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May News Part 2

5/20/03

Quote of the Day

"The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.

Arthur James Balfour

A Busy May 24

Go check out or compete in the Hawaiian Championships of BJJ and then enjoy a night of action packed fights at Kickin' It Again 2.

See details for both below!

2003 Hawaiian Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
May 24, 2003

EVENT OVERVIEW

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a unique style of martial arts that incorporates an array of ground techniques, such as arm locks, chokes and submissions, to control and submit an opponent. It is today one of the fastest growing and most popular martial art styles in the world. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gained prominence in the early 90's through it's effective in various no-holds barred fighting competitions. The recent Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championships were held in Santa Barbara, CA attracting nearly 1,000 competitors from as far away as Japan and Mexico.

In this tournament, athletes of all levels will compete against other athletes from throughout the State, U.S. Mainland, and Japan in a 1-day tournament. Jiu-Jitsu is an international sport with worldwide appeal and participation that not only attracts those in the Jiu-Jitsu community, but also those competing in Wrestling, Judo and other grappling oriented arts. The 2003 Hawaiian Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an exciting event with an objective to promote friendly competition, goodwill, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and fun.

EVENT DATE: May 24, 2003 / Starts time 10:30 am

EVENT: 2003 Hawaiian Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Gi / No Gi Format

LOCATION: University of Hawaii, Klum Gym / Honolulu, Hawaii

FORMAT: 1-day tournament / 10 weight classes
Gi and No Gi Format
White, blue, purple, brown and black belt categories in each weight class

TICKETS: $5 for adults / Children under 10 free

ENTERTAINMENT: Martial arts (Capoera) demonstration by SENZALA

AUDIENCE: Open to the general public.

CONTACT: James Tanaka at 223-9363 / E-Mail at JKT@lava.net

Bare Knuckle Productions Presents
KICK'N IT AGAIN 2
Kapolei Middle School, Kapolei, Hawaii
May 24, 2003

Lightweight
David Balicao (HSD) vs. Dyson Domen (Big Dawg)

Welterweight
Justin Dano (HSD) vs. Joey Kuni (Big Dawg)

Lightweight
Zane Cabacugan (Hapkido TKD) vs. Dominator Lopez (Big Dawg)

Lightheavy weight
Alvin Kanehailua (HSD) vs. Hank Keohuhu (Makakilo KB)

Featherweight
Hannah Smith (HSD) vs. Brandy Williams (Hapkido TKD)

Lightweight
Bradley Wong (HMC) vs. Chad Villanueva (Big Dawg)

Flyweight
Pat Trani (Makakilo KB) vs. Shawn Hema (HMC)

60lbs
Dahwen Bright (Makakilo KB) vs Phoenix Banuelos (NAK)

85lbs
Lane (HSD) vs. Kylie Delacruz-Kaheaku (808 Fight Factory)

Welterweight
Shane Dalutre (Universal K) vs. Louis Smith (Big Dawg)

Flyweight
Tyrone Antonio (HSD) vs. Calaruda (HardKnocks)

Cruiserweight
Adrian Hose (Hard Knocks) vs. Kevin Smith (Big Dawg)

Middleweight
Harris Sariento (808 Fight factory) vs. TBA

Guest Referee: Timmy" The Hawk" Vendetta

Guest judges-
Shawn "Tornado" Taylor
Tommy" Body Smasher" Pestana
John "The Bull" Nerveza

Phenom Fighter of the Night Award
Phenom Fight of the Night Award

Source: Promoter

SuperBrawl 29 Sets Attendance Record

On May 9, 2003, in Honolulu, HI, 8445 fight fans packed the Blaisdell Arena for Super Brawl. This sets SuperBrawl 29 as the most attended Mixed Martial Arts event ever held in the state of Hawaii.

The Blaisdell Arena filled to capacity can seat 8,800, so we were only about 350 seats away from a sellout crowd! Future Fight Productions would like to personally thank all of Hawaii fight fans and our fans around the world for making SuperBrawl 29 a night to remember.

Source: T. Jay Thompson

Global Training Report Interview

Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira talks about loss to Fedor, plans for revenge, and who he wants to fight in future, and more things.

http://www.geocities.com/global_training_report/index.htm

Source: Global Training Report

SUPERBRAWL NOT LIKELY TO OVERTURN DECISION


It seemed like a clear cut decision when Masanori Suda pulled off the stunning upset over Egan Inoue by a devestating KO. So what's the problem? The way the rules were NOT instituted during the actual fight.

Two weeks ago, after Inoue was clearly knocked down from a right hand by Suda, the referee did not step in for the mandatory 8 count which is part of the Shooto rules.

Even though the referee was clearly at fault for not stepping in for the eight count, it still may not have affected the outcome of the fight. As a result, MMAWeekly.com's Greg Honda has learned that the original decision will stand and it will NOT be ruled a "no contest". Honda spoke briefly with Egan's brother Enson, and Inoue told MMAWeekly.com that it didn't look good for the decision to be changed to a no contest.

Expect an official ruling to be made this week.

Source: MMA News

5/19/03

Quote of the Day

I know a lot of people without brains who do an awful lot of talking.

The Scarecrow, Wizard of Oz

Hawaii State Judo Championships!
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM

In the state championship match at 114 pounds, Gerry Malanog of Leilehua strained to get out of a hold after being thrown by Brandon Low. Low went on to take the state title.

Kahuku, Pearl City
win first judo titles

By Billy Hull
Special to the Star-Bulletin

Not even a three-and-a-half hour delay could sour the moods of the Kahuku girls and Pearl City boys teams yesterday as they made history at McKinley High School by winning the first state judo championships.

The Red Raiders, who had five girls as No. 1 seeds, found that being the favorite didn't necessarily mean victory was going to be easy.

After watching the first four top seeds go down, Kehau Kamauoha knew she needed to help boost her team with a victory, and did just that, defeating Ashley Truchan of Hilo.

"When the girls below me would win, it would push me to win and not let them down," Kamauoha said. "It was different without that, but I knew I had to come up big for my team if we wanted to take home the team title."

The Red Raiders had stiff competition from Pearl City and Kamehameha. The Chargers got wins from Corey Jo Tashima in the 109-pound division, and Amber Horn at 136, while the Warriors got a key performance from second-seeded Chelsea Berdon, who upset top-seeded Jenna Nihipali of Kahuku in the finals.

"Kahuku beat us in wrestling so I was glad we got a state judo championship this year so I could get some revenge," Berdon said.

Many of the state champions in wrestling competed in this judo championship as well, especially on the boys side.

Saint Louis' Brandon Low, who became only the third freshman in history to win a wrestling state title, took home the 114-pound championship, defeating Leilehua's Gerry Malanog in the final.

"I was fighting off a bit of a side pain," Low said. "But I just fought through it and did what I had to do."

Low, who is a 10-time national judo champion, was seeded second in this tournament, creating a little bit of a fire inside of him.

"I was pretty upset I was seeded second, especially when I never heard of the guy in front of me before," he said. "But he was good and it just shows how it doesn't matter what you are seeded, but how you perform out there."

Punahou's Jeremy Otani, another second seed from the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, defeated Kalani's Lewis Nakao 27 seconds into the match, to cap off what had been a tough year.

"I injured myself in wrestling, which was hard, but I'm fortunate I got another chance to come back and end the year well," he said.

Otani also felt a little angry after being seeded second in a tournament where all the OIA champions got No. 1 seeds.

"I don't really know the meaning behind it, but it got me a little angry and definitely added extra motivation to this tournament," he said.

However in the end, it was the Chargers who walked out as boys champions, edging out Mililani 70-58. They were led by individual winners Joel Akimoto in the 150-pound division, unseeded Andy Hung at 165 and Eddie Inuma in the 275-pound weight class.

Other boys winners were Thorean Evans of Kahuku at 105, Mililani's Justin Galvez at 123 and Emile Suehiro of McKinley at 132. Unseeded Sean Shinjo of Mililani upset heavy favorite Everett Pavo of Pearl City in the 180-pound division and Shingo Katsura of Moanalua won at 200 pounds.

Girls individual winners were Tabitha Lum of Maryknoll at 98 pounds and Iolani's Catherine Chen at 103 pounds. Moanalua's Caylene Valdez, a four-time state wrestling champion, took home the 115-pound title, while Kailua's Kimberly Kodo won at 121 pounds. Kealakehe's Kelianne Chong won the 128-pound title and Maimiti Ho of Kamehameha won the 200-pound division.

While the OIA took home both team championships, the ILH had six individual champions, making the inaugural state tournament a showcase for all Hawaii high school talent.

Source: Star Bulletin

Pearl City's boys, Kahuku's girls capture state judo team titles
Posted on: Sunday, May 18, 2003
By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer

Moanalua's Caylene Valdez can add a state judo title to her four state wrestling championships.

Her opponents yesterday and a protest by her opponent's coaches in the final couldn't stop her at the inaugural Hawai'i High School Athletic Association State Judo Championships at McKinley High School.

The Pearl City boys and Kahuku girls took home team titles.

Valdez wrestled Waiakea's Eisha Matsubara in the 115-pound final.

Valdez was assessed a keikoku (unsportsmanlike conduct) penalty for kicking Matsubara near the edge of the mat early in the match.

Valdez recovered to win by yuko (five-point score), but the Waiakea coaches protested the result. They said Valdez should have been disqualified for the infraction.

The referees discussed the matter together and then with the Waiakea coaches. After a 10-minute delay Valdez's victory was upheld.

"According to the state rules, which supersede the IJF (International Judo Federation), there are no appeals. Whatever the judges say at that point that's it," Moanalua coach Richard Nakatsu said.

Immediately after her match, Valdez said: "It feels good I worked really hard for this."

She patiently sat in a chair near the scorers' table while her match was being discussed.

A Waiakea coach declined comment.

Valdez, Kailua's Kimberly Kido (121) and Kahuku's Kehau Kamauoha (160) were girls' No. 1 seeds who won titles.

Unseeded girls who won titles were Pac-Five's Tabitha Lum (98) and Pearl City's Corey Jo Tashima (109).

In the only final with two unseeded athletes, Lum beat Whitney Elizaga of Farrington by ippon (10-point winning technique).

Top seeded boys who won titles were Kahuku's Thoran Evans (105), Mililani's Justin Galvez (123), McKinley's Emile Suehiro (132), Pearl City's Joel Akimoto (150), Moanalua's Shingo Katsura (200) and Pearl City's Eddie Inuma (275).

Unseeded boys who won titles were Pearl City's Andy Hung (165) and Mililani's Sean Shingo (180).

Saint Louis freshman Brandon Low, who won a state wrestling championship earlier this year, took home a judo title after beating Gerry Malanog of Leilehua by yuko in the 114-pound division.

When asked if he could win four titles each in judo and wrestling, Low said: "I'll do my best and see how I do."

Teams were awarded 16 points for a first-place finish, 12 for second, nine for third, seven for fourth, five for fifth and three for sixth.

Pearl City won the boys title with 70 points. Mililani was second with 58, and Kahuku and Saint Louis tied for third with 38.

"The athletes are good players, good students, good kids and a lot of it goes to my assistant coaches," Pearl City coach Ivan Yoshimura said.

The Kahuku girls finished with 66 points. Pearl City was second with 58 and Kamehameha third with 55.

"We have some great girls, they work hard," Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said. "It's an accomplishment based on their performance, there work ethics."

Kamauoha was Kahuku's only champion, but the Red Raiders had three second-place finishers.

"We felt coming in if we could win the matches that we should we had a great chance of winning," Torres said.

Torres also coached the state champion girls wrestling team earlier this year, and he said seven of his eight judo athletes were on the wrestling team.

Source: Honolulu Advertiser

Judo Championships Photos

I am not going to lie that I was biased and wanted the two guys (McKinley's Emile Suehiro and St. Louis' Brandon Low) that I came to support to win. I play Jiu-Jitsu and Judo with both of these guys and know how good they are first hand. Both are extremely hard workers and technical beyond belief as well as very gifted academically. Congratulations to Emile and Brandon as well as all the other champions and competitors that made the first Hawaii State Judo Championships a success!

Here are some photos that I shot of Emile and Brandon's championship matches. I apologize to Emile, but the ref kept on getting in my way so I could not take a lot of good shots. As you can tell, the ref was much more well placed for Brandon's matches.

Mike

132 lbs.
Emile Suehiro (McKinley) vs. Ben Wilmore (St. Louis)

Note: This was a rematch of the state wrestling finals as well where Ben Wilmore came out on top. This time Emile Suehiro took the championship. Emile has the red belt.

   
   

114 lbs.
Brandon Low (St. Louis) vs.
Gerry Malanog of Leilehua
Brandon is the brown belt

   
   
   

Kid Peligro Jiu-Jitsu News . . . Dean Lister is the new Absolute Champion ! ! !

Day 1

Day one of ADCC 2003 had a large share of upsets and the aanouncement of the arrival of the 'youngbloods'. The first of the major upsets occured when Roger Gracie defeated multiple times Champion Mario Sperry by points in a great battle. The two fighters exchanged position and takedown attempts until Roger got a sweep from the guard and ended up mounted on Sperry. After series of great exchanges young Roger got the points win.

As if that was not enough, Royler Gracie, in his second match of the day against Eddie Bravo, was submmited via triangle choke. Royler was ahead by a score of 6 x 2 when Bravo, somehow managed to slap a tight triangle on Gracie and get the sub with less than one minute to go in the match.

Bravo stayed on the mat overcome with emotion. Soon after the match, the two exchanged hugs. Royler, who up to that point had not been scored upon in 13 ADCC matches was stunned and commented: 'I like to think of myself as a machine but sometimes I realize that I am not one!'

Bravo on his next match met up with one of the 'youngbloods' in Leo Vieira, and lost by a large score as Leo did a display of modern, dynamic Submission wrestling rarely seen before in competition. When asked if he was still thinking of his previous match Bravo replied: 'No! He just fought a great fight!'

The final stunning upset was the work of young Marcelinho, who choked Vitor 'Shaolin' out in less than 30 seconds. Marcelinho had defeated Renzo Gracie in his previous match by points (9 x 0) after getting Renzo's back early in the match also.

In other matches:

Baret Yoshida was down 6 x 0 with one minute to to and still managed to win over Soca 9 x 6

In the 88KG is going to be Saulo who beat David Terrel in an overtime war against Jacare who beat Ricardo Almeida in a five overtime war, that was so far the best match ever in ADCC history.

In the 99KG it will be Cacareco who submitted Xande Ribeiro and Jon Olav Einemo who beat Roger Gracie by points 2 x 0

In the over division, Pe de Pano had the fastest submission against Paz (under 15 seconds guillotine) and even managed a takedown against Jeff Monson in the earlier round, will face Werdun who submitted Van Arsdale by armlock

The Superfight saw a superfit Ricardo Arona beat Mark Kerr in overtime by a takedown. The fight was a 30 minute stand up battle with Kerr appearing uncharacteristically out of shape but still managing to make a match out of it.

More fights today as the finals and the absolute take place.

Day 2

The last day of the greatest ADCC event ever has just finished with a great surprise: Dean Lister, the 4th alternate for the absolute division won the whole thing. Dean submitted Nathan Marquadt via kimura, Saulo Ribeiro by leg lock in a double overtime war, defeated Pe de Pano by points in the last 15 seconds of the semifinal and submitted Cacareco in the final with a foot lock.

The stunned Lister was on the verge of tears as he said: 'I can't believe this is happening, Arona was my hero when he won and now I am in his position. I am just a guy from San Diego. I want to thank my sponsors, Sycuan Casino, City Boxing, Marina Mortage and my friends Jocko and Brendt for all the hard training and support. I also have to thank Ron Bergum, Kid Peligro for being my friends and supporting me 100% of the time. My new friend and teacher Royce Gracie who showed me a lot a bout strategy and some great techniques and my old instructor Fabio Santos for the early instruction in BJJ! This is a dream come true!'

Leo Vieira beat Barret Yoshida by points in a match that he totally dominated the dangerous hawaiian. In other fights, Royler Gracie came back to replace the injured Eddie Bravo and defeated Soca Carneiro for the U65 3rd place.

In the U77 Marcelinho Garcia choked Otto Olson for the title while Shaolin Ribeiro defeated Chris Brown by points. Marcelinho also won the 'most technical award'.

Saulo Ribeiro, returning to the finals for the fourth time in four ADCC's beat Ronaldo 'Jacare' 3 x 0 (taking the back). Saulo won the title and the battle of the 'Amazon' as they are both from that state. David Terrel submitted Almeida via foot lock for the 3rd place.

Jon Olav Einemo submitted Cacareco and took the U99 title while Roger Gracie beat Xande Ribeiro by points for 3rd. Olav, who trains along with his friends in Norway proved to be a real force who has been steadily improving his game and will be a force for many years.

Pe de Pano won the over division by submission over Fabrizio Werdum and Alex Araujo subbed Mike Van Arsdale for 3rd.

ADCC 2003 RESULTS

under 65.99 KG:
Final: Leo Viera v.
Baret Yoshida
Leo Viera Champion by points
3/4th place match: Eddie Bravo v. Alexandre Soca
Note: As stated above, Eddie dropped out and Royler beat Soca for third.

66-76.9 KG:
Final: Otto Olson v. Marcello Garcia
Marcello Garcia Champion and voted Most Technical
3/4th place match: Chris Brown v. Shaolin Ribeiro
Shaolin third place by points

77-87.9 KG:
Final: Saulo Ribeiro v. Ronaldo Jacare
Saulo Riberio Champion 3-0
3/4th place match: David Terrell v. Ricardo Almeida
David Terrell third place by footlock

88-98.9 KG:
Final: Jon Olav Einmo v . Alexandre Cacareco
Jon Olav Einmo Champion by submission
3/4th place match: Roger Gracie v. Xande Ribeiro
Roger Gracie third place by points

99 KG & Up:
Final: MArcio Cruz v . Fabrizio Werdum
3/4th place match: Alex Araujo v. Mike Van Arsdale

16 MAN ABSOLUTE TOURNAMENT
Dean Lister Champion
Dean submitted Nathan Marquadt via kimura, Saulo Ribeiro by leg lock in a double overtime war, defeated Pe de Pano by points in the last 15 seconds of the semifinal and submitted Cacareco in the final with a foot lock.

Source: ADCC

Plenty of Surprises Bring New Names to the Top
and Arona Wins the Superfight!

By Eduardo Alonso

Yesterday was the first day of competition at the Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo and there were a lot of surprises in all the weight divisions. With some of the best the world has to offer at sumbssion grappling, stars of the sport found themselves losing right in the first or second rounds of competition, leaving most of the crowd surprised. Multiple-time Abu Dhabi Champion Mario Sperry caught a strong flu this weekend, but decided to fight anyway, and unfortunately for him ended up being surprised by young Roger Gracie, losing by five points to zero. PRIDE veteran Renzo Gracie fought an extremly well-prepared Marcelo Garcia, who managed to get his back early in the fight and kept scoring there to win by a large margin in the end, Garcia went on to put Vitor Shaolin Ribeiro to sleep with a choke. However, the biggest surprise of the day was American fighter Eddie Bravo tapping out the legendary Royler Gracie in a triangle choke.

One of the standouts of the show was Ronaldo Jacare. Always impressive, Jacare showed great cardio and solid skills defeating Ryan Gracie in the first round and beating Ricardo Almeida in the most evenly matched fight of the day, with four overtimes needed to decide the winner. In the superfight, PRIDE veteran Ricardo Arona was in great shape and faced an absolutely out of shape Mark Kerr, who was however very smart in his game, using his experience to try to get Arona out of his traditional explosive style. However, Arona used his experience and better condtitioning to take Kerr down near the end of overtime, pass his guard and get the win by four points to zero, showing he is still the king of Abu Dhabi. Today the event will have the finals of each division, plus the entire competition in the absolute division, here are the matches set for the finals:

Up to 66kg: Leonardo Vieira vs. Barret Yoshida
Up to 77kg: Marcelo Garcia vs. Otto Oslon
Up to 88kg: Ronaldo Jacare vs. Saulo Ribeiro
Up to 99kg: Alexandre Cacareco vs. John Olav Einemo
Above 99kg: Marcio "Pe de Pano" Cruz vs. Fabricio Werdun

Source: FCF

Quote of the Day

"Strength does not come from winning.
Your struggles develop your strengths.
When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength"

Arnold Schwarzenegger

5/18/03: Updated early due to ADCC Results

Quote of the Day

"Strength does not come from winning.
Your struggles develop your strengths.
When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength"

Arnold Schwarzenegger

ADCC 2003: 5th Submission World Championships Unofficial Results

Sao Paulo, Brazil
May 17th and 18th, 2003

This is results off of a web site that our good friend Tony sent us. I cannot confirm if this is official, but if it is, this is incredible! Hawaii's own
Baret Yoshida gets second place to Leo Veiera in the < 65.9kg class for the second time.

