UFC 144 weigh-in Results, ‘Rampage’ Jackson misses weight badly, Ryan Bader fight still on

The rumors of Quinton Jackson having a lousy training camp appeared to have been true based on his condition when he stepped on the scales tonight in Tokyo.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion missed the 205-pound limit by six pounds at 211.
The non-title fight will go on as planned with Jackson giving up 20 percent of his purse to Bader. Based on Jackson's salary from recent fights, that amount could be in the $50,000 range. Jackson was paid $250,000 in his fights at UFC 130 and UFC 135.

Even at 211, Jackson's face showed the wear of trying to make weight. He was also a little softer than normal in his chest. Both main event fighters, Frank Edgar and Benson Henderson, made weight for their UFC lightweight title fight at 154 pounds. Henderson, the much bigger fighter, was incredibly cut in the midsection.
Rich Franklin, serving as an analyst on Fuel TV, called Jackson's miss "ridiculous."

During his interview with Fuel's Ariel Helwani, Jackson said he suffered an injury early in training camp and couldn't get in his roadwork. The injury, which Jackson would not disclose, was healed later in camp, but by then he was still very heavy. Jackson said he woke up at 3 a.m. local time to cut weight and he was only able to go from 232 down to 211.

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view)

Frankie Edgar (154) vs. Ben Henderson (154)
Ryan Bader (205) vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (211)
Cheick Kongo (229) vs. Mark Hunt (264)
Yoshihiro Akiyama (169) vs. Jake Shields (170)
Tim Boetsch (186) vs. Yushin Okami (185)
Hatsu Hioki (145) and Bart Palaszewski (146)
Joe Lauzon (156) vs. Anthony Pettis (155)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FX)

Takanori Gomi (155) vs. Eiji Mitsuoka (154)
Vaughan Lee (135) vs. Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto (136)
Steve Cantwell (185) vs. Riki Fukuda (185)
Chris Cariaso (136) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (135)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)
Issei Tamura (145) vs. Tiequan Zhang (146)

UFC releases countdown to UFC 144 Japan

As we all know UFC 144 the UFC's return to Japan is in a couple of days, now the UFC has released its countdown to the upcoming event.

Catch it in the video link below:

UFC 144 is headlined by a lightweight title fight between Champ Frankie "The Answer" Edgar and Ben "Smooth" Henderson, and the co-main event between Rampage Jackson and Ryan Bader. The event is a very stacked card which will held at the Siatama Super Arena in Japan.

Nate Marquardt Signs with Strikeforce

Just eight months after a furious Dana White released him from the UFC due to testing at elevated levels of testosterone, Nate Marquardt is back with a Zuffa-owned MMA organization.

On Tuesday's episode of UFC Tonight, Fuel TV reporter Ariel Helwani broke the news that Marquardt has signed a deal to fight for Strikeforce, which was purchased by the UFC promoter last year.

When he was released from the world's premier MMA organization for spoiling his UFC on Versus 4 main-event fight with Rick Story just moments before the fighters were scheduled to hit the scales, it appeared Marquardt's ties with Zuffa had been severed permanently.

"He failed his medicals," White announced in a Twitter post immediately after news broke that Marquardt had been removed from his bout with Story. "Not only his he out of this fight and out of the main event on Versus. He will no long be with the UFC."

However, approximately one month ago, White hinted at a change of heart regarding Marquardt's future. In an interview where he showed no interest in bringing back fellow UFC middleweight castoff Anthony Johnson, White left the door open to a Marquardt return to one of Zuffa's organizations.

"I don't dislike Nate," White told MMA Fighting. "I like Nate very much. We'll see what happens."

Though he had worked out a deal with British organization BAMMA after his release from the UFC, Marquardt has still not competed since a win over Dan Miller at UFC 128.

After BAMMA was unable to secure a fight for Marquardt in the nearly six months that he was contracted by the organization, the former UFC middleweight title contender asked for a release from the promotion so that he could get his MMA career back up and running.

One month later, Marquardt is a member of Strikeforce, home to other UFC castaways like Josh Barnett and Paul Daley.

It is not known whether Marquardt will have a chance to return to the UFC, but this is certainly a golden opportunity for the 32-year-old to reclaim his career and return to competing against some of the best fighters in the world.

