Mixed Martial Arts - Brutal MMA . com

Everybody loves Mike Guymon these days. Fresh off from his recent triumph over former King of the Cage champion James Fanshier offers now rain on Guymon and they pour.

“The Joker’, a nine-year veteran fighter, talks about his outstanding first-round TKO and its attendant rewards during his recent radio guesting. He defeated Fanshier at Thursday’s King of the Cage: BioHazard card that took place at San Manuel Casino in Highland, Calif.

“I’ve got a lot of different options right now, that’s for sure,” Guymon said. “[Fanshier] is a really, really tough kid. I didn’t think I was going to run through him like that.”

Guymon is currently busy instructing new generation of fighters at his Joker’s Wild Fight Academy and competing for the King of the Cage and the International Fight League.

“As soon as I beat [Fanshier] the way I did that night, I had a bunch of people throwing offers at me,” Guymon said. “Some different things on my phone. Now it’s more of weeding through and seeing what we’re going to do. I’m going to sit down with a couple of people this week and talk about and lay it out.”

And part of that “laying it out” is most likely fighting in front of a wider audience reach – a televised fight deal.

“I’m looking to go to any one of the televised events,” Guymon said. “Affliction? That would be a dream of mine fighting there. Showtime, EliteXC. Any of those I really, really like. It looks like they take care of their fighters. They put on a good show. I could go on and on about those.”

Guymon wants an immediate followup to his victory over Fanshier. He says he likes to fight soon, may be late September or early October. Beyond those dates, he considers “a little too late.”

“I’d fight in those months for sure. But I’d like to do something right away. I feel really good right now. Everything is clicking. My stand-up feels good. No one got to see my stand-up that night. But stand-up-wise I was murdering everybody I touched (in training).”

This is the play-by-play report of UFC 87 Seek and Destroy at the Target Center in Minnesota. Georges St. Pierre vs Jon Fitch headlined the fight card of the August 9 event.

Ben Saunders vs. Ryan Thomas
In round 1, Saunders starts the action with a jump knee right cross and connects. Thomas, meanwhile, retaliates with a punch and lands. Thomas attempts a takedown but fails. The fighters clinched against the cage. Thomas, with his back to the cage, puts Tomas against the fencing. They pull apart. Saunders drops Thomas and he tries to end it right then but instead he finds himself caught in a reverse triangle. Saunders escapes while Thomas gets back to half-guard. With only a few seconds remaining in the round, Saunders attempts for a choke but cannot get a firm hold. The round ends with Saunders’ body triangle. Saunders gets the round.

In round 2, Saunders again starts the action with a left low kick. Thomas attempts a quick takedown then Saunders reverses and manages a takedown. They stand up. Saunders successfully delivers a high kick, causing Thomas to fall. Back on their feet, Saunders again connects with a jumping knee. Thomas counters with a one-two punch. The two fighters fight it out on the floor. Saunders does a kimura then maneuveres an armbar. Thomas submits with the tap coming at 2:28 of the second round.

Chris Wilson vs. Steve Bruno
It was a tentative start, as the two adversaries circle each other. Bruno clinch drives Wilson into the fence. Then Wilson puts Bruno into the cage. Bruno secures a leg and Wilson defends well with elbows. They’re on their feet again. Wilson shoots and lands in half-guard. Both fighters standing up. Wilson throws a body kick and connects. Bruno hita back with a right low kick. A knee to the body by Wilson, hurting Bruno. The fight hits the mat, with Wilson securing the back. Wilson attempts to go for the choke but gets a forearm in the face. Round one goes for Chris Wilson at 10-9.

In round 2, Bruno shoots and receives a knee. Wilson takes the back. The two fighters on their feet and then hit the floor, with Bruno working for a takedown. Wilson delivers a knee to the head. Fighters in a clinch and the ref steps in to separate them. A powerful uppercut by Wilson fells Bruno. Bruno still manages to tie Wilson with a leg. Wilson traps Bruno in an inverted triangle but Bruno escapes. They get a restart. The round ends with 10-9 for Wilson.

