I wonder if he's ever hooked up with Holly Holm......

Nope... Holly's been married for awhile... John has three children with fiance who happens to be his high school sweetheart...

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Ahh, icicic.

That's great! I hope he keeps it on the rails.

I thought that was the issue...

I hope so too... I'm on law enforcement myself and seen people bounce back from their mistakes and successfully moved on.

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I'm in lockstep with you, al. UFC wasn't going to see any $ from me until they resolved this mess. It is a shame that this story had to overshadow the events from a historic night in the UFC.

It is an even bigger shame that the Fertittias(sp?) and Dana White run the UFC with an archaic style reminiscent of Vegas' deep mob roots. The UFC had to realize with the biggest event in their history coming up next month that the longer this story stayed in the news cycle the worse it would be for them.

Just by giving the MMAFighting staff back their credentials doesn't change the larger problem that the UFC faces. It just quiets the debate for now. The UFC wants the media to be a glorified extension of their PR department instead of allowing the press to do their job. The UFC statement on this matter just further reflects their heavy-handed approach to their relationship with the media.

Some details of the alleged incident of which Ariel spoke of during yesterday's MMA Hour regarding one of these situations turning physical have come to light. One of Dana's bodyguard's choked Ariel after he asked Chuck Liddell if he would ever fight Jon Jones.

Hopefully, the MMA Fighting staff can go back to doing their jobs at the Fight Night in Ottawa next week without any ramifications from the UFC but I have my doubts.

It was an all-time stupid decision by UFC to ban him. He's 100x more famous now then he was on Saturday morning. Newspapers in NY, DC, LA, Boston, etc. that wouldn't have even posted the results of UFC 199 in the sports section now have stories about Helwani being banned by Dana White and the UFC. Ariel Helwani is pretty much untouchable at this point.

The silliest thing about this whole issue is that Ariel Helwani is incredibly valuable to the UFC, financially, and they didn't even seem to realize it.

Casual fans don't generally decide to watch the fights on a whim like they might for football or baseball, they usually have to be talked into it by a friend who is a dedicated hardcore fan, and Ariel's audience for his weekly show is nothing but those guys. Every week he keeps them fired up about the next card, and then his audience goes out and preaches UFC to their friends who otherwise wouldn't watch, etc.

And, as Kevin Iole incredulously wrote, "the UFC wants to ban that guy?!?"

Great point, al. The UFC wants the media to be more of a PR firm than actual journalists and then they run off the one guy who has been hyping their product unlike anyone else in the business. It was a short-sighted, foolish move by the UFC to permaban Ariel and his colleagues. By the UFC revoking the MMAFighting staff's media credentials and subsequently reinstating them it begs the question how much was this decision influenced by mainstream media backlash, Fightpass & UFC 200 blowback in buys and a potential sale of the UFC?

I am surprised to see Kimbo not getting much shout in this thread but Ariel is still going strong. Kimbo was an awful MMA fighter but he was a tough ass dude.

R.I.P Kimbo Slice :(

Kimbo main evented the first ever card on network television(CBS, remember Gus Johnson was on the call). He was by all accounts a kind and gentle man who will be remembered as a true pioneer in MMA. Some of the stories Schaub shares on TFATK about their time together in the TUF house are hilarious.

RIP KIMBO

Except for fat guys in the back yard.

lol, Mark Hunt probably has the quote of the day.

LMAO

ROFL
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/blogs/m...003253522.html

If he was tested today, I don't think the results would be back until after UFC 200. I think thats obviously why they waited till the last few weeks to sign him, they probably expect him to fail a steroid test. If thats the case, then they are probably paying him a huge bucket of money since he may not be able to fight again (he's 38) after this one last fight.

He'll probably not want to fight again anyway after he gets smashed by the heaviest hands in the world.

