The odds of successfully navigating an asteroid field are approximately 3,720 to 1. The odds of us writing an article about Lyoto Machida that makes zero references to his urine drinking habit are far, far greater. In the MiddleEasy office we have a kind of an assembly line style of double checking our work, and trust me, between the entire staff we would never let an opportunity to describe Lyoto Machida's sweet urine dribbling from his chin after a tough workout elude us. Electrolytes and vitamins. Replenish them with your fluid waste Karate man.

Lyoto is recovering from elbow surgery and sat down (or stood up and spoke with them, no one really knows) with Tatame to discuss whats next for the former champ, and Dan Henderson's name was on the tip of of Machida's urine soaked tongue:

EF: What are you expecting for the future? Who do you believe can come next?

LM: I’m waiting UFC’s suggestion. I guess in April or May, but in case it doesn’t happen I’ll suggest Dan Henderson, who’s a good guy. I know he’s on the line for the belt, but if this fight against Jon Jones doesn’t happen, I’d like to fight him.

EF: Is it a good way for you to get on the line for the title again, right?

LM: He’s a legend in the sport, a champion in many events, like Rings, Pride, Strikeforce… I’d like to test my technique against his.

EF: Now Rashad’s fighting Phil Davis and Dan Henderson is the next on the line. How do you see your weight class currently?

LM: I guess this event will define many things, where are things going. If Rashad wins, I guess he’s the next contender. If Phil Davis wins, I guess he’s gonna have to fight one more time at least. It’s hard to say, I’m also looking at my position right now and waiting for a bigger definition

We know Hendo wants to fight ASAP and Bones is clamoring for a March/April return, so at least we have this spring to look forward to for the return of Machida et al.

[Source]

Before the main Part 2 portion of the card headlined by Badr Hari vs. Gokhan Saki kicks off, a stacked undercard, Part 1, will be taking place. Featuring six fights, including a title fight at 73kg and a match-up between two of kickboxing's most popular fighters, Tyrone Spong and Melvin Manhoef, the Part 1 portion of the card could be its own event.

We'll preview all six fights on Part 1 of the card. The fights will be broken down and an outcome will be predicted. Click "Read More" to see the previews and predictions of all six fights.

Read More...

Red Bull wants to dive into the vast ocean of MMA sponsorships, and they chose MiddleEasy.com as a starting point. There's your breaking news for today. Go hang that one up on a wall and make yourself a peach sorbet while you're at it. In fact, make me one too -- but just unsweeten the entire thing. I don't get down with extraneous sugar in my diet. That's not the MiddleEasy way. Fortunately, Red Bull offers their energy drink in a sugar-free variation, so all is right with the cosmos.

The truth is, Red Bull really wants to get into the MMA sponsorship market, and MiddleEasy is their launch pad. They've even provided this nifty video of what they would like to bring to the MMA industry. It's sleek, stylish and and cool; basically, it's the exact opposite of my childhood. We're pretty sure the interest of this video will dictate the involvement of Red Bull in the MMA industry, so be sure to watch it. Besides, Red Bull doesn't want to get into a market of fickle consumers so make it be known that you would love to see them inside the cage at your next MMA event and support them by watching this video.

Comments are enabled for this sponsored post, so feel free to tell Red Bull how much you want them to get into the MMA industry!

Picture this, if you will, grappler.  You, loafing on your futon at home (i.e., your parent's house).  You're lonely and out of shape.  You fantasize about training, but lack the discipline to make it to the academy.  Instead, you spend your days re-living the glory days when you almost had a serviceable armbar and even claimed fourth place in a small, inter-academy tournament.

When you look at the framed photo of you and Rickson at the Pan Ams adorning your credenza, you turn away in shame.  Your açaí bowl is empty.

You have no DSTRYR/SG t-shirts.  It’s sad.  Really sad.

