MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko announced a few weeks ago that he’ll be returning to MMA.

Now, rumors surfaced that the Russian heavyweight is in negotiations with the UFC.

He said he wants to face the best fighters in the world.

So we ask: If he signs a deal with Dana White’s promotion, who should Emelianenko face first in the octagon?

The video above gives a few options.

Watch it and give us yours.

Felipe Preguica attacks Galvao in the Worlds 2014 Photo: GRACIEMAG

Overweight as a child, Felipe ” Preguica ” Pena (Gracie Barra) though he was clumsy in Jiu-Jitsu, but like an ace he proved to himself he was wrong. Absolute world champion at purple belt and runner-up at brown, the Brazilian kid from Minas Gerais already showed everyone that he would bring trouble to whoever crossed his path as a black belt.

Last weekend in Long Beach, California, Felipe fought his first IBJJF Worlds as a black belt and exited with gold, beating the star Andre Galvao in the finals of the heavyweight by 6-4, with a festival of sweeps and attacks on the foot.

What the new phenomenon of Jiu-Jitsu learned from the World title? GRACIEMAG uncovered.

GRACIEMAG: Felipe, what made a difference in your conquest of the World?

FELIPE PENA: I was complete; I played top and bottom, wherever I felt confident. Just believed and everything worked. It was my first worlds as a black belt so it could not be better. In the heavyweight division I had five bouts and finished all my fights but the final match against Andre Galvao. I was fighting at light heavyweight, but it already had Romulo Barral and Braulio Estima, so I decided to take my chances on the heavy and it felt great, I think I’ll stay in this category. I do not want to keep losing weight for every tournament, so I prefer to fight in the category accordantly to my body weight. I want to reach the superheavyweight division one day to become stronger in the absolute.

You played open in the Worlds, top and bottom. The bread and butter were the secret?

The basic Jiu-Jitsu is without any doubt the most important, but I also think it is necessary to monitor the development of the sport. I love the modern Jiu-Jitsu and different positions. I putted in my head that I would be champion. No matter what your opponent has won or how many times he was world champion, at that time in the fight it is only you against him, the winner will be the best in the fight that day.

In your opinion, how was the fight against Andre Galvao? Have you received any hints from Barral?

Rominho gives me a lot of confidence. I always ask him about what to do in my fights and he always says the same thing: “Brother, do anything. You are good in every position, you will be the champion “[laughs]. I think I surprised everyone in the pyramid. Who knew me, knew I could be champion; but most of the viewers were expecting André to be the champion. It was an honor to fight him, always been a fan of his Jiu-Jitsu and fighting against him at the Worlds final is amazing. It was a bustling and beautiful match without stalling, and I think that was what everyone wanted to see. The end of the fight was “hell” [laughs]. Galvão took me down, but I got under him fast to attack his foot. I need to sweep to win, so I managed to get up at the end and score 2 points.

What lesson did you learn after the world’s gold, Felipe?

When I became champion I saw a movie in my head, everything I’ve been through to get there. I was “chubby”, lazy and clumsy in Jiu-Jitsu; so that day turned out to be the best day ever. If I am a champion, it is because I never stopped believing. It’s all about if you’re willing to pay the price. Now I’ll rest a bit, focus on seminars and working at my gym. Next month, I begin to train hard again for the “Copa Podio” in September. Anyone interested in seminars, just look for me on Facebook.

The brown belt with Prince Faisal Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE, after one of his accomplishments in Jiu-Jitsu.

The Jiu – Jitsu Brown Belt Faisal Fahad Al – Kitbe is a big idol in his country.

Adopted son of Sheikh Zayed bin Tahnoon, the creator of ADCC, the athlete of Team UAEJJ has been traveling the world for many years with the goal of improving his game, and always honorably representing the UAE in various IBJJF competitions such as the European, Pan and many others.

