Case Keefer

Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts and Gambling Reporter

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The Ultimate Fighter's ultimate underdog Mike Chiesa takes 15th season's crown: Chiesa pulls off third straight upset to submit Al Iaquinta; Saturday, June 2, 2012; Mike Chiesa spent three months losing to Al Iaquinta only to reverse course when it mattered most.
Chiesa became “The Ultimate Fighter Live” champion Friday night at the Palms by submitting Iaquinta at 2:47 of the first round. If the faces of those in attendance who spent time on the reality show’s set expressed surprise with the outcome of “TUF Live” finale, no one could blame them.
'The Ultimate Fighter' finale blog: Martin Kampmann rallies for another victory: Mike Chiesa wins fifth fight in three months to take lightweight tournament; Friday, June 1, 2012; For his second straight fight, Martin Kampmann found himself at an early deficit. For his second straight fight, Kampmann fought his way out of it and picked up an improbable victory. Kampmann prevailed in "The Ultimate Fighter Live" finale, scoring a TKO victory over Jake Ellenberger.
'The Ultimate Fighter Live' finale weigh-in: Kenny Florian's retirement steals spotlight: Jake Ellenberger and Martin Kampmann on weight before five-round main event; Thursday, May 31, 2012; “The Ultimate Fighter Live” weigh-in worked as an opening act Thursday afternoon at the Pearl at the Palms.
UFC President Dana White took to the stage after 20 fighters made weight ahead of tomorrow night’s bouts with an announcement the promotion teased all day. White revealed the retirement of UFC veteran Kenny Florian, who came out to address the crowd.
'The Ultimate Fighter Live' finale breakdown, betting odds and picks: Jake Ellenberger favored over Martin Kampmann in main event; Thursday, May 31, 2012; Jake Ellenberger and Martin Kampmann held drastically different sessions with the media heading into their “The Ultimate Fighter Live” finale main event Friday at the Palms.
Whereas Kampmann (19-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) openly discussed areas where he felt his opponent was weak and exploitable, Ellenberger (27-5 MMA, 6-1 UFC) had nothing but positive remarks for the 30-year old local fighter.
Mike Chiesa overcomes father's death to reach 'The Ultimate Fighter Live' finale: Chiesa meets Al Iaquinta Friday at the Palms for six-figure UFC contract; Wednesday, May 30, 2012; One of the happier moments of Mark Chiesa’s late life came when his son, prospective UFC lightweight Mike Chiesa, gave his first published interview. Mark’s wife, Teresa Chiesa, said he couldn’t stop sharing and playing the audio. She estimated Mark listened to it 50 times.
The scene at “The Ultimate Fighter” gym Wednesday afternoon would have overwhelmed Mark.
UFC Octagon Girl's repertoire includes kick to boyfriend's nose, arrest reports indicate: Tuesday, May 29, 2012; A heated argument early Saturday morning in a Wynn hotel room led to the arrest of UFC Octagon Girl Arianny Celeste and her boyfriend, Metro Police said.
A comprehensive guide of what to watch at the 2012 World Series of Poker: 2010 champion Jonathan Duhamel, $1 million buy-in tournament among top attractions; Monday, May 28, 2012; Feeling overwhelmed by the 2012 World Series of Poker, which kicked off with its first open event of the summer Monday, is natural.
The 43rd annual WSOP will attract millions of dollars and thousands of players in a combined 61 bracelet events at the Rio over the next six weeks.
UFC 146 winners Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez ready for a rematch: Dos Santos and Velasquez each notch TKOs at the MGM Grand Garden Arena; Sunday, May 27, 2012; Cain Velasquez’s celebration after brutalizing Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva for nearly four minutes in the most lopsided fashion imaginable at UFC 146 consisted of hugging a couple of his coaches and nothing else.
Velasquez was similarly emotionless at the post-fight press conference, sporting a blank stare for 30 minutes without flinching. Allow Velasquez to explain his detached state.
Brock Lesnar, Alistair Overeem could remain players in UFC heavyweight class: Frank Mir open to a trilogy bout against Lesnar; Overeem should get immediate title shot upon return; Sunday, May 27, 2012; Brock Lesnar may have experienced a change of heart since announcing his retirement from the UFC last December.
Speculation on Lesnar ran rampant after the former heavyweight champion was spotted with UFC President Dana White at UFC 146 on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. White did little to quell the clamor at the post-fight press conference, and said a return to the octagon was a possibility for Lesnar.
