MMA Universe

For you Maniacs making the trip out to Las Vegas for the upcoming "Silva vs. Belfort" event set to go down on Feb. 5, the UFC has provided you with this handy-dandy schedule of events to work your weekend around. Who's headed out to "Sin City" to enjoy the festivities? For a hi-res version of the UFC 126 schedule of events poster click here.

The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) today issued its list of medical suspensions for the Strikeforce: "Diaz vs. Cyborg" event that took place this past Saturday night (Jan. 29) at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

With several of the bouts ending early (and violently), there were a handful of fighters who were flagged follow up visits with their doctors.

Chief among them is Robbie Lawler, who put forth a valiant effort against jiu-jitsu ace Ronaldo Souza but fell to the Brazilian's crafty submission game in the third round. While it appeared "Ruthless" may have done some damage to "Jacare" in the opening frame, it looks as though he may have done more to himself, as he's been flagged for a visit to his doctor for a possible foot fracture.

Also getting benched for some in-cage punishment was Scott Carson, who once again reminded us that it's never a good idea to stop someone's fists with your face. His knockout at the hands of Herschel Walker has forced him out for a minimum of 30 days. He'll also need a new physical.

But that's not all. 

Here is the complete list of Strikeforce: "Diaz vs. Cyborg" injuries and their medical instructions:

Charlene Gellner: Suspended 45 day (30 no contact) and needs a new physical.
Jenna Castillo defeated Gellner by KO in Round 2: 3:57

Lucas Gamaza: Suspended 45 days (30 no contact) and needs a new physical.
James Terry defeated Gamaza by KO in Round 1

Stephanie Webber: Suspended 45 days (30 no contact) and needs a new physical.
Germaine De Randamie defeated Webber by KO in Round 1: 4:25

Eric Lawson: Suspended 60 days (60 no contact) or until cleared by a physician for two right ear lacerations.
Ron Keslar defeated Lawson by armbar in Round 1: 1:57

Nathan Coy: Suspended 90 days (90 no contact) for KO and is out indefinitely until head scan is cleared by an MD.
Nathan Moore: Suspended 180 days (180 no contact) or until cleared by a physician for a possible fracture in  right wrist and right three metacarpal.
Moore defeated Coy by KO in Round 2: 0:25

Scott Carson: Suspended 45 days (30 no contact) for KO and he will also need a new physical.
Herschal Walker defeated Carson by KO in Round 1: 3:13

Robbie Lawler: Suspended 180 days (180 no contact) or until cleared by a physician for a possible left foot fracture.
Jacare Souza defeated Lawler by rear naked choke in Round 3: 2:00

Just a quick reminder: Fighters often return to action much quicker once doctors give them the green light. The lengthy suspensions are just a precaution in most cases.

For complete results and coverage of Strikeforce: "Diaz vs. Cyborg" click here and here.

MMAMania.com has received the fighter payouts for Strikeforce: "Diaz vs. Cyborg" from the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for the Showtime event held at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, on Jan. 29.

As expected, Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz was one of the top earners of the night. The foul-mouthed fight monger banked a cool $150,000 for submitting Evangelista Santos ($20,000).

Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza brought home $70,000 for retaining his middleweight crown with a rear naked choke victory over "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler ($65,000). 

Everyone's favorite former NFL great Herschel Walker also came away with some decent coin (not really). His first round knockout of Scott Carson earned him a hefty sum of $5,000.

Carson, who threw all of two kicks in the fight, brought in $5,000 as well. That's $2,500 per kick for all you math wizards out there. 

Here are the complete Strikeforce: "Diaz vs. Cyborg" payouts:

Jenna Castillo $1,500 - Win bonus $1,500
Charlene Gellner $1,000
Castillo won by KO in Round 2: 3:57

James Terry $1,500 - Win bonus $1,500
Lucas Gamaza $1,500
Terry won by KO in Round 1

Germaine De Randamie $2,000 - Win bonus $1,000
Stephanie Webber $1,000
Germaine De Randamie won by KO in Round 1: 4:25

Ron Keslar $1,500 - Win bonus $1,500
Eric Lawson $1,500
Keslar won by armbar in Round 1: 1:57

Isiah Hill $1,500 - Win bonus $1,500
Bobby Stack $1,500
Hill won by triangle choke in Round 1: 1:07

