Jens Pulver victorious at CCC 3 - photo by Joey Hill

Former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will now be fighting Brian Davidson at the May 27 Titan FC event.  The new fight will take place at a catch weight of 140lbs and still serve as the night’s main event.

Pulver was originally slated to take on Mike Powell, however Powell violated the terms of his contract and competed in an unauthorized fight in North Dakota.  Powell lost via TKO just a minute into the second round and as such, the Kansas Athletic Commission elected to no longer sanction the fight between Pulver and Powell.

Davidson last competed at Bellator 32 in October in what he had deemed a retirement fight to focus on teaching.  But less than a year into retirement, Davidson has chosen to come out of retirement to fight the legend in Pulver.

“Brian retired from active competition last year in order to focus on his duties as the head trainer at K2L/Grindhouse MMA. However, the offer to fight a legend in this sport on HDNet was too much for Brian to pass up,” said Titan Fighting CEO Joe Kelly. “Brian is a former world Tae Kwon Do champion and his unique striking style will make for an explosive fight.”

The full card for Titan FC now includes:

Jens Pulver vs Brian Davidson

Drew McFedries vs Darryl Cobb

Rory Markham vs Rudy Bears

Joe Wilk vs Jesse Zeugin

John Ott vs Mike Glynn

Bobby Cooper vs Nick Budig

Sean Wilson vs Deryck Ripley

Canadian fans will get to see some of the best talent in Chicago on May 21 when Chicago Cagefighting Championship 3 airs on The Fight Network.  Officials from CCC revealed the news of the broadcast on their official Facebook fan page.

CCC 3 took place on Saturday March 5 from the Odeum Sports Complex in Villa Park, Illinois.  Former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver headlined the card, while former WEC bantamweight champion Chase Beebe was the co-main event.

Several fighters whom have fought under the Chicago Cagefighting banner have caught the eye of national promotions and either will be fighting soon or recently fought for them.  The list includes:

Jens Pulver – Fighting for Titan Fighting Championship on May 27 (airs on HDNet)

Chase Beebe – Just earned his spot in the Bellator bantamweight tournament

Dennis Dombrow – Fought for Strikeforce

Mike Lullo – Signed to the UFC

Carson Beebe – Rumored participant on the next season of “The Ultimate Fighter”

Felice Herrig – Fought for Bellator

Read our full recap and results or browse our photogallery of the event.

Chicago Cagefighting Championship 3 took place on Saturday March 5 from The Odeum Sports Complex in Villa Park Illinois.  The event featured an all pro card with a main event of Jens Pulver taking on Wade Choate and a co-main event of Chase Beebe versus Steven Kinnison.  Read on for the recap of the event and the quick results.

Kicking off the night Jason Graves made his professional debut against PJ Cajigas.  Graves came out swinging hard and then quickly clinched Cajigas against the cage.  Graves had a smooth trip takedown to land in the mount.  Cajigas gave up his back and Graves immediately worked to get his hooks in as well as an arm under Cajigas’s neck.  Once the rear naked choke was secured, it was a mater of time before Cajigas was forced to tap.

Midwest Training Center’s Will Brooks took on Guillermo Serment in the second fight of the night.  Brooks looked for a touch of gloves, but Serment declined.  Brooks quickly rushed Serment and threw him to the ground.  Serment stood up, Brooks quickly grabbed a Muay Thai clinch and threw multiple knees.  The fighters separated and multiple times Brooks hurt Serment with strikes forcing Serment to attempt a takedown but was unable to get it.  Brooks started to find his range and Serment went to the ground.  Brooks quickly got his back and worked punches and elbows trying to get a choke.  Time ran out in a round that was very clearly for Brooks.  The second round started and Brooks landed an uppercut that buckled Serment’s knees.  Brooks again took Serment’s back, but this time was able to secure the choke and the tap.

