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(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)
(Stan Sheriff Arena, UH)


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)

4/9/05
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)

3/19/05
Lock Down in Paradise
(MMA)
(Lahaina Civic Center, Maui)

Super Brawl: Full Contact Showdown 2
(MMA)
(Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill, Kaneohe MCBH)

So You Think You're Tough 8
(MMA and Kickboxing)
(Kauai)

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

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

3/11/05
ROTR - Proving Grounds 4
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ball Room, Honolulu)

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 7
(Boxing, MMA)
(Kauai)

Proving Grounds -
ROTR Qualifer
(MMA)
(Honolulu)

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

 News & Rumors
Archives
Year 2005
March 2005 Part 1
February 2005 Part 3
February 2005 Part 2
February 2005 Part 1

January 2005 Part 3
January 2005 Part 2
January 2005 Part 1
Year 2004
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

March 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!


 3/19/05

Quote of the Day

"You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body,
but you will never imprison my mind."

Mahatma Gandhi ,1869-1948, Indian Political and Spiritual Leader

Normal Road Trip Delay

Onzuka.com and Fighters’ Club TV will be going to Maui to cover the Lockdown in Paradise event, so the news for Sunday will either be late or non-existent, depending on the condition of us when we come back.

Thank you for your understanding!

3 Events In 1 Night Tonight!

On Maui:
Lockdown in Paradise
Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina, Hawaii

Ron Jhun (808 Fight Factory) vs. Jay Heiron (Renzo Gracie)

On Oahu:
Super Brawl: Full Contact Showdown 2
Kahuna's Bar & Grill, Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Featuring: Steve Byrnes, Kaipo Kalama

On Kauai:
So You Think You Tough 8
Featuring: Eben Kaneshiro, Kyle Sukehira, Kaeo Lopez

Cabbage Wins & Ross The Boss & Gassaway is a No Contest at WEC!

Dan Marks of the Cesar Gracie Academy, defeated Mike Alirez in only 31 seconds of the 1st round by KO with a devastating kick to the head. Marks was cornered by trainers Jake Shields and Gilbert Melendez.

In other action,
Wes Cabbage won by ref stoppage (strikes from mount) and Mark Weir succumbed to a triangle choke. The Pit Fight Team went 3-0 for the evening as Antonio Banuelos, Abe Baxter, and John Polakowski all won their fights. Polakowski was declared the winner when Olaf couldn't come out for the 2nd round due to a hip injury.

Brian Gassaway's fight against
Ross Ebanez was ruled a no contest (head butt). In all a very entertaining evening.

Source: Gracie Fighter

POLAWKOWSKI WINS ON BIZARRE INJURY TO OLAF

On another amazing night of fights from the Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore, California, John Polawkowski won the much awaited rematch with Olaf Alfonso, when Olaf's hip popped out of joint in between the first and second rounds.

"I didn't know what happened. Olaf had a good first round and I was ready to go for the second, I look over and a chiropractor is trying to pop Olaf's hip back in," Polakowski told MMAWeekly

Olaf dominated a fast and furious first round as the two picked up from where they started a year ago by trading right and left combinations when the opening bell rang. Later it was Olaf who would force the fight on the ground.

Once the fight hit the ground it was Polawkowski suriving an onslaught of vicious ground n pound blows by the wild man from Ensenada, Mexico. After the bell sounded to end Round 1, Olaf was walking back to his corner and all of the sudden doubled over and winced in pain as his hip popped out.

His corner worked feverishly trying to pop his hip back into the socket, but couldn't do it. After the referee said time was up, Olaf then hopped up on one leg and said he was ready to go.

Referee Josh Rosenthal said, "Olaf you can't go". Olaf told Rosenthal, "F#$@ that I'm going to fight on one leg" as the wild man hopped up and down like a pogo stick. It was obvious Olaf couldn't go and they had to stop the fight in what was turning out to be just as good a fight as the first one. Now look for a third installment of this fight very soon.

Wesley "Cabbage" Correira knocked out Walt Pels in just 23 seconds into the fight. It was a referee stoppage from strikes from the mount, but Pels was knocked out at the moment of stoppage. Walt came out and threw a kick and slipped. Cabbage immediately pounced on the overmatched fighter as "Cabbage" unloaded on Pels.

Homer Moore tapped out to strikes in the 2nd round as Terry Martin got the win. Moore tapped out due to fatigue as he was not in good shape for the fight. The end came at 3:14 of round two.

Alex "The Russian" Serdyukov defeated Mark Weir at 2:56 of Round Two by Arm Triangle/Side Choke in the fight of the night. Weir came out and hit the Russian with literally everything in his arsenal.

Three consecutive kicks punished Serdyukov early, who had shown throughout the fight that he had a chin of stone. This was a slugfest as Serdyukov then turned the tables going for armbars and triangles toward the end of the first round which had Weir escaping several submission attempts.

Both came out game for the second round as both guys continued an all out assault, but it was Serdyukov's ground game that was just too much in the end as he applied the choke at 2:56 of Round 2 to secure the victory. Great fight!

Gabe "Godzilla" Ruediger defeated Jason Maxwell at 3:28 of Round One by Rear Naked Choke. It was a very impressive display on the ground by "Godzilla." Gabe Ruediger is the WEC World Lightweight Champion.

Brad Imes and Mike Dexter in one of the bloodies matches in MMA history, battled for a round soaked in blood. Imes wins at 3:44 of round one with a triangle choke. This fight was such a bloody mess that "Mr. International" Shonie Carter got blood on his nice yellow suit while sitting in the front row as the two took turns punishing each other. When one fighter was in the other's guard, blood poured like a faucet on each another. Watch HDNet next week to see probably the bloodiest fight in WEC history.