Nate Moore $2,000 - Win bonus $2,000
Nathan Coy $3,000
Moore won by KO in Round 2: 0:25

Roger Gracie $75,000
Trevor Prangley $30,000
Gracie won by rear naked choke in Round 1: 4:19

Herschel Walker $5,000
Scott Carson $5,000
Walker won by KO in Round 1: 3:13

Jacare Souza $70,000 - Win bonus $15,000
Robbie Lawler $65,000
Souza won by rear naked choke in Round 3: 2:00

Nick Diaz $150,000
Evangelista Santos $20,000
Diaz won by armbar in Round 2: 4:50

Keep in mind the salaries listed above do not include fight bonuses, sponsorships, percentages and other unofficial payments. It also does not include deductions for expenses such as insurance, taxes, etc.

For complete results and coverage of Strikeforce: "Diaz vs. Cyborg" click here and here.  

It’s one from the ages this week as we bring you perhaps the most emphatic UK mma debut of all time. Not many people had heard of Neil Grove going into his bout with James Thompson at Cage Rage 22. Grove had taken the fight at short notice and everyone was wondering  just what he [...]

Randy who?

52-year-old UFC hall of famer Dan Severn won the Elite 1 MMA heavyweight championship after choking out Scott Fraser at the Casino New Brunswick on Jan. 29 in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

"The Beast" (97-16-7) is three wins away from 100 -- and possibly a feeding tube.

CHICAGO, Ill. (January 31st, 2011) - After suffering the first loss of his professional career in the Bellator Season 2 Featherweight Tournament Finals against World's #2 ranked Featherweight and Bellator World Champion Joe Warren following a string of thirteen professional victories, Patricio "Pitbull" Freire is ready to step back into the cage on his quest to earn a rematch with Warren later this year. Beginning in March, Freire will join already confirmed participants Wilson Reis, Daniel Straus, Georgi "Insane" Karakhanyan, Zac George, Kenny Foster, and Eric Larkin in the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament, airing LIVE on MTV2.

"Patricio Pitbull is a great fighter. He was seconds away from beating one of the top two Featherweights on earth and that loss was his only defeat as a professional. I know that his sole focus is winning this tournament and earning the opportunity to avenge his loss to our Champion Joe Warren. He's going to be fun to watch fight this season," said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney."

Residing and training out of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, MMA played a key role in Freire's childhood, as the dynamic featherweight began his formal training at just 14-years-old alongside his brother Patricky "Pitbull" Freire - together the pair are commonly known in the MMA world as "The Pitbull Brothers."

After becoming a 2-time International Kickboxing Champion, a Brazilian Cup Jiu-Jitsu Champion, and a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, "Pitbull" made his way into the cage. Currently training daily with the likes of fellow world class Brazilians Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Anderson Silva, and Junior dos Santos, Freire is constantly surrounded by many of the best in the sport and plans to use that experience to his benefit in the upcoming Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament.

"I have no interest besides fighting as a professional," said Freire. "It's the only thing I really want to do. Every day in my life I am looking to overcome myself and evolve into a better fighter. I never believe that I am good enough. It's all about improvement, every single day."

Prior to his split decision defeat at the hands of current Bellator World Featherweight Champion Joe Warren, Patricio began his professional career with a spotless 13-0 record, including notable wins over Bellator veterans William Romero (Watch Here: http://bit.ly/iawNSu) and Wilson Reis. Now with a second chance at achieving his dream to become the Bellator World Featherweight Champion, Freire completely understands the significance of what is at stake.

"The time to show what I am all about is coming," said Freire. "To win this tournament would mean a dream coming true. I can honestly say that I am more confident for this season than I was last year. Last year I got close, this year it's mine!"

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

After Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg in San Jose on Saturday Night, the US based MMA organization continues to re-shuffle some of its upcoming fight cards and highest-profile fighters. The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix begins next week in New Jersey, but additional fight cards for March, April and beyond still are unclear. Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick [...]

Tickets for the upcoming Strikeforce event at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, March 5, 2011, will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. CT.

However, "Strikeforce Insiders" e-newsletter subscribers will be afforded a special pre-sale ticket purchase opportunity that begins tomorrow (Feb. 1) at 10:00 a.m. CT until Thursday (Feb. 3) at 10 p.m. CT.

The Showtime televised event will feature a championship doubleheader as current light heavyweight title holder Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante defends his strap against UFC and PRIDE veteran Dan "Hollywood" Henderson.

