Chael Sonnen explains his defense of Alistair Overeem, his respect for the fans, and UFC 148 outlook

In his lengthy interview courtesy of bleacherreport.com, Chael Sonnen sounds off on several subjects, including the media advancement that has taken place in MMA and the issue of sportsmanship and respect within the sport, be it fighter or media-based. He explains his highly controversial defense of Alistair Overeem, saying that something does not become true just because the media believes it to be. He sticks by the stance that Overeem did not fail the test for anything specific. Sonnen believes that TRT

Lorenzo Fertitta unfazed by low UFC on FOX 3 ratings

UFC owner Lorenza Fertitta is aware of the sharp ratings decline for the most recent UFC on Fox, but it is not eating him up inside. Compared to intital viewership of 5.7 for the frst UFC on Fox,  UFC on Fox 3’s audience of merely 2.4 million viewers could be viewed as a cause for concern. He has recognized several reasons for the decline, and believes that scheduling could have been carried out more effectively, stating the following via Yahoo.com:
“Would we like to see the numbers be trending

Josh Barnett, will ‘the best heavyweight in the world’ return to UFC after a Strikeforce victory?

In a recent interview with MMA Weekly, when asked about a return to the UFC, Josh Barnett said, “I’d love to go over there and beat everybody up and sit on top of that pile too. I believe I’m the best heavyweight out there in the world, so what better way to prove it than to punch everybody else in the face first”.
On a conference call today with Showtime and Strikeforce about the Strikeforce® Heavyweight Grand Prix Final scheduled for May 19, Barnett indicated other plans, which did not

Ronda Rousey discusses Sarah Kaufman, Dana White, and the effects of her newfound fame

Hot on the heels of the announcement that she will be fighting Sarah Kaufman in August, Ronda Rousey comments on a variety of MMA topics to stir some interest for the women’s side of the sport. Generating some smack talk between Kaufman and herself via Twitter, Rousey also talks about Marloes Coenen calling her out at the recent Invicta FC 1 in Kansas City. She details how she and Dana White are attempting to make WMMA more popular, and how she has backed up all of her brash talk with legit skills. It

Josh Koscheck believes he beat Johny Hendricks, requests five-round rematch

Josh Koscheck not surprisingly came out with some comments regarding his close split decision loss to Johny Hendricks at UFC on Fox 3 last Saturday. He felt that he did enough to win both rounds 1 & 3, rounds that Hendricks thought he won with as well. Either way, the bout was slightly controversial and Koscheck wants a rematch, saying the following via Twitter.com:

Just watched the fight again.1&3rd; round where mine. Maybe a rematch 5 round fight this time? What U say Hindricks?
— Josh

Frankie Edgar has high praise for Nate Diaz; talks UFC 150 rematch vs. Ben Henderson

Frankie Edgar had some positive words for Nate Diaz following his decisive victory over Jim Miller at UFC on Fox 3 in New Jersey, going as far as to call Diaz “kind of a teammate.” Edgar did not expect Miller to be finished, as it had never happened in a UFC Octagon until Saturday night. Edgar may find himself facing Nate Diaz soon should he regain the Lightweight championship in his rematch with Ben Henderson.
While Edgar states that he believes the fight would take place in September, it has been

UFC 149: Thiago Alves now faces Siyar Bahadurzada

News broke today that Thiago Alves will find himself with a new opponent at UFC 149 from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Originally scheduled to face Yoshihiro Akiyama on the card, he will now fight surging prospect Siyar Bahadurzada. This announcement adds some fireworks yo the card, as both fighters love to throw leather with bad intentions. The bout holds different but important implications for both fighters.
Alves is looking to get a win streak going,having once been a title challenger against Georges St.

Ronda Rousey to defend Strikeforce belt against Sarah Kaufman in August

A report has surfaced today that Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight champion Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey will make her first title defense later this summer against former champ Sarah Kaufman. Tentatively set for August, there is not a confirmed date nor location as of yet.
Rousey is of course the most talked-about topic in WMMA currently, utilizing world-class Judo skills to slam her opponents and submit them seemingly at will. The first American woman ever to win an Olympic medal in Judo, Rousey

Low ratings for UFC on FOX 3: 2.4 million viewers

UFC on Fox 3 was one of the best cards of the year and the best event hosted on Fox thus far. Despite this, the Cinco de Mayo Event had poor ratings. According to my colleague, Mike Drahota on Lowkick.com:10,788 fans witnessed the event in person for a live gate of $1.1 million.
However, television viewership painted quite a different picture.  According to tvsportsratings.com

UFC on FOX 3: 1.6 Men 18-34 (-50% vs. UFC on FOX 2) and 2.4 mil viewers (-48%)
— TVsportsratings (@tvsportsratings)May