Upcoming
Events
Do you want to list an
event on Onzuka.com?
Contact Us
(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
November
Pride
Bushido 5
(MMA)
(Yokohama Arena, Japan)
September
Ring
of Honor 6
( Kickboxing/MMA)
(Kauai)
Tentative
9/25/04
NAGA Hawaii State Grappling Championships
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Tentative)
August
Ring of Honor 6
( Kickboxing/MMA)
(Maui)
Tentative
8/28/04
Hawaiian Grappling Challenge
(Submission Grappling)
(Oahu)
8/15/04
Pride
All Stars Show
(MMA)
(Japan)
July
Bushido 4
(MMA)
(Nagoya Rainbow Hall, Japan)
7/24/04
Submission Wrestling Tpurnament
(Sub Grappling)
(Kahului, Maui, Hawaii)
July 9-12
BJJ
World Cup (CBJJO)
(BJJ)
(SESC gym, Salvador, Brazil)
7/9/04
Shooto
Hawaii
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
6/26/04
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Palama Settlement)
6/21/04
Punishment
In Paradise
(Kickboxing)
(Campbell H.S. Gym)
6/20/04
Pride Heavyweight
Grand Prix
(MMA)
(Japan)
6/19/04
UFC
48: Payback
(MMA)
6/18/04
Super
Brawl 36
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
5/30/04
Ring of Honor 5
(Sub Grappling)
(Campbell H.S. Gym)
|
|
May 2004 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! |
Tuesdays at 6:00PM on
Olelo Channel 52 |
Quote
of the Day
"Watch your "Thoughts," they become words. Watch
your "Words," they become actions. Watch your "Actions,"
they become habits. Watch your "Habits," they become
character. Watch your "Character," for it becomes your
"Destiny.""
Frank Outlaw
|
Help
a little Angel!
A lot of people have asked us who created our site or some returning
visitors were shocked to see how cool our new site was, well,
it is all the work of master flash artist, Marc Ebalaroza and
his company Pacific Design Community. He is a close friend and
we highly recommend him to anyone who wants a site that will
have everyone talking and sets it apart from the hum drum sites
out there.
Marc's heart is as big as his creative ability. You may have
heard about a message board type site that was set up for our
US troops to communicate with family. It was on the local news
stations and papers, Marc and his team were behind that. Now
he is asking for your help with a 2 week old baby. Joey Ching
of Hawaii411.com is a close friend and also has a heart of gold
by helping out with the site.
My heart goes out to this family. As some of you may know that
my terrible twosome (my twins) were in Neonatal Intensive Care
for the first couple of weeks of their lives and had to fight
their way to health. My family feels for Angel's family. So if
you have been blessed this year or recently, please share the
blessing with family who could use an extra share from everyone.
Onzuka.com
Hello:
I recently just donated a website to a friend of mine who's granddaughter
is hospitalized in San Francisco for a Diaphragmatic Hernia of
the Heart. Although only 13 days old the family are keeping their
faith on her recovery. He informed me of the news on Wednesday
regarding the financial situation his family was in because of
all the hospital and travel expenses. And after gathering the
information of his granddaughter's prognosis and his financial
situation I just couldn't walk away without doing anything. So
I decided to construct him a website where people can go to and
send their support and prayers. Joey Ching of Hawaii411.com also generously donated
server space and a domain name.
I did contact all the news stations, however it seemed that maybe
'Jasmine Trias' is just too important at this time because no
one called Sonny (Angel's Grandfather) for any media attention.
If you are willing to show your financial support in anyway,
I WILL add your link / logo to the website along with your name
/ company. We are working on getting the family a fund raiser
account and an online donation form, however for now please feel free to
contact Sonny Cuson at 808.864.0496 for any monetary donations.
For more info visit the website at: www.angelalapai.com
Please pardon the inconvenience of the site, however being that
it was a spur of the moment decision the site is still undergoing
some maintenance, I just wanted to launch it ASAP to get all
the support we can for this little girl and her family.
Please keep Angel Alapai and her family in your prayers. ~ Aloha
Marc.
|
UFC
Titles: Condition Critical
Commentary by Jake Rossen
After Zuffa's latest dust-up, this one involving the defection
of lightweight/welterweight phenom BJ Penn, the MMA faithful are circling a slightly
wounded UFC like wolves out for a kill. Fight fans are like jilted
lovers: make all the right moves - in their eyes - and they'll
preach undying devotion. Do something radical and be prepared
to hide the bunnies and hot water.
The level of venom directed at management in this industry is
unlike anything I've ever seen. Nowhere else can you find page
after page of knee-jerk criticism, name-calling, and demands
that the executive chairs be vacated. If something doesn't make
superficial sense, then it must not make any sense at all. Speculation
becomes rumor becomes rock-solid reality by the time a message
thread enters Page Two. The bottom line is irrelevant when it
comes to the fever dreams of fans. They want what they want,
common sense be damned. And if you don't provide it, you are
cruising for a public bruising.
The
UFC has its share of problems. Big problems. Some situations
were unavoidable. Some were not. The sport as it exists in America
(and make no mistake: the UFC is the sport in the States) seems
to be permanently in flux. No one knows what's going to happen
tomorrow. If Zuffa owns this promotion in two years, I won't
be surprised. If they don't, I won't be surprised.
Foremost
among their headaches: the lack of clearly defined weight classes
and champions. Visit the UFC's web page, click on "Title
Holders," and marvel at a bunch of blacked-out faces with
big question marks. It's embarrassing. It's unnecessary. It needs
to be resolved.
Your
more optimistic fans will shrug a shoulder and say that titles
don't precipitate great fights. That may be true, but a sport
without structure or purpose isn't going to invite the kind of
acceptance it's been begging for. Who would run a race with no
finish line? Who's going to watch a race with no finish line?
Everyone
wants closure, including the athletes. Breaking down the kind
of system that all combat sports are fueled by smacks of careless
direction. The sport needs champions. So do fans. And even in
spite of the UFC's crummy luck, it's not something they can ignore.
Yes,
"luck." Did Zuffa strip Jens Pulver on a whim? Pulver
- despite being the most sensationally dull champion of all time
- thought he was worth more money. Did the guy win fights? Absolutely.
Did he grab the attention of the crowd, which is the primary
factor in determining prize purses? Absolutely not. Chris Byrd
has outboxed nearly everyone he's faced. So has John Ruiz. These
guys win, and win ugly. But do they occupy the same financial
atmosphere as washouts like Tyson? Nope.
Murilo
Bustamante thought he could get a better deal elsewhere. Zuffa
didn't strip him: he left. And when he wanted to return, the
offer was no longer on the table. For those of you who supervise
others: do you let them go job-hunting for months at a time and
then roll out the red carpet when they're done playing the field?
You
do? Pass along your fax number. I want to work for you. Be in
by 11.
