By UFC
After going to 145 and back to 155, what changes did you notice?
How did fighting at featherweight impact your resistance training?
A lot. I didn’t lift, I didn’t squat, I didn’t press, I didn’t pull. It was all conditioning. The guys that are at 145 are super fast and I didn’t think that the speed difference would actually be an issue, but it was.

How often do you engage in resistance training? What is a typical workout?
Quite often, I do a big strength pull, pre-camp, maybe like six to eight weeks of heavy lifting: big
squats, big bench presses, big rack pulls, big pullups, all obviously to build up the strength and get big and strong and ready for camp.

After going to 145 and back to 155, what changes did you notice?
I am a lot healthier, I have got a lot more energy, and I’m sleeping better. When I competed at 145, it was just too hard to live the lifestyle of a fighter and maintain my weight so low, for me. I was acting like a bodybuilder, but living like a fighter. The mix didn’t work for me, especially when I saw I lost the love, and the fun, for fighting because of what I was putting my body through.

How have you gotten back into your old mindset and having fun with it?
A lot of it was actually going away when I was [coaching] on The Ultimate Fighter and helping out the other guys and seeing how much I have developed. That got my mind free and back into gear.

Below, Pearson demonstrates a couple of muscle-building, fat-burning moves endorsed by strength and conditioning trainer Josh Bryant, CSCS , writer of Metroflex Gym Powerbuilding Basics.

DEAD SQUAT
[To do this move, beginning the exercise at the bottom of a squat. Place a barbell inside a power shelve and descend the inside encouragement bars down far sufficient so that when you obtain underneath the barbell and place it opposite your shoulders, you look as if you're in the bottom location of a normal barbell squat.] Rest the barbell on your shoulders and squeeze the bar with an overhand hold somewhat wider than shoulder-width apart. With your feet shoulderwidth detached and back straight, assertively mount up until your legs are straight, knees unlocked. Squat back down to place the weight back down on the inside encouragement bars. Repeat.
Start with: 6 sets of 1 repute any at 65% of your max power; rest for 30 seconds between sets

STANDING WEIGHTED CRUNCH
Clip a cord hoop to a high line pulley, squeeze an finish in any hand, then mount with your back to it, knees somewhat collapsed and feet shoulder-width apart. Place your fists down by your chest”elbows indicating down”so that the center of the cord touches the back of your neck. Keeping your fists positioned by your chest, twist deliver at the waist until your elbows touch your thighs. Pause, lapse to the beginning position, and repeat.

Start with: 3 sets of 10 reps each, rest 1-2 mins between sets

LANDMINE (shown above)
Place a finish of an Olympic barbell in the dilemma of the room at an angle. Stand in front of the opposite finish and squeeze it with both hands, a palm on tip of the other. Position yourself so that your arms are true in front of you, inclined ceiling at about 45 degrees, with your feet hip-width apart. Without relocating your feet and whilst gripping your core muscles tight, twist to the left to descend the finish of the bar opposite your body and down to your left side. Don’t twist at the waist” your core should stay parsimonious and confronting deliver as you twist from the shoulders and upper back. Reverse the suit and twist to the right, obscure the finish of the bar opposite your body and down to your correct side. Continue rambling from left to correct is to generation of the exercise.

Start with: 3 sets of 8 reps, rest 1-2 mins between any set

SUMO DEADLIFT
Stand true with your feet wider than shoulderwidth apart, toes sharp out to the sides. Squat down and squeeze the bar with an rotate hold (one palm confronting in; a palm confronting out). With your head and back straight, mount up, gripping the bar shut to your body as you lift. Pause, then descend the bar back down to the floor.

Start with: 2 sets of 5 reps at 55% max load, rest 2-5 mins between any set

BARBELL BENCH PRESS WITH RESISTANCE BANDS
[For this exercise, double back a finish of a insurgency band to a side of the bar, widen the cord underneath the weight bench, then double back the other finish to the opposite side of the bar.] Lie face up on an exercise dais with knees bent, feet prosaic on the floor. Grab the bar with your hands somewhat more than shoulder-width apart, and hold the bar over your chest, arms straight. Keeping your elbows tucked in, descend the bar to your chest, then hurriedly pull the weight back up. Repeat.