PXC 29 replay on AKTV

PXC and MMA fans, catch the replay of PXC 29 on AKTV tonight (February 21, 2012 MNL), re-live the fights and watch as the first pure bred Filipino becomes PXC Champion.

Also, visit the PXC micro-site pxc29.interaktv.ph for more details on PXC 29.

On Tap: UFC Return to Japan

On tap this February 26, 2012 is UFC 144 Japan. Yes the UFC makes its way back to Japan where Frankie "The Answer" Edgar meets Ben "Smooth" Henderson for the lightweight title and Rampage Jackson makes his way back to the Saitama Center across the up start Ryan "Darth" Bader with both looking to go back up the ladder in the UFC light-heavyweight division.

The card is stacked fro top to bottom and the UFC seems bent on putting on a great show in their return to Japan.

Mark Munoz hosts MMA Clinic at the Gold's Gym in Libis in the Philippines

Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" made his way to the Philippines last February 18, 2012 to corner his fighter Raja Shippen for his fight at PXC 29 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Along with cornering his fighter, Munoz was also in his home country to trace his roots and also wants to share his knowledge of fighting MMA to the Filipinos.

Mark Munoz, a UFC fighter with a 12-2-0 record over his stints in the WEC and UFC is currently ranked among the top 10 middleweights of the world and is very close to a title shot with UFC middleweight kingpin Anderson "The Spider" Silva, held a training clinic for about 3 hours showing his top notch technique and also instilling the virtues of what it takes to become a world class fighter. He shared some of his favorite moves and gave a chance for the fans and media to chat with him, take pictures and sign autographs.

Check out Mark Munoz during the clinic, with some of the pictures and videos below.

Here are some videos of Mark during the training sessions and applying a D'Arce choke.

Hope you guys like the posts and thank you Mark for visiting the Philippines and sharing your knowledge, time and effort. It was a really great clinic and looking forward to your next visit.

The PXC 29 Xperience

Feb. 18, 2012, it was a great night of fights at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City Philippines as the premier MMA prmotion in the region Pacific Xtreme Combat brought to us PXC 29.

It was a wonderful event with the crowning of the first pure bred Filipino fighter of the PXC as Ale Cali won the flyweight title in the main event, and a number one contender was also named for the 135 lbs. division as Crisanto Pitpitunge was hailed next in line for the title.

A midst the fights, of course there was PXC ring-girl Abby Poblador to spice things up, some Filipino celebrities looking to take part in the action and most of all the appearance of Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine Munoz" who attended the event corning his fighter Raja Shippen.

Below are a couple of picture of one of the best MMA events in the Philippines this year (I'm sure there are more to come). By the way please forgive me for my shabby camera work.

I hope you like some of the pictures I took, and for all Pinoy MMA fans out there, watch out for the next PXC event this year, I'm sure you will have a great time watching.

PXC 29 Full Results!

After a great night of fights, a new champion was crowned, a new number one contender was produced and a UFC fighter graced the event.

Ale Cali was crowned the new PXC champ at 125 lbs. and Crisanto Pitpitunge is the number contender in the PXC at 135lbs.

Here are the PXC29 Complete Official Results

Jesse Taitano vs Ale Cali
Ale Cali by referee stoppage in the 3rd round

Harris Sarmiento vs Raja Shippen
Harris Sarmiento by way of referee stoppage in the 1st round

Victor Galdon vs Crisanto Pitpitunge
Pitpitunge, Judges decision (30-27, 30-27,30-27)

Ryan Bigler vs Dorian Price
Ryan Bigler, rear naked choke in the 1st round

Roy Boughton vs Llima Maiava
Roy Boughton Judges decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jay Tenorio vs Carlo Astudillo
Jay Tenorio by Guillotine in the 2nd round

Michael Regalado vs Troy Bantiag
Troy Bantiag, Judges decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Jerry Legaspi vs Glen Ranillo
Glen Ranillo by submission, arm bar in the 2nd round

Eugene Toquero vs Ricky Lucena
Eugene Toquero by referee stoppage in the 1st round

PXC 29 is Today!

The day has finally arrived for PXC 29, the fighters are ready and truly excited and much more are the fans.

Gates open at 7pm at the Ynares Sports Arena in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. The event will also be graced by Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz.Tickets are still available at the Ynares Sports Arena and come with a free San Mig Strong Ice.  

