Brett Okamoto

Story Archive

Breaking down WEC 50: Dominick Cruz vs. Joseph Benavidez: Despite already defeating Benavidez once, Cruz says he's had no trouble staying motivated; Monday, Aug. 16, 2010; During an open workout for media members Monday, Joseph Benavidez admitted he's not expecting Dominick Cruz to be highly motivated for their WEC bantamweight title fight later this week. Those who stuck around long enough Monday afternoon to watch Cruz work out in a full sweatsuit for 40 minutes might have a hard time agreeing.
Shane Roller remains patient, says title shot will come: Roller looks to continue towards lightweight title with a win over Anthony Pettis; Monday, Aug. 16, 2010; Back when Shane Roller was a three-time All American wrestler for Oklahoma State, the path to a championship was a straight line that could be mapped out before competition even began. As the Las Vegas-based fighter has found out, that isn’t always the case in mixed martial arts.
Ontario, Canada, moves to regulate MMA by 2011: Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010; The Canadian province of Ontario is "taking steps" to sanction mixed martial arts events according to a statement released on the government’s website Saturday.
Ryan Couture scores submission win in pro debut: Couture cruises, Miesha Tate wins first female tournament in Strikeforce history; Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010; Ryan Couture got his professional mixed martial arts career off to a good start Friday, submitting 20-year-old Lucas Stark on the Strikeforce Challengers 10 card in Phoenix, Ariz. Couture, son of MMA legend Randy Couture, made his first professional fight a quick one, submitting Stark with a triangle choke just 75 seconds into the first round.
WEC's Joseph Benavidez a man with a plan: After demolishing Miguel Torres in his last fight, Benavidez ready for rematch against Dominick Cruz; Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010; Considering Joseph Benavidez opened his professional mixed-martial-arts career with 10 straight wins, stringing together victories isn't exactly a new feeling to him. However, the Sacramento-based fighter says there has been something different about his current two-fight streak.
Bobby Lashley eyes heavyweight title after Aug. 21 fight: Training with Cain Velasquez, Lashley says confidence at an all-time high; Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010; Fighters such as Fedor Emelianenko, Fabricio Werdum and Alistair Overeem fill Strikeforce's heavyweight division with some of the biggest names in the sport. Undefeated prospect Bobby Lashley is ready to see where he ranks among them.
Spotlight falls heavily on Ryan Couture's Strikeforce debut: Couture prepares for Lucas Stark, media circus of professional debut; Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010; Ryan Couture became a fan of mixed martial arts at a young age, watching his father, Randy, become the first UFC fighter to claim championship belts in two weight divisions. Even then, however, Ryan never dreamed of following in his father's footsteps.
Q&A with former champion Randy Couture: Las Vegas-based Randy Couture answers questions with fans during UFC session; Monday, Aug. 9, 2010; Randy Couture was the guest of honor at a recent question and answer session for UFC fans. Here are some of the highlights from Couture.
Jon Fitch stays quiet on fighting Josh Koscheck: Fitch awaits results of upcoming welterweight fights, Thiago Alves appears headed to 185; Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010; Jon Fitch took out yet another top UFC welterweight Saturday, scoring a unanimous decision win over Thiago Alves at the Oracle Arena. Following the win, the elephant in the room was clearly sitting next to Fitch during the post-fight press conference, as he refused to get into the touchy subject of a potential meeting between he and teammate Josh Koscheck.
Despite loss, Chael Sonnen backed up the talk at UFC 117: Gutsy performance against Anderson Silva shows Sonnen not just talk afterall; Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010; Prior to Saturday night at Oracle Arena, a lot of people thought UFC 117 would be nothing more than the end of Chael Sonnen’s 15 minutes of fame. His trash talk toward Anderson Silva during the past seven months had no doubt been entertaining — but talk doesn’t mean much if you can’t back it up, and there was certainly no way Sonnen was backing up his. But then something happened few expected.
Live Blog: Anderson Silva submits Chael Sonnen: Matt Hughes chokes out Ricardo Almeida, Junior Dos Santos decisions Roy Nelson; Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010; Chael Sonnen came within two minutes of claiming the UFC middleweight title Saturday at the Oracle Arena. But in the end, it was Anderson Silva who again took home the belt. Sonnen dominated the defending champ through four rounds of their middleweight title bout but fell into a deep triangle choke with just two minutes to go in the fifth and final round.
UFC 117 weigh-in blog: Thiago Alves misses weight: Alves given extra time to lose weight; Chael Sonnen offers final crack at Anderson Silva; Friday, Aug. 6, 2010; Every fighter on the UFC 117 card but one made weight Friday at the Oracle Arena. Unsurprisingly, the one who missed the mark was Thiago Alves.
