MMA Universe

It can only be viewed as a positive. Being so busy and wearing so many hats that you rarely get the time to sit back and appreciate the good fortunes that life has granted you, (cue Ferris Bueller).

That's exactly where UFC lightweight top contender Kenny Florian finds himself today. Aside from being one of the world's best lightweights in the sport, which is a feat that for most people would take up a majority of their time to accomplish, Florian can also be seen on ESPN 2 and ESPN.com as the co-host alongside Jon Anik for MMA Live. 

And if that wasn't enough to make you impressed, KenFlo has added yet another feat to his already stellar resume... product spokesperson. More specifically, FLO TV spokesperson, where he joins Will.I.Am, Jim Nantz, and Landon Donavon as endorsers of the revolutionary mobile TV device.

Kenny was kind enough to take time to talk with MMAmania.com while balancing his tremendously busy schedule, courtesy of FLO TV. We touched on his newfound role as a mainstream product endorser, MMA Live and ESPN, his fight against Gray Maynard, and UFC 118 as a whole.

Have a read:

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Thanks for taking time to speak with us today Kenny. Talk about the main reason we're here, FLO TV. What exactly is it for those people who aren't yet aware of the product.

Kenny Florian: It's basically a mobile TV where you can watch all of your favorite channels wherever you go. It's great for someone like me because I'm always on the road. And it's all touch screen too, it's pretty cool.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): You can watch the UFC on it too, correct?

Kenny Florian: Yeah, you can order the pay-per-view events right to the FLO TV. It's pretty remarkable.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): How did you come about to be a spokesperson for FLO TV? Did they approach you, or did you and your manager approach them?

Kenny Florian: They actually approached me. You, know, it's tough to get more of the mainstream products and sponsors to come over to MMA and the UFC, so it's an honor for me to be a part of it.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Obviously your nickname lends well to the product, but what are some other reasons you got involved with FLO TV?

Kenny Florian: Believe it or not, I'm really not sure if my name had anything to do with it. I think the people at FLO TV just knew that I could help them reach the type of people they want to market their product to, with my fighting career, my ESPN presence, etc. I guess they just thought I'd be a good spokesperson for them. Hopefully they still do. [Laughs]

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): So when can we except to see you alongside Will.I.Am and Jim Nantz in one of those commercials?

Kenny Florian: [Laughs]. I'm not sure man, I'm not sure. That would definitely be cool, wouldn't it?

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Let's talk about MMA Live for a minute. Obviously having the show on ESPN 2 is great for the growth of the sport. What do you see as the ceiling for the show? What are the goals of the show for you, Jon Anik, and the people over at ESPN?

Kenny Florian: The thing is, is that I think there's enough MMA material out there where we could do a show every day. I hope it comes to that point eventually. But for right now, we just gotta keep putting out a quality product and see where it goes form there. I know that internally they've [executives at ESPN] been very happy with the show, but what it comes down to is having the fans support. It's not a certain thing that we stay on ESPN 2. So we have to prove to the people at ESPN that this is indeed a legitimate sport and that our show is something that fans want to see.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Back to how you became involved in such a product. Were you handpicked to co-host the show from the beginning? How did that process unfold?

Kenny Florian: They actually contacted me and brought me out to Bristol, Connecticut for an interview and told me about the show and what it would entail. And to be honest, I was a little disappointed in the beginning when they told me that part of the job would involve me having to criticize fighters, as well as all the travel that's necessary. Being an active fighter, those were tough stipulations to accept. But I've absolutely grown to really like what I do now. It was one of those opportunities that I knew I couldn't pass up. I just couldn't turn it down.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Alright, let's get to your primary occupation, fighting. Talk about your transition from training with Mark DellaGrotte for so many years to now training with Firas Zahabi and the Tristar team. You've looked great in your last couple bouts, but how exactly have you benefited from the move?

Kenny Florian: I think it has just given me a different style and a different approach. And I think it has inspired a lot of other coaches and trainers to continue to develop with the sport to meet the needs of fighters who seek top-level training. The quality of training partners I have now is just amazing. I train with some of the best fighters in the sport regularly. I've stepped up my game in all aspects. And now, I just feel much more confident to compete against the elite guys in the sport.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Before we get to your fight with Gray Maynard and the UFC 118 card as a whole, let me get your thoughts on Diego Sanchez's return to the welterweight division. You guys shared some back and forth talk for a while there. Are you upset that you won't have the opportunity to settle the score with him?

