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  • Breaking News: Dave & Bryan on the death of Kevin Randleman

    Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back today with a breaking news audio on the death of Kevin Randleman.

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  • Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman passes away at 44

    In somewhat of a surprising story, news broke Thursday night that former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman has passed away at just 44 years old. Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter tweeted that he had confirmed the news, adding that Randleman went to the hospital with pneumonia and had heart failure.

    An outstanding college wrestler at Ohio State, Randleman was a presence in the UFC’s pre-Zuffa years, fighting seven times in the promotion (4-3), defeating Pete Williams to win the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 23 in November 1999. He defended it against Pedro Rizzo before dropping it to Randy Couture in November 2000. He spent the majority of the 2000s for Japan’s PRIDE, but found his way stateside to end his career, dropping four straight in Strikeforce and regional promotions.

    While his 17-16 record is a bit lackluster on paper, Randleman fought a who’s who of major MMA names like the aforementioned Couture, Rizzo, Chuck Liddell, Shogun Rua, Mirko Cro Cop, Rampage Jackson, Sakuraba, and Fedor Emelianenko in a 15-year-career.

    Randleman did have a daliance with pro wrestling, working for AJPW’s Wrestle-1 promotion, Pro Wrestling Zero-One and Hustle.

  • Daily Update: Punk’s UFC debut delayed, Daniel Bryan on ESPN

    CM PUNK’S DEBUT DELAYED

    By Dan Velten

    CM Punk’s UFC debut has been delayed again. After signing with UFC in December of 2014, it looked as if Punk would be debuting in June of 2016. But that’s not going to happen as Phil Brooks underwent back surgery today to repair a herniated disc. The injury occurred during his career as a professional wrestler, and had been nagging him recently to the point that it was greatly hindering his training. The disc repair suregery will put him on the shelf for at least four to six weeks, and his debut date is uncertain at this point.

    A side note in this whole thing: Punk’s opponent was determined only four days ago. Debuting UFC fighter Mickey Gall was given the chance to win one match against Michael Jackson (making his pro AND MMA debut) to earn the shot at Punk. Gall easily handled Jackson this past weekend, submitting him in 45 seconds. After the match, Punk and Gall had a polite meeting in the cage and neither man said much. Perhaps since Punk knew the surgery was looming, he did not want to make too much of the match just yet. Gall will still be the guy at this point, but if Punk’s return / debut is postponed much longer, one would think perhaps Gall would want to fight again. We have more information here. 

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    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 2/1/2016: Weekly Hogan/Gawker update
    A look at the past weeks developments in the Hulk Hogan and Gawker lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 8, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bret Hart diagnosed with cancer, Nakamura’s final NJPW match

    The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes.  Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.

    Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.

    A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.

    A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.

    We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE:

    Besides CM Punk’s fight being delayed, the big news of the day is Daniel Bryan’s appearance on SportsCenter last night. Bryan revealed specifically that he had been hiding “post-concussion seizures” (it seemed like the implication was he was still having them) and his most recent tests revealed a ‘small sub-acute or chronic lesion’ in the temporoparietal junction of his brain. That can cause seizures, and that’s why he was able to be relatively at peace with retirement. We wish Bryan Danielson and his family the best in whatever comes next for this incredibly talented young man. 

    Titus O’Neil is getting a lot of fan support stemming from his suspension. If he gets fired, maybe they can sign Tatum O’Neal.

    13 years ago today, Curt Hennig was found dead in a Florida hotel room at the age of 44 years young. Curtis Axel has been pretty active on Twitter today with RTs and such from people helping him get through which is still very tough on him.

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    • Toronto Batman loves him some Daniel Bryan.
    • Scott Armstrong (or his car) was the victim of a smash and grab in Portland.
    • Here’s a Forbes column on why the O’Neil suspension sends a bad message.
    • ROH TV Champion Roderick Strong talks about his past with Daniel Bryan. Roddy failed to bring up his most famous and most important interaction with Daniel Bryan which was when Roddy cornered PeachMachine in the Grappling Battel~! against Bryan “Chico” Alvarez, who was cornered by Bryan Danielson. 
    • Bob Backlund was named as the latest inductee into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame this July, joining WO founder Dave Meltzer, Chael Sonnen, JJ Dillon, Lex Luger, and Joe Blanchard.
    • House of Hardcore returns to Canada with a show at Niagara Falls, ONT, on 5/7, with Tommy Dreamer, Bobby Roode, Rhino, Colt Cabana, and more.
    • Colt Cabana has launched a new audio series, Colt Cabana’s Pro Wrestling Fringe, for the Howl.fm subscription service Coupon code COLT gets you a free month, so make sure to use that when you sign up. The first three episodes include stories by Cabana with an assist from David Bixenspan (on Sputnik Monroe) and Rob Naylor (on El Gigante/Giant Gonzalez) as well as a special appearance by Dave Meltzer (on Tom Magee).
    • Here’s a video look at Preston City Wrestling with comments from Billy Gunn and Ken Anderson… Anderson.

    UFC/MMA

    • Bellator will debut a feature about Royce Gracie on SPIKE TV on Monday, February 15th at 11 PM EST.
    • Wanderlei Silva is now scheduled to attend Bellator’s Fan Fest in place of Randy Couture in Houston on February 18th.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Terry Funk wins Missouri state title

  • CM Punk UFC debut delayed due to back surgery

    CM Punk (real name Phil Brooks) will undergo back surgery on Wednesday in Chicago, delaying his UFC debut indefinitely.

