Sign our Guestbook!
Experience the Man Page!

Upcoming Events
Do you want to list an event on Onzuka.com?
Contact Us
(All events on Oahu, unless noted)

2005

12/10/05
Proving Grounds -
ROTR Qualifer
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center)


11/19/05
ROTR 9

(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)


11/14/05
3rd American National BJJ Championships
(Torrance Unified School District, Torrance, CA )

10/29-30/05
Brazilian Team Titles
(Equipes)
(Brazil)

10/05
Proving Grounds -
ROTR Qualifer
(MMA)
(Lahaina Civic Center, Maui)


9/05
Proving Grounds -
ROTR Qualifer
(MMA)
(Kauai)


8/27-28/05
International Masters & Seniors BJJ Tournament
(Tijuca Tenis Clube, Tijuca, Brazil)

8/05 (tentative)
ROTR 8

(MMA)
(Las Vegas, NV)


7/23-31/05
World BJJ Championships (Mundial)
(Tijuca Tenis Clube, Tijuca, Brazil)

7/21-23/05
World Cup of BJJ
(BJJ)
(São Paulo, Brazil)

7/9/05
Proving Grounds -
ROTR Qualifer
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center)


5/7/05
ROTR 7

(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)


5/7-8 & 14-15 & 21-22/05
Brazilian National BJJ Tournament
(Youth, Adult, Master & Senior)
(Tijuca Tenis Clube, Tijuca, Brazil?)

4/16-17/05
2005 Junior Olympic Male and Female State / Regional Boxing Championships
(Boxing)
(Palolo Boxing Gym
/ Rec Center)


4/15 or 16/05
Punishment In Paradise 10
(Kickboxing, MMA)
(McKinnley H.S. Gym)

4/2/05 or 4/9/05
Super Brawl
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)

4/1-3/05
Pan American & Team Title USA vs Brazil BJJ Tournament
(BJJ)
(California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA)

3/26/05
Proving Grounds -
ROTR Qualifer
(MMA)
(Lahaina Civic Center, Maui)


3/25/05
Shooto Hawaii: Pro/Am
(MMA)
(Blaisdell - Hawaii Suite)

3/18 or 3/19/05
Super Brawl: Full Contact Showdown 2
(MMA)
(Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill, Kaneohe MCBH)

3/12/05
The Second Annual Maui Jiu-Jitsu Open
BJJ tournament

(BJJ)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Hawaii)

3/6-7/05
Hawaii State High School Wrestling Championships
(Blaisdell Arena)

3/5/04
SUMA
(Kickboxing)
(Hyatt Waikiki)

So Yo
u Think You Tough 8
(Boxing, MMA)
(Kauai)

Proving Grounds -
ROTR Qualifer
(MMA)
(Honolulu)

3/4-6/05
Arnold Schwarzenegger Gracie World Submission Championships
(BJJ & Submission Grappling)
(Columbus, Ohio)

2/27/05
2005 Hawaiian Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ & Submission Grappling)
(Saint Louis H.S. Gym)

G-3
(Kickboxing)
(Palama Settlement Gym)

2/26/05
So You Think You Tough 7
(Boxing, MMA)
(Kona Gym, Kona)

2/19/05
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Kapolei High School)

 News & Rumors
Archives
Year 2004

January 2005 Part 3
January 2005 Part 2
January 2005 Part 1
December 2004 Part 3 December 2004 Part 2 December 2004 Part 1
November 2004 Part 3

November 2004 Part 2
November 2004 Part 1
October 2004 Part 2
October 2004 Part 1

September 2004 Part 3
September 2004 Part 2
September 2004 Part 1
August 2004 Part 3

August 2004 Part 2
August 2004 Part 1
July 2004 Part 3
July 2004 Part 2
July 2004 Part 1
June 2004 Part 3
June 2004 Part 2
June 2004 Part 1
May 2004 Part 3
May 2004 Part 2
May 2004 Part 1

April 2004 Part 3
April 2004 Part 2
April 2004 Part 1
March 2004 Part 3

March 2004 Part 2
March 2004 Part 1
February 2004 Part 3
February 2004 Part 2
February 2004 Part 1
January 2004 Part 3
January 2004 Part 2
January 2004 Part 1
Year 2003
December 2003 Part 3
December 2003 Part 2 December 2003 Part 1
November 2003 Part 3
November 2003 Part 2
November 2003 Part 1
October 2003 Part 2
October 2003 Part 2
October 2003 Part 1
September 2003 Part 2
September 2003 Part 1
August 2003 Part 3
August 2003 Part 2
August 2003 Part 1
July 2003 Part 3
July 2003 Part 2
July 2003 Part 1
June 2003 Part 3
June 2003 Part 2
June 2003 Part 1
May 2003 Part 3
May 2003 Part 2
May 2003 Part 1
April 2003 Part 3
April 2003 Part 2
April 2003 Part 1
March 2003 Part 3

March 2003 Part 2
March 2003 Part 1
February 2003 Part 3
February 2003 Part 2
February 2003 Part 1
January 2003 Part 3
January 2003 Part 2
January 2003 Part 1
Year 2002
December 2002 Part 2
December 2002 Part 1
November 2002 Part 2
November 2002 Part 1
October 2002 Part 3
October 2002 Part 2
October 2002 Part 1
September 2002 Part 3
September 2002 Part 2
September 2002 Part 1
August 2002 Part 2
August 2002 Part 1
July 2002 Part 3
July 2002 Part 2
July 2002 Part 1
June 2002 Part 3
June 2002 Part 2
June 2002 Part 1
May 2002 Part 3
May 2002 Part 2
May 2002 Part 1
April 2002 Part 3
April 2002 Part 2
April 2002 Part 1
March 2002 Part 3
March 2002 Part 2
March 2002 Part 1
February 2002 Part 2
February 2002 Part 1
January 2002 Part 3
January 2002 Part 2
January 2002 Part 1
Year 2001
December 2001 Part 2
December 2001 Part 1
November 2001 Part 2
November 2001 Part 1
October 2001 Part 2
October 2001 Part 1
September 2001 Part 3
September 2001 Part 2
September 2001 Part 1
August 2001 Part 2
August 2001 Part 1
July 2001 Part 3
July 2001 Part 2
July 2001 Part 1
June 2001 Part 2
June 2001 Part 1
May 2001
April 2001 Part 2
April 2001 Part 1
March 2001
February 2001
January 2001
Year 2000
Nov-Dec 2000
October 2000
Aug-Sept 2000
July 2000
March-May 2000

February 2005 News Part 2
 

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 8:30PM on Olelo Channel 52
New Time!

 2/20/05

Quote of the Day

"A hammer breaks glass, but forges steel."

old Russian proverb

PUNISHMENT IN PARADISE
News Alert


Welterweight Class B Shooto
David Padilla (Jesus Is Lord, Hawaii)
Vs.
Ryan Kronwritter (Meat Truck Inc, Indiana)

Padilla who made a comeback in December will make his way back and try once again to climb the Shooto Rankings as he faces Meat Truck Inc Kronwritter. I have spoken with some promoters up on the states, Quoted them by saying "That Kid Ryan comes to fight."

Middleweight Class B Shooto
Ikaika Chou Foo (Jesus Is Lord, Kailua)
Vs.
Kevin Smith (Team Bighdogs, Waianae)

Two season kickboxers will collide Shooto style should be interesting to see if both fighters will try to stand or surprise us with some ground.

Source: Event Promoter

PRIDE 29: 'Fists of Fire' Today
February 20th, 2005
Saitama, Japan

Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic vs. Mark Coleman
Sergei Kharinotov vs. Choi Mu Bae
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson vs. Murilo 'Ninja' Rua
Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira vs. Alistair Overeem
Igor Vovchanchin vs. Yoshiki Takahashi
Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua vs. Hiromitsu Kanehara
Fabricio Werdum vs. Tom Erikson
Mario Sperry vs. Hirotaka Yokoi
Stefan Leko vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Kiyoshi Tamura vs. Makmud Aliyev

Source: Fight Sport

PRIDE ANNOUNCES LEKO, SAKURABA, YOSHIDA AND KONDO IN GRAND PRIX

DSE President, Sakakibara, spoke to the media in Tokyo Japan about Pride 29 which takes place on Sunday in Tokyo. He said that every fighter's motivation is good for tomorrow's show. He also said that Mirko's main training has been on his ground technique. He was thinking about his fight against Fedor, so before this fight he wanted to fight with Coleman because Coleman has fought against Fedor. He also pointed out that tomorrow's fight for the Japanese fighters is very critical for them to win and that Pride is glad that Tamura has come back to Pride.

Rogerio Nogueira's mainly been training on his striking. His striking seems better than his older brother's, Rodrigo. What is even more interesting to note is that Sakakibara said that Rogerio said that he wants to strike with Overeem. Could this be a fatal mistake for the ground specialist, using his new found techiniques against a well versed striker?

Talking about the Middleweight GP that will take place in a few months. Sakuraba, Yoshida and Yuki Kondo will fight in the Middleweight GP. But, Pride is waiting to see how Yokoi and Tamura do in their fights to see if they will participate in the Middleweight GP. Stefan Leko wanted to fight in the Middleweight GP, so Pride said that if he could drop the weight from heavyweight then he could fight in the GP. So, Leko dropped his weight to 93 kg, so he will fight in the Middleweight GP.

Translation by: Kayoko Yamasaki

Source: MMA Weekly

COLEMAN FEELS DISRESPECTED IN FIGHT TONIGHT

MMAWeekly reports from Japan that Mark Coleman is not happy at the way Mirko Cro Cop has been acting. Coleman feels disrespected by the Croation fighter entering this fight.

Cro Cop flew in yesterday with only a day in between his fight, when most of the fighters flew in on Tuesday/Wed. Cro Cop also didn't attend the press conference or rules meetings because of the late arrival. Coleman feels that Cro Cop is gearing up for Fedor and overlooking him this weekend. Coleman feels that Cro Cop doesn't see him has a threat.

And, maybe Cro Cop is overlooking the past UFC champion. In a press conference today, SportsNavi reports that Mirko Cro Cop said that he will win tomorrow against Coleman. He also said that Coleman is a good experienced fighter amongst the Pride fighters. Cro Cop feels that having hard fights is a way to get into perfect condition- mentally and physically. About the possibility of Coleman beating Cro Cop and getting the right to fight Fedor, Cro Cop responded that it is impossible. Cro Cop is very confident that he will win tomorrow.

Cro Cop did say on his website that he was doing some late training and that is the reason why he arrived to Japan late. Coleman is the big underdog for this fight as the latest line has Cro Cop as the big favorite at Mirko 'Cro Cop' is -500, while Mark Coleman is at +300.

Source: MMA Weekly

The Ring's Boxing Rankings
Hopkins Tops The Pound For Pound Ranking


For Period Ended February 10, 2005

POUND-FOR-POUND
1. BERNARD HOPKINS
Middleweight
2. FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Junior Welterweight
3. KOSTYA TSZYU
Junior Welterweight
4. WINKY WRIGHT
Junior Middleweight
5. MANNY PACQUIAO
Featherweight
6. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Featherweight
7. MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA
Junior Lightweight
8. ERIK MORALES
Junior Lightweight
9. GLEN JOHNSON
Light Heavyweight
10. ANTONIO TARVER
Light Heavyweight

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Weight Unlimited
Champ: VITALI KLITSCHKO
Ukraine 35-2 (34)

1. CHRIS BYRD
Flint, MI 38-2-1 (20)
2. JOHN RUIZ
Methuen, MA 41-5-1 (28)
3. HASIM RAHMAN
Baltimore, MD 40-5-1 (33)
4. JAMES TONEY
Ann Arbor, MI 68-4-2 (43)
5. MONTE BARRETT
Queens, NY 31-3 (17)
6. ANDREW GOLOTA
Poland 38-5-1 (31)
7. FRES OQUENDO
Puerto Rico 24-3 (15)
8. JAMEEL McCLINE
Port Jefferson, NY 31-4-1 (19)
9. LAMON BREWSTER
Los Angeles, CA 31-2 (27)
10. SAMUEL PETER
Las Vegas, NV 22-0 (19)

CRUISERWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 200 pounds
Champ: Vacant

1. WAYNE BRAITHWAITE
Guyana 21-0 (17)
2. JEAN-MARC MORMECK
France 30-2 (21)
3. JOHNNY NELSON
England 44-12-2 (29)
4. O'NEIL BELL
Atlanta, GA 23-1-1 (22)
5. KELVIN DAVIS
Reno, NV 21-2-1 (16)
6. CARL THOMPSON
England 33-6 (25)
7. STEVE CUNNINGHAM
Philadelphia, PA 16-0 (9)
8. DALE BROWN
Canada 33-3-1 (21)
9. VIRGIL HILL
Bismarck, ND 49-5 (23)
10. PIETRO AURINO
Italy 31-2 (14)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 175 pounds
Champ: GLEN JOHNSON
Miami, FL 42-9-2 (28)

1. ANTONIO TARVER
Orlando, FL 22-3 (18)
2. ZSOLT ERDEI
Hungary 21-0 (13)
3. ROY JONES
Pensacola, FL 49-3 (38)
4. JULIO GONZALEZ
Huntington Beach, CA 37-2 (23)
5. DARIUSZ MICHALCZEWSKI
Germany 48-1 (38)
6. CLINTON WOODS
England 36-3-1 (22)
7. FABRICE TIOZZO
Franco 46-2 (30)
8. PAUL BRIGGS
Australia 23-1 (17)
9. THOMAS ULRICH
Germany 27-1 (19)
10. RICO HOYE
Detroit, MI 18-0 (14)

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 168 pounds
Champ: Vacant

1. JOE CALZAGHE
Wales 38-0 (30)
2. MIKKEL KESSLER
Denmark 35-0 (27)
3. ANTHONY MUNDINE
Australia 23-2 (18)
4. ANTWUN ECHOLS
Davenport, IA 31-5-1 (27)
5. DANNY GREEN
Australia 19-1 (18)
6. JEFF LACY
St. Petersburg, FL 18-0 (14)
7. MADS LARSEN
Denmark 45-2 (37)
8. ROBIN REID
England 37-4-1 (27)
9. MARKUS BEYER
Germany 31-2 (12)
10. MANNY SIACA
Puerto Rico 18-5 (16)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 160 pounds
Champ: BERNARD HOPKINS
Philadelphia, PA 45-2-1 (32)

1. HOWARD EASTMAN
England 40-1 (35)
2. OSCAR DE LA HOYA
Los Angeles, CA 37-4 (29)
3. FELIX STURM
Germany 22-1 (10)
4. FELIX TRINIDAD
Puerto Rico 42-1 (35)
5. JERMAIN TAYLOR
Little Rock, AR 22-0 (16)
6. ROBERT ALLEN
Atlanta, GA 36-5 (27)
7. MASELINO MASOE
New Zealand 26-2 (25)
8. KINGSLEY IKEKE
Canada 21-1 (11)
9. SAM SOLIMAN
Australia 29-7 (11)
10. WILLIAM JOPPY
Washington, D.C. 34-4-1 (25)

JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 154 pounds
Champ: WINKY WRIGHT
St. Petersburg, FL 48-3 (25)

1. KASSIM OUMA
W. Palm Beach, FL 21-1-1 (13)
2. SHANE MOSLEY
Pomona, CA 39-4 (35)
3. VERNO PHILLIPS
Aurora, CO 38-9-1 (20)
4. DANIEL SANTOS
Puerto Rico 29-2-1 (20)
5. TRAVIS SIMMS
Norwalk, CT 24-0 (18)
6. JAVIER CASTILLEJO
Spain 58-5 (40)
7. RODNEY JONES
Lafayette, LA 34-3 (22)
8. KOFI JANTUAH
Las Vegas, NV 28-2 (18)
9. BRONCO McKART
Monroe, MI 47-6 (31)
10. ALEJANDRO GARCIA
Mexico 28-1 (28)

WELTERWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 147 pounds
Champ: ZAB JUDAH
Brooklyn, NY 33-2 (24)

1. ANTONIO MARGARITO
Mexico 30-4 (21)
2. CORY SPINKS
St. Louis, MO 34-3 (11)
3. THOMAS DAMGAARD
Denmark 34-0 (26)
4. MANUEL GOMEZ
Mexico 27-10-1 (19)
5. KERMIT CINTRON
Reading, PA 24-0 (22)
6. JAWAID KHALIQ
England 23-1-1 (13)
7. CARLOS BALDOMIR
Argentina 40-9-6 (12)
8. COSME RIVERA
Los Angeles, CA 27-7-2 (19)
9. DAVID ESTRADA
Chicago, IL 18-1 (9)
10. SEBASTIAN LUJAN
Argentina 22-1-1 (14)

JR. WELTERWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 140 pounds
Champ: KOSTYA TSZYU
Australia 31-1 (25)

1. ARTURO GATTI
Jersey City, NJ 39-6 (30)
2. VIVIAN HARRIS
Brooklyn, NY 25-1-1 (17)
3. FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Grand Rapids, MI 33-0 (22)
4. SHARMBA MITCHELL
Washington, D.C. 55-4 (31)
5. MIGUEL COTTO
Puerto Rico 22-0 (18)
6. RICKY HATTON
England 38-0 (28)
7. DeMARCUS CORLEY
Washington, D.C. 29-3-1 (16)
8. LOVEMORE NDOU
Australia 39-7-1 (25)
9. OKTAY URKAL
Germany 34-3 (10)
10. JUNIOR WITTER
England 30-1-2 (19)

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 135 pounds
Champ: JOSE LUIS CASTILLO
Mexico 51-6-1 (45)

1. DIEGO CORRALES
Las Vegas, NV 39-2 (32)
2. JOEL CASAMAYOR
Miami, FL 31-3 (19)
3. JUAN LAZCANO
El Paso, TX 33-3-1 (25)
4. JULIO DIAZ
Coachella, CA 30-2 (22)
5. JUAN DIAZ
Houston, TX 27-0 (13)
6. ACELINO FREITAS
Brazil 36-1 (31)
7. JAVIER JAUREGUI
Mexico 49-11-2 (34)
8. ARTUR GRIGORIAN
Uzbekistan 37-1 (23)
9. JULIEN LORCY
France 56-4-2 (41)
10. LAKVA SIM
Mongolia 19-4-1 (16)

JR. LIGHTWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 130 pounds
Champ: Vacant

1. MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA
Mexico 59-4 (41)
2. ERIK MORALES
Mexico 47-2 (34)
3. JESUS CHAVEZ
Mexico 40-3 (28)
4. YODSANAN NANTHACHAI
Thailand 43-2-1 (35)
5. CARLOS HERNANDEZ
Bellflower, CA 41-4-1 (24)
6. JORGE BARRIOS
Argentina 42-2-1 (30)
7. CASSIUS BALOYI
South Africa 30-1 (16)
8. MIKE ANCHONDO
La Puente, CA 25-0 (18)
9. ROBBIE PEDEN
Australia 24-2 (13)
10. MZONKE FANA
South Africa 22-2 (8)

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 126 pounds
Champ: MANNY PACQUIAO
Philippines 39-2-2 (30)

1. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Mexico 43-2-1 (33)
2. INJIN CHI
South Korea 30-2-1 (18)
3. ROCKY JUAREZ
Houston, TX 22-0 (15)
4. SCOTT HARRISON
Scotland 23-2-2 (13)
5. VICTOR POLO
Colombia 34-4-3 (24)
6. MANUEL MEDINA
Mexico 63-14 (29)
7. ZAHIR RAHEEM
Tulsa, OK 25-1 (15)
8. MICHAEL BRODIE
England 35-2-1 (23)
9. CHRIS JOHN
Indonesia 34-0-1 (19)
10. SPEND ABAZI
Denmark 31-1 (10)

JR. FEATHERWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 122 pounds
Champ: Vacant

1. OSCAR LARIOS
Mexico 55-3-1 (35)
2. MAHYAR MONSHIPOUR
France 26-2-2 (17)
3. ISRAEL VAZQUEZ
Mexico 37-3 (28)
4. JOAN GUZMAN
Dominican Republic 22-0 (17)
5. JOSE LUIS VALBUENA
Venezuela 24-3-1 (14)
6. JORGE LACIERVA
Mexico 26-5-5 (18)
7. SALIM MEDJKOUNE
France 43-5-1 (21)
8. YODDAMRONG SITHYODTHONG
Thailand 41-2-1 (18)
9. DANIEL PONCE DELEON
Mexico 22-0 (21)
10. WAYNE McCULLOUGH
Las Vegas, NV 27-5 (18)

BANTAMWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 118 pounds
Champ: Vacant

1. RAFAEL MARQUEZ
Mexico 33-3 (30)
2. VEERAPOL SAHAPROM
Thailand 46-1-2 (32)
3. RATANACHAI VORAPIN
Thailand 59-8 (40)
4. GENARO GARCIA
Mexico 32-4 (20)
5. CRUZ CARBAJAL
Mexico 24-12-1 (20)
6. TOSHIAKI NISHIOKA
Japan 24-4-3 (14)
7. SILENCE MABUZA
South Africa 17-0 (15)
8. RICARDO VARGAS
Mexico 36-10-3 (11)
9. JHONNY GONZALEZ
Mexico 26-4 (24)
10. JULIO ZARATE
Mexico 21-2-1 (13)

JR. BANTAMWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 115 pounds
Champ: Vacant

1. KATSUSHIGE KAWASHIMA
Japan 28-3 (18)
2. MARTIN CASTILLO
Mexico 27-1 (16)
3. LUIS PEREZ
Nicaragua 22-1 (14)
4. IVAN HERNANDEZ
Mexico 19-0-1 (13)
5. ALEXANDER MUNOZ
Venezuela 25-1 (24)
6. MARK JOHNSON
Washington, D.C. 44-4 (28)
7. JOSE NAVARRO
Los Angeles, CA 21-1 (9)
8. MASAMORI TOKUYAMA
North Korea 30-3-1 (8)
9. FERNANDO MONTIEL
Mexico 29-1-1 (23)
10. ERIC MOREL
Madison, WI 35-1 (18)

FLYWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 112 pounds
Champ: Vacant

1. PONGSAKLEK WONJONGKAM
Thailand 55-2 (29)
2. LORENZO PARRA
Venezuela 25-0 (17)
3. VIC DARCHINYAN
Australia 22-0 (17)
4. MZUKISI SIKALI
South Africa 29-4-2 (17)
5. IRENE PACHECO
Colombia 29-1 (22)
6. OMAR NARVAEZ
Argentina 18-0-2 (12)
7. ROSENDO ALVAREZ
Nicaragua 33-2-2 (21)
8. BRAHIM ASLOUM
France 17-0 (6)
9. HUSSEIN HUSSEIN
Australia 27-1 (21)
10. BRIAN VILORIA
Waipahu, HI 16-0 (10)

JR. FLYWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 108 pounds
Champ: Vacant

1. JORGE ARCE
Mexico 38-3-1 (28)
2. VICTOR BURGOS
Mexico 37-13-3 (22)
3. BEIBIS MENDOZA
Colombia 29-3 (23)
4. NELSON DIEPPA
Puerto Rico 22-1-2 (13)
5. PICHIT SIRIWAT
Thailand 30-2 (14)
6. FAHLAN SAKKREERIN
Thailand 50-4-2 (20)
7. JOSE AGUIRRE
Mexico 33-2-1 (20)
8. KERMIN GUARDIA
Colombia 35-4 (21)
9. ULISES SOLIS
Mexico 14-1 (10)
10. ROBERTO VASQUEZ
Panama 18-1 (15)

STRAWWEIGHTS
Weight Limit: 105 pounds
Champ: Vacant

1. YUTAKA NIIDA
Japan 17-1-3 (8)
2. MUHAMMAD RACHMAN
Indonesia 49-7-3 (21)
3. DANIEL REYES
Colombia 34-2-1 (29)
4. IVAN CALDERON
Puerto Rico 21-0 (4)
5. ISAAC BUSTOS
Mexico 24-6-3 (13)
6. EAGLE KYOWA
Japan 13-1 (5)
7. JUAN LANDAETA
Venezuela 15-3-1 (13)
8. CHANA PORPAOIN
Thailand 51-2-3 (17)
9. NOEL ARAMBULET
Venezuela 20-3-1 (10)
10. RODEL MAYOL
Philippines 20-0 (16)

Source: Dog House Boxing

 2/19/05

Quote of the Day

"All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."

Arthur Schopenhauer, 1788-1860, German Philosopher

KICKIN IT 2005 (AMATEUR KICKBOXING)
TONIGHT!
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
(DOORS OPEN AT 7:00 PM)
FEB. 19, 2005 (SATURDAY)

MAIN EVENT
SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
NICK CORREA 147-150# ALEX ZARRIELLO
HSD (2-2) GEE YUNG (2-1)

SEMI MAIN
JUSTIN DANO 160-165# KAIKA TROYFU
HSD JESUS IS LORD

TONY PEREIRA 115-119# KOICHI TANJI
WAIANAE KICKBOXING HMC

CLINT K 140-145# SHYSTEN
FREELANCE JESUS IS LORD

PAULO SHERIDAN 195-200# MIGUEL ASUNCTION
MASTER BRO. ABE ANIMAL HOUSE

KONA KEAALOHA 80-85# ROBBY OSTAVICH
HSD JESUS IS LORD

JOHN HOSOKAWA 135-140# AIKA SAMSON
GEE YUNG ANIMAL HOUSE

DENVER GONSALVES 185-200# BENJI PIWKO
HSD TEAM PERCEPTION

GORDON BERRY 170-175# WALTER HAO
HAWAII TRAINING CENTER ANIMAL HOUSE

KEA HUALATON 160-165# ALAN ALCARAZ
HAWAII TRAINING CENTER JESUS IS LORD

DARREN JOSE 145-150# BRANDON GANITANO
HSD HAWAII TRAINING CENTER

BRYAN INGRAM 170-175# ALAN ULIT
HAWAII TRAINING CENTER ANIMAL HOUSE

SHANE DULLATRY 105-110# JUSTIN PIAMONTE
JESUS IS LORD ANIMAL HOUSE

ALL MATCHES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

COME DOWN AND CHECK OUT THESE FIGHTS ON SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A LOT OF THESE GUYS ARE FIRST TIME FIGHTERS TRYING TO BUILD UP THEIR RECORDS AND SKILLS TO FIGHT FOR BELTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR. THE MAIN EVENT IS ALMOST AS EVEN AS IT CAN GET FOR BOTH FIGHTERS ARE ALMOST 6 FEET TALL, THEIR RECORDS ARE ALMOST THE SAME, AND THIS FIGHT WILL INCLUDE LEG KICKS. DONT MISS OUT FOR IT ALL STARTS HERE. THE SWINGING WILL BE INSANE AS IT ALWAYS IS ON THE KICKIN IT CARDS. GO-TIME WILL PROBABLY START AT 7:15PM SO COME EARLY.

