MMA Nation - 'Big Nog' Has Surgery, Pulver And Sapp Get KO'd On The Round-Uphttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/33343/mma-icon.png2011-12-25T04:00:20-08:00http://mma.sbnation.com/rss/stream/24144102011-12-25T04:00:20-08:002011-12-25T04:00:20-08:00The Best Of MMA Nation On The Round Up
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_7ZsXIopUo0u8lXEi-u8YC8oBZ0=/0x194:466x505/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/904434/GYI0060958881.jpg" />
<figcaption>Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A look back at some of MMA Nation's best content from 2011 including original interviews, analysis and histories of the UFC and mixed martial arts. </p> <p>If you're online on this slow holiday looking for MMA stories to read, search no more. Here's a handy one stop guide to the best work of MMA Nation from 2011. Consider those hours killed.</p>
<p>Our most popular feature of the year was Jonathan Snowden's <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/8/18/2161891/the-economics-of-mma-how-much-does-it-cost-to-be-a-fighter">"The Economics Of MMA: How Much Does It Cost To Be A Fighter?"</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>As the UFC has become a big business, the fighters have started to make what seems like a pretty good living. But preparing for a main event contest with an eight week training camp can be an expensive proposition. The UFC announced earlier this year that they would cover a fighter's health insurance while they are actively preparing for a UFC bout. That's great news.</p>
<p>The next step is covering a fighter's training expenses. It's part of what a promoter provides in boxing - for example, Miguel Cotto was paid $120,000 to prepare for his fight with Manny Pacquiao. In MMA, fighters are on their own for those costs.</p>
<p>How much does a fighter, earning a seemingly enormous $250,000, actually take home at the end of the night? I talked with a number of fighters, managers, and assorted MMA industry figures to find out. </p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/8/18/2161891/the-economics-of-mma-how-much-does-it-cost-to-be-a-fighter">Here's the cost of doing business in MMA</a>
</blockquote>
<p>If you're more interested in the technical side of fighting we answered the question <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/11/2628551/ufc-140-results-frank-mir-broke-antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-arm" target="_blank">Exactly How Did Frank Mir Break Nogueira's Arm?</a> by calling on a BJJ black belt and using some animated gifs.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/930083/MirNogII03_medium.gif"><img alt="Mirnogii03_medium_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/930083/MirNogII03_medium_medium.gif"></a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Once in side control, Mir has the correct angles to get Big Nog's arm into the right positions. He has his left hand pinning Nogueira's right wrist to the ground and his right hand snaking underneath Big Nog's upper arm and locked onto his own left wrist. This is the classic figure four double wristlock that judokas call the reverse ude garami and BJJ players the "kimura". The submission is essentially set now. Mir steps over the head - or at least tries to - and smashes his chest downwards as Nog looks like he knows exactly what is coming and wants no part of it. At this point, Frank's massive static strength is starting to take over. Big Nog's right arm is being dragged into the classic right angle required for the reverse ude garami. The pressure of Mir's bodyweight is considerable, yet the location of his body allows Nogueira to upend him in an attempt to alleviate the increasing torque on the arm. Big Nog wants to straighten that arm out and shake loose from the double wristlocks grips, but it does not work."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That's the set up, to see the snap <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/11/2628551/ufc-140-results-frank-mir-broke-antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-arm" target="_blank">read the full article.</a> </p>
<p>If you're looking for some hand-wringing and concern about the cultural impact of MMA, look no more as I asked, "<a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/9/14/2424998/mma-fighter-murder-assault-rape-mike-whitehead-brett-rogers-war-machine-zak-brody" target="_blank">Is MMA Goon Culture Staining The Sport?</a>"</p>
<blockquote>
<p>A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. A little dangerous knowledge can be murder.</p>
<p>That's what two Ohio aspiring MMA fighters found out when they got into a brawl at a party and one of them ended up battered, choked and left to die alone in the woods.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>We also gave you some analysis of the behind the scenes politics that results in fights being booked, or not being booked in Thomas Myers' <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/11/2/2531825/cesar-gracie-nick-diaz-genius-matchmaker-georges-st-pierre-mma" target="_blank">Cesar Gracie, The Diabolical Genius Calling The UFC's Welterweight Shots</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>Cesar Gracie pulled off back-to-back matchmaking coups in less than five weeks, masterfully getting his prized fighter, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122575/nick-diaz" class="sbn-auto-link">Nick Diaz</a>, into two UFC main events and a title shot against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre" class="sbn-auto-link">Georges St. Pierre</a>. He had some help along the way, but his behind-the-scenes manipulation was pure genius.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>If you're interested in some interviews with athletes who may very well be the future of MMA, Luke Thomas has you covered. He interviewed the NCAA national champion Jordan Burroughs:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Jordan Burroughs, one of America's premier talents in amateur wrestling, tells MMA Nation he is 'definitely' interested in a career in mixed martial arts. The catch? We'll all have to wait until he's done wrestling.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><br><iframe width="460" height="300" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/hlkwulgopyw"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<p>And <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/2011/5/26/2189682/henry-cejudo-mma-ufc-gsp-cain-velasquez-mma-news">Olympic Gold medalist Henry Cejudo</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo - the youngest American wrestler to ever earn that distinction - talks about entering the sport of mixed martial arts, why MMA is both easier than wrestling as well as hurting it, his plans for the 2012 London games, being a UFC fan and more.</p>
<p><br><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l42DApCPMtg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></embed></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Thomas Myers had a<a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/8/13/2361681/dan-hardy-interview-ufc-live-versus-5-mma-news" target="_blank"> great interview with Dan Hardy</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Thomas Myers, <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/">MMA Nation</a>: Are there any other superstitions or rituals that you need to address prior to getting into a fight?</b></p>
<p><b>Dan Hardy: </b>Sure, I do lots of weird little things, even down to the way I brush my teeth on fight day. I just like to have a routine that I'm comfortable with that I know is stable and regular. I don't no if it's a superstition, but more of a system so that I don't have to think about anything on fight day, everything is all laid out and I know what I'm going to do at each step. I wake up, brush my teeth, take my supplements, eat, rest. That sort of thing. Even the foods I eat on fight day are always the same. It's a regular thing. This way my only focus is the fight. I don't have to think because I'm on auto pilot.</p>
<p><b>Thomas Myers, <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/">MMA Nation</a>: So how will you brush your teeth differently on Sunday rather than tonight?</b></p>
<p><b>Dan Hardy: </b>(Laughs) It's more about the time and energy that I put into it more than anything else. It's more of a meditation thing. I floss and brush and floss and brush. Then I use mouthwash. It takes about 15 or 20 minutes, and during that time I'm just alone in the bathroom, thinking about the fight. I'm not talking to anybody or having anything else to think about. It gives me some important time to be by myself and get myself ready for the day.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>If MMA history is more your speed, I told the tale of <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/7/26/2296438/before-fedor-5-former-soviet-fighters-that-pioneered-modern-mma#" target="_blank">Five Former Soviet Fighters Who Pioneered Modern MMA</a>:</p>
