As reported in Sherdog:

A revised edition of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts were passed Thursday by the Association of Boxing Commissions via a majority vote at the ABC's annual conference.

The amended document, drafted by the ABC's MMA Chairman Dale Kliparchuk, New Jersey State Athletic Control Board Deputy Attorney Nick Lembo, ABC President Timothy Leuckenhoff and veteran referee "Big" John McCarthy, primarily provided clarifications to the already existing Unified Rules instituted in April 2001 that serve as a regulatory beacon for the sport throughout North America.

The motion to pass the revised document was introduced by Commissioner Gary Litchfield of Massachusetts, and Utah representative Bill Colbert seconded the motion.

Forty regulatory bodies were in attendance for the annual event, which convened state and tribal athletic commissions from the United States and Canada. The California State Athletic Commission and the Nevada State Athletic Commission, both known for regulating a large share of MMA events, did not have representatives in attendance.

Within the revised regulations, verbiage was added to further define what constitutes an illegal strike to the back of a competitor's head. The revised rules now distinguish the back of the head as the "crown of the head down the centerline of the skull into the spine, with a 1 inch variance to each side." This is commonly referred to as the "Mohawk" definition.

read full article >

MMAmadness' own Ryan McKinnell was on hand for media day before UFC 86 to interview Forrest Griffin.

MMAmadness' own Ryan McKinnell was on hand at media day before UFC 86 to interview UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

Former MMA referee "Big" John McCarthy may have retired from working in the UFC Octagon but he will be a color commentator for the July 19th "Affliction Banned" pay-per-view event, featuring the WAMMA heavyweight championship fight between the most lethal MMA heavyweight of all time, Russian M1 superstar legend Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko (27-1), and former UFC heavyweight champion Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia (24-4), live from Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Quote from Big John himself:

"As I enter a new chapter in my life, I look forward to demonstrating my love and passion for the MMA world in my new role at The Fight Network. It's a perfect fit for me and I can't wait to get started."

Good find DreamFighters.com.

It's pretty cool, and about 7 minutes long. Enjoy!

We owe our friends at DreamFighter.com for finding these! Thanks guys!

DreamFighters.com has learned that BJ is set to take on the winner of GSP vs. Fitch, at UFC 87. Penn recently told Fighters Club TV that he is set to move up to 170 to face the winner of UFC 87's Georges St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch contest.

It is reported that the fight, will take place at the UFC's annual New Year's Eve card this December 27th in Las Vegas, rumored to be a star studded card, as Wanderlei Silva has made it public he will be fighting on that card.

Penn also plans to retain his lightweight title and will likely face the winner of Kenny Florian vs. Roger Huerta, which also takes place at UFC 87, at a later date.

Thanks to Jason Perkins, at www.FightLine.com for the news release.

Found this interesting story in TopGunMMA:

As reported in MMAJunkie.com

Dan Henderson is beltless and on a mission to gain a middleweight or light heavyweight title. Unfortunately for Henderson that road back to a title shot could be a long and challenging one. The first fighter in his way will likely be Rousimar Palhares who impressed many with his latest submission win over UFC veteran Ivan Salaverry.

For Henderson, he was hoping for someone with more name recognition and feels a win against a UFC newcomer won't get him much closer to a title shot.

While a guest on TAGGRadio, Henderson commented on the potential match-up,

"I told [UFC officials] I was open to anything but to keep in mind that I wanted someone who would get me another shot at Anderson Silva.

[The UFC] got the weight class right, but I am not sure if [Palhares] is the right guy to get me another title shot right away.

It just depends on who you beat. If I beat three no name guys, it probably won't do much good. One big name guy will probably help quite a bit. I'm patient, but I know that I am getting a bit older. I might start asking for [bigger name opponents] pretty quick."

One big named matchup that has been on many people's minds is a fight between Henderson and Rich Franklin.

"Pretty much everyone has been asking me when I am going to fight him. I don't know, it's not up to me. That is definitely one fight the fans deserve to see."

Henderson says he is still set on capturing either belt and doesn't mind having to change weight classes in the process.

"I definitely want to go back and forth. I don't want to limit myself in possible match ups. That's one of the things I liked about PRIDE; they didn't really limit their fights by weight classes."

A win is most needed for Henderson, since rejoining the organization he is winless.

"At this point, I am pretty pissed off about my last two losses. I'm just happy to get back in there to beat somebody up."

Heath is currently on our radar here at Madness. With his fight against Lesnar fast approaching, I just cannot watch this video enough! I hope you all enjoy it AGAIN!