MMAmania.com - Live stream UFC Fight Night 29 'Maia vs Shields' online results, recaps, videos and more on FOX Sports 1Best UFC website for news, UFC results, fight highlights and UFC schedule, including live streaming updates, breaking MMA news and much more!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49461/mania-f.png2023-12-18T14:17:37-05:00http://www.mmamania.com/rss/stream/45858732023-12-18T14:17:37-05:002023-12-18T14:17:37-05:00Unimpressed Islam Demands ‘Rocky’ Fight
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<img alt="UFC 294: Makhachev v Volkanovski 2" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NBdEqex7H_rwYMJtgUvwEh53EjU=/0x0:5616x3744/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72975820/1748877379.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="qrg9KH">Leon Edwards dominated Colby Covington to retain his welterweight title atop <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/17/24004572/ufc-296-results-biggest-winners-loser-edwards-covington-pantoja-las-vegas-espn-mma">the UFC 296 pay-per-view (PPV) card</a> last weekend in Las Vegas, out-striking and out-wrestling “Chaos” across the better part of five rounds en route to a fairly one-sided unanimous decision win.</p>
<p id="TwGJ1p">Reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was not impressed.</p>
<p id="qGMIUy">“Leon has to be next,” <a href="https://twitter.com/AbadyMMA/status/1736352088961999150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1736352088961999150%7Ctwgr%5Ed139eda2677c2f8e489f6f245edf81588804771e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmmajunkie.usatoday.com%2F2023%2F12%2Fufc-296-islam-makhachev-reaction-opinion-leon-edwards-win-vs-colby-covington-must-change-welterweight-champion-move-up-from-lightweight">Makhachev said backstage during UFC 296</a>. “And also, this fight is bulls—t, man. We have to change the champion.”</p>
<p id="8j82m3">“I will finish both this guy,” he later added on Twitter.</p>
<aside id="7Bqhhg"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Rogan Lambasted For ‘Weird’ Criticism Of ‘Rocky’ Rout","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/18/24006430/fans-lambaste-joe-rogans-weird-criticism-leon-edwards-despite-colby-covington-rout-ufc-296-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="dWvf8O">Makhachev, 32, captured the lightweight crown by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in late 2022, then made consecutive title defenses against current featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski, first at UFC 284 and then again at UFC 294.</p>
<p id="lSIe7l">“I gave a chance to [Volkanovski], so they have to give me a chance, too,” Makhachev previously told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/38558219/islam-makhachev-eyes-welterweight-title-lightweight-defense">ESPN</a>. “I gave a chance to a guy from another division to come to my weight and to try to take this belt, and he lost. I want my chance, too.”</p>
<p id="sOWoqe">Doesn’t sound like UFC CEO Dana White is ready to pull the trigger.</p>
<p id="thZKLQ">“I had lunch with [Makhachev] a couple of days ago and we didn’t really talk about fights,” White said during the UFC 296 post-fight press conference (<a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/16/24004170/video-watch-ufc-296-post-fight-press-conference-live-stream-edwards-covington-pimblett-white-ppv">watch it here</a>). “We talked about family and all kinds of other stuff. So, I don’t know. I’d like to see him stay at 155.”</p>
<aside id="AgZxBn"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Makhachev Will Clear Out Lightweight, Dominate Welterweight","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/2/9/23592774/ufc-welterweights-beware-islam-makhachev-coming-steal-title-after-clearing-out-lightweight-division"}]}'></div></aside><p id="oF7Tia">That should come as a relief to <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/18/24006050/leon-edwards-not-interested-in-fighting-belal-muhammad-for-title-there-are-definitely-other-options">this top welterweight contender</a>, who still has competition <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/17/24004662/shavkat-rakhmonov-title-shot-nomad-leapfrogged-belal-muhammad-subbing-stephen-thompson-ufc-296-mma">in his own weight class</a>. </p>
<p id="dOxD5x">With the holidays looming, don’t expect any major fight announcements for the next few weeks. That said, White and Co. plan to make history with the <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/13/24000416/dana-white-insists-ufc-300-fight-card-so-insane-fans-lose-their-minds-over-first-prelim-of-night-mma">“insane” UFC 300 lineup</a> in April, so it may be too early to rule out Edwards vs. Makhachev, or any other fight for that matter.</p>
<p id="ahWzq8">Stay tuned.</p>
<aside id="zpBw6o"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Sorry Oliveira And Tsarukyan! Makhachev Not Interested In Running It Back","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/10/23995397/sorry-charles-oliveira-and-arman-tsarukyan-islam-makhachev-not-interested-in-rematches"}]}'></div></aside><p id="3k3kMm"><strong>For complete UFC 296 results and live play-by-play updates click </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/16/23996648/ufc-296-results-live-streaming-ppv-play-by-play-updates-edwards-vs-covington-las-vegas-mma"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>. To check out the latest and greatest UFC 296 news, reactions, highlights, and more, be sure to hit up our “Edwards vs. Covington” comprehensive event archive right </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/ufc-296-results-live-stream-fight-card-start-time-date-location-odds-highlights-who-won-edwards-covington-espn-ppv"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/18/24006613/unimpressed-islam-makhachev-demands-leon-edwards-after-expletive-fight-ufc-296-dana-white-weighs-inJesse Holland2023-11-10T08:45:00-05:002023-11-10T08:45:00-05:00Live! UFC 295 Early Weigh Ins Video!
