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September 2005 News
Part 3
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night and Sunday classes (w/ a kids' class) now offered!
 
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Quote
of the Day
"The most important work you and I will ever do will be
within the wall of our own homes."
Harold B. Lee, 1899-1973, American Clergyman
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Randy
Couture returns to Honolulu!
UFC great Randy Couture will return to Honolulu to do another
seminar at JKD Unlimited. Randy will teach a two-day seminar,
October Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th, from
3-6 PM both days. Randy will be covering the MMA specific techniques,
tactics, and training methods that have worked so well for him.
First priority for registration will be given to JKD Unlimited
members and those who attended the Marcelo Garcia seminar. If
the seminar is not full by October 15th, others will be able
to sign up for this exciting event. Cost is $150 for those JKDU
and those who attended the Garcia seminar, $199 for others.
Call today to sign up or have your name put on the waiting list.
864-1620
Aloha!
Burton Richardson
Source: Burton Richardson
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Shields
Promoted To Brown Belt
Jake Shields was awarded his Brown Belt tonight by instructor
Cesar Gracie. In 2005 Shields had a phenomenal year. At the Gracie
Open he tapped out AKA fighter John Fitch. He later won the Pan
Americans by defeating a stacked field in the purple belt division.
Months later he took 3rd in the ADCC World Championships by defeating
Diego Sanchez, Cameron Earl (Ralph Gracie Black-Belt) and Brazilian
World Champion (Black Belt) Leo Santos.
Shields
is currently the head instructor at the Fairtex-Graciefighter
Academy in San Francisco. We expect a lot more success from Shields
in the future and know that he will only get better and better.
Source: Gracie Fighter
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LEE
MURRAY'S CONDITION IMPROVING
Lee Murray
Lee Murray was stabbed outside a UK club in a brawl that involved
reportedly 30 people.
A
training partner of Lee Murray made the following announcement
on a UK internet forum:
"Hi
Again to all,
To
let you guys know, Lee's condition has improved. He seems to
be responding to stimulus and trying to talk, but he is still
too weak. They have removed the respirator and he is now breathing
for himself.
Thanks
for your continued well wishes."
Source: Fight Sport
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Nathan
Quarry
Interviewer: Your website www.nathanquarry.net says that you
started your MMA training at age 24 after watching your first
UFC. You are now fighting in the UFC, does it seem surreal or
is it just another day at the office?
Quarry:
This is just amazing. I never even considered fighting when I
first started training. It goes to show you, you might as well
dream big because you never know what can happen.
Interviewer:
What is on the horizon for you?
Quarry:
Well, there are rumors of a big fight on Nov 19th...
Interviewer:
What is your favorite training drill?
Quarry:
I could hit mits all day.
Interviewer:
Who are your main training partners?
Quarry:
At Quest we have some great people to work with. Robert Follis
is the driving force behind it all, a man couldn't ask for a
better coach or friend. On top of that we've got Linland, Chale,
Schultz, Herman, Dolche, Wilson and just a ton of guys willing
to give there all on any given day.
Interviewer:
Would you rather win by KO or submission?
Quarry:
KO's are just so cool.
Interviewer:
Besides fighting, what does Nathan Quarry do?
Quarry:
I'm a cross between an outdoorsy guy and a huge nerd. I can go
hiking for days or spend hours watching Star Wars movies.
Interviewer:
We also have a few female members that think you're "Hot.!!!"
Are you married?
Quarry:
I don't know about the hot part, I can be as big a wanker as
anybody. But, no, I'm not married.
Interviewer:
Here are some questions from our members... What did you think
about the ref stoppage against Sell?
Quarry:
I think that's just the way things go. Refs make those decisions,
not fighters, for a reason. Fighters fight. You could rip off
the average fighter's arm and beat him with it and when the ref
jumps in he'll say, "hey, I had him right where I wanted
him! He was getting tired and I was gonna make a comeback!"
