Brett Okamoto

Story Archive

Pat Barry mends broken limbs, still on high from UFC 115: UFC heavyweight reflects on co-main event fight with Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic; Thursday, July 8, 2010; Nearly a month after getting in the octagon with one of his biggest idols, UFC heavyweight Pat Barry still is in awe that he actually fought Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic. If at any point the experience seems unreal to him, all he has to do is look down at his fractured hand and foot to prove it really happened.
Shaquille O'Neal hits Las Vegas to take on Shane Mosley in boxing ring: O'Neal mum on Lebron James, focused on newest challenge for ABC show; Thursday, July 8, 2010; Shaquille O'Neal refused to answer any questions regarding Lebron James during a press conference Thursday inside Caesars Palace. Considering the 38-year-old NBA star is planning to step into a boxing ring to take on former world champion Shane Mosley on Friday, O'Neal figures he's got bigger things to worry about.
With Brock Lesnar off the table, Frank Mir gets Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira: Mir decides to stay at heavyweight, will fight at UFC 119 in September; Thursday, July 8, 2010; Frank Mir celebrated this year’s Fourth of July in his Las Vegas gym, breaking down film of Brock Lesnar’s win over Shane Carwin at UFC 116 the night before. He did so in good company. Sitting alongside Mir on Sunday was head trainer Jimmy Gifford, UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and boxing trainer Freddie Roach, who trains current WBO champion Manny Pacquiao.
James Toney says he's no freak show, wants to be considered best fighter ever: After talking his way into MMA, Toney looks to knock out one of its biggest stars in his first fight; Tuesday, July 6, 2010; James Toney will be 42 years old when he makes his professional debut as a mixed martial artist against Randy Couture on Aug. 28 at the TD Garden in Boston. The way he sees it, that leaves him three years. Three years to prove that not only can he cross over from the sport of boxing to MMA, but that he's the greatest pure fighter of all time.
Chris Leben shows maturity, dedication in three-fight win streak: Following win over Yoshihiro Akiyama, Leben says he's finally 'walking the line'; Sunday, July 4, 2010; Looking at Chris Leben’s submission win over Yoshihiro Akiyama in the UFC 116 co-main event, it’s hard to determine which part of it was most impressive. The fact it was his second UFC win in a span of 14 days — or that he was basically unconscious when he won it.
Just happy to be back, Brock Lesnar gives best performance yet: Despite year off due to illness, Lesnar shows evolution as fighter in win over Shane Carwin; Sunday, July 4, 2010; Brock Lesnar was not about to survive a deadly stomach ailment and a long recovery in the gym, only to go down in the very first round of his comeback fight.
UFC 116 Live Blog: Brock Lesnar submits Shane Carwin: Chris Leben upsets Yoshihiro Akiyama, Stephan Bonnar TKOs Krzysztof Soszynski; Saturday, July 3, 2010; The highly anticipated heavyweight title fight between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin finally went down Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It proved to be worth the wait.
Brock Lesnar welcomed back to UFC weigh-in with boos: All 22 fighters make weight for Saturday's card at MGM Grand Garden Arena; Friday, July 2, 2010; The weight limit for a heavyweight fighter in the UFC is 265 pounds. Both fighters competing in Saturday’s main event title fight would probably come in even heavier if they could. Champion Brock Lesnar and interim champion Shane Carwin both weighed in at the 265-pound maximum.
Anthony Njokuani to meet WEC newcomer Maciej Jewtuszko in August: Another lightweight matchup added to WEC event at The Pearl at The Palms; Friday, July 2, 2010; A lightweight bout between Las Vegas-based Anthony Njokuani and WEC newcomer Maciej Jewtuszko has been added to the Aug. 18 card at The Pearl at The Palms. According to sources close to the negotiations, both fighters have signed on to meet one another at the WEC 50 event.
Breaking down UFC 116: Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin: Dana White assures not too much has changed about Brock Lesnar; Thursday, July 1, 2010; Following Thursday’s UFC 116 pre-fight press conference at the MGM Grand, UFC President Dana White couldn’t hold back laughter when asked if he thought Brock Lesnar has grown a soft side. While it does seem as though the life-threatening stomach ailment Lesnar dealt with last year has humbled him in a way, his personality has certainly remained mostly intact.
