I wanted to change the world. But I have found that the only
thing one can be sure of changing is oneself.
Aldous Huxley
SHOOTO
- Abe Takes Out 'Pequeno!'
July 19th Tokyo, Japan // Kourakuen Hall
GUTSMAN Promotion
BIG UPSET IN
SHOOTO!!!
Hiroyuki Abe
surprises everyone including Alexandre Nogueria with a stunning
knock-out over the current champ. Lately, Abe has been making
a strong move in the SHOOTO Lightweight title scene and this
victory will certainly get him his long awaited shot at the gold.
He was ranked 4th going into this bout so it was signed as a
non-title match. Now he will definitely be launched into the
number one spot to take on Nogueira for the belt. This scenario
has played itself out before with the Champion when he loss to
Tetsuo Katsuta in a non-title bout, but then followed up that
performance by defending his title against the would-be usurper
with his trademark guillotine choke. Will Abe be able to put
Pequeno down a second time??? To note, this is the second knock-out
over the span of just one week in professional SHOOTO where an
opponent was unable to answer the 10-count after a knock-down.
There has been some brutal action going on in the ring.
In other action,
top rankers clashed with Tetsuo Katsuta fighting to a draw against
Kazuhiro Inoue. Inoue has hit a slump with two losses and now
two draws since October of last year. Katsuta’s last outing
back in September of 2001 was his submission loss to Nogueira.
With fighters like Stephen
Paling, Baret Yoshida,
Katsuya Toita, and Norifumi Yamamoto all in the 143 lbs rankings,
things are not going to get easier for these men. This brings
up the point of current number 1 ranker Paling.
He put down Yamamoto’s meteoric rise with a potent knee
to the head and has KO’ed Hiroyuki Abe in the past. How
will the title contention play itself out between Abe and Paling??? It should be interesting.
The full results
for all 8 bouts are listed below:
COMPLETE RESULTS:
Bout #1: Welterweight
(Class-B):
Seiki Uchimura [Paraestra] v. Dudu Guimaraes [World Fight Center]:
DRAW
Bout #2: Featherweight
(Class-B):
Daiji Takahashi [K' Factory] v. Masato Shiozawa [Wajutsu Keisyukai]:
Masato Shiozawa by judges decision
Bout #8: Lightweight
(Class-A):
Alexandre Nogueira [World Fight Center] v. Hiroyuki Abe [AACC]:
Hiroyuki Abe by KO, R1 4:37
Nogueira was knockdowned by punch and couldn't stand up by 10.
Source:
ADCC
UFO
Update: Ruas Injured
Marco Ruas's retirement fight is cancelled!
The
'KING of the STREETS', Marco Ruas had been in Brazil training
for the UFO event on August 8th, 2002 in Tokyo. He had been training
to face japanese fighter Murakami Kazunari. Speaking to us regarding
this match, he revealed serious wrist ligament damage would keep
him from fighting. Marco did state that he would put off his
retirement for one more match, after his recovery from this setback!
Good luck Marco!
Source:
ADCC
7/19/02
Quote
of the Day
The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.
Ralph
Waldo Emerson
Big
Move on Sunday
For you guys who don't check Onzuka.com on the weekends, don't
forget that my move is this Sunday starting at 9:00 AM.
You
can either meet us at our Palisades house or Mililani house.
If you have a truck, we would appreciate it if you could bring
that as well. I have secured the flat bed from my work, but would
still appreciate some trucks if possible.
We
are leaving for Brazil on July 22 so we need to be moved in on
the 21st. On
that note, since both of us are going to Brazil, we will probably
not be able to update our site for two solid weeks. I know all
of you have become addicted to going to one site for all your
news and rumors. If there is a way around it, we'll try to find
it.
Either
give me a call on my cells (381-9530 or 479-0434, Private id
40434) or email me for directions.
As
always, I will feed you all for your hard work! Thanks in advance!
Mike
Tito
Ortiz on FOX TV!
UFC
CHAMPION TITO ORTIZ TO APPEAR LIVE ON FSN'S BEST DAMN SPORTS
SHOW PERIOD THIS FRIDAY, JULY 19th
The
Ultimate Fighting Championship and the BDSSP Continue to Bring
You Never Before Seen Footage on Free TV of a Past Great UFC
Fight This Friday July 19th
LOS
ANGELES, July 16th, 2002... Tito Ortiz, The Ultimate Fighting
Championship's (UFC) Light Heavyweight Champion of the World
will appear live on set to discuss the UFC and the hugely popular
sport of Mixed Martial Arts with BDSSP's Tom Arnold, John Salley,
Jon Kruk and others. Along with this exciting interview, the
BDSSP will air footage of a past great UFC fight never before
seen on free TV.
On
June 25th, FOX SPORTS NET and BDSSP made history by airing free
TV's first ultimate fight. The exciting bout featured up and
coming star, 'Ruthless' Robbie Lawler, and Steve Berger. The
fight ended in the second round with a Robbie Lawler knock out
in the infamous Octagon fighting arena during UFC 37.5 at the
Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
The
ratings for the June 25th BDSSP airing of the Lawler/Berger UFC
fight were considered some of the highest ratings ever achieved
by FSN's BDSSP and they wish to continue to provide exciting
never before seen footage of UFC action with this special July
19th televised event.
So
tune in, because 'It's Time... To Begin...' again on the 'Best
Damn Sports Show Period' this Friday, 8pm and late night on FOX
SPORTS NET
After
a layoff of almost 8 months, the lightweight SHOOTO champion
with the impressive record of 8-1-1 returns to Japan's SHOOTO
group on July 19th, 2002 to defend his belt.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You had told the Japanese Magazines in an interview that
the Japaneses were preparing a 'cyborg' to fight you, so will
Abe be the third one?
'Pequeno'- [laughs] They're trying to find a fighter who can
beat and take the belt from me!
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: We have all heard the rumors about you fighting Jens
Pulver in the UFO can you comment on it?
'Pequeno'-First off, I need to get a release from SHOOTO, after
that I can fight in other organizations. So I'll go to Japan
with Mr. João Alberto Barreto and we'll negotiate my next
move to fight in other events.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Pulver would be your second American opponent inside
an NHB/MMA event. is it your wish to fight him?
'Pequeno'- Of course, he's the top fighter, he left the UFC as
the lightweight champion. So I'd want to fight with him. This
would be a great match for the fans.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Would you have any problem gaining the weight to fight
him?
'Pequeno'- I'd gain around 5kg, for me this is not a problem.
So I'd be stronger than before and my speed would be the same.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Two of your pupils - Toniko Júnior and Dudu Guimarães
- is there added pressure for you cornering these guys?
'Pequeno'- This will be my first experience as a cornerman. For
sure I'll be more nervous than when I fight. About pressure,
I don't put my mind on things like this, because it can be harmful.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: What are their expectations?
'Pequeno'- Toniko Júnior already fought in SHOOTO, so
I'm trying to train Dudu for his debut in NHB/MMA. Dudu has a
good record inside Submission and Luta-Livre competitions, I
want him to enter the ring relaxed, without worrying, to not
be surprised by anything that can happen. Dudu and Toniko Júnior
would have entered in the SHOOTO-'Wanna SHOOTO 2000' event, however
they had visa problems and couldn`t. SO this time is better because
Master João Alberto Barreto and myself will be able to
give more support to them.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Back to your fight, what do you know about Hiroyuki Abe?
'Pequeno'- He has good punches, he likes to corner his opponent
and land punches. He's tough and has good skills on the ground
and on the feet.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You faced off against two tough fighters last year, Tetsuo
Katsuta [twice] and Katsuya Toita. Right now you'll face Abe,
who'll be next for you?
'Pequeno'- I need to beat Abe first...
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Ok, but if you beat Abe?
'Pequeno'- Hum......Naoya Uematsu, Norifumi 'KID' Yamamoto, Kazuhiro
Inoue and Baret
Yoshida.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Who would be the most dangerous out of these guys for
you to fight?
'Pequeno'-
Yoshida, he has good skills on the ground. he was beat twice
by Royler Gracie in Abu Dhabi and in SHOOTO to Toida, but he
showed a excellent game.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Which fight was the hardest for you Toida or Katsuta?
'Pequeno'- Toida, he's very technical. However Katsuta is a good
boxer, he was able to annul my entire game in our first fight.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: What about your goals after next SHOOTO?
'Pequeno'- I want to fight in some of the more popular events
around the world, I want to fight in the UFC. However, first
I need to beat Abe.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Ok man, it was a pleasure.
'Pequeno'- Thanx bye
Source:
Abu Dhabi
"Pequeno"
KO'ed
In a non-title bout
held today at Kourakuen Hall in Tokyo, Shooto lightweight king
and MaxFighting.com's pound-for-pound best Alexandre "Pequeno"
Nogueira was knocked out at 4:37 of the first round by Hiroyuki
Abe.
In other Shooto
Class A action, Homare Kuboyama scored a unanimous decision over
Takeyasu Hirono in a bantamweight bout, and lightweight Tetsuo
Katsuta drew with Kazuhiro Inoue
Source: Maxfighting
Shooto
- Treasure Hunt 8 Results
July 19, 2002
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
Kenichiro Togashi and Dudu Guimaraes Draw 2 rounds
Masato Shiozawa defeated Daiji Takahashi Decision (Unanimous)
2 rounds
Masatoshi Abe defeated Junji Ikoma Decision (Majority Decision)
2 rounds
Tatsuya Kawajiri defeated Tsutomu Shiiki by Submission (Rear
Naked Choke) 1st round
Koutetsu Boku defeated Toniko Júnior by TKO (Punches)
1st round
Homare Kuboyama defeated Takeyasu Hirono Decision (Unanimous)
3 rounds
Kazuhiro Inoue and Tetsuo Katsuta Draw 3 rounds
Hiroyuki Abe defeated Alexandre França Nogueira by KO
(Punch) 1st round
Source: Sherdog
Forget
Royce,
Saku the Real Show at Pride 22
With all the
hype swirling around the return of Royce Gracie to Pride on August
28, some fans have forgotten about another MMA icon, Kazushi
Sakuraba, who will make his own return to Pride 22: Shockwave
against Mirko "Crocop" Filopovic.
"The fights
still a long way off, so I don't really feel any pressure,"
said Sakuraba last week at a press conference in Japan announcing
his first fight back from shoulder surgery. "I don't have
any new techniques but I think it would be great if I could take
him out with a right high-kick. The rules haven't been finalized
yet but, if possible, I'd like to fight with no strikes allowed.
(laughs)"
Sakuraba, loser
of two of his last three bouts, has been out of the ring since
a November stoppage loss to Pride middleweight champ Vanderlei
Silva. In the bout, the Japanese superstar suffered a shoulder
injury which has shelved him until now.
"It's a
lot better now," said Saku. "It's not 100% but I can
get it into shape in time for the fight. I had surgery so it's
not perfect. It's fine for movement, though."
In typical Sakuraba
fashion, he will not be coming back against a cream puff, either.
In Filopovic, he will be facing a deadly striker who has logged
two draws in Pride action (against Silva and Nobuhiko Takada),
but has scored two stoppages in Japan over Kazuyuki Fujita and
Yuji Nagata. And he will most likely enter the ring over twenty
pounds heavier than Sakuraba.
"I'm concerned
about all of his strikes because he is a striker, not just any
one strike in particular," admits Sakuraba.
But if past
performance is any indication, look for Sakuraba to find a way
to win, and to do it in style.
"I think
it will come down to me knocking him down with a high-kick or
me getting knocked down by a high-kick," said Sakuraba.
Source: Maxfighting
Susumu's
BRAWL at the HALL Gallery!
We
have added 16 photos from UFC 38 in Royal Albert Hall held on
July 13th. Please enjoy!
Insiders and
fans alike have raved about the recent Don Frye vs. Takayama
main event that highlighted the latest PRIDE PPV. What some are
calling the 'Fight of the Year' for Pride had many notable items
when going over the medical list!
For one, Frye
has never recovered from the Ken Shamrock fight (long list of
ankle/leg injuries) but took the fight anyway. Frye may also
accept a K-1 style fight in the next month. Takayama, a pro wrestler,
suffered a serious eye injury at the hands of Don Frye (nothing
intentional).
When the two
were exchanging their 'hundreds of punches', Takayama's face
started swelling. After the fight, it was apparent that Takayama
had suffered a broken orbital bone underneath his eye. The injury,
which typically takes around six months to heal properly, seemed
to be ignored by Takayama during the fight. His popularity has
grown and he wants to start pro wrestling immediately and a return
to PRIDE is expected.
Takayama's popularity
is mainly based around how tough he is and how he refuses to
give up. His will to take a beating is second to none and part
of is directly linked to his growing popularity, but returning
to the pro wrestling ring with such a serious eye injury may
not be the best step to take, and taking another MMA fight would
be downright stupid.
Source: Abu
Dhabi
Tokyo
News
Royce
Gracie was in Tokyo this week, and he seems very excited to fight
for the Japanese audience again. Rumors state that his match
will be more a grappling style match Royce confirms that nothing
is confirmed yet - in his own words 'we are still working on
it.'
Word
from the UFO is that the opponent for Mario Sperry has changed
from Hiromitsu Kanehara to RINGS veteran Wataru Sakata.
Marco
Ruas is out of UFO due to an injury. His opponent, Kazunari Murakami,
who trained with the Brazilian Top Team, will still have a Brazilian
opponent.
Tomorrow
we will have more news, as the Hilton Tokyo is full of fighters!
Several shows are happening, like the K1 Fukuoka, the 'BEST'
show! Tomorrow we will have a chance to hook up with Nino Shembri
who will fight agaisnt Daiju Takase.
Source:
Abu Dhabi
Ruas
Injured...
Wallid to Face Kazunari at UFO
By Eduardo Alonso
In
a surprising turn of events, FCF just found out that UFC legend
Marco Ruas was injured this week and it looks like he will be
replaced in his scheduled fight against Murakami Kazunari by
Wallid Ismail.
Reports
indicate that Marco injured his hand, however the extent and
proportion of his injury is not known for sure yet. We will be
in touch with the Ruas camp to learn more about his situation
and whether he is officially out of the UFO event or not. Whether
Marco is will be in the event or not, one thing is certain, Kazunari
-- who is training at the Brazilian Top Team academy in Rio --
will be facing Carlson Gracie student, Wallid Ismail. Wallid
is coming off of a loss to Alex Stiebling at PRIDE 19 and a win
against Kazunari at the Tokyo Dome on national television in
Japan could do wonders for his career. We will keep a close eye
on further UFO developments and keep you updated.
Source:
FCF
Dan
Severn Wins
Frank Gotch Award for 2002
Dan Severn,
one of the biggest stars in both amateur wrestling and combat
wrestling, has been selected as winner of the Frank Gotch Award
for 2002.
