MFC sent out a press release to announce the signing.

Once thought to be the “next big thing” in the 205 division after knocking out Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ricardo Arona in the PRIDE organization, Sokoudjou has failed to find consistency in the sport following a short-lived run in the UFC that saw him post a 1-2 record. Since being released by the company in 2008, the Cameroon native has fought for various organizations, including Strikeforce, DREAM, and Shark Fights against the likes of Gegard Mousasi, Renato Sobral, and Houston Alexander. He’s currently on a three fight win streak.

“The Real Deal” is on a win streak of his own, one that is five times longer than Sokoudjou’s run. During the course of his 15 fight win streak, Jimmo has defeated UFC veterans Marvin Eastman and Wilson Gouveia, along with fighters such as Emanuel Newton and Zak Cummings. Often criticized for his less than spectacular performances, Jimmo will be looking to put on a show against “The African Assassin”

MFC 31 in scheduled for October 7 at the Mayfield Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

*PHOTO CREDIT – MFC*

“Drew had the consent of the MFC to fight in Japan, but he and his management were expressly told that if he lost badly again he would be released, and therefore Drew has been released,” explained MFC President Mark Pavelich in an official press release. “I will not have guys coming and going from the MFC and thinking what they do in other organizations won’t have an effect on where they stand in the Maximum Fighting Championship. I have a lot of respect for Drew especially in the way he turned his life around and I wish him the best of luck in his future.”

Fickett had won five straight bouts including a trio of victories last September in a single-night tournament before suffering back-to-back TKOs against Kawajiri and Brian Cobb last month in what could be his final MFC appearance. The 31-year old lightweight has submitted thirty of the opponents he’s beaten including Kurt Pellegrino and Josh Koscheck. He also holds past wins over Edwin Dewees, Charles Bennett, Josh Neer, and Ken Florian.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

“These are serious allegations that he is facing and I do not want the Maximum Fighting Championship associated in any way with these matters,” explained MFC President Mark Pavelich through a press release. “I find his these actions to be incredibly disrespectful to my company and Mr. Franca is no longer welcome as part of the Maximum Fighting Championship.”

Franca, who himself is a father, is accused of having allegedly acted out sexually with an underage girl he met at a BJJ Academy in Oregon. Little is known about the case other than that details are expected to come to light in July when it goes to trial. As it stands, the 36-year old faces seven counts of sexual abuse in the first degree and two counts of unlawful penetration in the second degree.

This week’s news is not the first time the colorful Brazilian has had personal problems surface as he also tested positive for steroids after a title-fight against Sean Sherk at UFC 73 in 2007.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

According to Pavelich by way of a press release, his problem is not related to the actual performance of referees but rather, as he put it, because “certain referees are charging anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 just to show up, bark out a catchphrase, and supervise a fight.” Further elaborating on the source of his ire, Pavelich continued, “But these fees aren’t being paid by any commission. They are paid by a show owner or promoter. And quite frankly it’s sad that some promoters feel obliged to pay them and put them front and center on a poster.”

Pavelich then questioned the principle involved, though never mentioned any refs by name, asking, “How can you not call into question the ethics of these referees? Would you not expect their loyalties to be torn when some promoter is willing to pay them 10K, and that same referee is then calling the action when the promoter’s top fighters are in action?”

The outspoken owner of Canada’s top MMA promotion finished with a message directed at the governing bodies who oversee and assign referees.

“It’s time for the commissions governing MMA to put a pay structure in place for all referees. They would be paid according to their experience, the level of competition they have overseen, and even feedback from notable fighters and insiders. There are a number of very good referees out there including those that have worked recent MFC events. But even they shouldn’t be allowed to just toss out a price tag, or have a commission toss out one for them. There should be a pay scale in place – here’s what you get paid (plus reasonable expenses) … take it or leave it.”

“You don’t see referees in the NFL or NHL tossing around numbers, and then getting paid according to their individual requests,” Pavelich concluded. “They are paid a set price by a league (in MMA’s case, a commission), and the best ones are hired for more high-profile games and playoffs.”

MFC has existed for a decade North of the Border with a major upswing in activity after the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts took off in 2005. The company most recently promoted “MFC 29: Conquer” two weeks ago in Winsor, Ontario with names like Marcus Davis, Hermes Franca, Douglas Lima, and Ryan Jimmo in action.

Neither an opponent or date for his debut were mentioned.