Wilson begins the last round with a jab. Then Wilson throws a powerful uppercut, staggering Bruno. A kick to the head by Wilson brings down Bruno. Wilson swoops for the cut down but Bruno manages to secure a leg and tries for a single. Wilson maneuvers to sprawl and gets the dominant position. Bruno gets Wilson on his back but Wilson breaks free and gets back on his feet. Likewise, Bruno gets to his feet and tries a takedown but Wilson defends well. The referee once again stands them up then Bruno shoots for a takedown but Wilson easily shakes it off.  Wilson stands up and Bruno again goes for a takedown but receives a knee instead. The fight ends with Wilson as the winner at 30-27.

Andre Gusmao vs. Jon Jones
The bell rings and it is a slow start. Jones shoots in and grabs a single but Gusmao easily shakes him off. A clinch and fighters trade knees. Gusmao forces Jones to the cage and then break away from each other. Gusmao fakes a jab to dispatch a low kick. Another clinch, then Jones successfully throws Gusmao. Gusmao maneuvers against the cage and kicks Jones to break away from him. They are on their feet and Jones connects with some punches. A minute left into the round and Jones throws several shots and a knee, connecting to the groin area. Gusmao acts hurt, but Jones continues to pummel more punches before the referee steps between the two opponents. In-arena replays seem the knee barely hits Gusmao’s groin area and the crowd feels he is just acting hurt. The fight restarts and Jones throws a spinning elbow but misses his target. Gusmao counters with some punches. Jones again throws a spinning elbow and this time around it connects. Round 1 ends with 10-9 for Jones.

Round 2 immediately starts with a clinch and Jones delivers a low blow again, driving Gusmao to his knees. The bout is restarted and Jones tries another big throw. Fighters exchange shots. Gusmao clinches and drives Jones in to the fence. The referee steps in to separate the fighters. Jones grazes his foe with a spinning elbow and Gusmao manages to retaliate. Another spinning strike by Jones. The round ends 10-9 for Jones.

In round 3, Jones delivers a low kick but Gusmao wards it off. Jones gets a takedown which Gusmao escapes from. A clinch with Gusmao’s back to the cage. They break apart and Jones throws a spinning back kick. Jones lands a vicious right. Another clinch and Jones delivers a knee to Gusmao’s chin. The fighters engage. Gusmao attempts a takedown but fails. Jones secures a takedown and works from side. Jones works for a mount but Gusmao fends him off. Jones stands up and lands in Gusmao’s guard. Gusmao attempts a triangle but fails. Then an omaplata attempt. Fight ends with Jones as the victor via unanimous decision.

Cheick Kongo vs. Dan Evensen
The bout starts with a Kongo’s right low kick. A clinch then Kongo puts Evensen into the fence. Kongo immediately secures a takedown. Kongo on his feet, attacking the legs of the grounded Evensen. The referee decides to stand them up. A clinch and the fighters grapple with Evensen against the cage. Evensen looks for a guillotine but fails to find an opening. Kongo works to grab the legs and Evensen goes for another guillotine choke. Kongo is determined and tries a takedown. Kongo gets a takedown and moves to half-guard.  Kongo is back on his feet and lands kicks to his opponent’s legs. The bout is stood back up. Kongo attacks and dispatches a barrage of strikes, sending Evenson to the mat. With only 10 seconds remaining in the round, Kongo works to totally subdue his foe. At 4:55 of round 1, Evensen is completely annihilated prompting the referee to stop the fight. Kongo is the victor via TKO.

Luke Cummo vs. Tamdan McCrory
McCrory starts the bout with a right that does not connect. A clinch with Cummo. An exchange of knees, then a clinch against the fence.  Cummo gets underhooks and tries to drive McCrory into the cage. They break apart and McCrory scores a takedown with both hooks in and a forearm under Cummo’s chin. Cummo escapes and manages to get guard. Cummo attempts a rubber guard but McCrory passes and then is caught again in Cummo’s butterfly guard. McCrory passes and traps Cummo in an armbar. McCrory fails to extend the arm and Cummo gets on top. The bell rings and the round goes for McCrory 10-9.

Cummo starts round 2 with a jab. McCrory takes the side control while Cummo gets back to guard. McCrory escapes and maneuvers a half-guard. McCrory is fast, not allowing Cummo to escape. A battle for hand control ensues and McCrory tries another armbar. This time around, McCrory successfully extends the arm. Cummo, however, is resilient and gets on top. McCrory, meanwhile, looks for another armbar from the guard. While on that dominant position, McCrory throws punches that land. It’s 10-9 for McCrory.

