Assuncao to Meet Azeredo at Shine Fights 3

A bout between two of the most experienced lightweights on the Shine roster was finalized today, as UFC veteran Junior Assuncao (10-4 MMA, 1-0 Shine) will take on former PRIDE mainstay Luiz “The Joker” Azeredo (12-8 MMA, 0-0 Shine) in a stimulating bout at 155 pounds. The contest will be part of May 15’s “WORLDS COLLIDE: MAYORGA VS. THOMAS” card, which takes place at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, North Carolina and will be broadcasted on PPV.

Born in Recife, Brazil, Assuncao grew up in Miami, Florida. He now fights and trains out of Atlanta, Georgia at Ascension MMA with brothers Raphael and Freddy, also fighters. Junior went 1-2 during a three-fight streak in the UFC before being cut, earning a victory over David Lee and losing to tough foes Kurt “Batman” Pellegrino and Nathan Diaz in the process. The 28-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira black belt has since gone on to win five of six fights, including a hard fought split-decision victory over Peter Grimes at Shine II last September. A strong wrestler who loves to stand and bang, Assuncao also earned the XFC Lightweight Championship on March 19 with a first-round submission victory over John Mahlow. The well-rounded fighter brings a four-fight win streak into his collision with “The Joker.”

One of only four men to defeat current pound-for-pound king and UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva, Sao Paulo, Brazil native Luiz Azeredo made his mixed martial arts debut in 1997 and has since faced and defeated many of the most legendary lighter weight fighters in the sport’s history. His list of opponents includes Silva, current top contender Hayato “Mach” Sakurai, Luiz “Buscape” Firmino, Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi, Joachim “Hellboy” Hansen, Paul “Semtex” Daley, Tatsuya “Crusher” Kawajiri, and notables Fabricio “Morango” Camoes, Tony DeSouza, Milton “Miltinho” Veira, and Naoyuki Kotani. His win over Daley ranks as one of the crowing achievements of his career. In short, the 33-year-old Chute Boxe member has faced a who’s who of lighter fighters. Assuncao will be another notable added to his list. The veteran has also been in some of the most memorable wars in the sport’s history, including his 2005 victory over Shine veteran Firmino that ranks as one of the best battles in PRIDE’s storied history.

“I’ve always been a fan of these two fighters, and this is one of the sleeper fights on May 15 that will help make Shine III the card of the year,” Shine Fights matchmaker Ron Foster said.

This pivotal bout in the Shine lightweight division joins the previously announced 160-pound catchweight main event between former boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga and MMA veteran Din Thomas as well as a welterweight contest between MMA veteran Nick “The Goat” Thompson and Brazilian star Eduardo Pamplona on the May 15th card. Two surefire ground wars are set to take place at 175 pounds between 2009 ADCC Absolute Champion Braulio Estima and former Olympic Judo competitor Rick Hawn and at 205 pounds between Brazilian star Alexandre “Cacareco” Ferriera and IFL veteran Jamal “The Suit” Patterson.

“WORLDS COLLIDE” takes place at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC, and will be beamed on PPV on cable and satellite in the United States and Canada. The event will be broadcasted in High-Definition, and it will be available in both English and Spanish (where available). The broadcast will start at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be produced by MultiVision Media, Inc. There will be a 30-minute countdown show prior to the live event at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT. The event will be available for $29.95. Tickets may be obtained by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420, or online at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Crown Coliseum Box Office. For box office hours and more info, please call (910) 438-4100.

For more information on Shine Fights or “Worlds Collide,” please follow Shine on Twitter @ShineFights, Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/ShineFights), YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/ShineFights), or become a fan on Facebook.

Here are the announced bouts for “Worlds Collide:”

• Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga vs. Din “Dinyero” Thomas
• Murilo “Ninja” Rua vs. Travis “The Gladiator” Galbraith
• Nick “The Goat” Thompson vs. Eduardo Pamplona
• Braulio Estima vs. Rick Hawn
• Alexandre “Cacareco” Ferreira vs. Jamal “The Suit” Patterson
• Junior Assuncao vs. Luiz “The Joker” Azeredo

Photo Gallery: Fighter Wives and Girlfriends

Never mind the money, fame, and glory. We know the real reason that most become fighters… the women, of course! Within, you’ll find some of the hottest wives and girlfriends of MMA fighters. Sure, we know some of these relationships have long been over, but, a little eye candy never hurts. Click on each thumbnail to view a full-size photo of the fighter and his wife or girlfriend.

