UFC 182 postmortem: Where do we go from here?

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

By Chris Huntemann, Columnist

The new year started off with greatness for the UFC, as light heavyweight champion Jon Jones retained his title in a dominant 5-round performance at UFC 182 that solidified his standing in many people’s eyes as the greatest fighter of all time. It was a common theme throughout the night’s main card.

Every fight on the main card went to a judge’s decision, and the winner in each bout was clear. I’ll ruminate on what’s next for each fighter that emerged victorious last night, as well as what may be next for their vanquished foe.

Hector Lombard def. Josh Burkman by unanimous decision (Welterweight - 170 lbs.)

It was mentioned by UFC President Dana White on the postfight show that Burkman was sick and injured leading up to this fight, and he looked like it. He basically let Lombard pick him apart and land shot after shot, even as Burkman tried to stay away from Lombard’s hands.

Lombard’s victory sets up a likely fight with Rory MacDonald in a de facto no. 1 contender fight for the welterweight title. Rory has been next in line for a title shot for a while now, but Robbie Lawler’s victory over Johny Hendricks last month for the belt sets up a trilogy in that hard-hitting rivalry sometime this year. Rory will once again have to wait, but if he takes the fight with Lombard in the meantime he could see his quest for gold delayed even longer if Lombard were to score a victory.

For Burkman, a last-chance fight against a non-ranked welterweight on a future prelim card looks to be in his future.

Kyoji Horiguchi def. Louis Gaudinot by unanimous decision (Flyweight - 125 lbs.)

Horiguchi also dictated the pace in this fight and used his speed and swarming offense to confound and confuse Gaudinot. Horiguchi is on a 4-fight win streak in UFC and an overall winning streak that goes back to 2012. A top-10 flyweight is in his future, with another impressive victory possibly securing him a title shot. A bout with Jussier Formiga or Chris Cariaso sounds good.

Gaudinot goes back to the drawing board, with a spot on a future Fight Pass card likely on the horizon.

Brad Tavares def. Nate Marquardt by unanimous decision (Middleweight - 185 lbs.)

This was probably the most underwhelming fight of the night. Both men were extremely hesitant to engage and fought like guys afraid to lose their jobs, which both were in danger of doing going into this fight. Tavares secured a not-at-all-impressive victory, likely getting him one more fight in the UFC, but likely not another PPV.

For Marquardt, I’m not sure he survives. He is a veteran of the UFC, he fought Anderson Silva for the belt and knocked out Demian Maia in one of the nastiest ways possible. But his issues with the UFC and Dana White have not been forgotten, so I think he will be handed his walking papers yet again.

Donald Cerrone def. Myles Jury by unanimous decision (Lightweight - 155 lbs.)

“Cowboy” dominated Jury for all three rounds but was not able to put the young upstart away, a fact that grated on Cerrone. He unleashed a series of frustration-fueled and very hard kicks to Jury’s prone body as Jury laid on the mat to finish the fight. Cerrone took Jury to the ground in the first round and nearly secured a rear-naked choke victory.

Cerrone is in the running for a lightweight title shot, but the inability to put Jury away means he will likely have to wait for Khabib Nurmagomedov to fight the winner of Anthony Pettis vs. Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 185. In the meantime, I’d like to see Cerrone square off with Benson Henderson, assuming Henderson emerges victorious from his bout with Eddie Alvarez on Jan. 18.

The future still looks bright for Jury, but he’s not quite ready for prime time. A bout with Jim Miller or Michael Johnson would make sense for him.

Jon Jones def. Daniel Cormier by unanimous decision (Light Heavyweight Title - 205 lbs.)

Although he humbly declined to agree during FOX Sports 1’s postfight coverage, I firmly believe Jon Jones is the greatest fighter of all time. Many will still say Anderson Silva, and I don’t necessarily disagree. But I think Jones has faced a tougher slate of fighters as champion than Silva did as champion, and Jones has made it look easy in all but one fight – his bout against Alexander Gustafsson.