    According to what Brooks told MMAFighting.com‘s Ariel Helwani, the injury is a lingering issue from his pro wrestling days that has worsened in recent months. The recovery time will be 4-6 weeks, and he’s still planning on debuting at some point in 2016.

    The timing couldn’t be worse as his opponent was just confirmed last Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas after Mickey Gall took less than a minute to defeat Mike Jackson to earn the shot. An exact date was not announced at the time, but he was to face Gall at an undetermined UFC PPV, assumed to be in June or July. Unfortunately, he found out about needing surgery just hours before Gall fought Jackson.

    Punk has already had one injury setback when a shoulder injury last August delayed his training.

  • Junior Dos Santos to fight Ben Rothwell at UFC Fight Night Croatia

    A heavyweight match-up between Junior Dos Santos and Ben Rothwell headlines UFC’s first event in Croatia on April 10 at the Zagreb Arena.

    The company announced the fight on Twitter early Monday morning. Dos Santos (17-4), is a former heavyweight champion and No. 6 ranked contender. Rothwell (36-9), is now ranked No. 5, and after a submission win over Josh Barnett on Jan. 30, his fourth straight finish, had a viable argument for a title shot.

    One of those wins by Rothwell was over Alistair Overeem via first round knockout on September 5, 2014, in Manshantucket, Conn. Overeem knocked Dos Santos out of title contention on Dec. 19 in Orlando on FOX. Prior to that loss, Dos Santos had lost only to Cain Velasquez over the prior eight years. In late 2014, Dos Santos scored a close decision win over Stipe Miocic, who is expected to get the next heavyweight title shot.

    Dos Santos’ title reign started with a 64 second knockout of Velasquez on November 12, 2011, which was, by a great margin, the single-most watched televised MMA fight ever in the U.S., viewed by 9.5 million viewers between live airings on Fox and Fox Deportes.

    He lost the title to Velasquez won December 29, 2012, and lost a third fight in 2013. He took terrible beatings in both losses, particularly the latter, and didn’t look like the same fighter against Miocic, but had enough to win. With Overeem, his performance raised questions about how much he had left.

    Rothwell is a veteran who was the heavyweight star of the International Fight League in 2006 and 2007, and debuted in UFC in 2009 with a loss to Velasquez. He lost three of his first five UFC fights, but rebounded with wins over Brandon Vera, Overeem, Matt Mitrione and Barnett.

  • UFC Fight Night 82 Las Vegas live results: Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson

    Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 82: Hendricks vs. Thompson from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the UFC’s welterweight division as former UFC Welterweight Champion Johny Hendricks takes on Stephen Thompson, winner of five straight fights. In the co-main event, it will be heavyweight action as Roy Nelson squares off against Jared Rosholt. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

    UFC Fight Night 82 Weigh-In Results
    UFC Fight Night 82 DFS Playbook
    UFC Fight Night 82 Observer Picks & Preview

    They  just announced the next FOX show is 4/16 from the Amalie Arena in Tampa with at least a four hour show on FOX itself.

    Cub Swanson vs.  Hacran Dias

    Bethe  Correia vs. Raquel Pennington

    Michael Chiesa vs. Beneil Dariush

    Tecia Torres vs.  Rose Namajunas

    Lyoto Machida vs. Dan Henderson

    Rashad Evans vs. Shogun Rua

    Khabib Nurmagomedov vs.  Tony Ferguson in a five round main event       

    The 4/23 PPV will be in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena

    Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title

    Demetrious Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo for the flyweight title 

    Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer

    The show opened with a Mickey Gall video, followed by a C.M. Punk interview with Ariel Helwani.

    Punk said his focus will be different after today.  Said he knows Mickey Gall drives a bread truck, he’s hungry, he’s a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu, but doesn’t have a lot to go on.  He said we’re both a bit of a mystery so the fight makes sense.  “He’s got hands, he knocked the guy down and he choked the guy out.  I think Jiu Jitsu is his strong suit.”

    He said if hey fight it’ll be a matter of who wants it jore and who trains hardest beween now and he fight.

    “I’m gonna watch, excited to see it, I’m  gonna watch like a fan,”   

    Said hopes Gall wins so he’ll know his opponent.  He said that he’s creating jobs, and he’s created two.  He said that if Mike (Jackson) wins, he doesn’t get him.  “I don’t get it and I don’t think anyone else does either.”

    Punk made a joke about not being any good at promos but in time he hopes he can improve.

    PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)

    FEATHERWEIGHTS- ARTEM LOBOV (11-11-1 1 NC, 0-1 UFC) VS. ALEX WHITE (10-2, 1-2 UFC)

    First round: Lobov is a Russian who lives in Dublin and trains with Conor McGregor.  White with a body kick.  Hard body kick by White.  Lobov with a body kick.  Lobov has him against the fence.  White landed a punch and took him down.  Punches and knees by White.  White 10-9.

    Second round: Lobov’s coaches told him he probably lost the round because he got wobbled.  Low kick by White.  Left to the body by White.  Kick to the body by White.  Traded punches.  White landing more.  White still landing.  Both trading.  Lobov bleeding under the left eye.  White took him down.  White 20-18.