Dana White has no interest in Fedor, will release Chuck Liddell if he wants to continue career: Dana White holds court to answer any and all questions regarding UFC; Thursday, July 1, 2010; The UFC held its pre-fight press conference for this weekend's heavyweight title fight inside the MGM Grand Hotel Thursday. After press conferences, White is known for sticking around and answering any questions the media have leading up to a fight. Here are some highlights from the latest talk.
Breaking down UFC 116: Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Chris Leben: Despite how it came off, Akiyama meant no disrespect toward Leben in recent comments; Wednesday, June 30, 2010; When Yoshihiro Akiyama recently expressed his disappointment on fighting Chris Leben at UFC 116 instead of the injured Wanderlei Silva, it appears a few details were lost in translation. The Japanese fighter has been criticized over the last few days for commenting that Leben, who replaced Silva on UFC 116’s co-main event, is not a big-name fighter.
'Average guy' Shane Carwin looks to claim title over Brock Lesnar: Long wait for title shot might work to Carwin's advantage Saturday; Wednesday, June 30, 2010; Shane Carwin says he’s never considered himself to be anything but an average guy his entire life. And no matter what happens in his UFC title fight against Brock Lesnar this weekend, he’ll continue thinking of himself that way when it’s over.
Tournament feel of 'The Ultimate Fighter' follows Jon Madsen to UFC: Despite no warning from UFC, Madsen says he's treating every fight in the organization like his last; Wednesday, June 30, 2010; Any mixed martial artist who's competed on the reality series "The Ultimate Fighter" understands what it's like to have a future with the UFC riding on every fight. Fortunately, that pressure usually doesn't follow them once they've left the show. But for TUF 10 cast member Jon Madsen, every fight of his career has taken on the feel of a single-elimination tournament, as the heavyweight says a long-term future with the UFC is no guarantee.
Scott Coker calls Fedor Emelianenko's one loss 'inevitable': Strikeforce CEO applauds 10-year-run, says Emelianenko still greatest ever; Monday, June 28, 2010; Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker repeatedly had stated he believed Fabricio Werdum was capable of becoming the first man in 10 years to defeat Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko.
Scott Smith wants rubber match, Cung Le likely headed to tournament instead: Another exciting fight could mean third match between Smith and Le, just not right now; Sunday, June 27, 2010; Scott Smith was fairly open about his frustration at having to fight Cung Le twice in two fights. But after losing to Le in an exciting rematch Saturday at the HP Pavilion, it sounded as if Smith wouldn’t mind making it three for three.
Fedor Emelianenko proves to be human after all: Russian heavyweght suffers first loss in 10 years to Fabricio Werdum; Sunday, June 27, 2010; Over the last 10 years, Fedor Emelianenko has ruled the sport of mixed martial arts. But when the legend fell into a deep triangle choke Saturday against an opponent with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he did what any other man would do. He tapped.
Strikeforce Live Blog: Fabricio Werdum shocks Fedor Emelianenko in first round: Christiane Cyborg defends middleweight belt, Cung Le avenges loss; Saturday, June 26, 2010; Brazilian fighter Fabricio Werdum pulled off one of the biggest upsets in MMA history Saturday, submitting Russian fighter Fedor Emelianenko in the first round of their heavyweight fight at the HP Pavilion.
Beibut Shumenov to make first title defense in July: Las Vegas-based WBA champion to face Vyacheslav Uzelkov on ESPN2; Friday, June 25, 2010; Las Vegas-based boxer Beibut Shumenov has agreed to make his first WBA light heavyweight title defense against Ukrainian challenger Vyacheslav Uzelkov on July 23 in Lemoore, Calif. The bout is scheduled to headline an edition of the ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" series.
