June News Part 3
Quote
of the Day
It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dreams of
yesterday are the hopes of today, and the realities of tomorrow. |
808
Fight Factory Submission Tournament
Results!
Farrington High School Gym
June 29, 2002
Kai Kamaka's first submission grappling tournament went off without
a hitch and, believe it or not, started on time (for those of
you that are not familiar with start times, events usually plan
to start 30 minutes after the stated start time for slow pokes).
It even ended within 3 hours. The tournament had approximately
50 competitors and 100 spectators, which is a big success for
a submission grappling tournament. Kai plans on running these
types of tournaments every three months. I want to congratulate
all the competitors, not just the winners because everyone came
to test themselves in a friendly environment.
Team Titles:
1st Place: 808 Fight Factory - 33 points
2nd Place: Relson Gracie - 16 points
3rd Place: Grappling Unlimited - 9 points
4th Place: Kodenkan - 8 points
$75.00 Fastest
Submission Award Winners:
Novice: Lloyd Lique - 32 seconds
Intermediate/Advanced: John Crisostomo - 28 seconds
Women's Division
1st Place: Adrienna
Jenkins (Gracie)
2nd Place: Cheyene Takeuchi (808 Fight Factory)
Novice Division
130lbs & Under:
1st Place: Ivan Uleda (Grappling Unlimited)
2nd Place: Joelson Ea (808 Fight Factory)
3rd Place: Ryan Belmonte (Gamebred)
146-160lbs
1st Place: Jim Kikuchi (808 Fight Factory)
2nd Place: Clint K. (808 Fight Factory)
3rd Place: Lloyd Ligue (Geraldi)
161-175lbs
1st Place: Josh Aipolani (Kodenkan)
2nd Place: Harris Sarmiento (Kodenkan)
3rd Place: Richard Maldonado (Bulls Pen)
176-190lbs
1st Place: Paul Wright (808 Fight Factory)
2nd Place: Josh Urbano
3rd Place: Vance Galapia (Bulls Pen)
220lbs & Over
1st Place: Phillip Balinado (Gracie)
2nd Place: Gordon (808 Fight Factory)
3rd Place: Paul Savea (808 Fight Factory)
Intermediate/Advanced
Division (Combined both divisions)
130lbs & Under:
1st Place: Ivan Uleda (Grappling Unlimited)
2nd Place: Ryan Belmonte (Gamebred)
3rd Place: Joelson Ea (808 Fight Factory)
131-145lbs
1st Place: Dain Agbayani (808 Fight Factory)
2nd Place: Jim Kikuchi (808 Fight Factory)
3rd Place: Lincoln Tyler (Grappling Unlimited)
146-160lbs
1st Place: Clint K. (808 Fight Factory)
2nd Place: Scott Judd
3rd Place: Bred Lewardowski (JKD Unlimited)
161-175lbs
1st Place: John Crisostomo (808 Fight Factory)
2nd Place: Harris Sariento (Kodenkan)
176-190lbs
1st Place: John Crisostomo (808 Fight Factory)
2nd Place: Harris Primes (Gracie)
3rd Place: Clifford Camat (Bulls Pen)
|
Royce
Gracie back in the Octagon?
Many people who watched
the recent ULTIMATE ROYCE GRACIE PPV hosted by Mike Goldberg
and Royce Gracie were pleasantly surprised. Most thought the
PPV was extremely informative and brought back some casual fans
to see Gracie, who has been absent from UFC since 1994. It also
answered many questions that hard-core fans wanted to know for
years.
Royce had made
an appearance at the celebrity filled Las Vegas debut of the
UFC back on September 28, 2001 (same show with Victoria Silvestadt,
Mike Tyson, Dennis Rodman, Carmen Electra, Fred Durst, Chuck
Norris and many others). But many were certain he would never
fight in the UFC again.
Apparently there
is some talk of the legend's return to the Octagon. Gracie was
on a recent talk show in Canada saying that he is open for talks
and has been negotiating with the UFC for a potential return
to the Octagon.
After the infamous
33-minute match with Ken Shamrock, Royce took nearly seven years
off before his return to MMA. He defeated Nobuhiku Takada and
suffered his first defeat in the now legendary match with Kazushi
Sakuraba where he threw in the towel after ninety minutes.
This could mean
big box office news for the UFC as Royce Gracie was UFC's first
mystical and marketable star. Many fans tuned in to see what
the 'little guy' would do next and who he could beat.
The Gracie-Shamrock
2 show ranks among the top ten fight PPV's of all time and did
HUGE money.
The Royce Gracie
era spawned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners world wide and
revolutionized the way martial artists and people perceive 'self
defense' and legitimate fighting.
It is believed
that Royce Gracie got an astronomical hard-core following from
his UFC victories, seminars, etc. This could mean an immediate
return of Gracie Jiu Jitsu followers to tune in to the NEW brand
of UFC if a deal is met.
Source: ADCC |
The
Kaneohe Team has moved their Saturday classes
The Kaneohe Team has moved their Saturday classes
from Smith Tae Kwon Do to the Hawaiian Island Twisters
Gymnastics location (45-174 Kahuhipa Street). The
times have also changed to 11 AM-1 PM.
We also wanted to thank Bob Smith for his generosity
and support in helping the team progress.
Ronn Shiraki |
|
2002
BJJ Worlds Just around the corner
July is the
month, Rio de Janeiro is the place. The World comes to Rio to
test with the best. Preparations for the 2002 Worlds are going
strong and mos tof the top athletes are rearing to go. Inside
rumors are that despite the absence of Fernando 'Margarida' Pontes
due to his motorcycle accident, there will be plenty of top people
vying for the gold.
Gracie Humaita's
Team with have Saulo & Xande Ribeiro leading the way. While
Alliance Team will answer with Leozinho, Comprido, Terere and
many others. Not sitting on the sidelines are Gracie Barra and
Nova Uniao. The only big question is who is going to compete
where with two Worlds schedule within a few days of the other.
More details as they become available.
Royler
Gracie Training Hard
Word directly
from the Champion's mouth is that he is training extra serious
for his fight in the July 19th, 21st Century Warriors''A Night
of Champions” at the Atlantic City Tropicana Casino and
Resort. Royler, who is always super serious about his training
is taking his American Pay-per-view debut with extra dedication
knowing full well that his opponent former Hooknshoot Champion
Henry Matamoros is a man of many surprises.
Gracie informed
us that he has been logging many hours on the mat and has come
up with 'a few new moves' in the last few weeks! More specifics
about the secrets and on Matamoros' preparation as the event
nears.
Source:
Abu Dhabi |
This
Month in Mixed Martial Arts History: June
Super Brawl held their first event
in June 1996. Lions Den competitors Jerry Bohlander, who was
impressive in his UFC debut months earlier, and Tra Telligman
journeyed to Hawaii for the inaugural show. Both were successful;
Bohlander submitted two opponents to win the middleweight tournament,
and Telligman was victorious in the heavyweight field.
June
1997 marks the first major matches between wrestlers in MMA.
At the Brazil Open '97, the Hammer House, led by Mark Coleman,
faced the rAw Team, spearheaded by the Chiapparelli Brothers
(Louis and Rico). Representing the Hammer House was Kevin Randleman
and Eric Smith; their counterparts from rAw were Tom Erikson
and Dan Henderson. A meeting was not guaranteed, though. The
event was divided into two four-man tournaments based on weight,
and the showdowns would transpire only if each fighter made it
through the opening round. Each did, and a wrestler versus wrestler
final was set for both weight classes.
In
the lighter division, Henderson used a guillotine choke to render
Smith unconscious. rAw also prevailed in the heavier class after
Erikson violently knocked out Randleman with a series of powerful
right hands. The scene afterward was one of the more peculiar
to date. A group of seven people struggled to move Randleman's
muscular frame onto a stretcher, and when Erikson noticed their
fruitless efforts, he offered his help. "The Big Cat"
cleared the group out of the way, gently picked his opponent
up and placed him on the stretcher.
In
June 1998, Pride reeled in professional wrestling fans while
frustrating the MMA faithful at their third show by featuring
Nobuhiko Takada in the main event. Takada submitted Kyle Sturgeon
in a match meant to rebuild the pro wrestler's reputation in
real fights and thus set the stage for a rematch against Rickson
Gracie. That dreaded bout occurred at Pride 4 and, of course,
Takada lost again. On the Pride 3 undercard, Kazushi Sakuraba
submitted Carlos Newton in a classic submission battle.
Perhaps
the best fight in Holland's MMA history took place in June 1999
when Gilbert Yvel faced Semmy Schilt. Rules played an important
role in the bout; quick stand ups severely limited time on the
ground and guaranteed a slugfest. The action began right away
as the smack of Yvel's flying right hand connecting with Schilt's
head immediately followed the ding of the opening bell. Schilt,
who fought open hand even though Yvel wore gloves and could therefore
punch, valiantly fought back with stinging knees to his adversary's
midsection. In the end, Yvel bombarded Schilt with a flurry of
flying knees and right-left combinations to capture the thrilling
match.
Also
in June 1999, the bitter rivalry between Egan Inoue and Marcelo Tigre failed to be settled
in the ring at Super
Brawl 12.
Referee Matt Hume had no choice but to end the heated battle
by disqualifying Tigre for repeated fouls. A rematch was planned
but never materialized. Tigre's antics were the likely cause;
he was disqualified for a second time against Wesley Coreirra at Super Brawl 21: "The Road to
the Rematch." Tigre was disqualified yet again in September
of last year in Pancrase.
In
June 2000, Canada's premier MMA event, the Universal Combat Challenge,
held their first show.
One
week later, Iowa hosted UFC 26, which was billed as "Ultimate
Field of Dreams." However, the fight card was anything but
a "dream" and served as a clear indicator of SEG's
struggles. In the main event, Kevin Randleman won a lackluster
decision over Pedro Rizzo.