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<img alt="UFC 275 Weigh-in" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s6uBNVW6lZyOA9LE6T45DxVCxz8=/0x0:4578x3052/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72850936/1402135029.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="EgIlkH">Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is just one day away from the upcoming UFC 295 pay-per-view (PPV) event on <a href="http://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/595608/9070?sharedid=MMAMania">ESPN+</a>, scheduled for this Sat. night (Nov. 11, 2023) at Madison Square Garden in New York City. UFC 295 will be headlined by the vacant light heavyweight title fight pitting former 205-pound kingpin Jiri Prochazka against ex-middleweight titleholder Alex Pereira, a five-round showdown that follows the interim heavyweight championship bout between top 265-pound contenders Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall. </p>
<p id="PY0xdm">But before they can fight, they must first weigh in.</p>
<aside id="9NM4Hb"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"UFC 295 Odds, Under Dogs And Best Bets!","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/11/9/23951043/ufc-295-odds-latest-vegas-lines-betting-guide-prochazka-pereira-parlay-underdogs-new-york-sportsbook"}]}'></div></aside><p id="rItEpk">The UFC 295 early (and official) weigh ins will stream <strong>LIVE</strong> from the New York Marriott Marquis in the embedded video above starting promptly at <strong>9 a.m. ET</strong>. The festivities are expected to last roughly two hours but could end much earlier depending on how quickly all 26 fighters get to the scale. Remember, the promotion will also stage the UFC 295 ceremonial weigh ins — complete with fighter staredowns — <strong>LIVE</strong> from The Theater at Madison Square Garden beginning at <strong>5 p.m. ET </strong>right<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/e/23719111"><strong>HERE</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="eBZhSu">Complete UFC 295 early weigh ins text results below:</p>
<aside id="ar8JAp"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"UFC 295 Staredowns!!!","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/videos/2023/11/9/23954534/jiri-prochazka-vs-alex-pereira-staredown-video-from-ufc-295-press-conference-mma-video"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="OUAuau">
<strong>UFC 295 </strong><strong>Main Card On </strong><a href="http://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/595608/9070?sharedid=MMAMania"><strong>ESPN+</strong></a><strong> PPV:</strong>
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<p id="afuFAw">205 lbs.: Jiri Prochazka (204.2) vs. Alex Pereira (204) for vacant light heavyweight title<br>265 lbs.: Tom Aspinall (261.6) vs. Sergei Pavlovich (259.8) for interim heavyweight title<br>115 lbs.: Jessica Andrade (116) vs. Mackenzie Dern (115.6)<br>155 lbs.: Matt Frevola (155.6) vs. Benoit Saint-Denis (156)<br>145 lbs.: Diego Lopes (145.4) vs. Pat Sabatini (145.8)</p>
<h2 id="CLGY9Y">
<strong>UFC 295</strong><strong> ‘Prelims’ Card on ESPNN/</strong><a href="http://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/595608/9070?sharedid=MMAMania"><strong>ESPN+</strong></a><strong>:</strong>
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<p id="0MKbAN">115 lbs.: Loopy Godinez (115) vs. Tabatha Ricci (115.4)<br>125 lbs.: Stephen Erceg (125.6) vs. Alessandro Costa (125.4)<br>155 lbs.: Mateusz Rebecki (155.8) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (158*)<br>155 lbs.: Viacheslav Borshchev (154.8) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (155.6)</p>
<h2 id="hwF333">
<strong>UFC 295</strong><strong> Early ‘Prelims’ Card on </strong><a href="http://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/595608/9070?sharedid=MMAMania"><strong>ESPN+</strong></a><strong>:</strong>
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<p id="J53K7P">155 lbs.: Jared Gordon (155.6) vs. Mark Madsen (154.6)<br>138 lbs.: John Castaneda (137.6) vs. Kyung Ho Kang (138)<br>125 lbs.: Kevin Borjas (125.8) vs. Joshua Van (125.8)<br>145 lbs.: Dennis Buzukja (145.6) vs. Jamall Emmers (147*)</p>
<p id="kYl3VW">*Missed weight</p>
<div id="SYAUC7"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:10598886"></div></div>
<p id="mJTCNB"><a href="http://mmamania.com/"><strong>MMAmania.com</strong></a><strong> will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 295 fight card right </strong><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/e/23714549"><strong>RIGHT HERE</strong></a><strong>, starting with the early </strong><a href="http://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/595608/9070?subId2=[]sb[p]23599128[t]w[r]mmamania.com[d]D&sharedid=MMAMania"><strong>ESPN+</strong></a><strong> “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPNN/</strong><a href="http://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/595608/9070?subId2=[]sb[p]23599128[t]w[r]mmamania.com[d]D&sharedid=MMAMania"><strong>ESPN+</strong></a> <strong>at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on </strong><a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/595608/9070?subId2=[]sb[p]23599128[t]w[r]google.com[d]D&subId1=SBNMMAManiaUFC287040823"><strong>ESPN+</strong></a><strong> PPV.</strong></p>
