MMA star and YouTube street fighting sensation Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson has passed away at the age of 42 Monday, reportedly due to heart failure.
TMZ reported on Monday evening that Ferguson had been rushed to the hospital and was in a dire situation, and social media reports started to file in later that he had passed away. American Top Team, where Ferguson trained, confirmed the news on their Twitter account.
— American Top Team (@AmericanTopTeam) June 7, 2016
Ferguson rose to stardom on YouTube as a street fight legend, and parlayed that into an MMA career. He fought on the first-ever MMA event broadcast on network television — EliteXC: Primetime in May 2008 — where he defeated James Thompson. He famously lost to Seth Petruzelli later in 2008 in EliteXC’s final event. He went on to appear on UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter and fought Roy Nelson in the most watched fight aired on cable during that TUF season.
He went on to have a 1-1 record inside the Octagon, being released following a loss to Matt Mitrione.
Ferguson moved onto professional boxing and compiled a 7-0 record before returning to MMA with Bellator MMA. He defeated Ken Shamrock at Bellator 138 in June 2015, and followed that up with a second straight win in the infamous February bout against Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris in February where Harris claimed he died during the fight and was hospitalized for several days following due to renal failure.
Ferguson failed a drug test afterward failing for nandralone and elevated testosterone levels. He was suspended for 90 days, far from the standard suspensions found in most states. Ferguson was booked to rematch Thompson at the upcoming Bellator 158 event on July 16 in London, England.
A statement from Bellator’s Scott Coker:
We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family.
One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport.
Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ferguson family and all of Kimbo’s friends, fans, and teammates.
A statement from UFC:
UFC is saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Ferguson, known to fans around the world as Kimbo Slice.
Slice will forever be a part of UFC history as a contestant on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2009, and for having fought twice inside the Octagon at The Ultimate Fighter Finale and UFC 113. He carried himself as a true professional during his time in our organization.
While he will never be forgotten for his fighting style and transcendent image, Slice will also be remembered for his warm personality and commitment to his family and friends.
UFC offers its sincere condolences to Slice’s family, friends and teammates at American Top Team.
WWE is now claiming the start of a “new era,” based on the idea that Shane and Stephanie McMahon are going to be running Raw together, no doubt building to the inevitable battle for power. And at least at the start, it looks like HHH is sitting this one out.
Bellator fighter Jordan Parson’s who had his leg amputated a few days ago after a hit and run has passed away. He was 25 years old. Parson’s was hit by a car early last Sunday, May 1st around 12:30AM while crossing a street in Del Ray, Florida.
Bellator promoter Scott Coker had this to say: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a dear member of the Bellator family, Jordan Parsons. Jordan was an exceptional athlete and a rising star in the sport. But more importantly, he was an exceptional young man. Jordan was hard-working, dedicated, intelligent, and a pleasure to be around. He represented all the reasons we love this sport. It is a terribly tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates.” We at the Wrestling Observer echo the sentiments of Mr. Coker.
The driver, who has not been found, took off while Parsons was left on the road with a horrible leg wound. A police officer, Derek Chahine, responded and treated Parsons, who was taken to the hospital, in critical condition. Police believe that the headphones Parsons was wearing as he crossed the road may have prevented him from hearing the SUV approaching. Police were unable to determine who had the right of way. Police are searching for the driver, whose car would be missing the drivers’s side mirror and have damage on the driver’s side headlight and surrounding casing. Parsons had an 11-2 record and was scheduled to fight on Bellator’s San Jose show 5/14 against Adam Piccolotti.
Former UFC, Bellator, and Strikeforce heavyweight Lavar “Big” Johnson was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday stemming from an August arrest on domestic battery charges.
Based on an incident on August 11, Johnson was charged with corporal injury on a spouse/co-habitant, assault likely to produce great bodily harm, dissuading a witness from reporting a crime, and dissuading a witness by force.
He was charged with punching, kneeing, and slamming his girlfriend’s head on the ground and the wall. Johnson told the judge he was ashamed and embarrassed about the ending of the seven-year relationship, and had friends speak and write for him to try and get the sentenced reduced.