Chris Haney took on Team Curran’s Joey Diehl in a rematch, only this time it was a professional fight instead of an amateur fight.  The first round Haney attempted a superman punch and over shot Diehl.  Diehl quickly worked for Haney’s back, but settled for side control.  Diehl worked elbow after elbow forcing Haney to try to escape.  Diehl was able to get the mount and again threw punches and elbows.  Diehl had a fantastic transition from mount to an armbar and the submission was in deep.  Haney was able to roll into it and finished the round in Diehl’s guard.  The start of the second round looked like both fighters wanted to stand and trade, however Haney shot for a takedown and Diehl quickly tied up a peruvian necktie.  Unable to get the choke, Diehl worked for a guillotine but Haney escaped and was in Diehl’s guard.  Diehl wanted to use a kimura from the bottom to sweep Haney, but Haney used the opportunity to get Diehl’s back and ultimately mount.  The back and forth grappling match continued as Haney nearly finished with an arm triangle choke.  Diehl escaped and Haney quickly transitioned to a triangle choke.  Diehl tried to escape, but Haney squeezed and continued the pressure giving Diehl his first loss of his professional career.

An early candidate for comeback of the year, Christian Reynoso overcame a devastating first round to secure an armbar early in the second and end the fight.  The first round started with Reynoso landing an illegal kick but Grindstaff quickly shook it off.  After the restart, Grindstaff landed a big right that dropped Reynoso.  Grindstaff quickly got the mount, but Reynoso stood up.  The fighters were clinched against the cage, and Grindstaff again took the fight to the ground.  Reynoso was able to tie up Grindstaff and prevent damage until the ref stood them up.  Again Grindstaff took the fight to the ground, but this time was able to avoid being tied up and landed many punches.  Reynoso looked for the early takedown at the start of the second, but was stuffed.  Grindstaff worked for a takedown of his own, but Reynoso locked in a guillotine choke.  The choke was in tight, but Grindstaff was able to pop his head out.  Reynoso quickly transitioned to an armbar and after a few adjustments got the tap he was looking for.

Prior to the fights, MMA Recap predicted that the fight of the night would belong to Eric Kriegermeier and Michael Santiago and the two did not disappoint.  The first round started with both fighters looking to throw bombs.  Santiago was able to get the fight to the ground and from there he landed punches in bunches and elbows galore.  Kriegermeier was visibly hurt as he had a cut above his eye and a mouse under the other.  Santiago clearly won the round with the sheer damage he was inflicting.  Like the first round, both fighters stood in the pocket to start the second round throwing massive punches.  Santiago again took the fight to the ground and had the dominant position.  Santiago had a crucifix and looked to finish the fight, but Kriegermeier was able to escape and pulled guard.  Santiago quickly passed to side control and attempted to throw a knee to the body.  Unfortunately Kriegermeier used the opportunity to slide out from under him and escape.  Kriegermeier grabbed a front headlock and then transitioned to Santiago’s back.  Kriegermeier flattened Santiago out and was landing big lefts and rights until Santiago’s neck was exposed and then squeezed to force a tap.

The undefeated Gilbert Grappling protege Carson Beebe took on Team Top Notch’s Giovanni Moljo.  Moljo started the fight with a flying knee as Beebe shot for a takedown.  Beebe shot for the takedown, but Moljo was able to secure an inverted triangle choke.  Beebe tried to escape, but Moljo held the choke until Beebe went to sleep and the fight was stopped.

After the intermission, middleweight fighters Dan Bolden and Mike Pitz were ready to throw leather.  Both fighters are known for their heavy hands and fans were expecting a knockout.  Bolden caught Pitz with a big right and Pitz looked for a takedown and got it.  Pitz worked short elbows before getting the mount.  Bolden was able to escape and both fighters stood up.  Pitz again got a takedown and while working to get mount landed an accidental knee to Bolden’s groin.  After the restart, Pitz again shot for a takedown, but Bolden was ready for it.  Bolden started unloading massive punches and nearly dropped Pitz.  Pitz got another takedown and rained down punch after punch.  The ref warned Bolden to do something.  Bolden tried to escape but caught up in a triangle choke and was forced to tap.