Check out the Wives and Girlfriends of MMA Fighters.

Seven Fighters Cut from UFC

No one likes being cut, but, it’s all part of the cream rising to the top. Although they reached the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, the following fighters had their contracts terminated by the UFC for one reason or another recently. The list, started in April 2010, will be a rolling one, so check back occasionally for the newest (unfortunate) cuts.

Check out UFC Cut List.

Whitehead Arrested for Felony Sexual Misconduct

Bad news for current Strikeforce and former UFC, IFL, and WEC veteran Mike Whitehead (24-7). As first reported on MMAJunkie.com, Whitehead reported to the Las Vegas Police Department on Wednesday and was charged with sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, and open and gross lewdness after refusing to answer questions related to an alleged incident that occurred last Saturday. Whitehead is currently being held in the Clark County Detention Center and bail hasn’t been set. As if those charges weren’t serious enough, additional charges are pending related a substantial number of marijuana plants that were found in his residence while authorities served a warrant earlier in the week.

Whitehead joins a small, but growing number of MMA fighters thrown in the poke lately for various no-no’s. Check out our gallery of MMA Fighter Mugshots.

Ortiz Out, Franklin to Meet Liddell at UFC 115

Despite poorly executed misdirection by Dana White and Chuck Liddell, Rich Franklin has been confirmed as Liddell’s opponent (replacing Tito Ortiz) at the June 12 UFC 115 event. The change was essentially confirmed as a result of tickets going on sale next Tuesday with the UFC Event Poster and tentative event roster now reflecting the revised Light Heavyweight match up.

Dana White went on the record recently denying the rumor that Ortiz was out, and Franklin was in, for the showdown in Vancouver with Liddell after rumors swirled about potential problems with Ortiz. Leaked reports indicated that Ortiz encountered some type of medical issue, was unable to finish taping of The Ultimate Fighter 11, and that Franklin was tapped as his potential replacement at some point on the show and would likely meet “The Iceman” at UFC 115 as a result. Liddell chimed in towing the company line shortly after stating that “from what he understood” he was still fighting Ortiz. While Liddell didn’t explicitly state that he was still fighting Ortiz, White was adamant in his denials, yet later admitted that he wouldn’t necessarily tell the truth anyway.

Liddell (21-7) was last seen getting dropped in the 1st round by Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 97, and has lost four of his last five fights. His recent performances have caused many to wonder how much time he has left in the sport, and the match up at UFC 115 may answer that once and for all. Although White tried unsuccessfully to nudge him into retirement after his loss at UFC 97, Liddell will now meet former UFC Middleweight champion Rick Franklin (26-5), a winner in three of his last five fights. Franklin is still widely considered a dangerous opponent for anyone at 185 or 205 lbs, and should be a solid favorite when facing Liddell.

Ortiz out, Franklin in. Although “The Iceman’s” opponent changed, the gear didn’t. Check out all of the official The Ultimate Fighter Clothing in our store.

Ferreira Meets Patterson at Shine’s Worlds Collide Event

Shine Fight Promotions (Shine Fights) today announced the official signing of another main card bout for its upcoming “WORLDS COLLIDE: MAYORGA VS. THOMAS” pay-per-view event, as a highly-anticipated light heavyweight bout between ground specialists Alexandre “Cacareco” Ferreira and IFL veteran Jamal “The Suit” Patterson has been finalized.

As two highly-ranked 205-pound fighters in the world, this fight is sure to determine a top contender in the Shine light heavyweight division. Ferreira, 30, is perhaps the best “unknown” fighter in the world. The Chute Boxe member holds an impressive 18-6 record in mixed martial arts, with 17 of his victories coming via submission. Even more impressive is Cacareco’s recent string of seven straight submission victories, with all seven fights lasting a total of just nine minutes.

The submission specialist, who favors the kimura armbar as his preferred way to end fights, feels that he has something to prove to the MMA world. Current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida turned down a fight with the explosive wrestler and BJJ expert in early 2009. Shortly thereafter, Ferreira signed with Shine and now looks to make his next fight a sort of coming out party. “I’m well known for my submissions. I think people will be impressed with my standup game as well,” says Cacareco.