CAUSE DAS HOW WE KICK IT

Source: Event Promoter

The New Maui Jiu-Jitsu Academy Opens Its Doors!

Maui Jiu-Jitsu Academy
343 Hanamau Street
Kahului, Hawaii 96732

Luis “Limao” Heredia invites everyone to the new Maui Jiu-Jitsu Academy featuring 3,384 square feet of mat space. There is a main mat room that has a 55 piece mat area and a private/small group room that has 25 piece mat area. There are a lot of other amenities that have to be seen to be appreciated.

Maui Jiu-Jitsu is hosting their 2nd Annual Maui Jiu-Jitsu Open on March 12, 2005. If your school is interested, please email Lee Theros at Mauibadboy@aol.com or Luis Heredia at lfheredia@aol.com for tournament information or to have a registration packet sent to you.

The Relson Gracie Casca Grossa Team will be there and we hope to see all of you there! They also have some cost saving suggestions to help your team afford to attend the tournament, please feel free to contact them about it.

The Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Enrollment Forms Are Available Online!

The tournament will take place on April 1st, 2nd and 3rd in California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson - California.

The Pan American Jiu jitsu 2005 is realized by American Jiu-Jitsu Confederation.

California State University, Dominguez Hills
1000 E. Victoria Street
Carson, California 90747
(310) 243-3696

Get the enrollment form at: www.cbjj.com.br/english/pan2005.htm

Source: IBJJF

DOES PARISYAN DESERVE A TITLE SHOT?

Fresh off a dominate win over Chris "Lights Out" Lytle, Karo "The Heat" Parisyan wants a shot at the UFC welterweight title. "The Heat" spoke with MMAWeekly about his fight with Chris Lytle, earning an opportunity to fight for the belt, and a possible rematch with George St.Pierre, who defeated Karo at UFC 46: Super Natural by unanimous decision.

Parisyan was prepared to go to war with Chris Lytle. It didn't turn out to be such a war though. Parisyan turned it into a one-sided fight. Going in, Karo thought it was going to be tougher than it turned out to be. He commented, "I actually thought it would be a little tougher fight....You know what, I just went in there, and I just put the heat on him. I honestly thought it might be a little tougher, but it really didn't. I don't know how or why it happened, but I'm glad it happened."

Parisyan feels he should be in line for a title shot after this impressive victory. He said, "I think, honestly, that I do deserve a title shot. I mean, you know, Frank [Trigg] is fighting Hughes next, and that will be a great fight. I honestly, I've told people, I think Frank's going to beat Hughes. I don't know, for some reason I think Frank's going to beat him. On the other hand, I think I should fight for the title. I should fight the winner of whoever wins."

Further commenting, Karo said, "I think I deserve a title shot. I've beat Nick [Diaz]. I beat Lytle. I came off a loss before that with St.Pierre, you know, but I got back up and I beat Shonie [Carter], and I beat Diaz, and I beat Lytle now, and I think I deserve a title shot."

Right now, Karo is a free agent. He only had a one fight contract with the UFC for the Lytle fight. About his future with the UFC, he said, "These guys don't give me a contract. Only a single fight contract. I don't know what I have to do to prove to Dana White, or any of these guys, that give me a three fight contract or something. You know? I mean, I've beaten real tough guys in the UFC. I'm not saying I'm real tough or anything, but then again, I think I'm in with the big guys now. I think I deserve a three fight contract."

Parisyan was asked if he'd like a rematch with George St.Pierre to avenge the loss. Karo responded, "Yeah, I'll fight him. First of all, like I said, right now, I think I deserve a title shot. After the title shot, I could fight anybody. I'd like to fight a champion, and I want to fight for that belt."

Source: MMA Weekly

WERDUM READY FOR ERIKSON

Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, Mauricio Behring, and Fabricio Werdum.

Fabricio Werdum recently spoke with Brazilian magazine 'Tatame' regarding his upcoming fight against Tom Erikson on the PRIDE 29 card on February 20th.

"We're studying what will be the best tactic for my fight. I've trained a lot of ground game, with Mirko (Filipovic) in charge of my standup training. I am feeling better each time about facing any adversary", said Werdum

Werdum's teammate, Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic, is scheduled to face Mark Coleman on the same card.

Source: Fight Sport

Quinton Jackson: Changed In and Out of the Ring
by Josh Gross

Days before the biggest bout of his career, Quinton Jackson felt like he was in the middle rounds of a far more important fight. This was a lonely battle, and there weren’t many people with whom he could speak.

Just two months earlier, adrift in turbulent waters that tend to whirlpool around men like him, the swear-word-loving Jackson’s closest allies were sure he had either pulled a genius hoax or turned mad.

Jackson hoped they would come around to see that this change was not a result of his doing. However, that did not happen and there was no way they’d understand. Not now. Not on the eve of his rematch with PRIDE middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva.

Then he found what he thought was the answer:

Fast. Don’t eat? For three days! I have no choice! I’m losing. I have to. I have to.

“One of the hardest things about being ‘born again’ is staying that way,” Jackson told Sherdog.com before leaving for Japan to fight Murilo “Ninja” Rua this Sunday. “I didn’t want to go back.”

In the middle of a late-summer night Jackson and his kindergarten-age son D’Angelo woke up to separate, though eerily similar dreams. Both were shaken, so much so that at 4 a.m. they had to get out of their apartment.

To Jackson, it was a sign.

“You know how girls cry when they’re happy?” he said. “That’s how I was. I think I felt Jesus’ love. I don’t know. I automatically knew everything after I was ‘born again.’”

“God fearing” would not have been the first phrase used to describe him before that night. A product of southern churches as much as Memphis’ streets, the African-American Jackson “tried to follow the 10 Commandments,” even though he probably “broke every one.”

Confused and maybe a bit scared, he took the approach of someone getting a new lease on life. Never before could he have imagined abstaining from sex—“That’s like a heroin addict quitting cold turkey.”—yet he did, intending to remain chaste until marriage.

Concentrating in the gym on his PRIDE middleweight title shot, the first month flew by. He didn’t even look at women, he said. But then things rolled into month two and he remembered his spirit and body clashing something serious.

That’s when Jackson came across the article on the Internet that suggested fasting would help him “fend off the devil.” Three days of avoiding food (water was fine) was recommended. Oh, and he was supposed to keep the process to himself.

“It helped me out spiritually a lot,” said Jackson, discussing it for the first time. “But I didn’t know it was going to take my energy. I thought I was going to be fine. I didn’t think it was going to effect my fight at all because I was fighting in four days.”

After an impressive opening round in which he hurt Silva, the toll of not eating for three days became obvious.

Colin Oyama, Jackson’s trainer, noticed his fighter slowing five minutes into the championship contest. Only later—after Jackson endured a savage knockout that resulted in his being suspended, unconscious, between the ropes—did Oyama find out why his charge could not fight like he prepared.

So upset was Oyama that it took “a while” before Jackson’s trainer and friend could bring himself to speak with the fighter.

“I think back and I’m kinda glad that I lost the fight,” Jackson admitted. “I’m not happy I lost the fight the way I did, but I was convinced God changed me so I could be champion. That was so shallow and so selfish.

“I learned a lot from it. You can’t take it back. Me, now, I’ve learned everything happens for a reason.”

Upon Reflection

With the setback of losing to Silva and the “embarrassment” of fasting behind him, he went about the business of trying to figure out just what happened.

Jackson always considered himself Christian, yet no longer did that simply mean believing in something. He now knew and he began to recall moments that, at the time, seemed trivial but now, in his mind, were instances of God trying to help.

There was the time at a restaurant when a woman walked up to him and said he was a poor role model for his son. Jackson reacted as many of us would. Now, upon reflection, he understood.

Then there were the times when he would scrap because that’s what he had to do. Now, upon reflection, that was God preparing him for his life as a professional fighter.

And then there was Jackson’s drug-using father, who disappeared when Quinton was 10, only to return to his life two years ago as an evangelical.

“I was praying for my father to stop drugs and all that other stuff,” he said. “When he finally did I was surprised. It’s kind of weird how everything happened. My dad starting praying for me when he was ‘born again.’”

Despite his best efforts, however, Jackson soon fell victim to the sorts of things that plagued his father. “I had sex with so many different girls,” he said. “Sometimes I used condoms, sometimes I wouldn’t—it depended on how drunk I was. When you fight, you gotta take those blood tests. If something would have happened to me, my career could have been over. I was so foolish. I thought I was cool. All these cuss words I used all the time and all these girls I messed around with and all the clubs I was going to and getting drunk … I look back at it now and I was foolish. I was destroying myself.”

When Jackson remained behind in Tokyo to relax with friends after knocking out Ricardo Arona in June 2004, a couple of weeks of partying was enough for his life to get out of hand.

“I never craved alcohol before then,” he said. “I knew I had to try and slow down. I thought that to myself. The next day, I was right back at the bar drinking again, hanging out with my friends.

“Normally I wouldn’t drink two days in a row … I started breaking my rule.

“I think I was heading for self-destruction the way I was. I think I was turning into an alcoholic and I’m just thankful, man, that things happened the way they happened.”

His concerns didn’t stem from only the prospect of a ruined fight career or the possibility at missed millions. Now, upon reflection, there’s one explanation for the events of the past six months: his son.

“I think [God] wanted me to be a good father, because the road I was going there was no telling,” Jackson said. “I could have gotten AIDS, or died in a car accident drunk driving, or got shot in the club. Anything. Where does that leave my son now? Who would have taken care of him now?”

Being a Father to His Boy

Jackson, who met his son’s mother while attending Lassen Community College in the California Northwest, took sole custody of D’Angelo five months ago.

A quiet kid with big, curious eyes, D’Angelo, who looks like a miniature white chocolate version of Quinton, hardly spoke with his father when the two first began living together. “He was just there,” Jackson said. “I’d wake up in the morning and feed him breakfast, brush his teeth and do all that stuff. It was almost like having a pet.”

But since returning home after the Silva rematch, Jackson and “D” enjoy a healthier relationship. “Me and my son started talking,” Jackson said. “He saw my face the way it was. We kind of bonded a little bit. I started spending time with him. He started laughing with me and joking. And he started talking to me.”

Today, D’Angelo is a happy kindergartener. And Jackson is an even prouder dad.

“I think I was my son’s last hope,” said Jackson, who claimed that D’Angelo’s mother used drugs during the pregnancy.

As he prepared for his bout against Rua—a win would place Jackson in this year’s PRIDE middleweight Grand Prix—the highly-ranked 205-pounder attempted to balance being a father with doing the things necessary to win a fight at the highest levels of MMA.

Recently, the 26 year old became engaged to a Japanese woman named Yuki. She lives in Irvine, Calif. with Quinton and D’Angelo and has become immensely important in the lives of the Jackson men.

“She has helped me tremendously,” he said. “I can’t even name all the things she does.”

With her help, Jackson said he’s eating properly for the first time in his life. His energy is at an all-time high and he feels confident heading into this weekend’s fight.

Along with Silva and UFC light heavyweight champion Randy Couture, it’s safe to place Jackson among the best fighters at his weight in the world. That won’t change, he promised, because his new priorities have only served to make him “more focused in training.”

“Maybe one day I might deserve to be the champion and I can reflect and look back from there,” he said. “And hopefully I don’t get knocked down, knocked out or submitted too many times before I get there.”

Source: Sherdog

POSTAL CONNECTIONS:
THE REASON TANNER LEFT TEAM QUEST


Hello my friends, my postal connections on the west coast have sent me the following info on why Evan Tanner supposedly left Team Quest:

"Evan Tanner became by Sportsbook.com sponsered in 2004.

After a while, Matt Lindland became sponsered for his fight against David Terrell, when he was knocked out. Shortly after that, Randy Couture and Matt Lindland supposedly made a backroom deal with a represenative from Sportsbook.com, named 'Jeremy', for Team Quest to get all of the money alloted for MMA sponsership by Sportsbook.com, which was in the 6-figures area.

In this deal, which was made behind Evan Tanner's back, Couture and Lindland were left in charge of all the monetary resources, and they had to do virtually nothing to earn this money.

Part of the money supposedly went to boost the SportFight promotion that Lindland runs. And most of it supposedly went to Couture and Lindland. Evan Tanner and Dan Henderson had previous deals with Sportsbook.com.

After this was approved, Couture and Lindland still demanded a percentage of Evan Tanner's sponsership money as well. This is what caused Tanner to sever his ties with Team Quest.

Sportsbook.com officials are currently investigating this deal."

Source: Fight Sport

SOUTHWORTH SOUNDS OFF

Bobby Southworth recently sounded off regarding the controversy that occurred between him and Chris Leben on the fifth episode of 'The Ultimate Fighter' reality series:

"YES, I WAS IN THE WRONG!!!!

I won't use being drunk as an excuse. I don't let other people use that when they do stupid shit. I was sick of Chris, I wanted to hurt him, and I crossed the line. It was very difficult living with him. They don't show half of the shit he was pulling.

AGAIN THIS IS NO EXCUSE!!!

In life we all do things that we regret. Start casting stones if you've never f---ed up. The edit monster is in effect again. They don't show me owning up for what I did. That's all I was doing in the meeting, was saying we were in the wrong and not trying to use being drunk as an excuse. The EM is also trying to make it look like my idea, which it wasn't!!

My idea was to wet the ground around him(still wrong). I wasn't the one spraying water directly on him. Chris also didn't run right into the house and go crazy. He ranted at me for at least a minute before he realized it wasn't me who doused him. Then he went after Kos.

We all learned a lot about ourselves from the xperience of being on the show. I thought that I was more mature than that and I was wrong. I thought I was above being petty and cruel, WRONG AGAIN.

I have to live with what I did. I never thought it would escalate to the level it did.

All I can hope is that I have grown since then.

All I can do is try and become a better person.

One Final Thought: I would only change what I said to Chris. I was abandoned as a child and was lucky enough to be adopted by a loving family. So, what I said to Chris was kind of hypocritical.

Yes, that's KOS not ko's. No blows were thrown!!

I won't say I was contrite(def.?)but Kos and I both were admitting we were wrong.

Chris din't drop the N bomb.

The only thing is the timing was bad. We weren't trying to be mean. We were trying to play a prank!! That's why I was laughing the whole time.

LEBEN NEXT TIME WE DRINK TOGETHER,

DON'T PASS OUT NEAR A HOSE!!!

'CAUSE YOU WON'T BE THE RED TERROR,

YOU'LL BE "THE WET RED TERROR!!!!!!

Time to wait for the hate!!!

-B.SOUTH"

Source: Fight Sport

What’s up with Tito Ortiz?
By "Big Dog" Benny Henderson Jr.

A burning question is on the minds of the media, the UFC as well as other organizations and most of all the fans, what’s up with Tito Ortiz? Where does the thirty year old UFC super star go from here? After defeating Vitor Belfort February 5th at UFC 51 the light heavyweight is now for the first time a free agent and has the option to go and fight where he so chooses. So where does Tito plan to go? Well Max Fighting caught up with Bardia Ghahremani who is Ortiz’s manager and when asked about what is next for Ortiz, Ghahremani had this to say to MAX “Tito is going to take a month off and relax and be with his family, as for what he will do next, after his time off, Tito, his advisors and myself will sit down and look at the options and decide what is best for Tito and his career, when we know you will know.”

Tito Ortiz began his Ultimate Fighting career in 1997 as an alternate in UFC 13: The Ultimate Force when fighter Enson Inoue won his bout but couldn’t continue due to injury. So Ortiz filled in and made quick work of his opponent Wes Albritton in his debut defeating his opposition with strikes on the ground. In the tournament final for the Lightweight Championship Tito faced Lion’s Den fighter Guy Mezger. With in the first minute Ortiz trapped Mezger in an inside cradle and was delivering knees to the head when referee John McCarthy ordered the fighters to separate to check out Mezger’s cuts and then to re-set the fighters. Tito went in for the kill with a takedown but got caught in the guillotine choke and was forced to tap out, thus losing the bout but gaining the die hard Ortiz fans that still follow him to day. After a lay off Tito returned to the No Holds Barred sport and in UFC 18: Ortiz pummeled his opponent Jerry Bohlander and in UFC 19: Tito got his revenge over Guy Mezger with a win by TKO. Over the next six years Ortiz competed in eleven UFC events battling out victories over Evan Tanner, Ken Shamrock and recently long awaited octagon opponent Vitor Belfort but had defeats from Frank Shamrock, Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell adding a UFC total of (11-4) with two victories out of the UFC to a career total of (13-4).

The 6’2” “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” has gained a reputation of possessing good wrestling skills with a vicious ground and pound attack with excellent conditioning, and with the years of his competing in the UFC Tito has gained a legion of loyal Ortiz fans. They can’t get enough of the flag waving, punishing power high octane show the octagon gladiator has brought to the Ultimate Fighting Championship in each and every event he has attended, and the ongoing screams from the fanatic crowd on hand is proof he is a major player in the UFC and hopefully he will remain a major contributor to the growing sport. So what will it take to keep Tito Ortiz as a UFC fighter? Ortiz is one of the highest paid fighters in the UFC world at this time getting a pay scale of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars to fight, and a fifty-thousand bonus for a win totaling a rake in of one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars for an octagon victory. So what is Tito’s salary wishes to continue his UFC run? His manager told MAX that they are looking for a three hundred and fifty thousand dollar a fight payday to keep Tito in the octagon, and they feel the former light-heavyweight champion is well worth the money they are asking for.

So will Tito Ortiz remain in the octagon?

After the win over Belfort in UFC 51: which was his last contractual bout with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Ghahremani told MAX that the phones went to ringing and offers from other organizations came in and they were fielding other offers. It seems that others would like a piece of the draw that Ortiz seems to bring along with him at any event he competes in. Ghahremani made it clear that Tito Ortiz loves the UFC and the fans, and has nothing but respect for ZUFFA and Dana White, but Ortiz wants to secure his son’s future with bigger and better pay days. So at this time he will set back and take a little R&R with the Ortiz family and after a month he will look at the offers that are on the table and sort out the best options for his career, but hopes the UFC and he will reach an agreement for further business together and continue to administer team punishment to the UFC and its loyal Ortiz fans.

Stay Tuned!

Source: Maxfighting

CAN OVEREEM DEFEAT NOGUIERA?
by Ryan Bennett

He may be one of the best kept secrets in MMA. How a fighter who has won 15 out of his last 16 fights, has flown under the radar for so long is basically unheard of, but welcome to Alistar Overeem's world.

During his huge win streak, his only loss during that time was the loss to Chuck Liddell. Overeem going into this fight against Rogerio Nogueira is not only the underdog, he's a HUGE underdog.

MMA Premiere Oddsmaker, Joey Oddessa has made Noguiera the big favorite. Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira opened at -325, meaning you would have to bet 325, just to win $100.

Alistair Overeem is a big underdog at +250. Which means you would have to bet 100 bucks to win $250. Does a guy who has won 15 of 16 deserve to be such a huge underdog?

When your facing Rogerio Nogueira, maybe. Nogueira, the smaller of the two Nogueira brothers, has won 9 of his first 10 fights. His only loss was to Vladimir Matyushenko by decision in the now defunct UFO organization.

When you think of the name Nogueira, you think of submission wizard. While Rogerio may be a sub machine, he hasn't had a ton of submissions in MMA competition. Nogueira went to decisions in six of the last seven fights. Two of those decisions were controversial, as they were of the split decisions variety. Those split decisions were over Kazuhiro Nakamura at Pride Bushido 4 and Guy Mezger at Pride 24.

For whatever reason, fighters have been able to solve Rogerio's submission game and have not been caught tapping out. Overeem hopes to be in that same company this weekend.

In Overeems four losses, they were very early in his career. Overeem is 19-4 overall and early in his career he was just 4-3 with two of those losses by decision to Iouri Kotchkine. His only other loss was to Bobby Hoffman.

During the big win streak of 15 wins in his last 16 fights, seven of those 15 wins were by submissions, so Overeem definitely has a solid ground game as well. This is a very interesting match up that seems a lot closer than what the oddsmakers have in this fight.

In our opinion this is a pickem type of fight. Overeem obviously wants to keep this thing standing, but he won't be loss on the ground like many people think. Nogueira wants this to be a ground war, but remember the knock on both of the Nogueira brothers is their take downs aren't very good at all. Will Rogerio be able to take down Alistar at any point of this fight? That is the question in this fight which will go a long way to determining who moves on in the 205 division.

Source: MMA Weekly

PRIDE PREVIEW: CRO COP VS COLEMAN
by Ken Pishna

PRIDE 29: FISTS OF FIRE
MARK “THE HAMMER” COLEMAN VS. MIRCO “CRO COP” FILIPOVIC

Mark “The Hammer” Coleman has been successful throughout his entire life. In wrestling, he was an NCAA champion, a Pan-Am Gold Medalist, and an Olympic Team member. When he moved on to mixed martial arts, Coleman again rose to the top. He won two UFC tournaments, became the UFC Heavyweight Champion, and captured the 2000 Pride Grand Prix title.

But true to the roller coaster ride that is his life, Coleman has also known the downside of competition. He made the 1992 Olympic team only to finish seventh. After stepping in and taking the UFC belt, Coleman then went on a four-fight skid before rekindling his career at the Pride Grand Prix.

Over the past four years Coleman has fought four times. Over that span he has an up and down record of 2-2. Now 40 years old, if Coleman is going to make another move in the heavyweight division, this is his perhaps his last chance. It will be no easy task as he faces one of the top fighters in the division, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic.

From Croatia, Cro Cop is a former police officer and anti-terrorist task force member. But along with his real world street experience, he has competed for years in combat sports of various forms. He has nearly 50 boxing bouts to his credit, more than 20 K-1 rules fights, and this will be his 19th MMA match.

Cro Cop is one of the only K-1 fighters to make a serious attempt at becoming a title contender in MMA. He rose quickly through the Pride ranks before Antonio Nogueira derailed him in 2003. Cro Cop started right back up the ladder before being knocked out in a shocker by Kevin Randleman in the first round of last year’s Middleweight Grand Prix.

Since that loss to Randleman, Cro Cop has gone on a five-fight win streak that has included a win over Josh Barnett and avenging his loss to Randleman. On February 22nd, he will step into the ring with Coleman, Randleman’s Hammer House teammate, to see who will move back into contention for Fedor Emelianenko’s belt.

Coleman is the man that invented the ground and pound style that is so prevalent in MMA today. He has always used his superior wrestling skills to put opponents on their backs and then dominate them with his relentless punches, forearms and knees. Like most wrestlers, Coleman is stronger than most opponents his size. This has sometimes worked in his favor, but at the expense of stamina. If the fight goes out of the opening minutes, Coleman has a difficult time keeping pace and has a penchant for gassing.

Though he has stepped out of his comfort zone and started training with Marc Laimon in Las Vegas, Coleman is not known to have a very strong submission game outside of basic chokes and wrestling neck cranks. He does have a lot of power in his punch, but has never really impressed with his standup game either.

Cro Cop, on the other hand, is well regarded as one of the best strikers ever in MMA competition. He has refined his standup game with his years of boxing and K-1 competition, but has been a wrecking machine in MMA with his devastating kicks. In fact, Cro Cop has knocked out nearly every opponent that he has beaten until recently. He had a suspect submission victory over Josh Barnett before choking out Randleman in their rematch.

At times, Cro Cop has shown a decent sprawl and commands a solid base when he gets top position on the ground. He is constantly working to improve his ground game, but it’s still not one of Cro Cop’s strengths. His conditioning, on the other hand, has been good. Though he’s rarely called upon to go the distance, Cro Cop has and he doesn’t carry as much oxygen-burning muscle as Coleman.

Styles make fights and unfortunately for Mark Coleman, he doesn’t match up well against strikers. Each time that he has faced a striker the caliber of Cro Cop, he has lost.

Coleman couldn’t overcome Maurice Smith or Pedro Rizzo. And although Antonio Nogueira and Fedor Emelianenko aren’t known as the world’s foremost standup artists, they both have solid standup games that took Coleman out of his rhythm and set up submissions.

Cro Cop is the best striker that Coleman will have ever faced in MMA and he has a sprawl to go with his striking. Cro Cop has faced Kevin Randleman twice now and has broken the code. Though Coleman possesses a better shot than Randleman, it would be surprising if he is able to get Cro Cop down and keep him on his back. That is what Coleman has to do
to win this fight, but Cro Cop has just gotten too good with his sprawl and balance. And if he can’t take Cro Cop out early, it just gets more and more difficult for Coleman as the fight wears on. Cro Cop can keep going, but due to his muscle mass, Coleman tends to fade quickly as the fight goes on. Watch out for one of those lightning fast kicks to either take Coleman out or set up one of his newfound submissions.