Davis holds an overall record of 17-8 but fell in four of his last five outings with three coming by way of knockout. However, the 37-year old held his own against Dan Hardy during the slide and possesses past wins over respectable opposition like Paul Taylor and Chris Lytle.

Fickett tapped HIT Squad member Matt Veach less than a minute into the opening round after being taken down, then working his rubber guard into position for a fight-ending Armbar. The showing marked the thirtieth submission victory Fickett’s career and his 41st overall with past success against a number of notable adversaries including Kurt Pellegrino, Josh Neer, and Josh Koscheck. It was his first fight since winning a trio of bouts on a single night under the Shine Fights banner this past September.

On the other end of the spectrum, Jimmo battered opponent Dwayne Lewis in their light heavyweight title-fight to the point ringside officials were forced to stop things after Lewis’ orbital bone was broken to the point a mouse looking more like a NYC sewer rat had formed around his eye. The championship-winning stoppage came a little more than midway through the third round and continued an impressive run for the Canadian who hasn’t lost since his professional debut more than four years ago.

Here is a complete listing of MFC 28 results:

Brendan Kornberger def. Paapa Inkumsah via Unanimous Decision
Dan Ring def. Garret Nybakken via Submission Round 2 (Rear-Naked Choke)
Tyrone Glover def. Robert Washington via Split Decision
Emmanuel Newton def. Rodney Wallace via Submission Round 2 (Rear-Naked Choke)
Thomas Denny draws with Sheldon Westcott
Richie Whitson def. Curtis Demarce via Split Decision
Drew Fickett def. Matt Veach via Submission Round 1 (Armbar)
Ryan Jimmo def. Dwayne Lewis via TKO Round 3 (Doctor’s Stoppage)

PHOTO CREDIT – MFC

Fickett will still see action at the event and has been linked to a bout with 15-2 grappler Matt Veach in a catch-weight clash at 160 pounds.

News of the change in circumstances was relayed to media by way of an official announcement from the organization.

Fickett is 40-13 in his career and was considered to be on his way to stardom with past wins over Kurt Pellegrino, Josh Koscheck, and Ken Florian before personal problems stymied his ascension in the sport. However, the 31-year old has won his last four fights including three in a single evening last September en route to winning Shine Fights’ 155-pound Grand Prix.

His opponent, Veach, has also emerged from the ring with his hands raised the last four times he’s entered it including a trio of decision victories. Fans may remember the teammate of Matt Hughes’ at H.I.T. Squad based on his recent run in the UFC where Veach debuted with an opening round TKO of Matt Grice before dropping back-to-back bouts including a submission loss to current lightweight champ Frank Edgar.

In addition to Fickett’s fight with Veach “MFC 28: Supremacy” will also feature in-ring appearances from notable names like Ryan Jimmo, Thomas Denny, and Rodney “Sho Nuff” Wallace. Fans can tune in to watch things unfold live on HDNet starting at 10:00 PM EST.

News of McKee’s return to the MFC was announced in an official press release by the Canadian promotion.

The 31-year old has won four consecutive fights by way of submission, a trio of which came during a single-night Shine Fights tournament in September, after losing seven of his previous eight bouts. Fickett’s career has been a roller coaster to say the least, as he holds past victories over Kurt Pellegrino, Josh Neer, Ken Florian, and Josh Koscheck but has also fallen to a number of less-than notable opponents and burned bridges with more than one MMA organization (including a well-documented fallout with MFC in 2008).

McKee is 3-0 in MFC with wins over Carlo Prater, Derrick Noble, and most recently Luciano Azevedo last Fall in a match-up McKee had promised to retire after were he unable to finish his opponent. He subsequently went on to score a first-round TKO over the Brazilian.

The 155-pounders join another set of individuals, light heavyweights Ryan Jimmo and Dwayne Lewis, set to square off over a belt at the event. Other highlights on the card include a bout between Razak Al-Hassan and Rodney Wallace, as well as Thomas Denny in action.

After struggling through a first round littered with successful takedown attempts, as well as a few well-placed knees to the body, Pete Spratt landed a devastating uppercut on opponent Nathan Gunn in the second round which provided the first blemish on the young fighter’s previously pristine record. The knockout improved Spratt’s professional record to 20-15.

Marvin Eastman stepped into the ring at the same weight as his scheduled competition for the evening, Ryan Jimmo, but appeared to be quite a bit smaller based on a five-inch height differential. The two felt each other out for a few minutes before Jimmo was able to lock up Eastman’s body and deliver a series of knees to his core.

