Kenny Florian eager to make lightweight return in 2012, eyes one more run at UFC gold
by Adam Guillen Jr. on Dec 19, 2011 10:00 PM EST
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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran Kenny Florian has amassed an impressive 12-5 record during his six-year tenure with the per-eminent mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in the world. And even though Florian has defeated several of the best fighters inside the Octagon, there has been more attention given to those four losses on his record than all of his wins.
Well, three in particular.
Much has been made about Florian's failure to win the UFC gold in his three attempts, losing to Sean Sherk at UFC 64 in 2006 and B.J. Penn at UFC 101 in 2009, also at lightweight. His most recent attempt was at UFC 136 on Oct. 8, 2011, against Jose Aldo at featherweight. Florian came up short yet again as the judges awarded "Scarface" a unanimous decision victory.
From middleweight to featherweight, Florian has gone as far as dropping 40 pounds, spanning four weight classes, in the quest to capture the ever elusive UFC title. Yet after 17 fights, including the three aforementioned title fights, under the UFC umbrella, the Bostonian still isn't ready to call it a day just yet.
Speaking to BleacherReport.com, "Ken-Flo" says despite past failed attempts, he is ready to get back on the hunt for UFC gold, as well as shed light on the toll his body has taken because of the drastic weight cuts.
Check it out:
"Dropping to the featherweight division was way too much for my body to handle. The Diego Nunes fight was the worst I've ever felt on a weigh-in day. Luckily, I felt better on fight day and was able to pull out a victory. But, against Aldo it was a brutal weight cut, and I really didn't feel too great heading into the fight. In result, I had some medical issues I had to deal with. I had a thyroid issue that was based on the drastic weight loss. Those are the things you kind of ignore as a fighter, but it became very real to me after the fight. I'll now be moving and staying at lightweight. I feel that I have all the skills to get it done. I've had different issues over the course of my career, but I'm capable of doing it. It's just going out there and getting it done. I have some injuries I'm going to let heal for the next two months. Once those things clear up, I'm looking forward to getting back on the race to the title. I'm hoping it would be a well-respected, top guy in the lightweight division. But, right now I don't have anyone in mind. I have a back injury that I'm letting heal up. As soon as that's cleared, I'll start talking to the UFC about possible opponents. I think my career has a few more great years and fights left."
When not splitting opponents foreheads wide open with his vicious "hellbows," Florian has moonlighted as co-host for ESPN's "MMA Live," which is a career that is seemingly waiting in in the wings once he does walk away from competing in the sport:
"I definitely want to go into broadcasting one day. I do a lot of it already. I really enjoy doing it because it's a great way of being a part of the sport. That will eventually be my career, along with some coaching, and I'll continue to run my gym in Boston."
Ready to get back into action, Florian will find himself right smack in the middle of a pool full of sharks that is the UFC lightweight division.
With Ben Henderson getting next shot at Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 in Japan on Feb. 26, 2012, there are plenty of qualified challengers waiting their turns to become the promotion's next 155-pound kingpin. In a bout that could have title implications, Anthony Pettis and Joe Lauzon are also set to square off at UFC 144, while Donald Cerrone has definitely made a case for himself as a top lightweight contender with his impressive 2011 year. A win over Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Dec. 30, 2011 could put him at the doorstep of a title shot.
Wannabe matchmakers, make us a match: who do you think should welcome "Ken-Flo" back to the world famous Octagon once he returns in 2012? And does he have enough fight left in him to make one final run at UFC gold?
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How about a run at Strikeforce gold?
by rscott94 on Dec 19, 2011 10:01 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Yep, he should fight Melendez
"The person who takes a dump on you isn't always your enemy, and the person who takes you out of the dump isn't always your friend."
No way.
B.J. Penn’s retired, it’s a whole new game.
Staff Editor at GamePro
Follow @KenTheGreat1
One Time, I Interviewed Dana White at UFC 86 & It Was Totally Cool
by McKinley B. Noble on Dec 19, 2011 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
It's not a game I'd favor Florian to win, really.
"The person who takes a dump on you isn't always your enemy, and the person who takes you out of the dump isn't always your friend."
He should just get a sex change and fight Cyborg
That is honestly his only chance at winning a title
That's good, he'll provide some more great fights at 155.
And even if he doesn’t get the belt, at least he’s not cutting more weight then he should.
tkotom TKO'd me in the first round.