Kenny Florian: No, you know, I really don't go chasing fights. Not one fight is going to define me. I just want to fight the best guys. And frankly, I think even at 155 there's better fighters out there than Diego. I think Takanori Gomi is better, and I think Gray Maynard is much better. If he comes back down to lightweight, then fine. But if not, it's no big deal.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Alright, to UFC 118. That's a big night for the UFC lightweight divison. Break down for me if you would the rematch between Frankie Edgar and B.J. Penn. How do you see it playing out?

Kenny Florian: It's gonna be interesting. They're both gonna have to make some adjustments. Frankie came in with the perfect game plan to beat B.J. with the skill set that he has. But now it's gonna be even more difficult to replicate that. I think B.J. will come in with the advantage now knowing what Frankie is all about. And, really, their first fight was super close, it could have gone either way. I think the advantage is definitely with B.J. But if Frankie can go in there and get it done again, there's no doubt about it, he's the best lightweight on the planet.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Has the UFC told you that the winner of your fight with Gray will get the next title shot?

Kenny Florian: No, I haven't heard anything about that from the UFC. It's kinda in the back of my mind, but what I'm really thinking about is just beating Gray. We've heard before where guys are said to have the next title shot, but then something happens and things change. So I'm just completely focused on beating Gray Maynard.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Ok, on to Mr. Maynard. You've recently said that he is a better version of Sean Sherk. Obviously you lost to Sherk, but that was years ago and you're a completely different fighter now. Do you feel like you're better suited now to deal with Maynard's size and wrestling?

Kenny Florian: Absolutely. I'm much more capable to fight a wrestler the caliber and the size of Gray Maynard. I train with a lot of great wrestlers now. Back then [prior to his fight against Sherk at UFC 64], I didn't train much wrestling at all. The last couple fights I've really focused on developing my wrestling. Now, having the access to train with the guys at the Montreal Wrestling Club and to train with guys like Georges St. Pierre, Gray is going to quickly find out that I'm not the same guy I was back then. I'll tell you this, if he does get me down, he's gonna have to work his ass off to get it. That's for sure.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): This of course is just a three round fight. Will you feel a sense of urgency to outstrike Gray early and take the fight to him for fear that he could secure a couple takedowns, maintain position, and win on points?

Kenny Florian: Yeah, I mean that's kinda the way I think he's gonna have to fight. And this is no offense to Gray, but he's gonna have to play his typical, boring, Gray Maynard fight. You know, take the guy down and just stay there. Just lay and pray. I think that is his only hope to win the fight. He's good everywhere, but I think that in order to win the fight, he knows that's what he's gonna have to do. But however he goes about fighting me, it's not gonna be easy.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Without going into to much detail about your strategy for the fight, what will you be looking to accomplish? Obviously aside from winning, are there certain things you'll be looking to get done against Gray?

Kenny Florian: I don't really go into a fight with a certain game plan because I think you just set yourself up for failure that way. I really just focus on stopping what he wants to do, I try to execute what I want to do based off that. And I think going in there and having fun is critical. If I go in there and have fun, a great performance will come with it.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): How do you feel about fighting in your hometown of Boston? You fought pretty close to Boston back at UFC 101 in Philadelphia, but UFC 118 is sure to be a different animal.

Kenny Florian: I'm excited more than anything else for my friends and family that will get to see me fight live. I get a lot of questions about when am I gonna fight in Boston and when is the UFC coming here. Well, it's finally here. August 28, all my friends and family will get to see me do what I do. It's gonna be a loud crowd for sure, but in the end, it's still just the same cage, and I realize that.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): What's your opinion on the Randy Couture vs. James Toney fight? Are you for or against bringing someone into the UFC who has absolutely zero experience in the sport and in a lot of ways makes a mockery of MMA?

Kenny Florian: I think Toney needs money, honestly. He needs to make himself larger and bigger than he really is, figuratively, not literally [Laughs]. All that talking he's been doing, he's finally gonna get a chance to show people what he's all about. And I think he's really gonna struggle. The thing about MMA and combat sports, is that the truth always comes out. I think he's really gonnna have a tough time. I'd be surprised if he lasts more than three minutes against Randy.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Well, you just alluded to how you think the fight will play out and even Dana White has recently said he expects Toney to lose. What percent of a chance do you give Toney in stopping Couture's takedowns and avoiding a vicious beating? More than 10 percent?

