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October 2005 News
Part 3
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10/31/05 Happy Halloween! |
Happy
Halloween!
Please keep an eye on your children and warn them to watch for
cars while they are out, tell them to never enter anyone's house,
and to trick or treat in groups. Finally, make sure that they
wait until their parents inspect the candies before they eat
them.
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a fun and safe Halloween from Onzuka.com!
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Quote
of the Day
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which
it is impossible to be silent."
Victor Hugo, 1802-1885, French Poet/Dramatist/Novelist
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Rei
Zulu keeps fighting
At age 58, mythical MMA fighter faces adversities typical to
the Brazilian population, but still struggles for consecration
By Raimundo Garrone
“Is there any money in for me?” This was Casemiro Nascimento
Martins (or King Zulu’s) second reaction as he found out,
through telephone, about our desire to interview him. The first
was to kick the ass of anyone in the magazine who might wish
to challenge his majesty. Thank God that was not our intention.
But what kind of a king is this who only speaks about making
money with what is left of his fame and courage? Is he not the
one who traveled to fight some of the country’s greatest
stars?
Mixed
Martial Arts’ black king today is but another ordinary Maranhao
citizen in the same situation as millions of other poor Brazilians.
Now the challenge is to beat the poverty issued by 30 years of
fighting. The man who was once called king lives in a single-bedroom
house at one of the most violent areas of Sao Luis, the capital
of Maranhao, in the company of Maria Graça de Carvalho,
grandson Elieson Costa, a few chickens and ducks, plus three
stray dogs – Dirty Leather, Two-face and Little Cougar.
The rest is old furniture, a few trophies and other rusty stuff.
“He
did not own a thing. It was after we got married that our life
became a little better and nowadays we even have our own house,”
Mrs. Graça says, while she takes advantage of her husband’s
absence to smoke a cigarette and tell us about the ups of being
companion to the man who “will never cease to be a king.”
It
was in the presence of Graça’s flatteries –she
was saying he looked like and elegant 40-year-old– that
Zulu showed up. Directly he came in sweaty, he went back to the
phone conversation, whether there was any chance of him getting
a few bucks for the interview. Then he sat down sternly, his
hair dyed black, and asked the first question, which he would
repeat the whole day.
“Does
Ratinho read the magazine?” referring to a popular television
artist known for making a show out of poor people’s disgrace
and helping them get the assistance they need. “If he finds
out about the condition I’m in, he’ll help me.”
The king’s will is to set up his own academy and get someone
to sponsor his travels to the Brazilian inland towns where he
has fought and, he believes, there are still some worshippers
left. For now, what is left of his majesty is an old album full
of newspaper clippings and a long-expired passport of his Japan
excursion.
There
is no explaining his career’s KO. What’s for sure is
that he maintains his family with only R$500 a month, which he
earns whenever he is able to set up fights at the Maranhao inland.
The result is that, on the stove, the two old pans contain what
could be considered a punch on the stomach: the inexorable menu
of rice and beans with some jerked meat.
He
is only able to change the dish when the owner of the ducks and
chickens Zulu breeds in the backyard bestows one of them upon
the legendary warrior, or when the latter arrives from one of
his excursions with a few bucks to get food at the joint around
the corner. It is amid the backyard animals that Zulu drags a
truck tire at the break of dawn before having oatmeal, during
the training spans.
Then
he goes through the daily routine of walking around the neighborhood
–where he is quite famous– bearing an out-of-phase
Ericsson cell phone. That is how he stays in touch with inland
folks interested in new fights. And, in order to make easier
for people to challenge him, he claims to be 60 years old. It’s
actually 58, completed on June 9th.
“The way I am right now it’s hard to do professional
bouts. So I travel inland challenging amateurs, these young tough-guys
from gyms,” he reveals. But, he stresses, with the proper
nutrition and training he is in condition of giving many competent
fighters a hard time.
“Does
anyone not know me? I’ve traveled across Brazil and hit
a lot of people,” he brags. Fame, however, is not enough
to take him from poverty, diminished by the land he got in the
invasion he lives in.
“It
used to be worse. I lived in a straw house…” he recalls.
Zulu refrains from explaining this “gift” from Luizao,
controversial fellow who probably had some protection from a
couple of politicians, and supposedly promoted an invasion industry
in Sao Luiz, and ended up murdered. Zulu only claims him to have
been his Zulu’s fan.
It
was from another fan, amazonense Luis Alberto Nicolau, that he
obtained the bricks to erect the present house. But living on
favour Doesn’t take him away from Olympia, where he seems
to hide, nourishing a glorious past. He remembers the fights
against Rickson Gracie both in Brasilia DC and in a packed Maracanazinho
(little brother to Maracana stadium, once the biggest football
arena in the world).
“I
only lost because they made up rules disabling me to kick ass
and I got immobilized,” he argues, contradicting reports
of those days that described kicks and punches on the face. Not
even the typical poverty horizon is able to take his mind from
the heavens; however, we rest in doubt about how long this past
will be able to keep him standing. Besides the limited nutrition,
Zulu’s family, like most of the neighbors, depends on Unified
Health System for any sort of treatment.
Suddenly
Zulu is required to assist an old man with an asthma crisis who
was about to die right in front of a desperate family, because
the public hospital two blocks away doesn’t have an ambulance
to pick him up.
“No-one
here’s got health insurance. We count only on God and that
hospital nearby,” he bewails while remembering that his
wife suffers from the same kind of agony. She needs to urgently
remove an ovary myoma, and the king hasn’t yet arranged
a room for her.
No
one knows whether he is going to stop having children after the
nine he has left scattered in the country. His heritage will
go to the only one who lives in Maranhao. Wagner Conceiçao
Martins, “Zuluzinho,” is 6’9’’ tall,
weighs not-so-well-distributed 290lb, and follows Dad’s
footsteps: he is training to cross Brazil challenging anyone
who dares come across him.
The
essence running through his veins is responsible for 35 wins
in 35 MMA fights, three by KO, conquered in Maranhao as well
as other states in Brazilian Northeast and North. Unlike his
father, he divides his time between working as a security guard
in reggae clubs scattered through the city. “That’s
where I make some money,” he clarifies. His father jokes,
“He was raised by his grandmother, is kind of slow, but
he’s got a future.” Zulu himself refuses to work as
a guard. “I’m Zulu, King Zulu, and I won’t be
anyone’s employee or security. I’ll live or die out
of fighting,” he insists. And, just to make sure, he asks
if Ratinho reads the magazine…
Source: Gracie Magazine
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IS
TITO BACK IN THE GAME?
by Jeff Cain
There have been two rumors that have surfaced the past month
about the Huntington Beach Bad Boy. Could Tito Ortiz be close
to signing a deal with the UFC? Is he about to start his own
promotion?