 < 65.9 KG

EDDIE BRAVO
GUSTAVO DANTAS

ROYLER GRACIE
CHARLIE PEARSON

RANY YAHRA
TEEMU LAUNIS

ALAN TEO
LEO VEIERA

KATSUNHIRO HIRATE
ALEXANDRE SOCA

JOACHIM HANSEN
CHRIS DERKSON

BARET YOSHIDA
KATSUYA TOIDA

NOBU YAKI
MUHAMMED MRKULVIC

 < 65.9 KG

EDDIE BRAVO
by sub

ROYLER GRACIE
by sub

RANY YAHRA
?

LEO VEIERA
?

ALEXANDRE SOCA
by sub

JOACHIM HANSEN
by sub

BARET YOSHIDA
?

?

< 65.9 KG

EDDIE BRAVO
by triangle sub


LEO VEIERA
9-0

ALEXANDRE SOCA
by sub

BARET YOSHIDA
?

  < 65.9 KG


LEO VEIERA
15-0

BARET YOSHIDA
?

 < 65.9 KG
CHAMPION
LEO VEIERA
?

3rd & 4th Place
 EDDIE BRAVO
def.
ALEXANDRE SOCA
by sub

66-76.9 KG

JASON RAMSTETTER VITOR RIBEIRO

MARCIO FEITOSA
PABLO POPOVICH

KIUMA KUNIOKU
DENNIS HALLMAN

RENZO GRACIE
GEORGE SOTIROPOULOS

FERNANDO TERERE
JUSSI TAMMELIN

DANIEL MORAES
OTTO OLSEN

CHRIS BROWN
MITSUHIRO ISHIDA

ROMAN SHASHKOV
TONY DESOUSA

 66-76.9 KG

VITOR RIBEIRO
?

PABLO POPOVICH
?

MARCELO GARCIA
INJURY?

RENZO GRACIE
?

FERNANDO TERERE
?

OTTO OLSEN
?

CHRIS BROWN
?

TONY DESOUSA
?

66-76.9 KG

VITOR RIBEIRO
1 UP IN OT

MARCELO GARCIA
12-0

OTTO OLSEN
F.T. INJURY

CHRIS BROWN
?

66-76.9 KG

MARCELO GARCIA
BY SUB


OTTO OLSEN
?

66-76.9 KG

CHAMPION
MARCELO GARCIA

3rd & 4th Place
VITOR RIBEIRO
DEF
CHRIS BROWN
?

 77-87.99

DENIS KANG
REESE ANDY

DAVION PETERSON
RICARDO ALMEIDA

RYAN GRACIE
RONALDO JACARE

YUSHIN OKAMI
MATT LINDLAND

NATHAN MARQUARDT
RODRIGO COMPRIDO MEDEIROS

YUKI SASAKI
SAULO RIBEIRO

ROBET SULSKI
JORGE PATINO

DAVID TERRELL
AKIRA SHOJI

77-87.99


REESE ANDY
PTS


RICARDO ALMEIDA
BY SUB


RONALDO JACARE
5-0


MATT LINDLAND
PTS


RODRIGO COMPRIDO MEDEIROS
2-0


SAULO RIBEIRO
?

FERNANDO MARGARIDA PONTES
?

DAVID TERRELL
?

77-87.99


RICARDO ALMEIDA
?


RONALDO JACARE
BY SUB


SAULO RIBEIRO
2-0

DAVID TERRELL
?

77-87.99


RONALDO JACARE
PTS


SAULO RIBEIRO
2-0

 77-87.99

CHAMPION
SAULO RIBEIRO

3rd & 4th Place
RICARDO ALMEIDA
DEF
DAVID TERRELL

 88-98.99

ANTHONY PEROSH
ALEXANDRE CACARECO

BEAU CLARK
CHAEL SONNEN

ERIK PAULSON
ALEXANDRE RIBEIRO

DEAN LISTER
ILIR LATIFI

MARC LAIMON
LARRY PAPADAPOULOUS

BRANDON VERA
JON OLAV EINMO

YUKIYASU OZAWA
RIGAN MACHADO

MARIO SPERRY
ROGER GRACIE

 88-98.99


ALEXANDRE CACARECO
?

?


ALEXANDRE RIBEIRO
PTS


DEAN LISTER
BY SUB


MARC LAIMON
?


JON OLAV EINMO
?


RIGAN MACHADO
?


ROGER GRACIE
5-0

  88-98.99


ALEXANDRE CACARECO
?


ALEXANDRE RIBEIRO
BY PTS


JON OLAV EINMO
BY PTS


ROGER GRACIE
?

 88-98.99


ALEXANDRE CACARECO
BY SUB


JON OLAV EINMO
?

  88-98.99

CHAMPION
ALEXANDRE CACARECO

3rd & 4th Place

ALEXANDRE RIBEIRO
DEF
ROGER GRACIE
?

 OVER 99 KG

MIKA ILMEN
JEFF MONSEN

MIKE WHITEHEAD
MARCIO CRUZ

ALEX ARUJO
JUN IISHI

CHRISTOPH MIDOUX
SEAN ALVAREZ

TSUYOSHI KOSAKA
RICCO RODRIGUEZ

JIHAD
OTAVIO DUARTE

MARK ROBINSON
MIKE VAN ARSDALE

SOA PALALEI
ROY NELSON

OVER 99 KG


JEFF MONSEN
?


MARCIO CRUZ
?

ALEX ARUJO
8-0


SEAN ALVAREZ
?

FABRICO VERDUM
(RICCO DID NOT SHOW)
?

JIHAD
?


MIKE VAN ARSDALE

?

?

 OVER 99 KG


MARCIO CRUZ
BY SUB

ALEX ARUJO
BY SUB

FABRICO VERDUM
?


MIKE VAN ARSDALE
?

OVER 99 KG


MARCIO CRUZ
BY SUB

FABRICO VERDUM
BY SUB

OVER 99 KG

CHAMPION
MARCIO CRUZ

3rd & 4th Place

ALEX ARUJO
DEF
MIKE VAN ARSDALE
?

 Absolute


No results posted

 Super Fight

Ricardo Arona
Def.
Mark Kerr
by 4-0 in OT

Source: http://www.mvpsolution.com/adcc/ADCC.htm

ABU DHABI NO SHOWS

Ricco, Sherk, and Erikson All Missing Abu Dhabi

Ricco Rodriguez, Sean Sherk, and Tom Erikson were all scheduled to take part in this weekend's Abu Dhabi submission wrestling tournaments, but none of them will be competing. Tom Erikson said on The Underground Forum that he couldn't go to Brazil because he has personal issues to take care of, and he apologized for his absence. Sean Sherk was unable to make it to Brazil due to visa problems. As for Ricco Rodriguez, he was a recent addition to the tournament brackets and was scheduled to match up with Tsuyoshi Kosaka in the first round. However, the Abu Dhabi News web site is now reporting, "Ricco Rodriguez is a no show! His contact numbers are disconnected, and no one is sure why he wouldn't return to the event that made his career;especially, when his career needs a jump start again!"

Source: MMA Weekly

SHAMROCK HAS BEEN CONTACTED BY PRIDE

Frank Shamrock Talks UFC, Pride, WEC, Brand Names, And More

Frank Shamrock went into a good amount of detail about his philosophical differences with the owners of the UFC on Friday's MMAWeekly Radio Show. Frank said that he has no desire to return to the UFC because of "who's running the show and how they're doing it." Shamrock continued, "I don't like their course of action, and I'm not going to contribute to it."

Frank's basic argument was that the UFC always tries to make the UFC brand name visible, and they should be promoting individual fighters instead. Host Ryan Bennett asked if part of the reason for the UFC's strategy is so that they're insulated from the impact of fighters leaving the company like Frank did, and Frank said that people don't understand how valuable a brand name like "Tito Ortiz" or "Frank Shamrock" is. He said it would only take one, two, or maybe three guys to change the sport the same way that Michael Jordan changed pro basketball and Hulk Hogan changed pro wrestling.

Frank Shamrock also revealed that Pride has made him an offer to fight in the Middleweight Grand Prix starting on August 10, but he hasn't given them an answer and he highly doubts that he will fight in the tournament. Frank said that the contract Pride is offering him is pretty much everything he has ever asked for, but the timing is off because he would like his next fight to be in October or November instead. Shamrock said, "Fighting once or twice a year is more than enough for me," and he also said that he would like his next opponent to be one level above his previous opponent Bryan Pardoe, and the next opponent to be one more level up, etc.

Frank said that he would like to fight on Pride's first show on American soil in January 2004, but he has very little interest in entering the Middleweight Grand Prix this year.

Other news from the interview included the fact that the recent WEC event (during which Frank made his MMA return) is going to be marketed as a pay-per-view event in "some pay-per-view homes," although it wasn't specified whether that would include InDemand and DirecTV. Frank said that the PPV will be available in mid-August, with the DVD being released sometime thereafter.

Frank also said that his student Rich Crunkilton dislocated his elbow two different times during his UFC 42 fight with Hermes Franca. Crunkilton will soon have elbow surgery to "get some things reattached," and he should be good to go six months after the surgery date. Frank said that he has quickly found in training Don Frye that he is very determined to beat Mark Coleman. Shamrock said that Frye's physical strength and mental fortitude are amazing.

Source: MMA Weekly

5/17/03

Quote of the Day

Thoughtfulness for others, generosity, modesty and self-respect
are the qualities which make a real gentleman or lady.

Thomas H. Huxley

Ron Jhun is the
King of the Cage Welterweight Champion!



After five grueling rounds, exchanging take downs and strikes for 25 minutes, 808 Fight Factory's Ronald "The Machine Gun" Jhun earned a unanimous decision over "Mr. International" Shonie Carter last night in Las Vegas, Nevada winning the vacant King of the Cage Welterweight Championship. This fight was easily the fight of the night (of the fights shown on PPV).

Congratulations to Ron and the 808 Fight Factory!

Jeremy Horn beat Vernon White to capture the Light Heavyweight KOTC Title in a boring match

And Big Eric Pele KO'd Dan Christianson to become the KOTC Super Heavyweight Champion.

Other winners were:
Dan Severn def. Cory Timmerman via unanimous decision after 3 rounds.

Joe Stevenson over Thomas Denny via guillotine choke seconds into the match.

Art Santore def. Joe Crilly via TKO, referee stoppage due to strikes in Round 1.

Thanks for letting us watch the event at your gym, we are always made to feel welcome when we are with you guys.

Is Mark Kerr Ready?
by: MMA Observer

Mark Kerr is making a big impression at the 2003 Abu Dhabi World Submission Wrestling Championships – too bad for Kerr the big impression is partly negative one. Not only are people questioning Kerr’s conditioning and preparation, Kerr is leaving everyone wondering how committed he is to the ADCC and his Super Fight battle with Ricardo Arona.

There are several incidents that have raised concern. Problems began when participants and observers all noticed that Kerr arrived in what appears to be the worst shape of his Abu Dhabi career. While Kerr’s camp claims he weighs in at 240lbs, he appears to be less muscular than in previous ADCC competitions and in less than peak condition.

Also adding to Kerr’s negative impression has been his lack of professionalism in fulfilling his responsibilities to event organizers. Given the popularity of jiu jitsu and the grappling arts in Brazil, all participants are expected to be available for media interviews and promotional opportunities. As the defending Super Fight Champion, Kerr is expected to be in the forefront of promoting the event. Kerr, however, has been a no-show at two scheduled events, costing the ADCC the much-needed visibility and promotion that translates into increased ticket sales. Kerr missed both a scheduled television interview with a major Brazilian television network and the pre-event press conference that attracted over 40 major media outlets from around the world. The word 'prima donna' has come to mind.

Many involved with the 2003 World Submission Wrestling Championships are both worried and disappointed about Kerr’s behavior at this year’s event. First, organizers worry about Kerr’s health, hoping the apparent lack of conditioning do not represent a decline. Second, event organizers are disappointed Kerr has not lived up to the expectations of being the ADCC Super Fight Champion.

As all participants know, participating in the ADCC Submission Wrestling Championship carries a level of prestige, opportunity, and financial reward unmatched within grappling arts competitions. With this prestige and opportunity provided by the ADCC comes certain responsibilities and expectations of ADCC participants. Not only are participants expected to compete at their peak performance, participants are responsible for carrying themselves in the most professional way possible. Everyone following the event in Sao Paulo hopes Kerr starts fulfilling both expectations.

He may win, based on sheer physical talent, but a return to MMA is questionable, as Kerr may not be able to meet the demands a professional faces beyond the ring. We shall see....

Source: ADCC

Kid Peligro Jiu-Jitsu News . . . ADCC 2003 Weigh in and Rules meeting
by: Kid Peligro / ADCC JJ Editor

Today the ADCC 2003 weigh ins took place with many of the fighters having to do some last minute shedding of LBs. Renzo Gracie, Mario Sperry, Soca Carneiro, Ricardo Cachorrao, Eddie Bravo (who was being coached on the latest weight shedding techs by Fear Factor's Joe Rogan, Tony De Souza were amongst the most noticeable cutters. The highlight of the meeting was 'lightweight' 'Tata' who blew out the scale topping 150 KILOS forcing promoters to scramble to take the svelte 'Tata' to a 'truck weighing scale' in order to get the final number : ) Tata's first match was schedule to be against 'The Big Cat' Tom Erickson, unfortunately Erickson had personal business to tkae care preventing this 'MEGA' match to take place. Rumor has it that City officials are breathing easy now!

In the end everyone made weight and confirmed their presence in the event tomorrow.

After lunch the rules meeting took place at the Bellatrix Room Nathan Marquadt, Ricardo Murgel, Marcio 'Pe de Pano', Matt Hume, Royler Gracie, Rodrigo Comprido, Leo Vieira, Vitor 'Shaolin', Gustavo Dantas & Denis Kang.

Everything is now set and the games begin at 9:30 Am

Source: ADCC

A Quick Look at the Abu Dhabi Divisions

99 KG

The 99kg division (otherwise known as the heavyweights) could possibly be the strongest lineup in ADCC history.

Mike Van Arsdale has officially moved up in weight class as a heavyweight to join fellow wrestlers, Mark Robinson, Jeff Monsen and Mike Whitehead (the U.S. Qualifying Champion).

Jiu Jitsu stylists include Otavio Duarte, Sean Alvarez and Marcio Cruz.

Making their debuts for ADCC Jun Ishi, Mika Ilmen, Christoph Midoux of UCC, Soa Palalei and Roy Nelson.

Jeff Monson has done incredibly well since capturing ADCC gold in 1999 and looks to be in even better shape than ever. He has also joined American Top Team in Florida where he now trains full time.

Ricco Rodriguez is a no show! His contact numbers are disconnected, and no one is sure why he wouldnt return to the event that made his career, especially when his career needs a jump start again!

South African strong man Mark Robinson became the 2001 ADCC Champion and is looking to make it two in a row. He has retained JJ coach Ricardo Murghel, who made him into a champion in 2001. The big guy's conditioning has him talking Absolutes, as well.

76 KG

ADCC is heating up! With just a few hours left, fighters are resting and ready to go in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Tournaments are completely stacked and alternates are standing by. Luckily, alternates were flown in just in case. This turned out to be a good thing.

Alternate Tony Desouza will be replacing Sean Sherk who was unable to make it due to visa problems.

Desouza enters the 66-76kg division with Vitor Ribeiro, Marcio Feitosa, U.S. ADCC Champion Pablo Popovich, Renzo Gracie, Kiuma Kunioku and many more.

Many are giving the nod to Marcio Feitosa while others are predicting a new and improved “Shaolin”.

Regardless, this 66-76kg tournament is full of sixteen great athletes and is sure to be full of surprises.

Source: ADCC

WFA - Dead or Alive

Rising MMA star Marvin Eastman was able to shed some light on the future of the World Fighting Alliance organization on Friday's MMAWeekly Radio Show. Virtually everyone in the MMA community previously took the WFA for dead, but Eastman said that this might not be true. Eastman started on this topic by saying that the WFA had monetary problems due to financial investers backing out of the company, and for a while it looked like the promotion was going to shut down completely, or it might continue to operate, but do so without its founder, John Lewis.

Fortunately, from what Marvin Eastman is now hearing, John Lewis is going to retain the rights to the promotion, and the WFA will live on. Eastman said that the next WFA show could be as soon as July or August, with the same caliber of stars that fans have grown accustomed to.

When asked if he's nervous about Vitor Belfort being his opponent for his UFC debut, Marvin Eastman said that he's not nervous because he is getting more and more confident with his knockout power and his overall abilities. Eastman said that Belfort is one of the top guys in the 205-pound weight class, and he has watched and respected Vitor since he debuted in the UFC.

At the same time, Eastman said that all bets are off once the fight starts. Eastman seemed confident and humble at the same time, saying that he wouldn't want to come in and have an easy fight for his UFC debut. Eastman said that he respects people like Vitor Belfort, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, and Quinton Jackson, but at the same time he would like to fight and beat all of them.

Source: MMA Weekly

Another Pride Match Up

Dream Stage Entertainment has announced an additional fight that will take place at Pride 26 on June 8, as Ricardo Arona will face Alistair Overeem. Arona is coming off consecutive wins over Guy Mezger, Dan Henderson, and Murilo "Ninja" Rua, and he will also be fighting Mark Kerr this weekend at the Abu Dhabi submission wrestling championships.

Alistair Overeem has not lost a fight since June 2000, and most recently scored a quick submission victory over Aaron Brink at an event in Holland this past March.

Given that there had been negotiations for Arona to fight Kevin Randleman at Pride 26, and for Overeem to fight Igor Vovchanchyn, it is now looking more and more likely that Randleman and Vovchanchyn will be fighting each other in what would surely be an explosive bout. Another fight that is looking like a strong possibility for Pride 26 is Murilo Bustamante vs. Murilo "Ninja" Rua.

Heath Herring will be making his return to Pride on this show, and it could be against Mirko Cro Cop or Assuerio Silva. Vanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson has almost zero chance of taking place in June, due to the fact that Vanderlei is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL, and his doctors will not medically release him until Pride's August show. Vanderlei has said this in numerous public interviews this week and in recent months.

With the official announcement of Arona vs. Overeem, here is the officially announced Pride 26 line-up as it stands right now:

-Emelianenko Fedor vs. Kazuyuki Fujita (non-title fight)

-Mark Coleman vs. Don Frye

-Ricardo Arona vs. Alistair Overeem

-Antonio "Elvis" Schembri vs. Kazuhiro Hamanaka

Source: MMA Weekly

5/16/03

Quote of the Day

"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself."

Wayne Dyer

808 Fight Factory will be showing
King of the Cage: Sin City at their Gym
Tonight!

Come on down to support Ron Jhun and watch some great fights!

Event starts at: 4:30 or 5:00PM (call the gym to confirm the time)

Ron Jhun (808 Fight Factory) vs. Shonie Carter for the vacant KOTC Welterweight Championship

Other matches:
KOTC Superheavyweight Championship:
Eric Pele vs. Dan Christianson

KOTC Light Heavyweight Championship:
Jeremy Horn vs. Vernon White

It will be at the 808 Fight Factory Gym
94-143 Leokane Street
(Down the street from Happy Dragon/Firestone in Waipahu & up the ramp on the left)

There will be a $2 charge to help cover the Pay-Per-View costs.

Call 808 Fight Factory Gym @ 671-4140 for more information.

Source: Kai Kamaka

Brazilian Portuguese Classes!

Farrington Community School for Adults is offering conversational Brazilian
Portuguese language classes, once a week,
beginning Saturday, June 14, 2003 for
the Summer term, ending July 26
.

Instructor-Sandy Tsukiyama de Oliveira
(DOE teacher, member-Hawaii Interpreters & Translators Assn.,
Lead vocalist-Mistura Brazilian Jazz Band)

The Brazilian Portuguese program at FCSA has been ongoing for over 3 years.

Teaching materials-
Photocopied pages from the textbook, Fala Brasil!
Purchase of two additional books, 501 Portuguese Verbs, and Portuguese Verbs &
Essentials is recommended. Both available at Borders Books & Music. Also
available from instructor, casssette tapes of textbook dialogues & drills.

Please call FCSA for details on registration & fees. 832-3595.
Located on the campus of Farrington High School, in the heart of beautiful,
central Kalihi, corner N. King & Kalihi Sts.

ADCC 2003: 5th Submission World Championships Official Brackets
Sao Paulo, Brazil
May 17th and 18th, 2003

Baret Yoshida is on the opposite side of the Under 65kg bracket again, so he has the chance of facing Royler in the finals again!

The fighters have all begun to arrive in Sao Paulo for the 5th SUBMISSION WRESTLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.

There are several BIG NAME fighters who may be having troubles in transit - if ANY ADCC competitors are on the road and need help to get to the event, please call the ADCC organizers at:

Guy Neivens 011-55-11-9910-2955

HOTEL PESTANA - 011-55-11-3059-5000

Please pass this on to the fighters out there!

And now, the most anticipated brackets of all time.....

 < 65.9 KG

EDDIE BRAVO
GUSTAVO DANTAS

ROYLER GRACIE
CHARLIE PEARSON

RANY YAHRA
TEEMU LAUNIS

ALAN TEO
LEO VEIERA

KATSUNHIRO HIRATE
ALEXANDRE SOCA

JOACHIM HANSEN
CHRIS DERKSON

BARET YOSHIDA
KATSUYA TOIDA

NOBU YAKI
MUHAMMED MRKULVIC

 66-76.9 KG

JASON RAMSTETTER VITOR RIBEIRO

MARCIO FEITOSA
PABLO POPOVICH

KIUMA KUNIOKU
DENNIS HALLMAN

RENZO GRACIE
GEORGE SOTIROPOULOS

FERNANDO TERERE
JUSSI TAMMELIN

DANIEL MORAES
OTTO OLSEN

CHRIS BROWN
MITSUHIRO ISHIDA

ROMAN SHASHKOV
TONY DESOUSA

 77-87.99

DENIS KANG
REESE ANDY

DAVION PETERSON
RICARDO ALMEIDA

RYAN GRACIE
RONALDO JACARE

YUSHIN OKAMI
MATT LINDLAND

NATHAN MARQUARDT
RODRIGO COMPRIDO MEDEIROS

YUKI SASAKI
SAULO RIBEIRO

ROBET SULSKI
JORGE PATINO

DAVID TERRELL
AKIRA SHOJI

 88-98.99

ANTHONY PEROSH
ALEXANDRE CACARECO

BEAU CLARK
CHAEL SONNEN

ERIK PAULSON
ALEXANDRE RIBEIRO

DEAN LISTER
ILIR LATIFI

MARC LAIMON
LARRY PAPADAPOULOUS

BRANDON VERA
JON OLAV EINMO

YUKIYASU OZAWA
RIGAN MACHADO

MARIO SPERRY
ROGER GRACIE

 OVER 99 KG

MIKA ILMEN
JEFF MONSEN

MIKE WHITEHEAD
MARCIO CRUZ

ROGER NEFF
JUN IISHI

CHRISTOPH MIDOUX
SEAN ALVAREZ

TSUYOSHI KOSAKA
RICCO RODRIGUEZ

ALEX ARAUJO
OTAVIO DUARTE

MARK ROBINSON
MIKE VAN ARSDALE

SOA PALALEI
ROY NELSON

Source: ADCC

KING OF THE CAGE PREVIEW: Shonie Carter vs. Ronald Jhun for the King of the Cage Welterweight Title

Shonie Carter and
Ronald Jhun will fight for the King of the Cage Welterweight Title on Friday night in what is likely to be one of the most exciting fights on the card. It's also one of the most difficult fights to predict because these two fighters are very evenly-matched, as evidenced by the fact that they fought to a draw last November.

In terms of being prepared for the fight, I believe that both fighters will show up ready to fight, but in different ways. Shonie is probably going to be more prepared physically because he has a lot more time to train than Jhun, who said on MMAWeekly Radio that he works a day job six days a week until 5:30 PM and is only able to train in MMA for a few hours per day. On the other hand, Ronald Jhun is probably going to be more prepared mentally, as he seemed to be extremely focused and determined during his radio show appearance.

Shonie is one of the best interviews in MMA, and I do think that he will be mentally prepared for this fight. But, I think Jhun will be more focused, because he doesn't have a character to play, so to speak. Whether the characters are based on real life or not, fighters who have "characters to play" inevitably end up paying for it in the ring- whether it's Bob Sapp, Phil Baroni, or Tank Abbott. But, Shonie's loveable "pimp" character doesn't seem to distract him from his fights too much, but I don't think there's any way he's going into this fight as focused as Ronald Jhun appears to be.

Shonie Carter's career contradicts itself in the sense that he's not afraid to trade strikes, and his fights are usually very exciting- yet a large percentage of the fights in his career have ended with a decision or a draw. For this reason, and because of how closely matched these two fighters are, I would say that the odds are less than 50 percent that one of them is going to be able to finish off the other. Someone is going to win by decision, and it's just a matter of who that someone is.

If the fight goes to the ground and stays there for any significant amount of time, it favors Ronald Jhun in my opinion. Jhun has an edge over Carter in submissions and strikes on the ground. But, it goes back once again to the parity in the skill levels of these two fighters. Shonie is unlikely to win this fight on the ground, but Shonie's jiu-jitsu skills should be good enough to prevent Jhun from finishing him on the ground. I think the fight will be even closer if it remains standing, because both of these guys have the power and skill to end fights with strikes, and they have done so plenty of times in the past. I would give Carter the slight edge in strikes just because he's so unpredictable. When you've won multiple fights with a spinning back-fist knockout, your future opponents tend to keep that in the back of their minds somewhere.

This fight has all the makings of another classic on paper. Two talented and hard-working fighters, both in their early 30s with plenty of time left in their careers, and both very hungry for a win that could catapult them to the next level. Shonie Carter is the favorite in most people's eyes, but I'm going to pick Ronald Jhun to win a very close fight. Jhun will probably be able to hang with Shonie standing up, and if Jhun does get in trouble on his feet, I think he'll be able to take the fight to the ground and keep it there. Once it gets to the ground, Jhun is more likely to finish off Carter than vice-versa, or at least control most of the fight. My Prediction: Ronald Jhun by decision.

Source: MMA Weekly

Stephen "Bozo" Paling gets another crack at the Champ

It was arguably one of the best cards in MMA history. Hayato Sakurai TKO'ed the much talked about Frank Trigg, Kaoru Uno solidified his place as the true champion by KO'ing the legendary Rumina Sato in their rematch, Mishima initiated his climb up the ranks by submitting the rugged Brazilian Marcio 'Cromado' and
Ray Cooper (the current Shooto MW number one ranker) dropped a disappointing loss to Alex Cook via an very unorthydox kneck crank.

It all went down on December 17th, 2000 in the Tokyo Bay NK Hall. Along with those other classic bouts, was one of the Champ's (Alexandre Nogueira) many dumb-founding guillotine victories. It was against the journeyman Hawaiian fighter - Stephen Paling. It was a disappointing loss for Bozo, having turned directly into Nogueira's chest virtually offering his head-up on a platter for the Brazilian to secure the choke. Since then Paling has been hungry and determined to get back in there and get another shot at the belt (preferably with it being still around Alexandre's waist).

Since that loss, Paling has gone 6-1 in Shooto bouts winning his last 6, and doing it against top tier fighters all the way. His last performance looked like another day at the office when at just 15 seconds into the bout he put an end to things by leaving his opponent with a fight halting cut. Now here comes his chance for redemption and once again the chance to capture the only world recognized title at the 145 lbs weight range.

Of course Nogueira is virtually unstoppable as the Champion. Since Paling he has loss twice, but came back to best each of those adversaries in rematches... and he did it in impressive style. He is physically very strong and super aggressive. He has tons of experience as the Champ having been as such since 1999 and is highly regarded as one of the top pound for pound fighters on the planet.

This all goes down on August 10th in Yokohama, Japan on the card that will also feature the Shooto debut of Jens Pulver.

Source: Richard Santoro, Shooto USA

ADCC 2003: EYE OF THE TIGER (FINAL PART)
by: Luca Atalla

Ricardo Arona exclusive interview (part 4 of 4)

The ADCC 2003 superfight fighter finishes speaking about his very particular way of leaving…

ADCC: Why did you choose to live in Itacoatiara, a beach 30 minutes from the town?
I’m leaving here since the beginning of the last year. Before, I used to live with my parents in Niteroi, but came to here nearly everyday to surf, to climb, to swim… It’s a very native place, that is tuned with my fighter essence. I like to be alone with the nature. I like to feel myself as a tiger, walking alone in the middle of the jungle, tracking the rock… I hope I never leave that place.

What is your relationship with the tiger?
If I was an animal I wish I would be a tiger. Among the cats, it’s the strongest. It hunts alone, it walks alone. It’s mysterious. I like to copy the way it moves too, it gives me a touch with the nature. When I get into the ring, I’m like a tiger: I have to attack, I have to hunt, I have to kill. There’s no option: either you kill or get killed. Sometimes I really think I’m a tiger disguised in a man’s skin.
And I really think the animals have lot’s of things to teach the humans. That my female [the dog named tigra]. She attacked an adult Labrador when she was only two months old. It made me think: If a dog this big have no fear of an adult, how came I can be afraid of a fighter who weighs the same of me? I’m trained to fight but she did that for instinct! I learned a lot with this dog. It was very important prior my fight against Ninja. He went to the TV, to the magazines to challenge me, but during the fight I get into his eyes, and what happened? I won. Be a warrior. That’s what I learned with the animals.

Speaking about hunting alone, you already went to the ring with no teammates…
Yes, I didn’t train with BTT when I faced Guy Mezger, Dan Henderson and Murilo Ninja. Many people don’t believe on it, but for this three fights, may training was to climb the mountains, hit some pads in home, hit the bag, and that’s it! I trained very little to fight these guys. But I got there with a high spirit. In those times, if you take a knife and cut me, I can’t feel anything. I already broke two ribs, get kicked on the face and kept going. Actually, when you fight, you are alone. So I like to walk alone to get used. Just like a tiger, you and nobody else… I get nervous just to speak about it.

You are going to fight just one fight in the next ADCC, but you probably will have a taste of fighting more than one fight in the same night still this year, if you be invited to Pride GP. How is that feeling, to have more than one fight in the same night?
In that situation, two things are decisive: luck and spirit. If you don’t have a strong essence you don’t have a chance. You can’t afford to feel tiredness, you can’t afford to feel pain.

That essence was your edge in the last ADCC, when you won you weight division and the absolute?
No doubts. I even consider my first ADCC [2000] most difficult. I just got the brown belt and went to train along many experienced black belts, and I didn’t give up. And in the tournament, I just faced tough guys. Tito Ortiz, Kareen Barchlaev, Jeff Monsen… But the complete fighter is the one who has mind and body prepared. And with this spirit I go to the superfight!

Source: ADCC

The Rising Sun Report 1.0
"Big in Japan: How Bob Sapp Became a Household Name"

By Keith Vargo

My wife is a kindergarten teacher here in Tokyo. Yesterday her students had an argument about who the strongest man in the world is. They all suggested different people, some real and some imaginary. In between coloring with crayons and building things with blocks, they weighed the pros and cons of each one. In the end they all agreed. The strongest man in the world MUST be Bob Sapp.

To my wife, this was just a cute story. To me, it was amazing. How many kindergarten kids anywhere know a professional fighter's name? How many even know what a fighter is? Yet a bunch of japanese 5-year-olds know enough about Bob Sapp to debate what he can do better than Ultraman. Unbelievable.

You could say that Bob Sapp is big in Japan. But "big" hardly describes the level of media saturation Sapp has achieved. His face is everywhere. You can see it on banners in front of convenience stores, on pizza delivery junk-mail, and even on the turnstiles at train stations. He is in TV commercials pushing everything from instant noodles to A/V equipment. He makes appearances on game shows, variety shows, and celebrity athletic contests. He has even released a CD, the embarrassing but funny "Sapp Time."

But why him? Why, out of all the fighters who come through Japan, is Bob Sapp such a hit? I imagine it's something that "The Beast" even asks himself sometimes. I also imagine it's something most other fighters would love to figure out so they can get endorsement deals and make TV appearances too. Here are some possibilities.

First of all, Japan is a country with a heavyweight fetish and Bob Sapp is a genuine super-heavyweight. Sure, the heavyweights have always been the glamour division wherever fighting is popular. But Japan is also the land of sumo, where there are no weight divisions. In sumo you just get as big as you can and try to use it to your advantage.

In this light, Sapp's appeal as a fighter makes more sense. The average japanese fan is used to men of vastly different weights fighting each other. Bob Sapp pounding on guys like Norihisa Yamamoto and Kiyoshi Tamura is similar to the performance of the biggest sumo champs. Giants like Akebono or Musashimaru easily defeat sumo wrestlers who are merely huge. Japanese fans like big guys and no one in MMA or kickboxing is bigger than Sapp.

Second, Sapp is a former NFL lineman. American football is popular in Japan as a tough-guy sport and some japanese fighters started out as football or rugby players. Some still long to play football. When sumo champ Wakanohana retired from wrestling, he spent the next year going to open try-outs for NFL teams. So Sapp being a legit pro football player, in spite of his ho-hum career, helped pique japanese interest.

Third, Bob is kind of exotic here. Japan is a country with precious few minorities and a giant black man is both frightening and fascinating. When he's in the ring trying to stomp someone's guts out, people will pay to see it. Gary Goodridge and Quinton Jackson make a decent living by filling the role of big, scary, black man for japanese fans. But no one is bigger or scarier than Bob Sapp.

Fourth and most important, Sapp comes across as a genuinely likable guy. When he puts away his "Beast" pro-wrestling persona he is soft-spoken, warm and funny. It's something the japanese media can't seem to get enough of. They report on Bob Sapp's pet cats and his fear of spiders as much as they report on his fights.

Of course, Sapp really is a beast in the ring. Just ask Rodrigo Nogueira and Yoshihiro Takyama. But no one really buys the "Beast" persona. Even my wife's kindergarten students don't buy it. "He acts scary," one boy said, "but he's not really scary. He just pretends." With Bob Sapp, japanese fans get to have their cake and eat it too. They get to have a truly ferocious fighter who is also someone you'd want to have over for dinner or let your kids play with.

Of course, these are just guesses about why Bob Sapp is so popular in Japan. Why some americans are superstars abroad is truly mystifying. I mean, why is goofball comedian Jerry Lewis considered a genius in France? Why was David Hasselhoff topping the charts in Germany with cheesy pop songs? Who knows? Celebrity has a way of just happening to people. The only thing that's certain is that it's difficult to remain a celebrity, especially in the fight game.

Even "The Beast"'s own promoters seem to recognize this. Before Sapp's most recent K-1 fight, they played a video montage of his highlights and lowlights. As they showed Sapp give and take some wicked beatings, the voiceover noted his new-found fame. But it went on to say that, if he can't continue to win, it will be meaningless. It was meant to build up some drama. But Filipovic came out and put an exclamation point on that statement by busting the big man's eye socket and TKO'ing him in the in the first round.

So the big question is, how long will it last? Will Sapp be able to avange his loss to Filipovic and keep winning? If he can he will be able to maintain his superstar status in Japan and maybe make it big in other countries as well. But if he has a few more losses that make him look less like a beast and more like a fish out of water, his popularity may plummet.

Source: Maxfighting

5/15/03

Quote of the Day

You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.

Barbara Sher

808 Fight Factory will be showing
King of the Cage: Sin City at their Gym
This Friday, May 16th.


Event starts at: 4:30 or 5:00PM (call the gym to confirm the time)

Ron Jhun (808 Fight Factory) vs. Shonie Carter for the vacant KOTC Welterweight Championship

Other matches:
KOTC Superheavyweight Championship:
Eric Pele vs. Dan Christianson

KOTC Light Heavyweight Championship:
Jeremy Horn vs. Vernon White

It will be at the 808 Fight Factory Gym
94-143 Leokane Street
(Down the street from Happy Dragon/Firestone in Waipahu & up the ramp on the left)

There will be a $2 charge to help cover the Pay-Per-View costs.

Call 808 Fight Factory Gym @ 671-4140 for more information.

Source: Kai Kamaka

Super Brawl Rebuttal Part Two

Ringside got his chance to sound off, now T. Jay gets to respond to the comments made. It is only fair that he gets the opportunity to respond to shed some light on the points that was brought up. Onzuka.com supports the right to free speech and a freedom to disagree with each other (it makes for an interesting read). One side note, whether you agree or disagree with T. Jay and his promotion tactics, he is probably the most reliable source for bringing Hawaii high quality fighters and match-ups for a sport that we all love to watch.

Some very good points on this thread. I will try to address all of them as honostly as a promoter is capable.
1. Suda's Transportation

We had transportation awaiting all out of town fighters at the airport. The problem was, fighters and corners were instructed to call a toll free number from a payphone when they hit baggage claim as the transportation was waiting one block from airport. This was due to the increased security at the HNL. Shinobu Kobayashi, Sustains representative was concerned the Japanese fighters would not be able to make that phone call due to the language barrier and specifically asked if these fighters could take a taxi instead and be reimbursed. I, of course, obliged their request.

2. "Maybe referee Suzuki-san did make a "human error", stated by T. Jay Thompson. However, Masanori Suda won the fight in the public's eye that night. Being ringside, there is no doubt in my mind of that. Yes, rules are rules, but why should Suda be punished for the referee's mistake? If the outcome were reversed, would Suda be asking for a rematch? Would T. Jay Thomson have been so quick to announce there would be a viewing of the tape, if it had been Suda who was knocked out and not given a standing 8 count?"

I do not have the authority to make any decisions regarding the outcome of the Shooto title. And as this bout was held under the Shooto commissions rules and authority, they will be the ones who will make the final decision.

3. "Egan may deserve a rematch, but he should have to go to Japan for it."

I believe Suda would like the rematch in Hawaii as well. Since he was paid more than 50% more this bout than any other fight he has had in Japan. And I am sure he will be paid even more if, and when the rematch happens in Hawaii.

4. "Therefore, if a rematch in Hawaii does happen, those who attended Suda v. Inoue 1, should be given the opportunity to get a pro-rated ticket."

I respectfully disagree. :)

4."Also, many people may not know the promoter of the Superbrawl "T.J. Thompson/Tommy Dakota" trains with Egan at Grappling Unlimited. That is why those who attended the fight may have noticed the political propaganda which was so shamefully used by the production."

Yes, I do train with Egan Inoue. I also consider him a friend. What many people also don't know is I once trained with Relson Gracie. At the time, I enjoyed training with the JIL team, Egan's GU team as well as the folks at Relsons. Egan was aware I trained elsewhere as was the JIL team. When Relson was made aware of this, I was told to train with him only or to leave the gym. I now train primarily at Egan's but have spent time training at Haru's gym, as well as 808 Fight Factory.

5. "Many already know of the bad relations between the Inoue brothers and Relson Gracie. The video clip before Jeff Curran v. "Kid" Yamamoto's fight, reminded everyone the same old shit is still going on. Relson and Jeff were made out to be the bad guys and the Curran v. Kid fight was made up to be "Yamamoto's revenge" for his team mate Baret Yoshida. "

Jeff Curran's management was made aware of all promotion to run at this show. Jeff is a stud. Relsons actions after Jeff's tremendous KO of Baret Yoshida helped to make him famous in Hawaii. NOT popular...Famous. That fame earned him much more $$$ for his fight against kid. As did his skill. Skill alone is not always enough to get paid big $$$$. Be that right or wrong..it is how tickets are sold.

6. "The production also tried to give Inoue the advantage by making Suda wait through a long video clip of Inoue after he entered the ring. For those of you who know anything about fighting, fighter's must warm up (break a sweat) before they fight. "

That is ridiculous! To state I was trying to give an advantage to one fighter or the other is offensive to me! And for those of you who know anything about fighting....Championship bouts often have long intro's and fighters are well aware they must stay warm while waiting through all the "hype". As a matter of fact, Egan had to wait around just about as long as Suda. If you remember correctly...All the military stuff, including the National anthem were done after Inoues entrance...Again...I am offended at the remark that I would knowingly try to give one fighter an unfair advantage over the other.

I also must apologize to Mr. Suda, and all the Japanese fans for not playing the Japanese Anthem. We had it prepared but overlooked getting a Japanese Flag hung for the event. My production manager informed me it would against protocol and be more disrespectfull to play the Japanese anthem on CD without a flag then to not play it at all. I still wonder if it would have been better to play the Anthem without the flag. But that was the decision that was made.

T. Jay Thompson

ZUFFA and ORTIZ - War Over?

Is the standoff finally over? Have Tito Ortiz and Zuffa come to terms about a potential new contract? Sources are saying that this is the case.

Whether or not Ortiz signs is a different story but MMA WEEKLY broke the major news once again on Sunday.

The most informative radio show in combat sports spoke with Ortiz and his management who said there are legitimate talks going on and a contract was 'in hand.'

Ryan Bennett of MMA WEEKLY made an attempt to get more information out of Tito Ortiz. When asked about a contract, Ortiz said that he could not comment. However, he did agree to get on MMA WEEKLY RADIO when the time comes and make an official announcement.

This throws a monkeywrench in the proposed Chuck Lidell vs. Randy Couture 'title fight' to crown and new or 'interim champion.'

What is DEFINITELY uncertain are the stipulations of the alleged contract and where Chuck Lidell fits (if at all) when it comes to Ortiz' return to UFC.

Rather than make a fuss on TV, UFC and Lidell chose to avoid the behind-the-scenes drama at the last PPV. Lidell made only small reference to Tito saying 'I'm tired of talking about Tito.'

This is the kind of storyline and setup for a main event that even WWE couldn't dream up. If Zuffa runs with it, things could get interesting.

If it packs the P.O.P. (in pro wrestling...the 'payoff punch') and the match happens a year or even two years down the road, it could be another monumental fight.

We'll have more on this saga 'as the world turns.'

Source: ADCC

PRE MECA WORLD VT 8 INTERVIEW: LUTA-LIVRE LEGEND, EUGENIO TADEU

The opportunity of seeing one of the Luta-Livre pioneers in action again is not for all. Since I saw this guy facing and losing a fight for Wallid Ismail in 1991. I was right he was a warrior. After that fight he delay more than 5 years to fight again when he put Nigel Scatelburry on the canvas on Universal ValeTudo Fighting 3(8/4/1996). So after more some away out he came back to fight a no contest match in Pentagon Combat(9/27/1997) versus Renzo Gracie. That fight put Jiu x Luta-Livre again like civil war and the event did not have a end, because after some bad moment a riot started and Tadeu and Renzo did not finish the fight.

Tadeu made his last NHB fight on the most popular NHB event around the world, his step was in UFC 16(3/13/1998) when was beat by the tough Mike Burnett.

Once again after 5 years hibernating, this 'little big' brown bear came back in last year fighting Luta-Livre in SuperCampeonato Cyclone de Luta-Livre'n'Submission, his came back was a success and marked his return in the century 21.

Now Tadeu has in his front what he most love, a MMA/NHB match in next Meca World ValeTudo (MECA 8) marked for May 16th against Marcelo Gidiucci. Interrupting one of their trainings preparations for that fight, FIGHTWORLD Brazil picked some words of one of the pioneers of NHB/MMA in Brazil. With you the return of the Luta-Livre legend, Eugenio Tadeu.

Hey Tadeu, I will take advantage of your training break to ask you some questions, ok? Tadeau: Ok, let's go!

You did not fight Luta-Livre or NHB since 5 years ago. You came back to fight
Luta-Livre last year and will fight NHB/MMA in next May 16th. What made you to come back to the action? Tadeau: Only personal satisfaction. I kept myself training during the last 5 year and I have observing all fighters, so I have a same potential. I am in the age of 39 years old, meantime I do not feel myself tired nor injured, so I asked me, why to stop? Tadeau: I still have fans and besides them I want to show my potential to new fans who never watched me in action. I am from a time where the champion was not made by Magazines, nowadays any tomato can is a fighter.

Do you think that magazines and web sites make a fighter's popularity? Tadeau: Sometimes. I meant in my time all fighters were tough. There were no events and we had to fight on close doors matches, in my time besides champion you needed to have attitude. The fighters who had that were Virgilio, Fernando 'Pinduka', Carlson Gracie, Marco Ruas, Hugo Duarte, Fausto Brunocilla among others.

Do you feel yourself a bit disappointed when fighter who are considered tomato can by you, they gain popularity? Tadeau: Not much. I conquered what I wanted. I introduced two martial arts in Brazil which did not exist - Luta-Livre and Muay Thai - if exist Muay Thai on Rio de Janeiro that is due to the pioneers who are Luiz Alvez, Flavio Molina, Marco Ruas, and myself who fought representing Muay Thai against Jiu Jitsu and won*.

And Luta-Livre? Tadeau: Luta-Livre is Eugenio Tadeu and Hugo Duarte. There are
other excellent Luta-Livre representatives such as BUDOKAN and Roberto Leitão. But Duarte and myself never changed our flag, we always were Luta-Livre fighters and if there is Luta-Livre around the world this is because we always
tried to raise it. When I left Muay Thai in the beginning of 80's, I am
Luta-Livre until the death.

Are there no guys with this same opinion than you on Luta-Livre nowadays? Tadeau: This is not only with Luta-Livre, but with all society. If a person offers more money for a guy without personality and dignity, he leaves his flag and start to represent other one.

So did you come back to show what the flag of Luta-Livre mean? Tadeau: Can be.
I came to fight, let the rock'n'roll to happen on MECA. I am a box of surprises and I am excited.

This fight in MECA should happen ate 3 years ago. I remember I met you on HEROES 1 backstage and you said that maybe would fight, that all depended on the purse. So was this the main reason for you only fight in 2003? Tadeau: I was getting conditioning on that time and maybe I would not fight good. Rudimar Fedrigo(the owner of MECA) is my friend for 15 years, I like him and his team a lot. The invite was ever made since the first MECA and on this edition of number 8 I will try to come back to the scene.

Once again Luta-Livre x Jiu Jitsu in your career. What is this, your fate? Tadeau: [lol] I do not know, only God knows. It does not matter if is Jiu Jitsu or other martial art, nowadays those 'time of war' where I lived it is softened. Luta-Livre and Jiu Jitsu live together peacefully on Submission events. In MECA 8, Jiu Jitsu in my road is coincidence.

Do you like this coincidence? Tadeau: It is good, it does not matter like I said. If was in the past...

How did that rivalry come? I had this attitude because Jiu Jitsu guys coerced all kind of Martial Arts, if you were a Tae Kown Do fighter and walked for a street where there are Jiu Jitsu fighters; they would try to take off your t-shirt. That happened with everybody who did not practice Jiu Jitsu. Nowadays a mutual respect exists and it is proved that there is not the best fight and yes the best fighter.

Besides two close doors matches with Royler – one very known and other one
not - you fought against Renzo(Pentagon Combat). Nowadays how are your thoughts about these Gracie fighters? Tadeau: I admire Royler and that close door match was what I had told you before. This was the only way to prove who was a fighter, there were not events. In my opinion Renzo only speaks a lot, to speak is easy.

Is true that you brawled with Ryan on the streets? Tadeau: Almost. He was very
young and was disrespectful with me in the beach, I went to him to give him some slaps, but he ran and escaped. His cousin was my friend and told me to forget that because he was very young.

Why that fight against Ralph Gracie did not happen on Extreme Fighting 4? Tadeau: You should ask him. I was ready to fight.

When you came back last year on SuperCampeonato Cyclone de Luta-Livre'n'Submission, after your match you made some statements to the new fighters where you focused the importance of the press on their events. What was your intention? Tadeau: The new fighters have good oportunities and they do not take advantage of that. Press, a lot of events and popularity; actually they have those facts. On my time, I needed to travel out of Rio de Janeiro to compete in Wrestling, Muay Thai and Judo events, because there were not events here. On that time too, mats were rare, we had 6 mats to train, nowadays there are a lot of academies and fighters with a lot of condition to train and to be very prepared to fight. If I was 18 years old nowadays, I would fight all.

Do you think that they captured your intention? Tadeau: The true master is that one who always will be a disciple. I such as a fighter and like an apprentice of life try to pass advices because I am one of the Luta-Livre pioneers, I hope that they had gotten to capture what I meant.

Less than one week for your come back in Meca World ValeTudo 8. Are you excited? Tadeau: I am 39 years old there is not more place for excitement for me. My exciting time passed, this was when I was 18 years old. Meca 8 will be my job, this is my job!

The outside of Brazil fans have only one figure which they can remember your defeat to Mike Burnett in UFC and a No Contest against Renzo - what can they expect now? Tadeau: Well, I had alot of problems on that trip to US. I do not speak english, I arrived in the wrong hotel, I did not have time to train an or to adapt myself at the jat-leg. So they will see a fighter completely different of that.

After this come back would you like in US or Japan again? Tadeau: If the doors open again I will land my hits, give me the opportunity and you will see. I did not have opportunities when I was on the verge, I am of the other generation, my first NHB match was in 1983 and I am still active.

What can you tell us about your expectation over you come back in MECA 8 against Marcelo Gidiucci? Tadeau: I am ready and I do not know much about this guy. I only ask to everybody to watch this fight, this will be a very good fight and nobody will be sorry they paid for the ticket to see that.

Ok Tadeu good luck on your come back and come back to train I do not want to disturb you. Tadeau: No problem man, I want to let my web site here
www.EUGENIOTADEU.hpg.com.br

*This was in an event named Jiu Jitsu x Martial Arts where Tadeu KO'd Renan Pitanguy(Jiu Jitsu), Fernando 'Pinduka'(Jiu Jitsu) drew Marco Ruas, Ignacio Aragao(Jiu Jitsu) submitted 'Bruce' Lucio(Kung-Fu), Marcelo Behring(Jiu Jitsu) TKO'd Flavio Molina(Tae Kwon Do) and, besides these challenges, on the super-fight Rei Zulu choke out Sergio Batarelli(Full-Contact). This event was held in November 30th 1984 in Maracanazinho, Rio de Janeiro.

Source: ADCC

Post Fight With Rich Franklin

Rich Franklin made a sudden impact in his UFC debut landing good combinations of a jab, lead hook, leg kick and more punches that stumbled his opponent and earned him the TKO win at just 2:20 of Round 1. The Team Extreme fighter faced cage veteran Evan Tanner of Team Quest at “UFC 42: Sudden Impact” on April 26 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Going in the underdog, Franklin may have been a little hungrier for a win with multiple fights recently canceling out. The well-rounded south paw continues his undefeated record in MMA with hopes of returning to the UFC. I found the Midwesterner to be respectful of his training partners and opponents in our recent telephone conversation and here’s what he had to say...

CUNLIFFE: Your UFC debut went well against a cage veteran in Evan Tanner with a TKO at 2:20 of Round 1. What are your thoughts on your UFC debut win? FRANKLIN: I think it was a great opening for me in the UFC. I’m hoping they (the UFC) were pleased with my performance. I know it might be a slight understatement to say there were many people out there that were stunned by what happened, but I’m hoping that will open some doors for me and that the UFC will invite me back for a later show.

CUNLIFFE: Why stunned? You’re undefeated and a veteran of multiple respected promotions. FRANKLIN: Yeah, but a lot of people out there who watched the UFC haven’t seen me fight before. I was the underdog. Plus, Evan Tanner is a highly skilled fighter with ranked and well respected. Many people know I have good stand up and ground work, but many people were looking for his experience to overcome, especially with the UFC because it‘s a big show, and of course this was my first time and I was expected to be nervous and choke up a little bit.

CUNLIFFE: Would you recap the fight for me? FRANKLIN: I came out to the center of the cage and Evan came out kind of aggressive to the center of the cage. We had watched plenty of tapes on Evan and we knew exactly what his game plan is like, where he throws his punches basically to close the distance. I wasn’t really too concerned about him landing knock out punches. I was looking at hitting from the clinch. With me being a south paw, we knew Evan was going to have some problems getting a hold of me. I was pumping out my jab and lead hook with my right hand and I kept circling to my right to keep him from driving me and finally landed a good combination -- upper cut, hook combo that stumbled him a little bit and from that point I was on him. Everybody saw the rest. I followed up with another combination starting with an inside leg kick and ended with about 3 or 4 more punches.

CUNLIFFE: The fans were vocal, apparently not agreeing with the Referee Stoppage. Would you comment on the efficiency of Referee Larry Landless and his decision? FRANKLIN: Yeah. A lot of people have asked me this question before I saw the tape and after seeing the Bang/Sudo fight before mine and seeing how bloody those two got, I can see how a lot of people might think my fight was possibly stopped prematurely. But I’ve watched the tape and on that second combination, I lead with an inside leg kick and followed up with at least 6 strikes with 3 of them landing and Evan Tanner was on the ground not even defending and at that point in time Larry Landless stopped the fight. I don’t think it was necessarily a bad call to stop the fight, but he could have possibly let it go for a couple more punches, but I don’t think that was going to change the outcome at all.

CUNLIFFE: You’ve had some fights fall through on you. Did this affect your game, maybe made you a little hungry? FRANKLIN: Well, I had some fights pull out and I had some surgery. My fight prior to the UFC was in August of 2002. So, hungry, yes, I guess, but I had been training basically the whole time for this, and from August on through April I was prepared. I was prepared for a fight the entire time in between, except when I had surgery on my knee. But I didn’t have to take much time off for that... in 3 weeks I was back doing everything I needed to be doing anyway. I was already riding a bike within a week after the surgery and getting in my cardio. I never actually got out of shape. The whole time I was training. Maybe I was a little bit hungrier then normal you could say.

CUNLIFFE: Is your conditioning good all year long? FRANKLIN: I pretty much train the same all year long for my fights. I keep in decent shape. I can take a fight at any given time and be in shape. It’s a rare occasion that I might need 2 weeks to get ready for a show. Otherwise, I keep myself in pretty good condition all year. One thing my team here in Cincinnati stresses is a motto we have stolen from Frank Shamrock is that “if you can’t beat your opponent, then at least out last them.” And that’s what we always shoot for in our conditioning.

CUNLIFFE: You train at various schools or have multiple affiliations. What is your Meat Truck, Jorge Gurgel, Team Extreme and Miletich Fighting Systems connections? FRANKLIN: When I first started in this sport, it was myself and Josh Rafferty. The two of us were training in southwest Ohio at a gym called Excaliber. Prior to that we were training in Josh’s shed in his backyard. We went to a local show and met up with Meat Truck (Kerry) then. We talked and thought if we were all serious about this we could train together as a team. Kerry came out to Excaliber to train with us. We needed some Jiu-Jitsu or guidance, as we took ourselves as high as we could with our ground game, and everybody knows that Jorge is an excellent Jiu-Jitsu instructor, so we combined the stuff we knew with our stand up, and Kerry is a pretty good wrestler with Jorge’s ground game and we all just merged together. Once Monte started managing us it gave us access to start training at Miletich. I myself travel up there once every other month for a week just to train with those guys for the experience. A lot of the guys up there have been a big help with me, especially Jeremy Horn. That’s how it all came about.

CUNLIFFE: You’re rather well-rounded, defeating opponents with kicks, punches and submissions. How do you bring all of all your training together? FRANKLIN: In Cincinnati, I go to a separate boxing coach to work my hands, but when we’re in school together we has days that we work certain things. We’ll have one day when we work Jiu-Jitsu drills, and the next day we might work on kickboxing, then the next day kickboxing with take downs. We keep mixing it up until we cover every angle we could possibly cover in the fight game. We’ll do drills on certain days and one example would be I’d be cross mounted by a guy as he’s throwing punches and I’ll have to defend and improve my position. We work every angle that we can possibly think of and I think doing the drills over and over benefit us. A lot of schools tend to concentrate on what they are good at, while we work it all and that is what’s made us well rounded.

CUNLIFFE: I have March 24, 2000 in my notes. Can you tell me what that date is? FRANKLIN: It’s my first fight at Extreme Challenge 31 where I defeated Rob Smith by TKO from punches.

CUNLIFFE: What is your most memorable fight and why? FRANKLIN: I get asked this all the time and every time I’m asked I say something different. One of my most memorable fights in when I fought Aaron Brink out in California for the ICC. Because I had a 103* fever in that fight and it was hell. It was a tough fight for me and it wasn’t exactly my best showing, but it ended up being a good fight for me though. The most defining part of my career is when I fought Gary Myers because that was a knock out kick to the head. That fight opened a lot of doors for me. At that point in time people started to take a look at me and say “hey, who is Rich Franklin... who is this guy?”

CUNLIFFE: Do you prefer the ground or stand up? FRANKLIN: For me it doesn’t matter where the fight goes personally I’m just as comfortable standing up as I am on the ground. But I always tend to take my opponent to where he’s not good. Like with Evan Tanner, I kept circling him working the outside game because I am better at that then him. To be quite honest, I would have been comfortable clinching with him. It just doesn’t make sense to go where your opponent is most comfortable, however, when I fight, I have a tendency to make sure I stand up because it’s more of a crowd pleaser, and the crowd definitely likes to see knockouts more then they do submissions, so if I can keep the fight on the feet I will.

CUNLIFFE: What’s next for you? FRANKLIN: My contract was for 1 fight and we don’t have anything on the plate with the UFC. I don’t have anything lined up right now. There’s talk of an 8-Man at the end of August, but I’m hoping for something before then.

CUNLIFFE: What’s up with the Jim Carey thing? FRANKLIN: Everybody thinks I look like him. I don’t know what the deal is, but I think I’m going to get stuck with the fight name, Ace.

CUNLIFFE: Is there anything you’d like to say? FRANKLIN: I’m hoping everyone was pleased with my performance and that they get on the UnderGround and say how they want to see Rich Franklin knock out more opponents.

Source: ADCC

Allan Goes: ‘I don’t send messages to another man’

I haven’t seen Allan Goes for while. Precisely, since the ADCC National Trials, on January 22nd. In that occasion, he was in the audience, recently arrived from Seattle, WA, where he spent the year of 2002 training at the Maurice Smith camp. Allan then told me he had rejoined Brazilian Top Team and he was looking for a MMA return as soon as possible. Nearly three months after, we knew he was scheduled to face “Carlinhos” Lima in the main event of Meca World Vale-Tudo, event that will take place at Curitiba, Brazil, this weekend, on May 16th.

We all know Allan was one of the top contenders in his weight division in the late 1990s, a guy whose fights in Pride and UFC were remarkable. So I thought his acceptance of fighting in Brazil as a really humble attitude, especially because he would face a much less-known opponent, comparing with Frank Shamrock, Dan Henderson, Kasushi Sakuraba, just to name a few of Allan’s former foes.

I almost called Allan to let him talk about this decision, but he had just got back to Brazil and he had no phone numbers yet, so although I announced his fight here in the ADCC news column, I postponed the interview. Last Friday, however, I met him by the chance at Bibi Sucos, Barra da Tijuca, at lunch time, and we spoke a little.

He had just came from a condition exam, checking his gas for the next fight. ‘I don’t want to get surprised in the fight,’ he said as he took a bite of the steak he was eating. ‘But I’m in a very good condition,’ he assured. He was much lighter than usual explained why: ‘I feel much better now with only 88kg. I’m more quick and flowing’.

Until that point Allan was relaxed, showing his typical grin and mixing jokes with serious talking. But then I asked about his opponent, Carlinhos Lima, and he suddenly became angry. ‘He’s talking a lot of bullshit. He’s saying that he will take my head off, that he will kill me inside the ring. He better do it, because there’s no way better to die’ said Allan, his eyes gazing into the infinite. ‘But I won’t answer him. You know, I won’t send messages to another man.’

Allan also talked about his return after a break of more than one year. ‘You know, after my last loss, I thought I would attend college. Then I tried to figure that scene, but I couldn’t imagine myself in a class, writing things in a notebook,’ he laughed, before the conclusion: ‘Then I came back to train harder than ever. You know, I realized that the only thing I know how to do is to fight. So I decided to fight very often and for a long time. I want to be the George Foreman of MMA’, he compared. And promised: ‘I’ll fight until my fifties.’

Source: ADCC

MECA 8 and Abu Dhabi Approaching,
Wanderlei and Belfort Training Hard
and Ninja Wraps up Seminar Tour

The Brazilian Beat:

We're almost in middle of May and The Brazilian Beat has been away for quite a while, due to travel. This is the first time this column is being written from outside of Brazil, and it goes to show that no matter where FCF is, we're always looking to provide you as much NHB information as possible. The next week is going to be a busy one, with MECA 8 and Abu Dhabi happening almost all at once. FCF is going to cover all the action, so keep checking our website. For this "welcome back edition" of this column, we bring you news on Wanderlei Silva, Mario Sperry, Vitor Belfort, Murilo Ninja and others, so don't miss a single phrase and let FCF lay the Brazilian Beat with a certain European flavor, all the way from the cold weather of Sweden!
PRIDE Middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva has been taking his preparation for a likely upcoming fight against Quinton Jackson very seriously. Although rumors were circulating that the fight could take place at the June PRIDE show, Silva won't be fully recovered from his knee surgery so soon, so according to the "Axe Murderer" himself this fight will have to take place in August. Wanderlei told FCF that he has been weight training very hard and is weighing 102 kg right now! His Muay Thai and Vale Tudo training is also increasing its pace even more, and he is looking to perform in his best shape ever in August.

The Abu Dhabi Submission Grappling tournament is coming up this next weekend in Sao Paulo and the expectations are as high as possible for the show. Brazilian Top Team member and former Abu Dhabi champion Mario Sperry is already dedicating his training exclusively for the event. Sperry kept up his regular NHB training routine for a long time, hoping for an invitation to perform at PRIDE 26, but with the biggest submission wrestling show in the world coming up, he decided to focus his training on the competition, although his main goal is still No Holds Barred and Mario told FCF he is anxious to get back to the PRIDE ring.

Speaking of shows, the biggest NHB event in Brazil is also about to take place. This Friday, May 16th MECA World Vale Tudo 8 is taking place once again in the beautiful city of Curitiba. Expectations are high and the event will feature a card with 11 fights, making it the biggest MECA card ever. Among the last minute changes are the addition of PRIDE veteran Chicao Bueno facing an American fighter named Azton Zapo, Jiu-Jitsu stand out Denilson "Pe de Chumbo" has finally been confirmed as the opponent for Chute Boxe's own Nilson de Castro, and yet another change of opponent for Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, who is now facing MECA 5 winner Alessandro Leal. The event will also include Katel Kubis facing BTT member Haroldo Cabelinho, Jorge "Macaco" Patino facing Claudio das Dores, Luta Livre legend Eugenio Tadeu fighting Marcelo Giudice and also PRIDE veteran Allan Goes matching Carlinhos Lima. Stay tuned for more MECA 8 info coming soon.

PRIDE, UFC and IVC veteran Wallid Ismail spent a good amount of time on Brazilian soil recently. Ismail has been living in the USA and training with the likes of rAw team and others for a good while, but after a long period away from his birth country, the Carlson Gracie black belt took the opportunity to take care of personal issues as well as make some guest appearances on TV shows during his stay in Brazil. Wallid also reported that he may do some pro-wrestling in Japan soon, due to his good relationship with Japanese legend Antonio Inoki, but his goal is still No Holds Barred.

As the June UFC approaches, Vitor Belfort's training is getting harder and harder. Vitor has been training hard every day at his new training center in Sao Paulo and FCF had the chance to witness some of the training sessions. Along with the help of Jiu-Jitsu players such as Fernando Terere, Leozinho Vieira and Claudio Godoi, Belfort has been recently doing a lot of boxing sparring with some Brazilian professional and amateur boxers, even from the Brazilian Olympic team. "The Phenom" is also preparing with a kickboxing trainer and his cardio is looking great, so Belfort against Eastman is promising to be a great fight, and FCF will continue to follow Vitor's training until the fight.

Brazilian Top Team member Fabiano Scherner is preparing for an upcoming fight at USA's traditional NHB event HOOKnSHOOT. "Pega Leve" as he is known by his teammates is one of the toughest fighters in the Top Team camp, and has been taking training very seriously. Brazilian Top Team member Claudio Godoi is also negotiating some deals, and is bound to appear in NHB in the very near future.

Three times PRIDE winner Ricardo Arona has been preparing himself for his ADCC superfight against Mark Kerr. Despite dealing with some injuries, Arona has been able to train and is, of course, looking for a win against the heavier opponent. After ADCC, it is very likely that Ricardo will return to PRIDE action soon, and his next fight may be against Dutch fighter Alistair Overeem.

The second edition of RN Vale Tudo is already schedule to take place on the 6th of June in the city of Natal, in Brazil. RN Vale Tudo works as a minor league show for Bitetti Combat, organized by promoter Conrado Carlos, who also promotes Bitetti Combat. The first show took place in a small city near Natal, but this time Conrado decided to take the show to the capital of the state, showing once again how much the sport is growing in the Northeast of Brazil. The show will feature two tournaments to select fighters for the upcoming BC 3 show, with one tournament being for fighters up to 72 Kg, and the other for fighters up to 82 Kg. Brazilian Northeastern standout and BC veteran Rivanio Aranha is among those who will be fighting in the show.

Training has been as tough as ever in the Chute Boxe camp with MECA 8 approaching. Murilo Ninja's brother Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has been training very hard for his second NHB bout and reports have that he is developing amazingly in training, and is showing way better condition that before his debut. Shogun has been considered for awhile the future of Chute Boxe, and he has been proving it in training lately, even giving stars like Wanderlei Silva a hard time in sparring. Mauricio is now weighting 95 Kg and word is that it was already very tough to find an opponent for him. Depending on the outcome of his fight in MECA 8, PRIDE may be awaiting him.

Speaking of Chute Boxe, the team's heavyweight and PRIDE veteran Assuerio Silva is about to be confirmed for PRIDE 26 at any minute. Assuerio has been training hard and waiting for a fight for a long time now, and it looks amazingly likely that he will be performing in the PRIDE ring in June against a very experienced opponent, who has several PRIDE fights under his belt and plenty of knockouts in his record. The fight may be announced soon and if it comes through, it'll most certainly be a barnburner.

PRIDE fighter and Chute Boxe stand out Murilo Ninja Rua just completed his small European seminar tour this Sunday. Ninja spent close to two weeks in Europe, doing seminars in three countries and closing the tour in Sweden this weekend. Murilo is coming back to Brazil this Tuesday to support his brother in MECA and restart his training for an upcoming PRIDE bout as soon as possible, but he told FCF that he enjoyed the experience of doing seminars in Europe a lot.

Source: FCF

Gruenwald, Bono win first U.S. Nationals titles in wrestling, in exciting action in
Las Vegas, Nev., May 9-10


Las Vegas, Nev. - It was a historic day at the 2003 U.S. National Championships as 12 wrestlers repeated as national champions and three of last year’s finalists captured their first national crown.

None of those finalists from last year was more notable than Jim Gruenwald (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), who won his first national title after seven previous trips to the national finals with a dominating 6-0 win over defending champion Glenn Nieradka (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) at 60 kg/132 lbs. in Greco-Roman action.

“This is my eighth trip to the finals. I have seven seconds. I just put everything into the hands of God and let Him take care of everything,” Gruenwald said after his win.

Gruenwald felt that injuries may have set Nieradka back somewhat in the match.

“(Nieradka) has had some injuries and hasn’t been able to get the training he needed for this tournament. He definitely did not seem like the same wrestler as he has in the past. I am sure he will be back at the World Team Trials.”

Also winning his first title was 2002 U.S. World Team member Chris Bono (Gilbert, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. in men’s freestyle competition. But Bono’s win did not come without controversy.

Bono took a 1-0 lead in the second period when defending champion Bill Zadick (Coralville, Iowa/Hawkeye WC) broke his lock in the clinch. Zadick tied the match at 1-1 with a single-leg midway through the second period. The score remained the same at the end of regulation.

In the overtime, Zadick did not correctly lock in the clinch, resulting in a caution and two points being awarded to Bono, giving him the 3-1 win.

“You take a win any way you can get them at this level. I didn’t score the points, but I’ll take them. If the officials want to give me two points in any match, I’m not going to complain,” Bono said after the win.

In women’s competition, Tela O’Donnell (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC) shocked most observers with her finals win at 55 kg/121 lbs.

O’Donnell, who placed fifth last year, defeated 2002 World silver medalist Tina George (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) 6-4 in the finals. This after she defeated seven-time national champion Stephanie Murata (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) in the semifinals.

Trailing 4-3 late in the match, O’Donnell was able to use a half-nelson to roll George to her back, and holding it for an extra point, taking a 6-3 lead.

“When I had the half-nelson, I just knew I had to keep working to get her turned. It took a while for me to turn her,” O’Donnell said.

Four champions were repeat champions in men’s freestyle action.

Eric Guerrero (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) defeated Jesus Wilson (Fayette, Iowa/Minnesota Storm) by a 4-2 score in a hotly-contested 60 kg/132 lbs. final.

The scoring began in the first period when Wilson rolled Guerrero off his shot to take a 2-0 lead, but Guerrero quickly scored a reversal and an exposure point to tie the match at 2-2. In the second period, Guerrero scored two more exposure points on a tilt for the final points of the match.

2002 U.S. World Team member Stephen Abas (Fresno, Calif./Sunkist Kids) won his first national title with a 3-1 win over Eric Akin (Lincoln, Neb./Dave Schultz WC) at 55 kg/121 lbs.

At 74 kg/163 lbs., 2001 World bronze medalist Joe Williams (Coralville, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) won his third consecutive national title with a 5-2 win over Joe Heskett (Grover Beach, Calif./Gator WC).

Daniel Cormier (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) excited the full crowd at the Las Vegas Convention Center with a three-point lift and throw to defeat Dean Morrison (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) 3-0 at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. It is the first national title for Cormier.

Kerry McCoy (Bethlehem, Pa./New York AC) won his fourth national title with a 5-0 win over Tolly Thompson (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

In Greco-Roman competition, five wrestlers repeated as champions.

At 84 kg/185 lbs., Brad Vering (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) defeated longtime friend and former coach Matt Lindland (Eagle Creek, Ore./Sunkist Kids) in the first-ever match between the two. Vering won the match 3-0 in overtime.

“One of my coaches Mark Cody once said that you know you’re a great coach when your student starts beating you. I pay that as the ultimate compliment to Matt Lindland. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He has meant everything to my career,” Vering said following the emotional win.

“I felt pretty good, pretty relaxed. Even though I was the top seed, I didn’t feel like the pressure was on me. He was the Olympic and World silver medalist. I thought the pressure was on him.”

2002 World Champion Dremiel Byers (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) kept his title of best super-heavyweight in the world with a 3-0 win over Corey Farkas (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Air Force) at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

Byers used a lift and throw in the first period to score all of his points. It was a lift he was not sure he could complete.

“It was slower than I thought it was going to be. Farkas is big. He’s probably about 290 lbs. right now,” Byers said. “Winning these tournaments just confirms the things that people have been telling me for years. They tell me I have it in me to be an Olympic champion. I am believing it too.”

At 55 kg/121 lbs., 2001 World silver medalist and 1996 Olympic silver medalist Brandon Paulson (Anoka, Minn./Minnesota Storm) defended his national title with a 6-0 win over Lindsey Durlacher (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC). Paulson broke a scoreless tie in the second period with a three-point throw from the clinch.

Also defending their Greco-Roman titles were Kevin Bracken (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC), who defeated Mike Ellsworth (Colorado Springs, Colo./Michigan WC) 6-1 at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Keith Sieracki (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army), who beat college freshman Kenneth Cook (Ames, Iowa/Cyclone WC) 6-1 at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Olympic bronze medalist Garrett Lowney (Minneapolis, Minn./Minnesota Storm) after his 4-0 win over Philip Johnston (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Air Force) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

In women’s freestyle action, Sara McMann (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) continued her recent domination over 2002 World bronze medalist Kristie Marano (Albany, N.Y./ATWA) with a 7-1 win at 63 kg/138.75 lbs.

2001 World silver medalist Toccara Montgomery (Cleveland, Ohio/Cumberland College) evened her season record against high school phenom Samantha Lang (Tualatin, Ore./Sunkist Kids) with a 10-0 technical superiority at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.

Montgomery, who is now 2-2 this season against Lang, won a national title last year at 67 kg/147.5 lbs. She feels that she is finally getting used to the higher weight class.

“At first, I was feeling a little slow. Now, I’m starting to move more. My style has changed. Before, I was so aggressive. Now, I am learning to relax and wear the bigger girls down,” Montgomery said. “It generally takes me a while to get used to different people. She is a talented wrestler and is definitely a force. She is forcing me to get better.”

Patricia Miranda (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC) continued her domination over U.S. opponents after she pinned Clarissa Chun (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) in the first period at 48 kg/105.5 lbs.

Miranda feels her success this season is owed directly to the new U.S. Olympic Training Center Women’s Resident Program.

“I owe a lot to Terry Steiner, the national women’s coach. Losing is a wrestler’s responsibility, but he made it his responsibility too. He has started working with me on the mental aspect of the sport,” she said.

At 51 kg/112 lbs., Malinda Ripley (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) defeated returning champion Jenny Wong (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) by a 5-2 score.

Ripley took a 3-1 lead off a takedown and a gut wrench in the first period, and put the match away in the second period with a crotch lift. Wong was given one more chance to score from par terre with one minute left in the match, but she was unable to expose Ripley’s back.

“I was thinking ‘why did I get cautioned again’. I have done scouting and I knew what side she was going to gut to. The last time I wrestled her was at Sunkist and she beat me on top, so I was worried about it before the match,” Ripley said.

Also winning their first national titles were Sally Roberts (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) with a 6-3 win over Erin Tomeo (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) at 59 kg/130 lbs. and Katie Downing (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), who defeated Kaci Lyle (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) 3-0 at 67 kg/147.5 lbs.

Winners of the U.S. National Championships receive an automatic bid into the best-of-three finals at the 2003 U.S. World Team Trials, which will be held June 20-22 in Indianapolis, Ind.

MEN'S FREESTYLE
55 kg/121 lbs.
1st - Stephen Abas (Fresno, Calif./Sunkist Kids) dec. Eric Akin (Lincoln, Neb./Dave Schultz WC), 3-1
3rd - Teague Moore (Norman, Okla./Gator WC) dec. Mike Mena (Bloomington, Ind./Gator WC), 4-0
5th - Jeremy Hunter (Champaign, Ill./New York AC) dec. Tim Dernlan (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC), 4-2
7th - Matt Azevedo (Arroyo Grande, Calif./Sunkist Kids) by forfeit over Jeff Prescott (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC)

60 kg/132 lbs.
1st - Eric Guerrero (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) dec. Jesus Wilson (Fayette, Iowa/Minnesota Storm), 4-2
3rd - Mike Zadick (Iowa City, Iowa/Hawkeye WC) dec. Yero Washington (Hoboken, N.J./Sunkist Kids), 4-0
5th - Dwight Hinson (Ames, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) dec. Jason Kutz (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army), 4-0
7th - Nate Gallick (Tucson, Ariz./Cyclone WC) dec. C.C. Fisher (Colorado Springs, Colo./Team Excel), 5-3

66 kg/145.5 lbs.
1st - Chris Bono (Gilbert, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) dec. Bill Zadick (Coralville, Iowa/Hawkeye WC), 3-1 OT
3rd - Lincoln McIlravy (Colorado Springs, Colo./McIlravy WC) dec. Reggie Wright (Bloomington, Ind./Gator WC), 8-0
5th - Jamill Kelly (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) dec. Tony Davis (Lincoln, Neb./Sunkist Kids), 4-3
7th - Doug Schwab (Minneapolis, Minn./Minnesota Storm) dec. Jared Frayer (Norman, Okla./Sunkist Kids), 4-0

74 kg/163 lbs.
1st - Joe Williams (Iowa City, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) dec. Joe Heskett (Grover Beach, Calif./Gator WC), 5-2
3rd - Casey Cunningham (Mt. Pleasant, Mich./Sunkist Kids) dec. Byron Tucker (Norman, Okla./Sunkist Kids), 8-7
5th - Ramico Blackmon (Colorado Springs, Colo./Team Excel) dec. Kirk White (Tacoma, Wash./Dave Schultz WC), 4-2
7th - Donny Pritzlaff (Madison, Wis./Dave Schultz WC) dec. Josh Koscheck (Buffalo, N.Y./New York AC), 6-1

84 kg/185 lbs.
1st - Cael Sanderson (Ames, Iowa/Sunkist Kids) dec. Lee Fullhart (Chattanooga, Tenn./Gator WC), 5-0
3rd - Brandon Eggum (Minneapolis, Minn./Minnesota Storm) dec. Muhammed Lawal (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC), 5-2
5th - Aaron Simpson (Tempe, Ariz./Sunkist Kids) dec. Tony Gansen (Mt. Pleasant, Mich./Unatt.), 3-1
7th - Clint Wattenberg (Ithaca, N.Y./Cornell) by inj. default over Randy Pugh (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Gator WC)

96 kg/211.5 lbs.
1st - Daniel Cormier (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) dec. Dean Morrison (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC), 3-0
3rd - Tim Hartung (Minneapolis, Minn./Minnesota Storm) dec. Dominic Black (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army), 3-1
5th - Jon Trenge (Bethlehem, Pa./New York AC) tech. fall Chad Lamer (Iowa City, Iowa/Hawkeye WC), 12-2
7th - Nick Preston (Columbus, Ohio/Ohio International) by inj. default over Ryan Tobin (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC)

120 kg/264.5 lbs.
1st - Kerry McCoy (Bethlehem, Pa./New York AC) dec. Tolly Thompson (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Sunkist Kids), 5-0
3rd - Brian Keck (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) dec. John Lockhart (Champaign, Ill./New York AC), 4-0
5th - Cain Velsaquez (Tempe, Ariz./Sunkist Kids) dec. Mike Faust (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC), 8-6
7th - Clint Walbeck (Fresno, Calif./Sunkist Kids) by fall over Joe Sahl (Behtlehem, Pa./New York AC), 5:09

GRECO-ROMAN
55 kg/121 lbs.
1st - Brandon Paulson (Anoka, Minn./Minnesota Storm) dec Lindsey Durlacher (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC), 6-0
3rd - Sam Hazewinkel (Pensacola, Fla./Gator WC) dec. Anthony Gibbons (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army), 4-1
5th - Joe Espinoza (Marquette, Mich./USOEC/Gator WC) dec. Michel Santos (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army), 5-2
7th - Neal Rodak (San Diego, Calif./U.S. Nay) dec. Bobby Demeritt (East Ridge, Tenn./Unattached), 4-2

60 kg/132 lbs.
1st - James Gruenwald (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) dec. Glenn Nieradka (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army), 6-0
3rd - Joe Warren (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) dec. Jacob Hey (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Air Force), 6-1
5th - Duaine Martin (Quantico, Va./U.S. Marine Corps) by inj. default over Dennis Hall (Plover, Wis./Sunkist Kids)
7th - James Johnson (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) tech. fall Willie Madison (Marquette, Mich./Gator WC), 12-2

66 kg/145.5 lbs.
1st - Kevin Bracken (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) dec. Mike Ellsworth (Colorado Springs, Colo./Michigan WC), 6-1
3rd - Glenn Garrison (Ft. Carson, Colo./U.S. Army) dec. Oscar Wood (Ft. Carson, Colo./U.S. Army), 9-0
5th - Harry Lester (Marquette, Mich./USOEC/Sunkist Kids) dec. Steven Woods (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Air Force), 5-2
7th - Cory Posey (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) dec. Mark Rial (Colorado Springs, Colo./Unatt.), 5-4

74 kg/163 lbs.
1st - Keith Sieracki (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) dec. Kenneth Cook (Ames, Iowa/Cyclone WC), 6-1
3rd - T.C. Dantzler (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) dec. Darryl Christian (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC), 3-0
5th - Heath Sims (Newport Beach, Calif./Dave Schultz WC) dec. Brandon McNab (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC), 6-0
7th - Keith Barkers (Quantico, Va./U.S. Marine Corps) dec. Sasa Petkovic (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC), 3-1

84 kg/185 lbs.
1st - Brad Vering (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) dec. Matt Lindland (Eagle Creek, Ore./Sunkist Kids), 3-0 OT
3rd - Jake Clark (Quantico, Va./U.S. Marine Corps) dec. Aaron Sieracki (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Air Force), 3-0
5th - Tom Ciezki (Evanston, Ill./Wildcat WC) by inj. default over Ethan Bosch (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC)
7th - Kenny Owens (Quantico, Va./U.S. Marine Corps) dec. Brad Ahearn (Quantico, Va./U.S. Marine Corps), 3-2

96 kg/211.5 lbs.
1st - Garrett Lowney (Minneapolis, Minn./Minnesota Storm) dec. Philip Johnston (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Air Force), 4-0
3rd - Deon Hicks (Quantico, Va./U.S. Marine Corps) dec. Justin Ruiz (Taylorsville, Utah/Dave Schultz WC), 4-1
5th - R.C. Johnson (Marquette, Mich./Minnesota Storm) by fall over Frank Workman (Quantico, Va./U.S. Marine Corps), 1:16
7th - Jason Loukides (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) tech. fall Brian Kraemer (Cold Springs, Minn./Minnesota Storm), 12-2

120 kg/264.5 lbs.
1st - Dremiel Byers (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) dec. Corey Farkas (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Air Force), 3-0
3rd - Rulon Gardner (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) dec. Paul Devlin (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army), 7-1
5th - Nick Severson (Hayberry, Minn./Minnesota Storm) by fall over Russ Davie (Bowling Green, Ohio/Cleveland WC), 2:23
7th - Josh Feldman (Pensacola, Fla./U.S. Navy) dec. James Hollis (West Point, N.Y./U.S. Army), 8-2

WOMEN'S FREESTYLE
48 kg/105.5 lbs.
1st - Patricia Miranda (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC) pin Clarissa Chun (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC), at 2:41
3rd - Mary Kelly (Mahomet, Ill./Dave Schultz WC) tech. fall Katrina Betts (Milan, Mich./Wolverine WC), 10-0
5th - Julie Gonzalez (Vallejo, Calif./Dave Schultz WC) tech. fall Hana Askren (Los Angeles, Calif./Santa Monica WC), 10-0
7th - Gina Heinzelmann (Maplewood, Minn./Minnesota Storm) tech. fall Rachel Bernardes (Marshall, Mo./Missouri Valley), 10-0

51 kg/112 lbs.
1st - Malinda Ripley (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) dec. Jenny Wong (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), 5-2
3rd - Katie Kunimoto (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) by fall over
Debbi Sakai (Honolulu, Hawaii/Wahine WC), 1:03
5th - Patrice Crenshaw (Morris, Minn./Minnesota Storm) by fall over Sarah Hayes (Broomfield, Colo./Cumberland), 2:35
7th - Cheryl Wong (Boston, Mass./Dave Schultz WC) by inj. default over Sarah Bergman (Otsego, Minn./MPIS)

55 kg/121 lbs.
1st - Tela O'Donnell (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC) dec. Tina George (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army), 6-4
3rd - Stephanie Murata (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) dec. Marcie VanDusen (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids)
5th - Kiersten Hyatt (Carmichael, Calif./Missouri Valley) dec. Desiree Lockhart (Forest Grove, Ore./Pacific), 14-10
7th - Danielle Hobeika (Princeton, N.J./Dave Schultz WC) by fall over
Cathy Migita (Honolulu, Hawaii/Rainbow Wahine WC), 4:52

59 kg/130 lbs.
1st - Sally Roberts (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) dec. Erin Tomeo (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), 6-3
3rd - Brandy Rosenbrock (St. Claire Shores, Mich./Michigan WC) dec. Leigh Jaynes (Marshall, Mo./Missouri Valley), 3-2
5th - Brooke Bogren (Williamsburg, Ky./Cumberland College) by fall over Linse Meadows (Katy, Texas/Neosho), 4:15
7th - Lindsay Owens (Ripon, Calif./Menlo) dec. Othella Lucas (San Diego, Calif./San Diego Hot Beaches), 9-2

63 kg/138.75 lbs.
1st - Sara McMann (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) dec. Kristie Marano (Albany, N.Y./ATWA), 7-1
3rd - Lauren Lamb (Farmington, N.Y./Michigan WC) dec. Alaina Berube (Cornell, Mich./Cumberland College), 8-2
5th - Emilee Murphree (Napa, Calif./Missouri Valley) by inj. default over Tori Adams (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC)
7th - Tina Arnds (Scottsdale, Ariz./Missouri Valley) dec. Shelly Ruberg (Ueras, Ohio/Cumberland College), 6-0

67 kg/147.5 lbs.
1st - Katie Downing (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) dec. Kaci Lyle (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), 3-0
3rd - Stephany Lee (Honolulu, Hawaii/Rainbow Wahine WC) vs. Ali Bernard (New Ulm, Minn./New Ulm Rolling Thunder)
5th - Heather Martin (Wellington, Ohio/Keystone WC) vs. Kelly Branham (Apache Junction, Ariz./Missouri Valley)
7th - Cindy Herceg (Los Angeles, Calif./Santa Monica Bay WC) vs. Mollie Keith (Aurelia, Iowa/Missouri Valley)

72 kg/158.5 lbs.
1st - Toccara Montgomery (Cleveland, Ohio/Cumberland College) tech fall Samantha Lang (Tualatin, Ore./Sunkist Kids), 10-0 at 6:00
3rd - Iris Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) tech. fall Elena Mena (St. Paul, Minn./Neosho), 10-0
5th - Donnell Bradley (Aiea, Hawaii/Missouri Valley) by fall over Brianne Bazzini (San Carlos, Calif./Penn Grapplers), 1:32

Source: ADCC

5/14/03 Updated 2:00PM

Congratulations to Kai & Girlie Kamaka!

They have just added one more to the 808 Fight Factory Team...this time their two boys will have to contend with the first member of the Kai & Girlie FEMALE fight team.

Cody Jane (CJ) Kamaka was just born and weighed in at 7lbs 10oz.

Momma and baby are doing great and are going home soon. Kai says that there still is a chance to add more members to the team...after all he has to catch up to the Jhun's, Cooper's and Paling's right?

Quote of the Day

Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love.

Lao-Tzu

Ron Jhun Fights for King of the Cage Championship

I just wanted to post and remind all the fans in Hawaii that
RONALD " THE MACHINE GUN " JHUN
will be representing Hawaii & 808 Fight Factory on Friday May 16,2003
In Las Vegas In The KING OF THE CAGE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP'S
he will be fighting SHONNIE "MR. INTERNATIONAL" CARTER For the
Welterweight Championship of the world. We wish him the very best of luck
and are behind him all the way, Thanks for all the support that Onzuka.com
gives all the fighters in Hawaii,

Mahalo,
Danny Kaheaku

KOTC Pre Fight: RONALD 'Machine Gun' JUHN

This weekend Ronald “Machine Gun” Jhun, fighting out of 808 Fight Factory, takes on Shonie Carter in King Of The Cage for the 170 belt vacated by Romie Aram earlier this year. Although most US fans probably haven’t seen Jhun fight live due to his residence in Hawaii and record in mostly SuperBrawl he has not only recently started fighting in KOTC but has taken on some big names recently in the news, from Dennis Hallman to Dave Strasser. Carter and Jhun have met in the ring only six months ago in SuperBrawl for their 170 belt, a fight most reports indicate should have gone to Jhun but which the judges ruled a draw.

KM: Here we are about a week out of your KOTC bout. How are you feeling?

RJ: Good. Real good.

KM: Did you enjoy SuperBrawl last weekend?

RJ: Yeah, it was a sellout crowd.

KM: That was a huge opportunity for your teammate with the publicity around the main event for the Shooto belt and all. Were you jealous at all?

RJ: I wouldn’t say jealous but I was itching to get in there. (Laughs)

KM: Your last fight was against James Meals in Kaos. I didn’t see that one, all I heard was he went for a deep double leg and you sprawled and it ended in the first round by strikes.

RJ: Sure.

KM: How do you look at that fight?

RJ: It was more of a see where I am at kind of fight. A fine tune.

KM: What are your thoughts on the next KOTC fighting Shonie for the belt?

RJ: Kind of looking forward to that. We fought already in SuperBrawl.

KM: I’ve seen some highlights of that first fight with Shonie in SuperBrawl in December. Everybody I’ve talked to, everything I’ve read says you should have had that third round with the knockdown and the decision should have gone to you.

RJ: Yeah.

KM: Is this fight in KOTC against Shonie some form of redemption?

RJ: Probably you could say that but the competition was really good. I’m looking forward to it because Shonie is a nice guy, a real professional. It was really fun, I enjoyed myself out there. His style is real different, so it took me a round and a half or two rounds to figure him out. He comes out with that same style I don’t think it’ll go the distance (laughs).

KM: The perception I have right now is that back in October you started to come out of a bit of a slump. You’ve had a couple since then but this is the biggest ‘getting back on track’ fight to take nothing away from your Carter and Dennis Hallman draws. How do you look back at that slump in your career?

RJ: There were a lot of things going on a lot of people don’t know about. Just see me in the ring. I was dealing with some personal issues.

KM: Coming out of that you went into the draws with Shonie and Dennis Hallman. You were handed two of the top 170s one right after the other in SuperBrawl and KOTC. That’s quite some way to come back. Then the two wins in SuperBrawl and Kaos and now the belt shot in KOTC. The perception I have on this is you went through that training difficulty but you can’t say you haven’t snapped out of that 5-6 months ago. Do you see this as a comeback?

RJ: It’s like I tell everybody else, it’s what makes you a fighter and a human being. I just refocused my focus on everything else, kind of used it and turned it into a positive. Whatever situation I was dealing with at the time it affected me in the ring. I didn’t really see it until after. Plus I was fighting all this time at 185 and actually walking around at 185.

KM: I heard the first Shonie fight was your first at 170.

RJ: Yeah, that was the first time coming down.

KM: Are you going to continue to fight at 170?

RJ: Yeah. I’m going to stay at that weight class.

KM: You have some tough competition at 170 in KOTC with Vasconcelos, Parisyan, Alessio…what are your thoughts on how you fit into the 170s? You have the reputation of being one of the best strikers at 170.

RJ: I feel I fit in perfectly. The fighters you name should be some good match-ups.

KM: I’m hoping KOTC uses some of the other impressive 170s like Jeremy Jackson or Nick Diaz. Are you familiar with the 170s outside UFC, SuperBrawl, and KOTC?

RJ: Yeah, I’ve seen those guys fight, in fact I met Nick Diaz out here. I’m pretty familiar with the fighters.

KM: At 808 Fight Factory do you have a lot of 170s to train with?

RJ: At 808 there are two or three guys at 170. We got guys that are 155, maybe a few guys at 185. We got some up-and-coming guys. A lot of guys say training with high caliber guys is what you need and I feel that anybody, any training partner will do as long as they have the same focus and push each other hard.

KM: I’m wondering if you look at this fight with Shonie as a rematch, another day at the office, or setting yourself up for the big payday. Does the attention of PPV matter at all to you?

RJ: It’s a little more tension, little more excitement. I feel like a lot of people don’t know about me so it will probably be the best way to get out there and people start make some noise and use the gifts that God gave me. I think that is the best place to do it, Vegas PPV.

KM: Was the decision to go down to 170 to use the same weight cutting advantage your opponent were using against you or was it a career opportunity?

RJ: Just some different goal. Like I said, I was walking around 185, 183 and my eating habits and stuff like that wasn’t all that great. I just wanted to try to start eating properly and see if I could drop the weight and I started losing weight. One time I dropped down to 176.

KM: I think that is really when your career turned around. I should say got back on track because you started off with a hell of a career. You beat Pete Spratt twice, you beat Dave Strasser, you beat Joe Stevenson…I remember around the time of the first WFA people started to hear about you and thought “oh my God, who is this guy?”

RJ: I’m like a diamond in the rough out here.

KM: Is there anything else you want to get across?

RJ: Just basically me changing my life around. When I started I was in a bad situation. I started going to church, found Jesus. It was all me believing in Him. I think that was the strength behind everything right now, my faith and taking this thing as a sport. Using this sport to glorify Him. Believing in Him and changing my life around. He blessed me with kids and a beautiful family, I’m traveling and enjoying myself.

KM: Very well put.

You can watch Ronald do all that as he returns to KOTC this weekend in Las Vegas.

For more on 808 Fight Factory check out http://www.808fightfactory.com.

'King of the Cage: Sin City ' will be held on Friday, May 16, 2003 from the Orleans Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gates open at 4:30pm PST, fights start at 5:30pm. In addition, 'King of the Cage: Sin City' will be televised on pay-per-view! The pay-per-view broadcast begins at 6:00pm PST/9:00pm EST and is available via DirecTV, The Dish Network, TVN, Bell Express Vu, and Viewer s Choice. For more information on pay-per-view availability, check your local listings.

Source: ADCC

ADCC 2003: THE EYE OF THE TIGER (pt 3)

Ricardo Arona exclusive interview (part 3 of 4)

Brazilian Top Team star talks about his will to fight Wanderlei Silva, his temper and how it affects his performance…

ADCC: After you beat Ninja, you were waiting for the title’s bout. But we know it will not happen for now, since Wanderlei Silva will face Quinton Jackson. Why Pride doesn’t want to put you against Wanderlei?
I keep asking myself the same question all the time. Since I got into Pride, I faced the hardest opponents they have, at least at the moment: Guy Mezger, Dan Henderson, Murilo Ninja. I never caught an easy fight. So I don’t know why they don’t let me face Wanderlei. Before, I thought I should go to the media and charge him, but now I realized that it’s not the right way. I want to keep training a lot and when this chance come I’ll be read.

ADCC: That’s the proof you’ve reached a serenity you didn’t have. Arona always was a guy who took everything as a personal thing. I remember when you fought a luta-livre guy in the 2000 National ADCC trials. I rembember when you fought [Gustavo] Ximu in the Rings. And I remember you were the first Brazilian Top Team member to quarrel with Chute Boxe guys. How come you changed?
Everybody is a man, and wants to preserve his pride. I respect the fighters a lot, I always did. But I defend my honor. The rivalry started for their side. I was disrespected and defended myself. I’m trained to don’t take offenses to the bed. I have no fear of fighting. I’m afraid of guns or knives but I don’t have fear of kicks nor punches. Never. It could be Wanderlei or whoever, doesn’t matter, I only step forward. I never step back.

ADCC: How you learned to act like that?
Since I was a child, I was very courageous. I always took the highest risk and my parents had many problems with me. When I was 14 years old, I started to train Jiu-Jitsu. I did many vale-tudo sparring sessions since then and I think I lost the fear of fight. When someone faces me, I like that, I like that feeling.

ADCC: When you started to train Jiu-Jitsu you thought you would fight vale-tudo?
I’m 24 years old, and started in 1992. There was that challenge, on Grajau, Jiu-Jitsu x luta-livre (when Wallid Ismail, Fabio Gurgel and Murilo Bustamante fought against Eugenio Tadeu, Denilson and Marcelo Mendes). That challenge woke me up to the possibility of some day doing a vale-tudo. When I saw the first UFCs I dreamed in some day being there. And today I consider a big accomplishment when some of the old guys such as Coleman or Frye come to me after a fight to compliment me.

ADCC: You are a very powerful fighter. At the most difficult times, you always explode and change the situation. I have seen it thru your career lots of time. What do you think at such times?
The fact is that the mind is the most powerful tool of a fighter. You can be physically well conditioned, but if the mind isn’t good, the chances of losing are big. I always had difficult fights and I learned that you must to oxygen the blood at the complicated times. I the most critical situations, you can’t lose the control. You have to take a breath and to concentrate the power to escape once. It’s all about your mind.

Source: ADCC

Latest on BOB SAPP

The latest on Bob Sapp is that he has been instructed to not even train for several weeks, to rest the eye socket injury suffeed at the hands of Mirko Crocop. As with all professional athletes, he probably won't listen.

The broken eye socket was not the same type of break as Kazushi Sakuraba or Takayama. Instead, it was broken in the back part of the orbital bone and had to have minor reconstruction.

On the brighter side for Bob Sapp, he sold an estimated 4,000 T-shirts at the last K-1 event at $40 U.S. dollars a pop. Yes, that's $160,000 in T-shirt sales.

His doll is selling faster than stores can keep it on the shelves. There are two versions of the doll (licensed by K-1). The first version is 'Bob Sapp' and the second version is 'The Beast.' As with most Japanese toys, the craftsmanship and detail is phenomenal.

His CD is selling much better than expected despite mixed reviews and of course, he is doing countless product endorsements as usual.

Sapp is currently recovering from eye surgery and helping book K-1 matches inside the United States. It's rumored that K-1 will try and run six shows in the U.S. in the next 12 months.

Denver, Las Vegas, Miami and New York are four of the cities named as prospects for K-1 this year.

Sapp also announced that he will return to fighting in August or September for K-1.

Source: ADCC

ADCC Preview: The ‘under 76kg’ Defending Champ's Training Session

Marcio Feitosa knows that exactly one week from now, he will be at
Ibirapuera, Sao Paulo, looking for his second ADCC World Championship title.

But he probably isn’t thinking of that when Rafael Correa looks at the stop watch and shouts: ‘Five minutes! Now the points are valid.” Immediately, Feitosa shoots on his teammate Rafael Ramos' legs, going for his back and gets the takedown.

The temperature is pretty cool on this rainy Saturday, May 10th, at Barra da
Tijuca, RJ, but the heat of the training makes it the room seem considerably hotter. Especially for Ramos, who keeps playing from the bottom for the rest of the match, stifled by a tight and controlled Feitosa. The situation gets worse and worse for Ramos, until time expires, saving him from an eventual submission.

‘He’s a good sparring partner for me,’ evaluates Marcio, as he sits leaning on
a wall resting for a couple of minutes. ‘Different from the heavy guys that
I trained with earlier this week, his game is very close to the other fighters that I will face in the tournament,’ he concludes.

Marcio doesn’t know precisely who the opponent’s list will hold, but the ‘under 76kg’ bracketis rumored to have some familiar foes such as Vitor 'Shaolin' and Fernando 'Terere', aside from Daniel Moraes, who won the Brazilian Nationals trials, and many others who will come from overseas.

‘Of course, I’m not sure who are in, but I know that my weight division is
traditionally one of the toughest. And, as the tournament is getting harder
year by year, even that weak “gringo” of the first round won’t show up.
Thus, we better be ready,’ states Feitosa, breathing and heading for the mat, where he will sweat a little more.

The next 20 minutes are spent on the technical part of his training session, and he uses the time exchanging many tricks with former ADCC champion Alexandre ‘Soca’ Carneiro. First, they argue about some leglocks. Then, they study some guard positions and finally they go for the standup situation,
where they figure what’s the best way to set up a take down from several different positions.

After the today’s job is over, Marcio changes his mood and doesn’t say one more serious word at all. He becomes the Marcio who his friends fear the most: that one always thinking of the funniest way to play a joke on someone else. And doing this in classic fashion, he then wastes twice the time he spent training. ‘I have to relax,’ he argues, laughing. After all, no one is made of steel.

Source: ADCC

Boxer SHANNON BRIGGS - MMA Bound?

Both boxing and MMA sources are starting a major chatter about Shannon Briggs entering MMA.

Briggs was offered a shot at K-1 in mid-2002 but turned down the offer. Since then, Briggs has had two boxing matches and was scheduled to compete on HOOKnSHOOT's upcoming Florida show but he has pulled out.

Many are speculating a deal with the UFC which would have Briggs making his MMA debut. This would be the first time, a top-flight boxer would be in the UFC which could be a big draw in Vegas.

It's no secret that Briggs has been training with the AMERICAN TOP TEAM in Ft. Lauderdale, FL over the last year. Could be the secret behind the success of Hermes Franca's recent UFC win?? Possibly.

In many cases, the age old line 'he's forgotten more about boxing than most MMA guys know' has been said. This could be true. ATT considers Briggs a major asset to their camp and many believe Briggs feels the same about his BJJ cohorts.

Briggs is said to have an incredible sprawl when he is grappling.

Once source inside ATT has stated that Briggs in interested in MMA but is used to large boxing paydays. Briggs scored big money when he defeated George Foreman. His fight with Lennox Lewis, a fight he was clearly winning to a certain point, is also one of Briggs biggest financial scores.

The speculation grows as rumors of a potential Tank Abbott fight are on the rise. It would seem that Zuffa wouldn't want to jump the guy so another tidbit has surfaced.

One person training with ATT says a potential fight with Cabbage would be more of a reality and if Briggs did sign, this could happen by the end of the year.

Expect more news in the upcoming weeks.

Source: ADCC

5/12/03

Quote of the Day

"The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart
– this you will build your life by, and this you will become."

James Lane Allen

Warriors of the Ring 3 Results
Maui War Memorial Gymnasium, Maui, Hawaii
May 10, 2003
By Chris Onzuka -
Chris@Onzuka.com

Maui fight fans came out in force to support the third installment of Warriors of the Ring. This card featured fighters from Maui, most of which were making their debut. And when you have first timers getting into the ring, you know what that means…punches thrown with reckless abandon and guys basically attacking each other. Some of the fights that stood out were Omalza-Tolentino, both lightweights that came out hard and fast. The Mozocca-Kamalo fight brought out two big boys just going at it. Mozocca almost caught Kamalo with an arm bar that he ended up leaning on the ropes, but ended up finished Kamalo with a rear naked choke. Then we have the Groves-Tevaga fight where Tevaga's tooth, root and all, was knocked out. If you are wondering his tooth was returned to him. Hinojesa and Garcia were two pitbulls going after each other for the entire two rounds. Hinojesa pulled off a beautiful suplex and a knee breaker. That was the first time I saw a knee breaker (not a knee lock) attempted in a MMA fight. It was pretty tight too. Searfoss came out like a bat out of hell and took it to Hendrickson stunning him with a punch and then pounding him until the referee stopped the fight. The main event was a slugfest that brought the crowd to its feet. Both fighters exchanged punches and kicks with Ferreira landing the better ones. Ferreira chopped at Lupi's legs and then landed a punch that rocked Lupi. Ferreira went after him and Lupi fought back but Ferreira was relentless. Lupi would recover just in time to take another solid punch that would rock him again and the referee stepped in when he saw Lupi's hands drop. This match had the entire gym cheering the action and ended the event with a bang…literally.


All fights were amateur bouts - 2 Rounds x 5 Minutes:

Keola Cabalero (Backyard Assault, 5/5", 140lbs) def. Shaun Saribay (Freelance, 5'5", 140lbs)
Submission via rear naked choke at 2:29 minutes in Round 1.


Ian Omalza (Maui Full Contact Fighting, 5'5", 127lbs) def. Eric Tolentino (Hard Impact, 5'6", 130lbs)
Submission due to strikes from the mount at 4:55 minutes in Round 1.


Mathew Mozocca (Relson Gracie, 6'1", 220lbs.) def. Josh Kamalo (Backyard Assault, 5'9", 260lbs.)
Submission via rear naked choke at 1:09 minutes in Round 1.


Kendall Groves (Maui Full Contact Fighting, 6'4", 190lbs.) def. Marvelous Tevaga (American Kenpo, 6'0", 200lbs.)
TKO via doctor stoppage due to loss of tooth at 50 seconds in Round 2.


Alan Hinojesa (Maui Full Contact Fighting, 5'6", 190lbs.) def. Mike Garcia (American Kenpo, 5'6", 145lbs.)
Unanimous decision after 2 rounds [(20-18), (20-18), (20-19)].


Semi Main Event #1
Eddy Searfoss (Maui Full Contact, 6'2", 205lbs.) def. Charles Hendrickson (Backyard Assault, 6'0", 20lbs.)
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes at 19 seconds in Round 1.

Semi Main Event #2
Anthony Billianor (Lockdown/MFCF, 6'0", 260lbs.) vs. Kadon Zimmerman (Freelance, 5'10", 250lbs.)
Fight cancelled due to Anthony Billianor dislocating his shoulder when warming up for the fight.


Main Event
Edward Ferreira (Maui Full Contact, 5'10", 180lbs.) def. Paulo Lupi (Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu, 5'10", 175lbs.)
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes at 1:10 minutes in Round 1.

Super Brawl 29 the largest attended MMA event in Hawaii!

The hype and advertising for Hawaii's largest MMA draw, Grappling Unlimited's Egan Inoue paid off. The fight between, Shooto Champion, Masanori Suda and Super Brawl Champion, Egan Inoue had been postponed twice before the stage was finally set on May 9th, for these two warriors to meet to unify their titles in Hawaii. This was the first time that a Shooto championship match would take place outside of Japan. T. Jay Thompson put together a solid under card to build the excitement for this monumental match.

As expected, Hawaii fight fans came out in droves to show their support for Egan Inoue. It was reported that 8,445 fight fans crowded into the Blaisdell Arena to watch Super Brawl 29. This is probably as close to a sell out as we will ever get for a mixed martial arts event...unless there is a Suda-Inoue 2... The Blaisdell Arena can hold approximately 8,800, so it was about 350 people short of a full house.

Super Brawl Rebuttal Part Deux
A view from ringside


We received this email from a fan that only refers to himself as "ringside." It was well written and brought up some pertinent points from an "objective" party. I say objective because he states that he is a local that, like almost everyone in the Blaisdell Arena, wanted and expected Egan Inoue to beat Masanori Suda. We always include these "disclaimers" but there are always a few people out there that blinders on, so bring on the hate mail!

I just wanted to give my opinions and perspective about the KO. First of all, I want to say that I'm a local fan and I wanted the hometown favorite, Egan Inoue, to win. However, that was not the case, and as we have seen time and time again, anything can happen in an MMA fight.

I'd like to bring up some questions and facts that your readers may be interested in. In the fight between Genki Sudo v. Bang Ludwig, many felt the referee "Big John McCarthy" made a mistake by stopping it late in the third round, in the last UFC. As Big John has stated, his job is fighter safety and he stopped the fight due to Bang's nose bleeding profusely. Like many others I wanted the fight to be started in the same position it was stopped (Genki in Ludwig's guard), however, the UFC rules are that the fight is restarted on the feet. Now the tables were turned in Ludwigs favor- Hence, Ludwig's comeback and the inevitable decision.

Maybe referee Suzuki-san did make a "human error", stated by T. Jay Thompson. However, Masanori Suda won the fight in the public's eye that night. Being ringside, there is no doubt in my mind of that. Yes, rules are rules, but why should Suda be punished for the referee's mistake? If the outcome were reversed, would Suda be asking for a rematch? Would T. Jay Thomson have been so quick to announce there would be a viewing of the tape, if it had been Suda who was knocked out and not given a standing 8 count? Egan may deserve a rematch, but he should have to go to Japan for it. Why should Suda have to come back to Hawaii with everything to lose (the Shooto and Superbrawl championships)?

If Inoue was robbed of a standing 8 count, then so was the paying public. Therefore, if a rematch in Hawaii does happen, those who attended Suda v. Inoue 1, should be given the opportunity to get a pro-rated ticket. For those of you who don't know- Inoue makes a percentage of the ticket sales because he is the largest draw in Hawaii. That could explain the significant increase in ticket prices from the previous $25 to the present $34, and the immediate call for a rematch.

Also, many people may not know the promoter of the Superbrawl "T.J. Thompson/Tommy Dakota" trains with Egan at Grappling Unlimited. That is why those who attended the fight may have noticed the political propaganda which was so shamefully used by the production.

Many already know of the bad relations between the Inoue brothers and Relson Gracie. The video clip before Jeff Curran v. "Kid" Yamamoto's fight, reminded everyone the same old shit is still going on. Relson and Jeff were made out to be the bad guys and the Curran v. Kid fight was made up to be "Yamamoto's revenge" for his team mate Baret Yoshida. The video clips were inappropriate and in bad taste. The fact is Relson made a mistake by taunting Yoshida. That's a fact. However, just because Relson's last name is Gracie, doesn't mean he's perfect. He makes mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. And luckily for us, classy guys like Curran can diffuse the situation with just 4 words, "Kid kicked my ass." My point is - just let it go already!

The production also tried to give Inoue the advantage by making Suda wait through a long video clip of Inoue after he entered the ring. For those of you who know anything about fighting, fighter's must warm up (break a sweat) before they fight. Suda, warmed up before he came out. Then, he had to try to stay warm during Inoue's video clip (which seemed like forever, showing his past fights). I thought that was uncool of the production, however, what was really inappropriate was having the national anthem sung after Egan came out ready to fight. He was warmed up and ready to go, but it was now our hometown favorite who had to wait and try to stay warm by punching his face and body while the national anthem was sung. Don't misunderstand me, I love my country and I thought the recognition and appreciation for the military was to say the least, an awesome gesture. However, couldn't it had been done at the start of the evening or before the fighters even came out to the ring? If the long video was to somehow play with Suda's head, the national anthem and long wait for Egan may have played with his head. In any case, it was a bad production decision.

Finally, I leave you with this. Rules are rules and they should be followed. But then again, just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. Should Egan challenge the "8 count rule?" Only Egan knows the answer to that question. Only he knows if it would have made a difference. I would love to see Egan win both the Shooto and Superbrawl championships. However, being a local fan and wanting Egan to "only win" is selfish. I realize the importance of truth and of fairness. And if a rematch does happen, Egan should have to go to Japan to try to win his title back.

Frank Trigg Comments On UFC, Hallman & More

John Hartnett: First off, how have you been keeping yourself busy since your last fight?

Frank Trigg: Been doing a couple different things. I’m getting ready to do a video deal, I’ve got an instructional manual that Ive just finished up and I’m getting ready to put out and just training and running the rAw academy.

John Hartnett: As far as this year, do you have any fights scheduled?

Frank Trigg: Nothing yet, we are working on a deal right now with PRIDE, hopefully Ill be in their June show, and their next two shows with the third one being in January in Las Vegas. Hopefully that will come through, and we are also waiting on WFA to let us know when their next event is.

John Hartnett: So you have no word from the WFA about when you’ll be defending your title?

Frank Trigg: No, I have no idea. They told me July, but they also told me it was gonna be in March before that, so who knows.

John Hartnett: How many fights would you like to get in before the end of this year?

Frank Trigg: As many as I can get. I’d like to fight six times a year but under the circumstances Ill take whatever’s left. You know, were hitting up to half way threw the year right now so if I can get three or four more in this year we’ll be ok.

John Hartnett: Looking back on your career thus far, what would you say has been your biggest challenge to date?

Frank Trigg: My toughest fight was Jean Jaques Machado.

John Hartnett: What do you think you learned from that fight?

Frank Trigg: Constant motion is the key to beating anybody. And then making sure that even if you are exhausted that you have to keep superior position, you always have to try and keep superior technique than your opponent.

John Hartnett: Looking forward into the future, who would you like to face and who do you think you’d match up well against?

Frank Trigg: I’d match up well against anybody in my mind. As far as who I’m gonna face, I could care less. I'll beat who ever they want to put me in front of. It’s all about dollars; it’s not necessarily about titles for me at this stage in the game. Whoever’s gonna pay me is the one that’s gonna get me and then whoever they put me against is who I’m gonna fight. I don’t ever turn down a fight against anybody, although I have been turned down for fights by other people who I’ve requested fights against. But I don’t turn anybody down, whoever comes up front, if all the money is correct were in it were in the ballgame.

John Hartnett: A lot of talk has been going on as you obviously know, about the UFC and who the next challenger for Matt Hughes will be, and it appears to be you are the prime candidate. What are your thoughts on that?

Frank Trigg: Well you know that’s what they’re saying on the internet, which is basically just a bunch of fourteen year old and fifteen year old kids running around saying that’s what they wana see. But the reality is that it’s not up to them its up to the UFC. And to my knowledge they’ve never contacted us about me fighting anybody let alone Matt. So I have no idea what they are going to do. And their next show is June sixth, so if they want have me to fight Matt, he’s not going to fight until their whenever, September show, I guess.

John Hartnett: I think it’s in August.

Frank Trigg: Ok, so he’s not gonna fight till August, so if they are gonna have me fight him they need to have me in there first. They gotta have me fight someone else first, first there’s no way I should come in and fight Matt right away for the title, that doesn’t make any sense. We try to make this a professional sport, and to have someone come in that’s unranked in your organization and all of a sudden he shows up and he’s fighting for the title that’s ridiculous. So they have to have me fight some time before that and that’s the June sixth show, and we are looking at thirty one days from today for that event. And they haven’t contacted us at all. So I don’t see wanting me fight whoever for whatever reason I’ve discussed this before. Its not personality wise, I actually at least in my mind got along well when I met with Lorenzo. But it’s just a business decision on their part, it’s up to them. Unless they contact us there’s nothing we can do about it.

John Hartnett: So let’s say everything goes right, and everything goes as planned and you do face Matt Hughes, how would you approach that fight?

Frank Trigg: Same way I approach any other fight. I’m just gonna do what I always do, I’d out hustle him, out strength him, out power him, out technique him like I do with anybody else I fight. Pick and choose my positioning and it’s gonna be a battle of technically he thinks it’s his ring and his event as far as being the champion of the show. So it’s going to be proving him that it’s my show, my ring and my event and that it’s my belt and he’s just basically hanging on to it.

John Hartnett: A lot of people compare you guys, they say you have similar styles and some people think Hughes is stronger than you and then other people think that your more technically sound than Hughes. What do you think about Matt Hughes’ skills?

Frank Trigg: His skills have improved over the last seven years, I’m not a big tape watching guy, I don’t watch tapes of all the other fighters. When the pay-per-view shows come on, I don’t even watch most of the events. The last one, the only one I saw in the UFC was the Hughes, Sherk fight. I didn’t get to my buddies house until late cause basically I’m doing other stuff. He's strong compared to everyone else he’s competed against but when I was competing at 76 kilos in wrestling, I was one of the strongest guys in the world at my weight and I was probably around top twenty as far as technique goes in the world and my weight as well. So as far as Matt being stronger than me, I don’t think that’s going to be possible. I’ve been gifted with the natural athletic ability to be strong and wirey and that’s just what I am. There’s just no way that pound for pound at any weight or any situation you want to put us in that Matt going to be stronger than I am. So it’s just not gonna happen. He’s definitely more explosive than I am. And that’s to his advantage that he’s a more explosive fighter than I am, but my styles are grueling wear you down beat you up style. But then after working since my last fight very heavily on my submission game and I don’t believe I have improved that much but my instructors and my teammates say I’ve improved greatly, but that remains to be seen until my next fight where we can actually say one way or the other as to what’s improved and what hasn’t improved. Stylistically we match up very well for me, but for Matt it’s a bad match up. Because he’s not gonna be able to overpower me, he’s not going to be able to out technique me, he’s not gonna be able to out hit me. My striking is better on my feet than his is and than his were, even back in November when I last fought. I’ve improved my game since then, so it’ll be a interesting match up to say the least but as of right now, it’s a non issue because I don’t see it happening.

John Hartnett: Speaking of your instructors and your training, Matt Hughes has one of the top notch training facilities out in Iowa with the Miletech Fighting Systems….

Frank Trigg: That’s all speculation

John Hartnett: Right, and your out there with rAw out in California, what should people expect when they want to go out there and train with you guys?

Frank Trigg: Tough workouts very regulated, very structured. Unlike most other main academies through out the world our head instructors there all the time, everyday. Working us out, working out with us, you know beating us up and puts us in a situation where we know we are going to lose for a certain purpose. Like he knows that I’m not as good a submission artist as say like Fernandinho Vasconcelos or I’m not as good a guard passer as someone is so he puts me in that position where I’m not gonna win in that position and I’m completely exhausted, and that forces me to learn how to survive and how to function in a position I’m poor at and I’m not going to do very good at. And in most other academies you walk in and you don’t feel like striking for that day, you don’t feel like wrestling for that day, you don’t have to. Well in our place if there is even one thing we see that you really don’t want to do, your gonna spend the whole practice in that position, just learning how to deal with things that you don’t like to do all the time. It’s very regulated, we have practice every day at 4:30, everyone has responsibilities to the academy as well as to each other making sure things run smoothly. Everyone has to do their day to day desk work and as far as watching the desk and checking other members in and every fighter has to be here and take four group classes a week as well as taking practice. Even when you're not training you have to be at practice everyday, even when you don’t have a fight coming up, you still have practice everyday.

John Hartnett: So how much do you think they have improved your skills?

Frank Trigg: Oh tremendously. I had no skills; I just had wrestling ability and the will to want to win. That’s the only thing I had when I first moved out here and since then I’ve actually learned how to pass, I’ve actually learned how to punch, I’ve actually learned how to kick, I’ve actually learned how to counter submissions, I’ve actually even learned how to do some submissions which is an amazing feat for me. Because I’m not from that kind of background.

John Hartnett: Going back to the subject of UFC and how they would have to market you to become a legit top contender in their organization. A lot of people have been talking about Dennis Hallman and you having to face him again in a rematch. Dennis has been talking a lot about you lately and your last title bout in WFA, explain how that fight went down.

Frank Trigg: Watch the tape; it went down the way it went down. He got kicked in the stomach and he pussed out, that’s basically what happened to him.

John Hartnett: Dennis has complained recently about the inadvertent groin shot and that the bout should have been ruled a no contest. And has said if there is a rematch this time he’s bringing a steel cup. What do you have to say about that?

Frank Trigg: Whatever. He should have worn a steel cup to begin with; I don’t know why he wasn’t wearing it the first time. The commission guys were sitting there at ringside and determined it wasn’t a groin shot at the time of the fight. He appealed the decision, and the commission board decided that it wasn’t a groin shot at the time. And I don’t know what else could be done. The commission guys were live at ringside too, they said it wasn’t, sent it back to the appeals commission on a different board, they watched the tape and watched everything that went on and they said it wasn’t. To my knowledge Larry Landless who was the ref at the time had to go to the appeal meeting and Dennis lost the appeal. So he can run his mouth as much as he wants, but the fact is that he lost twice on one fight. Three times actually if you wana take in the fact that he was sitting in the corner crying like a little girl. And I get kicked in the groin all the time, and I don’t wear a cup when I practice. I get straight kicked, catch a knee on the way down when your trying to pass somebody’s guard in the middle of a takedown, you take two or three minutes and go right back after them. If you got money on the line and supposedly he wanted the title so bad and the title was on the line five minutes is more than enough time to recuperate. He should have came out and turned it up a notch and try to beat the piss out of me. But he didn’t, he chose to be a little girl and cry and whine and just gave up. So that’s the kind of person he is and that’s what he has to live with.

John Hartnett: What do you think of Dennis Hallman the fighter, not the person?

Frank Trigg: Well basically the way he fights is the kind of person that he is. If things can go his way and things are happily going his way he’ll stick in it and that’s the kind of person that he is. And if things get rough he looks for a way to get out, he looks for a way to duck. I guess he left Matt Hume’s academy because things were getting rough, and things were getting tough on him and he wanted to change off and go work out with Team Quest. So when things get rough and tough that’s the way he fights, he looks for a way bail out of the fight. And in his life it’s the same thing. This is the way it is, people that fight in this game as a professional, basically their personalities are the ways they fight. If they have aggressive personalities they fight aggressively. If they don’t have aggressive personalities they don’t fight aggressively. That’s just the way they are, and Dennis is one of those guys that if things are going picture perfect the way they are suppose to be going for him then he’s gonna stay in it, but if there’s a little problem a little trauma or a little pain involved, he tends to look for an exit.

John Hartnett: Now if you had to fight Dennis Hallman again, how would you approach the fight mentally and how would you approach it training wise? What would you look to do?

Frank Trigg: I’d do it the same way I did the first time. Nothing changes, he hasn’t changed and nothing is getting any better than when we fought so it’s just the same way I trained before and the same way Ill do it again.

John Hartnett: And what exactly was you game plan for the last fight?

Frank Trigg: Basically I don’t have a game plan when I go out and fight anybody. It’s just what they give me is what I take. If he wants to give me a submission, I'll take a submission. If he wants to stand up and get in the head with one twos, I’m gonna hit him in the head with one twos. If he wants to take body kicks and body shots, that’s what Im gonna give him. It’s what ever he gives me is what Im gonna take. I don’t go out there with a game plan with ok this guys gonna do this, so this is what I gotta do. Now I know that my takedowns need to be a little bit harder because he has a pretty good submission game on the way down and I know that once hes on his back he’ll try to do a bunch of submissions but like I said, he’s no where as good as the guys we train with over here as far as submission goes. We’ve got world champs that come through here all the time and they’re not catching me, so I don’t see Dennis catching me in anything. Like I said, the way I trained for him the first time is the same way Ill do it again. But then again I don’t see that fighting happening again either. Because there are just too many guys in the world at the weight to fight, whats the point in having him and I fight again. It’d actually be really anticlimactic, cause when I beat him up again they will be like, that’s what happened the first time, what the hell is the difference? It’s not gonna put any more butts in the seats, its not gonna sell any more tapes, its not gonna do anything really. Its just gonna be another anti-fight in reality.

John Hartnett: Looking forward into the future again, how much longer do you see yourself in the fight game?

Frank Trigg: I’ll fight four or five more years and I’ll be out.

John Hartnett: And after those four or five years and you get out you’ll be looking to train others?

Frank Trigg: I don’t know what I’ll do when I get out. I got a t-shirt company that releases in the fall or a clothing company rather that releases in the fall and we’ll see how that goes. I got deals with the clothing company going into Canada, its going into Switzerland, its going into the Netherlands, and its going over to Japan. That hopefully will pick up where the fighting left off.

John Hartnett: Right and what’s that clothing company going to be called?

Frank Trigg: It’s called “Trigganomics”.

John Hartnett: Trigganomics, that’s a great name.

Frank Trigg: Thank you. Its main stream athletic clothing, its not just for the fighters or the fight game. It’s main stream athletic clothing for everybody. Its going to have a dedicated women’s line, a dedicated mans line and then starting in a year or so if everything is falling in line we are going to have a dedicated kids line as well that’s strictly for the kids. It’s a demand, its from an athlete for athletes and it’s a demand for better quality athletic gear for guys who just wana compete and want to work out and stuff. You look good going to the gym, you look good training in it, and you look good coming home with it.

John Hartnett: So it would be sort of a Starter or Nike right?

Frank Trigg: Actually what it is like, we are an American Eagle and Abocrombie and Fitch kind of meet the X Games. It’s got that kind of college look to it. It’s that kind of college genre, kind of American college look to it, that’s basically what we are going for, but a little edgier and a littler more hyperactive I guess.

John Hartnett: Where would people want to go to find out more information about your clothing line?

Frank Trigg: Right now they can’t go anywhere. When we open it up, its just gonna be a mass opening, right now we are just finishing up the final designs and getting the catalogs out to all independent buyers, so they can make their orders and once the orders are in there will be a big mass blitz. The internet blitz, there will be stuff in Ultimate Athlete, Grappling and other magazines of where they can pick it up and then there will be massive adds of what we are putting out with the releases. There will be a small, small limited release in the summer and then there will be a release in the fall.

John Hartnett: And I’m sure you are gonna cover it all on FrankTrigg.com right?

Frank Trigg: Yeah, yeah it’ll be on there. Actually there will be a link to Trigganomics.tv when it gets loaded up.

John Hartnett: Wrapping things up here, any final comments, or anything you’d like to tell your fans to look out for?

Frank Trigg: Um no, I guess just keep paying attention to the promoters and see what they come up with. Right now hopefully we get some deals worked out with either PRIDE or UFC relatively soon and we’ll take it from there.

Source: MMANews.com

Robbie Lawler Speaks Out, Injury Update & More

I recently had a chance to sit down with current UFC blue chipper “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler after UFC 42: Sudden Impact, and discuss his injury and his forthcoming plans.

John Hartnett: So what exactly was it you injured?

Robbie Lawler: It’s my hip.

John Hartnett: Do you have any idea of the extent of the injury?

Robbie Lawler: I don’t know what’s the matter with it.

John Hartnett: I heard you had a little bit of trouble down at the hospital (Miami Jackson Memorial), what happened there?

Robbie Lawler: It was packed and I didn’t want to sit there any more.

John Hartnett: How long did you end up staying for?

Robbie Lawler: Not long enough, an hour maybe. There were people who had already been there for a day and it was packed when I got in there and nobody was moving.

John Hartnett: What were your thoughts on the fight? You seemed to be doing real well in the clinch with those knees.

Robbie Lawler: Well, when I threw my last knee in the clinch, that’s what really popped my hip out.

John Hartnett: Were you really concentrating on your knees from the clinch during training, or did it just come natural?

Robbie Lawler: Nope, it just came natural.

John Hartnett: Did Pete Spratt’s leg kicks have any effect on you?

Robbie Lawler: Nah, you don’t feel those when your in the fight.

John Hartnett: You have any thoughts on having a rematch with Pete when you return?

Robbie Lawler: Ill definitely want a rematch. I think he’s a good fighter, but I think I can do better and it would be a good fight.

Source: MMANews.com

Pete Spratt Responds, Secret Injury Revealed

After speaking with Robbie Lawler, I decided to give a call to Pete Spratt and hear his end of the story. We spoke about the fight, and some of the things Robbie had to say. Pete also talked about his upcoming appearance on BET’s “Mad Sports” and what his involvement there was. But the big shocker was that he revealed he fought Robbie Lawler injured. Pete explained in full how the injury came about, and why he didn’t let anyone know. Here is the transcript of the interview and exclusive photos of Pete Spratt’s injury.

John Hartnett: I understand that you had suffered an injury before the fight that caused you to have emergency surgery?

Pete Spratt: Yeah, ten days prior to my fight with Robbie Lawler I had to go to the emergency room and have minor surgery done to my left quad. It ended up being bit by a Brown Recluse (a poisonous spider) and they had to go in and open me up and pull out the infection. So I missed a few days of training because of that procedure. They packed my wound with gauze, and then I had to go back to the doctor on Friday for them to reevaluate it. They took the gauze out and told me I could let it close at that point. So ten days before the fight I had to have surgery and I still beat Robbie Lawler at less than one hundred percent. So if there is a rematch I’m definitely going to be at one hundred percent for the next fight.

John Hartnett: And you couldn’t let anyone know you were bitten by a spider right?

Pete Spratt: Right, I couldn’t let anyone know, and I couldn’t let that go public simply because the boxing commission probably wouldn’t have let me fight knowing that I had minor surgery on my leg beforehand. It was one of those things where I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from this opportunity to get in the octagon again and have a good showing. But its just one of those things you have to deal with. It was a little later than some of the other injuries I had to deal with in the past but that’s something I had to deal with. But if you take a look back in the fight to where I had Robbie on the ground you’ll see I had the bandage on my leg under my shorts. That’ll show you proof there, that I was injured in that area.

John Hartnett: So what are your thoughts on how the fight unfolded? What do you think you did well and what do you think you need to improve on?

Pete Spratt: Well, I think I did well, but as far as anything I need to improve on, I think I had the perfect game plan for the fight. Robbie really didn’t have a answer for what I was doing out there, so there’s really nothing I need to improve on. It was a great fight, a great contest and it went the way I expected it to go.

John Hartnett: What was your strategy and game plan going into this fight? You pretty much were the first fighter to be able to tame Robbie and his wild unorthodox style.

Pete Spratt: Yeah, well you know it’s different actually being in there with someone who’s actually a seasoned striker. You can only go so far with unorthodox wild brawling style, and I think it caught up with Robbie. My game plan was actually to try and break his legs. I saw Tiki attacking him with leg kicks early on in their fight, and he was just so much stronger than Tiki that he just went through Tiki when he decided he wanted to go through Tiki. And he just hit Tiki and knocked him out. And I saw that I’m defiantly a better striker than Tiki and I’m a better kicker than Tiki. And I know I was going to be able to land some really really hard leg kicks to Robbie’s leg. With me being a orthodox fighter and him being a south paw, it’s so much easier for me to fight him because his lead leg is so exposed. It wasn’t a difficult fight at all. I knew standing that there was no way Robbie could beat me, because there’s so many ways to defeat a south paw when you fight Mauy Thai.

John Hartnett: Did you sustain any injuries during the fight besides that slight cut above your right eye?

Pete Spratt: No, that was it.

John Hartnett: Did that need any stitches?

Pete Spratt: Yeah, I got six stitches but that’s part of the game. Actually we bumped heads, and that’s what actually caused the cut. So other than that no injuries at all.

John Hartnett: So it was the head butt that cut it and not those knees in the clinch?

Pete Spratt: He didn’t knee me in the face in the clinch, so how am I gonna get a cut on my eyebrow and get kneed to the body you know? No strike, no knee, no nothing caused the cut. The head butt caused the cut.

John Hartnett: You have any thoughts on Robbie Lawler as a fighter?

Pete Spratt: Robbie’s a great fighter, he’s a tough guy, he’s young and he’s the future of the sport. Robbie lost one, but he'll be back, hes a tough kid.

John Hartnett: I talked with Robbie yesterday, and he said that as soon as his hip healed up he would like to have a rematch with you. You have any thoughts about giving it a go again?

Pete Spratt: Well you know it really doesn’t matter. Quite honestly I’m a little pissed off that he said the kicks didn’t bother him. I mean, he didn’t give in to just us standing there. So that pisses me off a little bit because that’s basically telling me that he’s taking away from what I did in the octagon and not giving me any credit. So yeah I’d fight Robbie in a rematch and it’ll be worse next time.

John Hartnett: So what’s next for Pete Spratt? Any idea of who you would like to fight next and the status of your UFC contract?

Pete Spratt: That was the last fight on my contract. I don’t know what’s next, I’m gonna sit back and enjoy this and sit back and relax a little bit and let the bullshit that everybody’s been saying lay in a little bit. And it’s gonna push my drive even more next time in the octagon. Weather it be Robbie Lawler or whoever, somebody’s gonna get hurt.

John Hartnett: Your appearing on BET May 15th, can you elaborate on that?

Pete Spratt: Actually the air date on that show is going to be May 31st. I talked to the producer of the show and they had some budget concerns and they actually had to move the show back. But they are going to air it a week before UFC 43 and that’s gonna be on May 31st. And what I did was I hosted a show called “Mad Sports” and basically gave some behind the scenes stuff with UFC kind of going through the whole mixed martial arts process as far as getting ready for an event and that’s basically what I did for BET.

John Hartnett: Any other future projects we should look forward to?

Pete Spratt: Na not really, just my next fight. And who knows when that’s gonna be? We are yet to talk to the UFC and see what the situation is. So I just wana sit back and relax and wait until I get a phone call.

Source: MMANews.com

Bang Ludwig Comments On Training, Sudo & More

Coming fresh off an impressive knockout of Jens Pulver, Duane Ludwig is being labeled by many as the greatest striker the lightweight division has ever seen, and a prodigy of the sport. With his recent UFC debut, Bang turned a lot of heads in the mixed martial arts world and made his impact felt as he pulled out an upset victory by decision over unorthodox octagon veteran Genki Sudo. I had a chance to catch up and talk to the 24 year old lightweight phenomenon about his recent victory and upcoming plans.

John Hartnett: So how have you been keeping yourself busy lately Duane?

Duane Ludwig: Just kicking back, eating everything I can and just doing some house work and getting the family life back together.

John Hartnett: You trained with Bas Rutten for your striking and I heard you actually went and trained with some wrestlers as well to improve your grappling. How did that training go?

Duane Ludwig: The training went pretty good. I went and trained with Chuck Liddell and John Hackleman for a while, and then I went and trained with Bas and got my striking back in order. Then I worked with Robert Fergison's gym, they had a lot of good grapplers and wrestlers out there and they were showing me a lot of cool stuff and I owe a lot of the grappling stuff to them.

John Hartnett: So what exactly was your take on the fight? What do you think you did well and what do you think you need to improve on?

Duane Ludwig: Actually I think I did pretty well with the ground work and I think I just need to work on getting suck up against the cage. That was my downfall, I didn’t work any of that and I should have, I don’t know what the hell I was thinking and it showed. Everytime I went to get up I was pretty much stuck. Ill probably end up working on that sooner or later. But I definitely feel that my striking, my speed, my power and my takedown defense I thought I was pretty good with that. I just need to work on that a little bit more and start timing every thing.

John Hartnett: There’s been a lot of controversy over the decision made by “Big” John Mcarthy to stand you up after the stoppage, a lot of people felt it should have been continued on the ground. What’s your take on that whole situation?

Duane Ludwig: My take on that is that’s not the rules. The rule is they stand up and they check it and they start you back standing, they don’t start you back in the same position like PRIDE.

John Hartnett: So what exactly was the extent of the injury to your nose?

Duane Ludwig: It ended up just being a bloody nose, it wasn’t broken or nothing. Just sore.

John Hartnett: I know your contract was only a one fight deal, have you talked with UFC yet about a comeback?

Duane Ludwig: No, I haven’t spoken with UFC since the fight.

John Hartnett: If you do come back who would you like to fight?

Duane Ludwig: Right now its not about who I want to fight I'd just like to work my way to the top and win the title. I’m not really looking to fight any particular person. Right now Im just gonna get ready to fight in K-1 in July.

Source: MMANews.com

5/11/03

Quote of the Day

Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.

Kahlil Gibran

Super Brawl Rebuttal

This is not an official Super Brawl release.

The following are my thoughts as a fight fan.
T. Jay Thompson

After watching video.

Inoue misses a punch. Suda lands a right hand just behind Inoue's ear....Inoue drops head first....Suda follows up and lands many blows, Inoue attempts to defend but is overwhelmed.....Inoue goes out...fights over...

Suda was very impressive and hits much harder than I thought he was capable of (the punches he landed while Egan was down were amazing). Much Props!

The problem is Shooto has a standing 8 count rule if fighter is downed from a strike.

Egan was clearly knocked down from the right hand. At that point Referee Suzuki did not implement the "count" and allowed Suda to continue attacking the downed fighter.

Inoue was attempting to defend but was overwhelmed by Suda. After many blows from Suda, Egan went unconscious and Suzuki stepped in.

Whether or not Inoue would have been able to answer the "count" is unclear, but clearly he should have been given that opportunity.

He was clearly dazed from the right hand that knocked him down but was not unconcsious at the time. He did attempt to defend Suda's ground attack.

After reviewing tape, referee Suzuki admitted making an error while being filmed by local NBC affiliate.

Suzuki had to make a split second decision in a very big fight in front of a very big crowd. I believe he tried his best to uphold the rules. It was just a human error. The Knock-down/ground attack happened very quickly and he made a judgement call. I will be interested to see what the Shooto commission has to say about this situation.

I feel bad for both fighters. Suda had perhaps the most impressive performance of his career. I personally awarded him the TAPOUT "Fighter of the Night" trophy. There was nobody more deserving. But as Shooto has rules, they must be followed.

Source: T. Jay Thompson

SUPERBRAWL CONTROVERSY: CAN THEY CHANGE A DECISION THAT FINISHED IN A KO?


It seemed like a clear cut decision when Masanori Suda pulled off the stunning upset over Egan Inoue by a devestating KO. So what's the problem? The way the rules were NOT instituted during the actual fight.

Hawaii fans were in shock as they saw their home-town hero get knocked out in 27 seconds of the first round. Here's where things get sticky.

After Egan was clearly knocked down from a right hand by Suda, the referee should have stepped in. Why? Becauase Shooto has a mandatory 8 count after a fighter is knocked down from a strike. Since SuperBrawl adhears to Shooto rules, this was a big mistake.

Would the outcome be any different? Probably not, but Egan didn't go unconcious until Suda overwhelmed Egan while Inoue was on the ground. Whether or not Inoue would have been able to answer the "count" is unclear, but he still should have been given that opportunity.

SuperBrawl Promoter issued this statement to MMAWeekly.com. "Suzuki had to make a split second decision in a very big fight in front of a very big crowd. I believe he tried his best to uphold the rules. It was just a human error. The Knock-down/ground attack happened very quickly and he made a judgement call. I will be interested to see what the Shooto commission has to say about this situation."

Shooto could rule on the decision as soon as this week. We will continue to follow the story at MMAWeekly.com. If you missed results from the fights, read Saturday's News as MMAWeekly's Greg Honda was there for the bouts.

Source: MMA Weekly

5th Submission Wrestling World Championships
A Look At The SUPERFIGHT!

May 17th and 18th, 2003 - Sao Paulo, Brazil

Brazilian fighter Ricardo Arona attempts to rest the superfight title at the Submission Wrestling World Championships from American Mark Kerr. This match is notable in many ways, not just in that it is the Submission Wrestling main event and feature fight, pitting 2 undefeated fighters who have worked their way to the elite of Submission Wrestling (Kerr is 13-0, Arona is 12-0). Many will be interested in the return to World level competition by Mark Kerr, whose HBO special has made him a potential breakthrough star in MMA, should he be able to comeback. In Brazil, Arona looks to add his name to the elite of MMA, in a country rich in tradition, this is Arona's first chance to show his skills at the world level at home. Both men have much more than the prize money to win in this bout!

HISTORY OF THE ADCC SUPERFIGHT

At the 2nd World Championships, in 1999, Mario Sperry was awarded a 'superfight' in ADCC as the standout of the 1998 event. Sperry not only won his weight class (88-98.9 KG), he also won the Absolute Tourney, going (7-0). Japanese star Enson Inoue was the first challenger to Sperry's growing ADCC legacy, and he succumbed 16-0 on points. Sperry was the established Champion.

The 1999 tournament also featured an ABSOLUTE tournament that was won by Roberto Traven. Traven did not win his weight class, as the grueling tournament saw him lose in the 99KG class, but he swept 4 matches in the ABSOLUTES to become the SUPERFIGHT contender. The 99 KG class winner, Mark Kerr elected to pass on the ABSOLUTE tournament that year.

In 2000, it would be Traven who would challenge Sperry, and the tradition was established. The matchup would prove to be 'unfortunate' by all accounts, as little action materialized, and Sperry won on advantage 0-0 after 40 minutes.

The ADCC withstood a hailstorm of criticism for the poor fight, and many ideas for SUPERFIGHTS were tossed around. After much deliberation, the established structure would remain, with the SUPERFIGHT being created using the winner of the ABSOLUTE tourneys.

In the same year of 2000, with Traven's precedent set, Mark Kerr entered the open weight class tournament after sweeping the 99KG division again. Kerr won that as well, and the 2001 superfight was set.

Also in 2000, Arona made his debut in the 88-98.9 KG class, and was certainly the stand out rookie, sweeping an incredibly rugged division where he beat Tito Ortiz, Kareem Barklaev, previous champion Jeff Monson. He would not enter the ABSOLUTES in 2000.

In 2001, Kerr would dethrone the long time champion Mario Sperry, who had held the title for 3 events, in a grueling match that saw Sperry work for a leglock that Kerr crushed, and Kerr catching a near guillotine submission. The mantle had been passed.

In 2001, it would be the upstart Arona who would sweep his weight class and the ABSOLUTES. Since then, Arona has fought in PRIDE, maintaining a perfect record at MMA's highest level event (10-1 overall).

Now the the stage is set for the 2003 superfight, anticipated as the 'best ever'! It is only days away before we find out more about both men........

Source: ADCC

ADCC 2003: EYE OF THE TIGER (part 2)
Ricardo Arona exclusive interview (part 2 of 4)

Arona keeps talking about his training to fight Mark Kerr in the most anticipated superfight of all ADCCs…

ADCC: You never got intimidate with wrestlers. But Kerr is different. He’s not only probably the most technical wrestler you have faced but he’s also much heavier than you. How do you see that scene?
Arona: I like to fight strong opponents. I like to feel their pressure. It makes you to get into the fight. I will drop this big wave and get into the tunnel. I will shoot his legs, his trunk. I will pull into the guard if I feel he will not going down. It doesn’t matter. The point is that I will feel Kerr until the limit. I will know how good will be his gas. The secret will be the beginning of the fight.

ADCC: You hurt your knee last month. How was it?
You know, we like radical sports, such as Jiu-Jitsu, vale-tudo… and I couldn’t avoid that, I like to surf as well, I love the feeling of getting close to nature. Thus, I hurt my knee here in Itacoatiara two months ago. But I have recovered it already and it will not bother me in that fight against Kerr.

ADCC: I was wondering what Ze Mario [Sperry], who besides your coach is your manager, thought of you hurt your knee surfing prior such important fight…
Being honest, the first time I talked to him about it I told him I hurt my knee sparring… After one month I told him the truth.

ADCC: At the end, a little more than one month is a time enough to get ready for a fight, isn’t it?
Yes, I trained a lot during my life. Today, I give more time to recovery and to rest. Thus, I do other sports to not lose the shape and, in the last straight line, 40 days for a fight, I train hard. That’s the way I’m doing for the last four years.

ADCC: I didn’t talk to Kerr for a while, but people are saying that Kerr will not fight anymore in MMA. But you are in your prime. So, how much that superfight is important for you?
The ADCC is very important for me. It was there that I became famous, that I got a worldwide prestigious. Besides that, the kind of training for the ADCC gives you the best condition. Gas, strength, speed, power… I can see improvements in all these aspects. Submission wrestling is a school and it gets me ready for MMA. So I will face Kerr now and will be ready for a fight in the next Pride, on June 8th.

ADCC: But your fight in the next Pride is not confirmed, right?
Yes, but I don’t fight since I faced [Murilo] Ninja. So I believe I will fight now. Anyway, I’m training for it. And if they invite me, I will not be caught by surprise.

Source: ADCC

DEEP 10th IMPACT - SUPERFIGHT SIGNED!
Tokyo, Japan - June 25th, 2003

Word is reaching the mainland that the next DEEP event, scheduled for June 25th will feature the return of former UFC Champion Dave Menne. The match will see Menne drop back down to the 170 lb weight class, the weight class where he started his career.

His opponent will be none other than SHOOTO star Hayato Sakurai. Both fighters have fallen a nitch, as both were at the top of the game two years ago. This is a major match, certain to propel the winner back into the mix at 170 lbs.

Source: ADCC

ADCC World Champion MARK ROBINSON in Brazil!

The ADCC 2001 champion in the 99 KG and up weight class, and one of the favorites for the ADCC 2003, South African Mark Robinson was spotted in Brazil, where he has been since the last week of April.

After two years of frustration at the Submission Wrestling World Championships, Robinson swept his class in 2001. One of the differences in 2001 for Robinson was BJJ coach Ricardo Murgel. Robinson has enlisted the help of Murgel again in order to tune up his game to face the Jiu-Jitsu fighters in 2003.

Robinson is reportedly working hard on his balance and on keeping the top position. There are rumored to be several feared Brazilian sweepers in there, including Marcio 'Pe de Pano' Cruz. Robinson is also working his cardio, in order to try a shot at the absolute class.

Source: ADCC