Nor-Cal Fighting Alliance’s Joe Soto Returns

One time Bellator title holder, Joe Soto, is set to make his return to the cage on August 4th at Tachi Palace Fights. The Nor-Cal Fighting Alliance fighter fights for the first time since his loss to Joe Warren. In that fight, Soto also suffered a detached retina and was forced to see a specialist before getting cleared from the doctor and California State Athletic Commission to fight.

Now with the approval, the 26 year old Soto replaces former Tachi Palace Fights Featherweight Champ, Isaac de Jesus. Soto’s opponent is Eddie Yagin who holds a 13-4-1 record. Soto, who is still under contract with Bellator, has been given the go ahead from CEO Bjorn Rebney. Rebney also hinted that Soto could possibly take place in Bellator’s bantamweight tournament if he chooses to drop a weight class.

Soto was Bellator’s first season featherweight champ, where he also won the belt in 2009. He then went on a 4-fight win streak before he was stopped by Joe Warren last September. Tachi Palace Fights 10 takes place on August 4th in Leemore, CA.

A Simple Man of Kali

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of my grandfather, Grandmaster Ben Largusa.

Grandmaster Ben Largusa entered into eternal rest on October 3, 2010.  We will remember him fondly, not only as a great martial artist but also as a great friend, husband, father and grandfather.  He is preceded in death by his son, Lane and is survived by his wife, Philomena, daughter, Lois and sons, Jerry and Lindsey.

Rebel Fighter October 2, 2010

Here are the results of this past weekends event at the Placer County Fairgrounds:

http://www.mmako.org

Vitor Belfort vs Anderson Silva Set For 2011

Contrary to earlier reports, Vitor Belfort has not been sidelined due to an injury. According to a tweet 3 hours ago, UFC President, Dana White confirmed that Belfort pulled out of the UFC 122 because he will instead face off against middleweight champ, Anderson Silva early in 2011.

Nate Marquardt was brought in to replace Belfort and will fight Yushin Okami for the #1 contender spot. The winner of that fight will fight the winner of Belfort vs Silva for the title.

(This article was written by Austin Largusa Nor-Cal MMA)

Belfort Out, Marquardt In

http://www.zimbio.com

Nor-Cal MMA has just learned that Vitor Belfort has been forced out of UFC 122 by an injury. It is still unclear what the extent of the injury is.

This announcement came just a day after we were notified that the winner of Belfort vs Yushin Okami would get a title shot. Now with Belfort out, the UFC has brought in Nate Marquardt, fresh off his win at Ultimate Fight Night 22.

Belfort has not fought since beating Rich Franklin in a catchweight bout at 195 lbs. With Belfort out and Chael Sonnen facing a suspension, one can only assume that Marquardt could get his rematch with champ, Anderson Silva. But first, Marquardt has to get through a tough opponent in Yushin Okami.

(This article was written by Austin Largusa for Nor-Cal MMA)

Sonnen Failed Drug Test Update

Nor-Cal MMA just learned that former UFC middleweight contender, Chael Sonnen could be out of action until September 2, 2011 if he chooses not to appeal the test results.

Although details are not out of what he tested positive for, the CSAC did report that Sonnen had levels of testosterone that were “well above” normal.

This would also put a damper on what would have been a rematch of his near destruction of current middleweight champ, Anderson Silva.

Sonnen has until years end to appeal the test results or he will face the year-long suspension and $2,500 fine.

(This article was written by Austin Largusa for Nor-Cal MMA)

Chael Sonnen Drug Test Update

Lance Pugmire of The L.A. Times spoke with CSAC executive officer, George Dodd and has reported that a mistake was made in recent citings of UFC middleweight contender, Chael Sonnen’s failed drug test.
Initially, reports stated that Sonnen failed a post-fight drug test, but we have been informed that the test was taken before the fight.
The UCLA olympic drug-testing lab processed the test and reported that Sonnen tested positive for a “natural steroid”.
Nevertheless, Sonnen will likely face a suspension of up to one year. That means that fight fans around the world will have to wait until next summer if the rematch with champion, Anderson Silva will still be set.