PXC 29 Weigh-Ins Updated

The PXC will be holding its official weigh ins today at 11AM (Manila) at the Ynares Sports Arena at Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

PXC 29 will be held tomorrow February 18, 2012, also at the Ynares Sports Arena and it starts at 7pm. The event will be headlined by a flyweight title fight between Ale Cali and Jesse Taitano, and will be graced by Mark Munoz.

Tickets are sold at all SM Ticket Outlets.

Official weigh-in results after the jump.

Jesse ‘Spiderman’ Taitano was two pounds under the 125-lb. weight limit Friday in Pasig City as he prepares for the flyweight title bout in Saturday’s PXC 29 here in Manila.


Spiderman Taitano easily made weight, Taitano will take on Davao native top flyweight fighter Ali Cali, who also weighed in at 123 pounds.

“I just gotta go in there and get the belt,” said Taitano after stepping off the scale. “I’ve been training for this. I’m pretty antsy. I wanna win the belt, go home and enjoy it.”

Taitano’s opponent said he’s never prepared more for a fight than for this one.

“I’m very aware that Taitano is a very tough fighter,” Cali said through an interpreter. As for Cali’s unique style that may be viewed as showboating, he said it’s his style. “I do it to confuse my opponent. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.”

Taitano has said on several occasions that he wants to finish the fight in the first round. Cali was asked about that prediction and replied in English, “I’ll try my best.”

Bigler vs. Price

Both tall welterweights came in at exactly 170 pounds. This is Bigler’s first fight outside of Guam and could be facing his toughest opponent yet.


Dorian Price faces off with Ryan Bigler in what is a highly anticipated welterweight bout.

“Usually when I cut weight, I’m grumpy and my body feels tired, but because I’m mentally prepared, this weight cut didn't matter. I feel I can fight right now,” Bigler said after weighing in. “But I’m looking forward to getting back to my 185-187 pounds for the fight.” he added.

The 33-year-old Price fought in the UFC Ultimate Fighter but has spent the last 10 months in Thailand fighting 11 fights in the arena of muay thai. He’s well aware of Bigler's all around game.

“I know he’s well-rounded, good on the ground and good on his feet,” Price said. “He might be the most well-rounded opponent I’ve fought in MMA. Even fighting UFC and Ultimate Fighter guys, what I’ve seen and heard about Ryan, he’s very well-rounded. I look forward to fighting him.”

Tenorio vs. Astudillo

19-year-old Jay Tenorio weighed in at 130 pounds for his pro debut. Filipino opponent Carlo Astudillo tipped in at 129 pounds. It is Tenorio’s first visit to the Philippines.

155-pound champion Harris Sarmiento is fighting in the 145-pound division. Sarmiento weighed in at 146 pounds. He will fight Raja Shippen, who was able to meet the weight limit. Referee Tony D’Angelo will be in the ring for the main event fights. He has 447 fights under his belt…UFC fighter Mark Munoz arrives Saturday morning and will take part in the PXC 29.

AKTV holds press conference for upcoming PXC 29

AKTV the PXC's media partner today held a press conference for the upcoming PXC 29 set on February 18, 2012 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines.

The Main Event fighters grace the press conference along with PXC promoter EJ Calvo.

The main card fighters were there to answer the questions from the press. Filipino fighters Ale Cali and Harris Sarmiento are set to face face Jesse Taitano and Raja Shippen.

‎"Malupit ang jiu jutsu at ground game training ko para paghandaan ang laban" (My jiujitsu and ground game training was very intense in getting ready for this fight)-Ale Cali

Harris Sarmiento will fight Raja Shippen at a lower weight in 145 lbs from 155 lbs as announced in the press conference.

Experienced MMA fighter, Jesse Taitano(middle) who hails from Guam will fight Ale Cali for the vacant 125 lbs PXC Flyweight Title, while Raja Shippen (right) will face Harris Sarmiento and will have Mark 'The Filipino Wrecking Machine' Munoz in his corner.

UFC Fighter 'Mark Munoz although is Filipino, has never gone to Philippines...' Says Ej Calvo(middle), the promoter of PXC. Mark Munoz will be present in PXC 29 to be in Raja Shippen's corner as Raja Shippen faces Harris Sarmiento.