The one thing that could make the difference in the outcome of this fight is… heart. Tons and tons of heart. That is the one thing about Coleman that is hard to quantify and factor into his fights. Heart carried Coleman to that first tournament win back at UFC 10. Heart powered Coleman to the Pride Grand Prix title. And heart is what keeps Coleman coming back, year after year, fight after fight. If he is to upset Cro Cop, Coleman will have to look deep into his heart to find a way to win.

Source: MMA Weekly

HORN OPENS NEW GYM

Jeremy Horn has a brand new gym. This was his official letter to announce his gym opening.

"I just wanted to let everyone know that I have finaly started my own gym. We have a 40 x 40 wrestling mat, a boxing ring (possibly two) and are getting a large selection of free weights soon. We are going to be offering some training camp type deals in the near future so anyone interested should email me at jghorn13@hotmail.com.

The gym is location is: 990 south and 700 west in suite #4 salt lake city 84104 phone 801 908 5355. I also have a toll free number 888 908 5355

We are open from 10 am to noon and 6 pm to 8 monday - thursday and saturdays from 11am to 1pm

Source: MMA Weekly

Chonan Continues Streak;
Maeda and Imanari Battle to Draw

by Masa Fukui

TOKYO, Feb. 12 – On Valentine’s Day weekend I told my girl, who traveled 600-km to be with me, to stay home so I could pour my love into another thing. Yes, that’s right, I’m pouring my love into the sport you call mixed martial arts.

DEEP’s eighteenth event was held at Korakuen Hall and featured PRIDE Veteran Ryo Chonan against Roan Carneiro, who will represent Brazil for the upcoming Abu Dhabi tournament. Also the card featured undefeated fighter Yoshiro Maeda versus slick-as-oil grappler Masakazu Imanari.

Chonan-Carneiro was a classic match up between striker and grappler. This man Carneiro has such fast takedowns that they’re almost indefensible, especially with his long legs and arms.

Chonan is a striker. He trains sprawl everyday. If he can’t sprawl, he can’t win the fight. He does it all the time. But Carneiro’s shot was way too fast to defend. When Chonan sprawled halfway, Carneiro’s hands are already catching Chonan’s thigh, and it looked like Carneiro would just run over Chonan.

But here’s the key: I’m sure Carneiro is a great grappler, yet as soon as he took Chonan down his offensive action slowed down. Sure he dropped some bombs from Chonan’s guard. He also passed Chonan’s guard several times, and even took the mount position. But after he took Chonan down, his aggressiveness seemed dialed down.

I heard there are people blaming the referee of this fight. They’re saying Carneiro got robbed? Well, I don’t have any problem that Chonan won this fight. The last jumping knee gave enough impact to shake Carneiro’s brain and he bled pretty badly.

Sherdog.com photographer Stephen Martinez, who was only one yard away from the scene, said, “Carneiro was out of consciousness a very short time. Then Chonan pounded [him and] Carneiro kinda woke up.”

I saw Carneiro in back stage and his bleeding was slowed down. But still he was putting a towel on the right eye area. Even though I couldn’t see the cut, I don’t think he could continue to fight.

Oh, you’re talking about the referee helping Chonan by standing them up too quickly? I agree. Referee Noguchi stood them up pretty quick. I was at the media seat and other media guys were also tilting their head. Yes, it was too quick, especially in round three. Yes, Referee stood them up pretty quick but it’s still acceptable level. How acceptable? Hmm, maybe it’s acceptable, as this sport is not completely developed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that referee’s commands can be different from fight to fight. But in a process of founding this sport as real sports, it could happen, just like any other sports.

For example, like soccer, baseball or other sports still have BS they call “hometown” decision. But the thing is, Carneiro lost the fight. However, he showed great skill.

Let’s hear what Mr. Saeki, who promotes DEEP, said after the event: “Carneiro is very strong guy. I was sweating [because, Chonan was losing this fight]. Today, unfortunately he lost. But Carneiro may fight very great with other guys too. So I’m looking forward to it.”

That’s a good sign for Carneiro. I don’t know if he wants to fight in MMA before Abu Dhabi. But, hey, his fight caught the promoter’s eyes. That’s something. And yeah all the spectators at Korakuen Hall will remember how sharp his tackle was … amazing.

After the fight, Chonan gave a comment to the media: “Carneiro was very strong. As strong as Anderson Silva, who I fought on New Year’s Eve. Carneiro’s tackle was very fast. I’ve never had such a tackle in fight. My strategy was kneeing him in the face when he comes to shoot. But he was too quick, and I couldn’t even defend his shot in [the] DEEP ring, which is smaller than PRIDE ring.

“He has very long arm and pounded me good on the ground. So my left cheek is swelling up like this. I didn’t feel that much pressure about submission from him.”

Other media asked him if the last knee was just lucky or not. “No it wasn’t a lucky knee at all,” he replied. “I train that knee a lot. If I hit it without training, that’s a lucky knee. But I train that jumping knee really a lot. So that is not lucky one.”

He wrapped up his post-fight interview by saying, “Today, I fought with the injury I got from New Year’s Eve fight. And I hurt my left foot in today’s fight. I kicked Carneiro’s knee. It’ll take couple of days to see if this injury is real bad one or not. But at first I’d like to take a break and take care of my injury.”

Next up, Dokonjonosuke Mishima against Tomomi Iwama (Taisho). Not too many things to write about this fight. Tomomi got pounded on the ground for 15 minutes. Period.

Mishima pounded Tomomi from the top, kind of like he did it to Marcus Aureilo last summer in PRIDE Bushido. Iwama is a jiu-jitsu guy who can actually exchange bombs on his feet. But when they face each other, the body-size difference was so obvious. And Mishima’s takedown is pretty sick. So Tomomi ended up fighting on his back.

But quick question: What happens if a jiu-jitsu guy can’t open his guard the whole time? It’s a box seat of all you can eat “punch.” The funny thing is, Takanori Gomi was at the ringside and Mishima was holding the microphone at the moment in the ring, you know doing his favorite mic performance. But he didn’t say anything about a rematch against Gomi. Then audience loudly shouted “fight against Gomi … Fight Gomi!” and Mishima answered “Please don’t bring it up ... Please.” Obviously, he had a hard time getting over his loss to that man.

And Gomi was just laughing his butt off. You know, once these two fighters, Gomi and Mishima, were a huge rival in SHOOTO. And Mishima had such a painful loss against Gomi. It was mentally damaged more than physically because, after that fight Gomi relentlessly talked trash about Mishima in this magazine and that magazine.

Now both are out of SHOOTO. Is there any chance that they face each other in the ring again? I saw Mr. Saeki walk up to PRIDE staff (who was visiting this DEEP show) and whispered something while Mishima was on the mic. Hmm, DEEP champ maybe joining the PRIDE lightweight tourney? That’ll be awesome! Let’s make it happen.

Yoshiro Maeda hasn’t lost in MMA at all. He destroying each of his 12 opponents and most of his win were earned in a decent fight organization, Pancrase. So he’s not earning that record by fighting one of those wannabe fighters.

And Masakazu Imanari is a guy who has very unorthodox style like Genki Sudo. Stand up sideways against his opponent, somersault forward, backward, to the side … and takedown or catch your leg and submit lighting-fast. Once he touches your leg, you are already caught in his “leglock hell.” His arms and legs just tangle on you like an octopus as you can see in the DEEP picture galleries. Yeah even his head is shaved like an octopus.

This fight was the fight that we enjoy the air between those two fighters. Do you understand what I’m talking about? “Enjoy the air” between them? Yeah, so there wasn’t that much full-contact action. I can easily see, if this happened in America, people would boo for 15 seconds. But the amazing thing is, I didn’t hear any boo at all in Korakuen hall. And every time, those two fighters had contact people said “Wow!” and “Ah!”

During the fight, Maeda’s strategy is very clear: punish Imanari. On the other side, Imanari’s strategy is using his strength, which is submission work. And both of them know what the opponent wants. But what Imanari doesn’t know was how devastating Maeda’s punches are. And Imanari has bitter experience with being pounded on the ground by Mishima a long time ago in DEEP ring. And what Maeda doesn’t know is how strange a takedown-style Imanari has. And Maeda also has a bitter experience when Imanari submitted him in a grappling match.

Once the fight started, they didn’t look like they were scared of each other at all. They just wanted the fight in their territory. So both fighters struggled to bring their opponent in their own world. Sometimes, they both didn’t move even an inch for like 10 seconds to look for some chink where they can cram the wedge in. And once there’s a contact, exchange punch and step back to build their own base. Awesome!

The air was very tense. In the first round there was an excellent tug-of-war. I don’t know how I can express. Imanari went triangle, Maeda defended; Imanari went armbar, Maeda defended; Imanari went omoplata, Maeda quickly spun out … excellent groundwork by both of them.

I mean this fight didn’t have that much contact. But I’d pick this match as the best “blink” fight of 2005. You can’t blink. You don’t know what both of those two will do in next quarter second. The fight went to a draw, and I think it was right. Now both of them respect each other and they chat and became real good friend. I don’t think a rematch will be happen, but it was an awesome fight. I enjoyed this match from the bottom of my guts.

What else was outstanding from this show? Hmm, a women’s fight was great, too. Satoko Shinashi faced Mari Kaneko. Shinashi is undefeated in MMA and she’s the best grappler in her weight class in Japan. On the other hand, Kaneko is a karate fighter. So she was the underdog. In this MMA match up, well, face punch wasn’t allowed on the ground. But it was pretty much MMA. After the fight, I asked Kaneko how was the fight against best female grappler in her weight class in Japan? “I was really looking forward to fight Ms. Shinashi for long time,” she replied. “When this fight was decided, I was very excited, like I finally can test my skill against a strong fighter. I’ve fought in Smack Girl and other shows, but my opponent wasn’t really strong, or well rounded fighter as I can test my limit. I had to cut down to 47- kg (103-lbs) for today’s fight. But I felt this weight match me the best now.”

At the end of the interview I asked her if face punching on the ground was allowed, would result have changed, because she almost submitted her opponent in armbar and her opponent’s favorite submission is leg submission?

“Maybe it could change the situation,” Kaneko said. “I might win this fight. But nobody knows.” Though this interview, I felt that this girl, Kaneko, is such a nice person. She kept a smile the entire time at the interview space, and answered all the questions the journalist threw to her. I read about her childhood story that said she had a real tough childhood with parent’s stuff. But now she’s a kick-ass fighter with some class attitude. Big respect for this girl “ Mari Kaneko.”

I must write what my Panamanian amigo Stephen told me to. In the first fight of the night, there were Gomi as a corner. And the other corner, there was a Genki Sudo. Then behind Gomi there was a Ralph Gracie sitting ringside staring at Gomi from the behind. Stephen Martinez said, “Ralph was about attack Gomi to revenge from the PRIDE Bushido. I really saw the fire burning up inside of Ralph’s eye.”

Okay, folks that’s all for now. Oh! Wait! DEEP is looking for a fighter for the show they will have in Fukuoka on April 10 at Shisui-Kaikan Event Hall. >From Team Roken: Takanori Oniki, Masakazu Imanari, Tsuyoshi Kurihara from Pancrase Megaton: Keigo Takamori, Miura Hiromitsu are planned to fight.

If you live in Japan, train MMA and are dying to test your skill, contact maruyama73@deep2001.com with this information, 1. Name 2. Name of your team 3. Height 4. Weight 5. Fight Career 6. Write some personal message.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and the show starts at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are 3,000-5,000 Yen. Have Fun! Peace!

P.S. Does anybody know the TV show called Iron Chef? The Japanese TV program that you can watch on Food Channel? I went to some of those Iron Chef’s restaurant. This was the candy for my girl, if say, leaving her alone in the apartment was the “whip” on Valentine’s weekend. Otherwise she’d dump on my ass.

Source: Sherdog

 2/18/05

Quote of the Day

"The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper."

Eden Phillpotts 1862-1960, Indian-born British Novelist

KICKIN IT 2005 (AMATEUR KICKBOXING)
FEB. 19, 2005 (SATURDAY)
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM (DOORS OPEN AT 7:00 PM)

MAIN EVENT
SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
NICK CORREA 147-150# ALEX ZARRIELLO
HSD (2-2) GEE YUNG (2-1)

SEMI MAIN
JUSTIN DANO 160-165# KAIKA TROYFU
HSD JESUS IS LORD

TONY PEREIRA 115-119# KOICHI TANJI
WAIANAE KICKBOXING HMC

CLINT K 140-145# SHYSTEN
FREELANCE JESUS IS LORD

PAULO SHERIDAN 195-200# MIGUEL ASUNCTION
MASTER BRO. ABE ANIMAL HOUSE

KONA KEAALOHA 80-85# ROBBY OSTAVICH
HSD JESUS IS LORD

JOHN HOSOKAWA 135-140# AIKA SAMSON
GEE YUNG ANIMAL HOUSE

DENVER GONSALVES 185-200# BENJI PIWKO
HSD TEAM PERCEPTION

GORDON BERRY 170-175# WALTER HAO
HAWAII TRAINING CENTER ANIMAL HOUSE

KEA HUALATON 160-165# ALAN ALCARAZ
HAWAII TRAINING CENTER JESUS IS LORD

DARREN JOSE 145-150# BRANDON GANITANO
HSD HAWAII TRAINING CENTER

BRYAN INGRAM 170-175# ALAN ULIT
HAWAII TRAINING CENTER ANIMAL HOUSE

SHANE DULLATRY 105-110# JUSTIN PIAMONTE
JESUS IS LORD ANIMAL HOUSE

ALL MATCHES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

COME DOWN AND CHECK OUT THESE FIGHTS ON SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A LOT OF THESE GUYS ARE FIRST TIME FIGHTERS TRYING TO BUILD UP THEIR RECORDS AND SKILLS TO FIGHT FOR BELTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR. THE MAIN EVENT IS ALMOST AS EVEN AS IT CAN GET FOR BOTH FIGHTERS ARE ALMOST 6 FEET TALL, THEIR RECORDS ARE ALMOST THE SAME, AND THIS FIGHT WILL INCLUDE LEG KICKS. DONT MISS OUT FOR IT ALL STARTS HERE. THE SWINGING WILL BE INSANE AS IT ALWAYS IS ON THE KICKIN IT CARDS. GO-TIME WILL PROBABLY START AT 7:15PM SO COME EARLY.

CAUSE DAS HOW WE KICK IT

Source: Event Promoter

ROGERIO 'MINOTORO' READY FOR OVEREEM

The Nogueira brothers, Rodrigo "Minotauro" and Rogerio "Minotoro".

The Brazilian Top team camp arrived in Japan, and Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira told the media he is ready for his opponent, Alistair Overeem, on the PRIDE 29 card on February 20th.

"I've studied his game, and I will trade strikes with him in order to get him on the ground and submit him. If I lose, it will only be by accident.", said Minotoro.

Source: Fight Sport

FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF TRAINING
MUAY THAI IN THAILAND

Andy Wang used to live and train in Hawaii before moving back to California and tearing up the grappling circuit there.

The following is a first-hand account by Andy Wang of training at a Muay Thai camp in Thailand:

"I just got back from Thailand where I spent the last couple of days training at Sangtinoi Muay-Thai and it was the most unbelieveable training experience I have had in a long time! The first thing I realized when I got there was that NO muay-thai camp outside of Thailand is like what they actually do in Thailand. The ferociousness and attitude in which they train with is something you really have to see to believe.

The first day we got there I noticed right away that the camp was unlike anything I have ever seen before. There were chickens, wild dogs and everything else walking around the camp grounds that you could imagine. I actually saw a chicken jump right onto the ring and relieve his bowels and then keep on going! The fighters were pretty young, about 13-17 and they all had RIPPED bodies, like that of professional adult football players.

The training was split into two sessions a day, the morning one starting at 6:30 AM with a 10 km run. We then started hitting the heavybags for 5 minute rounds for about 3 or 4 rounds and waited for our turn to hit the Thai pads with the trainers. Hitting Thai-pads with them was totally different as there is no moving, slipping or anything like that; they come straight at you and you have to keep punching, kicking, elbowing and kneeing for the whole 5 minutes with no time to really rest or move around. After 1 round of this, you really feel great and terrible at the same time if that makes any sense.

After the hitting bags/pads over you then do 1 round of Thai neck-ties and clinching and trying to knee each other. Here's where it gets freaky. The round was 30 MINUTES straight, no stopping, and the Thai guys are so well-conditioned that they can do this no problem.

After the knees, you then do a bunch of sit-ups until it's your turn to hit the boxing mitts. The combinations they use are quite simple, mainly 1-2 combos and a few hooks thrown in, the priority for Muay-Thai of course setting up the knees and kicks.

Practice ends and then you wake up for the afternoon session at 3:30 PM and repeat the process.

It was a great experience and something all you stand up guys should do sometime in your life. It's a mental and physical challenge and you'll be amazed by the hospitality of the Thais.

Andy Wang Taiwan Jiu-Jitsu"

Source: Fight Sport

SHAMROCK VS FRANKLIN ALMOST SET FOR SPIKE TV

As MMAWeekly.com first reported, it appears Ken Shamrock will face off against Rich Franklin in the main event on the Spike TV free show on April 9th.

The show of course will highlight the 185lb finals and the 205lb finals from the show The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV.

MMAWeekly has also learned that not only will there be the two final fights, plus the Shamrock vs Franklin main event, but it also appears that other fighters on the TUF show will compete against one another on the free Spike TV show on April 9th.

That means fighters who have been kicked off the show, could come back and fight other fighters who have been or will be booted off the show.

Here's the three guaranteed fights...

The Ultimate Fighter Finals

185 pound Final - TBA vs TBA

205 pound Final - TBA vs TBA

Ken Shamrock vs Rich Franklin - verbally agreed to, waiting for both contracts to be signed according to Shamrock on a radio interview yesterday.

Plus five or six other fights that will take place between fighters who have been or will be kicked off The Ultimate Fighter show.

Source: MMA Weekly

CRO COP DISCUSSES COLEMAN AND UFC

The Croatian media recently talked with Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic and discussed many topics. Here are a few things Cro Cop had to say:

Cro Cop on Mark Coleman: "He is one of the most experienced fighters in PRIDE, and I have large amount of respect towards Mark. Ten years earlier I admired Coleman's fights, along with Croatian boxer Stipe Drvis. Coleman has nothing to lose, and he can gain a lot because no one really expects Coleman to win... I honestly believe I am the better fighter, and that I am going to come out as the winner of this fight."

Cro Cop on the UFC: "I have received an offer from the UFC to compete in their show on April 8th, but nothing is serious."

Source: Fight Sport

Critical Analysis: Mark Coleman
By Jeremy Wall

Coleman’s place in mixed martial arts history is debatable. A couple of years ago when I published Touch of Evil Newsletter I did an article ranking what were in my opinion the thirty greatest mixed martial artists in history, and I ranked Coleman as number one based on the fact that he had won the only Pride Grand Prix (the article was written before Silva won the 2003 Grand Prix), and had dominated in UFC for quite awhile before being defeated three times straight.

I certainly wouldn’t rank Coleman as the number one guy now, and looking back on that article I probably wouldn’t rank him as number one then, either. But there was no question that at one point in his career, Mark Coleman was a really frickin’ great fighter.

And that’s where the debate comes in. Mark Coleman is no longer a really frickin’ great fighter. Not that he’s terrible, but he’s certainly not the dominating wrestler he once was. So the question becomes, when did he really fall from grace?

There’s a couple of theories. After winning the first Pride Grand Prix, five years ago now by the way, he really hasn’t fared that well against quality competition, and that may have been when his career jumped the shark.

Another theory is that Coleman was finished after losing the UFC Heavyweight title to Maurice Smith way, way back in 1997. After that fight, in UFC Coleman suffered a bad loss to Pete Williams a decision loss to Pedro Rizzo before leaving for Pride.

When you look at his career after the loss to Mo Smith, the only success Coleman has achieved is winning the 2000 Grand Prix. So the deeper question becomes, was winning the first ever Pride Grand Prix enough to say that his skill-level maintained at least into the new millennium, or was the triumph simply tremendously overrated with quite a bit of luck and timing on Coleman’s side in winning the tournament, with skill having little to do with the victory itself.

Of course, to answer that question you have to look at who else was in the Pride Grand Prix with Coleman, and which fighters he ended up facing along the way.

He was one of the heaviest fighters in the tournament, and realistically should Royce Gracie or Kazushi Sakuraba have fought Coleman, it would have been very hard for either of them to defeat him simply because of the gap in both size and strength. It wouldn’t be impossible, but unlikely. There’s certainly the scenario where Coleman gets submitted by one of them, but the odds would have been against that.

I think, looking at the 2000 Grand Prix lineup in retrospect, that the tournament belonged to either Coleman or Kerr. Kerr had a lot of personal problems, and fell apart against Kazuyuki Fujita. If Kerr had more heart, it could have been his name in record books (or I should say, record web sites) as the first Pride Grand Prix champion.

Ironically, one of the most solid points for those who argue that Coleman got lucky in the Grand Prix is that he never really had a semi-finals match. This is ironic because it was Kazuyuki Fujita was the guy who didn’t end up fighting him after Fujita defeated Kerr, as Fujita’s corner threw the towel in at the very beginning of the fight because of an injury that was hampering Fujita. On the other side of the bracket, Kazushi Sakuraba fought his heart out against Igor Vovchanchyn, so Coleman was far more rested for the finals than Vovchanchyn would have been.

Another factor that doesn’t get pointed out often about Vovchanchyn vs. Coleman from the Grand Prix finals is that Vovchanchyn is a small heavyweight, small enough to actually compete at light-heavyweight. Coleman had a big strength advantage over Vovchanchyn, and he used it to his advantage and the tournament is history.

So does this mean fate swung in Coleman’s favor that night? Sure. Does that mean you can discredit the win? I don’t know, because Vovchanchyn was one of the top strikers in mixed martial arts at that point, and Coleman had proven he was susceptible to strikers in the past, especially if they can avoid the takedown. Maybe the real story is that Coleman lost to two strikers in Mo Smith and Pedro Rizzo and got knocked out by Pete Williams in his last UFC fights but was able to come back and defeat one of the best kickboxers at that time in MMA to win what was at that time the biggest MMA tournament in history.

I think Coleman improved a great deal as a fighter between 1997 and 2000. Yes, Coleman did not fight Fujita, but I think it would have been unlikely that he lost to Fujita, so the point here is that if he had a long fight with Fujita, it may have made him more susceptible to a knockout against Vovchanchyn. It’s certainly not impossible.

People forget that the reason Coleman lost to both Mo Smith and Pete Williams was because he wasn’t prepared for either fight, and he lost because his cardio conditioning was poor. The night Coleman defeated Vovchanchyn he may not have fought Fujita, but he did fight Akira Shoji earlier in the night. It’s not the point that Shoji is any sort of extremely skilled fighter, but he’s a really tough guy, and Coleman ended up going the distance with him, not being able to finish Shoji off.

The point is that the Mark Coleman of 1997 wouldn’t have been able to fight twice in one night because the Mark Coleman of 1997 couldn’t even fight once in one night. So his skill level as a fighter did improve before the 2000 Grand Prix.

Nevertheless, Coleman still isn’t the fighter he was in 1996 or 2000 or anywhere between those two years. He’s 2-2 since the Grand Prix, and his two losses were against the highest quality opponents he fought in Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Fedor Emelianenko.

So what’s this all mean about Coleman vs. Mirko Cro Cop? Based on Coleman’s recent experiences with quality fighters, it means the odds are stacked against him. It was kickboxers that finished Coleman off in UFC, and it may just be another kickboxer to finish him off in Pride.

Source: Maxfighting

“Contender" Commits Suicide

A contestant in the upcoming NBC boxing reality series "The Contender" committed suicide early Monday in West Philadelphia, according to a published report.

Najai "Nitro" Turpin, 22, a Philly native who was only weeks away from the show's March 7 premiere, killed himself around 4 a.m. in front of his girlfriend, the Philadelphia Daily News reported Tuesday.

An NBC spokesman told the paper, "We're still mourning the loss of a man we came to know. The show will continue."

Show host Sylvester Stallone (search) described Turpin in the still-to-air premiere as "a tough, punchy street kid from Philadelphia fighting for a better life for his family."

Source: Gracie Fighter

BOXING TRAINER TALKS ABOUT
NFL PLAYER, MMA, AND MORE

From BoxingInsider.com:

Legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward said that he believes that former Washington Redskins and Colorado wide receiver Michael Westbrook could develop into a heavyweight boxing contender.

"If Michael had four, five, six fights under his belt, he would be taken seriously in the heavyweight division," said Steward on a conference call. "He has the mental toughness and physical strength to move into the heavyweight division."

Westbrook will meet former New York Giants first round draft pick and Michigan stickout Jarrod Bunch in a battle of former NFL players in the King of the Cage mixed martial arts competition in Cleveland, Ohio on February 25. The main event, dubbed PAYBACK, will premiere on a Pay-Per-View telecast on Sunday, March 6.

"We haven't had a new infusion of heavyweights into boxing since 1988 with Riddick Bowe and Lennox Lewis," added Steward. "Michael Westbrook at 220 pounds, with his athletic background, could be competitive. There is a void in the division, and he could be taken seriously."

Westbrook, well known for catching the famous Hail Mary pass from Kordell Stewart to give Colorado its memorable victory over Michigan, is a native of Detroit, and will be training at Emmanuel Steward's world renowned Kronk Gym in Detroit later this week. Steward has trained such champions as Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Lennox Lewis and Oscar De La Hoya.

Mixed martial arts is the combination of wrestling, judo, kickboxing and regular boxing. There are three five minute rounds with a one minute break, ending in either a submission, tap-out, knockout or judges decision.

Said Westbrook: "This is not a football game, it will be an intense mixed martial arts match. Am I nervous? Not at all. There is no nervousness. All it is for me is a challenge. That's life, life is a big challenge. I haven't been nervous in a long time."

In the co-feature, Eric "Butterbean" Esch, the King of the Four Rounders from Jasper, Alabama, will square off against Dan Severn of Michigan.

Source: MMA Weekly

Brazilian girls confirmed at ADCC

Besides the annulment of the female trial of ADCC, the biggest Submission show in Earth already started to invite girls to fight in United States, next may. The first Brazilians to be announced are: BJJ black belt Leka Vieira, Gracie Barra Brown belt Kyra Gracie, who is in US training with her uncle Renzo, and Jiu-Jitsu Europen Open champion, Letícia Ribeiro.

In their way, fighters from all over the globe promise a great time on the mats. In special, one of them from New Jersey promises to give a hard time to Brazilians and all her opponents: Tara LaRosa is blue belt under Royce Gracie and she has been fighting Vale-Tudo since 2002. To know more about American fighter, who is TATAME #108's special report "Skirt Blow", you cannot miss a full report with her, later at TATAME.com. You cannot miss it!

Source: Tatame

Tara LaRosa
By André Araújo

Braids at MMA

One of the stars of the report "Skirt Blow", at TATAME #108, American Tara LaRosa has impressing the audience at Vale-Tudo events with her aggressiveness. After winning by KO or submission three editions of Hook 'n Shoot and last December beat Alisa Cantwell at Xtreme Fighting Organization, American from Woodstown (Now Jersey) has a single loss in her records: a KO to Jennifer Howe, in last May. Check out now the full interview with Tara and know her idols and her plans for future. In may, she will be one of the girls to fight at ADCC.

How did you start at Fight World. How come did you become a fighter?

I started taking judo when I went away to college, in 1996. I loved the sport instantly, and began competing in judo tournaments often. In addition to judo tournaments, I competed in Jiu-Jitsu/Grappling tournaments (no gi), because I loved the ground game aspect of judo. While competing at a grappling tournament in 2001, I was recruited to Team ROC of Chaple Hill, North Carolina, USA. Team ROC is Royce Gracie affiliated academy, under black belt Greg Thompson. After joining their team I began to train in Muay Thai kickboxing and BJJ, so I would be able to compete in Vale Tudo (MMA). On April 13th, 2002, I competed in my first professional Vale- Tudo fight on the show Hook N Shoot: Revolution, run by Jeff Osborn.

You do practice BJJ... How do you first know BJJ?

The first time I saw BJJ was when Royce Gracie fought in the early 90's Vale-Tudo show Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

What is your BJJ graduation? Who is you teacher and tell me about your other trainers.

I am a 4 stripe blue belt. The head of the academy is black belt Greg Thompson (under Royce Gracie) my trainer is Aitor Canup, a brown belt also under Royce Gracie. I also train with several, very technical purple belts. I am hoping to get my purple belt soon, and someday achieve my black belt.

You said in 2000, you girls have to train twice as hard as men in order to prove your value and respect. Is it still hard for a girl live as a MMA fighter?

The serious women in this sport (in the USA) have to train twice as hard, just to prove that they want to train seriously for competition. If they do not train seriously they will not gain respect as a fighter among their team mates. Because women are biologically not as strong or as fast as men. We compensate by trying to be very technical and agile. In that respect we have to learn our sweeps, escapes, and defense very quickly.

What did your family first think about it, I mean when you decided to become a MMA fighter?

My family does not like that I compete in MMA. They are afraid that I will get hurt, and that my face will get messed up. My sister enjoys watching the sport, but I cannot convince her to train and compete. She says she is too beautiful to fight Vale-Tudo.

Who is your idol in MMA?

Helio Gracie is my idol in MMA. He has developed the art of BJJ and proved early in the 50's that it works better against any other martial art. It is becoming a phenomenon in the USA because all types of people, no matter their age can participate.

Do you like any Brazilian fighters (male of female)?

Wanderlei Silva! I love when he stomps on his opponent's head, and knees them. Also Murillo Bustamante. I like all the risks he takes with his submission attempts, and he has a very well rounded game.

You showed brave heart during your belt dispute with Jennifer Howe. Tell about that experience. You just had two weeks to get ready and face a way far more experienced fighter.

Jennifer Howe had been competing in Vale-Tudo much longer than I had. It was a good opportunity to test my skills against one of the best female fighters in the world. In the fight, my cardio/stamina was good I came out strong landing several good punches. The second time I kicked her she caught me with a good hit to my chin, which I was not able to recover from. I quickly tried to take the clinch with her but I was too unsteady. She broke my clinch and knocked me down 3 more times very quickly. I do not regret losing to her, she is a very good fighter and I have much respect for her. Maybe someday I can fight her again.

You recently fought at and won at XFO. Tell me about your plans for the future. Do you consider fighting abroad?

XFO was a good show, it is run by Monte Cox. I would love to fight abroad, in Japan, or Brazil, or the UK. I would love to fight for Shooto, or SmackGirl, in Japan.

And on the mat?

I really want to travel to Brazil and fight at the Mundials. But right now I am very excited because I just received the confirmation to fight at ADCC, in May.

Vale-Tudo in Brazil is still very small. Only few girls practice the sport and there is no much room for them over her. Once you guys have been fighting periodically, please send a message for Brazilian girls, who attempt to become a real Vale-Tudo fighter.

The women need to practice and train very hard. There are good opportunities for them to fight in Japan and sometimes in the USA and Australia. Many opportunities happen at the last minute before a show so they should always be ready to fight. Competing in BJJ often will improve your game and allow you to test your takedowns and submission techniques against opponents outside your academy, more frequently.

Source: Tatame

Pride lands in USA next October

As it seems, finally Dream Stage Entertainment will be featuring the first edition of Pride in United States. According to Japanese organization's president, Nobuyuki Sakakibara, Pride 30 may hit American in October. Los Angeles and Las Vegas are disputing the show. Recently, DSE has announced the card of Pride 29, which happens on February 20. Kyioshi Tamura returns to Pride facing Aliyev Makhmud.

COMPLETE CARD (subject to change):

Pride 29

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Saitama Super Arena, Saitama - Japan

- Mirko Cro Cop Vs Mark Coleman;

- Quinton Jackson Vs Murilo Ninja;

- Alistair Overeem Vs Rogério Minotouro;

- Igor Vovchanchyn Vs Yoshiki Takahashi;

- Choi Mu Bae Vs Sergei Kharitonov;

- Hirotaka Yokoi Vs Zé Mário Sperry;

- Hiromitsu Kanehara Vs Maurício Shogun;

- Tom Erikson Vs Fabrício Werdum;

- Kyioshi Tamura Vs Aliyev Makhmud.

Source: Tatame

LEKO VS. NAKAMURA

DSE/PRIDE announced the matchup of Stefan Leko vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura for their PRIDE 29 card on February 20th.

Source: Fight Sport

Trauma keeps Tererê out of mats

After suffering the trauma of spending two months inside FBI Detention Center in United States, TT leader and BJJ black belt Fernando Tererê hasn't be fully recovered of the bad experience. Very depressed, Tererê talked yesterday with Team TATAME and said he might leave Jiu-jitsu. Since he returned to Brazil, last December 17, the athlete has been fighting a deep depression and return to the mats.

- 15 days ago he also trained and commanded few trains on the team, but after he spent carnival in Rio, he is back down again. He said he is tired and he might stop fighting. I made a joke: "get it over master! I still want to face you!" However we believe his recuperation is just a matter of time now. Over here at TT we are supporting him a lot - BJJ Brown belt revealed. By Eduardo Telles' side, André Galvão commands TT trains.

Besides the whole problems, Galvão guarantees 2005 belong to TT Jiu-Jitsu. "Team is strong and there are lots of people training with us. I also have been training hard and I will chase after gold medals," bets Galvão.

Source: Tatame

 2/17/05

Quote of the Day

"I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it's hell."

Harry Truman, 1884-1972, Thirty-third President of the USA

Jeremy’s Smart and Stupid Letters

I really enjoyed your article (The Truth Behind Inoki vs. Ali). I have a really quick question about worked mma fights. I've just got into pridefc and am working my way through some of the older shows (from about pride 12 onwards). Now I came in as a pro-wrestling fan and wanted to know the legitimacy of these fights. Some articles claim that some of the fights are worked. Are they? Is there some sort of archive where I can see which fights were worked? Are they ever publically acknowledged as works? Also- is there an easy way to spot a worked mma fight?

Thanks for your time. Alex Chubb

JW: Koji Kitao vs. Nathan Jones from Pride 1 was worked. Nobuhiko Takada vs. Kyle Sturgeon from Pride 3 was worked. Nobuhiko Takada vs. Mark Coleman from Pride 5 was worked. Naoya Ogawa vs. Gary Goodridge from Pride 6 may have been worked. Nobuhiko Takada vs. Alexander Otsuka from Pride 7 was worked. Naoya Ogawa vs. Masaaki Satake from Pride 11 was probably worked. Stefan Leko vs. Naoya Ogawa from last year was probably worked. In UFC, Oleg Taktarov vs. Anthony Macias from UFC 6 was worked, and Don Frye vs. Mark Hall from the 1996 Ultimate Ultimate was probably worked.

The works from the early Pride events are easy to spot because they look like shoot-style pro wrestling, with exaggerated facial expressions and moves (ie. spinning back kicks) that don't work in real fights. It's usually very obvious when someone is selling a move rather than truly feeling impact from a move. The more recent work of Leko-Ogawa is harder to spot because it's was so short that it didn't have any major flaws. Jones vs. Kitao and Takada vs. Sturgeon are two of the worst worked fights I've seen.

Drew Archer writes: Hello Mr. Wall,
My name is Drew Archer and I've been trying to get a job working in a front office position with a MMA promotion. I was wondering if you know if the UFC is looking for any body. I believe I could best be used in finding ways to increase the fanbase of the sport. I have done some work with the WWE, as well as with Frank Shamrock. I understand how to bring in a whole new audience that the UFC is not taking advantage of. I know a lot of your columns mix pro wresting themes with MMA so I'm sure you can appreciate that connection between both businesses. I was just wondering if you knew about any thing available with UFC (or K-1 or PRIDE for that matter) that I might be able to apply for. Thank you, sir.
Drew Archer

JW: If there were any positions available, I'd probably be one of the last to know about them.

David Lane writes: Where can I see the Gannon vs. Kimbo fight for free? Any websites? Thanks.

JW: Just Google the fight and I'm sure you'll come up with some bit torrent trackers. Also, is there any chance that a guy like this who is searching for a free copy of this fight would have been willing to pay $30 to watch it on pay per view?

Luke Nicholson writes: Hi Jeremy,Is your book in bookstores yet? Or only available for pre-order?

Also, when the reality show was taped, did they tape any promos or anything to hype either ppv that will happen during the duration of the reality show? So far all I've seen is commercials for UFC 51. Why not tape a promo or two to air during the reality show, to try to get Tito and Vitors faces on t.v.?

JW: The book is slated to be out in April. I don't know if they taped promos, but they clearly taped ads for UFC 51 and UFC 52. I have no idea what the selling power of those ads would be, though.

Source: Maxfighting

LINDLAND VS LUTTER AT UFC 52 AND BEYOND
"...I expect to see me with that belt around my waist ..."

Matt “The Law” Lindland is arguably one of the top 185lb fighters in the world today. He’s been so for a long time and will look to reiterate his ranking as he makes his return to the UFC in April against Travis Lutter. It’s been a busy past few months since fans last saw Lindland on PPV at UFC 49. He’s fought twice since then and has found time to continue the development of Team Quest and Sportfight, the MMA promotion he runs with teammate Randy Couture. Lindland took time out of his busy schedule to speak with MMAWeekly’s Mick Hammond about his upcoming fight, his training ethic, and what he sees for all things surrounding him for the remainder of 2005.

MMAWeekly: First off Matt, for those fans who may not know what you’ve been up to since UFC 49 tell us what you’ve been up to.

Matt Lindland: Mostly just working, but I’ve had a couple of fights, I went to London and fought Mark Wier and stopped him in the first round and fought on a Sportfight show against Landon Showalter and finished him with an armbar in the second round.

MMAWeekly: In those two fights you looked more aggressive in my mind than you had previously. Was that a conscious decision to be that active or was it just something that just happened?

Matt Lindland: I think I’ve always been very aggressive wherever the fight is at. I feel like I’m a fighter that attacks the entire five minutes of the round and always looking for the win. I’ve said in the past that I have submissions and I’ve chosen not use them in the past because I’d rather punch a guy in the mouth or elbow him or knee him in the head. I know the UFC is looking for finishes, they want to see guys get finished, so I’m going to start finishing guys. My record indicates a pretty good finish percentage out of my fights anyway, but for some reason there’s a perception that I don’t finish a lot of my fights. When you look on my record there are more finishes than anything else.

MMAWeekly: Have you ever felt any pressure to be more exciting and do something you might normally do to produce a big finish?

Matt Lindland: I think I took my focus off my gameplan in one fight and was looking to stand with a guy instead of taking what he was giving me and it wasn’t the best decision. I’m just going to fight my game from now on.

MMA Weekly: Last year you spent some time away from Team Quest and trained with John Hackleman and BJ Penn, was that something new for you or had you done it in the past?

Matt Lindland: I’ve always worked with those two guys. I’ve worked with BJ’s guys before in Hawaii and he’s been out in Oregon on two occasions, John’s been up here and I’ve been down there (southern California) numerous times. That’s nothing new for me to train with those guys.

MMA Weekly: So will you make a conscious effort to do more external training this year?

Matt Lindland: I’ll train wherever I think I need to be, but I’ve got a great group of guys up here too. I’ve got good coaching up here and like training in my own environment. (Dan) Henderson is going to be making the trip up here soon because we both have fights in April I think, so we are going to be training together. Wherever the wind blows me, but mostly I like to stay home.

MMAWeekly: Not only are you busy training yourself, but you train other members of the team for their fights and run the Sportfight promotion. How do you balance all of that?

Matt Lindland: I think it all works together pretty well, it’s all part of the same business. I don’t have to go out and fight every one of those fights the guys are taking so it’s pretty good. I go out and corner once in a while, I’m going to go corner Ryan Schultz in Euphoria and Josh Burkman in the IFC. A lot of the other guys I’m not going to be able to make the trip to be out there with them.

MMAWeekly: It looks like the teams’ productivity is increasing now after some downtime for the holidays.

Matt Lindland: Yeah, we’ve got some guys getting pretty busy right now. It seems around Christmas time and New Year’s promotions slow down. There’s not a lot of shows going on and right now it’s the time where things are picking up again. From here to November it’s going to be busy.

MMAWeekly: Not only are the veterans of Team Quest doing well, but the continued development of some of the top young talent has lead to a lot of success for them. How does it feel to see some of the younger guys making names for themselves?

Matt Lindland: It leads me to believe that we are doing a lot of the right things when you see some of the young guys who haven’t been doing it that long and they are getting into the bigger shows with bigger fights and are doing well in those.

MMAWeekly: Moving on to your return to the UFC against Travis Lutter, how does it feel to be getting back to the UFC after a couple of shows away?

Matt Lindland: I don’t know if I’m back, I don’t think I was ever really out of the UFC, they only do five or six shows a year and if you’re not fighting every other show you’re only fighting 2-3 times a year as far as that goes. I don’t know much about Travis, but he knocked out Marvin Eastman in his debut so he’s got a good right hand and has a good ground game. I’m sure he’s a good all-around fighter if he’s fighting at this level.

MMAWeekly: Is your preparation for the fight altered at all knowing what he did against Eastman or hearing about his extensive background in Jiu-Jitsu?

Matt Lindland: I think I’ll just do what I do best, beat people up. I don’t go up there thinking anything different just because he knocked out a certain guy or his background is in a certain thing, I don’t change my training any to match that. I’ve had a lot of success with the things I do and look to continue to do that.

MMAWeekly: Since your last fight the sport has gained a lot of exposure because of The Ultimate Fighter reality show on Spike TV. Have you had a chance to see it at all and what are your thoughts on it?

Matt Lindland: I’ve actually tuned into a couple of episodes, it comes on at my house at 8pm and I’m usually training at that time so I don’t always get the recorder set. I don’t watch a lot of TV period, but I’m glad to see the sport in general is getting the exposure and getting on TV and that’s nothing but positive stuff, we’re getting good ratings and that’s a good thing.

MMAWeekly: Two of your Team Quest training partners, Chris Leben and Nathan Quarry, are part of the show, what’s it like to see them get the kind of exposure they are receiving because of the show?

Matt Lindland: It’s good to see Chris and Nate getting their names out there. Obviously people are going to know who they are and that’s a good thing. Because of it they’ll get some fights in bigger shows and that’s great, all positive stuff for our team and sport in general.

MMAWeekly: We’ve mentioned Sportfight earlier, I understand there is an upcoming show in March correct?

Matt Lindland: Yes, we have a show coming up on March 26th that Steve Berger and Heath Sims are going to headline. Ed Herman is going to be making his 205lb debut for the title against Glover Teixeira also. Ed has done very well at the 185lb division but his teammate holds that belt. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s fought every single tough guy. We’ve had him scheduled against Trevor Prangley twice, but Trevor had to fight in the UFC so he had to pull out of our show. He’s fought Joe Doerksen, he’s fought just about everybody we can find to fight him. He’s done extremely well; it’s time to see him get a chance at a title. We weren’t going to have him fight Chris Leben, so we’ll see how he does at 205.

MMAWeekly: What about the rest of the card, are there any other fights you can announce to us now?

Matt Lindland: There’s a bunch of fights that I’m pretty excited about. There’s that controversial tap out where the team said their fighter didn’t tap out between Dennis Davis and Trevor Burnett, Dennis was gracious enough to give Trevor a rematch and say let’s make it clear this time. The one that I’m probably most excited about is Matt Horwich and Rich Guerin, this is a fight that Matt lost early in his career by an arm bar and Matt’s going to get another shot at him. We’ve got two pro boxers that has got some bad blood from a boxing match behind it between Dominic Rivera and Damien Hatch. This is both their second MMA bout, they’ve got a lot of boxing matches between them. We’ve got a couple for the local fans, we’ve got Enoch Wilson VS John Gunderson and Chad Nelson VS Anthony Hamlett, Anthony used to be a Hook N Shoot world champion, and that’s actually another rematch. We’ve got three big rematches and they all had some stuff in them in the first one. Like in the Nelson/Hamlett fight, the first one happened about a year ago and Hamlett separated his shoulder so it had to be stopped in the first round so we are looking forward to seeing how that one plays out with a healthy Hamlett.

MMAWeekly: It must feel good to not have to prepare to fight on the same show you are promoting with this show.

Matt Lindland: Well I tell you I don’t think I’d fight on my own show again unless someone else was doing all the promoting. It will be good to not have to do that again, I don’t need that extra headache of trying to compete and promote.

MMAWeekly: One thing I like about the Sportfight shows is that you give amateur fighters a chance to get exposure on a bill along with a bunch of solid pro fights.

Matt Lindland: We’ve got some interesting amateur bouts on the card as well this time around too. We’re going to have five amateur bouts and eight pro bouts scheduled. I think it’s great that the state of Oregon allows us to do a pro-am card and put it together. We have a couple of prelims as the place is filling up, these guys get to get in the ring and get some experience. It’s surprising how many fans make sure to get there on time so they don’t miss any of the fights so it gives these guys even more exposure. It’s good for the amateurs to get that experience and exposure and step up and grow as our organization and sport grows.

MMAWeekly: Before we head out let me get your thoughts on the things you are involved with as you see them heading in 2005. First off let’s talk about Sportfight, what do you see for the promotion this year?

Matt Lindland: There’s a lot of big things happening with the sport as we talked about earlier, so it can go anywhere. Really the growth is happening right now and we’re right in the mix. I think we have one of the top promotions in the country, so it’s hard to say exactly what direction it’s going to take, but I see nothing but growth for our organization and the sport in general. We have a first season of a TV show ready to go. Right now it’s a big expense to put it together and we are hoping to capitalize on it in the near future. With our sport on TV we are looking to get involved.

MMAWeekly: Next, what do you see for Team Quest for the remainder of 2005?

Matt Lindland: We’ve got guys fighting in some of the biggest organizations in the world. I see our guys getting better and better all the time. They are improving and getting bigger fights and it’s exciting to see our guys moving up in the ranks.

MMAWeekly: Finally, where do you see yourself in time after your next fight?

Matt Lindland: You heard Dana (White, UFC President) say at the post fight press conference that if I beat this guy (Lutter) that I fight Evan (Tanner, UFC Middleweight Champion) for the belt so I expect to see me with that belt around my waist before the end of summer.

MMAWeekly: Thanks for the interview Matt, is there anything you’d like to say as we head out?

Matt Lindland: I just want to thank our biggest sponsor Sportsbook.com, I notice that the odds are up on the next Pride so I want to tell fans to get over to Sportsbook and get some bets on that upcoming Pride. I did awful well on the last UFC, all my picks but Chris Lytle won, so I was pretty excited, I made some coin even when I wasn’t fighting. For the fans I’d like to say keep supporting us. It was great that the fans filled up the Mandalay, I didn’t see the numbers for the PPV but that’s the fullest I’ve seen an arena for an MMA event so that was pretty exciting.

Source: MMA Weekly

WHO'S NEXT FOR BUENTELLO?

It's been Paul Buentello's dream to fight in the UFC for a long time. At UFC 51, Paul's dream came true when he stepped into the octagon against Justin Eilers. Buentello spoke with MMAWeekly SoundOff Radio about making his UFC debut, knocking out Justin Eilers, and what the future holds for him.

It's been a long time coming for Paul Buentello to get to the UFC. "I set this little goal out for myself to make it to the UFC. It was just a simple goal, and before you know it, it turned into a hard long road. It's a big dream to follow. As soon as I got there, I wasn't setting my goals to win. I just set it simple. You know, go in there, no matter if I win or lose. As long as to walk in the UFC , walk into that cage and tap out, or just to touch the mat, I'm done. I've completed my goal. That was my attitude the whole week before the fight was, I'm already here. I've already won. Nobody can take this away from me. This is what I set myself to do. It took me dang near eight years, seven years, easily to get here." Commented Buentello.

He continued, "There's only a few people out there that know exactly what I've been through on this, just to get here. How much I've put into the sport. How much I love this sport. It was never about the money. It's just like, I love this sport so much, and this goal just got bigger and bigger, and harder and harder. I mean, the walls got bigger and thicker, and I just kept on pushing through it. And, like I said, I left my wife back home, my daughter, and just my whole family. I move out to California not knowing anybody. Walked into a gym I don't know. You know, sleeping on people's couches that I don't know, and before you know it, it turns into four years almost. It is amazing how I finally get there and do what I'm supposed to do, and look superb at it, and get a knockout on something that I wasn't expecting to get a knockout. I was just expecting to be invited to the UFC. It just makes it so much sweeter to complete something that you set out, and before you know it, eight years gone to get there."

Before the fight, Paul was his usual self, throwing up from nervousness. He said, "The way I look at it, you know, nervous is what you've got to have. If you're not nervous, something is wrong with you. It's all natural, and for me, I get more comfortable, get more relaxed, and I just get that feel. Turn on that switch, and you know, I've got to go do a job."

When he walked out, Paul was so focused he didn't even hear the crowd. From the moment the bell rang, Paul felt like he was dialed in. "I was dialed in from the start. I mean, I've never kicked. I never kick. I know you haven't really watched me fight, but there's a lot of people out there had watched me fight. I'm a slow starter. I always wait about a minute, feel out the other guy, get my distance, get my range. Right off the bat, I mean I was just so focused and everything. I worked on so many things for this fight that I knew if he came flat-footed, inside leg kick. I'm not going on the outside. Whoever fights a Miletich Camp, never go on the outside leg because they're going to bring that right hand down the middle. He came in so flat-footed, I was like, I'm going to throw an inside leg kick."

The fight would only last 2:34 of the first round. Buentello knocked out Justin Eilers with a combination. About the knockout, Paul said, "I didn't know that was the shot I was going to knock him out with. I never sit there and go my right hand or left hook is going to knock somebody out. It's just like in baseball. You've got to put everything in play, and you've got to relax and let your hands go. I'm a decent counter fighter, counter puncher. When he throws that left, he loops that left. The first instinct is to cover up and throw a left hook, so I landed a left hook. Right as he threw that left hook, I just faded and threw a left hook, and it landed. Then I went into a little flurry. All I remember next was, I just saw blood slat on his face and he was going down. I just kept the pressure on. I think that's what set the tone was, he was expecting to put pressure on me, and I was expecting to put pressure on him. Watching the fight, I did everything correctly. I didn't back up. I kept on coming forward, and I think that kept him on his heels and he didn't get to have his power like everybody else sits back and waits and lets him control the fight."

Now that Buentello has completed his goal, and did so in knockout fashion, what is next for him? "When the day comes that I need to sign a contract, it doesn't matter who I fight. I love the sport so much. You know, we're fighters, and whoever is out there and who is ready, I'm going to fight. I'm not going to complain about it. I've never backed down. Even when I first started, I was fighting Gan McGee, Ricco Rodriguez...You know, I was just fighting all these tough guys with no management, with no training. That's just my attitude. We're fighters, we're supposed to fight, and that's the way I look at things. Whoever they throw at me. I'm just a fighter. I'm basically a machine, say hey, this is the day I've got to show up. That's what day I've got to do something, and we'll just leave it at that." Said Buentello.