The Frank Gotch
Award is presented annually by the International Wrestling Institute
and Museum to the professional wrestler who represents the sport
in a fashion reminiscent of the great Gotch.
Severn was a
high school sensation in Michigan, setting a national record
for consecutive pins. He was a three-time All-American at Arizona
State University, and was an alternate on the 1984 Olympic team.
After coaching
at Michigan State University, Dan entered an Ultimate Fighting
Championship (UFC) and stunned the experts by going to the finals.
He eventually became UFC champion and the biggest star in the
new style of sport.
At the same
time, Dan was wrestling as a professional and won the NWA world
title - the very same title once owned by Gotch, from 1908 to
1915.
Dan runs a wrestling
school in Michigan and still competes as a pro wrestler and LJFC-style
competitor. In addition, he has won over 90 major amateur titles,
and is a black belt in judo and sambo.
'Dan is truly
in the mold of Frank Gotch, and we are honored to include him
on the list of Gotch Award winners, along with Bobby Managoff
and Tom Drake,' said Mike Chapman, director.
Banquet tickets
are $50 each (includes admission to the museum for the entire
weekend) and seating is limited. Admission to the inductions
at the museum on Saturday is $3 for adults and $2 for students.
For more information, call the museum at 641-791-1517
Source: Abu
Dhabi
"NY
BAD ASS" INVADES HBO HIT SERIES OZ
Phil Baroni,
known for his exciting fighting style and chiseled build, has
landed a guest slot on the upcoming season of HBO hit series
OZ. "It has been pretty easy getting Phil work on TV --
he has a good look and build, and is becoming well known as a
fighter. My major problem is that he is living in Las Vegas now
and I get calls for movie and TV work on the East Coast,"
claimed his manager.
Phil plays a
Corrections Officer on an episode of the upcoming season on HBO.
"Things are looking real good for Phil right now, we are
going to contract with a new sponsor in the food industry and
are in talks with other sponsors outside of the MMA industry.
I think it's really important for managers to look outside the
sport and get other companies involved with the fighters from
a growth and marketing standpoint."
Source: FCF
August
Fights Announced
Separate press conferences
in Tokyo this week (one by the UFO and another by Dream Stage
Entertainment) served to announce parts of August 8th and 28th
fight cards, respectively.
The UFO, focus
of many rumors in the past weeks, officially announced the participation
of two No. 1-ranked fighters: Pride heavyweight champion Antonio
"Minotauro" Rodrigo Nogueira and former UFC lightweight
champ Jens Pulver. Nogueira faces Pancrase star, and 2000 Abu
Dhabi champion Sanae Kikuta. Pulver takes on Takehiro Murahama,
who drew with Royler Gracie last year in DEEP. By most accounts,
Murahama controlled the contest.
Naoya Ogawa,
1992 heavyweight Judo Olympic silver medallist and one of Japan's
most famous pro-wrestlers, is scheduled to face '96 264 lbs-plus
Greco-Roman wrestling silver medallist, American Matt Gaffari.
This is Gaffari's first mixed martial arts bout.
Meanwhile, at
a press conference in Tokyo's Imperial Hotel on Tuesday, DSE
announced the participation of MMA legend Royce Gracie. He'll
compete in a special-rules match versus another Japanese Judoka:
Hidehiko Yoshida, who won gold at 172 pounds in Barcelona. Strikes
will be limited to the feet, effectively turning this bout into
point grappling match.
Source: Maxfighting
7/18/02
Quote
of the Day
Vision is the art of seeing the invisible.
Jonathan Swift
Warriors
Quest
"Tap Out Or Knock Out"
Sept 17.2002
Their
are still some openings for Amatuer Kickboxers and MMA fighters.
So if your interested in fighting please email me at Warriorsquest1@aol.com. We encourage all fighters
to try it out.
A
Message From Dana White to the Fans
UFC
38: Brawl at the Royal Albert Hall
WelterWeight Championship - Hughes vs. Newton
I'm sure some
of you have already seen the post on Maxfighting about the Best
Damn Sports Show. Well, it's true. We had some of the highest
ratings on June 25th and they want to do it again. Last time
I asked, you guys kicked ass hitting the forums and telling all
your friends to watch. I need you to do it all again, one more
time. We are half way there, having a major studio like FOX being
very interested in MMA. So please, everyone, one more time. Hit
their website and emails, and tell everyone you know to watch
the Best Damn Sports Show this Friday. Tito Ortiz will be live
in studio and they will be showing some more fights.
And, who knows,
maybe within 6 months all our dreams will come true and we'll
be able to see MMA on TV every week.
Thank you all
for your continued support of the sport.
Jens Pulver,
who left the UFC over a contract dispute, is in the news again!
Leaving a three-fight
contract in the dust for UFC, Jens went out on his own with manager
Monte Cox to find fights elsewhere. It was believed that Jens
was offered $50,000 or $60,000 to fight on the August UFO event
and face a list that at times included Royler Gracie, 'Pequeno'
Noguiera or Murahama. The fact an opponent could not be settled
on is considered a factor in Pulver's match going by the website.
Word is that
there was also a serious offer made by Shooto for Pulver to fight
Takanori Gomi, the champion at 155lbs. This was reportedly one
of the highest money offers made to foreign fighter to compete
in Shooto. The Pulver camp turned it down for a warm-up fight
in Minnesota.
Robert Emerson,
a nineteen-year-old student of Marco Ruas, got the call from
Brad Kohler to compete at the Ultimate Wrestling event on 6/29/02
to face Pulver. Emerson gladly accepted.
Pulver edged
out a decision in a match where many thought Emerson dominated
the standup game. Many continued to bash Pulver because a 'no
name' fighter took it to him and went the distance (the obvious
risk of taking a fight like this). Emerson was a polished fighter
but no one had heard of him until now.
A fight with
Gomi would have elevated his career in Japan if he had won. If
he had lost, he would have lost to a champion who has beaten
some of the best (including Rumina Sato).
This past weekend
at the UFC, rumors started surfacing that the reported UFO deal
was off and Jens had been dropped from the show. While no one
has confirmed this as being true, it was coming from excellent
sources.
Monte Cox, Pulver's
promoter/manager, says they have a signed contract in their hands
for the fight against Takehiro Murahama and they know nothing
about Jens being dropped.
In most instances,
a company writing the contract will have a clause included that
they can terminate the contract at any time. Whether or not this
has happened will become evident in the next few days.
In an even stranger
twist, Matt Hughes was on Dave Meltzer's LIVE AUDIO WRESTLING
last weekend talking about Pulver returning to UFC.
Many of the
Japanese groups, aside from Shooto and occasionally Pancrase,
have little use for anyone under the 185lbs division. It would
appear that without a UFO deal, Pulver could be back to fighting
on independent MMA events but anything is possible at this stage.
Source: Abu
Dhabi
2002
BJJ Worlds, Everyone is going to Rio:
The
2002 World BJJ Tournament is just around the corner, the event
to be held at the Tijuca Tenis Clube in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
on July 25 - 28th is drawing everyone back to the 'land of BJJ'.
At this point, when you speak with many Black Belt, the words
out of their mouths are: 'Can't do anyything next week because
I am going to Rio'. Grandmaster Carlson Gracie is already there,
Claudio Franca, Ricardo Pires, Julio Fernandez and many, many
others are heading to the BJJ Mecca to watch the show.
Word
from the CBJJ is that they have secured a new sponsor, the mobile
telephone company OI, who going to give a new cell phone to each
of the Black Belt Winners. Just a reminder that the last day
for registration is Thursday 07/18. Next week, we should have
the complete brackets. For more info check out www.cbjj.com.br.
Source:
Abu Dhabi
Japan's
MMA World Cup Show
Last week in
Japan there were serious talks about a collaboration of Japanese
promotions to take part in what they want to call the MMA WORLD
CUP. Naoto Morishita (Pride President) and Kazuyoshi Ishi (K-1
President) had a meeting on July 9, 2002 to discuss the potential
card, reportedly to be held inside the monstrous National Stadium.
The goal is to shatter the indoor attendance record for a sports
entertainment/MMA event (both spectator numbers and financial
\ numbers).
The tentative
date of August 28, 2002 has been booked and it is said the show
will air on PPV in Japan as well as the United States on September
1, 2002. The two promoters are boasting a potential 100,000 spectators
to pack the event but insiders say more closely to 80,000 is
more realistic even with added seating. With elevated ticket
prices, this event could possibly generate a $10,000,000 ticket
gross.
Kid Peligro
broke the news this week about the 8/28/02 PRIDE 'Shockwave'
superfight between Royce Gracie and Hidehiko Yoshida.
The most interesting
note of this match is that it is a 50-Year-Anniversary of the
infamous Masahiko Kimura vs. Helio Gracie fight that happened
in 1951 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1951, Helio was barely
145lbs and Kimura was over 200lbs and Kimura won this historic
battle. This time, both Gracie and Yoshida will be within 15lbs
of each other which makes for the most competitive fight possible.
Other notes
about Yoshida:
1. 1992 Olympic
Gold Medalist (Judo)
2. Defeated SIX opponents in an astounding 16:21 and became a
Japanese national hero.
3. 1996 Placed 5th in the Olympics at 190lbs.
4. Faced Naoya Ogawa (yes...Ogawa) and defeated him in an Absolute
division giving up nearly 100lbs to some opponents.
5. Has a VERY lucrative PRIDE offer on the table for $800,000
for a four fight deal.
6. FIRST TIME EVER IN A MATCH WITH STRIKING.
7. Retired from Judo this year.
Source: Abu
Dhabi
Zadick
v. Bono & Downing v. Marano Wrestle-Offs Set For Fargo, N.D.,
July 27
Submitted by: Gary Abbott
Two
Special Wrestle-offs for the 2002 U.S. World Team will be competed
on July 27 in Fargo, N.D. at the Fargodome during the ASICS/Vaughan
Junior and Cadet National Championships.
In
men*s freestyle competition, U.S. Nationals champion Bill Zadick
(Iowa City, Iowa/Hawkeye WC) will face 2002 World Team Trials
champion Chris Bono (Gilbert, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) for the 63 kg/145.5
lbs. spot on the 2002 U.S. World Team.
In
a women*s freestyle Special Wrestle-off, Katie Downing (Pendleton,
Ind./UM-Morris), the 67 kg/147.5 lbs. World Team Trials champion,
will face Kristie Marano (Albany, N.Y./ATWA), who was the World
Team Trials runner-up at 63 kg/138.5 lbs.
Both
wrestle-offs will be a best two-out-of-three series to determine
the 2002 U.S. World Team member.
Zadick
won the U.S. National Championships in April, but due to an injury,
was unable to compete at the World Team Trials. Only the U.S.
Nationals champion is allowed to request a delay to a finals
series due to injury.
Bono,
a 2001 World Team member, won the Challenge Tournament and defeated
Jamill Kelly (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) in a best two-out-of-three
series at the World Team Trials.
*USA
Wrestling policy states that if a reigning national champion
is injured and cannot compete at the World Team Trials, the wrestler
may request a delay through the Sports Committee,* stated Mitch
Hull, USA Wrestling Director of National Teams. *Bill Zadick
has followed all procedures and policies. A delay was granted
by the Freestyle Sports Committee and the date and site were
set for July 27 in Fargo.*
A
new USA Wrestling rule approved by the Women*s Sports Committee
allows for additional women*s wrestle-offs at the three non-Olympic
weight classes (51 kg, 59 kg and 67 kg). The athletes that place
second or third at the four Olympic weights (48 kg, 55 kg, 63
kg and 72 kg) are allowed to challenge the winners of the three
non-Olympic weights for a spot on the U.S. Women's World team.
Marano,
a five-time World medalist, lost to Sara McMann (Lock Haven,
Pa./Sunkist Kids) at the World Team Trials at a non-Olympic weight.
Downing
has never been a member of the World Team. She will have to battle
through experience to gain her first spot this year. Marano was
a World Champion in 2000 and boasts four World silver medals.
Marano defeated Downing two matches to one, in the finals of
the 2001 University Nationals.
The
first match in both Special Wrestle-Offs will begin at 9 am (Central
Time). The second match will begin at 1 pm (Central Time) and
the third match, if necessary, will be wrestled one hour following
the conclusion of the second match.
Source:
Abu Dhabi
Frank
Mir Update
Frank Mir is fine and back home, trainer Ricardo Pires told MaxFighting.
After
suffering a punishing defeat Saturday night in London against
Ian Freeman, Mir went to the hospital, though Pires said it was
just for a normal checkup. Mir did not have a concussion, as
has been rumored, but did need five stitches above his right
eye, according to Pires, who concluded that Mir's "ego was
hurt more than anything."
"Frank
made a huge mistake," Pires added. "He did not train
for this fight. Not at all. He took the fight lightly. You can't
do that. Nowadays everybody is a professional. Everybody trains
really hard. If you don't train hard, it doesn't matter how good
your technique is. If you don't put it on the line, you're going
to pay the price. That's exactly what happened; he paid the price.
I think that was the best thing that could happen for his career."
Pires
concluded, "Ian deserved the victory. The guy trained hard.
He had his father in the hospital. He put everything to the side
and won. There's no question about that."
Source:
Maxfighting
7/17/02
Quote
of the Day
Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?
Abraham Lincoln
Super
Brawl 25 Review
By Richard Kam
Great
show, great fights...what can I say? SuperBrawl is getting bigger
than ever, and its only going to get better.
Egan
Inoue 181.0 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) Super Brawl Champion defeated
Martijn de Jong 180.0 lbs (Golden Glory, Holland) by KO via kick
to the head at 2:33 into round 1R
The
Main Event of the card was everything and more. Egan Inoue's
last fight proved magical by his awesome performance against
a very game Martijn de Jong. Egan quickly went to work by using
great strikes and kicks. Egan then took Martijn down and used
leg kicks on him. De Jong did land a solid kick while on the
ground, but that was about it. When the fight was stood up, Egan
clearly too charge and landed a tremendous high kick to the face
of Martijn. Martijn fell the ground and the referee immediately
went to a standing eight count where Martijn could not continue.
Great win by Egan, and what a way to end his career. After the
fight, Egan announced that this is his last fight, but if Shooto
gives him a chance to fight the #1 Rank Shooto fighter, he will
comeback. If not, this will be the end of his fighting career.
Shonie
Carter 166.6 lbs defeated Kolo Koka 165.4 lbs (Grappling Unlimited)
by Unanimous decision after 2 rounds [(20-18), (20-18), (20-18)]
Mr.
International Shonie Carter squared off with up and coming fighter
Kolo Koka. Carter entertained the crowd using side kicks and
spinning back fists. Carter even took off his shorts during the
fight to show off his red trunks underneath. Very funny guy.
Koka, on only 4 days notice, proved he was game and fought very
well. Still, it was Carter who clearly dominated the fight, thus
getting the unanimous decision.