PXC 29 will be held on February 18, 2012 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines. Gates open at 6:00 PM and tickets are available at all SM Ticket outlets. The is a free San Mig Strong Ice for all tickets.

UFC on Fuel Results

With Nick Diaz's positive drug test leading to his removal from a rematch with interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit, this fight between 170-pound contenders Diego Sanchez and Jake Ellenberger took on an added importance.

Here are the results.

Diego Sanchez vs. Jake Ellenberger

Ellenberger defeated Sanchez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).



Stefan Struve vs. Dave Herman

Struve defeated Herman by technical knockout (punches) at of the second round.



Aaron Simpson vs. Ronny Markes

Markes defeated Simpson by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).



Stipe Miocic vs. Philip De Fries

Miocic defeated De Fries by knockout (punches) at 0:43 of the first round.



T.J. Dillashaw vs. Walel Watson

Dillashaw defeated Watson by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26).



Ivan Menjivar vs. John Albert

Menjivar defeated Albert by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:45 of the first round.



Jonathan Brookins vs. Vagner Rocha

Brookins defeated Rocha by knockout (punches) at 1:32 of the first round.



Buddy Roberts vs. Sean Loeffler

Fight canceled due to Loeffler ankle injury during pre-fight warm-ups.



Anton Kuivanen vs. Justin Salas

Salas defeated Kuivanen by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).



Tim Means vs. Bernardo Magalhaes

Means defeated Magalhaes by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26).

Check out the new PXC Microsite

With PXC 29 just around the corner, AKTV the PXC's media partner has launched a micro-site dedicated to everything PXC. Get fighter info, videos, promos and of course the PXC Ringirls. Go and check out the new micro-site at http://pxc29.interaktv.ph/.

Mark Munoz to hold a MMA/Self Defense Clinic

Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz is set not only to grace the upcoming PXC 29 event in the Philippines on February 18, 2012 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, but also he is set to hold a clinic the following day at the Gold's Gym Activity Center in Libis, Quezon City.

Sources say that the clinic will be held on February 19, 2012 6:00pm - 9:00pm Manila Time. There limited slots for the clinic and last day for registration is pegged on February 16, 2012. For more information about the clinic those interested can call (02) 519-8984, and just say you are inquiring about the clinic.

This is a great venue not only get to interact with one of the best middleweight fighters in the UFC today but also get a chance to also learn MMA from him. I myself am personally looking forward to this event.

Dana White Announces Josh Koscheck vs. Johny Hendricks for UFC on FOX 3

UFC head honcho's Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta are making an effort to connect with the fans with the most invasive and direct way possible via the Internet: Twitter.

Recently, White took to his stylish iPhone to release a gem of good news in the welterweight division despite all the disarray that both Carlos Condit and Nick Diaz have created as of late.

"(Josh) Koscheck vs. Johnny Hendricks is on for FOX!!!," proclaimed an overly-excited White.

The UFC's next endeavor on the FOX network takes place on May 5 at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where lightweight notables Nate Diaz and Jim Miller will meet in the main event in a five-round non-title bout which will likely serve as a No. 1 contender battle.

The colorful and controversial Josh Koscheck recently returned to the Octagon just a little over a week ago where he defeated fellow collegiate wrestler Mike Pierce in a lackluster performance, edging the "Battle Troll" by split decision.

The victory helped build upon an emphatic performance last September, where Koscheck took home "Knockout of the Night" for his first-round finish of UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes, which eased the pain of a five-round drubbing from rival Georges St-Pierre in December of 2010.

Hendricks is in the height of his career. After defeating the aforementioned Pierce last August, the Oklahoma native had the daunting task of taking on perennial contender Jon Fitch, who, at the time, was widely considered the consensus No. 2 fighter in the 170-pound division.

Though the underdog, Hendricks silenced critics by stopping Fitch in just 12 seconds, courtesy of the powerful left hook which sent the AKA product crumbling to the canvas, victimized by the heavy hands of "Big Rigg," who recorded the decisive knockout.

The winner between Hendricks and Koscheck will be on the shortlist of contenders for the welterweight strap, which currently houses two champions in Carlos Condit (the interim titleholder) and Georges St-Pierre.