The second round featured more of the same technique with little change in approach from the man otherwise known as “Beastman” until he was able to land a takedown on Jimmo and work some mild ground-and-pound from the top.

After apparently splitting the first two frames with Jimmo, Eastman was able to take control in the third with his superior wrestling ability, but it was the Canadian who instead took home the split decision thanks to what some fans might have seen as a “hometown” decision from the judges.

In a battle of power vs. technique, former Ultimate Fighter contestant Mike Nickels took on a man who had the unfortunate distinction of not only being ragdolled by Tim Boestch in the UFC, but was also involved in a match against current UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida that Zuffa pulled from a European PPV broadcast, and an extended choke that cost Renato Sobral his job with the UFC.

Friday night was a bit less conspicuous for Heath, who was able to fend off most of Nickels’ stand-up attempts before being rocked by a few hard shots in the second round. After receiving a warning for his mouthguard falling out multiple times, Heath did his best Rocky Balboa impression and went toe-to-toe with Nickels, at some points even baiting the tattooed Coloradan in for a shot or two. However, though the first fourteen minutes of the contest took place on the fighters’ feet, the finish came on the ground with Nickels finally getting Heath to the mat and locking in a Rear Naked Choke.

American Top Team’s Luigi Fioravanti faced XTreme Couture’s John Alessio in a battle for the rights to an official winning streak, as both are 1-1 in their last two fights with first-round finishes in the “W”.

In the end it was Alessio who walked away with the second consecutive victory, the win a courtesy of a well-timed right hand which left the former Marine Fioravanti laid out on his back.

In what was originally scheduled to be a clash for the MFC Lightweight Championship, Antonio McKee instead locked up with Carlos Prater without any gold on the line due to Prater’s inability to weigh in at 155 pounds.

McKee dominated the bulk of the first round, as well as the second and third, with grappling acumen and ground striking. Coupled with Prater’s relatively poor performance, the ground and pound in addition to a smattering of stand-up led to an obvious win on the judges’ scorecards and brought McKee’s total career decision wins to eighteen of twenty-three total victories.

Perhaps the most notorious Mixed Martial Artist known for not making weight in a previously scheduled title fight, Travis Lutter, entered the ring hoping to have a better showing than he did against Anderson Silva by preventing Canadian Jason MacDonald from improving his MFC record to a perfect 11-0.

Lutter was able to gain MacDonald’s back in the middle of the first but his foe was able to fend off the former TUF champion’s strikes and submission attempts.

The second stanza saw Lutter using his top-level grappling skills to again hold MacDonald on the canvas, eventually even mounting “The Athlete” in the process, but he did little once the dominant position was secured.

The local crowd had a bit more to cheer about in the third round when MacDonald ended up in half-guard after a successful takedown to deliver some minor ground and pound, but the bit of offense was too little too late, and Lutter was able to survive long enough to take home the decision victory.

Below are full list of results from MFC 22:

Joe Christopher def. Andrew Buckland – Submission – RD 1
Jason Heit def. Paapa Inkumsha – TKO – RD 2
Dwayne Lewis def. Jared Kilkenny – TKO – RD 1
Nick Hrynchshyn def. Jesse MacDougall – TKO – RD 2
Pete Spratt def. Nathan Gunn – KO – RD 2
Ryan Jimmo def. Marvin Eastman – Split Decision
Mike Nickels def. David Heath – Submission – RD 3
John Alessio def. Luigi Fioravanti – KO – RD 2
Antonio McKee def. Carlos Prater – Unanimous Decision
Travis Lutter def. Jason MacDonald – Unanimous Decision

MacDonald made a name for himself with Canada’s MFC promotion, fighting a total of ten times under the MFC banner before being scooped up by the UFC in 2006 where he ended up going 5-5 with the organization before back to back losses to Wilson Gouveia and Nate Quarry brought upon his departure.

Considering the history it only seems fitting that MacDonald will make his return on his old stomping grounds at MFC 22: Payoff on September 25.

His opponent has yet to be determined, but according to MacDonald, it’s him against everyone as far as he’s concerned.

“The one guy who impressed me the most was Bryan Baker,” said MacDonald in a recent press release about the upcoming event. Baker shocked a lot of people when he TKO’d UFC veteran Rory Singer at MFC 20. “He comes to fight and I want to fight someone who wants to throw down, someone who’s going to fight and give us both an opportunity to put on an exciting fight for the fans.

