Footnotes for April in the World of MMA

After some positive feedback regarding our "Footnotes" piece for the month of March, MMACombat will compile one for every month going forward; please feel free to contribute to the discussion... adding any moments and/or highlights that caught your attention!

Georges St. Pierre defended against Jake Shields Apr30

• FRIDAY APRIL 1, UFC president Dana White announced that the promotion will begin to air additional fights on their myspace account as they continue to utilize social networking in order to expand their product and fanbase.

• Justin Wilcox continues his ascend up the lightweight ladder, completely dismantling Rodrigo Damm at Strikeforce - Challengers 15

• Bellator FC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez once again shows why he is the most dominate 155lbs force outside of Zuffa owned promotions; Alvarez defended his title against game challenger Pat Curran.

• Keith Jardine steps in on late notice and stifles Gegard Mousasi's momentum, and a shot at the light heavyweight title at Strikeforce - Diaz vs. Daley. The two fought to a controversial unanimous draw.

• The Reckoning at Casino Rama, in Orillia, Ontario, Canada, was the province's first legalized mixed martial arts event (Apr2). The evening was brought to you by Knockout Entertainment Canada.

• Wrestling standouts Ben Askren (170lbs) and Joe Warren (145lbs) kept their Bellator FC momentum going with wins in April. Heavyweight champion Cole Konrad will likely be the next title holder to compete for the promotion.

• The UFC announced that fan favorite Wanderlei Silva will make his return to the octagon at UFC 132 when he squares off with slugger Chris Leben.

• Rumors spiral about Fedor Emelianenko's potential debut at 205lbs against Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson. M-1 is hesitant to commit to light heavyweight, but Henderson has stated he would gladly accept a fight at heavyweight.

• Thiago Silva is given his punishment for failing a post UFC 125 urine test for banned substances; the Brazilian will have to re-apply for his license with the NSAC on January 2, 2011 and was handed a financial penalty of $33 750.

• Maximum Fighting Championship hosts Ontario, Canada's second legal MMA event at The Colosseum at Caesar's Windsor in Windsor, Ontario. MFC 29 was highlighted by Douglas Lima's brutal KO of UFC vet. Terry Martin.

• Anderson Silva vs. Yushin Okami is made official for UFC 134 in Rio, Brazil. Okami represents Silva's last defeat, albeit from disqualification (illegal upkick).

• Teammates Nick Diaz and Gilbert Melendez set the MMA world on fire when they defended their Strikeforce titles in thrilling fashion Apr9, in San Diego, CA. Shinya Aoki also managed his first win in North America.

• Ben Askren announces his intention to move to Milwaukee, WI to train under Duke Roufus at RoufuSport.

• Jake Ellenberger replaces Brian Foster vs. Sean Pearson at UFC 129; Ellenberger would steamroll through Pearson as he continues to impress the UFC brass at 170lbs.

• Shogun vs. Griffin II is booked for UFC - Rio as well. Forest Griffin was able to stop the surging Rua in his UFC debut via rear-naked choke, but rumors persisted that the Brazilian's health was not up to par heading into the contest.

• Former bantamweight champion Brian Bowles signs to meet Japanese slugger Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 132.

• Randy "The Natural" Couture announces his intention to retire, win, lose or draw after his bout with Lyoto Machida at UFC 129; Couture would fall short in his last UFC appearance as "The Dragon" managed a devastating KO in the second round.

• Former middleweight champion Rich Franklin signs on to face perennial top-10 light heavyweight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 133.

• The UFC announces that "Mr. Wonderful" Phil Davis will replace an injured Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans at UFC 133.

• Zuffa appeals to the Nevada State Athletic Commission for the use of television monitors for all ringside judges beginning with UFC 130 - Edgar vs. Maynard. The monitors are intended to provide a second vantage point in-case of obstructed views.

• Dana White announces that UFC legend Matt Hughes will take on TUF season one winner Diego Sanchez in a welterweight contest this fall; a date is yet to be determined.

• The UFC touches down in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, marking the promotion's first event inside Canada's most populous province. UFC 129 set several records, including live gate at +12 million and a live attendance record of 55 724.

• Jose Aldo successfully defends his title against game challenger Mark Hominick. Hominick took the Brazilian all five rounds despite early set-backs, including a dominate 5th that saw an eventful finish. Aldo however retains his title at featherweight, setting the stage for Chad Mendes later this summer.

• Georges St. Pierre once again defends his welterweight crown defeating challenger Jake Shields via unanimous decision. There are few names if any, deserving of the next crack at 170lbs, which has opened the doors to speculation that perhaps Zuffa will arrange a superfight with Strikeforce champion Nick Diaz.

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