Anderson Silva offers no apology for recent performances: Dana White assures he will go through with cutting Silva if antics continue; Friday, Aug. 6, 2010; Chael Sonnen has hurled just about every insult possible toward Anderson Silva, who he fights for the UFC middleweight title Saturday. But in addition to insulting the defending champion, Sonnen may have done him a favor.
Dana White talks Silva, Sonnen and Bones Jones: UFC president answers any and all questions regarding MMA; Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010; The UFC held its pre-fight press conference Thursday in the buildup to this weekend’s middleweight title fight between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen. President Dana White is known for sitting down and answering all questions regarding MMA. Here are a few highlights.
Dana White says St. Pierre, Koscheck fight likely in Las Vegas: Welterweight title fight on Dec. 11 appears headed for Nevada; Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010; A welterweight title fight between Georges St. Pierre and Josh Koscheck is likely to take place in Las Vegas, UFC president Dana White said Thursday. The event is expected to be Dec. 11 in UFC 124.
Breaking down UFC 117: Junior Dos Santos vs. Roy Nelson: Young Dos Santos says title shot opportunity doesn't intimidate him; Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010; At 26 years old and standing just one win away from a shot at the UFC heavyweight title, Junior Dos Santos knows he’s had an accelerated path through mixed martial arts. But the thought of competing for a UFC belt this early in his career does anything but intimidate Dos Santos.
Anderson Silva shares his philosophy on fighting with teammate: Mark Munoz describes his 'Bruce Lee moment' with Silva; Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010; Anderson Silva spent a lot of time with fellow middleweight fighter Mark Munoz during his preparations for an Aug. 7 title fight against Chael Sonnen at UFC 117. During their time together, Munoz says, the controversial fighter shared with him his philosophy on fighting inside the UFC octagon.
Shane Roller to throw out first pitch at Las Vegas 51s game: Roller scheduled for ceremonial first pitch at Thursday's game; Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010; WEC lightweight top contender and Las Vegas resident Shane Roller will throw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday at the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s game at Cashman Field.
Roy Nelson one hard fight away from UFC title shot: Las Vegas fighter respects Junior Dos Santos, but confident he'll beat him Saturday; Monday, Aug. 2, 2010; According to Roy Nelson, there was no question mark at the end of the text message UFC matchmaker Joe Silva sent him regarding an Aug. 7 fight with Junior Dos Santos at UFC 117. The UFC needed an opponent for the rising heavyweight prospect and was done taking no for an answer.
Jon Jones impresses again, dominates Vladimir Matyushenko: Despite being just 23 years old, Jones appears ready to face division's best; Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010; Jon Jones took care of business once again Sunday, defeating Vladimir Matyushenko by TKO just 1:56 into the first round of their light heavyweight fight at the San Diego Sports Arena.
Juan Manuel Marquez has lot of options, but Pacquiao not one of them: After dominating Juan Diaz, lots of doors open for Marquez; Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010; There are a lot of fighters out there who would love to face Juan Manuel Marquez this year. The only problem for Marquez is none of them are named Manny Pacquiao.
Live Blog: Juan Manuel Marquez defeats Juan Diaz: Marquez dominates rematch at Mandalay Bay Events Center; Saturday, July 31, 2010; Juan Manuel Marquez made it two-for-two against Juan Diaz Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, defeating him by unanimous decision in a rematch of their 2009 Fight of the Year.
Manny Pacquiao's Nov. 13 fight will not be in Las Vegas: Top Rank removes Antonio Margarito's license application from commission agenda; Friday, July 30, 2010; A world title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13 very well may take place in the U.S. Unfortunately for the city of Las Vegas, it won’t take place at the MGM Grand Garden.
Forrest Griffin to publish second book in August: Friday, July 30, 2010; http://mmajunkie.com/news/20099/forrest-griffin-hits-the-road-in-support-of-be-ready-when-the-sht-goes-down.mma
Mark Munoz says faith opens doors, he walks through them: UFC middleweight looks back on key moments of young career; Friday, July 30, 2010; There is a passage in the Bible that UFC middleweight Mark Munoz lives his life by. He knows it by heart and recites it flawlessly.
Juan Manuel Marquez comes in at 133.5 pounds for title fight: All main card fighters make weight for Golden Boy's weekend event; Friday, July 30, 2010; Lightweight world champion Juan Manuel Marquez tipped the scales at 133.5 pounds during Friday’s official weigh-in for his title fight against Juan Diaz this weekend at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. If all goes well for Marquez, it might be the last time he weighs-in that low the rest of his career.