Also
in June 2000, Vitor Belfort returned after a yearlong layoff
to fight Gilbert Yvel at Pride 9. After Belfort blasted Yvel
to begin the bout, the action slowed considerably, and Belfort
won the decision.
UFC
32 and the events surrounding it in June of last year certainly
deserve a spot in the annals of MMA. At the UFC 32 press conference,
Zuffa made a monumental announcement: the UFC would return to
cable. The long awaited breakthrough sparked cheers by those
present, but was relatively anticlimactic considering the tremendous
effort against the cable ban that had spanned the past years.
The show was also a significant step forward for MMA as fans
packed the Continental Airlines Arena (home of New Jersey's Nets
and Devils). Tito Ortiz headlined the card, finishing Elvis Sinosic
in the first round. Other bouts featured impressive wins by Josh
Barnett, BJ Penn, Pat Miletich and Caol Uno. The 11,492 fans
that packed the Meadowlands for UFC 32 remains the record for
a MMA show in the U.S.
Source:
Maxfighting |
Youthful
Emerson Gets Crack at Pulver
Jens Pulver's exit from the UFC has allowed him to explore a
diversity of opportunities. He'll likely head north for a fight
in Canada and eventually overseas for a showdown in Japan. His
first stop, however, will be for a friend in Minnesota. Promoter
Brad Kohler signed Pulver, who relinquished his title upon leaving
the UFC, for what looks to be a tune-up bout for the upcoming
ventures. So, which journeyman was selected to help prepare Pulver?
Well, Kohler didn't exactly choose a mediocre veteran. He picked
a hungry 20-year-old.
It
was just a normal day of training at Ruas Vale Tudo in Laguna
Niguel, California, when Robert Emerson was first offered a chance
to fight the number one lightweight in the world. "One of
the guys on our team who knows Brad Kohler pretty well just asked
me if I wanted to fight Jens," Emerson said. And, with little
regard for the task at hand, Emerson simply replied, "Yeah."
He
was excited; there was no hiding that. He just wasn't scared,
which one would think to be another appropriate response. "I'll
probably end up fighting Jens in the future so I'm thinking to
myself, why not now?" Emerson said he's fighting "so
I'll know myself -- where I rate on the list, if I can consider
myself a pro or amateur."
All
aspiring fighters question how they compare to the best, but
only a few are able to step in the ring and take a test against
a world champion. Emerson's not entirely sure why he's one of
the "fortunate" few to get a shot. "I guess the
guys who spoke for me spoke really well," he said. "I'm
not really that well known in the sport, overall. Down here in
Southern California are the only shows I've ever fought in --
nothing really that big. I guess it's just pure luck."
Although
few fans have recognized Emerson's name when mentioned as Pulver's
opponent, he says he has "a pretty good reputation"
in Southern California. He began training in mainly striking
oriented martial arts around 10 years old and balanced his background
by wrestling in high school. Those teenage years were also the
period when Emerson fashioned his status in various street fights
and brawls at parties.
Don't
expect an untrained thug this Saturday in Minnesota, though.
Emerson has spent the last year and a half under the guidance
of UFC great Marco Ruas. A conversation with an old instructor
spawned Emerson's current training. After chatting about a rising
sport that was then best known as no-holds barred, the instructor
mentioned that Ruas was starting a school in the area. Emerson
had been searching for a setting to learn the sport, and he was
there the first day Ruas Vale Tudo opened its doors.
The
quality of training has convinced Emerson that he's found what
he was looking for. "It's insane," he said of training
with Marco Ruas. "His knowledge of the sport just blows
me away. He puts us through hell."
Emerson
described his workouts as a fusion of techniques. "We do
a lot of Thai pad work, a lot of stand up. We don't have different
classes for boxing or kickboxing or wrestling; we pretty much
throw all of them together. We'll grapple with strikes; we'll
spar all out -- take him down, hit the person, submit him. [Ruas]
just blends everything together really well so you don't get
stuck in the mind frame of 'OK, I'm boxing. now, I'm wrestling.'
You just mix it all together so you think of everything while
you're fighting."
Despite
his well-rounded routine, Emerson still specializes in striking.
"I 'm more of a standup fighter," he said. "I
work on the sprawl. If it goes to the ground, I feel comfortable,
but more than likely I'll try to stand it back up or keep it
on the feet. For one, I feel comfortable [standing], and for
two, the most exciting fights are on the feet. That's what the
fans want to see."
If
Emerson desires a standup battle, Pulver will indulge him. "Little
Evil" prefers to trade punches rather than submissions and
has dropped more than a few comers. "I admire the way he
fights -- keep it on the feet, throwing punches," Emerson
said of Pulver. "He doesn't do any of that fancy-smancy
shit; he just gets in there and gets the job done."
Emerson
acknowledges a similarity between Pulver's style and his own
but also noted a difference. "Mine is more of a kickboxing
standup as opposed to him being more of a boxer," Emerson
said. He also cited kicking as an advantage over Pulver. "His
fight with Dennis Hallman, I didn't see him throw one kick. Hallman's
standup isn't that great, and he was landing some kicks on Jens."
Undaunted
by his foe's knockout power, Emerson is confident he can hang
with the Pat Miletich-trained fighter who never lost in the Octagon.
"It's going to be on the feet," he said. "All
of his opponents mostly try to take him to the ground. I'm not
going to do that; I'm going to try to stand up with him. So,
it's going to be a boxer versus a kickboxer. It's probably going
to be bloody and exciting."
The
challenge ahead is extraordinary. Not only will Emerson come
eye-to-eye with a world champion, he'll bring only one closed-fist
match of experience with him. "I wish I had more fights
so I'd know for myself that I'd be on the ball," he said.
It won't be a major issue, however, according to Emerson. He
says he's ready, and there is little to lose. "Obviously,
[against] Jens Pulver, if I lose, it's not going to be that much
of a disappointment."
On
the other hand, a win over Pulver, though it's a long shot, would
send Emerson skyrocketing up the ladder. A solid performance
is more likely than an epic upset and would also propel him forward.
"Oh, I'd be happy with a good performance," Emerson
said. "I'm not just going in there thinking about winning
or losing. I'm going in there to have fun and make it a good
show and to see how good I do matched up against a guy like this."
Emerson's
deficits -- his youth and inexperience -- may actually benefit
him against Pulver. He's too young to know his limits and too
green to be scared. Such characteristics have been the ingredients
for upsets throughout sports history. That may seem farfetched
for this weekend, but one eager 20-year-old will give it a shot.
Source: Maxfighting |
IFC
and UFC Cards Rounded Out
The IFC announced this week that Paul Buentello, who's coming
off an impressive KO victory over Roger Neff in the King of the
Cage on June 19, will face Rocky Batastini for its vacant U.S.
heavyweight title at the Eagle Mountain Casino just outside Porterville,
Calif. on July 12. This is a rematch of a contest that saw Buentello
win by armbar May 3rd, 2000.
In addition,
the UFC added four bouts to its July 13 pay-per-view from London,
England. Leigh Remedios and James Zikic raise the number of UK
fighters on the card from two to four. Remedios takes on Japanese
lightweight Genki Sudo, while Zikic encounters undefeated Phillip
Miller. UFC veterans complete the eight-bout card as welterweights
Gil Castillo and Tony DeSouza square off, and former light heavyweight
championship challengers Evan Tanner and Vladimir Matyushenko
look to get back in the title hunt.
Source:
Gross/Maxfighting |
MaxPreview:
Shooto
Although two Shooto champions are on the card, no titles will
be up for grabs for the first Shooto PPV event of 2002, held
June 29 in Osaka. Shooto welterweight (70 kg or 154 lbs.) champ
Takanori Gomi headlines the card against BJJ black belt, but
MMA newcomer, Leo Santos, while Shooto light heavyweight (83
kg or 183 lbs.) titleholder Masanori Suda will battle late replacement
Ronald Jhun.
Takanori
Gomi has taken Shooto by storm, amassing a perfect 9-0 record
since he debuted in late 1998. He snagged the vacant Shooto welterweight
crown with a unanimous decision over Rumina Sato in the Shooto
year-end show on December 16th last year. Before that, Gomi hadn't
fought for 13 months, since defeating Ryan Bow by decision, and
this will be his first fight since defeating Sato six months
ago.
While
racking up an impressive list of credentials in BJJ and submission
grappling, including a third place finish in Abu Dhabi 2001,
Leo Santos has never stepped foot inside an MMA ring. The Nova
Uniao black belt has chosen a difficult opponent for his debut.
His submission skills have been proven on the mat, but like any
top-level grappler making the transition to MMA, there are questions
about his striking ability and his chin.
Gomi
has used his ground-and-pound style to ride out decisions against
his last four opponents. When he first burst onto the scene,
Gomi preferred to stand and slug it out. That would be Gomi's
smartest choice in this fight, as Santos will clearly be more
skilled and comfortable on the mat than standing. Gomi's hands
are fast and pack a lot of power. On the feet, he could probably
score a TKO; however, look for Gomi to take Santos down, use
his strength, flexibility, and toughness to defend every submission
thrown at him, and chip away with punches to earn his fifth straight
unanimous decision.
Earlier
this year, Masanori Suda won the Shooto light heavyweight title
with a highly controversial decision over Lance Gibson (a rematch
of a previous non-title fight won by Gibson). Five months earlier,
the judges ruled his fight with Larry Papadopoulos a draw, a
decision many feel should have been given to the Australian.
Even though he is now the champion, Suda still has much to prove
to the fans to solidify himself as the best fighter in the division.
A
late replacement for Australian wrestler Chris Brown, the always-game
Ronald Jhun steps into the Shooto ring for the second time this
year. His first appearance was disappointing, losing a close
decision to Izuru Takeuchi. In his only other fight in Shooto
Japan, on January 14, 2000, Jhun fell victim to Yuki Sasaki's
dangerous triangle/armbar combination late in the final round.