The last round starts with a flurry of strikes by both warriors. McCrory shoots and Cummo reverses, securing a top position. Standing now, McCrory is eyeing a takedown from the clinch. They separate and while Cummo dispatches a knee, his opponent secures a double leg takedown. McCrory is on his feet while Cummo is on his back. McCrory looks for a kimura and then transitions to an omaplata. Cummo entangles himself and both fighters are on their feet now. McCrory earns a takedown and Cummo frames up a triangle. McCrory gets to his feet and slams Cummo. McCrory wins the fight via unanimous decision.

Jason MacDonald vs. Demian Maia
MacDonald delivers a one-two and clinches with his foe on round 1. MacDonald topples Maia into the mat and from there starts to work from a full-guard. The Brazilian fighter maneuvers a half-butterfly and locks on a triangle. MacDonald breaks away and transitions to Maia’s back with both hooks. MacDonald gets a near-naked choke which Maia escapes easily. MacDonald stands over his opponent and punches him in the head, opening a cut over Maia’s left eye. MacDonald moves into a half-guard and tries a guillotine. Maia passes and gets on MacDonald’s back, working on a rear-naked choke. The round goes for Maia.

In round 2, Maia hits MacDonald with a left hook. Maia secures a takedown, mounting quickly. MacDonald tries to wriggle out but is trapped on the side, receiving punishing punches from Maia. A cut on the bridge of the nose results from Maia’s punches. Maia continues with elbows and controls the head from the mount. MacDonald retaliates but Maia is relentless with his attacks. MacDonald bucks and crawls the mat but is unable to fully escape Maia’s mount. Then MacDonald gets to half-guard, but Maia immediately secures another mount. Maia works for an armbar and the bell rings. Maia again gets the round.

Third round starts with Maia getting a single-leg. MacDonald is in Maia’s guard and there is little action on the cage. Then the fighters scramble and Maia takes the mount and he dispatches left elbows on MacDonald. MacDonald defends by turning his back. Maia locks in both hooks and gets a rear-naked choke forcing MacDonald to tap at 2:44 of round 3.

Kenny Florian vs. Roger Huerta
Florian loads a left low kick on Huerta’s leg. He tries another kick on the leg and Huerta is ready with a right hook. Huerta takes control of the Octagon while Florian circles. Then Florian rushes in and gets a single-leg takedown against the fencing, and quickly secures a mount. Two right hands from Florian forces Huerta to give up his back. Huerta entangles himself from a precarious position and moves to his feet. Florian’s punch and head kick fail to connect. Huerta attacks forward and a glances a right. Huerta works for a clinch against the fencing and hits the body. Florian, however, is delivers successive knees to Huerta’s midsection and gets his back off the cage. They are back at the center of the cage and Huerta connects with a low kick and eats a right hook. Before the round expires, Florian throws a straight left. Florian earns round 1.

Florian again sets the pace of round 2, starting it with a jab and a left-hand lead. Huerta shoots and single but Florian defends well. Huerta goes to Florian’s right leg with a low kick. Huerta secures a standing kimura and elbows the opponent’s head. Florian finishes the takedown and is on Huerata’s back for a few seconds. Both on their feet, Huerta tries a low kick but falls down with a trip sweep. Huerta stands and gets a low kick on his lead leg. Huerta retaliates with a low kick and misses a Superman punch. Huerta attacks with a left hook but misses. Before the bell rings, Florian successfully throws a right hook and a body kick. It is Florian’s round again.

The final frame shows Florian controlling the action with his excellent footwork. He launches a punch then a jumping knee. Florian lands a kick and Huerta taunts him by spitting on the floor. Florian gets a single-leg takedown but receives a knee with the effort. Huerta is determined and gets on his feet to attack Florian but Florian is just too good with his footwork, easily avoiding Huerta’s punches. A left-footed front kick from Florian slaps Huerta on the kisser. Huerta successfully throws a left straight and Florian answers with a counter left. Huerta is once again in a taunting mood; he spits on the mat and follows with his most solid strike of the bout, landing a right hook on Florian’s chin. Huerta connects with a body and slips. The fighters trade punches then Floarian gets a takedown. Florian stands and end the fight with a combo of punches. Florian decisively wins the bout.