Judge Glenda Allen-Hill wasn’t moved by the testimony, pointing to the severity of the beating and also that it wasn’t a first time occurrence as Johnson was sentenced to 14 days in jail and three years probation and forced to undergo alcohol counseling after a 2007 incident with a different girlfriend. He was also jailed for 30 days for criminal threats and disobeying a domestic relations order.
Hill noted that he could have stopped and not inflicted so much damage on his victim, but he did not stop.
Johnson (18-10) was noted for having a great physical similarity (and same last name) to Dwayne Johnson as he’s 6-foot-4, 255 pounds bald, muscular, and with similar tattoos. He was known as a “kill or be killed” heavyweight as in his 28 pro fights, only one went the distance, a UFC fight with Brendan Schaub where Schaub took him down and held him down for three rounds.
Over the last six years, Johnson had 11 pro fights (4-11), nine of which ended in the first round. He came to the UFC in 2012 when UFC brought all the Strikeforce heavyweights into the promotion and went 2-2 in four fights, cut after the loss to Schaub.
He was signed by Bellator and had lost three of his last four fights with his last fight on September 5, 2014.
Bellator 153 : Koreshkov vs Henderson is on Spike TV Friday night at 8 pm eastern from Connecticut. The show airs one hour earlier than usual and features the Bellator debut of former WEC and UFC lightweight champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson. He challenges Bellator welterweight champion Andrei Koreshkov in the main event. Bellator mainstay Patricio “Pitbull” Freire fights in the co-main and the show also features the return of “MVP” Michael Venom Page. Mr Cyborg even makes an appearance!
Show opens with a video package with clips of various MMA media talking about the signing of Benson Henderson, including Ariel Helwani, Bas Rutten and Kenny Rice. They made the signing feel very important. This led to footage of Andrey Koreshkov just destroying dudes. Really good opening that made the main event of tonight’s show feel like a big deal.
Like last week’s show, they are airing the fighter walkouts, which is a nice touch that separates Bellator from UFC. Sean Grande even talks about the MVP “character” but also puts over his fighting ability and style, saying that he vows to do something that fans have never seen before.
Welterweights Michael Page (9-0) vs Jeremie Holloway (7-1) (John McCarthy – ref)
Page has a huge height and reach advantage, as he usually does a 6 ft 3 welterweight. Holloway rushes MVP and gets floored with a punch flush on the face but he recovers quickly. Page with his hands down at his knees and throwing wild punches while Grande says he’s part Anderson Silva and part Bugs Bunny, which gets a chuckle from Jimmy Smith. Holloway clinches up on the cage and the fans boo so Big John breaks them up. Actually it was a low blow by Holloway during the clinch. MVP with a huge right and then throws Holloway to the floor. MVP with a reverse ankle lock and gets the quick tap. He then gets in Holloway’s face trash talking him after he releases the hold.
WINNER – MICHAEL PAGE (10-0) by submission (toe hold) at 2:15
Page gets some interview time after the fight. Says he’s working on his all around game. Jimmy Smith announces that it will be MVP vs Fernando Gonzalez on July 16th in London, which is the undercard of the Kimbo Slice/James Thompson fight.
Lightweights Brent Primus (6-0) vs Gleristone Santos (27-5) (Bryan Miner – ref)
No walkouts aired for these two. Ref Miner bears a slght resemblance to Scott Coker. Santos gets a couple early knockdowns and Primus seems to want to keep it on the ground but Santos stands up to get it back to the feet. Primus has 3 first round subs in Bellator so that would explain it. Primus does get it to the ground at 1:15 and working for a sub from his back. Santos to his feet and landing kicks to the body so Primus gets up as well. Santos is defintely landing more on the feet. Primus misses a takedown attempt badly at 2:30. Santos already tired 4:00 in as he’s been throwing a lot of punches. Primus starting to connect with leg kicks. 10-9 Santos but close
SAntos controlling the cage to start the round and still more active early. Primus hit with a low blow 2:30 in but doesn’t seem to want to stop fighting. Ref warns Santos and they start fighting again right away. Both guys throwing a ton of shots on the restart. Primus with a takedown attempt but defended well by Santos at 4:00. Primus with a nice punch combo, his best of the fight, at 4:15. Santos with a nice combo right before the bell. That was almost a 10-10 round but I’d give the slight edge to Primus so 19-19 after 2
Jimmy Smith has Santos up two rounds. Primus pulls guard early in round 3. Santos stands up and Primus tries to grab his foot but Santos gets away and they’re both standing again. Primus starting to land more punches and connects with a spin kick. Santos with a punch combo of his own at 1:45 that staggers Primus. Primus stuffed on another takedown attempt at 2:45. Santos lands a couple hard rights followed by a body kick and Primus is stumbling. Santos lets up, giving Primus time to recover and Primus gets a takedown at 3:45 and Primus takes his back. Santos rolls out but Primus still in his guard. Primus landing punches and elbows. Santos with a heel hook attempt but Primus escapes and postures up and then lands a hammer fist before going back into Santos’ guard. Primus ends the round on top to take the round definitively. 10-9 Primus, 29-28 overall but either guy could take it.
