After the fight hit the mat, Ludwig tried to scramble and left his neck exposed to an extremely gritty veteran. Besides being rocked on the feet during an initial striking match, Neer also realized he had to keep busy:

“When I was on top of him I could feel blood trickle down my neck,” Neer said post-fight. “I didn’t know how bad the cut was above my eye, so I knew I had to finish him and finish quick. I saw an opening and got him.”

Since returning to the UFC in late 2001, Neer has gone 2-0, including a TKO against Keith Wisniewski last October.  Expect the former FMS product to receive another tough test in the lightweight division later this year, while he hopes to build his UFC resume (again).

Here is what he had to say recently:

“I’m feeling great about my knee already. I think another 10 days I’ll be 100-percent.

“I’m training boxing, I’m lifting weights, but I can’t train jiu-jitsu yet. But I think another 10 days and I’ll be training normally again.”

Dos Santos hopes to return sometime this spring/summer, when he’ll meet kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter, Alistair Overeem. Dos Santos captured the HW title by demolishing Cain Velasquez, while Overeem earned a shot when he destroyed former champion Brock Lesnar.

The UFC has a dream matchup between two skilled heavyweights that will look to stand and bang until someone ends asleep up on the canvas.

UFC heavyweight champion Junir Dos Santos’ statements regarding the Brazilian fans:

“It feels so great to be with the fans in Rio. I’ve only been champion for a short time, but this feeling (of support) will never get old. I love it. This is the first big UFC event of the year and it’s very important for us in Brazil, the fans in America and people everywhere.”

Featherweight champion Aldo also only had great things to say about his fellow country men.

“Wow! The way the fans were chanting my name, cheering, trying to get pictures with me, it was incredible. Everyone knows my story, how I grew up, and to make it to this type of stage feels great. Chad Mendes is a tough challenger, but this is the fight I’ve wanted for a long time. He’s the number one contender and I love the challenge.”

Even Mendes, an American fighter facing off against the beloved featherweight champion, received good fan support:

“I was surprised by how supportive the fans were. I didn’t expect to receive the cheers and I appreciated it. I think the fans realize how important this fight is for the featherweight division, for the UFC and for the sport. I’m ready to go and I know Jose is. I can’t wait to do this.”

The UFC has a long list of high-caliber Brazilian fighters — and a dedicated MMA fan base that is only growing — so it’s not a surprise to see the No. 1 MMA promotion again saw such a high turn out of Brazilian fans.

Maynard reportedly spent more than three weeks at Aldo’s camp, helping the UFC featherweight champion train for his fight against Chad Mendes. Maynard called Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas his home, but has trained at a number of gyms, including American Kickboxing Academy and Nova Uniao.

Here is what Maynard had to say about Aldo’s overall skillset:

“I knew he was good, but I had no idea he was as good as he is in every area. Really unbelievable, especially his takedown defense. That goes for all of Nova Uniao [Aldo's home gym] also. He’s really one of the most, if not the most complete fighter I’ve ever worked with.”

Aldo has remained undefeated in the WEC/UFC, and has quickly climbed the pound-for-pound rankings — a dominant win against Mendes will only help him gain more fans.

Mendes is a tough guy and skilled fighter, but I just don’t think he’s ready for someone like Aldo.

Hans Thompson, HDNet commentator, noted that the most recent DREAM fight on New Year’s Eve didn’t have the same flare as past events.

I would say that it didn’t have quite the luster that even last year’s event – which was a relatively small event – because although there were a lot of good fighters, a lot of them had been fighting on Dream events all year long. I didn’t have big expectations for the card, but it turned out to be an entertaining – if not long – night of fights.

In terms in size of the live audience, it looks the same as it did last year, but the absence of a major TV deal is a big obstacle for them. I think if they can get that sorted out, it will change the scale of the NYE shows and they might approach the scale of the shows in the past. But it’s a big if.”

JMMA is said to be dying — and it’s honestly very hard to argue against that — but DREAM has continued to do its best to keep things going. However, as MMA begins to explode in China, Singapore, and other parts of Asia in 2012, there is a good chance some of that will trickle back to Japan.

In addition to keeping its current stars active and successful, the next generation of Japanese fighters must begin to take the reigns.  We’ll see if changes can be made in 2012, as Japanese MMA fighters and promoters seek methods to

Shortly after it was announced Cris “Cyborg” Santos tested positive for a banned substance, the female MMA superstar issued an official statement.