UFC 146 live blog: Junior dos Santos defends belt against Frank Mir: Cain Velasquez issues first-round beat down on Antonio Silva; Saturday, May 26, 2012; The UFC heavyweight championship belt is finally staying with the same owner for more than one fight.
The golden strap is headed back to Salvador, Brazil, with Junior dos Santos. Former champion Frank Mir was no match for dos Santos, who officially claimed a second-round TKO victory at 3:04.
UFC 146 weigh-in: Heavyweights in good spirits for packed crowd: Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva (264) and Frank Mir (261) are biggest fighters on the card; Friday, May 25, 2012; Fighters typically dread weigh-ins more than any other experience during a UFC week.
Starving and dehydrated in order to reach the weight limit, they can’t wait to step on the scale and get it all over with. The process is less arduous when it comes to heavyweights.
Roy Nelson, Dave Herman share quips before punches at UFC 146: Nelson vs. Herman scheduled for third fight on the pay-per-view card; Friday, May 25, 2012; Speaking in superlatives is a popular way to give a bout context in mixed martial arts.
When Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos met for the heavyweight title last November, for example, the matchup was referred to as a bout between the two best fighters in the division.
Firefighter, former college athlete Stipe Miocic making his mark in the UFC: Once reluctant to try mixed martial arts, Miocic on the verge of stardom; Thursday, May 24, 2012; Getting punched in the face, Stipe Miocic will say succinctly, was never his thing.
The former two-sport Division-I athlete would lend a hand to professional fighters in the Cleveland area looking for help with their wrestling, but he wasn’t seeking a career in mixed martial arts.
“My coaches were like, ‘You’re going to fight,’” Miocic said. “I was like, ‘Eh, we’ll see.’”
With pressure subsided, Diego Brandao more than 'the crazy Brazilian': Brandao sets his sights on UFC gold after winning 'The Ultimate Fighter' 14; Wednesday, May 23, 2012; Diego Brandao is fully aware of how he came across on “The Ultimate Fighter” 14.
“I was the crazy Brazilian,” Brandao said.
Brandao took no issue with the portrayal because, well, it was true. Being on the set of the UFC’s biannual reality television show brought out both the best and worst of the 24-year old featherweight.
UFC 146 breakdown, betting odds and picks: Junior dos Santos, Cain Velasquez are heavy favorites; Wednesday, May 23, 2012; Underdogs have more than held their own in UFC main events so far this year.
Through 11 fight cards in 2012, favorites are barely out-performing their upset-minded opponents. The underdog has prevailed in five events, including a streak of two straight.
Junior dos Santos has heavyweight attitude on performance-enhancing drugs: Dos Santos open to bout with Alistair Overeem immediately upon his return; Wednesday, May 23, 2012; Joining an ever-expanding chorus, heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos believes the UFC should implement a more stringent drug testing policy.
Dos Santos has spoken out against the use of performance-enhancing drugs vigilantly ever since scheduled UFC 146 opponent Alistair Overeem tested positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone level.
Athletic commission suspends Nick Diaz, clears Chael Sonnen to fight: Diaz suspended for a year and fined $60,000 for failed drug test; Monday, May 21, 2012; The Nevada State Athletic Commission handed down rulings involving two of the UFC’s most well-known fighters at a meeting Monday.
The commission granted top middleweight contender Chael Sonnen permission to use testosterone with a therapeutic-use exemption.
UFC champion Jon Jones arrested on suspicion of DUI: Saturday, May 19, 2012; Authorities arrested UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones early Saturday morning, according to TMZ.com, on suspicion of DUI after the 24-year old allegedly wrecked his Bentley in Binghamton, N.Y. His management confirmed the report by releasing a statement Saturday.
'Korean Zombie' turns in Fight of the Year candidate at UFC on FUEL TV 3: Donald Cerrone, Amir Sadollah get back on track with decision victories; Tuesday, May 15, 2012; In two UFC wins last year, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung arguably pulled off both the Submission of the Year and the Knockout of the Year.
Jung may have proven victorious in 2012’s Fight of the Year Tuesday night in Fairfax, Va. Jung submitted heavily-favored Dustin Poirier with a d’arce choke at 1:07 of the fourth round in the main event of UFC on FUEL TV 3.
UFC on FUEL TV 3 breakdown, betting odds and picks: Dustin Poirier and Chan Sung Jung fighting to get in line for a featherweight title shot; Monday, May 14, 2012; Guarantees about a fight not going the distance are commonplace in the UFC’s heavier weight classes.