Yea
We heard ya
Jason Miller is a retard with straight hair and curly teeth.Hes a couple of dolly mixtures short of a quarter and spends his time swinging of a tyre attached to a rope! I should have listened to the MMA royalty on here,especially Jay,ANS and ViolentMike who kept reminding me that Mikes wrestling was the best at 185 and 205 and that if Greg Jackson,Randy Couture,Blackhouse,ATT or team quest ever needed any tips on game planning Wolfsalir is just a phone call away
by 10thDegreeWhiteBelt on Dec 20, 2011 2:56 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
lol i know right
he repeated it
"My weight is not enough and strength is not enough either, so I have to take the fight by mastery." - Fedor Emelianenko
Kenny takes a lot of shit
But I’ve always been a fan of his. I would like to see him against the loser of the Miller/Guillard fight or the winner of the Pettis/Lauzon fight. Either one would be pretty damn exciting if you ask me.
Like my post? Well, follow me on Twitter anyways. @LenBarson
Okay mini Rizzo
"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto
by Lesnar's striking coach on Dec 19, 2011 10:01 PM EST reply actions
He should have just stayed there..
"My weight is not enough and strength is not enough either, so I have to take the fight by mastery." - Fedor Emelianenko
Attention Money Pool entrants and those interested in participating
The commish (Jay) hit a snag but the pool is still a go.
Stay tuned for more details. If you have any questions, email Jay at jaywhyte27@yahoo.com
No worries, this will be up and running.
The General is in this season……also Danago and many of the usual suspects.
If you can’t beat ME at a pick’em pool….then you have issues.
Join up and let’s make this a site wide, trash talking, smackdown, down n’ dirty fight.
I look forward to destroying all of you.
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
by Scottidog on Dec 19, 2011 10:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I was with you until that last sentence
Clearly there is something in that Canadian water that has you delusional. Everyone knows that I am going to win next season.
Jon Jones opponent's don't gas, he just beats the will out of them.
sig bet record 1 - 3
Mania Money Pool 20th place, 500 points
Future 2012/13 B league FFB champ.
by ShivanTiger on Dec 19, 2011 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
I'm torn between brazen arrogant bragging and crushin self loathing
I ran out of blue pills.
I suck bad enough at picking, that my best bet is to go big and brag early.
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
by Scottidog on Dec 19, 2011 10:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
the first step is always admitting there is a problem
and I was in the league last year. Everyone sucks at picking, except for that lurking bastard AGAR
Jon Jones opponent's don't gas, he just beats the will out of them.
sig bet record 1 - 3
Mania Money Pool 20th place, 500 points
Future 2012/13 B league FFB champ.
by ShivanTiger on Dec 19, 2011 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
As I mentioned to him
I’m pretty sure the rat bastard has a time machine
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
by Scottidog on Dec 19, 2011 10:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Jon Jones opponent's don't gas, he just beats the will out of them.
sig bet record 1 - 3
Mania Money Pool 20th place, 500 points
Future 2012/13 B league FFB champ.
by ShivanTiger on Dec 19, 2011 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
Marty McFly
Could not have beaten Agar.
Now that I think about it…..I bet that fucker is Biff Tannen.
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
by Scottidog on Dec 19, 2011 10:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
plus one
Sig Bet Record: 1 Win - ItalianStallian54(Frankie over Gray)
1 Loss - GrappleFan(Lil Nog over Tito)
I talk a big game like my hero Tito, but fold under pressure from body blows. Knocking the hot air our of me can be beneficial for my social abilities and common sense so thank you grapplefan and little Nog. You help to make mania a better place.
by Cruz Jackson on Dec 20, 2011 1:10 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
How much is the entry fee, dog? And is that the only cost?
"It’s Mark Pavelich calling from the Maximum Fighting Championship,
I’ve just received notice that Drew Fickett or you, I don’t care which one of you fuckers did it, has signed a contract to fight in Strikeforce this fucking weekend. I’m going to get on a fucking plane soon and go where you’re at and choke you the fuck out. I’m telling you right now, I’ve had enough of your fucking shit. First of all, I’ve sent you the fucking pictures and secondly, I placed Drew Fickett in a fight fucking months ago and five weeks prior to my main event of my fucking fight card. You’re going to give me a fucking call tomorrow or I swear I’ll get on a fucking plane and go right where you’re at right now. You’re pissing me off, I’ve been nothing but professional to you motherfuckers and you’re doing this kind of bullshit, alright? Call me back, I’m fucking pissed."
by Swedish Chef smerdy herdy verdy on Dec 19, 2011 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
a paltry $20
That’s it….no hidden fees. Just contact Jay and you’re in.
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
by Scottidog on Dec 19, 2011 10:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
thank god
Florian looked like a swick at a division he didn’t belong at. Too skinny he looked like he was on the final four of survivor
by ElStIkO on Dec 19, 2011 10:18 PM EST via mobile reply actions
That skit was actually pretty funny
by Adam Guillen Jr. on Dec 19, 2011 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
winner of Miller vs Guillard for Kenflo?