Start with: 3 sets of 1 rep, limit bucket that allows you to sustain form, rest 2-5 mins between sets.

The post Of The Bar | UFC Fit: Ross Pearson’s Power Move appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By MMAUpdater

A collection of different clips of the very underrated and technical former WEC Bantamweight and current UFC Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz training.

The post VIDEO: Dominick Cruz Training Highlights appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By BJPenn.com
Bellator Lightweight Champ, Michael Chandler tells BJPenn.com’s Fist-ta-CUFF he believes in he is a product of his environment and states his hard work stems from his parents – his father who started off as a carpenter union worker & worked his way up to superintendent while his mom always had a job or sometimes 2. In addition to getting into the sport of wrestling, Chandler states

“There is no harder working, more discipline, mentally tougher, physically tougher people in the world than the wrestlers out there in the world and more specifically the division 1 wrestlers.

Being able to go through a program like University of Missouri’s working my butt off just continuing to build and build and build that work ethic.

Laziness is contagious just like hard work is. I didn’t give myself an opportunity to be lazy and I didn’t surround myself with people who were lazy.

Something about going to the gym or going to a workout or doing something – that you’re not going as hard as you can or putting forth you best effort just seems wrong and counterproductive. It’s the obligation I feel to do the best I can with this opportunity and become a world champion in my division.

I Plan on becoming the best lightweight in the world and not sacrificing this blessing and this gift that god gave me. Go out there and be in a sport like MMA, compete in a sport like MMA and make a living and get to do interviews and all this kind of stuff. I’m leaving tomorrow to Irvine, CA to fight in front of thousands of people to be on Spike TV in front of potentially a couple of million people.

When you think about how truly blessed we are as Mixed Martial Artist, professional athletes and the lifestyle we get to live and you’re down right ludicrous if you don’t take every opportunity you can to be the best fighter you can possibly can be. That’s kind of my mindset.”

Chandler will defend his title opposite Season 5 tournament winner Rick Hawn Jan 17, 2013 from the Bren Event Center in Irvine, CA The main card will air on Spike TV with the entire prelim card streaming live on the web at Spike.com or Bellator.

You can listen to the full interview using the player below:

The post Bellator Champ Michael Chandler: I Plan On Being The Best Lightweight In The World appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By MMA Interviews

Phil De Fries talks UFC 155 fight w/ Todd Duffee, quitting job in UK & Pancakes on cheat weekends

The post Phillip De Fries talks UFC 155 fight w/ Todd Duffee, quitting job in UK & Pancakes on cheat weekends appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

BY MMAJUNKIE.COM

If you missed this past weekend’s Cage Warriors 50 event, you missed an entertaining co-headliner between Wilson Reis and Owen Roddy.

But fear not; the organization has released a video of the full fight, which originally streamed live on MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

Cage Warriors 50 took place Dec. 8 at at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow, Scotland.

Reis initially missed weight for the fight and was fined 40 percent of his purse. But the former EliteXC champion and three-time Bellator tournament competitor proved game against Roddy, an Irishman who entered their co-headliner on the strength of a seven-fight win streak.

Check out the full fight above.

And for more on Cage Warriors 50, including the night’s official results, stay tuned to the MMA Events section of the site.

The post VIDEO: Wilson Reis vs Owen Roddy Full Fight At Cage Warriors 50 appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

BY MATT ERICKSON AND STEVEN MARROCCO

GOLD COAST, Australia – Ross Pearson’s aggression has gotten the better of him in the past. But not on Friday night.

Pearson (14-6 MMA, 6-3 UFC) displayed a newfound sense of patience, and it paid off as he notched a third-round TKO stoppage of Australian home fan favorite George Sotiropoulos (14-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) in the main event of UFC on FX 6.

The lightweight bout took place at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It aired on FX following prelims on FUEL TV.

Pearson got aggressive against Cub Swanson in a featherweight fight this past June, and he paid the price with a second-round TKO loss. But when he knocked Sotiropoulos down in the first and second rounds on Friday, he had a new mentality – one the team at Alliance MMA in San Diego instilled in him.

“I just had to take my time,” Pearson said. “A couple times, I was telling myself to go, go, go – like I normally would. But I listened to my coaches and they said the knockout would come. I listened to them and did what I had to do.”

