UFC 108 took place on January 2 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, feturing a main event between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva.

FiveOuncesofPain.com was recently able to obtain a full list of the athletes tested during the event from Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director, Keith Kizer.

The following athletes were tested on the day of the event: Rashad Evans, Paul Daley, Sam Stout, Jim Miller, Junior dos Santos, Martin Kampmann, Mark Munoz, Jake Ellenberger and Rafaello Oliveira.

Evans and Silva were also tested and came back clean during training in December.

And while Rashad accomplished what he set out to do this evening in the grand scheme of things, the bout wasn’t without it’s share of third round dramatics as the dangerous Brazilian knockout artist had Evans in a whole lot of bother after a right hand from Silva sent the Greg Jackson trained fighter reeling in the bout’s closing moments.

Evans isn’t going to sit here and try to lie to you guys; the bout was grueling, and he felt every bit of it in that final round.

“In the third round I felt like I got a little tired,” said Evans following the bout.

“That third round was supposed to be for me to pressure him and pick up the pace, and do what I wanted to do.”

However, that was not the case, as a late rally from Thiago had the former champ experiencing intense flashbacks from his prior trip to the Octagon where Rashad was left snoring from a series of consciousness separating punches at the hands of current 205 pound title holder, Lyoto Machida.

“Oh no, this isn’t going to happen again,” Evans admitted thinking in the midst of battle on wobbly legs this Saturday evening. “Okay, okay, I just got caught with a good shot. My legs feel a little loose, but I’m just going to try to tie up until I feel better.”

That’s exactly what Evans did, as the winning coach of TUF 10 regathered his wits long enough to avoid any further come from behind rallies from Silva while picking up the unanimous decision nod on all three of the judges’ scorecards, 29-28.

“You lose your head and your ass goes with it,” said Evans.

Rashad is expected to face off with Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in his next fight with the promotion, although no date has been set for the highly anticipated showdown as of yet.

FiveOuncesofPain.com

Also appearing on today’s broadcast will be none other than the “Semtex” fisted Paul Daley as he shares his thoughts on this evening’s welterweight clash with Dustin Hazelett, along with finishing machine Joe Lauzon as he breaks down his 155 pound scrap with Sam Stout.

We will be covering a roundtable of MMA news from the week, possibly going through some of the 5 Oz. 2009 MMA Awards, and definitely focusing on this evening’s UFC 108 of course.

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

The show is set to kick off at 4 pm ET (3 pm CT, 1 pm PT), lasting until 6 pm ET (5 pm CT, 3 pm PT) .

Live video by Ustream

FiveOuncesofPain.com

UFC 108 will be going down tomorrow evening, January 2, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring a light heavyweight battle between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva as the headliner, a classic striker vs. grappler match-up as Paul Daley squares off with Dustin Hazelett, and much more.

So come along as Brady continues to teach Andrest a lesson in how to properly pick fights, and as always, please feel free to put up or shut up by posting a quick set of your own picks in the comment section below.

MAIN CARD

Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva

David Andrest: It has been well documented that both men enter this bout with only one professional loss on each of their records. While I find Silva to be an extremely exciting fighter to watch, Evans brings much more experience against top level competition into this fight. Evans has fought on the sport’s biggest stage against some of the sport’s biggest stars and with the exception of one misstep he has performed flawlessly. While Silva brings enough power and talent to win this or any fight, I think Evans will prove to be a cut above.

Winner: Rashad Evans via decision

Cory Brady: This one is going to be fireworks for as long as it lasts, but I don’t see it making it out of the second. Silva’s relentless style will force this fight to happen, and Rashad’s willingness to engage will result in one of the two taking a canvas nap. I see Rashad using his wrestling to keep this bout standing long enough to clip Thiago with something, and from there I expect for Evans to drag the Brazilian to the canvas where he finishes him off with some good old fashioned ground and pound.

Winner: Rashad Evans via TKO

Paul Daley vs. Dustin Hazelett

David Andrest: I’ll spare you the cliche. My most vivid memories of Paul Daley are from his fight with Jake Shields. I remember Shields taking that fight to the ground and my believing  instant submission for Shields. While it’s true, Shields won via armbar, Daley showed a ground defense that came as a surprise to most.  Hazelett, on the other hand has been impressive  in his Octagon stint , with most people remembering an impressive armbar submission over  Tamdan McCrory.   I love Hazelett’s image, and he seems like a smart well thought out fighter.  The fact remains this will be a pretty big step up for him, with McCrory and Burkman being his marquee wins. Daley has been active, Hazelett has not.  I think this is a very even match up, so based on that alone, I’m picking the Brit.