Also putting a belt up for grabs is 135-pound women's champion Marloes "Rumina" Coenen when she takes on division number one contender Miesha "Takedown" Tate.

Here is the current March 5 fight card and line-up:

Main Event:

205 lbs.: Rafael Cavalcante vs. Dan Henderson

Main Card:

135 lbs.: Marloes Coenen vs. Miesha Tate
185 lbs.: Tim Kennedy vs. Luke Rockhold
155 lbs.: Billy Evangelista vs. Jorge Masvidal

Preliminary Card:

155 lbs.: Jorge Gurgel vs. TBA
170 lbs.: Roger Bowling vs. TBA

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates to the Strikeforce: "Columbus" fight card as they become available.

Sorry homies, but it looks like someone was scared to move forward with our previously reported rubber match between Tim Kennedy and Jason Miller for the upcoming Strikeforce card on March 5 in Columbus.

Sources close to one of the fight camps alerted MMAmania.com to the change in plans earlier today.

Stepping in for "Mayhem" will be middleweight prospect Luke Rockhold, who's been torching the "Challengers" scene for the past two years and racking up six straight wins.

But can the 7-1 prospect handle the experience of Kennedy when they collide at the Nationwide Arena?

Kennedy suffered a disappointing unanimous decision loss to Ronaldo Souza when they tangled back at the "Houston" event in August 2010, one that saw "Jacare" claim the vacant 185-pound strap and send the super-soldier to his first loss in over three years.

A win over a top-prospect like Rockhold could make the argument that he deserves another crack at the title considering Kennedy's first dance with the grappling guru was hardly a blowout.

But does this mean "Mayhem" is reconsidering a drop in weight to fight Nick Diaz?

Time will tell.

Strikeforce recently announced its March 5 event at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, which is expected to feature a main event title fight between light heavyweight challenger Dan Henderson and division champion Rafael Cavalcante.

Stay tuned to MMAMania.com for future "Columbus" updates as they become available.

Strikeforce champion Nick Diaz celebrated his ninth straight win on Saturday, capping off an impressive streak that dates back to 2007. The aggressive Stocktonian has finished all but one of his last nine opponents and seems head and shoulders above the rest of the Strikeforce welterweight division. Diaz’s history with the UFC is well documented [...]

Take That, Dana Here’s a video response to Dana White’s comments on TMZ by Real Women’s and Men’s MMA. Fight Results A couple great women’s fights took place on the Strikeforce prelims, which aired on Sherdog. Jenna Castillo defeated Charlene Gellner via 2nd round knockout, and Muay Thai legend Germaine de Randamie defeated Stephanie Webber [...]

Tough couple of days for "Diesel" fans.

After missing weight for his main event fight against Jordan Mein at Wreck MMA: "Strong and Proud" last Friday night (Jan. 28), UFC and Strikeforce veteran Joe Riggs was pounded out in the second round by "Young Guns" at the Casino de Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.

Riggs falls to 34-12 with the technical knockout loss while Mein improves to 19-7.

And much to the chagrin of MMA enthusiasts, former UFC running man Kalib Starnes secured his second straight win by submitting Matt MacGrath in the second round via rear naked choke.

The former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 3 contestant is now 4-2 (12-5-1 overall) since his UFC release back in 2008.

Complete Wreck MMA: "Strong and Proud" results after the jump.

Jordan Mein vs. Joe ‘Diesel' Riggs: Mein defeats Riggs via TKO (GNO) @ 4:30 of Rd2

Mark ‘Boots' Holst vs. Markhaile ‘Showtime' Wedderburn: Holst submits Wedderburn via Rear Naked Choke @ 4:56 of Rd2

Matt MacGrath vs. Kalib Starnes: Starnes submits MacGrath via Rear Naked Choke @ 3:14 of Rd2

Dimitri Waardenburg vs. Remi ‘Bam Bam' Morvan: Waardenburg defeats Morvan via Unanimous Decision

Mike Reilly vs. Robin Black: Reilly submits Black via Arm Bar @ :57 of Rd1

Jesse ‘The Ghost' Gross vs. Pablo Santos: Gross defeats Santos via TKO(GNP) @ 3:12 of Rd1

Alka "The Spartan" Matewa vs. Jesse ‘The Body Snatcher' Ronson: Ronson submits Matewa via Arm Bar @ 4:51 of Rd1

