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.

UFC 178 Postmortem: Where do we go from here?

Photo Credit: Esther Lin (MMA Fighting) 

By: Chris Huntemann, Columnist

The feeling you experience after eating a deluxe, five-course meal – or even your Mom’s home cooking – is hard to describe. The easiest way to explain it is satisfaction. You don’t feel you can eat any better than you just did. That was the feeling after watching UFC 178 last night. You felt satisfied. It was described as the most stacked card in recent memory, and it didn’t disappoint. From the preliminary fights to the main event, each bout delivered on its promise, with even some good old-fashioned controversy thrown in for good measure.

So, what can we expect from some of the bigger names involved in last night’s action going forward?  

Dominick “The Dominator” Cruz (19-1) def. Takeya Mizugaki (20-8-2) via first-round TKO (Bantamweight – 135 lbs.) Layoff? What layoff? Dominick Cruz looked like he never spent time on the sideline in making very short work of an always dangerous Takeya Mizugaki. The quick first-round TKO guarantees Cruz a title shot against bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw, and an opportunity for Cruz to regain the belt he never lost. UFC President Dana White said as much during the post-fight coverage. Of course, it wouldn’t be Dominick Cruz if his beef with Urijah Faber wasn’t resurrected also. The trash talk between the two sparked anew last night, and hopefully those two complete their trilogy sooner rather than later.  

Cat “Alpha” Zingano (9-0) def. Amanda “The Lioness” Nunes (9-4) via third-round TKO (Women’s Bantamweight – 135 lbs.) Speaking of bantamweight title shots, the no. 1 contender in the women’s bantamweight division is also set. Cat Zingano weathered an early assault from Amanda Nunes to achieve a third-round finish and a title shot early next year against champion Ronda Rousey. I thought Zingano made a mistake in the first round by staying on her back when she could have stood up, and Nunes made her pay with some vicious ground-and-pound and a near finish. But, Zingano emerged in the second and third rounds to take control and unleash some ground-and-pound of her own on Nunes to get the duke. Zingano also made her feelings clear to Dana White after the fight, shouting her desire for a title shot in his direction. I can’t say I blame her. I understand UFC’s flirtation with Gina Carano, though she seems perfectly content with her Hollywood career. I’ve said to anyone who would listen that I don’t think Rousey will ever lose. I don’t know if Zingano can make me change my mind, but I do think her skills can possibly make her the first one to take Rousey into the deep rounds when their title fight happens.  

Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero (8-1) def. Tim Kennedy (19-5) via third-round TKO (Middleweight – 185 lbs.) This is where we found our controversy last night. Tim Kennedy nearly finished Yoel Romero at the end of the second round, before Romero was saved by the bell. However, Romero took longer than the allotted minute between rounds to get off his stool. It’s been reported that he had an excess of Vaseline on himself that had to be wiped off. As a result, Romero received nearly a two-minute break and ended up finishing Kennedy in the third round. Kennedy confronted Romero backstage and according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission rulebook, if a fighter fails to answer the bell for a round, the referee should award a decision or TKO victory to his opponent. John McCarthy clearly failed in his duties to enforce this rule, and Kennedy has a legitimate gripe. It’s probably unlikely the result of the fight will be overturned, but hopefully Kennedy gets a rematch.  

“The Notorious” Conor McGregor (16-2) def. Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier (16-4) via first-round TKO (Featherweight – 145 lbs.) The ascension of Conor McGregor continues, and his bandwagon has a new member in yours truly. I was skeptical of him going into his fight, but his quick work of an extremely tough fighter in Poirier won me over. McGregor has made it known he will attend UFC 179 in Brazil next month to watch featherweight champion Jose Aldo fight Chad Mendes in person. McGregor believes he deserves a title shot, and it’s tough to argue against that. But, Cub Swanson is scheduled to fight Frankie Edgar later this year in a presumed no. 1 contender fight at featherweight. Swanson has won six fights in a row, and Edgar has been on an absolute roll since his loss to Aldo. Both guys also deserve a title shot, so I would personally like to see McGregor matched against the winner of that fight in a true no. 1 contender bout. That would really add some buzz to any future fight card.  