Winner: Paul Daley via TKO

Cory Brady: It doesn’t get any more “classic striker vs. grappler” than this one. Daley is one of the most explosive knockout artists in the game, while Hazelett is unquestionably one of the most eye dazzling submission artist the sport has ever seen. Daley’s disadvantage n the ground would normally make me lean in McLovin’s favor but Daley’s takedown defense is actually really, really good. It’s hard for me to visualize Dustin dragging the much stronger Brit to the canvas, but if he gets him there, he’ll keep him there for a submission.

Winner: Paul Daley via TKO

Joe Lauzon vs. Sam Stout

David Andrest: This is going to be an interesting fight, again I feel this is a very even match up. Bravo!!  Joe Silva and co. I look for Lauzon to keep this fight close not giving Stout room to work his stand up.  Lauzon will take this fight to the floor and submit Stout at some point, I would guess the second.

Winner: Joe Lauzon via submission

Cory Brady: Stout’s durability will make this a fight with true “FOTN” potential. Lauzon doesn’t go the distance, but he’s going to have his work cut out for hm tonight if he intends to keep his finishing streak alive. In the end I feel like it will be Lauzon’s advantage on the ground that will be the difference maker in this one.

Winner: Joe Lauzon via submission

Duane Ludwig vs. Jim Miller

David Andrest: What’s in a name?? Duane “BANG” Ludwig comes into this fight with just about the coolest name in the sport. When I think about Ludwig it feels like he’s been fighting forever, and that is not far from the truth. He’s faced a who’s who of fighters. Penn, Gomi, Pulver, Genki Sudo, Griffen,  Thmpson….and one thing remains true. Over a 10 year span, the best way to beat Ludwig is to take him down. Jim Miller is a fighter who could do just that. Miller  who was originally scheculed to fight Tyson Griffin in this spot and then Sean Sherk watched his fate change as the UFC 108 curse worked it’s magic.  Provided he doesn’t try to stand with Bang, I think Miller will find a way to win this fight. What concerns me is a training camp based around fighting top notch wrestlers, suddenly switching to a training camp focused on a heavy hitter with a reach advantage.

Winner: Jim Miller via decision

Cory Brady: Ludwig is legit, and there’s no questioning that, but two weeks isn’t enough time for anyone to prepare for a peaking Jim Miller in my opinion. Even if Duane had managed to get in a full training camp for this bout, I don’t see the result being any different. Great late replacement opponent, but Ludwig will be out of his league tonight. This fight will go to the ground quick, and it will stay there.

Winner: Jim Miller via TKO

Junior Dos Santos vs. Gilbert Yvel

David Andrest: Again I have to give kudos to the UFC PR department. Considering what they are up against, they did nothing less than a stellar job promoting this ever changing card.  A big part of that for me was the promotion of the Yvel/Dos Santos fight. They have done a terrific job of making Yvel appear the worthy opponent, with Dos Santos in the role of  up and coming title contender. The interesting part for me is  it’s all TRUE!! Yvel is better than most would like you to believe, and Dos Santos is a future challenger. I’m really tempted to pick the upset here, but  we are going to keep a yearly running total of picks this year, so I will not take the chance. Just let me say, don’t be surprised if Yvel Kicks Dos Santos in the head really hard.

Winner: Dos Santos via TKO

Cory Brady: They say styles make fights, and with that in mind, there’s no way this one doesn’t turn into a shootout really quick. Dos Santos is a beast on the fight, but Yvel is a demon. If the Brazilian makes the decision to stand and bang with Gilbert, it’s going to be the big kabosh. I have a feeling that Junior may want to take this fight to the ground at some point, but I don’t feel like his wrestling is going to be of the caliber it would take to take Yvel down and keep him there. Bad match-up for Dos Santos in my opinion.

Winner: Gilbert Yvel via knockout

FiveOuncesofPain.com

UFC 108 will be going down tomorrow evening, January 2, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring a light heavyweight battle between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva as the headliner, a classic striker vs. grappler match-up as Paul Daley squares off with Dustin Hazelett, and much more.

So come along as Andrest starts off 2010 where he left off 2009, showing Brady how to pick fights and where he went wrong, and as always, please feel free to put up or shut up by posting a quick set of your own picks in the comment section below.

