Brett Okamoto

Sports reporter

Contact Brett via e-mail

« Older
Newer »

Story Archive

Instant replay used for the first time in Nevada fight during Jon Jones disqualification: Jones will not face discipline for illegal blows to Matt Hamill; Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009; While Jon Jones was busy celebrating his still undefeated record Saturday night, referee Steve Mazzagatti was utilizing the first instant replay option ever in Nevada to see if Jones needed to be disqualified for illegal blows he threw to his opponent, Matt Hamill.
Roy Nelson beats Brendan Schaub at his own game, earns contract: After three unspectacular wins to reach the finale, Nelson delivers Knockout of the Night; Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009; Shortly after claiming a six-figure UFC contract with a first-round knockout win over Brendan Schaub at “The Ultimate Fighter” Finale at The Pearl at The Palms, Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson was asked a simple question. How did he feel? “Like an Ultimate Fighter,” said Nelson with a smile.
Patience shows progress for Kimbo Slice: Houston Alexander fight shows Slice no longer just a street brawler; Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009; You can take the brawler from the street but you can’t take the street from the brawler. Maybe that’s what Houston Alexander was thinking as he sidestepped his umpteenth lap around the Octagon Saturday night during a catchweight bout with UFC newcomer Kimbo Slice at The Pearl at The Palms.
Chuck Liddell to coach TUF against Tito Ortiz: Former champion not ready to retire, will fight Ortiz in 2010; Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009; After months of uncertainty on the status of Chuck Liddell’s storied mixed martial arts career, the fighter and the UFC have reached an agreement on his future.
Live Blog: Las Vegas fighter Roy Nelson wins UFC contract: Kimbo Slice wins, fans displeased by lack of action; Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009; A six-figure contract with the UFC will be the final prize awarded to either Brendan Schaub or Las Vegas native Roy Nelson at "The Ultimate Fighter" season Finale inside The Pearl at The Palms Casino tonight.
Rashad Evans says Rampage rivalry won't fade: While nothing is scheduled, Evans believes fight with Jackson will eventually happen; Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009; Although Rashad Evans can kid about his rivalry with Quinton Rampage Jackson, he admits he's still frustrated with the canceled December fight.
Breaking down TUF 10: Jon Jones vs. Matt Hamill: At 22, Jones is already making noise in the UFC; Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009; At first look, it’s hard to believe that UFC light heavyweight Jon Jones weighs only 205 pounds. But after a closer inspection of Jones’s 6-foot-4 frame, it becomes clear where the fighter is sacrificing a few pounds.
TUF 10 weigh-in: All fighters make weight, no Rampage: Kimbo makes weight by four pounds for catch-weight bout; Friday, Dec. 4, 2009; If Quinton Rampage Jackson was at the official “The Ultimate Fighter” weigh-ins Friday at The Palms casino, he hid himself well. The former light heavyweight champion and tenth season coach was a noticeable absentee from the event, as many fans are still bummed he will no longer be fighting opposing coach Rashad Evans in the near future.
Pacquiao-Mayweather fight on, March date likely: Both fighters agree to meet in early 2010; Friday, Dec. 4, 2009; The super fight is on. According to ESPN.com reports, Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KO) has agreed to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. (40-0, 25 KO). Top Rank CEO Bob Arum flew to meet with Pacquiao on Tuesday on the mega-fight and it appears the Filipino has accepted the terms of the deal.
Kimbo Slice not enjoying cutting weight for first time: Slice says he is mentally beat up cutting weight for Houston Alexander fight; Friday, Dec. 4, 2009; Thanksgiving is coming late this year for Kimbo Slice. Forced to cut weight for the first time in his life, Slice has spent the last 90 agonizing days dropping his sturdy frame to the 215-pound catch-weight of his upcoming fight with Houston Alexander at The Pearl at The Palms on Saturday.
Breaking down TUF 10: Roy Nelson vs. Brendan Schaub: For Schaub, not all friendships are created equal; Friday, Dec. 4, 2009; At some point in the middle of the filming of the tenth season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Brendan Schaub realized he’d be fighting Roy Nelson in the show’s finals this Saturday at The Pearl at The Palms. Although it was impossible to be certain, Schaub says the feeling was there and that Nelson felt it too.
Frank Edgar looks to continue quiet run toward title shot: Coming off win over Sean Sherk, Edgar looks for win over newcomer Matt Veach; Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009; Not known for calling out opponents, Frank Edgar believes title shot will come as long as he continues to string together wins in the UFC lightweight division.