Having stepped in with the likes of UFC fighter Chris Haseman, and holding victories over the likes of UFC/Pride veteran Heath Herring, Pride veteran “Dirty” Bob Schrijber, MMA veteran Shannon Ritch, UFC veterans Moti Horenstein and Branden Lee Hinkle, Team Black House member Fabio Maldonado, and IFL veteran Lew Polley, the 12-year veteran is a certifiable star.

Patterson, 36, made his MMA debut in the IFL for Renzo Gracie’s New York Pitbulls, and subsequently went on to win four out of his first six contests, all against notable opponents. Nicknamed “The Suit” because of his day job as a salesman for a high-profile dental company, Patterson earned victories over UFC veteran Matt Horwich (twice), Ultimate Fighter season one veteran Alex Schoenauer, and Chris Baten. Patterson also did his best Cacareco impression at UWC 5 in 2009, earning a 44-second submission victory over Shine and Strikeforce veteran Antwain “The Juggernaut” Britt. Overall, he holds a 5-2 MMA record, with all five victories coming by way of submission.

A former collegiate football player who competed as a safety at Colgate University, Patterson has been featured in both Sports Illustrated as one of its “Faces in the Crowd” and in The New York Times for his prowess in business and the sport of MMA. Now setting his sights on Ferreira and Shine Fights gold, Patterson is as motivated and focused as ever: “I’m motivated for any fighter I face, no matter who it is.” Patterson said. “If you have to get motivation from other areas, you’re in trouble. You have to enjoy fighting and winning.”

About his opponent for “Worlds Collide”, Patterson had this to say: “He’s a very good fighter, submission guy, tough guy, lots of experience. But I think he’s going to give me some opportunities to end the fight. I think I’m a little more well-rounded, and I think my chance will come.”

Stopping just short of predicting his first knockout victory, Patterson explained that he sees this as his chance to show off his striking: “I think this is going to be the fight where I show I can strike. I get praised for my submission game, but I’m a pretty good standup fighter. I’m not going to stand with a guy that is better than me in that area, so with Cacareco, I expect to show him I’m better on the feet.”

“This is a fight between two of the best grapplers in the world, and I’m predicting that it will be fight of the night,” Shine Fights matchmaker Ron Foster said. “Cacareco has a chip on his shoulder because of the Machida thing, and he feels like this will be his coming out party in the U.S. Patterson is a legitimate Renzo Gracie black belt and will be a tough matchup for anybody. I made this fight because of my selfish desire to see this incredible fight between two elite ground wizards.”

With both fighters salivating at the thought of facing the other, each promised that fans won’t be disappointed. “Root for me and expect a great show,” Ferreira said. “Cacareco is in the house!” Patterson also promised fireworks in the upcoming bout: “I’ve never not had an exciting fight, even in my losses. So anyone that watches this fight is going to see something fun.”

This pivotal bout in the Shine light heavyweight division joins the previously announced 160-pound catchweight main event between former boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga and MMA veteran Din Thomas as well as a welterweight contest between MMA veteran Nick “The Goat” Thompson and Brazilian star Eduardo Pamplona on the May 15th card. Another surefire ground war is set to take place at 175 pounds between 2009 ADCC Absolute Champion Braulio Estima and former Olympic Judo competitor Rick Hawn.

“WORLDS COLLIDE” is taking place at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC, and will be beamed on PPV on cable and satellite in the United States and Canada. The event will be broadcasted in High-Definition, and it will be available in both English and Spanish (where available). The broadcast will start at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be produced by MultiVision Media, Inc. There will be a 30-minute countdown show prior to the live event at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT. The event will be available for $29.95. Tickets may be obtained by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420, or online at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Crown Coliseum Box Office. For box office hours and more info, please call (910) 438-4100.

For more information on Shine Fights or “Worlds Collide,” please follow Shine on Twitter @ShineFights, Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/ShineFights), YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/ShineFights), or become a fan on Facebook.

Here are the announced bouts for “Worlds Collide:”

• Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga vs. Din “Dinyero” Thomas
• Nick “The Goat” Thompson vs. Eduardo Pamplona
• Braulio Estima vs. Rick Hawn
• Alexandre “Cacareco” Ferreira vs. Jamal “The Suit” Patterson

Photo Gallery: Bellator Fighting Championships 13 Weigh-ins

South Florida-based combat sports photographer Tom Hill was on-hand tonight for the Bellator Fighting Championships 13 Weigh-ins and was kind enough to share his photos with our site. We took the best of the best, and what you see at the below link is the end result. As you can see, the event boasts some big names like Roger Huerta and Joe Warren. Be sure to watch the event live on Thu, April 8 at 9:00 PM EST on FOX Sports Net.