For the third time, the odds are against the Hawaiian taking
on one of the top Japanese Shooto fighters. Jhun is a dangerous
striker with solid takedown defense. In addition, he is difficult
to submit, and always puts up a tough fight.
The
edge has to go to the champ, who has the ability to put Jhun
on his back and threaten with submissions. Add to the fact that
Jhun took this fight on a weeks notice, and Suda is the clear
favorite. However, Suda has been defeated twice by strikes, and
Jhun has the skills to take him out on his feet. Still, the more
likely scenario is an exciting ground battle, with Suda attacking
constantly before landing a submission late in the fight.
Once
set to challenge for the welterweight title, Dokonjonosuke Mishima
had to pull out of the fight with an injury. Four months later,
Gomi won the vacant title with his defeat of Rumina Sato. Now
Mishima is looking to earn another shot at the title. In his
last fight on May 11, Mishima took the place of his Cobra Kai
teammate in a Pancrase Gate (amateur) match, catching Masao Ando
in a triangle choke in the second round. Earlier this year, he
won in his only Shooto appearance of 2002 thus far, taking out
Ben Thomas with punches from the mount in the first round.
Iran
Mascarenhas represents the second Nova Uniao black belt making
his Shooto debut on June 29. Unlike Santos, who will be fighting
for the first time in MMA, the 23-year-old sports an impressive
12-0 record down in Brazil.
Mascarenhas
is an unknown, while Mishima is one of the most popular and exciting
fighters in Shooto. Mishima has constantly faced the best, defeating
the likes of Marcio Cromado and Ryan Bow. Look for Mishima's
experience against top-level competition to play a key role.
If he can't land a first round submission, Mishima will start
to slow down as he has always had a problem with gassing. But
he should have enough to finish the three rounds and win a decision.
In
the most compelling match up of the night, Rumina Sato makes
his return to Shooto for the first time since his heart-breaking
loss to Gomi in his third shot at the elusive Shooto welterweight
title. Arguably the most popular fighter in Shooto's 13-year
history, Sato is once again looking to earn his way back to #1
contender status for yet another chance at putting the belt around
his waist.
In
his way stands the undefeated Javier "Showtime" Vazquez
out of Millennia Jiu-Jitsu. Fighting for the first time in Shooto,
Vazquez is taking a large step up in competition. A BJJ brown
belt with a wrestling background, Vazquez is a threat to anyone
on the mat.
Sato
has good striking skill, but word is out about his chin. He can't
take a good shot. Lucky for him, Vazquez doesn't have the skills
to take him out standing. On the ground, however, Vazquez has
a varied submission attack.
The
first round will be all Sato, with the Japanese superstar threatening
with submissions from all angles. As with all Sato fights, the
longer the fight goes, the less of a threat he becomes. Although
Vazquez is impressive on the mat, Sato will be on a mission to
prove he deserves another shot at the belt. Sato should be able
to land a submission, likely a leg lock, in the first few minutes
of the fight.
Dave
Strasser made his Shooto Japan debut just last month, defeating
Takuya Wada by a close split decision. The Wisconsin native gained
experience fighting in Extreme Challenge and other smaller shows
in the Midwest before taking a decision from Ruas Vale Tudo student
Alexandre Barros in an official Shooto fight in HOOKnSHOOT Overdrive
on March 9 of this year. Now, with an unblemished 2-0 Shooto
record, he is given a chance to showcase his skills on Japanese
PPV.
After
beginning his career with a 4-1-3 record, Seichi Ikemoto has
reeled off three straight losses -- Steve Berger, Tetsuji Kato,
and Takuya Wada -- since being promoted to Class A (the top echelon
of Shooto), and has since been dropped from the Shooto middleweight
(76 kg or 167 lbs.) rankings. An exciting and flashy striking
style, Ikemoto finds himself in trouble when on the mat.
Poor
Ikemoto. Shooto keeps throwing this guy tough opponents, not
giving him a chance to build back up both his record and his
confidence. Strasser is yet another good grappler who should
be able to take Ikemoto to the mat and dominate to earn a decision.
Yasuyuki
Tokuoka has been an impressive young Shooto middleweight since
turning pro last April. In his first fight this year, on February
11, he ran his record to 3-0 by defeating Hirofumi Hara in a
brutal display of ground-and-pound rarely seen in Shooto.
Yoichi
Fukumoto won the 2000 All Japan Amateur Shooto Championships
-- the biggest amateur Shooto tournament of the year, held every
September. But he didn't turn pro until January 25 of this year,
and his debut was disappointing, losing by armbar to Akira Kikuchi
(the 2001 All Japan champion) in the first round. He bounced
back to decision Shinobu Ito on May 5.
These
two have a bit of history. The man Fukumoto defeated to take
first in the 2000 All Japan was Tokuoka, catching him in a rear
naked choke in the first round. However, Tokuoka has proven to
be a better professional fighter thus far, with better wrestling
and striking skills. Fukumoto may have a slight edge in submissions,
but Tokuoka should be able to ground-and-pound to a decision.
Four
years before making his Shooto debut, Shooto cruiserweight (91
kg or 200 lbs.) Kaichi Tsuji took part in the Lumax Cup '97,
an eight-man tournament that required the competitors to wear
a gi jacket. In that event, Tsuji defeated Pride star Akira Shoji
before losing to current Shooto light heavyweight champion Suda.
In Shooto, Tsuji has defeated Katsuhiko Ochiai (brother of Pride
fighter Giant Ochiai) and lost to Masaya Inoue, both by decision.
Masato
Nishiguchi, the 2001 All Japan Amateur Shooto Cruiserweight champion,
goes by the ring name "The Great Naniwa." The 28-year-old
out of Muso Senjyutsu will make his Shooto debut on Japanese
PPV.
Tsuji's
Judo background and pro experience will be the difference in
this fight. There could be quite a bit of clinching in this fight,
with Tsuji looking for the throw and Naniwa doing everything
he can to keep from getting thrown. On the ground, I don't see
Tsuji advancing position or Naniwa threatening with submissions
from his guard. Look for Tsuji to ride out the decision victory.
Source: Maxfighting |
Quote
of the Day
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs,
though checkered with failure, than to take rank with those poor
souls, who neither enjoy much or suffer much, because they live
in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat. |
Relson
Gracie's Website Has New Look
The
Legendary Relson Gracie's web site has a new look. It also features
and exciting view of the take down that Daniel Mories, a Royler
Gracie Blackbelt did on ADCC standout Barret Yoshida. Relson
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu .
http://www.relsongracie.com
|
Relson
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Kids Classes in Kaneohe
The Relson Gracie Kaneohe Association has just opened a kids
class on June 27th for children ages 6 and up and wanted to get
the word out.
The main instructors are Purple Belt Ron Shiraki, Purple Belt
Jeff Furuta, and Brad Scott.
Schedule:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-6 PM at the
Hawaiian Island Twister Gymnastics Location.
To
get more information from our website (click
on Kaneohe Kids button) or, they can link directly
with this address: http://www.kaneoheteam.com/kids.htm
|
808
Fight Factory Submission Tournament
Tomorrow!
Place: Farrington High School Gym
Date: June 29, 2002
Weigh ins: 8:30am-11am
Grappling starts at 12 noon
Cost: $30 Pre-Registration and $40 for day of the event.
3 Divisions: Novice, Intermediate and Advance.
Come
and support grappling tournaments so the Hawaii guys have more
opportunities to compete!
Weight Classes:
130 and under, 131-145, 146-160, 161-175, 176-190, 191-205, 206-220
and 220 and above.
Time limits:
Novice - 4 minutes
Intermediate - 5 minutes
Advance 6 minutes
In case of a tie:
There will be a 2 minute overtime for all divisions until there
is a winner.
Point system:
Takedown 2 points
Pass the guard 2 points
Sweeps/Reversals 2 points
Knee to the belly 3 points
Mount 4 points
Back mount 4 points
Rules:
No heelhooks in novice and no leglocks at all in the kids division
Fastest submission will be given $75 cash for Novice, Intermediate
and Advance
Pre-Registration can be mailed to:
98-413 Ho'okanike Street, Apt C
Pearl City, Hawaii 96782
Kai
can be contacted by email at kkamaka@hotmail.com or by calling 478-4509.
There
is a 5 foot team trophy for 1st place, 4 foot for 2nd and 3 foot
for 3rd. There will also be booths with fight gear, cell phones
and other cool stuff.
We would really appreciated a volunteer from every school to
referee to ensure fair and unbiased officiating. We are trying
to get 1 from every school.
Source: Kai Kamaka |
UFO
Press Conference
PIC: BTT Star
Mario Sperry has his hand raised as Champion, at ADCC 2000. Sperry
returns to action in August. Pic courtesy of FIGHTWORLD ARCHIVES
On Thursday,
June 28th 2002 there will be a press conference to introduce
the UFO project to the MMA media. The conference is scheduled
for the Tokyo Dome hotel. A large turnout of MMA media is expected!
UFO has reserved
the Tokyo Dome for August 8th, 2002. Their arrangements at the
arena will results in setaing for an audience of 60,000, which
is more than the Pride Grand Prix audience at the Tokyo Dome.
It seems that free TV is in the future of MMA in Japan as well.
After FOX in America and SBT in Brazil, UFO is inking a deal
for the first UFO show to be broadcasted live on free TV in Japan.
The channel is yet to be named.
Inside rumors
are still saying that Antonio 'Minotauro' Nogueira headline the
card this card against a Japanese fighter. First words heard
pointed to Japanese pr wrestling legend Naoya Ogawa as his potential
opponent, but word is that a Pancrase fighter will be the opponent.
'Minotauro' has confirmed that he will fight, despite a potential
herniated disc problem.
Brazilian TOP
TEAM star Mario Sperry is another name confirmed in the show.
After his knee surgery, Sperry is returns to Japan to fight in
UFO, against a Japanese star.
