Blackhawks’ Wirtz: UFC is Like Playoff Hockey

The UFC held its first event at the home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks last Saturday, and Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz was there for the action.

In this interview for ESPN Chicago, Wirtz offers his thoughts on what he thinks about the UFC, what was most exciting about the event and if he’d like the UFC back in the United Center.

Chael Sonnen Takes a Shot — at the Cubs?

UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen has a sharp tongue, with most of his ire usually reserved for Anderson Silva. But when Ray Flores and I caught up with him at the UFC press conference in Chicago, Sonnen even found some time to take a jab at everyone’s favorite punching bag — the Chicago Cubs.

Rashad Evans: I Would Smash Jon Jones in Practice

Rashad Evans has a tough task ahead of him when he battles Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis at the UFC on FOX event in Chicago on January 28th. Evans took part in the UFC press conference yesterday at the United Center, and while he traded some verbal jabs with Davis, the conversation inevitably moved to his feud with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones.

Ray Flores and I caught up with Evans at the press conference, and he did his part to stoke the fires of his feud with Jones in this interview for ESPN Chicago.

BARTIMUS SIGNS WITH HEADRUSH

Ray Flores was in Vegas for UFC 126 over the weekend and he caught up with Team Curran’s Bart Palaszewski, who recently signed with Headrush.

RAY FLORES INTERVIEWS UFC CHAMPION JOSE ALDO

MMA broadcaster/cage announcer Ray Flores caught up with new UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo to discuss the UFC/WEC merger and his upcoming fight against Josh Grispi at UFC 125. Unfortunately for fight fans, Aldo has had to withdraw from that bout due to compacted vertebrae, which was causing some tingling in his arms, according to Heavy.com.

RAY FLORES NAMED SHINE FIGHTS CAGE ANNOUNCER

Local MMA personality Ray Flores has been named the cage announcer for the upcoming Shine Lightweight Grand Prix, which takes place at The Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia on September 10th.

Flores will be introducing some familiar names to MMA fans at the event. The combatants:

• Former WEC contender Rich Crunkilton
• Pride and UFC vet Marcus Aurelio
• Duneland Vale Tudo fighter Josh Shockley
• MFC and WEC vet Carlo Prater
• Art of War vet Hector Munoz
• UFC vet and submission specialist Drew Fickett
• KO artist and XFO vet James Warfield
• Pride and KOTC vet Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett

The tournament format is having success in Bellator and now Strikeforce. Shine’s lightweight Grand Prix looks like it will continue that excitement.

“I think Shine bringing back the tournament format is exciting for a variety of reasons”, Flores told Chicago’s MMA. “There are so many things that can happen and so many scenarios which can play out. The fighters in this tourney are world class. You have guys that are looking to get back to the UFC and have experienced big fight situations.”

“Then you have guys who are up and coming, solid fighters looking to make a name for themselves. I also think Shine is very fortunate to have Chicago native Jason Chambers at the helm as the COO. Here’s a guy who has a vision, brings excitement and energy to this product. He knows what fans want and it’s great to be along for the ride with Shine.”

It’s an especially great opportunity for Duneland Vale Tudo’s Josh Shockley. He was supposed to fight Mark Miller at Bellator 25, but Miller had to withdraw due to an injury. A killer knockout or sub could make Shockley or any of the other combatants a “You Tube Hero” a la Toby Imada’s inverted triangle. It could be a great career boost.

You can watch the tourney on Friday, September 10th at 8pm Central on pay per view.

RASHAD EVANS TALKS TRAINING WITH MIGUEL TORRES

Local ring announcer and MMA play by play man Ray Flores talked with Rashad Evans during a break in training with Miguel Torres at Torres Martial Arts in Hammond, Indiana. Rashad talks about training with Miguel, beating Rampage and his upcoming title fight with Shogun Rua.

MIKE CANTRELL VS. ETHAN STEPHENS [VIDEO]

Mike Cantrell battles Ethan Stephens at “Babes and Brawls” from November of last year. Next event is in June. Check out Chicago’s MMA events page for the latest local events.

Ring /Play by Play announcer Ray Flores is on the call for this fight.

XFO 31 RECAP AND RESULTS

It was a beautiful night for XFO’s “Outdoor War”. The temperature was perfect, coupled with a slight, soothing breeze as MMA fans sat on chairs in the sand to watch 2 full cards for XFO 31.

Big Poppa Schnake was on the mic and in rare form as many MMA luminaries came out to see the action. Tim Sylvia, Jeff Curran, Clay Guida and Stephan Bonnar were all in attendance, and the card did not disappoint. Read more

NICK DIAZ TALKS STRIKEFORCE, JOE RIGGS

Ray Flores talks with Nick Diaz about his upcoming Strikeforce fight with Joe Riggs and his time in the UFC.

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