Manvel Gamburyan vs. Robert Emerson
Gamburyan immediately launches an attack but is quickly stopped with Emerson’s counter right. A follow-up left hook by Emerson renders Gamburyan unable to fight back. The referee stops the bout at 0:12 of the first round.

Brock Lesnar vs. Heath Herring
Lesnar’s straight right drops Herring but Herring bounces back on his feet, pushing Lesnar against the fencing. Lesnar controls his opponent’s head in a headlock. Herring, bleeding above his left eye, wriggles out of the headlock but is quickly taken down with a single-leg. Herring is forced to give up his back and is hit with a powerful right hand. Lesnar completely subdues Herring from the back with a leg and a writs control. Herring tries to escape but Lesnar is there to prevent his breakaway as he takes the same position. Herring is active but cannot shake Lesnar off his back. Lesnar punches the body with both hands and more knees against Herring. Lesnar earns the round.

The bell rings for round 2. Lesnar kicks Herring’s front leg and drives him to the canvas. Lesnar executes the same back position as in round 1 then Herring maneuvers, ending in the bottom in side-control. Lesnar controls Herring on the canvas. Lesnar punches Herring’s head twice and briefly takes the mount. Herring gives up his back and Lesnar ties up wrist control with one leg from behind. Fighters are on their feet. Herring drives Lesnar against the fencing and dispatches a right-hand punch to the body. Lesnar counters with a knee to the body, staggering Herring. Herring retaliates with knees to midsection and round 2 ends. Lesnar takes the round.

Round 3 cracks a kick against his opponent’s body. Lesnar drives Herring to the fencing and assaults Herring’s midsection with knees. Lesnar secures a takedown. Lesnar mounts and rains down strikes. Herring gives up his back and suffers more knees to the body. Herring, now sporting a swollen left eye, gets on his feet but gets snatched again by Lesnar ending up on the canvas. Herring rolls for a kneebar that is defended successfully. Lesnar hits the head with both hands and mounts with just two 10 second remaining in the final round. It’s unanimous victory for Lesnar.

Georges St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch
The headliner starts with Fitch immediately getting a double-leg takedown. Fitch, in a guard position, ties up both arms then lets go to elbow the head. Fitch is active with his hips, eyeing an armbar. St. Pierre goes to half-guard and Fitch gets on his feet. St. Pierre knocks Fitch with a straight right following a low kick. St. Pierre rains down punches from Fitch’s guard. Fitch is obviously hurt, receiving most of St. Pierre’s assault. A staggered Fitch gets on his feet and receives a straight right. He tries a takedown that is deflected. St. Pierre enters his guard and passes to side-control after a connecting with a succession of sharp elbows. St. Pierre wins the first round.

St Pierre again sets the pace of the second round. He dispatches a good jab. Fitch answers with a left hook to the midsection. St. Pierre’s switch kick connects with Fitch’s lead leg. St. Pierre’s footwork prevents Fitch from landing punches. St. Pierre doubles upon the jab but fails to follow up. A hard right from St. Pierre. A hard punch from Fitch then he gets ready to come on. St. Pierre is bleeding on the forehead now. They exchange jabs. Fitch fends off a takedown. Fitch lands a right hand but receives a counter right hook. St. Pierre dominates the round.

Third round starts. Fitch connects with a powerful right but gets a right hook in return. Fitch’s mouthpiece comes out flying. Fitch is bleeding profusely now. He crawls away from St. Pierre and takes the top position. Fitch rests in St. Pierre’s guard. Then St. Pierre is now on top in Fitch’s guard against the fence. St. Pierre lets Fitch to get on his feet. St. Pierre freely lands several hard low kicks before going to the clinch against the fence. He staggers Fitch with a left to the chin and a succession of right-legged head kicks. St. Pierre scores another takedown before the round ends. St. Pierre earns round 3.

Fitch starts the action at round 4 with his right hand that opens a cut above St. Pierre’s left eye. With blood pouring down his face, St. Pierre receives a body kick. St. Pierre defends against Fitch’s single-leg attempt and kicks the groin area. Fighters touch glove after the accidental contact. Fitch is now finding his range with his, but so does St. Pierre. Fitch ends up in guard, receiving an elbow off the right side of his face. Fitch kicks the kidney with right heel and stands up before round 4 ends. Round 4 again favors St. Pierre.