The
list goes on...Josh Barnett wanted to head for the Japanese wrestling
scene, and nothing was going to keep him in the UFC; Tim Sylvia
tested positive for steroids.
And
Penn. As a pound-for-pound great, he was an incredible addition
to the UFC's roster. And when he was a contender, there was no
issue in having him fight elsewhere, even against a huge threat
in Takanori Gomi. But as a title holder, playing musical chairs
ceases to be an option. Does anyone see Vanderlei Silva fighting
in K-1? Fedor heading for the UFC? Hell, do any King of the Cage
champs pop up elsewhere?
It
doesn't happen. Any promoter not suffering from a lobotomy doesn't
let their figureheads boost up someone else's business. And yet
it's the UFC that's chided for being "selfish" and
"difficult." This directed at a company that gave Dreamstage
Chuck Liddell and Ricco Rogriduez, while getting exactly Jack
and Shit in return.
Let's
say Penn does fight Ludwig. Forget about the outcome. If you
afford Penn the chance to cash in elsewhere, you have now set
a precedent for all of your champions to do so. There would be
no excuse not to. What happens when Tim Sylvia (or Mir) gets
a huge offer to fight Fedor at around the time you need him to
defend his belt? Now the UFC's schedule - already hampered by
egos, contracts, managers, injuries, and slots - is going to
be predicated on when Pride wants to poach your champions?
That way lies madness, gang. And so Penn was told to pack his
bags: not because of petty behavior, but because it made absolutely
no sense to do anything else.
Treatment
You've got one champ in Vitor Belfort, and you're set to crown
another one on June 19 with Sylvia and Mir. All things considered,
two warm belts is an accomplishment.
But
there's no reason to stop there. Matt Hughes and Renato Verissimo
is a bout tailor-made for the vacant welterweight championship.
Penn's departure may sour fans for some time to come, but it
can't hurt to fill the void he left without delay. As the former
champ, there's nothing more to be said about Hughes' worthiness.
Verissimo just defeated a game Carlos Newton, and for those who
like a little drama, he just so happens to be Penn's mentor.
Two title defenses on one card used to be the norm. Both guys
deserve a shot. There's no reason not to do this. Your number-one
contender is going to be decided with Trigg/Hallman that same
night. It's all gift-wrapped. Take it.
Middleweight
doesn't have to be far behind: take the winner of Baroni/Tanner
on June 19 and slot him against Matt Lindland in August for the
strap. I'm not happy advocating the dismissal of David Terrell,
but there's a larger situation that needs to take priority. You
could have Lindland fight Terrell before taking on the "Payback"
finalist, but now we're talking late in the year for resolution.
It's
inconceivable that you host a middleweight title bout without
Lindland, easily the most dominant 185 lb. guy out there. If
he gets Baroni, well...make it count, Phil. And if he gets Tanner?
If you're on the same team in the same weight class, then you
better damn well be prepared to mix it up. If not, then one of
them needs to be shown the door.
Boom,
boom, boom. By late August, your title lacerations are stitched
up and healing nicely. And no, I didn't forget about the lightweights.
Cut them loose. Juggling five weight classes on a Pay-Per-View-exclusive
event is only going to dilute the product. There's simply not
enough time to make sense of all the divisions. And like it or
not, the smaller guys are traditionally the least enticing to
fight fans. Until TV hits, it's time to put the lightweights
on the shelf.
The
UFC has been burned so many times by title holders that trying
to crown more is probably like palming a hot plate. But there's
simply no other alternative. To be taken seriously as a viable
commodity by both fans and future business partners, you need
to have a grasp on the basics. If an arena full of fans boos
groundwork, is the solution to hold the show in an empty event
center? You just can't ignore the essentials.
The
road to a championship is the underlying theme to every sport
out there. Without it, you're just treading water. The fans -
even the surly ones - deserve better
Source:
Maxfighting |
Brazilian
National Titles Final Results
Xande Ribeiro is the Man!
First
name is the winner:
The
Brazilian Nationals have just ended. With great fights and lots
of the top fighters participating, this year's Nationals was
one of the best ever. In the Brown Belt Absolute it was American
born, Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Clube's Robert Drysdale taking the cake!
The
story of the tournament however was Xande Ribeiro. After a year
living in Ohio, Xande returned with a vengeance. Proving that
he only got better from his USA experience, Xande took the weight
and the Absolute division with a resounding 8 x 0 victory over
young sensation Marcelo Garcia. In the Absolute finals Xande
swept and mounted forcing the dangerous Garcia to turn over his
back. Xande caught Garcia's back once more for the 8 x 0 win.
Rooster
- Daniel Moreno 7 x 2 Felipe Costa
Super-feather
- Carlos Holanda over Robson Medeiros by decision
Feather
- Fredson Paixao 2 x 0 Fredson Alves
Light
- Rodrigo Magalhaes 0 x 0 Marcelo 'Pulginha' Pimentel
Medium
- Garcia by quick submission
Medium-heavy
- Jacare and Marcel Losada closed the bracket. Jacare subbed
everyone he fought
Heavy
- 'Xande' Ribeiro 3 x 0 Jefferson Moura
Super-
Heavy Eric Wanderlei 2x1 (Adv.) Roberto Tozzi
Over
- Claudio Godoi won 0 x 0 Montagna
Absolute
- 'Xande' Ribeiro 8 x 0 Marcelo Garcia
Team
Results:
1-
Gracie Barra
2- Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Clube
3- BTT
Source:
ADCC |
Chuck
Liddell to fight Vernon White?
What happens when an "Iceman" fights a "Tiger"?
That question could be answered at UFC 49. A chat with Chuck
Liddell's trainer John "Pitmaster" Hackleman revealed
that it is a strong possibility that Chuck Liddell will be facing
Vernon "Tiger" White at the UFC 49 event to stay sharp
before he fights the winner of the Randy Couture vs. Vitor Belfort
fight that could take place in Nov. Vernon White makes his UFC
return after a draw with Ian Freeman.
Source:
MMA Ring Report |
PRIDE
GRAND PRIX SET
Our friend Zac Arnold over at puroresupower.com is reporting
these fights as the final Pride Match Ups for June 20th's show.
Mark
Hunt vs. Hidehiko Yoshida
Quinton
Jackson vs. Ricardo Arona
Kazushi
Sakuraba vs. Antonio Nino Schembri
Grand
Prix Match Ups:
Fedor
Emelieneko vs. Kevin Randleman
Giant
Silva vs. Naoya Ogawa
Minotauro
Nogueira vs. Semmy Schilt
Heath
Herring vs. Sergei K.
Source:
MMA Weekly |
SMALL
PROMOTIONS CONTINUE TO GROW
We have seen smaller promotions really make a name for themselves
in the past couple of years. Companies like Rumble on the Rock,
Hook N Shoot and others have really grown in the past couple
of years, but a show that continues to get bigger and biggers
is World Extreme Cagefighting. All you need to do is look at
the picture above to see how popular WEC is becoming with the
fans.