Amer Hussein vs. Mustafa ‘Mufasa' Khalil: Khalil defeats Hussein via KO (Hook) @ 2:25 of Rd2

Mike Sledzion vs. Jeffrey Laughren: Sledzion submits Laughren via Guillotine Choke @ :55 of Rd1

Jeff Harrison vs Jamie McLean: Harrison submits McLean via Rear Naked Choke @ 3:43 of Rd1

Kyle Vivian vs Tyler Hardcastle: Hardcastle submits Vivian via Triangle Choke @ 1:55 of Rd2

Marc Lefebvre vs. Christopher St. Jean: Lefebvre defeats St. Jean via Majority Decision

For more on Wreck MMA click here.

Props: Tapology

Quoteworthy:

"Nothing is official yet, but we’ve had a few offers. I have actually gotten a lot of U.K. and European offers. I was hoping to hear from Strikeforce, but I know they’ve started that whole thing where they’re not taking UFC fighters coming off of losses. I completely understand. It’s all business and I don’t take any of this stuff personally. As far as Strikeforce is concerned, I can understand why they would want to continue that policy from a business standpoint. With me, the one thing that they miss out on—and it’s my major selling point to anyone—is that my fights tend to be exciting."

38-year-old former boxer and "Ultimate Fighter" Marcus Davis fields offers from regional and International promotions after receiving his UFC pink slip earlier this year. "The Irish Hand Grenade,"  who is 1-4 over his last five fights, was knocked out by Jeremy Stephens in his lightweight debut back at UFC 125: Resolution" on Jan. 1 but isn't ready to hang up the gloves just yet. Can the former welterweight get back on his horse and make some noise on the independent circuit? And is Scott Coker's decision not to sign him good for business? Or bad for the fans? Both? Let's hear your take on where you'd like to see Davis fight next (if at all).

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 8 winner Efrain Escudero (15-2) won his second straight fight since his UFC release by submitting Jeremy Larsen at Rage in the Cage 148 last Saturday night (Jan. 29) at the Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler, Arizona.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the regional circuit...

Former UFC veteran James Irvin returned to action over the weekend, battling the hapless Mike Crisman in the main event of Gladiator Challenge: "Young Guns 4" at the Elko Indian Colony Gym in Elko, Nevada.

"The Sandman," who came into the Jan. 29 bout with a 1-4 record over his last five fights, was unable to get back into the win column after special guest referee Ken Shamrock ruled the bout a no-contest (NC).

From Irvin:

"I beat the brakes off this fool...he was sleeping on the ground. Ken Shamrock says I illegally kneed him, so it was a no-contest! I KO'd this guy and walked away before Shamrock even got there, and two minutes later, he says it's a no-contest. It's cool. I don't have a scratch on me, and I'm fighting again in three weeks. That was the luckiest night of that dude's life. [GC Promoter] Tedd Williams says I can rematch [Crisman] in May. Perfect rematch."

Crisman recently snapped a seven-fight losing streak to bring his record to 9-19 and will likely face Irvin again in May to settle their score.

Sorry fight fans, but no word yet from Gladiator Challenge on Shammy's participation in the planned rematch.

UFC 126 light heavyweight star Jon Jones will be our featured guest on tonight's (Jan. 31) presentation of Pro MMA Radio beginning at 9 p.m. ET right here on MMAmania.com.

"Bones" will talk about his upcoming bout against fellow division prospect Ryan Bader on the main card of "Silva vs. Belfort" on Feb. 5 in Las Vegas, his recent Twitter feud with Aaron Simpson and much more.

Also joining the show is another UFC 126 competitor, Chad Mendes, who looks to be "Money" against Michihiro Omigawa on the Spike TV "Prelims" undercard special this Saturday night in "Sin City."

Hosted by Larry Pepe, Pro MMA Radio is professional, guest-driven program that features some of mixed martial arts biggest names right here on MMAmania.com every Monday night through our exclusive live feed.

Live feed begins tonight at 9 p.m. ET after the jump.

Pro MMA Radio will begin playing automatically. Press (||) to turn it off.

