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Rousey-Kaufman Targeted for ‘Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy’

Following last night's Strikeforce: Grand Prix Finale event, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker revealed the likely return date for women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. Coker told media gathered at the post-fight press conference that it's probable Rousey will be meeting her next opponent, Sarah Kaufman, at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy this summer.

MMAFrenzy.com

Following last night’s Strikeforce: Grand Prix Finale event, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker revealed the likely return date for women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.

Coker told media gathered at the post-fight press conference that it’s probable Rousey will be meeting her next opponent, Sarah Kaufman, at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy this summer.

“I believe she’ll be fighting on that card, but it’s not official yet,” said Coker.

If added to the card, Rousey-Kaufman would be the third title fight on the lineup. Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold will be defending his title against Tim Kennedy in the night’s main event, while Nate Marquardt and Tyron Woodley will do battle for the promotion’s vacant welterweight title.

Rousey captured the Strikeforce belt in just her fifth professional fight, finishing Miesha Tate this past March as she has all of her previous opponents: by first-round armbar. The former judo Olympian will be attempting her first title defense against Kaufman.

Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine is scheduled to take place on July 14 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon.

MMAFrenzy.com

Audrina Patridge Miranda Kerr Ana Ivanovi?

May 24, 2012 3:00:54 PM

Ke$ha - Tik Tok

Tik Tok

Artist: Ke$ha
Label: RCA
Director: Syndrome
Album: Out of the Blue

Rachel Bilson Christina Milian Amber Heard

May 24, 2012 3:00:53 PM

M-1 champion Vinny Magalhaes put championship belt on eBay

If you want an MMA championship belt -- a valid one not sold at local toys stores -- you can either train for years and win it, or be the highest bidder on the M-1 belt that Vinny Magalhaes is selling on eBay.

UFC veteran Magalhaes won the M-1 light heavyweight belt last April and defended it in October, but then found himself in a long, public squabble with M-1 management. He and M-1 director of operations Evgeni Kogan have exchanged nasty insults over Twitter after Magalhaes was not happy with the fights the Russian-based promotion was making, and Kogan supposedly coached one of Magalhaes' opponents from ringside, a huge no-no for a promoter who should be unbiased.

Since Magalhaes said he is through his contract and wants to move on from the promotion, he has no reason to hold on to the belt. He put it on eBay, starting bids at $0.09. At the time of writing, it's up to $2,605. Magalhaes tweeted the link and told Kogan, "Hey buddy, you wanted your belt back? #placeyourbid it's on @ebay :)"

Thanks, Bloody Elbow.

--

Follow Cagewriter on Facebook and Twitter.

Fergie Nicole Scherzinger Katie Cassidy Arielle Kebbel Freida Pinto

May 24, 2012 11:00:47 AM

Donald Cerrone hoping to win UFC on Fuel 3 bonus for a pontoon boat

Donald Cerrone is used to walking away from fights with fight night bonuses. Stretching back to his days in the WEC, "Cowboy" has picked up nine Fight of the Night, Submission of the Night, or Knockout of the Night bonuses.

For tonight's UFC on Fuel 3 fight against Jeremy Stephens, it's not surprising that Cerrone already has plans for the next bonus he will try to win.

"You name it, the post-fight bonuses, I'm going for it," Cerrone declared through his informal drawl. "I've got [expletive] to buy. I'm thinking (of getting) 10 or 12 girls to come out on a pontoon boat."

Since he has picked up so many bonus checks, perhaps the UFC needs to think of different ways to motivate Cerrone. Much as Lincoln Hawk arm-wrestled for a new tractor/trailer in "Over the Top," Cerrone could fight for a boat, or a new horse for his ranch, or a lifetime supply of cowboy hats. It's not too much to ask for.

For coverage of UFC on Fuel 3 tonight, follow Cagewriter on Facebook and Twitter.

