MMA Fighting

The UFC 146 card continues to take shape with the addition of several matches on Wednesday.

The Memorial Day weekend event will take place in its traditional home of Las Vegas, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 26.

Among the bouts announced is one including the arrival of unbeaten former Strikeforce heavyweight Shane Del Rosario, who hasn't fought since last February after suffering major injuries during an April 2011 car accident. Del Rosario (11-0) will face Gabriel Gonzaga (13-6).

Also making his UFC debut during the event will be veteran light-heavyweight Glover Teixeira, who has been considered one of the best 205-pounders outside of Zuffa for several years. Teixeira had previously been wooed by the UFC, only to see his octagon hopes dashed by visa problems that have finally been solved.

Teixeira (17-2) is set to square off with Kyle Kingsbury. The AKA product recently had a four-fight win streak snapped in a decision loss to Stephan Bonnar.

In a featherweight bout, recent Ultimate Fighter season 14 winner Diego Brandao (14-7) will battle Darren Elkins (13-2). Brandao is coming off a comeback submission win over Dennis Bermundez in December, while Elkins is riding a two-fight win streak, with victories over Michihiro Omigawa and Zhang Tiequan.

Finally, Jacob Volkmann will put his five-fight win streak on the line against undefeated British submission artist Paul Sass (12-0).

UFC 146 is likely to feature a heavyweight championship main event with titleholder Junior dos Santos looking to defend against Alistair Overeem, although that fight has not yet been officially announced by the promotion.

At the UFC 144 press conference, UFC President Dana White will join fighters Frankie Edgar, Ben Henderson, Rampage Jackson, Ryan Bader, Yoshihiro Akiyama and Jake Shields in Japan on Wednesday night.

The UFC 144 pre-fight press conference will be an opportunity for the Japanese media to meet the fighters and the last opportunity to hear the fighters' thoughts prior to Saturday night's fights.

The press conference begins at 11 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday (which is Thursday afternoon in Japan). The presser will not be streamed live after all, but a full archived version will be available afterwards.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell will join MMAFighting.com readers on Friday afternoon to chat about UFC 144 and anything else you'd like to discuss.

The UFC 144 preview chat is your opportunity to ask Liddell for his pick in the lightweight title fight between Frankie Edgar and Ben Henderson, his thoughts on the MMA scene in Japan (where he fought once for the UFC and three times for Pride) or anything else you'd like to know about.

Our live chat begins Friday at 4 p.m. Eastern below.

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=7bf5311ea4" mce_href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=7bf5311ea4" >Chuck Liddell MMAFighting.com Live Chat</a>

In what will more than likely be a standup fight, Duane "Bang" Ludwig is slated to meet Dan Hardy at UFC 146 on May 26 in Las Vegas, the UFC confirmed Wednesday.

Two welterweights with weaknesses on the floor and a strong preference to keep the fight standing, Ludwig and Hardy are both looking to get back on the winning track after coming off submission losses to Josh Neer and Chris Lytle, respectively.

Ludwig was recently seen in a loss to Neer by guillotine choke at the UFC on FX event on Jan. 20, putting a stop to Ludwig's momentum after two straight wins and the recognition of holding the UFC's fastest knockout.

Hardy has not won a fight since November 2009 and is riding a four-fight losing streak. Despite the skid, he's kept his job due to his gameness as a fighter.

UFC 146 will likely be headlined by a heavyweight title bout between champion Junior dos Santos and challenger Alistair Overeem.

Superior Cage Combat middleweight champion Bristol Marunde has signed on to replace Derek Brunson against former titleholder Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza at next Saturday's Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey event.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed the signing on Wednesday via Twitter.

Brunson was scratched from the contest after failing his pre-fight medicals by testing below the commission's minimum vision threshold without his contact lenses. Ohio Athletic Commission Executive Director Bernie Profato revealed that Brunson's vision is 20/400, which fails to meet the state standard of "uncorrected visual acuity."

Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey is slated for March 3, 2012, at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Women's bantamweight champion Miesha Tate defends her title against former Olympian Ronda Rousey in the night's main event.

The late match-up switch marks an enormous leap in competition for Marunde (15-6), whose biggest previous wins came against UFC veterans Jay Silva and Rich Attonito. Training out of West Coast Fight Team, the 29-year-old journeyman recovered from early turbulence to amass nine victories in his last ten appearances, including three first-round stoppages, with his only stumble arriving via a submission loss to Jordan Smith in 2009.