World
Extreme Cagefighting proved once again that it is one of the
top MMA shows in the nation with it’s sold out "WEC
X Bragging Rights" show produced last Friday May 21st at
The Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore California. Crowd
estimates topped 5000 and created an evening of all out excitement
for both the fans and the fighters. The event is believed to
be the largest Mixed Martial Arts event ever held in California.
When
a fighter comes out and the sound system is literally shaking
the entire venue and they see a crowd of over 5000 fans cheering
them on, it just makes for more exciting and compelling fights"
states Scott Adams, President and match maker for the WEC.
Reed
Harris, who is in charge of production of the show was very pleased
with the event and wanted to extend his thanks to all those who
helped make the show a success "I especially want to point
out to the fans out there that these shows would not take place
without the absolute commitment of the staff and the tribe at
The Palace Indian Gaming Center…The have become some of
MMA’s biggest supporters! I especially want to thank Christian
Printup, The Events Manager at The Palace."
"He
is not only the best event manager on the West Coast, but understands
the sport, the fighters and most of all, what the fans want to
see. We approach every show as a team with the goal of putting
on the best show possible." "As always, Paul Smith
Commissioner of the IFC was on hand and oversaw the sanctioning
of the event and we always appreciate his expertise".
While
the WEC continues to work together as a team, it's interesting
to note how many fighters in the WEC have gone on to fight in
the Octagon. Eight fighters from recent shows have not only competed
in the Octagon but won their matches, including Nick Diaz KO'ing
Robbie Lawler at UFC 47. This organization has made a commitment
to bringing in world class level fighters.
Chuck
"The Iceman" Liddell attended the last show and as
Scott Adams, told MMAWeekly "the last time I saw him he
was still signing autographs about 45 minutes after the show
had ended and still had about a 100 people crowded around him…he
has always supported WEC and we really appreciate it. He is a
credit to the sport".
Another
reason why MMA is so great because the fighters truly love the
fans and the fans appreciate the effort fighters give everytime
they step in the ring. When was the last time you Shaquille O'Neal
sit around and talk with the fans about his upcoming game in
the NBA Playoffs?
WEC
is one of the few shows that is working with television networks.
WEC 10 was filmed by HDNET, the high definition television network
owned by Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks. The network
recorded two different shows for future broadcast, as the broadcasting
team was made up of MMA broadcast veterans Jeff Blatnick, Ryan
Bennett and Stephan Quadros.
The
latest word from HDNET is that WEC X "BAGGING RIGHTS"
will premier on Wednesday June 2 at 7:00 p.m. Pacific 10:00 Eastern.
It's
amazing to see this promotion grow up over the past two years.
The WEC has gone from being a new promotion, to one of the most
successful promotions in not only California, but the United
States as well. The WEC's next show will be in August on the
20th. In the meantime WEC will continue to grow as they now have
become on of the premiere companies in the United States.
Source:
ADCC |
Kira
Gracie Gets Her Brown Belt
Kyra Gracie has won the purple belt division in the Brazilian
Nationals and has now been promoted to the rank of brown belt
by Carlos Gracie Jr.. Congratulations Kyra.
Source:
Gracie Fighter |
VEF:
Thales, Maiorino & Jamelão win
The I Vitória Extreme Fight ruled Espírito Santo
on last Saturday (29). With good fights, an amazing production
and big surprises, the tournament proved as big as others in
the country. Thales Leites (Nova União) got the middle
category after submitting Flávio Moura (his first opponent)
via Kata-Gatame, On the final, Thales defeated the local athlete
Lúcio Linhares. Lúcio got his rib hurt and didn't
return to second round.
Over the heavyweight division, Eduardo Maiorino (Champions Factory)
won Chico Melo bu KO, after a high kick in 3 RD. On the other
side of the bracket, Danilo Motoserra (Gracie Barra Combat Team)
did his debut in Vale-Tudo and got everyone surprised with his
aggressiveness. Motoserra ruled Aílton Jacaré (RVT)
with ground n´pound and the referee Carlão Barreto
had to stop the fight. In the final, between Maiorino and Motoserra,
the audience went nuts with the whole movimentation on the ring.
After lots of exchanging punches, Maiorino got the title winning
by 2x1.
During one of the super fights of the night, Jameão got
his sweet revenge from Marcelo Uirapurú (Gracie Barra
BH) and impose the fighter his third defeat. Lots of exchanging
punches and clinche was the way. Uirapuru also got few kick and
Jamelão attacked back with punches every time. When the
fight went to the ground, Uirapurú almost got the foot-lock,
well defended by Jamelão. The unanimous decision for Jamelão
was contested by Vinícius Draculino, Uirapurú's
teacher. 'Local audience ruled the decision," protested
Draculino.
COMPLETE RESULTS:
Circuit under 88kg:
Thales Leites (Nova União) submitted Flávio Moura
(GBCT) via Kata-Gatame
Lúcio Linhares (Alliance) defeated Júlio César
(Champions Factory) by referee's decision
Final: Thales Leite deefated Lúcio Linhares. Lucio didn't
return to 2RD
Circuit under 100kg:
Danilo Motoserra (GBCT) defeated Aílton Jacaré
(RVT) by referee's stoppage
Eduardo Maiorino (Champions Factory) defeated Chico Melo (Top
Brother) by KO in 3 RD
Final: Eduardo Maiorino defeated Danilo Motoserra by 2x1
Super fight:
Bruno de Paula (Alliance) defeated Danilo Sherman by referee's
decision
Gimar de Andrade defeated Luiz Pimpolho (NU/ RVT) by referee's
stoppage
Final: Eduardo Jamelão (Belfort Team) defeated Marcelo
Uirapurú (GB BH) by unanimous decision
Source:
Tatame |
Quote
of the Day
"Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it."
Irving Berlin, 1888-1989, Russian Composer
|
Help
a little Angel!
A lot of people have asked us who created our site or some returning
visitors were shocked to see how cool our new site was, well,
it is all the work of master flash artist, Marc Ebalaroza and
his company Pacific Design Community. He is a close friend and
we highly recommend him to anyone who wants a site that will
have everyone talking and sets it apart from the hum drum sites
out there.
Marc's heart is as big as his creative ability. You may have
heard about a message board type site that was set up for our
US troops to communicate with family. It was on the local news
stations and papers, Marc and his team were behind that. Now
he is asking for your help with a 2 week old baby. Joey Ching
of Hawaii411.com is a close friend and also has a heart of gold
by helping out with the site.
My heart goes out to this family. As some of you may know that
my terrible twosome (my twins) were in Neonatal Intensive Care
for the first couple of weeks of their lives and had to fight
their way to health. My family feels for Angel's family. So if
you have been blessed this year or recently, please share the
blessing with family who could use an extra share from everyone.