PRELIMINARY CARD (Spike TV)

Martin Kampmann vs. Jacob Volkmann

David Andrest: I’ll keep this one short and sweet, Kampmann is going to win this fight. Do not fall into the Volkmann’s wrestling will take Kampmann down and blah blah blah trap. Kampmann can defend himself on the ground, and is better than Volkmann on the feet. I like Jacob, and kinda feel bad about his draw of opponents.

Winner: Martin Kampmann via decision

Cory Brady: Kampmann is without a doubt the more well rounded and experienced fighter, and he certainly SHOULD win this fight, but something abut the differential in the wrestling department worries me a little bit. Unless Kampmann can catch Volkmann with a submission or series of strikes, I could easily see Volkmann pulling out a big upset in this one through controlling Kampmann from the top position. I’m going with the longshot in this one, but it’s not going to be pretty.

Winner: Jacob Volkmann via decision

Dan Lauzon vs. Cole Miller

David Andrest: Lauzon brings an 8 fight win streak back to the Octagon. It’s hard to believe it’s been close to 4 years since “The Upgrade” appeared in the UFC. Miller is entering this fight coming off a beating at the hands of Efrain Escudero. Both of viewed as grapplers first, but I’m looking for Lauzon to come into this fight ready and willing to throw hands. As acomplished as Lauzon may feel his ground game, Miller holds an advantage there and I don’t think that is a secret. I’m picking this as a mild upset.

Winner: Dan Lauzon via TKO

Cory Brady: This is a big jump up in competition for Lauzon, and for Miller, not so much. Lauzon’s another one of those guys that has never made it to the judges, and he’s not going to make it all three rounds tonight either. I’m expecting this one to be a fast paced scrap for as long as it lasts.

Winner: Cole Miller via submission

PRELIMINARY CARD (Un-aired)

Ryan Jensen vs. Mark Munoz

David Andrest: Keeping is simple, Munoz with the takedown, Munoz with top position. Multiply this formula by three.

Winner: Mark Munoz via decision

Cory Brady: Ryan Jensen has never been to the judges, and there’s no reason I see for him to change things up in this bout. I feel like Munoz’ advantage wrestling will enable him to keep the fight standing and put Jensen in serious trouble with strikes.

Winner: Mark Munoz via TKO

Jake Ellenberger vs. Mike Pyle

David Andrest: Ellenberger is the goods. This fight against Mike Pyle will tell us everything we will ever need to know about both fighters. Both guys bring a wealth of experience. and honestly I don’t see a decided advantage in any one area for either guy.

Winner: Jake Ellenberger via decision

Cory Brady: With 16 of his 19 victories coming by way of submission, Pyle is undeniably one of the most proficient submission artists in the sport. While there’s always the chance that Ellenberger could get caught in something, the fact that he has only been submitted once in 26 professional bouts makes me think he will be able to stay out of trouble here. Look for Jake’s advantages in the boxing and wrestling departments to make the difference in this one.

Winner: Jake Ellenberger via decision

Rafaello Oliveira vs. John Gunderson

David Andrest:Gunderson is new to the UFC. This match up makes little sense to me to be honest. I’ll pull my “why did Joe Silva make this fight” card out of my pocket and use it here. Why was it made? I still have no idea, however he doesn’t bring new people in to lose to other new people.

Winner: Gunderson via decision

Cory Brady: Gunderson’s a tough dude with well over 25 professional scraps, while “The Tractor” is a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt that can bang with only eleven fights to his credit so far. The main stat that jumps out at me in this one is the fact that several of John’s losses have come by submission, and I feel like tonight there will be another one.

Winner: Rafaello Oliveira via submission

UFC 108 will take place on Saturday evening, January 2, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, airing live on Pay-Per-View and featuring a headlining light heavyweight showdown between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva.

UFC 108 will take place on Saturday evening, January 2, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, airing live on Pay-Per-View and featuring a headlining light heavyweight showdown between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva.

UFC 108 will take place on Saturday evening, January 2, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, airing live on Pay-Per-View and featuring a headlining light heavyweight showdown between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva.

UFC 108 will take place on Saturday evening, January 2, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, airing live on Pay-Per-View and featuring a headlining light heavyweight showdown between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva.