The knockout indeed came after he again knocked Sotiropoulos down early in the third round. But on that occasion, he picked the right moment to get more aggressive and moved in for the finish.

The win came in his return to the lightweight division after a two-fight stint at featherweight. And it came against a newly minted rival after he and Sotiropoulos coached opposite each other on “TUF: Smashes.”

Pearson said he and Sotiropoulos aren’t going to be burying the hatchet any time soon to hang around together. But he did say he got the win he wanted, and was content to be done and on to the next one.

“I said before the fight, me and George are never going to be friends,” Pearson told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “He’s his person, I’m my person and we’re never going to get along. I finished the fight, and there’s nothing to look back on now. Me and George are two different people.

“Not that I’m going to throw salt in the wound – there’s no need for that. I’m going to move on with my career and take on my next opponent.”

As for who that opponent might be in a crowded lightweight division, Perason is uncertain. But he believes a return to 155 pounds was the right move following his loss to Swanson in June.

“I just want to keep progressing, keep improving and keep climbing the ranks,” he said. “I have a place here. I feel comfortable at this weight. I’m 28 years old now and I just want to take the next step in my career. I know I’ve got the right team and right coaches.”

The post Patience Pays Off For Ross Pearson In Return To Lightweight At UFC On FX 6 appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

BY MATTHEW ROTH
IMAGE: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Gustafsson has always been on of the best young fighters in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. After a small setback in a submission loss to Phil Davis, Gustafsson has quickly become the latest member into the elite class of 205-pounders under contract.

At UFC on Fox 5 in Seattle, he was faced with the biggest challenge of his career against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Rua is not just a former-UFC light heavyweight champion, but is a legend in mixed martial arts after his storied PRIDE career that saw him win the 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix.

The Pressures of a Fighter

While it could be argued that Saturday’s event was his coming-out party, he didn’t feel as much pressure fighting on network television as he did fighting in front of his hometown crowd in Sweden earlier this year on UFC on Fuel TV against Thiago Silva.

“There was a lot of difference. The Sweden card, I was super nervous when I fought. There was a lot of pressure. And I did well in that fight. I was very confident in this fight and I felt good all the time,” Gustafsson told Bleacher Report.

“The fight against Shogun, I’m nervous before every fight. Shogun is a legend and he’s been around for a while and that was the toughest fight of my career so far.”

It’s interesting to hear a fighter say that. As an American fan, it’s easy to believe that the grander stage would equate to added pressure. The Fox events always garner more eyeballs and those Fuel TV cards never pull massive ratings.

But seeing him around Seattle during fight week, he appeared to be almost peaceful. Outwardly, he never let on that there was any pressure in his fight with Shogun.

Fighting the Legend

Even when he was walking out through the crowd with “Hearts on Fire” blasting over the KeyArena’s PA system, his face was that of a man who was focused on the task at hand.

“The only thing that was in my mind was my game plan and nothing else. Game plan and listening to my coaches. When I stepped into that cage, I didn’t see Shogun as Shogun. I saw him as an opponent like anyone else. It was only game plan and focus.”

What’s most interesting is that fans and media heard something similar that week from Rory MacDonald, who faced B.J. Penn. MacDonald said that he’s not worried about the legacy of his opponent.

Instead, he put it into his mind that he was just facing a man, and that past successes and failures had no real impact on the bout. It was the same way for Gustafsson, who saw Rua as just another opponent instead of the legend.

“It sometimes hits you. It hit me like ‘oh, I’m fighting Shogun and he’s been around’ but you have to have control over your thoughts and your feelings. We’re all professionals. I keep calm and confident.”

That early confidence almost cost him the fight as Shogun rushed forward and quickly rolled for a leg lock. Rua is known for having brutal leg attacks, and getting such a deep submission so early in the fight surely meant the end for Gustafsson.

It’s said by Joe Rogan constantly, and there’s truth to it, that the best chance for finishing a submission happens early in the first round when neither fighter is sweaty. But despite the submission attempt, Gustafsson didn’t lose his focus.

“You know, he had my foot but the submission itself, he didn’t get that far that I felt the submission. I drilled submission defense for foot locks and leg locks so I knew what I was supposed to do. It was under control.”