“I think a best-case scenario would be to fight Trevor Prangley but since he just won the title at 205 he’ll probably want to defend that a couple of times though it’s something to look at. I wouldn’t mind avenging my loss to Marvin Eastman because I wasn’t really at the best point in my career back then (2005) but I think he’s more comfortable at 205 now.

“Travis Galbraith is coming down to 185 and that would be exciting. Solomon Hutcherson … anybody really. I just want to fight in a great fight, get the biggest challenge against the biggest name guy available.

“There are still some alumni kicking around that I could fight,” noted MacDonald. “I think Edwin Dewees would be great fight. Shonie Carter? At this point in his career I think Shonie is a bit of a joke and I’m not sure that a fight with him would be worth it. I’m looking for quality fights and fights that will get me to the title.”

Regardless of his opponent on September 25, first and foremost Jason is eager to show the world that he is back to stay.

“I’m hungry again. I’m going to do everything in my power to get back on track. I am re-focused. I’m not going to fight for a long time, probably another two years and hopefully I’ll get to 50 fights, but most importantly I want to finish on a positive note.

“There’s nothing greater than being on top of your game. I want to perform well and have fights that I’m proud of like the fights I had against Demian Maia and Jason Lambert. Most importantly I want to fight well. That’s the No. 1 priority.”

The bout took place at MFC 21: Hard Knocks from River Cree Resort and Casino in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and aired live on HDNet.

Lashley threw a humongous right hand to start things off in the first. The punch connected flush and Cook attempts to shoot in on Lashley to no avail. Lashley caught him in a north south position and sinks in a guillotine choke that put him to sleep just 24 seconds into the contest. Cook’s legs began to jerk violently just seconds after the choke was applied, and although the action wasn’t stopped for a second or two after the apparent convulsions started it was clear that he was out almost immediately from the stranglehold. Lashley improves his overall MMA record to 3-0.

The fight stats from the bout tell volumes about how the fight went down. There was one strike thrown and landed by Lashley during the fight, and one submission attempt that ended up being successful. Complete and total domination.

Marvin Eastman picked up a TKO over Aron Lofton last evening, John Alessio returned to action with a rear-naked choke over Andrew Buckland while Trevor Prangley captured the MFC light heavyweight championship from Emanuel Newton in a decision.

A full list of results from last night’s card are listed below:

MFC Light Heavyweight Championship:
205 lbs.: Trevor Prangley def. Emanuel Newton via unanimous decision

Main Card:
265 lbs.: Bobby Lashley def. Mike Cook via submission (front naked choke – R1)
205 lbs.: Travis Galbraith def. David Heath via split decision
170 lbs.: John Alessio def. Andrew Buckland via submission (rear naked choke – R1)
205 lbs.: Ryan Jimmo def. Mychal Clark via unanimous decision
205 lbs.: Marvin Eastman def. Aron Lofton via TKO (strikes – R2)

Undercard:
265 lbs.: William Richey def. Ryan Fortin via split decision
170 lbs.: Jason Heit def. Jeremy Combrink via TKO (strikes – R1)
205 lbs.: Dwayne Lewis def. Jay Whitford via TKO (strikes – R1)
170 lbs.: George Belanger def. Nolan Clarke via TKO (strikes – R1)

MFC promoter Mark Pavelich made an announcement last night on Carsons Corner concerning the line-up for MFC 21.

Travis Lutter, the middleweight winner of season six of The Ultimate Fighter, which earned him a shot at UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, will take on Dean Lister in the night’s main event.

Lutter who failed to make weight for the fight with Silva went on to lose via second round submission. He actually mounted Silva, but was unable to inflict any significant damage. His last fight was at UFC 83 in April of 2008 where he lost to Rich Franklin via 2nd round TKO. Once again Lutter had his opponent in trouble as he applied a tight armbar on Franklin in the first round, but could not capitalize and eventually lost.

Lister recently asked for and was granted his release from the UFC after a lackluster unanimous decision loss to Yushin Okami at UFC 92 in December. Lister was recently in the news as he was invited to participate in this year’s ADCC’s no Gi submission grappling championships. He was crowned the winner in the Absolute Division in 2003 also won superfights in 2003 and 2005. He went on record stating he would like to take on WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko, who is also slated to appear at the ADCC championships this year.

MFC 21 is shaping up pretty nicely as Pavelich also announced that David Heath would be taking on Travis Galbraith. Former UFC veterans Mike Nickels, Solomon Hutcherson, John Alessio and Marcus Aurelio are also scheduled to fight that night.