Souza (14-3, 1 NC), meanwhile, looks to rebound after dropping his Strikeforce middleweight title in a unanimous decision loss to Luke Rockhold last September. The setback snapped a four-fight win streak for the Black House fighter, which included dramatic wins over Tim Kennedy, Robbie Lawler, and Matt Lindland.

A temporary suspension of Nick Diaz's fighter license was issued during a Wednesday meeting of the Nevada state athletic commission, stemming from the positive drug sample he produced during the weekend of UFC 143.

The suspension was requested by Nevada deputy attorney general Christopher Eccles, and unanimously approved by the commission until a follow-up disciplinary meeting can be scheduled. At that hearing, Diaz will have the opportunity to present a defense. He was not present at Wednesday's meeting.

When he does sit before the commission, he will likely have to answer not only for his recent drug screening failure which saw him test positive for marijuana metabolites, but also for a previous failed screening back in February 2007, also for marijuana. At that time, he was suspended for six months and fined 20 percent of his purse.

During Wednesday's meeting, commission chairman Skip Avansino requested notes and minutes from the 2007 Nevada matter, as well as any related disciplinary information from other states in preparation of Diaz's upcoming hearing.

The stage was also set for a possible defense that could include a retroactive request for a medical marijuana exemption, as Eccles noted a belief that "the question will come up" given Diaz's personal license for medical use in California.

NSAC executive director Keith Kizer recently told MMA Fighting that no fighter had ever applied for a medial marijuana therapeutic use exemption, but that the commission would take the same steps as normal when considering the request.

In addition to as much as a one-year suspension, Diaz faces the possibility of a financial fine, as the commission asked to receive "full data" on his purse as well as any bonuses earned for his participation at UFC 143. Diaz earned a salary of $200,000 for the bout -- a unanimous decision loss to Carlos Condit -- but likely received undisclosed bonuses that may also be affected.

Diaz has hired Las Vegas attorney Ross Goodman to defend him during the upcoming hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

TOKYO -- Just days ahead of his bout with Jake Shields at UFC 144, Yoshihiro Akiyama discusses how the Japanese fans will receive him, the arrival of a 'new Akiyama style', how he felt about the drop to welterweight and which leading Hollywood actor inspires his fashion choices.

Last summer, Fedor Emelianenko was in the midst of the worst stretch -- the only bad streak, really -- of his career. But the "Last Emperor" wasn't ready to retire, and now he's won two in a row.

He's likely to attempt to add his next victory to his fight ledger in June, according to M-1's global director of operations Evgeni Kogan, who told MMA Fighting that recent rumors of a concrete date and opponent are incorrect.

"We're working towards securing a Fedor fight in Monaco for the summer, sometime around the time when Formula One happens," he said. "Specifically, a little while afterwards."

The Formula One racing series is scheduled to make its annual stop through the principality during the period of May 24-27, and Kogan said M-1 was targeting an event "closer to the second week of June."

Kogan noted that neither a date or opponent have yet to be finalized, and that the promotion hopes to officially announce both around mid-March.

Asked about reports that Emelianenko would face former UFC fighter Todd Duffee, Kogan would not confirm or deny any individual rumors.

"The search for the opponent is currently in process with a number of worthy candidates being considered," he said.

In his most recent bout, Emelianenko (33-4, 1 no contest) knocked out former Olympic judo gold medalist Satoshi Ishii in the first round, his first stoppage win since KO'ing Brett Rogers in November 2009. Prior to defeating Ishii, he earned a unanimous decision over Jeff Monson.

As for a reported thigh injury that hampered Emelianenko in the aftermath of his two fights in two months, Kogan said that the former PRIDE champ is currently in "fine health."

TOKYO - Cheick Kongo talks about his last performance against Matt Mitrione, the changes at Wolfslair, his upcoming UFC 144 fight against Mark Hunt, why he would want to fight Frank Mir if he won this weekend and much more.

TOKYO -- Watch below as Quinton Jackson talks about his UFC 144 fight against Ryan Bader, fighting in Japan for the first in six times, the Japan glory days and his recent criticism of UFC analyst Joe Rogan.

