Jason “Mayhem” Miller will be facing off against Kazishi Sakuraba at Dream 16 on Sept. 25 at Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya, Japan.

Sakuraba is far past his prime. He has lost 3 of his last five fights, and should have his hands filled with the younger Miller.

Miller is coming off of a win against Tim Stout. He has been unable to put his name back into the mix for the Strikeforce middleweight belt. In 2009 he was defeated by Jake Shields for that belt.

This fight comes as a surprise. With Shields moving on to the UFC, I thought that Mayhem would try again to fight for the Strikeforce belt.

Also announce for Dream 16 are Joachim Hansen vs. Hideo Tokoro, “Lion” Takeshi Inoue vs. Kazuyuki Miyata, and the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix final between Gegard Mousasi and Tatsuya Mizuno.

By: Matt Coffman

This will be a first for me. It will be the first time I have ordered a shark fights card on PPV. This card will have an official count down show which will air on HDNet on Friday at 8:30 p.m. eastern time.

The actual card will appear on PPV on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10:00 p.m. eastern time. At $29.99 you can’t go wrong ordering the show.

This show has the potential to be one of the better cards in MMA this year. We will take a more in-depth look at each fight later this week, starting with the prelim card.

MAIN CARD
• Champ Trevor Prangley vs. Keith Jardine (light-heavyweight non-title fight)
• Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Houston Alexander
• Paul Daley vs. Jorge Masvidal
• Danillo Villefort vs. Joey Villasanor
• Brock Larson vs. Tarec Saffiedine

PRELIMINARY CARD
• Champ Douglas Evans vs. Ronnie Mann (featherweight title fight)
• Paul Bradley vs. Johnny Rees
• Aaron Rosa vs. Devin Cole
• Karen Darabedyan vs. Daniel Straus
• Eric Davila vs. Pete Spratt

By: Matt Coffman

Dan Hornbuckle Interview Part 1 (Click me for audio!)

In part one, Dan talks about . . .

1. The excitement of fighting before his home town in the landmark Chicago Theater at the upcoming Bellator 25.

2. His opponent, and how he will not over think his fight as he did in his recent loss to Ben Asken. This time he will simply unleash The Handler, giving the crowd what they want to see!

Music: “Orion” by Metallica.

Dan Hornbuckle Interview Part 2 (Click me for audio!)

In part two, Dan talks about . . .

1. The origin of his nickname, “The Handler,” and how he used to hate it but now embraces it.

2. How being a Native American affects how he approaches fighting and how much support he has nationwide from Native Americans. He is even posed the question of the importance of there being a Native American champion someday in Dan Hornbuckle . . .

Music: “Call of Ktulu” by Metallica.

Dan Hornbuckle Interview Part 3 (Click me for audio!)

In part three, Dan talks about . . .

1. The differences between fighting in Japan and the United States and the general “rudeness” of the U.S. versus the hospitality shown to fighters and people in general in Japan.

2. What we can expect from “The Handler” at Bellator 25 in Chicago (just a matter of hours away!)

Music: “To Live Is To Die” by Metallica.

By Matthew J. Swanson

Matthew J. Swanson is a playwright, fighting enthusiast, and author of all sorts of other “stuff.” Get a look at his writing with links to other publications to which he contributes at his blog page updated every day (mostly) at www.thegancer.blogspot.com.

Roy “Big Country” Nelson Interview Part 1 (Click me for audio!)

Although he had a strong career in various organizations before becoming the Ultimate Fighter, it’s still impressive that Roy “Big Country” Nelson has positioned himself in fight against Junior Dos Santos, the winner of which will fight for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. We had the pleasure to catch up with “Big Country,” and as always, he was down-to-earth and a straight-shooter.

First off, Roy told us how he has been preparing for such a big fight against an opponent who he believes to be the best heavyweight in the UFC. After telling us about his relationship with Dana White, he then talks about the origin of his “belly rub” after winning fights. Lastly, he compares his body type to other pro athletes, and how there are others who make millions in other sports who are built a lot like him.
(Background song: “In a Big Country” by Big Country)

Roy “Big Country” Nelson Interview Part 2 (Click me for audio!)

Next, Roy talks about the cardio work involved in MMA versus professional football, a sport where a player needs about “6 seconds” of gas. He then talks about why he thinks Shane Carwin was not successful against Brock Lesnar, keys to Roy’s own fights, and his thoughts on the heavyweight division.
(Background Song: “Country Grammar” by Nelly)

Roy “Big Country” Nelson Interview Part 3 (Click me for audio!)

Lastly, Roy talks about Fedor’s last fight, and his personal top five list of heavyweight fighters. He then leaves with why we should follow the career of Roy Nelson, which has something to do with him pulling submissions out of his butt . . .
(Background Song: “Big Poppa” by Notorious B.I.G.)

Matthew J. Swanson is a playwright, fighting enthusiast, and author of all sorts of other “stuff.” Get a look at his writing with links to other publications to which he contributes at his blog page updated every day (mostly) at http://www.thegancer.blogspot.com“.

StrikeForce’s Cung Le Interview (Click me for audio!)