Kimikito
Nonaka 131.8 lbs (Purebred Omiya, Japan) defeated Jose Lopez
132 lbs (Shark Tank, CA) Super Brawl #3 Ranked Submission via
rear-naked choke at 2:07 into round 1
Enson
Inoue's student Kimikito Nonaka faced off with one of Shark Tank's
top students Jose Lopez. Nonaka used his great grappling ability
to counter Lopez's fast hands. Nonaka took Lopez down and secured
a rear naked choke for the victory. Great victory.
Eddie
Yagin 141.2 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) SuperBrawl #3 Ranked defeated
Jin Kazeta 143 lbs (Nigata, Japan) Majority decision after 2
rounds [(19-18), (19-19), (19-18)]
This
was a very exciting fight as both fighters showed a lot of heart
and determination. Kazeta used solid knees that hurt Yagin throughout
the fight. He also took Yagin down and had good ground control.
Still, Yagin fought back very well and landed strong punches
that stunned Kazeta. At one point, Yagin was about to KO Kazeta
but somehow he weathered the storm. Yagin did land one tremendous
punch to the face as Kazeta went flying to the floos. A standing
eight count was in store. In the end, it was Yagin who earned
the decision but it was a very close fight.
Baret
Yoshida 142 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) SuperBrawl #5 Ranked defeated
Jason Bress 141 lbs (Sean McCully, LA)
Submission via rear-naked choke at 3:16 into round 1
Baret
Yoshida showed everyone why he is one of the best grapplers in
the world. Yoshida took Brees down very early in the fight and
maintained solid ground control. Soon, Brees gave Yoshida his
back and Yoshida took advantage of that. It was only matter of
time when Yoshida locked in a rear naked choke. Awesome submission
by Yoshida.
Jay
R. Palmer 150 lbs. (Freelance) defeated Brennan Kamaka 161.4
lbs (Gamebred) by verbal submission due to exhaustion at 0:33
into round 2
One
of the most interesting fights of the night, as each fighter
have not seen a "W" in quite some time. Plus, there
was a lot of tension between both fighters. The first round went
back and forth as Kamaka and Palmer exchanged strike after strike,
and submission attempts. Kamaka did take Palmer to the ground
easily. He went for a heelhook which was defended well. Then,
Kamaka went for a armbar which seemed to be locked in very tight.
Somehow, Palmer got out of it once again. During the second round,
Kamaka looked very tired, thus verbally submitted. Kamaka did
have the fight in hand, but it just didn't go his way. Great
first round. Non-stop action.
Ian
Nelms 167.2 lbs (Shark Tank) defeated Brandon Wolff 166 lbs (Grappling
Unlimited) by Unanimous decision after 2 rounds [(20-18), (20-18),
(20-18)]
Nelms
totally dominated this fight from start to finish. He used acombination
of his great grappling ability and striking to frustrate Wolff
all fight long. At the end, Nelms earned the easy decision.
William
Armstrong 132.8 lbs (808 Fight Factory) defeated Will Hagerty
134.4 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) by Majority decision after 2
rounds [(18-17), (18-18), (19-18)]
Probably
the most controversal fight of the night. Armstrong toyed with
Hagerty in the first round using stomp kicks and quick jabs to
frustrate his opponent. In the second round, Hagerty began to
be very aggressive and took Armstrong down and started to unlease
hard strikes from the ground. Controversy arose when the referee
stopped the fight, and awarded Hagerty the victory. Armstrong's
corner pleaded that Hagerty seemed to be using elbows/forearm
strikes, which are illegal in Shooto rules. After much discussion,
the fight was resumed once again and a point was taken away.
After all the controversy, Hagerty still earned the decision
after finishing the fight with more takedowns and strikes.
Actually,
one point was taken away from Armstrong for a kick in the groin.
No points were taken away from Hagerty. He was only warned for
the forearms, which was the deciding factor in the decision for
Hagerty, otherwise Armstrong was ahead on the judges cards.
Deshaun
Johnson 164.4 lbs (HMC Pankration) defeated Dain Agbayani 157.8
lbs (Jesus is Lord) by Unanimous decision after 2 rounds [(20-18),
(20-18), (20-18)]
24-hour
replacement fighter, Dain Agbayani, gave it all he could, but
could not seem to figure our Johnson's tremendous ground control.
Johnson body slammed Agbayani four times very hard to the mat.
He also fougth very well on the ground using strikes. Agbayani
did start a comeback with solid knees, but it wasn't enough as
Johnson got the decision.
Nick
Bradley 197.4 lbs (Shark Tank) SuperBrawl #5 Ranked defeated
Richard Chou 197.5 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) by Unanimous decision
after 2 rounds [(20-17), (20-17), (20-18)]
Shark
Tank fighter Nick Bradley faced off against a last minute debut
fighter of Grappling Unlimited. Bradley showcased why he is tremendous
wrestler with his takedowns and punishing slams on Chou. Bradley
went straight for the shoot and used his ground and pound control
to dominate the game Chou. Great fight for Chou considering it
was his first fight and didn't have much time to prepare, but
it was Bradley who earned the easy unanimous decision.
Lyndon
Talanoa 251 (Grappling Unlimited) defeated Maloko Sasa 242 lbs
(HMC Pankration) by TKO via referee stoppage from strikes at
3:37 into round 1
In
this battle of the "Big Boys," both fighters looked
to bang from the start. No grappling in this one. Talanoa used
a combination of punches and kicks to confuse Sasa throughout
the entire fight. Talanoa continued his onslaught of solid strikes.
Finally, the referee stopped the fight as Sasa couldn't defend
himself anymore.
Justin
Mercado 141.8 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) defeated Joey Jordan
139 lbs (808 Fight Factory) by verbal submission due to a straight
right at 2:17 into round 1.
Two
in-state rivals went to battle, as Mercado dominated from the
start using solid striking and good takedowns. Mercado landed
a hard right hand punch from the ground which totally stunned
Jordan. After a couple more punches, the referee stopped the
fight.
Source:
Sherdog
KOTC
SIGNS SHONIE CARTER!
LOS
ANGELES, California - 'King of the Cage' announces the signing
of MMA superstar and Chicago native, Shonie Carter.
Known
as 'Mr. International,' Carter has fought all over the world
and is a veteran of the UFC, Pancrase, Extreme Challenge, and
Super Brawl.
Representing
the All American Academy of Martial Arts and the Chicago Fitness
Center (Shidokan Hombu Dojo), Carter boasts an impressive background
in wrestling, kick boxing, boxing, and karate.
Now
he joins the ranks of an impressive welterweight class at KOTC,
containing the likes of Joe Stevenson, Romie Aram, Dennis Hallman,
John Alessio, and Fernando Vasconcelos.
How
will the master of the spinning back fist fair against the best
welterweights in the world?
In the recent
'WFA II: NEXT LEVEL', held on July 5th, 2002 in Las Vegas, NV.
Tim Lajcik suffered an unusual injury, causing the doctor to
stop his fight with Kimo Leopoldo. Lacjik suffered a severe toe
separation. We caught up with Tim, here is his update:
ADCC: Tim, how
are you feeling?
Tim: I feel pretty good given the circumstances. My foot hurts,
but that's to be expected. I took some pain medicine for a couple
days after the surgery, but I didn't like the way it made me
feel. The stuff they gave me sort of wrecked my motivation and
I just wanted to stay in bed all day.
ADCC: How is
the injury healing up?
Tim: It will take some time. I had a dislocation with several
fractures and ruptured ligaments. The doctor inserted a few pins
and reattached my ligaments. However, I'm treating it aggressively.
I'm off crutches and did some squats for the first at the gym
yesterday. Three sets of ten at 225. Not much, but I think I
could have handled as much as 315. I just need to be careful
not to bend the pins in my foot.
ADCC: Tell us
a little bit of how your injury happened?
Tim: It happened early in the fight when Kimo shot in on my legs.
The cage surface had really good traction and somehow my toe
got caught in the mat. I countered his attempt, but I could feel
some pain in my foot. Soon after that I think I got Kimo up in
the air and took him down pretty hard. I was in his guard and
punching when I tried to exert some pressure by driving off on
my toes. it was strange because my left big toe just wasn't there.
I looked back for a moment and saw it pointing a way it wasn't
supposed to point. I figured it was dislocated, but thought it
might pop back in if I kept going. It didn't. When we got back
on our feet I began walking forward and my foot felt strange.
Kimo was five or six feet away from me so I looked down at my
foot and saw my toe sticking up. I reached down to push the toe
back down and I think that brought the referee's attention to
it. It just didn't look right.
ADCC: How long
before you are able to start back training?
Tim: I'm training in a limited capacity now, lifting weights,
riding an exercise bike. I sit in a chair and punch the bag for
intervals. It will be a few weeks, I think, before I get the
pins that are immobilizing my foot and toe out. Then I'll be
able to spar and run.
ADCC: Do you
want a rematch with Kimo?
Tim: Yes!
ADCC: Thanks
for your time and good luck.
Tim: My pleasure. Thanks for the interest.
Source: Abu
Dhabi
UFO
News:
August Extravaganza Coming Together
The
UFO show scheduled for the Tokyo Dome on August 8th, 2002 is
developing into a Brazil versus Japan extravaganza. This weekend,
rumors materialized that Jens Pulver and Pat Miletich have been
dropped from the card, and this was followed by word that rematch
of the Colosseum 2000 match between Mario Sperry and Hiromitsu
Kanehara will take place.
More
to come on this card in the next few days...
Card
- Subject To Change:
-
Sanae Kikuta v. Antonio 'Minotauro' Nogueira
- Marco Ruas v. Murakami Kazunari
- Hiromitsu Kanehara v. Mario Sperry
Source:
Abu Dhabi
Forget
the Rumors, Pulver IN UFO Show
Dismissing various Internet rumors, manager Monte Cox has confirmed
that Jens Pulver will indeed be on the UFO show in Japan on August
8th, taking on Takehiro Murahama.
"We
have a signed contract," Cox told MaxFighting. "Finished.
Done."
Cox
also followed up with the UFO promotional team, and was informed
that a press conference is scheduled for Japan this week to announce
the bout officially, putting to rest numerous rumors that Pulver
was off the show, rumors that didn't sit well with Cox, and unfortunately
par for the course in the Wild West atmosphere of MMA. "I'm
not that hard to get a hold of," said Cox. "Just call
me and run it by me. If it's true I'll tell you."
Source:
Maxfighting
UFC
CHAMPION TITO ORTIZ TO APPEAR LIVE ON FSN'S BEST DAMN SPORTS
SHOW PERIOD THIS FRIDAY JULY 19th
Ultimate Fighting Championship and the BDSSP Continue to Bring
You Never Before Seen Footage on Free TV of a Past Great UFC
Fight This Friday July 19th
LOS
ANGELES, July 16th, 2002... Tito Ortiz, The Ultimate Fighting
Championship's (UFC) Light Heavyweight Champion of the World
will appear live on set to discuss the UFC and the hugely popular
sport of Mixed Martial Arts with BDSSP's Tom Arnold, John Salley,
Jon Kruk and others. Along with this exciting interview, the
BDSSP will air footage of a past great UFC fight never before
seen on free TV.
On
June 25th, FOX SPORTS NET and BDSSP made history by airing free
TV's first ultimate fight. The exciting bout featured up and
coming star, "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler, and Steve Berger.
The fight ended in the second round with a Robbie Lawler knock
out in the infamous Octagon fighting arena during UFC 37.5 at
the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
The
ratings for the June 25th BDSSP airing of the Lawler/Berger UFC
fight were considered some of the highest ratings ever achieved
by FSN's BDSSP and they wish to continue to provide exciting
never before seen footage of UFC action with this special July
19th televised event.
So
tune in, because "It's Time... To Begin..." again on
the "Best Damn Sports Show Period" this Friday, 8pm
and late night on FOX SPORTS NET
Source:
Maxfighting
Emerson
Unsatisfied Despite Pushing Pulver
Few
in the MMA community expected Robert Emerson to go the distance
with Jens Pulver. And when he did two weeks ago in Minnesota,
even fewer gave him credit. Instead, all the talk focused on
Pulver.
Even
though most had not seen the bout, the number-one ranked lightweight
in the world was berated for not finishing and criticized for
another dull outing. Meanwhile, Emerson stood in the background
waiting for a little recognition.
"They've
never seen me fight, and no one knows anything about me,"
Emerson told MaxFighting. "If I had a couple fights under
my belt, a little more experience, they'd know I had what it
takes to go the distance, and it's not that big of a surprise."
Emerson,
a 20-year-old Marco Ruas student, didn't simply hold on for the
duration of the fight, he eagerly stood and traded with "Little
Evil." His game plan going in was to "stand up -- the
whole time." He continued, "Just bang it out."
An
exchange opened the first of three five-minute rounds. "He
came right at me," Emerson said. "We started throwing
punches and went to the clinch. From there, [I] just looked for
strikes -- knees, uppercuts. I know he uses the dirty boxing
so I'm keeping that in the back of my head. Just try and counter
everything he would do. We broke the clinch and started striking
more. Then he took me down. The majority of the times we were
on the ground we were outside of the ropes, so the ref stood
us back up.
"I
landed a couple head kicks in the first round. I got him on the
inside of his lead leg a couple times with kicks. He didn't get
me with anything that good in the first. He did hit me a couple
of times, and I got a good feel for his power."
Pulver
took him down again in the second round. Emerson didn't expect
it; he thought for sure Pulver would want a battle on the feet.
"I really didn' t think the fight was going to end up on
the ground as much as it did," he said. "I was disappointed
that it did."
Emerson
said Pulver resorted to grappling "probably because he didn't
expect me to do that good as I did on the feet. I was doing pretty
good, and his punches weren't affecting me that much."
For
the majority of the second and third rounds, Emerson said he
was on his back. "He was standing up at one point kicking
my legs," Emerson recalled. "I was saying, 'Get back.
Let me stand back up.' I was surprised he wouldn't. He just shot
in on me."
The
action picked up during trades in the final five minutes. "The
third round was good," Emerson said. "I was pretty
tired. My hands started to drop. The very beginning of the round
was when he hit me with a 1-2 directly to my chin and that put
me on my butt."
Emerson
didn't stay down, though. He retaliated with a combination late
in the third and time expired. Pulver won a unanimous decision.
Despite
going the distance and more than holding his own, Emerson was
dissatisfied. "I wasn't really happy with the fight overall,"
he said. "I thought it would be a lot more exciting. I was
hoping it was going to end with either me getting knocked out
or him getting knocked out."
He
may have been unhappy, but his teacher, Marco Ruas, was not.
"He was really proud of me," Emerson said.
The
performance of his young counterpart also impressed Pulver. He
jokingly told Emerson, "Don't come after me for a rematch
in two years, man. Stay away from me."