<ol>
<li> <span style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/7/30/2305627/igor-ice-cold-vovchanchyn-the-king-of-the-8-man-tournament/in/2060479" target="_blank">Igor 'Ice Cold' Vovchanchyn, The King Of The 8 Man Tournament</a><br></span><span style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/930089/i18487_IgorVovchanchynvsPaulVarelansIFC1_medium.gif"><img alt="I18487_igorvovchanchynvspaulvarelansifc1_medium_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/930089/i18487_IgorVovchanchynvsPaulVarelansIFC1_medium_medium.gif"><br></a> <br id="1324664346209"></span> </li>
<li> <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/7/30/2304944/mikhail-ilioukhine-the-forgotten-russian-legend-of-old-school-mma/in/2060479" target="_blank">Mikhail Ilioukhine, The Forgotten Russian Legend of Old School MMA Tape Traders</a><br><br><iframe style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xupoz" height="316" width="480" frameborder="0"></iframe><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><a style="border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffff; color: #c52126; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xupoz_iafc-01-mikhail-illoukhine-vs-igor_sport">IAFC - 01 Mikhail Illoukhine vs Igor Vov</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><i style="border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">by <a style="border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #c52126; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymotion.com/warshark42">warshark42</a><br><br></i> </li>
<li> <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/7/26/2296438/before-fedor-5-former-soviet-fighters-that-pioneered-modern-mma" target="_blank">Read the full post to see the other three Russian legends</a>.</li>
</ol>
<p>I also told the tale of <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/8/23/2379933/ufc-brings-mma-back-to-brazil-with-ufc-134-rio">The Long Strange Journey From Vale Tudo To Mixed Martial Arts In Brazil</a>:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/930092/collage82211wider2_large.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/930092/collage82211wider2_large_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Collage82211wider2_large_medium"></a></p>
<p>A picture's worth a thousand words, but if you want to know more about the old school fighters in the picture above, <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/8/23/2379933/ufc-brings-mma-back-to-brazil-with-ufc-134-rio">read the whole thing.</a> </p>
<p>And we'll wrap things up with Luke's interview with Dave Meltzer, the sage of the PPV business:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/95D_AWX1-Qs" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1324664651596"></p>
<p><br id="1324664560513"></p>
<p>Happy Holidays!</p>
https://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/25/2657816/the-best-of-mma-nation-on-the-round-upNate Wilcox2011-12-24T04:00:24-08:002011-12-24T04:00:24-08:00MMA's Best Memes Of 2011 On The Round Up
<figure>
<img alt="Anderson Silva crushes Vitor Belfort with a front kick at UFC 126. (Photo by Esther Lin via MMA Fighting)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pM_a6iaHo1bd49NhiWHIh3_LJ5s=/1x0:718x478/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/834134/anderson_silva_beastmode.jpg" />
<figcaption>Anderson Silva crushes Vitor Belfort with a front kick at UFC 126. (Photo by Esther Lin via MMA Fighting)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A compilation of everything we loved about the year in mixed martial arts.</p> <p>MMA Nation Round-Up provides you with daily coverage of the latest in news, multimedia, and analysis throughout the world of combat sports.</p>
<p>Happy holidays internet friends! Today we're doing things a little differently. Join us as we take a look back at everything we loved about 2011. Enjoy.</p>
<p>- The IFL failed for many reasons, and this video may or may not be one of them. (HT: <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/16/2607472/mma-news-bas-rutten-renzo-gracie-ufc-dana-white" target="_blank">Bloody Elbow</a>)</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d8gPYZ2P31o" height="360" width="480"></iframe></p>
<p>- Journey through <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129408/brian-ebersole">Brian Ebersole's</a> various chest hair ventures. (Photos by Esther Lin & Tracy Lee)</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/834041/Brian-Ebersole.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Brian-ebersole_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/834041/Brian-Ebersole_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1324586722989"></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/823346/brian_ebersole.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Brian_ebersole_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/823346/brian_ebersole_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1324586626697"></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wUVb0GtfiYY" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122511/forrest-griffin">Forrest Griffin</a> kept it classy for Halloween this year. (via <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cagepotato.com">CagePotato</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/774140/forrest-griffin.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/774140/forrest-griffin_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Forrest-griffin_medium"></a> <br id="1320168346178"></p>
<p>- The All Elbows crew put together this fantastic retrospective of the TUF 14 tryouts. Look closely and you might just spot the UFC's newest flyweight contender, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129531/ian-mccall">Ian McCall</a>.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kksAQgwNT64" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129997/royce-gracie">Royce Gracie</a> may be 44-years-old, but don't you dare call him washed-up.</p>
<div id="embedly_twitter_48796804" class="embedly_twitter">
<style type="text/css"> #embedly_twitter_48796804{background:url(http://a0.twimg.com/images/themes/theme1/bg.png) #C0DEED; padding:20px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 p{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 0px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .embedly_tweet_content{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} #embedly_twitter_48796804 p span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:0px;height:40px; padding-bottom: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 p span.metadata span.author{line-height:15px;color:#999;font-size:14px} #embedly_twitter_48796804 p span.metadata span.author a{line-height:15px;font-size:20px;vertical-align:middle} #embedly_twitter_48796804 p span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 10px 0 0px;width:48px;height:48px} #embedly_twitter_48796804 p a {color: #0084B4; text-decoration:none;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 p a:hover{text-decoration:underline} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .embedly_timestamp{font-size:13px;display:inline-block;margin-top: 5px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .components-above span.embedly_timestamp{font-size:10px;margin-top: 1px;line-height:12px} #embedly_twitter_48796804 a {color: #0084B4; text-decoration:none;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 a:hover{text-decoration:underline} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-screen-name {font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-full-name {padding-left: 4px; color: #999; font-size: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-actions{margin-left: 10px;font-size:13px;display:inline-block;width:250px} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .components-above span.tweet-actions{font-size:10px} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .controls{line-height:12px!important} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-actions a {margin-left:5px} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-actions a b{font-weight:normal} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .components-above span.tweet-actions a b{vertical-align:baseline;line-height:12px} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .components-above .tweet-text{font-size:13px;vertical-align:baseline} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-image {float: left; width: 40px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-user-block-image {float: left; width: 48px; height: 48px} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-row {margin-left: 40px; margin-top: 