It now looks like the temporary wound left by Condit’s removal from the card has found it’s tourniquet in the form of the submission wizard known to many as “McLovin”, who has apparently agreed to the UFC 108 contest according to a recent report over at MMAWeekly.

The pair will face off in a classic “striker vs. grappler” match-up on January 2 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Daley will be returning to the Octagon the heels of his impressive UFC debut where the heavy handed Brit knocked Martin Kampmann senseless with a whirlwind of strikes in the first round during UFC 103, while Hazelett will making his first return to the cage since a November 2008 submission victory over Tamdan McCrory at UFC 91.

A full list of the bouts expected for UFC 108 are listed below:

Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva

Paul Daley vs. Dustin Hazelett

Joe Lauzon vs. Sam Stout

Tyson Griffin vs. Jim Miller

Sean Sherk vs. Rafaello Oliveira

Cole Miller vs. Dan Lauzon

Martin Kampmann vs. Rory Markham

Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Steve Cantwell

Mark Munoz vs. Ryan Jensen

Mike Pyle vs. Jake Ellenberger

As it stands now, Daley has been left without an opponent for a fight he still intends to take one way or the other less than a month from now on January 2, and he’s not the least bit happy about the current situation he finds himself in according to a recent post on The Underground.

Step up!! You pussy…UFC 108 … You know me, I’d except any fight. I just wanna fight. Condit is a big pussy IMO, i have inside information on that dude….it’s all good as long as i fight. Koshcheck…is a tough motherfucker, but i accept the challange. Hazellet has sick subs, and is dangerous, but i except that fight too. Any top level figher in 170lbs with a winning record. Joe make it happen.

Although Josh Koscheck has recently been announced to be facing off with Paulo Thiago in a rematch set for UFC 109, Dustin Hazelett should be itching for a fight after an anticipated showdown with Karo Parisyan was recently scrapped.

Junior Dos Santos

According to a report on TATAME.com, Dos Santos will face former PRIDE fighter, Gilbert Yvel. Dos Santos’ boxing coach, Luis Dorrea, confirmed the fight to the website.

“We know Gilbert is a very strong guy, he like to fight standing, but “Cigano” is better in striking now, we’re doing our job and I know we’re gonna get the victory,” explained Dorrea.

Gilbert “The Hurricane” Yvel, has a total of 50 professional fights, with an overall record of 36-13-1. The veteran fighter will be making his UFC debut after fighting for such organizations as PRIDE, K1, Affliction, and Cage Rage. His last fight in June was a first round KO win over former UFC champion Pedro Rizzo.

Junior Dos Santos has been on a tear since debut with the UFC, posting a 3-0 record in the UFC, with an overall record of 9-1. “Cigano” defeated Mirko Filopovic, Stefan Struve, and Fabricio Werdum, since entering the Octagon.

UFC 108 is scheduled for January 2nd 2010, live from MGM Grand Garden Arean, in Las Vegas.

Dana White

According to White, the infection is so bad it has gotten into Nogueira’s bloodstream and the former PRIDE superstar will have to be hospitalized while given antibiotics.

The cancellation adds to a recent string of illnesses and injuries affecting a number of UFC main events, including next weekend’s UFC 106 card which was originally scheduled to feature Brock Lesnar defending his title against Shane Carwin and Mark Coleman in Forrest Griffin’s spot opposite Tito Ortiz.

The unfortunate situation also leaves the freshly victorious Velasquez without an opponent and UFC 108 without a main event. While the idea of inserting Carwin into the slot vacated by Nogueira was mentioned, the UFC President stated the current top heavyweight contender was not an option due to recent knee surgery he’d undergone. However, White assured fans the UFC would find a suitable headlining bout for the January 2nd, 2010 event, saying, “This is my business; this is what we do.”

UPDATE: Shane Carwin took to his Twitter on Sunday to clarify his status, stating “Did not have surgery. I was injured and when Brock pulled out of 108 I got the injury looked at and began rehab. I have a grade 2 MCL Strain.”

The bout was recently confirmed through Sherk himself during a conversation with WICombatSports.com.

“I’m fighting January 2 against Rafaello Oliveira,” revealed Sherk. “I haven’t studied him yet, but I know he has fought my training partner Nick Lentz in Dallas. Lentz beat him, and he’s been able to give me some good advice on him.”

UFC 108 is expected for January 2 from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sherk will be looking to get back on track following a decision loss to Frankie Edgar following a victory over Tyson Griffin, while Oliveira will also be hoping to hop back in the win column following a decision defeat in his Octagon debut at the hands of Nick Lentz during UFC 103.