Jones knocked Mauricio “Shogun” Rua silly to win the light heavyweight title. He submitted Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. He choked Lyoto Machida unconscious. He outclassed Rashad Evans. He submitted Vitor Belfort. He ran through Chael Sonnen. He had to dig deep to defeat Gustafsson. He soundly beat Glover Teixeira and he clearly outperformed Daniel Cormier. Jones' resume is impeccable and is more than worthy of greatest of all time (GOAT) status.

As far as what’s next for him, he seems to acknowledge that the winner of the Gustafsson/Anthony “Rumble” Johnson fight in Sweden later this month will be next in line for his title. However, he also expressed openness to fight Cormier’s training partner, close friend and UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez “for the right purse.” Such a fight would break box office records, but it remains to be seen if it will happen. Velasquez has to prove he can stay healthy first.

For Cormier, he can rebound from this loss but will have to build himself back up in a deep division. A fight with the loser of the Phil Davis/Ryan Bader or Evans/Teixeira bouts, or upstart Ovince St. Preux, might make sense.

The buzz surrounding UFC 182 was akin to fight cards that were held during the organization’s high points just a few years ago. While the fights on this card may not have totally delivered the action fans were expecting, the UFC has plenty of opportunities to rebound in the new year.

Chris Huntemann writes about mixed martial arts in the state of Maryland. He also contributes his thoughts to our site on the UFC, Bellator, and World Series of Fighting. Check out his blog, or follow him on Twitter: @mmamaryland.

UFC 182: Starting with a bang

Photo Credit: Zuffa LLC via Getty

By Chris Huntemann, Columnist

The new year is here, and the UFC is hitting the ground running by delivering one of the most anticipated title fights in recent memory: Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier. Ever since their infamous brawl at a promotional event for the fight last year, and an alleged “off-camera” exchange that somehow found its way on-air (which I continue to believe was planned to further develop interest in the fight), this title fight rivals previous ones such as Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen and Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz on the anticipation scale.

But there are other fights on the card that feature competitors who are a hit with the fans, including Hector Lombard and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Who do I think will emerge victorious on this particular night’s main card? Read on, dear reader.

Hector “Showeather” Lombard (34-4-1) vs. Josh “The People’s Warrior” Burkman (27-10) (Welterweight – 170 lbs.)

This is Lombard’s first fight in almost a year, which he attributes to fighters being reluctant to face him because he’s allegedly “the most hated guy in the UFC.” Lombard has won three of five in the UFC, with his two losses being close split-decisions. Burkman was kind of a last-minute choice, as he was previously in World Series of Fighting until March of last year. Burkman won four of five in WSOF, with all but one coming with a finish. These guys seem very evenly matched on paper, but I like Burkman to outstrike Lombard for a unanimous decision victory that some might consider an upset.

Winner: Burkman by unanimous decision

Kyoji Horiguchi (14-1) vs. Louis “Goodnight” Gaudinot (7-3) (Flyweight – 125 lbs.)

Horiguchi has been on a tear in the UFC, winning all three of his fights – which includes a TKO of Dustin Pague. Horiguchi’s overall winning streak in MMA goes all the way back to 2012. Gaudinot is coming off a no-contest, preceded by a loss, and I think Horiguchi’s speed and skill will overcome a scrappy Gaudinot.

Winner: Horiguchi by second-round TKO

Brad Tavares (12-4) vs. Nate “The Great” Marquardt (36-13-2) (Middleweight – 185 lbs.)

Tavares rebounded from his loss in The Ultimate Fighter Finale in 2010 to Court McGee by reeling off seven wins in his next eight fights and approaching the fringes of middleweight title contention. Unfortunately, he’s since suffered back-to-back losses to Yoel Romero and Tim Boetsch.

Marquardt is rebuilding his middleweight resume after a run at welterweight, and he's coming off a first-round submission victory over James Te Huna last summer. Tavares loves to scrap, and I’m sure he’ll make Marquardt earn every inch. But, I think the wily veteran Marquardt will show the kid how it’s done.