This Friday night’s bout between Paul “Semtex” Daley and Nick “The Goat” Thompson is one that could just as well be taking place at Saturday night’s UFC card, but it will be taking place at Canada’s largest fight promotion instead. The two extremely dangerous and highly talented 170 pounders will lock horns at MFC 20: Destined for Greatness. An event appropriately titled as the winner of this bout may very well be headed in that direction.

Long known and feared as one of the game’s most lethal strikers, Daley has the kind of explosiveness, showmanship and stand up firepower that any organization would be glad to add to their roster, but according to Daley there is just one promotion that he has his sights set on for 2009, and it’s easy to see why.

The twenty five year old Nottingham, England fighter stated in an exclusive interview with FiveOuncesOfPain.com conducted just days before his showdown with Thompson, that he has every intention of making his way to the UFC in 2009.

First things first, he has a menacingly experienced and large welterweight in the form of Thompson that he has to deal with this Friday night before he can plan on fighting anywhere.

Cory Brady: Did you expect John Alessio to stand up with you as much as he did?

Paul Daley: I did anticipate for John to stand with me for a little while because he isn’t really a standout fighter in any area. I expected a bit of everything, as he showed with takedown attempts, boxing, etc.

Cory Brady: Where have you spent most of your time training for Nick Thompson and who are some of the key people that have been helping you out?

Paul Daley: I have split my camp between the UK and Holland for my fight with Nick. I have been training in the UK with Dan Hardy, Jim Wallhead and some others.

Cory Brady: I know you have been training with Melvin Manhoef recently. Have you had a chance to work with him at all for this one?

Paul Daley: This fight I did not train so much with Melvin himself, but have still been at the great Mike’s Gym, with all the other great fighters.

Cory Brady: Who has been the base of your training crew?

Paul Daley: The core of my training crew for this fight has been Joey Van Wanrooy, Mike Passenier from Mike’s Gym, Dan Hardy, Jim Wallhead and Lee Livingston.

Cory Brady: What are your thoughts on Nick Thompson and how do you feel you guys match up?

Paul Daley: Nick is a very tough guy. He’s big for a welterweight and well rounded. I don’t mind the height difference at all. I have always been the small guy in the ring or cage but I always find a way to blow away the height advantage.

Cory Brady: Do you feel that Nick is going to try to get you to the ground as soon as possible or do you anticipate for him to try to trade with you at all?

Paul Daley: I don’t think it is that obvious that he will take it to the ground. He has great stand up ability. He showed how good his stand up is in his fight with Eddie Alvarez, who is much the same as me in height and build.

Cory Brady: What do you think of Nick’s wrestling ability?

Paul Daley: I think his wrestling is OK, but he is no Jake Shields and I did pretty good at stuffing some of Jake’s takedowns.

Cory Brady: You don’t expect to have any problems stuffing his takedown attempts?

Paul Daley: His wrestling will not be a problem, I am better than that.

Cory Brady: What would be the absolute perfect ending to this fight for you?

Paul Daley: The perfect ending to this fight would be a victory via KO with a KO of the night bonus, after an exciting fight…of the night.

Cory Brady: Are you under contract with MFC right now or are you a free agent?

Paul Daley: I am not under contract with MFC but I am not a free agent…..Yet.

Cory Brady: I’m going to ask you about three different organizations and I would like to know your brief thoughts on each one and if you would ever consider fighting for any of the promotions in the future.

Cory Brady: Strikeforce?

Paul Daley: Strikeforce is a great organization and they put on great shows.

Cory Brady: Affliction?

Paul Daley: Affliction has great shows, great fight purses and really cool t-shirts.

Cory Brady: Then of course, the UFC?

Paul Daley: I would love to fight for the UFC, as the best fighters in the world in my weight category are there. I would love to fight for the UFC in 2009.

Noble is a versatile veteran who possesses a mixed martial arts record of 22-11-1. Noble owns victories over the likes of MFC welterweight champion Pat Healy, Thiago Alves, Carlo Prater, and Jake Ellenberger. Noble has also been in the cage with notable names such as Chris Lytle, Josh Neer, Gideon Ray, and Eddie Alvarez though in a losing effort.

Noble will make his MFC debut on Friday, December 5 at MFC 19: Long Time Coming in a lightweight showdown with Ariel Sexton (5-1).

***NOTE: Good news for any concerned… I got word from the IFL this morning that Elias Rivera was fine after his fight with Tim Kennedy and actually drove himself home from the event.