WINNER – BRENT PRIMUS (7-0) by split decision (29-28 x 2; 28-29)
Jimmy Smith scored all 3 rounds for Santos, which is questionable. Primus gets some mic time and asks for a top 10 fighter to help him move up in the rankings. He thanks God and Scott Coker for believing in him and letting him fight on the main card. Charisma isn’t exactly his strong suit.
Good pre-fight video package for the next fight. Ward is promising a quick explosive fight in front of his hometown fans. Bellator is back in this venue in October and Ward will get a title shot with a win tonight.
Welterweights Brennan Ward (13-3) vs Evangelista Santos (20-16) (Todd Anderson – ref)
These guys are big enough stars to get televised walkouts. Santos is better known as Mr Cyborg and is the ex-husband of Cristiano Justino aka Cris Cyborg. He is a former Strikeforce fighter making his Bellator debut and he once fought Nick Diaz. He’s also fought in Pride. Ward is a big star to the locals and comes out to Irish folk music with Irish flags everywhere like he’s on a Conor McGregor undercard. When Bellator did their UK vs USA tentpole show last year, he was on the UK “team” before turning American in his post-fight interview. This should end quickly as between the two of them, they’ve got 28 stoppages in 33 career wins, most of those coming in the first round.
Ward catches a Santos kick and takes him down right away. Cyborg with a heel hook and gets the quick tap.
WINNER – EVANGELISTA SANTOS (21-16) by verbal submission at 30 seconds (heel hook)
Cyborg says he’s after the belt and not much more in his post fight promo.
The “Fighters First” promo from last week aired again and it’s still great. Matt Mitrione’s debut was announced for Dynamite 2 in June against a Samoan fighter that I’ve never heard of. They are running tentpole shows in each of the next 3 months with regular shows mixed in as well so it’s going to be a big few months of fights for Bellator as well as UFC.
Featherweights Patricio Freire (24-3) vs Henry Corrales (12-2) (Kevin MacDonald – ref)
Both guys get walkouts with Pitbull getting AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” as his song, preceded by barking pitbulls. Pitbull controlling the cage early. Corrales landing single punches from distance but neither guy doing much through 2 minutes. Pitbull with a takedown attempt at 2:15 and ends up taking the back of Corrales standing. He completes it at 2:30 and into mount quickly. Pitbull working for an arm triangle but gives it up quickly. Corrales works him back into guard but eats some elbows. Corrales to his feet at 3:45. Crowd booing heavily at 4:30 as neither guy has done a thing since they stood up. They have a quick punch exchange right before the bell. 10-9 Pitbull
Carl Seumanatafa is the name of Mitrione’s opponent in June. Announcers saying that Pitbull may have suffered a rib injury in the first round. He does seem to be very tentative. Nice punch combo from Corrales at 1:30. Crowd booing again at 1:45. Pitbull with cage control but neither guy doing much of anything, much like the main event of last week’s show, although this one has slightly more action. Pitbull connects with a flying knee at 3:00. Pitbull with a nice punch combo at 3:15 and then gets a takedown. Pitbull landing light punches to the body from the top but then stands up and locks in a standing guillotine and gets the quick tap.
WINNER – PATRICIO FREIRE (25-3) by submission (guillotine choke) at 4:09 of the 2nd round
In his post-fight interview, Pitbull says he was a “little hurt” after round 1 but he took his corner’s advice and submitted his opponent in Round 2. Says he’s the most complete fighter in the division and vows to take his belt back from Daniel Straus.