Reports indicate Floyd Mayweather Jr. has agreed to fight Manny Pacquiao: Top Rank CEO Bob Arum reportedly flies to Philippines to finalize deal; Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009; Internet reports from both ESPN.com and Yahoo! Sports indicate that the proposed super-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is looking more and more likely to occur in 2010.
Local boxer Bradley Blankenship prepares for professional debut: Sierra Vista graduate and UNLV student dreams of becoming world champion; Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009; Bradley Blankenship is capable of many things. He was an all-State running back for Sierra Vista High School in 2007. As an amateur boxer, he’s built a record of 27-6 and will make his professional boxing debut sometime in early 2010. And as a boy, he helped his mother raise his two younger siblings.
Massachusetts becomes 42nd state to regulate MMA: UFC promises to plan Boston event as early as summer 2010; Monday, Nov. 30, 2009; Massachusetts became the 42nd state to regulate mixed martial arts on Monday. Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law a bill that requires the Massachusetts State Boxing Commission to become the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission and add the oversight of MMA to their responsibilities.
After loss, UFC cuts Jake Rosholt: Las Vegas-based fighter dropped by organization after 1-2 start; Monday, Nov. 30, 2009; Former three-time NCAA Division-I national wrestling champion and Las Vegas-based mixed martial artist Jake Rosholt was cut Monday by the UFC organization. Rosholt broke the unexpected news to fans himself, via his Twitter account.
If no title shot, Josh Koscheck wants another fight soon: Unable to move past Dan Hardy, Koscheck wants another opportunity to prove himself; Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009; Following his highlight-reel finish of Anthony Johnson by a second-round submission, Josh Koscheck got on the microphone and argued he should be next to receive the next title shot at welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre. Problem: The UFC had already announced that Dan Hardy would be the next challenge to St. Pierre’s throne. Can’t blame a guy for trying.
Forrest Griffin writes his own ending at UFC 106: Griffin scores comeback win, apologies to Anderson Silva; Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009; As many are well aware, Forrest Griffin’s success as a writer nearly equals his success as a fighter. On Saturday night, following his split decision win over Tito Ortiz at Mandalay Bay Events Center, Griffin finished a chapter in his own life. The Anderson Silva chapter.
Live Blog: Forrest Griffin gets revenge with split decision: Josh Koscheck submits Anthony Johnson in second round; Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009; Two former UFC light heavyweight champions step into the Octagon tonight as Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin meet in a rematch of a very close contest in 2006. Follow the Las Vegas Sun as they recount every fight live from UFC 106 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Fighters make weight, Dana White talks Rampage/Rashad: UFC president says he believes TUF coaches will still meet; Friday, Nov. 20, 2009; Tito Ortiz has made up with UFC president Dana White and fixed the back problems he’s suffered from since 2003. Now it’s time to get back to business.
Breaking down UFC 106: Tito Ortiz v. Forrest Griffin: Ortiz says after years of fighting, Las Vegas is his second home; Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009; Driving into the city at 4 a.m. Wednesday morning from his training camp at Big Bear, Calif., Tito Ortiz said the reality of his comeback to the UFC after a 18-month layoff began to set in when he saw the lights in the horizon.
Dana White: Karo Parisyan pulls out of UFC 106: White vows Parisyan is out of UFC, Dustin Hazelett will receive full purse; Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009; Karo Parisyan has pulled out of his welterweight fight with Dustin Hazelett one day before the event's weigh-in. The fight had been scheduled for the main card of UFC 106 at Mandalay Bay Events Center on Saturday.
Unlike last fight, Anthony Johnson will have no weight problems: Johnson predicts fireworks against Josh Koscheck; Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009; A 41-second knockout win is something a fighter should cherish — not apologize for. However, UFC welterweight Anthony Johnson found himself doing exactly that less than a month ago in Los Angeles after failing to make weight.
Jose Aldo ends Mike Brown's run as featherweight champion: Latest WEC champion casualty shows how deep divisions have become; Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009; Seven minutes of action at The Pearl at The Palms Wednesday night left Mike Brown with stitches over both eyes and an empty spot around his waist where the WEC featherweight belt previously rested. While it was clear the 34-year-old fighter was disappointed after suffering a second-round TKO loss to Jose Aldo, he denied being shocked. No more so than usual at least.
Live Blog: Jose Aldo claims WEC featherweight belt by TKO: At 23, Aldo completes 'rags to riches' story with win in main event; Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009; Jose Aldo make quick work of the WEC featherweight champion, scoring a TKO win over Mike Brown early in the second round at The Pearl at The Palms.