Finally, there
is a strong possibility that UFC Middleweight Champion Murilo
Bustamante will fight in the August UFO show. Bustamante has
reportedly received good offers to rekindle his career in the
land of the Rising Sun, with the ever present match with star
Sanae Kikuta high on a list of matches the Japanese promoters
want to see. More will be known in the next few days.
Source: Abu
Dhabi |
Post
Fight UFC 37.5 Interview:
STEVE BERGER
UFC
37.5 - Steve Berger versus Robbie Lawler - June 22nd, 2002 -
Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV
ADCC:
Steve, sorry about the tough loss, what is your perspective on
the fight?
Steve: You win some you lose some, they can't all be golden!
It was a good fight, I just got caught.
ADCC:
Carry us through the fight from your perspective?
Steve: We both came out swinging in the first round, it was a
good round both of us were looking for the KO. The second round
I just got caught, that's the way it goes.
ADCC:
Steve, where his strikes just too fast to take it to the ground?
Steve: No, I never intended to shoot on him until later on in
the fight, I knew he would be looking for the double leg right
off the bat, considering my strength is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The one shot I took was because he left himself open after he
threw the high kick, so I went for it.
ADCC:
What is next for you? Will you retire as some thought if you
lost?
Steve: I don't have anything planned right now. I'm not ready
to retire. This was the first time in my career I've ever been
finished (k.o.'ed or submitted) in a fight. I'll learn from this
loss and I'll come back stronger.
ADCC:
Anything you would like to add?
Steve: I've defeated two UFC fighters (one of them twice) and
I've had draws with two UFC fighters. Unfortunately for me, none
of these fights have taken place in the UFC. It's only a matter
of time before I make it back and showcase what I can do.
ADCC:
Good Luck, Steve!
Source:
Abu Dhabi |
Interview:
Alexandre 'Xande' Ribeiro
'Xande'
continues to sweep his divisions in competition across the United
States and in Brazil, winning the Mundials, the Gracie Nationals
and Grapplers Quest. The 21-year-old credits his brother Saulo,
and his students in helping with training. Xande, currently residing
in Ohio, has an active schedule of classes, privates and workshops
at the many Ribeiro associations. Employing a 'train, train,
train' mentality, Xande believes 110% in his Jiu-Jitsu, and looks
for it to take him to the next Abu Dhabi. I've been talking and
e-mailing with Xande for the last month, as he took the time
to answer some questions for me.
JC:
What is your age, height, weight and current location?
AR: I am 21-years-old, 6', 195 lbs, and I am now training in
Toledo, Ohio.
JC:
How did you come to study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
AR: (My brother) Saulo was training and invited me to train with
him. I was 10-years-old.
JC:
So, you've studied for 11 years?
AR: Yes.
JC:
Would you tell me about your BJJ background?
AR: I started in 1991, and in 1999 I moved to Rio to go to college
and train with my brother at Gracie Humaita.
JC:
When did you earn your black belt and from whom?
AR: In 2001 - Saulo gave it to me after I won the Arnold Classic
in Columbus, Ohio.
JC:
Where do you train?
AR: Now I teach in Toledo, Ohio and Southgate, Michigan and train
with my students.
JC:
Tell me about your training.
AR: When I came here I lost a lot of my technical training, but
anyways, my students still help me a lot because I know how to
train with them to improve my technique and theirs. I work out
3 times a week and keep my cardio doing a special training, that
always keeps me in shape, and I've been training some boxing
and wrestling that helps me a lot too and makes me prepared for
a future MMA event.
JC:
How did you come to train there?
AR: We have Saulo Ribeiro Association here and I came to help
the students.
JC:
Who do you train with for Gi?
AR: Saulo comes to support and test the students and I train
with him - when he is not around, I train with the students.
JC:
Who do you train with for No-Gi?
AR: Same, but I just increase my wrestling skills.
JC:
Do you train with Royler Gracie?
AR: When I am in Rio.
JC:
Growing up in Brazil and training in Jiu-Jitsu all your life,
who has been your idol or the fighter that you most wanted to
emulate?
AR: Saulo for sure, it's good to have the best fighter in the
world around you and better (because) he is my brother.
JC:
What is your most competition moment in your career?
AR: Each competition has its memories, it is hard pick one.
JC:
What is your favorite submission hold?
AR: Whatever the opponent gives me, but most of them come from
the opponent in my guard.
JC:
You are considered to be one of if not the best submission grapplers
in the world right now. What are your plans for Abu Dhabi and
the Mundials?
AR: I hope to go to the next ADCC event. They are the best grapplers
in the world, and just to be there would be an honor to me. The
last time I tried the qualifying and I got second and I didn't
go, but to the next time I hope be invited, if not I will try
the qualifying again. For the Jiu-Jitsu Worlds, I will be in
Rio one month before the tournament to train, and I'll try my
best. This is the only title left, I already won the Worlds in
the purple and brown belt, and this year I'll try for the second
time to win the title in the black belts.
JC:
You are a 2-Time Pan American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion. What
do you attribute this success?
AR: Train, train, train and respect to all competitors, and the
biggest thing is, that I believe 110% in my Jiu-Jitsu and how
much I still can grow as a fighter.
JC:
You mentioned preparing for a future MMA event. So, you see yourself
transitioning into MMA?
AR: Yes, it's normal. You train Gi, No-Gi and show your skills,
which makes you comfortable to transition into MMA, but it's
not in my plans right now, because I still want to win and prove
a lot in Gi and No-Gi, as well as win the ADCC and Jiu-Jitsu
Worlds, which are my goals right now.
JC:
What was your experience at the Gracie Nationals?
AR: I just fought the Gracie Nationals one time in Columbus,
OH. I fought a guy almost 300 pounds I tap him.
JC:
You recently competed in the 2002 Grapplers Quest Absolute Division,
where you had 3 matches. In the Quarter-Finals, tell us about
how you wowed the crowd at GQ with that amazing triangle choke
setup on Popovitch?
AR: I saw Popovitch fight one time only, at Arnold Classic 2001
against Feitosa, I saw very good stand up skills but I didn't
have the opportunity to see his ground, and I tried to put the
fight on the ground. In this fight he almost passed my guard,
that made him confident in the fight, but he made a mistake and
I saw the mistake and got my opportunity. It was a great fight.
JC:
In the Semi-Finals, you had a very technical match where you
won by a commanding 10-0. Tell us how it went.
AR: It was against Todd Margolis, a very good and technical wrestling.
But one time on the ground, I developed all my game and kept
the fight under control. The main thing (for me) was to fight
and not get too tired, because I already knew that my next opponent
was (Jeff) Monson.
JC:
And speaking of Monson, in the Finals, at only 187 pounds, you
submitted the 215 lb., 1999 Abu Dhabi Champion. How does it feel
to be one if not the first person to submit Jeff Monson in competition?
AR: I respect Monson a lot, he proved that he is very good, but
on the mat everybody is the same, and as I told, I believe 110%
in my Jiu-Jitsu, and I knew one time we were on the ground I
had to do my best and try everything I could. Submit him was
just a consequence of the fight, everyone can tap, you just have
to be on the mat. I know I will fight him again and I will try
my best again, if my best is enough to beat him or somebody else,
I will, if not, for sure I will have another chance.
JC:
You're in association with your brother, Saulo, but do you have
any plans to open your own academy in the United States or Brazil?
AR: I don't have my own academy, I have an association with my
brother and another black belt that works together his name is
Regis Lebre, we already have an academy in Copacabana, Brazil
and some guys that are under us here in US. Now I am supporting
our Team in Toledo, OH and Southgate, MI that are the main ones,
and some in Southbend, IN, WV, New Castle, PA, Mansfield, OH,
and now one in NC.
JC:
You dust top guys. Is that a thrill?
AR: Yes, it makes me very happy and proud of, but I don't let
this go up in my head, I try to be always the same and respect
everybody as well.
JC:
What is one thing about Alexandre Ribeiro that would have people
saying, 'hmmm, I didn't now that?'
AR: There is nothing I hide, my life is an open book, but 'hmmmmm,
I don't know.'
JC:
Where would you like to be 1 year from now?
AR: Well, I hope be in a place that makes me happy, but to be
more straight, I hope to be at ADCC and training for my second
World Champion in Black belt.
JC:
Do you have a web site or a way for people to get in touch with
you?
AR: www.sauloribeiro.com.
JC:
Is there anything you'd like to say?
AR: I would like to say thanks to my brother, my family, my friends
and everybody that supports me, and say to the people stay in
peace in these days, and try to make their minds focused on good
things and that way, we can make our world a little be better
in the future.
Source:
Abu Dhabi |
Pre
Fight SHOOTO Interview -
LEONARDO SANTOS (NOVA UNIÃO)
Nova
Uniao's Leonardo Santos makes his MMA debut in SHOOTO at the
June 29th, 2002 Osaka, Japan show. His opponent is SHOOTO Lightweight
Champion Takanori Gomi, who is 11-0 in MMA. A tall order, however
Santos is both mentally and physically up to the task - meet
LEO SANTOS...
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Hi man, last time I met you to do an interview it was
for the MUNDIALS 2001, how're you doing?
Santos- I'm fine, after ADCC2001 I received a proposal to teach
Jiu Jitsu in São Paulo, so after MUNDIALS2001 I went there.
My team got good results there, kids with 4/5 months of training,
won some events. So now after that time, I finally got my opportunity
in NHB.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Talk about htis opportunity?
Santos- I don't know [laughs]! I was in São Paulo training
for the 'Copa Brazil por Equipes' and André Pederneiras
offered me the fight in SHOOTO. My students are without me, so
I had to put another teacher/master there. I had to ask myself
if I was a fighter or a teacher/master - so for while I'm fighter
- if everything goes good for me I'll continue this way. NHB
gives more financial return to the fighters.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- When did you confirm the SHOOTO against Takanori Gomi?