Emerson
confirmed that Pulver has heavy hands and called him a "good
fighter." He concluded, "I totally respect him."
With
the match behind him, Emerson's focus will now be on gaining
valuable experience. "Right now, I don't really want to
fight any top-ranked guys," he said. "I want to get
a few fights under my belt. Get some experience, get the bugs
out."
Emerson
also has his sights set on a UFC like the recent card at the
Bellagio, which was a show featuring new talent. Another option
is the UFO organization in Japan. Ruas is scheduled to compete
on their inaugural show and plans on discussing his youthful
competitor with them.
The
first thing Emerson is going to do, however, is take a break
and let his dislocated shoulder heal. He injured it before the
fight, and he said it hampered both his training and his showing.
"My shoulder was very weak. I couldn't hit the bag; I couldn't
sprawl; I couldn't do Jiu-Jitsu; I couldn't wrestle. Pretty much
the only thing I could do for two of the three weeks I had to
train was shadow box and cardio."
Ruas
nearly pulled his fighter from the bout because of the injury,
but Emerson convinced him to wait a few more days. The shoulder
improved a little, and Ruas agreed to let him compete.
Believe
it or not, his match against the former UFC lightweight champion
was only Emerson's second closed-fist fight. He has competed
in and won three open-hand matches, though he was recently incarcerated
for six months, which prevented any training or fighting.
It's
a wise wager that this hard-nosed kid has a future in the sport.
He may even run into Pulver again somewhere down the road. "I'd
love to," said Emerson of fighting Pulver a second time.
"If I choose to do this, I'm sure we will because we're
in the same weight class. There's only so many guys you can fight.
If it does happen, it's probably not going to happen for a while,
maybe a year or two."
How
would a rematch go? "I'm 100-percent sure I'd win. With
the injuries that I had, training three weeks for the fight,
being incarcerated the last six months -- I think I'd beat his
ass all over the place."
Source:
Maxfighting
7/16/02
Quote
of the Day
He who asks a question may be a fool for five minutes, but he
who never asks a question remains a fool forever.
Tom Connelly
Moving
In Party This Sunday!
The
move in party is SUNDAY
July 21 starting at 9:00 am. If you have time, please stop by. You can either
meet us at our Palisades house or Mililani house. If you have
a truck, we would appreciate it if you could bring that as well.
I have secured the flat bed from my work, but would still appreciate
some trucks if possible. We do not have nearly as much as Chris
had so don't fret too much. We will not be able to fill up the
house just yet.
We
are leaving for Brazil on July 22 so we need to be moved in on
the 21st.
Either
give me a call on my cells (381-9530 or 479-0434, Private id
40434) or email me for directions.
As
always, I will feed you all for your hard work! Thanks in advance!
Mike
Warriors
Quest 6: Best of the Best
Hallman out, Sheilds In!!
Cesar
Gracie's Jake Sheilds steps in to challenge Hawaii's phenom Ray
"Bradda" Cooper, the current Warriors Quest Champion.
Sheilds is a collegiate wrestler who has been winning a lot of
matches in the IFC and Gladiators Challenge. He is known for
having a tight Ground and Pound game which will be tested against
Cooper, who is known for knocking his opponents out with his
hard striking. Will Sheilds stop Cooper's winning streak in Warriors
Quest or will Cooper pound through another opponent...
Royce
Gracie v Hidehiko Yoshida
in Pride Shockwave
It is now confirmed
. . . Royce Gracie v Hidehiko Yoshida in Pride Shockwave ! !
! September 28th in Tokyo, Japan. The Mega Shockwave event is
a joint Pride & K1 venture and will be the largest MMA event
ever, it will take place in an open air stadium with a capacity
for 100,000 spectators and it is reserved for the 28,29 &
30th in the case of rain.
Pride promoters
felt that they had to give their public the biggest show ever,
in order to achieve that they secured the presence of the legendary
Royce Gracie. Gracie is scheduled to fight a Japanese Judo star
Yoshida. Yoshida was the '92 Barcelona Judo Olympic Gold Medalist
at 81KG and the '99 World Judo Champion at 90 KG.
As previously
reported by your intrepid columnist, the fight in under special
rules requested by Pride:
- Both men will
wear a 'Gi'
- No strikes
to the head are allowed ever
- At least one
fighter has to be standing for striking
- When both
fighters are on the ground it becomes a submissions only fight,
with no points or advantages
- 2 x 10 minute
rounds with no judges decision. In the event of no submission
or KO the fight will be a draw
The other big
news is that Kid was personally invited by Royce Gracie to cover
the 'road to the classic'. In Royce's own words: 'Hang around
and document history in making'. Suffice it to say that Kid is
beyond excited to be able to cover not only this HUGE event but
also a fight of this magnitude.
In addition
to the regular fight coverage, we plan to have loads of pre-fight,
backstage and post fight info for ADCC readers Worldwide! Stay
tuned to Kid's column or check out RoyceGracie.TV for the latest news about Royce
and Shockwave.
A special note:
Since the announcement of the possibility of this fight being
signed we have received a large number of emails on the subject.
We have been forwarding all of them to Royce.
Source: Abu
Dhabi
UFC
38: Pre Fight Interview with
RENATO 'BABALÚ'
Ruas
Vale Tudo representative Renato 'Babalu' Sobral returned to the
UFC in London this past weekend, when he impressively defeated
Australia's Elvis Sinosic. Here is a complete interview with
Babalu, from before the fight.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You moved from heavyweight down to light heavyweight.
What good and bad points do you see in this move?
'Babalú': [thinking a lot] My size is a good size for
the lightheavyweight division, because nowadays the heavyweights
class has guys that are too big for me. I already competed at
110kg, however my physical conditioning wasn't perfect, so at
lightheavyweight I'll have ideal physical conditioning more so
than when I was a heavyweight fighter.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You fought only once in the lightheavyweight division,
and you have a good record as a heavyweight -
'Babalú': I felt good at that weight because I was used
with that weight, between 105-110kg. So I think that against
Elvis 'The King of Rock'n'Rumble' Sinosic I can fight better
than against Kevin 'The Monster' Randleman, because I've trained
since December hoping for this fight, when I fought Randleman
I had lost the weight within a short time and actually I can
fight better due to my style of training, my speed is better
than before however my strength has dropped a bit.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Did you feel lack of strength in that fight against Randleman?
'Babalú': Absolutely, my fight strategy was to submit
Randleman, be on the bottom or on the top. But he got free from
attempts and he was happy in his positions, he was the better
fighter in that fight.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Is it easiest to fight on the bottom in lightheavyweight
than heavyweight?
'Babalú': Everything depend on your body type, when you're
a bigger guy you can fight on the bottom against the bigger guys,
so such as I said before I didn't have a ideal size for heavyweight,
the hips of a heavyweight fighter are bigger like the rest of
them are bigger, so it was a bit hard to move fast or to sweep.
Actually I'm finding myself fighting better on the bottom than
on the top.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You already had beat two guys with experience in Wrestling,
Grom Zaza** (RINGS) and Brad Kohler (WEF 8), however Randleman
was higher ranked in NHB. Did you go in to that fight knowing
that you'd have to fight on the bottom?
'Babalú': I went to submit him, it didn't matter if it
was from the bottom or from the top. Perhaps it a mistake of
strategy and if I had keept the fight on our feet I'd beat him.
I think that I didn't fight bad, that wasn't a convincing defeat
(KO or submission).
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You said that you gained speed, so does that mean that
you have a fast stanup game now?
'Babalú': My partners said that I'm better, I speaking
about myself it's hard [laughs]. I hope that their right.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Will you fight with Wrestling shoes?
'Babalú': I've trained with Wrestling shoes because our
mat slips, however I'll fight without them because I don`t want
to suffer the same problem as when I fought Overeem [laughs].
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: When you fought Mo Smith, RINGS was still going. Some
of the RINGS fighters - Nohirisa Yamamoto, Kiyoshi Tamura, Emelianeko
Fedor - went to PRIDE. So was your wish to fight in UFC or is
it just that you didn't get an offer from PRIDE?
'Babalú': I've a manager and he's the person who sets
things up for me, I fight anyplace against anyone.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: If another event called you to fight in heavyweight division,
would you go?
'Babalú': Actually not, I've fought Wrestling in under
96kg category and that's my other goal - to fight Wrestling -
so to drop weight from 105kg to 96kg it'd be bad. If I kept myself
with less than 105kg in heavyweight division within NHB, I'd
fight, in my opinion, with wrong weight, actually is hard to
fight at heavyweight with less than that, there're guys with
150kg nowadays !!
IGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: What's your opinion about everything which happened with
RINGS?
'Babalú': I admire a lot Mr. Akira Maeda, because he was
a kind of pioneer inside this game which I take part right now
MMA/NHB. I've a lot of respect for those who opened the doors
to the fighters and the events and Mr. Maeda was one of them.
I'm sorry a lot about RINGS because it's just one more door that's
closed, I really liked RINGS because I could fight several times
during the year. RINGS wasn't a NHB event, it was a sportive
event. I hope that Mr. Maeda revamps RINGS soon, I believe in
him.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You said that it was hard to lose weight when you fought
Randleman, however you also lost weight in short time when fought
ADCC Brazilian Trials 2001, what about those suffered experiences?
'Babalú': Those diet were a sacrifice[laughs]. ADCC Brazilian
Trials was 105kg to 98kg while UFC was 98kg to 93kg. I worked
with my doctor, Hélio Ventura, who did a very good job,
so I`m feeling great. The big problem was that I have never weighed
93kg.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You have many Japanese fans due to the RINGS event, and
now, will you need to win new fans?
'Babalú': I think that when you do a good job, the fans
come to adore you normally it doesn't matter what country your
from?
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Do you think that you will be able to win over the american
UFC fans? 'Babalú': I fought three times in USA with three
different fighting style. Kohler, Smith and Randleman they were
three fights where the fans saw three different fighters in one.
I did Striking, Wrestling and Submission, so nobody can say that
I'm a passive fighter with only one game. However when I fought
in the USA, I faced off against Americans, so while the fans
were rooting for the Americans, I was trying to kick my opponent's
asses. Perhaps I can conquer some American fans now, when I'm
going to fight against an Australian.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Are you desperate for a victory in UFC 38, is there any
pressure?
'Babalú': Desperate.......no, however I assume the pressure,
I like to fight when it means something, so pressure can be favorable
for myself.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: What're you expecting for this fight ?
'Babalú': A friend of mine told me that he read on the
internet that the fight will be a KO, in his favor of course.
He's right, if the fighter doesn't have this kind of mind set,
he starts the fight already losing. So we're in octagon to fight,
I'll try to win this fight, of course.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You've a Wrestling game and he likes to fight on the
bottom, so if the fight ends up like that will it be to your
favor?
'Babalú': Perhaps his guard might give me difficulty who
knows, I studied his style, however I cannot base my strategy
on his last two fights, such as when I lost I went back into
the gym and tried to improve, I'm sure he did the same.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Did you observe strong points in Sinosic's game?
'Babalú'; He's a good ground fighter and he has good Muay
Thai, perhaps he improved his Wrestling skills as well, because
he lost twice in UFC by GnP and he knows that I'm a wrestler
and I can do it too, it means that he'll be ready for it, in
my opinion he has good technical variations.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Final comments?
'Babalú': Everybody will see a exciting show and I want
to thank my Team, my doctor Hélio Ventura and my sponsors
UNAMAR and Vitamins&Minerals, they're sponsor who support
our sport.
**
Zaza took part of Atlanta Olympic Games 1996, representing GEORGIA
in Wrestling, however inside NHB he's not known such as a feared
GnP. Other relevant, RINGS rules weren't favorable to this style.
Source:
Abu Dhabi
Quick
Interview: DENNIS HALLMAN
Dennis Hallman
is a figure every fan of mixed martial arts is familiar with
but not many people are aware of his team, myself included which
was embarrassingly obvious as I stumbled through this post-event
briefing with the team leader. Thankfully Dennis is jovial and
patient as well as remarkably gifted in fighting.
KM: So you had
2 students tonight…or was it 3?
DH: It was 5.
KM: You went
what, 3-2?
DH: We went 0-5.
KM: (embarrassed
but determined) I've got to pay more attention to the paperwork…
DH: I'm not going to make any excuses. One of my fighters took
the fight on 2 days notice, the other fighters they all trained
real hard at the local bar. When you pick your beer bottle up
and drink it you set it down on the table so when they're out
there fighting they threw their punch and then breath and set
the beer bottle down on the table. They'd drop their hands and
you get caught when you drop your hands.
KM: How many
students do you have total?
DH: I don't know…25 fighters.
KM: Are these
your top?
DH: These guys a like our middle guys.
KM: So what's
up with you now? Are you going to move more towards management
and away from fighting?
DH: Moving more towards fighting and less towards management.
If somebody gives me a call I'll say 'hey, I got guys that work
out with me'.
KM: Do you have
anything lined up yourself?
DH: November 1st King Of The Cage for the 170 lb Title.
KM: Do you know
who your opponent is?
DH: The winner of Romie Aram and Joe Stevenson.
To make it up
to Dennis I should state the other fighters that night from Victory
Athletics were not just Michelle Ford who has been discussed
elsewhere but also Dax Bruce, Eddy Ellis, Gary Marshall, and
Shrek Julian. Marshall lost to a K-1 Super Heavyweight contender,
Bruce to a Caesar Gracie student (Caesar Gracie went 4-0), and
Julian to a Jesus Is Lord member-all tall orders to fill for
top fighters.
PAY-PER-VIEW
RE-PLAYS OF
UFC: BRAWL AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Oceanic Cable
July 16 at 4:00 PM on Channel 76
July 18 at 5:30 PM on Channel 77
Royler
Gracie, Henry Matamoros to headline 21st Century Warriors July
19th
Atlantic
City, NJ-D Benjamin Brown Productions hosts a night of grappling
and kickboxing at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino Friday, July
18th. Details on the kickboxing side are scarce at this time
but are said to feature Don 'The Dragon' Wilson. On the grappling
side Dan 'The Beast' Severn takes on Pat Stano, and Henry Matamoros
does ADCC style grappling with 3x ADCC Champion Royler Gracie..
The
main event features Dan 'The Beast' Severn vs. Pat Stano. Dan,
the aging lion, follows his pattern of taking bouts against relatively
inexperienced opponents in the twilight of his career while Stano
was last heard from at Ken Shamrock's innaugural UMMAA event
which is probably responsible for at least a few of Ken's gray
hairs. Stano beat Randy Durant by TKO in 1:15 of the first for
that bout. This time out Dan won't have to worry about internet
feedback for any arrangement concerning no striking since it
is a grappling only event. I predict a boring judge's decision.