The Head Coach and Mentor

So whom does he credit for the vast improvements he’s made in his UFC career? His head coach and mentor, Andreas Michael. Michael is not just his boxing coach but also the man in charge of every training camp.

But he plays as big a role outside of the gym as he does inside.

“Andreas is my coach, my mentor, he does everything for me. He’s one of my best friends. He’s there all the time for me. He’s the right man for the job. He’s got such a good eye and he’s such a good coach. We work very well together. He will always be my head coach.”

“Wherever Andreas goes, I’ll go.”

And despite his success with Michael, he knows that there are many who have helped him along the way. When he is stateside, Gustafsson is a member of the Alliance Fight Team, with practices led by head coach Eric Del Fierro.

This one-two combination allows for them to not just improve his already existing skills but also create unique game plans depending on the opponent. In fact, he believes that Michael and Del Fierro may be the best combination in the sport.

“Andreas together with Eric Del Fierro make coaching a masterpiece. They’re both top level coaches. I develop every time and look to improve for every practice. I’m blessed to be part of the team I have at home and at Alliance with Del Fierro. I can’t ask for a better camp.”

The Future of the Division?

Like so many, the end goal is and always will be UFC gold. And after Saturday night, there’s a very legitimate chance that he achieves it in 2013. At the pre-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White stated that the winner of the Gustafsson-Rua bout would be next in line for the belt.

Just don’t expect to see Gustafsson wait around for his opportunity. After only fighting twice in 2012, he wants to be more active next year.

“I want the belt. I want to fight Jon Jones or whoever has the belt. I want the title and I want the title shot. I want to bring the belt back to Sweden. That’s my main goal. But I’m not going to wait eight months for a fight. I want to stay active.”

No matter what the future holds, one thing is clear.

The UFC light heavyweight division has been put on notice. If anyone wants a shot at the title, they have to go through the Swede to get it.

The post Alex Gustafsson Reflects on Career-Defining Win over Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

HOHOHO MERRY XMAS!
My name is Santa Claus, and I’m hear at Alliance Training Center to tell you all about the Food and Toy Drive we’re having on December 22nd 2012.

1) We will be collecting all non-perishable canned food (Dec 17-22) and donating them to Father Joe’s Village!

2) We will be collecting all toys (Dec 17-22) and donating them to active duty military families!

3) NONMEMBERS (Dec 17-22): DONATE 10 Cans or 3 Toys to get $100 OFF ENROLLMENT!

JOIN THE CAUSE and bring your friends & family to Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista, Saturday December 22nd 2012. For more information please call (619) 425-0888!

THERE WILL BE FOOD, ASTRO JUMP, GAMES, ACTIVITIES & PRIZES!
HOHOHO! MERRY XMAS!

The post VIDEO: UFC Fighter Phillip DeFries / Santa Claus Says Fill The Cage With Toys and Canned Food! appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Ross Pearson has had his eyes set on George Sotiropoulos for months. The man is driven. This is how he prepares to end the rivalry.

The post Ross Pearson Training for UFC on FX 6 appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By Denny Hodge
Alexander Gustafsson took one step closer to becoming the number one contender in the light heavyweight division, earning a dominating unanimous decision victory over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 30-26.

An exciting first round started with Gustaffson using his length to score from the outside, mixing in knees and uppercuts as the distance closed. Rua fought to get inside launching his patented overhand right. Gustafsson scored the first significant strike of the fight, dropping “Shogun” with a flurry. He followed to the mat but nearly got caught in a leg lock as “Shogun” looked to turn the tables on the mat. Gustafsson finally freed his leg then punished Rua with kicks and knees in the clinch to close out the opening stanza.

The second round started with a flurry as both guys stood in the pocket and threw power shots. Gustafsson came back with more knees to the body, as “Shogun” countered with powerful overhand rights. As Rua landed with power, Gustafsson scored with volume, landing combinations of kicks and punches in the exchanges. Gustafsson also managed several takedowns as he started to seize control of the bout.

Gustafsson really found his rhythm in the third, battering “Shogun” with knees and kicks to the body. He also managed to string together flurries of combinations as “Shogun” again loaded up with his right hand. A late kick to the liver stunned Rua, and Gustafsson attacked, landing big knees up the middle and short uppercuts at range before securing a late takedown just before the bell.