<p id="GvGuL5">To check out the latest and greatest UFC 295: “Prochazka vs. Pereira” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/ufc-295-results-live-stream-fight-card-start-time-date-location-odds-highlights-who-won-pereira-prochazka-espn-nyc-ppv">here</a>. For the updated and finalized UFC 295 fight card and <a href="http://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/595608/9070?subId2=[]sb[p]23599128[t]w[r]mmamania.com[d]D&sharedid=MMAMania">ESPN+</a> lineup click <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/9/19/23879821/latest-ufc-295-fight-card-ppv-lineup-jiri-pereira-aspinall-pavlovich-nov-11-new-york-mma">here</a>.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2023/11/10/23955054/ufc-295-early-weigh-ins-video-live-results-stream-jiri-prochazka-vs-alex-pereira-msg-ny-mmaJesse Holland2013-10-11T00:30:02-04:002013-10-11T00:30:02-04:00Video: Watch White Cut Palhares On ESPN
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q0irdCgIIPpboCpe1kbvRwNNKew=/0x0:600x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20976715/gyi0063025142.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael Cohen</figcaption>
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<p>Rousimar Palhares was recently cut by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Here is the video of company president Dana White going public with the decision on ESPN.</p> <p>After <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/147629/ufc-fight-night-29-maia-vs-shields">UFC Fight Night 29</a> concluded from Jose Correa Arena in Barueri, Brazil, Wednesday night (Oct. 9, 2013), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) officials were left wondering what to do with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122564/rousimar-palhares">Rousimar Palhares</a> following his submission victory over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129238/mike-pierce">Mike Pierce</a>.</p>
<p>The decision didn't take very long as "Toquinho" was cut from the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization earlier today (<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/10/4825376/ufc-fight-night-29-rousimar-palhares-cut-by-ufc-mike-pierce-heel-hook-mma">full details here</a>).</p>
<p>Company President <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191797/dana-white">Dana White</a> broke the news during an interview with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYfe07LVDW4&feature=youtu.be">ESPN's Jeremy Schaap</a>, during which he compares the ugly situation to the first<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2012/6/22/3109521/paul-daley-josh-koscheck-ufc-sucker-punch-dana-white-bellator-mma"> "unsportsmanlike conduct"</a> <span>that involved </span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122574/paul-daley" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Paul Daley</a>, who sucker punched <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122582/josh-koscheck" class="sbn-auto-link">Josh Koscheck</a> after the bell.</p>
<p>Daley's situation resulted in a<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/26/4559516/ufc-bellator-cuts-paul-daley-maiquel-falcao-following-overseas-assaults-mma"> lifetime ban</a>. <span>And based on White's current tone in the video above, it appears that Palhares will face the same fate ... even if he claims he "</span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/11/4825998/ufc-alum-rousimar-palhares-i-never-meant-to-hurt-anyone">never meant to hurt anyone</a><span>." Does the punishment fit the crime or is the Brazilian </span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Welterweight</a><span> simply being used as an unfair example?</span></p>
<p>Let's hear your take in the comments section below.</p>
<p><strong>For more news, notes and reactions from UFC Fight Night 29, including fight video highlights and play-by-play coverage of all the action from Brazil, check out our "Maia vs. Shields" live coverage story stream by clicking </strong><a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/9/4822096/results-demian-maia-vs-jake-shields-full-fight-updates-live-online-ufc-fight-night-29-brazil"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
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https://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/11/4825658/video-dana-white-announces-rousimar-palhares-cut-ufc-heel-hook-espnC.J. Tuttle2013-10-11T00:00:18-04:002013-10-11T00:00:18-04:00Palhares Responds: 'I Would Never Be Evil'
