The Saturday Night Wars

[GUINNC]

 

It is January of 2015. For the first time in American MMA history, two MMA promotions have reached the National stage both loaded with talent and led by ego-driven CEOs. Can they both survive or will one climb the ladder while the other falls?

 

 

GAMMA is led by Matt Tripp and runs a much different schedule than the UFC. Usually run 12-14 shows a year and features the popular Heavyweight through Lightweight division and recently launched the Super Heavyweight division. Rumor has it that Tripp has interest in possibly adding a featherweight division, but has been very outspoken about having, "no interest" in women's MMA.

 

 

The UFC is led by Dana White and ran over 40 events in 2014. While some of the shows have drew criticism from fans for lacking in star power, the UFC features some of the biggest stars in the world and features Heavyweight through Flyweight for the men and Women's Bantamweight and Women's Strawweight with the Women's Flyweight division launching in January. Similar to Tripp, White once stated he was not interested in women's MMA, but has since had a complete change of heart even assisting with a developmental territory for only women (Invicta FC).

 

 

Both Tripp and White are outspoken, charismatic, and have nearly an equal group of supporters and haters. The similar personalities have not led to friendship though, but instead a professional rivalry that has now led to Saturday Night War.

 

Although the UFC and GAMMA are no question the leaders of MMA, other companies are on the horizon as well including Japan's ALPHA-1, the UK's Cage Warriors, and Bellator MMA picking up the pieces in North America.

 

Can two major promotions survive in America or will one "win" the war?

[GUINNC]

UFC Champions (January 2015)

• Heavyweight: Cain Velasquez / Interim: Fabricio Werdum
  
• Light Heavyweight: Jon Jones
  
• Middleweight: Chris Weidman
  
• Welterweight: Robbie Lawler
  
• Lightweight: Anthony Pettis
  
• Featherweight: Jose Aldo
  
• Bantamweight: T.J. Dillashaw
  
• Flyweight: Demetrious Johnson
  
• Women's Bantamweight: Ronda Rousey
  
• Women's Strawweight: Carla Esparza
  

 

UFC First Quarter Show Announcements (2015)

UFC Fight Night from Colorado

UFC 182 from Nevada

UFC Fight Night from Japan

UFC 183 from California

UFC on Fox from Ireland

UFC Fight Night from Brazil

UFC 184 from Texas

 

Stay tuned for Fight Announcements from Dana White during the 1st Quarter Press Conference!

[GUINNC]

GAMMA Champions (January 2015)

 

• Super Heavyweight: George Pickering
  
• Heavyweight: James Foster
  
• Light Heavyweight: Mike Watson
  
• Middleweight: Matthew Dean
  
• Welterweight: Julio Reguiro
  
• Lightweight: Jake Keane
  

 

GAMMA President Matt Tripp Joins Us to Announce Some Recent News:

 

 

Host: Matt, it's a new year and all eyes are on the battle between GAMMA and the UFC. What's your thoughts on the now-called "Saturday Night War."

 

Tripp: Clever. At the end of the day, there are plenty of other promotions than just us two, but that isn't a concern. We're going to put on the best fights headlined by the best fighters in the world. That's all that matters to me.

 

Host: How does the first few months of 2015 look for your promotion?

 

Tripp: Well, I had every intention of coming here today and announcing Mike Watson vs Spencer Rubenstein II, but Watson is out with a back injury therefore we'll headline our first show of 2015 with Rubenstein and recent signee Valentin Taneyev. Taneyev is undefeated at 11-0 and will present a new challenge to Rubenstein. The winner will face Watson for the title this summer.

 

Host: Wow! So, I take it Watson's injury isn't very severe?

 

Tripp: Nope, should be good to go by late spring-early summer.

 

Host: Adding Valentin Taneyev is a major signing for GAMMA. I've heard you've opened the check book a few times over the winter.

