Props: Fighters Only Magazine

Quoteworthy:

"I’ve been training with the Nogueiras here in Bahia. Rogerio (Lil' Nog) was here a little longer than Rodrigo. Demian Maia has also been strong for me and a few more people who came to assist me and my team out here including the Northeast Champion of Jiu-Jitsu who has helped me from the beginning. This week I am doing the final preparation, its time to start winding down and on Saturday I do my last sparring and I'll have to be 100% to do this sparring. Then next week is the maintenance phase of the training. My intention is to keep the fight standing up, because I like the striking and want to use my boxing, which is where I consider myself better and it's where I want to try to surprise my opponent. But if the fight goes to the floor, I'm ready too, because I'm training a lot of Jiu-Jitsu and I'm sure I can still surprise him on the floor as well."

Brazilian powerhouse Junior dos Santos takes on Roy Nelson next Saturday night (Aug. 7, 2010) at UFC 117: "Silva vs. Sonnen," in a heavyweight clash that will likely determine the next division contender. Nelson, who's very skilled on the ground, and perhaps even better at keeping his opponents plastered on their backs, has indicated that he intends to throw leather. However, how long can he last with that gameplan? Or is he just better off seeing what "surprises" dos Santos has down south?

But do fans want to see him rematch "The Spider?" Or is Vitor Belfort next in line if Chael Sonnen falls on August 7?

World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) is set to return to the "The Pearl" from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada with WEC 50: "Cruz vs. Benavidez."

The event is set to feature newly crowned Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz (15-1) making his first title defense against former foe Joseph Benavidez (12-1).

Also on tap for the promotion's return to "Sin City" is a lightweight bout between Zach Micklewright and Bart Palaszewski while fellow 155-pounders Anthony Pettis and Shane Roller mix it up on the Versus televised card.

Here is the current WEC 50 line-up:

Main Event:

135 lbs.: Dominick Cruz vs. Joseph Benavidez

Main Card (Televised):

155 lbs.: Zach Micklewright vs. Bart Palaszewski
155 lbs.: Scott Jorgensen vs. Brad Pickett
155 lbs.: Anthony Pettis vs. Shane Roller
145 lbs.: Chad Mendes vs. Cub Swanson

Preliminary Card (May not be televised):

145 lbs.: Mackens Semerzier vs. Javier Vazquez
155 lbs.: Dave Jansen vs. Ricardo Lamas
145 lbs.: Bryan Caraway vs. Fredson Paixao
155 lbs.: Maciej Jewtuszko vs. Anthony Njokuani
155 lbs.: Danny Castillo vs. Dustin Poirier

Of course, MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of WEC 50 beginning with the Versus telecast at 9 p.m. ET. In addition, up-to-the-minute quick results of all the other under card bouts will begin to flow around 7 p.m. ET.

Many of our readers check-in before, during and after the event to share their thoughts on the action. Therefore, feel free to leave a comment (or 50) before you leave and chat with all the other Maniacs during the show -- it always turns out to be a great discussion.

Keep in mind that we will also be the spot for the latest news, recaps and post-fight analysis after "Cruz vs. Benavidez."

The official weigh-in event for UFC on Versus 2: "Jones vs. Matyushenko" is set to take place TONIGHT (July 31) at the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, California.

It is currently scheduled to air LIVE right here on MMAmania.com, as well as on several other online destinations, via streaming video. The first fighter is expected to tip the scale at 7 p.m. ET.

As usual, MMAmania.com will provide the latest coverage of the UFC on Versus 2 weigh-ins, as well as provide a detailed recap of the festivities as soon as they conclude.

"Jones vs. Matyushenko" will feature a main event between light heavyweight superstar in the making Jon "Bones" Jones and Belarusian brawler Vladimir "The Janitor" Matyushenko. 

Also on tap for Aug. 1 is a middleweight mash-up between Mark Munoz and Yushin Okami while Takanori Gomi looks for his first win as a Zuffa lightweight against Tyson Griffin.

Complete UFC on Versus 2 weigh in results after the jump:

Main event:

205 lbs.: Jon Jones ( ) vs. Vladimir Matyushenko ( )

Main card (Televised):

185 lbs.: Mark Munoz ( ) vs. Yushin Okami ( )
170 lbs.: Jake Ellenberger ( ) vs. John Howard ( )
155 lbs.: Takanori Gomi ( ) vs. Tyson Griffin ( )

Under card (May not be broadcast):

170 lbs.: Paul Kelly ( ) vs. Jacob Volkmann ( )
205 lbs.: James Irvin ( ) vs. Igor Pokrajac ( )
185 lbs.: Mike Massenzio ( ) vs. Brian Stann ( )
170 lbs.: DaMarques Johnson ( ) vs. Matthew Riddle ( )
155 lbs.: Darren Elkins vs. Charles Oliveira ( )
185 lbs.: Rob Kimmons vs. Steve Steinbeiss ( )

For those fortunate enough to be in "America's Finest City" for the promotion’s debut in San Diego, remember that the weigh-in is FREE to attend and open to the public. Doors to the weigh-in will open at 3 p.m. local time for the general public.