Santos- I knew 1 month before the match, Pederneiras asked me
if I would want to fight.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- What was your reaction?
Santos- In the moment when Pederneiras told me about this fight
I thought maybe I'd not fight because that was little time to
prepare myself, mainly because I'm going to fight against the
champion, so I had a chat with Pederneiras and he put a lot of
trust in me, saying that I've potential to fight with anyone,
so I decided to accept the fight.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- You're moving from Jiu Jitsu to NHB when Jiu Jitsu tournaments
are now giving money. What about that?
Santos- My head is dizzy [laughs]. I fought since I was a kid
aged 6 years old. I can't say that I never won money, but that
money never was enough. When Jiu Jitsu revamped it's goals -
giving money to the fighters - I'm leaving it to go to NHB. So
I think that it's the fighter in me that wants to try new challenges.
Who knows, my career in NHB can be better than Jiu Jitsu, however
if the NHB career doesn't turn out the way I like I've Pederneiras
to help me decide if I should fight or not, he'll evaluate me
in Japan. GOMI will be my test and if Pederneiras says ok for
me, Santos in Jiu Jitsu will be over, I'll dedicate myself to
NHB.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Which are the biggest differences between your Jiu Jitsu
training and your training right now for NHB?
Santos- The difference is a total turn around, with gi I can
rest and in submission is the same. However in NHB you need to
train things which you have never trained before, such as Muay
Thai. I started my Muay Thai training and I'm liking it very
much, but this kind of training it takes alot out of you and
can make you tired very fast, besides Wrestling. The training
I've always done is Submission (Jiu Jitsu without gi). Muay Thai
and Wrestling are things which I never did before, so I've a
bit of difficulty, but I'll improve be sure.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- What's hardest Muay Thai or Wrestling?
Santos- Muay Thai. Just to keep your hands up makes your shoulders
very tired, so in the first week of this kind of training I suffered
a lot, I thought it was too hard for me. But now I've done everything
correct and I'm not as tired during the training. Time is the
best teacher, the much more I train the better I'll get.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- What were your main concerns during the first NHB training?
Santos- My biggest doubt was to know if I was able to eat punches
to the face or not. In my first training in Muay Thai I ate a
punch but I recuperated pretty fast, so I didn't have big troubles
[laughs]!
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- On Jiu Jitsu you like to fight on the bottom, so do you
think you will have a problem takeing your opponent down in NHB?
Santos- No it's only in Jiu Jitsu that I like to fight on the
bottom. For example in Submission I put it in my head that I
should fight on the top, so I've worked on my takedowns. So in
NHB I'll need to improve because it's different, I need to adapt
myself to this kind of training because it's my debut - but I
want to be on top also.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- It's your debut, however you almost fought in HEROES
2 (NHB Brazilian event). Were you sorry that you didn't fight?
Santos- Well, if I didn't fight it wasn't because I didn't want
to, it was because GOD didn't want it to happen. I believe much
in these things, so maybe HE preferred that I didn't fight in
HEROES 2, because HE'd give me a second good opportunity, such
as this one in SHOOTO, which is a better opportunity. I'll fight
against a undefeat champion, who knows if I win, that will rebound
my name.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Do you think that if you had fought and lost in HEROES
2, this opportunity wouldn't have appeared?
Santos- There're persons who think like that, I cannot to reply
to your question because this didn't happen. Probably it would
have upset my way to Japan, because a loser is a loser, nobody
wants to know what happened when you fought, only the result.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- In our last interview you said that Abu Dhabi 2001 was
your most international experience, so do you think you will
have a problem handling the pressure of fighting in SHOOTO?
Santos- I don't know. I'm used to Jiu Jitsu and Submission competitions.
I don't know if there's some things with more pressure than Jiu
Jitsu, because the rivalry between the academies is tough - the
people screaming the name of the academies and other things.
But I'll face a thing that I've never faced before, I'll be in
the country of my opponent and the fans will be with him. I've
trained much and inside the ring is only GOMI and SANTOS, therefore
I'm ready.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Will you totaly leave Jiu Jitsu?
Santos- Like I said before, if I fight well in NHB, I'll select
the Jiu Jitsu events which I'll take part, because it's very
hard to keep yourself training Jiu Jitsu and NHB, they're completely
different.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Do you know anything about Gomi before the announcement
of your fight against him?
Santos- I didn't know him, I remember him from Abu Dhabi but
he had been beat by Matt Serra. Although when the fight was offered
to me, my opponent was going be Rumina Sato, so the promoters
changed and put me against the champion. Until then I had not
watched his fights. Now I watched him fight, he's an excellent
fighter. This fight'll be a real NHB test for me, I won't face
a regular fighter - Gomi is an undefeated rock - it will be a
hard and great fight.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Any final comment?
Santos- [thinking a lot] Be sure, I'll do everything what I did
in Jiu Jitsu and Submission events, that is to say I'll show
technique and heart. Keep your eyes on this fight, because I
want to win more than anything.
Source:
Abu Dhabi |
Caol
Uno Wrestles in Japan!
More
fighters continue to venture toe the world of pro wrestling.
The
latest is standout Caol Uno, who is primarily a MMA fighter.
Reportedly, the lightweight has tremendous potential as a 'high
flyer' in pro wrestling. He competed in the first Antonio Inoki
New Year' Bom-Bay-Ye show and got over big with the crowd. Uno
had the strongest showing (even with Shamrock, Frye, Ogawa, Fujita,
Kerr and others on the show).
The
UFC lightweight contender had his second match for All Japan
pro wrestling two weeks back and word is that he gave another
strong performance.
All
Japan is one of the Japan's two largest wrestling groups and
primarily showcases heavyweights. Kind of odd since Uno is in
the 155 lbs range.
Uno
teamed with Kendo Kashin and took on Kaz Hayashi and Mr. Problem.
Ironically, 'Mr. Problem' is Daijiro Matsui who does MMA for
PRIDE.
Look
for Uno to make sporadic appearances in pro wrestling but he
will still maintain his fighting career.
The
Contenders show which features submission wrestling/grappling
is owned by Caol Uno as well. He is putting together a tag team
submission wrestling show (NOT pro wrestling) and has verbal
commitments from Maurice Smith, Josh Barnett and others.
Source:
Abu Dhabi |
Quote
of the Day
"No army can withstand the strength of an idea whose time
has come."
|
Relson
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Picnic
July 4, 2002
Ala Moana Beach Park
All day and night
Like I said, no one sends anything in to see what they are going
to bring. If you guys are at least planning on come, shoot me
an email.
|
Warriors
Quest
Online Store
GRAND OPENING
Warriors Quest is pleased to announce the GRAND OPENNING of www.warriorsquest.tv online store. We have
Warriors Quest Videos and clothing for sale now!! |
Official
UFC 37.5 Press Release
LIDDELL DEFEATS
BELFORT BY UNANIMOUS DECISION; TO MEET ORTIZ FOR UFC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
TITLE
Lawler Stops
Berger In Co-Main Event For Fox Net's Best Damned Sports Period
LAS VEGAS, June
26, 2002 - Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight
Chuck Liddell became the top contender for Champion Tito Ortiz'
title with a unanimous decision over Vitor Belfort last Saturday,
June 22, before a sellout crowd of 3,779 at Bellagio. Both fighters
were cautious the first two rounds before Liddell caught Belfort
with a hard right hand at 3:45 of the third round and knocked
him down. Judges Abe Belardo and Cecil Peoples favored Liddell,
30-27, while Marcos Rosales had it 29-28 for Liddell.
'I knew I could
catch him sooner or later, and I did. Tito is a good friend,
but at fight time, it will be different,' Liddell said.
Ortiz said the
same thing in a post-fight interview.
'Chuck and I
used to train together. But, the Octagon is mine and I will protect
it,' he said.
Liddell of San
Luis Obispo, Calif., ran his Mixed Martial Arts record to 10-1-0
while Belfort is now 10-3-0. The Liddell-Belfort elimination
bout was the main event of a six-fight card that was produced
for the FOX Sports Network's Best Damned Sports Show Period All-Star
Summer Celebration. Four of the fights, excluding Liddell-Belfort,
aired yesterday on the cable network show, the first time a UFC
event has ever been on basic cable television. The Liddell-Belfort
fight will air in its entirety on a UFC pay-per-view show in
August.
In the main
event for BDSSP, powerful, Welterweight puncher Robbie Lawler
(6-0-0) of Davenport, Iowa, hit veteran Steve Berger (15-7-3)
of St. Louis, Mo., with a wicked right followed by a devastating
left at :27 of the second round for a TKO to remain undefeated.
Lawler has won both of his fights in the UFC in a little over
a month. On May 10, he defeated Aaron Riley by unanimous decision
in Bossier City, La.
In other fights
that were highlighted on BDSSP:
Welterweight
Pete Spratt (11-4-0) of Sherman, Tex., defeated Zach Light (11-2-1)
of Corona, Calif., at 2:25 of the first round due to tapout by
an armbar.
Welterweights
Benji Radach (12-0-0) of Olympia, Wash., and UFC newcomer Nick
Serra (5-1-0) of Long Island, N.Y., went the distance before
Radach won a three-round, unanimous decision.
Middleweight
Tony Frycklund (7-1-0) of Davenport, Iowa, defeated UFC newcomer
Rodrigo Ruas (1-1-0) of Rio de Janeiro by referee's decision
at 3:34 of the second round. Frycklund dominated the fight, got
in Ruas' guard and ended it with a flurry of punches.
In the opener,
veteran Yves Edwards (9-5-1) of the Woodlands, Tex., welcomed
Joao 'Pierini' Marcos (5-1-0) of Redwood City, Calif., to the
UFC with a headkick at 1:19 of the first round. The kick knocked
Marcos down and he couldn't recover. The referee stopped the
fight when Marcos couldn't defend himself. Edwards won by TKO.