The women were up next as Team Curran’s Felice Herrig took on Andrea Miller.  Herrig came out with a push kick that sent Miller back.  Miller retaliated with a good stiff jab to Herrig’s nose that bloodied it up.  Herrig looked for leg kicks before clinching Miller against the cage.  Herrig dropped for a double leg takedown and got it landing in side control.  Herrig worked small strikes to set up the pass to mount.  Once in the mount Herrig threw punches and elbows over and over.  Miller covered up, but the strikes were relentless and the ref was forced to stop the action.

The co-main event of the evening featured former WEC bantamweight champion Chase Beebe taking on Steve Kinnison.  The three round fight was an all Beebe all the time performance.  The only thing doing more work than Beebe trying to pass from half guard to mount was Beebe’s elbow as the majority of his strikes were elbows.  In the second round Beebe landed a massive elbow that cut Kinnison above his eye.  More elbows were thrown by Beebe and the ref didn’t like the cut and asked the doctor to look at it.  Kinnison wanted to continue and showed a lot of heart.  Beebe easily took Kinnison to the ground in the third and again worked his elbows.  In the end, the judges had a very easy decision awarding the victory to Beebe.

The main event featured former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver taking on Wade Choate.  Pulver came out and stalked Choate through out the fight.  Both fighters were respectful of the other’s power.  The first round was a great back and forth round.  Pulver landed a big kick and winced after but it wasn’t evident what was going on right away.  The second round featured the two fighters circling and trading punches and kicks.  It was an extremely close round that could go either way.  The third round Choate became the aggressor and while Pulver was stalking Choate, it was Choate who was landing punch after punch.  When the fight was over, Pulver was visibly hurt and his left foot was extremely swollen.  The judges gave their score cards and it was a split decision for Pulver.

Quick Results

• Jason Graves defeated PJ Cajigas by rear naked choke at 0:31 of round 1
• Will Brooks defeated Guillermo Serment by rear naked choke at 0:45 of round 2
• Chris Haney defeated Joey Diehl by triangle choke at 3:39 of round 2
• Christian Reynos defeated Ray Grindstaff by armbar at 1:09 of round 2
• Eric Kriegermeier defeated Michael Santiago by rear naked choke at 3:48 of round 2
• Giovanni Moljo defeated Carson Beebe by inverted triangle choke at 0:52 of round 1
• Mike Pitz defeated Dan Bolden by triangle choke at 4:38 of round 1
• Felice Herrig defeated Andrea Miller by TKO at 3:30 of round 1
• Chase Beebe defeated Steve Kinnison by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Jens Pulver defeated Wade Choat by split decision 29-28, 28-29, 29-28

Chicago, Illinois – Chicago Cagefighting Championship will return to action on Saturday March 5 live at the Odeum in Villa Park, Illinois.  For the first time, the card will feature only professional fighters, highlighting the talent in the Chicagoland area.  The main event will feature former UFC champion Jens Pulver taking on Wade Choate and a co-main event of former WEC champion Chase Beebe going to battle against Steve Kinnison.

Pulver was a former UFC lightweight champion who is a fan favorite.  Pulver returned to the UFC in 2006 to become a coach on the fifth season of “The Ultimate Fighter”.  After suffering back-to-back losses as a lightweight fighter, Pulver made the drop to featherweight and moved to the WEC.  Pulver won his first fight against Cub Swanson and then ran into a streak of losses against top featherweights Urijah Faber, Josh Grispi, Javier Vasquez, Leonard Garcia and Diego Garijo.  Pulver snapped his six-fight losing streak in just 49 seconds by submitting Mike Lindquist at “XFO 38″.

Choate just snapped a five-fight losing streak of his own in August of 2010 with a win over Marco Davis at “United Cage Fighting: Unforgiven”.  Choate has been in the sport since 2003 and has fought some extremely tough regional competition including Matt Ambrose, Kevin English, and current UFC fighter Darren Elkins.  In his twenty five professional fights, Choate holds thirteen victories with the majority coming by way of submission.