    Third round: White took him down again.  He moved to side control Lobov started to land after he got up.  He scored a nice right hook.  White came back with punches when Lobov missed wild punches.  White landing punches and Lobov look tired.  White took him down again.  Lobov bleeding from a number of cuts.  30-27 White

    Scores: All three have this 30-27 for White

    WELTERWEIGHTS- MICKEY GALL (1-0, 0-0 UFC) VS. MIKE JACKSON (0-0, 0-0 UFC)

    First round:   Jackson is only the sixth guy to make his pro debut in UFC in the post-2001 era.  He’s an MMA media guy but is 2-0 as a pro boxer.  Gall dropped him with a right to the jaw and after a few punchds on the ground, Gall got his back and is working for a choke.  He got the choke and Jackson tapped out immediately. :45

    He cut a promo on Punk.  Punk came to the cage.  They shook hands Punk.  Punk looked taller than Gall but he was wearing shoes.  They posed together.  Punk said nothing on the mic but will do an interview backstage. 

    Punk did a backstage interview.  Punk said he looked very impressive, that’s the way I want to win a fight.  Punk said he thought both men looked relax, both came out to good music, he seemed to be having fun.  Punk asked him if he was having fan and Gall said “I’m having a blast.”  Punk said he’s indifferent that it was a short fight, “I don’t care about how hard he hits.  I try not to get hit.”   He said he wants to talk to his wife, said she’s in her room writing a book.

    PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

    FEATHERWEIGHTS- NOAD LAHAT (9-1, 2-1 UFC) VS. DIEGO RIVAS (6-0, 1-0 UFC)

    First round:   Rivas poked him in the eye right away.  Lahat with a low kick.  Lahat took him down.  Lahat working for a guillotine.  Rivas seems to have it blocked.  Lahat gave up on it.  Lahat stayed on top.  Lahat has his back.  Now he’s working for a head and arm choke.  Rivas got up slammed him down but Lahat reversed to the top.  Lahat 10-9.

    Second round:  Rivas landed a jumping knee and blocked Lahat out.  Crazy finish.  Lahat was out cold.  

    FLYWEIGHTS- (#12) RAY BORG (9-1, 3-1 UFC) VS. JUSTIN SCOGGINS (10-2, 3-2 UFC)

    First round:  Borg took him down but Scoggins right back up.  Body kick by Scoggins.  Left and body shot by Scoggins.  Scoggins with lefts.  Borg went for a takedown but Scoggins blocked it.  Borg has a bloody nose.  Body kick by  Scoggins.  10-9 Scoggins

    Second round:  Spin kick by Scoggins.  Scoggins slammed him down, although it was more Borg pulling guard.   Borg up.  Body kick by Scoggins.  Head kick by Scoggins.  Borg bleeding from the nose.  Scoggins took him down.  Borg went for a reverse but  Scoggins reversed back to the top. Scoggins landing a lot of punches but Borg threw a big punch back.  Spin kick by Scoggins.  Right by Borg.  Scoggins missed a spinning backfist.  Borg went for the takedown but didn’t get it.  Scoggins tried a takedown by Borg defended.  Scoggins 20-18.

    Third round:  Borg got the takedown.  Scoggins up and slammed him down.   Borg back up.  Scoggigns took him down again.  Scoggins just holding him down and trying to burn out the clock since he’s winning the decision here.  Scoggins 30-27. 

    Scores:  30-27, 30-27 and 30-26 for Scoggins.

    Scoggins did a great promo, telling UFC to not put him on the shelf, and vowed he would win the title by the end of 2016.

    HEAVYWEIGHTS- DERRICK LEWIS (13-4 1 NC, 4-2 UFC) VS. DAMIAN GRABOWSKI (20-2, 0-0 UFC)

    First round:  Lewis ran in but got taken down.  Lewis then threw him down and is on top.  Lewis landing big punches.  Grabowski bleeding.    Lewis threw punches from the back.  Lewis hammering him with punches from the top.  Lewis landed more punches and it was stopped.  Impressive win.

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- JOSHUA BURKMAN (27-12 1 NC, 5-7 1 NC UFC) VS. K.J. NOONS (13-8 1 NC, 2-2 1 NC UFC)

    First round:  Body kick by Burkman.  Low kick by Burkman and two more.  More low kicks by Burkman.  Body kick by Burkman.  Low kick by Burkamn.  Burkman with a spin kick.  Burkman with a body kick.  Crowd booing.  Body kick by Burkman.  Noons did nothing this round until the end when he finally started throwing punches.  10-9 Burkman

    Second round:   Burkman took him down with a high slam but Noons back up.  Big left by Noons.  Burkman still with low kicks.  Crowd booing again.  Both trading punches.  Noons lands a nice left hook.  Burkamn landed a  good punch.  Closer round.  20-18 Burkman.

    Third round:  John McCarthy pretty much told them to do something.  Burkman took him down.   Noons back up.  Noons landed several punches.  Noons landing more.  Burkman looks tired.  Noons landing a good left hook.  Knee by Burkman.  Hard right by Noons.  Burkman working for a takedown.  Burkman with a left.  Burkman working for a takedown and Noons was landing elbows.  Burkman took him down.  Noons but still have it 29-28 for Burkman.

    Scores:  All three have it 30-27 for Burkman.

    MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

    WELTERWEIGHTS- MIKE PYLE (26-11-1, 9-6 UFC) VS. SEAN SPENCER (12-4, 3-3 UFC)

    First round:  Pyle with a body kick.  Pyle with a low kick.  Spencer dropped him with a right.  Spencer landed a left.  Spencer with lefts.  Pyle back with punches late.  Spencer 10-9.

    Second round:   Pyle hurt him  with a punch.   Pyle landing rights.  Spinning back fist by Pyle and Spencer back with a punch.  Spencer with a left.  Spencer with a left.  Pyle with punches.  Knee by Pyle.  Spin kick by Pyle.  Pyle got for a takedown and got it at the last end of the round.  Pyle’s round so 19-19.