The
highlight of the night looks to be Henry Matamoros vs. Royler
Gracie. Matamoros, veteran of HOOKnSHOOT and Extreme Challenge,
is coming off a pair of losses to Shooto stars Takumi Nakayama
and Kohei Yasumi. Pride and Deep 2001 star Royler Gracie has
had 1 fight in the past 3 years where he drew Takehiro Murahama.
This one may be too close to call as both fighters are excellent
grapplers and this bout also allows no strikes.
Source:
Abu Dhabi
7/15/02
Quote
of the Day
Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong
to live as well to think.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Correction
Department
I apologize, I incorrectly listed that Armstrong had beat Hagerty,
when it should have been as follows. I corrected my results below
too.
Will Hagerty 134.4
lbs (Grappling Unlimited) 0-1
def.
William Armstrong 132.8 lbs (808 Fight Factory) 1-0
Majority decision after 2 rounds [(18-17), (18-18), (19-18)].
Two
new members to 808 Fight Factory
808 Fight Factory, trainer and fighter, Ron "The Machine
Gun" Jhun and his wife just gave birth to a beautiful set
of twins. Ron's wife Kim gave birth on the night of Super Brawl,
but when we went to visit them yesterday, the proud Papa did
not seem to mind missing the fights one bit. Like me, they had
one girl and one boy. Both babies and mom are healthy and Ron
can't stop smiling. We are kidding around that people better
not touch either of our wives as having twins seems to be contagious.
Congratulations to the Jhun family.
PS. We are still waiting with baited breath when the time comes
where we get more than 3-4 hours sleep a night. Ron and Kim,
Patty and I are saving you guys a spot in the Sleep Deprivation
Support Club meetings.
Bob
Ostovich wins in IFC 17
IFC WARRIORS CHALLENGE 17
Eagle Mountain Casino, Porterville, CA
July 12th, 2002
COMPLETE
RESULTS:
Shaun Beckett def Tony Alanis by armbar :15 r1
Nick Ertl Jr. def Dax Bruce by TKO 2:32 r2
Jeff Houghland def Rusty Simpson by rear choke 4:11 r1
KC Stran def Tosh Cook //Match not on original schedule.
Rami Boukai def Randy Spence by triangle choke 2:20 r1
Jeremy Jackson def Eddy Ellis by TKO 2:24 r1
Bob Ostovich def Shrek* Julian by TKO :17 r1
Jason Pratt def Cory Hangos by unanimous decision
Steve Heath def James Meals by submission to strikes 2:36 r1
Nick Diaz def Chris Lytle by split decision
Melanie Dumont def Michelle Ford by tap to strikes r2
Carter Williams def Gary Marshall by armbar 4:46
*Bob-O assured us that
his opponent was very large and stalky, but was not a green ogre.
Source: ADCC
UFC
38 Serves Up A Mixed Bag Of Thrills,
Chills, and Surprises British-Style
By Loretta Hunt
It
came. It saw. It conquered. The Ultimate Fighting Championship
had a winner on its hands tonight as UFC 38: Brawl at the Hall
brought America's premiere mixed martial arts event to great
London, England. Traveling to a foreign land where it was not
quite guaranteed the show would be embraced was a risk Zuffa
Sports Entertainment was bravely willing to take. As a diverse
crowd of young and old entered the 140-year old historical Royal
Albert Hall, it became increasingly clear that this would be
one of the most educated and respectful audiences ever to lay
eyes on the sport. With one fight canceled due to fighter's illness
(Gil Castillo was not healthy enough to square off against welterweight
opponent Tony DeSouza) and two preliminary bouts that might have
been deemed lackluster in the eyes of lesser observers, UFC 38
could have quickly become a mediocre evening of fights. But,
an exceptionally knowledgeable and patient crowd of 4,657 let
the show find its pace and happily jumped onboard for a roller
coaster ride of astonishing developments. With four local fighters
on the card going two and two this evening, England got its chance
to show it can hang with the "big boys" and the MMA
inches forward in its quest to become the world's number one
combat sport.
Looking
tough and resolute, light-heavyweight Evan Tanner squared off
against last-minute replacement Chris Haseman in the first preliminary
bout of the evening. Haseman seemed game earlier on, landing
a penetrating right kick that left a noticeable welt on Tanner's
thigh. Escaping a standing guillotine, Tanner took the reigns
and proceeded to bring the game down to his playing field, where
Haseman's conditioning quickly came into question. Although the
feisty Australian displayed ample amounts of heart by hanging
in there, Tanner's start to finish ground domination clearly
earned him the unanimous decision.
Light-heavyweight
Elvis Sinosic came in tonight to reverse a two-fight losing streak,
but the cards were stacked against him. Ruas Vale Tudo pupil
Renato "Babalu" Sobral was too strong, too fast, and
too aggressive for the Aussie looking to get the submission from
his back. Although Sinosic exhibited his most offensive UFC fight
to date, the Brazilian's barrage of left-right "machine
gun" strikes downward took its toll on "the King".
With both his eyes swelling shut and blood flowing freely from
a cut on his forehead, McCarthy called the doctors in with approximately
30 seconds left in the final round. Approved to finish the match,
Sinosic made one final attempt to takedown his opponent, only
to have Babalu reverse position and get the takedown himself.
Babalu was awarded the unanimous decision win.
The
pace of the evening really started to cook when newcomers Phillip
Miller and James Zikic squared off in the third bout. In a seesaw
battle for domination, Miller showed an aptitude for "ground
and pound" warfare while former amateur boxer Zikic got
off some impressive punches as he fought "tooth and nail"
to keep the match standing. However, Miller imposed his will
frequently on the Londoner, gaining crucial points in the first
and second rounds. By the third round, the two men were duking
it out on "empty," having depleted all reserves from
their body. Miller was awarded the unanimous decision.
They
say "you only get one chance to make a first impression"
and these are words that Genki Sudo apparently lives by. Gazing
up to the peak of the fighter's ramp, fans feasted their eyes
on the Japanese showman, draped in traditional kimono and wicker
hat angled low over his face. Gazing up to meet stunned onlookers,
Sudo completed his wardrobe with a flashy red and white kabuki
mask and matching theatrical dance down the ramp that sent the
crowd into a frenzy. Once into the ring, Sudo's confident stance
and fancy footwork, proved too much for already- edgy opponent
Leigh Remedios. The UK's top lightweight contender managed to
stave off an array of attacks ranging from arm bar to flying
triangle choke in the first round, but was never able to mount
an offensive. Remedios came out more aggressive in the second
round, but "the Neo Warrior" expertly put the match
to bed with a powerful lateral drop to the fastest rear-naked
choke this side of the equator. Remedios tapped out at 1:38 into
round two.
In
the blink of an eye, Gloucester local Mark Weir etched himself
a slot in the middleweight division with a devastating ten second
knockout of six-time UFC veteran Eugene Jackson. At the sound
of the bell, the Tae Kwon Do black belt threw a hook kick that
baited "the Wolf" in. Throwing his signature gargantuan
right hook, Jackson lunged head-on into a short right that sent
him directly to the canvas. It took Jackson over a minute to
recover from the hit, as the crowd went bananas for their hometown
hero.
In
one of the most shocking match-ups of the evening, British underdog
Ian Freeman quickly and methodically dispatched heavyweight rising
star, Frank Mir. With a foolproof strategy, Freeman utilized
an arsenal of punches, knees, and elbows to shakeup the 23-year
old both on his feet and on his back. Placing his stock in his
submission savvy, an unprotected Mir took heaping portions of
unnecessary punishment from the Brit on the ground. McCarthy
halted the match late in round one to access the damage, and
in seconds it became all too clear that Mir was in no state to
continue. Unable to stand freely, falling against the cage and
then to his knees, Mir was practically unconscious on his feet.
"The Machine" was awarded the TKO victory, upping his
UFC record to 3-1.
With
lumps in their throats, fans settled in for what was sure to
be a gripping main event. Following their first electrifying
meeting back at UFC 34: High Voltage last November, Matt Hughes
and Carlos Newton once again clashed in battle to finally put
the welterweight title controversy to rest. Hughes convincingly
dominated all four rounds of action, bringing his "ground
and pound" style to textbook perfection. Newton hunted for
the submission earlier on, almost capturing the champion in an
extended armbar in round one and a rear-naked choke attempt farther
in, but flawless defense and the "wear and tear" of
Hughes's consistent onslaught eventually kicked in. By the end
of round two, a small cut below Newton's eye began to bleed.
In round three, Hughes achieved full mount, but opted to go for
an uncharacteristic armbar attempt that Newton claims he gave
up just to get out from the bottom. Round four ended with Hughes
successfully pinning both of Newton's arms while delivering his
final blows. The Canadian had had enough and verbally submitted
at 3:37 in. Hughes, undisputed at last, remains atop the welterweight
division pyramid.
The
Results:
Matt Hughes def. Carlos Newton - Tap out via verbal submission
3:37 Rd 4
Ian Freeman def. Frank Mir - TKO referee stoppage due to strikes
4:35 Rd 1
Mark Weir def. Eugene Jackson - KO :10 Rd 1
Genki Sudo def. Leigh Remedios - Rear-naked choke 1:38 Rd 2
Phillip Miller def. James Zikic - Unanimous decision
Renato "Babalu" Sobral def. Elvis Sinosic - Unanimous
decision
Evan Tanner def. Chris Haseman - Unanimous decision
Tony DeSouza vs. Gil Castillo - Canceled due to fighter's (Castillo)
illness
Source: FCF
7/14/02
Quote
of the Day
When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look
so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not
see the ones which open for us.
Alexander Graham Bell
Super
Brawl XXV Results
Neil Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, HI
July 13, 2002
by Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com
Super
Brawl 25 was a heavily weighted card and thus started about thirty
minutes earlier than usual in order to make sure that the event
ended at a decent hour. Half the fight card was a number of young
fighters with less than three fights on their records. The fighters
had nothing to lose and everything to gain and it showed in their
performance. Almost every fighter in every match up went out
to fight and take it to their opponent. Even the fights that
went the distance were exciting. Normally they are often due
to matching up too evenly skilled opponents and the fighters
seem to counter act each other. Instead both fighters went toe
to toe or stayed aggressive throughout their fights. This event
was a little more special than the rest due to the fact that
this would be Egan Inoue's farewell match. Inoue officially retired
after KO'ing Martijn de Jong in impressive fashion. Baret Yoshida
showed the Hawaii crowd why he is called "The Finisher."
And Eddie Yagin had an absolute war with Jin Kazeta. Kazeta hurt
Yagin with knees, while Yagin hurt Kazeta with punches. That
was another exciting match from start to finish.
Justin Mercado
141.8 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) 1-1
def.
Joey Jordan 139 lbs (808 Fight Factory) 0-1
Verbal submission due to a straight right at 2:17 minutes in
Round 1.
Lyndon Talanoa
251 (Grappling Unlimited) 2-0
def.
Maloko Sasa 242 lbs (HMC Pankration) 0-2
TKO via referee stoppage from strikes at 3:37 minutes in Round
1.
Nick Bradley
197.4 lbs (Shark Tank) Super Brawl #5 Ranked
2-0
def.
Richard Chou 197.5 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) 0-1
Unanimous decision after 2 rounds [(20-17), (20-17), (20-18)].
Deshaun Johnson
164.4 lbs (HMC Pankration) 3-2
def.
Dain Agbayani 157.8 lbs (Jesus is Lord) 1-3
Unanimous decision after 2 rounds [(20-18), (20-18), (20-18)].
Will Hagerty
134.4 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) 0-1
def.
William Armstrong 132.8 lbs (808 Fight Factory) 1-0
Majority decision after 2 rounds [(18-17), (18-18), (19-18)].
Jay R. Palmer
150 lbs. (Freelance) 21-17
def.
Brennan Kamaka 161.4 lbs (Gamebred) 1-7
Verbal submission due to exhaustion at 0:33 seconds in Round
2.
Baret Yoshida
142 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) Super Brawl #5 Ranked 5-3-1
def.
Jason Bress 141 lbs (Sean McCully, LA) 9-4
Submission via rear naked choke at 3:16 minutes in Round 1.
Eddie Yagin
141.2 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) Super Brawl #3 Ranked 7-0
def.
Jin Kazeta 143 lbs (Nigata, Japan) 2-1-1
Majority decision after 2 rounds [(19-18), (19-19), (19-18)].
Kimikito Nonaka
131.8 lbs (Purebred Omiya, Japan)
def.
Jose Lopez 132 lbs (Shark Tank, CA) Super Brawl #3 Ranked 1-1-1
Submission via rear naked choke at 2:07 minutes in Round 1.
Shonie Carter
166.6 lbs
def.
Kolo Koka 165.4 lbs (Grappling Unlimited)
Unanimous decision after 2 rounds [(20-18), (20-18), (20-18)].
Egan Inoue 181.0
lbs (Grappling Unlimited) Super Brawl Champion 14-3
def.
Martijn de Jong 180.0 lbs (Golden Glory, Holland) 14-5
KO via kick to the head at 2:33 minutes in Round 1.
UFC
38: Brawl at the Hall Results
The Royal Albert Hall, London, England
July 13th, 2002
Babalu took Elvis down at will and grounded and pounded Elvis
bloody for all three rounds. Elvis spun around for some submissions,
but way too loosely and Babalu leaned back out of them well before
he was close to locking them in.
Light Heavyweight
Bout:
Evan Tanner (USA) def. Chris Haseman (Australia)*
*Haseman replaces Matyushenko due to injury
Unanimous decision
Tanner imposed his will standing and on the ground, playing
a Team Quest type of game, staying tight and making Haseman pay
for fighting so long in the limited striking rules of RINGS.
Welterweight
Bout:
Gil Castillo (USA) vs. Tony DeSouza (Peru)
???
Light Heavyweight
Bout:
Phillip Miller (USA) def. James Zikic (UK)
Unanimous decision [(29-28), (29-28), (29-28)]
Zikic showed incredible take down defense, but Miller's successful
take downs proved to be more valuable than Zikic's near guillotine.
Lightweight Bout:
Genki "Neo Samurai" Sudo (Japan) def. Leigh Remedios
(UK)
Submission via rear naked choke in Round 2.
Extremely unorthodox, coming out with a Japanese demon mask,
Sudo attempted a flying triangle, almost locked up 2 more triangles
and then spun around, taking the back of Remedios and securing
the rear naked.
Middleweight Bout:
Mark "The Wizard" Weir (UK) def. Eugene Jackson (USA)
Via KO at 10seconds in round 1.
They touch gloves, Weir attempts a cresent kick that misses
and then Jackson steps in for a big punch, but Weir lands a snap-like
right hand that knocks Jackson out cold. Jackson was on the ground
for a while. That was the whole fight.
Heavyweight
Bout:
Ian "The Machine" Freeman (UK) def. Frank Mir (USA)
Via TKO, referee stoppage at 4:35minutes in Round 1.