The final frame begins. A left hook by St. Pierre lands. He follows it up with a right hook. He jabs Fitch and grazes a spinning-back kick. Fitch smiles before the takedown with a single. St. Pierre pummels his challenger with punches. Fitch gets on his feet. St. Pierre maneuvers a double-leg and the winded Fitch offers a weak defense. St. Pierre advances to side-control. Fitch gives up his back and tries to get up but St. Pierre snatches him back. St. Pierre still owns the belt.

Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller downplays the rumors that DREAM is experiencing financial woes. DREAM promoted Miller’s last two fights.

Miller says, in his case, he has confidence in the organization and that’s why he is still with DREAM.

“I’ve got my DREAM contract still alive. I don’t know what’s going on,” said the 27-year-old fighter in a recent radio guesting.

Nick Diaz has been alleging that the organization has yet to give him his pay check for his recent TKO win over Katsuya Inoue that took place in May this year. Miller readily defends the promotion.

“I think that’s just a rumor,” Miller said. “Maybe [DREAM] stiffed a couple of fighters or something. But I’m sure they’ll pay those guys eventually. Maybe they were just like, ‘The check’s in the mail.’”

Miller hopes DREAM would weather whatever their situation is right now.

“They’ve always treated me really phenomenally well,” Miller said. “I don’t know if they are having some kind of undercover trouble somewhere or some kind of TV trouble. I’m not sure. I do know they treated me great. They’re a kick-ass organization.”

Miller has been wreaking mayhem in the cage for different fighting organizations including DREAM, UFC, WEC, ICON Sport as well as the now-defunct WFA. He intentionally avoids long-term deals because, he says, that’s just the way he wants it. The explanation he provides once again proves that Miller is one entertaining guy, on and off the cage.

“A long-term deal is like being married,” Miller said. “You don’t get to go and bang other chicks.”

He admits that although being largely an independent fighter presents difficulties, it has helped him devote his attention in the sport he loves.

“It’s scary for a fighter to do that because if you’re not with the UFC, people look at you like you’ve got leprosy,” Miller explained. “I’m not worried about that. I know I can make a lot of money elsewhere.

And Miller knows how necessary it is to earn green bucks while you are able in mixed martial arts since the sport would only be hospitable to those who have marketability.

“When it comes down to it, at the end of the day, you’ve got to make some money now. You’re only going to be able to punch people in the face for so long. Then you’re out of it.”

For Andrei Arlovski, there’s only one obstacle now that needs to be overcome before he could get a chance to grab the heavyweight championship title from Fedor Emelianenko.

And that obstacle is Josh Barnett. The question is would Arlovski eliminate Barnett?

The Arlovski-Barnett bout takes place on October 11 headlining Affliction 2 Day of Reckoning. According to reports, Affliction’s guys offered the match-up late last week and Arlovski agreed.

Arlovski’s recent cage action was last July 19 at Affliction:Banned, where he defeated former IFL heavyweight champion Ben Rothwell. Rothwell succumbed to Arlovski’s barrage of punches in the third round of the bout. Because of his victory over Rothwell, the Belarusian fighter is now riding in a four-fight win streak.

Likewise, Barnett did execute a remarkable victory over Pedro Rizzo via second round knockout at Affliction:Banned held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Barnett was able to avenge his defeat from Rizzo seven years ago.

Barnett is one of MMA’s toughest warriors around; one of the few who toppled the legendary Randy Couture. Barnett snatched the UFC heavyweight title from Couture in March 2002 at UFC 86, making Barnett the organization’s youngest champion ever at the age of 24.

Barnett, however, was later striped of that distinction after subsequently testing positive for banned compounds. Because of the scandal (which was never really resolved) Barnett decided to leave the organization and fight overseas. He competed for both the Pride and Pancrase organizations in Japan, beating notable fighters there including Mark Hunt and Hidehiko Yoshida.

Warning: Expect explosive encounter from these two fighters.

Michael Bisping hopes to see a positive result on his next headlining assignment. Come October at UFC 89, when he fights it out with Chris Leben in his native England, Bisping predicts he will emerge as the victor.

