Five UFC Fights For Fedor

The rumors about Fedor coming to the UFC are likely exaggerated. But it’s still intriguing to most fight fans, even after his three straight defeats. Fedor recently notched his first win in over two years by beating Jeff Monson. If you don’t think that Fedor is still UFC-worthy, tell that to Monson. According to Monson, Fedor broke his femur and ruptured his patella tendon. Ask Dan Henderson. Fedor rocked Hendo before he was caught by that uppercut.

Would he come into the UFC and be a contender? Not necessarily. But there are still some fights that would make sense, make the UFC money and thrill fans. Here are 5 of them.

Fedor vs. Fabricio Werdum

I would bet a HUGE chunk of coin that Fedor would win in a rematch with Werdum. There’s no way he would approach Werdum the same way he did when he was submitted by him in June of 2010. Fedor would pummel him in the standup. Werdum would have to come back to the UFC, but with Strikeforce seemingly dead that shouldn’t pose any problem.

Fedor vs. Brock Lesnar

Conventional wisdom — and I’m not saying I agree — is that Lesnar will lose to Overeem at UFC 141. How absolutely insane would it be for Fedor to sign with the UFC and step into the Octagon against Lesnar for his first fight? The people at TopBet Sportsbook would have their heads, servers and bankrolls explode. You don’t think that would set some PPV records?

Fedor vs. Overeem

Let’s say that Brock Lesnar beats Overeem. The exact same scenario from above could take place with Overeem, especially since he would not be ready for a title shot, or even the top contender at that point. These two should have fought many years ago. I still believe that people are overrating Overeem. An all-out brawl with Fedor? Yes, please!

Fedor vs. Cro Cop

Cro Cop keeps mentioning retirement but you can bet your life he’d love a rematch with Fedor — and so would the fans. Cro Cop had Fedor reeling in the first round of their 2005 PRIDE battle, but Fedor came back to win the bout by unanimous decision. They are both still willing to brawl and a rematch would be epic, even at their advanced age.

Fedor vs. Roy Nelson

I like this match stylistically. They both like to throw bombs and they both have different types of ground games. Fedor is more ground and pound while Nelson is a BJJ black belt. They would no doubt throw down in the center of the Octagon, but when Nelson gets rocked or runs low on gas he likes to shoot on his opponents. The fight would then get to the ground with either Fedor taking the top and pounding away or Big Country working subs until he catches Fedor or the fight gets back to standing.

Shonie Carter Wants to Fight at UFC in Chicago

Chicago’s own Shonie “Mr. International” Carter has stated his case to be added to the UFC on Fox card at the United Center in Chicago on January 28th.

Here’s what Shonie posted on the UG:

I know it has been a while since UFC fans have seen me in the octagon. I am just asking the Zuffa Org. to do this not just for the fans, but the community of the west side of Chicago. Chicago has been good to me over the years when it come to appreciation. Chicago has the 3rd largest ppv market in the country. The potential revenue from me being on the card has not only a great potential but also it will give a new dream to all of the inner city youth a brighter hope in trying to reach their dreams no matter what they are. I am not asking for an extended contract in doing this. I am asking for just a one fight deal to give hope to those people who struggle everyday walking a lonely path in trying to reach their goal.

It would be great to see Shonie get one more fight in front of his home crowd. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more fan-friendly fighter, and Carter has been an entertainer and ambassador for the sport for a very long time.

Shonie was supposed to fight Ryan Thomas at XFC 15 this weekend, but he suffered an injury and is off the card. Carter got back in the win column with a unanimous decision win over Landon Showalter at Rumble on the Ridge XX in October, and he’d be more than ready for a late-January fight in the UFC at the UC.

What do you say, Dana?

Fighting For the Cure 2011

Krav Maga Illinois is hosting ‘Fighting For the Cure 2011′, a women’s self-defense seminar on December 11th. All proceeds will go to ‘The Marni Fund’, which works to fund breast cancer research and find a cure.

You can register for the seminar by calling Krav Maga Illinois at 847.433.0405. More information is on the flyer below and you can visit the Krav Maga Illinois website.

Wineland Wants ‘That Shiny Belt Buckle’

It doesn’t get any easier for Eddie Wineland. Coming off losses to Urijah Faber and Joseph Benavidez, the former WEC bantamweight champion is scheduled to fight the speedy Demetrious Johnson here in Chicago on January 28th for UFC on Fox 2.

