“I have been watching Bellator for a long time,” said Vianna. “They are one of the best promotions in the world and they have great fighters. I’m just really excited to fight in the big show against big fighters, and to have the opportunity to show the world who I am.”

Born in Brazil, Vianna (11-1-1) began his jiu-jitsu training at 15, and since then has become a 2X World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion, 6X National Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion, and second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s those accomplishments that led former PRIDE Champion and current UFC middleweight Wanderlei Silva to enlist Vianna as the Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor at Wand Fight Team in Las Vegas.

“Wanderlei [Silva] had seen me fight in Brazil, and when he opened his school in Las Vegas, he wanted me to become an instructor with Wand Fight Team,” said Vianna. “I train every day with Wanderlei. I also train a lot with Michael Costa, and sometimes Forrest Griffin. I spar with Wanderlei three times a week, every week, and we go 100%. I don’t think anyone I fight is going to have the same power and technique that Wanderlei has. I feel confident that I can stand up with anyone at 185 lbs.”

Beginning his professional MMA career in 2004, Vianna established a near perfect record of 7-0-1 before meeting UFC Light Heavyweight Thiago Silva in 2006. During an intense first round, Silva unleashed a head kick to Vianna that was partially blocked, but broke the arm of Vianna in the process, handing him his first and only loss. After a grueling rehabilitation process that took over a year to complete, Vitor enters Bellator riding a three fight win streak, and is ready to show the world his skills.

“Fighting for Bellator is the best opportunity for me,” said Vianna. “I know I’m going to have a great career here with Bellator. It’s great exposure, being on national television on MTV2, and I know I’m going to make a lot of fans very happy.”

Along with the exposure Vianna will get from being seen on MTV2, a stacked middleweight division certainly made the decision that much easier for the ultra competitive Brazilian. With world class middleweights like Bryan “The Beast” Baker, Russian knockout artist Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko, and Bellator Middleweight World Champion Hector Lombard, Vianna is well aware of the challenges that await.

“Hector Lombard is one of the best middleweights in the world right now,” said Vianna. “I want to fight him, and I’m prepared to do whatever I have to do to get to him. Lombard is in the top five of his division, and fighting him would be the best opportunity for me to show who I am, and what I’m capable of.”

Eager to get his opportunity at the Bellator Middleweight Championship and a fight with Lombard, Vianna hopes to take part in an upcoming Bellator Middleweight Tournament where he can earn his shot.

“We constantly strive to sign the world’s best possible talent for Bellator, and Vitor certainly fits that bill,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebeny. “We’ve been working to bring Vitor to Bellator for quite a while, and as a fan and as Bellator’s CEO I am very excited to see him step into the Bellator cage for us this summer.”

—Bellator Press Release—

Gray Maynard looked to become UFC Lightweight champion early in the first round of his championship fight against Frankie Edgar. Edgar showed the heart of a true champion by surviving an amazing flurry by Maynard. Maynard nailed almost 100 punches which left Edgar with a bloody nose. Edgar was knocked down a number of times, but was always able to defend himself intelligently and did not allow Maynard to trap him in a choke or a lock.

However, the fight ended in a draw.

In the DVD extras Maynard says to his team, “I can’t believe I didn’t f##king win that fight!” Maynard did slow down after the first round and Edgar came back strong in the second. Edgar was not only more effective standing with his strikes, but Edgar was able to takedown Maynard. The championship rounds are the most debatable as Maynard looked to have stronger punches, but Edgar stopped any attempts Maynard made at takedown attempts. In the judges’ eyes, the onslaught Maynard did in the first round was not enough to win the title. Fight fans should watch this to see if the decision was just and to get an idea of how intriguing the rematch will be.

The semi-main event was a lot quicker, but it was exciting for the sheer power and strength of both Chris Leben and Brian Stann nailing each other until Leben shockingly went down. Leben walked right into a left jab, but although he fell, Leben kept getting up. It took Stann a bit of time, but eventually a well placed knee strike took Leben down again. Stann followed up with punches until the ref finally called for the fight to end.

Clay Guida’s tribute to The Big Lebowski, ”If you will, it is no dream, Dude.” Thiago Silva slapping and mocking Brandon Vera and the last UFC fights of Phil Baroni and Marcus Davis were more memorable moments from this stellar combat gala. The DVD edition is also a little more special thanks to a fighter’s profile on Edgar. Edgar’s wife, coaches, and friends help make this more than just a brief look on Edgar’s life story. Edgar having to battle his size issue, bumps in the road in his wrestling career, failing at making into the UFC his first time around, all are given a broader view thanks to Edgar’s support staff. You really get a sense that Edgar has had to battle for everything he has accomplished his whole life.

If you get one UFC fight event DVD this year this one should be it. UFC: 125 might not have the star power of other UFCs, but when it comes to heart pounding action and compelling fight stories, this one does not disappoint.