Brock will have to somehow get Hunt down, and that is really difficult to do. A lot of wrestlers have tried and failed, but Brock has no choice, he can't stand with him. Brock will either have to rush him against the cage and drag him down, or dive for those double leg takedowns like there's no tomorrow.

maybe brock will get ass dropped a la wand

Saw this picture someone drew regarding the weird paper-rock-scissors thing the UFC has in that division, was amused, and decided to post it.

https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.n...c7&oe=5801D812

https://www.yahoo.com/news/mark-hunt...163947180.html

Mark Hunt Has Some Pretty Serious Steroid Accusations Aimed At Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar has quite famously not had a mixed martial arts fight in about five years. During that time, he’s been performing in WWE, which has a Wellness Policy that includes drug testing, but the drug testing for main event performers has been scoffed at for years by critics.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Lesnar has already received his first random drug test from the USADA in advance of his upcoming return fight against Mark Hunt at UFC 200. This comes on the heels of UFC waiving their mandatory four-month testing period for fighters coming out of retirement. Lesnar’s opponent was none too happy about that four-month period being waived and the former UFC heavyweight champ receiving special treatment.

On Thursday, in an interview with FOX Sports Australia, Hunt levied some allegations about Lesnar. He appears to think his fight at UFC 200 won’t be on a level playing field.

“I don’t think that’s fair. I think it’s load of bulls***, I think it’s rubbish,” Hunt told UFC FIGHT WEEK on Fox Sports in an exclusive interview. “I don’t think anyone should be exempt from testing. If they’re trying to clean the sport up — mixed martial arts — this is a bad way to do it. I don’t care who you are. It’s ridiculous. “I don’t think it’s a great move. I think he’s juiced to the gills — and I still think I’m going to knock him out. So I don’t think that’s correct. I don’t think he should be allowed to get a four-month exemption otherwise everyone else should. Otherwise I should start juicing. “How are you going to clean the sport up doing that s***? It won’t happen. I don’t think it’s fair.”
You can read a lot more angry words from Hunt over at FOX Sports Australia, but unfortunately for now, you can only watch the video of his diatribe if you happen to live in that continent.

Lesnar’s camp and the UFC are both certain to respond to these allegations. Until then, we can just wait for the news of several more “random” drug screenings on Lesnar before July 9 rolls around.

I generally like Mark Hunt, but if it bothers him that much dont take the fight.

I actually did not know the WWE does drug testing, and they suspend wrestlers who fail. Not sure if its a real (random 24/7/365) drug test, or more of an intelligence test where you know its coming and have to be stupid to fail.

I'd be more annoyed about it if Brock was a dangerous fighter who could hurt Hunt. Hunt will probably KO him in fairly short order, but if Brock actually does do damage I'll be interested in the test result.

Both Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson have said they want a rematch as Bisping's first title defense. I can see that happening with Rockhold/Weidman fighting a title eliminator, though the UFC may opt for Jacare instead of Hendo. It'll be interesting to see what they decide.

This so needs to happen, especially in the wake of the post fight presser after 199. Who doesn't want to see this fight?
This fight will sell. No doubt about it.

Pretty sure they've taken it at least semi seriously after Benoit. Doubt Lesnar is taking steroids though.

The Benoit incident had nothing to do with steroids.

Id guess Lensar is at least on HGH and TRT.

ROFLhttps://www.yahoo.com/news/nate-diaz-reportedly-brawl-clay-143014379.html

Agreed. Brock has to get the take down then the mauling can ensue. He does have incredible size and strength but thats about it. Hunt should be able to take it whether Brock is juiced to the gills or not.

Well, not sure if he'll get it, especially if he's basically saying he'd immediately vacate, but Hendo is trying to get his shot.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If I was to fight only one more time, who would you guys like to see me fight? <a href="https://twitter.com/danawhite">@danawhite</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc">@ufc</a></p>&mdash; Dan Henderson (@danhendo) <a href="https://twitter.com/danhendo/status/741386744302579712">June 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Its a fair gripe IMO, and he is probably right that Lesnar is "juiced to the gills"... its the only possible way he can have a good showing after such a long layoff with no MMA training

Chad Mendes got popped, not sure for what yet

CM Punk joining the UFC despite not even having a mma fight and now WWE Champ Brock Lesnar is back.