Winner: Marquardt by unanimous decision

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (25-6) vs. Myles “Fury” Jury (15-0) (Lightweight – 155 lbs.)

Speaking of young guys wanting to make a name for themselves, Jury is quickly rising up the lightweight ranks and boasts victories over the likes of Diego Sanchez and Takanori Gomi. Cerrone continues to follow his “anyone, anytime, anywhere” philosophy with EIGHT fights over the last two years, winning six and managing four finishes in a row before his last bout with Bellator import Eddie Alvarez.

Jury is supremely talented, and an upset win over “Cowboy” would put him in the conversation for a title shot. However, Cerrone combines the experience of a veteran with a devil-may-care attitude and a burning drive to finish every fight. Jury may go on to do great things in the lightweight division, but it won’t be in this fight.

Winner: Cerrone by second-round TKO

Jon “Bones” Jones (20-1) vs. Daniel “DC” Cormier (15-0) (Light Heavyweight Title – 205 lbs.)

The history and animosity between these two is well-documented. Jones was able to run through every challenger he’s faced so far, making it look easy while doing so. The only exception is his last title defense against Alexander Gustafsson, which many fans scored for the Swede. Cormier bulldozed Patrick Cummins, who was slinging coffee a week before that fight, and then he threw Dan Henderson around like a rag doll. Cormier's superior wrestling and improved striking helped him prove that Henderson’s best days are far behind him.

If you’re basing this fight purely on resumes, it should be Jones in a cakewalk. Jones is younger, faster and more dynamic in all areas. Cormier is a world-class, former Olympic wrestler who many think can finally get Jones on the ground and keep him there to grind out a victory. I just don’t see it happening. I truly believe that when it’s all said and done, Jon Jones will be the greatest mixed martial artist we’ve ever seen. Cormier will bring everything he’s got, but it won’t be enough.

Winner: Jones by third-round submission

This pay-per-view is the first in a string of shows that feature marquee fights such as Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz, Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort and Ronda Rousey vs. Cat Zingano. After a tumultuous 2014 that saw the UFC weather injuries to multiple top fighters and other hardships, UFC 182 represents a great opportunity for the organization to start the new year on the right foot.

Chris Huntemann writes about mixed martial arts in the state of Maryland. He also contributes his thoughts to our site on the UFC, Bellator, and World Series of Fighting. Check out his blog, or follow him on Twitter: @mmamaryland.

The Curious Case of Cain Velasquez

Photo Credit: USA Today Sports 

By: Chris Huntemann, Columnist

When I saw Cain Velasquez demolish Brock Lesnar and win the UFC heavyweight title in 2010, I thought the same thing I did about former champions like Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva – that Cain would never lose to anyone, ever.

That belief was shot down when Velasquez lost the belt to Junior Dos Santos a year later on the very first UFC card on FOX. But, when Velasquez mowed through Dos Santos to regain his belt a year later, I thought Velasquez would rule the heavyweight division with an iron fist. I was proven right initially, as he successfully defended his title with brutal TKOs of Antonio Silva and Dos Santos.

Unfortunately, while establishing himself as possibly one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, Velasquez has dealt with an assortment of injuries. From a torn rotator cuff to multiple knee injuries, including the most recent one that forced him to withdraw from his title fight with Fabricio Werdum next month, Velasquez’s legacy as not only one of the best heavyweights ever but possibly the best pound-for-pound fighter ever is in serious jeopardy if he can’t stay healthy.

What’s the cause of Velasquez’s maladies? No one knows. He fights an aggressive style and always looks for the knockout blow, which might partly explain his rotator cuff injury. But, he hasn’t spent much time on the ground in his UFC career, which adds to the question of why his knees give him so much trouble.

Velasquez trains at the American Kickboxing Academy, which is home to other heavy hitters such as Daniel Cormier, Luke Rockhold, Phil Baroni and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Is it possible that Velasquez goes a little too hard in training, thus making him more susceptible to injuries?