3px;line-height: 17px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-user-block {margin-left: -40px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .stream-item {padding-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .simple-tweet-image img {margin-top: 4px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .simple-tweet-content {margin: 0 0 13px 0px; font-size: 14px; min-height:48px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .in-reply-to-border {border-color: #EBEBEB; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0 0;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .in-reply-to-text {margin-left: 4px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 10px; color: #999; font-size: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-actions i {background: transparent url(http://a2.twimg.com/a/1306889658/phoenix/img/sprite-icons.png) no-repeat;width:15px;height:15px;margin:0 4px -3px 3px;outline: none; text-indent:-99999px;vertical-align:baseline;display:inline-block;position:relative;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-actions a.retweet-action i {background-position:-192px 0;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-actions a.reply-action i {background-position:0 0;} #embedly_twitter_48796804 .tweet-actions a.favorite-action i {background-position:-32px 0;} </style>
<div class="embedly_tweet_content">
<div class="components-middle">
<p><span class="metadata"><span class="author"><a href="http://twitter.com/realroyce"><img src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1313668955/facebook_normal.jpg"></a><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/realroyce">@realroyce</a></strong><br>Royce Gracie</span></span> I can take anyones back even the alligator. Who's your daddy biyatch<br><span class="embedly_timestamp"><a title="Tue Dec 06 20:16:46 +0000 2011" href="http://twitter.com/realroyce/status/144148294120124416">Dec 06</a> via <a href="http://www.facebook.com/twitter" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></span><span class="tweet-actions"><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=144148294120124416" class="favorite-action" title="Favorite"><span><i></i><b>Favorite</b></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=144148294120124416" class="retweet-action" title="Retweet"><span><i></i><b>Retweet</b></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=144148294120124416" class="reply-action" title="Reply"><span><i></i><b>Reply</b></span></a></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>- A fascinating look at the beginning of Junior dos Santos' run to the heavyweight title. The moment the referee rips <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122504/cain-velasquez">Cain Velasquez</a> off <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122494/brock-lesnar">Brock Lesnar</a>, Dos Santos declares his mission. "An undefeated champion. Now he's mine."</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H91c_IooQVA" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>- A bizarre photograph of a fresh-faced Dana White rolling with a young <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122519/tito-ortiz">Tito Ortiz</a> made the internet rounds. Behold, Dana + hair.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/781262/dana_white_-_tito_ortiz.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/781262/dana_white_-_tito_ortiz_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Dana_white_-_tito_ortiz_medium"></a> <br id="1324588412583"></p>
<p>- Who could forget this little gem. F*** YOUR MOTHER!</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/a4EbRnFn0Tg" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>- Not sure what's worse for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre">Georges St. Pierre</a>, his knee surgery or this devastatingly awkward gif. (HT: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/10/30/2526035/dont-be-scared-georgie-gif-nick-diaz-calls-out-georges-st-pierre-in">MMA Mania</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/772758/diaz.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/772758/diaz_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Diaz_medium"></a></p>
<p>- Take an in-depth look at the early stages of the UFC.</p>
<p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/78CDlBN8Gbc" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>- The aftermath of Halloween parties can be a little brutal sometimes.</p>
<div class="embedly_twitter" id="embedly_twitter_79965862">
<style type="text/css"> #embedly_twitter_79965862{background:url(http://a3.twimg.com/profile_background_images/46929310/henderson_twitter_bkrnd.jpg) #C0DEED; padding:20px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 p{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 0px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .embedly_tweet_content{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} #embedly_twitter_79965862 p span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:0px;height:40px; padding-bottom: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 p span.metadata span.author{line-height:15px;color:#999;font-size:14px} #embedly_twitter_79965862 p span.metadata span.author a{line-height:15px;font-size:20px;vertical-align:middle} #embedly_twitter_79965862 p span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 10px 0 0px;width:48px;height:48px} #embedly_twitter_79965862 p a {color: #0084B4; text-decoration:none;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 p a:hover{text-decoration:underline} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .embedly_timestamp{font-size:13px;display:inline-block;margin-top: 5px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .components-above span.embedly_timestamp{font-size:10px;margin-top: 1px;line-height:12px} #embedly_twitter_79965862 a {color: #0084B4; text-decoration:none;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 a:hover{text-decoration:underline} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-screen-name {font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-full-name {padding-left: 4px; color: #999; font-size: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-actions{margin-left: 10px;font-size:13px;display:inline-block;width:250px} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .components-above span.tweet-actions{font-size:10px} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .controls{line-height:12px!important} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-actions a {margin-left:5px} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-actions a b{font-weight:normal} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .components-above span.tweet-actions a b{vertical-align:baseline;line-height:12px} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .components-above .tweet-text{font-size:13px;vertical-align:baseline} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-image {float: left; width: 40px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-user-block-image {float: left; width: 48px; height: 48px} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-row {margin-left: 40px; margin-top: 3px;line-height: 17px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-user-block {margin-left: -40px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .stream-item {padding-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .simple-tweet-image img {margin-top: 4px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .simple-tweet-content {margin: 0 0 13px 0px; font-size: 14px; min-height:48px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .in-reply-to-border {border-color: #EBEBEB; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0 0;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .in-reply-to-text {margin-left: 4px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 10px; color: #999; font-size: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-actions i {background: transparent url(http://a2.twimg.com/a/1306889658/phoenix/img/sprite-icons.png) no-repeat;width:15px;height:15px;margin:0 4px -3px 3px;outline: none; text-indent:-99999px;vertical-align:baseline;display:inline-block;position:relative;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-actions a.retweet-action i {background-position:-192px 0;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-actions a.reply-action i {background-position:0 0;} #embedly_twitter_79965862 .tweet-actions a.favorite-action i {background-position:-32px 0;} </style>
<div class="embedly_tweet_content">
<div class="components-middle">