Cyborg said she doesn’t take PEDs, and directed blame towards a supplement, though didn’t identify the product used.

“While I was preparing myself for my last fight I was having a difficult time cutting weight and used a dietary supplement that I was assured was safe and not prohibited from use in sports competition. It was never my intention to obtain an unfair advantage over Hiroko, mislead StrikeForce, the Commission or my fans. I train harder than any fighter in MMA and do not need drugs to win in the cage, and I have proven this time and time again! My only mistake is not verifying the diet aid with my doctor beforehand, and understanding that it was not approved for use in the ring. Unfortunately in the end I suffer the consequences and must accept the responsibility for my actions.”

If her story is true, it’s still important for professional athletes to always know what they are putting into their bodies at all times.

Cyborg also issued an apology:

“I would like to sincerely apologize to StrikeForce, the Zuffa organization, Hiroko Yamanaka and my fans for my failed drug test. I am ultimately responsible for everything I put in my body, and at the end of the day, there is no excuse for having a prohibited substance in my system.”

Unless Cyborg appeals and has her sentence reduced, the Brazilian Muay Thai specialist will have to serve a one-year suspension handed down by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).

Image courtesy of Esther Lin

Here are the results from Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine:

Main Card:

Luke Rockhold defeats Keith Jardine via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:26
Robbie Lawler defeats Adlan Amagov via TKO (knee and punches) – Round 1, 1:48
Muhammed Lawal defeats Lorenz Larkin via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:32
Tyron Woodley defeats Jordan Mein via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Tarec Saffiedine defeats Tyler Stinson via Split Decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

Prelims:

Nah-Shon Burrell defeats James Terry via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Gian Villante defeats Trevor Smith via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:05
Ricky Legere defeats Chris Spang via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Estevan Payan defefeats Alonzo Martinez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Cyborg reportedly tested positive for stanozolol — an anabolic steroid — during a urine test carried out by CSAC.

The news has turned women’s MMA upside down, as Cyborg is a pound-for-pound best in a relatively shallow talent pool.

Here is what CSAC Executive Officer George Dodd had to say in an official statement:

“Our primary concern is for the health and safety of fighters. Anabolic agents and other banned substances put not only the users of those agents at risk, but their opponents as well. The commission simply will not tolerate their use.”

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker also released a statement following the announcement:

“STRIKEFORCE has not seen the test results regarding Ms. Santos. However, we have a consistent and strong stance against any use of performance-enhancing drugs. We also have a long history of supporting effective drug testing of athletes by authorized regulatory bodies. Therefore, we will closely monitor the matter and will work with the California State Athletic Commission regarding any information we may be asked to provide. We also recognize that Ms. Santos has administrative process rights under California law and we hope that she is not prejudged before she has the opportunity to exercise such rights.”

There have been countless rumors and speculation regarding Cyborg’s possible PED use — and even if she appeals, MMA fans are already jumping off the bandwagon.

Sapp remains popular among the Japanese and Asian MMA community, and it should be a major event in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Gracie said he signed to participate in the “biggest” fight of his young 5-1 MMA career — as he looks to climb back into the UFC.

Sapp has become more of a joke among MMA fans as of late, and I fully expect Gracie to pick up a submission win. I expect the 33-year-old BJJ black belt to drag Sapp down to the ground and quickly either ground-and-pound or submit “the beast.”

I like the steps One FC and other Asian MMA organizations are making to help put on fun events and help fighter development.

As he prepares for a hopeful July Fourth weekend trip to the Octagon for one last time, the former champion has a couple of different opponents in mind.

“You know, Forrest, or I know everybody would like to see me against Chuck (Liddell) and, I don’t know,” Ortiz said when recently asked. “We will see what Lorenzo and Dana have to offer and see what they want to do. I’ll sit down with Lorenzo and Dana next week and let’s see, let’s make a fight, my last and let’s make a memorable one.”

Since submitting Ryan Bader via guillotine choke at UFC 132, Ortiz suffered back-to-back TKOs against Rashad Evans and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

I’m not sure who wants to honestly see Ortiz vs. Liddell III, but think a fight against Griffin or Rich Franklin could be fun. It’s not worth giving him an opponent that is close to a fight against Jon Jones, so we’ll see who the UFC has in mind for Ortiz.