According to recent reports, The Fight & Entertainment Group (FEG), the minds behind PRIDE Fighting Championships, Sengoku, and DREAM, have been put in a bit of a financial predicament.

MMA Junkie reports that the compny’s assets and liabilities are under review as an internal review has been conducted by PUJI Capital, an investment bank in Shanghai that has funded the operations of FEG.

To briefly summarize why they’ve struggled financially, income has decreased in a multitude of ways while expenses have increased, and thus it’s been difficult for the company to pay its fighters for their performances in the cage.

The general consensus is that should PUJI be unable to raise the $230 million necessary to keep the company alive at least through 2011, the FEG could crumble before our very eyes.

What this would mean is that with the FEG on the verge of collapsing, K-1 and DREAM would also fold, while World Victory Road, the company responsible for the Sengoku Raiden Championship, and others could pick up the pieces.

Who’s to say the UFC would be an exception?

Think about it for a second, in hypothetical terms:

Let’s pretend you’re Dana White, the man who not only picked the UFC back up when there was debate over MMA as a sport, but also turned it into the first thing people talk about when they think of MMA.

You’re the reason why people unfamiliar with the sport of Mixed Martial Arts see the sport and automatically think UFC, and your company is a global phenomenon.

Abu Dhabi, Ireland, England, Texas, California, Canada, Massachusetts, Nevada, Australia—any place in the modern era that gives even a blunt penny’s worth a damn about a big-fight atmosphere—you’ve been there and you’ve made yourself an impact by putting on a hell of a show.

After making such an impact in all those places, you figure still that global expansion is the way to keep the company and the sport growing, and obviously you know about PRIDE, and you know about DREAM.

Most of all, you not only know that FEG needs a bankroll on your level in order to even survive the next year, but you also remember that the crowds in Japan are some of the most reverent crowds in all of MMA.

So the question is, if you’re Dana White or one of the Fertita Brothers, and you’re aware of what might happen if that nine-figure amount isn’t raised by PUJI by the end of the first quarter of 2011, why wouldn’t you want to jump on it?

I mean, Dana white has talked about expanding outside of the U.S. to other countries, and he’s already making progress with it, what with all the events he’s had in the UK, plus UFC 99 in Germany, UFC 110 in Australia, and UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi, not to mention the events he’s had in Canada.

Of course, the UFC has not lost its feel for its American crowds either, considering that some of its most memorable events were held in Las Vegas or California.

Plus the company has had two events in Texas, its has made its mark in Memphis, touched on Ohio, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

So why not try to make Japan a regular spot for the UFC’s most solid action?

The UFC has not been to the Land of the Rising Sun since the third Saturday in December of 1997, so this would actually be a return to Japan for them.

Obviously, a place like this where guys like Yoshihiro Akiyama and Yushin Okami first started off their careers would be a great area in which to expand the UFC’s territory. I’m sure the fights Joe Silva could come up with for an event in Japan would make the event a must-see in UFC history.

One other reason White might consider jumping on a situation like this should FEG’s troubles worsen is the K-1 and DREAM rosters.

Yeah, on the surface, it may seem like their only big name is Shinya Aoki, as everyone else is either not as established as Aoki or they’re on loan to DREAM from Strikeforce, but that’s not necessarily a flaw.

The UFC doesn’t just take guys who have built a reputation as a big deal in other organizations like PRIDE, Affliction, and Strikeforce.

The organization realizes like we do that as talented as the top five guys in a division are, it’s usually the new face we know nothing about that winds up making the biggest impact.

Sure, Aoki is one of the three best lightweights in the world right now, and the UFC would capitalize on this as much as they did on Shogun, Anderson Silva, or Rampage Jackson, but Aoki isn’t all of DREAM.

There’s also guys like Melvin Manhoef, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and others in DREAM now that could make waves in the UFC if White wants them.

As for the Featherweights and would’ve-been Bantamweights, including DREAM’s Featherweight Champion Bibiano Fernandes, the WEC could have a field day with some of these guys if Reed Harris could sign a former DREAM Featherweight or Bantamweight.

Case in point: Bellator’s Joe Warren, who will fight at DREAM 16 regardless of whether or not he beats Joe Soto for the Bellator Featherweight Title tomorrow night.

As for K-1, the UFC would have a good time with some of the guys from lightweight and up, because K-1 fighters usually have some pretty sick standup skills and thus would only need to incorporate some more of the ground game for MMA.

Keep in mind, while you rarely ever see wrestlers and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu aces in K-1, they do make their way to the K-1 ring and actually don’t do too badly.

The other incorporation the new fighters would need, is the use of the cage in their game plan. But some fighters may not be very acquainted to the cage, so that may take time.

The bottom line here is that should FEG have to fold by the end of Dynamite! 2010, K-1 and DREAM go down with it, and thus both promotions’ fighters are on the market for any organization in the world.