In move from Sacramento, James Irvin officially puts drug addiction behind him: Although a UFC veteran, Irvin says fans still don't know what he's capable of; Thursday, July 29, 2010; After spending 22 years of his life in Sacramento, Calif., UFC fighter James Irvin sold his house, picked up his family and moved to Southern California in 2010. A big reason for the relocation was that even though Irvin had broke his addiction to painkillers in 2008, they were still impacting his life two years later.
Breaking down UFC on VERSUS: Jon Jones vs. Vladimir Matyushenko: Heavily favored Jones says he should be underdog against experienced opponent; Thursday, July 29, 2010; Jon Jones will enter the octagon Sunday a heavy favorite over Vladimir Matyushenko in their light-heavyweight bout in San Diego. Despite the fact nearly everyone is counting out the 39-year-old Matyushenko, Jones (10-1) says he's been watching a lot of tapes from his opponent's (24-4) career and been impressed by what he's seen.
Ryan Couture signs with Strikeforce, will debut in August: Son of MMA legend Randy Couture signs multi-fight professional deal; Thursday, July 29, 2010; Strikeforce officials announced Thursday morning the signing of Las Vegas resident Ryan Couture, son of MMA legend Randy Couture, to a multi-fight deal.
Chael Sonnen: I've accomplished more in MMA than Anderson Silva: Sonnen continues verbal assault; Silva won't take bait; Tuesday, July 27, 2010; Anderson Silva believes the best way to promote a fight is to let his talent and accomplishments in mixed martial arts speak for themselves. The man he's slated to fight Aug. 7 in Oakland, Calif., has a different approach.
Juan Manuel Marquez: Mayweather better than Pacquiao: Marquez gives perspective on top fighters, looks ahead to Diaz; Tuesday, July 27, 2010; Manny Pacquiao is good. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is better. At least that’s the opinion of one of their common opponents. With the reality still settling in that Pacquiao and Mayweather will not fight in 2010, Juan Manuel Marquez offered his opinion on which of the two would win if they ever meet.
Juan Lopez meets Rafael Marquez at MGM Grand in September: Undefeated Lopez faces toughest challenge yet on Mexican Independence Day weekend; Tuesday, July 27, 2010; Top Rank on Tuesday officially announced a Sept. 18 featherweight world title fight between Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The fight will be for Lopez’s WBO featherweight title.
Location of Nov. 13 Manny Pacquiao fight depends on Antonio Margarito: Margarito needs to obtain fighting license in U.S. for fight to take place at MGM Grand Garden Arena; Saturday, July 24, 2010; Manny Pacquiao’s Nov. 13 fight against Antonio Margarito will likely either be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena or in Mexico, depending on Margarito’s ability to obtain a license to compete in the U.S., Top Rank CEO Bob Arum said.
In latest anti-piracy effort, UFC subpoenas two user-generated Web sites: Friday, July 23, 2010; The UFC’s parent company Zuffa announced Friday it has served subpoenas on Justin.tv and Ustream.tv, demanding the Web sites reveal the identities of users who have uploaded video of live, UFC Pay-Per-View events.
Scott Coker says King Mo, Babalu Sobral will fight if 'push comes to shove': Strikeforce CEO says friendship shouldn't stop potential title fight, outlines Dan Henderson's return; Friday, July 23, 2010; Prior to a catchweight fight between Robbie Lawler and Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral on June 16 in Los Angeles, Strikeforce officials promised the winner of the fight would earn an immediate title shot in his respective division. The only problem was, the winner didn’t end up wanting one.
Junior Golden Gloves tournament begins in Mesquite: Western High School junior Deyon Christie looks to claim Golden Gloves heavyweight title; Thursday, July 22, 2010; Las Vegas amateur boxer Deyon Christie came one win short of winning the Junior Golden Gloves national tournament in 2009. Considering everything the Western High School junior has accomplished since, there’s reason to believe he won’t fall short in 2010.
Juan Manuel Marquez says he has plenty left after Floyd Mayweather fight: Marquez says focus is on Juan Diaz, still wants third fight with Manny Pacquiao; Tuesday, July 20, 2010; Juan Manuel Marquez was 19 years old when he made his professional boxing debut May 29, 1993. More than 17 years later, Marquez still wakes in the early hours of the morning to run and put hours into the gym - and he's feeling better than ever doing it.