Irish Abe Baxter came through on St. Patrick's Day with a win over Pat "Kanikaze" Kazi at 4:59 of round one. Ref stoppage due to strikes from the mount.

Brian Olsen defeated Craig Zellner at the two minute mark in round two by referee stoppage due to punches.

The fight between Ross "The Boss" Ebanez and Brian Gassaway was ruled a No Contest from a cut caused by a headbutt. Ebanez received a big cut over his left eye but many people watching didn't see the headbutt.

Josh Green (below) defeated Troy Miller at 1:56 in Round One by Rear Naked Choke.

In preliminary action, Carlton Jones (a councilman by day) defeated Chris Botelho at 3:14 in Round One by ground n pound and referee stoppage due to strikes.

Dan Marks defeated Mike Alirez at 31 seconds of the first round with a high kick that landed right on the money for the KO.

Antonio Banuelos defeated Mike Linquist at 1:38 of Round One by Rear Naked Choke.

Source: MMA Weekly

PRIDE CONFIRMS HENDO AND JACKSON

SILVA VERSUS YOSHIDA; JACKSON AND HENDERSON ADDED TO PRIDE FIGHTING’S TOTAL ELIMINATION 2005

From Dream Stage Entertainment

TOKYO, Japan – One match up and two additional fighters have been announced for PRIDE FIGHTING’S 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix … TOTAL ELIMINATION 2005.

The first announced match for the opening round will feature defending 2003 Grand Prix Champion, Wanderlei Silva, taking on Japanese Judo star Hidehiko Yoshida. The two originally met in the semi-finals of the 2003 tournament in which Silva won a hard fought decision over the former Judo Olympic gold medallist.

Added to the previously announced eight fighters will be two Americans … Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Dan “Hollywood” Henderson. Jackson reached the finals of the 2003 tournament, eventually succumbing to Wanderlei Silva in one of the most memorable bouts of the year. Since then, the native of Memphis, Tennessee has gone on to defeat Ikuhisa “The Punk” Minowa, Ricardo Arona, and Murilo “Ninja” Rua. Team Quest’s Henderson is making his Grand Prix tournament debut. Always among the elite in his weight class, “Hollywood” is coming off of wins over Yuki Kondo, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Murilo Bustamante and Shungo Oyama.

Wanderlei Silva (Brazil) Hidehiko Yoshida (Japan) Quinton Jackson (USA) Dan Henderson (USA)

Tournament Participants:

Wanderlei Silva
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson
Igor Vovchanchyn
Kazushi Sakuraba
Dan Henderson
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
Yuki Kondo
Hidehiko Yoshida
Kazuhiro Nakamura

Tournament Matches:
Wanderlei Silva (Brazil) vs. Hidehiko Yoshida (Japan)

Additional tournament participants and match ups to be announced soon.

(Participants and Matches Subject to Change)

PRIDE FIGHTING’S 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix Tournament will span three events … TOTAL ELIMINATION (opening round), CRITICAL COUNTDOWN (Second Round) and FINAL CONFLICT (Semi-Finals and Finals). Dates for the latter two events will be announced soon.

TOTAL ELIMINATION 2005 takes place on April 23rd, 2005 from the Osaka Dome in Japan and premieres on North American pay per view via iNDEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH NETWORK, UrbanXtra, TVN1, VU!, and Viewer’s Choice Canada on April 23rd at 10:00pm EST, 7:00pm PST (including a countdown show at 9:30pm EST, 6:30pm PST). For additional replay times, please contact your pay per view provider or pridefc.com.

You can listen to the show for free by listening LIVE at 9am Pacific/12 Noon Eastern, every day Monday through Friday.

If your busy at work or school, then click on the radio archive to listen at your convenience any day, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Source: MMA Weekly

Alexandre Pequeno
By 18h

Chasing new challenges

Sky is the limit to Alexandre Pequeno. After retaining a belt of Shooto, Pequeno is the man who defended it for so long. Now Lightweight super champion is searching for a bigger challenge: fighting at 70kg GP. 'My dream is fighting at Pride GP or K-1 MMA -70kg. I want to show how good I am in that division,' he said. Check out bellow what the major Luta-Livre representative has to say about his other plans for the future and how was the fight with João Roque, at last March 11.

This fight between you and João Roque invocated lots of comments. How was it inside the ring?

It was a very good fight. I did a good game on the feet and I applied take downs and worked on the floor. I did not fight on the ground more because he avoided it all! He didn't try to sweep me, submit me with a triangle choke, arm-lock... He just grabbed my arms and stopped the fight, so the referee had to start it on the feet. In the beginning I almost fixed a key-lock, but he rolled and fell out of the ring.

It was really tight?

Yes, it was. I heard a snap when he fell out of the ring. I really did not understand when the referee told us to return on the feet.

Did you feel threaten during the fight?

No, not at all. I did not lose control of the fight. I did my game, took him down, passed his guard and worked from the side.

Tell me about the guillotine choke he fixed during the second round...

His guillotine was kind of blunt. He tried a move I am a specialist at. I know the best defense for it. I raised him and leg went high. It was like free falling. The audience loved it. I fell on the half guard and passed his guard. Then I worked with punches and knees from the side. On the second round I also hurt his forehead with a right punch. In the end I mounted and he tried to escape.

Season of training in Curitiba made some difference?

Lots of difference. I threw lots of punches during the fight... in the body, legs, from inside and outside. Training in Curitiba was very important for me!

Every fighter dreams about becoming a champion. You already have earned Shooto belt and once again you retain it. What is missing for you now?

My dream is fighting at Pride GP or K-1 MMA -70kg. I want to show how good I am in that division. I also want to fight guys like Takanori Gomi and BJ Penn. I guess it would be great fights.

Have you seen the comments of the bout at TATAME's forum?

Of course...I was really pleased with the support and cheering. Thanks so much guys!

Source: Tatame

K-1 World GP 2005 Final tomorrow
Thanks to Monty di Pietro

The road to the K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 Final begins in Seoul tomorrow, where eight fighters will do battle in the K-1 Asian Grand Prix. The winner of the tournament will be the first fighter of the year to join last year's Final Eight in qualifying for the K-1 World GP Final Elimination tournament, set for Osaka this September.

There were two days of press briefings at the COEX and Grand International Hotels in Seoul in advance of the Asia World GP -- the event has garnered unprecedented public interest in Korea, not least due the participation of Hong Mam Choi, the mammoth Korean Sireum wrestling champion who is making his K-1 debut here. Choi stands 218cm (7'2") and weighs 157kg (346lbs) -- and that, he informed the media, is his slimmed-down self, the result of a new diet of "vegetables I had never seen before," and a tough training regimen. Choi's first-tier fight opponent will be a Japanese Sumo, 38 year-old Wakashoyo. The fighter who gets through here will meet the winner of a bout between another big guy, former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono, representing Japan, and Nobuaki Kakuda, a Seidokaikan master coming out of retirement for this fight. Kakuda flexed his muscles for the media, and the guy looks great for a 43 year-old. Speaking in Korean to the delight of the crowd, Kakuda said that his training has prepared him for the fight and promised to do his best.

In the other bracket, Korean Muay Thai fighter Myeon Ju Lee will take on boxer Hiraku Hori of Japan. Lee is a former Korean Muay Thai Association Heavyweight Champion, but Hori will bring a 10cm (4") height and 10kg (25lb) weight advantage to this contest. Both of these fighters have struggled as of late, losing a combined five of their last six bouts. The fourth quarterfinals will pit Zhang Qing Jun, who at just 18 years of age is the tournament's youngest participant, against Kaoklai Kaennorsing of Thailand. The inexperienced Chinese Wushu fighter will face a formidable opponent in Kaoklai, who won last year here in Seoul to take the first K-1 Asia GP. As the reigning Champion, Kaoklai has to be the favorite to repeat tomorrow. But with so many variables of age, size, and styles at play in the tournament, anything could happen.

K-1 Asian Grand Prix 2005
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Olympic Gymnasium - Seoul - South Korea

COMPLETE CARD (subject to change):

- Remy Bonjasky (Holland / Mejiro Gym) VS Ray "Merciless" Mercer (U.S.A. / Fayetteville Boxing Team);

- Peter Aerts (Holland / Team Aerts) VS Carter Williams (U.S.A. / Team Voodoo USA);

- Semmy Schilt (Holland / Golden Glory) VS Montanha Silva (Brazil / Sit Master Rony);

- Hong-Mam Choi (Korea / Freelance) VS Wakashoyo (Japan / Team Paon);

- Akebono (Japan / Team Yokozuna) VS Nobuaki Kakuda (Japan / Seido Kaikan);

- Lee Myeon Ju (Korea / Freelance) VS Hiraku Hori (Japan / Team Dragon);

- Kaoklai Kaennorsing (Thailand / Ihara Dojo) VS Zhang Qing Jun (China / Beijing Sheng Hua Wushu Fighting Club);

- Tatsufumi Tomihira (Thailand / Ihara Dojo) VS Min Ki Kang (Republic of Korea / Jungsin Gymnasium);

- Yong Seok Ko (Republic of Korea / Team Max) VS Jong Man Kim (Republic of Korea / Seo-Kwang Gym).

Source: Tatame

Carter Williams: “My plan is to hit people hard and put them on their backs!”
by "Big Dog" Benny Henderson Jr.

Hard hitting former K-1 USA tournament champion Carter Williams (20-6-1, 15 KOs) is set to face old school fight veteran Peter Aerts (78-23-1, 57 KOs) in a three round Superfight during K-1’s World Grand Prix in Seoul on March 20th.

The young lion wants to kick off 2005 with a bang and a win over Aerts would do nothing but boost Williams’ career and confidence. Williams became known to the fight world in May of 2003 when he came in as an 18-1 underdog to win the K-1 USA tournament title, defeating three opponents on that fateful night in Las Vegas.

The 6’1” Team Voodoo fighter has beaten the likes of Michael McDonald, Rick Roufus and looks to add another big name under his belt. From the streets to the ring, Williams has evolved into a massive dose of pure warrior in the ring. He looks to be that man and will give all he has to become him, as he anticipates bringing home the belt to America, and under the tutelage of longtime trainer Gene Fields he will settle for nothing less. Carter stopped by MAX FIGHTING to talk about his upcoming match as well as his future.

Benny Henderson Jr. - Give Max Fighting your thoughts on your opponent Peter Aerts whom you will be facing at the K-1 World GP 2005 in Seoul this month.

Carter Williams - Peter Aerts is the World Grand Prix Champion and it is a pretty good match-up for myself; I believe this is the stepping stone to rise to the top and get the respect I’m looking for from the fans and the press at K-1. I am basically excited about it and have been training hard, and I can’t wait to get the rumble in the jungle on, you know what I mean. (Laughs)

BH - Aerts has 57 knockouts in his 78 wins, so he has the knockout power. Does his punching power concern you a great deal?