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pA9bXO9exmqdTjAjGpfhltsz-Kc=/0x54:4000x2721/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20985161/20131009_ajl_ooo_324.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Following all the news that came out today regarding Rousimar Palhares and his history of deliberately trying to hurt his opponents, "Toquinho" took to Twitter to defend himself.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122564/rousimar-palhares" class="sbn-auto-link">Rousimar Palhares</a> was released from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc" class="sbn-auto-link">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) earlier this afternoon following the heel hook heard round the world last night at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/147629/ufc-fight-night-29-maia-vs-shields" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC Fight Night 29</a>.</p>
<p><b>For more on the decision to cut "Toquinho" click <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/10/4825376/ufc-fight-night-29-rousimar-palhares-cut-by-ufc-mike-pierce-heel-hook-mma" target="_blank">here.</a></b></p>
<p>Palhares's unfortunate choice to not release his submission hold on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129238/mike-pierce" class="sbn-auto-link">Mike Pierce</a> -- despite furious taps from the American fighter and the referee's physical intervention (<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/9/4822102/video-rousimar-palhares-heel-hook-submission-mike-pierce-ufc-fight-night-29-brazil" target="_blank">watch it here</a><span>) -- has snowballed from </span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191797/dana-white" class="sbn-auto-link" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Dana White</a><span> saying there would be "</span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/10/4822670/ufc-fight-night-29-rousimar-palhares-investigation-heel-hook-mike-pierce-brazil-mma">additional punishment</a><span>" to his unceremonious ouster.</span></p>
<p>For his part, Palhares has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal even though this is not the <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2010/3/29/1395089/ufc-quick-quote-rousimar-palhares" target="_blank">first rodeo</a> for the troubled<span> </span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/middleweight" class="sbn-auto-link" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Middleweight</a><span>. In fact</span><span>, Palhares briefly took to Twitter this afternoon to share his side of the story.</span></p>
<p>His message, which has since been deleted:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3368311/1382279_10151954574094479_626909845_n.jpg"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3368311/1382279_10151954574094479_626909845_n_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="1382279_10151954574094479_626909845_n_medium"></a></p>
<p>Perhaps Palhares is indeed sincere; however, actions in mixed martial arts (MMA) typically speak louder than words. For whatever reason, he is a danger to his opponents after the action is stopped. And the promotion is clearly no longer interested in employing such a puzzling -- and unpredictable -- liability.</p>
<p>The good news is that it doesn't appear Pierce suffered any major structural damage. And the even better news is that he -- and the rest of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight" class="sbn-auto-link">Welterweight</a> division -- will no longer have to be concerned about sustaining senseless, and avoidable, injuries because one man can't get the rules right.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/11/4825998/ufc-alum-rousimar-palhares-i-never-meant-to-hurt-anyoneC.J. Tuttle2013-10-10T20:00:02-04:002013-10-10T20:00:02-04:00Seriously! Fabio Maldonado Calls Out Chael Sonnen
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FctQo1KxbyI1VFHwY_vM2h6NJS8=/0x158:4000x2825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20961107/20131009_ajl_ooo_351.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Fabio Maldonado isn't looking for an easy payday in his next outing, as the scrappy Brazilian eyes a fight against either Chael Sonnen or James Te Huna, following his recent win over Joey Beltran at UFC Fight Night 29. </p> <p>He doesn't have the best track record inside the Octagon, but that didn't stop <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/123013/fabio-maldonado" class="sbn-auto-link">Fabio Maldonado</a> from calling out one of the top dogs on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc" class="sbn-auto-link">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) roster.</p>
<p>Fresh off his split-decision victory over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122486/joey-beltran" class="sbn-auto-link">Joey Beltran</a> at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/147629/ufc-fight-night-29-maia-vs-shields" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC Fight Night 29</a>, which went down last night (Oct. 9, 2013) in Barueri, Sao Paulo, Brazil (recap <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/9/4822078/ufc-fight-night-29-results-fabrio-maldonado-wins-split-decision-joey-beltran">here</a>), the scrappy Brazilian took the mic during the <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/9/4822552/ufc-fight-night-29-post-fight-press-conference-live-stream-video">post-fight press conference</a> to challenge none other than former two-time No.1 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/middleweight" class="sbn-auto-link">middleweight</a> contender <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122570/chael-sonnen" class="sbn-auto-link">Chael Sonnen</a> to a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/light-heavyweight" class="sbn-auto-link">light heavyweight</a> fight.</p>