Source: MMA Weekly

 2/16/05

Quote of the Day

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

Albert Einstein, 1879-1955, German-born American Physicist

Penn vs Gracie on PPV!

Oceanic Channel 701
Saturday, February 19, 2005
4:00 PM

February 19, 2005 is your opportunity to finally see Hawaii's own BJ Penn vs Pride Superstar Rodrigo Gracie on pay-per-view. This event was sold out and many were turned away at the door. BJ is the number one ranked fighter 155 lbs and 170 lbs. This is his first fight moving up yet another weight class to 185 lbs. Most fighters would fight a marshmellow in their first fight in a higher weight class, but not BJ Penn. He takes on the newest generation of Gracie family fighters in Rodrigo Gracie who has been on a tear in Pride Fighting Championship.

There are many other great fights on this car so make sure you mark it on your calendars to order ROTR Penn vs Gracie on Pay-Per-View, Oceanic Channel 701 at 4:00 PM Hawaii Time!

WARRIORS QUEST SOLD!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that WARRIORS QUEST will be back under new management. I have SOLD the name but will be involved in helping Matchmaking the event and working with other parts. I feel real positive that things will run awesome from here on out, Also it will be a positive for fighters in which the direction it wants to take the Hawaii Talent.

So hold on as one of Hawaii's premiere fighting events will RETURN!!

PUNISHMENT IN PARADISE
April 16, 2005 @ McKinnely High Gym
Doors Open @ 630pm-Fights Starts 730pm
Tickets $25.00 Advance $35.00 Day of Event
SHOOTO & Kickboxing Bouts!!

Erin Toughill: Damsel of Destruction


Tough talking, sexy walking damsel of destruction! Hell yeah, that pretty much defines this lady fighter and what she can do. You've heard the old saying if looks could kill? With this cat you can't count out the left hand either, so don't let the sweet looks fool you. This twenty-seven year old Chicago native knows how to throw down and annihilate her opponents with her no holds barred style of fighting. Whether in the boxing ring or competing in mixed martial arts Erin Toughill is a triple threat to any that cross her path: she can punch you, kick you or just plain pound your butt to the ground. It's your choice, she doesn't care either way, she just comes to win.

Since 1999 the Brazilian jujitsu discipline has catapulted Toughill to the top of the fighting world. She has compiled a 6-2-1 in the MMA defeating Irina Rodina (split decision) at the ReMix-World Cup 2000, Megumi Yabushita (TKO armbar) at the ReMix-Golden Gate 2001and then recently in the SG-2004 World ReMix Toughill went on to defeat two lady fighters and was well on her way to the main prize when she was disqualified for throwing elbows in retaliation to arch nemesis Yabushita's continuous fouling in the final bout of the night. Toughill is also a solid boxer and since 2000 she has pounded out a 6-1-1 record as a lady boxer. Erin debuted on July 20th 2004 and lost a four round decision, but she has since gone on the winning path defeating Cassandra Geigger and most recently earning a ten round unanimous decision over Yvonne Reis, earning the GBU Intercontinental title in the process. Erin dedicated the win to the memory of her late sister, who was involved in a fatal car accident just a month prior to the bout. This super middleweight wants Laila Ali in the ring and with the trash talking that has been between the two, this rivalry should go down. No matter what the future holds for this lady of the ring one thing is definitely for sure, Erin Toughill is a force to be reckoned with. Erin took the time to chat with the MaxFighting and gave her thoughts on her experiences in the boxing ring and the MMA arena.

Benny Henderson Jr.: Hey how are you Erin?

Erin Toughill: Great. Thank you. By the way - I LOVE the title of the piece [laughs].

BH: First off, what would prompt a beautiful young lady as yourself to want to compete in such grueling in your face sport when there seems like there is so much out there for you to do?

ET: I think because I have found out that I am good at what I do - that's the key. I think I have a lot to offer both sports while proving that a woman can still look like a woman AND kick a little butt. I have always been into sports growing up. This is such a challenge - but at the same time it is so fun and rewarding. I truly love it. I am sure if I was losing a lot, not performing well, etc. I might have found a new line of work. But fortunately, it has worked out for me! I obviously have plans after this (I am working on a degree in kinesiology) but for now, I love it.

BH: Women's boxing seems to have bit of a following, but what about the whole women in the MMA scene, do you think that will ever catch on?

ET: Ummm, well, even women's boxing is not taken so seriously. You have the 'names' and people get to see them. But there is some real talent out there right now and it's a shame people don't get to see them perform. As for MMA - people don't even fully understand the men's fighting yet - not like boxing, at least. I don't for see them really understanding the females anytime soon. But of course I'd love if they did.

BH: When did you start competing as a MMA fighter and a boxer?

ET: I had my first pro fight (MMA fight) in Sept of '99. So... going on five and a half years. I had my first boxing fight June of 2000.

BH: OK, what do your parents think about their little girl throwing down in the ring?

ET: They just don't want me to get hurt. That's their biggest concern. I think my dad thought I would end up being a soccer star... sorry dad!

BH: On October 22nd 2004 you defeated Yvonne Reis for the GBU Intercontinental Super middleweight title, which was your first title. But not only were you fighting for your first belt you were fighting for your baby sister Megan who passed away a month earlier in a car accident. How emotional was it for you to gain the victory and bring home the belt in memory of your little sister?

ET: Yeah, well, Megan's accident happened about three-and-a-half weeks before that fight. Unless you have been through the same thing there's no way it can be articulated. She was going to go with me. I just knew she wouldn't have wanted me to quit. I wasn't going to. There was no other choice BUT to fight. I wanted to win that belt for Megan, and I did.

BH: Was it hard to stay focused during your training and title bout with such a traumatic experience?

ET: Sure, of course. I cried all the time - before training, after training, during training. Fighting is 75% mental. I knew if I could get through this, my God, I could get through anything. I knew I had to do it. Fighting and training is CAKE compared to going through the loss of your sister and best friend.

BH: You were disqualified in your final match of the Smack Girls 2004 World Remix after you easily disposed of two opponents in the
8-woman tournament and were well on your way to defeating Megumi Yabushita when you were DQ'd. What exactly happened for you to get the DQ and do you honestly feel it was a fair decision?

ET: I have already beaten Megumi. I broke her arm in half three years ago. I basically think it is sad that a fighter of that caliber would have to cheat to win. I did not really expect her to do that. She felt the only way she could win was to hold onto the glove and use it in an illegal manner. You cannot hold onto the glove, etc. to perform moves. Instead of complaining, I lost my cool and I did something illegal as well. Unfortunately, I was caught and she was not. I think she took the easy way out and now Smack Girl knows that they really do not have the #1 fighter representing their organization. That's truly sad.

BH: How about a rematch with Yabushita, would that make it better?

ET: [Laughs] Yeah, it'll make it much better. We are going to do it in MY country this time.

BH: Who are your favorite fighters in the MMA sport?

ET: I love Rodrigo 'Minotauro' Noguiera and Wanderlei Silva. I think those guys are my two favorites. The dichotomy between the two is what makes them so fascinating. You have a technician and you have a brawler. They're awesome.

BH: It is well documented that you and Laila Ali don't like each other, in fact you to have had a war of words. Do you think you will ever get a shot at Laila, and what do you see in Ali that makes you think you can beat her?

ET: Laila is just really annoying. I know she will fight me - and that's great. She should probably go back to school after her fighting career as she has a pretty limited vocabulary. And as far as what I "see" in her that makes me think I can "beat her"? Well, that's a secret. I would not want to other girls to steal my game plan!

BH: What has been your toughest bout in the no holds barred sport and in the boxing ring?

ET: My first MMA fight was the hardest. I went to Aruba and they basically said this girl had 2-3 MMA fights. Well, she did, but she also had about 25 kickboxing fights. She was a brute. We fought for ONE 15 minute round and I received a draw. I was happy that I did so well with someone of that caliber. It was a great learning experience and I knew I had a future in this sport. I also knew that if I wanted to keep doing this, I would actually have to train! I think my first boxing fight was the worst too. Along with not training properly, I also had a kick boxer teaching me how to box. The training for boxing is SOOO different compared to MMA. I think, now I KNOW, I just wasn't prepared.

BH: What is your main goal in your career?

ET: I am now the #1 female MMA fighter. I would like to do the same in boxing and get as many belts and titles as I can. I just want to have fun.

BH: As a woman fighter in what is mostly filled with men do you feel you get the respect you deserve?

ET: It's 50/50. Like I said, I get a lot of respect from the people I train with or who have seen what I am capable of doing. You constantly have to prove yourself anyways - that's the nature of the beast. Unless, someone saw me fight or has trained with me, I am sure they'd still think, This girl LOOKS tough - but how good could she be? It rolls off my back, really. I have had 18 professional fights which is more then most men even have. I also have a winning record - I think that speaks for itself. I do Jiu Jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, you name it. I have accomplished more then most men, let alone women.

BH: In the boxing ring who would you like to fight and why, and the same for the MMA arena?

ET: Ummmm, whomever. I just wanna stay active. I think people know who I wanna fight and why. There's no one for me to really fight in MMA. I might like a rematch with the girl I fought in Aruba to avenge the draw. But besides that? No-one really.

BH: Which do you like to compete in more and which do you feel you are better at, boxing or MMA?

ET: Now, I like boxing better. For a while it was equal. I still train my ground fighting and I DO love that. But I don't really miss kick boxing. I know I am great at MMA. I think I am good at boxing too - but I know I have only shown a small bit of what I am capable of. I know I can do much more. I love boxing because it truly is a science. People have no idea on what the inner workings of boxing really are. It's amazing.

BH: Is there anything you would like to add to this interview and say in closing?

ET: I just want to thank everyone who has supported me and the other women in MMA and boxing. We need you to keep believing in us to stay strong! Also, please check my site out at www.erintoughill.com. There's a lot of pics and news updates. Thanks again!

I would like to thank Erin for taking the time out for the fans; her time and thoughts are very appreciated. For more info on Erin she wuold like to invite you to her website: Erin Toughill - Fight Girl: Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts.

Source: Maxfighting

 2/15/05

Quote of the Day

"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."

Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1968, American Civil Rights Leader, Nobel Prize Winner

FULL CONTACT SHOWDOWN #2 (FCS#2)

Friday, March 18, 2005
doors opening at 7:00 p.m. and the first bell at 8:00 p.m.

After the overwhelming success of the January 2005 MMA / Kickboxing event "Steinlager and Super Brawl present: FULL CONTACT SHOWDOWN #1" we are pleased to announce the next event in this promising new series:

FULL CONTACT SHOWDOWN #2 (FCS#2) will take place on Friday, March 18, 2005 with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. and the first bell at 8:00 p.m. FCS#2, like the first show in this series, will take place at the fantastic Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill ("E Club") ballroom on Marine Core Base Hawaii - Kaneohe (MCBH). Promoter Patrick Freitas established the FCS in order to give the large number of rising MMA and kickboxing athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills in a professional competition environment. Although the FCS events are open to the general public, the series is designated to be held on Oahu military bases as a "thank you" to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The FCS#2 card is still under construction. However, Kaneohe Marine Steve "El Toro Blanco" Byrnes, will be featured in the main event. Byrnes, coming off a dominant performance in Full Contact Showdown #1 over Jesse Rangel of Fresno, California, will be looking for his second professional win in the March FCS show. Kaipo Kalama, a Super Brawl veteran who trains at Grappling Unlimited and Mixed Martial Arts Development, will be looking for his fifth professional victory in the co-main event. Both Byrnes and Kalama will be matched with competitors from the mainland. The FCS#2 will feature 10 matches, made up of a mix of professional and amateur MMA and kickboxing rising stars.

Tickets are on sale now. Military $20; General $25; Ringside: $35. Call or email Patrick Freitas, FCS promoter, at (808) 375-1645 and
superbrawl21@yahoo.com , respecively, for more information.

Source: Promoter

Silva wants Nogueira in Curitiba

After the awful end of last Pride Shockwave, nothing better than vacations to Middleweight Pride champion Wanderlei Silva. And it was exactly what he did. After spending two weeks at Brazilian Northeast beaches, Wand - already in Curitiba (PR) - did an unusual invitation to former Heavyweight pride champion Rodrigo Minotauro. "If Minotauro is not pleased in his team, I wish I had him training in Chute-Boxe," invited Silva. Check out bellow the best parts of the chat with the champion, what he did think about the loss to Mark Hunt and his plans for the future. Next:

After the whole noisy New Years Eve, did you have enough time to rest?

I spent two weeks in Maceió (AL) and visit lots of beaches. It was a real paradise. A empty beach, with my wife and son. Just perfect!

About Pride... you ruled the ground game with Hunt. What happened?

I was supposed to train more Jiu-Jitsu. In fact, I use my ground game to defend myself. I have to improve my submission techniques. What has happen is I got my hand injured and it bothered my ground train. But I will improve my Jiu-Jitsu and come back better.

How this loss affects your career?

To be honest with you, this loss did not affect my career. Of course I got very upset. I've seen the tape several times and I realize the fight was tie. And when it does happen, the victory goes to the lighter one. It didn't happen against Hunt. In my opinion I won the fight. I lost my invincibility and it will take a while until I get it back. It was taken away from me.

You got hurt by Pride?

No way out! I got very upset, but there are no hard feelings with Pride. Pride was the event where I became a champion and I consider Pride the best MMA event in the world.

Tell me about your deal with Pride... you know there are lots of fight promoters chasing after you.

Pride guys informed they are on the way to Brazil and deal with local athletes. About other organizations, it just makes me happy, because they appreciate my work and I know I am doing the right thing.

Are you interested in a rematch with Hunt?

Absolutely! I feel like I still gonna have to fight him other three times. I'm gonna do my best to defeat him and any other fighter who cross my way.

What are you going to do different when that time comes?

I will be more prepared. I will increase my weight... no way I fight a heavier fighter weighting less than 105kg.

Have you decided if you going to fight at Pride Middleweight GP?

I haven't. But if I don't I will point Murilo Ninja or Maurício Shogun to replace me.

You said you would gain some weight. Do you wanna fight as a heavyweight now?

Yes, I have it in my mind. I wanna face (Mirko) Cro Cop and Fedor (Emelianenko) because they are the best.

And Rodrigo Minotauro? He is also one of the best ones.

Of course Rodrigo is one of the best ones. But I don't want to fight him. He is such a great guy and I wish I had him training in my team. If he is not pleased in his team, I invite him to train in Chute-Boxe. I guarantee!

Source: Tatame

IBRAHIM UPDATE

He stepped into the world of MMA with just two weeks of preparation.
Then, in the first fifty seconds of the bout, Karam "Gaber" Ibrahim displayed his incredible athletic ability. Pushing around Japan's "Missing Link" Kazuyuki Fujita like a little boy. Chasing him tackling and punching him to the corner.

Anyone who has seen Ibrahim competing in Greco-roman wrestling knows that this guy is a gem. The way he dominated in the Athens Olympics, flipping around an opponent like a big piece of wood, and celebrating with a summersault after the bout like a character in "The Matrix" we all realized that this man could be a force in the MMA world.

But Fujita saw one flaw in Ibrahim's offensive attack. His head-movements. When Ibrahim steps in for strikes, his chin tends to go up a little, so Fujita went for the counter shot. It was more like a swinging hook so the fist to wrist portion of Fujita's right hand nailed the left of Ibrahim's chin toward the side of his head, and this was just as Ibrahim came forward with a left low kick. As his chin was up. Then, instantly, Ibrahim was down.

Fujita chased him with two hammer shots to the face but by then, Ibrahim was completely gone. Laying on the canvass, his right leg trembling.

After the fight, Fujita said, "Today just happened to be my day but it doesn't mean I am better. He is an Olympic champion and I didn't even make it to the Olympic team. I still think he is a great athlete" expressing his highest respect for his opponent. On the other hand, the media at "K-1 Premium: Dynamite!!" didn't get to hear much from Ibrahim afterwards. Only rumors circulated. "I heard he doesn't want to do MMA anymore." "I think he feels embarrassed" "He is already thinking of revenge" etc.

7 days later... Karam Ibrahim was in The Big Apple starring in a promotion video campaigning for hosting the Olympic Games in New York City. With a little swell just below his left eye, he was smiling in front of the camera.

"I like this city because there is so much here, different cultures, people."

Yes I know you are very intelligent and I don't mean to be rude here but MMA fans out there don't really care if New York is the place you first tried sushi or not. They only want to know one thing. Are you going to continue competing in MMA?

We needed to hear his real voice so we waited around till this big campaign production was over and then finally I got to ask Ibrahim the question. A couple weeks after the Fujita fight, how do you feel now?

Ibrahim smiled and shook his head slowly, "Not good at all."

And of course, I had to ask this question. Why MMA now? You are the first wrestling gold medal winner out of Egypt in seventy six years and you are shooting for a second consecutive gold in Peking so why MMA now? Ibrahim replied immediately, "Because I like the game. I always fought in the street so I like the fight." His answer was an instinctive one. Ibrahim likes to fight but he also has this imperturbation to see MMA as "the game."

"UFC, K-1, PRIDE. I was always interested in it because my friend (Ali Abdelaziz) does ultimate fighting so I knew about it."

Apparently, this Olympic gold medal winner was well aware of MMA way before the world of MMA showed an interest in him because Ibrahim said that "only after the Olympics" the real offers from MMA started to knock on his door. Till then, after he won a world championship in 2002, the only concrete professional offer he received was the one from WWE but he never accepted because "I don't like it. It's not a real competition. It's not a fight."

Karam Ibrahim was born in Alexandria, Egypt. Not exactly a country known for being a powerhouse of amateur wrestling. So what is the secret behind the enormous success of Ibrahim besides his natural physical ability? He started wrestling at the age of seven under the guidance of his brohter/trainer Adel Ibrahim and in 1995 when he was 16 years old he was spotted by Yehia Kazarian, then the head coach of the Egyptian wrestling team, and he thus became a member of the national team. That's right. He got to experience the world earlier than other teenage wrestlers. He traveled all over the world entering various wrestling tournaments, initiated, and seasoned by fine coaches around the globe. Once he reached his 20's, he quickly achieved the status of world champion and went on to become an Olympic champion. He basically didn't need to prove anything else. So what is the motivation behind trying something completely new? Ibrahim's answer was simple. "I just want to show that I am a good fighter."

Then I wondered. Even with his incredible ability, was two weeks of preparation enough for competing in a completely new environment under a set of rules he had never experienced before? Did you, at least, get to see any Fujita fights so you could study the opponent? Ibrahim smiled and told me, "I only watched one Fujita fight but you know, I learn more from experience not from watching." Of course, you learn more from doing it than watching or reading about it but a man of your status usually considers something called "the risk factors." Ibrahim, however, continued, "Any fight is a good fight for me. You know why? Because I got a lot of experiences and even if I loose, then I learn more from it."

Apparently, this man is a pure athlete and a dedicated student of fight sports. He is not afraid of losing or perhaps a thought of loosing just doesn't even cross his mind. He was also telling me about how he "always fought with his shoes on" so I asked him about the danger of getting caught in an ankle hold or other leg submissions but Ibrahim replied, "I am not worried. It's OK". Maybe it's not that he doesn't think about loosing but he has this confidence or he may even actually senses his gifted ability. But he also seems to know what he needs to do in order for him to do well in MMA. He mentioned, "I want to improve my boxing technique and I want to gain more Jiu-jitsu technique." Ibrahim also revealed that he already asked K-1 for a rematch against Fujita in six months. That's right, he already began walking on the road to the revenge. He even mentioned a possible fight in March, of course, at the K-1 venue. He just seemed very anxious.

He is continuing his career in MMA, which means he may well become the first athlete to win a top crown in both professional MMA and the Olympics at the same time.

Ibrahim however denied this possibility, "I would like to stop fighting (in MMA) one year before (2008 Peking Games). I need to concentrate. There is a specific work out for Olympic wrestling. I can't think about another thing."

He is not thinking anything fancy. Karam Ibrahim just wants to prove his ability. And he knows that the first step has got to be settling the score with Fujita. That means, for Ibrahim fans, that the stage is now set for the great come back.

Source: Fight Sport

Terrell Post UFC

To all my friends, sponsors, and supporters, I wish I was writing this to you while basking in victory. As you know, Evan Tanner, a fighter with a world of experience, cleanly defeated me last Saturday.He will make a great UFC middleweight champion. It is my goal, however, to replace him, or anyone else that defeats Evan, in the near future. I realize I made mistakes leading up to, and including the fight itself. What is said about learning more from a loss than a victory is true. I appreciate all who helped me train, or gave me financial or moral support. This is especially true since I have not heard one discouraging word since UFC 51. My mistakes are correctable. And those mistakes will be corrected.I look foward to demonstrating my improvements very, very soon. Thanks to everyone again!

Best,
Dave Terrell

A very classy statement by a very classy fighter.

Source: Gracie Fighter

 2/14/05 Happy Valentine's Day

WARNING!

This is your warning men! Bring something home for the wife or girlfriend or risk major retaliation. Even a card and a little bag of candies is better than nothing and can save much abuse for months and possibly years to come.

If you are like me and never know what to buy, here are some ideas for a quick fix:

1. Cards (you know the girly ones with all the feeling stuff written in it. The girls eat that stuff up. Don't worry about what exactly is written inside. If the card color is pastels (light blue, light yellow, light purple, light pink, etc), it probably is a good card)

2. Flowers (anything red or pink is good. Roses are your best bet.)

3. Candies (Try something heart shaped).

4. Take her out to dinner. This is a good one because you also get to eat out. Dual satisfaction! Warning stay away from our favorite French restaurant...Jacque in the Box or a nice Mexican eatery...Taco Bell. Take her some place where you cannot get fries with that shake and they serve the food in a plate, not wrapped up in a brown bag.

5. Don't even attempt buying her clothes! If you do, make sure that all the tags are still attached and that you save the receipt because she's going to return it. Also, if you buy her a large and she is a medium, you better go home, put in your mouthpiece, fight gloves, cup, stretch out and prepare for war. You may want to stash a sleeping bag outside just in case.

6. Buy her a years worth of Jiu-Jitsu classes at Academia Casca Grossa de Jiu-Jitsu. I'm sure she'll love it.

Good luck!

Mike

PS: Women reading the page please disregard this post. There is a SALE down below!
(Ok, they just forgot what they read above).

Quote of the Day

"Necessity may be the mother of invention, but curiosity is the mother of discovery."

Charles Handy, American Business Executive and Writer

This Isn't Fight Club
By: Mike Coughlin

The signing of Sean Gannon by the UFC could set the sport back several years. Unless, you're a member of the MMA message board community, or a police officer in Boston, you've likely never heard of Mr. Gannon. Sean Gannon is a low level mixed martial artist whose fulltime job is that of a police officer. He has an official record of 1-0, having beaten Mike Dexter by TKO on August 28 of last year, at a Mass Destruction event in Boston. And yet this essential unknown could endup as a pivotal figure in MMA's North American history.

Gannon has become famous within the MMA family for a brutal bare-knuckle boxing match he had with a street fighter named Kimbo. Kimbo had made somewhat of a reputation by videotaping street fights of his. He basically beat the crap out of a bunch of dudes in backyards and whatnot. Kimbo is not, and never was, a legitimate MMA fighter. Somehow he, or someone representing him, got on the message boards and talked Kimbo up. A buzz began to ruminate about this street fighter who questioned the superiority of MMA. Sean Gannon offered to fight Kimbo to defend the honor of MMA, or something along those lines.

So Sean Gannon took on Kimbo and beat the snot out of him. It was a horribly brutal affair during which a winner would only be decided once his opponent couldn't answer a thirty count. Both men took a lot of punishment and bled a decent amount. It was not sanctioned by any state body. It was an illegal street fight, it just had hand held cameras and a few people standing around. But Sean Gannon beat the trash talking street fighter and an age old question was answered, who would win between a big dude with a little MMA training and a big dude with no MMA training? MMA's honor was preserved, and everyone could get on with their lives.

But, it wasn't over. People wanted a rematch and reportedly Joe Rogan said he wanted to see it at a UFC PPV. The Ultimate Fighting Championship, a company that has been branded as uncontrolled brutality, a sport watched only by barbarians, a disgusting form of voyeurism, was talked about as the venue for a street fight rematch. Surely Zuffa wouldn't be that dumb. The organization that has tried to shed all the old stereotypes and bring the sport into the mainstream wouldn't dare hand critics a videotaped piece of evidence. Luckily, there hasn't been a rematch signed.

However, they did sign Sean Gannon to a contract. Gannon has done nothing to earn a contract. There are a plethora of heavyweights fighting throughout the world that have proven themselves time and time again. These are the individuals that the UFC needs to be scouting. They do not need to be going after a guy who made his name in a street fight. It is the ultimate in bad ideas.

The thinking must be that Gannon is now a name within the MMA community and will help increase the PPV buy rates. This isn't true. Sean Gannon has absolutely no mainstream name at all. He is popular amongst an extremely niche fan base. And it isn't like he can do press junkets, is it? Sean can't go around telling the story of how he beat up an untrained dude, and that's why he got his shot in the UFC.

All signing Sean Gannon has done is create a potentially volatile situation. Anyone who hates the sport of MMA, and there are a few people out there who've got an ax to grind, and has a computer, now has damning evidence. Every negative stereotype associated with MMA is played up: uncontrolled brutality, thuggish looking individuals, engaging in underground fights. If this tape gets into the hands of, say, Senator McCain, a man who has shown a desire to crack down on MMA in the past (though he probably did the sport more good than harm in the end), all hell could be unleashed. As the UFC attempts to finally go mainstream, and with the tremendous success of "The Ultimate Fighter" it appears as if this might finally be a reality, the last thing they need is to be associated with is this incident. Signing Sean Gannon is the equivalent of handing MMA's enemies a loaded gun and saying, "I dare ya to pull the trigger."