Nadine Velazquez Nikki Reed Elisha Cuthbert Avril Lavigne

May 23, 2012 7:00:57 PM

Photos | MTV Buzzworthy: Pop Stars Making Taylor Swift Faces!

MTV Buzzworthy: Pop Stars Making Taylor Swift Faces!

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May 23, 2012 7:00:56 PM

Lady Gaga Responds To Islamic Threats Over Show In Indonesia Show

Gaga's tour promoters are negotiating with government officials for Jakarta concert to go forward despite threats from extremist groups.
By John Mitchell

Lady Gaga has responded to the increasingly volatile situation surrounding her "Born This Way" concert in Indonesia, saying on Twitter that she has been asked by authorities to censor her show and has received threats of violence from Islamic hardliners should it go on as planned.

Earlier reports indicated that Gaga's planned June 3 concert at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium had been canceled after Indonesian national police refused to issue a permit, citing objections from Islamic groups who worried that Gaga's performance would corrupt the nation's youth. However, Gaga's tour promoters are currently negotiating with government officials and police for the concert to go forward as planned.

"The Jakarta situation is 2-fold: Indonesian authorities demand I censor the show & religious extremist separately, are threatening violence," Gaga tweeted Tuesday (May 22). "If the show does go on as scheduled, I will perform the BTWBall alone."

Fifty thousand tickets for the show have been sold.

While Indonesia is a secular state governed as a multi-party representative democratic republic, it has the world's largest population of Muslims, most of whom practice a moderate form of the religion. However, there are also more extremist fringe groups that have in recent years become increasingly vocal, particularly regarding Western entertainers visiting the country. Beyonc é, for example, was permitted to perform in Indonesia — the world's fourth most populous nation — on the condition she agreed to dress more conservatively.

But these groups' problems with Gaga extend beyond her wardrobe. The country's top Islamic body, the National Ulema Council (MUI), has said it objects to the concert not only because of her provocative costumes, but because it considers her lyrics to be "blasphemous," according to the AFP.

"Lady Gaga is considered an icon for liberal culture and Indonesia's freedom is not without limits," MUI official Asrorun Niam told AFP. "There are restrictions related to norms, morals and religion."

A more militant group, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), said it would "create havoc" if the pop star's performance went ahead, calling her the "devil's messenger." The Jakarta Globe reports the FPI have purchased 150 tickets to the concert, promising to enter the venue and stop the concert.

A spokesperson for FPI stressed that the group would not attack the audience, as their only target was Gaga and her crew. The group posted to its Facebook page a photo of a member wearing a turban and sunglasses to conceal his face, holding a ticket to the show with a caption reading, "We have gotten Lady Gaga tickets, not to watch but for us to enter. Whatever will be will be, we're ready for the risk."

"Hopefully, the concert is canceled," the FPI has said. The group previously threatened to intercept Gaga in transit from the airport if she even enters Indonesia.

Despite the threats, lawyers representing Gaga's tour production company reportedly met with Jakarta police today to negotiate the conditions necessary for the concert to go on as scheduled. A Jakarta police spokesman has said that for the concert to go ahead, concert promoters need to secure permits from the tourism ministry and the concert venue owner, in addition to ensuring Gaga "is dressed appropriately and does not violate cultural norms in this country."

Gaga also encountered protests in the Philippines from conservative Christian groups ahead of her concerts in Manila, but seemed in good spirits despite the controversy, tweeting, "And don't worry, if I get thrown in jail in Manila, Beyonce will just bail me out. Sold out night 2 in the Philippines. I love it here!"

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Hayden Panettiere Cameron Diaz Charlize Theron

May 23, 2012 3:00:59 PM

Jon Jones, manager speak out after DUI arrest

After his arrest for a DUI early Saturday morning, Jon Jones posted a statement on his Facebook page. He started by saying he "screwed up big time."

"I'm truly sorry to those of you that I may have embarrassed in any way, to those of you with kids that I may have let down. I will prove to them as well as to myself that no matter what is happening in life, we can always work our way back and make things even better than before."

