When the upstart Bellator Fighting Champ- ionships organization decided to hold its first-ever heavyweight tournament during the upcoming third season, many speculated that it would feature the same mix of prospects, journeymen looking for a shot at glory, and established names with a bit of an international flare thrown in. Heavyweight UFC veteran Neil "Goliath" Grove fits the bill as the established name and also as an international talent, hailing from England by way out South Africa, where he played semi-pro rugby before moving to England and taking up karate under a judo sensei that would ultimately lead him to his fighting life in MMA. MMASpot.net was recently able to catch up with the mammoth heavyweight at his home in England, where he will be until he travels to the U.S. for the first time next month to fight in front of Americans for the first time.

Top level collegiate wrestlers are no strangers to the world of mixed martial arts, with world champions like Brock Lesnar, “King Mo” Lawal, and Frankie Edgar having graced wrestling mats before ever dreaming of competing in MMA. These days, it seems as though collegiate wrestling has become sort of a minor league for the sport. The latest addition to this crop of amateur-wrestlers-turned-mixed-martial-artists is Lance Palmer, a four-time All-American during his time at Ohio State and the 2010 Big Ten champion at 149 pounds. Although Palmer only recently announced his intentions to enter MMA, he has been planning the move for some time now.

Coming off what many consider the "Fight of the Night" victory over James Brasco at last weekend's World Extreme Fighting event in Kissimee, Fla., Elijah Harshbarger took time out of his increasingly busy schedule to answer questions with MMA Spot's Chris Dennison. A student-turned-colleague of decorated Brazillian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts trainer, Master Lloyd Irvin, Harshbarger heads his own Irvin affiliate gym, Gold Medal Grappling in Woodbridge, Va. Fresh out of the cage and back to preparing his own team of fighters, the rising welterweight spoke about his big win, steroid allegations, and what it is like to run his own gym—as well as explaining what exactly "Ameri-jitsu" is.

Back at home, in England, Bellator’s recently defeated Rosi Sexton sits down with MMA Spot’s Andrew Yount to discuss the loss that came at the hands of Zoila Frausto at Bellator 23. Although she has been replaced in next season’s women’s tournament by Frausto, the widely talented Sexton keeps her focus on the future. In addition to her loss, Sexton offered her take on Chris Cyborg, Bellator's commitment to women's MMA, and her studies outside of the cage.

On the eve of two very important events for the Holland-based mixed martial arts promotion, M-1 Global's Director Of Operations Evgeni Kogan sat down with MMA Spot's C.M. Holden to discuss the significance of both cards for the organization, for the eagerly awaiting fans, and for the growth of the sport as a whole.  In the San Jose, Calif., at "Strikeforce/M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Werdum" the world's arguably best pound-for-pound fighter, WAMMA Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko faces his next challenge in the Brazilian grappling superstar Fabricio Werdum.  In Atlantic City, at "M-1 Selection 2010: Americas Second Round" up-and-coming fighters vie for a spot in the tournament finals and the hope for international recognition.  Kogan gave his take on a variety of subjects, including Emelianenko's newly found political aspirations, the possibility of Werdum being overlooked, as well as the importance of both building burgeoning talent and contributing to the future of MMA.

On Saturday June 26 in San Jose, Calif. one of the most popular and highly regarded fighters in the world will once again compete. Over his long career, he has faced multiple challenges and this fight promises to be no exception. He has faced NCAA champion wrestlers, world grappling champions, world champion kick boxers, giants, and former UFC champions. Through it all he has emerged victorious and remains the most feared force in mixed martial arts. He is “The Last Emperor.” He is Fedor Emelianenko. MMA Spot’s J. Andrew Yount tracked down the world’s top ranked heavyweight to discuss his up coming fight and his overall impact on the sport and his native Russia.

A veteran of both the UFC and Japan's Pride Fighting Championships, Guy Mezger has been present from the very beginning of the sport. Throughout his 17-year career, which included a UFC championship, Mezger continually set the bar high not only for his competitors, but for the overall growth of mixed martial arts. Even now, after his competitive career has ended, Mezger is still impacting the sport’s present and future. MMA Spot's Breanna Armstrong had the recent pleasure of meeting up with Mezger to discuss his "retirement," his thoughts on the evolution of MMA, and the important role supplements and nutrition play in the careers of today's fighters.

With less than three days to go before the return of Cage Warriors in the U.K., excitement is already building in what is expected to be a fantastic night of MMA. The card is stacked with top European names such as: Paul McVeigh, John Quinn, Jim Wallhead, and Greg Loughran. After a number of pullouts due to injuries and various other problems, the hard work is almost complete for matchmaker Ian Dean. Now, he sits down with Michael Smith to talk about his up coming show.

MMA Spot traveled to Virginia to interview one of mixed martial arts most personable and exciting young fighters. Through this five-part video series get to know more about Strikeforce's Antwain "The Juggernaut" Britt. Watch as he discusses with us his history, nutrition, training routine, and how he came to be one of the fighters at the center of Strikeforce's future.