Kenny Florian: I'd say it's definitely less than 10 percent. But let's be honest, we have to talk about Toney's punching ability with those four-ounce gloves. If you get caught with one of his shots, you'll be asleep with broken bones in your face, no doubt about it. Toney can crack. He's a high-level boxer, which is something that we really haven't seen yet in MMA, that's dangerous. But for him in this sport, your stand up is only as good as your ability to stay on your feet. And knowing that, I think he'll be gun-shy with his hands trying to avoid the takedown, and that's exactly what will happen, he'll get taken down. I'd say that if he doesn't land one of his punches on Randy in the first 10-15 seconds, he's gonna be in serious trouble.

James Kimball (MMAmania.com): Ok, Kenny, thanks so much for your time. Go ahead and plug away. Where can people go to find more information on FLO TV and to pick one up? And how can fans get in touch with you?

Kenny Florian: People can go to www.flotv.com. You can go to my website as well, www.kennyflorian.com. You can pick up a FLO TV at most every electronic store like Best Buy. Fans of course can get in touch with me on Twitter at Kenny_Florian. Thank you for your time and thanks to all the fans for their support.

Props: CombatLifestyle.com (Click the link to check out the complete gallery)

For complete weigh in results for UFC 114: "Rampage vs. Evans" click here. See Rampage in his Superman underoos after the jump.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (May 27, 2010) - Emerging superstar Bryan "The Beast" Baker and Russian striker Alexander "Storm" Shlemenko both scored semifinal-round victories while heavyweight Eddie Sanchez pulled off a stunning comeback win to gain entry into Bellator's upcoming Season 3 Heavyweight Tournament during a stirring night of fights at Bellator 20 in San Antonio.

The victories by Baker (13-1) and Shlemenko (29-4) set up an intriguing final round matchup between two vastly different fighters, who both played to their strengths to defeat formidable opponents before a raucous crowd at San Antonio's Majestic Theatre on Thursday.

Shlemenko, making just his third appearance in the U.S., won his fight against former all-American wrestler Jared Hess in gruesome fashion.

After Hess controlled the first two rounds, Shlemenko landed a sharp flying knee to Hess's chin early on in Round 3, knocking him to the ground awkwardly and severely dislocating Hess' left knee. Remarkably, Hess kept fighting for more than a minute afterwards, holding Shlemenko at bay as he tried to finish the fight. But when Hess (10-2) tried to stand up, the dislocated knee buckled under his weight and the referee wisely stepped in to stop the fight.

"It never ceases to amaze and humble me the level of courage and heart that our fighters display here in the cage and Jared Hess showed that yet again," Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney said during the post-fight press conference. "At the same time, I have to congratulate Alexander Shlemenko, who fought hard against the 185-pound tournament favorite and was able to get the win."

While not nearly as dramatic, Baker's win over Las Vegas native and former competitive powerlifter Eric Schambari (12-2) was far more dominant. Baker -- who entered the tournament saying that he was gunning for reigning Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard's belt -- backed up the talk by using a tight triangle choke to finish Schambari just 2:29 into Round 1.

"I knew he was going to come out and try to take me down," Baker said of Schambari afterwards. "He's a strong, strong dude, but on the ground I knew I could finish him with a submission. I'm looking all the way to Hector now. I'm looking to get my title ... I'm looking to get my belt."

Earlier, in the first televised fight of the night, Sanchez pulled off one of the most thrilling come-from-behind wins of the year to defeat Marcus Sursa by TKO at 0:23 into Round 3.

After an evenly matched first round, Sursa came out swinging to start Round 2, dropping Sanchez to the canvas with a solid right hand just a few seconds after the opening bell. For a few moments, it appeared as if Sursa would finish the fight easily, but Sanchez somehow regained his composure, took the dominant position and wore Susa down with a relentless ground-and-pound as the round ended. A rejuvenated Sanchez then came out with a vengeance in Round 3, knocking Sursa to the mat after just a few seconds before finishing him with a flurry of blows to the head.

"He caught me pretty good there and dazed the [expletive] out of me, but I've got a tough chin and I came back," Sanchez told Bellator color commentator Jimmy Smith immediately after the fight. "I knew if I just hung in there I could finish him off."

Afterward, Rebney announced that, with the victory, Sanchez had earned his way into Bellator's Season 3 Heavyweight Tournament, which begins in August.

"He put on a great fight, made a great comeback and showed some huge heart," Rebeny said of Sanchez.