    Third round:   Spencer in with punches.  Spencer landed some punches.  Pyle faked being rocked which is a bad idea because people, as in judges, may believe it.  Pyle took him down and has a guillotine.  Knee to the body by Pyle.  Left by Spencer.  Left by Spencer and a knee by Pyle.  Pyle hurt him with an elbow.  He’s throwing hard knees  and another knee.  Elbows by Pyle.   More knees, Another knee and Yves Lavigne stopped it.  This was a hell of a fight. 

    LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- MISHA CIRKUNOV (10-2, 1-0 UFC) VS. ALEX NICHOLSON (6-1, 0-0 UFC)

    First round:  Nicholson was giving away a ton of size.  He looked like a welterweight, not even a middleweight.  Cirkunov with a head kick. Cirkunov is just beating him up.  Takedown by Cirkunov.  Herb Dean got mad at Nicholson for a low knee.  Dean said next time he’s taking away a point.  Left by Cirkunov.  Cirkunov with punches.  Cirkunov took him down again.  Hard elbow by Cirkunov.  10-9 Cirkunov.

    Second round:   Cirkunov took him down.  Cirkunov got his back.  Cirkunov landing punches from back position.  He used a neck crank and got the tap.  Screwed up that engagement weekend.  Cirkunov just beat him up the entire fight.    

    FLYWEIGHTS- (#1) JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ (23-4, 10-2 UFC) VS. (#8) ZACH MAKOVSKY (19-6, 3-2 UFC)

    First round:  Left by Benavidez.  Makovksy took him down but Benavidez back up.  Low kick by Benavidez.  Head kick by Benavidez.  Punches by Benavidez.  Body kick by Benavidez.  Benavidez overwhelmed him but Makovsky took him down again.  Another takedown by Makvosky and got his back.  10-9 Benavidez,.

    Second round:  Makovsky again going for a takedown.  Punches and a knee by Benavidez.   Body kick by Benavidez.  Makovsky got a takedown but Benavidez right back up.  The crowd is really into this.  Left by Makovsky.  He got another takedown but Benavidez back up.  Makovsky with another takedown.  He jumped on his back.  Close round.  Makovsky so 19-19.

    Third round:  Makovsky with a left.  Knee by Makovsky.  Benavidez with a right.  Punch and knee by Benavidez.  Benavidez ran in and delivered a right and left and another right.  Another right by Benavidez.  Left and right by Benavidez.  Benavidez knocked him off balance as time ran out.  Benavidez 29-28 but he has to win the fight.

    Scores:   30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 Benavidez

    LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#6) OVINCE SAINT PREUX (18-7, 6-2 UFC) VS. (#13) RAFAEL CAVALCANTE (12-6 1 NC, 1-3 UFC)

    First round:  Saint Preux hurt himself throwing a low kick.  Saint Preux is in trouble now as he can barely move.  Fejiao throwing low kicks.  Right by Feijao.  Left by OSP and he’s unloading with punches and put Feijao down .  Saint Preux with an elbow from the top.  Saint Preux with body punches while staying on top.  OSP is hurt by I have him winning the round 10-9.

    Second round:   Feijao with a left.  Saint Preux with lefts.  Body kick by Saint Preux.  Another front kick by Saint Preux.  Saint Preuz knocked him down with a left.  Saint Preux on top.  Saint Preux landing a lot of lefts from the top.   20-18 OSP.

    Third round:  Saint Preux moving better.  Feijao started throwing big punches.  Saint Preux went for a takedown.  Saint Preux landing  more punches and took him down.  Saint Preux is mainly just holding him down and the crowd is booing a lot.  They really should stand it up from here.  Big left dropping down by Saint Preux  .  Saint Preux throwing a lot of punches late.  It was close to being stopped when the time ran out.  30-27 OSP, could be 30-26.

    Scores:   30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 for OSP.

    The injury was to OSP’s right ankle.

    HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#11) ROY NELSON (20-12, 7-8 UFC) VS. (#12) JARED ROSHOLT (14-2, 6-1 UFC)First round:  Nelson missed a punch by a mile.  Rosholt landed a few punches.  Rosholt with punches.   Rosholt with jabs.  Front kick by Rosholt.  Rosholt 10-9.

    Second round:   Nelson with a low kick.  Nelson is moving forward but not landing anything.  Nelson slipped throwing a punch.  Body kick by Rosholt.  Crowd booing this fight as well.   Left by Nelson.  Low kick by Rosholt.  Nelson landed a right.  Nelson landed a couple of punches and Rosholt dancing away.  Rosholt landed some punches.  Boring fight.  Nelson’s round so 19-19.

    Third round:  Low kick by Nelson.  Rosholt dancing away.  Nelson throwing big punches and Rosholt ran away.  Rosholt landed a left as Nelson came in.  Nelson back with a few punches.  Right by Nelson.  Rosholt went for a takedown but Nelson blocked it.  Rosholt anded a right.  Left by Rosholt.  Crowd booing both men.  Nelson 29-28 but either guy could win.

    Scores:  30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 Nelson

    WELTERWEIGHTS- (#2) JOHNY HENDRICKS (17-3, 12-3 UFC) VS. (#8) STEPHEN THOMPSON (11-1, 6-1 UFC)

    First round:  Hendricks looks so much smaller than usual.  Hendricks moved in and working for a takedown.  Thompson’s defense is good.  Side kick by Thompson.  High kick by Thompson.  Another head kick and landing big punches and a body kick   Thompson is taking him apart.  Right by Thompson.  Right by Thompson.  Head kick by Thompson.  Left by Thompson.  Knee by Thompson.  Left by Hendricks and Thompson back with kicks.  Thompson destroying him with punches.  He landed a spin kick and finished him with punches.  This was a one sided destruction.  Hendricks had nothing.  He was a different guy.  3:31

    Thompson wanted a title match next. 

  • CM Punk’s first UFC opponent is named, date and location TBD

    Former WWE Champion C.M. Punk’s first opponent in the UFC is now confirmed: Mickey Gall. 

    The 24-year-old steamrolled through Mike Jackson Saturday on the Fight Pass portion of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, submitting Jackson in just 45 seconds and taking no damage in the process.

    During his post-fight promo, Gall said he was still just thinking about one man, saying “I’m hungry…feed me CM Punk!” Punk then got in the cage, shook hands with Gall, and the two had a conversation. Punk didn’t get on the mic, which was odd, but did square off with Gall. 

    Punk then did an interview with Ariel Helwani in the back and didn’t add much, other than that he was excited but still doesn’t know a date. He said he’d like to do UFC 200, but that it wasn’t up to him. He did reveal that AJ Lee is writing a book.

    Dana White was at cageside for the fight and also did an interview with Helwani backstage. He put over Gall quite a bit and discussed how he’d deal with the pressure. White said they’ll announce something soon, alluding to June and saying that everyone wants to be on UFC 200 in July.

    The 37-year-old Punk (real name Phil Brooks) has had quite a week already with media as an interview with Complex went sour quite quickly and has been covered by several outlets already.

  • UFC Fight Night 82 Hendricks vs Thompson: Wrestling Observer Panel Picks

    If I’ve learned one thing in the world of UFC in 2016, it’s that UFC thinks that the value of a Fabricio Werdum fight is about $60. I say this because tonight’s card was originally scheduled for PPV and when the Werdum heavyweight title defence was pulled from the card, it became a free television show. As a PPV, this show would’ve been a tough sell but as a free card, it’s pretty damned good.

    Former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks returns to the Octagon on his road back to the title, a rising heavyweight takes on a fan favorite but fading contender in Roy Nelson, two former Strikeforce fighters square off with title contention or irrelevancy on line, and two top 10 flyweights will meet in what is perhaps the most relevant fight on the show in terms of an immediate title contender. In the last of our panel picks, two former welterweights move down a weight class in an effort to jumpstart their careers. All of this AND Mickey Gall facing the King of Pop to get a chance to face former WWE Champion CM Punk in the summer!

    Here’s our panel with the 2016 records in parenthesis. We’ve also added a running tally of the records of the favorites going into the fights and the panel consensus picks:

    • John Pollock (11-4; .733) – Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
    • Mike Sawyer (10-5; .667) – Tough Talk MMA
    • Josh Nason (10-5; .667) – Host of Josh Nason’s Punch Out; writer/editor WrestlingObserver.com , WON Twitter guy
    • Steve Juon (9-6; .600) – MMA Mania/Wrestling Observer writer. Angry Marks founder
    • Mike Sempervive (9-6; .600) – Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
    • Ryan Frederick (9-6; .600) – WrestlingObserver.com UFC reporter, WON Twitter guy
    • Consensus picks (8-6; .571)
    • Favorites (8-7; .533)
    • Dave Meltzer (8-7; .533)– Wrestling Observer founder
    • Front Row Brian (7-8; .467) – MMA newsbreaker, beloved internet personality, Podcast host
    • Paul Fontaine (7-8; .467) – MMADraws.com founder, WrestlingObserver.com writer
    • David Bixenspan (7-8; .467) – Figure Four Weekly writer, podcast host

    Johny Hendricks (17-3) vs Steven Thompson (11-1)
    Welterweights

    Remember Johny Hendricks? The guy who’s struggled the last couple of years with his weight? The guy who took GSP to the limit in his final fight, with many believing he actually won the fight? The guy who had a 2 fight, 10 round series with Robbie Lawler that was as even as it could possibly be, coming out of the end of it without his title? Ya, that guy. He’s back and taking on a Karate fighter with a lot of hype and an impressive record and he’s out to prove that he should get the next shot at the 170 lb title. Thompson can knock out anyone with his kicks out of nowhere and this should be a great main event. It’s the first time Hendricks has fought on free TV in almost four years in an interesting note. Our panel does not think there’s much of a doubt in this one.

    Hendricks (sizable favorite): Sempervive, Nason, Sawyer, Pollock, Front Row Brian, Frederick, Juon, Fontaine, Bix, Meltzer

    Roy Nelson (20-12) vs Jared Rosholt (14-2)
    Heavyweights

    For the 2nd straight week, we have Heavyweights squaring off in the co-main event. Nelson was the TUF 10 champion, which seems like eons ago. In more recent times, he’s lost 6 of his last 7 fights but he’s also fought guys ranked ahead of him for the most part. Rosholt has the exact opposite UFC record, going 6-1 against mostly guys at or below his level although he did score a win over big Stefan Struve in his last fight. But he’s done so in non-typical Heavyweight fashion, grinding out decision wins in all but one of those fights. With a win over Nelson, he’ll likely move into the top 10 and start facing guys at the top of the division.