<p>As a back-up plan, the Brazilian bomber says he would also settle for a fight against heavy-hitting <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129579/james-te-huna" class="sbn-auto-link">James Te Huna</a>.</p>
<p>His words:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"Of course I'm serious. I would love to fight Chael Sonnen. I would like to fight James Te Huna. James Te Huna is a great striker and Chael, a lot of people think he would kill my game and that he would be able to tie me up, but I am very well-trained. I count on my friend (<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122560/demian-maia" class="sbn-auto-link">Demian Maia</a> ) and all of his people and I can turn it around. It's hard for you to see my ju-jitsu. I know I'm injured, but I can turn it around. If it's James Te Huna, I can do well, also. I think he's (Sonnen) a good fighter and I think he is good for the sport, I'm his fan. He is good for the sport because he says a lot of truth. Of course, sometimes he crosses the line and some things I don't agree with him, but I think he is very good for the sport. I think a fighter can't be afraid to say things. You might not agree with what I'm saying, but, this is me, this is what it is going to be like." </i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>While a fight against Sonnen is highly unlikely, at least right now, a more realistic option for Maldonado would be a scrap against Te Huna later on down the road.</p>
<p>For now, both Sonnen and Te Huna have bigger fish to fry as "The American Gangster" is lined up to take on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122510/rashad-evans" class="sbn-auto-link">Rashad Evans</a> in the co-main event of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/142181/ufc-167-st-pierre-vs-hendricks" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC 167</a> on Nov. 16, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada, while James has his hands full against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122520/mauricio-rua" class="sbn-auto-link">Mauricio Rua</a> at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/154709/ufc-fight-night-33" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC Fight Night 33</a> on Dec. 7, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.</p>
<p>Fabio's win over "The Mexicutioner" was his second straight, defeating <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/144150/roger-hollett" class="sbn-auto-link">Roger Hollett</a> at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/124075/ufc-on-fx-8-belfort-vs-rockhold" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC on FX 8</a> earlier this year. Prior to his current winning streak, Maldonado had dropped three straight, bringing his total record inside the Octagon to an even 3-3.</p>
<p>What's your opinion, Maniacs, who should Fabio get next? Can you appreciate his willingness to call out Sonnen, or is he biting off more than he can chew by picking a fight against "The American Gangster?"</p>
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https://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/10/4824490/ufc-fight-night-29-fabio-maldonado-calls-out-chael-sonnen-james-tehuna-mmaAdam Guillen2013-10-10T18:00:04-04:002013-10-10T18:00:04-04:00Breakdown! Shields Grinds Out Maia In A War
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bGkQpr4N0uMtPrNpFs5pvvdglOY=/0x192:4000x2859/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20933345/20131009_ajl_ooo_291.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The odds were stacked against Jake Shields heading into last night's (Oct. 9, 2013) UFC Fight Night 29 main event against Demian Maia in Brazil. Apparently Shields didn't get the memo, taking home a hard-fought decision in a grueling war. Check out our breakdown of his grinding performance!</p> <p>Top-ranked <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight">welterweight</a> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122560/demian-maia">Demian Maia</a> had the opportunity to make waves in his home state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, when he faced <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122567/jake-shields">Jake Shields</a> in the main event of last night's (October 9, 2013) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/147629/ufc-fight-night-29-maia-vs-shields">UFC Fight Night 29</a> event on FOX Sports 1.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, his bid to remain undefeated in the 170-pound division didn't go quite as planned.</p>
