MMASucka

CHICAGO, Ill. (December 5, 2011) — After a historic fifth season that saw Michael Chandler capture the Bellator Lightweight Title in a four-round classic that many critics labeled fight-of-the-year, and Eduardo Dantas, Douglas Lima and Alexander Shlemenko all earning tournament championships, Bellator will open their sixth season on Friday, March 2nd from a soon to be announced location. The premiere will mark the first time Bellator has aired on Friday nights.

“Our focus was to find the right night, where the largest number of MMA fans could enjoy the show,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “We’ve been discussing this move with our partners at Viacom for months. When we looked at the alternatives, we agreed that Fridays provided a great night for us to reach MMA fans with our live, real sport, tournament events every week.”

Bellator’s Season 6 will feature five tournaments, each loaded with world-class talent from across the globe as well the potential for six World Title fights.

In arguably the deepest division within Bellator, eight featherweights will go to battle looking to earn their right to challenge for the belt.

The lightweights are back, and will be gunning for newly crowned Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler after his fight of the year with Eddie Alvarez (Watch Here: http://bit.ly/uoaoCE).

Fresh off a welterweight tournament that saw Douglas Lima punch his ticket to a guaranteed title shot against reigning Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren, eight 170 pounders will compete to earn their title shot against the winner of this tremendous world title fight, and Middleweights collide as the promotion searches for a challenger to take on the winner of Lombard vs. Shlemenko II for the Bellator Middleweight Title. Bellator Season Five Tournament winner Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko will battle Lombard during Season 6 in a rematch of their third season showdown where Lombard successfully defended his title with a unanimous decision victory.

A fifth tournament will also be featured in Season 6 with an announcement coming shortly.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

By Nick King

On May 14, 2011 Michael Chandler won the Bellator lightweight tournament which awarded him $100,000 and a shot at the lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez. The number one contender was expected to face Alvarez at Bellator 54 however Alvarez pulled out due to an undisclosed injury. Chandler will now get his long awaited shot at the belt on November 19, 2011 at Bellator 58.

“It’s been 6 to 7 months now, so i’m anxious to get into the cage, go out there and perform. I kind of step it up every single time i perform and showcase more and more skills. I’ve matured in 6 to 7 months as a mixed martial artist. Eddie pulled out of the first fight due to injury, but that was fine as i got an extra month to become better. I don’t want to go out and fight an injured Eddie Alvarez, because i don’t want to leave any questions in anyones mind. I want him at 100% so it doesn’t take anything away from the win i’m gonna get this weekend.”

Eddie Alvarez is the Bellator Lightweight Champion and is ranked as on of the top 5 lightweights in the world by many in the MMA media. You would think this would phase most of his opponents, but it doesn’t phase Chandler at all.

“I like Eddie as a fight. I’ve said it before, he is the type of fighter we need in the sport. He goes out there and puts on exciting fights. He keeps a high pace and pushes the fight. He’s always trying to finish fights, so he’s definitely a guys that i’ve been looking forward to fighting since i signed with Bellator. It’s a great opportunity for me being a young fighter. I’ve only been in the sport for two years and being able to fight a top 5 or top 10 lightweight in Alvarez. I’m gonna give him more of a fight than he has ever had before. Not many people have really put the pressure on him and really brought the fight to him. A lot of guys fight tentatively and they let Eddie have his way with them. Eddie’s always moving forward and his opponents moving back. In this fight i’m going to always be moving forward and always putting the pressure on him. I’m always going to be in his face, for one, five, twenty five minutes or however long this fight goes. I want to go out there and really push the pace and keep the pressure on him, like he has never had in his career in my opinion.”

Chandler’s past few fights have gone to the judges score cards. With the way judges have scored fights these days you never really know how that will play out. Dont worry with this fight though, he is looking to get in there and have his way with Eddie Alvarez.

“Obviously i can’t ever predict what’s going to happen in a fight. All i know is i’m coming out singing, i’m punching, kicking, picking him up, slamming him and just beating him up. Whatever happens, happens, I’m not looking for a knockout, i’m not looking for a submission, but i am definitely going out there to finish the fight.”

Most fighters fight a few times a year. Chandler has fought 5 times in just over twelve months, this upcoming fight with Alvarez being his sixth. His record going into the fight with Alvarez is 8-0.

“Right when i signed with Bellator they were going to give me two fights within the first two or three months. Then a couple months later i was going to hop in the tournament and get three fights in three months. I’ve only been signed with them (Bellator) for a year, but this is already my sixth fight under contract. That’s why i like Bellator.”