Contest offers seat next to Harry Reid at UFC 116: Wednesday, June 23, 2010; http://www.harryreid.com/index.php/landing/UFC/
Brock Lesnar: It's a good day to be alive: Heavyweight champion shows softer side following career-threatening illness; Tuesday, June 22, 2010; A near-death experience with a stomach ailment forced Brock Lesnar to reevaluate everything he was putting into his mouth. Apparently, it’s had an effect on what he allows to come out of it as well.
Jamie Varner, Kamal Shalorus fight to controversial draw: Fighting with broken hand and foot, Varner felt cheated by decision; Sunday, June 20, 2010; Just about everyone watching Sunday’s lightweight fight between Jamie Varner and Kamal Shalorus in Edmonton, Alberta, thought it was pretty clear Varner had done enough for a clear-cut decision win after three rounds. Two of the three judges scoring the fight, however, disagreed.
Blurred vision, broken hand, staph infection not enough to stop Matt Hamill: Facing long list of medical woes, Hamill shows heart in win over Keith Jardine; Saturday, June 19, 2010; Deaf since birth, UFC light heavyweight Matt Hamill has had plenty of experience fighting without the use of his hearing. But competing without his sight - that was something new.
TUF 11 Live Blog: Court McGee submits Kris McCray in second round: Matt Hamill out strikes Keith Jardine, takes decision, Chris Leben upsets Aaron Simpson; Saturday, June 19, 2010; An emotional Court McGee accepted a trophy and a six-figure UFC contract at The Pearl at The Palms Saturday after submitting Kris McCray in the second round to become the winner of the eleventh season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ McGee, a recovered drug addict, broke into tears following the win.
Fedor Emelianenko: I'm not a UFC fan: Russian heavyweight says UFC events often carry 'negativity'; Friday, June 18, 2010; Strikeforce heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko revealed over a conference call Friday that he is "not UFC fan," because of what he perceives to be a negative undertone associated with the organization's events. Through his interpreter Steve Bash, Emelianenko didn't necessarily bash the UFC, but did admit he rarely is a spectator of the organization.
Dan Hardy preparing for another run at title in Los Angeles: Hardy welcomes a fight with Martin Kampmann, happy to fight anybody in welterweight division; Wednesday, June 16, 2010; For a British fighter, Dan Hardy is sure cornering a lot of Americans lately. After showing up in Mac Danzig’s corner at UFC 115 in Vancouver, British Columbia last weekend, Hardy was at it again Wednesday in support of Strikeforce lightweight Jeremy Umphries at the Nokia Theatre. When asked about it, Hardy even jokingly said he may have found a new profession.
Renato Sobral takes unanimous decision over Robbie Lawler: Sobral shows off striking abilities, outpoints Lawler on his feet; Wednesday, June 16, 2010; Renato Sobral promised his fans and media all week that despite being known mostly as a grappler, he knows what to do on his feet as well. He proved he wasn’t lying Wednesday, taking a unanimous decision win over Robbie Lawler in Los Angeles.
It's no secret, Jamie Varner wants Ben Henderson next: Varner hungry for a win against Kamal Shalorus, says distractions from last fight are gone; Tuesday, June 15, 2010; Like all fighters do just before a bout, former WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner swears his focus begins and ends with his next fight. All the talk about not looking ahead sounds pretty convincing - until someone mentions "Ben Henderson."
Allan Green set for Super Six debut against Andre Ward: After being left out of first round, Green motivated to prove he belongs in tournament; Tuesday, June 15, 2010; Super middleweight Allan Green is set to make his debut in the Super Six World Boxing Classic Saturday at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., against newly crowned WBA Super champion and tournament favorite Andre Ward. Green has had to wait a long time to break into the tournament. After being left off the initial Super Six roster, Green took the place of Jermain Taylor in February.
After frustrating layoff, Renato Sobral faces big opportunity Wednesday: Sobral, Robbie Lawler fight for title shots in respective weight classes in catchweight bout; Monday, June 14, 2010; If there’s one thing Renato Sobral won’t do, it’s beat around the bush. Good or bad, the former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion prefers to just to say it like it is. So, while reporters have found numerous ways to describe his first-round loss to Gegard Mousasi last August - a disappointment, a rough outing, a setback - the 34-year-old fighter has his own name for it.
