Upcoming
Events
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(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
July 9-12
BJJ World Cup (CBJJO)
(BJJ)
(SESC gym, Salvador, Brazil)
Sometime
between Arnold-Gracie & Pan Ams
Pac-Rim BJJ tournament
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Hawaii)
2/15/04
First Maui Invitational of Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Kahului, Maui, Hawaii)
3/5-7/04
Arnold
Schwarzenegger World Gracie Professional Submission Championships
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Columbus, Ohio)
1/31/04
UFC 46: Super Natural
(Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, NV)
(MMA)
1/19/04
Second 2 None Submission Grappling Tournament
(Sub Grappling)
(Oahu)
2004
12/31/03
"INOKI BOM-BA-YE 2003"
(Kobe Wing Stadium, Kobe, Japan)
(MMA)
12/5/03
SuperBrawl
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
11/30/02
2nd
American National Jiu-Jitsu Championships
(BJJ)
(Torrance H.S., Torrance, CA)
11/30/03
Punishment in Paradise
(MMA & Kickboxing) |
|
November News Part
3
Wednesday
night and Sunday classes (w/ a kids' class) now offered!
 
For the special Onzuka.com
price, click on one of these banners above! |
Quote
of the Day
"Thinking is easy, acting difficult, and to put one's thoughts
into action, the most difficult thing in the world."
Goethe, 1749-1832, German Poet, Dramatist, Novelist
|
Punishment
In Paradise Tonight!
Punishment
in Paradise
Campbell High School Gym, Ewa Beach, Hawaii
November 30, 2003
Doors open at 5:00PM
Fights start at 6:00PM
The
card has went through some changes due to some fighters not making
weight. This is not the most current fight card.
Kickboxing - 95lbs
Rodney Pua (Team Big Dog) vs. Sage Yoshida (HMC)
Kickboxing
- 145lbs.
Duke Saragosa (808 Fight Factory) vs. Trinity (Team Big Dog)
Boxing
Exhibition - 150lbs
Jeffrey Pelen Jr. (Waianae Kickboxing Club) vs. Nester (Bull's
Pen)
MMA
- 130lbs
Corey Ferreira (808 Fight Factory) vs. Ikaika Silva (Animal House)
MMA
- 190lbs
Jason Nicholas (808 Fight Factory) vs. Corey Daniels (Kodenkan)
MMA
- 170lbs.
Ben George (Bulls Pen) vs. Chris Aiana (Kailua Fight Club)
MMA
- 145lbs
Ed Newalu (808 Fight Factory) vs. Marcus Moreno (Bulls Pen)
Semi-Main
Event MMA - 265lbs & under
Jacob Fa'agai (Untamed Bloodline) vs. Junior (Bulls Pen)
Main
Event
Kickboxing - 170lbs.
PJ Dean (Waianae Kickboxing Club) vs. Deshawn Johnson (HMC)
Source: Event Promoter |
George Kotaka Takes
Gold Again!
The 44th Honolulu International Karate Do Championships was today.
The event was organized and hosted by the International Karate
Federation and was held at
Manoa Valley District Park.
IKF and World Karate Champion George Kotaka once again dominated
his division at the 44th Honolulu International Karate Do Championships.
Kotaka competed in the Men's 18-34 year old black belt kumite
division. Competitors from all over the globe came to compete.
In Kotaka's division there were 25 competitors.
The event was organized and hosted by the International Karate
Federation and was held at
Manoa Valley District Park.
Here are the results of the Men's 18-34 year old black belt kumite
division:
1st place: George Kotaka
2nd Place: Masa Kurita
3rd Place: Omar Ocampo & Mikio Oshima
George's gold medal did not come easy and without any trials.
In his first match, George won 4-0 utilizing a slow pace with
flawless counter punching. In his second match, George won 9-1,
again, through perfect counter punching. This fight was highlighted
with two brutal kicks to his opponent's body. The third match
saw George "tech" his opponent. However with about
a minute left, one of George's kicks landed square on the opponent's
elbow. This looked to be a possible broken foot , but after a
short medical check, George continued and floored his opponent
with a spinng back hand, which landed right on the button. George
was warned for excessive force before going on to the finals,
which he again shut out his opponent 8-0. This match could best
be described as total domination, showing why he is a world champion.
He dominated his final match with a broken foot and all. George's
primary weapons were lightning fast hands and feet, flawless
counter punching and beyond intense timing was unmatched.
Source: "Roving" Ryan Olivares |
PANCRASE Mega Event
Results
'PANCRASE 2003 HYBRID TOUR'
~10TH ANNIVERSARY SINCE 1993~
TRIPLE KING OF PANCRASE TITLE MATCH
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30,2003
RYOGOKU KOKUGIKAN (TOKYO, JAPAN)
AMATEUR MATCH #1
/ PANCRASE GATE RULES FEATHERWEIGHT 2x5 MIN ROUNDS
TAKUMI MURATA (A-3) drew ATSUSHI YAMAMOTO (KILLER BEE)
AMATEUR MATCH #2
/ PANCRASE GATE RULES LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT 2x5 MIN ROUNDS
YUYA SHIRAI (UNPLUGGED KOKUBUNJI) drew YASUHIRO KIRITA (TEAM
ALLIANCE)
PRO-MATCH #1 / FEATHERWEIGHT
3x5 MIN ROUNDS
YOSHIRO MAEDA (PANCRASE INAGAKIGUMI) def BARET YOSHIDA (U.S.A./ GRAPPLING UNLIMITED)
via KO
in Round 1.
Maeda caught
Baret shooting in with a straight right and that was all...
PRO-MATCH #2 / MIDDLEWEIGHT
3x5 MIN ROUNDS
KAZUO MISAKI (MIDDLEWEIGHT 5TH RANKED/PANCRASE GRABAKA) drew
JAKE SHIELDS (U.S.A./CESAR GRACIE ACADEMY) after 3 rounds [(30-29,
30-30, 29-29)]
PRO-MATCH #3 / SUPER
HEAVYWEIGHT 3x5 MIN ROUNDS
RON WATERMAN (SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT 2ND RANKED/U.S.A./TEAM IMPACT)
drew JIMMY AMBRIZ (U.S.A./NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING) after 3 rounds
[(30-30, 30-30, 30-30) ]
PRO-MATCH #4/ LIGHT
HEAVYWEIGHT 3x5 MIN ROUNDS
AKIHIRO GONO (LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT 3RD RANKED/PANCRASE GRABAKA)
def. NILSON DE CASTRO (LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT 4TH RANKED/BRAZIL/CHUTE
BOXE ACADEMY) via unanimous decision [(30-28, 30-28, 30-28)]
PRO-MATCH #5/ WELTERWEIGHT
K.O.P. TITLE DEFENSE 3x5 MIN ROUNDS
KIUMA KUNIOKU (1ST WELTERWEIGHT K.O.P./PANCRASEism) def KENICHI
SERIZAWA (WELTERWEIGHT 3RD RANKED/WAJUTSU KEISHUKAI SURUGA DOJO)
via unanimous decision [(30-28, 30-28, 30-27)]
SEMIFINAL/ MIDDLEWEIGHT
K.O.P. TITLE DEFENSE 3x5 MIN ROUNDS
RICARDO ALMEIDA (MIDDLEWEIGHT 4TH RANKED/U.S.A./RENZO GRACIE
JIU JITSU ACADEMY) def. NATHAN MARQUARDT (3RD MIDDLEWEIGHT K.O.P./U.S.A./COLORADO
STARS) via guillotine choke at 4:53 minutes in Round 1.
Almeida becomes Middleweight King of Pancrase.
MAIN EVENT/ LIGHT
HEAVYWEIGHT K.O.P. TITLE DEFENSE 3x5 MIN ROUNDS
YUKI KONDO (LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT 1ST RANKED/PANCRASEism) def. SANAE
KIKUTA (2ND LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT K.O.P./PANCRASE GRABAKA) via KO
by left hook at 0:08 minutes in R2
Source: Underground |
Larry Landless Speaks
Out - About His MMA Match!
by: Keith Mills
The December 6th KOTC card
is currently advertised as featuring Jeremy Horn vs. Dean Lister
for the Light Heavyweight belt and the MMA debut of Larry “The
Landlord” Landless. Yes, that is UFC and KOTC ref Larry
Landless. Larry has been around the fight game for years and
takes training seriously in addition to his experience in the
cage as a ref. Make no mistake about it, this isn’t just
some pro wrestling gimmick to sell tickets.
Larry has had a
rough week since reffing UFC 45. Although he admits to stopping
the Baroni/Tanner fight early on a miscommunication he has since
publicly apologized and hopes to put it behind him. It is revealing
to note Landless doesn’t say anything about the to this
reporter abhorring act of Baroni throwing two punches at him
while under his care and Landless just expresses regret for his
own mistake. Since this issue has been covered and discussed
extensively elsewhere letting this issue go and only focusing
on his fight was offered and accepted.
KM: Who is your
opponent? LL: I’ve been told it’s Paul Castamone (note:
no spelling even close was found in internet search engines so
spelling is guessed). I really don’t know anything about
him. They say he’s a very strong guy and someone told me
he was supposed to fight John Marsh at one time and for one reason
or another it didn’t pan out, I don’t know why.
KM: Any idea what
his record is? LL: No, I know nothing at all about him. Experienced
with some underground fights.
KM: At least you
are on an even playing field with this being your debut. LL:
Yeah, it works the same for me I guess.
KM: How do you feel
about making your debut? LL: I feel good. I was a little concerned
a couple weeks ago because I was training and didn’t seem
like physically I could put out the work and I was getting worried.
Rico Chiapparelli from rAw gym looked at me and surmised that
there was something not quite right and suggested a nutritionist.
I did and it turned out to be the best thing because now I’m
back on track. I feel better and wish I would have seen him sooner.
I went to see a friend of mine who works at Evolution Fitness,
his name is Clark. He sat down and figured out how much I was
eating and how often I worked out in the morning, afternoon,
and night. He said I was only consuming barely 22000 calories
a day and said I needed to be above 3500-4000 calories a day
for the type of work I was doing. I needed to eat more and better
foods. He broke down 30% carps, 60% protein, 10% fat. Those numbers
were totally backwards. My body was just shutting down, eating
itself up. The positive work I put into it slimming up just backfired.
KM: You feel that
is the last hurdle preparing for your debut? LL: Yeah, now I’m
back on track.
KM: I know you have
been training for a while but I don’t know where. LL: I
train with the submission factory. That is basically my club.
The guys who have been training me have been great because I
am the most difficult person to train with my attitude; I still
think I’m in charge and have to remember they are in charge.
Herb Dean and Mike come to my work and we go running; our sprints,
our laps, run the bleachers, run the hills. For them to take
that much time out of the day, I don’t show them the appreciation
I should show them. I love those guys. They have done so much,
they are real friends. They stuck by me when I was at my worst.
They still come in, still make me do the work…you got to
love them. Charlie Valencia will be my cornerman. He used to
train with me, he’s now with New Breed. He does Valencia
Freestyle Fighting. He is great, the best 135 or 145 pounder
in the world. You have got to see this guy fight. Once he gets
the big fights and starts to make a name out there…he is
amazing, people don’t know. Charlie Valencia, remember that
name. Rico Chiapparelli is helping me out a little bit. I got
to get on the mat with a few people like about a half hour or
forty-five minutes rolling with Jeremy Horn back in June.
KM: It sounds like
you are getting more of the wrestling and jiu-jitsu, more of
the grappling experience so far. Are you at all concerned about
your striking? LL: Herb is a phenomenal striker. Herb and Mike.
I’ve mostly done standup with them and my kickboxing coach.
He also teaches at Evolution Fitness. Primarily I’ll always
be a wrestler, twenty-five years of wrestling. I feel much better
now that I have some hands and start to use them.
KM: What weight
will you be fighting? LL: Heavyweight.
KM: No worries about
cutting weight or anything like that? LL: No. I’ll probably
be a little smaller than the guy I’m fighting to my understanding.
KM: Is that any
concern? LL: I think I’ll always have to concern myself
with a person that is strong. I think position can be strength
but all things being equal strength is great to have. I’m
going to have to be on top of things, really be alert, and do
my thing.
KM: It sounds like
you are mentally prepared. Any nerves? LL: I’m not nervous
really. I’d rather just get it over, just get in there and
do it. The grind of practice and getting ready for this has been
more than the match will probably be. I’ve sacrificed so
much as far as social life, I just want to just do this fight
and take the rest of the month off and evaluate where I want
to go with this.
KM: You own your
own gym? LL: Yeah. We’re looking to relocate it. Where we
are at is a real bad area; it’s hidden, hard to find, no-one
can see it off the major highway…it’s just a bad situation.
I’m hoping to relocate it to a better location. Hopefully
we can get that going around February. (Note: http://www.submissionfactory.com/).
We’re just taking it month to month.
KM: Any sponsors
yet? LL: Oh yeah. Fightgame.tv has offered me a sponsorship.
Al Nava, I’ve known him for a long time, he’s a real
positive person. I have a paint shop that is sponsoring me, God
I wish I could remember the name. Of course Joe Camacho, he’ll
have a little patch on my shorts. John Ouana helped me out and
got me some shorts to fight in. Evolution Fitness in Pasadena,
great gym. Of course my family.
KM: The family is
real supportive? LL: Yeah, they are. I have a lot of them coming
to watch this fight. They get pretty crazy. If they aren’t
drinking it’ll be ok, if they start drinking look out.
KM: I feel sorry
for your opponent. He is going to have a good deal of the crowd
against him. LL: I don’t know, I think I made a lot of enemies
this last week. It’s probably going to balance out. (Both
laugh).
KM: Here it is your
debut but on KOTC’s website it’s basically just listing
Lister/Horn and you. You are the only three fighters listed on
that card. I’m wondering if any of the other fighters are
going to feel ‘this guy is making his debut and he’s
billed above me’. LL: I never asked for that. I don’t
care if I’m the first fight that night. I’m not worried
about those things, I’m dong this for myself. I’m not
doing this to impress people. I’ve been wanting to do it
for a long time. I’ll just do this and then figure out what
I want to do next. Whatever I choose to do is my choice. No hard
feelings, we’re sportsmen. I’m going to go out there
and give it my best and I know my guy is going to give it his
best and when it’s over win, lose, or draw, I’m going
to shake his hand and wish him well with the rest of his life.
Source: ADCC |
MMA in Rio de Janeiro
- New Event!
by André Araújo
Global Mix Combat
in Rio Centro
The Rio Centro,
located in Rio de Janeiro will be the stage of a new, awesome
event that will rock the city during the last week of January.
Global Mixed Combat will be held in the biggest convention place
in Rio de Janeiro. With enough room for 10 thousand people, the
'Pavilhão 2' will also feature a VIP common area with
food, beverages and air conditioning for 100 people.
The event promises
even more! One of the better Reggae bands in Brazil, Cidade Negra,
will perform, and the popular TV host Evandro Mesquita will host
the mega show. Djs, dancers and a sports fair are scheduled to
happen before the MMA tournament. The fights are some of the
most expected in history - the debut in Vale-Tudo of BJJ world
champions Márcio Pé de Pano and Márcio Feitosa.
Others stars from Gracie Combat Team will debut as well, such
as fighters from Luta-Livre Alexandre Cacareco and Renato Babalú.
According to manager
Cláudio Seabra, Fit Express gym’s onwer in Barra,
the name was carefully chosen by the crew. 'Our partner Renzo
Gracie sent us an email with 15 different names. We decided on
Global Mixed Combat', confirmed in first hands Seabra.
Look for more news
on this event in the coming days...
Source: ADCC |
Left Elbow Takes
the "Axe Murderer" Out of the Next PRIDE event!
By Eduardo Alonso
Despite DSE's clear intentions of using their Middleweight and
Middleweight GP champion Wanderlei Silva in their final card
of 2003, scheduled for the very end of December, the Brazilian
fighter will not be able to compete, as he initially wanted.
Silva was suffering from bursitis on his left elbow, even before
his PRIDE GP Final Conflict appearance this month. Due to all
the kicks he took on that spot during training sessions, his
left elbow began to swell a lot -- to the point he almost got
"a ball" in the joint, however his doctor decided it
was better for him to wait until after PRIDE GP Final Conflict
to have surgery, and this was exactly what they did. This last
Thursday Wanderlei Silva had surgery on his left elbow, with
the same doctor who did his knee surgery last year. "The
Axe Murderer" will be able to return to training in around
two to three weeks, and will now enjoy a well deserved vacation
with his family, anxious to get back in action next year.
Source: FCF |
SPRATT LOSES IN
TKO AND MAYBE UFC 46
It's becoming a familiar trend for UFC veterans. Take a fight
in another company with the thought of making extra money before
your big UFC fight.
Only problem, if
you lose your fight in any "other" organization you
may face the possibility of not ever returning to the UFC. Pete
Spratt will now be waiting to hear if he has a future with the
UFC 46 show scheduled in January.
Spratt was scheduled
to face Karo Parisyan at UFC 46 in Las Vegas, Nevada, but now
that he lost last night to George St.Pierre in the first round
by choke up in Canada, Spratt's future is defintely up in the
air.
We have seen this
misfortune happen in the past, most recently with Dennis Hallman.
Hallman was scheduled to face Jeremy Jackson in the UFC, only
to lose a month before his fight and the UFC replaced him with
Nick Diaz.
Now ironically enough,
MMAWeekly.com has learned that Diaz seems to be the front runner
to face Karo Parisyan IF, and it's still a very big "if",
Pete Spratt is dropped from his UFC deal in January. The UFC
has yet to decide what they will do for UFC 46 as of press time.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Sakuraba vs. Silva
4?
Fightsport 24/7 has the latest scoop on the prospective cards
for the 3 big MMA shows that are all going to run on New Years
Eve in Japan. According to the report, Pride wants Kazushi Sakuraba
to fight Vanderlei Silva for the fourth time.
My proposed title
for the show? Death Wish IV: the Beatdown.
Source: Whaledog |
Pedro Rizzo dealing
with Ultimate
Pedro Rizzo is departuring today back to US, where he will meet
the UFC producers to negotiate a new contract. The November 21
fight against Ricco Rodriguez was the last one of his past contract
and, according to his interview to TATAME.com, Rizzo now wants
new challenges, as being able to fight at Pride, like Chuck Liddell.
Back to Brazil, the Marco Ruas' pupil was in the first edition
of K-1 MMA, last Thursday, when he was at his teammate Antoine
Jaoude's corner. After the show, Rizzo was seen in a long chat
with Sérgio Batarelli, the K-1 MMA director.
About his victory
over Rodriguez at UFC, Pedro Rizzo doesn't seem very happy. According
to him, Ricco didn't want to fight, letting the combat very boring.
"When I changed punches, he clinched or went to the ground,
making the guard. I couldn't do what I really want, the KO,"
complaint Pedro.
Source: Tatame |
Chad Mason: Fight
At Your Own Risk
By Sean Sherk
Sean Sherk is one of the better fighters in the world in his
weight class and today he wanted to get this off his chest at
MMAWeekly.
I remember how proud
I felt standing across Matt Hughes at UFC 42, fighting in the
main event on pay-per-view after struggling to make a name for
myself in smaller shows since 1999. I’m a very private person
and have made MMA my full time career—it’s in my blood,
the subject never drifts far from my mind.
Today I’m working
15-hour days, holding down two jobs. This is certainly not where
I expected to be after recently proposing to my girlfriend. When
I choose to fight, there is nothing that is going to stop me…until
I met promoter Chad Mason.
In mid-August, Chad
contacted me about promoting a fight in my hometown here in Minnesota.
After reaching an agreement with my manager, DeWayne Zinkin,
Jr., I spent hours on the Net finding suitable venues to help
him any way possible. I really want the sport to grow, and despite
hearing things about Chad’s storied past, I wanted to fight
in front of my hometown fans, friends and family.
After settling on
Spikers, a local bar that I had fought at before, I joined Chad
in meeting with them to cut the deal for November 1st. Originally,
I was going to be on two Chad Mason cards during the same month—one
on the 1st(Minnesota) and one on the 28th(Iowa). On his word
and supposed contract, I turned down other offers and put everything
I had into training and assisting Chad with the promotion.
Unbeknownst to anyone,
including Spikers, Chad changed the first date to November 7th.
Spikers called me and read me the riot act, but I assured them
the November 7th date was good as gold and not to worry. Though
I had nothing to do with the promotion outside of fighting, I
told Chad I could sell tickets and sure enough, I sold over 150
in less than two weeks. My family and friends were staying at
nearby hotels and I was excited about fighting in front of my
hometown crowd.
The Monday before
the show, Chad called me and said everything was great and that
he was going to finalize my deal with DeWayne, along with buying
some airtime on a local radio station for advertising. I felt
good about the situation and concentrated on my training, anticipating
the inevitable. But as the days passed, I never heard back from
Chad and my manager couldn’t reach him.
The day before the
show I received a call from someone who said the show had been
canceled for two weeks. Promoter Monte Cox even called and said
the same thing, as if it had been public knowledge. But how could
this be? I had just spoken with Chad days before the show. After
receiving two more calls relating to the same subject, I tried
to reach him but to no avail.
Chad finally called
Thursday evening, admitting the show was canceled. If not for
that call, I would have shown up Friday night with all the people
I sold tickets to, along with my family and closest friends,
expecting to see me fight. I would have looked like an ass.
I told Chad I needed
to be paid for the 12 weeks of training and keeping me off the
market for three months with no fights and no money. He said
he would personally come to Minnesota on Sunday to remedy the
money. He never did.
As soon as I got
off the phone with Chad that Thursday, I spent the rest of my
night calling everyone I know, and everyone I sold tickets to,
telling them the show was canceled, assuring their money will
be paid back. I called Spikers as well and left a message with
the manager telling him the show was canceled and what happened.
I got a call from
Brad Kohler on Friday morning saying he talked with Spikers;
they wanted to meet with me. He told me they were pissed off
and rightly so. Brad went to the meeting to do some damage control.
They blamed me for everything that happened. They said they were
out a lot of money for chair and table rentals and whatever else.
Outside of losing
money and other opportunities, I lost face in my own town and
that’s something I can never regain.
At the end of the
meeting they asked if I would stay and meet people on the night
in question to explain why there was no show. Along with Brad,
I stayed at Spikers for five hours. I spent Friday, Saturday
and Sunday returning people’s ticket money. Chad Mason just
disappeared and left me to clean up his mess.
He is a coward without
a conscience.
Chad did not answer
any of my phone calls or my manager’s calls for several
days. When we finally got a hold of him, he kept saying he would
pay my show money which he said I was entitled to for all my
work and training. Chad assured me he would pay the next day,
but tomorrow never came. Of course the November 28th date came
and went without a thought. Several fighters lost out on this
opportunity as well.
The last time I
talked with Chad was about a week ago. He said he was going to
Western Union to wire the money and would call back 20 minutes
later after everything was sent. He never called back.
I’ve called
30 times since then; he will not answer his phone.
So for the first
time in nearly three years, I’m working full time and unable
to concentrate on training 100%. Every night, no matter how tired
I am, I still train with the same intensity I’ve always
had. My name is mud in my own town, Chad Mason contends he is
putting on a show (without me against my original opponent) on
December 12th and refuses to acknowledge the people he’s
hurt in the process. To boot, the money owed to me was to pay
for my wedding on January 24th, something Chad knew all along.
I’m not asking
for sympathy, but I am asking the MMA community to permanently
ban Chad Mason from promoting shows. He is taking advantage of
a movement yearning to find its legs and I cannot allow this
person to continue his practice of stepping on people for financial
gain.
I urge everyone
to strongly reconsider any dealings with this individual. This
sport is still a grassroots community, one with a lot of hope
to succeed. It’s a shame bad apples have plagued what so
many have fought for so I ask you to do the right thing and shun
his unscrupulous practices.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Quote
of the Day
There is one thing stronger than all the world, and that is an
idea whose time has come."
Victor Hugo, 1802-1885, French Poet, Dramatist, Novelist
|
KICK'N
IT 3 Results
November
28, 2003
Holomua Elementry, Ewa Beach, Hawaii
By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com
The big tent in Ewa that the event was held in could barely contain
the action as Hawaii's best kickboxers put it on the line. They
came out and emptied their gas tanks in every round. Once very
large in Hawaii, kickboxing events slowly fizzled out. Dennis
Alexio kept it alive by headlining his own events for a while.
After Alexio retired, kickboxing almost ceased to exist. Now
after only three events, you would have never believed that kickboxing
had taken a break by the level of the kickboxers. The night started
off with a great battle of two young warriors. Kai Ruiz and Keanu
Kamaka took turns having the upper hand in the fight only to
have the other one come back and take back the lead of the fight.
Some of the night's action got to the next level during matches
like Kaneala Stanton and Nick Correira and when David Balicao's
quick hands and power punches took apart Earnie Candilaris. Danny
Kaheaku and company felt it was time to crown some champions
and have them start defending their titles in future events.
This event was capped off with five championship bouts. Starting
with the kid's championship and leading up to the most anticipated
kickboxing match in a long time, Moreno versus Taylor. In a championship
title bout, Brandon Absher and Joey Kuni had a war. This fight
had supporters from both sides on their feet and brought on a
comedic twist when the sprinklers suddenly turned on and had
to be covered up. When the sprinklers were taken care of, the
estatic crowd kicked out the electrical cord to the lights. The
match was stopped with 20 seconds left. After the lights were
restored, both fighters unloaded on each other for the remaining
seconds causing the crowd to go crazy. Absher's accurate punches
and kicks earned him more points in the judge's eyes than Kuni's
constant pressure throughout the bout. This led us to the main
event, Moreno versus Taylor.
Danny Kaheaku came
into the ring to announce that part of the proceeds of this event
would be donated to the war on Ice (Crystal meth-amphetamine),
which is a huge problem in Hawaii. This event was created with
the hope that this would give kids a reason to stay away from
drugs and have an activity to train for and compete. Danny gave
a piece of himself to the crowd telling everyone that he made
some mistakes in the past with this very issue and that he would
be paying for that mistake by serving some time behind bars.
This brought a real world perspective to the issue and more than
helped to drive home the point. Hopefully, more than a few young
people took his message to heart and will choose the right path.
On to the main event.
The key to this bout was who would be able to make the other
fight their fight. It was a classic boxer versus kickboxer match
up. Three time Hawaii Golden Gloves champion and MMA fighter
Mark "El Torro" Moreno fought Hawaii Golden Gloves
champion, Hawaii State Kickboxing champion and West Coast kickboxing
champion, Shawn "Tornado" Taylor. Taylor's straight
ahead style seemed to work right into Moreno's. Moreno chose
to forgo most of the kicks and unloaded his fists on Taylor.
Every one of Moreno's punches were thrown with bad intentions
and most of them hit their mark. Taylor has always been known
to have a tough head…er…chin. Moreno dropped Taylor
to the canvas in the first round and seemingly had Taylor out
on his feet at one point. Moreno started getting a little frustrated
because Taylor's reaction was to keep pressing Moreno. Moreno
finally landed the punch that finished the fight, causing Taylor
to crash into the ropes.
65lbs - Exhibition:
3 Rounds - 45 seconds
Kai Ruiz (Makakilo Kickboxing) drew Keanu Kamaka (808 Fight Factory)
50lbs - Exhibition:
3 Rounds - 45 seconds
Dahwen Bright (Makakilo Kickboxing) drew Triston Pebris (Ewa
Beach Fight Club)
95lbs - 3 Rounds
- 1:30 minutes
Sage Yoshida (HMC) def. Rodney Jo Barona (Team Big Dog)
Majority Decision [(29-28), (29-28), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
160lbs - 3 Rounds
- 1:30 minutes
Jerry Bright (Nanakuli Kickboxing) def. Oscar Cano (HMC)
Unanimous Decision [(29-28), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
150lbs - Exhibition:
3 Rounds - 1:30 minutes
Kaneala Stanton (Ewa Beach Fight Club) drew Nick Correia (Makakilo
Kickboxing)
200lbs - 3 Rounds
- 2 minutes
Mark Shemwell (Geraldi Muay Thai) def. Gun Wheeler (HMC)
Unanimous Decision [(29-28), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
65lbs - Exhibition:
3 Rounds - 1:30 minutes
Dillan Bright (Nanakuli Kickboxing) drew Kawai Keliihoomalu-Abregano
(Ewa Beach Fight Club)
Heavyweight - 3
Rounds - 2 minutes
Shilo Ho (Team Big Dog) def. Doug Armaral (Hard Knocks)
Unanimous Decision [(30-25), (29-27), (30-26)] after 3 rounds.
Kids Championship
- 60lbs - 3 Rounds - 1:30 minutes
Dido Rodrigues (Waianae Kickboxing) def. Kai Kamaka III (808
Fight Factory)
Majority Decision [(30-27), (29-28), (28-29)] after 3 rounds.
Lightweight Championship
- 140lbs - 3 Rounds - 1:30 minutes
David Balicao (Nanakuli Kickboxing) def. Ernie Candilaris (Waimanalo
Kickboxing)
TKO via referee stoppage at 1:58 minutes in Round 1.
Super Lightweight
Championship - 135lbs - 3 Rounds - 1:30 minutes
Dominator Lopez (Team Big Dog) def. Jr Yacup (808 Fight Factory)
By default, Yacup could not fight.
Welterweight Championship
- 155lbs - 3 Rounds - 1:30 minutes
Brandon Absher (Nanakuli Kickboxing) def. Joey Kuni (Team Big
Dog)
Majority Decision [(29-28), (29-28), (28-28)] after 3 rounds.
Super Middleweight
Championship: 175lbs - 3 Rounds - 1:30 minutes
Mark "El Torro" Moreno (Bulls Pen) def. Shawn "Tornado"
Taylor (Waimanalo Kickboxing)
KO at 1:24 minutes in Round 3. |
Punishment
In Paradise Correction
We want to make sure
that everyone know that PIP is
this SUNDAY, November 30th.
We listed it Nov. 29th, but that is incorrect. Sorry about that.
|
Put
a fork in it, it's done?!
Could the long rumored death of the 155 lb. division in the UFC
be for real? Graciefighter.com is reporting a rumor that:
B.J.
Penn has asked ZUFFA for a fight against the winner of Hughes
vs. Trigg. B.J., invigorated by a win over Gomi, wants a U.F.C
title and doesn't mind going up a weight class to get it. B.J.'s
last fight in the UFC was a draw against Caol Uno for the vacant
lightweight (155 lb.) belt. If Penn believes he has to move up
to the 170 lb. division to get another title shot, we have a
good indication that the UFC has decided to drop the lightweight
championship and possibly the entire weight class.
If
that turns out to be the case, it would be a real shame. In fact,
it would be more than a shame, it would be an example of a failure
of the UFC management. Although it is difficult to build a fight
card around a 155 lb. headline match, the lightweight division
is one of the only weight classes where the UFC has most of world's
the top talent on its cards. It is an area of strength that the
UFC should build upon, not a division it should abandon.
The
end is obviously not here yet, since Yves Edwards is scheduled
to fight in the next UFC card and Uno fought Hermes Franca at
UFC 44 (although, significantly, the fight was not televised).
But, I have to wonder if how many more lightweight fights we
will see in the UFC. If the answer is "few if any,"
then I think the UFC has made a mistake.
Source:
Whaledog |
Chuck
will finally get his shot....
Dana White has announced that Chuck Liddell will fight Tito Ortiz
in UFC 47 scheduled in March. The two will be fighting at their
regular weight class of light heavyweight, and there will be
no title involved. The fight for which many have been waiting
is finally here.
For
over a year, Ortiz had been ducking this fight, citing excuse
after excuse as to why the two had not met in the octagon. One
of his favorite reasons was in regard to compensation. Ortiz
felt that the UFC was not paying him enough for the bout. Because
of this excuse and many others, there came a point in the UFC
when Tito could barely show his face. This subsided, however,
as people heard that Ortiz had agreed to fight Couture after
Couture's win over Liddell. But, soon after Ortiz' loss at the
hands of Couture, the fans again grew hungry to see the Liddell
fight. And as this happened, Tito stayed true to form: he tried
to duck Liddell, again. After his loss to Couture, when the fight
between Liddell and he was inevitable, Tito attempted to get
a rematch against Couture rather than fight Liddell. Ortiz, it
seemed, did not want any piece of Liddell.
So,
what has changed his tune? Well, Tito has no other large payday
in front of him, so he has to fight Liddell. Ortiz has just come
off of a beating at the hands of Couture, and his skills have
been called into question by many. Accordingly, the only fight
that people really care to see him in is the fight between Liddell
and he. Thus, he must fight because there is no big money for
him elsewhere.
Hopefully,
this matchup will happen and meet up to the fans expectations.
Both fighters are coming off of some hard losses, which could
translate into desperation in the octagon. If this occurs, this
could be one of the great fights in UFC history. Again, though,
I say," If this occurs."
Source:
Whaledog |
Diaz
calls out Parisyan
Word
hit the academy today that when asked about a future match with
Nick Diaz, Karo Parisyan stated "Diaz is afraid to fight
me."
In
response Diaz has chosen to reply by stating the following:
"Karo, I'll fight you anywhere, anytime. Not only am I not
afraid to fight you, I look forward to it. If you want to stand
with me I'll knock you out. If you want to trade submissions
I'll tap you out. You pick."
Source:
Graciefighter |
|
Rolles
Gracie at the Cesar Gracie Academy
Gracie-Barra
Black belt, Rolles Gracie (son of legendary Rolls Gracie),
will be arriving at our academy this coming Monday. Rolles intends
to teach here for some time and we are confident that everyone's
grappling will benefit greatly. With his arrival we will be increasing
the morning class schedule and look to expand the school affiliations
in the future. At 6'4 and 230lbs., Rolles is an imposing figure,
but his technical prowess affords him a very smooth rolling style.
Graciefighter.com welcomes Rolles Gracie to the Cesar Gracie
Academy.
Source:
Graciefighter |
|
K-1
fighter Mirko Cro Cop elected in Croatia
VIENNA
— Croatians elected popular K-1 fighter Mirko Cro Cop, who
ranked third on the proportional representation list in the first
electoral district of Zagreb, in Sunday's general election, according
to official returns on Monday.
The
29-year-old fighter, whose real name is Mirko Filipowicz, won
his seat after his Social Democratic Party of Croatia won nearly
30% of votes cast in the district, winning more than four seats.
(Kyodo News)
Source:
MMA News |
RICARDO
ARONA CHALLENGES PRIDE GP CHAMPION WANDERLEI SILVA
from TATAME:
The
Brazilian athlete Ricardo Arona has just announced an open challenge
to Pride GP's champion Wanderlei Silva. Published in a local
newspaper in Brazil (Jornal dos Sports), Arona sent a message
to Wanderlei. "I am happy you won the GP. First of all because
you are Brazilian like me and second of all because I wanna be
the first one to beat you at Pride," stated Arona. The BTT's
athlete was out of the GP due to a injured and now he confirms
he is recovered and ready to face the Pride Champion.
Source:
MMA Weekly |
Interview:
Ricardo Arona
By Marcelo Alonso / Team Tatame
Ricardo Arona missed the most important opoortunity of his career
when he broke his foot three days before the PRIDE GP. Now, he
tries to put that dissappointment behind him, Arona declares
that he is back in his best shape ever. In this interview, he
talks about the Pride GP, his future challenges and his desire
to fight Wanderlei: “There is no way out. He has to fight
me this year”.
Are
you ok from the foot injury that took you out of the Pride GP?
Now I´m back 100% . I passed thru the most difficult time
of my life. I was really in excellent shape, and I was ready
to win the Pride GP when I broke my foot and tore some ligaments
3 days before the first round. It took me two months to recover
but now I´m back. I´m getting prepared for February´s
edition of Pride. This time off from training was very important
for me to learn to have more discipline, and train more. I´m
returning better than ever in February.
I´ve
heard you almost took 'Minotauro' out of Pride GP... My only
intention was in helping him against Cro Cop. I was training
heavily with him and unfortunately I hit his eye with an elbow
and opened a big cut.
What
is your impression in that match against Cro Cop?
I knew the fight would go that way, first because Fedor is a
top striker and second because he is left handed. I knew it would
be difficult for Rodrigo, but as soon as he put him on the ground
he had a great chance to win. Rodrigo was very well trained and
proved once again that he is the best in his category.
What
did you feel seeing Murilo losing to Henderson? That´s
the most sad part of this story. We know Henderson is an excellent
fighter, but we always want our fighter to win. Unfortunately
Murilo took that headbutt, followed by a knee that changed the
way the fight would go. But I think the referee shouldn´t
have interrupted it at that moment - Murilo was reacting at that
moment.
Do
you think if you had been in there the story would be different?
Man, I cried like a child in the first phase of the Grand Prix.
I was there in Japan, in the best shape of my life having great
conditions to win this event, but that injury took me out. It
was really hard for me.
Yoshida
impressed you? Yes, the guy showed a lot of heart. When I saw
him fighting for the first time I thought he could not deal with
Wanderlei´s game. But he did the right thing, he clinched
and got it to the ground, and anulled Silva´s game. I think
that if he had Vale-Tudo training inside he could have won. He
did not show the appetite to knock out Wanderlei.
What
did you expect from in the second part of the GP? I thought Wanderlei
would win. Maybe because I really want to fight him and facing
him undefeated would be much better. Among the finalist I thought
Wanderlei and Chuck were the ones who had the best chance. I
did not believe in Quinton because I think he is the kind of
the guy who talks more than he works. Wanderlei can say anything
but we know that he does what he says. Liddell is the kind of
fighter who doesn´t talk too much but does a great job
in the ring. The Japanese is a great judo player but he didn´t
have any Vale-Tudo expierence. I think that after he beat Liddel,
Quinton stepped in the ring already defeated by Wanderlei. I
think he felt the pressure of his first tournament. When He held
Wanderlei almost one minute with a guillotine, I knew he would
get tired sooner or later. Actually I´m very happy Wanderlei
won. First because he is brazilian, second because I want to
face him this year still undefeated.
Wanderlei
told me that to face him the opponent has to have a belt. How
do you think you will get this fight? I don´t think this
fight will take too long to happen. He already fought the best
guys in our category, just missing me and maybe one or two other
guys, so who He will fight against? I´ve already beat 3
top opponents in Pride. There is no way out this fight has to
happen in 2004.
What
do you think about him fighting against Randy Coulture?
I think Randy Coulture has all the elements to beat Wanderlei.
He gets you down and keeps punching and he never gets tired.
I think he has a good chance against Wanderlei.
Even
in a ring? That´s a very important question, because Randy
plays very well with the fence. But I believe even in the ring
he has advantages over Wanderlei.
What
is your opinion about all those fighters changing their teams?
I think that everybody has to look for what is best for them
when the subject is financial interest. Anyone has the right
to have his own opinion and I cannot judge. Even though we passed
thru a very similar situation here in BTT but we came to an agreement
because we are very good friends.
How
is your training routine? I´m training three times per
week at BTT in Rio and three times in Niterói, where I
live. I´m training Muay Thai with Tonico and doing my physical
training with Marcelo Sarold.
Source:
ADCC |
Wanderlei
Silva Goes Under the Knife
by: Marcello Tetel
After many fights and wars, the fighters take time to recharge
their batteries and heal little injuries.
It
seems that PRIDE Champion Wanderlei Silva will have minor surgery
on his elbow. In attendeance at the SHOOTO Brazil event, the
champion stated that was going to get surgery on his elbow to
remove liquid. This little problem is not painful, but limits
his arm movement, reveals Silva.
'Minotauro'
Nogueira has the same problem but his is worse than Silva's.
('Minotauro's sometimes swells like a tennis ball).
Wanderlei
states that the surgery is no big deal and he expects to be back
training in 10 days. It seems that he's in a hurry, since his
goal is to compete again on the New Years' eve Pride event.
ADCC
wishes a speedy recovery to Silva!
We
also received this report from a Wandferlei spokesman -
The
champion of the Pride Grand Prix, Wanderlei Silva, had an operation
yesterday (26th of Nov). In his hometown of Curitiba, he had
a simple procedure performed on his left elbow.
It
was quite simple, in 40 minutes he was back in his room in the
HOSPITAL VITA, one of the most modern hospital complexes in the
south Brazil.
According
the Orthopedist Chief of the Hospital, Mr. Mario Namba, who was
responsible for the surgery on the Wanderlei´s knee some
months ago, the athlete will take at least ten days off of the
training. Mr. Namba said that the operation succeeded, and that
2003 is a special year for him - he had the opportunity to operate
on two brazilian World Champions: Wanderlei Silva, Champion of
Pride GP and Daiane dos Santos, Gold Medal in the last Olympic
Gymnastics World Cup, held in ANAHEIM, California, USA (August
2003). Both athletes had their knees operated on. Mr. Namba is
a reference in Brasil as Orthopedist.
Wanderlei
is planing a Press Conference for the next week in São
Paulo to talk about 2003 and the plans for 2004. We will have
news soon.
Source:
ADCC |
Interview:
KOTC Champion DEAN LISTER (part 2)
by: Keith Mills
On Saturday,
December 6th Dean Lister takes on Jeremy Horn for the King Of
The Cage Light Heavyweight belt.
KM:
This is your first at Light Heavyweight. DL: Actually I fought
I think two years ago at Light Heavyweight a few times. The thing
was I was trying to make 185 and I made it but I had real health
problems after I made 185 the first time. My fault really, it’s
just that I didn’t know what extreme loss of weight would
do to you and know I know why some people have died losing weight.
I had real serious problems for a few months after that fight.
Not only the weight loss but consuming a lot of water or juice
or whatever after you make weight you blow up and have this useless
weight. I’d kick my leg and have a funny reaction because
of like the liquid displacement. I had really weird effects on
my body like my feet got swollen up…it was just really strange.
I can easily be 210, 215. Right now I’m trying not to be
that big because I feel a little faster, a little lighter. Even
let’s say 205 right now, 20 pounds to lose weight I could
do but it’s just not healthy. I enjoy the challenge of being
a real fight, a real situation, and there is nothing to hide
behind.
KM:
Are you not going to fight at 185 again? DL: You never know.
If the opportunity is worth it I could possibly do that. I feel
my natural weight is right at 202, 203. I don’t have a lot
of fat on my body. When I starve myself down I don’t feel
good, I’m not happy, I’m more irritable. When I’m
like that I don’t think I focus as well. I’ve been
making the lower weights but I think cutting the 20-30 pounds
is not wise to do to your body. I see that as my future.
KM:
Especially when you are talking about fighting fighters that
are more likely to take you to a decision like Horn. If this
fight was at 185 I’d worry about you being able to get the
weight back and still fight to the best of your ability for the
duration. The endurance factor. DL: That’s a big thing right
there. It’s like your energy level…to be honest I was
very strong at 185. I was almost as strong at 185 as right now.
KM:
Even before the Brian Sleeman fight you were talking about doing
more boxing. If a new fan was looking into this they’d see
both the Brian Sleeman fight and the James Lee fight were armbar
submissions. All of your wins have been submissions. Can you
tell us how the boxing cross-training is coming? DL: Cross training
is very important and I’m not going to allude to how good
my boxing is getting. It’s getting better, that is all I
can say. In all honesty if my opponent…anyone, it could
be Jeremy Horn or anyone, wants to go to the ground with me I’m
not going to fight it that much. It kind of gives me the luxury
to focus on my boxing and take chances. If I’m off balance
and fall on the ground it doesn’t matter to me. It’s
always possible that could be the fatal mistake but primarily
I’m not worried about falling. If my opponent makes one
mistake and is focused too much on striking and falls it’s
not to his advantage anymore. I can take more chances on my feet,
I like it. I’m having fun with this Whatever avenue I go
to the ground doesn’t matter to me. I actually learn correct
boxing and kickboxing and am not learning a lot of bad habits
because I have the grappling. It’s working out pretty good
for me and I’m getting better.
KM:
This may be your longest fight of your career. Your only loss
was a decision to Jason Flynn from that KOTC “Wet and Wild”
show, the one with all the rain in the cage. I don’t really
look at that as a loss because it was a wet cage. DL: I could
make that argument but I know for a fact that if I had justified
that as I didn’t really lose I would not have grown from
that situation. That really is the truth. I look at it as a tie.
You could say I won because I was on the top the whole time and
controlled the grappling or you could say Jason Flynn won because
he hit me a little bit more in the face. The hits I sustained,
a couple of them hurt a little bit but nothing came close to
knocking me out. I didn’t even have any bruises on my face.
Truth is outcome unknown because it was stopped at two 5-minute
rounds, so it wasn’t enough time for him to work the standup
and not enough time for me to work the grappling. Interestingly
enough they say when it’s slippery it favors the grappler;
it’s true it’s easier to fall on the ground and I end
up on top usually. I had no way to get base or posture to throw
punches. It worked to my advantage to get down on the ground
but was to my disadvantage to hurt my opponent. Those experiences
always add to your experience so it’s no big deal to me.
KM:
What would you say you learned from that loss? DL: At that point
I wasn’t yet in really good physical condition. I wasn’t
going through the real hard training while now before fights
except for these fires that messed up my lungs a little bit I
try to get in the best shape possible. Harder work, more dedication,
and less distractions.
KM:
Your two most recent fights, the two since Abu Dhabi, haven’t
been released on video yet so fans are only going to see up to
the time you beat Seguin and took the belt. After that belt fight
you had off for almost a year. What would you want to get across
to the fans about how you have improved or changed in the past
year? DL: I’ve improved and changed in a lot of ways. For
those who don’t know me very well I promise they see me
grapple they will be entertained because I’m not a staller,
I won’t sit there and wait for a decision or wait for my
opponent. As a matter of fact if that is what I have to do then
I’m in the wrong sport because that is not actually fighting.
I’m there to fight and if I was to lose I would lose fighting.
To win I will win fighting. That is why I have six submissions
in KOTC. To the fans, you’ll know me by my submissions,
I don’t just wait around, and you’ll also know me soon
for my improved striking abilities.
KM:
Your last two fights seemed quicker since Abu Dhabi. Is this
an improvement in your technique or is there a change in your
strategy that has resulted in quicker fights? DL: Ever since
I’ve done (grappling) tournaments my style of fighting…some
people would look at it and go ‘what is this guy doing’
because I’d take so many weird chances like flying armlocks
and flying this, flying that. I’d do crazy things and land
on my back sometimes. What happens is when you take these chances
over and over again you get good at taking these chances. It’s
like a guy who is good at exchanging punches. You can pick him
apart with points or jabs and maybe knock the guy out too but
if he does it long enough and gets really good at exchanging
punches he is now a guy you don’t want to exchange punches
with. I’ll trade submissions with anyone. If somebody were
to beat me in a grappling match it would be by a point and I’m
not my concern they submit me. That is my life, that is what
I do; I submit. I’ll trade submissions, I’ll gamble,
because that is what I’m good at. If somebody beat me there,
good job but that is where I feel real confident. So the thing
is…actually can you repeat the question? I got on a roll
here…
KM:
Sure. Your last two fights were quicker than before… DL:
I’ve been taking these chances and getting better and better.
I’m just maturing as a fighter based upon that risk taking.
KM:
It’s sounds like you are saying it’s become instinctive
to take these chances. It also makes for an exciting fight. When
I first heard of this fight I though one of the most exciting
fighters against a fighter he is less likely to take these chances
with or catch him. I’m wondering to what degree you would
slow down. DL: You never know. He has balls. I don’t see
him being afraid of me on the ground but I think he has to respect
my grappling to a high degree. I don’t know how he is going
to approach it. He may not have any problem on the ground with
me, which is cool, but that is my territory. That is where I
feel it’s my world. Because I’m not afraid to fall
on the ground I can take a lot of chances on my feet so we’ll
see what happens.
KM:
Are you wrapping up your training? DL: I’m trying to get
in shape, it’s my damn lungs. I’m trying to get this
stuff out of my lungs. I’ll be ok. It won’t be a problem.
KM:
So your not going to be going up to Big bear for a week or two…
DL: No, I have to work. I teach classes at City Boxing every
day and work hard. I don’t have the luxury of taking three
weeks off.
KM:
Anything else about City Boxing you want to get across? DL: I
just want to say thanks to my trainers Michael Regner and Robert
“The Hitman” Garcia.
KM:
Anything else to get across to the fans? DL: I think it’s
going to be a really great matchup. I’m excited about it
and I think it’s going to be a great experience.
KM:
And thank the sponsors… DL: Bad Boy Japan, Sycuan Casino,
and Marina Mortgage.
For
more on Dean Lister check out http://www.cityboxing.com/.
Source:
ADCC |
Brasil
Super Fight Postponed!!
by: Marcello Tetel
After
a hugely successful first edition of Brasil Super Fight, the
second event previously scheduled for December 19th will be postponed
until April of next year.
After
incredible fights in the first show , promoter Mario Sperry decided
to wait for the second show in order to have everything ready
in an even better way than the first edition. Mario Told us that
the sponsors are all set for the second show and they are planning
a lot of action for the card.
There
are other reasons, since Mario was rumoured to be fighting in
one of the Japanese shows scheduled forthe end of the year and
it would be impossible for him to promote the show and train
properly for a fight.
The
calendar also had Meca the day after and in order to avoid conflicts
between oraganizations, Mario had one more reason to skip the
show. To the fans - don't worry! The fans won't lose for waiting
for this next event.
Source:
ADCC |
The
Savage Truth - What in the World Was That?
By Greg Savage
Well,
it took about 1.7 seconds for me to realize I was back at the
Mohegan Sun for another UFC event. That’s about how long
it took for the crowd to start booing Yves Edwards and Nick Agallar
as they circled the cage feeling each other out in the first
round of the opening preliminary match. Ah, home sweet home.
I
guess it was the perfect setting for such a huge letdown of an
event.
Retarded
crowd? Check
Piss
poor card? Check
Fighter
losing his mind and attacking the referee? Check
Bench
clearing brawl between corners after a fight, complete with an
idiot from the crowd running down and jumping into the cage only
to leave and return to his seat with no ramifications from security?
Check
How
bout some technical difficulties for the pay-per-view broadcast?
Sure why not.
Could
we scale the arena wrong and ensure we don’t get a sellout
because we only have $300 dollar seats left for walk up customers?
You bet.
I
went into this trip with low expectations and believe me they
weren’t low enough. This ranks right up there with UFC 33
(the parts I was awake for anyways) as one of the worst shows
I have ever been to. Even the Legends and Hall of Fame ceremonies
couldn’t save this train wreck.
Oh
well, it’s only 67 days until UFC 46 and a pretty good chance
at redemption for the folks at Zuffa. God knows it won’t
be too difficult to improve on their last performance.
Moving
on. So I am talking with Larry Landless this afternoon, he called
to give me his statement on the Baroni stoppage which ended up
being an apology to Phil. He said he had just gotten off the
phone with Baroni and they were cool, that both had apologized
and they were hoping to move on from this unfortunate situation.
I
could tell how heavily this whole situation has weighed on Larry
and I, for one, feel he showed the class and professionalism
that has made him one of, if not the, best referees in the world
of MMA.
That
said, there is always room for improvement and as the sport continues
to evolve, the referees must advance as well. I feel the ability
to determine the severity of a cut or how it is affecting a fighter’s
vision is one thing that must happen. In my opinion there was
no reason to stop the fight to check Tanner’s cut, especially
when he was clearly out on his feet.
Another
thing I feel could be improved upon is the dialogue between fighters
and referees. Referees should be limited to giving commands while
the action is happening. Can you imagine being Phil Baroni, mounted
by Evan Tanner with elbows falling like bricks against your head,
trying to hold a conversation with the referee? No thanks.
I
didn’t have a problem with Landless’ stoppage but I
do feel he should have told Phil to get out of the bad position
or defend himself or he would have to stop the fight instead
of asking him if he wanted out. Phil had other things on his
mind at the time—namely Tanner’s elbows—and could
not be faulted for misunderstanding what the referee was asking
him.
Baroni
made the point at the press conference that the referee should
know the fighters they are reffing. When I asked Landless about
that he brought up the Randy Couture-Ricco Rodriguez fight and
explained that no matter how tough a fighter is they could be
seriously injured with the type of strikes Tanner was landing.
He said he remembered how much pain Couture was in after he took
the elbow from Rodriguez right to the eye and reiterated the
fact that he thought he was helping Phil by stopping the onslaught
of elbows he was being battered with. Landless made the point
that the fighter’s safety along with enforcing the rules
is the main function of the referee and that he had those thoughts
in mind when he called a halt to the fight.
Whether
Phil Baroni agreed with it or not, he can not be excused from
his actions after the fight was called. It has been reported
that he will be banned from fighting at the Mohegan Sun for life—not
the worst thing after all—and will face a one year suspension
at the hands of the Mohegan Tribal Commission. With most athletic
commissions honoring each other’s rulings, Baroni can expect
another long layoff.
Hopefully
he can use the time to figure out who he really is. I really
don’t care for his mostly contrived persona, the New York
Badass but found myself pulling for the guy at the press conference
with his emotions on his sleeve bearing his heart and soul to
those who would be judging him on his most recent outburst. That
Phil Baroni, the guy who lets everyone into his fragile world,
the guy who reveals his fears and faces up to his responsibilities
could easily be a crowd favorite, a working class fans fighter.
Don’t
let the New York Badass fool you, he may say the things to stir
the pot and be controversial but when the criticism comes down,
it hits Phil Baroni like a ton of bricks. Hopefully he will take
this time off to figure out what direction he wants his career
to go in. He is by no means done and as long as he handles the
punishment handed down with dignity and class the fans will forgive
him and cheer for him like never before.
Especially
if it is Phil Baroni and not the New York Badass.
Greg
Savage (greg@sherdog.com) was VERY relieved when nothing happened
to him after his "fanboy" rush through the Octagon.
Source:
Sherdog |
Interesting
News Item Courtesy of our friends at PuroresuPower.com:
During a sparring session with 35-year old former IBF champion
Frans Botha, Akebono had a very rough day on Thursday. He absolutely
was hammered by Botha with relative ease and Akebono was bleeding.
Akebono's eyes were tearing up and Botha said that even though
the sparring session only went 3 minutes, he saw some things
that he could give immediate direction to Akebono to improve
on. Sankei Sports reported that Akebono was having troubles controlling
his temper during sparring and that while he showed great strength
offensively, he had terrible defensive skills. In short, the
scouting report is - great strength (equivalent to a heavyweight
boxer) on offense, zero defense and can't last long. The long-term
training plan is for Akebono to do full-time training starting
on 12/7 and K-1 will give him as many fighters to work with as
possible (Great Kusatsu, Takeru, etc.) As far as diet is concerned,
Sankei Sports says that Akebono will abstain from drinking alcohol
and will be eating a diet of chicken and vegetable salads. The
hope is that he can lose at least 65 pounds.
Source:
MMA Weekly |
Quote
of the Day
"Adversity reveals genius, prosperity conceals it."
Horace, 1796-1859, American Educator
|
KICK'N
IT 3 Tonight
Friday,
November 28, 2003
(day after Thanksgiving)
Holomua elementry, Ewa Beach
Gates open @ 4:30 pm
Fights
starts @ 5:30 pm
Adults Pre-sale- $15
@ door- $20
Kids 6 thru 15- Pre-sale $10
@ door $15
Kids 5 & under free
Weigh in will be at 24 hour fitness mililani,
10:30am.
6 Championship bouts,
Main event.-(Super Middleweight Championship)
Shawn Taylor(Waimanalo Kick boxing) vs Mark Moreno(bulls Pen)
Semi Main-(Welterweight Championship)
Brandon Absher(Nanakuli Kickboxing) vs Joey Kuni (Big dogs)
(Super lightweight Championship)
Dominator Lopez(Big Dogs) vs Jr Yacup(808 fight factory)
(Lightweight Championship)
David Balicao(Nanakuli Kickboxing) vs Ernie Candilaris(Waimanalo
KB)
(Kids Championship)
Kai Kamaka III(808FF) vs Dido Rodrigues(Waianae KB)
(Cruiserweight Championship)
Scott Redolble(NKB) vs Kevin Smith(Big Dogs)
(Heavyweight)
Doug Armaral(Hard Knocks) vs Shilo Ho(Big Dogs)
(160lbs)
Jerry Bright(NKB) vs Oscar Cano(HMC)
(115lbs)
Po'okela Kawauhau(Big Dogs) vs Chad Pavao(Makakilo KB)
(200lbs)
Gun Wheeler(HMC) vs TBA(Giraldi Muay Thai)
(65lbs)
Kai Ruiz(Makakilo KB) vs Keanu Kamaka(808FF)
(45lbs)
Dahwen Bright(Makakilo KB) vs TBA(Ewa Beach Fight Club)
(95lbs)
Rodney jo Barona(Big Dogs) vs Sage Yoshida(HMC)
(145lbs)
Trinity Kila(big dogs) vs Nick Correia(MKB)
(145lbs)
Dyson Domen(Big Dogs) vs TBA
Presentation of belt to Harris Sarmiento for winning the Kick
'N It Middleweight Championship last week at The Ring Of Honor
(fights subject to change)
Schools Participating:
Team Big Dog
Nanakuli Kickboxing
808 Fight Factory
Waianae Kickboxing
Waimanalo Kickboxing
Team Hard Knocks
Hawaiian Self-defense
Source: Danny Kaheaku |
Tickets on Sale now for the Dec 5th, Super Brawl!
Great Early Christmas Gift!
Pick them up at the Blaisdell Box Office
Charge by phone 1-877-750-4400
or Click Here to Order Online!
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0A003763F800D975?brand=&tm_link=tm_sports_g4
SuperBrawl
has released a preliminary line-up for their December 6th event.
Suda returns to Hawaii as does Egan Inoue who fights Jason Miller.
Former
Super Brawl Champion, Egan Inoue will return to the Super Brawl
ring on December 5. He missed Super Brawl 31 due to a fractured
eye socket suffered in training. "I am very anxious to get
back in the ring. I am fully recovered and will be in the best
shape of my life for this fight. Jason Miller will bring me one
step closer to what I really want." (Masanori Suda and the
Super Brawl belt.) Egan Inoue
Miller
dismantled Grappling Unlimited's Shawn Taylor in Super Brawl
31 and then proceeded to taunt Inoue by taking the mic and calling
out, "Eeegaaannnn, come out and plaaaayyyy!!!" Miller
| |