Interviewer:
What impact has Randy training in Vegas had on Team Quest and
your training, specifically?
Quarry:
More than any technique, he has shown what is possible to achieve
as an athlete.
Interviewer:
Would you like to fight Joe Riggs? If yes, how would you see
that fight going?
Quarry:
Man, I'm not calling out anybody. Too many tough guys to piss
off.
Interviewer:
What is your opinion of this season's Ultimate Fighter (Reality
Show) so far?
Quarry:
Not as good as the first season, of course. But things are looking
up, and I think some of the guys will be standing out here shortly.
Interviewer:
What has the sport of MMA taught you the most about yourself,
or life in general?
Quarry:
Fighting has taught me so much about life in general. Not many
people can say when situations are tough they will fight to the
very end. Fighting is a metaphor for every difficult situation
a person could ever encounter.
Interviewer:
When does the rock get a title shot!?
Quarry:
Title shot? Who knows....?
Source: Lockflow.com
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PRIDE
30 Tentative Fight Card
October 23rd, 2005
Japan
Below are some of the official and unoffically announced matchups
that the Japanese media are saying will be on the PRIDE 30 card
on October 23rd. The card is expected to have eight matchups:
Officialy
announced matchups:
Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic vs. Josh Barnett
Fabricio Werdum vs. Sergei Kharitonov
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson vs. Hirotaka Yokoi
Makoto Takimoto vs. Yoon Dong-Sik
Unofficially
announced matchups:
Vanderlei Silva vs. Ricardo Arona or Vitor Belfort
Kazushi Sakuraba vs. 'Tank' Abbott or Ken Shamrock
Mark Hunt vs. Alexander Emelianenko
Ryan Gracie vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Source: Fight Sport
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Quote
of the Day
"One of the most adventurous things left us is to go to
bed. For no one can
lay a hand on our dreams."
E.V. Lucas, 1868-1938, English Writer
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Check
out K-1 GP 2005 final bracket
As
you can see, the 2,19m-tall of Hong Man Choi doesn't impress
the K-1 GP 2004 champ Remy Bonjasky, 1,95m-tall. At this Monday
afternoon, Bonjasky picked up the Korean giant to face at the
first bout of K-1 GP 2005 finals, on November 19, at Tokyo Dome.
The pairings were determined under K-1 traditional selection
system, which mixes a little bit of lucky with some strategy.
In a box, the eight fighters picked balls numbered from 1 to
8, which determined the order of choice. Who picks the ball number
1 is the first to choose his position in the tournament bracket.
In
front of hundred of fans that went to Roppongi Hills Complex,
in Tokyo, Ray Sefo was the first one to choose, deciding for
doing the second bout of the night. Korean Choi was the second
one and chose for the blue corner of the first fight. That's
when the two times World champ Remy Bonjasky, the third in the
roll, chose for facing the giant Korean. "I chose Choi because
he's a new face in K-1, he's a great guy and I want to test him.
He's big and tall, but I think if I jump, then I can reach him
with my knees!" Remy stated.
COMPLETE
CARD (subject to change):
K-1
GP 2005 - final round
Tokyo
Dome, Tokyo - Japan
Saturday,
November 19 2005
#1-
Remy Bonjasky vs Hong-Man Choi;
#2-
Ray Sefo vs Semmy Schilt;
#3-
Jerome LeBanner vs Peter Aerts;
#4-
Musashi vs Ruslan Karaev;
Semifinals
#5-
Winner of #1 vs Winner of #2;
#6-
Winner of 3 vs Winner of #4;
Final
#7-
Winner of 5 vs Winner of #6
Source: Tatame
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HOOST
RETIRES FROM K-1
Ernesto
Hoost announced his retirement from K-1 tournaments, but that
he will still compete in single matchups.
Hoost,
who is a 4-time K-1 champion, made his announcement during the
K-1 show on September 23rd, and stated that he retired from tournament
competitions due to his age (40 years), a knagging left knee
injury, and chronic back problems.
