Special Edition of HDNet’s Inside MMA to Provide Comprehensive Coverage of UFC’s Purchase of Strikeforce
Exclusive Interviews with Dana White and Scott Coker – This Friday at 9:00 p.m. ET
This week’s announcement that Forza, LLC, a subsidiary of Zuffa, LLC (which owns the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand) purchased Strikeforce has stunned the mixed martial arts community. The move is arguably the most significant development in the sport since Zuffa’s acquisition of PRIDE in 2008, and solidifies Zuffa’s position as the largest MMA company in the world.
This week’s “Inside MMA” covers all the angles on this major breaking news story, including interviews with all the principals involved in the deal.
First, Mike Straka talks to UFC President Dana White about the acquisition and what it means for the sport then Bas Rutten and Strikeforce President Scott Coker discuss how the deal came together and where the promotion will go from here.
Also, Ron Kruck takes a look back at the two organizations and gathers reaction from the fighters about what this consolidation will mean for them.
“Inside MMA” is committed to giving viewers more insight into the top stories than any other outlet,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “Bas’ exclusive interview with Scott Coker goes deeper than anything you have seen so far. You’ve read the headlines and heard the sound bites, now tune in this Friday to go inside the story and find out what it means for the fighters, fans and the sport.”
“Inside MMA” airs this Friday night at 9:00 p.m. ET on HDNet.
And, HDNet will post a special ONLINE ONLY edition of “Inside MMA” which will be available at http://www.hd.net/blogs/2011/03/inside-mma-511/ immediately following the telecast. Dominick Cruz, Phil Baroni, and Trevor Whitman will join Kenny and Bas to breakdown UFC 128, plus Ron Kruck has comments from Jon Jones and Shogun Rua.
UFC Fans Vote Miguel Angel Torres as the 18th Recipient of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award
The 18th recipient of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award is bantamweight fighter Miguel Angel Torres . Miguel is known for his strong will, competitive nature and loyalty to mixed martial arts.
Tequila CAZADORES and UFC invited fans (21+) to decide the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award winner for UFC 123. Consumers had the opportunity to vote online at UFC.com for the fighter they thought demonstrated social responsibility, dedication to their art form, and good sportsmanship; the core values behind the Tequila CAZADORES brand and its sponsorship with UFC.
Miguel’s win was announced LIVE on February 5, 2011 , at UFC 126 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as on Pay-Per-View during the fighter’s walk out to the Octagon™. Tequila CAZADORES congratulates Miguel on his win and would like to thank the increasingly growing number of fans for voting and supporting the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award.
A graduate of Purdue University, Miguel Angel Torres has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and specializes in Muay Thai Kick Boxing. Prior to his career in Mixed Martial Arts, he worked as a Radiologist’s assistant for five years. His experience working in a hospital setting inspired Miguel to raise awareness for breast cancer. As the winner of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award, Tequila CAZADORES presented Miguel with a plaque and a check for a $1,000 donation made in his name to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Read more
Chuck Liddell Retires from UFC Competition, Joins UFC as Executive Vice President of Business Development
UFC President Dana White started the press conference for the lightweight title fight between champion Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard at UFC 125 with a surprise announcement regarding one of the sport’s most respected icons.
In front of assembled media and fans at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, White broke the news that former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and UFC Hall of Fame member Chuck Liddell, a true pioneer and legend in the sport, is retiring from competing in the UFC.
White’s announcement however, was not about the end of a career, but rather just a change in Liddell’s future, because White also announced that Liddell is UFC’s new Executive Vice President of Business Development.
“Chuck is the perfect example of a UFC athlete, someone who is smart inside the Octagon and smart in business,” White said. “With his background and expertise, Chuck is exactly the guy we need to work with regulators in existing and new jurisdictions, and work with all of the UFC athletes, as we grow this business around the world. Read more
UFC Fans Vote Tim Boetsch as the 17th Recipient of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award
Tequila CAZADORES, the Official Spirits Sponsor of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is proud to announce the 17th recipient of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award – light heavyweight-fighter Tim Boetsch. Tim is known for his strong will, competitive nature and loyalty to mixed martial arts.
Tequila CAZADORES and UFC invited fans (21+) to decide the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award winner for UFC 123. Consumers had the opportunity to vote online at UFC.com for the fighter they thought demonstrated social responsibility, dedication to their art form, and good sportsmanship; the core values behind the Tequila CAZADORES brand and its sponsorship with UFC.
Tim’s win will be announced LIVE on November 20, 2010, at UFC 123 in Auburn Hills, Minnesota as well as on Pay-Per-View® during the fighter’s walk-out to the Octagon. Tequila CAZADORES congratulates Tim on his win and would like to thank the increasingly growing number of fans for voting and supporting the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award. Read more
UFC 116 Results: Lesnar defeated Carwin
UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar returned to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Saturday night in Las Vegas, and won a big fight against Shane Carwin. “My hat’s off to him” Carwin said, “He’s the champion”.
Check out the full UFC 116 Results below.
Pay-Per-View Bouts:
Brock Lesnar def. Shane Carwin via submission (arm triangle choke)
Chris Leben def. Yoshihiro Akiyama via submission (triangle choke)
Chris Lytle def. Matt Brown via submission (armbar)
Stephan Bonnar def. Krzysztof Soszynski via second-round TKO
George Sotiropoulos def. Kurt Pellegrino via unanimous decision
Spike TV Bouts:
Brendan Schaub def. Chris Tuchscherer by first-round TKO
Ricardo Romero def. Seth Petruzelli via submission (armbar)
Preliminary Bouts:
Kendall Grove def. Goran Reljic via split decision
Gerald Harris def. Dave Branch via third-round TKO
Daniel Roberts def. Forrest Petz via split decision
Jon Madsen def. Karlos Vemola via unanimous decision