Check out the Bellator Fighting Championships 13 Weigh-in Photos.

Kenny Florian: The Big Challenge is Me

“I mean, he’s been one the best fighters in the Lightweight division for many years. I’m a big fan of Pride, and Gomi has been at the top of food chain for a long time.”

“As fighters, we all want to fight the best, but I never thought it would happen. I never thought that Gomi would come over to the UFC… He’s looking for a big challenge in his career right now, and that’s exciting. I think it’s a huge treat for the hardcore fans who’ve been following this sport for a while.”

- Kenny Florian to Sherdog.com on how he views his fight this evening with Takanoro Gomi at the UFC’s Ultimate Fight Night 21. KenFlo’s only lost twice at Lightweight (Sean Sherk, BJ Penn) and is universally regarded one of the division’s best, however, it was only a few years ago that Gomi was considered the overall best at 155 lbs. Gomi’s lost two of his last four fights and was also dominated by Nick Diaz at 2007’s Pride 33 event (although ruled a “no content” thanks to Diaz’s marijuana use), so Gomi enters the fight as a solid underdog at +280ish. To Gomi’s credit, he uncharacteristically looked chiseled at the weigh-ins for the fight and it should be a good scrap.

Florian or Gomi… who ya got? Support the sport and these two Lightweight warriors – check out our online store with a huge selection of MMA Clothing and Gear.

Chuck Liddell: It’s Ortiz… I Think

“I’ve heard the rumors, of course, but from what I understand, (Ortiz) is signed to fight, and he’s still going to actually show up and get the beating he’s supposed to get… I think I earned it having to put up with him for seven weeks. I earned the right to go out there and beat him.”

- Chuck Liddell during a conference call promoting the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter 11 slated to debut immediately following the Ultimate Fight Night 21: Florian vs. Gomi event on Spike TV. Rumors have swirled, and Dana White has played coy, on the legitimacy of Liddell meeting Tito Ortiz for a third time after the conclusion of TUF 11. Leaked reports have surfaced indicating that Ortiz was unable to complete the filming of the reality show for unknown reasons (further fueled by bizarre Tweets by Ortiz and wife Jenna Jameson), may have been replaced as a coach by former UFC Middleweight champion Rich Franklin, and that it may actually be Franklin – not Ortiz – who ends up fighting Liddell at UFC 115. Time will tell.

Confused? So are we… however, nothing confusing about one of the web’s largest selections of MMA Clothing and Gear in our online store. Have a look!

Frank Mir: Bad Strategy, Worse Result

While exiting the Octagon last Saturday after his disappointing performance at UFC 111, Frank Mir knew he made a mistake. No, he didn’t use poor technique or leave an arm exposed that that led to his lopsided loss, his mistake was one in strategy. In Shane Carwin, Mir fought an opponent who was 11-0, but perhaps more importantly, all of Carwin’s fights had ended in the first round. And therein, Mir saw his opportunity – to make Carwin fight beyond his comfort zone and to test him in the second and third rounds. With this in mind, Mir seemed content on letting Carwin push the action early in the first round, even confidently nodding to his corner while eating some leather. Obviously, this turned out to be a big mistake. To Carwin’s credit, he capitalized on this, and, because of that, now holds the “Interim” UFC Heavyweight belt and is slated for a monstrous showdown with Brock Lesnar.

Mir’s strategy was exposed when Shane Carwin employed his own strategy – the same one he’s used so many times before – to work his opponent against the cage and drop some bombs. Like a Tootsie Roll pop, it took exactly 3 licks to get to the center at which point Mir’s legs gave out. More blows followed to a fetal-prone Mir, eerily reminiscent of Mir’s ugly loss to Brock Lesnar, but the damage was already done.

Although we still don’t know if Carwin can survive beyond the first round, we may find out as he’s slated to face Brock Lesnar in the near-future to unify the titles. Lesnar was Octagon-side to witness the brief fight, and started the hype machine early stating in a post-fight interview, “It was a good fight. He’s still wearing a belt that’s a make believe belt. It’s all good. I got the championship belt. That’s the bottom line.”

While you’ll never be as tough as these dudes, you can dress like them. Check out their official clothing in our online store!

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