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Chael Sonnen has some parting words for his opponent Anderson Silva during the weigh-in for UFC 148 on Friday, July 6, 2012.
Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 | 3:52 p.m.
The kooky characters of the eccentric and sexually suggestive adult circus “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace will entertain at Friday’s fifth Mixed Martial Arts Awards at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel, and talk-show host Jerry Springer and topless beauties Coco Austin and 2011 Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair will be among the presenters.
They are certain to give the Fighters Only World MMA Awards, which are being recorded to air on Fox Sports and Fuel on Jan. 20, a huge boost in TV ratings. It’s an all-star lineup for Friday’s red carpet and awards; other presenters include action-hero legend Steven Seagal (incidentally, ex-wife actress Kelly LeBrock is in town for CES), boxer Ricky Hatton and “Dancing With the Stars” pro dancer champions Derek Hough and Mark Ballas.
Always-outspoken UFC middleweight star Chael Sonnen will host the 21 categories with award-winning sports reporter Molly Qerim. Rockers Otherwise will perform their hit “Soldiers,” and the “Absinthe” cast will perform their daring cabaret variety acts throughout the awards. (Penny Pibbets’ sock puppet, anyone?)
Sports, Hollywood and music celebrities will be there for the voting on the industry brands and professionals who have made the greatest impact on MMA in the past 12 months. Also set to attend: Eric Roberts, Navid Negahban, Sisqo, Adrian Patrick, T.J. Lavin, Freddie Roach, Amber Nichole, Kenda Perez and Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller.
MMA stars include Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, Jade Bryce, Brian Rogers, Frank Mir, Robert Drysdale, Martin Kampmann, Jon Anik, Mike Dolce, Amir Sadollah, Wanderlei Silva, Uriah Faber, Jacob “Stich” Duran, Mike Pyle, Joseph Benavidez, Anthony Njokuani, Herb Dean and announcer Bruce Buffer.
Fighters Only is the world’s first MMA magazine and now produces versions in 32 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany and South Africa. In December 2009, Fighters Only held the first MMA Awards at The Joint.
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.
Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.
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Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.
Arguably one the coolest joints in town, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino houses some of Vegas' best entertainment, restaurants and nightlife.
At Hard Rock, it's all about the music. From the light fixtures made out of drum cymbals and guitar shaped door handles to stage costumes and tools of the trade of legendary musicians displayed on the walls, the hotel screams rock and roll. The Hard Rock's Joint has hosted some the biggest names in music — from The Who to Bob Dylan to hometown heroes, The Killers.Aside from the music venues, the pool at the Hard Rock is one of its biggest attractions. Spread out over 4.7 acres, the pool area features swim-up blackjack, a bar and grill, private cabanas, a bevy of secluded nooks, a waterfall and an extensive live music venue with a dance floor. During the summer, the pool transforms into the Rehab club on Sunday afternoons.
The resident nightclub Body English fuses European elegance with a rock star bachelor pad and it often a hot spot for visiting celebs and popular DJs. Vintage rock memorabilia lines the walls at Wasted Space, Hard Rock's anti-club.
Restaurants at Hard Rock are just as hip as the rest of the casino. Pink Taco serves up Mexican dishes, as well as a Central American and Caribbean menu. Nobu, one of five worldwide Japanese-specialty restaurants from famed Nobu Matsuhisa, satisfies a different taste. For round-the-clock cuisine, Mr. Lucky's 24/7, is sure to ease your appetite even after a Vegas-all-nighter.
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