UFC moves event from Salt Lake City to San Diego for lack of ticket sales: Monday, June 14, 2010; The UFC announced today its decision to move a scheduled event for Aug. 1 at the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City to the San Diego Sports Arena instead.
'Funny Mirko Cro Cop' jump-starts career with win over Pat Barry: Mirko Filipovic delivers big at UFC 115, both inside octagon and out; Sunday, June 13, 2010; For a 35-year-old fighter who everybody has heard of by now, Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovic was sure full of surprises at UFC 115. In a stirring performance that brought the sellout crowd at GM Place to its feet Saturday, Filipovic choked out Pat Barry in the third round of their co-main event in what was the Croatian’s first submission win in over five years.
Dana White says nothing to be sad about when it comes to Chuck Liddell: Knockout loss to Rich Franklin ends Liddell's career, but only adds to his legacy; Sunday, June 13, 2010; The sight of a 40-year-old Chuck Liddell lying unconscious on the UFC octagon floor in what will surely be the last fight of his career Saturday was no doubt one that only saddened many MMA fans around the world. But not UFC President Dana White.
UFC 115 Live Blog: Chuck Liddell suffers knockout loss to Rich Franklin: Mirko Cro Cop submits Pat Barry in final round; Saturday, June 12, 2010; A sellout crowd turned out at GM Place to see former champion Chuck Liddell return to MMA. What they saw was likely Liddell’s last trip to the cage. Liddell (21-8) suffered another knockout loss to Rich Franklin in the final seconds of the first round of their light heavyweight bout at UFC 115. It was the third time in a row Liddell had been stopped by an opponent and his fifth loss in his last six fights.
Chael Sonnen rips Anderson Silva at UFC fan session: Sonnen using plenty of verbal sparring before middleweight title fight in August; Friday, June 11, 2010; Top middleweight contender Chael Sonnen was the honorary guest at Friday’s official weigh-in for UFC 115 at the GM Place. Sonnen spent an hour before the weigh-ins answering questions from fans and, as expected, using the time to continue his verbal warfare against UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
UFC 115 weigh-in: Vancouver excited for Chuck Liddell's return: All 22 fighters make weight for Saturday's card at GM Place; Friday, June 11, 2010; Fans inside the GM Place made plenty of noise during Friday's official weigh-in for all 22 fighters set to compete at UFC 115 on Saturday. But only one fighter brought them to their feet.
Breaking down UFC 115: Rich Franklin vs. Chuck Liddell: With a loss likely meaning retirement, Liddell comes to Vancouver in the best shape of his career; Thursday, June 10, 2010; Many words have been used to describe Chuck Liddell during his storied mixed martial arts career. Until recently, "shredded" wasn’t one of them. During Thursday’s press conference at GM Place, however, that is exactly the way UFC President Dana White chose to describe him.
Dana White on Chuck Liddell's return, blood testing and Mauricio Rua's surgery: Dana White holds court to answer any and all questions regarding UFC; Thursday, June 10, 2010; UFC president Dana White took center stage at GM Place in Vancouver, Canada, on Thursday for the pre-fight press conference leading up to UFC 115. White is known for sitting down and shooting straight answers to any questions the media may have leading up to an event. Here are a few highlights from Thursday’s chat.
Las Vegas teammates Tyson Griffin, Evan Dunham will be familiar foes at UFC 115: Xtreme Couture lightweights put partnership on hold for chance to move up ladder; Thursday, June 10, 2010; Although Tyson Griffin admits he felt no hesitation when agreeing to fight Xtreme Couture teammate Evan Dunham at UFC 115, it wasn't because he's willing to put relationships on the line for the sake of his career. In fact, Griffin is very clear in his stance that he'd never fight family - it's just that Dunham isn't family.