<p><span class="metadata"><span class="author"><a href="http://twitter.com/SMOOTHone155"><img src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/481034058/henderson_twitter_bkrnd_normal.jpg"></a><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/SMOOTHone155">@SMOOTHone155</a></strong><br>Benson Henderson</span></span> Woke up to a Handful of candy wrappers around my bed, I cannot confirm or deny if I ate these last night or not...<br><span class="embedly_timestamp"><a href="http://twitter.com/SMOOTHone155/status/131056119014625281" title="Mon Oct 31 17:13:08 +0000 2011">Oct 31</a> via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://twitter.com/#!/download/iphone">Twitter for iPhone</a></span><span class="tweet-actions"><a title="Favorite" class="favorite-action" href="https://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=131056119014625281"><span><i></i><b>Favorite</b></span></a><a title="Retweet" class="retweet-action" href="https://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=131056119014625281"><span><i></i><b>Retweet</b></span></a><a title="Reply" class="reply-action" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=131056119014625281"><span><i></i><b>Reply</b></span></a></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/79673/ufc-140-jones-vs-machida">UFC 140</a> didn't exactly work out this way, but hey, it happens.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3awhIoL54fY" height="360" width="480"></iframe></p>
<p>- Catch one of the year's most gruesome before and after shots -- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129979/cung-le">Cung Le</a> pre- and post- Ax Murderer nose reconstruction at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/82269/ufc-139-henderson-vs-rua">UFC 139</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/798885/Le_nose_large.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Le_nose_large_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/798885/Le_nose_large_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1321900359792"></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/798889/cung_le_face.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Cung_le_face_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/798889/cung_le_face_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1321900377323"></p>
<p>- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122514/jon-jones">Jon Jones</a> threw MMA Nation's own Luke Thomas for a loop with <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/9/22/2442577/ufc-135-interview-jon-jones-vs-rampage-jackson-mma-news" target="_blank">this bizarre all-British-accent interview</a>.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MDaJYxxTgK0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>- <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/5/2613812/mma-33-year-old-ufc-fighter-robbery-chicago-mma-news" target="_blank">Of course, this happened. </a>Did we ever figure out who the fighter was?</p>
<p>- There's a time and a place for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122568/anderson-silva">Anderson Silva</a> to dance and lip sync to some Justin Bieber. And that time is now.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U_e3CH2M470" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>- Women's MMA found new life when <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/strikeforce">Strikeforce</a> champion <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/130035/miesha-tate" class="sbn-auto-link">Miesha Tate</a> and hot prospect <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131295/ronda-rousey" class="sbn-auto-link">Ronda Rousey</a> engaged in a not-so-friendly debate on MMA Fighting's The MMA Hour.</p>
<p><object width="400" height="346" id="AOLVP_1299857012001" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://o.aolcdn.com/videoplayer/AOL_PlayerLoader.swf">
<param name="bgcolor" value="#000000">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="wmode" value="transparent">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<param name="flashvars" value="publisherid=1612833736&stillurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpdl%2Estream%2Eaol%2Ecom%2Fpdlext%2Faol%2Fbrightcove%2Faolmaster%2F1612833736%2F1612833736%5F1299729396001%5Fari%2Dorigin54%2Darc%2D162%2D1322532792042%2Ejpg%3FpubId%3D1612833736&playerid=61371447001&videoid=1299857012001&codever=1">
<embed src="http://o.aolcdn.com/videoplayer/AOL_PlayerLoader.swf" mce_src="http://o.aolcdn.com/videoplayer/AOL_PlayerLoader.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" allowfullscreen="true" bgcolor="#000000" width="400" height="346" name="AOLVP_1299857012001" flashvars="publisherid=1612833736&stillurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpdl%2Estream%2Eaol%2Ecom%2Fpdlext%2Faol%2Fbrightcove%2Faolmaster%2F1612833736%2F1612833736%5F1299729396001%5Fari%2Dorigin54%2Darc%2D162%2D1322532792042%2Ejpg%3FpubId%3D1612833736&playerid=61371447001&videoid=1299857012001&codever=1"></embed></object> </p>
<p>- After Jon Jones' incredible 2011, <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/ufc-champ-jon-bones-jones-might-be-the-michael-jordan-of-anything-goes-combat-20111101" target="_blank">this spot in Rolling Stone</a> seems much more fitting.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>... Jones could become the Michael Jordan of the sport. "I don't really know what to say to that," Jones says as a trainer adjusts the ice on his feet, which are nearly broken from all the punishing kicks delivered to Jackson. "I don't want to sound cocky, but I do hold myself in high regard."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>- The internet set fire when the UFC released this startling video of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122473/jose-aldo">Jose Aldo</a> nearly killing himself to make the 145-pound weight limit. Promotion officials quickly pulled the clip, but once something's on the internet, it's hard to get it off.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xlgj0m_jose-aldo-weight-cut-battle_sport" height="270" width="480" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>- Mac Lethal, aka "The Chael Sonnen of Rap", kills this MMA/breakfast themed version of "Look at Me Now".</p>
<p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Teaft0Kg-Ok" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>- Just another day in the life of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/126093/aaron-simpson" class="sbn-auto-link">Aaron Simpson</a>.</p>
<div id="embedly_twitter_10438628" class="embedly_twitter">
<style type="text/css"> #embedly_twitter_10438628{background:url(http://a2.twimg.com/profile_background_images/6660226/my_KO.jpg) #1A1B1F; padding:20px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 p{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 0px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .embedly_tweet_content{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} #embedly_twitter_10438628 p span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:0px;height:40px; padding-bottom: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 p span.metadata span.author{line-height:15px;color:#999;font-size:14px} #embedly_twitter_10438628 p span.metadata span.author a{line-height:15px;font-size:20px;vertical-align:middle} #embedly_twitter_10438628 p span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 10px 0 0px;width:48px;height:48px} #embedly_twitter_10438628 p a {color: #046b8b; text-decoration:none;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 p a:hover{text-decoration:underline} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .embedly_timestamp{font-size:13px;display:inline-block;margin-top: 5px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .components-above span.embedly_timestamp{font-size:10px;margin-top: 1px;line-height:12px} #embedly_twitter_10438628 a {color: #046b8b; text-decoration:none;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 a:hover{text-decoration:underline} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-screen-name {font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-full-name {padding-left: 4px; color: #999; font-size: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-actions{margin-left: 10px;font-size:13px;display:inline-block;width:250px} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .components-above span.tweet-actions{font-size:10px} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .controls{line-height:12px!important} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-actions a {margin-left:5px} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-actions a b{font-weight:normal} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .components-above span.tweet-actions a b{vertical-align:baseline;line-height:12px} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .components-above .tweet-text{font-size:13px;vertical-align:baseline} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-image {float: left; width: 40px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-user-block-image {float: left; width: 