According to Tatame.com, Nogueira’s manager recently confirmed the bout to Sensei Sportv’s blog.

UFC 108 is expected to take place on January 2 from Las Vegas, Nevada, with a possible heavyweight championship bout between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin acting as the headliner.

The winner of the bout between Nogueira and Velasquez will likely be next in line for a crack at the UFC heavyweight championship.

Nogueira is fresh off of his fight of the night victory over Randy Couture at UFC 102 following a TKO defeat at the hands of Frank Mir during UFC 92, while Velasquez has yet to taste defeat in his professional career, most recently racking up back to back victories over the likes of Cheick Kongo and Ben Rothwell.

According to reports on MMAJunkie.com, both fighters have verbally agreed to the match-up, although no contract agreements have been finalized.

Kampmann will be looking to get himself back into title contention after a disappointing loss to UFC newcomer Paul Daley. Kampmann had previous wins over Carlos Condit and Alexandre Barros since moving down from middleweight to welterweight.

Markham will also be trying to get back in the winners circle after suffering a KO at the hands of British slugger, Dan Hardy. The Miletich fighter has only fought twice in the octagon, taking home a KO victory at UFC Fight Night 14, in his debut.

Although not officially announced, UFC 108 is expected to be held on January 2nd 2010 with a rumored headline bout between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort.

Reports from MMAJunkie.com stated both fighters have been approached about the match up, with one of the two verbally agreeing to the bout.

Tyson Griffin is coming off a two-fight win streak in which his last bout was by a devastating TKO over Hermes Franca. The Extreme Couture fighter has racked up an impressive 6-1 record over his last seven bouts, with his only loss in that span coming by way of a very close decision at the hands of Sean Sherk.

Jim Miller is also coming off of two straight wins over Steve Lopez and “The Ultimate Fighter 6” winner Mac Danzig. The 15-2 fighter has only tasted defeat once since joining the UFC late last year, losing a decision over highly ranked Gray Maynard.

Although not officially announced, UFC 108 is rumored to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with an anticipated match-up between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort for the UFC Middleweight Championship.

The possibility of the match-up was first reported by Fighters.com before MMAJunkie.com was able to pin the bout down to the January 2 date.

UFC 108 is expected to take place in Las Vegas, with a likely main event between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort for the UFC middleweight championship.

Dos Santos is fresh off of his impressive third round stoppage of Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic during UFC 103, following back to back Octagon victories over the likes of Stefan Struve and Fabricio Werdum. A win over Gonzaga will move dos Santos that much closer to a crack at the UFC heavyweight championship.

Gonzaga will be looking to build on his previous TKO victory over Chris Tuchscherer at UFC 102 on the heels of his knockout defeat to Shane Carwin during UFC 96. With a UFC record of 7-3, the only thing standing between Gonzaga and another title shot is a win over a legitimate top contender such as dos Santos.

Below is a full list of the bouts expected for the card:

Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort

Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva

Junior Dos Santos vs. Gabriel Gonzaga

Joe Lauzon vs. Sam Stout

Cole Miller vs. Dan Lauzon

Thiago Silva vs. Rashad Evans UFC 108

After Quinton “Rampage” Jackson removed himself from his UFC 107 bout to appear as B.A. Baracus in the A-Team remake, former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans will now be facing off with American Top Team’s Thiago Silva at UFC 108.

It has recently been reported by MMAJunkie.com that both parties have agreed to the bout, which will be the co-main event to a middleweight championship bout between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort.

UFC 108 is set to take place from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on January 2.

Both men will be looking to get back into the title picture following mutual losses to current UFC 205 pound champion, Lyoto Machida.

There will also be a certain degree of the revenge factor in the match-up as Thiago most recently knocked out close friend and training partner to Evans, “The Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine.

Also expected for the card is a lightweight showdown between Joe Lauzon and Sam Stout.

Anderson Silva

The event is expected to take place on January 2 from Las Vegas, Nevada, kicking 2010 off with a bang.

UFC President Dana White recently confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that the bout has been verbally agreed to by both fighters.

Silva’s last trip to the Octagon was a highlight reel first round knockout over Forrest Griffin, which followed a middleweight championship title defense over Thales Leites, while Belfort has most recently put together impressive back to back knockouts over the likes of Rich Franklin and Matt Lindland.