The UFC middleweight fighter has lost in his initial headlining gig against Rashad Evans, his only career loss. The defeat has urged him to move down his weight class; he is originally at 205-pound division.

“I only had one loss at 205 (pounds),” Bisping said. “But in the UFC I wasn’t beating my opponents like I would like to beat them.

“When I was in the U.K., the light heavyweights are a little smaller than what they are here in the States. I was running straight through guys. I only had one loss, but I wasn’t beating [my opponents] as I would like to beat them. So I said to myself, ‘When I get beat, I’ll drop down.’

The move down is proving to be an excellent career move so far since Bisping already scored two consecutive TKOs against Jason Day and Charles McCarthy both in the first round. His match-up with Leben will be his third fight in the middleweight class and Bisping plans to go straight for the win.

“I’ve got respect for [Leben],” Bisping said. “But I’m going to go straight through him. That’s what I’m made to do.”

“Most people, when they talk about Chris Leben, they say he’s a brawler and things like that,” Bisping said. “Sure, he may like to brawl. But he’s got legitimate skills. You can’t fight in the UFC as long as he has and be around the MMA scene that long without picking up all the necessary skills.

“He’s got a decent ground game, decent wrestling. He’s got decent striking. He looks very unorthodox the way he fights, but obviously, it works for him. He’s beaten a lot of fighters.”

Bisping also promises an encounter MMA fans will love.

“Everyone knows how hard he hits, and people talk about his iron chin,” Bisping said. “I think he’s going to come out swinging, and I’m going to do the same. I think it’s going to be a great fight for the fans.

As for the customary pre-fight thrash talk, Bisping has this to say to his future opponent:  “I predict I’m going to win. On Oct. 18, he’s (Leben) just another opponent that’s going to get his ass kicked.”

EliteXC is poised to showcase once again the fighting skills of the seemingly indestructible Gina Carano. Her management has confirmed that she is set to see action on the organization’s October 4 card. What has not been confirmed, however, is who will face the undefeated MMA femme fatale.  Bodog veteran Kelly Kobald is one of the top names being considered to face-off with Carano.

Carano – who has a flawless six-win record – last fought on EliteXC’s Primetime. The event, which took place on May 31, was EliteXC’s initial tie-up with CBS. In said fight, Carano won against Kaitlin Young via doctor stoppage. Young sustained eye injuries in the second round, prompting doctors at ringside to halt the cage action.

Kobald, meanwhile, also boasts of an impressive MMA record. She was riding 17-fight winning streak when she was stopped by ace fighters Tara Larosa nad Julie Kedzie.

The October 4 card will be aired by CBS.

Subsequent to his arrest, former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage’ Quinton was put under mental evaluation for 72 hours. Jackson had been released after he posted a $25,000-bail on Tuesday; however, on Wednesday he was picked up again by Irvine authorities when “worried” friends waved down police.

“A couple of friends flagged down officers in front of the Jackson home,” said Lt. Rick Handfield, of the Irvine police department. “An acquaintance asked the officer to help because they felt Mr. Jackson might be a threat to himself or others.”

Jackson was then directly conveyed to an undisclosed medical facility where he is to stay for 72 hours, the protocol implemented on ‘5150’ detainees, or those who are ‘mentally unstable’. The standard procedure in this kind of case is the patient is disallowed from leaving the facility for three days and, if diagnosed as mentally unfit, that period can be extended.

On Tuesday, Jackson figured in a road ‘rampage’ from Costa Mesa to Newport Beach in California. He was arrested on hit-and-run, reckless driving, and felony evading charges.

According to a press release by the Costa Mesa police department, Jackson violated several laws when he weaved through traffic on flat tire and talked on his phone while driving. When a police officer tried to pull him over, Jackson sped through stop lights and caused three collisions, injuring one.

A source close to the former UFC champion said Jackson had trouble eating and sleeping in the last couple of days.

On July 5, Jackson lost his light heavyweight title to Forrest Griffin at UFC 86 in a controversial unanimous decision. Jackson and Griffin were rival coaches in the recently concluded reality show The Ultimate Fighter 7 aired at Spike TV.

Affliction:Banned might just be the venue for American MMA fans to recognize why Josh Barnett is nicknamed The Babyface Assassin.

