Jackson and Evans Named as Coaches for Season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter

An excited Rampage and the barely ex-champ Rashad were announced today as captains of the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.

The eventual fight between the coaches would have been for the light heavyweight belt, if not for two things:

1) Quinton's jaw injury against Keith Jardine at UFC 96 and subsequent surgery. This cost him a title shot against Evans.

2) Lyoto Machida

UFC 98 Fighter Salaries

According to the Nevada State Athletic Commission and MMA Weekly, here are the salaries from last Saturday's event.

MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS
– Lyoto Machida $140,000 (includes $70,000 win bonus) def. Rashad Evans $200,000 (win bonus would have been $175,000)

MAIN CARD FIGHTERS
– Matt Hughes $200,000 (includes $100,000 win bonus) def. Matt Serra $75,000 (win bonus would have been $75,000)
– Drew McFedries $34,000 (includes $17,000 win bonus) def. Xavier Foupa
-Pokam $6,000 (win bonus would have been $6,000)
– Chael Sonnen $50,000 (includes $25,000 win bonus) def. Dan Miller $15,000 (win bonus would have been $15,000)
– Frank Edgar $40,000 (includes $20,000 win bonus) def. Sean Sherk $40,000 (win bonus would have been $40,000)

PRELIMINARY CARD FIGHTERS
– Brock Larson $42,000 (includes $21,000 win bonus) def. Mike Pyle $15,000 (win bonus would have been $15,000)
– Tim Hague $10,000 (includes $5,000 win bonus) def. Pat Barry $7,000 (win bonus would have been $7,000)
– Kyle Bradley $8,000 (includes $4,000 win bonus) def. Phillipe Nover $10,000 (win bonus would have been $10,000)
– Krzysztof Soszynski $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) def. Andre Gusmao $5,000 (win bonus would have been $5,000)
– Yoshiyuki Yoshida $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) def. Brandon Wolff $3,000 (win bonus would have been $3,000)
– George Roop $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) def. Dave Kaplan $8,000 (win bonus would have been $8,000)

UFC 98 DISCLOSED FIGHTER PAYROLL: $956,000

Fight Night: UFC 98

The UFC stages its first championship match between unbeatens when Lyoto "the Dragon" Machida challenges the light heavyweight champ "Sugar" Rashad Evans.

Rashad (13-0-1), a former contestant and eventual heavyweight winner on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality series, was NJCAA wrestling champion at 165 lbs before competing for three years at Michigan State. After college, he trained under Dan Severn and began his mixed martial arts career with a series of wins. Following his success on TUF, he has continued his winning ways with victories over Stephen Bonner, Sean Salmon, and Michael Bisping. Rashad earned widespread recognition by defeating Chuck Liddell with a devastating knockout punch at UFC 88. Continuing his upward trend, he challenged Forrest Griffin for the light heavyweight belt at UFC 92. Controlling the action with his striking, Rashad was able to catch Griffin with a punch in the third round. The stunned Griffin was unable to defend himself against the ensuing ground and pound attack and the fight was stopped. This will be Evans first defense of his belt.

Machida (14-0) began traininig in karate in his native Brazil at the age of 4. Under the tutelage of his father, Shotokan karate master Yoshizo Machida, he was able to earn his black belt by the age of 12. In addition to karate, Machida has also trained extensively in sumo and Brazilian jiu jitsu. He began his mixed martial arts career under Antoni Inoki in Japan. Competing in New Japan Pro Wrestling and K-1, Machida defeated Stephen Bonnar, Rich Franklin, and B.J. Penn among others. After make the move to the UFC, Machida continued his success. His trademark elusiveness was displayed at UFC 84 against Tito Ortiz. Using counter-striking and movement, Machida was able to frustrate Tito until he was able to land a knee that put him on the mat. Although Ortiz attempted various chokes and an armbar, Machida was able to survive with a unanimous decision. In his last fight, Machida scored an uncharacteristic first round knockout against fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva.

Evans has been cast as the underdog, despite his belt being on the line. With his strong wrestling background and powerful striking ability, he will be looking to overpower Machida. Given Machida's tendency towards utilizing lateral movement and counters to inflict damage, this will be a difficult task for Evans. Although efficient at doling out punishment without receiving any, Machida has been criticized for a sometimes boring style. Unless Evans is able to impose his will on Machida and catch him with strikes, Lyoto should be able to bore his way to the championship.

Machida by decision

UFC 98 Light Heavyweight Championship Fight (205 lbs)

Here are the latest odds

Rashad Evans

Nickname: Sugar

Record: 13-0-1

Height: 5 ft 11 in

Reach: 74.5 in

Here is his last fight with Forrest Griffin

Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans Rnd. 3

Lyoto Machida

Nickname: The Dragon

Record: 14-0

Height: 6 ft 1 in

Reach: 74 in

Here is his last fight with Thiago Silva

Mayweather is Back

Looks like "retirement" hasn't dulled his winning personality.