The gloats are much less frequent among fighters in the smaller divisions, where a higher percentage of bouts reach the judges’ scorecards. But the 145-pound division has a matchup that looks destined for a stoppage this week.
Frank Mir relaxed, confident ahead of bout with Junior dos Santos: Mir thinks original opponent Cain Velasquez was a tougher matchup; Friday, May 11, 2012; At a press conference to announce UFC 146 earlier this year, Frank Mir openly expressed concern in facing then co-main event opponent Cain Velasquez.
Velasquez, a former collegiate All-American wrestler at Arizona State, was exactly the kind of fighter that has given the local 32-year old fits throughout his career.
UFC 151 headed to Las Vegas with Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson main event: No additional bouts or venue announced yet for Labor Day weekend card; Thursday, May 10, 2012; The UFC has traditionally held annual fight cards on the weekends of Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas.
In 2012, the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion will also stage a pay-per-view event on Labor Day weekend. UFC President Dana White recently announced through twitter that Las Vegas would host UFC 151 on September 1.
UFC 146: A look at the reshuffling caused by Alistair Overeem's ouster: Frank Mir fights in fifth career UFC title match; Wednesday, May 9, 2012; Asked which fighter on the upcoming Memorial Day weekend card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena had the most to lose, UFC President Dana White came to a resolute conclusion.
“I’d probably have to say (Frank) Mir,” White said after a recent press conference. “Mir’s been in so many title fights and held it twice.”
Changes keep World Series of Poker fresh in its 43rd year: More talk, more tables and more tournaments headed to the Rio this summer; Tuesday, May 8, 2012; Ty Stewart noticed something bizarre as he paced the floor of the Amazon Room at the Rio during one of the final days of the World Series of Poker Main Event last summer.
Despite hundreds of players who were assured of making money and still alive to win poker’s world championship, the place was completely silent.
Dominick Cruz out of UFC 148 with torn ACL: Monday, May 7, 2012; UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz has torn his ACL, forcing him out of a July 7 matchup with rival Urijah Faber at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the news after several reports of the injury surfaced Monday afternoon. White told fans to “stay tuned” through his twitter account for more information.
Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another was 'worst-case scenario' for local book: Lucky's pounded with 200-to-1 bets on I'll Have Another one day in February; Monday, May 7, 2012; Immediately after riding I’ll Have Another to victory Saturday in the Kentucky Derby, jockey Mario Gutierrez gave a quote that secured a place in horse racing lore. “I kept telling everybody, from the first time I met him, I knew he was the one,” Gutierrez told reporters. “I knew he was good.”
Dana White ecstatic with UFC on FOX 3: Nate Diaz and Johny Hendricks close in on title shots; Sunday, May 6, 2012; Chief among the areas the UFC prides itself on are delivery, parity and variety. UFC on FOX 3 excelled on all accounts Saturday at the Izod Center. There was hardly a dull moment in any of the four nationally televised bouts, which featured three upsets.
UFC on FOX 3 blog: Nate Diaz continues title push by choking out Jim Miller: Decision goes Johny Hendricks' way in co-main event against Josh Koscheck; Saturday, May 5, 2012; A Diaz brother may soon fight for a UFC title. It's just not the one everyone would have expected a few months ago.
UFC on FOX 3 weigh-in: No drama as fighters make card official: Jim Miller relishing hometown support at the Izod Center; Friday, May 4, 2012; EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It would have taken Nate Diaz two days to drive to the Izod Center from his home in Stockton, Calif.
It took UFC on FOX 3 main event opponent Jim Miller 30 minutes from his home in Whippany, N.J.
Nate Diaz stepping out of brother's shadow at UFC on FOX 3: Younger Diaz handling main-event pressures with ease; Friday, May 4, 2012; Twenty minutes had passed at the UFC on FOX 3 press conference Thursday afternoon at the Beacon Theater.
This is typically the point when UFC welterweight Nick Diaz loses interest at a pre-fight media event. One- or two-word answers are expected, as the notorious Northern California brawler completely transforms into fight mode.
Dana White sees benefit in holding UFC card on same night as Mayweather fight: UFC on FOX 3 finishes in New Jersey before Mayweather vs. Cotto starts in Las Vegas; Thursday, May 3, 2012; Immediately after the conclusion of Saturday night’s FOX card at the Izod Center, UFC President Dana White has plans. White grew up with boxing and worked in the sport before discovering mixed martial arts, so he never misses any of the big matches.