Former WEC champion Beebe went 4-1 in 2010 stopping all four of his opponents in the first round.  Beebe’s lone loss came at the hands of Hiroyuki Takaya at Dream 16, a fight he took on short notice.  Beebe’s victories in 2010 include Billy Jochum, Jared McMahan, Wisconsin state champion Josh Kasee, and XFC champion Pablo Alfonso.

Kinnison will be dropping down to featherweight to take on the former champion Beebe.  Kinnison will have to deal with a bit of cage rust as his last fight was in April of 2010 where he defeated Midwest Training Center’s Ryan Williams.  Kinnison is a regional favorite holding victories over Tyler Combs, York Ash, and Ryan Bixler.  While Kinnison’s record is not a winning record, he has been inside the cage with top fighters including Jeff Curran, Jorge Gurgel, Roger Huerta, and Kurt Pellegrino.

Other notable names competing on the March 5 event include Felice Herrig, Dan Gilbert, Carson Beebe and Dennis Dombrow.  The full card is as follows:
Jens Pulver vs Wade Choate
Chase Beebe vs Steve Kinnisen
Felice Herrig vs Shimone Brooks
Dan Gilbert vs Frank Pizzirulli
Mike Pitz vs Dan Bolden
Mike Santiago vs Eric Kreigermier
Carson Beebe vs Giovanni Moljo
Dennis Dombrow vs Jeff LaValle
Chris Haney vs Joey Diehl
Christian Reynoso vs Ray Grindstaff
Dan Stittgen vs TBD
Will Brooks vs TBD

For more information on Chicago Cagefighting Championship visit their website at www.chicagocagefighting.com.  Fans of Chicago Cagefighting Championship on Facebook (facebook.com/chicagocagefighting) are treated to weekly contests featuring prizes of tickets, t-shirts, autographed memorabilia and more.  For tickets to the event visit the website or call 630-373-CAGE.

In a pre-fight interview, Jens Pulver said something along the lines of how he “forgot how to win” and that played a factor into his six-fight losing streak.  On Saturday night in front of just under 1,000 fans at XFO 38 inside a Harley Davidson store in Woodstock, Illinois, Pulver remembered how to win.

The fight against Mike Lindquist was not that long, lasting only 49 seconds.  And many would quickly assume that Pulver, the favorite, would have just destroyed Lindquist.  But that was not the case.  Lindquist came out swinging and forced Pulver to cover up.

Lindquist was relentless with his strikes and tried to out grapple Pulver which proved to be the wrong gameplan for Lindquist.  Pulver used his strength and leverage to get Lindquist to the ground and take the back.

Pulver quickly worked for the rear naked choke and Lindquist was forced to tap.  The entire fight can be viewed using the video below. (Available in 720p HD)

XFO 38 was held on Saturday January 22 at Woodstock Harley Davidson in Woodstock, Illinois.  The night of action saw four professional fights and nineteen amateur bouts.  Jens Pulver took on Mike Lindquist in the night’s main event.  Read on for the full recap of the professional card and quick results of all fights.

The first professional fight of the night saw Midwest Training Center’s Will Brooks making his pro debut against JR Hines.  Hines was trying to work feints to set up his jab, but Brooks quickly shot in for the takedown and dumped Hines on his back.  Brooks worked relentlessly from half guard to pass to the mount.  Once he was able to get the mount, Brooks rained down punches and elbows.  Hines tried to spin out to give up his back, but Brooks continued the punches and forced the ref to stop the action.

Team Curran’s Joey Diehl made his pro debut against Dexter Wright.  Wright started the fight landing his jab first, but Diehl was countering his strikes.  Diehl landed a leg kick and Wright went for a counter, but Diehl took Wright down.  Diehl transitioned from side control to mount.  He then postured up, landed a big right hand and Wright gave up his back.  Diehl quickly looked for the rear naked choke and after an adjustment was able to force Wright to tap.