Now, picture this.  You, in your mother f*@ken prime.  Yeah.  You’re not lonely, because you have a very attractive female companion by your side and she’s giving you that “come hither look.”  But, you don’t have time for that right now, because you’re too busy mentally downloading inverted guard techniques from YouTube in preparation for today’s training session.  You’re doing all that while chugging some kind of kale-based, "Gracie Diet" authorized smoothie.

Read More...

The real reason I occupied Wall St. back in October was because I heard they were handing out tacos for lunch and I’m not a man to turn down any kind of taco, let alone the free variety. Nonetheless, I stayed for the entire day and made some observations. It seems like a lot of people kept repeating the same sort of political disgruntlement that Jeff Monson shares with the disparity of America’s wealth and corporate tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. When it comes to politics, people tend to pick whichever side of the fence suits their disposition when forming an opinion, so I’m not going to turn this into a political debate; it’s about as counter-productive as a “pound-for-pound” argument amongst MMA fans which has no tangible determination as to who’s right or wrong. On the flip-side, Jeff Monson wants the rest of us non-Frate Tranes to understand his discontent with America’s economic climate and it wouldn’t be fair-and-balanced of us not to show it to you.

Those other MMA sites don't love you like we do. We have a weekly shindig celebrating your compulsive reading habits called 'The Friday Morning MMA Link Party.' There is no cover charge. Red cups are immediately handed out, and we don't care if you spill on our carpet. It's all getting cleaned the next day anyway, so feel free to party on with this link collection from our buds across the MMAverse. Please, no fighting. Alright, if you're going to fight make sure you do it outside and record the entire ordeal. We could use another Street MMA feature.

• UFC on FOX 2: By the Odds. [MMAFighting]

• Damn, Ronda Rousey Has Some Harsh Words for GSP [Video]. [CagePotato]

• Phil Davis: “He’s not as good as he thinks he is, and I am better than he thinks I am.” [Fives Ounces of Pain]

• Dana White: I'm not afraid of the internet. [LowKick]

• Alistair Overeem’s Attorneys Issue Statement On Golden Glory Legal Situation. [MMAConvert]

• “UFC on FUEL TV: Gustafsson vs. Nogueira” Fight Card Finalized [5th Round]

• Struve: 'I Want to Get That Belt in Impressive Fashion.' [Bleacher Report]

• Michael Bisping talks Chael Sonnen match, trash-talk, and more. [The Fight Nerd]

• Video: Joe Rogan talks to Rosie O'Donnell about how he became UFC color commentator. [MMAMania]

• ESPN’s John Barr on UFC pay report blowback: “It’s not our charge to do your public relations.” [FightOpinion]

• UFC issues formal statement on UFC.com security breach. [MMAPayout]

• Shane Roller Talks Bout With Michael Johnson This Weekend, Setbacks & More. [Fightline]

It is hard to believe that Badr Hari vs. Gokhan Saki is just a few days away now, but it is coming and coming on fast like a freight train. 2012 is kicking off with a legitimate Heavyweight bout that fans want to see after being denied a K-1 World Grand Prix. Gokhan Saki and Badr Hari are two of the top Heavyweights in the world and will lock horns for the second time for It's Showtime. We've seen the ballyhoo behind Hari, but now here is video of Saki getting prepared for the fight.

A big part of the narrative leading into this fight is the retirement of Badr Hari and possible departure of Gokhan Saki. Hari will move into professional Boxing for the time being and Saki is going absolutely nowhere, as he has signed a new agreement with TSA and Golden Glory to fight for their upcoming cards or for potential K-1 cards.

Read More and Watch the Video...

I'm happy we can all mutually agree that the hottest incarnation of Angelina Jolie was the one portrayed in the 90s cult-classic, Hackers. It's 2012 and I'm still trying to find a chick that can pull off short hair while effortlessly rocking a motorcycle jacket. Once that happens, you won't be hearing much from me -- regardless of an impending 2012 apocalypse on civilization.