In the final televised bout of the evening, a Bantamweight Feature Fight, Wyoming native Nik "Garfield" Mamalis used a rear naked choke to finish Hawaiian standout Mark Oshiro at 1:29 into Round 2.

The event also played host to five Local Feature Fights:

- Aaron Rosa def. Robert Villegas via unanimous decisión

- Adam Schindler def. Brian Melancon via unanimous decisión

- Andrew Chappelle def. Cedrick Marks via rear naked choke (8:18)

- Jimmy Flick def. Humberto DeLeon via unanimous decision

- Fernando Rodriguez def. Kenneth Battle via rear-naked choke (6:28)

Fans who missed Thursday night's action can watch all the best moments this weekend during special highlight shows on NBC, Telemundo and the cable network mun2. Check your local listings for exact dates and times.

Bellator returns to action in two weeks at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., where Bellator will host the championship round of its Season 2 Lightweight Tournament. Rising star Pat Curran, who earned his way into the finals with stunning wins over Mike Ricci and Roger Huerta, takes on MMA veteran and "Submission of the Year" title holder Toby Imada.

The fight and the rest of the Bellator 21 feature card will again be televised live on FOX Sports Net.

To check out the latest fight card and rumors for Strikeforce: "Fedor vs. Werdum" click here.

One of the best featherweights never to set foot in the United States is Marlon Sandro. You may have heard of his Nova Uniao teammate and WEC featherweight champion, Jose Aldo.

The 33-year-old Sandro, a world-beater in his own right, has accumulated a 16–1 career record to date. The one loss is certainly up for debate. It occurred in August 2009 against Michihiro Omigawa in the third round of the Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix.

When the judge’s scores were rendered they read as follows: 30-30 draw, 30-30 draw, 30-29 Sandro. In other words, it was a majority draw. Per Sengoku rules, however, it had to go to a "must decision." The two judges who originally scored the fight a draw both gave the nod to Omigawa.

Sandro has since won two straight, both via first round knockout, and he is now scheduled to face Masanori Kanehara on June 20. First prize is Kanehara’s SRC featherweight title.

Between training sessions Sandro took some time out to discuss his controversial loss to Omigawa, his relationship with Jose Aldo, and his desire to take on America someday.

Check it out:

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): World Victory Road announced recently they would adhere to "unified rules" with regards to the weight class limits moving forward. The featherweight limit you will now be competing at is 145 pounds instead of 143 pounds. Are you okay with the change and do you think it will have any sort of positive or negative impact?

Marlon Sandro: For sure it is positive for the sport. If all shows make the same it is perfect. For me is really good, because I cut a lot of weight to fight in my division.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): I want to briefly go back to your controversial loss to Michihiro Omigawa in the Sengoku featherweight grand prix. How disappointed were you with the judge’s decision?

Marlon Sandro: Sometimes it is very difficult understanding the judges. Everybody knows I won the fight and the judges give the fight for Omigawa. In my opinion, when this situation happens the fighter needs to have a chance to have other judges see the video, and the result can change if the first set of judges are wrong. In my mind, I'm still undefeated.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You’re confident you won the fight. What rounds do you feel you won and why?

Marlon Sandro: In my mind, I did not lose any round. I connected more punches than him and I fight much more aggressive them him.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Is it true that one of Omigawa’s coaches was one of the judges for the fight? Did that play a role in the decision that was rendered?

Marlon Sandro: I don't know for sure about that, but I know his coach is a partner with Sengoku.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Do you think he should have been allowed to judge the fight?

Marlon Sandro: I don’t know.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Did you or your management try to argue the decision or file a formal complaint with tournament officials?

Marlon Sandro: Yes, my coach wrote a letter to the Sengoku commission, but the judges did not change the result.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You’re facing Masanori Kanehara on June 20 with his SRC featherweight title on the line. He’s a guy that called you out recently. Usually the contenders call out the champion, but in this case it was the other way around. What was your reaction when you heard that Kanehara wanted to fight you?

Marlon Sandro: I'm very happy because he made my job easier. Now I don’t need to call him to fight with me. I would like say thank you to him. He wants me and I want him, too.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Kanehara is very tall for a featherweight and has a big reach. How do you deal with an opponent with those physical features from a tactical standpoint?

Marlon Sandro: I have in my gym a lot of guys like him. It is no problem for me.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What is Kanehara’s biggest weakness that you’ve noticed watching his fights?