Kentucky Derby takes center stage in Las Vegas: A preview of horse racing's momentous weekend; Thursday, May 3, 2012; They’re called race and sports books for a reason. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the “race” part, what with the panorama of football jerseys on weekends in the fall and the maniacal yelling at the end of NBA Playoff games.
Horse racing often gets overlooked in Las Vegas, but not this weekend.
UFC on FOX 3 breakdown, betting odds and picks: Nate Diaz drawing support in main event despite underdog status; Wednesday, May 2, 2012; For a favorite of more than 2-to-1, Jim Miller isn’t receiving much support ahead of his UFC on FOX 3 main event bout against Nate Diaz.
An excess of fans and media members are siding with Diaz to pull off an upset over Miller. The Las Vegas Sun’s picks panel is torn on the contest.
Unlikely pair of heavyweights open UFC on Fox 3 main card this weekend: Lavar Johnson and Pat Barry rebounded from adversity; Monday, April 30, 2012; A dire financial situation forced current UFC heavyweight Lavar Johnson into taking fights he wasn’t ready for two years ago. Johnson was nearly broke after spending the better part of a year recovering from two gunshot wounds he suffered in a random drive-by at a family reunion in Bakersfield, Calif., on the Fourth of July in 2009.
UFC's Alistair Overeem denied license to fight after failed drug test: Overeem can reapply in 9 months; Tuesday, April 24, 2012; Not only is Alistair Overeem out of UFC 146, but the heavyweight will likely miss the rest of 2012 after the Nevada State Athletic Commission turned down his request for a license Tuesday. Overeem and his lawyer, David Chesnoff, appeared before the commission to apply for a license and explain a positive drug test that saw Overeem’s testosterone-to-epitestosterone level register more than double the 6-to-1 limit at 14-to-1.
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II moved to Las Vegas for UFC 148: UFC President Dana White holds press conference in Brazil to announce news; Tuesday, April 24, 2012; The most anticipated rematch of 2012 is coming to Las Vegas.
A middleweight championship bout between Anderson Silva (31-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) and Chael Sonnen (28-10-1 MMA, 7-3 UFC) will serve as the main event of UFC 148 July 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The UFC announced the change Tuesday morning, as Silva vs. Sonnen II was originally slated for UFC 147 June 23 in Rio de Janeiro.
Alistair Overeem blames failed drug test on prescribed medication: Overeem goes in front of Nevada State Athletic Commission tomorrow; Monday, April 23, 2012; After nearly three weeks of silence, UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem spoke out on his failed drug test Monday morning.
Overeem issued a statement ahead of his appearance in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Overeem blamed his elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone level on a medication.
UFC on Fox 3: Looking at the card up next: Lightweight title eliminator headlines New Jersey event in two weeks; Monday, April 23, 2012; Through four fights aired on Fox, the UFC has yet to strike gold with a bout that captivated the casual viewing masses.
The heavyweight championship fight the UFC chose to introduce its network television contract with barely lasted a minute. The three contests at January’s UFC on Fox 2 proved plodding, all ending with a decision.
Rashad Evans not completely ready to make peace with Jon Jones after UFC 145: Evans hopes for a rematch with Jones somewhere down the line; Sunday, April 22, 2012; ATLANTA — This sounded like a rejection.
A few minutes after defeating Rashad Evans by unanimous decision to retain his light heavyweight championship at UFC 145, a bubbly Jon Jones sat to the right of UFC President Dana White and gave a suggestion. Jones expressed a desire to renew a friendship with Evans.
Jon Jones could be more unstoppable than ever after UFC 145: Jones firms up next assignment, will meet Dan Henderson later this year; Sunday, April 22, 2012; ATLANTA — Rashad Evans was supposed to have the best chance, and maybe the only fighter with a chance, to beat Jon Jones.
In the aftermath of Jones encountering no trouble while running over Evans in a unanimous decision win Saturday at Philips Arena, there’s a question worth asking. Can anyone in the light heavyweight division dethrone Jones as champion? Can anyone in all of the UFC even beat Jones?
UFC 145 blog: Jon Jones cruises to unanimous decision over Rashad Evans: Ben Rothwell and Michael McDonald earn first round knockouts; Saturday, April 21, 2012; ATLANTA — Jon Jones failed to deliver the memorable knockout of Rashad Evans he promised at UFC 145 Saturday night.
