MMA Link Club: Ballet Lessons, Secret Powers, and Awkward MMA Photos

– The 25 Most Awkward Photos in MMA History (CagePotato)”As the editor of an MMA website, I’m constantly bombarded with images of tattooed skinheads engaged in gay foreplay. And yet, there are times when I’m faced with an image that even makes me uncomfortable. Check out 25 of the most chillingly awkward MMA photos in the gallery after the jump, laugh nervously, then avert your eyes in shame…”- Piece of cake: Bellator LW Lloyd Woodard discusses his huge upset win over Patricky Freire

Cain Velasquez says fans will see a "different fighter" against Frank Mir

Former Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez, who will face fellow former title holder Frank Mir at UFC 146, discusses his opponent, as well as his training and preparation for the bout. Velasquez acknowledges the mistakes that led to his defeat against Junior dos Santos, but promises that fans will see a different fighter against Mir. Photo: Scott Hirano

Jake Shields moving to Middleweight for next fight

Jake Shields’ time at Welterweight has come to an end. According to Tuesday night’s edition of Fuel TV’s UFC Tonight, Shields will move to the 185 pound division for his next fight.
Shields has four fights at Welterweight in the UFC and he has put together a record of 2-2.   It should be noted that Shields will be making the move up in weight after winning his last fight, a unanimous decision victory over Yoshihiro Akiyama, a fighter that had dropped from Middleweight to

Ben Henderson says it would be "criminal" not to give Frankie Edgar a rematch

UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson, who will meet Frankie Edgar for the second time this year, looks back on his performance in Japan and shares his thoughts on “The Answer” being granted an immediate rematch. Henderson says he “absolutely” agrees with the decision to book the rematch, insisting that not doing so would be “criminal.” The champ also talks about a future encounter with Anthony Pettis, who currently stands as the last man to defeat him.

Dana White: If Nick Diaz retires, it would be the most insane thing I’ve ever seen in my life

UFC President Dana White, who was in attendance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the UFC 146 Press Conference, discusses Nick Diaz’s suspension, as well as his potential retirement. White also talks about the ever-emerging topic of testosterone replacement therapy, and draws comparisons between the drug-testing procedures in mixed martial arts and other major sports leagues.

Alistair Overeem talks JDS, says the fight "will all come down to strategy"

Top Heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem, who will challenge Junior dos Santos for the division title at UFC 146, discusses his opponent, as well as his expectations for the bout. Overeem explains that because he and dos Santos are evenly matched, he expects strategy to play a key role in the match-up, and says his experience will likely give him an advantage over the champ.

Alistair Overeem sentenced in battery case, administered a surprise drug test

Alistair Overeem and his representatives had a busy day today.  On his agenda were the UFC 146 prefight press conference, a court case regarding a battery charge and a surprise drug test.
The court case stemmed from a charge leveled against Overeem over New Year’s weekend. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Overeem was issued a citation on January 2 after he allegedly “pushed or shoved a woman in the face, causing her to stagger back.” Today, according to the same paper,

King Mo suspended for nine months, released by ZUFFA (Update)

The Nevada State Athletic Commission held a hearing today concerning the positive steroid test of Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal and things did not turn out to well for the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight. Lawal was suspended nine months, fined 30 percent of his salary for the fight, and will surrender his win bonus. In addition, the fight result was changed to a no contest
On January 7, Lawal defeated Lorenz Larkin via a second round knockout.  However, after the fight Lawal’s drug test

Cesar Gracie talks Nick Diaz’s suspension

Nick Diaz is facing a lengthy suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to the fact that his UFC 143 drug test came up positive for marijuana metabolites.
The positive test was the second of Diaz’s career and it is widely believed that he will be suspended for a year when he stands in front of the Commission for his full hearing. Diaz and his lawyer have made it clear that they are going to fight the suspension.
Recently Diaz’s trainer and manager, Cesar Gracie spoke about why

Urijah Faber feeling optimistic about the fight vs. Dominick Cruz

When the current season of The Ultimate Fighter concludes, coaches Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber will face off inside the Octagon. When the two bantamweights meet Cruz’s UFC crown will be on the line as well as bragging rights as the two fighters have met twice before, with each fighter taking a victory.
Since their first fight Cruz has not lost another bout, going 10-0, while Faber has compiled a record of 8-4, tasting defeat at the hands of Mike Brown (twice), Jose Aldo and Cruz. The difference in