 

Tripp: We have and my Christmas suffered for it. Nonetheless, we signed some big names. I'm excited to announce that we've inked deals with two of the best. First, undefeated welterweight Ben Askren. Askren has not just beat everyone, but has hardly been tested. We hope to change that with our welterweights. On top of that, we made possibly the biggest signing in GAMMA history as we signed quite possibly the greatest of all-time: Fedor Emelianenko. Some say he may be past his prime, but regardless, I'm excited to bring Fedor back to America and hopefully back into a Pay Per View Main Event.

 

Host: Askren is a major add, but Fedor? Does this mean we may settle the Greatest Heavyweight of All-Time debate with a Foster-Fedor showdown??

 

Tripp: We'll see what we can do

 

 

OFFICIAL GAMMA Battle Lines 6 Card

• 205 MAIN EVENT: VALENTIN TANEYEV VS SPENCER RUBENSTEIN
  
• 170 CO-MAIN EVENT: LLOYD MCALLISTER VS TYLER LASS
  
• 265+: JOE SNETTISHAM VS DAVEY RUSHTON
  
• 170: DANA DELANEY VS DIEGO ARTETA
  
• 170: DAVID ALLEN VS ADAM MCDONOUGH
  
• 155: GLEN SIEMASZKO VS TARCISIO DANTAS
  
• 205: DEREK SOUTH VS CHRISTIAN MOUNTFIELD
  
• 265+: ERIC HUGHES VS TERRY SHAKESPEARE
  
• 155: CARL CHENOWETH VS GERARDO DIEZ
  
• 265+: OSSER MALLABY VS DREW D'ACOSTO
  
• 265: TAYE BURNETT VS ADAM DYCZKA
  
• 265: DARIUS BEST VS RAZOR RIVERS
  

[GUINNC]

It's now time for UFC Tonight where we get the latest breaking news, recent signings, fighter interviews, and more!

 

 

Now, here are some UFC fight announcements for Quarter One 2015!

 

 

First show of 2015 will be headlined by former Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson has he moves up to 170 to face former Title Challenger Demian Maia! In the co-main event, Donald Cerrone also moves to 170 lbs to face the returning leg lock machine Rousimar Palhares. Heavyweight Bobby Lashley also makes his UFC debut against Soa Palelei!

 

 

After nearly having his career ended due to injury, Cain Velasquez returns to prove he's the true Heavyweight king against interim Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum! Featherweights Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira meet in what should be a war plus Rick Story taking on Alberto Mina in a welterweight tilt.

 

 

Two newcomers look to make a statement in the Land of the Rising Sun as the UFC returns to Japan with Japanese Legend Shinya Aoki taking on former Bellator Champion Will Brooks! Former Middleweight title challenger Yushin Okami moves to welterweight to face the undefeated Ryan LaFlare in the night's co-feature!

 

 

The UFC comes to Pay Per View with UFC 183 featuring the World Women's Bantamweight Title on the line as somebody's 0 will have to go between Champion Ronda Rousey and Challenger Cat Zingano! Plus, two sluggers face off as Nick Diaz returns to the Octagon to face Matt Brown and what could be a Middleweight Title Eliminator, Luke Rockhold takes on former Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida. Also, Carlos Condit returns to face Thiago Alves and Chad Mendes looks to get back into title contention against Dennis Siver!

[GUINNC]

<p>BREAKING NEWS: Matt Tripp Officially Announces GAMMA 50 featuring two World Title Bouts!</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="7ZTnjwah.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7ZTnjwah.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

One of the most stacked cards in GAMMA history live from Las Vegas, Nevada! </p><p> </p><p>

The Main Event features two fighters with a combined record of 44-1! The GAMMA Welterweight Champion Julio Regueiro puts his title on the line against the undefeated Brazilian Manuel Silva! Plus, two undefeated fighters clash for the GAMMA Super Heavyweight crown as champion George Pickering takes on Australian big man Hanley Polter!</p><p> </p><p>

That's not all though folks as a middleweight bout to possibly decide who gets the next shot at the title goes down when Buddy Garner faces Adam White! Heavyweights Tony McCall and Rav Kapur battle and grappler Paul Sass makes his promotional debut against Benny Danare!</p>

[GUINNC]

<p><span style="font-size:24px;">Fight Week!</span></p><p> </p><p>

First, some injury news: <strong>Shinya Aoki</strong> suffered a jaw injury and will be unable to compete at UFC FN Japan. <strong>Will Brooks</strong> will now face <strong>Jon Tuck</strong>; <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Yushin Okami vs. Ryan LaFlare</span> will now serve as the Main Event.</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="Cq6b4PHm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Cq6b4PHm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;">UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Maia (Denver, Colorado) Fight Card</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;">

</span></p><p> </p><p>

</p><ul><li>170 MAIN EVENT: BEN HENDERSON vs. DEMIAN MAIA<br /></li><li>170 CO-MAIN EVENT: DONALD CERRONE VS ROUSIMAR PALHARES<br /></li><li>265: BOBBY LASHLEY VS SOA PALELEI<br /></li><li>135W: RAQUEL PENNINGTON VS MARION RENEAU<br /></li><li>125: JOHN MORAGA VS WILSON REIS<br /></li><li>115W: MICHELLE WATERSON VS HEATHER JO CLARK<br /></li><li>135: RAONI BARCELOS VS MANNY GAMBURYAN<br /></li><li>185: TREVOR SMITH VS LUKE BARNATT<br /></li><li>205: VOLKAN OEZDEMIR VS JEREMY KIMBALL<br /></li><li>170: NATHAN COY VS BARTOSZ FABINSKI<br /></li><li>170: LANCE BENOIST VS ALEX MORONO<br /></li><li>125W: MONTANA DE LA ROSA VS GILLIAN ROBERTSON<br /></li><li>170: BRIAN CAMOZZI VS JONATHAN MEUNIER<br /></li></ul><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="IyZNfVFm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IyZNfVFm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;">GAMMA Battle Lines 6: Taneyev vs. Rubenstein (Atlantic City, New Jersey) Fight Card</span></p><p> </p><p>

</p><ul><li>205 MAIN EVENT: VALENTIN TANEYEV VS SPENCER RUBENSTEIN<br /></li><li>170 CO-MAIN EVENT: LLOYD MCALLISTER VS TYLER LASS<br /></li><li>265+: JOE SNETTISHAM VS DAVEY RUSHTON<br /></li><li>170: DANA DELANEY VS DIEGO ARTETA<br /></li><li>170: DAVID ALLEN VS ADAM MCDONOUGH<br /></li><li>155: GLEN SIEMASZKO VS TARCISIO DANTAS<br /></li><li>205: DEREK SOUTH VS CHRISTIAN MOUNTFIELD<br /></li><li>265+: ERIC HUGHES VS TERRY SHAKESPEARE<br /></li><li>155: CARL CHENOWETH VS GERARDO DIEZ<br /></li><li>265+: OSSER MALLABY VS DREW D'ACOSTO<br /></li><li>265: TAYE BURNETT VS ADAM DYCZKA<br /></li><li>265: DARIUS BEST VS RAZOR RIVERS<br /></li></ul><p></p>

[Dublin Sky]

