UFC 142: Mike Pyle is fired up to fight in front of hostile crowd

Mike Pyle has fought all over the world, but even he admits tomorrow night at UFC 142, Rio de Janeiro could be unlike anything he's ever seen.

"We're fighting and we have to fight other countryman on their soil. That makes it fun. Get out there in some hostile territory," Pyle told ESPN1100/98.9 FM. "It's kind of different. You don't get booed and looked at in strange ways at home. It's cool. Makes me feel like a super villain."

Pyle won't be walking through the Rio crowd with complete unfamiliarity. He cornerd Forrest Griffin back at UFC 134 and saw how intense the Brazilians were that night.

"The energy was ... I just got chill bumps just now thinking about that night when we walked out, how intense the crowd was," Pyle said. "They were into it dude. I can't even put it into words. It was awesome."

Pyle, 36, has fought in Denmark, Russia and the U.K. This will be his first time in Brazil and he's facing Bahia, Brazil native Ricardo Funch. The American is coming off a quick loss against Rory MacDonald. He made sure to make some changes to get back on the right track.

Pyle added a new jiu-jitsu coach, Mitch Coats and Nate Pettit, who's serving as his main coach.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-142-mike-pyle-fired-fight-front-hostile-210437849.html

Dean Amasinger  Jimmy Ambriz Matt Andersen  Alex Andrade  Jermaine Andrè 

After three fights in the UFC, Barboza says he?s in the 155-pound title mix

Edson Barboza may be short on significant wins, but that isn't holding him back from saying he's a contender for the UFC lightweight title.

Barboza looks for fourth win with the promotion Saturday night against Terry Etim.

He's looking to build on dominant wins over Mike Lullo and Ross Pearson, and a tightly contested victory over Njokuani. Barboza was outlanded in that fight 72-46. The young Brazilian is feeling good about his start in the UFC.

"I think I'm already in the mix," Barboza told MMAjunkie.com.

Many would argue with Barboza, who has yet to face a top level grappler yet. That's a big factor considering the top of the division is filled with former college wrestlers like Frank Edgar, Clay Guida, Gray Maynard and Jim Miller.

Barboza (9-0, 3-0 UFC) explained further.

"Anyone who's in the UFC is there because they're very skilled. That's a fact. With every opponent, the more difficult the fight, and I'm working hard so I can always meet new, more difficult challenges on equal terms. I know I have it in me to do so."

His striking can be dynamic at times, but only if he matches it with high volume which he didn't do against Njokuani.

In Etim, he faces his most well-rounded opponent. The young Brit has four "Submission of the Night" bonuses, but he's far from a takedown artist. It'll be interesting to see if Barboza's aggression on the feet leaves his him in any vulnerable positions to set up a sub.

Watch UFC 142 right here on Yahoo! Sports

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Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/two-fights-ufc-barboza-says-155-pound-title-175017379.html

Gilbert Aldana  José Aldo  John Alessio  Houston Alexander Ricardo Almeida 

BLVD, Etnies, Hernandez, Indy, DC, and Paradise Videos

BLVD has a team session at the syndrome park. Etnies has a quick video of Kyle Leeper in the park. Joe Krolick has some Classic Clips with Evan Hernandez. Independent Bearings has a sick team montage. Strange Notes has a Six Pack with Steve Alba. DC has video from the NVRBRKN pop-up shop opening. paradise has a best of montage from 2011.

Source: http://theskateboardmag.com/blogs/templeton-elliott/2011/12/15/blvd-etnies-hernandez-indy-dc-and-paradise-videos/

Alex Andrade  Jermaine Andrè  Yoji Anjo  Tank Abbott Hiroyuki Abe