Machida and Shogun rematch set for May 1: Following controversial decision, UFC announces immediate rematch; Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009; A rematch between UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida and Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua has been confirmed.
Breaking down WEC 44: Mike Brown vs. Jose Aldo: Aldo grateful for championship fight and opportunity to help his family; Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009; In 1986, before his first birthday, Jose Aldo got into his first fight — with a Brazilian barbeque pit. He didn’t have much of a chance.
Forrest Griffin: 'Life's good, I'm very happy with life in general': Following Anderson Silva loss, Griffin seems far from mentally broken; Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009; Out of all that was said, most off-topic, during a recent talk with the former light heavyweight champion, nothing Forrest Griffin said seemed more important than his very first words: "Life's good," he said. "I'm very happy with life in general."
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao: The only fight fans want to see: HBO president of sports says actions already taking place to make fight happen; Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009; As of Saturday night, can anyone think of a single reason why Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao shouldn’t fight? It kind of seems silly at first. Of course, there has to be some minor, highly insignificant, but ultimately negative thing about the two fighting one another. But then really think about it. Is there?
Live Blog: Pacquiao wins by TKO in round twelve: Manny Pacquiao knocked Miguel Cotto down twice early and went from there; Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009; Manny Pacquiao won a world title in his seventh different weight class Saturday at the MGM Garden Arena when he beat Miguel Cotto by a TKO in the twelfth round. Referee Kenny Bayless called the fight after Pacquiao landed a straight left to Cotto's face. Pacquiao is officialy the WBO welterweight title holder. "I controlled the fight," Pacquiao said on HBO's Pay Per View. "I was aggressive in the fight." Cotto said Pacquiao was so hard to fight because of the different angles he threw punches from.
Trainers scuffle at Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto weigh-in: Cotto makes weight, Roach and Santiago get into argument on stage; Friday, Nov. 13, 2009; Freddie Roach had warned Miguel Cotto’s camp all week through the media that if Cotto weighed-in even slightly over the agreed-upon 145-pound weight limit for the WBO welterweight title fight on Saturday, he would pull Manny Pacquiao from the event completely. Pacquiao weighed in first at 144 pounds, then Cotto at 145.
Breaking down UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera: Quick turnarounds for both fighters; Couture moves back down in weight; Friday, Nov. 13, 2009; Both Randy Couture and Brandon Vera opted for six-week camps rather than eight-week camps following their fights in August. Saturday will be the first time Couture will fight at 205 pounds since 2006, but the former champ says he’s had no problem dropping the weight
Michael Bisping's road to redemption: Bisping says he's moved on from loss, confident in moving forward; Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009; Michael Bisping says he can’t quite put his finger on it — but something just didn’t feel right when he stepped into the Octagon to face Dan Henderson at UFC 100 in July. And when everything isn’t feeling right against a guy like Henderson, bad things are bound to happen.
Freddie Roach: Miguel Cotto not the same since knockout: Manny Pacquiao came back strong after losses, Cotto looks for same; Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009; As he has done in the past, Freddie Roach offered a $1,000 award to any of Manny Pacquiao’s latest sparring partners who could knock down the Filipino during preparations for his WBO welterweight title fight with Miguel Cotto this Saturday. During Wednesday’s pre-fight press conference, Roach said that even after 141 rounds of sparring in Pacquiao’s recent camp, his money is safe.
Antonio Nogueira and Cain Velasquez to fight for title shot at UFC 108: Dana White confirms winner will be next in line for heavyweight title; Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009; Following an impressive win over Ben Rothwell at UFC 104 in October, many UFC fans still weren’t sure if Cain Velasquez (7-0) sat above or below Antonio Nogueira (32-5-1) in the heavyweight title picture. They’ll know for sure in January.
Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto arrive at MGM Grand: Trainer says world title in seventh weight class looks likely, probably not eighth; Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009; Manny Pacquiao made his grand arrival at MGM Grand Hotel on Tuesday, marking the first time in the world champion’s career the ceremony didn’t take place at Mandalay Bay. Although Pacquiao is known to be superstitious, head trainer Freddie Roach said Tuesday’s change wouldn’t throw off his fighter.
Mike Swick better after concussion, looking forward to Dan Hardy: Swick gets second chance at title shot after missing UFC 103; Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009; With all the recent shuffling in the UFC’s schedule due to injuries, cases of mono and A-Team movies, it’s been easy to forget about an injury that occurred earlier this year. One that really screwed up the title picture in its welterweight division.