Josh Koscheck tweets date for Georges St. Pierre fight: Opposing coaches TUF 12 coaches scheduled to meet Dec. 11; Tuesday, July 20, 2010; A welterweight title bout between UFC champion Georges St. Pierre and No. 1 contender Josh Koscheck has been scheduled for Dec. 11, according to Koscheck. Currently in Las Vegas to film the twelfth season of "The Ultimate Fighter," Koscheck broke the news via his Twitter account.
Floyd Mayweather's camp says it never agreed to details of Manny Pacquiao fight: In response to deadline, Mayweather's advisor says sides had never agreed to meet on Nov. 13; Monday, July 19, 2010; Floyd Mayweather’s camp issued a statement Monday afternoon regarding recent comments made by Manny Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum.
Nonito Donaire waits, hopes for Fernando Montiel: With big-name fights finally on horizon, Donaire plans move to bantamweight division; Friday, July 16, 2010; A potential bantamweight showdown between WBC champion Fernando Montiel and Nonito Donaire could come one step closer this weekend. Should Montiel take care of business against Rafael Concepcion in a title defense Saturday in Mexico, Donaire is expected to move up to the 118-pound division to challenge him in November.
Scott Coker to meet with Fedor Emelianenko's management this weekend: Coker says loss to Fabricio Werdum 'added two years' to Emelianenko's career; Friday, July 16, 2010; Fedor Emelianenko didn’t have much to say following his first-round loss to Fabricio Werdum on June 26 in San Jose, Calif., but he did have a few final words for Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker before leaving the U.S. He wanted to let Coker know they’d see each other again soon.
Jake Shields close to joining UFC welterweight division: Shields and UFC coming to terms, first opponent still unknown; Friday, July 16, 2010; Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields appears to be close to officially joining the UFC welterweight division. The news was posted on the website of Shields’s trainer, Cesar Gracie, Thursday night.
Chad Griggs named as next opponent for Bobby Lashley: Former WWE star will face Strikeforce newcomer in August; Friday, July 16, 2010; In his sixth professional mixed martial arts fight, Strikeforce heavyweight Bobby Lashley will face newcomer Chad Griggs on Aug. 21 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Strikeforce officials confirmed the news early Friday morning.
With no word from Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao seeks new opponent: Pacquiao to fight Nov. 13, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito likely replacements; Friday, July 16, 2010; Top Rank’s deadline for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to accept a deal to fight Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 13 of this year came and went Friday at midnight, producing the same result boxing fans are tiring of hearing. Still no mega-fight.
Vitor Belfort resumes training in Las Vegas, awaits next challenge: Belfort expected to face winner of Silva-Sonnen fight in fall; Thursday, July 15, 2010; Five months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Vitor Belfort is back in Las Vegas and working out with trainer Shawn Tompkins. And for the first time in more than 18 months, he's doing so without the use of painkillers after a procedure he had in February finally has left him pain free from an injury he's had for more than a year.
Bob Arum posts countdown clock for Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Arum gives Mayweather deadline to agree to Manny Pacquiao fight; Thursday, July 15, 2010; Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has added a ‘Countdown Clock’ to his company’s home Web site indicating how much time Floyd Mayweather Jr. has left to accept a fight with Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 13 in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas native Ishe Smith looks for big win on Shobox: Smith says opportunity to spar with Floyd Mayweather Jr. has rejuvenated his career; Thursday, July 15, 2010; Las Vegas native and boxer Ishe Smith admits that over the last few years, he allowed himself to become more focused on the fights he wasn't getting than the love that brought him to the sport in the first place. Helping an old acquaintance prepare for a major bout changed that.
Juan Diaz faces major crossroads against Juan Manuel Marquez: At 26, Diaz admits he'll consider 'other aspects of life' should he lose rematch; Tuesday, July 13, 2010; Juan Diaz figures one of two things is going to happen when he faces Juan Manuel Marquez in a lightweight title fight on July 31 at Mandalay Bay. Win, and Diaz will emerge as a true star in the 135-pound division. Lose, and he’ll face the possibility he’s meant to do something else with his life. He’s prepared for both outcomes.
The Dan Downes diet: Lose 22.5 pounds in three days: Downes shows heart in his first WEC fight, eager to show skill in his second; Monday, July 12, 2010; Pat Barry gained some fame in mixed martial arts when it came out that he ate nothing but rice and ketchup leading up to his UFC heavyweight fight with Antoni Hardonk in October. To Barry's teammate Dan Downes, rice and ketchup probably sounds like a buffet compared to what he recently ate.
Commission disables Antonio Margarito's application for boxing license: Friday, July 9, 2010; Antonio Margarito appeared before the Nevada State Athletic Commission Friday to seek a boxing license. It looks as though he’ll have to appear before the California State Athletic Commission to get what he wants.