    Nelson (moderate favorite): Sempervive, Sawyer, Pollock, Frederick, Meltzer
    Rosholt: Nason, Front Row Brian, Juon, Fontaine, Bix

    Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (12-6) vs Ovince St Preux (18-7)
    Light Heavyweights

    Feijao has struggled since coming over from Strikeforce when UFC absorbed the company in 2013. He’s got just one win in 4 UFC fights and this won’t get any easier for him tonight. OSP has fought twice as many times in the same time frame and has a 6-2 record, which propelled him into the top 10. His last 5 wins have all been by finish, with 4 of them coming in the first round. It’s unlikely that either of these guys will ever contend for a title but there should be some great action here. Once  again, there’s no doubt amongst our panel that OSP will emerge victorious. 

    OSP (big favorite): Sempervive, Nason, Sawyer, Pollock, Front Row Brian, Frederick, Juon, Fontaine, Bix, Meltzer

    Joseph Benavidez (23-4) vs Zach Makovsky (19-6)
    Flyweights

    If flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson didn’t exist, Benavidez would be unbeaten in the UFC and in fact going back to a split decision loss to current Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz in WEC in 2010. Sandwiched around his 11 wins in that time are two losses to Johnson. It’s tough to justify giving him a third shot at the belt but Benavidez is doing what he can to make that happen. His opponent, Makosvsky, should be someone he can handle as he comes in with losses in 2 of his last 3 fights. Benavidez really has almost nothing to gain here with a win but everything to lose.

    Benavidez (huge favorite): Sempervive, Nason, Sawyer, Pollock, Front Row Brian, Frederick, Juon, Bix, Meltzer
    Makovsky: Fontaine

    Josh Burkman (27-12) vs KJ Noons (13-8)
    Lightweights

    Burkman has had some fun fights since returning to UFC but unfortunately for him, he’s failed to score a victory and has been finished his last two times out. This has led him to make the drop to 155 lbs for the first time in his career as he hopes to get back on the winning track. In fact, his last UFC win was in 2007 and since that time, he’s lost 6 times in the Octagon (with one later being changed to a no-contest). Noons has fought 2 of his last 3 fights at Welterweight but returns to his more familiar weight class here. The former Elite XC Lightweight Champion is one of only two fighters to have KO’d Nick Diaz and has the power to stop anyone in the division.

    Burkman (moderate favorite) – Sempervive, Nason, Sawyer, Pollock, Front Row Brian, Frederick, Juon, Bix, Meltzer
    Noons: Fontaine

    Two unanimous picks and two near-unanimous picks here and we’re split right down the middle in the co-main event.

    *****

  • UFC Fight Night 82 DFS Playbook: value picks, who to avoid

    Another week, another UFC fight card, this time coming from Las Vegas, Nevada. UFC Fight Night 82 is headlined by a welterweight bout between Johny Hendricks and Stephen Thompson, and below are our studs, value plays and fighters to avoid when making your DraftKings line-up for the event.

    STUDS

    Mickey Gall ($10,900)

    It seems odd that putting a fighter with a 1-0 record making his UFC debut as a top play for fantasy, but Mickey Gall is a top play on this card. He’s fighting Mike Jackson, who is making his professional debut and hasn’t had an amateur MMA fight in some time (he has done boxing and kickboxing bouts though). Gall has a date set against C.M. Punk should he get past Jackson, and he should. Gall doesn’t have the technical skills that make him ready for UFC competition, which is why he gets a debut opponent. This fight is set up for Gall to get a win and move onto Punk, and he probably score a finish as well. Gall is a solid play on the day.

    Ovince Saint Preux ($10,700)

    Ovince Saint Preux is looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to Glover Teixeira in August, and he has a perfect match-up against Rafael Cavalcante on Saturday night. Cavalcante has seemed to regress over the years due to drug suspensions and injuries, and he either knocks his opponent out or gets knocked out. Saint Preux hasn’t suffered a knockout loss in over six years, and he’s much more talented now. Saint Preux is a finisher, winning his last five fights by finish, and he’s got the reach, height and overall advantage over Cavalcante. He likely finishes him inside of two rounds, so he is a very good play on the night.

    VALUE PLAYS

    Stephen Thompson ($9,000)

    Stephen Thompson is rising in the welterweight division, winning five straight fights and looking very impressive in them. He gets the biggest test of his career against Johny Hendricks in the main event, and he has some good value at his salary. That has to do with the bout going five rounds, and I see it going the full 25 minutes. Whether he can win is the big question as Hendricks will likely do enough on the feet and get takedowns to win. Thompson can win the fight if he can keep it on the feet, but that’s a question. I see him as a risk, but he has excellent value in a fight that can go 25 minutes.

    Justin Scoggins ($8,900)

    Justin Scoggins has a tough fight against Ray Borg, but both are solid prospects in the flyweight division who have exciting fights. Scoggins has been a finisher in his career, scoring seven of his ten wins by finish. He only has one UFC win by finish, and Borg is a tough fighter to finish. The difference in salaries between the two seems a little long, but Borg has been on a solid streak lately while Scoggins is just 1-2 in his last three. His salary makes him a good value pick as he has a good chance at scoring an upset over Borg and it will allow you to spend bigger for your roster.

    FIGHTERS TO AVOID

    Artem Lobov ($9,800)

    Artem Lobov scored a whopping one point in his UFC debut against Ryan Hall. Over the course of 15 minutes, he landed two significant strikes. That is it. He is not a UFC caliber fighter, but he gets a second chance against Alex White. It is less than two months after the bout against Hall and in a lower weight class. White is just 1-2 in the UFC, but won his first ten career fights and nine came by stoppage. Lobov is durable and likely won’t be finished, but I don’t see much upside in him or him even getting the win. I recommend avoiding him at all costs.