Sean Gannon is probably a very nice person. As a member of a police department, he has entered a profession which requires him to risk his very life for the safety of the community at large. Gannon did what he thought was the right thing and earned his fifteen minutes of underground fame. But that's as far as it should go. His signing is freak show in nature. And unlike K-1 in Japan, the UFC doesn't have the mainstream respect needed to blunt any negative ramifications. It may anger a few narrow minded fans, but the UFC needs to create distance from Sean Gannon, now. There is no need to please a vocal minority while there is a great silent majority watching with cautious eyes. MMA is constantly under scrutiny and needs to be careful every step of the way. One move not thought out to the zenith could mean doom. Sean Gannon could be that end.

Source: MMA Weekly

Ryan Shultz and Euphoria

At 12-3 there are few fighters in the American lightweight circuit whose prospects are as bright as those of Team Quest's Ryan Schultz. Entering his third year of competition, Schultz has yet to fail at providing exciting fights giving his all each time out. It is this exciting nature and ability to finish which lead Ryan to be included in the Euphoria lightweight tournament which begins its second round on February 26 th at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, NJ.

Unfortunately for Schultz, the inclusion in the tournament is bittersweet. Originally picked as an alternate, Schultz dominated his fellow alternate David Gaona last year in the tournament's first round. Following that performance Ryan was lead to believe that if any member of the original 8-man draw would be forced to drop out that he would be the one to step in and take the slot. So when Joachim Hansen was forced out due to a broken hand Schultz thought he would be the natural selection to replace Hansen being the tournament's alternate, but this was not to be.

Instead Euphoria in keeping with their "USA Vs. The World" theme decided to shuffle the original card and place Yves Edwards against Hermes Franca in a rematch of their UFC 47 bout from last year. This left Rich Clementi without an opponent, and despite being the alternate, Schultz was passed over in favor of Japanese fighter Daisuke Hanazawa, whose 3-3-2 record fails in comparison to Schultz's. What is also confusing is neither Edwards nor Franca where born on US soil, but both live and train in the US. Yet Euphoria made the conscious decision to specifically market Edwards (born in the Bahamas) as the US fighter and Franca (born in Brazil) as the foreigner to fit their theme.

Obviously this doesn't sit well with Schultz, who when was contacted by MMAWeekly had to say, "I am irritated by that. Someone goes down, what do you have an alternate for (if not to replace the injured fighter)? I don't know what they've got going on, I know they have some kind of theme going on, but I don't know exactly what the deal is." Schultz continued, "They can fill the tournament with whoever they want I guess, I can fight any of those guys. If they don't feel that I'm at that level they are sadly mistaken."

Schultz will face his originally scheduled opponent Hiroyuki Abe and appears undeterred by being left out of the tournament, "They set it up so I'm still fighting the kid from Japan and that's fine. It doesn't change my contract. Eventually I'm going to get my shot, right now just focused on my fight. My performance is going to speak for itself when I unload on this guy."

The upcoming fight against Abe will be Schultz's second fight of the year, keeping with his busy fight schedule which saw him fight nine times last year going 8-1. Ryan will be looking to rebound off a controversial decision loss to Keith Wilson in this past January's Sportfight. In that fight Wilson kept Schultz tied up for two rounds before Ryan exploded in the third nearly knocking out Wilson. Although extremely disappointed at the time, Schultz has put the loss behind him and has learned from the experience; "I can't let people stall me out like that. I still feel I won that fight. I don't care about it now, I'm always looking to sharpen my game and I know aggressiveness is the key for me in my fights. It's behind me and I've got to go do what I've got to do (against Abe)."

Schultz knows he has to impress in his fights as the lightweight division has seen a strong influx of young talent, especially from the US. It's clear that no matter what is on the horizon for Ryan, he has his goals set firmly in his mind for what he wants to accomplish this year. "I've got no set time or how many fights I want to take this year. I want to stay active, but also want to fight the best. I think my record and who I've fought proves I can fight. I want the top of the game, whomever everybody respects, that's who I want to fight."

Ryan concluded, "The whole Euphoria deal is confusing, I'm not sure what they have going on, but I'm taking my fight serious. What's going to happen will happen, if I get a chance to fight Yves, Hermes, or Rich I would love to fight any of them. I want the bigger fights, that's the plan, to fight the best."

Source: MMA Weekly

PRIDE: Fists Of Fire ODDS

Joey Odessa, the owner of betodessa.com and consultant for our sponsor Sportsbook.com breaks down the upcoming Pride odds...

PRIDE 29 Fighting Championships 2/20/2005 3am est Japan

Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic -500
Mark Coleman +300

Sergei Kharinotov -500
Choi Mu Bae +300

Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson -285
Murilo 'Ninja' Rua +225

Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira -325
Alistair Overeem +250

Igor Vovchanchin -1100
Yoshiki Takahashi +700

Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua -600
Hiromitsu Kanehara +400

Fabricio Werdum -170
Tom Erikson +130

Mario Sperry -210
Hirotaka Yokoi +170

Source: MMA Weekly

 2/13/05

Quote of the Day

"A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world."

Leo Buscaglia, 1924-1998, American Author and Expert on Love and Human Relationships

2005 Junior Olympic Male and Female State/Regional Boxing Championships
Update

Sorry forgot to let everyone know, on April 16th the boxing matches will start at 6 p.m., Sunday if needed will be at noon. Weigh Ins on Fri at 4p.m. to 6 p.m. we're trying to get it at Kalakaua Gym. Outer Islands will weigh-in at designated sites by assigned persons, males for males, and female weight master for females. Remember Adults 17-35yrs old can also compete in a non-advancing bout, they will be matched by weight and experience, also both coaches must agree. Any ??? my email address is
bkawano@aol.com. Thanks for your time.

Bruce Kawano
USA-Boxing Hawaii Junior Olympic Chairman
USA-Boxing Hawaii Board of Dir./Gov
National Coaches Committee

Source: Bruce Kawano

Dean Lister: Preparing For Arona

It's been seven months since MMA fans last saw Dean "Boogeyman" Lister in the ring at Pride Bushido 4. Since then he's concentrated on getting his own training facility together after splitting from longtime team City Boxing in San Diego, California. He also helped prepare Tito Ortiz for his victorious fight against Vitor Belfort at UFC 51. With external training commitments done, Lister now shifts his focus on returning to MMA and preparing for his superfight at the upcoming US debut of the Abu Dahbi grappling championships in May against Ricardo Arona.

When MMAWeekly caught up with Lister shortly after returning home to San Diego after cornering Ortiz at UFC 51 the obvious question of how Lister ended up with Ortiz quickly addressed. "I've known him for over two years, " said Lister, "it's only we've been training together more recently. We've got a good arrangement; we help each other out mutually. He's got more experience in MMA and I've got more in submission fighting so he helps me on takedowns and I help him with Jiu-Jitsu."

Lister joined Ortiz in the famous training grounds of Big Bear, California to help Tito get ready for his fight against Belfort. According to Lister the higher altitude took its own toll on him coming from sea level, "Big Bear was really good but difficult at the same time. The altitude was hard on me, I couldn't spend 2-3 weeks straight there, I had to go home for a couple of days because I was getting tired over and over. With the constant change of altitude I couldn't get climatized, but it was good experience, I believe it builds mental toughness."

Returning to Big Bear is a prospect that Lister says is only would appeal to him if the opportunity was right. "For a fight in Pride maybe would be the only way to justify going there again and deal with the altitude. If I can get all my training partners up there with me I would be more willing to go up, maybe for a title match or for my fight with Arona (at Abu Dahbi)," commented Lister.

Word has it from Ivan Salaverry that Ortiz may be forming a new fight team comprised of the people who cornered him against Belfort, when asked if this would be something Lister would be interested in he said, "It's something I'd be interested in. We are attributes to each other with our strengths. What I like about Tito a lot is that everyone loses, and sometimes they don't come back after it, they just call it a day, but he kept working hard and put the time in. Now he's back in the scene. I think all of us, Ivan, Sal (Tito's new trainer), myself, we are all good, we're not just singular entities. So we would make a great team together if it happened."

At one time Lister was King of the Cage Middleweight Champion (and Light-Heavyweight Champion), when asked if he'd be interested in dropping back down to 185lbs for a fight Lister was quick to nix the idea. "I could possibly make 185lbs, but it's unhealthy. I have big bones more so than a lot of water weight, so I don't see myself being 185lbs. I don't see myself being strong at the weight; I am comfortable and live a normal life at 205lbs. I am light at the weight compared to fighters who cut down from 220lbs, but I will be faster than most of them and I never get overpowered by people."

It's been a while since Lister last saw live competition, but he seemed optimistic with the prospects of fighting again soon, "I was hoping to fight in this Pride (Fists of Fury) but I don't know what happened. Hopefully I'll get into the next Pride or the Bushido. There's nothing official right now but I've heard through the grapevine I will be fighting soon. I would really love to be in the tournament (Middleweight Grand Prix). My last fight in Japan was kind of boring, can't say what happened, Amar (Suloev) had his gameplan, I had mine, we canceled each other out and because of that it was boring. I hope I wouldn't be judged off that one match."

What is for sure is that Lister will be facing Brazilian Top Team product Ricardo Arona in a superfight at Abu Dahbi this coming May in Los Angeles. It is the first time the competition is being held in the US and Lister is very excited about the match and bringing submission fighting to the masses, "I'm super excited. Ricardo is a tough opponent and comes from a really good team so I'm going to train accordingly. It's a challenge, but I like that. The bigger the challenge the more motivated I am. I'm really excited to bring this style of fighting to the States, hopefully it can increase at a fast rate of popularity because of this show."

Along with training for fighting Lister's main priority is his growing business aspirations which include his own facility which he started last year after striking out on his own. According to Lister, "Business is going really well. I separated from City Boxing and started my own school in southwest San Diego. Actually this week we opened a boxing club in central San Diego. I joined forces with Melchor Menor who is a really good K-1 fighter and a Muay Thai world champion. We've got no contracts, we're all for giving a good deal to people, and give them an opportunity to learn the best stuff in the world. We've got the main facility going already and are expanding with the opening of a second facility with the boxing club."

Lister concluded, "I'm not in the situation right now where I can just train, I have to make a living. I don't have to be rich, but I need to have enough to get by and train hard with teaching. I pride myself on being good instructor and I look at it as a necessity. I like having a team, students, and people I can help out. I don't hold back techniques like some guys do. I show the small details that make things work and not everyone does that. I like helping people out like that, developing fighters, working with students, I like that aspect of that life. When I'm done fighting in possibly five to ten years I feel I will be satisfied teaching."

For people interested in checking out Dean's new facilities, scheduling and prices, you can call 619-920-6719 or visit www.listertrainingcenter.com for more information.

Source: MMA Weekly

UFC finds home in Vegas
By Jeff Haney
LAS VEGAS SUN

Las Vegas solidified its status as a hot spot for mixed martial arts this past weekend, as a sellout crowd of 11,218 watched Tito Ortiz edge Vitor Belfort in the main event of an Ultimate Fighting Championship card at Mandalay Bay.

With ticket prices ranging from $35 to $350, UFC 51 generated the organization's highest live gate to date, UFC president Dana White said.

"We always do well in Las Vegas and I expect that to continue," said White, 35, who has been president of the UFC since 2001. "The momentum of this sport speaks for itself. We have finally arrived. We are so here it's not even funny."

White, a Las Vegas native and Bishop Gorman grad, said his sense is that while interest in mixed martial arts is peaking througho! ut the nation, it's especially high in the Southwest.

"We have a really strong fan base in Southern Nevada, Arizona and Southern California in particular," White said. "Las Vegas is our home. I love this city more than anything and it has been great to the UFC."

Ortiz, of Huntington Beach, Calif., long one of UFC's signature fighters, won a split decision Saturday night against Belfort, a Brazilian star, when the light heavyweight elimination fight went to the judges' scorecards after its scheduled three rounds.

Ortiz, a minus-140 favorite in the Mandalay Bay sports book, also made note of the hospitality Las Vegas extends to the UFC.

"It feels like this is my home," he said. "Every time we come to Las Vegas, we sell the place out. When the UFC comes into Las Vegas, we're treated like champions, with utter class."

Ortiz sustained a broken nose in the first round on a clean shot by Belfort but hung on to lift his mixed martial arts record to 13-4. Belfort fell to 12-5. Both men were fighting in their final bout under contract with the UFC pending renegotiation.

All three judges -- Nelson Hamilton, Cecil Peoples and Jeff Mullen -- gave Belfort the second round and Ortiz the third. Mullen awarded Belfort the first round, while the other two judges saw it for Ortiz.

A minor melee broke out in the octagon upon the conclusion of the main event. Ortiz and UFC stars Chuck Liddell and Ken Shamrock, who were ringside, grabbed microphones and began calling each other out, a spectacle that was heard throughout the arena and on the pay-per-view broadcast.

Some knowing smiles and rolling eyes could be observed octagonside, even as Metro Police officers filed in to quell the commotion.

"Ken Shamrock asked if I'd fight him," Ortiz said later. "Yeah, I'm willing to give him a beating."

White acknowledged the postfight antics had the tawdry flavor of a pro wrestling stunt.

"I know it looked like the WWE in there tonight, and you know I hate that stuff," White said. "But the animosity is real. What're you going to do?"

In the other featured fights, Andrei Arlovski (8-3) stopped Tim Sylvia (19-2) by leg submission in the first round for the UFC interim heavyweight title; and Evan Tanner (33-4) stopped David Terrell (9-2) for the middleweight championship.

In a middleweight swing bout, Pete Sell (6-0) used a guillotine choke in the fight's final minute to subdue Las Vegas resident Phil Baroni (6-5).

Tickets went on sale Sunday for UFC 52, scheduled for Saturday, April 16, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Light heavyweight champ Randy Couture and Liddell, the No. 1 contender, meet in the main event.

Source: MMA Weekly

 2/12/05

Quote of the Day

"Fall seven times, stand up eight."

Japanese Proverb

Tera Patrick Is In Town
& Onzuka.com Has It Covered!


This has nothing to do with Martial arts in Hawaii other than the fact that I wouldn't mind grappling with Tera Patrick and then probably following that up by getting choked out by my wife.

The next page (not totally completed) of the Onzuka Hall of Fame was added. This makes page 6. If you have not checked it out before, it is our version of a picture gallery along with pictures of us with famous people.

Click here to get to our Hall of Fame. For more pictures of Tera and the newly posted ones check out Page 6.

2nd Annual Maui Jiu-Jitsu Open
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament

War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii
Saturday, March 12, 2005

The Onzuka Brothers and the Relson Gracie Casca Grossa Team will be there, so make your arrangements to get to Maui for the tournament. Last year's tournament went extremely well, with a ton of talented JJ fighters who had a great time.

For Tournament information, please
email us and we can email you details and registration forms.

Dear Friends,

It is our great pleasure to invite you and your organization to attend and compete in the 2nd Annual Maui Jiu-Jitsu open Tournament. The event will take place on Saturday, March 12, 2005 at the War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii. We also welcome back all who attended last year's event. We expect this years tournament to be even larger, with bigger and better competition!

Competition will consist of matches in all belt levels and weight divisions with medals, trophies, and prizes to the winners. There will also be a team competition this year, as well as a number of exhibition matches between advanced level competitors. (Anyone interested - please contact us).

Weigh-ins will be held on Friday March 11, at the new Maui Jiu-Jitsu academy location on Hanamau Street, near the airport (directions included) from 1 pm to ??. Opening ceremonies and late registrations will held at the War Memorial Gym at 8:00 am, Rules briefing at 9:30 am, Competition to begin promptly at 10:00 am.

Neighbor Island competitors can weigh-in on the day of the event, but it is strongly urged that all competitors weigh-in on friday in the interest of starting on time.

It is our hope that you and your organization will join us in the spirit of sportsmanship and competition, and help us in promoting the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu throughout the State of Hawaii.

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions.

2nd Annual Maui Jiu-Jitsu open Tournament
732 Makaala Drive
Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii 96793
Email:
mauibadboy@aol.com
www.mauijiujitsu.com
Ph. (808) 298-7698 Lee
(808) 357-0657 Luis

Thank you for your interest in the 2nd Annual Maui Jiu-Jitsu Open Tournament. Your support for our tournament is greatly appreciated, and it is Maui Jiu-Jitsu’s goal to support and compete in many other tournaments hosted by our friends statewide.

One of the greatest obstacles of having a successful tournament is of course, the substantial cost of traveling to the neighbor isles. Understanding this, We at Maui Jiu-Jitsu would like to provide you with some information on accommodations and transportation, while here on Maui.

Hotel options:

1. Maui Beach Hotel – 170 Kaahumanu Ave. Ph. 877-0051 ( 2 miles from airport & gymnasium)

Probably the best option – better than average rooms, approx. $110 / night.

2. Maui Seaside Hotel – 100 Kaahumanu Ave. Ph. 877-3311 (next door to Maui Beach)

Slightly cheaper, but not quite as nice as Maui Beach – decent.

3. Maui Islander – 660 Wainee Street Ph. 667-9766 or 1-800-367-5226 (A little farther away – 20 miles)

As another option, we are currently in the process of building our new academy and should be on schedule to move in within the next 2 weeks. We would like to offer anyone who in the interest of saving money, would want to stay at the academy. Accommodations would be limited to sleeping bags on the matted training area, but if you don’t mind, plenty of space is available as well as bath facilities. Call us for more info.

Thanks again for your support of our tournament. We hope to make your experience here as enjoyable as possible, and hope that we will continue to grow and make this event better in the years to come.

Mahalo!

Luis Heredia and Lee Theros
(Event Promoters)

World Ranking on January 2005
Selected by Ranking committee of the ISC

Bantamweight / -56kg
C Mamoru, Shooto Gym Yokohama, Japan
1 Robson Moura, Nova Uniao, Brazil
2 Yasuhiro Urushitani, RJW Central, Japan
3 BJ, AACC, Japan - New (win Takahashi)
4 Junji Ikoma, Chokushinkai, Japan - Down (lose Mamoru)
5 Homare Kuboyama, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
6 Daiji Takahashi, Akimoto Dojo Jungle Junction, Japan - Down (lose BJ)
7 Masatoshi Abe, AACC, Japan - Down (new BJ)
8 Hiroaki Yoshioka, Paraestra Tokyo, Japan - Down (new BJ)
9 Takeyasu Hirono, Keishukai Gods, Japan - Down (new BJ)
10 Ichaku Murata, New Ground, Japan - Down (new BJ)

Featherweight / -60kg
C Ryota Matsune, Paraestra Matsudo, Japan
1 Marco Louro, Nova Uniao, Brazil
2 Kentaro Imaizumi, SK Absolute, Japan
3 Akitoshi Hokazono, Cobra-kai, Japan
4 Daniel Lima, Five Rings Dojo, Australia
5 Jin Akimoto, Akimoto Dojo Jungle Junction, Japan
6 Masahiro Oishi, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
7 Shuichiro Katsumura, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
8 Ryan Ackerman, Grappling Works, U.S.A.
9 Jose Aldo, Nova Uniao, Brazil
10 Miguel Torres, Corral Martial Arts, U.S.A.
(all the same)

Lightweight / -65kg
C Alexandre Franca Nogueira, World Fight Center, Brazil
1 Joao Roaque, Nova Uniao, Brazil
2 Gilbert Melendez, Cesar Gracie Academy, U.S.A.
3 Hiroyuki Takaya, Tanaka Juku, Japan
4 Makoto Ishikawa, Purebred Omiya, Japan
5 Stephen Paling, Jesus is Lord, U.S.A.
6 Rumina Sato, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
7 Hiroyuki Abe, AACC, Japan
8 Naoya Uematsu, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
9 Jens Pulver, Team Extreme, U.S.A.
10 Katsuya Toida, Keishukai Toi-Katsu Dojo, Japan

Welterweight / -70kg
C Tatsuya Kawajiri, Team TOPS, Japan
1 Vitor Ribeiro, Nova Uniao, Brazil
2 Joachim Hansen, Team Scandinavia, Norway
3 Kotetsu Boku, Killer Bee, Japan - Up (win Bow)
4 Mitsuhiro Ishida, Team TOPS, Japan
5 Ryan Bow, Purebred Omiya, U.S.A. - Down (lose Boku)
6 Kaoru Uno, Keishukai Tokyo, Japan - Down (up Boku)
7 Luis 'Buscape' Firminho, Brazilian Top Team, Brazil - Down (up Boku)
8 Daisuke 'Amazon' Sugie, Alive, Japan
9 Gesias Cavalcanti, American Top Team, Brazil
10 Justin Bruckman, Shah Franco, Canada

Middleweight / -76kg
C Akira Kikuchi, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
1 Jake Shields, Cesar Gracie Academy, U.S.A.
2 Ray Cooper, Jesus is Lord, U.S.A.
3 Jutaro Nakao, Shooto Gym Osaka, Japan
4 Ronald Jhun, 808 Fight Factory, U.S.A. - Up (win Iwase)
5 Sauli Heilimo, Team Scandinavia, Finland - Down (up Jhun)
6 Kuniyoshi Hironaka, Academia Az, Japan - Down (up Jhun)
7 Chris Lytle, Integrated Fighting Academy, U.S.A.
8 Shinya Aoki, Paraestra Tokyo, Japan - New (win Wisnewski)
9 Shigetoshi Iwase, Team TOPS, Japan - Down (lose Jhun)
10 Keith Wisnewski, Duneland Vale Tudo, U.S.A. - Down (lose Aoki)

Lightheavyweight / -83kg
C Masanori Suda, Club J, Japan
1 Dustin Denes, American Top Team, U.S.A.
2 Egan Inoue, Grappling Unlimited, U.S.A.
3 Martijn de Jong, Tatsujin Dojo, Holland
4 Scott Henze, Freelance, U.S.A.
5 Curtis Stout, American Jiu-Jitsu Academy, U.S.A.
6 Shiko Yamashita, Paraestra Sapporo, Japan
7 Ryuta Sakurai, R-Gym, Japan
8 Jon Fitch, Americn Kick Boxing Academy, U.S.A.
9 David Bielkheden, Hilti BJJ Member of Team Scandinavia, Sweden
10 Ivan 'Batman' Jorge, Carlson Team, Brazil
(all the same)

Pacific rim Ranking on January 2005
Selected by Ranking committee of the PRSU

Featherweight / -60kg
C Vacant
1 Kentaro Imaizumi, SK Absolute, Japan
2 Akitoshi Hokazono, Cobra-kai, Japan
3 Daniel Lima, Five Rings Dojo, Australia
4 Jin Akimoto, Akimoto Dojo Jungle Junction, Japan
5 Masahiro Oishi, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
6 Kimihito Nonaka, Purebred Omiya, Japan
7 Shuichiro Katsumura, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
8 Hisao Ikeda, Purebred Omiya, Japan
(all the same)

Lightweight / -65kg
C Vacant
1 Gilbert Melendez, Cesar Gracie Academy, U.S.A.
2 Hiroyuki Takaya, Tanaka Juku, Japan
3 Makoto Ishikawa, Purebred Omiya, Japan
4 Rumina Sato, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
5 Stephen Paling, Jesus is Lord, U.S.A.
6 Naoya Uematsu, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
7 Hiroyuki Abe, AACC, Japan
8 Katsuya Toida, Keishukai Toi-Katsu Dojo, Japan
9 Hideki Kadowaki, WKSS, Japan
10 Taiyo Nakahara, Keishukai Tokyo, Japan

Welterweight / -70kg
C Kotetsu Boku, Killer Bee, Japan - New Champ (win Bow)
1 Mitsuhiro Ishida, Team TOPS, Japan - Up (down Bow)
2 Ryan Bow, Purebred Omiya, U.S.A. - Down (lose Boku)
3 Kaoru Uno, Keishukai, Japan - Up (Boku acquired Title)
4 Takaharu Murahama, Gracie Barra VT Team, Japan - Up (Boku acquired Title)
5 Ganjo Tentsuku, Purebred Omiya, Japan - New (win Takumi)
6 Yoichi Fukumoto, Keishukai Chiba, Japan
7 Daisuke 'Amazon' Sugie, Alive, Japan - Up (down Takumi)
8 Takumi, Paraestra Osaka, Japan - Down (lose Tentsuku)
9 Takashi Nakakura, Shooto Gym Osaka, Japan
10 Kenichiro Togashi, Paraestra Hiroshima, Japan

Middleweight / -76kg
C Vacant
1 Jake Shields, Cesar Gracie Academy, U.S.A.
2 Ray Cooper, Jesus is Lord, U.S.A.
3 Jutaro Nakao, Shooto Gym Osaka, Japan
4 Ronald Jhun, 808 Fight Factory, U.S.A. - Up (win Iwase)
5 Kuniyoshi Hironaka, Academia Az, Japan
6 Shinya Aoki, Paraestra Tokyo, Japan - New (win Wisnewski)
7 Shigetoshi Iwase, Team TOPS, Japan - Down (lose Jhun)
8 Mark Moreno, Bulls Pen, U.S.A. - Down (new Aoki)
9 Deshaun Johnson, HMC, U.S.A. - Down (new Aoki)

10 Cris Brown, Extreme, Australia - Down (new Aoki)

Source: International Shooto Commission

Nick Diaz Gets Brown Belt

For 2 years Diaz competed as a purple belt and faced the nation's best. And in those 2 years he defeated them all. Gi or gi-less made no difference as he sought out the best competition in his weight and in the open weight divisions. This year he became the American Jiu-jitsu National Champion and qualified to take on the World Champion at the upcoming Pan American Games. He also defeated Brazilian Black-belt, Macaco, by tapout in 1 minute of their match. All of this while still keeping a rigorous training schedule for MMA fighting in the UFC. It had become clear that he was ready for the next step, a promotion. Tonight Nick Diaz got just that and was awarded his well deserved Brown-belt by his instructor, Cesar Gracie. Congratulations Nick Diaz

Source: Gracie Fighter

Vitor Belfort
By Alexandre Lobo

Vitor Belfort did not understand UFC referee's decision, who declared Tito Ortiz as champion of the bout with Belfort at UFC 51, held on last Saturday. To Brazilian, he ruled two first rounds and American won the last one. During exclusive interview to TATAME.com, Belfort talks about his fight with Ortiz, complains about the refereeing and talks about his future in Vale-Tudo and his emotion to be dad.