A prelim fight between Djamil Chan and Richard Patishnock aired next. Chan moves to 13-2 with a first round KO and looked really good.
Main Event for the Bellator Welterweight Championship – Champion Andrei Koreshkov (18-1) vs Benson Henderson (23-5) (John McCarthy – ref)
Henderson got to take his “Awesome God” entrance music with him from UFC and Koreshkov is out to the Russian national anthem followed by what sounded like the Imperial Death March. It would’ve been a great entrance song for Rusev when he was a Russian sympathizer. After bringing in Road Warrior Hawk a couple years ago, I was very disappointed that Nikolai Volkoff was nowhere to be found. Henderson is the huge crowd favorite and his “notable wins” record is the best lineup I’ve ever seen in Bellator.
Henderson giving up a lot of size here, although it’s not as bad as when he fought Brandon Thatch last year. Henderson staying on the outside, landing body kicks from distance. Koreshkov pushing the pace early. Henderson connecting with leg kicks as well. Koreshkov catches a kick and pushes Henderson to the ground at 2:15 but lets him back up. Koreshkov lands a hard body kick right after that. Koreshkov with a punch combo that backs Henderson up at 3:15. Henderson misses badly on a takedown attempt. Henderson continuing to connect with leg kicks, which could come into play later. Koreshkov knocks Henderson down with 10 seconds left and all over him with punches as the round ends. 10-9 Koreshkov
Koreshkov advancing again and Henderson with his back to the cage early. Koreshkov lands a spinning head kick and Henderson misses on another takedown attempt. Flying knee by Koreshkov and then a punch combo but Henderson weathers it. Another weak takedown attempt by Henderson. Henderson continuing to land leg kicks, but that’s all he’s connecting with. Another failed takedown attempt from Henderson at 3:15. That one was closer. Henderson missing wildly on his punches as well. Henderson with a body punch that seemed to hurt Koreshkov a bit and he gains cage control for a short bit. Body kick by Koreshkov staggers Henderson at 4:30. Cage clinch with 10 seconds left and Koreshkov landing punches to the body and head. 10-9 Koreshkov, 20-18 overall
LETS GO BENSON chants from the crowd to start round 3. Left hook staggers Henderson and he shoots for a takedown. Koreshkov landing elbows and punches to the head but Henderson won’t let go of his waist. Koreshkov with his back on the cage and Henderson just holding him there, not landing anything. Henderson with a couple of elbows to the head that connect. Koreshkov sprawls and landing hard knees to the body. They separate at 3:30. Koreshkov landing hard leg kicks as the crowd starts a USA chant. Spinning head kick from Koreshkov with 10 seconds left. Another round for Koreshkov, 30-27.
Koreshkov advancing to start again and landing leg kicks early. Henderson with a takedown attempt and Koreshkov sprawls out. Henderson ends up on his back and just misses with a hard upkick and Koreshkov backs off, forcing Henderson to his feet. Henderson wtih a takedown attempt that ends up in a cage clinch at 2:00. Henderson landing a lot of leg kicks from the clinch. Koreshkov gets seperation at 3:00. Koreshkov continuing to advance. Koreshkov knocks Henderson down with a punch but stays on his feet, landing punches while Henderson is sitting on the canvas. Koreshkov with a standing guillotine at 4:30 and drags him to the canvas but lets go quickly. Henderson to his feet at 4:45. 10-9 Koreshkov, 40-36
Benson’s corner told him “we’re down a lot” between rounds. Henderson with leg kicks to open and connects with a head kick. Henderson landing more this round as he has to go for it. Koreshkov looks as fresh as he did in the first and lands another spinning head kick. Henderson with a takedown attempt and Koreshkov sprawls out again. Koreshkov with a massive body kick as Henderson was shooting for a takedown. Henderson stayed down but Koreshkov backed off, forcing him to his feet. Henderson with another weak takedown attempt. Henderson landed a couple of kicks from his back and Koreshkov backed off. Henderson misses wildly with a punch and then drops to his back but Koreshkov having none of it and backs off. Koreshkov still advancing at 4:00 and lands a spinning back fist. Koreshkov drops Henderson with a punch but doesn’t go to the ground with him. Henderson connects with an upkick but Koreshkov in with a vicious knee to the body with 10 seconds left. Koreshkov with a guillotine right before the final bell. 10-9 Koreshkov, 50-45
WINNER – ANDREY KORESHKOV (19-1) by unanimous decision (50-45 x 3)
Both guys get interview time. Koreshkov says that his coach told him that he would win every round and he did. Henderson says he’s sad cause he doesn’t like losing. When asked what’s next, he was supposed to say he’s going back to 155 but instead said “I dunno, whatever the bosses say”. Announcers were pushing potential fights with Josh Thomson and Michael Chandler. Koreshkov will probably get the Koscheck-Daley winner next.
