Helwani — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- Kendall Grove says that one of the main reasons he lost to Ricardo Almeida at UFC 101 in August was because he respected the veteran too much. And while he believes his opponent at UFC 106, Jake Rosholt, presents a great challenge, he won't make the same mistake twice.

FanHouse spoke to Grove about getting his career back on track, being a new father, and how he spends the days before a fight in a constant state of hunger. The full video interview is below.

Prior to UFC 106, Kendall Grove Is Hungry in More Ways Than One originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Following Recent Injuries, Josh Koscheck Asked and Received UFC 106 Shot

Ariel Helwani — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- Josh Koscheck's nickname is "Kos," but he could also go with "Mr. Dependable" as it seems like the American Kickboxing Academy product is always ready to fight for the UFC on short notice if need be. And after defeating Frank Trigg at UFC 103 in September, Koscheck will return to action this Saturday night against Anthony Johnson at UFC 106.

FanHouse spoke to the 31-year-old, who will be competing for the seventh time since March 2008, about taking this fight on short notice and Johnson's inability to make weight at UFC 104. The video interview is below.

Following Recent Injuries, Josh Koscheck Asked and Received UFC 106 Shot originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Jake Rosholt Hopes Win Over Kendall Grove Will Increase Profile

Mike Chiappetta — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

In 2007, Jake Rosholt entered the world of MMA as a bona fide blue-chip recruit. A four-time collegiate wrestling All-American and three-time NCAA champion, Rosholt was signed by a major promotion (the WEC) just over a year after his debut, and joined the UFC in February.

After dropping a submission loss in his UFC debut, he rebounded impressively with a submission of his own over gritty veteran Chris Leben in his most recent matchup. That victory propelled him to the opportunity to fight Kendall Grove at Saturday night's UFC 106.

Rosholt recently took a few moments from his pre-fight preparation to discuss his fight with Grove, suffering growing pains in front of a worldwide audience, his thoughts on the Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin main event, and more.

Mike Chiappetta: Everything seemed to click for you in your last fight with Chris Leben. Is that how it felt for you in the cage?
Jake Rosholt: Yes, basically everything started to come together pretty well for me last fight. I think it's just experience. I think the more experience I get in the cage, the more comfortable I'll feel and the better I'm going to fight every time I go out there.

Leben's clearly one of the most dangerous strikers in the middleweight division. Did that win and the way you competed against him give you added confidence going forward?
It definitely gives me confidence. It just gives me more confidence in my standup and my striking and the fact that I went out there with a guy who hits real hard, and for the most part I was able to evade all his striking and win the fight. So it definitely gives me confidence.

What was your feeling going into it, especially coming off a loss? Was there any extra pressure beforehand?
I was just ready to get out there and get a win and show the UFC that I'm a good fighter and I'm going to be a great fighter down the road. I wanted to let them see what I'm capable of. I wasn't nervous or anything like that. I was just ready to get back out there and show everyone what I can do.

You're still pretty early in your career and came to everyone's attention very quickly. Is it difficult to develop as a fighter in front of the world?
I love it. I think it's awesome. I'm glad to be fighting in the UFC. It's the place to be, and I love it. I love all the fans and I think it's cool, because everybody's going to get to watch me grow as a fighter and progress all throughout my career.

But it can't be easy to do at such an early stage of your career. Going through the growing pains in front of a smaller audience was never an option for you?
Everything seems to be working out fine for me right now, but I wouldn't have been opposed to having more fights before I got into the UFC. I never pushed to get into the UFC or anything. It's just kind of how it happened. So I figured it was just my path.

You won the submission of the night bonus for your win over Leben. Did you do anything special with the money?
Nope. Nothing too exciting. Just banked it.

For this fight, were you happy with Kendall Grove as an opponent, or would you have preferred someone a bit higher up the ladder?
I'm happy with the fight. I wish we'd be on the main card, and I think it's a fight we could've had on the main card, especially with Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin dropping out. But I'm happy. He's a good fighter and he's got a following. He's tough, people know his name as a former Ultimate Fighter winner, so it's going to be a great opportunity to advance my position in the UFC.

How surprised were you that your fight is not on the main card? Last time out against Leben, you were on the main card, and you won that fight, so it's not like you're coming off a loss.
Yeah it was surprising. I really thought I'd get to be on main card again, as I thought I put on a good performance against a tough opponent and would get a chance to be on the main card again. I figured it's a fight people want to see more than Phil Baroni and Amir Sadollah.

Now, that said, we're going to be on the Spike TV portion of the event, so that's good. It gives a lot of people a chance to watch me fight still. It'd be nice to be part of the main card that they're pushing and promoting, but it'll be awesome to be on Spike.

Kendall seems to be somewhat inconsistent in the cage. He's 2-3 in his last five fights, and one time he looks really good and the next he struggles. Is it hard to prepare not knowing what exactly you're going to see from him?
No, I think you always prepare for the best. You have to, so I'm preparing for him to have the best fight of his life. I just want to show people I'm getting better all the time, that I'm developing all the time, and that my striking and ground game, and just the overall dynamics of my game are getting better.

Kendall's takedown defense is probably not the strongest part of his game. Some people think it would be easy for you to take him down repeatedly and grind out a win. Is it tempting to sort of take the safe way and do that?
I'm never ever going to be the type to go out there and grind out a win. I go out every time to finish my opponent no matter what, whether it's standing up or on the ground. Am I going to take him down during the course of the fight? Of course. But am I going to rely on taking him down and laying on him? No way.

Are you happy with your career progression, and at what point do you see yourself getting in the title mix?
I'm happy with my progression. As far as the title mix, I'm not even thinking about that. There are so many guys in front of me. There are plenty of guys to move thru and keep progressing my way up. I think that's down the road. I think we're looking at two years -- somewhere along those lines -- where I work my way up the ranks into possibly getting a title shot.

If you beat Grove, who would you think is a good opponent afterward?
I don't care. It's something I'd have to think about after the fight. I'm focused on Kendall, that's all that matters to me right now.

You're fighting on the card with Tito Ortiz making his return. Who are you picking in the Ortiz-Griffin matchup?
I think Forrest will win. I just think Forrest keeps getting better and better and progressing. I think Tito's one of those fighters that's getting outdated. Not that Tito's not a great fighter, but as time goes on, a younger generation steps up and becomes the fighters of the future. I think Forrest keeps showing people that he's not just winning with heart. He's a great fighter and he keeps getting better in all his skills. Tito's sort of an old-school fighter and I don't think he's really progressed much over the last two years. He's pretty much the same fighter he's always been.

Jake Rosholt Hopes Win Over Kendall Grove Will Increase Profile originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Anthony Johnson Not Worried About the Haters or the Scale at UFC 106

Ariel Helwani — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:21:00 EST

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- When Anthony Johnson met with the media on Wednesday, he told them right away that he currently weighed 180 pounds and would have no problems making the 171-pound weight limit on Friday prior to his UFC 106 fight against Josh Koscheck.

And when FanHouse spoke to "Rumble," we asked the same question one more time for good measure. Guess what? He sounded very confident (once again) that there will be no replay of his weight cutting issues at UFC 104. Johnson also talked about getting a shot to fight in Saturday's co-main event, the time he spent training with Koshceck in the past, and looking to prove that he is a force to be reckoned in the UFC's crowded welterweight division. The video interview is below.

Anthony Johnson Not Worried About the Haters or the Scale at UFC 106 originally appeared on MMA FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments