May News Part 2
Quote
of the Day
Home is the
place where we grumble the most, but are often treated the best.
Anonymous
|
Luke
Gets His Purple!
New York
transplant, Luke Lesko, has finally been awarded his purple belt
from Renzo. He has been training like an animal since moving
back home to New York. Congratulations!
|
Royler
and Daniel have arrived!
Royler Gracie
and black belt, Daniel Moraes have arrived and trained last night
at the main academy. Daniel plans to compete in the no gi professional
tournament coming up on Monday at the Pac-Rim Gracie Championships.
He looks in great shape and as sharp as ever. Royler and Shane
Agena had a battling interval last night as well. Royler will
be conducting a seminar at the event as well.
|
Brazilian
Teams
Jiu-Jitsu Championship Day 2
Gracie Barra Gets Gold!
By Eduardo Alonso
The second and
final day of the Brazilian Teams Jiu Jitsu championship promoted
by CBJJ delivered some very technical and disputed match-ups,
as the rivalry between Gracie Barra and Alliance created a lot
of excitement on the crowd when the two top Jiu Jitsu teams decided
the heavyweight title among the brown and black belts. This last
Sunday, May 19th saw the Middleweight Purple belts from Gracie
Barra win the championship closing the last division apart from
the Brown and Black belts. However the public on hand for the
event was more interested in the brown and black belts fights
with some big names like Rodrigo "Comprido" Medeiros,
"Pé de Pano", Alexandre "Cafe" Dantas,
Fernando "Terere" and Leonardo Vieira trying to crown
their teams as champions!
The first big surprise of the day happened on the Heavyweight
semi-final, when Rodrigo "Comprido" Medeiros lost his
fight to Roberto Tozzi from Ac. Godoi by advantage [Comprido
vs. Tozzi is pictured at right]. Rodrigo couldn't get his game
going and Tozzi fought with a smart strategy to get the win.
However Alliance would advance to the finals anyway to face Gracie
Barra in a very awaited meeting! Another surprise was Jorge Macaco
Patino being submitted by armbar from the guard in his first
and only fight of the day. Macaco helped a lot in the organization
of the event, and he clearly didn't have the time to prepare
properly to fight, and ended up being surprised. The highlight
of the night was without a doubt the Heavyweight finals between
Barra Gracie and Alliance, with the crowd going wild and the
supporters from both teams screaming all fights long. Gracie
Barra started the best of five series with UFC veteran Alexandre
"Cafe" Dantas wining his fight by armbar in impressive
fashion. Then Fernando "Terere" gave Alliance its only
point wining an exciting match against a very game opponent.
However, on the third fight, "Pé de Pano" managed
to escape several leg locks attempts by his opponent and scored
the second point for Gracie Barra, giving them the lead! The
fourth match put 18-year-old brown belt Roger Gracie to face
Alliance's black belt Demian. [Roger is on top of Demian in the
photo at the top of the article] Alliance hoped for a win so
Rodrigo Medeiros could take home the title in the final match,
however this wasn't the young Gracie's plans as he surprised
the Alliance black belt in the best fight of the night passing
his guard and mounting him near the end of the fight and taking
home the win for Gracie Barra, and therefore the championship!
Rodrigo "Comprido" didn't even have the chance to fight
and Ryan Gracie and the Barra supporters went crazy with the
title, as Gracie Barra was the biggest winner all competition
long.
Here are the
final results for day two:
Purple Belt
Middleweight:
Champion: Gracie Barra; 2nd Place: Ac. Integração
Brown and Black
Belt Lightweight:
Champion: Gracie Barra/BH; 2nd Place: Gracie Barra
Brown and Black
Belt Heavyweight:
Champion : Gracie Barra; 2nd Place: Alliance
Overall:
Juvenile:
Champion: Gracie Barra; 2nd Place: Gracie Recreio
Women:
Champion : Ac. Equilibrio; 2nd Place: Alliance
Men:
Champion: Gracie Barra
2nd Place: Gracie Barra/BH
3rd Place: Ac Equilibrio
Source: FCF |
Leonardo
Santos in SHOOTO!!!
Word has just
come in that multiple time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion
and 2001 ADCC 76kg 3rd Place Finisher, Leo Santos, will be headed
to Japan to compete in SHOOTO on June 29th. Possible opponents
being mentioned are Rumina Sato and the current SHOOTO 154 lbs
Champion Takanori Gomi. A bout with Gomi would be a non title
match-up but either opponent would prove to be a tremendous challnge.
Even though Santos possesses proven grappling and submission
skills, he is a new-comer to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.
However, he is training with the likes of Andre Pederneiras for
NHB/Vale Tudo and Luiz Alvez from Boxe Thai for his stand-up
game. Andre has faced and defeated Rumina Sato in Japan, so Santos
is in good hands there, and certainly in good 'feet' when it
comes to Alvez and his Muay Thai training.
Just to speculate,
with Mishima's title shot long over due it would seem that Sato
will most likely be the man to face the Brazilian. It has become
a common theme in regards to Rumina Sato to bring in a tough
foreign fighter following a loss in order to give him a rebuilding
match. After Rumina's loss to Canada's Joel Gerson, he took on
Michael Buell and won by armbar in just 31 seconds. Then following
the KO dealt to him by Pedereneiras, Sato faced Charles Taylor
from Frank Shamrock's camp and won with the now legendary 6 second
flying armbar. Next up was his first loss to Uno. That performance
was followed by a pair of under 1-minute victories when Sato
defeated Phil Johns with a toe-hold and then kneebarred IVC 154
lbs Champion Rafael Cordeiro. He decisioned Marcio Barbosa subsequent
to his second loss with Uno and now it would seem yet another
international opponent is be staged to face the SHOOTO superstar
in response to his most recent loss. He was bested by Takanori
Gomi in his bid for the vacated SHOOTO Welterweight title. I
have to say that it is unlikely that Rumina will pull an under
60 second submission with a schooled ground fighter like Leo
Santos. This possible match-up is very promising indeed.
However, as
stated, this is still just speculation as the details have not
yet been confirmed. In truth, it is just as likely that the SHOOTO
match-makers will put Santos in against Gomi or even a third
un-named opponent. We will have more news on this as it comes
in.
Source: Abu
Dhabi
|
Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu Hits the BIG TIME . . . TIME Magazine that is
The
latest issue of Time Magazine dated 05/27/02 has a short article
about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Trend Alert section. The article
written by Time Staff writer Janice M. Horowitz introduces BJJ
to Time readers and goes on to mention Renzo & Royler Gracie's
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Theory and Technique book. It goes on to
mention Royce Gracie's appearance in the first UFC as the launching
pad for the sport for the US audiences. Needless to say this
is one of the biggest things to happen to the sport in the recent
times (no pun intended) and everyone involved with the sport
including Kid is so excited about this. Check it out! The book
is available at the www.fightworld.com
Source: Abu Dhabi
|
UFC
Planning A Smaller Show Not on PPV???
June
23rd, 2002 - LAS VEGAS, NV.
Strong
rumors have popped up from several reliable sources within the
industry that point to ZUFFA promoting a smaller scale UFC show
in Las Vegas on Sunday June 23rd, 2002. This show does not appear
to be scheduled for live PPV.
This
move makes sense for ZUFFA, who has had great successes with
their Vegas live gates, while PPV numbers have been lukewarm
at best. It seems to be planned as a developmental show, with
two bouts erumored to be planned:
RUMORED
UFC LINEUP:
170
lbs: Steve Berger v. Bobbie Lawler
170 lbs: Benji Radach v. Nick Serra
Less
reliable rumors came several weeks back that ZUFFA had paid a
huge sum of money out to FOX Television. Though no details are
out available, it is interesting to speculate about a TV show
built around the younger, potentially more exciting talent in
MMA. Perhaps material from smaller shows can be packaged that
way? It is hoped that this is not just a stab in the dark by
ZUFFA, or that these rumors are not false. If they both prove
to be true, these appear to be elemental building blocks of a
plan! You go ZUFFA!
Source:
Abu Dhabi
|
HOOKnSHOOT
RELENTLESS IS THIS WEEKEND!
Saturday May
25th, 2002 -- Memorial Coliseum, Evansville, IN.
'RELENTLESS
is upon us.' start the HnS promoters. 'This show is really down
to business! Great new faces, like 'Shaolin' Ribeiro, Jeff Monsen
and Travis Lutter, plus a host of returning HnS stars - Yuki
Nakai's incredible Paraestra Team, led by Takumi Nakayama. His
match with 'Shaolin' will be watched internationally.'
'Scott Henze
and Shiko Yamashita will be a war, as will Hermes Franca and
Yohei Suzuki. All these great competitors are returning to HnS
for step up fights, and they know it! Now that is something to
build on!'
'Plus the title
fight! Travis Lutter and Chris Monsen will decide our last vacant
title at 205 lbs. another circle will be closed at HOOKnSHOOT!'
In Evansville,
tickets are available at BOB's GYM and at ADDICTED to the ARTS!
Thanks for the sponsorships, guys! Order Tickets Securely at
FIGHTWORLD.COM!
Card Subject
To Change: THIS IS OFFICIAL SHOOTO USA
2 Rounds B Class
<185 lbs.>:
Luke Pedigo (Freelance, Danville, IL.) v. TBD (Freelance, Owensboro,
KY.)
2 Rounds B Class <135 lbs.>:
Travis Phippen (American JJ, KC, KS.) v. Dan Swift (JJ< Pittsburgh,
PA.)
2 Rounds B Class <135 lbs.>:
Ryan Ackerman (Taro Submission Academy, Canton, IL.) v. Mike
Cardoso (Freelance, Miami, FL.)
2 Rounds B Class <155 lbs.>:
Hermes Franca (American Top Team, Orlando, FL.) v. Yohei Suzuki
(Paraestra, Tokyo, Japan)
2 Rounds B Class <205 lbs.>:
Dustin Denes (American Top Team, Orlando, FL.) v. Tom Jones (LD,
Tulsa, OK.)
3 Rounds B Class <225 lbs.>:
Jeff Monsen (American Top Team, Orlando, FL.) v. Ron Faircloth
(Freelance, Milwaukee, WI.)
3 Rounds A Class <155 lbs.>:
Vitor 'Shaolin' Ribeiro
(Nova Uniao, Rio, Brazil)
v. Takumi Nakayama (Paraestra, Tokyo, Japan)
3 Rounds A Class <185 lbs.>:
Scott Henze (Freelance, Tell City, IN.) v. Shiko Yamashita (Paraestra,
Tokyo, Japan)
For the vacant
HOOKnSHOOT Title at 205 lbs:
3 Rounds A Class <205 lbs.>:
Chris Monsen (AMC Pankration, Seattle, WA.) v. Travis Lutter
(Next Generation, Dallas, TX.)
|
Quote
of the Day
Man looks
at outward appearance but the Lord looks within.
The
choice you make today will usually affect tomorrow.
Anonymous
|
Fighters'
Club has a scheduled time slot
Local MMA television show Fighters' Club now has a scheduled
time slot. It will be aired every Tuesday night at 9:30PM on
Oceanic Cable channel 52.
Check it out and tell your friends. It is a great show, other
than having Mike on it occassionally. The more we support things
like these the bigger Hawaii's MMA scene will become. And we
all want that. |
Brasileiro
Equipe Day 1 Results
Brazilian Teams Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Day 1
By Eduardo Alonso
This weekend,
the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Confederation (CBJJ) promoted the Brazilian
Teams Jiu-Jitsu championship of 2002, at the city of Sao Paulo,
in Brazil. The most important BJJ teams in Brazil battled for
the sport's supremacy in several divisions, however this year
an unusual situation changed some things. Two Brazilian teams
tournaments were organized on the same day, one in Rio de Janeiro,
and the other one in Sao Paulo, with the one in Sao Paulo being
the official tournament of the confederation. However, as politics
goes on, some teams decided not to come to Sao Paulo and take
part of the confederation's tournament, like the Brazilian Top
Team and Nova Uniao. However BJJ teams such as Alliance, Gracie
Barra and Gold Team are all competing in Sao Paulo to be recognized
as Brazilian Champions. FCF was on hand in Sao Paulo covering
all the action, and the first day of competition featured the
BJJ stars of the future.
For the first
day of competion, the gymnasium of the Sirio Libanes club received
a good crowd, comprised of Jiu-Jitsu pratictioners for the most
part, and some well known names were on hand to check the women's,
Children's, Blue and Purple belt divisions fighting all day long.
Jiu-jitsu icon Fabio Gurgel could be seen supporting the Alliance
team's youngsters. Ryan Gracie also made an appearence, and Jorge
Macaco Patino worked as a referee for the event. Carlinhos Gracie,
the president of CBJJ was also on hand, as well as some jiu-jitsu
legends such as professor Flavio Behring. The action itself on
the mats showcased a lot of young talent and some strong teams
developing at blue and purple belt, like Gracie Barra and Gracie
Barra-BH [from Belo Horizonte, another capital in Brazil]. The
female division was also a highlight of the day, with girls from
purple to black belt impressing everybody in the gymnasium and
showing that women are definitely improving drastically in BJJ.
Here are the
champions from the first day of competition:
Juvenile:
Blue Belt Lightweight:
Champion : Gracie Barra, 2nd Place: Gracie Recreio
Blue Belt -
Heavyweight:
Champion : Gracie Barra, 2nd Place: No other team to compete
in this division.
Women:
Purple/Brown/Black belt:
Champion : Ac. Equilibrio, 2nd Place: Alliance
Men:
Blue Belt Lightweight:
Champion : Gracie Barra/BH, 2nd Place: Caveirinha Team/BH
Blue Belt Middleweight:
Champion : Gracie Barra, 2nd Place: Caveirinha Team/BH
Blue Belt -
Heavyweight:
Champion : Gracie Barra/BH, 2nd Place: Alliance
Purple Belt
- Lightweight:
Champion : Gracie Barra, 2nd Place: Ac. Cia Paulista
Purple Belt
- Heavyweight:
Champion : Ac. Equilibrio, 2nd Place: Ac. Cia Paulista
Source: FCF
2002 Brazilian Team Titles Quick Report
By: Kid Peligro
Both editions of the 2002 Brazilian Team Titles were held this
weekend. The two BJJ Leagues are somewhat competing for fighters
causing both events to suffer, with Nova Uniao Team avoiding
the Brazilian JJ Federation Event and the Gracie Barra avoiding
the Olympic BJJ Federation event.
The upstart
Copa do Brazil de Equipes was held on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro.
In the lighweight division Nova Uniao A defeated Nova Uniao B.
In the Heavyweight Alliance Team defeated Brazilian Top Team
with Rodrigo 'Comprido' (Alliance)winning over Fernando Paradeda
(BTT) by decision 2 x 2. Fernando Telles (Alliance) submiting
his opponent with 3 secs. to go in the match, Vitor Viana (Alliance)defeated
Fabiano Capoene (BTT).
The sensational
Leozinho Vieira fought in the Heavyweight Team and lost in the
finals to super-heavy Alex Negao by advantage in a match that
had Vieira chasing his huge opponent the entire match. Fernando
'Terere' had a lightining quick 40 secs. submission in the early
rounds.
The BJJ Federation
National Team Titles were held in Sao Paulo on Sunday. In the
lightweight division Gracie Barra A team defeated Gracia Barra
B team in the finals.
In the Heavyweights
Gracie Barra defeated Alliance Team. Again Leozinho Vieira was
the show, submitting his two opponents with his newfangled Brabo
choke! Cafe Dantas(Barra) defeated Marcelinho (Alliance) by sub.
'Terere' beat Jefferson by advantage 6 x 6. Marcio 'Pe de Pano'
beat Telles 10 x 2 and Roger (Barra) beat Damian 13 x 8.
Source: ADCC |
New
WFA Poster
The date
has been pushed back to July 5th because John Lewis was trying
to get this show on Pay-Per-View. I do not know if he was successful
or not.
 |
UFC
Champ Josh Barnett's date is set
HEARING DATE FOR JOSH BARNETT TO BE SET 'IN A FEW DAYS:' NEVADA
COMMISSION HEAD
By: Eddie Goldman
A champion mixed
martial arts fighter like Josh Barnett is trained to use every
type of technique to conquer his foes. Barnett's record speaks
for itself as to his versatility. He has won by submission over
skilled and experienced fighters Semmy Schilt, Dan Severn, and
John Marsh. He has scored TKO's over Gan McGee and Randy Couture,
capturing the UFC heavyweight title in the process. Even in his
sole loss, a second-round knockout at the heavy hands of Pedro
Rizzo, many felt he won the first round.
But now Barnett
is booked for a fight which will require skills not usually taught
in the gyms, dojos, and fight academies. And in this latest battle,
the champ is definitely the underdog.
In the 'next
few days,' said Marc Ratner, executive director of the Nevada
State Athletic Commission, on Friday, a hearing date will be
scheduled for Barnett to defend himself against a complaint issued
officially by Frankie Sue Del Papa, Nevada's Attorney General,
and Keith E. Kizer, Chief Deputy Attorney General. The UFC heavyweight
champion is accused of violating the Nevada Administrative Code
by allegedly using the anabolic steroids Boldenone Metabolite,
Fluoxymesterone Metabolite, and Nandrolone Metabolite, according
to a urinalysis following his victory over Randy Couture at UFC
36 on March 22, 2002.
Barnett recently
answered the complaint, which was issued on April 19. The next
step is the scheduling of a hearing for the case against Barnett
to be presented, and for him to have his own say. If the complaint
is upheld, which appears a virtual certainty, the commission
has a number of options, including any combination of a fine,
a suspension or revocation of his fighter's license, and making
him pay for the cost of the proceedings.
Ratner confirmed
that UFC's owners Zuffa sent a letter to their fighters prior
to UFC 36 informing them that the Nevada commission would test
for steroids both in the title fights and also randomly among
the fighters in non-title fights. 'You got to have a clean sport
if it's going to be major league,' Ratner stressed.
Random steroid
testing is nothing new for the Nevada commission. Ratner explained
that it had been going on for ten years in boxing, with those
tested including 'some of the biggest heavyweight names.' Thus
far, Barnett is the first fighter in any sport to test positive
for steroids by the Nevada commission, he added.
The reasons
for such drug-testing are succinctly laid out in the landmark
volume, Ringside and Training Principles, a manual issued by
the Nevada commission. 'You should not take anything that would
give you an unfair advantage or put you at a disadvantage,' writes
Dr. Flip Homansky, a commission member, former head of its medical
advisory board, and a fixture ringside at boxing and mixed martial
arts events in Nevada (p. 133).
If that appeal
to fair play were not enough, he continues, 'Steroids are very
straightforward. They will ultimately ruin your body, make you
crazy, and possibly kill you! Worse than that - you will lose
your hair and get acne.' (p. 134)
In another article
in this invaluable book, Dr. Vic Rueckl discusses the negative
effects of steroids and related drugs. '25% of users experience
major mood disorders including mania, depression and even psychosis.
Aggressive behavior is seen in almost all users to a variable
degree,' he wrote (p. 130). He then enumerates the long-term
effects of steroid use: higher rates of premature death, heart
attacks, strokes, vascular problems, increased blood fats and
blockage of blood flow, liver tumors, cancer, prostate problems,
shrunken testes, reduced sperm count, acne, irreversible breast
development in men, and irreversible hair loss and body hair
growth in women. A truly consumer-friendly product, right?
If these charges
against Barnett are upheld, as is expected, and the Nevada commission
issues some type of disciplinary action, such as a license suspension
or revocation, it will then be up to UFC to act on the status
of the UFC heavyweight championship.
The Nevada commission
has no say whatsoever in what is done with Barnett's title. That
is up to Zuffa, which is also in contract negotiations with Barnett,
who no longer has a contract with the company.
There is no
independent sanctioning body involved in ruling on the status
of UFC championships, or whether or not Barnett should be stripped
of the title if he is suspended or his license revoked. If Barnett
is suspended or has his license revoked, Zuffa will have little
choice but to strip him of the title lest UFC lose any credibility
as a real sport. But such a move inevitably becomes a factor
in any contract negotiations.
It also raises
some interesting questions about what would happen in the scenario
that Barnett is suspended and also leaves UFC. Would another
organization, such as Pride, use him when he is suspended? What
would be the reaction of the Nevada commission if that occurred?
Is Pride, which has made noises about running in Nevada, even
aware that such a move, even if a fight involving a suspended
Barnett took place in Japan, might scuttle any chance they have
of running in Nevada? Or would the commission look the other
way at this potential transpacific transgression?
Below is the
text of the complaint issued by the Nevada Attorney General against
Josh Barnett. It is not pleasant reading, but if mixed martial
arts is to be a sport and not a spectacle, then the lessons of
this episode must be quickly and thoroughly absorbed by all involved.
Source: ADCC |
Latest
Official PANCRASE Rankings
As of February 5/17/2002)
Open-weight
the 9th Open-weight K.O.P. Semmy Schilt (Holland/Golden Glory)
#1 Yuki Kondo (PANCRASEism)
#2 Yoshiki Takahashi (PANCRASEism)
#3 Kiuma Kunioku (PANCRASEism)
#4 KEI Yamamiya (PANCRASEism)
#5 Sanae Kikuta (Pancrase GRABAKA)
#6 Tim Lajcik (U.S.A./Gladiators Training Academy)
#7 Osami Shibuya (PANCRASEism)
#8 Jason DeLucia (U.S.A./Pancrase Hybrid Budokan)
#9 Katsuhisa Fujii (V-CROSS)
#10 vacant
Heavyweight
(199lbs.?under 221lbs.)
the 1st Heavyweight K.O.P. Yoshiki Takahashi (PANCRASEism)
#1 Katsuhisa Fujii (V-CROSS)
#2 vacant
#3 vacant
Light heavyweight
(181lbs.?under 199lbs.)
the 2nd Light heavyweight K.O.P. Sanae Kikuta (Pancrase GRABAKA)
#1 Yuki Kondo (PANCRASEism)
#2 Ikuhisa Minowa (PANCRASEism)
#3 Yuki Sasaki (Pancrase GRABAKA)
#4 Mitsuyoshi Sato (Pancrase GRABAKA)
#5 Eiji Ishikawa (Pancrase GRABAKA)
#6 Paulo Filho (Brazil/Tough Brothers)
#7 Daisuke Ishii (PANCRASEism)
#8 Akihiro Gono (Pancrase GRABAKA)
#9 Kosei Kubota (PANCRASEism) *DOWN from #8
#10 Omar Bouiche (Sweden/Mixed Martial Arts Stockholm)
Middleweight(165.7lbs.~
under 181lbs.)
the 2nd Middleweight K.O.P. Kiuma Kunioku (PANCRASEism)
#1 Nathan Marquardt (U.S.A./Colorado Stars)
#2 Chris Lytle (U.S.A./I.F. Academy)
#3 Shonie Carter (U.S.A./AIKI Training Hall)
#4 Yuji Hoshino (RJW/CENTRAL)
#5 Daiju Takase (Wajutsu Keishukai Tokyo Hombu)
#6 Takafumi Ito (PANCRASEism)
#7 Kazuo Misaki (Pancrase GRABAKA)
Welterweight(152.5lbs.~
under 165.7lbs.) VACANT
Lightweight(141.4lbs.~
under 152.5lbs.) VACANT
Featherweight(under
141.4lbs.) VACANT
Source: Mr. Oitate, Pancrase Organization |
Quote
of the Day
Take time
to laugh for it is the music of the soul.
If
anyone speaks badly of you, live so none will believe it.
Anonymous
|
Force
Fighting Championships Results!
Blaisdell
Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
May 18, 2002
By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com
UFC
Veteran, Todd Medina held his first MMA event in Hawaii and it
was very good. The production went smooth even with the light
show, DJ, video screen and introduction video and they even shipped
in a cage, not to mention the ring girls. The only thing that
I could say bad about this event was that the cage was very small.
It was about 5 feet high and seemed very narrow. However, like
rats becoming aggressive when kept in tight quarters, it seemed
to work for the fighters too. Fight teams both here in Hawaii
and elsewhere were well represented: Todd Medina's Medina's Freestyle,
Millennium Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling Unlimited, who went undefeated,
and 808 Fight Factory and their related groups. Most of the matches
fought were wars, where each fighter had to give everything they
had and then some to pull out the "W." A very impressive
debut for Todd Medina as a promoter and for his event.
Under card:
Jason Bruddick (Millennium Jiu-Jitsu, 5'11", 165lbs, (3-4))
def. Brennan Kamaka (Gamebred)
TKO via injury or referee stoppage due to strikes at 1:09 minutes
in Round 1.
Nassor Lewis
(808 Fight Factory, 5'7", 175lbs (3-2)) def. Jay R. Palmer
(Universal Roughhousing, 5'8", 175LBS, (25-10))
Submission via arm bar from the cross position at 1:30 minutes
in Round 2.
Tripson Kerisiano
(808 Fight Factory, 5'6", 175lbs, (2-1)) def. Harris Sariento
(Koden Kan, 5'7", 175lbs, (1-1))
Unanimous decision after 2 rounds.
Fred George
(Team Villain, 6'0", 216lbs, (1-0)) def. Asrian Perez (Team
Rhino, 6'1", 235lbs, (2-3))
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes at 54 seconds in Round
1.
Jeff Newton
(1-0) def. Jason McCormick (HMC, 6'1", 200lbs, (1-1))
TKO via doctor stoppage due to cut over McCormick's eye at ???
minutes in Round 2.
Adam Lynn (Next
Generation, 5'7", 155lbs, (2-1)) def. Deshaun Johnson (HMC,
5'11", 165lbs, (1-2))
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes from the mount at 2:34
minutes in Round 2.
Jeremy Williams
(Next Generation, 6'3", 165lbs, (7-2)) def. Shannon "The
Cannon" Ritch (Buell Fighting Systems, 5'11", 175lbs,
(82-16))
Verbal submission due to strikes from the mount at 3:00 minutes
in Round 1.
Main Events:
Niko Vitale (Grappling Unlimited, 6'1", 195lbs, (7-2)) def.
Charlie West (Millennia Martial Arts, 6'0", 200lbs, (2-1))
Submission via toe-hold in round 2.
Jamal Perkins (808 Fight Factory) def. Juan Ayala
Unanimous decision after 2 rounds.
Cabbage Correira (Grappling Unlimited) def. Kauai Kupihea (Team
BRAUSA)
TKO via referee stoppage in Round 2. |
Quote
of the Day
The best
thing parents can do for their children is to love each other.
Harsh
words break no bones but they do break hearts.
Anonymous
|
Royler
& Royce Spar behind closed doors
Gracie's
Secret Meeting
 
From
time to time your fearless Columnist Kid gets into some trouble.
Recently, as he was kidnapped, blind-folded and taken to a secret
location to witness something rare. In one room, together exchanging
techniques and laughs, where brothers Royce & Royler Gracie
along with cousin Charles and his son Riury. Kid was able to
witness an impromtu sparring session between the brothers all
while cameras were rolling!
At
this point Kid is still under a personal threat not the reveal
the reason for the meeting but it is enough to say that something
BIG is happening!
Source: ADCC - Kid Peligro |
Silva
vs Liddell & Rizzo vs Vovchanchyn?
Pride 23 Rumors involving Pride and
UFC
Sensei Juji has heard that main
event for Pride 21 is going to be Vanderlei Silva v Chuck Liddell.
Also the main story in Japan
in the works is a possible deal between UFC and Pride to have
Pedro Rizzo fight against Igor Vovchanchin in the same event.
Domo Arigato!
Source: ADCC |
More
Details on Pulver
'L'il Evil' Jens Pulver Set To Compete
Former UFC Welterweight Champion
Jens Pulver has further confirmed his 'free agent' status this
week by signing for a fight against Robert Emerson.
Pulver, who has vacated the
UFC title, was reportedly offered a HIGH dollar figure (more
than Pulver's last UFC payoff) by SHOOTO to fight Takanori Gomi
in Japan but has
turned it down.
There are also offers on the
table from the UCC (Canada) and other groups as well but it appears
that Brad Kohler's Minnesota promotion will get 'Little Evil'
in his first match outside of UFC in over two years.
The $50,000 offer on the table
from Antonio Inoki's UFC promotion is still in question as no
official date or location (other than it being in Japan) has
been set. This match is also NOT 100% going to happen as of press
time. Pulver, who is afraid of no one in the division, turned
down the Gomi match to preserve the bigger pay day with Inoki,
but nothing is set in stone.
The Ultimate Wrestling event
and the match with Robert Emerson are scheduled for June 28,
2002 in Minnesota.
Source: ADCC |
Quote
of the Day
To get out
of a difficulty, one usually must go through it.
Anonymous
|
AFC
2 Needs Fighters!
We
are still looking for fighters for both weight divisions;
the 200 & under and 201 & over.
Weigh-ins: Wednesday, March 22nd
Jesus Is Lord Gym
94-143 Leokane St., Waipahu
At 7:00pm
There will be signs to direct everyone where to go.
Thanks
God Bless & Always Praying,
The Coopers |
The
World Fighting Alliance is Back!
From Paula Romero, WFA Marketing &
Promotions:
SECOND CHAMPIONSHIPS SHOW SCHEDULED
FOR JULY 5TH
AND WFA "CONTENDERS" SHOWS INTRODUCED
Las Vegas (May 14,
2002) - The future of mixed martial arts is here. The World Fighting
Alliance is proud to announce its second highly anticipated installment
- WFA 2 will be hosted by the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Las
Vegas this coming Friday, July 5th. Exploding onto the scene
over America's most patriotic weekend, expect this show to supply
its own fireworks with a stacked card of eight mixed martial
arts bouts featuring some of the sport's top talent. But leave
it to WFA owner and co-promoter John Lewis to not stop at that!
The World Fighting Alliance will also introduce its new "Contenders"
series -- six action-packed shows that will give MMA's finest
up-and-comers a chance to test their mettle in the WFA cage.
WFA will surely set a precedent this year by introducing the
future of MMA superstars to the fighting arena & allow them
the opportunity to showcase their skills and quite possibly give
many their first step in professional MMA action! The first "Contenders"
show will take place this August, also at the Hard Rock, and
will culminate with WFA 3 - to be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort
and Casino this September. Lewis, in conjunction with famed "Club
Rubber" owner John Huntington, pledges to give MMA enthusiasts
a unique experience that only the WFA can deliver - dazzling
lights, pulsating sounds, and beautiful women galore! With six
"Contenders" shows and four "Championship"
installments scheduled for the year, mixed martial arts will
never be the same!
Stay tuned for announcements next week regarding July 5th's card,
ticket information, and more surprises on the way for all those
who dare to enter "where the fight club meets the night
club."
For more information, please contact: Paula Romero, WFA Marketing
& Promotions (paularromero@yahoo.com) |
Support
The Future of MMA!
We received the following requests for support from Frank Shamrock
& Doc Hamilton:
This is a huge step for our
sport. The Senate Bill No. 1749 has passed and is on its way
to the assembly. This is the bill that would allow MMA in California.
Senator Richard Polanco is one pushing this bill. Check out:
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/polanco/
Please show your support for
Mr. Richard Polanco and the future of MMA.
Thank you,
Frank Shamrock
From Nelson Hamilton @ Grappling
Magazine:
I spoke with Rob Lynch, Executive
Director of the California Athletic Commission this morning about
his meeting with Senator Polanco on Monday, 04/22/02.
Mr. Polanco is attempting to
get enough votes from his colleagues to take a bill before the
governor for passage of MMA legislation. It is important for
every MMA promoter; participant; Journalist; instructor, student
and fan to support senator Polanco. Send letters or e-mails informing
him that you are an ardent supporter of MMA. You want to see
the sport regulated by the state athletic commission as it is
in Nevada, New Jersey and any other states that come to mind.
Contact everyone you know to do the same.
Send all e-mails to: Senator.Polanco@sen.ca.gov
Fax to: 916-445-0413
Send all letters to: Senator
Richard G. Polanco
State Capitol, Room 313
Sacramento, Ca. 95814
Source: Frank Mullis |
Shaolin
Interview
One of the
hardest working Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the game
today is Nova Uniao's Vitor 'Shaolin' Ribeiro. On May 25th, 2002,
Shaolin makes his HOOKnSHOOT and SHOOTO debut, against highly
rated Takumi Nakayama of Paraestra Tokyo, Yuki Nakai's gym. Meet
'Shaolin' Ribeiro...
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Were you frustrated with the postponement of the WFA?
'Shaolin'- I'm bit disappointed, because I was training for that
fight against Yves Edwards. I was focused for February, but as
it didn't happen I looked for a new event. John Lewis confirmed
the WFA II in July, so I'll fight now in May, preparing myself
for July too; in the fight game these things happen.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- So, you don't have a contract with HOOKnSHOOT? 'Shaolin'-
It is only for a fight, so everything depends of my performance.
If I do well, we'll see other contracts to organize my 'fight
calendar'. Everything depends on the fight's result.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- If you win, do you think can keep yourself in both events?
'Shaolin'- John Lewis is helping me, and I have a good contact
with him and if he let’s me fight in other events, I'll
fight in both.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- And SHOOTO, when will you fight there? 'Shaolin'- My
time will come one day; there was an invite to fight in June,
and as Lewis has a contract with me - to fight in July - he didn't
let me fight in Japan, so when my contract in USA is over, SHOOTO
can give me a good proposal and when I am well ranked in NHB,
I can fight in Japan.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- If you beat Takumi Nakayama, would your entrance in SHOOTO
be guaranteed? 'Shaolin'- I don't fight to show my skills for
other events in the future. I fight first to prove to myself
that I have a chance with anyone in my weight class. I want to
prove that NOVA UNIÃO is a good school, my Master is a
good coach and that I've real friends on my side, who support
me when I need them.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- HOOKnSHOOT will be your second USA event, but what about
the number 1 USA event, UFC; why don't you go there? Is this
due to BJ Penn? 'Shaolin'- Yeah, we fight for the same team,
so if I go to UFC and win my fights and he does the same, it'll
be impossible to fight one against other. So I fight in 'up &
coming' events such as WFA and HOOKnSHOOT which improved a lot
since last year.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Do you prefer SHOOTO or UFC? 'Shaolin'- Well I think
that in USA, the fans like the heavyweight fighters, but now
some light fighters came to UFC showing their skills. Maybe the
proposal will be good to the lightweight fighters too. It does
not matter if it's UFC (USA) or SHOOTO (Japan), I fight where
there are good fighters and proposals.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- João Roque and you placed your money on Penn in
that fight against Pulver, and both lost money [laughs]; what
did Penn lack in that title match? 'Shaolin'- Each fight is a
separate fight, I cannot say exactly what lacked because only
one person knows what lacked and that's Penn himself.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Fernando Augusto 'Teterê' (Tormenta del Ring) and
Márcio Feitosa (SHOOTO-'R.E.A.D. 9') already have NHB
experience. Would you like to face them under NHB rules? 'Shaolin'-
I wouldn't like to, as there are many Japanese, American and
European fighters to face; if one of them accepts a fight in
NHB rules against me, it's because they're with the wrong mindset.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- You studied Kohler before that fight, and of course Takayama's
game has been studied; did you find any differences in their
fight game? 'Shaolin'- Yeah; Kohler liked to fight on the ground
and on the top, pressing you against the fence and without much
work of guard passage. I observed that Nakayama likes to trade
blows and has good ground work. So I'll refuse to trade blows,
right? Wrong, maybe Takayma tries to take me down or just to
do a different game plan, so I've trained in all areas of the
fight game.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- You beat his Master, Yuki Nakai, in a BJJ match in Japan
Open Vale Tudo '99. Do you think that Takayama wants to avenge
his master with a victory over you? 'Shaolin'- Perhaps; the Japanese
have a spirit of honour and if he beat me, the Japanese media
will put him on top of the list. I've trained very hard not to
let this situation happen.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- You didn't submit Nakai; why didn't you want to finish
him in Japan? 'Shaolin'- I don't know who created this rumour,
it's not true. Nakai has good defences, I admire him, because
he learnt his Jiu Jitsu practically alone - watching tapes and
visiting Academies - another good point on him is the support
that Japan gives to him. Well, I'd say that if I had more 2:00
minutes I'd submit him.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Perhaps Pride will put some lightweight fighters soon.
Are you paying attention on this? 'Shaolin'- Of course; BJ Penn
is on UFC, so the way is open. I only need to fight and to win
the events and hope for a Pride invite!
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- What areas in your fight game have you been working on
and trying to improve? 'Shaolin'- In the first fight against
Kohler, I wasn't confident enough to trade blows, takedowns attempts,
and throwing kicks and punches, as well as being cornered into
the fence. I feel I've improved more in my psychological preparation
and I've trained hard in Jiu Jitsu; in NHB I'm going to win and
I'm confident this will happen.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Who've you been training with prior to this fight? 'Shaolin'-
I've a partner who's a purple-belt, named Danilo 'CP' Chermont,
he helps and André Pederneiras also; when I fought Kohler,
I had trained with Luiz Alves from Boxe Thai and now I'm training
with Ruas VT Academy, because right here is a left-hand guy,
which is good for me; for my wrestling I train with Darrel Gholar
in another academy.
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Your NHB debut was in a cage and now you'll fight in
a ring; will Takayama have an advantage over you? 'Shaolin'-
I think that in a ring it can be better when you go to the ground
- fighting on the bottom - you can work your guard, so because
when the fight goes to the corner, the referee stops and re-starts
it to the center of the ring; cage fighting depends a lot how
you go to the ground. When I fought Kohler, I came right out
to him and we 'collided' against the fence and I took him down.
If that fight was in a ring, I wouldn't have taken him down,
because he'd have more balance in the ropes or we'd go out of
the ring. So both have advantages and disadvantages, I'm ready
to fight wherever man [laughs].
FIGHTWORLD.com
Brazil- Lasts words? 'Shaolin'- I'm very determined to win this
fight and the fans should be looking to see a fighter who wants
to make a big impact towards his career this year.
Source:
Abu Dhabi |
Quote
of the Day
"Our
reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in our
bosoms. Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which
prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere."
Abraham Lincoln, 1858 Speech in Illinois
|
The
UFC invades the UK in just 8 weeks!
UFC
38: Brawl at the Hall / Saturday, July 13th, 2002 / London, England
Coming
off another stellar show with UFC 37 ' HIGH IMPACT', the UFC
hopes to leave their mark in London, England and the Royal Albert
Hall (the legendary arena is shown in the picture above)..
The
Hall is one of the most historic venues in the United Kingdom
with 130 years to it's history. The Hall's purpose is 'the promotion
of science and art.' It has played host to some of the biggest
names in the entertainment universe.
With
potential matches still to be announced, the UFC is focused on
making a HUGE impact for their first Zuffa produced show outside
of the United States.
Fans
in the UK have been generally receptive. Although many of the
UK's causal fans were outspoken about 'high' ticket prices, it
seems as though it doesn't matter! With two months left, they
have reportedly sold over 1,500 of the 5,200 tickets available
which is astonishing.
LINE
UP Subject To Change:
Lightweights:
Carlos Newton (CHALLENGER) v. Matt Hughes (CHAMPION)
Lightheavyweights: Evan Tanner v. Chuck Lidell
Lightheavyweights: Renato 'Babaloo' v. Elvis Sinosic
Heavyweights: Frank Mir v. Ian Freeman
Lightweights: Genki Sudo v. Leigh Remedios
Middleweights: Mark Weir v. Eugene Jackson
Source:
Abu Dhabi
|
Force
Fighting Championships Weigh-Ins
Date: Friday,
May 17, 2002
Place: Hard Rock Cafe
Time: 2:00 PM
Come and see the fighters in person! |
SHOOTO
Scheduled for May 28th in Japan
Promoter:
PARAESTRA
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Arena: Kitazawa Town Hall
COMPLETE
CARD - Subject TO Change:
Bout #1: Class-B
(183 lbs):
Tomoki Kanuka [Paraestra] v. Yuichi Nakanishi [STG Yokohama]
Bout #2: Class-B
(200 lbs):
Masaya Inoue [Paraestra] v. Akihiko Adachi [Paraestra]
Bout #3: Class-B
(154 lbs) 2002 Rookie Tournament:
Semi-Final: Takuto Hida [Impress] v. Ken Omatsu [Cobra Kai]
Bout #4: Class-B
(132 lbs) 2002 Rookie Tournament:
Semi-Final: Noriyuki Yokoyama [STF] v. Akira Kibe [Alive]
Bout #5: Class-B
(143 lbs):
Hiroshi Komatsu [Cobra Kai] v. Jin Kazeta [Philoctetes Niigata]
Bout #6: Class-B
(167 lbs):
Kuniyoshi Hironaka [SSS Academy] v. Hirofumi Hara [Team Jun Fan]
Bout #7: Class-A
(154 lbs):
Tatsuya Kawajiri [TOPS] v. Daisuke Sugie [Alive] - SHOOTO ranked
10th at 154 lbs
Source: Abu
Dhabi
|
Quote
of the Day
We take for
granted the things that we should be giving thanks for. |
Onzuka
Twin & Rex's Baby Update
Aloha Everyone,
I just wanted to let all of you know that we got the good news
that Katelyn
will be coming home on Tuesday, May 14th. Everyone's prayers
are working!
We are so pleased that the twins are getting stronger. Logan
will come home
soon after that. Until then, we see the babies everyday. God
has definitely
blessed us abundantly. Thank you all for your prayers and support.
God
Bless you all,
Patty, Chris, Brandi, and our little angels - Katelyn & Logan
: )
Lisa
and I went to see Rex and Rene last night at the hospital. Rex
was beaming and Rene was still in pain unfortunately. Little
Amber was very good and mostly slept. She has very chubby cheeks
and likes to look around with one eye before she opens both.
She did not want to eat when Rex tried to feed her and went back
to sleep when we left. Rene should be in the hospital until Thursday.
|
Force
Fighting Championship Fight Card
This Saturday,
May 18, 2002
Blaisdell Arena
7:30 PM
Tickets on Sale Now!
Come support the many Hawaii fighters that will be participating
in this event!
Main Events
Wesley "Cabbage"
Correira
Grappling Unlimited
Hawaii
vs.
Kauai Kupihea 9-8
Team BRAUSA
Phoenix, Arizona
A heavy striker as most of his wins comes from strikes.
Eddie Yagin
Grappling Unlimited
Hawaii
vs.
Juan Ayala 3-0
All three wins by submission
Niko Vitale
Grappling Unlimited
Hawaii
vs.
Charlie West 1-1
Feature Fights
John Crisostomo
808 Fight Factory
Hawaii
vs.
Shannon "The Cannon" Ritch 4-16
Buell Fighting Systems
DeShawn Johnson
HMC
Hawaii
vs.
Jeremy Williams 3-2
Next Generation
California
Jason
McCormick
Brazilian Freestyle
Hawaii
vs.
Jeff Newton 0-1
Undercard
Fights
Adrian
Perez 0-1
vs.
Fred George
Jamal "The
Tazmanian Angel" Perkins
808 Fight Factory
Hawaii
vs.
Adam Lynn 1-1
Next Generation
California
Harris Sariento
Kodenkan
Hawaii
vs.
Tripson Kerisiano
808 Fight Factory
Hawaii
Brennan Kamaka
Gamebred
Hawaii
vs.
Jason Brudvick 1-0
Last win was by triangle submission |
Professional
SHOOTO Rookies' Tournament
The first round
is complete and round two is already
underway. Forty one fighters in 5 weight classes
entered into the Japanese Shooto Association’s first
ever Rookies' tournament in hopes of making a name for
themselves while earning a spot as a Class-A Shootor.
The tournaments have been taking place since January
and will go on throughout the Summer. The format is
set up so that each competitor will fight only once
per card that he is scheduled on. There are no
multiple fights per show as in the old days of NHB in
the U.S. The conditions for an aspiring young Shootor
to enter the tournaments were set as follows:
1.) A competitior
must be a professional Class-B
Shootor who lives in Japan
2.) He must have made his pro debut after January 1999
3.) His professional Shooto career must consist of no
more than 5 fights
4.) His may not have more than two professional
victories
They weight
classes represented in these tournaments are Bantamweight (123
lbs) through Middleweight (167 lbs). The upper weight classes
of Light Heavyweight (183 lbs) through Super Heavyweight (242
lbs and over) did not receive enough participation and were thus
omitted from the tournaments.
What does a
Shootor get for winning the whole thing??? He gets a promotion
to Class-A status, as mentioned, and a cash prize from a corporate
sponsor of the tournaments. Of course all bouts are scheduled
to be Class-B match-ups meaning that they will consist of two
5-minute rounds. The Shooto Association has long had the mission
of continuously developing new talent for the propagation of
the sport of Shooto, these tournaments along with the establishment
of amateur competition are what they hope will lead to the development
of the next Hayato Sakurai or Takanori Gomi.
Some competitors
to watch for as these tournaments progress are Bamtamweight Shootor
Masatoshi Abe from the Abe Ani Combat Club (AACC). He is the
younger brother of Shooto Lightweight title contender Hiroyui
Abe. He is known as a good Greco/Roman wrestler and is a suplex
machine. He has already advanced into the semi-finals. Also,
look for Lightwight Hideki Kadowaki of Keisyukai. He is regarded
as having very good guard work. This Lightweight tournament appearance
is his first time back into ring after the big KO's loss against
Norifumi Yamamoto back on 9/12/01. Next, at 154 lbs (Welterweight)
is the only Class-A Shootor in any of the brackets. Tatsuya Kawajiri
form Tops fit all the criteria at the time of consideration except
that he was elevated to Class-A status. He was cleared to participate
and is the favorite for this weight division having choked out
he reknown Shooto up-and-comer, Yohei Suzuki (who logged a victory
at HOOKnSHOOT and is scheduled to appear in Evansville, IN again
up against Hermes Franca on May 25th). Both Kadowaki and Kawajiri
have advanced on into the 2nd round. Lastly, there is the Middleweight
tournament which possess a number of “diamonds in the rough”.
One of the most prominent of the participants here is the 2001
All-Japan Amateur Shooto tournament 2nd place finisher, Kuniyoshi
Hironaka. He fights out of the SSS dojo and is a very aggressive
fighter with a good judo background. Additionally, there is Yuji
Kusu fighting for K&D. He has made a name for himself by
fighting to draw against both Seichi Ikemoto and Takuya Wada
back in 2000. Both of these fighters are currently ranked in
the Shooto Middleweight (167 lbs) division top 10 and going to
a draw with them is a testimony to Kusu's abilities. Again, both
of these Shootors will be fighting on into the semi-finals. The
tournaments continue on May 28th where there will be a pair of
tournaments bouts, one in the Featherweight (132 lbs) and another
in the Welterweight (154 lbs) divisions.
Source: Abu
Dhabi |
Minotauro
and Sperry
Out of PRIDE 21 Due to Injuries!
By Eduardo Alonso
NHB fans around
the world will have to wait a bit longer to finally watch Rodrigo
"Minotauro" Nogueira's first PRIDE title defense. Since
beating Heath Herring to win his belt at PRIDE 17, Minotauro
has only fought in a non-title match against Enson Inoue. He
was originally scheduled to defend his title at PRIDE 20. However
his proposed opponent, Semmy Schilt, opted for a K-1 bout instead,
and the fight was postponed -- likely to be held at PRIDE 21.
However, in an unfortunate turn of events, FCF was told today
that Rodrigo Nogueira hurt his back and will need about one month
to recover and begin training again, therefore he is officially
out of PRIDE 21.
In another piece of unfortunate news for the Brazilian Top Team,
Ze Mario Sperry found out this week that he hurt his knee during
the first round of his match against Chute Boxe's Murilo "Ninja",
and he will have to have knee surgery this coming Wednesday.
Sperry was already negotiating a fight at PRIDE 21, and the promoters
were so pleased with his performance at PRIDE 20 that they wanted
him over to fight again in their next event. Unfortunately, after
examining Sperry, the doctor prescribed further testing and determined
that Mario needed immediate surgery. Sperry told FCF he expects
to get back to training about one month after the surgery. Despite
this injury Sperry is looking to fight again as soon as possible.
We wish both Minotauro and Sperry a speedy recovery and will
keep a close eye on their progress.
Source: FCF |
UFC
Replays
iN DEMAND
- Cable
(iN2) Tuesday, May 14, 2002 7:00P(ET)
(iN1) Tuesday, May 14, 2002 10:00P (ET)
(iN2) Thursday, May 16, 2002 10:30P (ET)
Bustamante
Retains Belt,
While the Rookies Steal the Show
By Jim Genia
Bossier City,
Louisiana -- It was a night of fresh faces, made bloody by hard
fought battles and impressive displays of heart. UFC 37 "High
Impact" is now one for the record books, and a card plagued
by replacements and substitutes will go down as one of the most
action-packed ever. Middleweight champ Murilo Bustamante proved
again why he's the best in the world -- out-striking, out-wrestling,
and submitting Olympic silver medallist Matt Lindland -- but
the real thrills of the night came in the preliminary bouts,
where the rookies of the Octagon seemed to steal the show.
Though relegated to the preliminaries, no one doubted there'd
be a war between welterweight AMC Pankration brawler Aaron Riley
and Miletich-protégé Robbie Lawler. True to form,
these two first-timers gave their all. Lawler showed off his
heavy hands, landing blow after blow, while Riley gamely ate
every one of them and kept coming. In the second round, Riley
scrambled and took his opponent's back, nearly sinking in the
choke as Lawler remained standing and defended. In the third
round, the seesaw battle continued. Lawler eventually earned
the unanimous judges' decision, but both fighters had earned
the praise and recognition they deserved.
The other showstopper was the preliminary match-up of middleweight
AMC Pankration fighter Ivan Salaverry and Russian warrior Andrei
Semenov. These two men went at it at a breakneck pace, with Salaverry
relentlessly attempting submissions and Semenov doggedly escaping
each one. The punishment eventually took its toll, though, and
as an exhausted Semenov was unable to effectively defend himself
from Salaverry's blows from the side-mount, the referee was forced
to step in. Salaverry was victorious at 2:27 of the third round.
As impressive as the rookies were, middleweight champ Bustamante
was no slouch in his derailment of the runaway locomotive known
as Matt Lindland. Handing Lindland his first defeat in the Octagon,
the Brazilian took him down and controlled him early in the first
round. A near fully-extended armbar and a gesture interpreted
for a tapout saw referee Big John McCarthy step in -- only to
restart the fighters from their feet after acknowledging that
he'd made a mistake. Undaunted, Bustamante remained focused,
avoiding Lindland's strong flurries and landing a stunning right
that sent the wrestler to the canvas in the third round. Capitalizing
on Lindland's condition, Bustamante sunk in the guillotine choke
and got the tap -- this one clear and undisputed -- at 1:33 of
round 3.
The action on the rest of the card was almost comparable. Japanese
lightweight superstar Caol Uno engaged in a methodical and technical
ground war with Texan Yves Edwards. Edwards, showing off some
slick grappling skills himself, came close to landing a few submissions
on the "submission specialist." Uno prevailed, however,
and got the judges' nod after three rounds.
Also, lightweight
monster BJ Penn looked relaxed and patient as he controlled Renzo
Gracie-fighter Paul Creighton. Creighton -- who lasted longer
than Penn's first three opponents in the Octagon -- did his best
to tie up the "Phenom," but ended up losing via referee
stoppage due to unanswered strikes from the mount at 3:20 of
the second round.
In the only heavyweight bout of the night, Ricco Rodriguez secured
a win over veteran Tsuyoshi "TK" Kosaka. Keeping ahead
in the scrambles, Rodriguez stayed on top for most of the fight
(TK did have some impressive escapes). Unanswered blows from
the mount forced the referee to stop that match at 3:25 of round
2. Rodriguez comes one step closer to earning his shot at the
heavyweight belt.
Representing
the middleweights, "New York Badass" Phil Baroni talked
trash about his opponent -- Russian striker Amar Suloev -- and
backed it up with some devastating striking on the ground. Utilizing
his newly-refined grappling technique (courtesy of Brazilian
Jiu-jitsu trainer Ricardo Pires), Baroni weathered an illegal
knee to the face and an armbar attempt to escape and gain the
half-mount. There, Baroni rained down his fists of fury, knocking
out Soloev at 2:55 of the first round.
And in the most
controversial fight of the night, welterweight veteran Steve
Berger found his match called as he was hunting for a leglock
on opponent Benji Radach. Radach, a Dennis Hallman-protégé
and strong puncher, had floored Berger with a right and was continuing
to nail him in the head -- prompting referee Mason White to step
in at 0:27 of the first round. Was the fight stopped too soon?
Many thought so, but Radach got the win, while Berger will undoubtedly
get another shot in the Octagon.
For the fans
that had expected little, this card turned out to be an action-packed
surprise. Bustamante kept his belt and looked good in the process,
while a fresh crop of rookies made their mark -- and secured
their futures in the UFC. High Impact was a resounding success.
Source: FCF |
RING
of FURY:
Massachussetts Set To Rock This Weekend!
TSONGAS ARENA, Lowell, MA.
Saturday May 18th, 2002
For the latest
info, check out the website at: http://www.usmma.org.
This coming
Saturday, the New England area will host RING of FURY, the first
event for this group. Nine Mixed Martial Arts bouts are scheduled
for an explosive evening! These will be the first ever fully
sanctioned 'closed fist' event in the history of the state of
Massachussetts. Comments by promoter Tom Hafers 'we have done
a lot of work with the boxing commission, with local advertising
and with a state of the art arena. We have laid the groundwork
for a very positive first show - now it is all almost over but
the fights - we cannot wait!'.
Tickets for
the event are on sale at the Tsongas Arena box office, all Ticketmaster
locations or charge by phone at 617.931.2000. www.ticketmaster.com! for TICKETMASTER on the web!
Group discounts are available by calling Joanne at 978-848-6906.
Card Subject
To Change:
MAIN EVENTS:
(185 lbs):
Keith Rockel (MSA, Clinton, MA.) v. Leo Dalla (BTT, Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil)
(205 lbs): Jorge Rivera (MSA, Milford, MA.) v. Jacen Flynn (Miletich
Systems, Davenport, IA.)
UNDERCARD:
(170 lbs):
Nuri Shakir (Dragon's Lair, Nashua, NH.) v. Todd Fox (Rodrigo
Vaghi JJ, St Louis, MO.)
(155 lbs): Bobby Andrews (Dragon's Lair, Framingham, MA.) v.
Anthony Hamlet (Northern Elite, Seattle, WA.)
(170 lbs): Matt Lee (NE BJJ, Everett, MA.) v. Jeremy Bennett
(Freelance, Pittsburgh, PA.)
(155 lbs): Gunnar Olson (Team Kelvar, Burlington, VT) v. Jason
Maxwell (Freelance, Dallas, TX.)
(265 lbs): Shaun Wagner (NE) v. Bryan Antonelli (Relson Gracie JJ, NJ.)
(205 lbs): Rich O'Connor (Boston BJJ, Boston, MA.) v. Jay Thomas
(Boston, MA.)
(145 lbs): Mike Brown (MSA, Clinton, MA.) v. Eddie Oldquindo (Honolulu, HI.)
|
MORE
ON SHOWTIME'S ESTIMATES OF UFC ON PAY-PER-VIEW
Submitted by: Eddie Goldman
It's
too bad no one tried to figure out the math puzzle I presented
last week regarding the actual estimates that SET (Showtime Event
Television) made for the total number of pay-per-view buys UFC
35 and 36 received. Again, SET issued a gross figure for what
they call 'Ring Sports,' which includes UFC, for the first quarter
of 2002, and revealed the order of the finish of these events,
but would not release their actual estimates for each show. Thus,
we were forced to dust off our algebra skills.
They
also usually round off each estimate to the nearest 5000, since
it is just an estimate calculated by surveying a sampling of
cable companies, and factoring in how each show did in the past.
SET also issues just revenue estimates, so to get the total number
of buys, you have to divide that number by the price of the show.
Hence, forthwith, and ergo, since their rank order for Ring Sports
was UFC 35, UFC 36, the Toughwoman show of March 9, and the UFC's
Ultimate Knockouts taped show; since the total revenue for Ring
Sports was $1,895,250; and since the first two shows cost $29.95
and the latter two $9.95, the following equation would produce
SET's estimates: $29.95x + $9.95y = $1,895,250, where x>y,
and x and y are multiples of 5000, and where x = total number
of buys of UFC 35 and 36 and y = total number of buys of Toughwoman
and UFC's Ultimate Knockouts.
Well,
fellow fight mathematicians, the problem with that problem is
that there is no answer that fits all these parameters. You can
come up with some figures, but they would not all be multiples
of 5000. Since that is the case, the total figures and the order
of buys makes it most likely, as I had already computed, that,
according to SET's estimates, UFC 35 got about 30,000 buys, and
then fell to about 25,000 buys for UFC 36.
But
there is another problem with SET's own estimates: their accuracy.
We do know the real figures for the WWF (now WWE) shows for the
first quarter, since as a publicly traded company it must release
them.
SET
ranked the top three grossing pay-per-view events for the first
quarter of 2002 in the U.S., by revenue, as Wrestlemania X-8
(March 17), No Way Out (February 17), and Royal Rumble (January
20). There is no question that Wrestlemania was first in revenue,
costing on most systems $39.95 and getting, according to the
actual figures as reported by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer
Newsletter, about 800,000 buys. But the ranking of the next two
are suspect. Both cost on most systems $29.95, but the actual
figures showed Royal Rumble getting about 636,000 buys, to only
about 530,000 for No Way Out. That is a difference of over 100,000
buys, and about $3 million in revenue.
Thus,
if SET's figures are that far off for the high-grossing WWF shows,
how far off are they for the low-grossing UFC shows, whose smaller
numbers actually leave room for a greater percentage of error?
Remember, overall, but not on each particular event, SET has
a reputation for erring on the high side with its estimates.
We
may not know just what UFC is drawing until Zuffa or someone
else releases the real pay-per-view figures for these shows.
Thus far Zuffa has not done so.
Nonetheless,
everyone with whom I have spoken in the television industry familiar
with pay-per-view and UFC said that since UFC returned to cable
television, its numbers have been disappointing at best. The
old UFC's mid-90s momentum has never been reestablished by the
'all-new' UFC.
If
someone had told me, say, two years ago, that by now UFC would
finally have been sanctioned in Nevada and New Jersey, gotten
back on cable, and then had such minuscule buy rates, I would
have thought they were ither nuts or just permanent pessimists.
But in its waning years, and with all its blunders, SEG was able
to garner buys in the range of 20,000 on DirecTV alone, with
a universe of about 10 million homes. Now the reports for the
'all-new' UFC are totals of 25,000 and 30,000, in a universe
of over 40 million cable and satellite homes.
So
whatever inaccuracies may exist in SET's estimates, don't blame
the messenger. The numbers are bad, and they appear to be getting
worse, which is a damn shame for mixed martial arts in America.
Source:
Abu Dhabi |
Rex
is Officially a Daddy!
Rex is a
new daddy!
Rex called me at about 2:30 PM on May 13 to break the news that
Rene and him
have a beautiful baby girl, Amber. She was about 7 1/2 lbs and
her and mom
are doing great.
Congrats to Rex & Rene!
Rene
will be resting until about 6:00 or 7:00 pm in case you wanted
to stop by Kapiolani Hospital to congratulate them in person.
PS. With everyone that we know having babies, maybe we should
do a
Kapiolani Hospital time share... |
Quote
of the Day
Love is the
only thing that can be divided without being diminished. |
Rex's
Baby Coming!
I guess this
is the season for the baby hatching! Rex's baby girl is due to
arrive (or may have arrived by now by the time you read this).
I called him last night and the water bag has broken and they
were just awaiting the actual birth.
As
of this morning at 7:50 am, the baby has still not come and it's
just a waiting game right now. It's been about 12 hours of labor.
Hopefully for Rene, it will be all over soon. I told Rex to give
me a call when the big event occurs.
Good
luck to both of them! |
Full
Contact Fighter Gear in Hawaii!
The selection
of Full Contact Fighter clothing is diminishing so if you are
interested in picking up some clothing at some great prices,
email info@onzuka.com!
|
Latest Issue of FCF Newspaper |
|
Classic |
|
FCF Flag |
|
FCF NHB (NBA Colors) |
|
Flame |
|
FCF Logo Blue |
|
FCF Competition (NHB on Shoulders) |
|
Classic Tank Top |
|
NHB Tank Top (NHB on Shoulders, XL Only) |
|
NHB Long Sleeve (NHB on Shoulders) |
|
FCF Logo Hat Blue Only |
|
FCF Flame Puff Hat Black Only |
|
FCF USA Beanie |
|
FCF Seamless Fight Shorts (Large Only) |
To see what these items look like, go to the FCF Website by clicking
here!
|
AFC
2 Weigh-Ins
The weigh-ins
for this upcoming event will be held at
Jesus
Is Lord Gym in Waipahu
94-143 Leokane St.
at 7:00 pm
Wednesday, May 22
There will be signs to direct everyone where to go in case you
get lost.
If
you missed the first one, you don't want to miss this one. This
is a toughman type of competition where local fighters put it
on the line and stand toe to tow throwing some major leather.
There will be a lot of action that the Hawaii fans are guaranteed
to enjoy!
Buy
your tickets now! |
Force
Fighting Championship
May 18, 2002
Blaisdell Arena
UFC
Veteran, Todd Medina, promotes the Force Fighting Championship
coming to Hawaii next Saturday. The Hawaii based clothing company,
Konvulsion Threads is sponsoring $1,000.00 to the fighter who
has the fastest knock out. If you have any questions or comments,
contact Todd Medina at toddmedina@hotmail.com.
Tickets
are on sale now!
Tentative Fights Announced:
BLAKE HOTTENDORK
KODENKAN
VS.
ADAM LYNN
NEXT GENERATION
HARRIS SARIENTO
KODENKAN
VS.
TRIPSON KERIANO
808 FIGHT FACTORY
BRENNAN KAMAKA
GAMEBRED
VS.
EDDIE ESTRADA
COALITION
|
Gracie
Pacific Rim Update
Here
are some of the tentative Black Belts looking to compete in the
No-Gi! The information and registration website is www.alohamuscle.com. Also several Black
Belts that will be flying in from Brazil, Ulpiano Neto Alliance
Black Belt, Fredrico Zagnelli, Claudio Jannotti da Rocha, and
Vinicius 'Draculino' Magalhaes-Gracie Barra.
Sign
up and save some money by registering by May 20, 2002.
The
prize money is the largest offered for a No-Gi competition in
Hawaii $3,000.00 for the winner and $1,000.00 for the runner-up! |
IFC
WARRIOR'S CHALLENGE XVII
Eagle Mtn. Casino, Porterville, CA
Schedule of Events:
Lightweight
Challenge Fight:
Nick Ertl Jr., Orangevale, CA, 154lbs/5'8' Cesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu
vs
Anthony Hamlet Olympia, WA. 154lbs/5'8' Victory Athletics Team
Lightweight
Preliminary Fight:
Rusty Simpson, Angels Camp, CA, 154lbs/5'7', Team Ground -N-
Pound
vs
Jeff Hougland Modesto, CA 154lbs/5'7', Team VOODOO
Lightweight
Challenge Fight:
Randy Spence, Chico, CA, 154lbs/5'7', Fusion Fight Team
vs
David Padilla, Waipahu,
HI, 154lbs / 5'7', Gamebred
Welterweight
Challenge Fight:
Brennan Kamaka, Waianae,
HI 169lbs/5'7', Blood Bought
vs
Jeremy Jackson, Oxnard, CA, 169lbs/5'8', Team Freedom
Welterweight
Challenge Fight:
Robert Ferguson, Oxnard, CA, 169lbs/5'10' Team Freedom
vs
Dax Bruce, Olympia, CA 169lbs/5'9' Victory Athletics
Middleweight
Contender Fight:
Eric Duus, San Jose, CA 184lbs / 5'11' American Kickboxing Academy
vs
Garret Koonz Myakka City, FL 184lbs / 5'11' Team Piranha
Featherweight
Challenge Fight:
Todd Lally, Temple, AZ 140lbs/5'11' Arizona Combat Sports
vs
Joel Townsand Olympia, CA 140lbs/5'9' Marcelo Alonso BJJ
Welterweight
Contender Fight:
Scott Bills, Venice Beach, FL 169lbs / 5'8' Team Piranha
vs
Nick Diaz Lodi, CA, 169lbs/5'8' Cesar Gracie Ju Jitsu
Middleweight
Contender Fight:
Steve Heath, Lodi, CA, 184lbs/5'9', Cesar Gracie Ju Jitsu
vs
James 'MadDog' Meals Portland, OR, 184lbs/5'9', Team Pain
IFC United States
Lightweight Championship Fight:
(IFC Lightweight United States Champion)
Antonio McKee, Los Angles, CA, 155lbs / 5'8' Team American BADBAY
vs
TBA
IFC Super Fight
/ Welterweight Contender Fight:
Martin Armendarez, Concord, CA. 169lbs/5'10' Cesar Gracie Ju
Jitsu
vs
Chris Lytle, Indianapolis, IN, 169lbs/5'9'
IFC Super Fight
/ Heavyweight Contender Fight:
Carter Williams, Modesto, CA 250lbs/6'1' Team VOODOO
vs
Gary Marshall, Temple, AZ 260lbs / 6'1' Victory Athletics Team
Source: Abu Dhabi |
Roger
Gracie interview
Have
you enjoyed the seminar today?
Yes, it's been very good, they are really nice guys and I enjoy
training with them.
How
long are you in the country for?
Two and a half months this time; I have to go back on May 5th
because of the Brazilian Teams Tournament in Sao Paulo and I
want to be back two weeks before that. I will be training in
Gracie Barra Academy in Rio for this competition and will be
fighting in the heavyweight division.
You
recently fought in the Pan Ams didn't you?
Yes I did, but unfortunately I didn't know their entire names
just one guy I remember was Fabrizio who teaches in Spain, he's
very tough and I beat him by two points, it was a close match.
What
about Café's shock win over Comprido?
Yes it was quite an upset but you know some days we are good
and others we have the bad days; probably Café was on
his best day.
What's
next after the Teams Roger?
The Mundials and I'll be fighting again in the brown belt division
and am defending my title this year.
Who
grades you Roger?
Many people think it's my father but it's my uncle Carlos Gracie
Jr.
So
when do you think you'll be getting the black belt?
Well I don't know, I'll have to see what he's thinking, maybe
next year who knows.
What
was it like growing up in the early days?
We were involved in jiu-jitsu as soon as we could walk and it
won't really be until I get my black belt and start taking titles
as a black belt that people will know me more.
Do
you feel there's a lot of pressure placed upon you, being a Gracie?
Yes there is, because in ju jitsu everyone wants to take out
a Gracie in a competition and when they look at me they always
want to beat me and that's what I'm here for.
The
Gracie family is so big now; who's your favourite relative?
I have many uncles and I don't think I have a favourite one you
know and I have many cousins, but I am more connected with my
Uncle Carlos and Renzo; as the family grew up most of the family
grew up in Rio then everybody knew each other and a few years
ago they split up and went over Brazil and US and so I lost regular
contact with them, but I still talk to them whenever we meet.
I know them as my relatives but not as close as I would like,
as everyone is teaching and looking after their businesses.
Can
you give us a mental picture of the Gracie Barra Academy?
It's in a sports centre and on the top floor is the academy;
it's full of mats and is huge and in a gym like that there is
a very high training level.
Who
is teaching there at the moment?
Feitosa is the head teacher and Gordo also teaches there as well
as many brown belts; all year round we have foreign students
coming to train and we love having them over; US, UK and European
fighters are there all the time and you can train from morning
until night.
Do
you follow the Pride events?
Yes I do, I like them a lot.
Any
thoughts of entering NHB events yet?
It's an idea but maybe in a couple of years, get my black belt
first; Ju jitsu is good, but you don't get much response for
that and everyone is fighting the NHB fights because they get
well paid and I don't think that happens in BJJ.
When
did you first come to the UK?
Three years ago when my father came over here to open up the
first academy and every year I spend three months teaching and
helping out.
How
much influence has your father had on your career?
A lot, he's taught me many things both at the academy and in
private; you know when you train you don't tend to see your mistakes
and you don't realise what you are doing, but when you have someone
who is always there watching you make those mistakes and correcting
you, then you have a great advantage.
Do
you do any other sports?
Oh yes, football and basketball when I get the time and of course
the beach and surfing, as the beach is only two minutes away
from where I live.
I
believe you have trained with the Machados?
Yes I trained with them in the US a few years ago, mainly with
Rigan and JJ; I enjoyed JJ in ADCC 2001, as he never lets up
in his fighting, he always go for a submission and always looks
to win and I like that in a fighter.
Do
you hope to get a shot in ADCC 2003?
I hope so and I am training hard now for a chance; I will try
to get in at the Trials in Brazil and take it from there, who
knows (laughs).
Roger,
time has beaten us once more; thanks for the interview and hope
to see you back in the UK soon.
Thank you Carl
Source:
Abu Dhabi |
In
Case you missed it...
UFC 37 Results
'UFC
37: High Impact'
Friday,
May 10, 2002
CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, LA
COMPLETE
RESULTS:
Welterweights:
Steve Berger v. Benji Radach:
Radach, ref stoppage, RD. 1
Stoppage way too early
Welterweights:
Aaron Riley v. Robbie Lawler:
Lawler, unanimous decision, 3 RDS.
Best fight of the night! Both fighters have huge hearts.
Middleweights:
Ivan Salaverry v. Andre Semenov:
Salaverry, Ref Stoppage, RD 3.
Another incredible fight. Both should come back to fight again.
Hopefully, the UFC sets up a Salaverry/Baroni fight.
Lightweights:
Yves Edwards v. Caol Uno:
Uno, Judges Decision, 3 RDS.
Good action. Once again, Yves defends a standing back mount
choke.
Middleweights:
Amar Suloev v. Phil Baroni:
Baroni, by Ref Stoppage, RD. 1
Very good showing again for the tank Baroni.
Lightweights:
BJ Penn v. Paul Creighton:
Penn, by Ref Stoppage, RD. 2
BJ's flexibility, takedown defense, and boxing was showcased
in this fight. BJ returns to his winning ways.
Heavyweights:
Ricco Rodriguez v. Tsuyoshi Kosaka:
Rodriguez, Ref Stoppage, RD. 2
The fight was controlled by Kosaka who was doing well, but
again ended up taking too much damage.
MW Championship:
Murilo Bustamante (Champion) vs. Matt Lindland :
Bustamante by tapout (Guillotine) RD.3
Bustamante armlocks Lindland, it appears that Lindland taps.
Big John steps in to stop it and then Lindland states that he
did not (replay does not look very convincing that Lindland tapped).
Big John lets it continue. Bustamante takes dow the world class
wrestler, Lindland, a couple of times and finishes Lindland with
a guillotine in a dominating performance to retain his title. |