<p>The fight delivered a highly-skilled grappling war between two of the best submission artists in mixed martial arts (MMA), but Maia ultimately ended up on the wrong side of a split decision.</p>
<p>Shields' American jiu-jitsu proved superior to its Brazilian counterpart. He will receive a much-needed boost up the rankings after falling out of the top 10. Maia proved to be a tough combatant, but the story of this bout was Shields' repeated ground reversals.</p>
<p>To many, it may have appeared to be a boring match, and with numerous restarts prompted by the referee, they may have had a point at times. But those who truly appreciate the ground aspect of MMA would likely disagree.</p>
<p>Shields and Maia are two masters who put on an impressive back-and-forth match at UFN 29. Let's break down how the former Strikeforce champ pulled off the huge upset at Jose Correa Gymnasium.</p>
<p>Maia looked to display his underrated wrestling skills early on, gaining a hard-fought takedown that Shields reversed. Maia used his top-notch ground game to take Shields' back, who responded with another reversal that had him in top position. Shields ended the round scoring points with strikes that appeared to do little damage.</p>
<p>The clinch work of Shields was great throughout, completely neutralizing Maia's offense at times. Shields also smothered him with a relentlessly effective top game, and while his ground-and-pound never had Maia in danger of being stopped, it scored a ton of points.</p>
<p>Maia kicked off the third round by backing Shields up with some hard lefts, transitioning into a successful takedown. The trend of the night continued when Shields countered position yet again, landing on top to control the remainder of the round.</p>
<p>The pace slowed in the fourth, with Maia doing a ton of work in the clinch and on the ground to a few restarts. Maia seemed to have the edge in the round. As the final frame began, Shields appeared to be a bit gassed with a sizable mouse under his eye. He fought on to look for endless takedowns.</p>
<p>Maia withstood these late attempts as the two continued their chess match of position. Shields had no power on his strikes, and Maia landed some shots that backed him up to end the contest.</p>
<p>It was a close fight that came down to a split decision, and it's an absolute huge victory for Shields. If not for his win over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129943/ed-herman">Ed Herman</a> at UFC 150 being changed to a No Contest, Shields would be on a four-fight winning streak and most likely ranked in or around the top five of his division.</p>
<p>Instead, he's likely on his way into the top 10 thanks to his grappling-heavy style. He hasn't been winning with any flash, but it's hard to argue with his effectiveness after a win over a quality opponent like Maia in hostile territory.</p>
<p>With many of the top welterweights booked right now, perhaps a rematch with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129201/jake-ellenberger">Jake Ellenberger</a> -- who knocked Shields out at UFC Fight Night 25 -- would make sense. Shields was dealing with the death of his father at the time and may want a chance to prove that loss was a fluke.</p>
<p>Maia will have to go back to the drawing board after his first loss at welterweight.</p>
<p>A ton of praise had been heaped upon him and he was discussed as a future title contender. It's a disheartening loss because Shields never had him in any serious trouble of being finished, he just controlled him. The fight could have easily gone his way, so Maia shouldn't take too much of a hit from the loss.</p>
<p>He'll receive a slight step down in competition and still provides an incredibly tough out for the majority of the division.</p>
<p><i>Jake Shields impressed with his grinding decision win over Demian Maia. Was it enough to put him back towards the top of a talented UFC welterweight division?</i></p>
<p><b>For more news, notes and reactions from UFC Fight Night 29, including fight video highlights and play-by-play coverage of all the action from Brazil, check out our "Maia vs. Shields" live coverage story stream by clicking <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/9/4822096/results-demian-maia-vs-jake-shields-full-fight-updates-live-online-ufc-fight-night-29-brazil">here</a>.</b></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/10/4822850/ufc-fight-night-29-results-recap-jake-shields-vs-demian-maia-fightMichael Drahota2013-10-10T17:44:34-04:002013-10-10T17:44:34-04:00Peace Out! Rousimar Palhares Released By UFC