TOKYO -- Norifumi 'Kid' Yamamoto discusses his elation to be fighting for the UFC in Japan, preparing for his UFC 144 opponent Vaughan Lee, and why he believes he's had disappointing performances thus far in his UFC career in this exclusive interview.

Will Frankie Edgar successfully defend his lightweight title against the third man to challenge him? Or is Ben Henderson ready to become the new 155-pound champion of the world? Can Rampage Jackson notch his first win in Japan in six years? Or is Ryan Bader ready to pull off a career-reviving upset? Could Mark Hunt pull off a stunning third consecutive UFC victory? Or is Cheick Kongo set to end Hunt's winning streak?

I'll attempt to answer those questions and more as I predict the winners at UFC 144.

What: UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson

Where: Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan

When: Saturday, the Facebook preliminary starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, the four-fight FX card starts at 8 and the seven-fight pay-per-view card starts at 10.

Predictions on the seven pay-per-view fights below.

Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson

After fighting just two opponents over the last two years -- B.J. Penn twice and Gray Maynard twice -- Edgar is finally ready for a fresh opponent, with former WEC champion Henderson the next man up. I find the matchup fascinating because Henderson is bigger and more powerful than Edgar, and he's plenty good as a striker, and yet...

I just think Edgar's fast-paced striking is going to prove too much for Henderson. I see Henderson causing Edgar some trouble early in the fight but Edgar's relentless punches eventually proving too much as Edgar wins a unanimous decision.

Pick: Edgar

Rampage Jackson vs. Ryan Bader

Jackson, who fought 17 times in Japan for Pride, lobbied the UFC to let him return to Japan in the Octagon, and they obliged with a matchup with Bader, who's a game opponent but not really on the same level as Rampage. True, Rampage isn't the Rampage of the Pride days -- he's just 2-2 in his last four and he hasn't finished anyone since Wanderlei Silva in 2008 -- but he's a good enough wrestler to neutralize Bader's biggest strength, and he's much better on his feet than Bader.

Pick: Jackson

Cheick Kongo vs. Mark Hunt

This fight is a lot of fun and just the kind of matchmaking that the Japanese fans love: Hunt is a former K-1 champion who has spent most of his career in Japan, and Kongo is a big, muscular dude who looks like he can break an opponent in half. I didn't think Hunt had any business in the UFC when he first signed and got submitted in just 63 seconds by Sean McCorkle in his Octagon debut, but I've since been proven wrong: Hunt has won two in a row. But Hunt's winning streak will come to an end here: Kongo will take him down and pummel him with ground and pound.

Pick: Kongo

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Jake Shields

Akiyama, who was once one of Japan's most popular fighters, returns on a three-fight losing streak. Now he's moving down to welterweight in an attempt to revive his career, but I don't think Shields is a good matchup for him at all. Shields should win this by decision and probably send Akiyama out of the UFC.

Pick: Shields

Yushin Okami vs. Tim Boetsch

Boetsch is a powerful middleweight coming off a 2011 in which he had two impressive wins, but I just don't think he's ready for an opponent quite on the level of Okami, who's 10-3 in his UFC career and has only lost to elite middleweights, Rich Franklin, Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva. Okami will grind out a unanimous decision.

Pick: Okami

Hatsu Hioki vs. Bart Palaszewski

Without many challengers available for champion Jose Aldo, the winner of this fight could be in line for a shot at the featherweight title. Hioki went on a great run while fighting in Japanese promotions over the last few years, but when he made his UFC debut he struggled through an uninspiring split decision win over George Roop. He'll need to be better than that to beat Palaszewski, who moved down from lightweight and knocked out Tyson Griffin at UFC 137. And I think he will be better. If Hioki fights smart he'll be able to use his length to stay out of Palaszewski's range, and if the fight goes to the ground I like Hioki's chances of submitting Palaszewski.

Pick: Hioki

Anthony Pettis vs. Joe Lauzon

This is my pick for Fight of the Night. These guys both routinely put on good shows, and they're both capable of finishing opponents in a variety of ways. I like Pettis to take this one and make a statement that he belongs in the discussion for the next contender to the lightweight throne.

Pick: Pettis

TOKYO -- Yushin Okami talks about his UFC 144 fight against Tim Boetsch, training with Chael Sonnen at Team Quest and bouncing back from a loss to middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

Check out the one-on-one interview below.