Fighttrader.com’s Matthew J. Swanson recently had the honor to talk MMA standout and now star of the silver screen, Cung Le.

First, Cung talks about how losing for the first time in anything (MMA or Kickboxing) in 15 years was a bigger learning experience than all of his wins put together.

He then talks about his fight with Frank Shamrock, how it felt to hear Frank’s arm break, and whether or not he’s disappointed that he won’t be able to fight him again, due to Shamrock’s recent retirement.

Later, Cung tells us, as as someone who admires his career both as filmmaker and a martial artist, how he thinks Bruce Lee would fare if he were in MMA today.

Cung then tells about all of the movies he has been working on, and when we can expect to see them in a theater near you! Also, he talks about how the challenges of filmmaking compares to the challenges of MMA.

Mr. Le is a star who kicks the crap out of people both in the cage and on the screen, but above all else, he is a true gentleman. Be sure to see his films, but also, if you haven’t already, watch a fight or two of his because it’s hard to find someone in MMA landing as many powerful kicks.

By Matthew J. Swanson

Matthew J. Swanson is a playwright, fighting enthusiast, and author of all sorts of other “stuff.” Get a look at his writing with links to other publications to which he contributes at his blog page updated every day (mostly) at www.thegancer.blogspot.com.

UFC’s Matt Brown Interview Part 2(Click me for audio!)

With his fight against Chris “Lights Out” Lytle just hours away, we give you part two of our two part interview with standout UFC welterweight, Matt Brown.

First, Mr. Brown ensures us that this will be an exciting fight, and he then weighs in on how he thinks his previous opponent, Ricardo Almeida, will fare in his scheduled bout against MMA legend, Matt Hughes.

When asked which welterweight he believes has the best chance at dethroning UFC champion Georges St. Pierre, Brown admits that he isn’t as impressed with him as most others seem to be, and he doesn’t see any reason that he couldn’t “whip his ass.” Yes! That’s the kind of confidence you like to see in a fighter.

Later, Matt tells us about a barely sanctioned fight he had when he was coming up in Ohio that was in a gas station parking lot with the bathrooms as the dressing room, a guy called him a “pussy” and a “bitch,” but Matt got the chance to soccer kick him in the head!

If you plan on watching UFC 116, don’t miss Brown VS Lylte because while it might not be as fun as soccer kicking some fool outside of an Ohio gas station, it’s sure to be action packed nonetheless. Oh, and Brown predicts he will win the “Knockout of the Night!”

By Matthew J. Swanson

Matthew J. Swanson is a playwright, fighting enthusiast, and author of all sorts of other “stuff.” Get a look at his writing with links to other publications to which he contributes at his blog page updated every day (mostly) at www.thegancer.blogspot.com.

UFC’s Matt Brown Interview Part 1(Click me for audio!)

Here at Fighttrader.com, we’re big fans of Matt “The Immortal” Brown, and not just because he freaked out because someone put lime juice in his dip on TUF. We like him because he is just a down to earth, humble, good dude, and one hell of a well-rounded fighter who always has exciting fights.

Off the air, he and I got talking about what music he is into, and what songs he may use for entrance music for his upcoming fight. It turns out he is a big fan of Down and Pantera. So, he may be walking out to “Mouth For War” by Pantera (perfect!), and I decided to include music by Down for the background of the interview. He was talking about Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” being on his mind in his last fight (you’ll have to listen to hear why), and I considered adding that song into the background . . . but it just didn’t work continuity wise. Sorry, Ms. Gaga, if you happen to be an MMA fan and stumbled onto this site, however unlikely that may be.

It’s always a pleasure to talk with “The Immortal” one, so it ran long into a two parter. Here is part one. Hope you enjoy, be sure to tune in for part two, and don’t forget to show your support for him against Chris Lytle on July 3rd at UFC 116!

By Matthew J. Swanson

Matthew J. Swanson is a playwright, fighting enthusiast, and author of all sorts of other “stuff.” Get a look at his writing with links to other publications to which he contributes at his blog page updated every day (mostly) at www.thegancer.blogspot.com.

We here at Fight Trader had the great pleasure to interview Paul Daley recently. Even though right now in the sport he is getting a lot of attention for the things that had happened in his fight against Josh Kosceck, it seems he is very sorry for what happened. He is getting right back in there to fight again on July 18th in Australia and from my side of the table the guy could not have been a nicer guy and more of a gentleman. Here is our interview with Paul:

Fight Trader: Do you have any fights lined up?

Paul Daley: Yeah, I fight in Australia on July 18th and will have a few more fight before the end of the year.

Fight Trader: Tell us about the fight with Josh Koscheck?

Paul Daley: He’s a great wrestler, and although improving my ground game wasn’t enough.

Fight Trader: If you can say anything to your fans what would you like to say?

Paul Daley: Thanks for the support, I’m gonna be around for a long time so keep supporting and tell your kids who I am, and tell them to tell their mates…..lol

Fight Trader: You looked much improved in the UFC fights, tell us what you’re working on now to improve your game the most?

Paul Daley: Everything bro, just everything, and I am still working hard on improving, so these fights you will see coming up next and from fight to fight, I will be getting better and better.