'The
Huntington Beach Bad Boy' has said in many recent interviews
that he planned on starting his own organization. In August,
in an interview with MMAWeekly, Ortiz talked about starting his
own promotion. He said, "It's going to be a big one. It's
going to be here in States, and Las Vegas is the first place
we're looking to make it happen."
Over
the last several months Tito has been working to make it a reality.
He hinted about the news on the Underground Forum Friday by starting
a thread titled, "This is big!" It simply read, "The
W.F.A. Stay Tuned!" Some fighters have told MMAWeekly that
he is reportedly finalizing the acquisition of the World Fighting
Alliance (WFA), John Lewis' former Las Vegas based fight promotion.
The details of the transfer of ownership are still unknown, but
it appears that John Lewis is willing to part with his portion
of the company.
The
WFA is a sanctioned event in the state of Nevada. It's a reputable
promotion who've always put on good shows and treated the fighters
well. MMAWeekly's own Frank Trigg is a former WFA welterweight
champion. They've had numerous top fighters compete in their
organization. Just to name a few: Rich Franklin, Josh Thomson,
Dennis Hallman, Mike Van Arsdale, Kimo Leopoldo, Alex Stiebling,
Vitor Ribeiro, 'Tiki' Ghosen, Ronald Jhun, and Marvin Eastman. If and when the deal is
finalized there would be nothing in the way of the WFA holding
events as soon as they can put the cards together and secure
a venue.
Tito
Ortiz could soon be a promoter, but what about Tito Ortiz the
fighter? 'The Huntington Beach Bad Boy' was on Live Audio Wrestling
last week where Ortiz revealed that he and UFC match maker Joe
Silva are in negotiations for his return to the octagon. Sources
have told MMAWeekly that part of the deal Tito was offered was
a fight with 'The Ultimate Fighter' season one light heavyweight
winner Forrest Griffin for early next year, possibly April.
Tito
Ortiz and Forrest Griffin have a bit of history that began when
Dana White said on MMAWeekly SoundOff Radio, "I can tell
you right now that Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin.....more
people know who they are right now than know who Tito Ortiz is.
They were a part of a show that ten million people were watching
at one point." Ortiz responded by commenting online that
his "nuts" were more popular than Forrest Griffin.
Ortiz
would later say about 'The Ultimate Fighter' participants, "I
don't see them as really that good of fighters to me." He
even went so far as to refer to them as "cronies."
There's definitely a storyline for that fight to be built around,
but will Ortiz actually be back in the UFC?
Ortiz
recently turned down a six fight deal with Pride that was rumored
to be for $125,000 to show and another $125,000 winning bonus.
He told Live Audio Wrestling his reasons for declining the offer
was, "It just didn't interest me that much. Six fights with
them seemed like too long of a time for me. This sport is growing
so quick that you just never know what the next step is going
to be. I will fight in the States though man."
Tito's
always maintained that he'll fight again, and he made it clear
that he wants to fight in the United States. The question now
is, will it be in the UFC or the WFA?
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Bustamante:
"I hope Henderson comes for a clean fight this time”
Fighter talks about his career and the upcoming duel against
Dan Henderson
by Pablo Lima
I usually compare a great athlete to a fine dish, because both
depend on a proper combination of ingredients to succeed. And
even so one is never quite sure whether it’ll turn out to
be good. And since we’re talking adequate preparation, I
recall two moments that help me in learning to be a mixed martial
artist.
The
first of them was against Quinton Jackson, in the 2003 Pride
Grand Prix. That was insane; I had no fighting condition, but
had to do it to honour the academy’s promise. The one supposed
to fight was Arona, but he had broken his foot the day before
and, since I had closed a good deal with the Japanese, I chose
to replace him, so I walked into the ring. I started off well
in the fight but in the last two rounds I felt very tired, didn’t
do as well as I could have and in the end lost by decision. The
techniques I gained in years of Jiu-Jitsu made it possible for
me to take the combat all the way to the end.
A
similar case occurred against Nakamura, also in Pride. The villain
this time was overtraining. Three weeks before the fight I was
physically and technically great, but the wear caused by the
tiresome training routine left me exausted throughout the fight.
I felt the wear the time I needed more stamina. I learned with
it that no athlete gets well prepared overnight.
Another
important aspect: equilibrium between physical activity and rest.
When I began in MMA, my routine was all messed up; at the time
I’d train twice a day, sometimes once, and my work would
put a lot of stress on working out, without correctly combining
activities with resting. Nowadays I rely on the supervision by
physical expert Marcio Pimentel, who adjusts me to MMA regarding
my potentialities and limits. I train about 14 times per week,
in which I practice several fighting styles with a Jiu-Jitsu
basis, and at times it’s mandatory to break the rules and
just rest, for I know my limits and am aware of how important
it is to take a day off once in a while
Another
fundamental point is the psychological factor. Being ready to
face difficult and unexpected is also indispensable to control
one’s nerves during the fight. Against Nakamura I suffered
my third consecutive loss and thus had a hard time renewing my
contracts – which was really tough psychologically. It is
truly important to know how to turn things around, find motivation
to make good fights and win again.
The
psychological side counts a lot too in the ring, because defeats
do arise and some are unfair. After I fought Chuck Liddell I
thought I had won it, but the referee raised his arm. I was clearly
superior throughout the match, he ended it almost fainting; even
his team congratulated me.
The
same happened when I took on Dan Henderson, whom I’m meeting
again in December. He gave me a head strike, the fight was interrupted
and they granted him a knockout win. It is not easy to lose because
of head strike, but we must be prepared for some opponents’
tricks. He gave Gono three of those strikes, had already done
it to Minotouro, and that is something that can really upset
you and make you lose control. I always fight according to the
rules and don’t use any trick to impair my adversary’s
performance. I hope he is willing to make a clean fight this
time, because I am sure we can perform a great show.
At
39 I am at my best thanks to my physical, technical and psychological
preparation, the most important ingredients to get to great victories.
I am glad I’m returning this year, and really motivated
with the conquests that may arise. By the way, a belt is belt,
and it’s always good to get one.
As
to titles, Brazilian Top Team and Chute Boxe, I’m glad we
have this healthy rivalry, with great athletes who, when they
face one another, perform brilliantly. We are still fighting
many times, after all we are the best MMA teams on the planet.
And together, one might add, we’ve got the four best middleweights
in the world: Arona, Wanderlei, Minotouro and Shogun.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Quote
of the Day
"Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns
in order to look at things in a different way."
Edward de Bono, Maltese-born Psychologist and Authority on Creative
Thinking
|
X-1
Battlegrounds at the O-Lounge
Is Looking
for Fighters
X-1 Battlegrounds at the O Lounge 2
O Lounge Night Club, Honolulu, Hawaii
November 11, 2005
Tentative Fight Card (Subject To Change)
Derek Thornton (Rock Bottom Fight Team) vs. Deutsch Puu (Freelance)
Vilatonu Fonokalafi (Freelance) vs. Tomas Rosser (Freelance)
Danny Ferriera (Freelance, Streetfighting) vs. Joshua Ferreira
(Freelance, Kickboxing)
Jensen Reese (Freelance, Boxing) vs. Hugh Jones (Freelance, Boxing)
Makoa Hanaike (Team M.M.A.D, Wrestling) vs. Bronson Delima (Bulls
Pen)
Bernard Monderen (Freelance, Kickboxing) vs. Kenneth Mack (Team
Submit)
Chris Procopio (Eastsidaz) vs. Derek Stadler (Bulls Pen)
Thomas Gilbert (Team Mix Breed) vs. Ikaika Jhun (Freelance, Boxing)
If you have not competed in MMA before or have 1 or 2 fights
and are looking to get some experience, please contact Mike Miller
at 689-8867. The next event is scheduled for November 11, 2005
at the O-Lounge Night Club. The O-Lounge is located next to Ala
Moana Shopping Center and is above Venus night club.
Source:
Event Promoter
|
Rumble
World Entertainment Announces
"Just Scrap" Qualifier
November 5th event
will be held in Hilo on the Big Island
HILO, HAWAI'I - Oct 28, 2005 Rumble World Entertainment (RWE),
producers of Rumble on the Rock (ROTR) and ROTR Qualifiers, has
announced the final Qualifier of the series, “Just Scrap!”
The event will be held on November 5th, 2005 at Edith Kanaka'ole
Tennis Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii.
This
is the third Qualifier event scheduled and will determine which
fighters will move forward to participate in the January 20th
main event, Rumble on the Rock 8.
The
Rumble on the Rock Qualifiers offer local fighters the opportunity
to compete in the bigger shows by testing their skills in a professional-level
environment. Rumble World Entertainment utilizes the tournament-style
qualifier events to scout talent for its bigger shows in Honolulu
and throughout Hawai‘i.
Scheduled
fights for "Just Scrap" are:
Wesley
"Cabbage" Correira vs TBA
Ross "Da Boss" Ebanez vs TBA
Jay "Excalibur" Carter vs Jason Dacquell
Kaleo Padilla vs Sean Castro
"Sugar" Shane Nelson vs TBA
Tama vs Scott "Superman" Spencer
Justin "Merc" Mercado vs David Moreno
Albert Manners vs Gavin Mata
Buddy Betts vs Maluhia
Mike Bickers vs Ashton Castro
Ticket
Prices:
• General $25
• Cageside $50
• Military & Students (ID Required) $20
Ticket
Locations:
• Health Haven
• CD Wizard
• Employment Experts
• Big Island Surf
Learn more...
About
Rumble World Entertainment
Rumble World Entertainment (RWE) is a Hawai‘i-based entertainment
company who produces Rumble on the Rock (ROTR), Rumble on the
Rock Qualifiers, and RumbleVision. In less than two years, RWE,
formerly Prodigy Productions, has taken ROTR from a small Hilo-
based show to a globally recognized event broadcast in 90 countries
including Japan Pay-Per-View and U.S. Pay-Per-View. Known as
Hawai‘i’s premiere MMA event, ROTR draws record audiences
of 12,000. RWE hopes to bring their events to California and
Las Vegas in the near future.
Website:
http://www.rumbleontherock.com
Source: Event Promoter
|
Rumble
World Entertainment Announces Next Big Event
Promoters
decide to re-schedule November event and prepare for star-studded
eight-man tournament in January
HONOLULU, HAWAI'I - Oct 27, 2005 Rumble World Entertainment,
the organization behind Hawai‘i’s premiere Mixed Martial
Arts (MMA) event Rumble on the Rock (ROTR), have announced the
rescheduling of their November 19th ROTR event. The next ROTR
event will be held on January 20th at the Neal Blaisdell Center Arena in Honolulu.
According
to J.D. Penn, president of RWE, “Due to unforseen circumstances
we have decided to postpone our event until January 20th. We
look forward to bringing another class-act ROTR event with the
top MMA athletes to Honolulu fans,” he said. “ROTR
8 promises to be a card packed with some of the headlining athletes
in the sport. This tournament will crown our first-ever Welterweight
Grand Prix champion,” he said. Penn went on to comment that
the postponement of the event is due in part to his desire to
bring one of the best tournament cards yet into the ROTR cage.
The
January 20th event, titled "ROTR 8 – World Championships"
will feature an eight-man tournament of Welterweights who will
compete to become the first ROTR Grand Prix champion. This will
be the first tournament-style ROTR event RWE has done and promoters
are confident that the format will be a success. The event will
be held under MMA rules. Confirmed welterweight competitors include
Brazilian sensation Renato “Charuto” Verissimo, former
Shooto champion Jake Shields, Dennis “Superman” Hallman,
and Chris “Lights Out” Lytle.
The
event will also feature world-renown Polynesian entertainment
group Malu Productions, known for their Snoop Dogg video performance
on MTV as well as their performances with the NFL and the Hawai‘i
International Film Festival. Malu Productions highlight the Polynesian
dance styles of Tahiti, Hawaii, New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa.
Learn
more...
About
Rumble World Entertainment
Rumble World Entertainment (RWE) is a Hawai‘i-based entertainment
company who produces Rumble on the Rock (ROTR), Rumble on the
Rock Qualifiers, and RumbleVision. In less than two years, RWE,
formerly Prodigy Productions, has taken ROTR from a small Hilo-
based show to a globally recognized event broadcast in 90 countries
including Japan Pay-Per-View and U.S. Pay-Per-View. Known as
Hawai‘i’s premiere MMA event, ROTR draws record audiences
of 12,000. RWE hopes to bring their events to California and
Las Vegas in the near future.
Website:
http://www.rumbleontherock.com
Source: Event Promoter
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Jorge
Macaco: In state of grace
By Eduardo Ferreira
The
32 old fighter Jorge Patino Macaco did a real show at Show Fight
3, when KO'd Gabriel Vella on last September 21. The combat,
held at Ibirapuera Gymnasium (SP) marked the return of Macaco
to the Ibirapuera after almost ten years since his last fight.
'It was a lot of emotion. When I saw my fans I was so moved.
It was good fighting at home,' said Macaco, who after the win,
challenged Vella's master Ryan Gracie. Read the full interview
below:
When
did start the rivalry between you and Gabriel Vella?
Seven
years ago! When Gabriel Vella fought with pupil at São
Paulo Jiu-Jitsu Championship, at Pacaembú Gymnasium. In
the middle of the fight, there were a mess and Vella beat another
pupil for backwards. When Vella turned sideways, he met me. I
beat him in the face and he fell. He did not handle the pressure
and he left.
According
to Vella, he said he was 16 years old by that time.
He
was overage. If he was 16, he would have suited me. Years later,
I met him in Maresias (city in the São Paulo coast) and
extended my hand for him. I apologized and said he might punch
me in the face to get even. But he didn't want to. Then I asked
if he was okay with that and he said he was fine. But during
his first chance to challenge me, he did it.
Tell
me about your strategy. Did you have a clue it would be so easy?
My
strategy was having Jesus in my heart and Chute Boxe in the vein,
hey!!!! I trained a lot to KO. I was prepared for more than one
hour of fight, but the guy has a chin made of glass. Vella didn't
find me in ring. I didn't suffer a single beat from him. I was
expecting for 15 minutes of fight at least, because he is a good
young fighter, but he only lasted one minute and a half.
Did
you do some special preparation for this event?
I
trained a lot the blow I applied in Vella with Dida. He freed
one jab and I applied a sequence of crossed punch with upper
and I finished the fight. He was training five times per day
for this fight. I trained a lot with the master Rafael Cordeiro,
with Nino Schembri, Daniel Acácio, Murilo Ninja, Evangelista
Cyborg and I passed in the test of assimilation with Wanderlei
Silva.
What
was this assimilation test?
Wanderlei
said to me: 'Macaco, we want to know if you are ready. I will
simulate that I am beating you up and we will see how you can
handle.' I said: 'What is this Wandeco?' (laughing). Wanderlei
wore an 18 ounces glove and kicked my ass. I arrived in São
Paulo hurt with black eyes. Well, I passed in the test.
After
the event, you challenged Ryan... when are we going to see you
guys fighting?
Honestly,
I think that this fight will never happen. He will hide himself
behind the purse. He will say is a Pride champ. But I have fought
28 fights and I am able to fight anyone.
How
it was to come back to a crowded Ibirapuera after almost 10 years
of your last fight in São Paulo?
There
were eight thousand of people. It was a lot of emotion. When
I saw my fans, I was so moved. It is very good fighting at home.
Chute Boxe fans crying out heyyyy!!! It was too good.
Which
are your plans for the future? Do you have a fight soon?
I
am scaled to fight the Jungle Fight against a foreigner on November
26. I might fight at New Year's Eve Pride or at December 2nd's
Cage Rage. I don't know
I've
heard a rumor that you would be leaving Chute Boxe. This is true?
Never!
I do not leave Chute Boxe nor died. I already said to master
Rudimar that he will get tired of me! (laughs). They are all
very nice there. The team does not have traitors and everybody
wants to help each other. Master Rafael and master Rudimar have
a huge heart.
Source:
Tatame
|
Quote
of the Day
"Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses."
Confucius, 551-479 B.C., Chinese Ethical Teacher and Philosopher
|
Icon
Sport 43 Results!
Icon Sport 43: Opposites Attract
Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
October 28, 2005
By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com
Thanks to Connie for the picture!
Icon Sport put together the most anticipated fight in Hawaii
since Egan Inoue vs. Marcelo Tigre. The local boy and former
Icon Sport Champion, Falaniko Vitale takes on the most dangerous
"Haole" (foreigner) to come to Hawaii since Captain
Cook. The man they call Mayhem, Jason "Mayhem" Miller.
Both fighters are coming off of big losses after reaching the
pinnacle of their careers. After capturing the Icon Sport Middleweight
title with a spectacular knock out of Masanori Suda, it was Vitale
who got KO'd by Robbie Lawler in his first title defense. Miller,
on the other hand, has been on a tear, not losing a fight in
Hawaii in his five appearances. This earned him a shot in the
UFC, where he lost a bloody battle to Georges St. Pierre. Miller
returned to Hawaii to settle a score with Mark Moreno, taking
him out in the first round. Miller's antics have created a love-hate
relationship with the local Hawaii crowd. The fans that hate
him, really hate him, but Miller has become a kind of adopted
son of Hawaii earning the respect of Hawaii fight fans with his
ability to "walk the talk." The winner of this fight
earns a shot at current champ Robbie Lawler. The war began as
both fighters met in the center of the ring and fired off leg
kicks at the same time. From then on, it was a great back and
forth war with Miller taking the edge on the ground and Niko
landing hard punches on their feet. The deciding factor in the
fight was Miller's ability to take Vitale down and kept him there.
After barely surviving a tight rear naked choke by Vitale, Miller
turned the whole fight around by taking Vitale's back and slipping
in a choke of his own to end the match. The respect and admiration
of the fans as seen by the uproar when Miller won the fight showed
that Miller has won over more than his fair share of Hawaii's
fans.
The
under card consisted of great exchanges between fighters just
wanting to throw down. Both fighters tried to assert their dominance
on their feet or scrambled on the ground to gain good position.
Some fighters exchanged punches even when it turned out to be
to their detriment. Makana Albino utilized his reach to bloody
a tough Martinez, who kept coming back for more. Kevin Delima
turned the fight around after being dominated by Chico Cantiberos
and ended up unloading on him forcing the tap out. Harvey Nakamura
and Ryan Lee exchanged blows in what turned out to be a very
close and bloody fight. The Pride trials winners continued their
success with Nick Ring showing his versatility, taking out Mike
Malone, while KJ Noons showed that he is as good as they say,
pounding a tough Harris Sarmiento. Sarmiento tested Noons' chin
as he did not go down without a fight and took a tremendous amount
of hard punches, knees and kicks before succumbing to Noons.
Overall it was a great night of fights with a number of fights
that kept the crowd at the edge of their seats only for everyone
to get out of their seats for the main event.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155-lb:
Makana Albino (Grappling Unlimited) def. Bryce Martinez (Bulls
Pen)
Unanimous decision [(30-27), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155-lb:
Ikaika Choy-Fu (Jesus is Lord) def. Lorenzo Moreno (Bulls Pen)
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes from the mount at 2:55
minutes in Round 3.
3
Rounds - 2 Minutes
Kickboxing: 135lbs
Tyson Nam (Lee's Shaolin Boxing) def. Ed Newalu (808 Fight Factory)
Unanimous decision [(30-27), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 205-lb:
Lyle Nicely (Team M.M.A.D.) drew Billy Hall (HMC)
Draw [(29-28), (28-29), (29-29)] after 3 rounds.
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 145-lb:
Kevin DeLima (Bulls Pen) def. Chico Cantiberos (Eastsidaz)
Submission due to punches from the mount at 4:42 minutes in Round
1.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155-lb:
Brain Wiehle (Team M.M.A.D.) def. Jose Fernandez (JKD Unlimited)
Unanimous decision [(30-27), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 135-lb:
Harvey Nakamura (Grappling Unlimited) def. Ryan Lee (Bulls Pen)
Unanimous decision [(29-28), (29-28), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
3
Rounds - 2 Minutes
Exhibition: MMA: 175-lb:
Kimo Woelfel (Eastsidaz) def. Aaron Rose (808 Fight Factory)
Unanimous decision [(30-27), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 185-lb:
Steve Byrnes (Team MMAD) def. Bob "Bob-O" Ostovich
(Jesus is Lord)
Submission via key lock at 1:08 minutes in Round 2.
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 185-lb:
Nick Ring (AMC Pankration) def. Mike Malone (Eastsidaz)
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes from the back mount at
3:04 minutes in Round 1.
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 160-lb:
K.J. Noons (City Boxing) def. Harris "Hitman" Sarmiento
(808 Fight Factory)
Submission due to punches at 4:37 minutes in Round 3.
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 185-lb:
Jason "Mayhem" Miller (Cobra Kai) def. Falaniko Vitale
(808 Fight Factory)
Submission via rear naked choke at 2:41 minutes in Round 2.
|
Central
Pacific A.C. In Hilo Diversifies Its Activities
What does this have to do with martial arts in Hawaii? Well,
when gyms are struggling to stay open by charging reasonable
tuition rates, it is an interesting idea, when you have the capability
to find creative ways to pay the rent and keep a gym going for
all your athletes. If you are in Hilo, check it out.
Source: Wally Carvalho
|
Updated
Kickin It Fight Card
WHAT : KICKIN IT 2005 "THE SEQUEL"
KICKBOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS
WHEN : NOVEMBER 25, 2005 (FRIDAY 6PM - 10PM)
WHERE : ILIKAI HOTEL BALLROOM
MAIN EVENT
BOB ATISANOE (3-0) KING OF THE GIANTS TITLE (2-2) ANTHONY BILIANOR
HSD 251 AND OVER GOODSPORT KICKBOXING
DAVID BALICAO (9-1) SEMI-PRO WELTERWEIGHT TITLE (5-0) BRANDON
VISHER
HSD 140-146 GOODSPORT KICKBOXING
NUI WHEELER (3-1) LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE (3-3) TAVIS KAGAWA
TEAM SOLJAH 130 - 134 LAUPAHOEHOE MUAY THAI
VINNIE DELASANTOS (2-1) SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ((3-2) DEREK
MINN
TEAM SOLJAH 147 - 152 LAUPAHOEHOE MUAY THAI
KAIKA CHOYFOO (2-2) MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE (2-0) SHANEN KIRA
JESUS IS LORD 153 - 159 TEAM MIXBREED
THIS FIGHT IS SURE TO BE ONE OF THE NIGHTS MOST EXCITING FIGHTS
DUE TO THE FACT THAT CHOYFOO IS A FIGHTER WITH QUICK POWERFUL
HANDS. HIS OPPONENT KIRA IS THE OPPOSITE WITH THE FAST DEVASTATING
KICKS. CHOYFOO IS A SUPERBRAWL VETERAN WHO HAS FOUGHT A LOT OF
THE BEST KICKIN IT FIGHTERS FROM RODRIGUES TO MORENO. KIRA HAS
MADE HIS MARK BY STOPPING HIS FIRST OPPONENT AND DESTROYING HIS
LAST OPPONENT WITH HIS VICIOUS LEG KICKS. THIS FIGHT WILL BE
HANDS VS LEGS.
DALE KAMAI (2-1) LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE (2-0) NICK TIQUI
TEAM SOLJAH 167 - 174 ANIMAL HOUSE
JUSTIN DANO (3-1) CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE (2-0) ALAN ULIT
HSD 175 - 183 ANIMAL HOUSE
TEENAGER CHAMPIONSHIPS
BEN RODRIGUES (4-1) SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT JR. TITLE (2-0) LORENZO
MORENO
HSD 158 -165 BULLSPEN
THIS FIGHT IS ANOTHER PROMISING MATCH UP. BEN WHO IS 17 WILL
FACE 19 YRS OLD LORENZO WHO HAD AN OUTSTANDING WIN AGAINST CHOYFOO.
LORENZO HAS KNOCKED OUT EVERYONE THAT HE HAS MET AND MADE HIS
WORK SHORT AND QUICK WHEN HE STEPS INTO HIS OFFICE. BEN WILL
DEFINITELY HAVE HIS HANDS FULL ON NOVEMBER 25TH.
SHAISON LAUPOLA ((3-0) SUPER WELTERWEIGHT JR. TITLE (2-1) TIM
LAPITAN
JESUS IS LORD 147-152 BULLSPEN
RED DAVIS (2-1) SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT JR. TITLE (1-2) EDMUND LI
ANIMAL HOUSE 135-139 HMC
JUSTIN PIAMONTE (2-1) FEATHERWEIGHT JR. TITLE (1-2) DARRYL LABRADOR
ANIMAL HOUSE 120 - 124 HSD
KIDS CHAMPIONSHIPS
SAGE YOSHIDA (2-1) 11 -13 YRS OLD BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE (1-0) FRED
WAGNER
HMC 110 - 114 HSD
KONA MEYERS 8 YRS. OLD 55# TITLE TBA
HSD HMC
KAI KAMAKA (1-1) 10 YRS. OLD 65# TITLE (2-0) JUSTLY LAQHION
808 FIGHT FACTORY HMC
MICAH ABCEDE 9 YRS. OLD 70# TITLE KYLIE ROMERO
EWA BEACH FIGHT CLUB HMC
MICAH IS A FIGHTER WITH TREMENDOUS HEART. KYLIE IS AN AGRESSIVE
FIGHTER WHO WONT STOP TILL HE HEARS THE BELL RING. MICAH'S HEART
WILL BE PUT TO THE TEST ONCE AGAIN WHEN HE FACES THE NON STOPING
BULL RUSHING KYLIE ROMERO. KYLIE PROVED TO BE A CONTENDER WHEN
HE EXHIBITIONED THE 2004 7 YRS OLD 55# KICKIN IT CHAMPION IN
A FIGHT A FEW MONTHS AGO AND GAVE DAHWEN BRIGHT A FIGHT HE DIDNT
EXPECT. BUT MICAH ALSO PROVED TO BE A CONTENDER WHEN HE STOOD
AND TRIED TO TRADE WITH KYLIE'S TEAMMATE JUSTLY LAQHION IN A
PREVIOUS FIGHT. WILL HEART BE ENOUGH TO DENY AGRESSIVENESS A
CHAMPIONSHIP BELT? FIND OUT.
ROBBIE OSTAVICH (2-0) 12 YRS. OLD ATOMWEIGHT TITLE (0-0) WAYNE
SMITH
JESUS IS LORD 98 - 103 ANIMAL HOUSE
JACELYN 12 YRS. OLD GIRLS ATOMWEIGHT TITLE JACELYN KIM
EWA BEACH FIGHT CLUB 98 - 103 GOODSPORT KICKBOXING
DAHWEN BRIGHT 8 YRS OLD 60# TITLE JESUS SANTOS
HSD HMC
ALL PARTICIPANTS AND MATCHES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Source: Derrick Bright
|
"Dynamite":
Royce Fights on New Year's Eve
by Stephen Martinez
TOKYO, Oct. 27 — Mixed martial arts legend Royce Gracie
will face Japanese judo prodigy Yoshihiro Akiyama on the New
Year's Eve K-1 "Dynamite" card scheduled for the Osaka
Dome, K-1 officially announced Thursday.
Gracie
has been inactive since December 2004's K-1 "Dynamite,"
where he submitted Sumo Yokozuna Akebono in just over two minutes.
Akiyama, meanwhile, is 2-1 this year with submission victories
in K-1 HERO's and K-1 MAX.
Gracie-Akiyama
is the second official match-up for "Dynamite," which
goes head-to-head against PRIDE and other popular Japanese programming
in one of the biggest ratings nights of the year for Japanese
Television.
This
fight joins the HERO's Middleweight Grand Prix finals between
Kid Yamamoto and Genki Sudo, Other fighters expected to participate
on the card but do not yet have opponents include Bob Sapp, Jerome
Le Banner, Peter Aerts, Hideo Tokoro, and Korean giant Choi Hong-Man.
Source:
Sherdog
|
Quote
of the Day
"If
an idea's worth having once, it's worth having twice."
Tom Stoppard, British Dramatist and Screenwriter
|
Icon
Sport 43 Today!
Icon Sport: Opposites Attract
Friday, October 28, 2005
Blaisdell Arena
Fight
Card
185-lb: Falaniko Vitale (20-4, 808 Fight Factory)
vs.
Jason "Mayhem" Miller (13-4, Team Punishment)
170-lb: K.J. Noons (3-1, City Boxing) vs. Harris "Hitman"
Sarmiento (26-10, 808 Fight Factory)
185-lb: Nick Ring (4-0, AMC Pankration) vs. Mike Malone (1-3,
Eastsidaz)
185-lb: Steve Byrnes (3-0, Team MMAD) vs. Bob "Bob-O"
Ostovich (3-6, Jesus is Lord)
135-lb: Harvey Nakamura (Grappling Unlimited) vs. Ryan Lee (1-0,
Bulls Pen)
155-lb: Brain Wiehle (0-0, Team M.M.A.D.) vs. Jose Fernandez
(1-0, JKD Unlimited)
155-lb: Makana Albino (0-0, Grappling Unlimited) vs. Bryce Martinez
(1-0, Bulls Pen)
205-lb: Lyle Nicely (0-0, Team M.M.A.D.) vs. Billy Hall (0-0,
HMC)
145-lb: Chico Cantiberos (2-0, Eastsidaz) vs. Kevin DeLima (1-2,
Bulls Pen)
170-lb: Kimo Woelfel (1-2, Eastsidaz) vs. Aaron Rose (1-1, 808
Fight Factory) (Exhibition Match)
155-lb: Ikaika Choy-Fu (0-0, Jesus is Lord) vs. Lorenzo Moreno
(0-0, Bulls Pen)
|
Karl
James Noons
Background
Raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Noons started in martial arts
at the age of 5 years old with Grand Master Ed Parker’s
Kenpo Karate in Kona. He was the first Ed Parker student in the
State of Hawaii to earn a junior black belt at the age of 11.
Before the age of 13 he had won numerous tournaments nationwide
in both Kumite (contact fighting) and Kata (forms). At the age
of 10, KJ started boxing with Golden Gloves. At the age of 12,
he started kickboxing with Rudy Valentinos gym in Hawaii, boxing
and competing full contact.
At age 15, KJ then started to train in Muay Thai kickboxing,
and at age 17, fought for the ISKA Super Middleweight International
belt and won. In 2001 he was invited to China to represent the
United States in US vs. China, San Shou rules. Since then KJ
has won US Open International Middleweight Championship, and
Art of War Middleweight Championship.
Shortly after making it to the semi finals 2004 Olympic trial,
Noons turned pro in boxing. He also has competed in professional
Mixed Martial Arts bouts, and in 2005 was selected as the best
striker, and one of winners for the Pride Fighting Championship
Auditions (along with teammate Tyrone Glover).