The dominating performance moves Alexander Gustafsson to 15-1 overall (7-1 UFC), and likely moves him into the position of number one contender at 205.

The post UFC on FOX 5 Main Card Recap: Alexander Gustafsson Defeats ‘Shogun’, Earns Unanimous Decision Victory appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

BY: DENNIS ‘D SOURCE’ GUILLERMO

Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV
When: Saturday, Dec. 8 at 9:00 p.m. ET
Watch: Pay-Per-View ($59.95 for standard definition; $69.95 for high definition)
Live Stream: TopRank.com

In 2006, a young Cebuano by the name of Mercito Gesta crossed the Pacific to the US to realize his pugilistic dreams and hoped to follow in the footsteps of Pinoy boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who at the time, had just taken the boxing world by storm.

Armed with hardly anything more than his courage and his fists, the 19-year-old left his family in Mandaue City and bought into the promise and possibility of a similar rags-to-riches story by a promotional outfit and its namesake.

Though things didn’t necessarily pan out the way he initially hoped, and he found out quickly that promises made oceans away were far from the reality he stumbled upon, Gesta took difficult detours, and yet found a way to arrive at his original destination. Finally, a world title fight.

After much work, some luck, and taking on every hurdle thrown at him, Gesta finally gets a crack at a world title when he faces IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez on the undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez 4 this Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“I’m ready,” Gesta told this scribe ever so succinctly.

Gesta has plenty of reason to be confident; mostly because he has put in all the work to set himself up for success.

“We couldn’t have asked more from him,” said Gesta’s co-manager and co-trainer Vince Parra. “Camp has been really good. He responded to the challenge. He showed it in his work, and his father has helped immensely in conditioning and motivating him.”

From his fight strategy, strength and conditioning, down to juicing to help with his nutrition and weight, Gesta has gone the extra mile to prepare for whatever challenge Vazquez presents.

“He’s not that fast when he throws, but sometimes he throws awkward and comes from weird angles, but the main thing with him is that he runs,” Gesta broke down his opponent. “That’s why we’ve prepared for that. I’m going to cut the ring and not chase him; time him and stay in the middle of the ring, instead of running after him,” he added.

Gesta also promised to commit to throwing more body shots to further slow down Vazquez, who has shown a penchant for boxing and staying on the outside, rather than going toe-to-toe and getting caught up with exchanges.

Gesta has also received motivation from his family, whom he has been able to bring to the US with him. “It’s been really great to have his dad and his mom up there, and his little brother to push him,” Parra said. “He’s been really focused.”

His father, Anecito, has overseen his strength and conditioning, while his mother, Mercy, ensures his diet is proper. His brother Mokz has helped in motivating him in training. All of them will be cheering him on from ringside for the first time together in his biggest moment yet.

But despite the magnitude and the pageantry that surrounds his upcoming fight, Gesta has remained his usual calm self. “He’s very relaxed and monotone,” Parra observed. “He’s confident in his skill and his abilities. It’s hard to tell the difference.”

Asked if this fight has made him feel any different, Gesta responded, “The only thing that’s different is that I’ve done more and prepared harder than ever for this fight, [...] I’m not nervous. I’m just excited to finally go out there and fight.”

The post Mercito Gesta Gets A Crack At A World Title appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By Dojo.TV

Joey Beltran is a UFC light heavyweight fighting on The UFC on FX6 in Queensland, Australia against a 25-9 Igor Pokrajac on December 14th. Joey “The Mexicutioner” is one of ten UFC fighters on The Alliance MMA Pro Team in Chula Vista who is fighting for The UFC in December.

The post Joey ‘The Mexicutioner’ Beltran – One of Ten from Alliance MMA Pro Team appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By Fuel TV

UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz spoke to UFC Tonight’s Kenny Florian and Todd Harris about his crazy 2nd ACL injury. How is “The Dominator” dealing with this devastating setback?

The post UFC Champion Dominick Cruz Speaks Out About Brutal 2nd ACL Injury appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens – Leaving San Diego & Arriving in Seattle for UFC on FOX 5

The post *VIDEO* Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens – Leaving San Diego & Arriving in Seattle for UFC on FOX 5 appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By Mike Bohn
UFC light heavyweight Phil Davis is readying for one of the biggest fights of his young career when he takes on Forrest Griffin in the co-main event at UFC 155 on Dec. 29, 2012. Griffin has shared the cage with some of the best fighters to ever compete in the sport. And while he may be more experienced, “Mr. Wonderful” says he is “ready for everything that goes along with fighting Forrest Griffin.”