In addition, UFC Fight Club members will be able to attend a special Q&A session with former Ultimate Fighter and hard-hitting light heavyweight Krzysztof Soszynski prior to that at 2 p.m. local time.

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action on fight night (Sunday, Aug. 1), which is slated to air at 9 p.m. ET on the Versus Network. The latest quick updates of the live action will begin to flow earlier than that around 7 p.m. ET with the preliminary bouts.

It’s going to be a fun night of fights so don’t miss it. And remember to check us out for all the pre, during and post-fight "UFC on Versus 2" coverage you can handle.

Live stream and replay courtesy of UFC.com.

Check out parts two and three after the jump:

Props: MMA Weekly

Quoteworthy:

"I've been a fan of combat sports for years. MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world and this is a great opportunity for us to launch a full-service management company. Alchemist Management will leverage its relationships and resources for the benefit of fighters, the sponsors, and the industry at large."

Former rap icon MC Hammer is ready to turn this mother out now that he's formed the Los Angeles-based "Alchemist Management" company to represent mixed martial artists. So far they've managed to secure Nate Marquardt, Tim Kennedy, Vladimir Matyushenko, Jorge Rivera, James McSweeney, Antoni Hardonk, Jared Hamman, Steve Magdaleno, Luke Stewart, and Alex Soto, among others. Not a bad start. Yes, MC Hammer is representing professional fighters. That's why we pray.

They're back -- and ready for all you "VIP" fans who want to do "Beantown" in style.

The UFC Fan Expo will return for the second time in 2010 when it storms the John B. Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts, from Aug. 27-28, leading right up until fight time to coincide with UFC 118: "Edgar vs. Penn 2" on Saturday, Aug. 28.

The two-day fan exposition of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) activities includes meet and greets with legendary UFC and WEC fighters, MMA demonstrations, fan-inspired special events, training and development sessions as well as other combat related opportunities and entertainment.

Fans looking for the VIP treatment can purchase one of two packages that comes with a boatload of extras -- but are limited to just 535 tickets. Naturally, UFC Fight Club members will get first dibs on the VIP tickets through a special pre-sale that begins on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010 at 10 AM ET.

Assuming all 535 aren't gobbled up as soon as they're made available (rest assured they will be), the general public will have their chance to scoop up what's left on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010 at 10 AM ET.

Details on the special UFC Fan Expo "Boston" VIP Tickets and Packages after the jump.

VIP: $200 (Limited to 500)

* 2 Day Admission
* Collectible UFC Fan Expo VIP Badge
* Limited Edition UFC Fan Expo VIP T-Shirt
* 1 Hour early-entry
* Special VIP Entrance
* Dedicated VIP Ticket Counter
* VIP Concierge
* Exclusive UFC Fan Expo Duffel Bag
* Access to exclusive VIP Lounge
* Photo ops in VIP lounge with UFC Title Belt
* UFC DVD Package
* The Ultimate Fighter Octagon Necklace
* Daily VIP Raffles

Ultimate VIP: $1,500 (Limited to 35)

* 2 Day Admission
* Collectible UFC Fan Expo Badge
* Limited Edition UFC Fan Expo T-Shirt (pre-signed by Dana White)
* 1 Hour early-entry
* Special Ultimate VIP Entrance
* Dedicated Ultimate VIP Ticket Counter
* VIP Concierge
* Exclusive UFC Fan Expo Duffel Bag featuring Exhibitor Exclusives
* Access to exclusive UFC Executive Greenroom
* Photo ops in Green Room with UFC Title Belt
* Reserved Front Row Seating at Main Stage for all Events
* UFC Trading Cards
* UFC DVD Package
* The Ultimate Fighter Octagon Necklace
* Autograph Line Pass
* Meet & Greet with Dana White
* Backstage Tour of TD Banknorth Garden prior to UFC 118 on Saturday before doors open to the public (Free transportation will be provided).
* UFC 118 Octagon Photo during Backstage Tour of TD Banknorth Garden before doors open to the public (UFC 118 Ticket Holders - note, you will receive early entry to the venue before the general public with this incentive).
* Access to ALL Training & Development Sessions (Minimum value of $500)

For more information of the VIP tickets and Packages for the 2010 UFC Fan Expo "Boston" click here. To get more information on becoming a UFC Fight Club Member click here.