Miller Out, Munoz In at PXC 29

As previously reported here on The Pinoy Fighter post Mayhem Miller Makes his way to Manila, that Mayhem Miller will be gracing PXC 29  to corner one of his fighters in the upcoming event. But as unpredictable as MMA is, it seems that there has been a change and Mayhem Miller will no longer be making it here to the Philippines to appear in the event.

But Pinoy MMA fans rejoice as with Miller out, Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz steps in to corner his teammate, Raja Shippin as he fights Harris "The Hitman" Sarmiento at PXC 29, Feb 18th at the Ynares Sports Arena, in Pasig.

This is surely a treat for all Pinoy MMA fans as I'm sure most if not all of us know who Mark Munoz is and he is surely going to make PXC 29 an event to remember.

Junior dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem announced for May 26th in Las Vegas, Nevada

It was announced today, when and where UFC heavyweight champion, Junior dos Santos will go head-to-head with number one contender and former Strikeforce champion, Alistair Overeem, with a bout pitting the two on the May 26th Memorial Day Weekend card in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A fan asked UFC co-owner, Lorenzo Fertitta when the two behemoths would be meeting and he offered up the answer on twitter stating “memorial day weekend vegas”.

Dos Santos captured the title on the first UFC on FOX card in November, knocking out Cain Velasquez in the first round. Prior to that he’d defeated the likes of Fabricio Werdum, Roy Nelson and Mirko Cro Cop inside the octagon.

Overeem made his octagon debut a month later on the UFC 141 card in Las Vegas, stopping former champion Brock Lesnar in the first round via TKO. Prior to that he’d eased to a unanimous decision win over Fabricio Werdum under the Strikeforce banner.

Cain Velasquez vs. Frank Mir, Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin, and other things by Lorenzo Fertitta

In a wide-ranging late-night chat with his Twitter followers, UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta confirmed several pieces of news, including plans to book Cain Velasquez vs. Frank Mir and Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin.

Fertitta, who has more than 76,000 followers on his verified Twitter account, said late Thursday night that he'd answer questions from fans. Among the pieces of information he provided are that Velasquez will fight Mir in a bout that may determine the No. 1 contender for the upcoming heavyweight title fight between Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem. Fertitta also said a third fight between Ortiz and Griffin is coming. Ortiz beat Griffin by split decision at UFC 59 in 2006, and Griffin beat Ortiz by split decision at UFC 106 in 2009.

In addition to those fights, Fertitta offered his opinions and plans on a variety of issues including:

-The dos Santos-Overeem fight is planned for Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas.

-Fertitta called a potential superfight between lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and featherweight champion Jose Aldo a "good idea."

-Despite Nick Diaz's positive marijuana test, Fertitta still thinks Diaz has a future in the Octagon. Fertitta wrote, "really like the kid just needs to get it together. I'm a sap for real fighters."

-Fertitta agrees with UFC President Dana White that Jason "Mayhem" Miller looked "terrible" in his loss to Michael Bisping.

-Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber is planned for July 7 in Las Vegas, and Rich Franklin might return for that event as well.

-It hasn't been determined yet whether Carlos Condit will defend the interim welterweight title or wait to fight Georges St. Pierre.

-Fertitta likes the potential of welterweight Stephen Thompson, a karate specialist whose head kick won the Knockout of the Night bonus at UFC 143.

-Fertitta, who always looks ripped, says he can bench press 340 pounds.

-Asked if Jon Jones might fight Anderson Silva some day, Fertitta said, "maybe."

-The UFC would be interested in signing Bellator's Hector Lombard and Alexander Shlemenko.

-Chuck Liddell is Fertitta's favorite fighter.

-Fertitta would still consider signing Fedor Emelianenko, if it were at the right price.

-The upcoming Brazilian season of The Ultimate Fighter will likely be available with English subtitles on UFC.com.

There you have it folks, from the man himself. As we all know many things may change as MMA is as unpredictable as the weather in global warming. But at least we all have something to talk about. Hehehe.

Nick Diaz tests positive for Marijuana in UFC 143 post drug test

UFC welterweight contender Nick Diaz failed his post-fight urinalysis Saturday following his loss to Carlos Condit in their bout for the interim welterweight championship at UFC 143 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Keith Kizer, executive director of the Nevada Athletic Commission, announced Thursday.

Diaz, 28, who tested positive for marijuana, is a second-time offender in Nevada and, thus, faces a one-year suspension. He also tested positive for marijuana following a Feb. 24, 2007, victory over Takanori Gomi at a PRIDE Fighting Championship event held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Six weeks after the first positive test the commission fined Diaz $3,000 (20 percent of his $15,000 purse), suspended him for six months and changed his win over Gomi to a no-decision. The commission’s report in 2007 noted Diaz’s concentration of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, was 175, three-and-a-half times the concentration level of 50 required under Nevada regulations to produce a positive test result.

“All results received thus far have been negative, except Mr. Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites,” Kizer said in a release Thursday. “A complaint for disciplinary action against Mr. Diaz has been filed.”

Diaz isn’t the first fighter to test positive for marijuana recently. Matt Vanda appeared before the Nevada commission Jan. 31 after a second positive test for marijuana. He had initially been suspended for 90 days by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board after marijuana was discovered in his system following a Nov. 12, 2010, bout against Ossie Duran.

Marijuana was again found in Vanda’s system following a Dec. 16, 2011, loss to Marco Antonio Rubio in Las Vegas and on Jan. 31 the Nevada commission fined Vanda 40 percent of his $11,000 purse and suspended him for a year.

If Diaz is fined 40 percent of his purse, it would cost him $80,000 of the $200,000 he earned in the unanimous decision loss to Condit last Saturday for the UFC interim welterweight title.

Diaz was on the verge of getting a rematch with Condit for the interim championship when the test results returned and scuttled the bout. UFC president Dana White, in Brazil to tape “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil,” sent out a message on Twitter late Tuesday in which he said Condit had agreed to a rematch.

But all sides denied Wednesday that a rematch had been agreed upon before news of the positive test result was released Thursday.

UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said he was “disappointed” to hear of Diaz’s positive test. He said the UFC would honor any punishment Diaz was given and would not seek to have him fight in areas which are not regulated.

When the UFC holds events out of the U.S., if there is not a local body that regulates the sport, the UFC self-regulates. Marc Ratner, the UFC vice president for regulatory affairs and Kizer’s predecessor as executive director of the Nevada commission, runs those events under Nevada rules.

“We would stand behind whatever decision Nevada makes and if Nick is given a punishment, we would accept it,” he said. “Marijuana is an illegal substance and if you choose to take that, you have to pay the price for it.”

The Fight Nation's 5 Minutes with Pacific Xtreme Combat’s Ryan Bigler

Ryan Bigler is a highly touted welterweight from Guam. With numerous submission grappling medals under his belt and an 8-2 MMA record, Bigler is certainly a rising MMA star in the Pacific region. Bigler spared a minute to share a couple of thoughts about his upcoming fight with TUF alumni Dorian Price at PXC 29.

You will be fighting Dorian Price on Feb 18th. What was your first reaction to finding out that you would fight a TUF alumni?

My first reaction was “hell yeah!” This is the kind of fight I want. I’ve been actively trying to enhance my career and push myself. This will prove whether or not I can compete at that level. I need that kind of challenge so when they gave me the opportunity, I jumped at it. I know it’s a big fight for me and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Have you studied any footage of him? What is your primary analysis of his strengths and weaknesses?

I think he has a pretty decent stand up game. But this is a MMA fight, so he’s going to need a little more than that to walk away with the win. I have seen very little footage of his grappling and wrestling and I am confident in my submission and wrestling skills so, we are just going to have to see come fight night.

The welterweight division is ripe with competition. Fighters like Lim Hyun Gyu, Ferrid Kheder and Price are all gunning for a chance at a belt at that weight. How do you think you size up against Dorian and the rest of the division?

I’m a very confident individual and nothing stirs me. I can’t say I’m any better or any less than them, all I can say is we are all very hungry to be champions. And I’m hungry to see where I stand with them. I don’t walk into any fight expecting to lose – I expect to win every fight. And I’m sure they expect the same thing too. I’m confident in my cage experience, my wrestling and submission pedigree and my striking. I have a solid build for welterweight so I know I possess all the tools necessary to be a certified threat in the division.

This is your first fight in the Philippines, are you anxious about the experience?