The UFC, PRIDE and K-1 veteran Barnett is a well-recognized name in Japan but not in his homeland. However, his appearance at the Affliction event to fight Pedro Rizzo will change that – precisely the intention of Affliction VP Tom Atencio.

“One of my goals is to make Josh famous here (in America), as well. I think that he deserves the recognition,” Atencio said on a press conference for the event.

Barnett, meanwhile, was thinking about the game and not the fame that goes with it.

“I didn’t do this to become famous,” Barnett said. “I did it because I wanted to be the baddest guy on the planet.”

Well, the baddest guy in the planet has a fight résumé that could impress anyone, either in his homeland or elsewhere.

The former UFC heavyweight champion defeated MMA legend Randy Couture, claiming the heavyweight title in 2002. Many view it as a tremendous feat, considering he was only 24 back then.

But why packed his bags, opting to see the sun rising at the other side of the planet?

Barnett left the UFC to compete in Japan when allegations of steroid use ensued right after his victory over Couture. And that is where the American fighter fought his ring wars. There he defeated notable MMA figures, including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mark Hunt, and Aleksander Emelianenko.

“I think to see [Barnett] fight over in Japan, everybody knows him there, and it’s wonderful,” Atencio said. “But I think his recognition, he deserves it here. I think if anybody does, Josh absolutely does.”

That recognition would come when Barnett faces Rizzo, who carries the title as “the first man ever to beat Barnett”.

“There is a little bit of a stink on this match, just to even up the score between the two of us,” Barnett said.

Although the two fighters remain friends since their UFC 30 face-off seven years ago, Barnett said he plays to another tune once the bell rings.

“[Rizzo] is a great guy, and I think combat forges sort of a brotherhood that you can’t really achieve through other means,” Barnett explained. “I think it’s a way to become fast friends. … In this scenario, as soon as my music cuts in, I have no friends. The only person that’s there to help me out is in my corner, and that’s it. Everybody else has to go.”

The bout with Rizzo will be just Barnett’s second appearance in the U.S. since his victory over Couture in 2002.

Affliction:Banned takes place July 19 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Nothing is yet set for MMA heavyweight superstar Andrei Arlovski’s transition to professional boxing.

This has been confirmed by his trainer Freddie Roach during a media conference call yesterday. The conference was for the promotion of Arlovski’s upcoming bout with Ben Rothwell at Affliction: Banned. Said event takes place July 19 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

“I’ve been training Andrei for boxing, yes,” Roach said. “I know he has a future in boxing, of course. But I don’t believe there’s anything set out there.”

Roach’s statement should quell the rumors that Arlovski, which has an MMA record of 12-5, could be fighting in a pro boxing bout very soon. ESPN.com has previously reported that Arlovski would “likely” compete in Joel Casamayor vs Juan Manuel Marquez fight card set for September 13.

Roach, a former pro boxer, has trained a number of world boxing champions throughout his career, including Manny Pacquiao who recently dislodged David Diaz from his WBC lightweight throne.

“Someday down the line, if Andrei wants to go into boxing, I’m sure he’ll be a top-10 heavyweight at boxing also,” Roach said

Arlovski said that Roach, who will be at his corner for his fight with Rothwell, has helped him improve his stand-up strategies.

“I’m very proud to train with Freddie Roach,” Arlovski said. “He’s a great coach. He (has) taught me a lot.”

“Freddy has shown me a lot of technique,” Arlovski said. “He has shown me what can be good for me against Ben Rothwell.”

Arlovski has signed a deal with Affliction last month. The fighter from Belarus, known as Pitbull, has been previously with UFC. He has been UFC’s heavyweight title-holder from February 2005 to April 2006.

A Strikeforce event, tentatively slated on September 19 in Beverly Hill, Calif., is expected to formally launch Kazuo Misaki (20-8-2) into the organization.  The event, which is the organization’s second Playboy Mansion show, is also expected to feature newly crowned Strikeforce world lightweight champion Josh Thomson, Renato “Babalu” Sobral and Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos.

The 32-year-old Misaki, nicknamed Grabaka Hitman, is a former PRIDE and Pancrase fighter and highly ranked middleweight. He signed with Strikeforce in March for a non-exclusive deal. Said deal is for two fights with an option for a third.

Misaki’s potential opponents include Joe Riggs, Frank Shamrock and Strikeforce world middleweight champion Cung Le.