UFC 125: Resolution

Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada

Releases on Apr. 12, 2011

$21.98

Click here to order the DVD

UFC: 125 Resolution fight card

Prelims

 Jacob Volkmann vs. Antonio McKee

Daniel Roberts vs. Greg Soto

Mike Brown vs. Diego Nunes

Phil Baroni vs. Brad Tavares

Josh Grispi vs. Dustin Poirier

Marcus Davis vs. Jeremy Stephens

Main show

Clay Guida vs. Takanori Gomi

Nate Diaz vs. Dong Hyun Kim

Brandon Vera vs. Thiago Silva

Chris Leben vs. Brian Stann

Lightweight Championship:

Frankie Edgar (c) vs. Gray Maynard

Listen here to the January 5, 2011 episode of Ringside Report Radio hosted by Dave Simon, Kevin “Big Tuna” McKough and Julie V.

MMA manager, Mitch Mayberger appeared on this episode to refute the report that his client, UFC lightweight John “The Bull” Makdessi, would be fighting Jonathan Brookins at UFC 129. Mayberger talked about Makdessi fighting in Toronto and potential opponents for his client. Mayberger also gave updates on Montreal-based fighters Yves Jabouin, Thierry Quenneville and Mike Ricci.

Dave, Kevin and Julie re-capped the Sengoku, DREAM and UFC 125 cards including Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard fighting to a draw in their UFC lightweight title match. They also talked about Chael Sonnen’s suspension issued by the UFC and the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix that includes Fedor Emelianenko, Alistair Overeem and Fabricio Werdum.

All this and much more MMA talk on this 1.5 hour episode of Ringside Report Radio.

“We always put a huge card together in Vegas to kick off the New Year,” said UFC President Dana White. “As the main event for UFC 125, defending UFC Champion Frankie Edgar is going to take on Gray Maynard who is the only fighter ever to beat him. In the co-main event it’s a heavyweight war with Shane Carwin vs. Roy Nelson, plus Clay Guida vs. Takanori Gomi and Chris Leben vs. Brian Stann – this is going to be a killer start to 2011.”

After shocking many people in the mixed martial arts world twice in a row, Frankie Edgar (fighting out of Toms River, N.J. / 13-1 professional record) has proven without a doubt that he is the best lightweight in the world. Winner of five consecutive fights and eight out of his last nine in the UFC, including his decisive title defense over BJ Penn at UFC 118, the Summit, New Jersey native looks to avenge his only professional loss, a unanimous decision in 2008 to Gray Maynard. A former college wrestler at Clarion University, the 28-year-old has exponentially improved his boxing and has seamlessly transitioned into a complete mixed martial artist.

“I’m very excited to be fighting New Year’s Day against a fighter that has a win over me,” Edgar said. “I’m looking forward to putting on a great show and avenging my one loss. There are still a lot of people that are doubting me and that’s fine. I’ve learned a lot since our last fight and I plan on successfully defending my title.”

A three-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler turned mixed martial artist, Gray Maynard (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. / 11-0, 1 NC) is unbeaten in nine UFC fights, imposing his will against top tier fighters such as Edgar, Kenny Florian, Jim Miller and Nate Diaz. His unanimous decision victory over Florian at UFC 118 cemented his No. 1 contender status and the decorated wrestler with heavy hands looks to realize his dream of becoming a UFC champion when he takes on Edgar at UFC 125.

“I’m excited and honored to be fighting Frank Edgar in a lightweight title bout for the UFC,” Maynard said. “Edgar is a great opponent; I’m looking forward to an exciting and tough fight with him. After years of hard work and sacrifice, this brings me one step closer to my goal of winning the belt.”

Coming off a near win against UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar at UFC 116, Shane Carwin (fighting out of Denver, Colo., 12-1) realizes just how close he was to becoming the undisputed heavyweight title holder. After ripping through his first four UFC opponents in less than one round, including stoppage wins against Frank Mir, Gabriel Gonzaga, Neil Wain and Christian Wellisch, the former NCAA Division II national champion looked moments away from defeating Lesnar until a dramatic second-round comeback by the champ. Now Carwin knows what he needs to do to return to the title picture and that starts with an impressive performance against Roy “Big Country” Nelson.

A fighter with a wealth of experience, The Ultimate Fighter Season 10 winner Roy Nelson (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. / 16-5) delivered first-round knockout wins over Brendan Schaub and Stefan Struve before going toe-to-toe with heavyweight force Junior Dos Santos in a memorable three rounder at UFC 117. The Renzo Gracie Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is dangerous wherever the fight goes and isn’t afraid to stand and trade with anyone. Nelson is aware that a win over Carwin could propel him straight up the UFC heavyweight ladder.