CW - No, it doesn’t concern me at all. I have watched Peter fight since I was a child. When I was younger you got these guys that I would say to myself, wow these guys are pretty bad, but as I grew older I realized what type of fighter that I have become and I am still becoming and I’m still growing in the sport. I look at it as I am fighting my idol or my hero, so his power and strength doesn’t concern me because I have watched him for so long and have studied him for so long it is like I am being put to the test. He has over a hundred fights and has the experience but I am from the streets, I have been rumbling since I was a child myself and I’m not afraid of getting knocked out, and that ain’t going to happen, as a matter if fact the only person that’s going to get knocked out is my man Peter Aerts.

BH - What inspired you to want to be a fighter, and when did you begin the martial arts?

CW - It was something that I just came across. As a child I got into a lot of street fights but my dream was to be a football player and I was always competitive and into the martial arts. I grew up fighting in the streets but then realized there is something out there to fight for. I wanted to be part of the high paid organizations and become champion, so I thought it was good for me and the United States to have an up and coming American champion. Once I found out we never had an American K-1 champion I felt that was my destiny, it was a calling for me. I am going to be the first American champion, that’s how I feel, it’s not a matter of if, but when so I will let the puzzle put itself together.

BH - In the tournaments you can fight up to three times in one night so that can be some punishment on the body. Do you ever fear the punishment you may take throughout your career will one day take its toll on your body?

CW - Definitely, you take kicks to the knees, and all kinds of punishment. I do fear that I will probably end up getting hurt one day; that is probably one of my biggest fears. A lot of people aren’t very spiritual, but I’m a believer in the Lord that he watches over me and protects me. If a person isn’t careful in their training with what they do I think they put their selves at a much higher risk. My coach put me on a good training regime and they take care of me, I eat healthy and stretch all the time so hopefully none of that will happen to me and I can finish up my career injury free.

BH - Can you give us your most favorite moment in your career as well as the one moment you would prefer to forget about?

CW - My favorite part if my career was probably the beginning of the career that I felt that I had. I was training, but I thought I was just training for point fighting in tournaments but in the years the phone started ringing and I got opportunities and then my coach asked me if I wanted to take part in K-1 and I said yeah. I felt with all my hard work and training that I might as well put it to something. But the best and most unforgettable was in 2003 when I won the North American Title. To have nothing in my life and living in the ghetto and being on welfare and having holes in my shoes and pants, just being a straight poor boy and then have this opportunity, 2003 was my life. It was something great for me, and here I am now working harder and trying to be one of the K-1 Grand Prix Champions, and I think it is a matter of when, not if.

BH - What is the hardest aspect of being a professional fighter?

CW - The pressure, I had a coach tell me once upon a time that fighting was 75% mental and 25% physical, and that was how he left it. Over the years I thought about what he said, over the years of me fighting I finally got it. It isn’t 75% mental in the ring it’s 75% mental out of the ring. It’s the training, people want to always hit you up for cash or sit around on your couch and girls want to do this and that, it all distracts you. It’s the distractions that occur when you are a professional fighter, it’s the pressure around. Those around me that want to see me fail, or the people who want to me do good. I say 75% of the people probably want to see me fail, 25% want to see me succeed. So I have a high ratio of people wanting me to wanting me to fall of that ladder, but I do it and I stay focused, priorities first then games later. The Lord is watching my back so it’s cool.

BH - You stepped in the in the ring as a professional boxer back in 2002 and won both of your bouts, have you ever thought about resuming a boxing career?

CW - I have done three types of sports, I have boxed, kick boxed and I have been in the cage. Boxing takes longer and doesn’t pay the best. In kickboxing we haven’t had an American champion so that’s a great opportunity for me I think. After I conquer K-1 I might go to boxing and get me the WBC title, then have a K-1 GP title and a WBC title, and maybe later on go to PRIDE. I’m only twenty-five and some guys fight until they are forty so if I do it right I can do it, I will take one step at a time.

BH - How has it been working with your trainer Gene Fields?

CW - I have been with Gene since I was sixteen; it has been a good experience. He is like a father figure to me, we are real close. He and his wife have been nothing but good to me for all these years.

BH - What do you think ’05 has in store for you?

CW - The W’s man, I want victories, it’s all up to me. I do honestly feel that this is my year.

BH - Is there anything you would like to add in closing?

CW - Carter Williams is coming back harder than ever, thanks to the fans and the people who believe in me and support me. My plan is to hit people hard and put them on their backs, for real.

Source: Maxfighting

 3/18/05

Quote of the Day

"Time never stops to rest, never hesitates, never looks forward or backward. Life's raw material spends itself now, this moment - which is why how you spend your time is far more important than all the material possessions you may own or positions you may attain."

Denis Waitley, 1933-, American Author, Speaker, Trainer, Peak Performance Expert

3 Events In 1 Night Begins Tomorrow

On Maui:
Lockdown in Paradise
Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina, Hawaii

Ron Jhun (808 Fight Factory) vs. Jay Heiron (Renzo Gracie)

On Oahu:
Super Brawl: Full Contact Showdown 2
Kahuna's Bar & Grill, Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Featuring: Steve Byrnes, Kaipo Kalama

On Kauai:
So You Think You Tough 8
Featuring: Eben Kaneshiro, Kyle Sukehira, Kaeo Lopez

Passing The Guard Makes
Its Hawaii Debut on April 6th!

Brazil’s popular show finally makes its way to KFive channel 5 on Wednesdays at 10:30-11PM starting April 6th. On May 18, Rumblevision re-airs and shares an hour slot with Passing The Guard.

Check it out.