    Mike Pyle ($9,400)

    Mike Pyle is a veteran fighter, but as he has just turned 40-years-old, it is likely that his career has seen better days. He has lost three of his last four fights, and he was finished quickly in two of those losses. He faces Sean Spencer on Saturday night, and Spencer is a grinder type fighter who can be a sneaky finisher. He hasn’t finished anyone inside the Octagon yet, though, but Pyle’s chin may not be what is used to be. At worst, it will be a grinding affair and Spencer will have the advantage if it goes to the scorecards. Pyle will be a fighter we will be avoiding in our line-ups.

    OUR LINE-UPS

    RYAN FREDERICK- Mickey Gall ($10,900), Ovince Saint Preux ($10,700), Johny Hendricks ($10,400), K.J. Noons ($9,300), Zach Makovsky ($8,600)

    I’m going with Mickey Gall to finish Mike Jackson. There isn’t a lot of research you can do one a guy with one professional bout and two amateur bouts, but the fight is what it is, and I think he gets the finish of Jackson. Ovince Saint Preux has huge upside in his fight against Rafael Cavalcante. Saint Preux is a finisher and he should get one against a fading opponent. Johny Hendricks was a tough choice, but I think the main event goes the distance and he gets the decision on a lot of takedowns, and those score points. K.J. Noons hits hard and with a lot of volume, and Josh Burkman has been a huge disappointment in his UFC return. Noons has a very good chance of getting a finish of Burkman, who has been finished in his last two fights. With my remaining salary, I’m going with Zach Makovsky. Honestly, I don’t think he will beat Joseph Benavidez, but I don’t see him getting finished, which says a lot about the rest of the fighters left with the remaining salary I had. Just going 15 minutes, however the fight goes, should get me more than the rest of the bunch.

    PAUL FONTAINE- Ray Borg ($10,500), Johny Hendricks ($10,400), Damian Grabowski ($9,700), Artem Lobov ($9,800), KJ Noons ($9,300)

    If last week is any indication, your best bet is probably to pick the opponents of everyone on my team. That said, it’s a new week so let’s try this again. Hendricks has lost two fights in the last 5 years and both of those were questionable. He’s a lock in my book to either score an early KO or win a grinding decision in which he lands a lot of strikes.  Grabowski is making his UFC debut but is very experienced and a submission expert. I like him to score a quick stoppage win over Derrick Lewis. Ray Borg has finishing ability at 125, rare for the division. At just 22, he’s a future title challenger and this could be his coming out party. Lobov has a lot of power for the featherweight division and his opponent, Alex White, is susceptible to the KO. After his embarrassing performance at the TUF finale, I like Lobov to rebound here. Noons is a KO specialist and I think the weight cut is going to affect his opponent Josh Burkman more. Burkman hasn’t won since returning to UFC and I don’t think that will change here. 

    PEACH MACHINE- Ovince Saint Preux ($10,700), Johny Hendricks ($10,400), Artem Lobov ($9,800), Derrick Lewis ($9,700), Jared Rosholt ($9,200)

    Another 4-1 week last week. I like my picks again, but this time I went with a couple of heavyweights from which I usually shy away. Derrick Lewis is a monster and I’m banking on an early KO… Same thing with Rosholt. Nelson has lost three in a row and while his heart will still be there, his chin won’t… OSP should be able to take Cavalcante down and beat him that way. That’s the template to win. Should OSP decide to make this a stand up battle, that’s trouble for him… Hendricks better be on his game or he’s done at 170. I’m thinking he’ll get inside and touch Thompson’s chin and get the finish at some point in five rounds… The template to beat Lobov is Ryan Hall. Alex White is not Ryan Hall. Lobov by KO.

  • Daily Update: Awesome Kong released, new HGH test, more WWE cuts

    TNA Released Awesome Kong

    Due to a physical altercation with Reby Sky, Awesome Kong has been released from TNA.  According to sources in TNA, the argument stemmed from issues the two had over the last few years.  Kong got mad at Hardy for dressing in the womens’ dressing room. Kong wanted her to apologize.  She left, and Kong went after her and had to be restrained.

    Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that allegedly, what escalated the situation to a physical confrontation was Hardy calling Stevens a “f**king maniac.”  Whatever the truth behind it all, it ends with Awesome Kong no longer working for TNA.

    A statement from TNA:

    “We conducted an investigation and determined releasing Awesome Kong is the appropriate action in this case,” said TNA Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Television John Gaburick. “Kong has been a great contributor to TNA and helped solidify the Knockouts as the best female division in professional wrestling. We thank her and wish her well.”

    WWE has a full schedule for events this weekend.  We’ll be looking for reports on Friday from the WWE house show in Calgary (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Dudleys, Paige and Natalya) and NXT shows in Nashville and Lakeland, FL.

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING AT 9 P.M. FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV

    CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN AT www.ClaroSports.com

    LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS ON FRIDAY NIGHT IN HINCKLEY, MINN. ON AXS TV AT 10 P.M. EASTERN

    R’Mandell Cameron vs. Derek Getzel

    Kuchlong Kuchlong vs Nate Richardson

    Chase Waldon vs. Justin  Winkels-Comparetto

    Antonio Trocoli vs. Jacob Volkmann

    Brock Larson vs. Travis Coyle

    Ricardo Lucas Ramos vs. Manuel Vazquez for the vacant bantamweight title

    Saturday has WWE shows in San Jose (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Brock Lesnar vs. Alberto Del Rio plus A.J. Styles, New Day, Usos and Big Show), Penticiton, BC (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Dudleys, Paige and Natalya) and NXT shows in Indianapolis and Bartow, FL.  ROH will be doing a major TV taping in Nashville at the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday night featuring the semifinals and finals of the Top Prospect tournament, a seven team gauntlet for a future tag team title shot with Young Bucks, Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly, Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero and four other teams, Briscoes vs. ACH & Alex Shelley, Dalton Castle vs Christopher Daniels, Adam Cole vs. Matt Sydal plus Jay Lethal, Roderick Strong, War Machine, Frankie Kazarian, Cedric Alexander, Moose, B.J. Whitmer, Adam Page, Caprice Coleman, Will Ferrera, Cheeseburger, ODB Amber Gallows, Mandy Leon, Veda Scott, Taeler Hendrix, Kelly Klein, Hania the Huntress and Sumie Sakai.