Chael Sonnen Fails UFC 117 Drug Test

Reports from various sources have confirmed that middleweight title contender, Chael Sonnen, failed a post fight drug test at UFC 117 after coming within two minutes of beating champion, Anderson Silva. Sherdog.com reported that George Dodd, executive officer of the California State Athletic Comission, informed Sonnen of the results today.

Online forums have long speculated that Sonnen was using some sort of steroid after noticing an increase in “backne” since UFC 104. Details of what kind of drug was used have yet to be released, but Dodd did confirm that all participants of UFC 117 tested negative for drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. This information leads us to believe that Sonnen used a performance-enhancing-drug.

Sonnen was expected to fight Silva in a rematch, but will most likely face a lengthy layoff from fighting.

Stay tuned as we bring you more details on the story.

(This article was written by Austin Largusa for Nor-Cal MMA)

From Mall Cop To The Cage

In recent years many celebrities have sought refuge in the world of mixed martial arts. Athletes such as Green Bay Packers running back, Ryan Grant, and even 7-foot tall basketball superstar, Shaquille O’neal (who reportedly was willing to take a fight with 7-foot South Korean fighter Hong-man Choi), have been seen training in the offseason to keep in shape. But according to recent news, you can add actors to the list of celebrities getting involved in mixed martial arts.

Yahoo.com confirmed a rumor at 9:05 am this morning that actor, Kevin James, will be starring in a movie based around mixed martial arts. The Hollywood star who recently starred in the movie, Grown Ups alongside Chris Rock and Adam Sandler, will play the role of a high school physics teacher. When the school faces drastic budget cuts, James uses MMA to help save the music program for the sake of his students.

But James isn’t new to MMA. Rumor has it, the King of Queens star has trained with Bas Rutten and is currently training with highly sought after, Rafael Cordeiro (who is also Wanderlei Silva’s coach). He has previously sparred with MMA’s Captain America, Randy Couture:

The script will be written by, Alan Loeb (script writer for the movie, 21), and has yet to be given a title. With so many actors available for the part, one has to wonder what brought the actor to take this role. Whatever the case, I hope they give enough time for James to shave some weight off of his 5’-8” 250 lbs. frame.

(This article was written by Austin Largusa for Nor-Cal MMA)

UFC Losing It’s Mojo

The world of mixed martial arts has easily become the fastest growing sport in the world, headed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Fans have flocked to the action that the sport offers and the fact that you can find a fight just about every weekend. But recently I’ve noticed that the excitement and non-stop action that set MMA apart from boxing is slowly dwindling away. Has MMA lost its edge?

Most people like to see knockout finishes and flying knees mixed in with superman punches and the UFC is fully capable of providing that. But watching the UFC recently, I can’t help to see a resemblance to boxing. Fans kicked boxing to the curb because “there’s too much clinching” and there was “not enough action” and ultimately left the sport for MMA. But after watching recent UFC events, the distinction between the two sports is beginning to blur. Who should we blame for that? Wrestlers!

With the explosion of wrestlers onto the mixed martial arts scene, we have started to see a lot of the same ol “clinching” and “not enough action”. We oftentimes see wrestlers run their opponent into the cage, drop down and scoop their legs right out from underneath them. The wrestler then lays on top position to control the fight while inflicting minimal damage. And in the end, they win a unanimous decision.

While I understand that a win is a win, MMA is slowly losing the “wow factor” that drew so many fans to begin with. This slow, drawn out strategy of winning a fight has even acquired a name to describe the “fight style”: lay n prey.

Nobody likes to see boring fights, yet this has been a growing trend lately inside the octagon. If these types of fights continue, I can see fans clinging to more action packed promotions like World Extreme Cagefighting (which is owned by the same company as the UFC). The UFC needs to continue to put out more fights that get fans excited. Otherwise, their numbers just might be on the decline.

Hey Dana, maybe this is why nobody wants to fork out the $50 for your pay-per-views.

(This article was written by Austin Largusa for Nor-Cal MMA)