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (25-7) def. Eddie Alvarez (23-4) via unanimous decision (Lightweight – 155 lbs.) Eddie Alvarez’s UFC debut was a successful one in my opinion, despite his loss. The UFC stage did not appear too big for him and he gave Donald Cerrone all he could handle. But “Cowboy” showed why he is such a fan favorite, methodically picking apart Alvarez with an array of strikes, knees and kicks, staking his claim to a title shot. Cerrone has always been ambivalent toward title shots, preferring instead to fight just for the enjoyment and, well, money. You have to admire his honesty. A fight between Cerrone and the winner of the Anthony Pettis/Gilbert Melendez lightweight title fight later this year would definitely make “Cowboy” a rich man.  

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson (17-2-1) def. Chris “Kamikaze” Cariaso (17-6) by second-round submission (Flyweight Title – 125 lbs.) After Demetrious Johnson emerged victorious in the main event, UFC commentator Jon Anik floated the theory that Johnson had not yet cleaned out the 125-pound division. With all due respect to an underrated commentator and intelligent guy, I respectfully disagree. I believe Johnson has. John Dodson is presumed to be next in line for a title shot when he returns from his injury. While Dodson took Johnson the distance in their last bout, I’m not sure Dodson would fare any better the second time around. Johnson clearly improves with each fight. I consider him the third best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, behind light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez. I would like to see Johnson give the bantamweight division another shot. I was there in person when he took then-bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz the distance in their title fight in 2011. Even with the increased weight that comes with competing in a new division, I think Johnson could compete with and beat some of the best bantamweights in the world right now.  

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 178: Fully Loaded

Photo Credit: mixedmartialarts.com

By: Chris Huntemann, Columnist

I think “fully loaded” would be the perfect subtitle for this UFC pay-per-view, as this is the most stacked card in recent memory. Although the main event is the only title fight, each of the other fights on the main card (and even one on the preliminary card) is rife with title implications.

So, who will take advantage of their opportunity on the big stage and separate themselves from the pack? Let’s find out.

Bonus pick: Dominick “The Dominator” Cruz vs. Takeya Mizugaki (Bantamweight – 135 lbs.) Cruz makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon after an almost three-year absence because of multiple injuries. So does Cruz get an easy warm-up fight to help ease his way back into the flow? Why, of course not! He gets Takeya Mizugaki, who’s in the midst of a five-fight win streak that includes names like Francisco Rivera and Nam Phan. Cruz was well on his way to being considered one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world before his injuries. His speed and elusiveness makes it almost impossible for his opponents to land any significant strikes. It remains to be seen if his multiple knee surgeries robbed him of any of that. But while Mizugaki is no pushover, given Cruz’s almost fanatical dedication to his craft, I like his return to be a triumphant one as he seeks to regain the belt he never officially lost. Winner: Cruz by unanimous decision

Cat “Alpha” Zingano vs. Amanda “The Lioness” Nunes (Women’s Bantamweight – 135 lbs.) Much like Cruz, Zingano is also returning after a long layoff due to injury. She was set to coach opposite women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey on “The Ultimate Fighter” after defeating Miesha Tate in April 2013. A knee injury derailed those plans, and then Zingano had to deal with the unspeakable tragedy of her husband’s suicide. Nunes is following up back-to-back TKO victories with an opportunity to spoil Zingano’s return and thrust herself into the title race. But Zingano’s Muay Thai is second to none and is what some think is the key to beating the seemingly unbeatable Rousey. That remains to be seen. But, what I think will be seen Saturday night is Zingano’s Muay Thai carrying her to a TKO victory. Winner: Zingano by TKO