Jon Jones opponent's don't gas, he just beats the will out of them.
sig bet record 1 - 3
Mania Money Pool 20th place, 500 points
Future 2012/13 B league FFB champ.
i suggest
Pettis-Lauzon winner
"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto
by Lesnar's striking coach on Dec 19, 2011 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
only if Pettis wins
don’t need to see a repeat of Florian/ Lauzon it would go the same way as the first fight they had
Jon Jones opponent's don't gas, he just beats the will out of them.
sig bet record 1 - 3
Mania Money Pool 20th place, 500 points
Future 2012/13 B league FFB champ.
by ShivanTiger on Dec 19, 2011 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Fuck Kenny
I like bacon...
#1 Quinton Rampage the Dragon Slayer Jackson fan for LIFE..FTW!!! Nick Diaz would mop the floor with GSP and the fight with Sheilds confirms it!!!
The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other bastard die for his" Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.I hate Jon Jones..No mas la raza!!! JDS Bitches
Kenny always loses to wrestlers gotta work on his wrestling or gtfo.
BJ was the only one that wasn’t a wrestler he loss to.
"When you believe in something and you're a good person...things happen" - Junior Dos Santos
Aldo is a wrestler?
You know, some days I forget that I have a memory.
by I.AM.miSTAKen on Dec 20, 2011 6:31 AM EST up reply actions
Ew, he spoke to Bleacher Report...
"The person who takes a dump on you isn't always your enemy, and the person who takes you out of the dump isn't always your friend."
I'm sure there is a slideshow of the interview
Jon Jones opponent's don't gas, he just beats the will out of them.
sig bet record 1 - 3
Mania Money Pool 20th place, 500 points
Future 2012/13 B league FFB champ.
by ShivanTiger on Dec 19, 2011 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
+2
And you have to click the arrows 3 times
"Dutiful servant in the church of Jon Bones Jones. All mercy to his MMA holyness. To you heathens i give my favorite scripture : And as he fell the dragon, the world stood still and those who did not believe now trembled in his presence. The Book of Bones -16 : 1"
by wooly shambler on Dec 20, 2011 3:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Lmao
Jason Miller is a retard with straight hair and curly teeth.Hes a couple of dolly mixtures short of a quarter and spends his time swinging of a tyre attached to a rope! I should have listened to the MMA royalty on here,especially Jay,ANS and ViolentMike who kept reminding me that Mikes wrestling was the best at 185 and 205 and that if Greg Jackson,Randy Couture,Blackhouse,ATT or team quest ever needed any tips on game planning Wolfsalir is just a phone call away
by 10thDegreeWhiteBelt on Dec 20, 2011 2:58 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I like Kenny. I’ve always wanted him to do well. When he fights to his potential, he’s a great, great fighter. He just has to stop choking in big fights.
Hope he gets it done to be honest, would love to see him beat Frankie or whomever to capture UFC gold after three failed attempts.
by TheMuscleShark on Dec 19, 2011 10:29 PM EST reply actions
Not choking
He isn’t choking, he’s getting beaten by fighters who have better skills in one or multiple areas.
by AngryTwinkie on Dec 20, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
This^
"It is himself that a coward abandons first, after that all other betrayals come easily."
by doonerthesooner on Dec 20, 2011 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Haha...this guy only fights for titles
…with that being said he’s a pretty dope fighter
In my avatar pic-what i dine on for every day of the week ( i hit the one in green twice on Fridays!!)
I hate Chorongota
He is, he doesn't get the credit he deserves.
by MMA Boss on Dec 20, 2011 8:06 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, it’s kind of shitty. As I said below his fight against Aldo was pretty competitive. It pisses me off that just because someone hasn’t won a title people say they’re a terrible fighter.
MMA is like a puzzle, it's just a matter of finding a solution to each situation.
I've seen this movie before.
I hate remakes.
Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try.
He is gonna have to pull off at least a 5 fight win streak to get another lw title shot
He can’t beat penn, Maynard, sherk and I would assume edgar. Good luck with that ken flow, stick a fork in him, he is done.
Edgar would dance around that ass for 3 rounds b4 knocking you unconscious
Kenny Florian VS JZ Cavalcante in Strikeforce
I buried Banago.
A. Silva
Pat Healy VS Noons
I buried Banago.
A. Silva
by Lance Storm on Dec 19, 2011 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
I doubt Edgar would finish Florian
In my avatar pic-what i dine on for every day of the week ( i hit the one in green twice on Fridays!!)
I hate Chorongota
he’s definetly lost five times in the ufc.
LSU-smoke purple, live golden
by makavelicaskey on Dec 19, 2011 11:18 PM EST reply actions
the post said he only had four losses.
LSU-smoke purple, live golden
by makavelicaskey on Dec 20, 2011 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
Who cares?