Freeman's strength and aggressive style took Mir out of his
game. Mir attempted to kick to counteract Freeman's punches.
Mir attempted a few submissions, including a couple of close
heel hooks, but Freeman escaped by punching and basically beat
the crap out of Mir. McCarthy halted the bout to examine Mir,
but Mir was walking on queer street, even dropping to his knees,
when McCarthy officially stopped the bout.
UFC Welterweight
Championship Bout:
Matt Hughes (Champion - USA) vs. Carlos Newton (Canada)
Submission due to strikes from the cross side position at 4:37minutes
in Round 4.
Hughes dominated position, take downs and pounded Newton.
Newton locked up a nice arm lock from the guard a la Dennis Hallman,
but Hughes got out of it. Later in the fight Hughes mounted and
punched Newton and even attempted an arm bar, which allowed Newton
to get up and get Hughes' back, but the rounded ended before
Newton could take advantage. Hughes secured the cross side, trapped
one arm with his legs and the other with his arm and punched
and threw forearms before the match was stopped. It was not apparent
if Newton tapped or the referee stopped it. I thought that the
ref stopped it. Decisive win for Hughes.
Source: ADCC
Maui's
newest MMA event:
RING WARRIORS
War Memorial
Gymnasium, Wailuku, Maui
Saturday, September 7, 2002
Fights start at 7:00PM
This is the newest MMA event on Maui and the promoters are looking
to add more fighters to the card. Any interested fighters in
Hawaii can call one of the promoters directly at (808) 298-7292
or email him at Mauibadboy@aol.com. Contact him quick before
he finalizes the fight card.
Source: Event promoter
Royce
Fight Update
Is Royce Fighting in Japan ? That is the question in everyone's
minds
Secret Agent
columnist Kid Peligro resorted to some crafty Ninja disguise
to bring you the latest . . .
3 times UFC
Champion Royce Gracie meets the 'Golden 'Boy' Oscar de la Hoya.
Royce Gracie
made an appearance at the Golden Boy's training camp in Big Bear
Lake, Ca. to speak with the Champ Oscar who has reopened his
training camp in preparation for his fight with Vargas in September.
The two Champions had expressed interest in the meeting and connected
through mutual friends.
Royce and Oscar
were stocked to share wars stories and swap tricks of each other
trade. The meeting almost turned sour as Oscar attempted a 'rear
naked choke' on Royce to show who was the boss. Royce retaliated
with a lighting quick jab . . . NOT! It was all in good fun and
pictures and autographs galore were taken.
Kid then followed
Royce to his studio in So.Cal. Gracie has been rumored to be
fighting in Japan next month and was completely mum about the
whole thing and that is very difficult for a Brazilian, you know
: ) Kid however hung out long enough to witness and participate
in a training session and from the looks of things, Royce was
not preparing for a Bowling match, that's for sure. Additionally,
Royce is schedule to leave for Japan tomorrow morning . . . If
it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck . . . you draw the
conclusion!
All that fight
talk has lead to a surge in interest in Royce's Camp. All participants
have been extremely concerned if Royce is going to show up for
both events. In an exclusive statement to Kid Royce didn't confirm
or deny the fight but said in a Swazeneggar 'Terminator' like
voice: 'I'll be there!'
Source: ADCC/Kid Peligro
7/13/02
Quote
of the Day
It is funny about life: if you refuse to accept anything but
the very best you will very often get it.
W. Somerset Maugham
Tonight
is Super Brawl XXV!
Neil Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, HI
July 13, 2002
7:30PM Fights start
Joey Jordan 139 lbs (808 Fight Factory) 0-0
vs.
Justin Mercado 141.8 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) 0-1
Lyndon Talanoa
251 (Grappling Unlimited) 1-0
vs.
Maloko Sasa 242 lbs (HMC Pankration) 0-1
Nick Bradley
197.4 lbs (Shark Tank) Super Brawl #5 Ranked
1-0
vs.
Richard Chou 197.5 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) 0-0
Deshaun Johnson
164.4 lbs (HMC Pankration) 2-2
vs.
Dain Agbayani 157.8 lbs (808 Fight Factory) 1-2
William Armstrong
132.8 lbs (808 Fight Factory) 0-0
vs.
Will Hagerty 134.4 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) 0-0
Brandon Wolff
166 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) 1-0
vs.
Ian Nelms 167.2 lbs (Shark Tank) 0-0
Brennan Kamaka
161.4 lbs (Gamebred) 1-6
vs.
Jay R. Palmer 150 lbs. (Freelance) 20-17
Baret Yoshida
142 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) Super Brawl #5 Ranked 4-3-1
vs.
Jason Bress 141 lbs (Sean McCully, LA) 9-3
Jin Kazeta 143
lbs (Nigata, Japan) 2-0-1
vs.
Eddie Yagin 141.2 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) Super Brawl #3 Ranked
6-0
Kimikito Nonaka
131.8 lbs (Purebred Omiya, Japan)
vs.
Jose Lopez 132 lbs (Shark Tank, CA) Super Brawl #3 Ranked 1-0-1
Shonie Carter
166.6 lbs
vs.
Kolo Koka 165.4 lbs (Grappling Unlimited)
Martijn de Jong
180.0 lbs (Golden Glory, Holland) 14-4
vs.
Egan Inoue 181.0 lbs (Grappling Unlimited) Super Brawl Champion
13-3
UFC
38: Brawl at the Royal Albert Hall Today
Royal Albert Hall, London, England
July 13th, 2002
4:00PM Hawaii time
UFC Welterweight Championship Bout:
Matt Hughes (Champion - USA) vs. Carlos Newton (Canada)
Heavyweight
Bout:
Ian 'The Machine' Freeman (UK) vs. Frank Mir (USA)
Middleweight
Bout:
Mark Weir (UK) vs. Eugene Jackson (USA)
Light Heavyweight
Bout:
James Zikic (UK) vs. Phillip Miller (USA)
Lightweight
Bout:
Leigh Remedios (UK) vs. Genki Sudo (Japan)
Light Heavyweight
Bout:
Elvis Sinosic (Australia) vs. Renato 'Babalu' (Brazil)
Light Heavyweight
Bout:
Evan Tanner (USA) vs. Chris Haseman (Australia)*
*Haseman replaces Matyushenko due to injury
Welterweight
Bout:
Gil Castillo (USA) vs. Tony DeSouza (Peru)
Source: ADCC
UFO
Rumors
There are rumors floating around that Murillo Bustamante and
Jens Pulver have been taken off the UFO card.
Pulver, who originally left
UFC for the potential fight, may now be left without anything
on the table.
Murillo was offered a very
large sum of money to fight several months ago but turned it
down. There was talk of a second offer, larger than the first
and inside rumors that Murillo was going to accept the fight
and still try to maintain his UFC Championship status.
Whether or not these rumors
prove to be true remains to be seen but UFC champions will start
to think twice about career 'options' outside the U.S.
Job security in the
fight game are few and far between. UFC has been one of the few
to guarantee their champions multi-fight contracts.
Source:
ADCC
Marco
Ruas in Rio!
Marco Ruas is currently training
in Rio De Janeiro, preparing for his next commitment against
Kazunari Murakami in the UFO Show on August 8th in Tokyo, Japan.
Marco is the Ruas Vale Tudo
leader and he is preparing with the RVT team in Brazil - Pedro
Rizzo, Gustavo Ximu and Cacareco just to name a few.
Renato Babalu and Roberto
Leitao will join the sessions as soon as Babalu
comes back from his UFC 38 match against Elvis Sinosic.
Marco stated that working
on improving his already legendary striking abilities, in order
to give the Japanese audience a good show. This is a possible
retirement fight for Ruas, who is considering an offer to join
the
pro wrestling business in Japan.
Source: ADCC
7/12/02 4:00 PM
Super
Brawl Press Conference/Weigh-in
Friday at 24 Hour Fitness
Super Brawl XXV
1:00 PM
All the fighters
showed and made weight for this large card coming up tomorrow
night. There is a lot of good match ups that should make for
interesting fights from the start to the finish of the card.
A couple of fights to watch are the Deshaun Johnson/Dain Agbayani
fight and the Nonaka/Lopez fight. Agbayani is giving up some
weight, but has some hand skills to match that of Johnson. The
fans can expect some good stand up exchanges unless Agbayani
can take the fight to the ground where he may have the edge.
Johnson may have a slight edge standing due to his proven use
of knees, kicks, and hands. Dain is known for his quick, powerful
hands. This should be a great fight. Jose Lopez, who may have
one of the best left hooks this side of Bozo Palling looks to
see what he can do against the well rounded Nonaka who has had
success in Shooto. Coming from Enson Inoue's gym, Nonaka has
to be a warrior and Lopez has already treated Hawaii fans to
exciting fights in the past.
Baret Yoshida
makes a return to the Hawaii squared circle to face a mysterious
Jason Bress. Bress is listed as an undefeated kickboxer and Baret
has just rocked the highly ranked Abe in Japan a short while
ago. Can Bress keep the fight standing and prove that he is the
better striker or will Yoshida take the fight to the ground where
he has shown that he is among the best in the world? I would
not be surprised for Baret to throw some bombs standing. His
teammates say that he can send shivers down your spine with some
of the good shots he throws. Eddie Yagin puts his undefeated
streak on the line again another Japanese fighter unknown to
the Hawaii fans. After the last two monsters that came from the
land of the rising sun, the Hawaii audience looks forward to
any Japan-based fighter to show their goods.
The original
playa from the Himalayas returns to Hawaii after having mixed
success in the big show, the UFC. Shonie Carter brings his unorthodox
style to Hawaii to face a straight ahead hard hitter in Kolo
Koka. A win by Koka will shock everyone, including Carter, but
with the way Koka hits, one punch may be all it takes. Carter
has been knocked out before.
What is listed
as the retirement match for the largest draw of MMA in Hawaii,
Egan Inoue will face the number 4 Shooto fighter in Martijn de
Jong from Holland. de Jong will look to keep the fight standing,
but does have some ground experience. Egan has proven that the
ground is his world and would probably like to go out with a
solid stand up performance to leave his impression in the MMA
world of being a total package. Look for both fighters to let
it all hang out here.
Tickets are
still available, but are going fast. This card has to be a crowd
pleaser because of the many great match ups. Get down to the
Blaisdell to see the fights live!
Fight Card
Super Brawl XXV Fight Card
Saturday, July 13, 2002
Blaisdell Arena
Honolulu, Hawaii
Egan Inoue 181.0
lbs
(Grappling Unlimited) Super Brawl Champion 13-3
vs.
Martijn de Jong 180.0 lbs
(Golden Glory, Holland) 14-4
Shonie Carter
166.6 lbs
vs
Kolo Koka 165.4 lbs
Grappling Unlimited
Kimikito Nonaka
131.8 lbs
(Purebred Omiya, Japan)
vs.
Jose Lopez 132 lbs
(Shark Tank, CA) Super Brawl #3 Ranked 1-0-1
Jin Kazeta 143
lbs
(Nigata, Japan) 2-0-1
vs.
Eddie Yagin 141.2 lbs
(Grappling Unlimited) Super Brawl #3 Ranked 6-0
Jason Bress
141 lbs
(Sean McCully, LA) 9-3
vs.
Baret Yoshida 142 lbs
(Grappling Unlimited) Super Brawl #5 Ranked 4-3-1
Brennan Kamaka
161.4 lbs
(Gamebred) 1-6
vs.
Jay R. Palmer 150 lbs.
(Freelance) 20-17
Brandon Wolff
166 lbs
(Grappling Unlimited) 1-0
vs.
Ian Nelms 167.2 lbs
(Shark Tank) 0-0
William Armstrong
132.8 lbs
(808 Fight Factory) 0-0
vs.
Will Hagerty 134.4 lbs
(Grappling Unlimited) 0-0
Dain Agbayani
157.8 lbs
(808 Fight Factory) 1-2
vs.
Deshaun Johnson 164.4 lbs
(HMC Pankration) 2-2
Nick Bradley
197.4 lbs
(Shark Tank)
Super Brawl #5 Ranked
1-0
vs.
Richard Chou 197.5 lbs
(Grappling Unlimited) 0-0
Lyndon Talanoa
251
(Grappling Unlimited) 1-0
vs.
Maloko Sasa 242 lbs
(HMC Pankration) 0-1
Joey Jordan
139 lbs
(808 Fight Factory) 0-0
vs.
Justin Mercado 141.8 lbs
(Grappling Unlimited) 0-1
For all his
hard work putting together this card and for the many years of
building MMA in Hawaii, it all came to a head today... T. Jay
was asked for his first autograph.
He'll sleep good tonight cherishing this moment. I still don't
know what that kid was thinking (heh heh).
7/12/02
Quote
of the Day
My goal is simple. It is complete understanding of the universe,
why it as it is and why it exists as all.
Stephen Hawking
Super
Brawl Press Conference/Weigh-in
Friday at 24 Hour Fitness
Super Brawl XXV
Egan
Inoue, Holland’s Martijn de Jong, Mr. International, Shonie
Carter, Baret Yoshida, Japanese Shooters and the Philippino phenom,
Eddie Yagin will attend press conference and official weigh-in
at 24-Hour Fitness located at 1680 Kapiolani Blvd. on Friday
at 1pm!
All
press must pick up credentials at this conference.
Tickets
are available at the Blaisdell box office and all ticket outlets.
Reserved seating tickets are $25 in advance and $29 the day of
the show. There will also be a limited number of VIP ringside
seats available for $50 each.
Pictures
and Video Available upon request.
SuperBrawl
XXV
July 13, 2002
Neil Blaisdell Center
Honolulu, HI
WEIGH
INS:
UFC 38 Brawl at the Royal Albert Hall!
UFC 38: Brawl
at the Royal Albert Hall
Saturday, July 13th, 2002
Royal Albert Hall - London England
Hawaii
Oceanic Pay-per-view Website
July 13, 2002
3:30 PM Pre-fight?
4:00 Fights Start
Channel 76
On pay per view
around the world!
History is set
to be made in London, England as the UFC heads to Europe for
the first time in it's nearly 10 year history. Kudos to ZUFFA<
who has done a good job legitimizing the sport in Europe. Word
came out this week that the show would be on PPV in Scandinavia,
and the ticket sales at Royal Albert Hall were reported to be
impressive. Four of the UK's top fighters will be featured on
the 8-fight card.
OFFICIAL WEIGH
INS:
Matt Hughes
170lbs
Carlos Newton 168lbs
Hughes weighed
in originally at 171.5lbs and easily made the weight within one
hour. Carlos joking said 'he's a bit fat.' The two posed for
pictures and smiled like they were best friends.
Frank Mir 236.9lbs
Ian Freeman 220lbs
Mir looks to
have dropped nearly 14lbs of body fat. Freeman is also looking
fit and weighed in lighter than ever. Freeman has been doing
serious training at AMC Pankration for the last four weeks in
preparation.