Tim Kennedy vs. Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero (Middleweight – 185 lbs.) Kennedy is on fire in the middleweight division, rattling off a four-fight win streak and vanquishing the seemingly always-hated Michael Bisping earlier this year. He’s now itching for a fight with Vitor Belfort, but first has to get past Romero, who has a four-fight win streak of his own. Something has to give in this fight, and I like Kennedy to continue his streak. Winner: Kennedy by TKO  

Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier vs. “The Notorious” Conor McGregor (Featherweight – 145 lbs.) Judging by how much coverage this fight (or more accurately, McGregor in particular) has received, you would think this is the main event. McGregor has become one of the biggest stories in MMA, seemingly by just opening his mouth and insulting basically every featherweight fighter in the world. He backed up his talk by posting a three-fight win streak thanks to a first-round TKO victory over the dangerous Diego Brandao in July. But Poirier isn’t Brandao. His war with Chan Sung Jung in 2012 is still fresh in many people’s minds, and Poirier’s last victory is also a TKO over Brandao. McGregor may have the flashy clothes and be able to hitch a joyride in Dana White’s Ferrari, but he's still a long way away from the upper echelon of the featherweight division. Unfortunately, I see “The Diamond” derailing a game McGregor’s hype train. Winner: Poirier by unanimous decision  

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone vs. Eddie Alvarez (Lightweight – 155 lbs.) If the term “dream match” ever applied in MMA, it might apply to this fight. Alvarez finally makes his UFC debut against one of the most exciting fighters in the world and a finishing machine in Cerrone. I fully expect this fight to result in people paying their bills at their local bar afterwards and leaving before the actual main event of Demetrious Johnson vs. Chris Cariaso. This fight will definitely have that main event buzz. Alvarez is known for his classic battles with Michael Chandler in Bellator and has basically been considered the best fighter not to be in the UFC. Now he gets his chance to live up to that claim against a fighter who never fails to entertain in “Cowboy.” Both men are tough as nails, and I expect this to be a slugfest for the ages. Either guy winning would not surprise me at all. But, since I have to pick a winner, I like Alvarez to pull off an upset and immediately thrust himself in the lightweight title conversation. Winner: Alvarez by unanimous decision  

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson vs. Chris “Kamikaze” Cariaso (Flyweight Title – 125 lbs.) Demetrious Johnson has cleaned out the flyweight division. I don’t think this is up for debate. He previously competed in the bantamweight division and came up short in a title fight against Dominick Cruz. But, he has completely and utterly dominated the flyweights. I think it’s just a matter of time before he gives bantamweight another shot. Cariaso has a three fight win streak going, but that streak will end early against a fighter who is head and shoulders above everyone else in his division and is in the thick of the pound-for-pound conversation. Winner: Johnson by TKO

Fall is here folks, and with it a UFC pay-per-view that finally seems like it lives up to the title “pay-per-view.”  

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.

Bellator Statement On Eddie Alvarez

Newport Beach, Calif. (August 19, 2014) – Bellator President Scott Coker has released a statement regarding Eddie Alvarez:

“We’ve granted Eddie his unconditional release. Eddie is free to explore the free agent market, we hold no matching rights, and we wish him the best in the future. We sat down with Eddie and his team a few times, and it became pretty clear early on that he just wasn’t interested in fighting for Bellator in the future. We want guys in this organization that want to be here, and after the history Eddie and the former regime had here at Bellator, we decided to move on. We wish Eddie the absolute best of luck with whatever is next for him. It’s a new chapter for everyone involved.”