And the grappling guru makes it pretty queer that he's not a fan of "The Young Assassin" in his recent interview with Ariel Helwani:

"Melvin's one of the better boxers in there, I enjoyed his fight with Nathan (Diaz) but I heard he said something like 'go back to Brazil' and I was like 'Well who's gonna teach guys to keep choking you out if I go back to Brazil?' ... I heard he was talking about some kind of homo-erotic fantasies he had with me, I don't know, go keep painting your hair it's like 'dude, what are you talking about? You want to have sex with a man?' You got problems man. You want me to go back to Brazil? Go back to Columbia and get some more coke or whatever."

And this thing has officially gotten ugly. Cesar Gracie recently said 'Greg Jackson is not one of the world's better coaches,' something Melvin Guillard (a reformed Jackson pupil) took exception to, even calling for Gracie's permanent return to his native Brazil. Now Gracie fires back at Guillard, calling into question his past troubles with drug abuse and choice of hair color. Is the man behind the training of Jake Shields and Nick and Nate Diaz crossing the line? Or did Melvin pick a fight with the wrong camp? Anyone for a Team Jackson vs. Team Gracie pay-per-view showdown?

Before headliners Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, Rich Franklin, Forrest Griffin, Jon Jones and Ryan Bader step into the cage at UFC 126 this Saturday night (Feb. 5), a star-studded preliminary card will jump-start the "Silva vs. Belfort" pay-per-view (PPV) at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of UFC 126, beginning with the PPV telecast at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011. In addition, we will deliver up-to-the-minute quick results of all the under card action much earlier on fight night.

The undercard will feature six bouts, including three-time WEC headliner Donald Cerrone's UFC debut against Paul Kelly, as well as the Octagon debut of Japanese legend "Kid" Yamamoto as he faces rising star Demetrious Johnson in a bantamweight contest.

This is the beginning of a week-long set of previews here at MMAmania.com. Please note that because of the importance and bearing the preliminary bout between Chad Mendes and Michihiro Omigawa has on the featherweight division, that fight will be getting full preview treatment while the welterweight fight between Jake Ellenberger and Carlos Eduardo Rocha will be examined in this post.

Remember that two of the preliminary bouts -- Cerrone vs. Kelly and Mendes vs. Omigawa -- will air live on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET prior to the UFC 126 pay-per-view broadcast, which begins at 10 p.m. ET.

Here we go:

Mike Pierce (11-3) vs. Kenny Robertson (10-0)

The fighters: A four-fight UFC veteran, Pierce heads into Saturday's bout against the debuting Robertson in the opening fight of UFC 126: "Silva vs. Belfort." Pierce, known for his grinding style, is coming off a third-round submission win over the now-departed Amilcar Alves at UFC 118 back in August. A wrestler, Pierce's best career wins have come against Paul Bradley and Brock Larson. His two career defeats have come at the hands of UFC veteran Mark Munoz and Strikeforce veteran Nathan Coy.

Robertson, a veteran of Bellator, is undefeated in 10 career fights and has seven submission wins to his credit including a tapout of former UFC veteran John Kolosci in his lone Bellator contest. Two of his submission wins were via strikes and of the five regular submissions, he's used three different techniques. Against Igor Almeida in April 2010, Robertson spent much of the fight on top. In the second round, he hit Almeida with a big low blow while both were kicking. After the restart, Robertson cut Almeida open over the eye, but Almeida hung in there and tagged Robertson with some good shots. The finish was extremely odd. Robertson hit Almeida with what appeared to be a very non-descript shot but Almeida just turned and walked off and referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the fight.

What's at stake: Pierce needs an impressive performance here. He's spent his UFC time in the prelims because he doesn't have the most exciting style. If he ever wants to escape his Jon Fitch-tenure in prelim hell, he needs to put on a good performance here. Time will tell if Robertson will be able to avoid the dreaded "Octagon jitters," but having experience in a larger promotion like Bellator should help.

Pick: I like Pierce here. His style is so tough for welterweights at this level to go up against. Robertson isn't the type of striker that is going to make Pierce pay on the feet and that presents a problem. Robertson has fought some decent competition in his rise to the UFC but has not faced someone the level of Pierce, who has never been finished in his career. Pierce wins this by decision.

Kyle Kingsbury (9-2) vs. Ricardo Romero (11-1)

The fighters: A contestant on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8, Kingsbury has yet to face a top-flight opponent in the UFC, losing to Tom Lawlor on the show's finale but following that up with decision wins over Razak Al-Hassan and Jared Hamman. Kingsbury, though, has been riddled with inactivity, fighting just once in 2008, 2009 and 2010. This will be his closest time between fights since 2007.

