Just over a week ago Brock Lesnar retired from MMA after being systematically taken apart by Alistair Overeem inside the first round. At this point Alistair’s win was overshadowed by Lesnar’s retirement from the sport, and the drama of the UFC losing one of its biggest PPV earners. There has been much fuss about the loss of the former champion but we offer up three reasons to calm down.
The year is coming to a close and the holidays are set upon us. Before the fat man can break into your house and leave gifts in front of the sofa, it is time to give thanks. Reflect back and think of things you are thankful for throughout the year; a new car? new girlfriend? discovered MMA Valor? Whatever you are thankful for, be sure to recognize how awesome MMA is and what a big year 2011 has been for the sport.
On November 12, 1993 the UFC held its inaugural event in Denver and the martial arts world was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a non assuming man by the name Royce Gracie. I remember watching it on pay per view and being fascinated by the fact it had no rules (there were), the teeth knocking blows, and just the sheer violence being displayed. Then I saw Royce Gracie step inside the octagon and latch himself onto his opponents like he was an anaconda and literally squeeze the breath out of his opponents. I didn’t know what mixed martial arts were at the time but I knew I had to watch every subsequent event the UFC would ever hold; and I have.
We now know who will headline the first ever UFC of FOX show on November 12th from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The one hour special event will feature the UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez defending his title for the first time against the number one contender Junior Dos Santos.
The biggest MMA news to date was dropped today as the Ultimate Fighting Championship signed a network television deal with FOX and its sister stations FX and Fuel TV. While rumors of the deal had surfaced earlier this week, the formal announcement was made today at the NFL on Fox studio in Los Angeles, California.
The Holy Grail for Dana White and the Ultimate Fighting Championship has apparently been obtained. According to the Sports Business Journal the UFC and Fox have agreed to a multi-year deal that will put as many as four events a year on Fox as well as the Fight Night shows and TUF finales on their sister channel FX. The UFC has long been searching for that right television deal and it seems they now have it.
UFC on FOX 7: Henderson vs. Melendez Weigh-in Pictures
Due to a previously scheduled Arena Football game at the HP Pavilion, today’s UFC on FOX 7 weigh-ins were held less than a mile away at the California Theater. The small theater was completely filled with cheering fans and all the fighters they came to see made weight.
The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale Weigh-in Pictures
Amidst everything else going on, the UFC has themselves a busy day today with the UFC on FX 6 taking place in Australia and The Ultimate Fighter 16 finale weigh-ins. All 24 fighters made weight today for tomorrow’s event that will crown The Ultimate Fighter 16 welterweight winner.
UFC on FUEL TV 4 Weigh-in Results and Photos
SAN JOSE, Cal. – Still recovering from Saturday’s UFC 148, MMAValor.com was inside the HP Pavilion for today’s UFC on FUEL TV 4 weigh-ins. A few of the fighters would need to step onto the scale behind a towel but all 22 fighters on the UFC on FUEL TV 4 fight card made weight.
TUF Live Finale Live Results and Event Pictures
The long grind of the first live version of The Ultimate Fighter ends tonight at the TUF Live Finale in Las Vegas. Featuring 12 of the 16 TUF Live contestants, the 10 bout card will be headlined by an important match-up in the welterweight division between Jake Ellenberger and Martin Kampmann.
TUF Live Finale Weigh-in Results and Pictures
All the fighters for tomorrow’s TUF Live Finale were on weight as they stepped onto the scales inside the Pearl at the Palms. The 20 fighters, including 12 of the 16 TUF Live fighters will begin entering the Octagon tomorrow starting at 2:45pm PT / 5:45pm ET.