Here he takes on ESPN's Brian Kenny, who hosts Friday Night Fights aside from being a Sportscenter anchor.

Boxer Benjamin Flores, 25, Dies Following Bout

As reported in several outlets, boxer Benjamin Flores died at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas on Tuesday.  The cause of death was ruled to be "blunt head injuries."  Having watchedthe fight from ringside, this sad news hits close to home.

Flores, 19-4, was facing Al Seeger for the North American Boxing Federation bantamweight belt (122 lbs).  This was the main event of a four fight card as part of the Texas Real Estate Council's annual Fight Night.  The fight was a competitive and close contest.  In the eighth round of a scheduled twelve, Seeger put Flores into the ropes with a body shot.  Seeger followed with several shots to the head.  As Flores had stopped defending himself, the referee Laurence Cole stopped the fight.  Although a stool was brought to him, he insisted on laying down and lost consciousness.  Ringside doctors began working on him, and he was eventually sent to Parkland where he underwent surgery.

Flores leaves behind a wife and 10 month old son.  Born in Morelia Mexico and living in Houston, he split his time between training under his father and working at a local Taco Bell.

This is a painful reminder of the dangerous nature of these sports.  The fine line between an exciting sporting competition and a potentially deadly fight can be blurred quickly.

A memorial fund has been established by the Real Estate Council.  Contributions can be sent to the following:

Benjamin Flores Memorial Fund

ATTN: Sabrina Jaramillo

Guaranty Bank, 2nd Floor - TMSS

8333 Douglas Avenue 

Dallas, TX 75225

Money Returns to Face Dinamita

As reported before last Saturday's big fight, Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced his return to the ring.  He will face lightweight champ and No.2 Pound for Pound Juan Manuel Marquez.

The fight is schedule to take place July 18th.  With the winner most likely facing Pacquiao, this fight will be looked at as a stepping stone for Mayweather.  Given Pacquiao's destruction of Hatton, many fans will be clamoring for an immediate fight.  However, I am pleased that Mayweather is taking on a tough challenge in his first fight back.  Remember, Marquez gave Pacquiao trouble in their two encounters.  And although they are recognized as a draw and a lost split decision, Juan believes that he won both fights.

With either Pacquiao-Marquez III or Pacquiao-Mayweather in the battle for the P4P crown as the outcome, this is a fight not to be missed.

Fight Night - Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton

The biggest fight of 2009 is happening in Las Vegas Saturday night. Pound for pound king Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao is challenging Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton for his junior welterweight belt (140 lbs). The fight sold out the MGM Garden Arena in April despite current economic conditions.

Pacquiao (49-3-2) is the best boxer in the world. Originally turning pro at 106 lbs, he has won titles in 5 weight classes (flyweight, junior featherweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, and lightweight). As noted by ESPN's Dan Rafael, he will be attempting to win a belt in a 6th weight class on Saturday. The only other fighter in history to win belts in 6 weight classes is Oscar de la Hoya, whom Pacquiao demolished and retired in his last fight at welterweight (147 lbs). Despite the changes in weight, Pac-Man has maintained his formidable punching power. Although the normal trend is that a smaller fighter with power will find his punch diminished against larger opponents, Pacquiao has improved as he has moved up. While he is at the top boxing, he has still not established that he has reached his peak size.

Hatton (45-1), has been the champion at light welterweight since taking the belt from longtime champ Kostya Kszyu in Manchester in 2005. This was a showcase of Hatton's already famous swarming style. He relies on volume and activity in the form of body punches and hooks to wear down his opponents. This is coupled with a strong will and the willingness to receive punishment in order to inflict it.

Hatton will be again taking on the P4P king in Las Vegas. The last attempt was against "Pretty Boy" Floyd "Money" Mayweather in 2007. Although Hatton was able to seemingly catch and frustrate Floyd early in the fight, Mayweather dominated the entire outing. As Hatton became frustrated, Mayweather was able to land combinations at will culminating in a perfectly timed check hook that sent Ricky into the turnbuckle and onto his back. Although he regained his feet in time, Floyd jumped on him until the ref stopped the fight and handed Ricky his first loss. Since then, Hatton has regrouped with two victories and taken on a new trainer, Mayweather's father Floyd senior.

Pacquiao is an international superstar, especially in his native Philippines. He has recorded hit pop songs, owns and plays on his own basketball team, and performs generous charity work. Despite losing a recent congressional election, Manny has plans for a political life following his boxing career.