Knowing that this fight is going to be televised and seen by many viewers, it helps motivate me to prepare as best I can. This is a huge opportunity for me to showcase my skills to the rest of the world so they can see what Guam fighters are all about and also to build my stock as a future asset. I recognize that not everyone can be in the position that I am in, so I am going to leave it all on the line and ensure that I have no regrets. It will be a little different fighting away from the Guam crowd, but I’m sure once the Philippine fans see my never-give-up attitude and my all around versatility both on the feet and on the ground, they will be cheering for me as one of their own.

I really want to cement my place as one of the top welterweights out there. People on Guam have known it for a long time, and I owe it to them as well as myself to showcase that to the rest of the world.

Credits to The Fight Nation and  Guam Sports Network for this interview

Condit accepts rematch with Diaz

At UFC 143 on Saturday, Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit fought five rounds for the UFC Interim Welterweight title, with Condit winning the unanimous decision. The outcome was controversial, with Diaz, along with many fans, fighters, and media members feeling that his constant forward pressure was enough to win a clear decision.

At the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White said he was open to the possibility of a rematch, but made it clear that both parties had to be eager to fight. As Diaz was so maddened by the decision that he announced his retirement immediately post-bout in the Octagon, and because yesterday Condit's camp indicated they were not interested, there was little hope that the rematch would be made.

However, sources close to the deal just confirmed with The Underground that Carlos Condit has accepted a rematch with Nick Diaz, with the UFC Interim Welterweight title again on the line.

Condit said 'Yes, I accept the rematch' and will be in Las Vegas on Friday to finalize the deal.

The winner will presumably face GSP for the Unified Welterweight title, when the Canadian recovers fully from knee surgery, which is expected to be around November.

It's unclear at this time as to when the rematch will take place, but it looks like the fans have got what they asked for.

UFC President has since confirmed this story via his Twitter: @justScrap85 @carloscondit @malkikawa the rumor is true. Carlos did accept the fight today and Carlos is coming on Friday not thur.

UFC 145 full fight card, Jones vs. Evans confirmed

The UFC’s official confirmation of Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans as the headliner for UFC 145 rounds out a slate of 11 bouts for the April 21 fight card at Philips Arena in Atlanta.

UFC officials confirmed the 11-bout UFC 145 fight card on Tuesday.

The Jones vs. Evans bout is the culmination of more than a year of animosity between the two former teammates, as well as Evans’ three-year trek to get another crack at the UFC light heavyweight title.

The UFC 145 main card on pay-per-view is bolstered by a welterweight bout between two of the divisions fast-rising stars, Rory MacDonald and Che Mills, as well as a heavyweight showdown between Brendan Schaub and Ben Rothwell.

Initially planned for Montreal, the UFC 145 card also features Canadian Mark Hominick returning to the Octagon to face Eddie Yagin in a featherweight contest, along with Hominick’s countryman Mark Bocek in a lightweight battle against Matt Wiman.

Main Card (on Pay-Per-View):
-Jon Jones (15-1) vs. Rashad Evans (17-1-1)
-Rory MacDonald (12-1) vs. Che Mills (14-4)
-Brendan Schaub (8-2) vs. Ben Rothwell (31-8)
-Mark Hominick (20-10) vs. Eddie Yagin (15-5-1)
-Matt Wiman (14-6) vs. Mark Bocek (10-4)

Preliminary Bouts:
-Michael McDonald (14-1) vs. Miguel Torres (40-4)
-Chad Griggs (11-1) vs. Travis Browne (12-0-1)
-Anthony Njokuani (14-6) vs. John Makdessi (9-1)
-Efrain Escudero (18-4) vs. Mac Danzig (20-9-1)
-Chris Clements (10-4) vs. Keith Wisniewski (28-13-1)
-Maximo Blanco (8-3-1) vs. Marcus Brimage (4-1)

Get a chance to win free PXC 29 Tickets

Pinoy MMA fans! Get a chance to win one of 10 tickets for the upcoming PXC 29 this February 18, 2012 at theYnares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines.

Just visit the PXC official Facebook page www.facebook.com/pxcmma and help them get additional likes on the page. 10 tickets to PXC 29 will be raffled of along with a limited edition PXC t-shirt to "likers" of the Facebook fan page. Winners will be announced on the PXC Facebook page on Friday, February 17, 2012.

PXC 29 is headlined by a flyweight title fight between Ale Cali and Jesse Taitano.