Being a fighter that is undefeated, you would think that there is a fear of losing. Not for Chandler, he has that get in there and fight attitude and if you lose you lose.

“Honestly it doesn’t matter, if i lose i lose. All i can do is go out there and fight hard. Of course i’m joking by saying “If i lose i lose”, but honestly it doesn’t really matter. I don’t let the pressure get to me. The world doesn’t end if i go out there and lose. I train to win and go out and fight my hardest. I’m going out there to win and i am going to win. There’s no fear in failure, because if you foxus on the fear it’s going to hold you back. I’m almost 100% positive i’m going to win so it doesn’t matter.”

Chandler has been on a very strict diet heading into this title fight eating only chicken and vegetables. Have you ever wondered what a fighter craves? What he wants to eat the minute he steps off the scale, or immediately following the fight?

“I’ve been on a strict chicken and vegetable diet these last couple of weeks and it’s been pretty monotonous. I enjoy eating healthy, but definitely after weigh-ins i’ve got it all planned out. There’s a Chipolte’s a couple of miles from our hotel so we’re gonna eat Chipolte (Chicken and Rice). After the fight, i’ve been craving some pizza.”

To see what an 8-0 fighter looks like check out Bellator Fighting Championships this Saturday November 19, 2011. The main event will be an unbelievable fight between Michael Chandler and Eddie Alvarez for the Lightweight Championship.

Make sure you follow Michael on Twitter. (@MikeChandlerMMA) Listen to the full interview below…

Photo by Evan Shoman

Nick King of MMASucka had a chance to catch up with Ben “Killa B” Saunders prior to his Bellator fight with Douglas Lima this Saturday evening. Saunders gives details on his “Killa B” guard, his upcoming fight against Lima, his plans for the future and of course Bruce Lee.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – How are you doing Ben?

Ben Saunders – I’m doing good bro. Trained my ass off, just finishing off my packing and about to take my plane flight to Canada tomorrow and make this happen and get this fight said and done with.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – Glad to see Bellator coming across the border to Canada.

Ben Saunders – Absolutely, Canada is probably the biggest hotspot for MMA. The fans out there are huge and supportive of the sport. I’m really looking forward to fighting live in front of them

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – On Twitter you said if you get to 12,000 followers you’ve promised to do what this Saturday?

Ben Saunders – A Tiger Uppercut man. Complimentary of my head instructor, Sagat.

FOLLOW BEN SAUNDERS ON TWITTER @bensaundersmma

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – If we hit 10,000 can we get a Tiger Knee

Ben Saunders – Absolutely, that’ll probably be inevitable. I’d be happy to give that a shot and just blitz it through him.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – You’re on a four fight win streak, if you win this Saturday at Bellator 57 you will get a shot at Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren. What are your thoughts on Askren?

Ben Saunders – He’s a very talented and skilled opponent. He’s probably the best-credentialed wrestler in MMA in my opinion. He’s like a two time Olympian or something like that. He’s definitely got the wrestling and that’s been my blue print and my kryptonite if you will, you know dealing with high-class wrestlers. If that fight comes up I’ll be excited to show how much I’ve upped my game and I’ve worked on my weaknesses and test myself against one of the best.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – Prior to that, you will be taking on Douglas Lima who has a strong ground game like yourself. How do you see this fight going down?

Ben Saunders – I think it’s probably going to go down everywhere. There’s no telling what can happen, but I think it’s going to start on the feet. Everyone knows I am a big fan of that and I’m definitely going to be doing my best to finish the fight on the feet. If it happens to go to the ground or he takes it to the ground, I’m trying to win by any means necessary. If he takes me down I’m going to be looking for the submission. It’d be huge to get a submission on someone of his level. It’d be huge to get a knockout of someone of his level. It’s an honor to fight him; he’s one of my teammates. We haven’t really trained together, we just know of each other. We got to meet through Bellator, he’s out in Atlanta and I’m in Florida. Two of the best in the world are going to be throwing down and the fans are definitely going to get what they’re looking for. I can’t wait.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – It sounds like you don’t care where this fight goes.

Ben Saunders – Bring it! I’m down for whatever it is. I’m willing to scrap wherever it takes place. I’m trying to finish; I’m trying to fight.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – If the UFC were to call prior to a Bellator title shot, what would your answer be?