48px; height: 48px} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-row {margin-left: 40px; margin-top: 3px;line-height: 17px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-user-block {margin-left: -40px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .stream-item {padding-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .simple-tweet-image img {margin-top: 4px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .simple-tweet-content {margin: 0 0 13px 0px; font-size: 14px; min-height:48px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .in-reply-to-border {border-color: #EBEBEB; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0 0;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .in-reply-to-text {margin-left: 4px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 10px; color: #999; font-size: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-actions i {background: transparent url(http://a2.twimg.com/a/1306889658/phoenix/img/sprite-icons.png) no-repeat;width:15px;height:15px;margin:0 4px -3px 3px;outline: none; text-indent:-99999px;vertical-align:baseline;display:inline-block;position:relative;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-actions a.retweet-action i {background-position:-192px 0;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-actions a.reply-action i {background-position:0 0;} #embedly_twitter_10438628 .tweet-actions a.favorite-action i {background-position:-32px 0;} </style>
<div class="embedly_tweet_content">
<div class="components-middle">
<p><span class="metadata"><span class="author"><a href="http://twitter.com/aaronsimpson"><img src="http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/521907863/UFC_Profile_pic_normal.jpg"></a><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/aaronsimpson">@aaronsimpson</a></strong><br>Aaron Simpson</span></span> Man I love being in the locker room when all these guys are changing # loveweiner<br><span class="embedly_timestamp"><a title="Tue Nov 01 22:10:23 +0000 2011" href="http://twitter.com/aaronsimpson/status/131493313030270976">Nov 01</a> via <a href="http://www.tweetcaster.com" rel="nofollow">TweetCaster for Android</a></span><span class="tweet-actions"><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=131493313030270976" class="favorite-action" title="Favorite"><span><i></i><b>Favorite</b></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=131493313030270976" class="retweet-action" title="Retweet"><span><i></i><b>Retweet</b></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=131493313030270976" class="reply-action" title="Reply"><span><i></i><b>Reply</b></span></a></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>- Peep this quote from a <a target="_blank" href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/11/miced-martial-arts-fighters-foil-robbery.html">Los Angeles report</a>. "An attempted robbery of an L.A. motel was foiled by mixed martial arts experts just arrived from Oregon for the World Jiu-Jitsue No-Gi Championship in Long Beach, authorities said Friday. The fighters struggled for several minutes to subdue the armed man without hurting him."</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QUntJ2Js3T8" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>- As we leave you, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122569/wanderlei-silva" class="sbn-auto-link">Wanderlei Silva</a> issues one last Christmas warning.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/805956/wandy_claus.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/805956/wandy_claus_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Wandy_claus_medium"></a> <br id="1322511748149"></p>
https://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/24/2655699/mmas-best-of-2011-on-the-round-upShaun Al-Shatti2011-12-23T04:00:49-08:002011-12-23T04:00:49-08:00TUF Brazil Previews, Georges St. Pierres' Phobias On The Round-Up
<figure>
<img alt="Wanderlei Silva" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g7O5MdsB2pt7OByfWXznHDvhkH4=/0x14:1000x681/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/802287/11_Silva_Le_10.jpg" />
<figcaption>Wanderlei Silva</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>MMA Nation rounds up the latest news from the UFC and the world of mixed martial arts.</p> <p>MMA Nation Round-Up provides you with daily coverage of the latest in news, multimedia, and analysis throughout the world of combat sports. Today we'll take an early look at the wonders of 2012, from TUF: Brazil to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/92421/ufc-on-fox-2">UFC on Fox 2</a>. Plus <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122477/leonard-garcia">Leonard Garcia</a> basically calls <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre">Georges St. Pierre</a> a little girl, though not for the reasons you're guessing. </p>
<p>- Both <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122495/frank-mir">Frank Mir</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122498/antonio-rodrigo-nogueira">Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira</a> checked in with their own explanations of the submission heard 'round the world. Hear Mir explain his thought process to MMA Nation's Luke Thomas <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/22/2654812/ufc-141-frank-mir-brock-lesnar-alistair-overeem-mma-news">in this exclusive interview</a>, then see why Nogueira said, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/22/2654577/antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-broken-arm-frank-mir-ufc-140-mma-news">"I knew I made a mistake."</a></p>
<p>- With <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/strikeforce">Strikeforce</a> <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/15/2638986/strikeforce-heavyweight-division-disbanding-dana-white" target="_blank">heavyweight exodus</a> beginning, Matt Roth <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/22/2655174/ufc-strikeforce-heavyweights-brock-lesnar-alistair-overeem" target="_blank">takes a look</a> at the names we may soon see inside the Octagon.</p>
<p>- Catch an early glimpse of UFC 141's titanic headliner -- <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/1152/ufc-141-lesnar-vs-overeem-brock-lesnar-vs-alistair-overeem" target="_blank">Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem</a>. The folks behind UFC Undisputed 3 simulated the fight 25 times, and the final tally was closer than you could imagine. <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/22/2656041/brock-lesnar-vs-alistair-overeem-fight-video-ufc-141#comments" target="_blank">See who came out on top.</a></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VstRXJrQ2D8" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/135940/junie-browning">Junie Browning</a> penned yet another chapter in his bizarre saga with Thailand. Weeks after a <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/13/2633257/manhunt-junie-browning-barfight-hospital-thailand-ufc/in/2410779">nationwide manhunt</a> began, the former TUF 8 cast member <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/22/2655305/fugitive-junie-browning-turns-self-in-at-thailand-police-station">turned himself into Thai police</a>.</p>
<p>- One more setback and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122578/dan-hardy">Dan Hardy</a> reaches the once unthinkable mark -- a five-fight losing streak. So who does Hardy have in mind to avoid landing on the wrong side of history? <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/22/2655644/dan-hardy-doesnt-like-matt-hughes-told-lorenzo-fertitta-he-wants-to#storyjump">Just a UFC Hall of Famer.</a></p>
<p>- Get your blood pumping with an early trailer for The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BTy8ioZAV7I" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>- Last time <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122570/chael-sonnen">Chael Sonnen</a> went on "Off the Record", <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/11/18/2569468/video-chael-sonnen-canada-michael-landsberg-mma-news">TV magic was made.</a> Could a sequel live up to the original? <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/21/2652127/chael-sonnen-to-go-on-tsns-off-the-record-again">Find out on Friday.</a></p>
<p>- Recent happenings in the worlds of sambo, judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu, submission grappling and/or collegiate/freestyle wrestling. If it takes place on the ground and it's interesting, it's in <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/22/2653553/matwork-qingdao-judo-grand-prix-results-midlands-contenders-years" target="_blank">December's edition of Matwork</a>.</p>