Genki Sudo 154.4lbs
Leigh Remedios 154lbs
Sudo, another
character, has taken the nickname of 'Neo Samurai.' Both look
almost identical in size.
Evan Tanner
205.1lbs
Chris Haseman 202.8lbs
Renato Babalu
203.2lbs
Elvis Sinosic 201.5lbs
James Zikic
201lbs
Phillip Miller 198lbs
Eugene Jackson
184.6lbs
Mark Weir 181.5lbs
Gil Castillo
171.8lbs
Tony DeSouza 170.5lbs
Unclear on what
went on but Castillo cut nearly 14lbs to make weight and had
some difficulty. Both made a gentleman's agreement that the weights
were ok.
COMPLETE CARD:
UFC Welterweight
Championship Bout:
Matt Hughes (Champion - USA) vs. Carlos Newton (Canada)
Heavyweight
Bout:
Ian 'The Machine' Freeman (UK) vs. Frank Mir (USA)
Middleweight
Bout:
Mark Weir (UK) vs. Eugene Jackson (USA)
Light Heavyweight
Bout:
James Zikic (UK) vs. Phillip Miller (USA)
Lightweight
Bout:
Leigh Remedios (UK) vs. Genki Sudo (Japan)
Light Heavyweight
Bout:
Elvis Sinosic (Australia) vs. Renato 'Babalu' (Brazil)
Light Heavyweight
Bout:
Evan Tanner (USA) vs. Chris Haseman (Australia)*
*Haseman replaces Matyushenko due to injury
Welterweight
Bout:
Gil Castillo (USA) vs. Tony DeSouza (Peru)
Sperry
and Nogueira Brothers Ready for UFO
The
Brazilian Top Team continues has been marking its presence in
Japan with memorable fights at PRIDE, and the new UFO event scheduled
for August will be no different. Three of the Top Team's fighters,
including PRIDE heavyweight champion Rodrigo "Minotauro"
Nogueira, will be fighting in the new Japanese event. PRIDE and
Extreme fighting veteran Mario Sperry is already training for
his upcoming fight at UFO, despite the knee surgery he underwent
after PRIDE 20. Sperry is almost 100% recovered from his injury
and will be fighting a yet to be named opponent. Mario's opponent
will probably be announced next week, but his participation in
the even is certain unless he gets injured.
The Nogueira brothers, Rogerio and Rodrigo, are coming back today
from a trip to Holland, where they trained Muay Thai in order
to improve their game and while Rodrigo was recovering from a
back injury that prevented his participation at PRIDE 21 and
limited his ground training for a while. Minotauro will be facing
Sanae Kikuta at UFO. Although the match hasn't been announced
yet, it's already considered certain within the NHB circles in
Brazil. Rodrigo Minotauro won't be the only Nogueira fighting
in the event, his twin brother Rogerio Minotoro will also be
fighting against an opponent to be named in the future. With
the presence of three Brazilian Top Team members, the UFO card
continues to develop as a strong one. FCF was also told that
Marco Ruas' possible opponent, Murakami Kazunari, is in Brazil
training with the Brazilian Top Team for his upcoming bout in
the UFO against Ruas, therefore even though the match hasn't
been announced yet, it's bound to happen.
Source:
FCF
Joint
Proposal Between Barnett and Nevada Commission Fails; Hearing
Scheduled for July 26
By Joe Hall
The Nevada State
Athletic Commission met today with Josh Barnett, who was present
via conference call while in London for Saturday's UFC.
No ruling was
made regarding the allegations that Barnett used steroids. The
Nevada Commission did not have a "full hearing," said
Chief Deputy Attorney General Keith Kizer, who represents the
Commission. Instead, a joint proposal, which Kizer described
as "kind of a settlement of the complaint," was the
topic of the meeting.
"We were
hoping to alleviate the need for a hearing by trying to work
out a joint proposal between Marc Ratner, the Commission's executive
director, and Josh Barnett as the licensee," Kizer said.
A joint proposal,
if reached, would then have been sent to the Nevada Commission
for approval. However, an agreement could not be made with Barnett.
"We tried
our best, both sides, but we just couldn't reach a final version
of what both sides could live with," Kizer said.
The discussed
proposal had "nothing to do with a suspension," Kizer
told FCF. "It would not have included any type of suspension
to it. We couldn't agree on the language, basically."
Since the joint
proposal failed, the Nevada Commission will go forward with the
hearing on July 26. Barnett has already been sent a notice that
he must attend in-person on that date.
At the July
26 hearing, Kizer said the Commission will present the evidence
they have that Barnett used steroids and should be disciplined
for it. Barnett has the right to defend himself by any legitimate
means, which may include presenting evidence, calling witnesses,
and testifying.
As far as what
to expect from the hearing, Kizer stated, "Our main goal
here is really education. We just had this happen not too long
ago, and the main goal is to get these guys some sort of counseling
as well as provide proof that they no longer have steroids in
their system. That's what we'll be asking for on this case as
well."
Kizer continued,
"We're not looking to just merely punish somebody. Unfortunately,
we've found out, at least through the allegations in major league
baseball, that steroid use is more rampant in that sport than
people once thought. I think the same thing may be true here
as well. We want the fighters to realize that even though this
may give you an unfair advantage in the short term, it could
give you long-term health problems including death. We want to
make sure that Mr. Barnett understands that."
Source: FCF
Newton
Prepared to Avenge Controversial Loss in Awaited Rematch
Great
rivalries are the soul of sports. There are some opponents, whether
teams or individuals, who simply bring out the best in each other.
When they meet, tension peaks and drama spills over. Athletes
can suddenly perform like never before as their underlying competitive
drive roars to the forefront. It is a time when winning is its
greatest, and losing is its bitter worst.
While
Gracie-Shamrock was the first classic rivalry in mixed martial
arts, it's only a matter of time before another comes along and
captivates the contemporary era of our sport. Silva-Sakuraba
and Couture-Rizzo made for a couple of interesting fights, though
they fell short of epic rivalries. The star power was there,
but the endings of the rematches fizzled.
Where
should MMA look to find its next unforgettable rivalry? One candidate
is the upcoming rematch between Carlos Newton and Matt Hughes.
The first bout ended abruptly but added to the necessary ingredients
that are present for the second confrontation: two world-class
athletes, with a history, at the top of the game and poised for
an explosive battle.
Their
first meeting produced one of the most controversial finishes
in MMA history. From his back, Carlos Newton appeared near victory
as he slipped a leg over Matt Hughes' shoulder and secured a
triangle choke. Hughes' defense was not technical; it was pure
power. Lifting Newton high into the air and carrying him to the
fence, Hughes prepared to slam the welterweight champion in a
last ditch effort to escape the submission. While hoisted to
the top of the cage, Newton's legs wrapped tighter, and he strangled
the challenger to a desperate shade of red. Sensing imminent
triumph, Newton held on to the choke and braved the dangerous
drop as Hughes drove him downward. Newton's body violently plunged
to the canvas, and his head ricocheted off the mat, rendering
him unconscious.
Referee
John McCarthy stepped in to stop the fight. When he removed Hughes
from the top position, however, the fighter slumped forward.
Although it was not obvious at first, the choke had dazed Hughes
and possibly even delivered him to the same unconscious state
that Newton was in. Hughes righted himself, then stepped to his
feet and realized that he had been declared the new 170-pound
UFC champion. With a wide-eyed smile, he climbed the fence to
celebrate but appeared just as confused as elated.
A
flood of questions and disagreements followed. Did Hughes go
out? Did both fighters go out at the same time? Who went out
first? Should there have even been a winner?
Newton
doesn't buy the opinion that they went out simultaneously. He
says Hughes was the first to lose consciousness. "To say
we both went out at the same time, that's like perfect timing,"
Newton explained. "That's narrowing it down to a split second.
That means either he's passing out on the way down or he's passed
out while he's still standing. My legs opened the second I hit
the mat, so logic would tell you that he went out first."
Although
the outcome was a rare ending that probably will never be repeated
in the Octagon, Newton called it an "unfortunate end to
a great fight." He continued, "At the same time, I
understood how such a thing could have happened or such a bad
decision could have been made. The referees and judges were quite
in shock when they saw my head hit the mat. All the attention
went to me, and everyone abandoned the situation at the time
and tried to attend to my safety, which I do appreciate."
Hughes'
condition went unnoticed, which may have influenced the outcome,
hinted Newton. He argues that the ending should have been handled
differently. "To make things fair, given that they didn't
have any provisions for such a scenario and what did happen,
a draw would have been very fair or just call an automatic rematch,"
Newton said.
Regardless
of where one stands on any of the issues at hand, a second bout
has been unanimously supported. It was also soon set, appeasing
Newton and those who want to see an unquestionable finish.
Before
another showdown with Hughes was lined up, however, Newton ventured
to Japan to face Jose "Pele" Landi-Jons in Pride. The
thrilling match was filled with a variety of action from start
to finish. Momentum shifted back-and-forth like a battered boat
swaying side to side in a rough sea, Pele always dangerous on
the feet, Newton ever threatening on the ground.
Pele
grabbed the upper hand by blasting Newton with a knee to the
chin. A sick-smacking sound accompanied the blow, but Newton
stayed on his feet and offered a thumbs up to his opponent. He
would soon after take Pele down and dramatically submit him with
an armbar.
Newton
couldn't have bounced back better from the loss to Hughes. Pele
was a quality adversary, and Newton decisively finished him.
"I think I really established a nice foot hold at the top
of that weight class," said Newton of the win.
Meanwhile,
Hughes was in the U.S. holding on to his title in dominating
fashion against highly ranked Hayato Sakurai. It was a characteristic
performance for Hughes, who roughed up the Japanese competitor
with several slams and finished him with ground-and-pound.
Newton
was watching and was not surprised by Hughes' convincing victory.
"I thought that if Sakurai didn't have the intricate ground
skills to deal with Matt's ground-and-pound game, he was going
to be in trouble," he said.
A
few ideas also fell Newton's way as he watched the bout. "I
definitely saw what Matt relies on, which is just a ground-and-pound
game," he observed. "He's a pretty one-dimensional
fighter in that sense. That fight helped clarify that, and there
is ways to attack it and win."
Newton
will get his shot in London, where the awaited rematch will take
place. The event is the first European UFC, and Newton acknowledged
that headlining the card against Hughes is "a big step forward"
in his career.
Born
in the British Virgin Islands, Newton is both a British and Canadian
citizen. As far as introducing U.K. fans to their first live
UFC, he said there is "no one better to do it than me."
Training
for the bout has gone well, according to Newton. Some fighters
train the same regardless of whom they're fighting, but he is
preparing specifically for Hughes. "[With] each fight, training
is different," he said. "I've worked on some wrestling
for this fight -- made sure those skills are up to par, and we're
just taking away Matt's strong points."
"The
Ronin" has not forgotten his first encounter with the current
UFC welterweight champion. He described Hughes as feeling "very
solid" on the ground and recognized him as a "very
strong fighter." Newton continued, "He feels like he's
definitely a Miletich camp fighter. It's just a style that they
have. It's a very conservative, get ahead, points kind of style."
The initial meeting also prompted Newton to say that Hughes "can't
exchange hands" with him.
For
a different ending this time around, Newton said he must "turn
it up" and "make it a little war." He explained,
"Matt's going to be looking for a nice, clean conservative
fight, and that's not what I want."
Fans
should expect "a new level of fighting," continued
Newton on the UFC 38 main event. "I think a fight between
me and Matt is going to raise the bar for a lot of fighters out
there and a lot of fighters to come."
The
first bout will be remembered for its unbelievable finish. The
rematch may enter the history books as well but for a different
reason. Newton is out for revenge and to take his title back;
Hughes is determined to hold on to the belt and silence critics
who say he should not have won the first fight. With this match,
MMA may have found its next great rivalry.
Source:
Maxfighting
This
Month in Mixed Martial Arts History: July
The
unparalleled legend surrounding Rickson Gracie grew in July 1994.
At the Japan Vale Tudo, Gracie easily submitted three opponents
to win the eight-man tournament.
Tank
Abbott burst into the sport in July 1995 at UFC VI. His goatee-bearing
mug, absent a number of teeth, was first presented during the
intro video prior to his opening match against John Matua. In
that segment, Abbott confidently announced that he would be "the
most athletic person that's ever stepped into the Octagon."
He then pounded Matua into a fit of convulsions and capped the
alarming scene by mocking his unconscious opponent.
Abbott
added to a quickly growing legion of fans in the semifinals by
dismantling of six-foot-eight, 320-pound Paul Varelans. With
his knee crammed into Varelans' bloodied face, Abbott looked
into the crowd and grimly smiled. His post-fight comments further
solidified his bad boy image as he referenced "tickling"
Varelans' brain and being sexually aroused at the sight of the
beating.
Tank
appeared unbeatable but ran into "the Russian Bear"
in the finals of the eight-man tournament. In one of the finest
MMA matches ever, Oleg Taktarov used a rear naked choke to submit
Abbott after nearly 18 minutes of heart-wrenching, energy-depleting
action. Ken Shamrock was triumphant on the same night, submitting
Dan Severn with a guillotine choke in the superfight.
Japan
Vale Tudo abandoned the tournament format for an entertaining
series of yearly fight cards that began in July 1996. On the
undercard, a still developing Sanae Kikuta lost to Mushtaq Abdullah.
Dan Severn was victorious, as was Igor Zinoviev, who finished
Enson Inoue in under a minute. John Lewis controlled his bout
against Rumina Sato; although, the fight was ruled a draw because
there were no decisions. In the main event, Royler Gracie choked
Noboru Asahi.
Also
in July 1996, Don Frye lost his only fight in the classic UFC
X final against Mark Coleman. Coleman manhandled the defending
champion throughout the match, forcing a stoppage after 11:36.
Frye has never forgotten the loss and has even said it was the
driving force behind his return to the sport. A rematch was set
for last month at Pride 21, but just before Frye would have an
opportunity to even the score, Coleman suffered a serious neck
injury and the fight was cancelled. In an interview with MaxFighting,
Frye revealed that he might finally be ready to let go of his
desire to avenge the loss.
The
IVC held their first event in July 1997. Gary Goodridge captured
the eight-man tournament but not without controversy. In the
final, "Big Daddy" was accused of reaching into the
shorts of his opponent, Pedro Otavio, and squeezing what he found.
Despite Otavio's claim, his "crushing" defeat stood.
Kazushi
Sakuraba continued his climb in Pride by submitting Ebenezer
Braga at the event's sixth show in July 1999. In the main event,
Mark Kerr handily submitted Nobuhiko Takada. Carlos Newton and
Igor Vovchanchyn both won decisions on the undercard.