Kimbo Slice’s championship aspirations have never been at the top of the list for Bellator MMA, but interesting fights certainly are. Sunday night, the MMA world found out what his next foray into the cage will be.
In a rematch of one of the most watched MMA fights of all time, the 42-year-old Slice (6-2) will rematch James “Colossus” Thompson (20-16-1) on Saturday, July 16th at the O2 Arena in London, England. Bellator president Scott Coker made the announcement during a quick segment on ESPN’s SportsCenter on ESPNews.
Slice will ride into the fight on a two fight win streak, having dispatched Ken Shamrock and Dhafir “DADA 5000” Harris in February, the last fight notable mainly because Harris nearly died during the fight due to a terribly planned weight cut, and that Slice tested positive for banned substances. He was suspended for all of 90 days by the Texas Athletic Commission.
After winning four straight, the 37-year-old Thompson has lost his last two fights by TKO. He and Slice fought back in May 2008 for EliteXC, a fight Slice won by 3rd round TKO when Thompson’s cauliflower ear exploded after Slice punched it. The show aired on CBS and did huge ratings.
According to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Bellator is looking at England native Paul Daley vs. Josh Koscheck II in the co-main event — a rematch of their infamous May 2010 UFC fight where Daley punched Koscheck after the fight ended, causing his immediate firing by UFC brass. Ever since Bellator signed both guys, the fight has been inevitable.
The fight announcement wasn’t lost on UFC VP of Public Relations Dave Sholler who had a simple tweet after the announcement. Even with a busy July, UFC has no shows planned for that date. They have run the O2 Arena six times, always drawing well there.
Bellator’s Aaron Pico will be going for an Olympic wrestling team berth tonight when he faces Frank Molinaro in the 143 pound weight division final.
Pico, 19, from Whittier CA, is attempting to become the first teenager to make the Olympic team in freestyle wrestling in 40 years.
Pico has two prior wins over Molinaro, but Molinaro has had a killer tournament thus far in beating Logan Steiber, the four-time NCAA champion, as well a Brent Metcalf, one of the best U.S. wrestlers of the modern era, and like Steiber, a former Hodge trophy winner.
Pico and Ed Ruth were both signed by Bellator as amateur stars who will debut in MMA after the Olympics, or sooner if they fail to make the Olympic team.
Pico, was considered perhaps the best teenage prospect in decades as he was named pound-for-pound the best high school wrestlers in the country while only a freshman, where he went 42-0, with no close bouts, in taking the California state title. He was world champion in his age group in 2013, and against older competitors in the junior division, took third in the 2014 and 2015 world championships.
Still, because of how loaded the 143 pound division was, he was considered a long shot to make the team. With Metcalf, Steiber, Molinaro, Jordan Oliver, Zain Retheford, Jayson Ness and Reece Humphrey, it was considered the most loaded division in the tournament.
While growing up, Pico won a number of boxing and Pankration tournaments and Bellator signed him in 2014, shortly after his 18th birthday, to essentially a futures contract and he was introduced on one of the company’s major shows.
The finals at 143 will air on NBC Sports tonight at some point after 7 p.m. Eastern and 4 p.m. Pacific.
Many of the top wrestlers in the recent NCAA tournament are competing for slots on the team. Nick Gwiazdowski, who placed second at heavyweight, is in the super heavyweight division with the finals tonight.
Kyle Snyder, 20, the NCAA heavyweight champion and defending world champion, will compete at 215 pounds, will be in a tournament tomorrow.