Eddie Alvarez has also released a statement:

“This was a long process but it’s a decision that everyone seems happy with. I think it’s important to say that I am genuinely thankful for my time at Bellator. I know that sounds a little crazy given everything I went through, but I’ve fought there since 2009, and have been involved in some really amazing fights. The staff there always treated me great, and I’m going to miss seeing a lot of those familiar faces around for sure. Myself and my team had some really good discussions with Scott, but in my heart I knew I was ready to move on and start the next chapter in my career.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorMMA        

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MMA DOCUMENTARY FILM, THE PROVING GROUNDS AVAILABLE NOW ON HULU.COM

Directed by The Mash-Up King

Hulu Film Link; http://www.hulu.com/search?q=the+proving+grounds

Las Vegas, NV (July 19, 2013) – Available now on Hulu, The Proving Grounds is a documentary about the #1 Mixed Martial Arts academy in the world, Jackson’s MMA, located in Albuquerque, NM.  The film stars three time MMA Coach of the Year and MMA guru Greg Jackson, current UFC pound for pound champ Jon “Bones” Jones and the rest of the Jackson’s MMA family.

The film is being distributed by digital entertainment curator FilmBuff (FilmBuff.com) and is now available on major digital platform Hulu (Hulu.com) and Dailymotion (Dailymotion.com).  FilmBuff has released numerous titles on all major digital platforms including iTunes, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and more.

Jackson’s MMA has been unanimously described as the #1 MMA camp in the world and was founded by trainer Greg Jackson in 1992.  It is located in Albuquerque, NM and is home to more than a dozen world champions.  This film is an all access look inside Jackson’s MMA to learn the history, hardships and philosophies on the winningest camp in the sport of mixed martial arts.

The film stars the biggest names in the sport including current UFC champs Jon “Bones” Jones, Georges “Rush” St. Pierre and the three time MMA coach of the year Greg Jackson.  The film also stars UFC stars Carlos Condit, Clay Guida, Diego Sanchez, Donald Cerrone, Julie Kedzie, Leonard Garcia, Mike Winkeljohn, John Dodson, Holly Holm and includes cameos from former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Tapout founder Punkass.

The Proving Grounds is directed by The Mash-Up King (Landon Dyksterhouse)

It is his first documentary film.  Producers on the film are Landon Dyksterhouse, Nick Shuster, RD Whittington and Shandon Dyksterhouse.  The film is a D-House Entertainment production and presented by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Albuquerque, NM in association with Jackson’s MMA.  Film shot on location in Albuquerque, NM.

TRT: 1:39:11

The Proving Grounds will also be available on iTunes, and other major digital platforms December 2013.

Connect with the film via the official movie page for The Proving Grounds at www.facebook.com/tpgmovie or follow at https://www.twitter.com/tpgmovie.

For more information on the release of The Proving Grounds, or to schedule an interview: contact Landon Dyksterhouse aka The Mash-Up King https://twitter.com/themashupking

phone: 702.527.0692 or  email: dhouseentertainment@yahoo.com.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS WEEK'S FNU COMBAT SPORTS SHOW Featuring Landon Dyksterhouse discussing the film.

UFC Returns To Indianapolis - Tickets On Sale This Week

Tickets On Sale This Week For Condit vs Kampmann 2 In Indianapolis Top welterweight contenders Carlos Condit and Martin Kampmann will revisit their memorable 2009 bout in an August 28th rematch in Indianapolis. Plus, Donald Cerrone clashes with Rafael dos Anjos in a meeting of lightweight contenders and Sara McMann battles Sarah Kaufman. UFC Fight Club presale starts Wednesday, June 12th - join today for first access to tickets! More Than 50 Guest Fighters To Appear At UFC Fan Expo UFC Fan Expo is the world's premier UFC fan event. Thousands of fans will celebrate their passion for America's fastest growing sport through participation in exhibitions, fighter autograph and training sessions, fan-inspired special events and competitions. Meet elite fighters and interact with industry icons! Plus, UFC Fan Expo 2013 will feature more UFC fighters than any other UFC fan event ever. Be a part of this historic weekend! Tickets Available For Upcoming UFC Events At Ticketmaster.com Tickets for UFC 162 Silva vs Weidman on sale now! Indianapolis (Condit vs Kampmann 2 - August 28th) presale starts June 12th, Boston (Shogun vs Sonnen - August 17th) presale starts June 18th

TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK UFC: Condit vs Kampmann 2 Wednesday, August 28  Bankers Life Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, IN  UFC Fight Club Presale Starts Wednesday, June 12 - 10am ET Join today for first access to tickets! UFC Newsletter Presale Starts Thursday, June 13 - 10am ET Presale Password: OCTAGON Purchase Public On-Sale Starts Friday, June 14 - 10am ET Purchase

UFC 161: Evans vs Henderson - LIVE on Pay-Per-View - Sat. June 15 - Winnipeg, Canada UFC 162: Silva vs Weidman - LIVE on Pay-Per-View - Sat. July 6 - Las Vegas, NV

CHAPMAN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM TO HOST AUTOGRAPH SIGNING WITH UFC LIGHTWEIGHT DONALD “COWBOY” CERRONE SATURDAY, JUNE 1

WHAT:                 Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram will host an autograph signing with famed UFC lightweight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Fresh off his win against KJ Noons in UFC 160, Cerrone will be on-site to sign autographs for customers and mixed martial arts fans alike.

               

WHEN:                 Saturday, June 1

                                Noon – 1 p.m.

WHERE:               Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

                                3175 E. Sahara Ave. (Sahara and Mojave)

ABOUT:                Hailing from Denver, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone weighs in at 155 lbs. and is six feet tall. His UFC record is 20-5-0, 1NC. Cerrone began his career in Commerce City, Colo. at Freedom Fighters Gym winning his first 25 Muay Thai bouts. Cerrone trained with Rashad Evans, Nathan Marquardt, Keith Jardine, Georges St. Pierre, Leonard Garcia and other skilled MMA fighters at Greg Jackson's Submission Fighting Gaidojutsu school in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Notable awards include UFC Fight of the Night (three times), Knockout Fight of the Night (two times) and Submission of the Night. Cerrone was also deemed the “Breakthrough Fighter of the Year” during the 2011 World MMA Awards. He resides on a 40-acre ranch, known as “Cowboy Fight Ranch” where he houses fighters looking to make a career in MMA.

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram sells and services new and used vehicles and is located at 3175 E. Sahara Ave. at Mojave Road. The dealership can be reached at702.457.1061 or by visiting the website at VegasDCJ.com. Follow Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram on Facebook and Twitter.

Don't Miss FOX UFC Saturday Live Tomorrow Night

Johnson vs Dodson For The UFC Flyweight Title, Plus More Big Fights Tomorrow on FOX Flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson defends the belt against TUF14 winner John Dodson, plus Rampage Jackson returns to take on dangerous striker Glover Teixeira, and a battle of lightweight contenders as Anthony "Showtime" Pettis takes on Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone! FOX UFC Saturday live tomorrow night at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on FOX See The Prelims Tomorrow Night on Facebook & FX Before the action hits FOX, watch the prelims starting at 4pm ET / 1pm PT on Facebook (LIKE the UFC on Facebook to see these fights for free), then the action moves to FX at 5pm ET / 1pm PT Missed The Premiere? Catch The First Episode of The Ultimate Fighter Tomorrow on FOX Before they step into the Octagon in Newark, Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen lead 28 fighters hungry for a shot at a UFC contract and the chance to be named the next Ultimate Fighter - catch a replay of the season premiere tomorrow at 11pm on FOX GSP Returns To Montreal - Tickets On Sale This Week The welterweight title is on the line as champion Georges St-Pierre defends the belt against Nick Diaz! UFC 158 live at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Saturday, March 16 - public onsale starts tomorrow at Noon ET

UFC on FOX: Johnson vs Dodson on FOX - Sat. January 26 - Chicago, IL UFC 156: Aldo vs Edgar on Pay-Per-View - Sat. February 2 - Las Vegas, NV