<p>- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122567/jake-shields">Jake Shields</a> has one goal. To be the number-one welterweight contender by the end of 2012.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CaRgepbAjlk" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122510/rashad-evans">Rashad Evans</a> may have <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/22/2655858/rashad-evans-vs-phil-davis-odds-ufc-on-fox-2-mma-news">opened as the betting favorite</a> for his 2012 fight against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122509/phil-davis">Phil Davis</a>, but that doesn't mean Suga's going to stand around and rest on his laurels. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/22/2655117/ufc-on-fox-2-rashad-evans-phil-davis-fight">"MMA and wrestling are not the same... if you don't have all aspects of the game, you won't be taking anybody down."</a></p>
<p>- The UFC has a new Russian prospect in its back pocket. <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/22/2655154/russian-azamat-gashimov-signs-with-ufc" target="_blank">Check out the undefeated training partner of Jim Miller.</a></p>
<p>- We'll sign off with this little nugget. Georges St. Pierre seems untouchable in the Octagon, but does "Rush" have a secret fear that we don't know about? According to Leonard Garcia, <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/21/2653664/leonard-garcia-georgesl-st-pierre-ufc-scared-of-heights-video-rush" target="_blank">he absolutely does.</a></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lWrCJGV-S3E" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/23/2656133/ufc-141-tuf-brazil-preview-georges-st-pierres-heights-mma-newsShaun Al-Shatti2011-12-21T04:00:50-08:002011-12-21T04:00:50-08:00GSP Hits The Rehab Trail, Joe Rogan Talks Striking On The Round-Up
<figure>
<img alt="Georges St. Pierre" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m0ZSsKaLOwZ--N8RBUTpk1sryeU=/0x46:1100x779/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/754351/gsp.jpg" />
<figcaption>Georges St. Pierre</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>MMA Nation rounds up the latest news from the UFC and the world of mixed martial arts.</p> <p>MMA Nation Round-Up provides you with daily coverage of the latest in news, multimedia, and analysis throughout the world of combat sports. This morning we'll peruse through Tuesday's notable MMA stories, from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122494/brock-lesnar" class="sbn-auto-link">Brock Lesnar's</a> expensive hunting trip to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122570/chael-sonnen" class="sbn-auto-link">Chael Sonnen's</a> newest t-shirt, and everything in-between. Let's kick things off.</p>
<p>- In his last two fights, former champion Brock Lesnar has struggled with heavy punchers. <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/20/2648779/ufc-141-fight-card-brock-lesnar-alistair-overeem-mma-news">Jonathan Snowden asks, can he do better in his UFC return against Alistair Overeem, the strongest striker in the division?</a></p>
<p>- The guys over at <a href="http://www.ngaugeinc.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=9" target="_blank">Punch Buddies</a> unveiled their newest Chael Sonnen themed t-shirt and it speaks for itself. #ShutUpAndTakeMyMoney (HT: <a href="http://fighterxfashion.com/punch-buddies-chael-sonnen-i-want-you-anderson-silva-shirt/" target="_blank">FighterXFashion</a>)</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/831573/chael_sonnen_wants_you.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Chael_sonnen_wants_you_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/831573/chael_sonnen_wants_you_medium.jpg"></a> </p>
<p>- Leland Rolling brings us the latest offering of Bloody Elbow's 2012 World Scouting Report. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/20/2647568/sirwan-kakai-mma-7-world-mma-bantamweight-scouting-report">Coming in at No. 7, a 22-year-old Swedish bantamweight nicknamed "Zohan."</a></p>
<p>- <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122529/kenny-florian" class="sbn-auto-link">Kenny Florian's</a> drop to featherweight had a far broader impact than he first imagined. See what K-Flo was talking about when he said <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/20/2649765/kenny-florian-medical-issues-featherweight-cut">"I had some medical issues I had to deal with."</a></p>
<p>- UFC ringside commentator Joe Rogan talks the differences between MMA and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/k-1" class="sbn-auto-link">K-1</a> striking.</p>
<p><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nbJ1KQP2a3Q" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>- The gloves are off. Spike TV has announced "The Ultimate Fighter Fridays" to <a target="_blank" href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/20/2649455/spike-tv-the-ultimate-fighter-fridays-counter-programming-friday-2012">counter-program</a> FX's "The Ultimate Fighter" in 2012.</p>
<p>- Looking to buy tickets for an upcoming UFC event? <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/20/2647946/ufc-tickets-prices-australia-ufc-141-japan-chicago">Check out this handy guide from Josh Nason.</a></p>
<p>- <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122622/ross-pearson" class="sbn-auto-link">Ross Pearson</a> bringing some words of wisdom before UFC 141.</p>
<div class="embedly_twitter" id="embedly_twitter_42790901">
<style type="text/css"> #embedly_twitter_42790901{background:url(http://a1.twimg.com/profile_background_images/275561328/rosstwitter.jpg) #C0DEED; padding:20px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 p{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 0px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .embedly_tweet_content{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} #embedly_twitter_42790901 p span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:0px;height:40px; padding-bottom: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 p span.metadata span.author{line-height:15px;color:#999;font-size:14px} #embedly_twitter_42790901 p span.metadata span.author a{line-height:15px;font-size:20px;vertical-align:middle} #embedly_twitter_42790901 p span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 10px 0 0px;width:48px;height:48px} #embedly_twitter_42790901 p a {color: #0084B4; text-decoration:none;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 p a:hover{text-decoration:underline} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .embedly_timestamp{font-size:13px;display:inline-block;margin-top: 5px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .components-above span.embedly_timestamp{font-size:10px;margin-top: 1px;line-height:12px} #embedly_twitter_42790901 a {color: #0084B4; text-decoration:none;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 a:hover{text-decoration:underline} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-screen-name {font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-full-name {padding-left: 4px; color: #999; font-size: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-actions{margin-left: 10px;font-size:13px;display:inline-block;width:250px} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .components-above span.tweet-actions{font-size:10px} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .controls{line-height:12px!important} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-actions a {margin-left:5px} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-actions a b{font-weight:normal} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .components-above span.tweet-actions a b{vertical-align:baseline;line-height:12px} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .components-above .tweet-text{font-size:13px;vertical-align:baseline} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-image {float: left; width: 40px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-user-block-image {float: left; width: 48px; height: 48px} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-row {margin-left: 40px; margin-top: 3px;line-height: 17px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-user-block {margin-left: -40px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .stream-item {padding-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .simple-tweet-image img {margin-top: 4px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .simple-tweet-content {margin: 0 0 13px 0px; font-size: 14px; min-height:48px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .in-reply-to-border {border-color: #EBEBEB; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0 0;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .in-reply-to-text {margin-left: 4px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 10px; color: #999; font-size: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-actions i {background: transparent url(http://a2.twimg.com/a/1306889658/phoenix/img/sprite-icons.png) no-repeat;width:15px;height:15px;margin:0 4px -3px 3px;outline: none; text-indent:-99999px;vertical-align:baseline;display:inline-block;position:relative;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-actions a.retweet-action i {background-position:-192px 0;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-actions a.reply-action i {background-position:0 0;} #embedly_twitter_42790901 .tweet-actions a.favorite-action i {background-position:-32px 0;} </style>