The co-main event featured Tom Ahrens taking on Mike Corey.  The three round fight was all Corey all the way.  The first round Corey used his strikes to set up a takedown.  Once on the ground Corey worked knees to the body from within half guard.  Ahrens scrambled to escape, but Corey was able to get his back.  Corey couldn’t secure a choke and both fighters stood.  Corey worked for a standing kimura and couldn’t get it.  As time was running out, Corey took Ahrens down again and finished the round with strikes.  The second round Ahrens tried to take Corey down and was successful.  Corey quickly reversed the position and stood up.  Corey landed a high kick forcing Ahrens to attempt a takedown.  Corey looked for a guillotine, but settled for landing within Ahrens’s guard.  Corey worked small strikes and elbows as time ran out.  The third round Corey was able to land strikes almost at will.  Corey landed three head kicks that should have sent Ahrens to the canvas.  Big credit to Ahrens’s chin.  Corey took the fight to the ground and was relentless with his strikes as Ahrens really had no answer.  In the end, the judges all scored the bout for Corey.

The main event saw Jens Pulver make his return to the cage as he took on Mike Lindquist.  Lindquist was able to catch Pulver with a big punch to start the fight.  Pulver quickly covered up but was able to recover.  The two fighters scrambled for position and Pulver was able to end up on Lindquist’s back.  Pulver worked for a rear naked choke and synched it in forcing Lindquist to tap.

Professional Quick Results
Will Brooks defeated JR Hines by TKO at 2:09 of round 1
Joey Diehl defeated Dexter Wright by rear naked choke at 2:53 of round 1
Mike Corey defeated Tom Ahrens by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-26, 30-26
Jens Pulver defeated Mike Lindquist by rear naked choke at 0:49 of round 1

Amateur recap article will be up on Monday January 24.

Amateur Quick Results
Timmy LaGray defeated Richard Martin by TKO at 1:43 of round 3
Vince Romadine defeated Jake Gilski by rear naked choke at 1:38 of round
Tyler Reece defeated Mike Blake by TKO at 0:14 of round 1
Andre Felicano defeated Zach Tuneberg by guillotine choke at 0:48 of round 1
Scott Goldberg defeated Mike Upson by armbar at 0:09 of round 1
Zak Ottow defeated Kyle Schlise by knee choke at 1:26 of round 2
Johnny Otzleberger defeated Mikey Philllips by TKO at 0:21 of round 1
Phil Williams defeated Kevin Switalla by unanimous decision
David Williams defeated Brett Hedrington by TKO at 0:48 of round 1
Bobby defeated Brian Giles by TKO at 0:46 of round 1
Talin Bostic defeated Brian Tomac by TKO at 1:32 of round 1
John Fuller defeated Jason Bottenhagen by rear naked choke at 1:36 of round 2
Tommy LaGray defeated Nick Santiago by keylock at 1:45 of round 2
Cory Price defeated Don Singleton by unanimous decision
Antonio Luna defeated Nick Horne by rear naked choke at 0:39 of round 1
Cory Galloway defeated Jerad Karlen by triangle choke at 2:22 of round 1
Kenny Booker defeated Asmar Pace by KO at 2:24 of round 1
Daniel Szwab defeated Tony Campen at 0:14 of round 1
Robert Couillard defeated Darius Yancy at 0:23 of round 1

The name Daniel Villanueva won’t be familiar to almost every mma fan.  But undoubtedly you have seen his work on fighters like Jeff Curran and Bart Palaszewski.  Villanueva is the barber who shaves the awesome designs into their heads before a fight and MMA Recap’s Brent Todd caught up with him to discuss his career as a barber and his clients.

How long have you been a barber for?
I’ve been cutting hair since I was 13 years old. I started as a teenager in my neighborhood with family and friends. Started in moms the kitchen and then ended up in the basement.

Who are some of your clients that we’ve seen your work on?
A few clients of mine that you may have seen are Jeff Curran, Bart Palaszewski, and Jens Pulver.

What prompted you to try and put a logo on the side of someone’s head?
I would do designs on peoples heads when I was younger so when the before mentioned gentlemen asked if I could put a logo on their head you know I had to be down for the challenge.

