Forrest Griffin Interview
We know all about Forrest Griffin; the first UFC Original Fighter, a legend in his weight class and in the sport of mixed martial arts – in my humble opinion. That aside, Griffin has a fight coming up very soon – against one Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 86 in Las Vegas, NV. CagePotato.com was granted face time with Griffin in an exclusive interview; below re some of the excerpts from the interview:
CagePotato.com: Thanks for talking with me, Forrest. Tell me, how have you been getting ready specifically for “Rampage”?
You know, a little of this, little of that. I’ve just been having people scowl at me a lot. That’s the first thing you’ve got to prepare for with Rampage. He’s got a good scowl. If you’ve ever watched him fight, have you ever watched him fight?
Yes, I’ve seen him fight.
He’s got a nice little scowl, doesn’t he?
It’s not bad. What else do you think he has in his arsenal, aside from the scowl.
He’s got a good chin. He’s a powerful guy, very explosive. He hits hard.
His trainer mentioned that he expected you to try and stay away from “Rampage” for most of the fight.
Sounds good. I think I’ll do that. Stay on the move. I like that. No, but I don’t want to stand in front of him for too long. Unfortunately he hits harder than I do and has a better chin than I do, so that’s not a good idea.
For the rest of this interview, click here.
Tennessee To Become MMA-Legal
In another positive step in making mixed martial arts legal in all 50 states, the State of Tennessee -effective Tuesday – will have in place a state athletic commission; the measure will in effect legalize and regulate MMA events throughout the state. Despite the approval of Governor Phil Bredesen, there were concerns – minor as they were – over a provision to require one-half of any money beyond what’s needed to operate the commission to go towards grants to NCAA Division I wrestling programs. In any event, the folks in the state of Tennessee can look forward to MMA action as soon as tomorrow. A good, positive step in the evolution of MMA here in the United States.
Franklin To Fight At UFC 88?
There may be a middleweight or light-heavyweight fight on the horizon as according to Dann Stupp of MMAjunkie.com, a source close to the UFC 88 event – set to take place on September 6 in Atlanta, GA – has said that Rich Franklin has been targeted for the event and the search for an opponent is “in full swing”. However, Franklin’s business manager, J.T. Stewart, has declined to comment on the prospect of Franklin participating in UFC 88. Should Franklin (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) decide to fight on the UFC 88 card, it is more than likely to be as a participant in a co-main event fight.
The question that begs to be answered is whether Franklin remains a middleweight or move up to the light-heavyweight division? A lot would depend on who you believe as the hype will remain until an opponent is found for Franklin – assuming Franklin accepts a fight at UFC 88. Franklin, back in April, stated, “I’ve been at 185 (pounds) for several years. I think that over the past couple years, I’ve really changed my body composition. It used to kill me to make weight, but now it’s much easier than it was three years ago, and I think it’s because my body’s changed a lot. I just don’t think I’m big enough to compete effectively as a light heavyweight anymore.”
Based on that statement alone, I would say that Franklin will remain in the middleweight division for now. But as is often the case in the MMA world, sometimes you can expect the unexpected. But first and foremost, Franklin will need to decide whether or not he wants to fight on the UFC 88 card. Stay tuned to Octagon Buzz for up-to-date developments on Franklin’s final decision regarding UFC 88.
Delaware To Ban MMA Events?
Legalization of mixed martial arts on the East Coast of the United States just got a little more difficult as according to Alexander Pyles of Delaware Online, Delaware state representative on Tuesday introduced legislation, called “Toughman Legislation” – also known as House Bill 501. The bill in question puts together Toughman competitions and MMA events into the same lump of clay; the state defines Toughman events as elimination tournaments between amateur participants without boxing experience or training. The bill would ban both boxing and MMA in the state of Delaware; promoters and fighters who violate the law would be subject to face Class A misdemeanor charges.
Erik Paulson Interview
Erik Paulson is one of the most respected men in the mixed martial arts world. Bob Carson of Carson’s Corner got an interview with the fighter/coach/innovator; Paulson discusses Brock Lesnar, Ken Shamrock’s camp and much more. Enjoy!!
Listen To Interview (Right-Click -> Save As)
MFC Cancels Fickett-Ford Fight
The MFC Welterweight Championship fight scheduled between Ryan Ford and Drew Fickett, according to Randy Harrison of nokaut.com, has been cancelled; this has been verified by Mark Pavelich, owner and president of MFC. This announcement stems from an earlier incident where Pavelich and the MFC were upset at Fickett for attempting to take a fight on last Friday’s Strikeforce event in San Jose, CA – a hair over three weeks away from the MFC card.