TOKYO - Benson Henderson talks about being in the main event of UFC 144, his reception in Japan, possible holes in Frankie Edgar's game, if size will play a factor and more.

TOKYO -- Watch below as lightweight Takanori Gomi talks about his UFC 144 fight against Eiji Mitsuoka, his return to Japan, the rise and fall of Japanese MMA, the differences between Japanese and American MMA fans and his current losing streak.

In today's instant-access, Twitter-driven media sphere, it's relatively hard to keep a story under wraps. So when word dribbled out over the weekend that former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal was caught in a medical crisis, with an ACL tear and extreme bout of staph threatening his health to a point where amputation entered the conversation, it was alarming to say the least.

Now on the mend, King Mo adressed the rumors while recounting the chilling experience that changed his life. Catch up with Lawal's story, along with all the other MMA you may have missed on the Morning Report.

5 MUST-READ STORIES TO START YOUR DAY

'King' Mo Lawal discusses ACL surgery and staph infection. Lawal, for the first time, opened up about the past few weeks, during which an ACL tear and severe staph infection nearly resulted in amputation.

Nate Marquardt signs with Strikeforce. The UFC castoff surprisingly inked a deal to join Strikeforce's welterweight division.

After Almost Two Years As Champ, Why Does Edgar Still Have To Prove Himself To Us? Frankie Edgar examined his role as the perennial underdog and the reason he is overlooked by fans and fighters alike.

Anderson Silva injury update. Silva revealed he will remain in physical therapy for the foreseeable future as lingering injuries continue to hamper him.

Dana White calls out Floyd Mayweather. The UFC president is far from pleased with Floyd Mayweather's tweet about Knicks star Jeremy Lin (watch video below).

MEDIA STEW

Joe Rogan extensively addresses Rampage Jackson's criticisms on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. (NSFW, ample profanity)

Check this newly released footage of Rousimar Palhares' MMA debut. Bet you can't guess how it ends. (HT: Middle Easy)

Some generous individual decided to animate Bas Rutten's notorious Swedish barfight story.

A host of UFC fighters give their honest opinion of Nick Diaz.

Dana White unleashes on "racist" Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in Tuesday's Presidential Address.

Unfortunate, but somewhat expected news for Dustin Jacoby after two straight losses.

I have recently been released from the UFC, however my career is far from over. Thanks @ufc for giving me a shot so early in my career.

— Dustin Jacoby (@dustinjacobyDJ) February 21, 2012

Derek Brunson explains his side of the failed medicals.

Failed medicals = eye exam lol . I'm blind mf-ers .

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 21, 2012

Ok here's the deal ... I've been fighting with contacts for 11 fights (9pro,2ams) never was an issue.Ohio won't pass my eye exam.

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 21, 2012

and btw im bummed . I had a month to prepare for the Jacare fight . Was working a lot of stand up & td defense. Was certain to tko or ko

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 21, 2012

Stevie Wonder can play a piano blind & blind people can drive cars , but i can't fight with contacts #doesntmakesense

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 21, 2012

Meanwhile, Luke Rockhold has no sympathy.

SO SURPRISING! The only male cheerleader in MMA backs out of his toughest fight! @DerekBrunsonMMA put down the gloves and pick ur pom pom's!

— Luke Rockhold (@rockholdMMA) February 21, 2012

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012):

- UFC 146: Jacob Volkmann (14-2) vs. Paul Sass (12-0)

- Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey: Derek Brunson (9-0) out against Jacare Souza (14-3)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day goes to BE reader Chris Groves: Breaking Down Paths to Victory for Edgar vs Henderson.

To Win a Decision

Benson Henderson has shown a lot of toughness when it comes to surviving submissions and recovering quickly after being rocked or dropped. Given Edgar's higher decision rate and Henderson's durability, a decision victory for Edgar is likely. To pull it off he essentially has to do what he always does. He needs to use his excellent footwork, his ability to sneak in sharp punches, and his talent for mixing in unexpected takedowns when his opponents are least expecting it.

He has to 'Do what Frankie does' for five rounds. I would suggest keeping it standing and at a distance all costs, I wouldn't suggest trying to find out who can outmuscle who in the clinch with 'Smooth'. Circle, punch, kick, occasional takedown, slick combination, rinse and repeat is the name of the game here.

Found something entertaining, brutal, or bizarre you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just send it to @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's post.

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