Most recently in boxing, KJ Noons defeated Damon Franklin with
a devastating knock out punch in the third round. The fight was
held September 22 at the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood.
Source: Triple H in the SDC
|
BJ
Penn visits
TT-Jiu-Jitsu in London
Steve "Sugarpop" DaSilva, Manxinha & BJ
Sugarpop is a close friend of the Onzuka brothers. It is good
to see that he is helping spread BJJ in the UK!
Last week, TT-UK athletes received a very special guest in their
academy, in London. Due to Bushido Europe, which was held in
Holland in October 9, BJ Penn showed up in there to train with
his first teacher, the Nova União black belt Sugapop.
"He was in the neighborhood and he heard about an academy
called TT-UK. He knows (Fernando) Terere and decided to visit
us. BJ is such a great guy and he rolled with me and other pupils
of mine. He also brought his brother and other pupil," celebrated
Luiz Manxinha Ribeiro, the leader of TT Jiu-Jitsu in England.
If you want to do the same as BJ and visit TT-UK, take a look
at www.tt-ukjiujitsuteam.co.uk for more information.
Source:
Tatame
|
UFC
55: Fury Hawaii Airing Today!
Ultimate Fighting Championship 55: Fury
Fighters battle one another with mixed martial arts in the Octagon.
From Uncasville, Conn.
10/28/2005
2:00PM
Channel: 701 IN1
|
Conflicting
Parisyan Reports
BREAKING
NEWS: RIGGS STEPS IN TO FIGHT HUGHES!
by Ryan Bennett
MMAWeekly.com
has learned that Joe "Diesel" Riggs will now step in
to face Matt Hughes on just three weeks notice for the UFC Welterweight
Championship. Karo Parisyan, who talked to MMAWeekly Radio just
days ago told MMAWeekly.com "My injury is just getting worse
and worse. I wanted to give the UFC as much time as possible,
but it's not getting any better."
That
means the Diesel, who stepped and looked very good in his initial
fight at 170 vs Chris Lytle will step up to fight Hughes. "I'm
honored to get a title show against Hughes.." Riggs told
MMAWeekly.com. "I was already getting ready to fight anyway,
I'm always in good shape, I will be ready."
Source:
MMA Weekly
PARISYAN
INJURY
A
strained muscle won't keep Karo Parisyan announced that he recently
strained a muscle in training, but will still be facing Matt
Hughes on the UFC 56 card on November 19th.
Source:
Fight Sport
|
Ryan
Gracie Hospitalized with Gun Shot Wound
Renzo, Ryan, Royler, Robin
Ryan Gracie has been hospitalized and required a blood tranfusion
after suffering from a gun shot wound. Acoording to his father,
Robson, "Ryan accidently shot himself when handling a firearm.
The bullet went into his femur and caused a lot of bleeding.
In another 10 minutes he would have died if he hadn't gotten
to the hospital. The worse is over and he should recover."
Source:
Gracie Fighter
|
AFP
TOP TEN FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
HEAVYWEIGHT
1.) Fedor Emelianenko Russia
2.) Rodrigo 'Minotauro' Nogueira Brazil
3.) Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic Croatia
4.) Sergei Kharitonov Russia
5.) Fabricio Werdum Brazil
6.) Andrei Arlovski Belarus
7.) Frank Mir USA
8.) Pedro Rizzo Brazil
9.) Tim Sylvia USA
10.) Alexander Emelianenko Russia
LIGHT
HEAVYWEIGHT
1.) Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua Brazil
2.) Ricardo Arona Brazil
3.) Vanderlei Silva Brazil
4.) Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson USA
5.) Chuck Liddell USA
6.) Randy Couture USA
7.) Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira Brazil
8.) Alistair Overeem Holland
9.) Renato 'Babalu' Sobral Brazil
10.) Vitor Belfort Brazil
MIDDLEWEIGHT
1.) Dan Henderson USA
2.) Murilo Bustamante Brazil
3.) Kazushi Sakuraba Japan
4.) Rich Franklin USA
5.) Paulo Filho Brazil
6.) Yuki Kondo Japan
7.) Anderson Silva Brazil
8.) Matt Lindland USA
9.) David Loiseau Canada
10.) Evan Tanner USA
WELTERWEIGHT
1.) B.J.
Penn USA
2.) Matt Hughes USA
3.) Georges St-Pierre Canada
4.) Frank Trigg USA
5.) Renato
'Charuto' Verissimo Brazil
6.) Antonio Schembri Brazil
7.) Daniel Acacio Brazil
8.) Sean Sherk USA
9.) Crosley Gracie Brazil
10.) Karo Parisyan USA
LIGHTWEIGHT
1.) Hayato Sakurai Japan
2.) Takanori Gomi Japan
3.) Vitor 'Shaolin' Ribeiro Brazil
4.) Joachim Hansen Norway
5.) Tatsuya Kawajiri Japan
6.) Yves Edwards USA
7.) Genki Sudo Japan
8.) Kaoru Uno Japan
9.) Koutetsu Boku Japan
10.) Luis Azeredo Brazil
FEATHERWEIGHT
1.) Jens Pulver USA
2.) Gilbert Melendez USA
3.) Norifumi 'Kid' Yamamoto Japan
4.) Hideo Tokoro Japan
5.) Alexandre 'Pequeno' Nogueira Brazil
6.) Joao Roque Brazil
7.) Ivan Menjivar El Salvador
8.) Rumina Sato Japan
9.) Hiroyuki Takaya Japan
10.) Jeff Curran USA
AFP
fighter rankings can be viewed at AFP TOP 10
Source:
Fight Sport
|
Quote
of the Day
"The mode by which the inevitable comes to pass is effort."
Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1809-1894, American Author and Poet |
Icon
Sport Weigh Ins Today!
Icon Sport, the new face of Super Brawl, will be holding the
official weigh ins
today at 4:00 pm at 24 Hour Fitness Kapiolani. Come down to meet your favorite fighters!
Icon
Sport: Opposites Attract
Friday, October 28, 2005
Blaisdell Arena
Fight
Card
185-lb: Falaniko Vitale (20-4, 808 Fight Factory)
vs.
