History will be made in the main event of UFC 157, as Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche battle for the first Women’s title in the first UFC women’s bout. That’s hardly all that we have in store though, as Machida and Henderson battle for a title shot at 205lbs, and many interesting Strikeforce fighters invade the UFC.
The week leading up to the first ever Women’s MMA bout inside the UFC Octagon has garnered a lot of attention to Saturday’s UFC 157. Ronda Rousey will defend her UFC bantamweight title in the night’s main event, making history along with her opponent Liz Carmouche.
It’s rare that an MMA fighter’s face makes it into any sports publication, but as the spearhead of a new movement within the fight world, Ronda Rousey is all over the place. It’s odd to talk about Women’s MMA, or WMMA as “new” considering how long it’s been around, but main stream acceptance has been hard to come by for these ladies, and continues to be a struggle leading up to what should be its first major title bout.
After eight Strikeforce bouts and a 3-5 record, knockout artist Robbie Lawler (19-9, 1 NC) is heading back to the UFC in 2013. It will be the “ruthless” ones second stint inside the Octagon, having fought seven times between 2002 and 2004 to a 4-3 record. His time under the Strikeforce banner had its ups and downs but Robbie Lawler always brought the fight to his opponent.
Ultimate Fighter 16 semifinalist Neil Magney and Jon Manley might not be fighting in Saturday’s TUF 16 final, but the two appear likely to still get their official UFC debut. The two welterweights that were just one fight away from the final will face each other in February at UFC 157, this according to MMAJunkie.
Mixed Martial Artist Ronda Rousey has had a pretty good year. She won the Strikeforce bantamweight championship in March, successfully defended it in August and then became the first female champion in the UFC earlier this month. As if things couldn’t get better for the undefeated Judoka, she’s been voted as one of the world’s most desirable woman.
On the heels of the UFC cancelling UFC 151, Direct TV is hooking up its UFC fans with a deal on the next six Pay Per Views at the price of five. Between now and September 22nd Direct TV subscribers can pre-order UFC 152 thru UFC 157 at the discounted price.
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.