The next UFC
fight event will be the Brawl At Royal Albert Hall Saturday,
July 13, at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. In the main
event, Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes (26-3-0 in Mixed Martial
Arts) of Hillsboro, Ill., will defend his title in the long-awaited
re-match with former champion Carlos Newton (10-5-0) of Newmarket,
Ontario, Canada. Tickets for the eight-fight card, 100 pounds
sterling, 75 pounds sterling and 50 pounds sterling, are on sale
now at the Royal Albert Hall box office in London, at all Ticket
Master outlets in the United Kingdom, by calling Ticket Master
at 011-44-020-7316-4709, or on the internet at www.tcketmaster.co.uk.
Brawl At Royal
Albert Hall also will be available in the United Kingdom, Ireland,
North America and Brazil on British Sky Broadcasting (BskyB),
iN DEMAND, DirecTv, Dish Network, Bell ExpressVu, Viewers Choice
Canada and Globosat Programmadora LTDA pay-per-view television.
It also will be televised on WOWOW-TV in Japan. The fight will
be televised at 7 p.m. (BST) on BskyB in the U.K. and Ireland
and on a tape-delayed basis in the other countries. Viewing times
will be announced. The suggested retail price in North America
is $29.95 and in the U.K., 14 pounds sterling.
Source: Josh Hedges |
UFC
38 'BRAWL at the HALL' Final Card
U.K.'S REMEDIOS, ZIKIC COMPLETE FIGHT CARD FOR UFC: BRAWL AT
ROYAL ALBERT HALL, JULY 13, IN LONDON
4 British Fighters
Now On 8-Fight Card For UFC's First European Show
LAS VEGAS, June
26, 2002… Leigh Remedios, the United Kingdom's top lightweight
Mixed Martial Arts fighter, and James Zikic, a light heavyweight
contender from Watford in London, will add a decidedly British
flavor to the Ultimate Fighting Championship's Brawl At Royal
Albert Hall eight-fight card at 7 p.m. BST, Saturday, July 13,
at Royal Albert Hall in London.
Remedios (11-2-1
in MMA) of Ashford, Kent, England, will meet Genki Sudo (3-1-1)
of Tokyo, Japan, who is one of his country's top lightweight
fighters. Zikic (16-2-0) will fight undefeated Phillip Miller
(13-0-0) of Hesperia, Calif. Zikic, a stand-up specialist previously
trained with UFC legend Frank Shamrock in Northern California.
Miller just won an eight-man World Vale Tudo tournament in Runaway
Bay, Jamaica..
UFC veterans
complete the London card with top welterweight contender Gil
Castillo (17-1-0) of Concord, Calif., taking on Tony DeSouza
(5-1-0) of Lima, Peru, and light heavyweight Evan Tanner (7-1-0)
of Gresham, Ore., meeting Vladimir Matyshenko (11-2-0) of Los
Angeles, Calif.
Undefeated British
middleweight Mark Weir of Gloucester, England, will put his 16-0-0
record on the line when he meets Eugene 'The Wolf' Jackson (11-4-0)
of East Palo Alto, Calif. A heavyweight showdown will be between
undefeated Frank Mir (4-0-0) of Las Vegas, Nev., and top-ranked
British heavyweight Ian Freeman (12-5-0) of Sunderland, England.
Light heavyweight Elvis Sinosic (4-5-1) of Syndney, Australia,
will meet Renato 'Babalu' Sobral de Cunha (9-1-0) of Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, in another feature match.
The main event
will be the long-awaited re-match for the UFC welterweight championship.
Champion Matt Hughes (26-3-0) of Hillsboro, Ill., will defend
his belt against former champion Carlos Newton (10-5-0) of Newmarket,
Ontario, Canada. Hughes captured the welterweight crown Nov.
2, 2001, at UFC 34: High Voltage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
in Las Vegas with a controversial knockout of Newton. Hughes
picked him up as he was attempting a triangle choke and slammed
him to the mat. The force knocked out Newton just as Hughes went
unconscious from the choke. Referee John McCarthy separated the
fighters and awarded the victory to Hughes. Many thought Newton
won.
Hughes defended
his title March 22 at UFC 36: Worlds Collide at the MGM Grand
Garden Arena with a fourth round technical knockout of legendary
Japanese fighter Hyato Sakurai. Newton last fought on February
24 in Japan where he defeated highly ranked Brazilian striker
Jose 'Pele' Landi-Jones by arm bar submission.
Tickets for
Brawl At Royal Albert Hall, 100 pounds sterling, 75 pounds sterling
and 50 pounds sterling, are now on sale at the Royal Albert Hall
box office in London, at all Ticket Master outlets in the United
Kingdom, by calling Ticket Master at 011-44-020-7316-4709, or
on the internet at www.ticketmaster.com.
Brawl At Royal
Albert Hall also will be available in the United Kingdom, Ireland,
North America and Brazil on Sky Box Office, iN DEMAND, DIRECTV,
Dish Network, Bell ExpressVu, Viewers Choice Canada and Globosat
Programmadora LTDA pay-per-view television. It also will be televised
on WOWOW-TV in Japan. The fight will be televised live at 7 p.m.
BST on Sky Box Office in the U.K. and Ireland and on tape delay
at 10 p.m. EDT /7 p.m. PDT on iN DEMAND and 9 p.m. EDT/6 p.m.
PDT on DIRECTV in North America. The suggested retail price in
North America is $29.95, and in the U.K., 14 pounds sterling.
U.K. fight fans also can view 'Ultimate Fighting Championship,'
a weekly, two-hour show that airs at 10 p.m. each Thursday on
British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB).
Source: UFC/Josh
Hedges |
PRIDE
FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
SECURES NEVADA LICENSE
Los Angeles,
Calif. – June 25, 2002 – Dream Stage Entertainment
today confirms that PRIDE Fighting Championships has officially
been granted a license by the Nevada Athletic Commission. The
first event is yet to be scheduled and will abide by all Nevada
Athletic Commission guidelines.
Details for
the first official PRIDE FC event in Nevada will be announced
at a later date.
ABOUT PRIDE
FC
Originating in Japan, PRIDE Fighting Championships combine the
most highly skilled MMA competitions with a 21st Century entertainment
philosophy to create the next generation in cutting edge sports
entertainment. PRIDE competitions include athletes from across
the globe, including the United States, Japan, Brazil, Europe,
Russia and many other countries. PRIDE allows techniques from
a myriad of martial arts and combat sports, solidifying its place
as an authentic and unique fighting style that is built on tension
and excitement, appealing to the growing audience of 21st Century
entertainment fans.
Source: Abu
Dhabi |
NATIONAL
COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK STARTS IN EARLY 2003; HOW MUCH WRESTLING
WILL BE FEATURED?
Submitted by: Eddie Goldman
Wrestling
is listed as one of 19 college sports that are slated to be featured
on a new, 24-hour cable network scheduled to debut in the U.S.
in the first quarter of 2003. And with the staff of this new
venture, the National College Sports Network (NCSN), it may gain
greater national exposure than ever before.
The
three co-founders of NCSN are Brian Bedol and Steven Greenberg
(who had co-founded Classic Sports Network and later sold it
to ESPN) and Chris Bevilacqua, a former executive at Nike. In
a press release, they stated that NCSN will become 'the nation's
first 24-hour cable network devoted exclusively to the best in
college sports.' And they seem to have found supporters with
deep pockets, adding that this 'venture plans to invest close
to $100 million. In addition, more than a dozen college conferences,
representing some 150 colleges and universities, have committed
to date to partnering with NCSN.'
Some
in wrestling will immediately recognize the name Bevilacqua.
Chris was himself a two-time All-American at 150 lbs. in 1984
and 1985 at Penn State. He is also the son of longtime coach
Al Bevilacqua, who is currently one of the main leaders of the
New York-based Metropolitan Wrestling Association, which is organizing
the 2003 Freestyle Wrestling World Championships in New York.
Chris
also said in the NCSN press release, 'What's most significant
about NCSN is its appeal not only to fans, but to colleges and
universities who are seeking greater exposure for, and revenue
from their sports programs. This is especially true today as
colleges wrestle with Title IX regulations to try to maintain
and build fledgling properties into long-terms assets. NCSN will
also assist colleges in alumni fundraising and athlete recruiting
efforts, as well as provide a national platform for institutional
messages at little or no incremental expense.'
Already
on board with NCSN is the Big Ten Conference, which actually
includes eleven teams with major wrestling programs, including
2001 and 2002 NCAA champions University of Minnesota, and the
legendary University of Iowa.
The
NCSN press release quotes Big Ten Conference Commissioner James
E. Delany as saying, 'The Big Ten Conference is pleased and honored
to be included in the National College Sports Network. The Big
Ten-NCSN relationship will provide welcome television opportunities
for Conference men's and women's championships and sports that
generally do not benefit from television exposure, enhancing
the overall experiences of all student-athletes.'
But
this does not mean that wrestling, or any other sport, for that
matter, is a lock for the new NCSN. Many events, like the NCAA
Div. 1 Wrestling Championships, have already had their rights
sold to networks like CBS and ESPN. That leaves other events,
such as regular-season competition, conference championships,
and smaller national championships, up for grabs.
A
recent article in Sports Illustrated about NCSN says that 'Bevilacqua
also might go after Div. II and III football and basketball,
and his old sport, wrestling.'
The
operative word here is 'might,' as little is definite for this
new network.
In
addition, NCSN has the task of convincing cable companies to
add it to their already crowded channel lineups, and cluttered
sports selection.
Still,
with major backing and a host of other successful niche sports
networks, such as the Golf Channel and the forthcoming Tennis
Channel, NCSN has a shot at being picked up by major cable operators,
especially on their expanding digital tiers.
Just
how much wrestling NCSN will show at first will be determined
by how much interest the company feels there is from the viewing
public. Many in the wrestling community believe that more television
exposure is key to wrestling's future, and that when wrestling
receives that exposure, it will hook new legions of fans.