A HW could drop 40 lbs and still be in the same division. Kenny is a good guy but at best he is a perennial title chaser.
by 5fingerdiscount on Dec 19, 2011 11:19 PM EST reply actions
I hope he wins it at least once. Feel bad, he can beats everyone but the champ.
by daro on Dec 19, 2011 11:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Sorry Ken.....
just be glad that you’re able to financially support yourself doing something that you love. Florian can continue as an analyst, he does a pretty good job with that. Stick to the booth Kenny, you’ll live longer. There’s no chance of winning any titles at this point.
If Gil ends up staying in SF they need to send Kenny over
If you dont like drugs then dont do them.....give them to me!
No he won't
In my avatar pic-what i dine on for every day of the week ( i hit the one in green twice on Fridays!!)
I hate Chorongota
ha
gil wrestle fucks Kenny
Jon Jones opponent's don't gas, he just beats the will out of them.
sig bet record 1 - 3
Mania Money Pool 20th place, 500 points
Future 2012/13 B league FFB champ.
I'll take that bet!
In my avatar pic-what i dine on for every day of the week ( i hit the one in green twice on Fridays!!)
I hate Chorongota
Who cares about the belt
There are 300 fighters on the roster, and only 7 belts. Not everyone is gonna have a belt.
All Kenny needs to do is perform well and win fights and get paid. The job is to get paid for fighting, the job is not to be champion.
lots of fighters want to be champs man
"My weight is not enough and strength is not enough either, so I have to take the fight by mastery." - Fedor Emelianenko
something interesting to ponder
humans like kenny florian. when kenny florian makes excuses it;s no big deal.
compare this to other fighters we dislike
Song of the week:: Radiohead - Myxomatosis (Judge, Jury & Executioner) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Assn-iTEYBY (the song)
u guys crack me up..
Hes SO over this sport, cerrone, hrnderson, or 145lb champ …its over johnny, its over!!!
Dear Kenny
Shut up.
I am willing to test myself against the toughest fighters in the world, in front of hundreds of thousands or even millions of fans, over and over again. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose, but I always come to fight. I've been doing this for the past fourteen years, and I have at least a few more strong years left in me. What have you done in the past fourteen years other than act like a moron on this forum and hang on Anderson's nuts? - Dan Henderson.
Dear kenny
you dont even deserve do fight in belltar
Yeah totally man. I mean its not like the guy just fought for a title or anything...psh...
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
by redfox54 on Dec 20, 2011 2:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Kenny is a great fighter
Saying dumb shit like he doesn’t even deserve to fight in bellator reminds us that inbreeding is still a prevalent cultural phenomenon in the world.
"Dutiful servant in the church of Jon Bones Jones. All mercy to his MMA holyness. To you heathens i give my favorite scripture : And as he fell the dragon, the world stood still and those who did not believe now trembled in his presence. The Book of Bones -16 : 1"
by wooly shambler on Dec 20, 2011 3:18 AM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
+2
Though Kenny is done like a dinner. He’s got a much better career in the media or training others from here on in imo.
He still beats most guy at LW but at his age he should think bout moving on in his life.
I have so many good K Flo memories. Very emotional……
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."
- James M. Barrie
No
I have issued my statement. If Chael wins against Silva, im officially the coolest guy on Mania and have the coolest dvd collection. If he loses.....then I shall leave Mania for good....
Florian is elite at LW
All these losers in here that bash on Kenny because he’s had a few title fights that he lost, and turn around and act like he’s not even worthy of being in the UFC aren’t even worthy of being fans you guys are so stupid. This guy has been at the top of the heap at LW for years. He immediately beat a top guy at 145 and fought a good fight against Aldo, and yet you guys bash the guy for losing to Aldo of all people.
Kenny would still beat most top guys at LW right now. He usually always has exciting fights. I hope he fights for several more years. He’s just another great piece to have in the LW division to keep it competitive. Would love to see Kenny fight Guillard, Cerrone, Siver, Pettis, and Dunham.
Yeah, definitely. I am glad he is talking about another title shot to be honest, even if it proves not to come to fruition at least it shows that he still has the drive to compete against the best. Losing motivation can kill any fighters career.
MMA is like a puzzle, it's just a matter of finding a solution to each situation.
Your right man..
Im not a big fan of kenflo but… he has stopped a lot of hype trains in his career… Also If he would’ve fought Diego Sanchez when he was a lightweight.. Diego would have not even had a title shot..
I devise a plan,
I'm in the trunk as she drives the van,
Aint no disguise, Imma die as a man-- Tupac
Oh Kenny - just stop.
You are a good fighter. If you want to assume the role of LW gatekeeper, I’m all for it. But stop disillusioning yourself with dreams of gold strapped around your waist. You had your chance (x3).
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