There had been rumors about the show returning to Brazil but nothing was confirmed until recently when Mario Yamasaki confirmed that he has been asked to be part of the show. This news was confirmed again by UFC’s Dana White who comments, “Yes, the UFC will head back to Brazil by January, and we’re already working on the next UFC Rio. Lorenzo has been traveling around Brazil over the last few weeks to discuss this kind of question. We’re running against time to set the lineup and final details.”

Yamasaki admits, “The UFC called me to be the referee. They sent me an e-mail asking if I would be available on Jan. 14. I didn’t know it wasn’t official, so I tweeted it. Then, all the Brazilian media jumped on it, and I immediately sent an e-mail asking for apologies. But, for sure, the UFC will be in Rio on Jan. 14. I also believe there will be other shows in Sao Paulo and Manaus.”

The UFC will be returning to Brazil after a 13-year absence. The new works have been on-going since December of 2010. Many people are confident that the UFC will be able to provide the Brazilian fans with many high-level lineups of fights that prove comparable to the likes of Anderson Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira as well as former UFC light heavyweight Mauricio Rua.

Photo courtesy of Xtreme

She was a well-rounded artist and at the time of her retirement she was ranked number three in the world. It was never her intention to be a part of MMA, but started doing it in her free time. She eventually got caught up in competition and did quite well. She was also known as the head kick legend.

Her retirement was surrounded by a lot of speculation. Her own explanation was that she simply wanted to return to a normal life.

Many thought that her last and final fight would be a real fight. It, however, turned out to be an exhibition fight between her and her best friend Megumi “Mega Megu” Fujii. It turned out to be quite a long fight of about four minutes which Fujii eventually allowed her to win as her final victory.

With her leaving at such an early age (at 23 years of age) she certainly left a huge gap in the Japanese Mixed Martial Arts world.

Image: www.sherdog.com

The most impressive fight I have ever seen is without a doubt the confrontation between Patrick Barry and Mirko Cro Cop who looked like they were going to kill each other. More importantly was the fact that they were from different disciplines. Mirko, a trained boxer had a vicious right hand that floored Patrick more than once.

The fight was eventually won by Patrick Barry because of his exceptional skill at grappling. His technique, when he got Mirko on the floor, was quite impressive because he stopped him from swinging a punch. This is what made him eventually win the fight. This is what impressed me the most; that he used Mikro’s technique against him.

Image: mixedmartialarts.com

Kimbo Slice is back.� The fearsome fighter will continue his MMA career in May, when the UFC adds him the to the line up.� Kimbo’s first fight back will be against former NFL player, Matt Matrione.� Matrione played for the New York Giant in 2000.� He only played nine games as their defensive tackle.

This heavy weight fight will be apart of UFC 113 and the bout is scheduled to take place on May 8th in Montreal, Canada.� This will not be a title fight. The main event is the Lyoto Machida verse Mauricio Rua rematch.

Kimbo is one of my favorite fighter and I can not wait to see him in action again!

References

1. Fox News.com

Revgear interviewed Tony Kozlov, who is the owner of M-1 Global facility located in Chatsworth, California.

Revgear: Is it true your gym is touted to be the flagship M-1 Global facility and first of its kind in the US? And what inspired you to open the center?

Tony: We are in fact the first M-1 Global Training Center in the U.S. Our facility has a full size cage, competition boxing ring, variety of heavy bags, grappling mats, complete weight training room, locker rooms with showers and whirlpool tubs.

The inspiration for the training center came from a passion for MMA/Boxing. We wanted to establish a facility for both professionals and everyday people to have a place to train and pursue their passion in this sport.

Revgear: What do you like about your relationship with Revgear and its products?

Tony: First and foremost Revgear products are of the highest quality. The products are made with the user in mind both in quality and durability. The staff at Revgear is a pleasure to work with and their attention to detail and our needs are always met. We look forward to our continued relationship.

Check out a day in the life of MMA fighter LC Davis.� Watch him as he trains for WEC 47.� Davis is scheduled to go head-to-head with Deividas Taurosevicius.� These featherweights will clash in a National Arena on March 6th in Columbus, Ohio.

Step inside the life of Davis as he prepares himself mentally and physically as well.� See how rigorous these MMA fighters train for each fight.� A day in their lives seems exhausting.

References

1. MMA Junkie.com

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Joel Mickells fought in the Best of the Best BJJ Pro Ams in Omaha, Nebraska . This was the first time Mickells competed as a Blue Belt since becoming a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in November of 2009.

Mickells placed first in the Blue Belt GI 167 lb and below division.� He also placed second in the GI 154 lb division as well.

He said it was a good and fun experience and looks forward to more accomplishments.

Mickells’s coach was very proud of his fighter.

Ryan Ford is at it again and is making his boxing debut. In probably the toughest fight of his life Ryan fought tooth and nail with Old warhorse Willard Lewis at the Canadian cruiserweight title card on Saturday night. Ryan Ford managed to win, but it was by no means as easy of a fight as his 13 second knockout. Seems like Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford will follow in his fathers footsteps. Allan Ford is a boxing legend since in 1968 at only 18 years old, Allan won the Canadian Professional Lightweight Boxing Title. That made him the youngest person ever to win. His overall boxing record is more than impressive in 103 official matches he only lost 16. Hopefully Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford can live up to his father’s reputation.

Renan moved to Boston in 2007 and started training at his current school, Combined Martial Arts Academy, which is located in Everett, Massachusetts. This Academy represents the top Brazilian team. Renan was presented with his black belt after much training under instructors Joao Amaral and Daniel Gazone. His passion for martial arts has since then convinced him to become an instructor. Renan teaches classes to both adults and children of various levels of expertise. Renan of course is still learning and takes on the role of a student quite often.

Renan has traveled quite a bit to participate in various competitions. He has competed in the European Championship, where he managed to place second in the featherweight category. Renan also managed to place first in the New York International Open, but only managed third in the Pan American Championships. The success from the Brazil Top Team Boston has rallied both Renan and other students to be yet even more successful.

Renan is still just an average guy though when he is not fighting. He enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, and playing video games just like the rest of us. Renan is a real down to Earth guy who happens to be a world renown fighter.

The 25 year old is said to be the next Fedor Emelianenko and has the potential the the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.� Click image to see Mousasi giving expert technique on how to prevent an opponent from escaping from a Kimura-hold.

Sher Dog’s Technique of the Week with Gergard Mousasi

References

1. SherDog.com

2. RevGear MMA.com

3. Bleacher Report.com