But
we first must play a role in convincing those at NCSN that there
indeed is a national market for college wrestling on television.
NCSN
has a web site at: http://www.ncsn.com/. Make sure to click
that link and go there to check out the site, and contact them
to inform them that you want more wrestling on television.
While
you are in your activist mode, make sure also to contact your
local cable company (the suits, not the customer service reps)
to tell them that you also want to see the National College Sports
Network on their system when it kicks off early next year. You'll
be happy you did.
Source:
Abu Dhabi |
Pride
21 Pictures
Hello,
We
have added 29 photo images from Pride 21 held on June 23rd.
Please
enjoy!
Susumu's
Gallery:
http://come.to/susumu
|
Quote
of the Day
"There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant
day."
Alexander Woollcott, 1887-1943, American Columnist, Critic
|
Fox-y
Boxing: Cable Net Trumpets
the Sport of the 21st Century
Commentary by Jake Rossen
Getting
in cahoots with a network known for airing quickie marriages
to millionaires and showcasing washed-up sitcom stars in psuedo-boxing
events was a dicey move. Allowing your product to be presented
on a comedy/talk show, where the hosts are less than informed,
is even riskier. Yet despite all odds, Zuffa's Ultimate Fighting
Championship was introduced to a brand-new audience on Tuesday
evening, and the sport seems none the worse for the wear.
Fox
Sports Net's "Best Damn Sports Show, Period" was the
showcase for a UFC presentation that took up recurring time in
their two hour telecast. Fans were dubious as to how exactly
Fox would treat this package: clips advertising the special featured
Keith Hackney pounding on bulbous Manny Yarborough, hardly indicative
of the current competition.
While
co-host Tom Arnold spent time on a film set with UFC stars Tito
Ortiz and Chuck Liddell, and seemed to have respect for their
art in later interviews, co-hosts Chris Rose, John Salley, and
Michael Irvin have proven to be fairly ignorant of the proceedings
in past discussions. Rose, in particular, seemed fond of asking
questions like, "When do you, as a fan, say enough is enough?"
to UFC commentator Joe Rogan and, to Bruce Buffer, "Does
your brother ever give you crap for doing this?" Barbara
Walters, step aside.
Rose,
who ironically voices the network's insipid Celebrity Boxing
events, seemed to tone down his hyperbole this time around, although
Fox itself stepped it up. The program started with a disclaimer
that advised viewers that the night's installment of the show
was "violent, and may be unsuitable for some viewers."
Never mind that Fox regularly airs fiery car accidents, bone
breaks, and genital injury on their "You Gotta See This!"
program, sans the warnings.
Throughout
the first hour of the show, the regular sports chatter was interspersed
with highlights from the undercard bouts from the June 22nd Bellagio
event. Lovely Leann Tweeden was on site to host the goings-on,
shaming Carmen Electra in both beauty and ability to present
simple information. Yves Edwards took out Joao Pierini with a
high kick, and Rose made mention of the fact that Pierini is
okay, albeit afflicted with a separated shoulder. In the brief
clips that followed, Benji Radach and Tony Fryklund were seen
emerging victorious in their respective bouts.
In
the only competition televised in its entirety, "Ruthless"
Robbie Lawler took it to Steve Berger, turning up the heat early
in the second round to score a KO. Before the bout, John McCarthy,
Bruce Buffer, and Tito Ortiz took viewers through the various
ways to win a MMA match, an invaluable few minutes that served
to educate those in the dark about current regulations. The fight
itself was surrounded by all the familiar UFC elements: lasers,
walks to the Octagon, and Big John's booming demand for the fighters
to get it on. Lawler was never in any danger, and he dispatched
Berger in quick and decisive fashion. Potential new fans saw
spinning kicks, takedowns, uppercuts, clinch work, and ground
work, nearly all of which came fast and furious.
Was
it all good? Showing a submission victory might have gone further
to separate this sport from boxing, in that so many more variables
can be implemented.
But
one can't be too hard on an organization that has brought MMA
to this point: an explosive debut on cable television. No smart
remarks, no misinformation perpetuated. Just a damn good fight,
professionally presented.
In
what would most consider a small moment, a graphic flashed on
the screen that listed the commentating team of Jeff Osborne,
Mike Goldberg, and Joe Rogan, with a Fox Sports Net logo attached
to it. For a split second, gone were the sensationalistic headlines,
the witchhunts, and the disrespect shown to the athletes. MMA
was just another sport on the network, replete with little factoids.
Here's
to hell of a lot more of that.
Source: Maxfighting |
WFA
CHAMPIONSHIPS: LEVEL 2
ATTRACTING TOP CABLE SPORTS CHANNEL
JAY MOHR OF ESPN's "MOHR SPORTS" TO ATTEND JULY 5th
SHOW
Las Vegas, NV
(June 25, 2002)- For the first time ever, ESPN will feature a
professional mixed-martial arts production on prime time. Final
preparations are underway for the WFA's highly-anticipated second
installment, to be held at the magnificent Hard Rock Hotel and
Casino over America's most patriotic holiday weekend. Continuing
to take the sport to the next level & attracting the attention
of the world, this WFA event will be covered by ESPN's own Jay
Mohr. Mohr, the host of Mohr Sports, will be on hand with his
television cameras in tow to observe and participate in what
is sure to be an electrifying night of mixed martial arts action.
(air date to be announced soon) And with seven scheduled bouts
touting the sport's hottest talent from around the world, Mohr
will not leave disappointed.
In the main
event, sparks will fly in the WFA's first-ever middleweight championship
as Thai/kick-boxer supreme Jermaine "Bamm-Bamm" Andre
locks horns with New Mexican scrapper Joey "Pancho"
Villaseñor. Coming in fresh from two back-to-back wins
at the King of the Cage, will Andre be able to bring "Pancho
Villa's" winning streak to a screeching halt?
In the co-main
event, the legendary heavyweight brawler Kimo makes his return
to the cage after a four-year hiatus. Facing him will be the
always-tough Tim Lajcik. Will the "Bohemian's" wrestling
and boxing prowess be too much for the Hawaiian behemoth?
Jay Mohr, an
accomplished film and television actor/comedian, might be remembered
best for his uncanny performance as a sleazy sports agent opposite
Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire as well as for co-starring as a diligent
reporter tracking the path of a good-deed-epidemic in Pay It
Forward with Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt. He often guest hosts
on premiere radio's Jim Rome Show and is a regular guest on the
nationally syndicated Opie & Anthony Show out of New York,
and on L.A.'s number one and also nationally syndicated morning
show, KROQ's Kevin & Bean. Most recently, Mohr starred in
the highly acclaimed television show Action, before heading into
the field of sports journalism. Mohr Sports, which airs weekly
for the sports channel juggernaut (check your local listings
for air times), will have its cameras rolling for an upcoming
segment focused on America's most promising new sport. Mohr will
capture all the fervor of this burgeoning sport and its fighters,
and production plans include him getting in on the action himself!
In order to give a better view into the world of WFA mixed-martial
arts fighting, Jay has asked to be part of a fighter's camp.
(fighter yet to be determined) He will train along with the fighter
during fight week, accompany the fighter in his dressing room
for warm-up and ultimately be in the fighter's corner. The World
Fighting Alliance warmly welcomes Mohr and his crew to "where
the fight club meets the night club!"
July 5th is
almost upon us! Don't miss out on the next level in MMA competition.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased through the Hard
Rock Hotel and Casino's box office (702-693-5000) and through
all Ticketmaster locations (www.ticketmaster.com). Ticket prices range from $35
to $200, with VIP 5-Seat table seating for $1000. Visit the WFA's
official web site for ticket breakdowns, seating chart, and exclusive
interviews and bio information on the entire card (www.wfa.tv).
For more event
information, please contact Paula Romero, WFA Marketing &
Promotions at WFA
Press@aol.com. |
MINI
INTERVIEW: SAULO RIBEIRO
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Why did you decide not to fight in SUPERBRAWL?
S. Ribeiro: Well, I fought recently in a no gi event and SB will
be on July 13, which is very close to the date of the MUNDIALS.
The MUNDIALS is where I get more exposure, especially in the
US. So I hope to fight against Egan in September or November,
if a retirement not happen.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Wasn't the SB money proposal's enough?
S. Ribeiro: Everything was nice, I only decided to keep July
open to fight in the MUNDIALS, and I couldn't let this opportunity
pass this year. It's Jiu Jitsu that gives me the notoriety to
acquire good proposals in NHB and Submission events.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: What do you think of the idea of having two Brazilian
Confederations of Jiu Jitsu. Which event will you take part in,
CBJJ or CBJJO?
S. Ribeiro: In reality, any separation in Jiu Jitsu is harmful
for Jiu Jitsu. I know that the idea is to add to the sport, but
it's not happening. I'll analyze and decide what is better for
my career, because I'm going to dispute my 7th World Title event.
Like I said before this separation has harmed Jiu Jitsu a lot,
because when you share a thing and transform it in two, sometimes
you cannot get the things which only one was getting. I hope
that everything runs ok, however I prefer not to take part in
this political side of Jiu Jitsu.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Will these events be tradition (CBJJ) versus innovation(CBJJO)?
S. Ribeiro: Of course. The CBJJ has an event which is the result
of being held for 6 years, while CBJJO will have an event with
a bit more professionalism. If the CBJJO puts in practice everything
they're saying, this'll be an event with much success and that
everybody will want to take part.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Are your students free to fight where they want?
S. Ribeiro: I leave everybody free to compete where they want.
The fighter is the most harmed by this split because he has to
decide which event he will compete in. There'll be two champions
in one category. That will cause confusion. I am only waiting
to see the result of all of these good ideas, because having
the ideas is different from making them a reality.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: You've traveled a lot lately. What's the reason?