Seriously, it's turning into a circus.

He is probably right but you can't bitch about it and take part in it at the same time.

Why not?
Hunt raises a great point. This goes against all the UFC has done with USADA to try and clean up the sport.

Then don't be a part of it. Seems hypocritical.
This also a very rare situation. I doubt it happens again anytime soon.

Waiving their own testing procedures doesn't seem strange to you?

What's rare about it? They needed a splash for 200 and they don't care how they get it.

Yes. They wanted something special for 200 so they couldnt follow typical protocol and pull it off. I would be suprised if it happens again in years. $$$$$$ talks.

If it is such a big deal to Mark then turn down the fat check they offered on principle. It is like a politician bitching about bribes and taking one at the same time.

They had something that could have.been special for 200 and all stepped on their dicks.


Did brock do the 50 city media tour?


And no it's not like that at all, now if hunt didn't get tested and bitched about brock not getting tested 4 months out you would have made sense...

Hunt is a willing participant so.he in a way os condoning what he bitched about. The statement would carry more weight if any fighter but him made it.

As far as $$$ goes, this is probably better for the UFC. UFC 200 is going to sell about as well as it would have, and now 202 is massively improved (for casual fans anyway, hard core fans aren't too excited about the rematch). 202 may have ended up being a card people would skip under the original plan.

I disagree.

Like I said, I am only sort of fine with this because I think Brock Lesnar is going to get knocked the **** out regardless of what he may be taking. This is MMA though, and crazy things can happen, so if Brock hurts Mark Hunt and then fails a test, I'm not going to be happy about that.

Speaking of which, that crazy Japanese fan drew another picture.

https://imgur.com/kRSrMFx.jpg

Hunt will win easy IMO. However, it seems to be a no lose situation for Hunt if Lesnar is using. You either win or lose to a cheater.

Unsurprisingly, Ariel Helwani has a stacked lineup for his MMA hour show tomorrow. Bisping, Dominick Cruz, DC, Rampage, Mark Hunt, Frankie Edgar, and Josh Barnett

Fedor was a surprise guest on Helwani's MMA hour show, and he dropped a bit of news. He'll be a free agent after this weekend, and he's seriously thinking about finally fighting for the UFC. He strongly implied that he'd need to be paid well though, if he's not happy with the offer, he'll keep cashing checks with overseas promotions.

Interesting bit of news. The UFC just told Mark Hunt to start training and be ready for UFC 200. So, he knew he would be fighting, but they did not tell him his opponent, he found out while watching the UFC 199 PPV. Thats also why they didn't announce Brock's opponent until the day after, they needed to get back to Hunt and see if he would sign the contract.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">UFC sale definitely progressing. Terms unclear at the moment, but lots of talk from very reliable sources today. Not 100% done, though.</p>&mdash; Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) <a href="https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/742855887363182593">June 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Banned

UFC title history updated for the shocking upset at Middleweight

Jeremy Botter is reporting that a 100% sale of the UFC is imminent. Zuffa opened sealed bids from 3 different groups today, all three bids are above $4B.

He also says that all 3 groups bidding for the UFC want to keep Dana White. His 9% share will be sold, but the groups each plan to give him a new deal along with shares in the new company to stay on in some role (not sure if he'll be president).

edit: the highest bid is $4.2B, from William Morris Endeavor Agency in California, and from some huge Chinese company. They decided to partner up and bid together rather than submit competing bids.

So, if all of this is true, then the only real change is that the Fertittas are cashing out, and there will be a new owner above Dana White.

Woah. Robert Kraft, yes THAT Robert Kraft, the owner of the patriots, is also part of the group that submitted the highest bid.