<div class="embedly_tweet_content">
<div class="components-middle">
<p><span class="metadata"><span class="author"><a href="http://twitter.com/RossTheRealDeal"><img src="http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1408215151/profile_normal.jpg"></a><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/RossTheRealDeal">@RossTheRealDeal</a></strong><br>Ross Pearson</span></span> 10 days away an it's go time!! From fighting on street corners to local shows now MGM las Vegas, living my dream <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23Amazing">#Amazing</a><br><span class="embedly_timestamp"><a href="http://twitter.com/RossTheRealDeal/status/149183447024406529" title="Tue Dec 20 17:44:40 +0000 2011">Dec 20</a> via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://twitter.com/#!/download/iphone">Twitter for iPhone</a></span><span class="tweet-actions"><a title="Favorite" class="favorite-action" href="https://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=149183447024406529"><span><i></i><b>Favorite</b></span></a><a title="Retweet" class="retweet-action" href="https://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=149183447024406529"><span><i></i><b>Retweet</b></span></a><a title="Reply" class="reply-action" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=149183447024406529"><span><i></i><b>Reply</b></span></a></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>- Bloody Elbow's Matt Roth took some time to review Victory Belt's newest MMA manual, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/20/2649415/bloody-elbow-book-review-kettlebell-rx-the-complete-guide-for">Kettlebell RX - The Complete Guide For Athletes And Coaches</a>.</p>
<p>- <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/1491/ufc-143-carlos-condit-vs-nick-diaz" class="sbn-auto-link">Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit</a> is an incredible match-up on paper, and Condit's trainer, Greg Jackson, thinks it may go the distance. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/20/2650376/carlos-condit-vs-nick-diaz-is-going-to-be-a-big-five-round-war">"It's going to be a big five round war."</a></p>
<p>- <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128883/devin-cole" class="sbn-auto-link">Devin Cole</a> finds himself still recovering from some unfortunate damage at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/84351/strikeforce-melendez-vs-masvidal" class="sbn-auto-link">Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal</a>.</p>
<div id="embedly_twitter_99401116" class="embedly_twitter">
<style type="text/css"> #embedly_twitter_99401116{background:url(http://a0.twimg.com/images/themes/theme1/bg.png) #C0DEED; padding:20px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 p{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 0px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .embedly_tweet_content{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} #embedly_twitter_99401116 p span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:0px;height:40px; padding-bottom: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 p span.metadata span.author{line-height:15px;color:#999;font-size:14px} #embedly_twitter_99401116 p span.metadata span.author a{line-height:15px;font-size:20px;vertical-align:middle} #embedly_twitter_99401116 p span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 10px 0 0px;width:48px;height:48px} #embedly_twitter_99401116 p a {color: #0084B4; text-decoration:none;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 p a:hover{text-decoration:underline} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .embedly_timestamp{font-size:13px;display:inline-block;margin-top: 5px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .components-above span.embedly_timestamp{font-size:10px;margin-top: 1px;line-height:12px} #embedly_twitter_99401116 a {color: #0084B4; text-decoration:none;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 a:hover{text-decoration:underline} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-screen-name {font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-full-name {padding-left: 4px; color: #999; font-size: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-actions{margin-left: 10px;font-size:13px;display:inline-block;width:250px} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .components-above span.tweet-actions{font-size:10px} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .controls{line-height:12px!important} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-actions a {margin-left:5px} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-actions a b{font-weight:normal} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .components-above span.tweet-actions a b{vertical-align:baseline;line-height:12px} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .components-above .tweet-text{font-size:13px;vertical-align:baseline} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-image {float: left; width: 40px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-user-block-image {float: left; width: 48px; height: 48px} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-row {margin-left: 40px; margin-top: 3px;line-height: 17px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-user-block {margin-left: -40px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .stream-item {padding-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .simple-tweet-image img {margin-top: 4px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .simple-tweet-content {margin: 0 0 13px 0px; font-size: 14px; min-height:48px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .in-reply-to-border {border-color: #EBEBEB; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0 0;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .in-reply-to-text {margin-left: 4px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 10px; color: #999; font-size: 12px;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-actions i {background: transparent url(http://a2.twimg.com/a/1306889658/phoenix/img/sprite-icons.png) no-repeat;width:15px;height:15px;margin:0 4px -3px 3px;outline: none; text-indent:-99999px;vertical-align:baseline;display:inline-block;position:relative;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-actions a.retweet-action i {background-position:-192px 0;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-actions a.reply-action i {background-position:0 0;} #embedly_twitter_99401116 .tweet-actions a.favorite-action i {background-position:-32px 0;} </style>
<div class="embedly_tweet_content">
<div class="components-middle">
<p><span class="metadata"><span class="author"><a href="http://twitter.com/DevinColeMMA"><img src="http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1477874810/devin-lance-md-victory-strikeforce_normal.jpg"></a><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/DevinColeMMA">@DevinColeMMA</a></strong><br>Devin Cole</span></span> Here's what my eye looks like 2 days after getting poked in it during my fight. <a href="http://twitter.com/Strikeforce">@Strikeforce</a> <a href="http://t.co/znd9uDwv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://t.co/znd9uDwv</a><br><span class="embedly_timestamp"><a title="Tue Dec 20 16:57:49 +0000 2011" href="http://twitter.com/DevinColeMMA/status/149171654776471553">Dec 20</a> via <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/download/iphone" rel="nofollow">Twitter for iPhone</a></span><span class="tweet-actions"><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=149171654776471553" class="favorite-action" title="Favorite"><span><i></i><b>Favorite</b></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=149171654776471553" class="retweet-action" title="Retweet"><span><i></i><b>Retweet</b></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=149171654776471553" class="reply-action" title="Reply"><span><i></i><b>Reply</b></span></a></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/831597/devin_cole.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Devin_cole_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/831597/devin_cole_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1324419317483"></p>
<p>- Gergard Mousasi's only loss since 2007 was to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122515/muhammed-lawal" class="sbn-auto-link">Muhammed Lawal</a>, and it still doesn't sit well with him. Said Mousasi, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/20/2649375/gegard-mousasi-wants-to-rematch-king-mo-in-strikeforces-stacked-light">"I would definitely like that fight, especially if it's a title fight."</a></p>