At UFC 155 on New Years weekend, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight Phil Davis will have the chance to continue his surge up the rankings when he takes on former 205-pound champion Forrest Griffin.

“Mr. Wonderful” meets The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season one winner in the co-main event of the night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and with Griffin being one of the toughest and most experienced fighters out there; Davis says he is prepared for anything on Dec. 29.

“I’m ready for everything that goes along with fighting Forrest Griffin,” Davis said in a UFC 155 pre-fight interview with UFC.com. “I’m more or less ready to write my own story … this is one of those fights. ”

Griffin has fought the best in the world in his seven-year stint with the UFC, winning a majority of those match ups. The 33-year-old has admitted in the past it takes getting his clock cleaned a few times to wake up for a fight, and Davis sees that trait as one to be weary of.

“Everything he has, he will try to hit you with,” he said of Griffin. “He’s almost better when he’s down a round-and-a-half, that’s when he’s most dangerous.”

Davis feels the December bout is coming at the perfect time in his career. After a dominant submission win over Wagner Prado at UFC 153, the Pennsylvania native feels ready to take on a fighter with the credentials of Griffin.

“I’m just now reaching my stride,” said Davis. “Not where I want to be, nowhere near where I’m going to be, but just now reaching the point where I’m like, ‘Well, I can do something really cool.’”

Coming into the fight with a decorated wrestling background and constantly improving submission skills, Davis knows his grappling abilities are a crucial element of every fight. But with Griffin being primarily a striker, Davis says fans could potentially see more of his stand up.

“I really haven’t had the chance to display any of my striking,” he said. “Guys don’t like to throw heat because then it makes you open for takedowns. Having a takedown changes the dynamic of the fight. They know I’m going to shoot.”

Davis will also enter the fight sporting his trademark pink colored shorts. Griffin was recently quotes as saying he doesn’t want to “get beat up by a guy in pink tights.” And while Davis sees the point his future foe is making, he says the shorts come with the territory when you sign to fight him.

“It’s true, nobody wants to lose to a guy in pink shorts,” Davis sound. “It’s a little emasculating, It’s part of the deal, you know, it’s part of the handshake.”

The post UFC 155: Phil Davis is ‘ready for everything that goes along with fighting Forrest Griffin’ appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By Dojo.TV
Alliance Team MMA in Chula Vista already had nine fighters going to The UFC in December, but with the resurrection of Jeremy Stephens’s fight with Yves Edwards on The UFC on Fox, December 8th, that makes a nice round TEN… Ten fighters, one team, all seeking UFC glory in one month… December 2012…

The post Interview! – UFC Fighter Jeremy Stephens vs Yves Edwards – 10 Alliance MMA appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By MMA Sucka
After winning a lopsided unanimous decision during his first UFC headlining gig at April 2012′s UFC on FUEL TV 2 in his own hometown of Stockholm, Sweden, it became obvious to fans everywhere that Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson (14-1) was ready for the MMA spotlight.

He recently said this about that night on MMASucka Radio, “Fighting in front of friends and family was nerve wracking, but it was the best experience of my life.”

Many believe it won’t be long now before the title talk reaches critical mass around this promising 25-year-old, who is currently riding a current five-fight UFC win-streak. But first, Gustafsson must defeat former PRIDE and UFC champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (21-6) in the co-main event at UFC on FOX 5, which airs live from Seattle, WA on Saturday, December 8, 2012.

Gustafsson shared these thoughts on this momentous fight:

“I am a fan of Shogun. He’s a former world champion and he’s fought everybody, so he’s a fighter I look up to and I like his fighting style. He really gives the fans a show. Before I started even in MMA I saw him in PRIDE ad in Youtube clips and stuff, so he’s been around as long as I’ve been training and it’s an honour for me to fight him.”

When asked to comment on how the fight might unfold, the fierce fighter within this often unassuming Swede came to the surface, “I see myself winning by KO or TKO in the second round.”