Romero, a veteran of the Northeast scene, had a rocky start in his UFC debut against Seth Petruzelli at UFC 116. He was rocked by Petruzelli on multiple occasions but Petruzelli gassed, allowing Romero to come back and submit him in the second round. Romero's only career loss came via disqualification and he has finished 10 of his 11 opponents, including the last three by submission.

What's at stake: Although he has not defeated anyone of note, Romero has the chance to compete in the deep light-heavyweight division given some time because of the skill-set he possesses. A win and he continues his ascent. For Kingsbury, a win here would be the biggest of his career and prove he belongs in the UFC.

Pick: For one, Romero needs to avoid gassing as badly as he did against Petruzelli to be successful in the UFC. A gas tank like that will not get him past a certain level. Kingsbury could be hanging by a thread with a loss here as most preliminary bout losers are these days. Kingsbury just doesn't do much for me. He certainly can take advantage of a winded Romero, but I see Romero submitting him in the first round.

Demetrious Johnson (7-1) vs. Norifumi Yamamoto (18-3)

The fighters: A long-time veteran of the Japanese scene, "Kid" Yamamoto will make his continental U.S. debut against rising star Johnson in a bantamweight bout. Yamamoto holds 13 of his 18 career wins by (T)KO and was one of the most dynamic and feared lighter-weight fighters in the world before arm and knee injuries took a toll on his body. Holding wins over the likes of Jeff Curran, Caol Uno, Genki Sudo, Bibiano Fernandes and Rani Yahya, Yamamoto returned from injury to face MMA neophyte Joe Warren in the 2009 DREAM featherweight tournament. Warren shocked the MMA world by eating Yamamoto's best shots and taking down the wrestler en route to winning a split decision. In his next fight, Yamamoto fell to then-SRC featherweight champion Masanori Kanehara. He rebounded with a quick knockout win against an overmatched Federico Lopez at DREAM.14 in May.

Johnson, nicknamed "Mighty Mouse," will be making his UFC debut following the WEC merger. After dropping a decision to veteran Brad Pickett at WEC 48, he rebounded with two straight wins, besting Nick Pace by decision at WEC 51 and then Damacio Page by guillotine choke at WEC 52. He is a solid fighter but untested against anybody with the type of power Yamamoto has. This is a big test for the 24-year old Johnson.

What's at stake: "Kid" has so much to prove in this fight. One of Japan's biggest homegrown stars, he comes into his UFC debut in a preliminary fight. For years, fans clamored for a fight between Yamamoto and Urijah Faber. For that to happen, he needs to win and keep winning. Will we see the "old Kid Yamamoto" here or just old "Kid" Yamamoto? A win here could skyrocket Johnson's standing in the division in a lot of people's minds. 

Pick: If Yamamoto's lost his speed, he's going to have a real tough time keeping up with Johnson, who is known for how slippery-quick he is. This is such a tough fight to call because we don't know how much Yamamoto has left and we don't know where Johnson stands against a fighter like Yamamoto. I think Yamamoto is going to get off to a hot start and Johnson will have to battle some adversity, but he'll persevere through and, as Yamamoto slows down, take over the fight and win a very close decision.

Gabe Ruediger (17-6) vs. Paul Taylor (10-6-1)

The fighters: After flaming out in epic, unforgettable fashion on TUF 5, Ruediger was exiled from the UFC for three years. He got a last-minute call as an injury replacement to face hometown kid and fellow TUF 5 castmate Joe Lauzon at UFC 118 back in August. What transpired that night was one of the most vicious and thorough beatdowns in UFC history. Lauzon was all over Ruediger from the opening bell, thoroughly dismantling and owning him before submitting him with an armbar at the 2:01 mark of the first round, snapping Ruediger's six-fight win streak. After such an embarrassing performance where he never even got off the blocks, it's surprising Ruediger gets another chance, but the UFC has proven time and again if you take a late fight, you'll likely be brought back regardless.

This will mark Taylor's ninth time inside the Octagon but only second in the U.S. A long-time staple of the UFC's shows in the U.K., this will be Taylor's second straight fight in America. He comes in riding a two-fight losing streak, dropping decisions to John Hathaway (UFC 105) and Sam Stout (UFC 121). After a hot UFC start, Taylor has cooled, but has been involved in three bouts that have earned "Fight of the Night" honors.