<p>170 MAIN EVENT: BEN HENDERSON vs. <strong>DEMIAN MAIA</strong></p><p>

170 CO-MAIN EVENT: <strong>DONALD CERRONE</strong> VS ROUSIMAR PALHARES</p><p>

265: <strong>BOBBY LASHLEY</strong> VS SOA PALELEI</p><p>

135W: <strong>RAQUEL PENNINGTON</strong> VS MARION RENEAU</p><p>

125: <strong>JOHN MORAGA</strong> VS WILSON REIS</p><p>

115W: MICHELLE WATERSON VS <strong>HEATHER JO CLARK</strong></p><p>

135: RAONI BARCELOS VS <strong>MANNY GAMBURYAN</strong></p><p>

185: TREVOR SMITH VS <strong>LUKE BARNATT</strong></p><p>

205: <strong>VOLKAN OEZDEMIR</strong> VS JEREMY KIMBALL</p><p>

170: NATHAN COY VS <strong>BARTOSZ FABINSKI</strong></p><p>

170: LANCE BENOIST VS <strong>ALEX MORONO</strong></p><p>

125W: <strong>MONTANA DE LA ROSA</strong> VS GILLIAN ROBERTSON</p><p>

170: <strong>BRIAN CAMOZZI</strong> VS JONATHAN MEUNIER</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

205 MAIN EVENT: VALENTIN TANEYEV VS <strong>SPENCER RUBENSTEIN</strong></p><p>

170 CO-MAIN EVENT: LLOYD MCALLISTER VS <strong>TYLER LASS</strong></p><p>

265+: JOE SNETTISHAM VS <strong>DAVEY RUSHTON</strong></p><p>

170: <strong>DANA DELANEY</strong> VS DIEGO ARTETA</p><p>

170: <strong>DAVID ALLEN</strong> VS ADAM MCDONOUGH</p><p>

155: GLEN SIEMASZKO VS <strong>TARCISIO DANTAS</strong></p><p>

205: <strong>DEREK SOUTH</strong> VS CHRISTIAN MOUNTFIELD</p><p>

265+: <strong>ERIC HUGHES</strong> VS TERRY SHAKESPEARE</p><p>

155: <strong>CARL CHENOWETH</strong> VS GERARDO DIEZ</p><p>

265+: <strong>OSSER MALLABY</strong> VS DREW D'ACOSTO</p><p>

265:<strong> TAYE BURNETT</strong> VS ADAM DYCZKA</p><p>

265: <strong>DARIUS BEST</strong> VS RAZOR RIVERS</p>

[GUINNC]

UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Maia Results

Coming off a tough loss to Rafael Dos Anjos, Ben Henderson was looking to bounce back in a new weight class at UFC Fight Night against Demian Maia, who was also looking to crack the top five in the division. Maia gained control early with nicely timed takedowns and went for a few submissions to no avail.

 

In round three, Henderson began to outstrike Maia and stunned him which led to more desperation takedown attempts from Maia, which Henderson defended. Henderson was taken down one more time in the 4th round, but the fight stayed on the feet in the entire 5th round as Henderson put on a striking clinic in the final frame. In the end, Henderson picked up a split decision victory.

 

In the co-main, Donald Cerrone made a much louder statement at 170 lbs as he landed a big knee followed by some strikes that put Rousimar Palhares away less than 3 minutes into round number one. Cerrone likely will look for a big fight, possibly even a 3rd bout against Henderson in the future.

 

Soa Palelei played spoiler in Bobby Lashley's UFC debut as he picked up the unanimous decision win as Lashley seemed to tire out early in the second round. Three ladies made loud statements in Denver as Marion Reneau was able to finish Raquel Pennington in the second round, Michelle Waterson had a very impressive UFC debut as she knocked out Heather Jo Clark in the second round, and in the first ever UFC women's flyweight bout, 20-year-old Montana de la Rosa hit a second round armbar on Gillian Roberton.

 

Quick Results

• BEN HENDERSON DEF. DEMIAN MAIA VIA SPLIT DECISION (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
  
• DONALD CERRONE DEF. ROUSIMAR PALHARES VIA TKO (STRIKES) - ROUND 1, 2:53
  
• SOA PALELEI DEF. BOBBY LASHLEY VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION (29-28 X 3)
  
• MARION RENEAU DEF. RAQUEL PENNINGTON VIA TKO (STRIKES) - ROUND 2, :41
  
• JOHN MORAGA DEF. WILSON REIS VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  
• MICHELLE WATERSON DEF. HEATHER JO CLARK VIA KO (PUNCH) - ROUND 2, 1:31
  