Unquestionably, some of these guys have left no doubt that they are the best on the Japanese circuit, and they’ve proven themselves to be among the best fighters in the world.

That is what you’re looking for, right Dana?

You are looking for the best fights in MMA featuring the best fighters in MMA, yes?

Some of those talents you can find in DREAM, but let’s not jump the gun here.

DREAM hasn’t folded, nor has the FEG made it public that their last show will be the next Dynamite! show.

The FEG is still with Strikeforce, and is still holding some of that tough, top-tier talent that could leave the fans of the sport talking for a long, long time.

Don’t call it a run until we get past DREAM 16, because by then the FEG could be on its way to showing hope for a run in 2011.

Should it not, however, Dana White had better pick some of these guys up, and fast.

Some of these guys are still young, and there’s no telling how big they might become if they signed with MMA’s biggest organization.

If FEG folds and Dana misses out, however, he could be missing out on a talent that could have been one of his future UFC Champions.

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Courtesy of :Bleacher Report – UFC

Frankie Edgar Defeats B.J. Penn By Unanimous Decision

What Happened

This bout was marred by déjà vu.

Edgar utilized a lot of footwork and angles to keep Penn guessing on the feet. The blend of solid striking and strong takedowns proved that Edgar belongs at the top of the Lightweight hierarchy. Penn put forth more offensive effort this time out, infact, he even scored a few takedowns himself.

Edgar showed great scrambling abilities as he continued to fight out of bad situations.

At one point, Penn was close to positioning himself in full mount. Edgar proved defiant as he somehow managed to scramble free from one of the best BJJ artists in the sport.

In the third round, Penn completely broke down.  As Edgar imposed his will, Penn seemed disinterested in the fact that he was behind. There was never any urgency as he dropped another unanimous decision.

Next for Edgar

A rematch with Gray Maynard lies in the not so distant future for Edgar. Many see Maynard as Edgar’s kryptonite. We’ll soon see if Edgar can overcome the bigger, stronger wrestler that dominated him in April 2008.

Next for Penn

This is the biggest question of all. If there has ever been a question about B.J. Penn, it’s always been his heart.

Is B.J. motivated? How bad does he want this? There has always been an inescapable aura surrounding him. He never had to go out of his way. He’s B.J. Penn! He can beat anybody.

Every pound for pound great has shown an ability to overcome the odds. Georges St. Pierre overcame a broken nose and damaged eye in his bout with Penn at UFC 58. Penn dominated St. Pierre in the first round. St. Pierre came back with a vengeance and took the second and third rounds.

At UFC 117, Anderson Silva was taken down repeatedly and effortlessly murked on by Chael Sonnen. In the final round, Silva managed to catch Sonnen with a fight-ending triangle choke.

Fedor Emelianenko has had plenty of scraps. At Pride 26, he was completely rocked during an exchange with Kazuyuki Fujita. Emelianenko survived and ended the bout with a rear naked choke

Penn has never truly had that moment. He is either dominating or losing. St. Pierre once talked about Penn’s weakness as being an inability to look within himself for problems. He always wants to blame everybody else.

During the UFC 118 interviews, Penn talked about Edgar dancing for the judges to “steal the decision” at UFC 112. What about his own lack of aggressiveness? What about him losing on a lot of exchanges?

To be better, you have to make yourself better first.

Penn really needs to take time to piece everything together in his head. He could choose to retire, but if not, it would be great to see a motivated B.J. Penn back in the fold. It could prove beneficial for Penn to train with more emphasis on his grappling.

Can you imagine Penn training with Georges St. Pierre and Rashad Evans to work on some offensive wrestling?

That may be an option for him to seek. Antonio Banuelos is not going to prepare him for an elite level Lightweight like Edgar.

As for future fights, a rubber match with Matt Hughes still lingers out there.

Randy Couture Submits James Toney By Round 1 Arm Triangle

What Happened

In the night’s circus bout, James Toney was a prime example of the consequences for competing against elite level opposition in a foreign sport. Couture didn’t even have to work for the single leg. Toney immediately tumbled once his leg was raised two inches from the ground. On top, Couture blasted Toney’s cranium with unanswered punches before ending the bout with an arm triangle at 3:19 in the first round.

Next for Couture

This will hopefully be the last of the “freak” fights for Couture. I don’t want to wake up one morning and see that Couture is fighting Shaquille O’Neal at UFC 125: When Worlds Collide. Couture should get back on track to more serious business.

The winner of Tito Ortiz and Matt Hamill at UFC 121 could be his next opponent.

Next for Toney

Toney deserves some respect for actually stepping into the octagon, and that’s more than I can say for other loudmouth Boxers trashing MMA. This was a great ride for Toney. Under the spotlight, he was actually relevant again.

Unfortunately for him, the ride is over. It’s time for Toney to return back to his own sport.

Demian Maia Defeats Mario Miranda By Unanimous Decision

What Happened

Demian Maia showcased superior grappling and improved ground and pound in his lopsided bout with Mario Miranda. Many thought Miranda would be done for once Maia took the fight to the ground. Afterall, Maia is considered by many as the most dangerous BJJ artist in the sport.

Miranda showed tremendous resilience as he avoided countless submission attempts throughout the fight.  Too bad he didn’t have the same resilience towards defending takedowns.

Maia was able to snag takedowns at will. Miranda’s only offense was resilience as he remained helplessly on his back for all three rounds.

Next for Maia

With this win, Maia proves that he still has a place amongst the Middleweight elites. A bout against the winner of Nate Marquardt/Rousimar Palhares or Alan Belcher could be next.

Maia was originally scheduled to fight Belcher at UFC Fight Night on September 15, but Belcher had to pull out due to an eye injury. The fight was moved up and Miranda stepped in as a replacement.

Next for Miranda

Miranda definitely deserves another shot after stepping up to fight Maia on short notice. Chris Leben, John Salter, Mark Munoz and Kendall Grove are all available candidates.

Gray Maynard Defeats Kenny Florian By Unanimous Decision

What Happened

For years, fans have questioned Florian’s ability to defend the takedown. The answer remained a resounding no at UFC 118. Gray Maynard bullied Florian around for three rounds with constant takedowns and unyielding top control. This fight really brought back memories of Florian’s decision loss in his championship showdown with Sean Sherk at UFC 64.

The problem didn’t fall completely on Florian’s inability to stop the shot. Florian was hesitant on the feet and helpless from his back. The first three minutes in the bout resembled a staring contest, where neither fighter wanted to be the first to engage. Even when Florian was clearly behind on the scorecards, he remained hesitant in pushing the pace or showing any form of urgency.

From his back, Florian was ineffective in setting up sweeps, submissions, or opportunities to scramble. Maynard was able to control him and ride out the unanimous decision.

Next for Florian

Florian really needs to work on his wrestling and guard game. Despite being a BJJ black belt, Florian has never shown a significant guard. This will have to change if he ever wishes to brandish UFC gold.

It’s back to the drawing board as Florian hopes to rebound from this upset. Tyson Griffin and George Sotiropoulos both make for interesting opponents.

Next for Maynard

Finally, Gray Maynard will cash in on a much deserved Lightweight title shot. Frankie Edgar has improved, but you have to like Maynard’s chances considering his dominant win over Edgar at UFC Fight Night 13.

Nate Diaz Submits Marcus Davis By Round 3 Guillotine Choke

What Happened

Marcus Davis demonstrated little to no head movement in his third round submission loss to Nate Diaz. For three rounds, Diaz used Davis’s head for target practice. It wasn’t a pretty sight afterwards, as Davis’s face looked like it had just gone through a meat grinder.

Next for Diaz

Diaz has made it known that he’s interested in dropping back down to Lightweight, which could be a good decision. In his losses to Gray Maynard, Joe Stevenson, and Clay Guida, Diaz has shown problems in the past when dealing with strong wrestlers. With fighters like Georges St. Pierre, Jon Fitch, and Josh Koscheck running the Welterweight division, Diaz may want to keep trying his luck at Lightweight.

Next for Davis

Davis has to really improve his head movement, footwork, and offensive/defensive Boxing techniques. How many times do you have to get punched in the face before you start blocking and moving your head? At 37 years old, the window of opportunity is closing fast for Davis. The UFC could either release him or continue feeding him to younger talent.

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Courtesy of :Bleacher Report – UFC

With UFC 118 firmly in the history books fans, fighters and the media have had a chance to digest what went down at the UFC’s debut show in Boston. 

The PPV was nothing more than solid with no real fireworks from any of the main card fights except for the Diaz vs. Davis fight. The main event did at least provide the major talking point from the event as Frankie Edgar outclassed B.J. Penn through five rounds to defend his Lightweight title. 

With all talk in the build being about how Edgar’s win at UFC 112 was a fluke and how BJ was going to regain his rightful place at the top of the 155lbs division, the result was a surprise. It was not an upset but the nature of how Edgar outworked and outclassed Penn on route to a deserved 50-45 win on all three of the judges score cards was a shock for most followers of MMA. 

With Edgar remaining the UFC Lightweight Champion at UFC 118 the future of the division has become very interesting. So lets take a look at the lay of the land at Lightweight.

UFC Lightweight Champion Edgar already has his next opponent and title defense lined up.

Gray Maynard, who also fought on the UFC 118 card, was victorious over the top ranked Kenny Florian to earn a crack at the title. Maynard is undefeated as a professional and moved his record to 10 wins with one no contest.

Maynard is the only fighter who holds a victory over Edgar back at UFC Fight Night 13 and he is a genuine threat to the champion. Maynard has the ability to shut down and neutralize the quicker Edgar and grind on him for three rounds.

He may be boring to watch for some fans but there is no denying Maynard deserves his shot. Expect to see this fight fairly soon, likely on a December card or the first PPV of 2011. 

With Edgar vs Maynard set, lets look at their opponents from UFC 118.

B.J. Penn’s future has become very interesting. The once dominant champion was seemingly undefeatable at Lightweight and was set to rule the division for as long as he desired. However with two back to back losses the aura has gone. 

Penn’s first loss to Edgar can be contested but his second cannot and the nature of the loss means that he now has to be a few fights away from a title shot.

Penn needs a test and then a contender fight if he is to stay at 155 lbs.

There has been talk here on B/R that he should face Clay Guida. It’s a potentially great fight but I just don’t see the motivation for Penn and motivation is something he desperately needs. Give Guida to Joe Lauzon who returned victoriously at UFC 118. 

I say give BJ Takanori Gomi. Gomi is fresh off a win, it is an easy sell to fans and it would provide a great co-main event to a PPV card. 

Finally talk of Penn returning to 170 lbs is just talk, with Georges St. Pierre as champion and such a deep division expect Dana White and Joe Silva to keep Penn from moving divisions again if they can.

Florian finds himself in a much tougher situation then Penn does. Florian is undoubtedly a top talent, but he seems to crumble when faced with a true test or when something is on the line. 

Two failed title shots and now a loss in a No. 1 contender fight leave Florian in limbo. He will most likely bounce back but he needs another substantial win streak to regain momentum and he most hope that Edgar beats Maynard. 

Florian needs a tough fight and there are a number of contenders out there who would love to add his name to their resume. 

If Joe Silva feels nasty then George Sotiropoulos would be a big test for Florian. If not then a fight in early 2011 against Kurt Pellegrino who is also coming off a loss could be a great fight. 

Outside of UFC 118 there are number of upcoming fights at lightweight to look forward to that will shape the future of the division. 

I’ve already mentioned top contender Sotiropoulos will be looking for a fight as his last fight was back at UFC 116. The Australian is on a seven fight win streak and is likely only one big name win away from a title shot. He will be desperate to face Florian.

His defeated opponent at UFC 116, Pellegrino is out until 2011 with an injury but will be looking to bounce back in the new year as he remains a top contender. 

Fast approaching is the Fight Night card on September 15th which will see a number of top Lightweights in action.

TUF Season 9 winner Ross Pearson will take on fellow TUF alumni Cole Miller. Pearson is 3-0 in the UFC and has shown improvement in every fight. Miller will be a real test of his ground game, but should Pearson emerge then he will enter the upper end of the division. 

Also on the card is the fighter no one seems to talk about, Jim Miller. Miller’s only loss in the UFC is to Gray Maynard and he is currently on a four fight win streak. Miller will face Gleison Tibau on September 15th in what should be a great fight.

The winner of this fight is right in the mix at 155 lbs. 

At UFC 119 another rising prospect Evan Dunham will take on former champion Sean Sherk.

Dunham is 11-0 and with a win over Sherk his case for a title shot would also be growing. Sherk will be looking to curb the youngsters rise and reinstate himself in the Lightweight picture after a lengthy layoff. 

Also on the 119 card is Melvin Guillard vs Jeremy Stephens. Both are rapidly rising in the division and forming nice little win streaks. The winner of this fight will be on the cusp of the top tier in the division.

As you can see the emerging contenders at lightweight are plentiful and with even more exciting match ups to look forward to I am sure more will emerge.

Finally now that you have digested everything that is going on at Lightweight, here are the other future fights that have caught my eye.

UFC 120: Spencer Fisher vs Kurt Warburton (UFC debut for the highly regarded Warburton).

UFC 121: Paul Taylor vs Sam Stout (This has Fight of the Night written all over it).

Plus the fighters that currently are not booked but should not be forgotten about in the 155 lbs weight class.

Tyson Griffin – losses to Dunham and Gomi have knocked him back. Still a tough fighter though.

Rafael dos Anjos – injured in loss to Guida at UFC 117, look for a strong return in 2011.

Terry Etim – loss at UFC 112 broke four fight win streak, will be set to return once injury is healed.

Joe Stevenson – not fought since loss at UFC 110, currently injured. 

Nik Lentz – Won last weekend at UFC 118. Needs to continue improving, expect and early 2011 fight.

There you have it folks. Let me know your thoughts. Where does B.J. Penn go from here? Is Guida really a good fight for him? What about Ken Flo? Which fight are you most looking forward to in the Lightweight Division. 

Cheers.

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Courtesy of :Bleacher Report – UFC