New Opponent for Cooper in Hawaii
Promoter - Shooto Hawaii
At the Blasidell Arena on March 25, 2005

Originally the main-event for the upcoming Shooto Hawaii promotion, was set to feature Ray "Bradda" Cooper against the crafty Santino DeFranco out of Arizona. This was to be Coopers debut at 154 lbs, were he can test the waters of the lower weight class, where his natural weight of about 164 lbs is more appropriate...

However, DeFranco suffered an injury in training, and was forced to cancel in what was sure to be a great fight. This was a devastating blow to Shooto Hawaii promoters, as finding a quality replacement, to face a bruiser like Cooper, on such short notice, would be a difficult task indeed. It put the main-event for the show in jeopardy, and would have delayed the weight class shift that Cooper was looking forward to... It was a huge disappointment.

But as luck would have it... The timing for what seemed like an unfortunate situation, could not have been better... On the look out for fight opportunities, and literally chomping at the bit to take on top tier talent, was UFC veteran and top 155 lber Hermes Franca. Coming off a very close and disappointing decision loss in his rematch with Yves Edwards in New Jersey, Franca’s management put the word out that Hermes wants to fight... BAD!!! So the planets aligned on this one, and have brought together a main-event that should set the islands on fire.

Also on the card are three Class-B Shooto bouts 2 of which feature some of Hermes teammates:

Jim Kikuchi (808FF) vs. Ryan Kronwitter
Ryan Lee (Bulls Pen) Vs. Andre Soares (ATT)
Casey Daniels (Team MMAD) Vs. Thiago Gonclaves (ATT)

Also scheduled are some exciting Amateur Shooto bouts and exciting kick boxing action...

Shooto Hawaii is promoted by Linbred, LLC and is an official Shooto promotion sanctioned by the International Shooto Commission (ISC).

Source: Rich Santoro, Shooto USA

Akebono Takes On Japanese Kickboxing Legend Kakuda

K-1 World GP 2005
Olympic Gymnasium-1, Seoul, Korea
March 19 2005

Sungle fights:
Remy Bonjasky vs. Ray Mercer
Peter Aerts vs. Carter Williams

Asia GP tournament:
Akebono vs. Nobuaki Kakuda
Wakashoyo vs. Hong-Mam Choi
Hiraku Hori vs. Lee Myeon Ju
Kaoklai Kaennorsing vs. Zhang Qing Jun

Source: Fight Sport

Kohsaka: the only who defeated Fedor

Pride super champion Emelianenko Fedor has been waiting anxiously for upcoming Pride Bushido, which happens April 3. All because he will have a change to reverse the only loss in his career: to Tsuyoshi Kohsaka at Rings King of Kings, in 2000. "Kohsaka was the only one who defeated me and I want to return this loss. I could rest a little bit after Pride Shockwave and now I am feeling great. I also have been improving my game on the feet. Kohsaka is a tough fighter, but I want to defeat him. For real," Fedor said.

Kohsaka is also anxious to debut at Pride and do the main fight against Heavyweight champion. "I really to want fight him again. It does gonna be man versus man. After our bout Fedor became a Pride champion and since then that first fight does long exist. I am positive I can beat him on the ground. I will defeat him and show I am the best heavyweight," Japanese Said during a press conference in Japan.

COMPLETE CARD (subject to change)

Pride Bushido 6
Sunday, April 3, 2005
Saitama Super Arena, Saitama - Japan

- Emelianenko Fedor Vs Tsuyoshi Kohsaka;

- Aleksander Emelianenko Vs Ricardo Morais;

- Ikuhisa Minowa Vs Gilbert Yvel;

- Ryuta Sakurai Vs Murilo Bustamante;

- Júnior Buscapé Vs Luis Azeredo;

- Daijyu Takase Vs Daniel Acácio;

Pride GP Middleweight trial:
1- Amar Suloev Vs Paulão Filho;
2- Dean Lister Vs Akira Shoji;

Source: Tatame

Roberto Traven says good-bye to MMA

After drawing with Yukiya Naito at Warrior Realm 3, held last Saturday (12), in Brisbane, Austrália, Alliance's balck belt Roberto Traven decidied to retire himself from the rings. In a open letter, Traven explains his reasons.

"I want enjoy this opportunity to say I am retiring. Now I will just fight gi competitions and Submission. I know I did not have such an excellent career in Vale-Tudo. In other hands it wasn't bad. Now I am 36 and my records are: 6-3-1. I would like to thank everybody who supported me by those years. Specially master Romero Jacaré, who taught me a lot more than Jiu-Jitsu. He taught me how to face life situations with honor and respect. Thanks so much," Traven wrote.

Source: Tatame

UFC 52: 'Couture vs. Liddell 2'
April 16th, 2005
MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell
Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg
Matt Lindland vs. Travis Lutter
Georges St. Pierre vs. Jason Miller
Lee Murray vs. Patrick Cote
Mike Van Arsdale vs. John Marsh
Renato 'Babalu' Sobral vs. Travis Wiuff
Ivan Salaverry vs. Joe Riggs

Source: Fight Sport

PRIDE Announces
Wanderlei Silva vs Hidehiko Yoshida


TOKYO, Japan – One match up and two additional fighters have been announced for PRIDE FIGHTING’S 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix … TOTAL ELIMINATION 2005.

The first announced match for the opening round will feature defending 2003 Grand Prix Champion, Wanderlei Silva, taking on Japanese Judo star Hidehiko Yoshida. The two originally met in the semi-finals of the 2003 tournament in which Silva won a hard fought decision over the former Judo Olympic gold medallist.