Jones' manager, Malki Kawa, went on MMA Weekly Radio and pleaded for fans to give Jones a chance.

"I would just kind of like to let the fans know to give him a chance. Give yourself a chance to get all the facts in yourselves, wait until everything gets said and done, and then at that point if you want to vilify him afterwards and you heard him speak and you heard him say his part and then vilify him, I can't control what people are going to say. But it is too soon; it is too quick in my opinion. He really is a decent guy. He's a very, very good guy, trying his hardest to be a good role model, a good example, and he wants to be that. No one's perfect and he's never said he was and never said that he doesn't make mistakes. It's a fact he made a mistake. He messed up and I'm sure he's going to come out and apologize and do what he's got to do."

I've been surprised by the amount and type of vitriol aimed towards Jones for this incident. I find drunk driving deplorable and have no problem with Jones (if found guilty) or anyone else who is found guilty of such reckless, selfish, disgusting behavior spending a whole lot of time in a jail cell.

But the comments here, on Facebook and on Twitter have had a gleeful tone. Too many people are happy that Jones screwed up. Let's be clear here. Jones could have killed someone. Jones could have killed himself. This arrest is no reason to rejoice.

Hilary Duff Ciara Blake Lively Scarlett Johansson Anna Kournikova

May 23, 2012 3:00:57 PM

UFC Champion Jon Jones Arrested on Suspicion of DUI

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was arrested on suspicion of DUI early Saturday morning in Binghampton, N.Y. Jones was arrested at 5;02 am ET after crashing his Bentley, there were no injuries.

MMAFrenzy.com

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was arrested on suspicion of DUI early Saturday morning in Binghampton, N.Y. Jones was arrested at 5;02 am ET after crashing his Bentley, there were no injuries. TMZ first reported the arrest.

In a statement to MMAFrenzy, Jones’s management had this to say:

“I can confirm that Jon Jones was arrested early this morning on suspicion of DUI. While the facts of this situation are still being gathered and situated, First Round Management fully supports Jon and we are asking for fans and media to respect the privacy of Jon and his family during this time.”

Jones is currently scheduled to face Dan Henderson on September 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

MMAFrenzy.com

Eva Mendes Julianne Hough Angelina Jolie

May 23, 2012 11:01:33 AM

Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier will answer these three questions

On Saturday, the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix will come to a conclusion and the lightweight belt will be tested. When the fights are over, we'll have answers to these questions:

1. Where do Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier stand in the heavyweight division? Both Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier are expected to be brought over to the UFC after this fight. While Strikeforce originally promised the grand prix winner a fight in Strikeforce after the win, every other heavyweight in their employ is now in the UFC. It's more likely that they will be in the UFC sooner than later, and how they perform in this Saturday's bout will decide what kind of challenge they will be given.

A strong performance can ensure the winner starts near the top of the ladder, fighting in an elimination bout. A weak, boring performance means the loser may end up having a long way to fight before getting anywhere near UFC gold.

2. Is Gilbert Melendez one of the world's best lightweights? Though fighting in one of the most packed weight classes, Melendez hasn't fought Frankie Edgar, Benson Henderson or any of the other top lightweights of the UFC, so it's hard to know where to rank him. With Josh Thomson, Melendez will get a chance both to prove himself against a tough opponent and a shot at winning the rubber match.

3. Who deserves a shot at the Strikeforce light heavyweight belt? Since Dan Henderson left for the UFC, the Strikeforce light heavyweight strap has been sitting on a shelf, collecting dust. Saturday's bout between Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante and Mike Kyle will help Strikeforce decide who should get that shot at the vacant title.

What questions are missing? Speak your mind in the comments, on Facebook or on Twitter.

Related Josh Barnett video from Yahoo! Sports:

Moon Bloodgood AnnaLynne McCord Kate Beckinsale Lindsay Lohan

May 23, 2012 7:02:19 AM