Jason "Mayhem" Miller (13-4, Team Punishment)
170-lb: K.J. Noons (3-1, City Boxing) vs. Harris "Hitman"
Sarmiento (26-10, 808 Fight Factory)
185-lb: Nick Ring (4-0, AMC Pankration) vs. Mike Malone (1-3,
Eastsidaz)
185-lb: Steve Byrnes (3-0, Team MMAD) vs. Bob "Bob-O"
Ostovich (3-6, Jesus is Lord)
135-lb: Harvey Nakamura (Grappling Unlimited) vs. Ryan Lee (1-0,
Bulls Pen)
155-lb: Brain Wiehle (0-0, Team M.M.A.D.) vs. Jose Fernandez
(1-0, JKD Unlimited)
155-lb: Makana Albino (0-0, Grappling Unlimited) vs. Bryce Martinez
(1-0, Bulls Pen)
205-lb: Lyle Nicely (0-0, Team M.M.A.D.) vs. Billy Hall (0-0,
HMC)
145-lb: Chico Cantiberos (2-0, Eastsidaz) vs. Kevin DeLima (1-2,
Bulls Pen)
170-lb: Kimo Woelfel (1-2, Eastsidaz) vs. Aaron Rose (1-1, 808
Fight Factory) (Exhibition Match)
155-lb: Ikaika Choy-Fu (0-0, Jesus is Lord) vs. Lorenzo Moreno
(0-0, Bulls Pen)
|
"The
Quest For Champions II"
Tournament 2005
Featuring:
Sport-jujitsu--Sport-pankration--Continuous Sparring--Novice(Jr./Adult)
division Grappling
When:
Sunday, November 20, 2005
*Action starts at 10:00am*
Where:
Hawaiian Mission Academy Gymnasium
1438 Pensacola Street
For more information Please contact Kempo Unlimited Hawaii
778-3601 or email kunltd@hotmail.com
Mahalo, Tommy Lam |
Icon
Sport/Fighter's Corner Offer!
 |
Tuesday
Night Fights at the Plaza Returns with a Double Header!
After a successful inaugural event, Tuesday Night Fights returns
for two events in one month! November will be a busy month for
fight fans as Toughman Hawaii hosts its popular event two weeks
apart from each other. The events will be held at the Academic
& Athletic Training Center.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Visit Central Pacific A.C.'s Academic and Athletic Training Center
for tickets.
More
details including the fight card will be coming soon!
Source:
Event Promoter
|
Quote
of the Day
"The mode by which the inevitable comes to pass is effort."
Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1809-1894, American Author and Poet |
X-1
Is Still on Pay-Per View
Check
it out on digital cable
Channel
221 On Demand
See
the Dan Severn-Shannon Ritch fight yourself and decide if it
was legitimate or not. See UFC veterans Ricco Rodrigues, Jeff
Monson, and Chris Brennan along with some of Hawaii’s best
fighters such as, Harris Sarmiento, Kaleo Kwan, Sidney Silva
and Mark Moreno fight in Hawaii’s newest MMA event.
Source:
Event Promoter
|
|
X-1
Battlegrounds at the O-Lounge Is
Looking for Fighters
If
you have not competed in MMA before or have 1 or 2 fights and
are looking to get some experience, please contact Mike Miller
at 689-8867. The next event is scheduled for November 11, 2005
at the O-Lounge Night Club. The O-Lounge is located next to Ala
Moana Shopping Center and is above Venus night club.
Source:
Event Promoter |
|
NEWTON
TALKS FUTURE AT FIGHT NETWORK PARTY
The
Fight Network Premier Party : Fighters and Fans Celebrate The
Debut Of The Most Action Packed Station On Television
In
Toronto on Friday night, a mix of both media, fans and fighters
gathered to welcome the Fight Network to television and with
the turnout the party garnered, it can only be described as a
huge success.
The
2,000 fans were treated to a muay thai kickboxing bout, a pro
boxing match, a mixed martial arts demonstration (as MMA is still
not allowed in Ontario), and two wrestling matches featuring
the stars of TNA.
While
a party is still a party, there was much news to come out of
the star studded event. Former UFC welterweight champion and
fan favorite, Carlos “The Ronin” Newton made an appearance
and talked with MMAWeekly about his immediate future which for
fans of MMA, unfortunately doesn’t include fighting. “My
focus right now is school,” said Newton. “I was splitting
too much time between the fight game and school, and right now
my focus is on school. I have two years left to get my degree
and that’s what I’m going to focus on.”
The
biggest star to appear, judging by the masses of fans that flocked
around him all night, was current UFC Light Heavyweight champion,
Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell. The California native could
barely take three or four steps without being stopped by someone
asking for an autograph or a picture.
“The
people here in Toronto are great, they love the sport of MMA”
Liddell told MMAWeekly. When asked if he was fighting Randy Couture
in February, Liddell smiled and said, “Just wait and see…it
would be a lot of fun to throw down one more time with him.”
Also
in attendance was former UFC and Pride veteran and current K-1
star, Gary “Big Daddy” Goodridge. He commented that
he was looking forward to fighting again soon, but wasn’t
sure when or where it would be.
Top
welterweight fighter and MMAWeekly radio co-host, Frank Trigg
was on hand and was walking just fine after his ankle surgery
and said everything is healing very well. It has been rumored
that both Jungle Fight and Rumble on the Rock are hot on the
heels of Trigg to bring him to their respective promotions. One
of the oddities seen backstage at the event was seeing the often
outspoken Trigg talking with pro wrestling icons, Jimmy “Mouth
of the South” Hart and current TNA champion, Jeff Jarrett.
“It
was cool talking with those guys about what they do and what
they go through day in and day out,” Trigg commented. “Jimmy
and Jarrett are both really good people who have put a ton of
years into their sports entertainment and that I respect.”
When
asked if Trigg had been contacted by TNA about a possible future
in pro wrestling, the former WFA champion said, “Is this
where I’m supposed to say no comment? You never know when
or where you will see me next.”
MMAWeekly’s
own Ryan Bennett was the MC for the event along with Live Audio
Wrestling’s, Dan Lavranski. Bennett seemed impressed with
the crowd and with the Fight Network’s dedication to showing
the best in mixed martial arts, boxing and wrestling.
“It’s
pretty amazing to see the launch of the first 24 hour fight network
launched in North America,” Bennett said. “ This is
what MMA fans have dreamt about and it’s nice to see that
the network has been launched in Canada for a month now. I wish
the American fans could see this channel, because it would blow
their minds how good | |