• RAONI BARCELOS DEF. MANNY GAMBURYAN VIA TKO (STRIKES) - ROUND 2, 4:28
  
• TREVOR SMITH DEF. LUKE BARNATT VIA UD (29-28 X 3)
  
• VOLKAN OEZDEMIR DEF. JEREMY KIMBALL VIA TKO (STRIKES) - ROUND 1, 1:48
  
• BARTOSZ FABINSKI DEF. NATHAN COY VIA UD (29-28 X 3)
  
• LANCE BENOIST DEF. ALEX MORONO VIA SUBMISSION (RNC) - ROUND 3, 3:51
  
• MONTANA DE LA ROSA DEF. GILLIAN ROBERTSON VIA SUBMISSION (ARMBAR) - ROUND 2, 4:13
  
• JONATHAN MEUNIER DEF. BRIAN CAMOZZI VIA TKO (STRIKES) - ROUND 1, 4:32
  

 

 

GAMMA Battle Lines 6: Taneyev vs. Rubenstein Results

For Spencer Rubenstein, this was suppose to be the night he reclaimed the Light Heavyweight crown, but the champion Mike Watson suffered an injury and was unable to fight. GAMMA signed Valentin Taneyev to replace him and it led to the biggest win of his career. Rubenstein rocked and dropped Taneyev in both round one and two, but began to gas early in round three. After landed a hard straight and rocking Taneyev yet again, Rubenstein let his guard down and was taken down to the ground. Unable to get the elite grappler off of him, Taneyev worked his way to mount and it was academic from there. After heavy ground and pound including some big elbows, the referee stepped in and stopped the fight at 3:03 in round three.

 

Post-fight, Taneyev expressed interest in fighting both reigning Champion Mike Watson or former SIGMA Champion Niko Soldo, who recently announced that he had signed a deal with GAMMA. Many in Europe considered the showdown between Soldo and Taneyev on the horizon before both left for the American promotion.

 

Tyler Lass picked up a big win in the co-main event against Lloyd McAllister, but McAllister landed some big shots and opened a gash on the eyebrow of Lass. Lass mixed his takedowns and striking well and picked up a decision victory. Knockout artist Davey Rushton returned to his winning ways as he picked up a 1st round TKO win over Joe Snettisham. Speaking of KOs, Diego Arteta proved yet again why he may be the most feared fighter in GAMMA with a 2nd round TKO against Dana Delaney.

 

Quick Results

• VALENTIN TANEYEV DEF. SPENCER RUBENSTEIN VIA TKO (STRIKES) - ROUND 3, 3:03
  
• TYLER LASS DEF. LLOYD MCALLISTER VIA UD (30-28, 30-27, 29-28)
  
• DAVEY RUSHTON DEF. JOE SNETTISHAM VIA TKO (STRIKES) - ROUND 1, 1:24
  
• DIEGO ARTETA DEF. DANA DELANEY VIA TKO (STRIKES) - ROUND 2, 2:12
  
• DAVID ALLEN DEF. ADAM MCDONOUGH VIA UD (30-27 X 3)
  
• GLEN SIEMASZKO DEF. TARCISIO DANTAS VIA UD (30-27 X 3)
  
• DEREK SOUTH DEF. CHRISTIAN MOUNTFIELD VIA SD (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
  
• TERRY SHAKESPEARE DEF. ERIC HUGHES VIA TKO (STRIKES) - ROUND 1, 2:00
  
• CARL CHENOWETH DEF. GERARDO DIEZ VIA UD (29-28 X 3)
  
• DREW D'ACOSTO DEF. OSSER MALLABY VIA UD (30-27 X 3)
  
• ADAM DYCZKA DEF. TAYE BURNETT VIA KO (PUNCH) - ROUND 1, 2:28
  
• DARIUS BEST DEF. RAZOR RIVERS VIA UD (29-28 X 3)
  

 

(Dublin Sky Predictions: 5/13 UFC, 6/12 GAMMA)