Let’s not kid ourselves. Mixed martial arts is a brutal sport, and injuries happen. This year is as good an example of that as any, with multiple injuries to multiple fighters leading to the cancellation of several big UFC fights.

Velasquez was supposed to defend his belt against Werdum next month in Mexico City – UFC’s first foray south of the border, with the idea that Velasquez and his Mexican heritage would result in a huge draw of fans. Hopefully the event won't be a huge flop in his absence.

When Velasquez is firing on all cylinders, like in his defeats of Dos Santos, Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, there is no better heavyweight fighter in the world. Let’s hope that these injuries are just par for the course for a fighter well on his way to being one of the best ever, and not a parallel to other athletes such as Greg Oden, Kerry Wood or Mark Prior, who had once-promising careers derailed by injuries.  

Chris Huntemann writes about mixed martial arts in the state of Maryland. He also contributes his thoughts to our site on the UFC, Bellator, and World Series of Fighting. Check out his blog, or follow him on Twitter: @mmamaryland.

Olympian and UFC star Daniel Cormier named Honorary Captain of U.S. Freestyle Wrestling World Cup Team

Daniel Cormier, a two-time Olympian in men’s freestyle wrestling and an undefeated star with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, will serve as the Honorary Captain of the 2014 U.S. Freestyle World Cup Team.

Under the guidance of Team Leader Andy Barth, Cormier will captain the U.S. team at the Freestyle Wrestling World Cup, at the Forum, presented by Chase, March 15-16 in Inglewood, Calif.  The World Cup is the annual international dual meet championships, and will feature the top 10 men’s freestyle wrestling teams in the world.

“It will be great to be part of the World Cup team. As an athlete, I wrestled on a few World Cup teams. To be welcomed by USA Wrestling, the coaches and the team means a lot to me,” said Cormier.

National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones is pleased that Cormier will be in Los Angeles as part of the team.

“In team sports, a captain is a title that is given to an athlete on the team.  A captain on the United States Wrestling Team is a person that represents honor and respect and Daniel epitomizes that.  We know he’ll be there to help and support his USA Wrestling teammates, especially in the heat of the battle. We know Daniel will take the responsibility of helping the team when they step out on the mat and have them ready,” said Jones.

Cormier had a successful career in international freestyle wrestling. He was a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team, which competed in Athens, Greece, as well as the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, which competed in Beijing, China. Cormier placed fourth at the 2004 Olympic Games. He was a 2007 World bronze medalist and placed fifth in the 2003 World Championships. He wrestled on six straight U.S. World or Olympic Teams, and won six straight U.S. Open national titles.

A native of Lafayette, La., Cormier was a two-time NJCAA Junior College national champion for Colby CC in Kansas. He went on to Oklahoma State, where he placed second in the 2001 NCAA Div. I Championships, competing for two-time Olympic champion John Smith.

Cormier won a silver medal at the 2005 World Cup which was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

“I remember the World Cup as being a high-level event, where you wrestled back-to-back against top opponents. The dual meet format was fun. It was great to be part of a team, and to be able to help your team win,” said Cormier.

The United States last won a World Cup team title when it was held in Boise, Idaho in 2003. Cormier believes that a U.S. team victory in Los Angeles would show that U.S. freestyle wrestling is moving up at the World level.

“A win would show a progression for USA Wrestling. We had two Olympic champions and a bronze medal at the last Olympic Games. It shows that as a country, U.S. wrestling is going in the right direction. A win in the World Cup would show that we are advancing. I believe we are getting on track as a program and are closing the gap on the best in the world,” said Cormier.

Cormier will have an opportunity to speak with the U.S. team members, many who may be wrestling in their first World Cup.

“I will tell them to enjoy it. Your career just goes so fast. I can think back to every one of my major events as a wrestler. I will say to live in the moment and compete how you know how to compete. Just go out there, represent this great country and do us proud,” said Cormier.

Cormier has excelled in his Mixed Martial Arts career, compiling an impressive 14-0 record while competing at heavyweight and light heavyweight. Most recently, Cormier cemented his place as a light heavyweight title contender with a first-round knockout victory over Patrick Cummins in the co-main event of UFC 170. The 34-year-old trains at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose alongside fellow UFC standouts such as UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and former Strikeforce champion Luke Rockhold.