The native of nearby Chesterton, Indiana is happy to fight so close to home. “I love to fight on this card because I’m such a home body and long trips just aren’t my thing,” Wineland told Chicago’s MMA.

While he’s thrilled to be staying close to home, it’s never been Wineland’s dream to fight in front of family and friends, many of whom won’t have to journey far to come see him at the United Center. “The only dream I have set my sights on is that shiny belt buckle,” Wineland said.

The road to obtaining that belt hits a crucial speed bump in the elusive Johnson. This fight will determine if Wineland is still a title contender. A loss to Johnson would be his third in a row, and surely would send him to the back of the bantamweight line.

Wineland’s pro career has been something of a roller coaster ride. He became the WEC’s first-ever bantamweight champ by beating Antonio Banuelos at WEC 20, just a month before his 22nd birthday. He lost the belt to Chase Beebe less than a year later.

He wasted little time in getting another strap. He went out and won the TFC bantamweight title, then returned to the WEC. He fought Rani Yahya here in Chicago at WEC 40, where he was submitted in the first round.

He shrugged off that loss and rattled off four straight WEC victories, which included back to back ‘Knockout of the Night’ honors. Wineland’s power slam KO of Ken Stone in the last-ever WEC event turned heads, went viral across the web and got fans jacked to see him again.

A win over Faber seemingly would have garnered Wineland another title shot, but Wineland couldn’t land the shots he wanted. Now he gets “Mighty Mouse”, who just went five rounds with the champion Dominick Cruz. And he’ll do it here in Chicago on national TV. The perfect place for Wineland to start his climb again.

Julia Budd’s Arm Snapped by Ronda Rousey [Video]

Ronda Rousey is taking the world of MMA by storm — or perhaps by armbar. Friday night she added another win via armbar submission, and almost took Julia Budd’s arm home with her as a trophy.

Rousey now has 6 wins in her career: 4 pro and 2 amateur. All of them have come by way of armbar. What’s interesting is that in her last bout she actually let go of a hold on Sarah D’Alelio, telling the ref to stop the bout because D’Alelio verbally tapped. It was a bit controversial, but there was none of that this time. She simply snapped Budd’s arm when she refused to tap. Budd will be on medical suspension for six months unless she is cleared by a doctor before then.

Here is a look at the snap on loop.

Rumble on the River – November 26

Rockford will play host to another MMA event this weekend, when ‘Rumble on the River’ takes place on Saturday night at Cliffbreakers Resort.

Alvarez vs. Chandler: Bellator’s Best War

Bellator has always been known for rare submissions and spectacular finishes. But in Saturday night’s lightweight title bout between Eddie Alvarez and Michael Chandler, they had the most memorable war in the fight promotion’s history.

It’s a back and forth battle that simply has to be seen to be believed. There aren’t words to express or explain the determination and heart in these two warriors.

Here is the full fight between Alvarez and Chandler, certainly among the finalists for ‘Fight of the Year’.

MMA Fighters Playing Golf?

This ought to be good — MMA fighters taking it to the golf course to strike the white orb.

C’mon Cung Le! Don’t you know you have to wear a collared shirt out on the links! They don’t allow ‘Clinch Gear’ tees. But, it was all for charity, so it’s cool. Too bad they didn’t show more of these guys shanking and duffing it. Hitting some worm burners. That would have been great.

Ron Balicki Seminar at Degerberg Academy

Chicago’s own Ron Balicki will be back in town for a seminar at the Degerberg Academy.

Balicki is a well-respected martial artist that has studied under Dan Inosanto, Fred Degerberg, Yorinaga Nakamura, Larry Lindenman and others. The former Shooto fighter will be presenting a three-day seminar that covers a wide array of martial arts. All the details to sign up are on the poster below.

Douglas Lima KOs Ben Saunders at Bellator 57

Ben Saunders had been undefeated in his Bellator fights heading into his match with Douglas “The Phenom” Lima. Then this happened:

“I knew it was there. We worked on that a lot last week; duck the left hook, come back with the right straight. It worked out great,” Lima said. “I’m glad I got the win. It was hard but it paid off. Hats off to Ben. He’s the greatest guy. He’s a great fighter.”

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