Pavelich addressed the situation, stating,
“We were shocked to learn Drew agreed on one day’s notice to fight as a middleweight in another organization’s event this past Friday. When I contacted this other organization, its owner immediately cancelled Drew’s fight when informed that he was under contract to fight on the MFC show and as part of Mr. Fickett’s contract he was not allowed to take another fight up to five weeks before the MFC show.
When I learned of Drew’s intentions to take this fight, I repeatedly attempted to reach Drew’s manager to find out why. After numerous attempts to reach his manager went unreturned, I did leave a voice mail which has since been made public. I admit to being very upset, angry and frustrated not only by Drew’s action but also by not being able to reach his manager and the tone of that voice mail reflected my feelings.”
Pavelich also added that Fickett failed to submit a promotional picture for MFC to use and additional documents regarding medical, passport and border information. Apparently, this isn’t the first time that Fickett has stiffed a promotion as he bailed out of a June 14 fight with Jake Shields in EliteXC, only to sign with a smaller promotion in Arizona a week before the June 14 date. Obviously there’s unresolved issues between Fickett and Pavelich; while Pavelich made statements that may not ring true (Fickett taking the money and running), the fact that Fickett promised to fight for one promotion while actually signing with another will probably bring up a red flag in any future fights that Fickett wants to be involved in. What Fickett does need though is some representation, that way, not only will Fickett honor any and all fight agreements, but will be able to get his reputation back. Which is money in the MMA game.
Rage In the Cage Invades New Mexico
Rage In The Cage makes their New Mexico debut when they come to Albuquerque and the Santa Ana Star Center on August 2 for a night of MMA action. The event starts at 8 PM (local time). Below is the tentative card for the event*:
- Alberto Crane vs. Gabe Rivas
- Drew Fickett vs. Adrian Valdez
- Jen Babcock vs. Raechel Megahan
- Freddy Sandoval vs. Jeff Horlacher
- Rocky Ramirez vs. Seth Baczynski
- Eric Regan vs. TBA
- Victor Meza vs. TBA
- Jon Tsosie vs. TBA
- Logan Sims vs. TBA
*Fight card subject to change.
Mac Danzig Interview
Ever since winning The Ultimate Fighter 6 last December, Mac Danzig has experienced ups and downs in attempting to get himself into a contender’s role in the lightweight division. Already a staple in the King of the Cage promotion, his appearances in the UFC have enhanced his exposure. Ever since he defeated Mark Bocek in April, he has been incognito, trying to heal up from an injury suffered during that fight. Danzig, in an interview with Mick Hammond of MMAWeekly.com, spoke about the injury in question, his return to MMA and advice he gave to TUF 7 champion Amir Sadollah. Below are some excerpts from the interview:
MMAWeekly: First off, Mac, can you give us an injury update?
Mac Danzig: I actually suffered the knee injury in the middle of the (Mark Bocek) fight. I tore a bunch of muscles in my knee, and had a partial tear of a ligament. I’ve just been healing it up and taking it easy. I moved my girlfriend in with me, took a few photography trips for myself, and now I’m just preparing to get back in there. It’s getting to the point where I’m eight weeks out (from my next fight) and I can start pushing hard.
The injury was slower to heal than I thought it would be, but it will be fine for this fight, unless something crazy happens. I should be good to go.
MMAWeekly: You mention your upcoming fight. For fans that haven’t heard yet, tell us what’s upcoming.
Mac Danzig: It’s going to be me and Clay (Guida) at a UFC Fight Night in September. I guess it’s going to be in Omaha, Neb. I’m not sure what spot our fight is going to be on the card. I’ve heard rumors that it might be the main event, co-main event or just a regular fight on the card – I don’t know. None of that really matters to me; I’m just really looking forward to fighting him.
This is the first time in a long time that I’ve been very excited about the opponent and match-up. I think from a fan’s perspective it’s an awesome fight. If I was a fan watching, I’d want to see it.
I have no animosity towards him, I have a lot of respect for him – it’s just one of those things where he’s an awesome competitor and I can’t wait to get in there to fight him. It’s a huge fight for me. It’s the biggest one I’ve had and I’m looking forward to it.
To view the rest of the interview, click here.