Hatton enjoys similar worship in England. Throngs of British supporters descended on Las Vegas for Hatton's first fight in America against Mayweather. An estimated 20,000 fans took over the casino and dominated the crowd with soccer-style Hatton chants. Ricky's publicized fondness for beer and pub food has endeared him to people as a regular guy with a warrior's spirit.

Despite his fame at home, Pacquiao did not reach celebrity status in the Western world (outside of boxing fans) until his destruction of de la Hoya in his last fight. Having never fought as heavy as welterweight and given his opponent's Hall of Fame career, Pacquiao was viewed as a heavy underdog. Instead, Pacquiao overwhelmed Oscar from the first bell, hitting him repeatedly with his trademark straight lefts and his recently developed rights. Showing his superior speed, Manny was able to land the majority of his punches and frustrated Oscar with his movement and use of angles. As often happens in boxing, de la Hoya appeared to age instantly in the ring until he quit on his stool after the eighth round.

Hatton's last fight against Paulie Malignaggi was viewed as a showcase for the benefits of his new tutelage under Floyd "Joy" Mayweather Sr. The light hitting Malignaggi was overmatched by Hatton over eleven rounds, though any great changes in Hatton's attack were minor. While Mayweather Sr. has stressed the use of the jab, Hatton used it sparingly and usually to set up his hook. His defense was improved, though it is likely that in the heat of a fight he will still forget to dodge or block the majority of punches he faces. Despite this, Hatton turned in a strong showing before Malignaggi's corner threw in the towel.

As showcased on HBO's excellent 24/7 series, the fighters' trainers have achieved an unusually high level of exposure in this fight. Freddie Roach has trained Pacquiao for the majority of his career and can be credited with helping him to achieve his current status as the best in the world. Stressing strong fundamentals, he has turned Manny from a one dimensional fighter that relied heavily on his unusually powerful left hand into a well rounded boxer. Roach has been named Trainer of the Year three times, most recently in 2008. In contrast, Mayweather Sr. focuses his charges on flashy hand pad work and defensive prowess Although he has claimed credit for his son's success, it is often cited that Floyd Jr.`s true development occured under his uncle, Roger Mayweather. Hatton should show improvement in his jabbing and defense, though it is unclear how much can be learned at this stage with a short amount of time.

Pacquiao should look to establish his superiority against Hatton early, much as he did against Oscar. Pac-Man will have a vast advantage in hand speed, allowing him to attack Ricky quickly. Hatton, though, has under appreciated foot speed and should make for a more difficult target than the slow and plodding de la Hoya. Citing his comfort at the weight, Hatton believes he will be able to hurt Pacquiao. Expect him to eventually wage into Manny and try to slow him down with his body attack and hooks. Pacquiao has shown a tendency to get hit early in his career, often raising his gloves and bouncing back and forth after getting caught in a taunting gesture. Roach has worked with Manny to improve his head movement, which allows him to use his speed and unusual angles to do damage without having to trade. In his toughest fights, particularly against current lightweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao was timed and caught with counter punches when he attempted to jump in with his straight lefts. Using this blueprint, Marquez and Erik Morales were able to slow Manny down and cause him trouble. Hatton, though, has not shown the inclination or the patience for counter punching, preferring to dictate the fight himself.

Despite popular opinion, I think Hatton will prove a tough opponent for Manny. Given the one sided showing against the faded de la Hoya, many see Pacquiao as being an unstoppable force. Respect for Hatton's body and hook attack should keep Manny from a careless onslaught. Instead, I expect Pacquiao to display his punching power and precision, along with his blinding speed, in executing a careful game plan early on. If he can weather Hatton's attacks, he should become more comfortable and begin to beat Hatton up at will. Ricky's pride should keep him in the fight absorbing punishment until the end.

Pacquiao by KO or late stoppage

Also, look for junior middleweight Erislandi Lara against Chris Gray on the undercard. Lara is a former Cuban amateur champion who recently defected. After leaving Cuba in 2007, he was caught by Cuban authorities and brought home where he was suspended from boxing. A second defection attempt by speedboat to Mexico in 2008 proved more successful.

Light Welterweight Championship (140 lbs)

Here are the latest odds

Manny Pacquiao

Nickname: Pac-Man

Record: (49-3-2)

Height: 5ft 6.5in

Reach: 67in (southpaw)

Here is his last fight against Oscar de la Hoya

Ricky Hatton

Nickname: The Hitman

Record: (45-1)

Height: 5ft 6in

Reach: 65in

Here is his last fight against Paulie Malignaggi

UPDATE: Both fighters made weight. Pacquiao came in at 138 lbs. while Hatton weighed exactly 140 lbs.