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[Sakara=Excitement]

James McSweeney decides against NSAC appeal, will focus on UFC 120 fight | MMAjunkie.com

Soon-to-be light heavyweight James McSweeney has opted not appeal his most recent UFC loss.

Lex McMahon, McSweeney's manager, today told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) that the fighter instead will focus on his 205-pound debut against Tom Blackledge at UFC 120.

"As a team, we are very excited about the cut to 205," McMahon said.

McSweeney (4-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC), a veteran of "The Ultimate Fighter 10," suffered a TKO loss to UFC newcomer Travis Browne (10-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) after a fierce spell of ground and pound at The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale in June.

McMahon initially said he was appealing the loss to the Nevada State Athletic Commision after he claimed Browne threw several illegal elbows during the fight. He provided a picture of a cut on the back of McSweeney's head as evidence of an off-limits strike, though he did not fault the UFC newcomer for the alleged no-no.

The manager said McSweeney's corner met with a cageside doctor who agreed with his assessment.

"The doctor who took a look at James after the fight said, 'I can tell you that (with) where this blow is, (it) could only have occurred from an illegal blow,'" McMahon said.

However, NSAC executive director Keith Kizer said he didn't see anything illegal during the June 19 bout.

"[Browne] was curving his arm around and hitting him on the ear," Kizer said. "Not elbows – punches. You could tell Browne was going out of his way not to hit McSweeney in the back of the head."

Kizer today told MMAjunkie.com that he never received an appeal request.

"We are focusing our energy on James' upcoming fight," McMahon said.

McSweeney is working with a nutritionist and training at Denver's Grudge Training Center to prepare for the Oct. 20 bout against Blackledge (10-6 MMA, 0-0 UFC). Since his turn on "TUF 10," he is 1-1 inside the octagon.

"James and I have spoken at length on this issue, and (we) both agree that he needs to make a statement with his upcoming fight and show the world that he is a truly dominant fighter who can be a force at 205," McMahon said.

[Leucoethiops]

"James and I have spoken at length on this issue, and (we) both agree that he needs to make a statement with his upcoming fight and show the world that he is a truly dominant fighter who can be a force at 205," McMahon said.

Yeah... good luck with that...

[singhc]

hahah this guys a clown... i hope he gets his ass kicked

[Trojan Fight Club]

Can you imagine McSweeney trying to go up against a Machida or Shogun? I feel like that wouldn't be allowed by the NSAC because it would be too much of a beatdown.

[dimerules28]

I dont care who he fights. I just hope he loses and gets cut. Cant stand 'em

[beau420]

I found it funny his manager is named Lex McMahon. And not only that, but Ed McMahon has an adopted stepson, named Lex McMahon.

Ed McMahon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I just found his name weird...only Lex's I've met have been female strippers.

As McSweeny, I could really care less. Hope him the best in the future, but I don't see his future being in the UFC.

Now, Tom Blackledge may not be the best, or well known, but he has power and decent enough ground skills. Shouldn't get in trouble on the ground. He did defeat Mizuno, the man to most recently beat Mevin Manhoef at DREAM 15. Both guys have fought at HW, and I am at least glad to see both guys in their more natural weight class.

[TheKidInside]

I suggest a new sticky, right next to MMABay...do NOT post anything about James McSweeney.

[CHAEL fan]

If Dana is letting McSweeney still fight...what's next? Yager getting a four fight contract?