He’ll have to settle for a decisive unanimous-decision victory. Jones retained his light heavyweight championship belt, defending it for the third consecutive time by beating his former training partner at Philips Arena.
Frank Mir gets title shot against Junior dos Santos at UFC 146: Alistair Overeem ousted before hearing for failed drug test; Friday, April 20, 2012; Next month’s UFC 146 received a major makeover on the eve of UFC 145.
UFC President Dana White announced through twitter that Las Vegas fighter Frank Mir would step in to face Junior dos Santos for the heavyweight championship on May 26 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
As brash as ever, Chael Sonnen sounds off at UFC 145 Q&A: Quotes from Sonnen's hour at the Fox Theater; Friday, April 20, 2012; ATLANTA — The question-and-answer sessions the UFC holds before every weigh-in carry extra significance when Chael Sonnen is involved.
The UFC’s top middleweight contender and most outspoken fighter seems to get the call to host the events more than anyone else on the roster.
He entertained a few hundred fans and media members at the Fox Theater Friday ahead of the UFC 145 weigh-in.
UFC 145 weigh-in: Wait is over for Jon Jones, Rashad Evans: John Makdessi is the lone fighter who misses weight; Friday, April 20, 2012; Jon Jones’ older brother whispered two words into the light heavyweight champion’s ear as he made his way to the scale at the Fox Theater to weigh in for tomorrow night’s UFC 145.
“You ready,” asked Arthur Jones, a 6-foot-3, 313-pound defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens. With that prompt, Jones lost control. The emotion from the prolonged, fiery lead-up to his fight with Rashad Evans finally seemed to get to the 24-year-old as he yelled and bounced around the stage.
Meet Michael McDonald, cage fighting phenom and carpentry whiz: McDonald and Miguel Torres meet in key bantamweight bout Saturday; Friday, April 20, 2012; ATLANTA — When Michael McDonald received a $70,000 Knockout of the Night bonus check at UFC 139 six months ago, he immediately began to think about how he could spend it.
Buying a house was one option for the 21-year old bantamweight. That wasn’t what he really wanted, though.
Take Five: What to watch for at UFC 145 beyond the main event: Upcoming stars Rory MacDonald, Stephen Thompson lead list; Thursday, April 19, 2012; ATLANTA — Sharing a fight card with Jon Jones and Rashad Evans isn’t the easiest proposition.
With one of the biggest bouts of the year headlining UFC 145, the 22 other fighters slated to compete Saturday at Philips Arena have received little attention.
That’s not how it traditionally goes in mixed martial arts, where a fight billed on the undercard sometimes receives as much hype as a championship bout.
UFC schedule kicks into high gear with Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans: Next four months are mixed martial arts' time to shine; Thursday, April 19, 2012; ATLANTA — There’s a buzz for UFC 145 that other events lack.
Much of the excitement for Saturday’s card at Philips Arena surrounds the light heavyweight championship bout between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans, one of the most hyped mixed martial arts matchups of the year, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
UFC 145 breakdown, betting odds and picks: Sports books like Jon Jones by a wide margin; bettors not as confident; Wednesday, April 18, 2012; ATLANTA — Oddsmakers have a hard time imagining the fight living up to the anticipation when it comes to the UFC 145 main event between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans.
Sports books posted Jones as a -600 (risking $6 to win $1) favorite when the heated matchup was set three months ago, an unusually high betting line for a mixed martial arts bout of this magnitude.
Siyar Bahadurzada impresses in debut at UFC on FUEL TV 2: Alexander Gustafsson soars over Thiago Silva in main event; Saturday, April 14, 2012; Charging forward with lowered hands counts as one of the biggest mistakes a fighter can make.
It’s an even greater offense against an opponent with as much power as Siyar Bahadurzada, a UFC welterweight newcomer. Bahadurzada got his career in the octagon off to a blistering start at UFC on FUEL TV 2 Saturday in Stockholm.
Brian Stann again dealt with tragedy before UFC on FUEL TV 2: Stann meets Alessio Sakara in co-main event in Sweden; Friday, April 13, 2012; Unspeakable tragedies have a way of giving those involved a sense of perspective, especially in the world of professional sports where wins and losses feel important above all else.
UFC middleweight Brian Stann was still down about his UFC 136 loss to Chael Sonnen last December when he got a devastating phone call. The voice on the other end informed Stann that his 26-year old brother-in-law had passed away in what he only described as “a very violent death.”