Sorry UFC, when it comes to heavyweights, you just can’t touch Affliction. On January 24, 2009, arguably the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in MMA, Fedor Emelianenko will take on former UFC champion Andre Arlovski. After Fedor’s impressive destruction of other UFC champ Tim Sylvia, the smart money is obviously on Fedor. My question to you is, in what round and by how will he win?

Chris “The Crippler” Leben turned himself in today after a bench warrant for his arrest was issued by a judge in Clackamas Oregon. Looks like Leban (the same guy who pissed on the bed of a fellow fighter and housemate on The Ultimate Fighter season 1) did not complete certain requirements of his parole stemming from a DUI arrest in 2005.

According to the Oregonian newspaper,

“He came in yesterday afternoon,” said Detective Jim Strovink of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. “He knew he had violated his parole and he admirably turned himself in.”

Leben (18-4) is being held without bail. His next hearing is 9 a.m. May 8 at Clackamas County Circuit Court.

His next scheduled bout is against Michael Bisping at UFC 85 in London on June 7.

The original plan was to have Shogun Rua battle Chuck Liddell at UFC 85, a match I was very much looking forward to. Unfortunately the Brazilian won’t have a chance to redeem himself after his poor Octagon debut against Griffen. Rua is out of UFC 85 due to a serious knew injury.

In his place will be Rashad Evans. Unless Chuck decides to move forward and press the pace, this could be one boring fight. I would much rather see a Rua vs. Liddell match up but I also wouldn’t mind seeing Evans (who I believe is one of the most over-rated MMA fighters around) get KO’d by Liddell. Click image below for more info from UFC.com.

It’s actually not as far-fetched as it my sound. Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather’s adviser and best friend, told ESPN.com Friday night that the five-division world champion, who generated 3.25 million pay-per-view buys and more than $200 million in revenue in two mega fights in 2007, came away from a Thursday meeting with Cuban giving serious thought to taking his game and considerable drawing power to MMA.

“It’s definitely something he is interested in, and when Floyd makes his move, obviously it’s going to be a mega event,” Ellerbe said. “We don’t have a timetable. Floyd is taking some time off, but Floyd understands what is involved. You have to take time to go out and understand what you’re getting involved in, and he’s ready to do that. But it’s something he’s definitely interested in doing.

“Mark Cuban is a very successful business man and has some very, very successful business ventures that we’ve discussed. We’re looking to do a lot of business with Mark. He’s a great guy, and we had a great meeting. Doing an MMA event with him is most definitely something we are looking at, among many things we are looking at doing with Mark Cuban.”

Mayweather’s interest in participating in an MMA event was sparked after he struck up a friendship with Cuban during their participation this season as contestants on the ABC reality series “Dancing with the Stars.”

“Floyd is considering fighting with HDNet Fights,” Cuban told ESPN.com. (more…)

After two years The Beast is back. And no I’m not talking about Dan Severn.

In 2005 Bob “The Beast” Sapp competed in three K-1 events, winning them all. Since ‘05 we haven’t heard much from Sapp, but word came down today he will be making his return to MMA on February 23 as the headliner for a Strikeforce event at the Tacoma Dome. As of now Sapp’s opponent is TBD. If you’re not familiar with Bob, he is one of the most built fighters you’ll ever see. He’s 6′ 4″, 375lb, and almost no body fat. Unfortunately he’s not the most technical of fighters out there, but he can usually get by on his brute strength.  A video compilation of The Beast in action.

Also on the Strikeforce card will be former UFC champion Maurice Smith who will take on fellow kickboxer Rick Roufus.

So it aint so. John “Let’s get it on!” McCarthy has scheduled a media conference for this Friday and according to MMAJunkie.com Big John may be announcing his retirement. The rumor has not been confirmed, but it wouldn’t surprise me with all of the new ref blood in the mix that BJ will part ways with the UFC. Stay tuned til Friday…