Welcome to our live coverage of Bellator 151: Warren vs. Caldwell from Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma. The event is headlined by a bantamweight bout as former Bellator Featherweight and Bantamweight Champion Joe Warren takes on undefeated rising prospect Darrion Caldwell. The event airs on Spike TV at 9 PM eastern time and prelims will air on Spike.com at 7 PM eastern time. Join us for full coverage of the main card.
Coverage provided by Ryan Frederick
PRELIM RESULTS: Ray Wood def. Chris Jones by TKO (punches) at 3:10 of Round 1 Justin Patterson def. Chance Rencountre by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) Ricky Turcios def. Steve Garcia by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27) Neiman Gracie def. Roger Carroll by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) Jermayne Barnes def. Derek Palmer by TKO (punches) at 1:17 of Round 2 Treston Thomison def. Aaron Roberson by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:20 of Round 2
BANTAMWEIGHTS- JOE TAIMANGLO (21-6-1, 4-2 BFC) VS. SIRWAN KAKAI (12-3, 0-0 BFC)
ROUND 1- Taimanglo starts with a leg kick. Right hand from Taimanglo lands. Taimanglo lands a big flying knee and they start trading punches. Kakai lands a right hand. They trade punches. Taimanglo lands some right hands. Kakai lands a solid right hand in return. Taimanglo drops Kakai for a moment with a right hand. Kakai goes for a takedown and pushes against the fence. Taimanglo has the neck looking for a choke. Kakai is trying to scrmable out but Taimanglo turns it into a D’arce choke. Kakai escapes that but finds himself in a guillotine. Kakai gets out of that and starts landing from the top in the guard. Kakai moves to half-guard but they scramble to their feet. Back to the mat and Kakai lands from the top as the round ends. 10-9 Taimanglo.
ROUND 2- Taimanglo looks to set up a flying knee but Kakai sees it coming. Taimanglo with some leg kicks. They clinch against the fence but break quickly. Kakai misses some punches but then they each land inside the pocket. Taimanglo lands a leg kick but eats a big punch from Kakai. Kakai with a high kick. Taimanglo fakes a takedown attempt and lands a right hand. They trade punches. Taimanglo keeping his hands low but landing more. Kakai with a leg kick. They trade punches. Kakai has a takedown attempt blocked. Taimanglo stuffs a takedown attempt and lands a nice punch. They clinch against the fence as the round ends. 10-9 Taimanglo, 20-18 Taimanglo.
ROUND 3- Taimanglo comes out with a body kick. Kakai getting aggressive with his kicks and lands a nice left hook. Taiamnglo lands a solid combo. Kakai buckles him with a leg kick. They trade punches. Kakai with a leg kick. Kakai with a big takedown against the cage but they bounce right back to their feet. They break. Taimanglo looks ehausted. Kakai gets the body lock against the fence and lands some knees. They battle in the clinch against the fence. They break. They each land some punches as the fight goes the distance. 10-9 Kakai, 29-28 Taimanglo.
Official Result- Joe Taimanglo def. Sirwan Kakai by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
ROUND 1- They trade leg kicks to start. Jenkins with another. Jenkins with a body kick and Yamauchi lands one himself. They are tangled against the fence and Yamauchi jumps on the back of Jenkins. Yamauchi looking for a standing choke. Yamauchi has it nearly locked in but lets go. Jenkins with some back punches. Yamauchi still working for the choke but takes some elbows from Jenkins. Yamauchi goes back for the choke. He’s not quite getting it under the neck and he’s had three minutes in this position. Jenkins keeps fighting it off. Yamauchi gives it one last big attempt but Jenkins gets out as the round ends. 10-9 Yamauchi.
ROUND 2- They trade kicks to start off the round. Jenkins shoots in and gets a big takedown. They are against the fence with Jenkins in the guard. Yamauchi looking for the arm from the bottom but fence is in the way. Jenkins with some body punches from the top. Yamauchi lets go of the arm and Jenkins is in the full guard. Jenkins passes to half-guard and is smothering from top but not doing a lot. Jenkins then starts to land a little. Jenkins gets to his feet but goes right back into the guard after missing a big right hand. Round ends with not a lot of action going on during that five minutes. 10-9 Jenkins, 19-19.