On February 1st, Faisal will be an international attraction of the Heavyweight GP, next to the American Tim Spriggs (Lloyd Irvin).

” It’s a new generation of talent that we are pleased to present to the fans here in Brazil,” recalls the event organizer, Jeferson mayca. Right now, there are only two vacancies remaining for the Grand Prix.

Check out how is the card for the February event, to be held in Rio:

Cup Podium: Heavy GP 2014

Club Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Challenge of Cities:

Magid Hage (San Diego) x Franco Marini (Buenos Aires); fight will have no points or time limit, submission only.

Athletes at the Grand Prix to 98kg:

Rodolfo Vieira (GFTeam)

Leandro Lo (Cicero Costha)

Leonardo Nogueira (Alliance)

Alexandre Souza (AS Team)

Ricardo Bastos (Nova União )

Luiz Panza (Barbosa )

Tim Spriggs (Team Lloyd Irvin)

Faisal Al – Kitbe (UAEJJ )

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?

Special Fight:

Felipe Sloth (Gracie Barra) x Guto Campos (Atos / Guetho)

UFC commentator Joe Rogan ranks the greatest KOs in UFC Heavyweight history as only he can.

Roberto Tussa Alencar at the 2012 No-Gi Worlds against Rafael Lovato Jr. Photo: Ivan Trindade

A new highlight with GMA member Roberto ‘Tussa’ Alencar of Gracie Barra New Mexico shows this GB superstar’s skills as shown on the competition mats. Champion of the 2013 Pan American black belt heavyweight division, his four No-Gi Worlds titles tells us that his best is yet to come.

Check out his moves on the mat and his school where he spends all of his time when not competing: www.gbnewmexico.com

Rodolfo passes Lucas Leite’s guard in the heavyweight final of the 2013 Worlds. Photo: Ivan Trindade.

One hour after the absolute final, Rodolfo Vieira came down from the restroom of the Long Beach gym where he’d done his drug test, and was already in a good mood.

“Buchecha kicked my butt,” he smiled, “but this only makes me want to train even more for our rematch, which certainly takes place next year. Having an adversary of his caliber only makes me better.”

After the wise analysis, the GFTeam steamroller goes back to kidding around. “I don’t know what hair color I’m using next year. I lost as a brunet, I lost as a blond – I’m screwed,” he said, getting the reporters nearby to burst into laughter.

But on a serious note, Rodolfo gave signs that he is thinking of a way to try and even things out with Buchecha: He may fight the next Worlds as a super-heavyweight.

Good news for the men in the heavyweight division, since Rodolfo had hardly a hiccup as he became a three-time champ over there. On Saturday he subbed Elliot Kelly in the round of eight. On Sunday he started by scoring 8-0 on Yuri Simões, then in the semi he caught Nivaldo Oliveira in a katagatame. Finally, he choked out Lucas Leite. A victorious sequence over three tough CheckMatters, whose supporters found solace in chanting in unison: “Buchecha is coming for you…” Here the voice of the people – however biased – turned out to be correct, and the open’s final was what everybody’s already seen by now: Buchecha swept, took the back and passed, and then worked an armbar before time ran out.

How about next year, reader? Can a super-heavyweight Rodolfo bridge the current gap between himself and Buchecha? As strong as they both are, it seems neither is quite done evolving, so what’s certain is it’ll be worth the wait.

Josh Barnett. Photo: Esther Lin/Strikefoce

Former heavyweight champion Josh Barnett is back in the UFC.

The last time the Jiu-Jitsu black belt stepped into the cage was in January this year, when he beat Nandor Guelmino, at Strikeforce.

In 2002, the American felt what it’s like to have the title of “most feared man in the world” by defeating Randy Couture by TKO, taking the belt. But the joy was short lived. The fighter was caught in a drug test, and ended up losing not only the title, but his job at the UFC.