“I got everything from wrestling. I learned how to train hard, and I was hardened to the toughness of competition. I learned how to compete on the big stage by wrestling in two Olympic Games. In my fighting career, I have no worries. Wrestling has prepared me for everything,” said Cormier.

Cormier brings enthusiasm to his role as World Cup Honorary Team Captain.

“The biggest thing for me is to be a part of USA Wrestling and our team again. It means a ton to me. It motivates me that I am welcomed back to the sport which molded me,” said Cormier.

Moos, Russell, Sitler, Provisor, Cormier, Curby on Sat's Takedown Radio

Fight Now TV Presents Takedown Wrestling in the Brute studios. Takedown Wrestling is proudly presented by Kemin, Inspired Molecular Solutions!

This Saturday it's Takedown Wrestling Radio from 9 to 11 AM CST/ 10 AM to 12 Noon Eastern. Join Scott Casber, Steve Foster, Terry Cook, our own Jeff Murphy and Brad Johnson LIVE from Des Moines, Iowa.

Our guests include:

                                                                                                                                                

9:03                 Matt Moos- Exec. Dir. Beat The Streets Toledo

                                                

9:20                 Kellen Russell- Former Wolverine 2013 US Open Champ

9:40                 Jeff Sitler- Founder Wrestle Against Autism

                                                                                         

9:50                 Tyler Barkley- Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Update          

                                                                                                                                                                                        

10:00                Ben Provisor- USA's #1 Greco Athlete at 74 KG, 2013 US Open Champion

10:20                Daniel Cormier- Former Olympian and Strikeforce Champ, Looks for UFC Gold

10:40                Dave Curby- Founder 2013 Curby Cup       

10:50                Tim Bollman -Wildrose Casino and Resort Clinton

                                                                                                                                                                              

Fans, Athletes, Coaches Join in the conversation LIVE 866-333-5966  515-204-5966 Join us LIVE 9 to 11 AM CST for  Takedown Wrestling. Listen on radio, on computer, your Blackberry or  I Phone with the I Heart Radio App.    KXNO.com,    Takedownradio.com,   I Heart Radio App

Congratulations to Resilite!  2013 DI Championships were the 50th year Resilite has been the official mat supplier.  How many other companies have been in partnership with them for 50 years?

 

Scott Casber - Takedown Wrestling Media - 515-707-8657

Tickets On Sale This Week For Henderson vs Melendez in San Jose

Champion vs Champion: Henderson Faces Melendez in San Jose, Tix On Sale This Week UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson returns to the Octagon to face the final Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez! Plus, Frank Mir takes on Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix champion Daniel Cormier! Saturday, April 20 live at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. UFC Fight Club presale starts Wednesday at 10am PT, join today for first access to tickets Team Jones Looks For Their First Win Tonight On An All-New Ultimate Fighter Team Sonnen has charged ahead 2-0 in the tournament thanks to Uriah Hall's thunderous knockout of Adam Cella last week. Can Team Jones' Collin Hart put his squad on the board with a victory over Kevin Casey? The Ultimate Fighter Team Jones vs Team Sonnen, all-new tonight at 9pm on FX Team Jones or Team Sonnen? Make Your TUF Fantasy Picks Now Team Sonnen looks to continue their hot streak as their own Kevin Casey takes on Team Jones' Collin Hart tonight on FX! Make your Fantasy picks now!

TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK UFC: Henderson vs Melendez Saturday, April 20  HP Pavilion - San Jose, CA  UFC Fight Club Presale Starts Wednesday, February 13 - 10am PT Join today for first access to tickets! UFC VIP Packages On sale Wednesday, February 13 - 10am PT Purchase UFC Newsletter Presale Starts Thursday, February 14 - 10am PT Presale Password: FIGHT Purchase Public On-Sale Starts Friday, February 15 - 10am PT Purchase

UFC on FUEL TV: Barao vs McDonald on FUEL TV - Sat. February 16 - London, England UFC 157: Rousey vs Carmouche on Pay-Per-View - Sat. February 23 - Anaheim, CA

STRIKEFORCE: NATE MARQUARDT vs. TAREC SAFFIEDINE WEIGH-IN RESULTS

All Fighters Participating in Saturday’s Event Make Weight

From Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Televised Saturday/TOMORROW Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT

Preliminary card live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 11, 2013) – All fighters participating in Saturday’s STRIKEFORCE World Championship telecast made weight on Friday, just one day before they step into the cage at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla., live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) as part of a Free Preview Weekend on SHOWTIME^® that begins this Friday, Jan. 11, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 13 and is available in over 80 million households.

In the main event STRIKEFORCE Welterweight Champion and former UFC title contender Nate Marquardt, of Aurora, Colo., will defend his belt against the streaking Tarec Saffiedine, of Brussels, Belgium. 

In a co-featured fight, undefeated top heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier, of San Jose, Calif., will square off with Dion Staring, of North Brabant, Netherlands, in a three-round heavyweight bout. 

In other fights on SHOWTIME, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett, of Seattle, Wash., will face Nandor Guelmino, of Vienna, Austria, former STRIKEFORCE and Dream Light Heavyweight Champion Gegard Mousasi, of South Holland, Netherlands, will take on Mike Kyle, of San Jose, Calif., and former STRIKEFORCE Middleweight Champion Jacare Souza, of Manaus, Brazil, will faceEd Herman, of Portland, Ore.  Additional preliminary bouts will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT. 

FINAL WEIGHTS:

STRIKEFORCE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 Rounds

Nate Marquardt – 170 Pounds

Tarec Saffiedine – 170 Pounds

Heavyweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds

Daniel Cormier – 230 Pounds

Dion Staring – 240 Pounds

Heavyweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds

Josh Barnett – 249 Pounds

Nandor Guelmino - 229

Light Heavyweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds

Gegard Mousasi – 205.5

Mike Kyle - 205

194-Pound Catchweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds

Jacare Souza – 193.25

Ed Herman - 193

PRELIMINARY CARD ON SHOWTIME EXTREME – 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast)

Lightweight Undercard Bout – 3 Rounds

KJ Noons – 156 Pounds

Ryan Couture – 155.25

Middleweight Undercard Bout – 3 Rounds

Tim Kennedy – 186 Pounds

Trevor Smith – 186 Pounds

Lightweight Undercard Bout – 3 Rounds

Pat Healy – 156 Pounds

Kurt Holobaugh – 156 Pounds

Middleweight Undercard Bout – 3 Rounds

Roger Gracie – 186 Pounds

Anthony Smith – 186 Pounds

Don't Miss Marquardt vs Saffiedine Live Tomorrow Night

Marquardt and Saffiedine Battle For the Strikeforce Welterweight Title Live Tomorrow  Strikeforce welterweight champion and UFC veteran Nate Marquardt faces Tarec Saffiedine, plus Heavyweight World Grand Prix winner Daniel Cormier goes toe-to-toe against Dion Staring, and former light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi takes on Mike Kyle! Strikeforce live tomorrow night at 10pm ET/PT during the Showtime Free Preview Weekend See The Prelims Live On SHO Extreme Before the action hits Showtime, see the prelims live at 8pm ET/PT on SHO Extreme Aldo vs Edgar Live In Las Vegas - Tickets Available UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo puts the belt on the line in a super fight against former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, plus Alistair Overeem returns to the Octagon to battle Bigfoot Silva, and former light heavyweight king Rashad Evans battles Rogerio Nogueira! UFC 156 presented by Bud Light - Live on Saturday, February 2 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas

Strikeforce: Marquardt vs Saffiedine on Showtime - Sat. January 12 - Oklahoma City, OK UFC on FX: Belfort vs Bisping on FX - Sat. January 19 - Sao Paulo, Brazil