ROUND 3- They trade kicks and Jenkins goes high. Yamauchi lands a big leg kick and misses a spin kick. Jenkins shoots in and scores the takedown. They are against the fence. Jenkins looking to pass guard. Not much happening here. Jenkins doing just enough to keep it from being stood up as Yamauchi looks for the arm. Yamauchi has the arm looking to extend but Jenkins defends it. Jenkins gets back into full guard. Jenkins with some punches from the top but he looks more like he is stalling. Yamauchi looks for one last armbar attempt as the fight ends. Boring fight. 10-9 Jenkins, 29-28 Jenkins.
Official Result- Bubba Jenkins def. Goiti Yamauchi by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-27)
WELTERWEIGHTS- FERNANDO GONZALEZ (24-13, 4-0 BFC) VS. GILBERT SMITH (12-4, 0-0 BFC)
ROUND 1- Smith comes out with a combo. Smith ducks under a punch from Gonzalez and scores a big takedown. Gonzalez reverses position and gets on top but Smith has his neck. They scramble up for a moment but go back to the mat. Gonzalez is in side control against the fence and landing punches. They get to their feet but go back down against as Smith looks for the takedown. Gonzalez lands some elbows as Smith works to the top. They get back to their feet. Smith works for another takedwn but Gonzalez sprawls and lands punches and ends up on top in side control. Gonzalez with body punches. Gonzalez gets the neck and looks for a guillotine choke. He had it in but Smith escaped. They get back to their feet and hit the mat again. 10-9 Gonzalez.
ROUND 2- They come out trading punches. Smith scores a takedown and is on top. Smith landing punches against the fence on top. Gonzalez is able to reverse position by sweeping. They scramble to their feet and Smith drags the fight back down. Smith landing soft punches from the top and Gonzalez is not doing much in return. Gonzalez has the neck but looks like he is just holding on with nothing. They are stood up. They trade shots as the round ends. 10-9 Smith, 19-19.
ROUND 3- Gonzalez with a combo as Smith shoots for a takedown but is stuffed. Smith lands a big left hand and has Gonzalez hurt and turns it into a takedown. Smith has him againsyt the fence. Gonzalez landing elbows from the bottom. Smith tries to posture up but loses the position. They scramble back to their feet. Smith lands punches and goes for a takedown and Gonzalez falls to the mat before Smith can even land it. Smith smothering from top and lands a knee as they get to their feet. They scramble and Gonzalez ends on top in half-guard as is landing elbows. Gonzalez in full guard now and landing from top. They get up to their feet.Smith lands some big punches. Smith with a nice combo but Gonzalez lands a solid body kick as the fight ends. 10-9 Smith, 29-28 Smith.
Official Result- Fernando Gonzalez def. Gilbert Smith by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
BANTAMWEIGHTS- JOE WARREN (13-4, 11-3, BFC) VS. DARRION CALDWELL (8-0, 5-0 BFC)
ROUND 1- Caldwell with a head kick and he gets Warren to the mat. Caldwell takes the back and looks for a choke. He has the back against the fence. Caldwell with punches from the back as he has Warren pinned against the fence. Caldwell still has the back and is landing some punches. They get to their feet and Caldwell with a huge German suplec and he has the back of Warren again on the mat. Caldwell looking for the choke and he has it in. It is deep and Warren is out cold! Caldwell stays undefeated as he choke Warren out cold and gets the submission win.
Official Result- Darrion Caldwell def. Joe Warren by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:23 of Round 1
Bellator and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson have reached an out-of-court settlement on their lawsuit. As part of the agreement Jackson will return to fight in Bellator.
Bellator released the information today stating Jackson’s return is part of an amicable agreement to settle litigation.
Jackson signed with Bellator in 2013 after his UFC contract expired on a joint deal with Spike TV, Bellator and TNA. Jackson was signed to headline a PPV against Tito Ortiz, but due to a neck injury to Ortiz in training, the fight fell through. Jackson won three fights in Bellator, over Joey Beltran, Christian M’Pumbu and King Mo Lawal, the latter a very disputed decision in a grudge match.
On December 20, 2014, UFC announced that Jackson had signed a new deal to return to UFC. Scott Coker, the President of Bellator, immediately stated that Jackson still had multiple fights left on his contract and they filed suit against him.