Now, after 11 years, the veteran returns to the biggest MMA event in the world, seeking to continue a successful career, marked by 32 wins in 38 fights. In the UFC, Barnett suffered only one setback, the first of his record, against Brazilian Pedro Rizzo.

The heavyweight has no scheduled fight yet, but according to MMAjunkie.com the contract includes several fights.

The post Former champion Josh Barnett returns to the UFC after 11 years first appeared on Graciemag.]]> https://www.graciemag.com/coach-brandon-veras-return-to-ufc-heavyweight-ranks-followed-knee-injury-weight-gain/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=coach-brandon-veras-return-to-ufc-heavyweight-ranks-followed-knee-injury-weight-gain Thu, 16 May 2013 22:11:40 +0000 https://www.graciemag.com/?p=82982 Following two injuries and subsequent weight gain, Brandon Vera decided to come back to the heavyweight division where he initially made a name for himself. According to Eric Del Fierro, Vera’s coach at Alliance in San Diego, the fighter sustained a hand injury in his August 2012 fight with “Shogun” Rua, then injured his knee months…

Brandon Vera (right) injured his hand in his fight with “Shogun” Rua, pictured here, according to his coach. Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images.

Following two injuries and subsequent weight gain, Brandon Vera decided to come back to the heavyweight division where he initially made a name for himself.

According to Eric Del Fierro, Vera’s coach at Alliance in San Diego, the fighter sustained a hand injury in his August 2012 fight with “Shogun” Rua, then injured his knee months later while training. During the recovery from his knee injury, Vera’s weight went up to near 240 pounds, said the coach.

“After the Shogun fight, [Vera] hurt his hand,” Del Fierro told GRACIEMAG.com on Thursday afternoon. “So he was out … seems like at least two months. And right when he started coming back he went to Mike Fowler’s wedding I think in Hawaii. First day there he started rolling with Mike and something happened. I think he partially tore his MCL or something along the line. He had a knee injury, so that put him out another three months. Now he’s back training, but I think he got up to … 240 (pounds), if I had to guess.”

As reported by GRACIEMAG.com on Thursday morning, Vera confirmed via Twitter that he will return to heavyweight division in an Aug. 31 fight with Ben Rothwell at UFC 164.

The Rothwell fight will be Vera’s first at heavyweight in over five years. The last time he competed in the division was a 2008 loss to Fabricio Werdum, which came after falling short in an effort to win the heavyweight title from then-champion Tim Sylvia.

When in discussions about returning to the Octagon, Del Fierro said his fighter mentioned returning to heavyweight and asked for his opinion on the matter. The coach explained that the decision was ultimately up to Vera, and added that the fighter never liked cutting to the 205-pound light heavyweight limit.

“We started to talk about when he was going to get a fight booked and he just started mentioning that he wanted to consider staying at heavyweight and what [my thoughts were],” Del Fierro said. “Brandon never liked cutting to 205. He doesn’t like dieting, he doesn’t like cutting. So I said, ‘When it’s all said and done, it’s about what makes you happy. You performed at heavyweight [and] did good … it’s your choice, ultimately … You want to do heavyweight? Try it. What the hell.’ So he decided he wanted to book a fight at heavyweight.”

Vera started his UFC career at heavyweight and tallied a 12-2 overall MMA record before deciding to drop a weight class. Since moving to light heavyweight, he has seen different results, going 4-4 with a no-contest among lighter fighters.

When asked if the move back to heavyweight is a permanent one for the 35-year-old fighter, Del Fierro explained that the decision will be made once UFC 164 comes and goes.

“I think he’s always liked fighting at heavyweight,” said the coach. “I think we’ll make a decision after this fight and see how he feels.”

UFC 164 will take place at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. No other matches for the card have been confirmed by the UFC at this time.

The post Coach: Brandon Vera’s return to UFC heavyweight ranks followed knee injury, weight gain first appeared on Graciemag.]]>

Brandon Vera (left) confirmed today, Thursday, that he will face Ben Rothwell at UFC 164 this summer. Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images.