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<figcaption>Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Rousimar Palhares has been cut by UFC officials following his unsportsmanlike conduct at UFC Fight Night 29, failing to release a heel hook on Mike Pierce after he tapped multiple times.</p> <p>Aside from being <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/9/4822586/ufc-fight-night-29-bonuses-and-awards-dong-hyun-kim-knockout-earns-50k">$50,000 short</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122564/rousimar-palhares" class="sbn-auto-link">Rousimar Palhares</a>, it seems, will have to find another mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion to call home.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/JeremySchaap/status/388403602022088704">ESPN's Jeremy Schaap</a> is reporting that "Toquinho" has been cut by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc" class="sbn-auto-link">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) following his unsportsmanlike conduct at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/147629/ufc-fight-night-29-maia-vs-shields" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC Fight Night 29</a>, last night (Oct. 10, 2013) in Barueri, Sao Paulo, Brazil during his fight against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129238/mike-pierce" class="sbn-auto-link">Mike Pierce</a>.</p>
<p>The submission specialist locked in his patented heel hook on Pierce 25 seconds into the bout which forced a quick tap. However, Rousimar was not as quick to let the hold go <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/9/4822102/video-rousimar-palhares-heel-hook-submission-mike-pierce-ufc-fight-night-29-brazil">(watch it again here</a>). In fact, the referee on duty had to physically force the stocky Brazilian to break.</p>
<p>As a result, Rousimar -- who was making his <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight" class="sbn-auto-link">welterweight</a> debut -- no longer has a place in UFC and according to Schaap, will likely never fight inside the Octagon again.</p>
<p>This isn't the first time he's held on to a submission a bit too long.</p>
<p>In 2010, during his fight against Tomasz Drwal at UFC 111, Palhares, yet again, refused to let go of the fight-winning heel hook in a timely manner, which resulted in a 90-day suspension from the New Jersey State Athletic Commission (NJSAC).<br><br>The following year, Palhares failed to let go of a heel hook against David Avellan during an Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) match (see it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FohRibjEbgI">here</a>) which resulted in a restart. Regardless, Palhares won a few minutes later via...you guessed it, a heel hook; leaving Avellan on the mat in visible pain.</p>
<p>And compared to his 2010 suspension, this punishment for his latest transgression was much more severe.</p>
<p>How's that for sending a message?<br><br>UPDATE: <i>According to <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/10/10/4825310/dana-white-rousimar-palhares-banned-from-the-ufc">MMA Fighting</a>, UFC officials confirmed that Rousimar has been "released," not "banned" as originally reported.</i></p>
<p><b>For more news, notes and reactions from UFC Fight Night 29, including fight video highlights and play-by-play coverage of all the action from Brazil, check out our "Maia vs. Shields" live coverage story stream by clicking <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/9/4822096/results-demian-maia-vs-jake-shields-full-fight-updates-live-online-ufc-fight-night-29-brazil" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/10/4825376/ufc-fight-night-29-rousimar-palhares-cut-by-ufc-mike-pierce-heel-hook-mmaAdam Guillen2013-10-10T17:00:41-04:002013-10-10T17:00:41-04:00Pic: Demian Maia Vs. Jake Shields Official Split Decision Scorecards From UFC Fight Night 29 In Brazil<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V6A5zQFULYMRRqyQG2q_3JbuCA8=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/307533/maia-shields.jpg" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>The Welterweight main event between Demian Maia vs. Jake Shields last night (Oct. 9, 2013) at UFC Fight Night 29, which took place at Jose Correa Gymnasium in Barueri, Brazil, <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/10/4822860/demian-maia-vs-jake-shields-fight-metric-report-ufc-fight-night-29-main-event" target="new">was indeed that close</a>. And now we have photo evidence, which proves that the judges were all over the place, with inconsistent round-by-round scores. Indeed, only two of the five rounds were scored unanimously for either fighter. Did the judges simply "<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/10/4823866/ufc-fight-night-29-results-demian-maia-jake-shields-scorecards-judges-decision-brazil-mma" target="new">not show up</a>" or was it really that split? For much more on "Maia vs. Shields" click <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/9/4822096/results-demian-maia-vs-jake-shields-full-fight-updates-live-online-ufc-fight-night-29-brazil" target="new">here</a>, <a href="http://mmamania.com/2013/10/9/4822656/demian-maia-vs-jake-shields-full-fight-video-highlights-online-from-ufc-fight-night-29" target="new">here</a> and <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/9/4711676/ufc-fight-night-29-results-live-online-fight-stream-coverage-fox-sports-1-maia-shields-brazil-mma" target="new">here</a>. Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/guicruzzz" target="new">@guicruzzz</a> for the image.</p></p></div>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/10/4825292/pic-demian-maia-vs-jake-shields-official-split-decision-scorecardsThomas Myers