Onzuka.com
Hello:
I recently just donated a website to a friend of mine who's granddaughter
is hospitalized in San Francisco for a Diaphragmatic Hernia of
the Heart. Although only 13 days old the family are keeping their
faith on her recovery. He informed me of the news on Wednesday
regarding the financial situation his family was in because of
all the hospital and travel expenses. And after gathering the
information of his granddaughter's prognosis and his financial
situation I just couldn't walk away without doing anything. So
I decided to construct him a website where people can go to and
send their support and prayers. Joey Ching of Hawaii411.com also generously donated
server space and a domain name.
I did contact all the news stations, however it seemed that maybe
'Jasmine Trias' is just too important at this time because no
one called Sonny (Angel's Grandfather) for any media attention.
If you are willing to show your financial support in anyway,
I WILL add your link / logo to the website along with your name
/ company. We are working on getting the family a fund raiser
account and an online donation form, however for now please feel free to
contact Sonny Cuson at 808.864.0496 for any monetary donations.
For more info visit the website at: www.angelalapai.com
Please pardon the inconvenience of the site, however being that
it was a spur of the moment decision the site is still undergoing
some maintenance, I just wanted to launch it ASAP to get all
the support we can for this little girl and her family.
Please keep Angel Alapai and her family in your prayers. ~ Aloha
Marc.
|
Major
Super Brawl Announcement
Vitale to face Japanese Superstar June 18th!
Yushin Okami 9-1 Wajyutsu, Tokyo Japan
Okami is 2-0 in the biggest event in Japan, Pride. His style,
like most of the top Japanese stars is tremendously exciting.
He is not afraid to stand and trade bombs and combines his striking
prowess with a solid Judo background. Look for him to fight Niko's
aggressive style with more aggression.
Niko Vitale 17-3, Grappling Unlimited/808
Fight Factory
Vitale is coming off an impressive victory of former UFC Champion
Dave Menne. Although he still has his sights set on the UFC a
win over Okami could easily land him in one of the biggest events
in Japan. Vitale understands the opportunity before him. "Although
this fight may be my toughest to date, the payoff is well worth
it. I dreamed of fighting in the UFC and succeeded. One of my
other dreams is to fight in the Pride organization and I will
not let Okami stand in my way. Don't expect him to be standing
at the end of the fight." Niko Vitale
Source:
Super Brawl |
Monday
Night Fights
"FalseCrack Monday"
Monday Night Fights
"FALSE CRACK MONDAY"
June 21.2004 @ Volcanoes Night Club
We are holding Hawaii's first Mixed Martial Arts & Kickboxing
Monday Summer show ever. We are hosting 8-10 bouts once a month
on a Monday. We're doing this to keep athletes busy during the
summer. We are going to do Toughman style fights, Mixed Martial
Arts and Kickboxing bouts. If you are a fighter and want to sign
up for either of these three styles email second2none@hawaii.rr.com or call 808-330-4483
for more information.
Ticket Information
Promoter Brennan Kamaka
808-330-4483 or second2none@hawaii.rr.com
Bulls Pen in Kalihi
Dino Fernandez
808-330-7108 or bullspen1@aol.com
1111 Dillingham Blvd
Kalihi, Hawaii
(Across Honolulu Community College & next to Subway)
Source: Event Promoter |
Shooto
World Ranking
April 2004
Bantamweight / -56kg
C Mamoru, Shooto Gym Yokohama, Japan
1 Robson Moura, Nova Uniao, Brazil
2 Junji Ikoma, Chokushinkai, Japan - Up / def. Murata
3 Yasuhiro Urushitani, RJW Central, Japan - Down / Up Ikoma
4 Homare Kuboyama, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
5 Hiroaki Yoshioka, Paraestra Tokyo, Japan
6 Masatoshi Abe, AACC, Japan
7 Takeyasu Hirono, Keishukai Gods, Japan
8 Ichaku Murata, New Ground, Japan
Featherweight
/ -60kg
C Ryota Matsune, Paraestra Matsudo, Japan
1 Kentaro Imaizumi, SK Absolute, Japan
2 Masato Shiozawa, Keishukai, Japan
3 Marco Louro, Nova Uniao, Brazil
4 Masahiro Oishi, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
5 Jin Akimoto, Akimoto Dojo Jungle Junction, Japan
6 Akitoshi Hokazono, Cobra-kai, Japan / Up, def. Osawa
7 Kimihito Nonaka, Purebred Omiya, Japan - Down / Up Hokazono
8 Shuichirou Katsumura, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan - Down
/ Up Ikoma
9 Ryan Ackerman, Grappling Works, U.S.A.
10 Hudson Rocha, Brazilian Top Team, Brazil
Lightweight
/ -65kg
C Alexandre Franca Nogueira, World Fight Center, Brazil
1 Stephen
Paling, Jesus is Lord, U.S.A.
2 Joao
Roque, Nova Uniao, Brazil
3 Norifumi 'Kid' Yamamoto, Purebred Tokyo, Japan
4 Hiroyuki Takaya, Tanaka Juku, Japan
5 Hiroyuki Abe, AACC, Japan
6 Jens Pulver, Team Extreme, U.S.A.
7 Makoto Ishikawa, Purebred Omiya, Japan
8 Naoya Uematsu, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
9 Tetsuo Katsuta, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
10 Hideki Kadowaki, WKSS, Japan
Welterweight
/ -70kg
C Vacant
1 Tatsuya Kawajiri, Team TOPS, Japan
2 Kaoru Uno, Keishukai, Japan
3 Takanori Gomi, Kiguchi Dojo Wrestling School, Japan
4 Ryan Bow, Purebred Omiya, U.S.A.
5 Kotetsu Boku, Purebred Tokyo, Japan
6 Kohei Yasumi, Paraestra Tokyo, Japan
7 Mitsuhiro Ishida, Team TOPS, Japan
8 Takaharu Murahama, Gracie Barra VT Team, Japan
9 Daisuke 'Amazon' Sugie, Alive, Japan
10 Takumi, Paraestra Osaka, Japan
Middleweight
/ -76kg
C Vacant
1 Jake Shields, Team Scandinavia, U.S.A.
2 Jutaro Nakao, Shooto Gym Osaka, Japan
3 Ray Cooper,
Jesus is Lord, U.S.A.
4 Akira
Kikuchi, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
5 Ronald
Jhun, 808 Fight Factory, U.S.A.
6 Chris
Lytle, Integrated Fighting Academy, U.S.A.
7 Manvel Gamburyan, Team Gokor, U.S.A.
8 Seichi Ikemoto, Riroots Conan, Japan
9 Sauli Heilimo, Team Scandinavia, Finland
10 Shigetoshi Iwase, Team TOPS, Japan
Lightheavyweight
/ -83kg
C Masanori Suda, Club J, Japan
1 Dustin Denes, Cesar Gracie Academy, U.S.A.
2 Egan
Inoue, Grappling Unlimited, U.S.A.
3 Shiko
Yamashita, Paraestra Sapporo, Japan
4 Martijn de Jong, Tatsujin Dojo, Holland
5 Scott Henze, Freelance, U.S.A.
6 Curtis Stout, American Jiu-Jitsu Academy, U.S.A.
7 Jon Fitch, Americn Kick Boxing Academy, U.S.A.
8 Shonie Carter, Shidokan U.S.A., U.S.A.
9 Ryuta Sakurai, R-Gym, Japan
10 Lance Gibson, Gibson Pankration Academy, Canada
Pacific
Rim Ranking
April 2004
Featherweight
/ -60kg
C Vacant
1 Kentaro Imaizumi, SK Absolute, Japan
2 Masato Shiozawa, Keishukai, Japan
3 Masahiro Oishi, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
4 Jin Akimoto, Akimoto Dojo Jungle Junction, Japan
5 Akitoshi Hokazono, Cobra-kai, Japan - Up / def. Osawa
6 Kimihito Nonaka, Purebred Omiya, Japan - Down / Up Hokazono
7 Shuichirou Katsumura, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan - Down
/ Up Hokazono
8 Hisao Ikeda, Purebred Omiya, Japan - Down / Up Hokazono
9 Akira Komatsu, Cobra-kai, Japan
10 Alfie Alcarez, Nickwan Kick Gym, U.S.A.
Lightweight
/ -65kg
C Vacant
1 Stephen
Paling, Jesus is Lord, U.S.A.
2 Norifumi
'Kid' Yamamoto, Purebred Tokyo, Japan
3 Hiroyuki Takaya, Tanaka Juku, Japan
4 Hiroyuki Abe, AACC, Japan
5 Makoto Ishikawa, Purebred Omiya, Japan
6 Naoya Uematsu, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
7 Tetsuo Katsuta, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
8 Hideki Kadowaki, WKSS, Japan
9 Katsuya Toida, Keishukai Iidabashi Toi-Katsu Dojo, Japan -
Again / def.
Kazata
10 Bao Quach, Team Oyama, U.S.A. / Down, Again Toida
Welterweight
/ -70kg
C Vacant
1 Tatsuya Kawajiri, Team TOPS, Japan
2 Takanori Gomi, Kiguchi Dojo Wrestling School, Japan
3 Ryan Bow, Purebred Omiya, U.S.A.
4 Tetsuji Kato, Purebred Omiya, Japan
5 Kotetsu Boku, Purebred Tokyo, Japan
6 Takumi, Paraestra Osaka, Japan - Up / def. Nakakura
7 Kohei Yasumi, Paraestra Tokyo, Japan - Down / Up Takumi
8 Mitsuhiro Ishida, Team TOPS, Japan - Down / Up Takumi
9 Takaharu Murahama, Gracie Barra VT Team, Japan - Down / Up
Takumi
10 Daisuke 'Amazon' Sugie, Alive, Japan - Down / Up Takumi
Middleweight
/ -76kg
C Vacant
1 Jake Shields, Cesar Gracie Academy, U.S.A.
2 Jutaro Nakao, Shooto Gym Osaka, Japan
3 Ray Cooper,
Jesus is Lord, U.S.A.
4 Akira
Kikuchi, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
5 Ronald
Jhun, 808 Fight Factory, U.S.A.
6 Seichi
Ikemoto, Riroots Conan, Japan
7 Shigetoshi Iwase, Team TOPS, Japan
8 Kuniyoshi Hironaka, SSS Academy, Japan
9 Hayato 'Mach' Sakurai, Mach Dojo, Japan
10 Deshaun
Johnson, HMC, U.S.A.
Source: International Shooto Commission |
|
Brazilian
National Titles Quick Results
Congratulations
to winners Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Club's Robert Drysdale medium-heavy,
Vitor 'Koral' who closed the bracket with teammates Chico Mendes
& 'Miudinho (Miudinho = 'tiny'; is the 5'3' & 286 Lbs
1/2 guard wizzard!).
Other
winners included TT's Andre Galvao taking the medium-weight despite
flying the night before from LA. Congratulations to Mexico's
representative Jackson Correa from TT/Valente, getting 3rd in
the same division.
Black
Belt absolute finals scheduled for tomorrow will be Marcelo Garcia
v Xande Ribeiro. Garcia submiited Marcio Corletta & Eric
Wanderlei with chokes from the back, while 'Xande' defeated Rodrigo
Santoro (adv.), Marcel Losada (refs dec.) & Roberto Tozi
(pts). Ronaldo 'Jacare' did not compete in the absolute.
Tomorrow
the full Black Belt divisions, the finals of the absolute and
the Absolute Brown take place!
Source:
ADCC/Kid Peligro |
PRIDE
Management to Visit Brazil
by Marcelo Alonso / Team Tatame
A large delagation of Pride management will arrive in Brazil
on May 31st, along with Fuji TV crew. Mr. Nobuhiko Takada, Mr.
Shinoda and MR. Kawasaki are already confirmed for the trip,
with the big boss, Mr. Sakakibara, not confirmed yet.
The
first stop will be in Curitiba, where the PRIDE Team will attend
a hard training session of Chute Boxe members, as well as visit
Wanderlei's new mansion. This is all for a report to appear on
Fuji TV.
The
promoters will alsofly to Minas to see one of the biggestspectacles
in modern 'futbol': Brazil x Argentina in Mineirão Stadium.
This is also for a special report to appear on Fuji Tv.
After
Minas, they will arrive in Rio on June 2nd to visit the Brazilian
Top Team headquarters and to visit the mansion of PRIDE Champion
'Minotauro'. On June 4th, Mr. Takada and his crew will witness
Meca 11. 'More than ever, the fighters have to give their blood
to make good fights. Regardless of their team, the fighter who
makes a good impression will have the opportunity of their life
- to be invited to fight in Pride' said Rudimar Fedrigo.
Source:
ADCC |
Jamelão
debuts in MMA facing Uirapuru in Vitória Extreme Fight
Submitted by: Luca Atalla
Very
expected for many fans and athletes from the martial arts world,
the MMA debut of Eduardo Conceiçao “Jamelao”
promisses to be the greatest attraction of the Vitória
Extreme Fight, competition that will be held on Saturday (29th)in
Espirito Santo, Brazil.
Jamelao
is going to face Marcelo “Uirapuru” Azevedo, who replaces
Rafael Capoeira. The Gracie Barra Combat Team athlete had a knee
injury during his training and was not able to step into the
ring. Despite the replacement of his opponent, Jamelao, who left
the Master Team to join the Belfort Team, is very confident in
his performance in VEF.
“It
is going to be a very special moment. I will have the opportunitty
to show my fighting techniques to those who live in the city
where I´ve been living for 12 years. I´ve been training
really hard to win”, said Jamelao. Uirapuru and Jamelao
have fought twice before under Jiu-Jitsu rules. Uirapuru won
the first one and the second fight was interrupted with no winner.
Marcelo
Uirapuru is an MMA fighter with two losses in two fights, both
in Heat, in 2003. In the first one he was defeated by Renato
Babalu and in the second fight he was beated by Alexandre Vaca.
Expert in capoeira, he´s been training Jiu-Jitsu for seven
years and muay thai for seven months. According to him, it´s
time to achieve the first victory. “I am foccused on my
training and it will be an honor be part of the envent´s
main fight. I´ll try to win and provide a good show for
the audience”, stated the fighter.
The
Vitoria Extreme Fight will be realized in Alvares Cabral gymnasium,
with the capacity for seven thousand spectators. “Our main
goal is to put the Vitoria Extreme Fight in the MMA Brazilian
scene, and after that, become the best and biggest event of our
country”, said the promoter Gabriel Silva. To provide the
public the best structure, the organization invest almost US$
30.000.
Check
the card below:
Bruno
de Paula (Alliance Jiu-Jitsu) x Danilo Cherman (Andre Pederneiras
/Nova União)
Gilmar de Andrade (Leitai Sanshou Freestyle Team) x Marcelo Sallazar
(Brazilian Top Team)
Superfight:
Eduardo
Jamelão (Belfort Team) x Marcelo Uirapuru (Gracie Barra
- BH / Abada Capoeira)
Tournament:
-88
Kg:
Thales Leites (André Pederneiras / Nova União)
Flavio Moura (Gracie Barra Combat Team)
Lucio Linhares (Alliance Jiu-Jitsu)
Júlio Cesar (Champions Factory)
-100
Kg:
Eduardo Maiorino (Champions Factory)
Chico Melo (Top Brother)
Ailton Jacare (Ruas Vale-Tudo)
Danilo Motosserra (Gracie Barra Combat Team)
Source:
ADCC |
Minotauro
set to face Herring, Brazilian Top Team looking to triumph in
Korea, Wanderlei Silva continues to hit Brazilian mainstream
and a solid card for MECA 11!
The
Brazilian Beat:
By Eduardo Alonso
In the last Brazilian Beat of May of 2004 the focus is already
set for June, as next month promises a lot of interesting things
for an MMA fan, being him from anywhere in the world. June will
bring the second round of the PRIDE GP, that because of the card's
single matches, such as Quinton Jackson against Ricardo Arona,
promises to be more interesting than the first round of the same
Heavyweight GP. Also, June will treat Brazilian fans to MECA
11, in one of the best cards every put together at this Brazilian
promotion, with some intriguing match-ups. Besides those two
marquee happenings for any Brazilian fan, June will witness to
first big MMA show ever in Korea, with plenty of PRIDE and UFC
veterans taking part on the card, and a handful of Brazilian
fighters competing in it. So, with the eyes set on June we enjoy
the last hours of May with news from both present and near future
of the Brazilian MMA scene, FCF brings yet once again another
Beat straight from the often hot, and now cold weather of Brazil
[believe it or not it's damn cold here now], enjoy the news!
As
the second round of the PRIDE Heavyweight GP approaches and the
date of departure for Japan grows near, the Brazilian Top Team
headquarters is extremely busy. Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira is,
although not officially confirmed, going to face Heath Herring
in a rematch of the bout that gave Nogueira the PRIDE Heavyweight
belt for the firs time back at PRIDE 17. Training has been tough
as not only Mino is preparing for Herring, but Arona for his
PRIDE comeback against Quinton Jackson, in two fights that are
bound to be worth the ticket alone!
The
PRIDE GP is not the only thing causing noise and keeping everybody
busy at the BTT training camp, as four fighters from the team
are preparing for the major Korean show that will take place
in June as well. Although rumored to be facing Alistair Overeem
in the show, Minotauro's brother Rogerio Minotoro Nogueira will
be fighting the "Brazilian Killa" Alex Stiebling, in
a crucial match for both guys career. The other BTT members will
have Japanese opponents at the Korean promotion, as Paulo Filho
will fight Daijiro Matsui, Fabiano Capoane will be fighting Namekawa,
and Claudio Godoy will be facing Hamada. Former Chute Boxe fighter
Anderson Silva, who's facing Jeremy Horn at the same show, has
been training with Minotauro every now and then to help in Nogueira's
preparation for Herring, as well as his preparation for Jeremy
Horn, of course.
Speaking
of the PRIDE GP Second round, among the special fights featured
for the show besides the ones from the tournament, one will more
than likely feature Nino "Elvis" Schembri is his debut
as a Chute Boxe fighter in a rematch against Japanese superstar
Kazushi Sakuraba. Rumors have been high for a long time in Brazil
about this match up, and it is indeed going to happen as Nino
has been preparing for the fight and hoping to repeat the outcome
of their first outing.
Speaking
of Chute Boxe, PRIDE Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva continues
to be making some noise in the Brazilian mainstream media. This
week Silva came to Sao Paulo once again to hit some TV shows,
as well as Radio ones. Silva's knee has been fine lately as he
is already training regularly at Chute Boxe and is likely to
face Yuki Kondo in PRIDE's August show. Another interesting PRIDE
related piece lately in Brazil is that DSE public figure Nobuhiko
Takada is expected to be coming to Brazil soon, for a two-week
stay following training in academies such as Chute Boxe and BTT,
as well as following the next MECA Vale-Tudo.
This
last May 22nd, the 10th edition of Champions Night brought the
already traditional minor show from the Brazilian Northeast region
to the south of the country for the first time ever. Taking place
at the city of Marilia, in the state of Sao Paulo [financially
the most important in the country], the show counted with seven
MMA matches as well as four Muay Thai bouts. The standouts of
the show were Deep veteran Gleison Tibau, and former Chute Boxe
fighter Emerson Naja, both scoring quick and impressive wins.
Here are the results of the MMA matches:
Ricardo Alves def. Adriano Maciel by triangle choke in R1
Pedro Akira def. Luis Popo by KO in R1
Regiclaudio Kexada def. Alex dos Santos by referee stoppage in
R1
Junior Killer def. Fabio D'amore by TKO in R2
Fabricio Robo def. Robson da Silva by armbar in R1
Gleison Tibau def. Daniel Muralha by armbar in R1
Emerson Naja def. Marcelo Barbosa by KO in R1
This Saturday, May 29th Vitoria Extreme Fight will take MMA to
yet another Brazilian capital, continuing to spread our sport
around the country. The capital of the state of Espirito Santo,
near Rio de Janeiro, the city of Vitoria will see some experienced
fighters battling inside the ring, as HEAT veteran Marcelo Uirapuru
was confirmed as the replacemente of Rafael Capoeira, facing
Jiu-Jitsu standout and local hero Eduardo Jamelao. UFC veteran
Flavio Moura is another experienced fighter taking part on the
card, facing Thalles Leite from Nova Uniao in the first round
of a middleweight tournament. The show will also count with K-1
veteran Eduardo Maiorino battling Chico Mello, this time in the
1st round of the heavyweight tournament. Check out the card:
Middleweight
Tournament:
Flavio Moura vs. Thales Leite
Lucio Linhares vs. Julio Cesar
Heavyweight
Tournament:
Eduardo Maiorino vs. Chico Mello
Danilo "Motoserra" vs. Ailton Jacare
Single
Fights:
Marcelo Salazar vs. Gilmar Andrade
Bruno de Paula vs. Danilo Sherman
Eduardo Jamelao vs. Marcelo Uirapuru
Still
on the subject of MMA shows in Brazil, the 11th edition of MECA
Vale-Tudo is coming up on June 5th, at the city of Teresopolis,
near Rio de Janeiro, with a very interesting card! Names such
as Gustavo Ximu, Nilson de Castro, Tony de Souza, Luis Azeredo,
Jorge Macaco Patino, Daniel Acacio and others are guarantee of
a good spectacle, as this is clearly the strongest MECA card
in recent time. FCF will bring you all the action from MECA 11,
and here is the card for Saturday, June 5th:
Fabricio Monteiro vs. Fernando Boi
Alex Gaze (Boxe Thai) vs. Andre Bispo (RFT)
Suyan Queiroz vs. Luciano Azevedo (RFT)
Junior Besouro (RFT) vs. Luis Brito
Luciano Cardoso vs. Parazinho
Ivan "Batman" vs. Alexandre "Baixinho" Barros
(Gracie Barra Combat Team)
Jadyson Costa (Chute Boxe) vs. Milton Vieira (Brazilian Top Team)
Daniel Acacio (Chute Boxe) vs. Eric Tavares (Ruas Vale Tudo)
Delson "Pe de Chumbo" (Gracie Barra) vs. Jorge "Macaco"
Patino (Chute Boxe)
Tony de Souza (Nova Uniao) vs. Luis Azeredo (Chute Boxe)
Gustavo Ximu (Gracie Barra Combat Team) vs. Nilson de Castro
(Chute Boxe)
Vitor Belfort's quest to find any information about his missing
sister Priscila Belfort continues. "The Phenom", who
was planning a trip to the USA at the next June 7th to prepare
for a rematch against Randy Couture granting a chance to focus
more into fighting, has been appearing in TV shows every week
pleading for information on his sister, who's missing for more
than four months already. The reward for any information that
can lead to Priscila is up to 10,000 Reais, which is around US$3,300.
With the announcement of the reward the Brazilian police has
been receiving new information lately, and hope is now getting
bigger again to at least finally find out what exactly happen
with Vitor's sister. FCF continues to hope for the best and if
somehow you have any information regarding Priscila, please contact
the Brazilian Police.
Source:
FCF |
K-1
CLAIM SAPP STILL MISSING
K-1 is continuing to say to the Japanese media that they have
lost contact with Bob Sapp since his loss to Kazuyuki Fujita.
Sapp
was scheduled to do a pro-wrestling matchup this coming Thursday,
but noone have been able to contact him.
Sources
in the Japanese media are saying that this whole scenario is
most likely a K-1 angle to ease Sapp's work load without upsetting
his many pro-wrestling fans. K-1 have already stated they wanted
Sapp to do less pro-wrestling matches so he can concetrate more
on his K-1 rules and MMA fights.
Source:
Fight Sport |
|
K-1
SIGNS AKIYAMA
Yomiuri
Sports reports that K-1 has signed Japanese judo star Yoshihiro
Akiyama.
Akiyama
made controversial news at the judo world championships when
his first three opponents complained that his judo jacket had
some slippery substances applied to it. This was a charge he
had also been accused of in the Japanese selction tournament.
After
being ordered to change his jacket to an IJF issued jacket, Akiyama
lost and ended up without a medal.
Source:
Fight Sport |
|
ATKINS
INSIDER: ORTIZ VS. SHAMROCK PART 2
In
yet another Fightsport.com exclusive, my source, who goes by
the name of 'In the know', has informed me that if Ken Shamrock
defeats Kimo Leopoldo, he will get a rematch with Tito Ortiz.
As
you all know, the first match between Shamrock and Ortiz was
the highest grossing fight under the Zuffa regime. UFC president
Dana White feels that a rematch would have the same success in
ticket and pay-per-view sales.
Also,
many websites have been incorrectly reporting that Matt Hughes
vs. 'Charuto' Verissimo will be a title fight. This is not true
as the title fight will be held at a later show. The winner of
the Matt Hughes vs. Charuto Verissimo matchup will face the winner
of the Dennis Hallman vs. Frank Trigg to determine the welterweight
title at a later show.
Source:
Fight Sport |
TYSON:
'I'LL FIGHT TARVER AND KO HIM IN ONE'
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson told the media that he's
willing to fight Antonio Tarver.
"I'll
fight him and show Roy how it should have been done -- one round,"
said Tyson.
Tyson
went on to say that he's not interested in a fight with Roy Jones
Jr., and added, "Roy's going to have to knock that guy [Tarver]
out. He's got to beat that guy for any credibility".
Source:
Fight Sport |
UFC
CONTINUES TO PROVE FIGHTSPORT.COM CORRECT
As Fightsport.com first reported last year, the UFC has no plans
to ever crown a lightweight champion again, and will most likely
drop the lightweight division in the future.
The
UFC continues to prove our scoop correct when they announced
that the Yves Edwards vs. Josh Thompson fight scheduled for UFC
49 will not be for the vacant lightweight title as was previously
speculated.
Source:
Fight Sport |
|
K-1,
TYSON, AND HBO UPDATE
K-1
matchmaker Sadaharu Tanigawa recently spoke with the Japanese
media and went into further details about K-1's future plans
with Mike Tyson and HBO.
Tanigawa
re-itirated that they have a signed contract with Tyson, and
that all that's left is to agree upon an opponent for Tyson.
The fight would be promoted under K-1's 'Fight Entertainment
Group (FEG) subsidiary. The fight would be under boxing rules,
and would take place in either July or August in either New York,
Las Vegas, or Los Angeles.
Furthermore,
Tanigawa stated that Tyson's fight purse would be close to what
he makes in boxing. Opponents that K-1 would like to match against
Tyson include Bob Sapp, Jerome LeBanner, or Shannon Briggs. Tyson's
camp would like to see journeyman boxer Kevin McBride as Tyson's
opponent.
Tanigawa
also added that a deal with HBO to televise the Tyson fight,
as well as televising both the regular K-1 and K-1 MMA brands
on a regular basis, is very close to being finalized.
K-1
can already be seen on ESPN as is. A deal to be on HBO would
further propel the K-1 brand into the American mainstream.
More
news to come on this in the next few weeks.
Source:
Fight Sport |
PRIDE
TO EXPAND INTO U.S. AND BRAZIL
Nobuhiko Takada announced that DSE intends to make a strong effort
to expand the PRIDE brand into the U.S. and Brazilian markets
in 2005.
Source:
Fight Sport |
SILVA
VS. KONDO IS OFFICIAL
DSE/PRIDE officially announced to the Japanese media that the
Vanderlei Silva vs. Yuki Kondo matchup will take place as a single
fight on their PRIDE Heavyweight GP Finals card on August 15th.
Source:
Fight Sport |
BARONI:
'NOBODY'S EVER SEEN LEE MURRAY'S HANDS'
UFC middleweight contender Phil Baroni answered some questions
for his fans on the UG forum and had the following to say about
potential opponent Lee Murray:
Phil
Baroni on Lee Murray's powerful strikes: "Nobody's ever
seen Lee Murray's hands. They're afraid to let that Pele video
out but I plan on breaking his jaw."
Phil
Baroni on the self promotion: "I'm just being me. Lee Murray
is saying the shit that I said two years ago. He's reading the
book that I wrote, and Tito's a total different ball game.
Source:
Fight Sport |
'TIGER'
WHITE IN STREET BRAWL
In yet another Fightsport.com exclusive, Josh H. from Las Vegas
tells the FS 24/7 News staff the following:
"Vernon
'Tiger' White was recently involved in a massive brawl relating
to his bouncing job. The first details we have received indicate
a group of criminals attempted to attack the bouncing crew where
Vernon White works. Vernon defended himself and knocked out six
or seven opponents, most of whom were his size or larger.
When
analyzed, this event is in stark contrast to Tito Ortiz's well
publicized humiliating loss at the hands of a much smaller Lee
Murray in the streets of London. More details to follow within
the next day." -Josh H.
Source:
Fight Sport |
Sven
Bean Part 1
By Arnold "The Sushiboy" Lim
Sven Bean is the Manager of MMA and K-1 stars Duane Ludwig and
Pete Spratt among others as well as the promoter of the Ring
of Fire show out of Denver Colorado. He was gracious enough to
spend some time with “The Sushiboy” and had much to
say about Duane Ludwig, Pete Spratt, Pat Smith, Ludwig's upcoming
bout with BJ Penn and more...
MMARR:
Duane didn’t do to well against Parr, What happened to Duane
Ludwig against John Wayne Parr?
SB:
he cut too much weight too fast, he was out there by himself
in Japan, I didn’t get to Japan until actually an hour before
the fight started because I had a death in the family.
MMARR:
I am sorry to hear that.
SB:
It is alright, our other coach that was going out there got delayed
because of weather and had to spend the night in San Francisco
and didn’t get there until three hours after the weigh in.
and Duane was cutting over 18 pounds to get to the weight, he
went in a little heavy, because …he went in a lot heavy
because he went in with a hurt ankle so he couldn’t run
leading up to the fight he couldn’t run at all and that
is how he keeps his weight down by running. He couldn’t
run at all and he came in heavy, turned out to be a big deal
because we have a pretty good system for cutting weight, but
since he was there by himself, his support team wasn’t there
he was trying to cut the weight he panicked a little bit he did
it the wrong way and he was very weak, he just cut too much weight
too fast, Parr didn’t ever hurt him, he never hurt him,
all the knockdowns were flash knockdowns, Duane would go down
and pop right back up and look over at us kind like “What
the hell” not out at all, not hurt at all, and then the
weight was such a big difference they made us wear ten ounce
gloves and he wore 8.
MMARR:
Are you allowed to do that and have different size gloves?
SB:
K-1 can do whatever they want. And also everyone wore 8 ounce
Reyes…
MMARR:
What is 8 ounce Reyes?
SB:
Reyes is a type of glove, it is a Mexican glove and they are
made with horse hair so they are known as one of the hardest
hitting gloves out there, even specifically for boxing and the
lightweights because, the lightweights don’t have a whole
lot of punching power with the little flyweights and straw weights,
they want to gives them as much power as possible. The these
gloves are very tiny. And they gave us these ten ounce gloves
that were not Reyes, they were some kind of promotional glove
I had never seen them before. I put the Reyes next to the gloves
that they wanted us to use, they looked like my 16 ounce trainers
that I used to spar with. There was like a 2 and a half difference
in size. Combine all that stuff together, against fighting John
Wayne Parr with who even fighting on an even level is going to
be a tough fight and you are in a no win situation. But people
put a lot more in the losses here in North America then they
do in Japan.
MMARR:
I was told that John Wayne Parr at one point was training together
with Duane Ludwig.
SB:
Yeah years ago.
MMARR:
How did that pan out? Were they friends at all?
SB:
They were living together basically, in a dorm situation with
the Roufus brothers and John Wayne Parr and Angela, now Angela
Parr, because of that training camp they hooked up. Anyway it
was just a month and a half in the summer time so nothing big.
MMARR:
But they knew each other pretty well I guess then.
SB:
Oh yeah, we have been following Parr’s career, we know each
other, we see each other all the time at different fights.
MMARR:
What were the weight limits for the max fight?
SB:
154lbs, 70 kilo’s
MMARR:
You got Pete Spratt taking a couple of losses here. He has been
having a little bit of a difficult time here. What is next for
Pete?
SB:
He just fought a month ago in a kickboxing fight and beat an
undefeated fighter, I got him in the super league, and I am also
negotiating for a fight in Sturgis, possibly with the IFC but
it will probably be just a stand up fight. It might be kind of
cool, it is going to be a cage, they are going to have MMA gloves
on but it is going to be under Mui Thai rules.
MMARR:
Very Cool
SB:
Yeah that would be pretty neat and he tried out for the boxing
reality show and the producer called him personally and told
him how impressed he was they really like the whole.. that he
is an ultimate fighter, and he was never a pro boxer and they
are totally into it so if that happens that is actually what
he is going to do for three months because that is how much time
it will take.
MMARR:
Can you tell us a little more about that boxing reality show?
Is that the one with Sylvester Stallone?
SB:
Yeah the one with Stallone, he tried out in Dallas, Sylvester
Stallone’s brother Frank Stallone, pulled out his personal
video camera to record it, got on the phone and called Sylvester
Stallone and said you gotta see this guy, The producer of the
Phone called Pete personally and that is the same producer that
does all the reality shows. Mark…
MMARR:
What are his thoughts on MMA right now is he still interested
in persuing that at all?
SB:
Totally but he is just going to take a slow process getting back,
I am going to probably bring him out here, to fight on Ring of
Fire, but it looks like it will be a kickboxing match as well.
MMARR:
Was it difficult on him mentally to lose those two fights?
SB:
You would have to ask him that.
MMARR:
Pete was out here in Montreal when he was supposed to fight Georges
St Pierre the first time. Was he more mentally prepared that
first day then he was the second time?
SB:
Oh Yeah…totally. He had a lot of stuff going on and you
always hear that from people but the reality of it is we are
humans and if our mental state isn’t there then you are
not going to perform.
MMARR:
I think the second time out I believe it was the American thanksgiving,
I am not one hundred percent sure about that… | |