Ben Saunders  – Show me the money! Nah, to be honest, I’m under contract to Bellator so it doesn’t really matter. They won’t be calling, they won’t be writing. They’ll probably say congratulations and good luck and all of that. I’ve got no ill will towards them and they’ve got none towards me. It’s just business, I don’t think we have an issue with each other at all. I think they’re happy for the success in my career and so am I. I’m with Bellator and I’m looking to do big things while with Bellator. For everyone that doesn’t know Viacom just bought Bellator and they’re working on some stuff for their UK Broadcasting, so they’ve got the ball rolling and this is going to blow the hell up. It’s like a tsunami coming; I’m just riding the wave.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – You showed off a “Killa B” guard in your last fight against Luis Santos, explain it.

Ben Saunders  – It’s just what I do. I’ve never come up with a name for it; it’s just a style and a system that I’ve created. It works very well for me and I’ve created a system where I can utilize it as a go to and as a counter. I’ve been working my jiu jitsu game like crazy and I’ve been trying to up every aspect. Sweep, submit or stand back up, those are my three options and I just keep trying to add to the moves to accomplish one of those three tasks. The fact that Eddie Bravo mentioned it and also saw the creativity and skill that I put into that control and that technique was huge. I’m a big Eddie Bravo follower and a fan; I love the rubber guard, as in the style and the system he came up with.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – Have you seen any good movies lately?

Ben Saunders  – The last one I saw in theatres was that robot movie with Wolverine. It was pretty good. It was like a rock em sock em, virtual thing using robots to fight each other. It was pretty good, I didn’t even realize it was a Disney flick and it was PG-13. (REAL STEEL)

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – What’s in your ipod?

Ben Saunders – Recently I’ve been listening to the new Kanye (West) and Jay-Z and I went a little old school been jamming to Lil Wayne (The Carter II), that album is the fucking bomb. That’s old school for me, that’s when I was like grinding shitty jobs. There’s a time and a place for every kind of emotion and every kind of music.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – Have you heard of Round 5 Collectables? Have you seen their Bruce Lee line?

Ben Saunders – I might have saw something, I think someone posted something on one of my Facebooks. Dude, I am all for it man. They do good work at Round 5 and for me, I’m just happy that Bruce Lee is getting the recognition that he deserves. That was one of my to do lists, was when you make it in the sport you better let it be known how you got there, because everyone was getting lost in the mix of the Royce Gracie’s and the Ken Shamrock’s. Martial Arts wouldn’t have even been in the United States if it weren’t for Bruce Lee. The whole 70’s and 80’s craze of Karate and Tae Kwan Do would have never even occurred if it wasn’t for him, he broke the boundaries. One of the first to ever teach foreigners, he was one of the first to even come up with idea of questioning traditional martial arts and whether there was a better way or better techniques or tactics. Things should be different depending on your skill level, your size, your strength, your speed, your agility and everyone’s crazy, the guy was a genius. One of the biggest arguments that has been off or on was how would Bruce Lee do in the UFC and I think that question is irrelevant because he would be so old now. If you say in his prime, then he would destroy everybody because nobody knew how to be a mixed martial artist but him back then. If you want to say how he would do in his prime now, then he may not do as well because everyone has what he has accomplished and made so mainstream. They’ve had the knowledge to see the Royce Gracie’s, the Ken Shamrock’s and wake the fuck up and see what a real fight is. I’d guarantee to say this, he’d be top 3 to top 5 in the world of an MMA coach, there’s no doubt about that. I’d bet that motherfucker could breed champions like crazy because he just had the knowledge and the intelligence to get through to his students.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – How many people would like to join his club?

Ben Saunders – Yeah, then I would be his goon where he’d be like, “Yo we gotta weed out all the schmucks!” Fucking sick me on them.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – You’ve told us a lot about the fight, tell your fans something that they may not know.

Ben Saunders – I am a fraternal twin. I have a brother and we are actually so fraternal, more than anything because we actually had two different birthdays. He was born on April 12 at 11:58pm and I was born on April 13 at 12:02am. That’s probably that no one ever realizes, that there is possibly two of me running around. We are so fraternal as I said that we have two different birthdays, which is pretty much unheard of. We are absolutely nothing alike, he is extremely passive, he doesn’t like fighting and I am obviously the opposite. The other thing is that I almost didn’t survive; he was apparently choking me with his umbilical cord while I was still inside. When I came out I came out blue and I almost didn’t survived to be here today. Maybe he was a fighter and became passive because he’s dealing with karma because of that; or maybe that’s just why I’m so fucking pissed and aggressive all the time. You know and pretty much have that fighter’s mentality, because I was pretty much born fighting through just to survive and it’s in my blood.

Nick King (MMASucka.com) – On that note, Ben is a fighter, he was born a fighter and made it. He is here to do some damage this Saturday at Bellator 57 in Ontario, Canada. Good luck, and are there are any sponsors or anyone you want to shout out?