Facing Jose Aldo, Mike Brown finally feels like a favorite: WEC featherweight champion slightly favored over dangerous knockout artist; Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009; After putting together a run of nearly four years without a single loss, claiming the WEC featherweight title from one of the best fighters in the world and defending it twice — Mike Brown is finally playing the role of the favorite in his next fight. Well, maybe.
Fedor Emelianenko TKOs Brett Rogers in second round: Russian fighter successful in Strikeforce debut on network television broadcast; Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009; Fedor Emelianenko delivered the result many were expecting in his nationally televised debut with the Strikeforce organization. The difficulties he faced in reaching that result was what may have surprised some.
Brett Rogers says he's ready to shock Fedor Emelianenko: Focused Rogers spent three months preparing for Nov. 7; Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009; The last time Brett Rogers fought, he finished off former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski by TKO in just 22 seconds. He's hoping to do something similar to Fedor Emelianenko Saturday.
Chad Dawson looks forward to rematch with Glen Johnson, so he says: Undefeated light heavyweight still searching for marquee matchup; Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009; For the fourth time in the last 19 months, 27-year-old Chad Dawson will face an opponent this weekend that is at least 13 years his elder. Unfortunately for the undefeated fighter, rematches with over-the-hill opponents are the best he can hope for at this point.
Zab Judah returns to ring Friday after nearly a year off: Joel Casamayor moves up to super lightweight in co-feature; Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009; Former welterweight world champion Zab Judah (37-6, 25 KO) will return to the ring for the first time in nearly a year Saturday when he faces Ubaldo Hernandez (22-19-2, 10 KO) at The Pearl at The Palms.
Q&A with UFC light heavyweight Brandon Vera: Vera answers questions regarding career and facing Randy Couture; Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009; Brandon Vera wasn't high on the idea of fighting with virtually no break after UFC 101. But he says he couldn't pass up an opportunity to fight Randy Couture. While in Los Angeles for UFC 104, Vera took the time to answer questions about Couture and his career.
WEC announces Varner vs. Henderson for Jan. 10: Urijah Faber vs. Raphael Assuncao will co-main Sacramento event; Monday, Nov. 2, 2009; The WEC announced via its twitter today that the lightweight title fight between Jamie Varner and Ben Henderson has been scheduled for Jan. 10 at the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, Calif.
Yonnhy Perez claims IBF bantamweight title by unanimous decision: Don King receives sellout crowd for first Las Vegas card in four years; Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009; Joseph Agbeko spent all last week predicting a knockout win for himself over Yonnhy Perez in their IBF bantamweight championship fight Saturday night at Treasure Island. When it came time to make good on his promise however, the task proved to be much more difficult than the champion had expected.
Cerrone vs. Ratcliff announced for Dec. 19 in Las Vegas: WEC announces lightweight matchup; Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009; The WEC officially announced today its main event matchup between lightweights Donald Cerrone and Ed Ratcliff at The Palms on Dec. 19. The organization was already scheduled to make a Las Vegas appearance before the new year with a Nov. 18 featherweight title fight between Mike Brown and Jose Aldo at The Palms.
Manny Pacquiao happy with Philippines camp, now in U.S. training: Promoter Bob Arum quiet on potential meeting with Floyd Mayweather Jr.; Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009; Manny Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles last weekend to begin final preparations for his Nov. 14 welterweight bout with Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Brock Lesnar's training partner talks about decision to pull out: Chris Tuchscherer says Lesnar waited to make decision as long as he could; Monday, Oct. 26, 2009; Monday’s news of Brock Lesnar’s decision to pull out of his UFC heavyweight title defense against Shane Carwin on Nov. 21 seemed to have shocked everyone. Including the champion’s own training camp.
Cain Velasquez impressive in win, may still have to wait for title shot: Despite dominating Ben Rothwell, Velasquez still sits behind Antonio Nogueira; Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009; LOS ANGELES — There’s stepping up. And then there’s what Cain Velasquez did to Ben Rothwell Saturday night. Besides blindfolding him and kicking him in the ribs a few times, the UFC couldn’t have been much worse to Velasquez over the last few months.
UFC president leans toward rematch between Lyoto Machida and Shogun Rua: After controversial win for champion, rematch of UFC 104 seems likely; Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009; LOS ANGELES - Lyoto Machida entered the Octagon Saturday night under a roar of cheers as the undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion. Twenty-five minutes of war later, he left it in a wave of boos — still the UFC champion, but certainly not the undisputed one.