    UFC ON SATURDAY NIGHT ON FS 1 FROM THE MGM GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

    Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern

    Arten Lobov vs. Alex White

    Mike Jackson vs. Mickey Gall – winner to face C.M. Punk in June

    FS 1 at 8 p.m.

    Noad Lahat vs. Diego Rivas

    Ray Borg vs. Justin Scoggins

    Damian Grabowski vs. Derrick Lewis

    K.J. Noons vs. Josh Burkman

    Mike Pyle vs. Sean Spencer

    Misha Cirkunov vs. Alex Nicholson

    Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky

    Rafael Feijao Cavalcante vs. Ovince Saint Preux

    Jared Rosholt vs. Roy Nelson

    Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson

    WWE has only one show on Sunday, from Abbotsford, BC (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev).

    Raw will be Monday in Seattle.  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR.  Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 8, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bret Hart diagnosed with cancer, Nakamura’s final NJPW match

    The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes.  Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.

    Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.

    A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.

    A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.

    We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

    You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    FRIDAY UPDATE

    – In addition to Bull Dempsey being cut from NXT earlier today, Storm Wrestling Academy alum Sylvester LeFort (the former French Stallion from World Of Hurt and a longtime favorite of this site), Marcus Louis and Oscar Vasquez were also also cut from NXT Friday. LeFort tweeted a picture of himself, Louis and Dempsey saying “Thank you brothers”.

    – Kevin Eck remembers Axl Rotten who passed away yesterday at the age of 44.  

    – In even more injury news, although not a WWE injury for once, Davey Richards has an ACL injury.  That certainly will keep him out of in-ring action for the foreseeable future.

    – Jeremy Botter is reporting on his Twitter account that Travis Tygart of the USADA told him that they have been using a new HGH test for about 2 months that can detect HGH use within 21 days. The previous test could only detect its use within hours.

    WWE

    UFC/MMA

    • Also, on the Twittersphere, Scott Jorgenson posted these 2 words “Free Agent”.  So, it seems he has been released from his UFC contract.  Jorgensen has been with the company since they absorbed WEC at the end of 2010 and had a record of 4-8 in 12 fight there, having lost 6 of his last 7. 
    • Fight Network will air the live UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson prelims in Canada at 8 p.m. ET. The main card airs live on TSN1 and TSN5 at 10 p.m. ET.
    • Bellator has added Goiti Yamauchi vs Bubba Jenkins to Bellator 151.  Already on the card is Michael Page vs Fernando Gonzalez and the main-event Joe Warren vs Darrion Caldwell.  The event will take place on March 4th in Thackerville, Oklahoma and broadcast on Spike TV.
    • ONE Championships announced their next event for Feb 20th in Jakarta, Indonesia. Main event will be Rafael Silva (40-15) against Luis Santos (61-9-1). Silva was scheduled to fight for a British promotion on the same day so I guess that fight is off. Santos had a no contest against Ben Askren last year and then missed weight for their rematch. According to the press release, the fight will take place at the same Welterweight class that Santos last missed weight at, although Silva usually fights at middleweight.
    • Jake Shields is not happy with WSOF for pulling him from a scheduled fight for their vacant 170 lb title. Shields had lost a fight with Rousimar Palhares for the title and was scheduled to fight Jon Fitch for the same belt after Palhares was suspended for 2 years and stripped of the belt. Fitch is now scheduled to face Joao Zeferino for the belt. Zeferino recently fought in their Lightweight tourney, losing in the tournament final to Brian Foster, which apparently qualifies him for a shot at the 170 lb title in the company that employs Chael Sonnen. The fight takes place in April but WSOF has yet to announce a date or location.
    • Former Pride and Elite XC star Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett returns to action tomorrow on GFL.TV show available on iPPV against Terrell Hobbs on a show called Elite Warrior Challenge 9 : Takeover. Former TUF finalist Matt Van Buren faces Derrick Weaver in the show’s main event

    MISC

    • Sports Cards & Collectibles – Jimmy Hart (wrestling icon and singer from the 1960s band The Gentrys) will sign during two of our spring dates in May including the Frontier Field show (on the 14th from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and NOT the 15th as previously noted).   
    • On July 24th, 2016 at 5pm – Smash Wrestling and Chikara collide for one incredible night of action!
    • Inside The Rope Live & UNCENSORED! with SCOTT STEINER: Monday  21st March – The Garage, Highbury, LONDON; Tuesday 22nd March – The Comedy Store, MANCHESTER; Wednesday 23rd March – The Classic Grand, GLASGOW; Thursday 24th March – The Empire, BELFAST;
    • Highspots Wrestling Network, a division of Highspots.com, a recently added a channel to the Roku. They are offering a free 7 day trial at Highspots Wrestling Network

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/05): Andre pins Hogan to win WWF Title; title held up