Today during the press junket for UFC on FOX 2, Dana White clarified his stance on SOPA and discussed the recent hacking of UFC.com which occurred last weekend. Jokes on you, UGNazi (the hacker group that attacked UFC). Dana White doesn't even care that you hacked UFC.com. In fact, he challenged hackers to do it again. USA Today has the transcript of today's statement:

Is SOPA the perfect bill? No, it's not.

The only thing that we're focused on is piracy. Piracy is stealing. You walk into a store and you steal a (freaking) gold watch, it's the same as stealing a pay-per-view.

I don't care what your twisted, demented idea of stealing is. These kids that grew upon the Internet have never had to pay for anything, so they think you shouldn't have to.

Keep hacking our site. Do it again. Do it tonight.

You know what's happening is? These guys look like terrorists now, and a bill that was about to die is about to come back. ...

I'm not afraid of the Internet. I love the Internet. It's fun to get on there and cruise around and stuff. I'm not afraid of you.

You want to keep hacking our site, go for it. Watch what happens. You're hurting yourself.

Well, when you challenge a group of individuals that hacked the FBI and the Department of Justice's website all within two weeks, of course they're going to respond. Here's what JoshTheGod stated just a few minutes ago regarding Dana White's digital invite.

If anything does go down tonight, we'll be sure to keep you informed of any l33t shenanigans. Those UGNazis are tough -- they must use Gibsons.

Update: Now it appears that Dana White and Anonymous are having a debate about piracy on Twitter. Intense night!

On any given day on MiddleEasy, the probability of someone posting a Dan Henderson/Michael Bisping .gif in the comment section of an article is extraordinarily high. Today is no different. While this article has nothing to do with Dan Henderson, H-Bombs or Michael Bisping's chin -- the .gif will eventually weave its way in the story and it will get a rampant amount of thumb ups. This trend will continue to happen on MiddleEasy until one day, readers will revolt against this meme and express their disdain in hundreds of 'thumb downs.' That's the nature of the MiddleEasy ecosystem. If Jesus came back today, you guys would kill him again tomorrow.

While a simple Google search would reveal what 'Vollkontakt' means in English, I will play the ignorance card and claim that it means 'a strong fascination with gummy bears.' I spent most of my childhood vollkontakt, until I realized that peach rings is truly where it's at. Check out this new MMA documentary entitled 'Vollkontakt' and sit in awe at the complexities of the German language. [Source]

If you're asking what Manhoef has been up to since his ill-fated Strikeforce debut, take note that he's fighting Tyrone Spong this weekend at It's Showtime in The Netherlands. It's been on LiverKick for days now. That's why we have this great MiddleEasy Network that we slave over on a daily basis -- to keep you as informed as humanly possible. We bring the ruckus on a day-to-day basis, and you've protected ya' neck long enough to take in all the combat sports knowledge we dish out. That's my subtle ode to Wu-Tang Clan, the last true hip-hop group the world has (had).

Upon first glance, Lorenz Larkin appears to have two unfinished first names combined to form one semi-finished full name. He's like MMA's version of Uwe Boll. Arnold DeWitt, Lorenz Larkin's manager, told MMAFighting's Mike Chiappetta that the newly undefeated light heavyweight fighter intends to drop to middleweight. Strikeforce officials approved of the division move, and now we're assuming Lorenz Larkin will be leading a low-carb, gluten-free lifestyle. Once Lorenz Larkin does arrive to the land of 185 lbs, Melvin Manhoef would be so perfect of a fight for him that it makes my head hurt. Two stand-up centric fighters in the middle of the cage going at it -- while wearing skirts. The concentration of 'rawesome' in that mental image should make your head hurt too. [Source]

Now most of us grapplers are well aware of Alvaro Romano's Ginastica Natural - his system fluidly combines grappling movements with body-weight exercises. Ginastica Natural has continued to grow in popularity with grapplers and MMA fighters alike. I for one like Romano's system and have used it quite a bit. Now ponder utilizing actual gymnastics as part of your work out routine. No, we haven't gone silly from watching to much Ellen.  This shit is legit! Many of you might remember GSP tumbling and jumping around like Kerri Strug in preparation for his last few fights. So, ask yourself, who needs kettlebells, TRX, crossfit or bootcamp when you have good old gymnastics?