Once he was a heavyweight, and now he will be again.

Brandon Vera confirmed via Twitter on Thursday that he will fight Ben Rothwell at UFC 164 in a heavyweight fight. The bout will be Vera’s first bout in the weight class since dropping to light heavyweight in 2008.

Vera (12-6, 1 N.C.) once fought for the UFC heavyweight title, a 2007 tilt with then-champion Tim Sylvia. The challenger lost the bout and collected his first career loss in the effort. Since then, Vera lost one more fight at heavyweight and has seen mixed results in dropping to the light heavyweight division, going 4-4 with one no-contest in that span.

Rothwell (32-9) last fought at UFC on FX 7 in a losing effort to Gabriel Gonzaga. His most notable win is a knockout of former Ultimate Fighter finalist Brendab Schaub at UFC 145, but the fighter has only gone 2-3 since coming to the UFC in 2009.

UFC 164 takes place on Aug. 31 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, and rumored appearances on the card by Alistair Overeem and Diego Sanchez have been reported by other outlets.

MMAjunkie.com first reported news of the Vera-Rothwell bout.

Daniel Cormier was on “UFC Tonight” last night, Tuesday, and discussed his future in the UFC. With his training partner, Cain Velasquez, currently holding the heavyweight title, a lot of the buzz has been that Cormier will drop to 205 pounds. But if Velasquez doesn’t successfully defend the belt at UFC 160, Cormier might stay at heavyweight.

In the video above, he details when he’ll make the decision on which weight class he’ll fight in. Check it out.

Source: Fuel TV

UFC president Dana White spoke to reporters following UFC 156 and said that, from what he understands, Cain Velasquez and Daniel Cormier would fight each other. He added that he’d be shocked if that was the case, but explains that guys take notice of what they can have once they have a champ in their camp.

Check out the GRACIEMAG.com video above.

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visit GRACIEMAG.com’s Choke MMA section

Daniel Cormier stands in the cage before his bout with Antonio Silva during the Strikeforce World Grand Prix Semifinals event at US Bank Arena on September 10, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Forza LLC/Forza LLC via Getty Images)

Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix winner Daniel Cormier will potentially be next to fight Jon Jones, UFC president Dana White said over the weekend.

White said that he’s open to the heavyweight fighting at light heavyweight or heavyweight, but a possible showdown between Cormier and the UFC light heavyweight champion could be next up once Jones and Chael Sonnen battle in April.

“He could be next in line to fight Jones,” Whtie said following the UFC 155 post-fight press conference on Saturday. “It’s awesome. He’s going to bring a lot of excitement to the heavyweight or light heavyweight division.”

Cormier is currently scheduled to face Dion Staring at the final Strikeforce event on Jan. 12. Following that match-up, Strikeforce will shut down as a promotion, and Cormier will officially make his transition to the UFC.

Cormier’s teammate, Cain Velasquez, won the UFC heavyweight title from Junior dos Santos on Saturday night. Before the fight, the champ said that a win for him would have his American Kickboxing Academy cohort think about dropping to 205 pounds to avoid fighting each other.

Now that Velasquez holds the title, the door to light heavyweight seems wide open for Cormier, but when asked he wouldn’t confirm if he would walk through it.

“It’s always good to leave … a cliffhanger,” Cormier said following the press conference, urging the UFC president not to tell the media anything else.

Cormier made his name known by entering Strikeforce’s heavyweight tournament as an alternate, earning a first-round knockout of Antonio Silva. He went on to face former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett in finals of the tournament and won a unanimous decision.

Cormier was supposed to face Frank Mir in Strikeforce at a November event, but Mir sustained an injury and the event was ultimately canceled. Reports have indicated that Cormier would like to face Mir once he arrives in the UFC.

For more UFC and MMA coverage,

visit GRACIEMAG.com’s Choke MMA section