What was your favorite design to do and who was it on?
Bart Palaszewski Team Curran logo, Suckerpunch and Alienware.

What has been the most complicated design?
Jeff Curran’s keltic cross was my most difficult because  he is such a perfectionest.

When I met you, you mentioned how excited you were to be able to get to work with Jens Pulver.  I saw that he has his mohawk back.  Was that something you were excited about doing?
Yes most definitely. Jens Pulver is a legend in the sport and the first to rock the mohawk and graphics.

What other things were you thinking of shaving into Jen’s head?
His nickname Lil’ Evil.

How much time does it take for you to complete a piece such as Bart’s HeadRush?
Two hours give or take.

If you could work with any athlete in the world, which one would it be and why?
I would have to say Micheal Jordon hands down. He is the epitome of a master of his craft always inspired by his talent.

Have you ever had a piece go wrong and if so what did you do?
Yes, I improvise when it happens because once the hair is gone it isn’t coming back.

The XFO is coming up on the 22nd, will we see your work there?
Absolutely a few of the guys from Team Curran will be sporting some of my graphics.

How can people who are interested in your services find you?
You can find me on Facebook Daniel Villanueva or you can contact me by Phone # 1(224) 629-3439 Fadez & Bladez website coming soon!!!!

Anyone you want to thank or give a shout out to?
Shout outs to my team first and foremost Fadez & Bladez Big Tito, Dewone, Lil’ Ride Rudy. All of Team Curran , Jeff Curran, Matt Ortiz, Bart Palaszewski, Dan Lardy And last but not least to all the people that support Fadez & and Bladez Barbershop.

For those fans who are unable to watch Jens Pulver take on Mike Lindquist at XFO 38 tonight live in person, there is an alternative.  Both Jens’s personal website www.jenspulver.com and Alienware’s mma page www.alienwarearena.com/mma will be streaming his fight.  The fight is scheduled to take place around 8:30pm CST.

Pulver has been getting a lot of recognition for this fight after amassing a six-fight losing streak.  The former UFC champion recently moved to Team Curran in Crystal Lake, Illinois to turn his career around.

Lindquist is also riding a losing streak into this fight, but hopes to build a name for himself off a victory over Pulver.  Lindquist trains out of Assassin Martial Arts in Cambridge, Illinois and has fought inside a cage nearly 40 times.

Crystal Lake, Illinois - Xtreme Fighting Organization has announced their main event for XFO 38 “Supremacy”.  Former UFC champion Jens “Lil Evil” Pulver will be taking on the number five-ranked featherweight in Illinois, Mike Lindquist.

XFO 38 takes place at Woodstock Harley Davidson in Woodstock, Illinois.  Tickets start at just $35 for general admission and can be purchased at Curran Martial Arts.

Pulver has hit a skid in his career having lost his last six fights.  Five of those six fights happened in the now merged WEC against top fighters, Urijah Faber, Leonard Garcia, Josh Grispi, and Javier Vazquez.  In an interview with MMA Recap, Pulver stated that all he wants for his next fight is to be coached.  Shortly after, Pulver packed up all of his belongings and moved to Team Curran Martial Arts in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Lindquist is a very experienced fighter with nearly 40 professional fights.  Lindquist trains out of Assassin Martial Arts in Cambridge, Illinois.  Lindquist is riding a four-fight losing streak into the fight with Pulver.  Lindquist has never been out of the second round, win or lose, so this fight will no doubt have an exciting finish.

XFO 38 is scheduled to have six professional fights and up to fifteen amateur bouts.

photo via Suckerpunch

Hot off the heels of XFO 37 “Road To Glory”, Xtreme Fighting Organization has announced their next pro-am show.  The event is scheduled to take place on January 22 at Woodstock Harley in Woodstock, Illinois.

No fights have been announced yet but possible names being looked at include Jens Pulver and Jeff Curran.

More details will be released shortly.

Image via Suckerpunch Entertainment’s facebook page