Rua is notoriously difficult to finish, having succumbed to strikes only once before, in a title fight with current divisional kingpin Jon Jones (17-1) at UFC 128. But it remains nonetheless plausible that Gustafsson, a volume puncher with a combination of accurate aggression, a seemingly endless gas tank, and a considerable reach advantage, might repeat that feat.

To help realize this dream, Gustafsson arrived stateside a full five weeks before fight day to conclude his camp at San Diego, CA’s Alliance MMA, home to a host of potential training partners, including Brandon “The Truth” Vera (12-6), who faced Rua at UFC on FOX 4 in August 2012, losing via fourth-round TKO after a spirited brawl.

More on Gustafsson’s trans-Atlantic training regimen:

“[MMA] is so much bigger here in the US. There are more sparring partners and a lot of variation in sparring with some really good wrestlers, but in Sweden we [also] have great MMA training and a great team…It’s just an
ongoing progress. It never stops. You train to learn new things everyday and to develop your whole game. I’ve got a lot to learn still in the submissions, in the boxing, in the wrestling, and everything. You never get fully learned.”

As enthusiastic a student as he is of the technical aspects of MMA, Gustafsson remains keenly aware of promotional realities, including the near necessity of beating a legend of the sport before entering serious title contention. In fact, that opportunity slipped away from him once already when Antonio Rogerio “Lil’ Nog” Nogueira (20-5) withdrew from and was replaced in their intended fight last April.

That he now has a second chance to leave that type of indelible mark on MMA at UFC on FOX 5 is not lost on Gustafsson.

However, considering Jones is set defend his title against Chael Sonnen (27-12-1) at UFC 158 in April 2013, and that Dan Henderson (29-8) and Lyoto Machida (18-3) are set for an apparent #1 contender’s match at UFC 157, it’s almost certain that no potential win over Rua, no matter how dramatic the method, will earn Gustafsson a guaranteed title shot.

Is “The Mauler” upset by this bottle-neck for the title? He easily could be since it was arguably largely manufactured by the UFC’s marketing machine, but still, the answer is no, at least not exactly:

“I’m happy for Chael. He’s a good guy. I hope he does as best as he can now when he has his shot, but it is a little sad for other light heavyweights who have been working hard and have been fighting in that division for a while. But I’m still happy for Chael.”

So who might Gustafsson fight next should he defeat Rua?

Depending on outcomes of several other scheduled fights, that opponent could be among the likes of Glover Teixeira (19-2), Rashad Evans (17-2), and “Lil’ Nog.” But unlike most fighters in similar situations, one fight Gustafsson says he will not pursue is a rematch against the lone man to ever defeat him, his current training partner and good friend Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (10-1).

Then again, he also didn’t rule the fight out:

“Phil Davis has helped me a lot when it comes to training and to being a full time athlete… We have so many other opponents we can face. He’s a training partner and a friend of mine, so, if it’s up to me, I won’t fight him, but if the UFC put us in #1 title contender [fight], you never know. It’s our job and it’s what we do, so, yeah, it depends on the situation”

One thing is certain, the comparisons between Gustafsson and Jones are tantalizing to any MMA fan.

Both are young, being born just six month apart, each has a finishing rate well over 80% in wins, each has a lone defeat on his record, and the talented pair are natural athletes who use their superior reach, speed, and athleticism to great effect in the cage.

Some have even gone so far as to call Gustafsson the Swedish “Bones.” While flattering, that comparison holds little weight for the big Swede, but he also wants to see that fight made:

“It’s good feedback because he is the champion and the best in our division, but still we’re not the same at all. We’re from different backgrounds and we fight differently. So, I wouldn’t agree with that…I see myself at that level and I see myself doing well. I know I’ve got the tools to beat Jones or Chael. So I will be more than ready if I get that opportunity.”

To listen to the full interview with “The Mauler” and the rest of MMASucka Radio click HERE.

Make sure you follow @AlexTheMauler on Twitter and look out for his epic battle with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on Saturday December 8th live on FOX.

The post Alexander Gustafsson Opens Up About Fighting Maurício “Shogun” Rua appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By Gareth A Davies
UFC lightweight Ross Pearson believes Team Alliance training partner Alex Gustafsson could overwhelm Brazilian Shogun Rua next weekend in Seattle and become the next challenger to UFC light-heavyweight champion and wunderkind Jon Jones.