Marlon Sandro: Sorry, I can’t tell you. After the fight I can answer for you.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Do you watch a lot of tape on your opponents in your preparations for an opponent?

Marlon Sandro: Everyday.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Do you have a prediction regarding the outcome of your fight?

Marlon Sandro: Yes, I win by TKO.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): How many fights do you have left on your contract with World Victory Road?

Marlon Sandro: After Kanehara, two more fights.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Would you be open to fighting in the United States in the WEC or in Bellator in the future?

Marlon Sandro: I love to fight in Japan, but I want to fight in the United States, too.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Who is the best featherweight in the world in your opinion and where would you rank yourself?

Marlon Sandro: For sure Jose Aldo. I think I’m in the top ten.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What is your relationship like with Aldo both inside and out of the gym?

Marlon Sandro: In my team everybody is like a brother. Andre (Pederneiras) makes the gym like a family. I think this is the reason that my team is the best light weight team in the world

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Tell us one thing about Aldo that may surprise some of his fans in the United States or make them laugh?

Marlon Sandro: He loves to play video games all day. He is crazy with his video games.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Would you ever fight Aldo under any circumstances?

Marlon Sandro: Nooooo way.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Would you consider moving to the bantamweight division (135-pound limit) if you came over to the United States to avoid Aldo? Can you make that weight?

Marlon Sandro: I can make but I don't want to. Normally I cut 35 pounds (to hit the 145-pound limit). I don't want to cut more.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Any message you would like to pass along or any sponsors you would like to thank at this time?

Marlon Sandro: I want say thanks to God for giving me health to training everyday. I want to say thanks to Andre Pederneiras because he gives me all the support I need. He believed in me. Thirteen years ago he gave me a chance to train for free in his school. He is like a father for the whole team. He helps everybody all the time. My team loves him.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Thank you Marlon. Best of luck in your upcoming fight.

Derek Bolender is a frequent contributor to MMAmania.com. He is also a freelance writer who has contributed to outlets such as CBSSports.com, FoxSports.com, and FIGHT! Magazine. Follow him on Twitter at @DerekBolender.

UWC 8: "Judgement Day" just wrapped up from the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. And despite losing its main event between Mike "The Hulk" Easton and Ryan "Lion" Diaz just yesterday, the card provided plenty of excitement for the 3,822 DMV area fight fans in attendance.

Only three of the nine fights went the distance, with five of the six finishes coming by way of submission. An entertaining event indeed. Let's get to the action.

The replacement main event saw two of the top rising 125-pound fighters in the sport throw down in a thrilling affair. John "The Magician" Dodson earned a unanimous decision win over Jesse "The Mountain Man" Riggleman. 

In what was undoubtedly the fight of the night, "The Magician" pulled out all his tricks as he took all three rounds with ease from Jesse. And if it wasn't for the insanely rigid chin of Riggleman, this fight wouldn't have seen the closing bell.

The co-main event featured a match up between UWC veteran Timothy "The Good Soldier" Woods and Team Greg Jackson product Mike "El Verdugo" Seal. Mike spent the majority of the first round fending off submission attempts from "The Choir Boy."

The second round was more off the same, except for the fending off part. After unleashing a power slam from hell (seriously, Google it), Woods locked in a rear naked choke and put Seal out.

 

Arguably the most hotly contested bout of the night saw Ururahy "The Show" Rodrigues beat up and bloody up Diego "Ceara" Brandoa over the course of the full three rounds. 

Rodrigues opened up a nasty cut on the forehead of Brandoa in the second frame with a knee, and then proceeded to gouge the cut as he maintained dominant position for the rest of the round. The juvenile act wasn't caught by the referee, but Diego sure let Ururahy know he was none to pleased about it as both fighters did their fair share of taunting throughout the bout.

"The Show" however, was the only one backing up his talking as he took the unanimous decision win with 30-27 scores from all three judges.

In one of the two middleweight fights on the card, Ron "The Choir Boy" Stallings" won his third bout under the Ultimate Warrior Challenge (UWC) banner. After a bit of a slow start in the first round, Stallings battled back and caught Joey Kirwan in a triangle choke early in the second round.

One of the many Team Lloyd Irvin fighters competing at UWC 8 as well as of the more promising young fighters in the area, Justin "The Butcher" Hickey, suffered the second loss of his career as Dustin "The Disciple" Pague surprisingly sunk in a rear naked choke only 54 seconds into the fight and put Hickey to sleep. Literally.