Also
in July 1999, the UFC 21 main event between Maurice Smith and
Marco Ruas was a flop. After an entertaining opening round, Ruas
was unable to continue due to an injury, and Smith was declared
the winner. Pat Miletich defended his 170-pound title on the
undercard by stopping Andre Pederneiras.
In
July of last year, HOOKnSHOOT "Showdown" joined future
UFC competitors Yves Edwards and Aaron Riley for a memorable
war. After 15 minutes packed with punches, knees, grappling,
blood and courage, Edwards claimed the decision. The match was
praised but would not receive the wide acclaim it deserved until
the release of a documentary that covered the bout.
Pride
heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira first fought in
the organization in July 2001. "Minotauro" soundly
submitted Gary Goodridge with a triangle choke in the first round.
Also on the card, Quinton Jackson fought gamely before being
submitted by Kazushi Sakuraba, and Heath Herring rallied late
to finish Mark Kerr in what stands as Kerr's last fight to date.
Source:
Maxfighting
7/11/02
Quote
of the Day
Failure is not the worst thing in the world, The very worst is
not to try.
Anonymous
Moving
In Party Change!
I apologize about the change in dates, but the "boss"
just informed me that I have to go to a wedding for my cousin
on Saturday, July 20 so that would screw up our schedule. I hope
everyone that replied can still make it. Thanks!
It's
funny how many more people show up if you say it's a party (Well
I hope they do). This coming Saturday we will be painting my
house. I don't think I will need guys for this, but we are shooting
for moving in on next SUNDAY July 21 starting at 9:00 am. If you have time, please
stop by. You can either meet us at our Palisades house or Mililani
house. If you have a truck, we would appreciate it if you could
bring that as well. I am working on getting a flat bed, but I
have not gotten confirmation on that yet. We do not have nearly
as much as Chris had so don't fret too much. We will not be able
to fill up the house just yet.
We
are leaving for Brazil on July 22 so we need to be moved in on
the 21st.
Either
give me a call on my cells (381-9530 or 479-0434, Private id
40434) or email me for directions.
As
always, I will feed you all for your hard work! Thanks in advance!
Mike
BJJ
World Championship Info
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (www.cbjj.com.br/english) is getting ready for
another edition of the world's biggest Jiu-Jitsu competition.
The seventh BJJ World Championship - aka "Mundial"
- is scheduled for July 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th at the traditional
Tijuca Tennis Club Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro.
Foreigner
athletes are automatically qualified and will have a spot in
the main brackets (there is a limited number of athletes for
each division). All you have to do is enroll as soon as possible
to secure your spot. Besides your performance on the mats, you
will be able to watch some of the world's best grapplers in action
only a few feet away.
Click
here to go to the English section of the IBJJF web site
Gracie Magazine.
Source: Abu Dhabi
Saku
will be back in the biggest Pride show ever
Dream
Stage Entertainment (DSE) has announced that their biggest Japanese
star, Kazushi Sakuraba, will be making his comeback fight in
August 28, at the Pride Shockwave event. Saku will be facing
the Croatian Mirko Filipovic, one of K-1's most famous fighters.
This event will be jointly produced with the K-1 organization
(kicboxing) and will be held at the outdoors 100,000 capacity
National Stadium, in Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo. August 29 and 30 are
also reserved in case of rain. This is the same location that
Japan used to host the 1964 Olympic Games, and the first time
in history that this stadium has been rented to a privately-owned
company. It's scheduled to be the biggest Pride show to date.
More fights will be added to the card in the next weeks.
Source:
Gracie Magazine
Dana
Asks: 'Frank Warren, where are you?'
UFC 38: Brawl at the Royal Albert Hallz
Saturday, July 13th
London, England
UFC
President Dana White upped his wager again to British Boxing
promoter Frank Warren. In June, Warren made some derogatory remarks
about MMA fighters. White offered $50,000 US and challenged Warren
to step up and put his money where his mouth is. Since making
his initial comments, Warren has been in hiding.
At
the UFC 38 pre-event press conference today in London, Dana White
unveiled $250,000 US and told the British media any of the UFC
fighters would be more than happy to fight any of Warren's boxers.
Will Warren respond this time?
Source:
ADCC
A
Night Of Champions: Gracie - Severn - Wilson headline a mixed
card
21st
Century Warriors, Inc., presents 'A Night Of Champions' at the
Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ on Friday, July
19, 2002. The live action begins at 7:00PM.
Headlining
the mixed card will be Royler Gracie, Dan 'The Beast' Severn
and Don 'The Dragon' Wilson. Royler Gracie takes on Henry Matamoros
in an Abu Dhabi rules No-Gi submission grappling match.
Born
and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Gracie started Jiu-Jitsu
at the age of three. Lacking size and strength, Gracie utilizes
technique foremost in competition. The 3-time Abu Dhabi champion
has been competing as a black belt for more than 20 years. Having
competed in over 300 tournaments, Gracie is the most active of
the famous grappling team. A 4-time world Jiu-Jitsu champion,
Gracie has tested himself against people of all sizes holding
many different titles. This will be only the second time Gracie
has competed No-Gi in the US. Gracie has only is the 2000 Pro
Am lightweight champion with a quick and decisive submission
at 1.5 minutes over Anthony Hamlett. Gracie has been a black
belt instructor for 18 years.
Growing
up in Costa Rica, Matamoros had a rough childhood. You were looked
down upon if you couldn't play soccer, so Matamoros started wrestling.
He is a 2-time Costa Rican freestyle wrestling champion. A 4-H
scholarship brought Matamoros to America in 1989 to attend high
school. He returned home for a while, but came back to America
in 1994 to attend college. While in college, he studied Judo.
In 1995, he studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by attending seminars,
and it became a passion. Training BJJ for 7 years, Matamoros
started his own school, where today, he instructs a course in
BJJ at the University of Wisconsin. Students receive 1 credit
for course completion. The Milwaukee, WI resident is a purple
belt under Pedro Sauer. It's a mind game for Matamoros, who will
dedicate this match to his home country and son. Competing for
Team Pedro Sauer, Matamoros earned the IHC 2000 & 2001 lightweight
MMA championship. Matamoros is a former HOOKnSHOOT middleweight
& cruiserweight champion.
Source:
ADCC
PRE-FIGHT
INTERVIEW: MARTJIN 'THE SPECIALIST' DE JONG
Super Brawl
Dutch
fighter Martin De Jong takes on Egan Inoue at Hawaii's SUPERBRAWL.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Holland is famous because it has excellent Muay Thai/Kickboxing's
fighters. Since when are you training Jiu Jitsu?
De Jong: I am training IJJF (International Jiu Jitsu Federation)
Jiu Jitsu since I was 13, that'd be 15 years ago in September.
When I became a second degree black belt I met Remco Pardoel
and started training with him. That'd be about 7 years ago. He
really got me into MMA and since that time I've been focusing
on BJJ and cross training.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Do you still train with Remco Pardoel?
De Jong: Lately I haven't been training with him for a while
but sometimes we meet each other at seminars or we visit each
other at our gyms.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Would you ever feel like competing in the MUNDIALS someday?
De Jong: Yes I do! I wanted to go this year but like you know
I've my fight with Egan coming up. Going to MUNDIALS would be
a really good experience for me, I hope I can go next year.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: When you fought José 'Pelé' Lande, he convinced
the judges due to his takedowns. Did you have the wrong tactics
in that fight?
De Jong: Yes, I think I can say I did. Everybody knows that 'Pelé'
is very deadly in his stand up game. So I was thinking, I can
do the stand up but I've a better chance beating him on the ground.
So during my pre-fight training I focused on not getting hit,
hit him a couple of times and go the ground. In the fight it
turned out that he didn't want to exchange strikes with me. I
was carefull for his knees I think that way he could take me
down a little easier. He took me down a couple of times and got
up again, not able to get positions or submit me though.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: There were a lot complaints about that fight where you
beat the Brazilian, Túlio Palhares (Chinese Boxing/Luta-Livre);
many people say he was cheated because he was almost submitting
you with a arm-triangle when the referee stopped the contest.
What can you say about this?
De Jong: I think that the people who said this didn't watch the
fight. This is how the fight went. We both started exchanging
some strikes and kicks, we got to the ground where I put a guillotine
choke on him, he got out and stood up. Once on the ground again.
I got him in a leg lock where he escaped from and he countered
with a arm-triangle, he got mount while doing it and I bridged
him out ending up in his guard and finally escaping the arm-triangle.
I got up and kicked him in his face while he was still on the
ground, he got up and I kicked him again in his face breaking
his nose real bad. His nose was totally pointing the wrong way.
The fight continued though cause the referee didn't see how bad
it was. He went to the ground again, me ending up with my head
outside the ring. That is why the referee stopped and let us
get up again. This time he noticed the injury on Palhares his
nose and made the doctor take a look at it. The doctor took a
wise decision and said that it wise to stop the fight.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Tell me about your Martial Art background and how you
started in MMA?
De Jong: Like I said before I started training in traditional
Jiu Jitsu, I became 2nd degree black belt, after that I start
practicing Kyokushin Karate where I finally got a black belt
in. At that time I met Remco Pardoel and started training with
him in his BJJ style of Jiu Jitsu. I opened my own gym a few
years after and a some really good wrestlers came to my gym to
train. I teached them ground and they teached me Wrestling. One
of them I am still training with (Andy Jekel, 7 times dutch champion
Greco Roman Wrestling). Also about the same time I started going
to Maui, Hawaii and did some training with Rômolo Barros.
I got real good with the SHOOTO organization in Japan and started
going to Japan and train in the SHOOTO gyms about 6 weeks a year.
So nowadays I am training BJJ, SHOOTO, Wrestling and Thai Boxing.
After some time Jan Lomulder came to my gym to prepare himself
to fight in Japan (Vale Tudo Open 1998), he started teaching
me Thaiboxing. Nowadays I training a lot with my team members
of Golden Glory and my own gym (Tatsujin dojo), like Rafles la
Rose, Gilbert Yvel, Alistair Overeem, Sem Schilt and Mrloes Coenen.
We're all training at Lucien Carbins Thaiboxing gym too. I started
fighting when I was still training with Remco though. That would
be in January 1997.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: What exactly do you want to mean when say that you train
SHOOTO?
De Jong: SHOOTO is not only a competition form. SHOOTO is a fighting
style as well. It incorporates, striking, kicking, punching,
throwing and groundfighting. It is a great all round fighting
system. Like you probably know SHOOTO has 3 different levels
of competition: C-class (amateur system with chin, knee and head
protection), B-class and A-class
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Do you think yourself a complete fighter? If not, what
is lacking?
De Jong: I think I am on the right track right now. You can always
keep improving on every point (striking, wrestling, ground).
The great thing about this sport is that you can never learn
enough...
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Dutch are considered good Kickboxing/Muay Thai fighters;
however you're a fighter more ranked in Submission/Jiu Jitsu.
Do you've trouble finding good training partners in Holland?
De Jong: I've a lot of training partners in MMA, but to be honest
I would like to have for example a great black belt BJJ in Holland
to work out with.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You're a member of one of the most dangerous NHB Teams
in the world - Golden Glory - how did you join the Team?
De Jong: After my fight with 'Pelé', they were just thinking
about forming a NHB team in Holland. My manager/friend Ron Nyqvist
asked me to join this team which was of course a great opportunity
for me.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: This team is more known by its heavyweight fighters;
you are a light heavy/middle-weight person. Who are your training
partners and do you have a hard time with the heavier people?
De Jong: For my training partners just look a couple of questions
above. Of course I've a hard time with the heavy guys around,
there are all of world class level (hahahaha). But it keeps me
sharp though and it feels not so heavy when I am in the ring
with the guys of my own weight
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You're going to replace a World Jiu Jitsu champion in
next Super Brawl, is there any kind of reponsibility in it?
De Jong: I don't feel anything about this. It is just another
match for me. I don't focus on the guys I'm replacing, I'm focusing
on the guys I will be fighting.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: How did this opportunity against Eagan Inoue arise?
De Jong: My manager called me and asked me if I wanted to fight
against Egan in Hawaii. I immediatly said OK, I am ready to go,
when are we leaving!!
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: This is the first time for you in the US; what do you
expect from the trip?
De Jong: I've been in Hawaii before (Maui) to do some training
with Barros, so I've made the trip before. I also went to Las
Vegas recently and trained with John Lewis and his crew....
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: What're the differences fighting in Holland and Japan
and who do you rank as the toughest fighters from each country?
De Jong: The difference is that the audience in Japan respect
the sport and the fighters more. For example, the audience in
Holland like to smoke during the fights :-( but the crowd in
Holland gets excited more though... I think the toughest fighter
in Holland is Gilbert 'The Hurricane' Yvel and the toughest fighter
in Japan I'd have to say Hayato 'Mach' Sakurai or Sanae Kikuta..
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: What do you know about Egan Inoue?
De Jong: Almost everything [hahaha]. I know he is a good and
physically strong fighter who is awesome on the ground and has
some stand up skills as well.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Do you think Egan will have home advantage when he fights
you?
De Jong: I don't know if it is important to him but I like to
be the underdog, so it wont bother me.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: How're your preparations going for this fight?
De Jong: Preparations going really well, if getting more ready
every day
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Is there anything else you would like to add?
De Jong: I'm training real hard right now and I will do all I
can to win this fight. I want to say thanks to all my people
around who support me and believe in me.
Source:
ADCC
UFC
Fighter Profile: Leigh Remedios vs. Genki Sudo
July
13th, 2002 - UFC 38: Brawl at the Hall
Leigh Remedios vs. Genki Sudo
Leigh
'The British Brawler' Remedios is set to take on Genki Sudo this
Saturday night at the 'Brawl at the Hall'. Leigh is 5'7 and weighs
around 150 lbs and hails from Ashford, Kent, England. He has
an MMA record of 11-2-1. Genki Sudo has a record of 6 - 2 - 1,
the UFC has him 3-1. Genki hails from Tokyo, Japan. He is 5'9
and weighs 155lbs.
Leigh
Remedios has won one fight by decision, two by submission via
armbar and has won one by TKO vis strikes from the mount. He
is a two time veteran of HnS. His only loss was to Phil Johns
by decision, in a HOOKnSHOOT title bout last year. He has also
fought in Ring of Truth, MB4, and Ultimate Combat. His early
fights were on smaller shows in europe.
Genki
Sudo is an excellent grappler with five of his six wins coming
by way of submission. He has diplayed a varied submission game,
. Sudo is also an ADCC veteran, where he lost to Rodrigo Gracie
in an exciting match in his weight class, and he lost to Vitor
Belfort in the Absolutes. Genki is a Pancrase and Rings veteran
with only two losses by decision.
Leigh
said in a recent interview, 'I have a reasonable submission game
but I probably won't catch Genki with a submission.' Genki on
the other hand may catch him. Who will win? Find out this Saturday
Live from London at 10:00 P.M. EST.