British UFC stand-out Ross Pearson revealed yesterday that Team Alliance training partner Alex Gustafsson has “some tricks up his sleeve” for his light-heavyweight showdown against Shogun Rua in Seattle next week and “could finish” the legendary Brazilian MMA fighter if he sticks to the strategy devised in camp.

Pearson, in San Diego preparing for his Dec 14 TUF Smashes finale against the Australia coach George Sotiropoulus, in a fight the Sunderland mixed martial artist insisted he “will be fuelled by anger in all the right ways” after developing a personal dislike for his rival coach on the televised series, views Gustafsson as the next contender to UFC champion Jon Jones.

“I’ve been around Alex for the last four weeks of his training camp at Alliance in San Diego, and he’s peaking right now. He’s looking great in the gym, and everything is on point: his boxing, his timing, his wrestling, everything is looking really good, as is his jujitsu,” Pearson said yesterday.

“He’s been working with my BJJ coach, Jimmy Harbison, and Alex has been upping his game on the ground. He’s ready to go in there and fight and take it to the next level.”

Pearson believes a victory over Shogun would propel Gustafsson into a match with the seemingly peerless UFC light-heavyweight champion Jones.

“This fight with Shogun will be a very tough fight for Alex. Shogun is a warrior, he’s a legend in the sport, he’s been in there with the best guys in the world, so he’s not going to show Alex any great respect. Alex will be seen as the up-and-coming fighter and it is a step up for him.”

“But I feel that once Shogun feels Alex’s power, and feels Alex’s speed and that range he can use, that’s when Shogun will gain Alex’s respect, and I reckon Shogun will be the one looking to take this fight to the floor.”

Gustafsson’s greatest weakness in his career to date has been his ground game, after his only career defeat to Phil Davis at UFC 112 in April, 2010, when he was submitted. Since then, the Swedish fighter has won five contests on the bounce.

Pearson revealed to The Telegraph: “But Alex has got some tricks up his sleeve, a game plan that he’s been working on. I just can’t see Alex losing the fight. If everything goes well and Alex sticks to the game plan, does what he has to do and listens to his coach I think Alex could quite easily finish Shogun.”

“It’s the biggest fight of Alex’s career, his biggest challenge. I definitely feel that after this fight, after he beats Shogun, he should be the next guy to fight John Jones. I’m sure Jones will beat Chael Sonnen in his next outing, but I think Alex is definitely the next guy in line. He’s young, he’s hungry, he hits hard, he’s powerful, he’s dangerous, and he brings the fight every time.”

Gustafsson meets Rua on the main card in Seattle, with the headline event Benson Henderson’s much-anticipated defence of the UFC lightweight title against Nate Diaz. Veteran former UFC champion BJ Penn also faces exciting Canadian welterweight Rory Macdonald on the main showcase.

The post Ross Pearson: UFC title contender Alex Gustafsson has ‘tricks up his sleeve’ and could finish Shogun Rua appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

BY TRENT REINSMITH

The last time we saw Ross Pearson in the Octagon, he was on the receiving end of a technical knockout loss. “The Real Deal” will look to erase that defeat from his memory when he steps into the cage on December 15 to face George Sotiropoulos, a fighter that is also coming off a stoppage loss in his last bout.

The two fighters have been coaching opposite each other on the current season of The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes, and to hear Pearson tell the tale, there was a definite turning point between the two coaches that made the upcoming fight all the more personal.

Pearson took some time to sit down with The Ultimate Show to discuss that turning point as well as his move to Alliance Training, putting his name in the lightweight division mix and his feelings on headlining his first UFC event.

The post UFC on FX 6: Ross Pearson Discusses Upcoming Bout Against George Sotiropoulos *VIDEO* appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Posted by Chris Leslie
The UFC’s Jon Anik ventured out to San Diego, California to sit down with Swedish sensation Alexander Gustaffson. Anik spoke to “The Mauler” about his emerging popularity as a rising contender in the UFC. Gustaffson will face his biggest test yet as he faces Mauricio “Shogun” Rua next week in Seattle at UFC on Fox 5.

The post UFC on Fox 5: 1 on 1 With Alexander Gustaffson “The Mauler” *VIDEO* appeared first on Alliance Training Center.