The only female action of the night, inside of the cage of course, featured fan favorite Iman "The Predator" Achhal as she took on "Vicious" Valerie Coolbaugh in what was easily one of the more entertaining scraps of the night.

After three rounds of back and forth action Coolbaugh edged out a narrow split decision victory to the dismay of the legion of Achhal supporters in the crowd.

The Green Power Ranger, err, Jason David Frank, proved to everyone in attendance and those fans viewing the event via live stream that television is indeed reality. 

Just seconds after Frank was taken down by 265-pound Carlos Horn, "Fearless" made quick work of the heavyweight with a smooth armbar submission victory.

The fight was the lone amateur bout of the evening, but take heed, don't go clowning around with your monster hooligan homies around Jason.

In a 155-pound contest, Caleb Macalister came out strong in his first pro fight displaying impressive striking and athleticism throughout the opening round. But his inexperience showed as he got a tad careless and allowed his opponent Jeremy Carper to sink in an armbar for the win.

Leading off the nine-fight card was a featherweight bout featuring Scott Heckman and Matt Brannon, who was making his professional debut. Though there wasn't much difference in experience, there was clearly a gap in ability between the two fighters.

After a dominant opening round for Heckman, the Pennsylvania native locked in an anaconda choke early in the second to secure a submission win.

Here is the full list of results from UWC 8: "Judgement Day."

- 145 lbs: Scott Heckman defeats Matt Brannon via submission (anaconda choke) at 1:36 in round two

- 155 lbs:  Jeremy Carper defeats Caleb Macalister via submission (triangle armbar) at 3:00 in round two

- 265 lbs: Jason "Fearless" Frank defeats Carlos Horn (1-1) via submission (armbar) at 0:24 in round one

- 120 lbs: Valerie Coolbaugh defeats Iman Achhal (2-0) via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

- 145 lbs: Dustin Pague defeats Justin Hickey via submission (rear naked choke) at 0:54 in round one

- 185: Ron Stallings defeats Joey via submission (triangle choke) at 0:52 in round two

- 155 lbs: Ururahy Rodrigues defeats Diego Brandoa via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

- 185 lbs: Timothy Woods defeats Mike Seal via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:35 in round two

- 125 lbs: John Dodson defeats Jesse Riggleman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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Dana White wasn't messing around when he promised to pull out all the stops for the promotion's first-ever trip to Boston, Mass., which is scheduled for the TD Garden on Aug. 28, 2010.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) today announced that it will coordinate a two-day "Fan Expo" at the nearby Hynes Convention Center from Aug. 27 right up until fight time to coincide with the major pay-per-view (PPV) event

Here's what White, a "Beantown"-area native, had to say about his big plans:

"I think everyone knows how much it means to me to bring the UFC to Boston and to give fans this two-day event packed with amazing UFC experiences."

Those "experiences" include meet and greets with legendary UFC, Pride FC and WEC fighters, mixed martial arts (MMA) demonstrations, grappling "Super Fights," fan-inspired special events, training and development sessions, as well as other combat related opportunities and entertainment.

Additionally, the third UFC Fan Expo, which is the first to be staged outside of "Sin City," is expected to attract more than "150 leading vendors covering roughly 200,000 gross square feet of space."

According the the release, the exhibit floor will also "feature apparel, electronic gaming, food & beverages, fight gear, fitness equipment and supplies, nutritional supplements, lifestyle products and much more."

Oh, and by the way, there are also some huge fights taking place that weekend,

UFC 118 is expected to be headlined by a rematch for the lightweight title between B.J. Penn and division champion Frankie Edgar, as well as another exciting 155-pound showdown between Kenny Florian and Gray Maynard.

Former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Randy Couture is also expected to introduce professional boxing champion James Toney to the Octagon.

Sounds like a blast.

For more on UFC 118 be sure to hit up our event archive right here.

"It’s going to be a good fight Friday night. I’ve been asked if it’s been difficult finding workout partners like my opponent who is 280 pounds with 4-percent body fat and gasses-out after 45-seconds. Yeah, my workout partners don’t usually gas-out after 45-seconds. He (Pudzianowski) is big, strong and a worthy opponent. Friday night we’re going to have some fun."