What had happened during this bout with Tito Ortiz?

My goal was fighting as before and I did it! I kicked his ass on the first two rounds. I almost KO'd and submitted. I started to suffer indigestion in the middle of the intermission between rounds one and two and I got tired. He applied a take down, stayed inside my guard, but didn't do too much. I am sure two first rounds were mine. The last one he won. UFC referees are impartial. I am sure, if it was in Japan, I would have won the fight easily.

Why do you think you've won the first round?

I hit much more then him. I almost KO'd him and he never put me in dangerous. Those elbows he threw in the end of the round didn't affect me at all. I defended myself and referees didn't care for it. Instead, I punched him and he almost slept, as his crew admitted after the fight. I ended with a clean face and Nevada Commission had to suspend him for six months due to his nose. You see! I ended the fight with a clean face and he won! It's an absurd! Everybody asked me that and I retuned to my best shape. Only UFC referees didn't see it!

On the second round, you had chances to submit him. Why didn't you use your Jiu-Jitsu against him?

I was in the mood to hit his face. I know he is afraid of punching in the face and I wanted to punish him!

During the intermission between rounds one and two, Murilo (BTT's leader) asked you not to fight under Tito, but you ended in there. What had happened?

I was too tired and I was sure I had won both rounds. That was the reason I decided to defend myself. He just wanted to tie the game and throw ground'n pound. I decided to hold the fight and put him on the guard. Once again, I tell you, those blows did not affect me. The only time he hit me was during the headbutts, when the referee warned him.

In the end of the bout you two guys shook hands. What did he tell you by that time?

He told he had never done such tough fighter. That I had taken from him his best qualities and that fight might have gone for any of us. He also said we were the best of the categories and Randy (Couture) and Chuck (Liddell) were just two old guys. I told him: 'hey man. I am out of this conversation. I don't wanna fight by your side on this'. (laughing).

That was the last fight of your contract with UFC. What can we expect from the future?

I will be honest. I rather fight on the ring under Pride rules. I almost broke my hands because I was not allowed to knee him. But, I can guarantee I will fight where people treat me well and pay me what I do deserve. I am one of the pioneers of the sport, mainly at UFC, and I'll go where I am valorized. I am open to proposals and my agents will go after good deals. About me, I will train hard and start to compete at Amateur Boxing tournaments. I will sharpen my hands even more to Vale-Tudo.

The result of this fight may influence a new deal with UFC?

It all depends of money. I have no hard feelings from UFC, but I am sure this loss will influence on my will to fight. It was not the first time it has happened and we are going to stop this unprofessional attitude. We need people who understand about Vale-Tudo and not only Wrestling. Referees need to judge everything, round per round.

Tell me about the team during this first bout.

Guys were just great. The sense of team is huge and the fact I have been working with guys who always motivate me is simply amazing. I am motivated to reach the top again.

Tell me about the feeling of being a dad.

It's just wonderful. It's the most important thing that ever happened in my life. His name is Davi Prado Belfort and was born on the same day I've fought. When I hit the hotel, Joana (Prado) was going to hospital to be a mother. He is such a tough baby and he looks like a champion. When he is hungry, he kicks and punches. Joana is suffering with him (laughing). But she is also a super mother.

Source: Tatame

UFC Judge Tells why Tito Beat Belfort
ReCap by: Jeff Cain

He sat ringside for UFC 51's main event between Tito Ortiz and Vitor Belfort. It was his scorecard, read last, that would tip the scales, and give Tito Ortiz a split decision win over Vitor Belfort. Cecil Peoples spoke with MMAWeekly SoundOff Radio earlier this week about the fight, why he scored it the way he did in favor of Ortiz, and what fighter on the card impressed him the most during UFC's "Super Saturday" night of fights.

The split decision has been debated every since referee "Big" John McCarthy raised Tito's hand in the air following last Saturday's main event. There is no question it was an extremely close fight. Few would dispute that Belfort won round two, and that Ortiz won round three. Who won round one, and why, is where all debate begins and ends.

Cecil Peoples scored the fight 29-28 in favor of Ortiz. Peoples was asked what he scored to give Tito the edge in round one. Cecil answered, "It was the takedown. It was his aggression, and he actually brought the fight to Vitor. It was the elbows though. He was right over me when he was doing the last group of elbows that he did, and they were actually connecting. At one point, he hit Vitor with his left elbow and it sounded like when you drop a watermelon. They weren't just soft elbows that he did to the guy in New Jersey [Patrick Cote]. He was hitting him with those elbows. It was that close. I mean, if this was K-1, I would have scored it ten to nine and a half. That's how close it was. I mean, I went back and forth on who should have won that."

Cecil further commented, "He [Tito] was the aggressor. He kept taking him down. It was just all of it, and I mean it was really close. When it came down to making a score, it was Tito's aggression, and it was the effective punching that he was doing. The elbows in this case. It was that close until the last maybe fifteen seconds of the fight when Tito took him down and elbowed him and started punching him in the face."

Peoples was asked what he considers when judging a fight. He explained the criteria as, "Well, the first thing is strikes, contact, punches, whatever you want to call it, strikes. Then the next thing is effective aggression. You can say, well he was aggressive, but you've got to be effective. Effective aggression. People forget that this is Mixed Martial Arts. Mixed, so people say, well he took him down, or his Jiu-Jitsu was better, or he tried to Arm Bar him, or whatever. It is Mixed Martial Arts. One don't carry anymore weight than the other. It's not a Jiu-Jitsu tournament. It's not a grappling tournament. It's Mixed Martial Arts."

Radio show host Ryan Bennett questioned Cecil more on the judging criteria. He was asked whether submission attempts gain points for a fighter. Cecil said, "That's effective aggression. That's an attempt to end the fight. It's as good as a good left hook to the head."

Peoples then spoke about how taketake downs scored. He stated, "It depends on the take down. I mean, it depends on whether I put my leg behind his and then just roll him down, or whether you picked him up and slammed him down, or whether you did a serious take down. I mean, how could you not score what Quinton [Jackson] did to [Ricardo] Arona? I mean, that's a take down. Just to put your little leg behind his and then roll him down, and in the mean time he's pounding on you. I give a little more weight to the pounder. It just depends on the take down."

Away from the main event, Cecil was impressed with Paul Buentello's knock out win over Justin Eilers. Peoples commented, "Most people out here have seen Paul Buentello many, many times, and I've reffed him and judged him many times. We kind of knew what to expect from Paul Buentello, but I don't think that most fans around the world or around the country knew a whole lot about Paul Buentello, but we knew what he was all about. What a great job of boxing he did. Every boxing coach in the world must have been like, yeah." To hear the entire interview with Cecil Peoples, click on the radio archive.

Source: MMA Weekly

The Return Of Din Thomas
By Tim Spagnola

It has been just over thirteen months since fans last had the opportunity to see top Lightweight Din Thomas in action. That will all change tomorrow night, as 'Dinyero' will be headlining the card at the AFC 11 event. Thomas was originally set to face Jake Short, but Short suffered an ankle injury that kept him from making weight. Thomas will now face the tough wrestler John Strawn in what should be an interesting match-up. MMAWeekly's Tim Spagnola recently spoke with Thomas to find out what the UFC veteran has been up to for the last year, his thoughts on tomorrow's fight, and opinion on current state of UFC lightweight division.

MMAWeekly: Din- as always thanks for taking the time to speak with MMAWeekly, how is the Rap career going?

Thomas: It's going about as good as my fight career has been going the last year.

MMAWeekly: Ok, then moving to MMA, it has been over a year since fans have had a chance to see you in action. How did you spend the time off?

Thomas: I spent that time off in the classroom, opening up my own academy, and just realizing that there is another world that exists outside of MMA. It's pretty interesting to be in an environment where no one has ever heard of Tito Ortiz. It's kind of nice. Besides, I'm from the old school. I'm trying to keep from getting too washed up. When you leave milk out too long, it becomes spoiled. You need to stay fresh. So I had to freshen up.

MMAWeekly: Well that does make a lot of sense. So tomorrow you return to action and will be part of the AFC Event. Now you were originally scheduled to fight Jake Short, but now facing yet another tough competitor in veteran John Strawn- what do you know about your opponent?

Thomas: I don't really know much about him. I know that he's a wrestler and he's from Iowa. But more importantly, he's got 27 wins out of 29 fights. He knows how to win. Regardless, he's got two arms, two legs, two lungs, and he has to fight me.

MMAWeekly: Now with Short of course out because of an injury, does the last minute change in opponent at all affect your training?

Thomas: Not really. They are probably similar in style. Actually, I think that Strawn may be better than Short. I could have still fought Short, but I chose not to. Strawn has a better record and is taking this fight on "Short" notice. He deserves this fight. Short, on the other hand, tried to play me. He says he hurt his ankle. Then he says he can still fight, but because of his ankle he can't cut weight so he will fight me at 170. Please, why should I bend over backwards to fight him? If you want to fight and your ankle is hurt, hop on the bike; find an alternative way to cut the weight. If your ankle is legitimately hurt then fine, bow out gracefully. Don't try to play me for a fool then talk about how tough you are by saying you will still fight. That's how you miss opportunities.

MMAWeekly: Now turning back to Strawn, what are your overall thoughts about how the fight might play out?

Thomas: It's going to be interesting to see. I'm past the point where I care about my image. For the longest time I was the poster boy for knockouts in UFC (maybe along side Mark Coleman vs. Pete Williams). But you know what, I don't care. Those were the days when nobody could have accused me of being boring or not afraid to take risks in a fight. Over the years, I became passive and put too many limitations on myself. That's not me. I'm going to take risks, be flashy, and put on a show. At the end of the night, the fans will be the real winners.

MMAWeekly: Well that certainly is a great attitude, but do you have any concerns about coming off a year long hiatus? Will that play any factor in the fight?

Thomas: I sure as hell hope not. I don't think it will. A lot of this game is mental. When you start to think about putting hindrances on yourself because of lay-offs, minor injuries, different distractions, or whatever have you- you already start to dig your own hole. There are times when you can not train for weeks and come in and feel like a million bucks, stomping everybody in the gym. But if somebody tells you, "you're not supposed to be so good because you haven't even trained", you begin to perform worse because you create your own limitations. The bottom line is I'm Din Thomas. I'm going to do what I do best.

MMAWeekly: So with that said- care to make a prediction?

Thomas: I can't make a prediction. All I can say is I'm going to put on a show. It doesn't really matter who the opponent is or the outcome. I have skills that not many people have. I have the ability to do things that not many people can do. You can ask those who I train with. If I'm able to showcase those things, then it will add a new element to the game.

MMAWeekly: Well it should be a great fight to round out an exciting card. Any plans beyond this AFC event?

Thomas: I don't really have any plans after this. I wouldn't mind fighting some other guys. Perhaps I will ask Matt Serra if he wants to fight. He claims I ran from him. I claim I'm just too quick. I'd be a bitch to not offer him a chance to redeem himself. Maybe he found an answer to my style. I'm not saying this fight is going to happen or anybody is even interested in seeing this. I'm just stating that of all the guys that I've fought, I'd fight him again because I think he feels he wasn't dealt a fair hand.

MMAWeekly: Din- I am sure I am not the only one in saying I for one would be interested to see that rematch. Now speaking of Serra and your fight in the Octagon, care to comment at all on the current state of the 155lb. division in the UFC?

Thomas: It's sad what happened to the 155lb division in the UFC. I think it was so much pressure put on us that we just fucked it up. I don't think that people don't want to see the lightweights. How can you not? Boxing, the major one on one combative sport in the world, is dominated by lightweights. People really love to watch lightweight fighters. I don't care what they say. Barrera, Morales, Mayweather, etc. - those guys are lighter than UFC's lightweights. If you ask me, people would rather see Hopkins, Trinidad, or Delahoya (all who could fight in the UFC's lightweight division) fight before any heavyweight in the UFC or boxing. Oh well, I probably talked so much garbage about the UFC that they wouldn't have me back if I shined Dana White's dome piece. Fellas it's no hard feelings. I just talk too much sometimes when given the chance. At least I have an opinion.

MMAWeekly: There is nothing wrong in speaking your mind. So it sounds like you really have a great focus. Have the priorities changed at all? What are your goals overall in this sport?

Thomas: My goals have been exceeded past my wildest imagination. I have been on the other side of the world. I've been on TV. I've been ranked amongst the best in the world. I ate Ramon noodles on the floor in the dorm room at the RAW gym while looking at pictures of Ricco Chiaperrelli's naked girlfriend. I don't know if there is anything else I care about accomplishing in the game. Actually the best thing that happened to me was when the UFC stopped airing me getting kneed in the face.

MMAWeekly: Ricco will love that reference. Before we let you run Din, anything you would like to say to your fans?

Thomas: I just want to tell 'em "HI".

MMAWeekly: I am rather certain there are a great number of fans excited to see your return to MMA. Best of luck tomorrow night, and thanks again for taking the time to speak with MMAWeekly.

Source: MMA Weekly

CAGEWARRIORS RESPONDS TO UFC LETTER

The following statement was issued by Cagewarriors Fighting Championships owner Dougie Truman in response to a letter that he recieved from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

I was today shocked and stunned when I received a security sealed envelope by US express mail, from a firm of solicitors in America representing Zuffa/ UFC. They are threatening me with court action over their "alleged" breach of trade mark issues, I have until 15th of February to comply or face legal proceedings.

To some of you this will mean absolutely nothing, but to those of us who have worked hard to build MMA in the UK & to push the boundaries of awareness to the masses, not just of our own personal organisations and events but to each others and the general overview of MMA Globally, then this is a big kick in the teeth.

Cagewarriors and our staff/supporters have relentlessly pushed and promoted for greater awareness of this sport, we even invited Sean O’Hara from Setanta Sports to our Newcastle event in 2003 at our own expense and talked him into showing the UFC pay per view, despite their initial reluctance. We also produced flyers and distributed them throughout the UK to help promote the UFC PPV event that was shown on Setanta Sports. We did this in order to help the UFC's presence here in the UK. Now we find the UFC doing this to us when all we have ever wanted to do is help promote the UFC and MMA in our country.

Dana White you are seriously out of touch as to what we are trying to achieve here in the UK, unlike in America we here in the UK work "together” and we "support" each other and have "solidarity” where as you obviously do not and prefer to push your weight around and generally bully the little guy.

I once stupidly thought that if we all worked as hard here in the UK as you guys have in the USA, you would recognise the growth of the UK scene and support it as we have yours. I also thought that as fellow promoters of the same sport, we could communicate personally and build a bigger global presence for the sport and share ideas that would eventually be of mutual benefit. However these hopes were dashed when I received an e-mail from a member of staff at your office a little over a year ago requesting that we remove all UFC e-mail addresses and to stop e-mailing you. This is why I am now issuing my response publicly, as you have shown me little regard or respect by sending me a solicitors letter, when you could have resolved this matter with a simple polite e-mail or letter.

So here I go. Dana White with the greatest of respect stop whining like a biatch and grow a pair of balls like your President and do it, don't mince about like a fairy with your pathetic attempts to threaten me, get your big fat cheque book out and pay a decent firm of solicitors and go for it. See you in court big boy!

Regards Dougie

Source: MMA Weekly

Roan Jucão in Japan ready for Deep

Roan Jucão hit Japan last Wednesday, where he will be fighting the 18th edition of Deep tonight (12). Brazilian will debut in the event taking on Ryo Chonan, the same fighter who submitted Anderson Silva at Pride Shockwave. 'That will be an amazing fight for Jucão. It's his first time in Japan and Chonan is the man to be beaten, after the victory over Anderson. It will be the main fight and a victory it will be very important for his career,' Bebeo Duarte Said, who flew from Las Vegas, where followed Vitor Belfort, straight to Tokyo.

18th Impact
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Korakuen Hall - Tokyo, Japan

COMPLETE CARD (subject to change):

- Masakazu Imanari Vs Yoshiro Maeda

- Shinashi Satoko Vs Mari Kaneko

- Jun Ishii vs Taishiro

- Ryushei Sato Vs Shirai Yu-Ya

- Dokonjyonosuke Mishima Vs Taisho

- Roan Jucão Vs Ryo Chonan

Source: Tatame

 2/11/05

Quote of the Day

"I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman,
but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too."

Elizabeth I, 1533-1603, English Ruler

175 & Under Modified American Kickboxing Tournament!

Punishment In Paradise
McKinley High School
April 15 or 16, 2005

We are hosting a 4 or 8 Man tournament for PRIZE MONEY,
rules will be like American Kickboxing but we will add knees and elbows.
(Kicks above the waist, no leg kicks)

We will also have Shooto Style fights along with American Kickboxing

175lbs & under tournament

So fighters come out and contact the promoter at second2none@hawaii.rr.com or 620-5638 to express your interest in the tournament.

Source: Event Promoter

2005 Junior Olympic Male and Female State/Regional Boxing Championships
April 16th (Sat.) and April 17th

Hi Everyone, My name is Bruce Kawano I'm the Junior Olympic Chairman for USA-Boxing Hawaii, our 2005 Junior Olympic Male and Female State/Regional Boxing Championships will be held on April 16th (Sat.) and April 17th (if needed) at Palolo Boxing Gym/Recreation Center.

This tournament is for 8-16 year olds, the age date is Aug. 1, 2005. Whatever age they are on Aug. 1st is the age division they box in. 8 to 14yrs old will be State Champions for the year 2005 which will also go on their Resume for future reference. 15, 16 yrs old advance to the 2005 Junior Olympic National Boxing Championships in Brownsville, Texas on June 19 to 26th. Lodging and Meals will be paid for by USA-Boxing for all Male Athletes, all athletes will also receive a Travel Stipend of $400 at the Nationals.

The Nationals will determine who will make the J.O. Elite Team to go to Pan-Ams, and International Events, once an Elite Member traveling to International Competiton all Expenses, Outfitting, Uniforms, Per-Diem (spending money) is paid for by Nationals. Boxers will have to register for the year 2005 (Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st) which is $37. Athletes do not have to pay to compete at any local events once registered, we have no entry fees, this is for Registration to USA-Boxing, which also gives the athlete Secondary Insurance Coverage for the year if injured during a USA-Boxing event, with a $100 deductable. Boxing Clubs cost $50, and Non-Athlete (coaches) cost $47. You can check our WWW.USABOXING.ORG website for rules and weight classes and also age categories, length of rounds, etc..

Adults 17 to 34 yrs old are welcome and can also compete for experience, and as Non-Tournament bouts. Registration is with the USA-Boxing President Ralph Martin at 306-7654. Any ?? Email me back at bkawano@aol.com. Thank You for Your Time.

Bruce Kawano
USA-Boxing Hawaii Junior Olympic Chairman.
USA-Boxing Hawaii Board of Dir./Gov.
USA-Boxing National Coaches Committee Member.

Source: Bruce Kawano

Carnaval at Tudo de Bom

We'd like to invite you all to the Carnaval celebration at Tudo de Bom this Friday, February 11, 2005. Free entrance, drink special, lots of good music, beautiful people, samba all night long! Please see the attached flyer for more details.

Aloha,

Marcos

Source: Sandy Tsukiyama de Oliveira

Diaz asks for the Grand Prix

When he found out that Pride will be having a Lighweight Grand Prix, Nick Diaz was quick to throw his hat into the ring. "If there is any possible way for me to compete in this tournament, I would like to do so." Diaz is one of the UFC's top competitors and wants to enter the Pride Grand Prix as a UFC representative, much the same way Chuck Liddell did last year. Nick reassured us that he could easily make the 160lbs weight category, stating, "Last Friday I woke up and weighed 167lbs and actually had to gain weight for my UFC weigh-in. My brother is the same size as me and he cuts down to 155lbs for his fights, so it shouldn't be a problem for me to. I would love to take on the Pride fighters carrying the UFC flag."
After we thought about the potential match ups, (Diaz vs. Gomi), (Diaz vs. Shaolin), etc.. we agreed this would make for some outstanding fights and have formally petitioned the UFC to enter Diaz as their representative.

Source: Gracie Fighter

Pit-Gracie Alliance

John Hackleman and Cesar Gracie are currently forming a teaching curriculum to benefit today's martial artist, who is looking to refine his or her technique to the highest of standards. "The Pit Gracie Alliance" aims to provide the best martial arts curriculum in the world. Comprised of reality based techniques, the curriculum will give the student and the school owner the edge in today's martial arts marketplace. For a sneak preview, visit thepitgraciealliance.com

Source: Gracie Fighter

POSTAL CONNECTIONS: FEDOR/PRIDE UPDATE

Hello my friends, my postal connections in the DSE/PRIDE organization and in Russia are telling me that DSE/PRIDE representatives are supposedly in Russia right now, with the intention to attempt to re-sign Fedor Emelianenko to a very big money contract. However, as of now, no deal has been reached.

In other news, Fedor's agent, Miro Mijatovic, has already announced he plans to take legal action against DSE/PRIDE for what he feels are illegal practices.

More info to come in a few weeks.

MIJATOVIC TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST DSE/PRIDE

Croatian-Australian super agent Miro Mijatovic, who is also the agent of Fedor Emelianenko, plans to take legal action against DSE/PRIDE. here is the statement he sent DSE/PRIDE:

"This year, just like in 2003 and 2004 in their actions in relation to Mirko Crocop, DSE and its President, Nobuyuki Sakakibara, have engaged in various illegal actions in attempts to interfere with my contractual relationships with Red Devil and Emelianenko Fedor.

DSE and its President Sakakibara have engaged in slander and defamation and have offered various financial inducements to Red Devil in order for them to break their contract with me. In November and December of 2003 and in January of 2004, DSE and its agent, Ken Imai, were successful in their attempts to break the relationship between myself and Mirko Crocop.

I have delivered all files in relation to DSE's actions against me both in relation to Mirko Crocop in 2003 and this year with Emelianenko Fedor to my Japanese and international lawyers with instructions to aggressively pursue all legal remedies against DSE, its President Sakakibara and all other parties involved in these actions. We will see what the legal system thinks of DSE's disgraceful business practices."

Miro Mijatovic, MMPAlchemy Inc."

Source: Fight Sport

COFFEE GUY EXCLUSIVE:
ARLOVSKI HAD INJURY GOING INTO SYLVIA FIGHT

By Coffee Guy

The following exclusive report was sent to us by our Zuffa informant called 'Coffee Guy':

One small bit of news... Andrei Arlovski had a major tear in his shoulder and was going to pull out of his UFC 51 fight against Tim Sylvia.

Zuffa offered him a contract extension to stay in the fight, to which his management accepted.


Source: Fight Sport

Eleven Fighters Medically Suspended After UFC 51
by Ivan Trembow

Eighteen fighters competed at UFC 51 last Saturday night, and eleven of those fighters have now been medically suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for various reasons. This is the second UFC event in a row in which more fighters than not were medically suspended, and many of those fighters actually won their fights. Of the four fighters who were given the longest medical suspensions of six months, three of those fighters actually won their respective fights.

-Tito Ortiz is medically suspended for six months unless a doctor clears his broken nose

-Paul Buentello is medically suspended for six months unless a doctor clears an injury to Buentello's right wrist

-Mike Kyle is medically suspended for six months unless a doctor clears injuries to Kyle's left hand and wrist

-Gideon Ray is medically suspended for six months due to an orbital bone fracture, maxillary fracture, and severe laceration

-James Irvin is medically suspended for eight weeks due to punishment taken in his TKO loss

-Vitor Belfort is medically suspended for eight weeks due to punishment taken in his decision loss

-David Terrell is medically suspended for six weeks due to punishment taken in his TKO loss

-Justin Eilers is medically suspended for six weeks due to punishment taken in his KO loss

-Phil Baroni is medically suspended for four weeks due to a right eyebrow laceration

-Chris Lytle is medically suspended for four weeks due to punishment taken in his decision loss

-Drew Fickett is medically suspended for four weeks due to punishment taken in his TKO loss

Commentary and Analysis:
-It certainly looked like Tito Ortiz suffered a broken nose during his fight with Vitor Belfort, and that was confirmed after the fight when NSAC doctors officially diagnosed Ortiz with a broken nose. Even if Ortiz is able to return to action prior to the six-month timetable put forth by the commission, there is almost zero chance that he would be ready to fight in April, assuming that he wanted to. Therefore, it is safe to say that Ortiz will not be fighting on the UFC's April 9th live special on Spike TV, or on the UFC 52 pay-per-view on April 16th, or in the first round of the Pride Grand Prix later in April. If Ortiz sticks to his demand to become the highest paid fighter in the UFC by far with $300,000 in guaranteed money for every fight, it is unlikely that he will ever fight again in the UFC. Regardless of whether or not Ortiz signs a deal with the UFC or Pride in the future, he's not going to be able to fight until his broken nose heals.