S. Ribeiro: Thank GOD, I'm with an Association in USA that has
more than 400 members in 8 Associations in different states.
My brother is the head of the Matrix in Toledo, Ohio. So I've
given seminars almost every month for them, as I had said before
i fought in North Carolina against student of Ken Shamrock. I
competed in the Superfight, and my student, Daniel Moraes, won
the event. So I want to prepare myself for the MUNDIALS, and
will focus on NHB for the second semester. I have some proposals,
however I want to choose the right one. I'm preparing myself
on the feet, because Im sure NHB is the inevitable way for the
Jiu Jitsu fighters.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Your American student, Dave Gomes, has a event named
TFC. Will you fight in this event?
S. Ribeiro: Yeah, we're almost closed with this fight, however
I want to put this fight in my head when I am 100% guaranteed.
I was at the event and I saw my future opponent. It will certainly
be a great match and I hope to confirm this soon.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: TFC isn't a very known event, why will you fight?
S. Ribeiro: This event will be a kind of union between Gomez
(the promoter) and myself. It's good I don't take part in very
known events for a while, because I want to get more experience.
Its like in Jiu Jitsu, to fight minor events first, and later
the big ones.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Which events have given you proposals?
S. Ribeiro: USA promoters. I prefer that too, because my fans
are in USA. I want to close a deal with the UFC and I hope to
get it early.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Last words?
S. Ribeiro: I would have fought in the FJJO event last weekend,
however the event was cancelled. I'd use it as training because
I haven't fought with a gi since the MUNDIALS2001. So I'll focus
on the MUNDIALS 2002 training with Royler Gracie on the technical
side, Paulo Caruso for the physical one, and João Mala
the Judo one.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil: Thanx and good luck in next weekend.
S. Ribeiro: Thanx man!
Source: Abu
Dhabi |
UFC
Post Fight Interview: BENJI RADACH
UFC
37.5 - Benki Radach versus Nick Serra - June 22nd, 2002 - Bellagio,
Las Vegas, NV
ADCC:
Benji, Do you think your preparations helped you win the fight?
Benji: Yes, the past year prepared me for this fight. He would
have beaten me if I would have fought him a year a go or less.
Since I have been training with Dennis Hallman my submission
defense has improved tremendously.
ADCC:
Take us through the fight from your perspective?
Benji: Well, the fight basically consisted of trying to knock
him out, but at the same time keeping from getting choked in
a triangle and then he would transition to an armbar and then
I'd have to fight out of that. On our feet I just wanted to hit
him real hard as he came in with a shot, so I didn't try and
defend the takedowns very well.
ADCC:
What was different about this fight than your last, besides the
out come?
Benji: The difference is that in my Serra fight, Nick didn't
want to stand up and it was hard to connect with him on his feet
as he tried to get to clinch, jump guard, or shoot. Plus Nick
took some good shots to the head that didn't knock him out.
ADCC:
Did Nick surprise you at all?
Benji: I wasn't surprised in the fact that he was real good on
the ground, but I was surprised in the fact that he had such
a good triangle. He almost had me a few different times and it
was hard to keep out of.
ADCC:
What do you think you need to work on for your next fight?
Benji: Well this one I didn't train very hard on my hands. Did
not do enough sparring and so my hands got a bit tired. I wasn't
used to that. So for my next one you can guarantee good hands.
ADCC:
What do you think about the ruling on your fight with Steve Berger?
Benji: I don't like it for the fact that we were all warned before
hand that if we are going to be in a dangerous position and not
protect our selves that we would be warned and then stopped if
you continued to not protect yourself. That is what happened
in my fight with Berger. And if you talk about my hands on the
fence, I didn't even know I was doing it and wasn't warned for
it. Many other fights have had guys hold the fence in the past
and have won maybe because of it. I didn't win because I was
holding the fence. I won because I hit him real hard right off
the bat. I could have thrown the last bunch of punches weather
I was holding on to the fence or not.
ADCC:
Do you want a rematch now?
Benji: No, doesn't matter really.
ADCC:
Benji, what is next for you?
Benji: Just get better and better.
ADCC:
Thanks for your time, and good luck.
Benji: Thank you for your support. I hope this last fight was
a good one.
Source:
Abu Dhabi |
Quote
of the Day
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live
your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."
Cherokee Expression
|
July
4th Jiu-Jitsu Picnic
July 4, 2002
Ala Moana Beach Park
All day and night
We were about due for another picnic so we are planning it for
July 4th. This is a chance to get out with your Jiu-Jitsu brothers
and sisters and have them meet your family (e.g. wife, girlfriend,
or both). If you have been to Ala Moana on the 4th of July before,
you know that it is probably the craziest day of the year. I
would highly recommend that you come as early as possible (I
think we are planning on going at about 5 am) to get parking
and try to reserve the space. Plan on staying all day and night
because we'll probably stay for the fireworks at night. Even
if you can only stop by for a little while or just so happened
to be in the area and can find parking, stop by, it will be worth
it.
All
Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu students and their families are invited.
We want to have all the main academy and all of the association
students to meet each other to bring the team closer together.
It is a potluck which means bring some extra food. You don't
have to bring food to feed an army, but if everyone brings a
little extra food, we will have more than enough. We will be
playing our heated volleyball game and water football as well.
If
you want to let us know what you are going to bring so we can
start a list (no one ever sends in anything, but in case you
want to break that trend), email us by clicking here. I will bring the utensils
(e.g. plates, forks, spoons, napkins) as well as a dish. If you
are used to eating on silverware, you are out of luck my friend.
|
UFC
on Fox Sports TONITE!!!
UFC
on Fox Sports' 'Best Damn Sports Show Period' on Tuesday, June
25th!
LAS
VEGAS: The Ultimate Fighting Championship, the world's leading
ultimate fighting sports event, will make its debut on basic
cable television Tuesday, June 25, on the Fox Sports Network's
Best Damned Sports Show Period 'All-Star Summer' Celebration.
The BDSSP's All-Star Summer will be filled with big-name guests
from the worlds of sports and entertainment from June 24 to July
19. The two-hour show airs nightly at 8:00 p.m. and/or 11:00
p.m. local time on most Fox Sports Net regional sports networks,
and at 10:00 p.m. and midnight on FSN Bay Area, Chicago, Florida,
New England, New York and Ohio.
Tonite,
June 25th The BDSSP's feature match will be a welterweight battle
between undefeated up-and-comer Robbie Lawler (5-0-0) of Davenport,
Iowa, and veteran Steve Berger (15-7-3) of St. Louis, Mo., and
highlights from four other bouts will round out the coverage.
The telecast marks the first time that cable audiences can see
a UFC fight without a pay-per-view charge, so ultimate fighting
is almost certain to have its largest audience ever.
TELL
ALL YOUR FRIENDS!!!!
For
more info, check out the website at www.UFC.tv
Source: Josh Hedges |
Hawaii's
Amateur Muay-Thai/Kickboxing State Champioships
"Walk the Walk". Hawaii's Amateur Muay-Thai / Kickboxing
State Champioships, tentive date is December 12, 2002, at Neil
Blasidell Center. This event will be sancition by the International
Kickboxing Federation (IKF), the largest, world-wide, kickboxing
sancitiining boby. The state champioships is open to students
Jr. Fighters, ages 8-17 years old, and 18-years old and above,
all Men, Women, from all local martial art schools, gyms, etc.
Competing disciplines are Muay-Thai / Kickboxing. State champions
will receive state titles and belts. Other competing fighters
will receive medals and trophies.
The
2002 State Championships will serve as a precursor to Hawaii's
IKF Regional Tournament. Finalists from each weight class and
discipline will advance to the 2003 IKF / RINGSIDE National Tournament
and represent the state of Hawaii. If you are interested, please
E-Mail to Snowtiger499@aol.com your full name, age,
discipline, gym name, ture fight record: boxing, kickboxing,
muay-thai, mixed martial arts, by 21 July 2002, to receive your
fighter registration forms, fighter registration fee for this
event is $40.00.
|
Correction
Department
We were informed that Ron Jhun fights for and is one of the head
trainers at 808 Fight Factory and not Jesus Is Lord. Sorry about
that. I was unsure who he fought for and just reported what was
on ADCC. |
JJM
Tournament Rocks -
Leozinho steals the show
Jean
Jacques Machado's California State Championships rocked. The
event well organized event had the presence of many Black Belts
including Rigan & Johnny Machado, Cleber Luciano, Sonequinha
Moreira, Caique Elias, Marc Laimon, Gersinho, 'Tinguinha' Mariano,
Ricardo Pires, Fabio Santos, Renato Magno, Franco de Camargo,
Paulo Guillobel, Fernando Vasconcellos, Aloisio Silva, Randy
Bloom, Xande Brandao and many others. There were some great matches
including a Brown Belt fight involving Jeff 'Triangle' Higgs
who submitted his opponent via the dreaded submission to win
the division.
The
ladies Superfight had Leka Vieira defating Gazzy Parman by points
5 x 0 demonstrating why she is one of the best competitors in
the World.
The
Black Belt Tournament had Alliance's Ricardo 'Franjinha' Muller
collecting the $$$ for the heavies. While Ricardinho defeated
Oscar 'Japa' by points for the second place.
In
the Lightweight tournament Leozinho Vieira took top honors. Machado
Black Belt Fabinho Vinelli submitted Daniel 'Coyote' via choke
while Leo defeated Wander Braga by points 2 x 0. In the finals
Leo used his dynamic style to get ahead of Fabio 24 x 0 before
sinking an arm-lock for the submission.
Congratulations
to all. A photo collage will be up in the next few days!
Source: Abu Dhabi |
UFC
Post Fight Interview:
PETE 'The Sectre Weapon' SPRATT
UFC 37.5 - Pete
Spratt versus Zach Light - June 22nd, 2002 - Bellagio, Las Vegas,
NV
ADCC: Pete,
Congratulations on a big win. What was your firs |