<p>- A Canadian hunting trip left Brock Lesnar's wallet <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/20/2649948/brock-lesnar-pleads-guilty-to-hunting-charges-in-canada-fined-and">a little lighter</a> after a court ruling earlier this week.</p>
<p>- We'll leave you with a parting shot of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre" class="sbn-auto-link">Georges St. Pierre</a> putting in rehab work with his Continuous Passive Motion machine. (via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151073779490650&set=a.215454765649.283504.39734800649&type=1&theater">Facebook</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/831609/gsp.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/831609/gsp_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Gsp_medium"></a> <br id="1324419761726"></p>
https://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/21/2650372/gsp-rehab-knee-joe-rogan-ufc-brock-lesnar-huntingShaun Al-Shatti2011-12-20T04:00:34-08:002011-12-20T04:00:34-08:00'Big Nog' Has Surgery, Pulver And Sapp Get KO'd On The Round-Up
<figure>
<img alt="Mir - Nogueira" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e8bJ0zOt-7eJjMjpeSgRlg1CsMk=/0x37:1000x704/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/821538/11_Mir_Nogueira_13.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mir - Nogueira</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>MMA Nation rounds up the latest news from the UFC and the world of mixed martial arts.</p> <p>MMA Nation Round-Up provides you with daily coverage of the latest in news, multimedia, and analysis throughout the world of combat sports. Today we'll continue to look ahead to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/84572/ufc-141-lesnar-vs-overeem">UFC 141</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/92138/ufc-142">UFC 142</a>, before turning our gaze to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/130160/vinny-magalhaes">Vinny Magalhaes</a>' contract situation and the sad last legs of a pair of fading MMA names. Let's start it off.</p>
<p>- <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/19/2646789/ufc-141-media-conference-call-brock-lesnar-alistair-overeem" target="_blank">The UFC 141 media conference call took place on Monday and MMA Nation was on with full coverage</a>. Listen in to hear <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122494/brock-lesnar">Brock Lesnar</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122499/alistair-overeem">Alistair Overeem</a> discuss their health, drug testing, and the implications for their titanic heavyweight clash.</p>
<p>- Want to see proof of how big MMA is getting in Brazil? <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122568/anderson-silva">Anderson Silva</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122498/antonio-rodrigo-nogueira">Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira</a> face-off in this commercial for the Honda Hornet.</p>
<p><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mjW3Sc99rAE" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>- Speaking of Brazil, Leland Rolling dropped the latest offering of Bloody Elbow's fantastic 2012 World Scouting Report. <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/19/2645506/leandro-hygo-mma-9-world-mma-scouting-report" target="_blank">A Brazilian bantamweight nicknamed "Pitbull"... sounds a little familiar.</a></p>
<p>- Keeping with the 135-pounders, Fraser Coffeen stopped by with the <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/19/2645483/ufc-bantamweight-division-state-of-the-union-dominick-cruz-vs-urijah-faber" target="_blank">UFC Bantamweight Division State of the Union</a>.</p>
<p>- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122550/vitor-belfort">Vitor Belfort</a> kick starts his upcoming diary series titled "The Road to UFC 142". He promises one thing: it's going to be a "nightmare" for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129280/anthony-johnson">Anthony Johnson</a>.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fx3WOdYlN8A" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>- From fight of the year to fighter of the year, MMA Nation's own Luke Thomas gave his take on the year's best in mixed martial arts on <a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/19/2646285/ufc-mma-best-2011-luke-thomas-dustin-green-fight-fix-mma-news" target="_blank">CSN Washington's The Fight Fix. </a></p>
<p>- M-1 Global light heayweight champion Vinny Magalhaes hasn't had any reservations about voicing his desire to return to the UFC. <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/19/2646933/vinny-magalhaes-talks-adcc-gold-medal-and-m-1-status" target="_blank">"The only thing missing is for my contract with M1 to expire."</a></p>
<p><a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/19/2646285/ufc-mma-best-2011-luke-thomas-dustin-green-fight-fix-mma-news" target="_blank"></a>- Big Nog underwent surgery after all. The former heavyweight champ hopes to return to action sometime in June. (via <a href="http://www.tatame.com/2011/12/17/Nogueira-goes-thorugh-surgery-and-returns-in-June" target="_blank">Tatame</a>)</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/830212/big_nog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Big_nog_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/830212/big_nog_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1324334375654"></p>
<p>- Checking in with the other end of the Big Nog-surgery equation, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122495/frank-mir">Frank Mir</a> is hopeful that the dissolution of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/strikeforce">Strikeforce</a> heavyweight division leads to an increase in depth for the UFC. <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/19/2647026/frank-mir-strikeforce-heavyweights-add-much-needed-depth-to-ufc-roster#storyjump" target="_blank">"I guess I have a bad taste in my mouth because of what happened when I first started my career. I had to always hear about, 'Oh, you guys are good, but the PRIDE guys would kick your butt.'"</a></p>
<p>- M-1 President Vadim Finkelstein had some choice words for UFC President Dana White over the weekend. <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/12/19/2646645/vadim-finkelstein-calls-dana-white-a-dog-on-hay-and-discusses-fedor" target="_blank">"Dana White is like a dog on hay -- he neither eats it himself, nor lets the others eat it."</a></p>
<p>- As MMA moves into its new era, watching legends of old guard burnout on the regional circuit is becoming all to commonplace. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131344/jens-pulver">Jens Pulver</a> is the latest victim. The former UFC lightweight champion lost via brutal knockout to Timothy Elliot over the weekend. (HT: <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/19/2642843/rfa-results-from-last-night-jens-pulver-knocked-out-again-video" target="_blank">MMA Mania</a>)</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mjcbqul99FI" height="360" width="480"></iframe></p>
<p>- With the Strikeforce lightweight cupboard now bare after <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122538/gilbert-melendez">Gilbert Melendez's</a> victory over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129635/jorge-masvidal">Jorge Masvidal</a>, the pressure is on promotion officials to justify their refusal to move "El Nino" into the UFC. <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/12/18/zuffa-should-consider-sending-bj-penn-to-strikeforce-to-face-gil/" target="_blank">However, one particular name could be exactly what the doctor ordered.</a></p>
<p>- Junie Browning's situation seemingly gets worse every week. At this point the former UFC fighter has been<a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/19/2646605/junie-browning-hiding-thailand-brawl-mafia-ufc" target="_blank"> forced to flee Thailand in poor health and is fearing for his life </a>with the Thai mafia in hot pursuit<a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/19/2646605/junie-browning-hiding-thailand-brawl-mafia-ufc" target="_blank">.</a></p>
<p>- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131760/bob-sapp">Bob Sapp</a> was yet another name of MMA's past to pop up over the weekend. And just like Pulver, Sapp's night ended in bloody fashion. (HT: <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/12/19/2646385/bob-sapp-clowned-in-croatia-video" target="_blank">MMA Mania</a>)</p>
<p><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Rj_3iP3GSxw" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/20/2647346/big-nog-surgery-pulver-sapp-knockout-video-mma-newsShaun Al-Shatti