Fight Trader: What should we expect to see next from Paul Daley?

Paul Daley: Much of the same really, I’m Still gonna be knocking fools out…I’m just gonna continue to be me, but a me that’s getting better and better.

Fight Trader: Is there anyone that you would really like to fight?

Paul Daley: I’d like to fight Nick Diaz, I used to not like him as a person or a fighter, but as a fighter now he is one of my favourites.

Fight Trader: Tell us about the explosion of MMA in England? It seems some great fighters are coming out of England.

Paul Daley: Yeah we are getting better, the bigger the sport gets the more money will going to get the best coaches and facilities here, so we will get better at a quicker rate.

Fight Trader: What has the response from the fans been like from the fight with Koscheck?

Paul Daley: Mostly good actually, which was a surprise.

Fight Trader: At 27 years old what do you like to do outside of fighting?

Paul Daley: Relax a lot of the time, I like business so I’m constantly working on new ideas away from the sport, traveling and partying sometimes too, I keep pretty busy.

Fight Trader: Did you ever excel at any other sports besides MMA?

Paul Daley: Football and Rugby.

Fight Trader: When did you start in MMA and what made you want to fight for a living?

Paul Daley: About 17yrs old I started, after I left school, but this was just me and a mate hitting each other after watching a few UFC tapes lol.

Fight Trader: Do you have any favorite fighters?

Paul Daley: Yeah, Nick Diaz, Alistair Overeem, Fedor, Anderson Silva, BJ Penn.

By: Kyle Stoltz

UFC 115 in Vancouver, British Columbia has the potential to be a great card. This could potentially be Chuck’s last fight. It could potentially be Cro Cops last fight in the UFC. This could be Kampmann’s biggest win of his career. It appears from the face that the UFC will make a big splash in America’s top hat this weekend.

Chuck is coming off of another successful season of the Ultimate Fighter. He will get ready to face off against Rich Franklin. With a win Chuck will be put back on track. Even though Chuck is far past his prime, he can win this fight with one punch. That being said you have to give the edge to Rich in this fight. Rich is a younger fighter. That is the main advantage that he has over Chuck. He will have the ability to go the distance as well as have the physical ability to last three rounds. That being said Chuck and Tito would have been an epic fight and I hope it is the fight that retires both great warriors.

Cro Cop has been a disappointment since he has stepped into the octagon. I really hope that he is able to finish this fight with a left kick. Cro Cop is a great fighter that has great stand-up ability but he has seemed very hesitant to throw his legs. I hope in his next fight he has the ability to finish Barry or it could be his last fight in the UFC. If Barry beats Mirko he will have another fight in the UFC. If he stops Cro Cop he could be catapulted up in the ranks of the heavy weights.

Kampmann and Thiago will be a great fight. This is the fight that has the potential to be fight of the night. Thiago will have his hands full with the speedy Kampmann. In order to win Kampmann must stay off the ground at all cost. Kampmann has the stand-up advantage and Thiago has the ground advantage. Usually fights that have such polar opposites are barnburners.

Overall the UFC is putting on a good card. It might be one to check out at the local bar because if Chuck and Cro cop don’t perform and it’s a big if, you might be disappointed. This could be the end of Chuck’s career so stay tuned, he might have a post fight announcement.

By: Matt Coffman

TUF’s Josh Bryant Interview (Click me for audio!)

Here at Fight Trader, we are thrilled that the guy we have come to know and love, the guy we have been interviewing every few weeks, Oklahoma native Josh Bryant, is one win away from fighting for the title of Ultimate Fighter on Spike’s reality show, The Ultimate Fighter!

He earned his latest win by defeating a very talented fighter in Jamie Yager, bludgeoning him so badly that he quit on his stool after the second round and was later hauled off in an ambulance!

In this interview . . .

Josh lets us know what we were thinking all through out watching his fight: Who was making that obnoxious, bazaar yelping noise all through out the fight?

He also tells us what he thinks about UFC President Dana White’s decision to release coach Tito Ortiz from the show

Josh then keys us in on his fight on next Wednesday’s episode against Kris McCray, a guy he already beat once.

Later, Josh tells us the chances that he will be fighting in the Ultimate Finale show in front of thousands of fans! (Based on guys finishing in his position in past seasons, we’re guessing that he will be, so way to go Josh!)

Give a listen, everyone, and answer us this in the comments section: If Josh already beat this guy McCray, should he have to lose to the guy twice before being eliminated, making it a best of 3?

Songs used in this audio are:
“The Beast in Me” by Johnny Cash (destined to be his theme song if only it were a little heavier)
“Suicyco Mania” by Suicidal Tendencies (now that’s heavy)
“Surf and Slam” by Suicidal Tendencies
and
“One Too Many Times” again by Suicidal Tendencies
and then
“The Beast in Me” by Johnny Cash again

By Matthew J. Swanson

Matthew J. Swanson is a playwright, fighting enthusiast, and author of all sorts of other “stuff.” Get a look at his writing with links to other publications to which he contributes at his blog page updated every day (mostly) at www.thegancer.blogspot.com.