Added to the previously announced eight fighters will be two Americans … Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Dan “Hollywood” Henderson. Jackson reached the finals of the 2003 tournament, eventually succumbing to Wanderlei Silva in one of the most memorable bouts of the year. Since then, the native of Memphis, Tennessee has gone on to defeat Ikuhisa “The Punk” Minowa, Ricardo Arona, and Murilo “Ninja” Rua. Team Quest’s Henderson is making his Grand Prix tournament debut. Always among the elite in his weight class, “Hollywood” is coming off of wins over Yuki Kondo, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Murilo Bustamante and Shungo Oyama.

Tournament Participants:
Wanderlei Silva
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
Quinton Jackson
Igor Vovchanchyn
Kazushi Sakuraba
Dan Henderson
Mauricio Rua
Yuki Kondo
Hidehiko Yoshida
Kazuhiro Nakamura

Tournament Matches:

Wanderlei Silva (Brazil) vs. Hidehiko Yoshida (Japan)

Additional tournament participants and match ups to be announced soon.
(Participants and Matches Subject to Change)
PRIDE FIGHTING’S 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix Tournament will span three events … TOTAL ELIMINATION (opening round), CRITICAL COUNTDOWN (Second Round) and FINAL CONFLICT (Semi-Finals and Finals). Dates for the latter two events will be announced soon.

TOTAL ELIMINATION 2005 takes place on April 23rd, 2005 from the Osaka Dome in Japan and premieres on North American pay per view via iNDEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH NETWORK, UrbanXtra, TVN1, VU!, and Viewer’s Choice Canada on April 23rd at 10:00pm EST, 7:00pm PST (including a countdown show at 9:30pm EST, 6:30pm PST). For additional replay times, please contact your pay per view provider or pridefc.com.

Source: Sherdog

Getting to Know Matt Lindland
by Marco Antico

MA: Hi Matt, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Let’s get right into it. What are your thoughts on fighting Travis Lutter at UFC 52?

ML: I really don’t know much about him. I’m sure he’s a tough guy. I’m certainly not looking past him at the title shot they’ve talked about.

MA: Is that your understanding that you will fight Evan Tanner if you defeat Travis Lutter?

ML: That’s what Dana said at the press conference so I would think so.

MA: Okay, I’ll get to Tanner in a second, but back to Lutter for now. How do you think you match-up with him?

ML: I actually think I match up really well with him. But he’s good you know? I’ve got to watch out.

MA: You say that you match up well with him. Is that because you feel his strength is his ground and that’s where you feel that you’re better than him?

ML: Yes, that’s pretty much it exactly.

MA: He’s a good submission guy though.

ML: I’m not worried about the submission at all. Submissions don’t seem to give me much trouble.

MA: Okay. Speaking of Evan Tanner; Frank Trigg said something on MMARadio that I thought was interesting. He said that you two know each other so well that you’ll end up neutralizing one another and that the fight wouldn’t be that exciting. Do you agree with that assessment?

ML: I’ll be going in there to win. I won’t be trying to neutralize anything. Yes, we know each other well but we’re both fierce competitors. I don’t think having trained together will be a big issue in that fight.

MA: How do you see that fight unfolding? Where do you see it won?

ML: I think we’ll both be looking for that top position. We both enjoy working from the top and I think we’re both pretty dominant from that position. I think we’re pretty even standing so it will come down to whom can get the other guy down.

MA: Does the David Terrell fight still weigh heavily on your mind?

ML: Sure, I’d love to rematch Terrell. I want my redemption. But I also want that belt. I think it should be Tanner first and then I’ll get back in there with Terrell or whoever else they want me to fight. It really doesn’t matter to me.

MA: You’ve recently fought and won in Rage Cage and in Sportfight. Do you plan on continuing to fight for other organizations?

ML: I’m on a one fight contract with the UFC right now. I would assume that they’d want to lock me up if I can get by Lutter and challenge for the title. That would be fine with me.

MA: Are you watching The Ultimate Fighter?

ML: Ya, mostly because I know some of the guys on it.

MA: Are you not a fan of the show?

ML: No, I don’t care for it much. I probably wouldn’t watch it if it weren’t for the guys I know. But, it’s getting great ratings so I guess I don’t know what good TV is (chuckling).

MA: What would you say to those fans that are accusing Randy Couture of being biased towards the Team Quest guys, particularly Chris Leben?

ML: It’s a show, not reality. There’s really no such thing as reality TV, you know?

MA: Are you implying that the SPIKE TV executives are the ones giving Leben the breaks?

ML: I’m just saying that we don’t see everything that goes on behind the scenes that’s all.

MA: Fair enough. How lofty are your goals for the Sportfight organization?

ML: The show is doing great. We’re drawing 2,000 people to our events. Our main priority right now is striking a TV deal. I’d say those are pretty big goals.

MA: Can you disclose any details on that?

ML: There’s really nothing to say at this point. We’re busy editing our previous shows and presenting them to a couple of networks. It’s in the final stages and we hope to hear something soon.

MA: We all know of your partner in Sportfight, Randy Couture. Who else is behind the scenes?

ML: There’s Robert Follis who is our coaching and gym operations guy and there is Jay Weston who is our financial guy.

MA: There are many great MMA teams out there. Each has something that people associate with them. For example, the Chute Boxe fighters are known as being super aggressive and having killer instincts. Caesar Gracie’s team is regarded as excellent submission fighters. For Team Quest, there’s the wrestling aspect of course. But there’s also an undeniable recognition that you guys are a bunch of winners. There’s the future hall of famer and 2 time heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, Randy Couture. There’s you and Dan Henderson that always seem to be amongst the best in your weight class. BJ Penn comes to train with you guys and he wins the welterweight title. Rulon Gardner joins Team Quest and puts on a flawless, workmanlike performance against Yoshida. What do you attribute all this success to and why do you think everyone seems to want to train with you guys?