What's at stake: This is definitely a "loser leaves town" fight. It's hard to fathom Taylor having nine UFC fights after this but alas, he will. Ruediger needs something here after being blown out of the water by Lauzon. For Taylor, a 3-6 record is not the type of record one can keep his job with. Both of these men should be fighting for their lives here.

Pick: This is your classic "striker vs. grappler" fight. Taylor has solid kickboxing while Ruediger is solid on the canvas. When the chips are down, Ruediger tends to disappoint. This would be a perfect time to turn that trend around, but, as the old timers (and apparently me) say, a leopard doesn't change its spots. Taylor by decision.

Paul Kelly (11-3) vs. Donald Cerrone (13-3)

The fighters: After having two impressive wins in three outings in 2010, Kelly will look to get his 2011 off to a good start here against Cerrone. Kelly last fought at UFC 123, stopping T.J. O'Brien with elbows in the second round. He also put in another good performance at UFC 112 in April, submitting Matt Veach with a guillotine choke. In between, he dropped a decision to Jacob Volkmann. Those two stoppage wins in 2010 were the first of Kelly's UFC career. Is it a sign of things to come or of the competition?

Cerrone, who seemingly fought on every-other WEC show, makes his UFC debut as an injury replacement. A two-time WEC lightweight title contender, Cerrone failed on both occasions, losing a technical decision to Jamie Varner and then was submitted by Ben Henderson. After his loss to Henderson, Cerrone came back with two straight wins. The first came by decision in a heated grudge match against Jamie Varner at WEC 51 and the second by triangle choke against Chris Horodecki at WEC 53 in December. Cerrone brings a solid submission game to the table and his striking has improved. His wrestling, though, could use improvement, but was visibly improved against Varner.

What's at stake: Cerrone was loved by WEC brass and will pretty much take any fight. He's the first real test to see if the WEC lightweights can hang in the UFC and this is a perfect test. Kelly needs to make a move to prove he isn't just a middling lightweight. A win over Cerrone would undoubtedly be the biggest of his career.

Pick: As stated, this is a perfect test to see where Cerrone stands and it's a perfect fight for him to make his UFC debut with. After some furious striking by both men, Kelly will take Cerrone down, but while there, Cerrone will tap him out. Cerrone takes this one by submission in the second round.

Jake Ellenberger (22-5) vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha (9-0)

The fighters: Ellenberger, a wrestler with powerful striking, comes into this main-card bout riding a two-fight win streak, stopping both Mike Pyle and John Howard by TKO. Against Howard, Ellenberger just pounded on Howard's face until the swelling was so bad that the bout was waved off. Ellenberger made a big impression in his UFC debut in a losing effort against Carlos Condit. He hurt the former WEC welterweight champion and had him reeling and almost stopped early before letting him off the hook and losing a split decision. Although he's only accumulated three fights in the UFC, Ellenberger was tested prior to his days in the Octagon, facing the likes of Jay Hieron, Delson Heleno, Pat Healy and Rick Story before his UFC debut.

Rocha is a slick Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist whose only seen one of his nine career fights enter the second round. Of those nine wins, eight have come by submission, including a first-round kneebar submission of Kris McCray at UFC 122 in November. It will be interesting to see how he performs on the big stage in Las Vegas against someone as experienced and powerful as Ellenberger.

What's at stake: Ellenberger has some steam behind him following back-to-back stoppage wins. Nothing gets you noticed more in the UFC than those and beating an undefeated fighter certainly would be another big notch on his belt. Rocha needs to prove he can pull out some of his submission magic against a fighter like Ellenberger.

Pick: Rocha is slick, no doubt, and this is a good chance for me to look like a fool, but I see Ellenberger using his wrestling to keep this fight on the feet, where he'll batter Rocha, tiring him out and either gaining a late stoppage or a decision win. Of course, Rocha could submit him quickly, too. I like style fights like this a lot. I'm looking forward to seeing these two compete.

That's a wrap.

Now it's your turn, Maniacs. Share your thoughts on these six bouts with us in the comments section!

Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz successfully defended his title during the main event of Saturday’s Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg event. The Cesar Gracie BJJ black belt showcased his stand-up skills and BJJ off his back, easily securing Cyborg in a second-round armbar submission. In the post-fight press conference, the champion applauded his challenger, Evangelista “Cyborg” [...]