Check out a new gymnastics class available at Erik Paulson's CSW Academy - yes you heard correct, gymnastics. Now this doesn't mean you'll be rolling around like an 8-year old girl, although I know a few grapplers that still do.

Read More...

The Chicago Boxing Club located off Halsted street in Chicago was sweltering hot and smelled like the assembled media, so I decided to cool off outside and think about what could very well be my final moments on earth. Zeus always makes me ask really, really difficult questions. Questions about race and God. Questions that I, a stressed and very nerdy looking white guy, never wants to ask anyone. Let alone a high caliber professional martial artist. A few years ago it was the whole incident with Hector Lombard and his thought on thanking God and what he expects out of the afterlife.

That interview will never be published.

Now as the steam rose off my body, I knew that I had the mission to ask Phil Davis his thoughts on what thousands of Twitterites joke about every MMA broadcast-the announcers calling someone 'explosive' and 'naturally athletic' when they really just mean 'black athlete'. I didn't want to do this. I skipped breakfast and wanted oatmeal, badly. But Zeus texted me saying Phil Davis and someone from MiddleEasy discussed the 'explosive' subject with the undefeated fighter back in 2010, and Phil wanted announcers to stop saying it, so I should follow up with him.

I don't think Phil remembered that discussion from 2010, but he met my question with a jovial response not expected from a dude who I would assume to be hungry from cutting weight and tired from incessant media. Turns out Phil Davis is probably one of the nicer dudes I've met recently, he has a winning smile in my opinion. Explosive, athletic, Phil just wants to be called Phil now, and he doesn't mind when people mistake him for Bones Jones.

[Source]

There are three guarantees in life: death, taxes and a victorious Eddie Alvarez impressively backflipping off whatever structure he was just successfully fighting in. It's strange not seeing Eddie happily suspended upside down in mid air post fight, that's why I'm glad that moment has been taken from us only twice in the last half decade.

If you haven't heard, Eddie Alvarez has opted out of the upcoming Bellator lightweight tournament and the road back to his belt, for a shot at redemption against the master of flying submissions (Tobikan Judan for short), Shinya Aoki. The Baka Survivor is coming stateside to a Bellator cage this April to prove that his heelhook win over Eddie back in oh eight was no fluke to be taken lightly. This is probably the most consequential lightweight match that could be made outside of Zuffa, so when I saw Eddie hanging out with his finely crafted eyebrows at yesterday's UFC on Fox 2 open workouts, I knew I had to ask him about it. And his fade.

Of course I had to ask him about his fade.

Thanks to Old Dirty Dermot for the banner illustration.

Chael Sonnen is positively, undeniably every bit of character that you think he is, but at the same time in person he makes eye contact, shakes your hand with a gentle sincerity you wouldn't expect out of a gangster from West Linn, Oregon and responds with sir and ma'am. In another universe Chael has a ring in his nose and he's led like a bull into political gatherings where he imposes his will onto those weaker than him, just like so many of his opponents inside a fighting cage. But in this timeline and outside of his fighting area of choice, he handles himself like shark in a nondescript suit...if that suit were a rashguard and short pants. There is something behind those eyes of Chael Sonnen that is working on a different level and we are lucky to witness it. Whatever it is.

Today I attended the UFC on Fox 2 open workouts. I was so inspired by Chael and his level 99 speech skill that I made this video out of his massive media scrum. This is Chael Sonnen's UFC on Fox 2 State of the Union and the story of his open workout.