Clay Guida (fighting out of Round Lake, Ill. / 27-8) has built a fan base on the fact that his bout will be a candidate for Fight of the Night each time he steps into the Octagon®. Full of energy and always ready for a three-round war, the charismatic 28-year-old is coming off two straight submission wins over Shannon Gugerty and Rafael Dos Anjos, respectively. With UFC wins over Nate Diaz and Mac Danzig as well, “The Carpenter” is looking to make a run at UFC title contention.

With a reputation for exciting fights and a nickname like “The Fireball Kid,” Takanori Gomi (fighting out of Kanagawa, Japan / 32-6, 1 NC) and Guida are sure to put on a bout to remember. Coming off a devastating first-round knockout over lightweight contender Tyson Griffin, Gomi has definitely acclimated to the Octagon and now the former PRIDE lightweight champion looks to put himself in the UFC title picture.

If the opponents of Chris Leben (fighting out of Portland, Ore. / 21-6) have learned one thing, it’s that you cannot count “The Crippler” out. On the verge of losing a fight more than one time, the  30-year-old veteran of 16 UFC fights has had a few brilliant comebacks. The feared striker with a limitless chin has won three in a row, including a decision victory over Jay Silva, a comeback KO victory against Aaron Simpson and an inspiring submission victory late in the third round against Japanese star Yoshihiro Akiyama.

Brian Stann (fighting out of Scranton, Pa. / 9-3) will need to put on his best performance ever if he wants to dent the granite chin of Chris Leben. But the retired Marine, who won a Silver Star for gallantry in action has proved he is able to handle high pressure situations. The 30-year-old former World Extreme Cagefighting® (WEC®) light heavyweight champion has developed his entire game since becoming a Greg Jackson disciple, exemplified with his submission victory over Mike Massenzio in his last fight.

A confident fighter that is sometimes considered cocky, Nate Diaz (fighting out of Stockton, Calif. / 12-5) has the tools and the drive to back up any of his pre-fight talk. The 25-year-old winner of the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter and newbie to the welterweight division has won two in a row, including a first-round TKO over Rory Markham and a third-round submission against veteran Marcus Davis at UFC 118.

Dong Hyun Kim (fighting out of Busan, Korea / 13-0-1, 1 NC) will prove to be a true test for Nate Diaz. A fourth-degree judo black belt and solid striker, Kim is comfortable wherever the fight goes. Undefeated in four UFC fights, including one no contest the 28-year-old used effective grappling and striking to earn a unanimous decision win against Amir Sadollah in his last fight at UFC 114.

A decorated grappler and Muay Thai national champion, Brandon Vera (fighting out of San Diego, Calif. / 11-5) can end a fight anywhere in the Octagon. Vera holds wins in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions and has been in there with some of the best fighters. Now the Norfolk, Virginia native looks to take on one of his most dangerous opponents to date when he mixes it up with Thiago Silva.

A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a devastating striker, Thiago Silva (fighting out of Sao Paolo, Brazil / 14-2) has ended all five of his UFC wins by knockout or submission. A true finisher, the 27-year-old light heavyweight challenger has become a fan favorite because of his aggressive fighting style and is sure to be a true test for the versatile Vera.

UFC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

FRANKIE EDGAR vs. GRAY MAYNARD

CO-MAIN EVENT

SHANE CARWIN vs. ROY NELSON

CLAY GUIDA vs. TAKANORI GOMI

CHRIS LEBEN vs. BRIAN STANN

NATE DIAZ vs. DONG HYUN KIM

BRANDON VERA vs. THIAGO SILVA

—–UFC press release—–

Against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Thiago Silva, Evans felt he should go back to basics and wrestle his way to a victory. “With Thiago, it was a no brainer with the takedowns because he really doesn’t have good takedown defence so I really worked that a lot, making it a point to try and finish every combination with a takedown.” 

He succeeded in executing his game plan, despite all the distractions outside the octagon, notably with TUF Season 10 rival coach Quinton Rampage Jackson. “It was difficult to focus on the fight, but at the same time Thiago for me was definitely a worthy challenge because of the simple fact that the guy is a great competitor and he beat a really good friend of mine.” 

The rematch between Rashad Evans and Quinton Jackson is slated to happen sometime in the first half of 2010. Just exactly how badly does he want to beat Jackson? “To be honest, I want to fight Rampage, but he’s not the champion. He doesn’t hold a victory over me.” Evans feels he is at the point where he was before even winning the belt for first time, and claims that what counts now is just enjoying the ride until he gets another shot at the championship title. “There are some things I want to work on my game that I want to get better at, and I’m in no hurry.”

However, following all the animosity between the two Season 10 coaches, Evans is eager to come out fighting. “I’m just ready to fight and look forward to getting in the cage with him. I just want to get into a scrap because I know he’s been talking trash, so let’s do it. There’s no better venue than in the octagon.”

(quotes from interview on Ringside Report Radio)

Listen to the Rashad Evans interview on Ringside Report Radio here