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia talks to reporters at today's Moosin MMA press conference about his upcoming fight against five-time World's Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski at the "Gods of Martial Arts" event on May 21 in Worcester. The muscular menace could be facing a difficult task on Friday night if he indeed runs out of steam within the first minute against the "Maine-iac." Anyone think the Polish strongman can pull a Ray Mercer? Or will Sylvia send him back to the weight room with his tail between his legs?

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More hotness after the jump...

It was the heavyweights that took center stage in downtown St. Louis, Missouri at the Strikeforce: 'Heavy Artillery' event.

The not-so-gentle giants did not disappoint.

Alistair Overeem confirmed what many have believed for some time - this freak of nature is the real deal. A dominant first round knockout victory over a legitimate top ten heavyweight in the form of Brett Rogers should quiet a whole slew of critics who questioned how his skills would matchup against a legit opponent.

Frankly, the "Demolition Man" made it look easy. Midway through round one he essentially rag dolled the 265-pound Rogers to the ground from the clinch in an incredible display of brute strength. From there is was only a matter of time.

Rogers was never able to work his way back to his feet after being thrown on his back. Instead, he was on the receiving end of one powerful ground and pound strike after the next until Big John McCarthy was forced to intervene.

It was the first title defense for the champion Overeem. Predictably, he called out Fedor Emelianenko is his post fight interview, who has a fight of his own against Fabricio Werdum on June 26.

I would venture a guess that many are hoping and praying for Fedor to walk away victorious in order to set up the fight with Overeem.

Will this fight ever happen?

In the other marquee heavyweight bout Antonio Silva bounced back with a decisive unanimous decision over former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski.

Silva got the better of most exchanges on the feet and tagged Arlovski with numerous shots on the chin throughout. Surprisingly, Arlovski's beard held up nicely. Who knew, right? A late takedown in round three was the proverbial nail in the coffin for Silva. Arlovski, on the other hand, has now dropped his third fight in a row for the first time in his career.

Where does "The Pitbull" go from here?

Grappling stud Ronaldo Souza came out and hit takedowns at will on his way to a unanimous decision victory over a very game, but very overmatched Joey Villasenor.

"Jacare" had Villasenor on his back in all three rounds but was unable to control him long enough to register any sort of trademark submission. It was almost as if Jacare was toying with Villasenor at times and letting him up just so he could take him right back down again.

Neither man registered any significant damage on their feet. Jacare simply used his kickboxing to set up his takedowns. Couple that with some legit ground and pound and it was more than enough to secure the victory. He could have very well secured himself a shot at the middleweight crown.

It may have taken longer than some expected, but Roger Gracie lived up to expectations defeating veteran Kevin Randleman via rear naked choke early in round two. Gracie was content standing with Randleman for the majority of the first frame, likely trying to wear down the veteran Randleman, who has shown suspect cardio in the past.

In round two, however, it was a different story. Randleman found himself on his back with a multiple time ADCC and jiu-jitsu world champion in top position. It was elementary from there for Gracie, who sunk in the choke and forced Randleman to tap.

It had been over two years since we last saw Gracie fight under the Sengoku banner. He now has three submission victories in his three professional career bouts, and rightfully so, for arguably the best heavyweight submission grappler in the world.

Will Gracie be more active in MMA in the future?

Only time will tell.

The first fight on the main card was a matchup of two up-and-comers. Rafael Cavalcante wasted little time reminding us why he has been a highly touted prospect for some time now. He registered a first round TKO over a tough customer in Antwain Britt.

"Feijao" fought fire with fire and did not shy away from the power of Britt. He stood toe-to-toe and landed a clean combination to put down Britt before pounding him out on the mat. His efforts have likely earned him a title shot against newly crowned 205-pound kingpin Muhammad "King Mo" Lawal.

Overall, a solid night of scraps produced from yet another quality Strikeforce card. You can click here for full results.

It's now your turn maniacs. Sound off with your thoughts and comments on what went down tonight in the "Gateway City."

Will the "Prodigy" have an "Answer" the second time around? Let's hear it, Maniacs.

"I was saving my right hand and arm for Saturday night, but I think I still was clocked at around 92 mph. This was a great thrill, nerve-racking, but very exciting."

Will Rogers have enough gas left over to topple Alistair Overeem on Saturday night? Let's keep the discussion alive, Maniacs.

All photos courtesy of Esther Lin and STRIKEFORCE.

Check out more pics of "Grim," as well as Joey Villasenor and Antwain Britt, after the jump.

Joey Villasenor:

Antwain Britt:

Finney's MMA Gym: