FiveOuncesofPain.com and the UFC are bringing you today’s UFC 106 Ortiz vs. Griffin II weigh-ins LIVE from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The weigh-ins will take place live at 7pm ET and will be replayed, as well as access to other UFC 106 preview videos. You can make your selection in the player below.

Stay tuned to FiveOuncesofPain.com for continuing coverage of UFC:106 including Post fight Press Conference coverage.

Our friends at FIGHT! magazine recently had a chance to catch up with Josh Koscheck as he prepares for his fight with Anthony Johnson.  In the video below Koscheck , talks about Anthony Johnson,  always being in shape, Matt Hughes, and his desire to fight 12 times in the next year. Koscheck also covers his expectation to be the next person to fight Georges St. Pierre.

Join the FiveOuncesofPain crew as Managing Editor Cory Brady and the often outspoken David Andrest give their thoughts and predictions on this Saturday evening’s UFC 106 card.

UFC 106 will be taking place from the the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on November 21, with the main card airing live on pay-per-view, and a portion of the preliminary action airing live on Spike TV just prior to the PPV broadcast.

In this edition of Trading Punches we’ll take an in depth look at the main card, including scheduled pay-per-view scraps of Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin, Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson, Luis Arthur Cane vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and more.

CLICK HERE to check out the preliminary portion of Trading Punches. Jacob Volkmann vs. Paulo Thiago, which has been shifted to the main portion due to Karo Parisyan’s withdraw from his bout with Dustin Hazelett, can be found on the preliminary predictions.

As always feel free to respectively agree or disagree in the comment section below, and don’t talk about it, be about it; post your very own set of picks for the 5 Oz. community to analyze and ridicule.

Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz

David Andrest: This is an interesting fight for me. I always enjoy Tito, I always enjoy Forrest. For Tito, this fight will decide if he can be a contender, or if he will be relegated to “showcase” fights on the senior circut. For Forrest, it’s going to be the typical ” How will he bounce back” fight. I would mention the previous meeting but that is a stupid way to look at the fight. Both men should be different fighters, as Forrest has gained experience, and Tito has a new spine that allows him to train. What this fight comes down to for me is Ortiz. How good is the back? How good is his cardio? Has he evolved in any way as a fighter. Forrest is the type of fighter that gets hit, and gets hit alot. Honestly I’m never a fan of picking that type of fighter. All the heart in the world doesn’t stop Herb Dean from stepping in if Tito is on top on you dropping elbows on your bloody corpse. I would think Forrest would want to keep this fight on the feet using a mix of leg kicks and punches to out point Tito. ( very similar to the Rampage Jackson fight). This is a very winnable fight for both guys.

Despite my better judgment, I’m going to believe the hype, I think a healthy Tito gets this fight to the floor and stops Forrest. I’ve heard strong rumblings for a while that one of these fighters has a long standing back problem that needs to be repaired, and this time it’s not who you might think.

Winner: Tito Ortiz via TKO

Cory Brady: Such a tough fight to call because there’s really no telling which Tito is going to show up. If he shows up at 100%, which I don’t feel he has been for many years now, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to find a way to get this fight to the canvas and play the monster mash all over Forrest’s face with elbows like he did in their previous meeting with tremendous success. At the same time, lets not forget that this is the same Forrest that recently beat Rampage convincingly to claim the UFC’s light heavyweight strap; Something Tito hasn’t manged to pull off since he lost the title to Randy Couture at UFC 44. I basically see this fight being an instant replay of the pair’s first meeting, with the same result. Should be exciting though, no doubt about that.

Winner: Tito Ortiz via decision

Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson

David Andrest: GREAT MATCH-UP!  With that said, this fight is all on Koscheck to win. If Josh Koscheck the boxer shows up, it’s going to be a short night. Koscheck is a better wrestler and should be able to control the ground quite easily. Johnson is the more dynamic puncher, and training with  Cung Le  I would imagine he’ll bring his kicks to this fight. I just feel Koscheck is the better fighter and not by a little bit.  Koscheck has shown the ability to throw the interception, but I don’t think it will happen this time.  Koscheck is aware of Anthony Johnson, and is not looking past him, and frankly that is all it should take.

Winner: Josh Koscheck via decision

Cory Brady: My man David is absolutely right: GREAT MATCH-UP! I don’t know if any of you guys remember a little article I wrote in April of this year called “If I Was The UFC Matchmaker” where I called for this fight, but this one has been a long time coming for me. While sending any man or beast to La-La Land is definitely not beyond Johnson’s capability at any point in time, there’s no reason that Koscheck shouldn’t win this fight on paper. Johnson used to wrestle but Koscheck’s level is on an entire different level. If Kos chooses to take advantage of his one key advantage in this fight it should be his fight to lose.

Winner: Josh Koscheck via decision

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Luis Cane

David Andrest: Big fight, good fighters. Welcome to the UFC Rogerio. Cane is a blue chip prospect, and has made a steady climb up a division that is very deep.  Nogueira, is a vet, and a very skilled fighter with all the tools to hold a belt in the division.  Nogueira will make his debut in the octagon, and I think this fight will be an entertaining slugfest with Nogueira using superior boxing to take out the youngster Cane.

Winner: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira via TKO

Cory Brady: I have a good feeling this is going to turn into a Brazilian boxing match due to Cane’s desire and ability to keep the fight standing. Now on paper one would be quick to give the heavy handed Luis an edge in the striking department, but not so fast. Lil’ Nog is a former South American Games and Brazilian Championship title holder in boxing, along with taking home the bronze in the 2007 Pan American Games super heavyweight division. I see Nogueira edging out Cane with superior technical boxing in what promises to be a complete war with definite fight of the night potential

Winner: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira via decision

Amir Sadollah vs. Phil Baroni

David Andrest: If there is an MMA god , he will grant Baroni a moment in the sun here.  I try not to read too much into interviews, but I find myself increasingly depressed watching Baroni talk on camera. He seems a shell of his former self,  almost broken. With that said, Baroni  brings it everytime, with the question being  how much cardio did he pack for the trip. I have no doubt that Baroni has what it takes to take out Sadollah. Amir is going to have to weather a storm like he has never seen, the question is how long will it last. The longer this fight goes, the better it is for our TUF winner. If Amir can hang in longer than Baroni’s cardio, he can pull out the trademark  submission victory over a better fighter. Baroni is training out at AKA with some of the best fighters in the world, he should be prepared, and should KO Sadollah.

Winner: Phil Baroni via TKO

Cory Brady: It’s my opinion that C.B. Dollaway’s inexperience over a year ago made Amir look a lot better than he currently is in his still developing career. Sadollah’s stand-up game was exposed in a major was in his first round TKO defeat at the hands of John Hendricks during UFC 101, and it will be exposed again with the C4 fisted “NYBA”. Amir may hold an edge in the submission department but Baroni being the better wrestler should serve to keep the fight on the feet for as long as he chooses, which should be all night long. Bad match-up for Amir, great match-up for Baroni. Like most of Phil’s fights, don’t expect for this one to be anything less than a war for as long as it lasts.

Winner: “The Best Eva’!!!” (Baroni) via knockout

Strikeforce’s 2010 fight calendar will officially launch with a SHOWTIME televised card on Saturday, January 30 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.

The news comes according to SHOWTIME via a press bulletin.

While no matches have been officially announced for the show, Strikeforce female lightweight champion Cris Cyborg is listed by SHOWTIME on the calendar that has been distributed to the media. Cyborg had been expected to make her first-ever defense of the title during Strikeforce’s first-ever broadcast on CBS earlier this month. However, an injury sustained during the famed Abu Dhabi no Gi submission grappling tournament this past September prevented her from formally being added to the event.

Due to Cyborg’s injury situation, it is unclear whether it is fully assured that she will be competing on Jan. 30. If she is able to compete, the likely challenger for the bout will be Dutch sensation Marloes Coenen. Coenen guaranteed herself a title shot with a first round submission of Roxanne Modafferi during a non-televised bout that aired prior to CBS and Strikeforce’s “Saturday Night Fights: Fedor vs. Rogers” telecast on Nov. 7.

In addition to Cyborg, the SHOWTIME sports calendar also promised the MMA debut of former NFL Pro Bowl running back Herschel Walker.

FiveOuncesofPain.com and the UFC are bringing you today’s UFC 106 pre-fight press conference LIVE from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The event is headlined by former UFC light heavyweight champions Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin. Also set to appear  Josh Koscheck and Anthony Johnson as well as UFC President Dana White.

The press conference will take place live at 4pm ET and will be replayed, as well as access to other UFC 106 preview videos. You can make your selection in the player below.

Stay tuned to FiveOuncesofPain.com for continuing coverage of UFC:106 including the Live Weigh-i9n and Post fight Press Conference coverage.

Come along with the 5 Oz. crew as editor in chief Cory Brady and the always opinionated David Andrest offer up their thoughts and predictions on this Saturday evening’s UFC 106 card.

UFC 106 will be going down at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on November 21, with the main portion of the event airing live on pay-per-view, and a chunk of the preliminary action airing live on Spike TV just prior to the PPV broadcast.

In this edition of Trading Punches we’ll take an in depth look at the preliminary bouts, including scheduled Spike TV scraps of Kendall Grove vs. Jake Rosholt and Ben Saunders vs. Marcus Davis. Main card will be up shortly….

As always feel free to respectively agree or disagree in the comment section below, and put up or shut up; post your very own picks for the world to put on blast.

Ben Saunders vs. Marcus Davis

David Andrest: Yet another great “undercard” on Spike TV fight. This fight promises to be excitement from start to finish. I tend to lean toward Davis based on experience, but Saunders is still young and improving.   I don’t see Saunders  knocking out Davis,  his path to victory is on the floor. Davis has KO power, and would be smart to keep the fight standing.

Winner: Ben Saunders via decision

Cory Brady: There are a bunch of fights on this card with fight of the night potential, but Saunders vs. Davis is without a doubt my front runner for the bonus check. Both guys have a long history of bringing the pain every time out of the gate and this fight will be no exception. Mike Swick is the key ingredient in how I came to the conclusion I did in this match-up. Allow me to explain: Swick recently lost to Hardy, sure, but Hardy had a tougher time with Davis than he did Swick. Swick also fought Davis three rounds to a decision. The same Mike Swick that recntly beat the snot out of Ben Saunders in a one sided second round pumeling. My conclusion being that it should be one hell of a fight, but a fight Davis should be able to pull out when the dust settles.

Winer: Marcus Davis via decision

Kendall Grove vs. Jake Rosholt

David Andrest: The other fight on the free Spike prelims. Honestly I get the feeling that Kendall Grove is one loss away from being out of a job. And I think Kendall has had that same feeling for sometime. Rosholt is another up and coming prospect that has been a part of some of the most forgettable KO’s and submissions I can never remember. I have such a low expectation for this fight I’m setting an alarm clock to remind me to watch. I think Grove finds a way to win allowing him to hold on to the dream one fight at a time.

Winner: Kendall Grove via decision

Cory Brady: No question in my mind that Kendall is one loss away from being out of a job like Mr. Andrest so delicately explained. Pretty crappy position to be in coming off of a record of 2-1 in the UFC in your last three, but what are you gonna do? It is what it is; it being that Grove knows full well he needs to win this bout and expect for him to fight accordingly; like a Hawaiian wildman. While I still feel like Rosholt has a question mark hanging over his chin since being knocked loopy several times with Nissen Osternick in the WEC, there’s no reason a wrestler of his pedigree shouldn’t be able to drag the lanky Grove to the canvas. And let’s not forget for one moment how tall Grove is, and how good of a wrestler Rosholt is.

Winner: Jake Rosholt via decision

Brock Larson vs. Brian Foster

David Andrest: Both guys are coming off of a loss. Based upon history alone, Larson will submit Foster. Larson is 26-3 with 18 wins by submission. Foster loses by submission to fighter not nearly as good as Larson.

Winner: Brock Larson via submission

Cory Brady: Let’s be real here folks: Foster’s out of his league with Larson. While David is correct in stating that both men are coming off of losses; Foster is no Mike Pyle, and Larson is no Ricky Story. Huge differences on both ends in my opinion. I expect for Larson to come out and punch Foster in the mouth. From there I expect for Brock to drop a little old fashioned GNP before strangling his victim with a side choke.

Winner: Brock Larson via prison beatdown

Paulo Thiago vs. Jacob Volkmann

David Andrest: This is the fight I would much rather be watching on Spike. A battle of two great young fighters. Thiago has obvious KO power, and Volkmann comes into this fight undefeated. This should make for an amazing fight. I’ll give Thiago the edge based upon tougher opposition.

Winner: Paulo Thiago via decision

Cory Brady: With a prior knockout victory over Josh Koscheck and a recent hard fought decision loss at the hands of Jon Fitch, Dave’s statement that Thiago has faced the tougher opposition is absolutely correct. However, there’s no doubt in my mind that Volkmann is the goods. Future title challenger material. His wrestling pedigree and ability to understand and escape submissions will make this fight look eerily similar to Paulo’s recent defeat at the hands of Fitch.

Winner: Jacob Volkmann via decision

Caol Uno vs. Fabricio Camoes

David Andrest: Caol Uno has seen it all, and has faced the who’s who of the division. Camoes is a young up and coming fighter who has shown promise. Uno has been spotty of late but the losses have come to quality fighters. I’m taking Camoes in this fight, and see it as his coming out party.

Winner: Camoes via decsion

Cory Brady: A second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Royler Gracie, there’s no question as to what Camoes brings to the table. Unfortunately for him, Uno hasn’t been submitted in like….. ten years, and he fought Aoki recently. That being said, this fight either goes the distance or someone’s getting KO’d. Either way I’m giving the edge to Uno based on balanced results against the tougher opposition.

Winner: Caol Uno via decision

George Sotiropoulos vs. Jason Dent

David Andrest: I see this as a tune up fight for Sotiropoulos, I think he goes though Dent quite easily on his way to the main card for the Aussie show in the spring.

Winner: George Sotiropoulos via submission

Cory Brady: At first glance one would love to assume that George is going to have an easy time with the 19-9 Dent, but that’s an unlikely scenario. Dent hasn’t been finished in a fight in more than four years, and has more recently gone the distance with fighters such as Roger Huerta and Gleison Tibau. This should be a high paced bout, but I don’t see either guy walking through the other.

Winner: George Sotiropoulos via decision

Strikeforce light heavyweight, Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal is scheduled to make his debut for the promotion on December 19 at the HP Pavillion in San Jose CA. An opponent for Lawal has been a bit of a mystery, squeezing any information out of the fighter or his camp has been next to impossible, tonight all of that changed.

From Lawal’s twitter account:

KingMO_GDP

King Mo vs….Put it like this….Its a type of pimple!!! Ima bust it tho!!!

With that bit of information it would appear that Mike Whitehead would be the likely opponent. Whitehead is coming off a victory over Kevin Randleman, and is 15-1 in his last 16 fights. Lawal who is 5-0 as a professional is coming off a victory over Mark Kerr.

Come along with the FiveOuncesofPain crew as managing editor Cory Brady verbally dukes it out with the always opinionated David Andrest over the main portion of Wednesday evening’s WEC 44 card.

WEC 44 is set for tomorrow evening, November 18, 2009 at The Pearl at The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada, airing live on the Vs. network

Headlining the card will be a featherweight championship clash between Mike Brown and Jose Aldo, along with other promising match-ups featuring the likes of Leonard Garcia, Manny Gamburyan, Rob McCullough and more.

So without further adue, let’s kick things off with the main event….

Mike Thomas Brown vs. Jose Aldo

David Andrest: This is the fight I have been looking most forward to this entire month. Mike Brown is the goods, he is big and strong for 145, and has shown an ability to take over a fight. Aldo remains a bit of a mystery to most, and his fights haven’t exactly been long drawn out wars. I can say this much, Jose Aldo was brought to my attention a few years ago by a person working for his management company. I would hear all the typical hype surrounding a solid blue chip prospect. The one thing that has always stuck with me about those conversations was how they would just rave about Aldo’s ground game. He would KO someone and I’d speak with his people only to hear ” That’s nothing, you should see his ground game.” I think Mike Brown is the guy to grant them that wish. I feel the longer this fight goes, the better off Brown will be. I look at Brown to be the stronger fighter, and think he benefits from the experience of 5 round fights.

Winner: Mike Thomas Brown via decision (fight of the year)

Cory Brady: While Mike Brown is undoubtedly the goods, I don’t feel like there’s anyone at 145 pounds that wants to get into a striking exchange with the guy. Like my associate said before me; all I’ve been hearing about over the last ear or so is Aldo’s spectacular submission skills. I mean the kid’s a legit black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but little to nothing has been seen of it up until this point. However, there’s no question in my mind that Aldo will end up on his back at some point during the fight. From there it’s just a matter of how slick his submissions truly are, and how he reacts to the pressure and pain that Brown will definitely be bringing. All of Brown’s four losses have com via submission so it’s not as if he can’t be submitted, I just don’t know if Aldo is the guy to get it done. Should be an amazing fight. Hard not to get excited for this one.

Winner: Mike Brown via TKO (ground and pound in the 3rd or 4th)

Manny Gamburyan vs. Leonard Garcia

David Andrest: I think “The Anvil” is the best possible nickname for Gamburyan to enter this fight with. I see Leonard Garcia better everywhere in this fight, and think we will watch him beat on Gamburyan prior to the fight going to the canvas and Garcia picking up a nice submission victory.

Winner: Leonard Garcia via Key Lock 4:15 Round 1

Cory Brady: If Rob Emerson could knock Gamburyan senseless, trust me when I say that Garcia can do it as well. The key to victory for Manny is going to be to try to bring the fight to the canvas and remain in the top position for as long as humanly possible, but I don’t think he’s going to have the strength necessary to bully around Garcia like he would have to. Should be a fun fight, but a figh where Gamburyan winds up getting clipped at some point never the less.

Winner: Leonard Garcia via knockout

Rob McCullough vs. Karen Darabedyan

David Andrest: What can I say here. I’ll just go ahead and leave all the cheap jokes behind and say this, Rob McCullough was a good and marketable champion for the WEC. At times I’ve wondered if he has lost his desire , or if the game has just past him by. The majority McCullough’s defeats have come at the hands of some of the sports top stars. I view this fight as an excellent chance for McCullough to continue his winning ways. Karen Darabedyan makes his WEC debut tonight, with an impressive 8-1 record McCullough will be a marked step up in competition. Can Darabedyan out work McCullough for a decision? I think this is the clear path to victory for the newcomer. With McCullough getting married, and having a child on the way, a lapse in focus could spell defeat for the WEC vet.

Winner: Razor Rob McCullough via decision

Cory Brady: I’m not too proud for a cheap joke here and there… and when I first heard Rob was fighting Karen I had to throw my hands up in disbelief. I mean McCullough has a black belt in being no joke and the least they could have done is matched him up with Cyborg if that’s the spin they wer looking for. But all jokes aside, Daradebdyan recently knocked out an extremely tough and dangerous Estevan Payan which tells me that he’s going to bring the heat on Sunday night. Heat that a more experienced and well versed McCullough should manage to put a fire extinguisher to early on as the former WEC champion controls the bout with technical striking.

Winner: Rob McCullough via decision

Danny Castillo vs. Shane Roller

David Andrest: Both guys are strong wrestlers who lack complete games. By that I mean neither have shown strong bjj skills. I’d give the striking edge to Castillo while Roller has a slight edge should the fight go to the floor. This fight could possibly be one of the fastest paced fights in recent history, and that would be a marked advantage for Roller.

Winner: Shane Roller decision

Cory Brady: This should be an extremely competetive match-up with Roller having an edge on the mat and Castillo with the advantage on the feet. I feel like Castillo’s wrestling background will be enough to keep the fight standing long enough at some point to capitalize on Roller with punches near the midway mark.

Winner: Danny Castillo via TKO

FiveOuncesofPain.com and the UFC are bringing you today’s WEC: Brown vs. Aldo weigh-ins LIVE from Las Vegas NV.

World Extreme Cagefighting® featherweight champion Mike Brown has built a reputation as a hard-hitting, gritty fighter capable of breaking down his opponents. Similarly, top-ranked contender Jose Aldo has established a name for himself by steamrolling the opposition with explosive punches and devastating knees. On Wednesday, Nov. 18 from The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV, one of these men will leave the cage as the undisputed featherweight champion of the world.

The weigh-ins will take place live at 7pm ET and will be replayed. You can make your selection in the player below.

Stay tuned to FiveOuncesofPain.com for continuing coverage of WEC: Brown vs. Aldo coverage including the Live Post fight Press Conference
.

UFC 108 has seen its share of trouble. The January 2 event has stuggled to keep a main event in tact.  Anderson Silva was unable to fight Vitor Belfort due to surgery. Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin was a thought, but now appears to be off indefinitely.  Lastly Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is suffering from a nasty staph infection causing the cancellation of his fight with Cain Velasquez.

Never fear UFC fans, the benefit of a star studded roster are that in times of trouble, you have a plethora of superstars to choose from.  The UFC has announced the new main event for UFC:108 will be none other than  Rashad Evans squaring off with Thiago Silva.

Both men are coming off TKO losses to the UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida.  The fight was initially scheduled as a replacement bout for Evans who was scheduled to fight Quinton Jackson upon completion of season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter reality show.

Joe Silva and company have been busy of late putting together main events for the UFC’s monthly Pay-Per View schedule.   A job that becomes much more difficult when 4 of the 5 company champions are on the shelf recovering from surgery.

FiveOuncesofPain.com’s managing editor Cory Brady will be appearing this evening on the extremely popular mixed martial arts radio show, RearNakedRadio.

This evening Brady will be covering a round table of other 5 Oz.’ news from this week.

Make sure to check out the show later this evening on 1360 AM, or you can catch it right here on the web at RearNakedRadio.

The show is set to kick off at 5 pm CT, lasting until 7 pm. You can listen HERE.

Come along as 5 Oz.‘ managing editor Cory Brady and fellow patriot of pain David Andrest verbally duke it out in this UFC 105 edition of Trading Punches.

The event is set for November 14 from the Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester, England.

Headlining the card will be a 205 pound tussle between Randy Couture and Brandon Vera, with other match-ups including Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang, Mike Swick vs. Dan Hardy and more.

As always, feel free to agree or disagree with us and put your money where your mouth is and post your own set of picks for public scrutiny in the comment section below.

Randy Couture vs. Brandon Vera

David Andrest:  Have you ever been stuck watching Oprah with your wife or girlfriend. Heard  the wonderful stories about troubled youth who turn their life around and now have everything on the right track? Watched an apology or public service announcement given by a formerly “troubled” pro athlete?  That is the same feeling I get every single time I hear Brandon Vera speak.  The overwhelming feeling that he is saying what he thinks he is supposed to say, and doesn’t believe a word of it himself.  Hearing him talk, I patiently wait for him to tell us he wants to be a veterinary assistant someday because he really wants to help sick animals.  Brandon Vera will never be the UFC  light heavyweight champion,  he will never be the heavyweight champion.  With that put out there, every single bit of common sense would tell you to take Vera in this fight.  Couture is 46 years old, has to be slowing down right??  However,  Vera  doesn’t show up for big fights, and I have no reason to believe this will be any different.  Couture is still just too good  for  B level  fighters, and will handle Vera.

Winner:  Randy Couture  via Decision

Cory Brady: I totally understand what it’s like to have a burning desire to achieve what othres say you can not, but in some cases, it’s just way better off if you keep your aspirations inside. Such is the case with Vera and his longtime goal to become a UFC champion at both heavyweight and light heavyweight. Some things are just better left unsaid, otherwise, “they’re all going to laugh at you”. While Vera certainly has a strikers chance in this bout, common sense points to Couture being able to deposit him on the mat and grind his face into lasagna leftovers. With that being said, don’t be too surprised if Vera manages to clip Randy at some point. Brandon is a more technical striker than Chuck Liddell in my opinion, just doesn’t carry the one punch knockout power that ”The Iceman” does.

Winner: Randy Couture via (GNP) TKO

Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang

David Andrest:  If you read a lot of these things, I’m sure you ( like me) are tired of the “ how will Bisping bounce back from his near death experience against Dan Henderson” .   The truth is, he better forget that happened and continue growing as a fighter.  If he takes a step back, and shows up to prove a point and be the “old”  Bisping, he will be too aggressive and Kang will capitalize.  I for one think Kang is the better fighter  both on the feet and on the floor.  And I will say this,  Kang had better end this as he will not win a decision in Manchester .

Winner :   Denis Kang   via submission

Cory Brady: Bisping has yet t be submitted in his professional career, and nothing in Kang’s recent history suggests that he’s going to be the guy. If a 205 pound Red Schafer couldn’t do it, a 185 pound Kang’s chances being slim at pulling off a sub still seem optimistic at best. I feel like this fight stays standing, and the only way it doesn’t is if Bisping chooses to take it to the canvas. On the feet Kang may very well possess the heavier hands, but its nothing like Hendo Power, and I feel like “The Count” is a slightly more technical striker. I see Bisping catching Kang with something after a serious sizing up process and finishing it off with a little standing ground and pound over the fallen Canadian.

Winner: Michael Bisping via TKO

Mike Swick  vs. Dan Hardy

David Andrest:  I like both guys a lot as fighters,  and this honestly is a tough fight to call.  I think we all know what to expect from Swick.   Good stand up,  good on the ground, good all around fighter.  The wild card in this equation is Hardy.  In spite of how people feel about Hardy, I suspect we still haven’t seen everything he has to offer.   Unlike Cory,  I will pick from my gut and make no apologies for it. For no logical reason what so ever  I’m picking Dan Hardy, I can’t even begin to picture how he wins.

Winner:  Dan Hardy via TKO

Cory Brady: David’s right, there’s no way I’m picking a fight without being able to back it up with something. I mean hell, even if I’m going with my gut, I usually feel like there’s at least one key to victory for my guy. I just don’t see that being the case with Hardy. “The Oulaw” is undoubtedly one of my favorite fighters to watch throw down. and I’m definitely not saying he stands no chance of winning this fight, but in my opinion Swick is just a little bit better technically in more areas than Hardy. Striking, edge goes to Swick; Wrestling, Swick; experience against top opposition, Swick; Submissions, Swick. You see what I’m getting at. As a sidenote, there’s absolutely no reason for this fight not to end up with “Fight of the Night” honors.

Winner: Mike Swick via unanimous decision

Ross Pearson vs. Aaron Riley

David Andrest:  Very close fight all around as the two fighters have a very similar style.  I for one have to pull my  “Joe Silva did this for a reason “ card and pick Pearson for the win.  The UFC doesn’t typically set their TUF winners up for failure.

Winner: Ross Pearson via decision

Cory Brady: This should be a competitive, crowd pleasing scrap with both fighters having their moments. I don’t expect for either man to walk over the other, so be prepared for a three round battle in this one. I feel like this fight will end up being fought primarily on the feet, with the similarities of both fighters causing it to be more of a tactical give and take type affair. This fight is either man’s to win, it’s all bout who performs on Saturday evening. However, one factor that should never be ignored in a close bout on paper is the infamous hometown advantage.

Winner: Ross Pearson via unanimous decision

James Wilks vs. Matt Brown

David Andrest: Some people may view this fight as close in some way.  It’s not.  Matt Brown is better everywhere and tougher.  Look for Brown to control the action and dominate the Wilks.  Brown will stop this one early on his way to a TKO victory and  KO of the night bonus.

Winner: Matt Brown via TKO

Cory Brady: Is there a better person to cast your “Most improved fighter of all time” vote for in all of MMA than Matt Brown? If I’m forgetting someone, please feel free to remind me. I mean, the guy walks into the Ultimate Fighter house with a record of 7-6, and leaves one of the absolute grittiest welterweight in the UFC. While I’m not going to go as far as to say that Brown is better everywhere, I do feel like they don’t make them much tougher than Matt, and I fully expect him to give Wilks a beating he will not soon forget. Talk about a sink or swim opponent for James’ first fight out of the gate, jeesh.

Winner: Matt Brown via TKO

Once again it’s on as 5 Oz.‘ very own CB and D to the A are back to break down this Saturday evening’s UFC 105 card, taking place straight from the UK.

The event is set for November 14 from the Manchester Evening News Arena in, you guessed it, Manchester, England.

The main event will pit Randy Couture up against Brandon Vera in a light heavyweight showdown, but first things first, we’re here to kick things off with the undercard.

As usual, feel free to agreee or diagree with any of our picks in a loosely respectful manner in the comment section below, and of course, put up or shut up, let’s see your picks!

Main card is on the way…..

Paul Taylor vs. John Hathaway

David Andrest: I really enjoy watching Paul Taylor fight. I find him exciting most times as he really leaves it all in the Octagon.  With that said,  Hathaway is an 11-0  blue chip prospect who will likely take Taylor to the floor and pound him senseless.

Winner : John Hathaway  TKO

Cory Brady: Hathaway may have yet to see his first professional defeat in MMA, but there’s a first time for everything. The undefeated prospect has never faced anyone as durable and as explosive as Taylor. One thing is for certain, and that’s that both men should be in for a war. Hathaway may very well have what it takes to edge out Taylor from a technical standpoint, but it’s going to be interesting to see how he reacts to the pressure Taylor will be applying.

Winner: John Hathaway via unanimous decision

Terry Etim vs. Shannon Gugerty

David Andrest: Etim is better on the feet by a mile, and good enough to keep it off the floor for long stretches of time.  Thus  Gugerty will find himself getting beat up as he works to  get this fight and keep this fight on the floor where he has a shot.

Winner  Terry Etim decision

Cory Brady: I feel like Etim is the better striker of the two, but not by a mile. However, both men are very dangerous ground fighters so I expect for Etim to try to utilize the one obvious advantage he does have, and keep it standing. On the feet I feel like Gugerty should be able to hold his own, but he will be outclassed if he chooses to go that route. Sadly for Shannon, I feel like his only chance to win this fight will be from the top position on the canvas, but if he does that he’s risking getting triangle choked. Don’t be too surprised if Etim welcomes the takedown and looks to sinch up a triangle early on.

Winner: Terry Etim via submission

Paul Kelly vs. Dennis Siver

David Andrest: Unless  Dennis Siver has developed some takedown defense , he is in for a long night.  Paul Kelly is a scrappy guy who likes to hit people.  And when he takes Siver to the floof  he will punish   him.  I’m going to stop short of calling a TKO victory, but I think Siver will not be able to stop the beating  Kelly is going to lay upon him.

Winner:  Paul Kelly  via decision

Cory Brady: Paul Kelly is hands down one of the most exciting fighters in the business right now. He carries a head kick reminiscent of Mirko in his prime, and a relentless pace that would make Clay Guida nod his mangy mug in approval. Siver is capable, but there’s no reason Kelly shouldn’t win this fight; he’s just the better fighter. While Dennis doesn’t make it a habit to get knocked out, when he loses, he normally gets his a** whupped; this should be no exception. Expect for Kelly to come out with one thing on his mind, and that’s the KOTN bonus check.

Winner: Paul Kelly via TKO

Matt Riddle vs. Nick Osipczak

David Andrest:  I’m not sure how many of you have had the chance to watch Matt Riddle fight since his stint on TUF ended.  The guy has been …………….how should I say this?   Very controlling.  So much so if I were at the MEN arena, I would feel safe watching  Riddle take this fight to the floor,  then getting up to go to the bathroom, grab a drink, talk with a long lost friend, and return to my seat to find the fighters in the same position I left them 13 minutes earlier.   Nick Osipczak has BJJ, but it’s simply not going to be enough.  This fight will likely be won on “octagon control”.

Winner:  Matt Riddle  and the Concession Stands at the Arena by decision

Cory Brady: I’m not going to argue with anything that Dave just said, and I’d be lying if I said I was looking forward to this one. Who would of known that the kid with one of the most devastating knockouts in the history of The Ultimate Fighter would turn out to be so hard to watch. Nick’s a scrappy dude, but Riddle is too big, strong and lethargic for him.

Winner: Matt Riddle via unanimous decision

Alexander Gustafsson vs. Jared Hamman

David Andrest: It’s the debut for both fighters,  after a quick look at records Gustafsson has faced the better competiton.  For that reason alone I’m going to pick him in this fight.

Winner: Gustafsson via TKO

Cory Brady: Alexander has an awesome nickname, “The Mauler”, but don’t even pretend like you’ve seen a bunch of tape on this guy. Fighting out of Stockholm, Sweden, Gustafsson is known as a knockout artist, with six of his eight victories ending via TKO or KO. However, Hamman is vastly more experienced against tougher competition and is known as a knockout artist in his own right. If you like brutal beatdowns, this is the fight for you; there’s no way this one makes it to the scorecards.

Winner: Jared Hamman via knockout

Andre Winner vs. Roli Delgado

David Andrest: This could be an interesting fight.  Each man has one way to win.  Winner will win this fight on the feet, Delgado on the ground.  It’s simple as that.  Look for Winner to clinch early and often and beat Delgado until the ref steps in to save the day, otherwise  we’ll have witnessed Delgado pull guard and end it quickly.

Winner: Winner via TKO

Cory Brady: Another fight I’m not looking forward to between two guys that won’t be around in a few months. Winner has a long history of going the distance and if he’s able to avoid a Delgado submission, there’s no reason this fight should break the trend. Delgado is technically better on the ground, and that’s where this fight will be won.

Winner: Delgado via unanimous decision

FiveOuncesofPain.com and the UFC are bringing you today’s  UFC Press Conference  which took place at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England.

Participants in todays press conference included  UFC UK President Marshal Zelaznik, Randy Couture , Brandon Vera, and main-card fighters Mike Swick, Dan Hardy, Michael Bisping and Denis Kang.

If you missed today’s live broadcast, the press conference will be replayed, as well as access to other UFC:105  preview videos.  You can make your selection in the player below.

Stay tuned to  FiveOuncesofPain.com for continuing coverage of  UFC:105   including   tomorrow’s  LIVE  weigh ins.

FiveOuncesofPain.com will be providing live results  of Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers starting at 7pm ET.  The event is taking place at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

The event will  air Live  on CBS at 9pm ( on the East Coast)  and is headlined by  a main event featuring  Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers.  Also on the card  a middleweight title fight between Jake Shields and Jason “Mayhem” Miller.

The three round  bout between  Emelianenko and Rogers will now hold the Russian’s  WAMMA heavyweight title in the balance.

Preliminary Card ( 7pm ET)
CRISTIAN UFLACKER def. JONATES NOVAES via unanimous decision (29-26, 30-25, 30-25)
NATE MOORE def.  LOUIS TAYLOR via submission (strikes) – Round 2 (3:24)
SHAMAR BAILEY def. JOHN KOLOSCI via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
JEFF CURRAN def. DUSTIN NEACE via submission (injury) – Round 1 (1:39)
DERAY DAVIS VS. MARK MILLER

Swing Bout ( televised if time permits)

MARLOES COENEN def. ROXANNE MODAFFERI via submission (armbar) – Round 1 (1:03)

Main Card ( 9pm ET on CBS)

FABRICIO WERDUM def. ANTONIO SILVA via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
GEGARD MOUSASI def. RAMEAU THIERRY SOKOUDJOU via TKO – Round 2 (3:43)
JAKE SHIELDS def. JASON “MAYHEM” MILLER via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
FEDOR EMELIANENKO def. BRETT ROGERS via TKO – Round 2

FiveOuncesofPain.com’s managing editor Cory Brady will be appearing this evening on the tremendously popular mixed martial arts radio show, RearNakedRadio.

Some of the topics covered on this evening’s broadcast include tonight’s “Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers” card, the possibility of Dan Henderson really signing with Strikeforce, 5 Oz. Fifty Most Electrifying Athletes In Mixed Martial Arts, Shinya Aoki’s possible impact on the Strikeforce lightweight division, mononucleosis, and so much more.

Make sure to check out the show to help you get hyped for the CBS broadcast later this evening on 1360 AM, or you can catch it right here on the web at RearNakedRadio.

The show is set to kick off at 5 pm CT, lasting until 7 pm. You can listen HERE.

FRESNO, CALIF. (November, 6, 2009) – One night before the monumental CBS/ STRIKEFORCE/M-1 GLOBAL SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS Fedor vs. Rogers event LIVE on the CBS Television Network, hometown favorite Billy Evangelista defeated Jorge Gurgel via unanimous in the main event of Strikeforce Challengers on Friday night on SHOWTIME.

The two lightweights traded punches from the opening bell until the waning seconds of the first round when Evangelista (10-0) took Gurgel to the mat.  But, in the final 30 seconds of the second round, Gurgel landed a powerful left kick that sent Evangelista to the mat.  Just when it looked as if Gurgel (13-6)  was about to submit get Evangelista with a guillotine choke, the Fresno native was able to escape with just a few tics remaining.

The third round featured some back-and-forth action, and Evangelista won by scores of 30-27, 30-27, 29-28.

”The guy is tough, it was exactly what I expected,” Evangelista said.  “He was very aggressive; I have to take my hat off to him.  He almost had me with the guillotine, but I was able to get out.  It was a great fight, what else can I say?

Gurgel was clearly disappointed with his performance.

“Billy fought a great fight,” Gurgel said after the fight to SHOWTIME MMA expert commentator Stephen Quadros. “I expected to get booed.  I just wanted to get some respect from the crowd, and I think I got that.”

While Quadros was impressed with Evangelista’s showing, he argued that Gurgel looked great, even in losing.

“It was everything we expected it to be,” Quadros said.  “Evangelista showed a lot of guts in this because he had to fend off the wild hits and submission attempts from Gurgel.  He showed a lot of heart in this fight.

“But, based on his performance, even in this loss, people still want to see Jorge Gurgel.”

In an explosive fight that few thought would go past the first round, Shane Del Rosario (9-0) defeated local favorite Brandon Cash “Money” (5-1) via first round submission in a matchup of two hard-hitting heavyweights.

After getting floored with a sweeping hook from Cash, Del Rosario was in trouble early, taking an onslaught of punches while on the mat.  But, the undefeated prospect was able to get up and turn things around, getting the previously unbeaten Cash into an omoplata and ending things at 2:57 of the first round.“That was pretty good,” Del Rosario said.  “I knew he was going to come out swinging.  He caught me pretty good, but I bounced back.  I’ve been working on submissions a lot, and I was able to get one here.”

Rising middleweight star Luke Rockhold defeated fellow 185-pound prospect Jesse Taylor via rear naked choke in the first round in the third SHOWTIME televised fight of the evening.   The fight almost immediately went to the mat, with both fighters attempting submissions.  Rockhold (6-1) was able to get Taylor into the rear naked choke, and with Taylor (13-5) refusing to give up and unable to escape, the referee ended the fight at 3:42 of the first round.

“That was by far my toughest opponent, and I rose to the occasion,” Rockhold said.  “I think I proved myself tonight, and I’m ready for whoever they give me next.  I tried to keep the fight standing up, but I trained with a lot of wrestlers and I was ready for it. “

In the quickest fight of the evening, Merritt Warren (5-2) defeated Thomas Diagne (1-1) via heel hook submission.  With both fighters grappling on the mat, Warren got Diagne, who initiated the takedown, in a heel hook, forcing the French San Shou champion to tap out at 3:49 of the first round.

“This guy had crazy kicks, but I was more technically sound,” Warren said.  “I landed some really powerful shots on the floor.  I went for it, he was really slick and I couldn’t get a hold of him, but I got the heel hook and I went for it.”

In a hard fought female MMA match, Fresno native Zoila Frausto (4-0) defeated Elisha Helsper (0-2) via unanimous decision.  Both fighters wanted to stand and trade punches, but the fight turned in Frausto’s favor in the second round when she landed a devastating right leg kick to Helsper’s face.

“My head kick really turned it around for me,” Frausto said.  “I knew she was going to be tough.  She kept coming, but I fought back.  We both wanted to stand there and trade.

“I’ve been working on my kicks forever and I’m just happy I landed it right.”

Also during the telecast, former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le announced that he would return to the ring on the Dec. 19 STRIKEFORCE event on SHOWTIME.

“I’ve been staying in good shape and I’m ready to get back in there for the fans,” Le said.  “I’ll be fighting for Strikeforce on Dec. 19.”

Recap courtesy of Strikeforce.

FiveOuncesofPain.com is back to break down the main card of Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers via a verbal  sparring session between 5 Oz. managing editor Cory Brady and fellow loyal 5 Oz’er David Andrest.

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers  is set to go down this Saturday evening  at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill.  The event will be broadcast live on CBS.

Set to feature a headlining  heavyweight  fight Fedor Emelianenko and Brett Rogers, also set for action will beJake Shields, Jason “Mayhem” Miller, Gegard Mousasi,  Fabricio Werdum, Antonio Silva and others.

As always feel free to agree or disagree with either of us in the comments section below, and please post your very own set of picks so they can either be voted up or down by the people: You guys.

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers

David Andrest:  Not sure what to type here that hasn’t been said everywhere. Fedor is a heavy favorite and for good reason.  He brings a thousand ways to beat Rogers into the cage with him.  Rogers brings one.  A victory for either is going to be a HUGE win for Strikeforce, with the only chance of failure is a main event marred in controversy.  Strikeforce on CBS  can not afford a  Machida over Shogun type victory, or a stoppage due to a cut.  Fortunately for them they won’t have this problem.

Winner: Fedor via armbar

Cory Brady: My gut keeps telling me something absolutely shocking could happen in this one, but I have promised myself that I will never let my gut choose for me again (we’ll see how long that lasts). My gut keeps telling me that Brett is the biggest threat Fedor has ever faced because the way I see it is like this: The guy that’s going to beat Fedor isn’t going to be a guy there’s a ton of tape on, and the odds of Emelianenko losing a fight on the ground are slim. No, in my opinion the guy that will end up defeating Fedor will be the guy that’s totally not supposed to, but punches like a truck; sorta like “Grim”. With that being said, I see no reason Fedor’s extensive Sambo background wouldn’t enable him to lock the big man at the waist and drag him to the canvas. From there, I keep seeing Fedor working some ground and pound before Rogers spins around in an effort to escape, only to get caught up in an Emelianenko rear-naked choke.

Winner: Fedor via submission

Jason “Mayhem” Miller vs. Jake Shields (for vacant Strikeforce middleweight title)

David Andrest:  I can’t stop going back and forth on this fight.  Everything points to Shields but something keeps telling me Miller is going to win this fight.  Perhaps the fact that Jacare couldn’t  take Mayhem out on the floor?  Perhaps it’s still obvious to me and the rest of the planet that Shields doesn’t have the stand up to bang with Miller.  But then I remember a 12 fight winning streak, each opponent going to be the one to keep Shields standing or be able to defend on the canvas………Let me flip a coin here……

Winner:  Jason Miller via TKO

Cory Brady: While I have also been going back and forth on this fight for quite some time now, there’s no way I’m flipping a coin on a match-up as important as this one. Jake Shields is going to win this fight, and let me tell you why: Mayhem is going to be the more powerful, naturally larger man, there’s no doubt about that. However, in my opinion the difference in this bout will be that Shields is going to be just slightly more technical in the subjects that will matter the most in this one: wrestling and submissions. While Shields has normally fought at 170 in the past, he’ll be at 185 for this one. Miller would love to keep the fight standing but I don’t feel like he’s going to be able to.

Winner: Shields via submission

Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (non-title match)

David Andrest: Poor Sokoudjou, I mean this is the Fedor vs. Rogers fight all over again, with one exception. I don’t think Sokoudjou believes he is going to win this fight.  Neither do I.

Winner: Mousasi  via armbar

Cory Brady: Well I have to believe, that Sokoudjou believes he can win this fight. He’s a fighter, and god knows he’s not coming in there to take a beating. He may end up taking a beating, but that’s not what he’s showing up for. Sokoudjou has shown in the past during bouts with both Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ricardo Arona that taking the power in his fists lightly could be a disastrous mistake, but Mousasi is seriously just so much technically better than him on the feet it’s not even funny. On the ground, it’s not even close. Sokoudjou’s a hell of a fighter, and always fun to watch, but there’s good reason this one’s not for the title.

Winner: Mousasi via knockout

Antonio Silva vs. Fabricio Werdum

David Andrest:  I don’t care what anyone say’s , I still believe Werdum is one of the better  heavyweights in mixed martial arts.  He is ever improving, and looks to have gotten the memo that cardio is important.   Silva is big, but isn’t better at anything. He’s bigger at everything.

Winner:  Werdum  via Decision

Cory Brady: Of course, it’s MMA and anything can happen as displayed in Werdum’s recent knockout defeat at the hands of Junior dos Santos, but there’s absolutely no reason Fabricio shouldn’t win this fight, and win it convincingly. He’s the better striker, and the better submission artist by a mile. Silva may be big, but there’s not a limb on his body Werdum won’t be able to snap in half like a tree branch if given the opportunity, which he will.

Winner: Werdum via submisiion

Marloes Coenen vs. Roxanne Modafferi

David Andrest:  If the MMA gods smile on us we’ll see this fight. Coenen is widely believed to be next in line for a beating from Cyborg Santos. Modafferi on the other hand steps in for Erin Toughill on short notice.  Anyone familiar with Modafferi  is aware she already holds a victory over Coenen, however it was two years ago and one would expect both fighters to have matured a bit.  Modafferi is often recognized as one of the best 135’s  in  WMMA, and much like  the woman she is replacing , will defeat Coenen.

Winner:   Modafferi

Cory Brady: My good friend and colleague Mr. Andrest pointed out to me earlier that Modaferri was the female equivalent of Clay Guida. A tenacious brawler with a never say die attitude in the cage that overwhelms her opponents through pure aggression. On the other side of that coin I would have to compare Coenen to a female Kenny Florian; She finishes fights. Although the two met up before in a bout that Modaferri took the split decision home in, that fight was two and a half years ago and I’m willing to bet that the “Female Rickson” will be able to get the job done this time around.

Winner: Coenen via submission

And now we turn it over to you guys, the readers. Don’t be that guy that says he called every fight but nobody believes; put up or shut up, get it on record in the comment section below!

CHICAGO (Nov. 4, 2009) – In preparation for this weekends  Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers event,  Strikeforce held their final press conference yesterday.

All the main card fighters were on hand as well as  M-1 Global represenatives and Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker.

What the fighters and executive said Thursday:

SCOTT COKER (Strikeforce)

“We are very excited to be here. We are happy to have fights on CBS and in primetime. We have a historic night of fights ahead of us. We have the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, Fedor Emelianenko, fighting Mr. Brett Rogers. We also have the Strikeforce middleweight title belt on the line between Mr. Jake Shields and Mr. Mayhem Miller. It has been an exciting week with Jason!

“When you talk about companies working with partners, you find try to find a partner where the goals are common and aligned in future business plans. With M-1, we have found that to be true. They have been amazing partners.

“We know Alistair (Overeem) will be fighting in the first quarter of next year. Depending on the outcome of this fight and the next, we can work on putting a fight together. You see the matchup potential between the winner of the Silva vs. Werdum fight and the winner of the Fedor vs. Rogers fight. I think it would make sense for those two guys to fight each other in the future depending on how things go. Then, Alistair can come in later and fight the winner of that fight. We have some great heavyweight fights upcoming and we are looking forward to promoting them.

“I believe Alistair will be available in the first quarter. We will get him in the mix as well as some other heavyweights we will announce here in the next week or so.”

“Fedor is the reigning champion (of WAMMA). I believe that they will honor the fight and that the fighter that wins the fight will get the belt.

“The beauty of this deal is that we get to watch Fedor vs. Rogers on CBS for free. We can try to get as many millions of eyeballs as we can to drive mixed martial arts forward as a mainstream sport. We are proud to do that.”

JOOST RAIMOND (M-1 Global):

“We have a huge fight card on the line. It is unprecedented. It is the best fight card we could ever imagine. With CBS, we have found the greatest outlet ever to bring the great sport on MMA and these great athletes to a huge audience. I think now the overall U.S. public can enjoy the wonderful event we have on Saturday night at the Sears Centre.

“The partnership with Strikeforce and M-1 Global is tremendously important. We have gotten off to a great start. We have had a lot of media attention for the event. Thanks to Scott Coker for working with M-1. This partnership allows us to bring you the best events possible with the best fighters possible. We have Strikeforce’s Brett Rodgers and M-1 Global’s Fedor Emelianenko as the headliner. We are all in great anticipation of what is going to happen there.

“For us, the American market is extremely important. In a partner, we look for a company with the same goals. Synergy is extremely important and what we can bring from both our sides is Strikeforce has an amazing stable of fighters and M-1 Global has a growing stable of fighters with Fedor and Gegard [Mousasi] heading that up. Together we have the additional strength in putting on very good events. Strikeforce has a great base in the U.S. and we bring international knowledge to the table.”

SERGEI MATVIENKO (M-1)

“We hope that the relationship we are starting now will be very long and beneficial. As far as we can see, MMA is getting more and more popular all over the world – not only America or Japan. We hope that the show will be liked by all of the spectators. I really believe we won’t disappoint anyone that will be watching the show. Let the strongest win.”

FEDOR

“I watched the fight of Brett against Andrei Arlovski. I know that Brett is very strong. He has a very strong knockout punch. We usually train for all fights in the same way with some slight difference regarding the opponent. This time we are just doing some corrections regarding the technique of Brett.

“I am certainly planning on performing in the United States. I know for sure I will have two fights next year in the U.S. and then we will see if the contract will work. Maybe we will sign another contract.

“I never think about how impressive I am. I just come to the ring to show my techniques and skills. I want to finish the fight as fast as possible.”

BRETT ROGERS

“I am ready to go. I have been training real hard. It has been a long training camp. I understand who I am fighting, but he is just a man. I can’t wait.

“Up until this point, I have had to get back to work the next day. It is a great experience training and focusing on what I have to do come fight night.

“It does feel good to come to Chicago and put on a show in my birthplace. At the same time, Minnesota would have been good. My goal is to go out and put on a good show.

“(With two days to go) I just meditate and do what I normally do. I try not to get stressed. If I get stressed I am going to lose focus on my main goal. I just stay relaxed. Come Saturday morning, I definitely get into that fight mode. I think about everything that is coming, knock out the butterflies and then after that it is on. I am in that ball right now and I am ready to explode. This is the first time coming into a fight that I can just train and fight. I am ready to go.”

JAKE SHIELDS

“I feel great at this weight. I am willing to fight wherever – welterweight, middleweight, wherever. I am just looking for good fights. I think Miller was the fight that makes sense. I am willing to go up in weight. I am not that small. People forget, I cut a lot of weight (to make 170). People make too big of a deal about the weight. I’m not going to use that as an excuse. Win or lose I am ready to fight and I don’t think weight is going to be a factor.

“I fight because I want to keep myself interested in the challenge. If it is not interesting, there’s no point in doing it any more. It is exciting for me to bounce between the weights. Right now I’m worried about going up and staying up, but who knows what the future holds if they find a good opponent in the ‘70s. Right now I am not worried too much about that. I am just looking at one fight at a time, but it does keep it interesting for me.

“I am taking it one fight at a time, but most likely I’ll take another fight at 185. My weight is up right now and obviously I’m willing to drop back down, but I wouldn’t want to go up and down every other fight. That makes it difficult. Really, I’m just worried about getting through Miller and see what happens from there.”

JASON “MAYHEM’’ MILLER

“(Referring to Shields’ winning streak) All good things come to an end. It is an amazing streak that Shields has put together. I am proud to be guy standing across the cage from him on Saturday night.

“I don’ think I’m going too overboard [in the spotlight]. My goal is to provide entertainment for the CBS viewers. If they just want to watch a bar fight they can go to their local brew house. I am going to try to perform so that everybody is talking – that includes walking to the stage, and all the way to the post-fight press conference.

“I think people think because I am on TV every minute that I am standing in front of a camera every minute. Honestly, Bully Beatdown takes about two weeks to film and then they just replay it nonstop. Everyone thinks I live inside the box in their living room. It is not true. I actually walk around and do things outside of that.

“As far as marketing goes, you stick me in front of a camera and a microphone and I am going to blah, blah, blah and hopefully you are going to either want to watch me get me teeth knocked out or knock somebody’s head off. Part of my job is standing in a cage and beating somebody up, but the other part of my job is to make sure that you care about the fact that I am going to do it.”

GEGARD MOUSASI

“Every time you win, people expect more of you. There is some pressure, but I feel like I have good people around me that keep me focused. It is a very good fight for me and I am well trained so, God willing, it will be a good night.

“It is huge exposure for us fighting on CBS. It is a great card. I think any fight could have been on the main card, so I am concentrating on winning and doing my part. It is a big deal.

“I will try to finish the fight, but every fight is different. Sometimes you can finish the fight quickly, other times not. I don’t really care. I just want to win if it is decision or submission or anything. I’m just going to do my best to win.”

RAMEAU THIERRY SOKOUDJOU

“I believe he got injured during a fight, so I am looking forward to fighting him now. This is a great opportunity for all of us. I know this will not be an easy fight. No fights are.

“But I am here to give my best. When it is over, Mousasi will know he will have been in a very hard fight for both of us.’’

FABRICIO WERDUM

“I am very happy to be here. This is a great opportunity for me. I think the Mike Kyle fight was hard, but I’m ready for all fighters. I have trained a lot and have trained with the best fighters and coaches in the world. My focus now is on this big fight. After that, my goal would be to fight Fedor or Rogers.

“But I know I can’t look ahead. For me, the future is Saturday.’’

ANTONIO SILVA

“It has been a while since I have fought in the States. It’s great to be part of a card that includes fighters like Fedor and Brett Rogers. I’ve come to seek what I think is mine. I will be working very hard for that.”

“Werdum is a fighter of many qualities. He’s fought in many events. He has strengths and weaknesses. I’ve been training very hard in Jiu-Jitsu and standing up with my coach. I just came out of a fight in Japan and have been fighting ever since. It is do or die. It is a big fight and it is very important. I have come and I am ready to lay it down.”

Photo credit: Esther Lin/Strikeforce

Fight Camp 360: ‘Fedor vs Rogers’ debuted tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET on Showtime to promote the upcoming Strikeforce/CBS prime time event. Showtime has made the episode available for those who may not have their service, or those that may want to watch the special again.

The half-hour long special gives fans a glimpse into the training camps of Fedor and Brett Rogers.