Jackson had claimed to be a free agent based on a contract breach, claiming he had not gotten a full breakdown of the PPV numbers for the Lawal fight. Bellator officials stated he was told the number and they had publicly released the number at approximately 100,000 buys. Jackson was also unhappy that Bellator had not gotten him movie roles as was talked about in the original contract negotiations.
Bellator originally got an injunction to stop him from fighting in UFC. However, an appellate court in New Jersey overturned the injunction and allowed Jackson to face Fabio Maldonado on 4/25 in Montreal, a fight he won. However, the injunction went back into effect after the fight, and Jackson’s career has been on hold ever since because he did not want to go back to Bellator.
We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE house shows in Columbus, GA and Tupelo, MS, as well as the weekend NXT shows in Venice and Largo, FL. Please send to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com
Smackdown will be taped on tonight in Memphis, TN.
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! The latest video is “Kill that Mole”. A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.
Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer. TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it. More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career. WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.
The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings.
The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.
The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.
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As noted on the front page, Benson Henderson’s Bellator debut will be a welterweight title shot on April 22nd.
Some interesting movement on the betting lines for UFC 196 in the two title fights. Conor McGregor opened as an underdog in his Lightweight title challenge of Rafael Dos Anjos but is now a slight favorite, due to most of the money coming in on the Featherweight champion. While Miesha Tate is still an underdog against Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm, the line has moved a lot in the last week, with most of the money coming in on Tate.
Embattled Edmond Tarverdyan, he was fined $5000 and suspended for 3 months due to failing to disclose his criminal past. Edmond was popped in 2010 for felony identity theft and a resisting arrest charge, which is a misdemeanor. He ended up pleading no contest to reduced misdemeanor charges but since he didn’t disclose this information to the CSAC he can’t corner anyone for 90 days. He is having a rough year…
Vivid Video issued a press release announcing that not only is Tammy Sytch’s adult film now available on their website, she also has an autobiography coming out this weekend.
As noted last night on Observer Radio, Marty Jannetty made an odd Facebook post last night when he misunderstood Stephanie McMahon’s promo about best friends splitting up in wrestling.
WWE’s Best of Raw & SmackDown 2015 DVD set, their only home video release for February, comes out a week from today and is available for pre-order.
Past TUF cast member Jamie Yager (remember him?) returns to action for the first time in three years on a WSOF undercard fight on 2/20 against Greg Parker.
After the initial overnight number for Saturday’s UFC on FOX show came in at 2.43 million viewers, final numbers released today bumped that up to 2.685 million viewers, as we had speculated it would. The FS 1 prelims did 702,000 viewers. The main card number was down about 14% from last January’s FOX show. The prelims were up about 16% in total viewers as has been the case for most shows of late.
In other MMA ratings news, Bellator 148 Friday on Spike TV did a disappointing 566,000 viewers for the show headlined by Paul Daley knocking out Andy Uhrich. This show was greatly hurt by the withdrawal of former UFC star Josh Koscheck from the originally scheduled main event and the number was way down from their 2015 average.
Bellator 149 on February 19th has a late change to the main card as Mike Bronzoulis had to pull out of his fight with Melvin Guillard. Bellator veteran Derek Campos steps in to face the UFC vet who is coming off losses in 3 of his last 4 fights. In a weird bit of trivia, those three losses came in UFC, WSOF and Bellator.
MISC
For those who haven’t been keeping up with the NWAClassics.com streaming service, they recently released a previously unearthed Terry Funk vs. Mark Lewin match from 1979.
This week’s Between the Sheets podcast with Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan covers January 26 to February 1, 1991 including the WWF under firing for Gulf War exploitation, Dave Meltzer under fire from the WWF for what he wrote about their Gulf War exploitation, the WBF holds its first press conference, the birth of RINGS, WCW Clash of the Champions: Dixie Dynamite, and much more.
Fire Pro Podcast this week talks about Royal Rumble 1999 and the week in news here.
Metro Pro Champion Jeremy Wyatt def. the Beer City Bruiser, The Math Magician def. Tracy Smothers, and Central States Champion Ace Steel def. the Kansas City Wolves this past Saturday at Metro Pro Wrestling’s event at the Turner Rec Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