Ben Saunders – Definitely, first I want to thank American Top Team and I want to thank all my coaches and teammates for helping me prepare for all my fights. They put in the time and energy to help me up my game and really push me and help me fight through it just to come out on top. Big thanks to Paul Rodriguez my main and head instructor. Obviously Ricardo Liboro and Dan Lambert of ATT. I want to thank Yoked Up Apparel, my main sponsor. Everybody show your support and represent man. Go buy yourself an official “Killa B” Walkout T-Shirt at yokedupapparel.com. Hit me up on Twitter @BenSaundersMMMA. You can actually go to my website it has my twitter, my facebook and it’s a way to contact me. The website is BenSaundersMMA.com.

Bellator Fighting Championships 49
September 10, 2011
Caesar’s Atlantic City
Atlantic City, NJ

Last evening, Bellator Fighting Championships kicked off their season 5 at Caesar’s Atlantic City.  The first card of the season featured the quarterfinals of the welterweight division.  Although 3 of the 4 main card fights went to decision, each fighter did their best to prove they are worthy of a shot at the title versus the winner of Ben Askren Vs. Jay Heron.

Chris Lozano def. Brent Weedman via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

In the first round, Weedman came out with a frantic pace and dropped Lozano with a punch 10 seconds in to the fight.  Lozano was no rocked but was swarmed by Weedman attempting to take his back.  When back to standing, each fighter scored big throws, which shake the ring.  Weedman finished the last 2 minutes of the round with a triangle back mount on fighting for a rear naked choke.

After clearly losing the first round, Lozano decided to keep the second round standing lands several great power shots including two punches from the clinch that momentarily daze Weedman.

Lozano did 2 spinning back fists at the top of the third round, missing the first but landing the second. Lozano won the rest of the round with a close key lock attempt, and wining most of the scrambles that ensue during the round.

With this win Chris Lozano rebounds from his last Bellator loss against Lyman Good and extends his current winning streak to 3.

Ben Saunders def. Chris Cisneros via TKO at 0:29 Round 3

Chirs Cisneros was a last minute replacement for injured decorated judoka Rick Hawn.

The first round started with the larger and taller Saunders dominated Cisneros with solid top position and ground and pound.   Cisneros was able to reverse the position in the last minute but was unable to produce any significant offense and finished the round in Saunders’ triangle at the bell.

In the second round Cisneros did a belly to back take down but Saunders threatened a rolling kneebar forcing Cisneros to give up position.   Mid round Saunders established a side mount and threatened a Kimura that opened up Cisneros for 5 big knees to the side and shoulder of Cisneros.  Cisneros showed lots of resiliency in squirming out of Saunders dangerous submission game.

The last round started with a Cisneros came out aggressively as he was aware that he was behind on rounds and needed a finish to win the fight.  Saunder’s took advantage of the aggression and obtained a Thai clinch and drop Cisneros with knees and caused the referee to stop the fight for the TKO by strikes.

This is the third win in a row, and the second TKO finish in a row for the Ultimate Fighter alumni.

Luis Santos def. Dan Hornbuckle via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

The first round was all standing as the fighters stayed in a feeling out stage until the last minute of the round when Santos scores with a big jumping head kick and a take down.  Santos finishes the round throwing heavy leg kicks that steal the round.

In the second and the third round Santos gives more of the same stand up picking his shots and standing just outside of Hornbuckle’s jab.  Hornbuckle was frustrated as he was unable to create any brawling exchanges.  The few times the fight went to the ground, the fight was stood up for inactivity.

Luis Santos is now on a 10 fight unbeaten streak since 2009.

Douglas Lima def. Steve Carl via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

This was Steve Carl’s first fight since a bad car accident that caused him to pull out of his last year’s quarter final fight against jay heron.

Lima survived a scare at the beginning of the first round when a huge right hand to the top of the head was landed by Carl that drops him to the canvas.  Lima took down Carl and sat in Carl’s guard until he regained his bearings. Lima finished the round getting the better of the ground positions.

Steve Carl started the second round with a failed heel hook attempt and ends up in bottom position.  Carl was able to stifle most of the ground and pound by treating a triangle forcing scrambles to keep the fight standing.  Lima however this time was able to get the better of the exchanges.  Lima rode out the round in top position after a failed double leg attempted from Carl.

The third round was almost all Lima in top position peppering Carl with strikes from guard and side mount.  Carl was able to gain top position at the last minute of the fight but unable to produce enough offense to make himself a case to win the last round.