-Paul Buentello made an explosive UFC debut with his knockout of Justin Eilers at UFC 51, but now he could be out of action for six months due to what the commission doctors perceived as an injury to Buentello's right wrist. In order to suspend someone for six months, the doctors would have had to think there was a good chance that Buentello's wrist was broken or otherwise seriously injured. Ironically, Justin Eilers broke his hand in two places in his previous fight when he knocked out Mike Kyle, only to have Buentello injure his wrist when he knocked out Eilers.

-Mike Kyle is yet another fighter who was victorious at UFC 51 but is now looking at a six-month medical suspension. Kyle's injuries were classified as being just as bad or worse than Buentello's, because Kyle's injuries were to his wrist and his hand instead of just one or the other. Again, the commission doctors would not hand out such a hefty suspension if they didn't think there was a good chance that Kyle might have a broken hand, broken wrist, or both.

-Gideon Ray was probably the fighter who got the worst of it physically, as he suffered multiple severe injuries. Nasty cuts like the one on Ray's head that was created during his fight with David Loiseau are normally found above the eyebrow, but Ray had a big cut closer to the top of his head, where it's a lot harder to stitch up and a lot more likely to leave a permanent scar behind. Unfortunately for Ray, the cut was the least of his problems, as he also suffered a broken orbital bone AND a broken maxillary bone (the maxillary bone refers to the jaw bone in general, but most commonly the upper jaw). A broken jaw alone will keep one out of action for several months, and a broken orbital bone often requires surgery that keeps one out of action for 6-9 months. The orbital bone surrounds the eye socket, and recent victims of broken orbital bones have been Kazushi Sakuraba (against Mirko Cro Cop), Bob Sapp (also against Cro Cop), and Vernon White (against Chuck Liddell).

-It is becoming more and more common in the UFC for a fighter who wins by KO or TKO to be more injured than the fighter who loses by KO or TKO. Just recently, we've seen Andrei Arlovski break his hand on Cabbage's head (at least the second time Arlovski has suffered a broken hand in recent years), Justin Eilers break his hand in two places while knocking out Mike Kyle, and now Buentello and Kyle have suffered hand or wrist injuries while winning by KO or TKO.

-We're also seeing more and more fighters suspended by the athletic commission doctors for precautionary purposes after a fight in which no specific injury was sustained, but the fighter took enough punishment during the fight (or appeared to be disoriented enough after the fight) to still be medically suspended for a month or two. On this show alone, six of the eleven fighters who were medically suspended got their suspensions simply for taking a lot of punishment in their fights.

-As always, there are no hard and fast rules for suspending a fighter X amount of time after a knockout or X amount of time after a technical knockout. Vitor Belfort was medically suspended for eight weeks even though he lost a controversial split decision, while Drew Fickett was only suspended for four weeks after losing by TKO. Chris Lytle was medically suspended for four weeks after losing a unanimous decision, while Justin Eilers only got a slightly longer suspension of six weeks after being brutally knocked out.

-David Terrell appeared to be fine and not disoriented at all after his TKO loss to Evan Tanner; the fight was just stopped because Terrell was taking non-stop punishment and was no longer defending himself. Still, it was wise of the commission to give Terrell a medical suspension of six weeks due to the fact that Tanner unloaded a massive barrage of ground-and-pound offense on Terrell continuously over the course of several minutes.

Drug Testing in the UFC

Usually, only two or four fighters are drug-tested on any given UFC card, but six different fighters were drug-tested immediately after their fights at UFC 51. Those six fighters were Tito Ortiz, Vitor Belfort, Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia, Evan Tanner, and David Terrell (all of whom have been drug-tested in the past other than Arlovski and Terrell). The other twelve fighters on the card were not drug-tested. If you noticed a pattern among the fighters who were drug-tested, you're not the only one, and that's precisely the problem.

The problem with the drug testing system as it exists right now is that going into any given event, all of the fighters know ahead of time with 99% certainty whether or not they are going to be drug-tested. All of the fighters know the policy. If you're in a title fight or a non-title main event, you are going to be drug-tested. If you're not in a title fight or a non-title main event, you are not going to be drug-tested. It's as simple as that. (The drug-testing policies are set by the athletic commissions and carried out by the athletic commissions, not by the UFC or any other specific MMA promotion.)

The only reason I say that fighters know whether they're going to be tested with 99% certainty rather than 100% certanity is because there is always the possibility that the athletic commissions could change their policies at any given time and test a fighter who is not expecting to get tested. However, that has yet to happen to my knowledge, and until it does, the other fighters have no real reason to take the drug-testing policy seriously.

The only other concern for a fighter who is taking performance-enhancing drugs and doesn't want to get caught would be the fear that if they do take something before a fight in which they're not drug-tested, traces of it could still potentially show up in their system if they are required to take a drug test the next time they fight. That is nowhere near enough of a deterrent to stop someone from taking performance-enhancing drugs if they are intent on doing so.

Make no mistake about it, the drug-testing policy for MMA is a lot better in the United States than it is in Pride, where there is no steroid testing at all, but it still leaves a lot to be desired.

Source: MMA Weekly

The Rise Of The Middleweight Division
By: Mick Hammond

It's safe to say over the last few years the UFC's welterweight and light-heavyweight divisions have been the deepest in their ranks. Champions such as Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture, Vitor Belfort, Matt Hughes, and BJ Penn represent some of the best fighters the sport have ever seen. Along with them there has been a steady flow of legitimate contenders that have kept the champions busy in defense. Things however are looking to shift this year as the middleweight division has begun to make a strong claim for itself as being perhaps the deepest in the company.

In order for the middleweight division to rise it must see the fall of the other divisions, starting with the light-heavyweight division. 205lbs used to be the meal ticket of the UFC, with the popularity of the fighters in the division it's been banked on more often than not to headline shows and bring in PPV buys and live gate receipts. But recently things have begun to thin out. Former top fighters in the division have sought glory at 185lbs, the division is also lacking new blood to take the helm of the current high guard, and established stars could be on their way out with contract expirations.

Current champion Randy Couture is the most popular fighter in the UFC, but he cannot fight forever and himself has stated that while he is not going to retire anytime soon, it is not far off. With his absence in the future there is a serious gap of upcoming talent that can capture the marketability he has and keep the division at the top of the popularity charts. Couture also pointed out one glaring fault of the division, the lack of depth leads for there to be fewer new title bouts as it seems the champion has to defend the title against the same 3 or 4 fighters all the time. While rematches can be big money, it is difficult for the public to buy into the fact that they have to see the same fight over and over until someone new arrives on the scene.

As of UFC 51 two of the major fighters in the division may have seen their last action in the company, Ortiz and Belfort. Both have made it quite clear that their intentions lay elsewhere. Ortiz has begun to talk of acting and the furthering of his clothing line more so than his desire to fight. The man who once defined himself by fighting has taken the road that he is only their to entertain the public, not exactly a burning affirmation of a hungry contender. Belfort on the other hand has kept his contact with the UFC to a minimal since rejoining the Brazilian Top Team last year. With the remainder of his team in other companies, mainly Pride, it may not be long before he decides to keep to familiar surroundings and join them overseas. If these two defect, it could cause a major gap between the top two fighters in the division and the rest of it. Making for a very shaky future for the division.

Youth is not the problem for the welterweight division. There are plenty of young fighters who have impressed in one form or another over the last year. The problem lays not in them, but the fact that many believe that current champion Matt Hughes cannot be dethroned, regardless of talent challenging him. The problem in the division seems to be that the opposite of the light-heavyweight division, there are no top 5 fighters to bridge the gap between champion and young up and commers.

Should Hughes defeat Frank Trigg the general consensus between fans would again be that Hughes is unbeatable and thus how can the UFC market someone if there is little if any indication that there could be an upset or even a close match? As talented as many fighters are in the division it is feasible to think that no one can match strength with Hughes, and as he has shown he is far from one dimensional with the emergence of a submission game that he lacked early in his career. So without legitimate top contenders, it could be a while before Hughes and division is given a chance to headline the UFC and further push the company to new heights.

So now sits the middleweight division, finally with a champion who is committed to a multi-fight deal and with no shortage of contenders. Starting at the top there is Evan Tanner, a fighter who much like Couture is a solid veteran that has persevered beyond the stereotype that younger fighters make champions. His underdog to top dog rise could easily be marketable in the new UFC where it is seeming more and more like nice guys, rather than smack talkers, can be rallied behind by fans. He presents an interesting situation in that even though he is champion, he is not like Hughes or Couture in the fact that there is no doubt he will defeat anyone in the division. Couple this with his diversity in styles it means there will always be an abundance of intriguing matches regardless of whom he fights.

The remainder of the division is thick in talent that is as diversified as Tanner's style. The most obvious candidate for Tanner's first defense could be Rich Franklin, which would present its own storyline with Franklin having defeated Tanner at 205lbs a couple of years ago. Franklin has shown the ability to be as well rounded as Tanner creating a tight match up which always excites fans and media alike. Another highly marketable match up could be between Tanner and former Team Quest training partner Matt Lindland. For years Lindland was the uncrowned champion of the division, but his loss to Terrell at UFC 49 opened the way for Tanner to step in and take the belt for himself. With the backdrop of former teammates now opposing each other as the theme for the fight, the marketing and drama practically writes itself.

Now that there is a champion at 185lbs, the UFC can afford to develop talent in the weight class rather than give up on fighters who lose once and must wait elongated periods of time to get back in. This spells good fortune for the likes of David Loiseau, Joe Riggs, Travis Lutter, and Pete Sell, all of which will be forced to fight each other over the coming year to solidify a number one contender to the title after Franklin and Lindland get their prospective shots. Even Robbie Lawler who is still very young has a chance to return to his former glory and possibly find himself in the title mix should he pick up a couple of key wins.

And here we stand, the once low end of the totem pole in the UFC weight divisions stands as possibly its deepest and most diverse after years of second hand status. As the other divisions in the company begin to grow shockingly thin once the current stars step away, the middleweight division has depth, youth, and a champion who isn't afraid to fight anyone that's put in front of him. This coming year could be the year that the middleweight division stands head and shoulders above the rest, insuring its longevity and marketing as the sport grows to new heights and looks for a consistent source of excitement and productivity.

Source: MMA Weekly

Tamura vs Makhmud Added to Pride 29: Fists of Fire

Kiyoshi Tamura versus Aliev Makhmud has been added to PRIDE FIGHTING’S FISTS OF FIRE fight card. A mixed martial arts veteran, Tamura is one of Japan’s heroes and is making his return to the PRIDE ring. Makhmud is fighting out of Azerbaydzhan and boasts in impressive wrestling background.

Previously announced matches include – a main event featuring clashing styles as striker Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic takes on wrestler Mark “The Hammer” Coleman … Quinton “Rampage” Jackson returns to the ring facing Chute Boxe’s Murilo “Ninja” Rua ... Antonio Rogerio Nogueira of the Brazilian Top Team will go head to head with Golden Glory’s Alistair “Demolition Man” Overeem … it’s Korea versus Russia as Choi Mu Bae takes on Sergei Kharitonov … Japan’s up and coming heavyweight, Hirotaka Yokoi, will take on the leader of the Brazilian Top Team, Mario Sperry … mixed martial arts veteran Hiromitsu Kanehara goes head to head with Chute Boxe star Mauricio “Shogun” Rua … and Tom “ Big Cat” Erickson makes his return to PRIDE versus newcomer Fabricio Werdum of Spain.

FISTS OF FIRE will take place from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan and is scheduled to debut on North American pay per view via iNDEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, Vu!, and Viewer’s Choice on Friday, February 25th, 2005 at 10:00pm EST, 7:00pm PST.

FIGHT CARD
Mirko Filipovic vs. Mark Coleman
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Murilo Rua
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Alistair Overeem
Choi Mu Bae vs. Sergei Kharitonov
Igor Vovchanchyn vs. Yoshiki Takahashi
Hirotaka Yokoi vs. Mario Sperry
Hiromitsu Kanehara vs. Mauricio Rua
Tom Erickson vs. Fabricio Werdum
Kiyoshi Tamura vs. Aliev Makhmud

Fightcard subject to change.

Source: Sherdog

Shelby Walker: Not just another pretty face
by "Big Dog" Benny Henderson Jr.

I have no idea who she is, but after seeing her picture, I thought she was "news" worthy.

Not just another pretty face in the crowd but a lady warrior in the ring proving herself to the masses that she is to be taken seriously. Fighting her heart out to accomplish what she has set out to do, and that is to fight, to entertain and to win. Lady boxer and mixed martial arts star Shelby 'Girl' Walker isn’t just your average beauty unless you count bashing the heads of her opponents into the canvas as your normal American girl. This Southern beauty doesn’t play and by no means is she to be taken lightly by anyone. Training in the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu discipline, Shelby was awarded her blue belt by MMA legend Royce Gracie and after watching the first few events of UFC she decided to try her hand in the art herself. Shelby began her career in 2001 and since then has competed in three Hook-n-Shoot’s, one USMMA and one AFC where she has compiled a 2-3 MMA record. Regardless of a win, loss or draw, Shelby comes to fight and the lady warrior inside won’t let her stop what she loves. Now the number one ranked featherweight, Shelby has taken on Howard Davis Jr. as her new trainer and is set for a return to the boxing ring on February 12th in Fort Lauderdale at the War Memorial Coliseum on the (AFC) Absolute Fighting Championship and hopes to have a successful comeback. Shelby has pounded out a 6-4-1 (5) record since climbing in the ring in 2002 and looks to continue as a boxer, honing her skills to become one of the best lady boxer’s in the business, and with her hard work and determination she will succeed. So stay tuned and get ready for Shelby 'Girl' Walker as she continues to face down her opponents and prove that she isn’t all about looks and if the critics disagree, then let them step into her world and see what it is all about. Shelby took the time out of her training to talk about her career and affiliation with American Top Team and new trainer Howard Davis Jr.

Benny Henderson Jr.: Hey Shelby, first off what would possess a lady as yourself to want to get into the fight game?

Shelby Walker: I have always been a fighter and the fact that I found a way to possibly capitalize on it and be able to do something that I love really means a lot to me. So I don’t know what would posses me to get in into the fight game, I guess the same thing that would posses a baseball player to want to be a professional baseball player; just the love of the game.

BH: Give us a little background on yourself on how you came about competing in boxing and the mixed martial arts?

SW: Well I watched the first few UFC events and I started off training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and one thing lead to another and I decided I wanted to compete and after I trained for a about four or five months I started training in kickboxing and I had my first MMA fight only after five months of training and everything just lead from there.

BH: Do you feel you are taking seriously in the fight world as a female fighter and what are the challenges you face as a female in a predominantly male sport?

SW: Well it’s hard to be taken seriously sometimes especially a lot of the men in the sport still see it as a man's sport. But women’s boxing and MMA is definitely evolving. There are big rumors that girls may even fight in the UFC so women’s fighting is coming to a whole new light.

BH: Well what are your thoughts on the critics saying that you are just another pretty face in the business and not serious about your fighting career?

SW: Well I think that is kind of what my family thought when I decided to sign up for the US Army too. I guess they are going to have to sit back and watch and the critics who think I can’t fight need to watch one of my fights.

BH: In your last MMA bout Adrienna Jenkins at the Hook-n-Shoot Evolution submitted you in the first round. It was rumored that you were knocked out and suffered a concussion during a sparring session a week prior to your bout against Jenkins. If so why did you go ahead and take the bout knowing that could play in the fight and looking back how much did that affect the outcome and what would you have done differently?

SW: Well American Top Team and my doctor both advised me strongly against taken the fight, because not only was I suffering from a concussion I was always suffering from palsy - my right side of my face was completely paralyzed. I just felt that I was under a lot of pressure. I wanted to fight for my team even though they were advising against it I still thought I could pull it off. I didn’t think it would play as much of a mind game with me as it did. And then when I got to the event I really didn’t think I would get passed the fight doctor but he didn’t even notice it, which is really hard to understand because my face was in really bad shape. When it came fight time I just panicked, I see it like that but I am all better now and in retrospect would I still have taken the fight knowing what I know now? No.

BH: What are your thoughts on training with the American Top Team and now with Howard Davis Jr., and how is that working out for you?

SW: I consider my self very, very lucky, I’m the first lady of the American Top Team and I feel really blessed to be able to be a part of such a great team and to be able to work with an Olympic Gold medalist as Howard Davis Jr. It is a dream come true for me.

BH: It has been rumored that you may fight Erika Montoya at UFC 51, is there any truth to those rumors?

SW: Yeah there is truth to those rumors, it has been talked about a lot and when I asked Dana White if he was going to put us on the show he said possibly, so that is where it stands right now. I haven’t heard anything more from this but my biggest dream would be to fight in the UFC.

BH: What are your thoughts on joining the UFC as a part in a women’s division, do you believe that will go well as seeing the women fighting in the octagon as the men do?

SW: I definitely think that the waters need to be tested and I think the perfect place for that would be UFC Japan because women’s MMA in Japan is growing rapidly as women’s boxing in the United States. So I think we should test the waters and Erica Montoya and I should fight it out in Japan and see how it goes and take it from there.

BH: How important is it for you to be taking seriously by the fight world and not just being looked at as another pretty face in the crowd?

SW: I work so hard; I dedicate all my time, energy, blood and bruises to my career. I really want people to know that and to understand that this means a lot to me, it means everything to me.

BH: What is your training regime?

SW: I train probably a combined total of four hours a day. Running, sprints, jump rope, sparring, heavy bags, speed bags, it varies form day to day but usually about four a day, six days a week.

BH: Which would you prefer to compete in the most, boxing or Mixed Martial Arts?

SW: That is a hard question. I am a bigger fan of the MMA, I live Mixed Martial Arts but unfortunately the life span of a MMA fighter isn’t that long so I think the best career decision for me long term would be boxing and I think there are a lot more opportunities for me in boxing. But that doesn’t change the fact that I still would like nothing more than to be in the first women’s bout in the UFC. I think it would go down in history and I would love to be a part of it.

BH: Who are some of the lady fighters in the business that you may look up to in the sport?

SW: Well Christy Martin, she has definitely paved the way for women fighters, she has definitely been an inspiration to me. Laila Ali is definitely making big waves for women’s boxing. People are starting to take notice of women’s boxing now because of Laila Ali and I think it is great that she can carry on her father’s name like that. My favorite female boxer would probably be Layla McCarter, she is the most technical sharp female boxer I think I have ever seen.

BH: When do you plan on stepping back in to the boxing ring?

SW: I am fighting February 12th on AFC in a boxing match and hopefully it will be a six rounder but I don’t know my opponent yet.

BH: You have gone 6-4-1 (5) in your professional boxing career so far and have lost your last two bouts. What are you working on to become more of a solid boxer than before and do you feel your return will be more successful with Howard Davis Jr. working with you?

SW: My last two boxing matches were both title bouts and I really stepped up to the plate for both of them. I really stepped up and this was before I was training with Howard Davis Jr. so I think we are really going to shock the world at what a technical boxer that I am becoming, and Howard is a great trainer and a really good friend too and I can’t wait to box again under his tutelage.

BH: What is the one thing that you can tell us about yourself that nobody else knows about you?

SW: I’m a nice girl.

BH: What are your hobbies out of the ring when you are not training?

SW: I watch fight tapes, I play fight videos and I like to go to the beach, but all I really do for fun is train, it is fun for me. For fun I do jiu-jitsu, for fun I box, that is all fun for me, I have a total fighter lifestyle. My life revolves around American Top Team.

BH: What is your main goal in the fight world?

SW: I definitely want to leave my mark I want to get out there and get some fights and get more ring time and hopefully fight on TV. I want the world to see that I am not going anywhere anytime soon and I work really hard and I plan on making things happen.

BH: Is there anything you would like to add to this interview or say in closing?

SW: I want to thank Boxinginsider.com for helping me so much and leading me in the right direction. I also want to thank American Top Team, Howard Davis Jr. and all who believe in me and making me the first lady of American Top Team and keep your eye out for me, I am sticking around.

Source: Maxfighting

'KTFO' UPDATE

The following commentary was sent to us by the MMA insider known as 'Johnny Cinco':

"KTFO was at the UFC 51 event as I am sure you saw them plastered all over the UFC. It looks like they are signing fighters left and right and I found out why.

KTFO is signing guys and giving them a salary to wear their product. I have heard through sources that it is anywhere from USD$800 a month to as high as USD$3000 a month. There are also other contracts, but I haven't got details of those just yet.

Also Craig Fields, better known as 'HOLLA C' on the UG forum, was constantly whistling during the press conference, and it seemed as if UFC president Dana White wasn't too happy about that. In my opinion, it seems like KTFO is trying to buy their legitimacy in the sport of MMA.

KTFO do not design shorts yet, but when they do I expect an all out war with the other clothing companies.


Source: Fight Sport

Big Words from “Big” Jon Hess
by Traci Ratzloff

“Given the chance to fight Vitor Belfort again, I will knock him out faster than he did me,” said “Big” Jon Hess, referring to his second—and last—MMA fight, which took place at SuperBrawl 2. “If I am allowed to return, I will be world champ!”

The 35-year-old San Diego native made his mixed martial arts debut in 1995’s Ultimate Fighting Championship 5 against third dan Andy Anderson. Hess easily won by technical knockout after only slightly more than one minute.

Said to be one of the dirtiest bouts in UFC history, Hess sees it differently: “I would not agree that this fight was a dirty fight as the UFC billed itself as no rules. If there are no rules then how can you break them? It was a true fight in that Anderson was trying to hurt me, and I hurt him first.”

Hess first became interested in MMA when he saw UFC 4, which he “thought was a joke,” particularly Brazilian jiu-jitsu master Royce Gracie, whom he said he “could defeat very easily.”

During a 10-minute workout with Art Davie, Hess said he displayed his “exceptional hand-to-hand skill and was allowed into the UFC.” With Lew Hicks and his new wife, Julie, in his corner, Hess entered the cage in 1995 for the first time.

After the bout with Anderson ended, an overweight Hess forfeited his position in the tournament. “Two months prior to the UFC, I quit smoking (two packs a day), and I put on 40 pounds of fat,” he said. “I was eating very unhealthy and drinking too much. After destroying Anderson, I was gassed and my right forearm and wrist were injured from striking Anderson in the side of his head. I didn’t think I could defeat Severn with just my left and without any energy.”

A year and a half went by and MMA enthusiasts had not heard a word from Hess. “I believe that I was blacklisted by Art Davie,” he insisted. “I was not allowed to return, and I could get no fights anywhere.”

After trying for 14 months, Hess grew extremely frustrated and quit trying and training. In October 1996, however, his disbarment from the sport ended when he received a call stating Royce Gracie’s brother “Victor” wanted to fight him in four days at SuperBrawl 2. Hess had challenged Gracie after UFC 5, but nothing ever surfaced.

“After my bad experience in UFC 5,” recalled Hess, “I got in shape to show the world that I was the best fighter, so I challenged Royce Gracie, and he was unwilling to fight me—probably because he knew that I would kick his rear end.”

When he received the call, Hess replied that he was no longer in shape, especially for a fight that would occur in four days, but was told he was being “called out.”

“Because I had challenged Royce the previous year, I agreed,” he said.

Entering SuperBrawl, Hess quickly learned that the “Victor” he had anticipated was in reality Vitor Belfort. In 12 seconds, Hess was knocked out, suffering a concussion.

“I believe Belfort was using anabolic steroids prior to and before our match,” Hess stated. “Given the chance to fight him again, I will knock him out faster than he did me. I was sick and in the worst shape of my life, and I couldn’t overcome his steroid strength. However, Royce did get the last laugh, and I paid a heavy price of humiliation and a concussion.”

The MMA world has not seen Hess since. “I had to get my life squared away before I could give fighting my best effort,” he said, “so I retired after I humiliated myself against Belfort.”

Known for being the co-creator of Scientific Aggressive Fighting Techniques of America (SAFTA), a hand-to-hand martial art, Hess trained with Jerry Peterson, whom he believes “is the smartest hand-to-hand instructor in the world. He is a great man, and I learned a lot about life and how to handle situations from him.”

Today, Hess spends his time playing sports and religiously lifting weights, planning for a career, once again, somewhere in the fight world.

Going back to the basics of training, Hess said he is now a “considerably more dangerous man today than I was back then. I am also more humble and smarter. My punching power has increased exponentially, and I have an 82-inch reach.”

Weighing his options between a career in pro-boxing or MMA, he confides, “I’ll either return [to the cage] by summer, or I’ll stay retired for good. I am confident in my abilities, as I believe that I could defeat Royce Gracie, Vitor Belfort and Frank Mir. I would be willing to take any of those matches, winner-take-all. I wouldn’t do that if there was a chance I would lose.”

Unwilling to fight again in smaller venues, Hess focuses on the UFC. “There is no one at the UFC who I couldn’t defeat, but I don’t know if I am still banned as they have new owners.”

Though he has yet to step in the cage, Hess is well aware of how the sport has changed. In his own words he finds “MMA has evolved and devolved at the same time. It has evolved in that the majority of fighters are better and more well rounded. At the same time, it has devolved in that the champs and better fighters are less dangerous and of lesser skill. Frank Mir is an example of this devolution. Rulon Gardner is an example of the evolution.”

“I believe the old UFC was more exciting,” he continued. “With all of the cross training now, many of the UFC fighters seem to be Ken Shamrock clones. I think Mir is an example of these clones, and I would defeat him in less than 25 seconds.”

While he continues to train, preparing to show the MMA world just who he is and what he can do, only time will tell if fight fans will have the opportunity to see “Big” Jon Hess live up to his big words—an event that is sure to be unforgettable.

Source: Sherdog


Counter courtesy of www.digits.com