ML: There are no egos here. Our priority is definitely on winning. I think that some people get nervous when they think of training with a bunch of new guys. They think that their new training partners are going to try and rough them up. We’re not like that. We’re really laid back and focused on winning.

MA: How is Duane “Bang” Ludwig doing?

ML: Oh man, the guy is so much fun to spar with. His kick-boxing skills are incredible!

MA: How are his ground skills?

ML: Well that’s why he’s here. He needs some work, but he’s got great reflexes and a decent sprawl. If he can add some stuff to his ground game, he’ll be dangerous.

MA: Do you see Ludwig being a top contender in the welterweight division?

ML: For sure, he’ll be a force. With some more ground stuff he can be right up there.

MA: There was talk that you were fighting Kazushi Sakuraba at PRIDE Shockwave 2003. Did you ever learn why that didn’t materialize?

ML: No. I thought that the deal was done. The next phone call I was expecting was information on when my plane was departing. Instead, I got a phone call saying that they decided to go with someone else.

MA: Do you think he turned you down?

ML: It could have been that. But he’s a tough guy. Heck, he’s fought Wanderlei Silva three times! I can’t imagine why he’d have a problem with fighting me. I don’t know what happened with that.

MA: For quite some time, the names Matt Lindland and Phil Baroni were used simultaneously. You guys had one of the best feuds ever in the UFC. You’ve continued to progress towards a title shot meanwhile, Phil Baroni now finds himself fighting to get back in the UFC. Do you have any thoughts on that?

ML: If you go and read previous interviews of mine you’d think I was a prophet now! Phil’s closer to dancing for nickels at a car wash as opposed to being a legitimate contender. And you know what else? The beatings are only getting worse.

MA: Wow, I was sort of thinking there might be some closure there but I guess I was wrong. There’s still no love between the two of you then.

ML: No, you reap what you sow. When you’re not a good person, you know, these things happen.

MA: Any predictions on Baroni versus Team Quest’s Art Santore?

ML: It’s a good match-up. Both guys are exciting fighters. Hopefully they’ll both go in there and try to win instead of going in there and trying not to lose. It’s a close fight.

Source: MMA Fighting

Rodrigo Nogueira: On the Rebound
by Portal do Vale Tudo

Former PRIDE heavyweight champion Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira is back in the gym following his fight against Emelianenko Fedor on New Years Eve. In this interview from Brazil, “Minotauro” speaks about his state of mind after his second defeat to the Russian, what he thinks of a potential Fedor-Filipovic showdown, as well as other insightful topics.

Sherdog.com: After the vacation time following PRIDE Shockwave 2, are you already back training?

Rodrigo Nogueira: I already started to train, then in the beginning of February and [I stopped during] the carnival. I am in the expectation of fights, am training and improving my technique. But I did not push the training because I do not have a scheduled fight. When it has been scheduled, I [will] come back a 100 percent.

Sherdog.com: Has your contract already been extended?

Nogueira: Still I have not signed. I am in negotiations with them, but my desire is to continue in PRIDE.

Sherdog.com: What are your plans for 2005?

Nogueira: I want to win all the fights that I will have, and to position myself to fight for the belt again.

Sherdog.com: Any preference to fight against Fedor?

Nogueira: Either him or “Cro Cop”—whomever has the belt does not matter. My bigger objective is to catch the title once again.

Sherdog.com: You must have watched your last fight against Fedor many times, what you can say about it?

Nogueira: I did not watch the fight very much, one or two times only. Strategically the man is good; he has a fast entrance, designed to strike and to attack the legs or give a straight punch … then I never knew when he was going for the straight punch or for the legs. So it was very difficult to defend the takedowns, which complicated the fight. He took me down some six times, very fast. He is very explosive. I was able to box with him OK, but I didn’t find myself in the first round. In second, more or less, I was not [fighting] with a good distance so I wasn’t able to take him down. In the end of the first round I had a good moment, obtaining the top position, but the round was over. He made a difficult fight and strategically he is very good. I’m going to have to train more and improve my game. Each time that I make a fight like this, I learn something. With certainty this fight was better than the first one. The second fight was good. In the third he dominated the fight, with takedowns and on the ground. He was smart, did not want to work the ground with me; you saw that he did a little ground-and-pound and then stood back up. It is difficult because he did not want to be in the ground to pass the guard, and this was pretty confusing for me. He was more worried about punching from the guard. He took me down, pounded a little and stood up. It was difficult.

Sherdog.com: What would you do differently while training for a new fight against Fedor?

Nogueira: I would give more emphasis to wrestling. He did takedowns there that I could not have fallen.

Sherdog.com: And are you already training more wrestling?

Nogueira: Already I am training. People have three modalities—standing, wrestling and ground. I am training more wrestling because when I am on top I find the fight very easy for me. I give a lot of heat when the fella is [on his back]. Then he does not have reason to be making guard always.

Sherdog.com: PRIDE is trying to get Fedor to fight “Cro Cop.” Who do you think will win between to two?

Nogueira: It’s going to be a hard fight for Fedor, but I find he likes to fight more; he is more of a fighter. Mirko is very gifted. He locates well in ring, he has good sprawl, he has a good kick, but I find Fedor warlike. He is sharper.

Sherdog.com: What are your expectations for the participation of your brother Rogério in the PRIDE middleweight GP?

Nogueira: Rogério fought well against Alistair (Overeem). I am with a good expectation for him. It will have good fighters: Shogun, Wanderlei, Quinton Jackson … but I [believe] more on our side. He will have some good fights this year.

Sherdog.com: Pedro Rizzo is about to sign with PRIDE. What do you think of this?

Nogueira: I find it wonderful. He is one hell of a fighter, very experienced. In the cage they were always trying to smother him, and that was about all they did. When a fighter goes from an event to another he has a new spirit up, he goes to fight different. He was in the UFC for several years and it’s always that same mood, that same song. In PRIDE he goes to have another adrenaline, another motivation.

Sherdog.com: What do you think about the ascension of Andrei Arlovski in the UFC?

Nogueira: Man, I saw his last fight and he was good. He punches well, [and] has a decent ground game. It’s hard to put him down. He is a man that is on the rise, but I am more like us, and [like] Pedro (Rizzo), we catch him.

Sherdog.com: Pedro already knocked Andrei out

Nogueira: It is the truth. It was a big right that he gave to the dude. To tell you the truth, Pedro already beat all the champions of the Ultimate. He beat Andrei, Josh Barnett, Ricco Rodriguez, (Mark) Coleman … the only problem is that he never beat them for the title.

Sherdog.com: In the end of 2004, they filmed a reality show in your house. How was it?

Nogueira: The man filmed the training that people make to fight. Everything that rolls exactly: the diet; the training; the physical preparation; the environment of the house; people waking up. He showed all the rituals that people make before the fight. The man filmed before my last fight, this last one with Rogério, and must film before my next one. Then he goes to show how an athlete behaves before the fight.

Sherdog.com: Your house is a center of training …

Nogueira: It is truth. Before the fights friends always come here … [there] is always a fight climate 24-hours-per day, which is good. They only speak of fighting and even women are forbidden here.

Sherdog.com: Randy Couture is 41 years old and is about to defend his title in the UFC. What do you think of him?

Nogueira: The man is a monster. I was seeing old fights of him and he is very strong. I find that now he is even more of a technician. He improved after being older. Everybody that speaks of MMA speaks of the man. He was champion, lost the title two times, came back and was champion, lost another fight and was champion again. He is an example of determination. … He is a great champion.

Sherdog.com: Wanderlei Silva has said many times that he wants to fight against the champion of the UFC. Do you also have this desire?

Nogueira: I [fight for] PRIDE and if they ask me to fight in the Ultimate would; that would be an honor. If they make one interchange, I am open to fight, but I do not have one fighter there that I want to fight.

Sherdog.com: To finish, leave some message to your fans.

Nogueira: I wanted to thank the people who were cheering to me in this last fight, but unfortunately, I did not win. But I have my head up high and I’ll continue training to fight for Brazil and the people who have been cheering for me. Those people who had stopped cheering for me—I saw a group in the Internet speaking, "Ah, ‘Minotauro’ fought badly”—know that I trained very hard for this fight, it was not due to lack of training. I continue to improve, because there are days that people fight well, but there are days that people do not obtain to develop our game. I am with my head up high and I’m going to have many more victories in the future.

Source: Sherdog

Mário Reis trains with Tererê at TT

4x BJJ champion Mário Reis was in São Paulo, at TT Jiu-Jitsu to train with his friend Fernando Tererê. After spending two months locked in an American prison, Tererê has thought about quitting fighting, but everybody around has been supporting him to keep BJJ black belt on the mat. Mário enjoyed the trip to São Paulo and visited Tererê.

- Tererê is such a friend of mine. He was happy when he saw me in there. I spent two days with him and he taught me lots of things. I avoided conversation about what had happened in US, and he told me he is a little bit tired of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions. I said I was such a fan of his Jiu-Jitsu and he is an example for his pupils - Mário said. He also confirmed Tererê is recovering himself. "He seemed a little shaken, but I am sure things going to be right, he said.

Source: Tatame

NAMES IN THE GAME: Bart Palazewski
by Tim Spagnola

This Saturday MMA action returns to the state of Illinois as the X-Treme Fighting Organization presents XFO 5. The main event of this card will feature current XFO Champion Bart Palaszewski defending his lightweight title against the always tough Joe Jordan. Palaszewski is a local up and coming fighter that is coming off several impressive wins. "Bartimus" possesses both devastating KO power and an impressive BJJ background- both coming with a little assistance from the 'Big Frog'. MMAWeekly's Tim Spagnola recently had the opportunity to speak with "Bartimus" to learn about his thoughts regarding this weekend's anticipated match-up, what it is like training with Jeff Curran, and overall future plans in this sport.

MMAWeekly is pleased to feature Bart "Bartimus" Palaszewski as one of this week's 'Names in the Game'.

MMAWeekly:

Bart- thanks for taking time out of your training to speak with MMAWeekly. Let's talk a bit about your background- How did you first get involved with MMA?

Palaszewski:

I began training with Jeff Curran at his original school on May 15th, 1999. I was doing Jiu-Jitsu and Thai Boxing. I loved it. After I went to see my first NHB fight I saw myself doing that someday. I was sixteen at that time. I competed for the first time in the Pan Ams of 2000 in Jiu-Jitsu.

MMAWeekly:

And today, who are you currently training with?

Palaszewski:

The Big Frog! I never stopped training with Jeff since the beginning. Jeff and I share a boxing coach. His name is Dr. Doug Mango. He has helped not only me, but the whole team.

MMAWeekly:

And speaking of the Big Frog, what is it like to have the opportunity to train and work with an exp