So the high bid was submitted by an ownership group made of up of WME, 2 big chinese companies, and Robert Kraft.

edit: He is only going to have a very small stake, like $25-$50 million. Most of the money is coming from WME and one of the chinese companies, they are just reaching out to rich investors to finance the rest, and Kraft is one of them.

Brock Lesnar recently earned a blue belt

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The new blue belt! <a href="https://twitter.com/BrockLesnar">@BrockLesnar</a> promoted by <a href="https://twitter.com/compridobjj">@compridobjj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc">@ufc</a> <a href="https://t.co/qNcZ6ioAgs">pic.twitter.com/qNcZ6ioAgs</a></p>&mdash; Ana Hissa (@AnaHissa) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnaHissa/status/743580558660345856">June 16, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fedor out here looking flabby and sick.

I couldn't watch the fight, but judging from twitter, it looks like the Fedor hype is going to be deflated a bit. Sounds like he should retire.

According to twitter, he won 2 rounds, but then just got flattened in a round that most people scored 10-8 (so a draw). But, because Fedor is literally the head of the organization that appoints judges in Russia, he got a majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

edit: I guess the round Fedor got wrecked in was the first round, but his opponent couldn't put him away.

You training wiht him?

He looks that bad? We need details.

He's fought.

Just watched the Fedor fight.

His explosiveness is not what it was back in Pride (which is what all of us expect). Really surprised he chose to keep the fight standing (since he destroyed Big Nog in guard twice).
Seems reliant on hooks out of exchanges and hoping his speed closes distance better than he thought it would.

More UFC rumors, all from Jeremy Botter, none confirmed outside of him.

1) After the sale, the Fertittas will be completely out, and thats fine with them, because they want to use this new capital to expand their casino business.

2) WME/Dalian wants to retain Dana White, and will pay him for it, but for more of a promotional/public face role. They are looking at someone like Garry Cook to be the new actual president of the UFC.

3) For the most part, they want the UFC to continue to operate as before as far as the casual fan is concerned, they just might rein back the crazier people (Dana)

Unconfirmed rumor is that Lorenzo is going to try a NFL team.

I think its shit.

WME/Dalian is reportedly willing to give Dana 6-7% of the new company in his current role.

That is in direct conflict with stories suggesting that the new owners may want Dana to stay only in a reduced rule, so obviously there is a lot of confusion and uncertainty in this issue.

Part of the raiders in Las Vegas is what I've heard.

That makes a lot of sense.

It really does, telling that this all hits right after the nfl starts softening their stance on relocation there.


I've heard they've known multiple people would jump right on the purchase but they had no real reason to sell...

I can't imagine if the NFL let's a team in Vegas, they'd let a casino owner own even a penny of the team.

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The fight card tonight is shallow, but the last 2 fights should be entertaining. Tune in after about 10:30pm central if nothing else.

If you have fightpass, the featured fightpass prelim is soon and should be a good fight. Theodorou is a good prospect, and Alvey is a one-dimensional knockout puncher.

Interested in the Steve Bosse fight. This is based solely on his precious fighting career... on the ice! Let's see if it translates to the octagon.

I hope no one heeded that advice. It was a trap, ending with the arena loudly booing.

"How many fingers?"
"Thursday!"

That women's flyweight fight is FOTN so far, but I think one of the last two fights will beat it.

Good lord, Bosse vs O'Connell was God Damn madness. FOTN for sure, there's no way the last 2 fights will beat it. If you skipped this card, try to find that fight on the internet and watch it. I have no clue who should win the decision, either.

That fight was awesome.

YEEHAH! Lol, now he's knocking out welterweights. I guess Cowboy can hang at 170

I have it 50-45 Wonderboy. Maybe Rory won 1 or 2 rounds, but he lost the fight.

For bonuses I have:

FOTN: Bosse vs O'Connell
POTN: Cerrone
POTN: Calderwood

Bosse fight was awesome. Wonderboy was a good technical fight but boring