This brings Douglas Lima to a 7 fight-winning streak, 3 of which were made in Canada’s MFC promotion.

After the event Bjorn Rebney had confirmed the set bracket for the semifinal round with MMAjunkie.com . Ben Saunders will face Luis Santos, and Chris Lozano will face Douglas Lima.

Uncasville, Conn. (August 20, 2011) – Bellator Fighting Championships put on another exciting event this past weekend from the Mohegan Sun Arena. This was the promotions final event for their summer series which showcased a feather weight tournament. A two time tournament champion has been crowned, The Heavyweight champion has rounded out his game,  And a veteran further attempts to redefine his career.

Pat Curran def. Marlon Sandro via second-round KO

This fight was to crown the winner of the featherweight tournament that started in June. It started off slow, but that can be expected from Pat Curran. His counter striking style has been the poison for all who come in agressively, and Marlon Sandro was no exception.  The whole first round was a feeling out round as neither fighter wanted to press the action or engage in the pocket for more than one or two strikes at a time.  Once the second round started, Sandro pushed the pace and bloodied up one of Curran’s eyes, but the increase in aggression also left Sandro open to the fight ending head kick.

Curran has once again earned a title shot, but unfortunately he has to wait for another featherweight tournament winner, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire to get a shot at current title holder Joe Warren.  They were suppose to fight in July but Freire was required to pull out due to a hand injury. To add to the delay, Warren has also entered the Bellator Bantamweight Tournament that begins this fall in an attempt to be Bellator’s first champion in two different divisions.

In a way, this may be good timing for Curran as he has already fought four times this year and deserves a break, but if Warren goes all the way to the end of the tournament, Curran may not get his shot until mid 2012.  The next fight decision he may need to make is if he is willing to remain active and jeopardize his title shot.

Cole Konrad def. Paul Buentello via unanimous decision

It was obvious that the Bellator heavyweight champion, Cole Konrad versus MMA veteran Paul Buentello fight was not the most esthetically pleasing fight on the card as the crowed showed their displeasure for the slow pace.  Uncharacteristically, Buentello looked tentative to engage into a brawl like he is known for.  It also looked like Konrad did come out to prove a point.  Through the first two rounds the division 1 wrestling champion showed he could out strike the striker.  Konrad controlled the distance with his jab and kept Buentello’s power at bay.

Konrad’s improvement in striking can be attributed to the addition of kickboxing champion, and current UFC fighter Pat Barry to the Deathclutch camp.  It was great to see that Konrad has been attempting to diversify his game.  Hopefully he will be able to put it all together and also become a champion who consistently finishes fights.
Seth Petruzelli def. Ricco Rodriguez via first-round KO

This was both Seth Petruzelli and Ricco Rodriguez first fight for Bellator and both had to prove they belong in the promotion.  Petruzelli’s unorthodox kicks kept Rodriguez from establishing any striking to  create openings for take downs.  Rodriguez eventually rushed Petruzelli with a looping left hook, but Petruzelli came forward with a straight, knocking down the former UFC heavyweight champion, and eventually Petruzelli finished the fight with strikes from top position.

Petruzelli is best known for his KO of internet sensation Kimbo Slice.  Since then, he has jumped between several promotions, including a 0-2 stint in the UFC.  Now with this win in Bellator, it looks like he might have finally found a home.  During his post fight interview he made it known that he has intentions in competing in the light heavyweight tournament starting in Febuary 2012 and challenging Christian M’Pumbu for the belt.

One of Bellator’s most recent signee’s, Rasul Mirzaev has put himself into a whole world of hurt. On August 13th a street fight broke out between Mirzaev and a student from Moscow named  Ivan Agafono.

According to Russia Today,

“The conflict occurred on August 13 in the center of Moscow not far from the ‘Garage’ night club,” an unnamed source in the Moscow police told RIA-Novosti news agency. “During an argument, Mirzaev punched student Ivan Angafonov after which the latter demanded urgent medical help.”

Agafono fought for his life for four days in a Russian hospital before being pronounced dead. The Russian police are still investigating the situation and are speaking with witnesses. Meanwhile Mirzaev has been recently arrested and charged.

“This is a tragic concurrence of events. Rasul Mirzaev hasn’t been officially summoned to the police yet, but if this happens – then he’ll go because this case has to be sorted out. The incident has nothing to do with hate crimes. It was just an everyday situation which turned into tragedy. Rasul is very sorry about what happened.”

No word on what will happen with Mirzaev both with the police and Bellator Fighting Championships. Keep it locked to MMASucka.com for all the latest.