Martin Kampmann looks to make most of opportunity at UFC 115: Kampmann set to return from eye injury against highly ranked Paulo Thiago; Tuesday, June 8, 2010; Martin Kampmann’s return to the UFC octagon is a mere four days away, but don’t be surprised if he’s still crossing his fingers that he and his opponent, Paulo Thiago, get there healthy. The way things have been going for Kampmann, the chances of one of the two tripping and spraining an ankle before this weekend seem downright likely.
Georges St. Pierre says he's in support of Olympic-style drug testing: Josh Koscheck proposes blood tests for welterweight title fight, St. Pierre responds with 'any time'; Monday, June 7, 2010; Advocates for implementing Olympic-style drug testing into combat sports can say they have the support of one of the biggest names in MMA — UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre.
Gilbert Yvel prepared for UFC 115, eager to move past debut: Las Vegas-based fighter looks to rebound from first-round loss to Junior Dos Santos; Saturday, June 5, 2010; Gilbert Yvel waited years to know what it felt like to be inside a UFC octagon. His first opportunity to find out turned into an experience he’d rather just forget. Yvel made his highly anticipated UFC debut in January at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, only to suffer a first-round TKO loss to Junior Dos Santos that lasted a mere two minutes and seven seconds.
Miguel Cotto plans comeback against Yuri Foreman at Yankee Stadium: Following two devastating losses and the passing of his father, an emotional Cotto looks to prove he's still a contender; Thursday, June 3, 2010; It wasn’t that long ago that Puerto Rican boxing fans spread out across North America had a real superhero they could call their own. But over the last two years, Puerto Ricans and boxing fans have seen Miguel Cotto run into Kryptonite.
Despite injured right hand, expect Dominick Cruz to defend title in August: Cruz turns down wrist surgery, looks forward to facing long list of title contenders; Wednesday, June 2, 2010; Dominick Cruz is the best 135-pound mixed martial artist in the world. He’s been fighting professionally for more than five years, holds a record of 15-1 and specifically built his style in a way he thought would entertain fans. But despite all that, Cruz says you don’t really know a thing about him, do you?
Michael Bisping working his way back up: British middleweight quietly adds another win to already solid resume; Sunday, May 30, 2010; One of the loudest fighters in the UFC is quietly building his case for a future title shot. Fighting in front of a hostile crowd Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Michael Bisping delivered a dominant performance over Dan Miller in the co-main event of UFC 114.
Rampage Jackson, Rashad Evans relieved to have fight behind them: Pressures of highly anticipated fight felt by both fighters at UFC 114; Sunday, May 30, 2010; Having just fought in one of the most anticipated bouts in UFC history, in an event that drew more than 15,000 people, on a weekend that attracted more than 100,000 to a Fan Expo, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans seemed to agree they felt one emotion above any other Saturday. Relief.
Live Blog: Rashad Evans earns decision win over Rampage Jackson: Michael Bisping dominates Dan Miller for decision win; Saturday, May 29, 2010; Using a combination of speed and wrestling ability, Rashad Evans emerged from Saturday’s grudge match against Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson with his hands raised.
Rampage Jackson on Rashad Evans: 'He's dead': All 22 fighters make weight for UFC 114; Friday, May 28, 2010; Rashad Evans avoided having to fight Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson in his rival’s hometown of Memphis, Tenn. last December when Jackson backed out of their scheduled fight to film the new ‘A-Team’ movie. But as it turns out, Las Vegas is proving to be a fairly unfriendly place for Evans as well.
Breaking down UFC 114: Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller: Bisping says he's bigger, smarter than ever heading into co-main event; Thursday, May 27, 2010; Michael Bisping opened up his email account recently to find yet another message from a fan directing him to a video of his knockout loss to Dan Henderson at UFC 100 in July. What stood out to him wasn’t the overhand right that ended his title contention hopes in the second round. It was his size.
Breaking down UFC 114: Rampage Jackson vs. Rashad Evans: Observations from fight week show animosity between fighters is real; Thursday, May 27, 2010; Yes, Rashad Evans and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson are not fond of one another. That much is clear. But believe it or not, it wasn’t always this way. When Jackson (30-7) first joined the UFC in 2007, he and Evans apparently got along just fine. Evans (19-1-1) admits he was even a Rampage fan.