Source: Fight Sport
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AFP
TOP TEN FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
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.) Evan Tanner USA
9.) Matt Lindland USA
10.) Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos Brazil
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
Source: Fight Sport
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Diaz
signs to fight Sanchez
It's official. Nick Diaz has signed to fight Diego Sanchez on
Spike T.V.'s November UFC card. Since dismantling his last 2
opponents, Diaz had asked for higher profile fights and there
will be no better way to accomplish that than fighting in front
of what could be the largest audience to witness an MMA event
in American history. Besides a grueling training schedule, Diaz
stays busy by competing in various events including this past
weekend's half "Ironman" triathlon where the 22 year
old took first among competitors of his age and below and fifth
in his overall age group.
"It
was a mile and a half swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13 mile
run. I like to stay in shape between fights. Last weekend I swam
from Alcatraz to the San Francisco pier. I want to keep pushing
myself.", asserted Diaz.
Source:
Gracie Fighter
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Quote
of the Day
"Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith
in yourself.
That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great
inner drive,
go much further than people with vastly superior talent."
Sophia Loren, Italian-born Film Actress
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Tuesday
Night Fights
October
11, 2005
Prince Kuhio Plaza
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door
Doors open at 6 pm and fights start at 7 pm
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Takanori
Gomi: On Top Of The World
In a performance that could be described as nothing less than
spectacular, Takanori Gomi proved once again why he truly is
the best lightweight fighter in the world when he advanced to
the finals of the Pride lightweight tournament with two very
impressive victories.
Takanori
Gomi has been on a meteoric rise for quite some time now and
continues to show improvement with every fight. It’s hard
to believe that almost exactly two years ago he lost back to
back fights before stringing together his current winning streak.
Gomi lost a tough split decision to Joachim Hansen in Shooto,
and then lost his most lopsided fight when he was choked out
by B.J. Penn at Rumble on the Rock. Gomi’s resiliency was
never questioned and soon enough he became the staple of the
Bushido shows for Pride.
Since
his debut at the second Bushido show when he defeated Jadson
Costa, Gomi has shown over time that he is truly ready to be
champion. He was able to put Ralph Gracie away with some very
wicked knee strikes and out struck a very heavy handed Jens Pulver
when they fought last New Year’s Eve.
He
looked as if he was going to pull Charles Bennett’s arm
off until the referee stopped their fight and gained a bit of
a bad persona after a few late hits when he defeated Luiz Azeredo
in their first fight. Gomi just keeps coming and his onslaught
is unmatched in the lightweight division.
In
the first round of the Pride lightweight tournament, Gomi was
given no easy test as he was matched up with arguably the number
2 ranked lightweight fighter in the world, Tatsuya Kawajiri.
Gomi wasted no time bringing the fight to Kawajiri and looked
ready for every possible offensive move that his opponent had
in his arsenal. Eventually Gomi’s will seemed too much and
he sunk in a rear naked choke to get the win.
Gomi
obviously spent a great deal of energy to defeat Kawajiri, but
he kept enough in reserve for his second fight of the night a
rematch with Chute Boxe team member, Luiz Azeredo in a highly
contested fight. Azeredo gave everything Gomi could handle in
their first fight and he was looking to hand Gomi his first loss
in almost two years when they stepped to the middle of the ring.
Instead of showing any signs of exhaustion, Gomi controlled the
pace of the fight, and positioned himself for the win. Although
he wasn’t able to finish Azeredo, Gomi was convincing in
his unanimous decision victory and he put himself into the finals
of the first ever Pride lightweight tournament.
The
scary thing about Gomi is that he may not have reached his full
potential yet. He is unbelievably talented, but when he has a
fire under him, much like the first Azeredo fight, Gomi is possibly
the most dangerous fighter on the planet. No top “pound
for pound” fighter list in the world should be produced
without Gomi’s name being listed somewhere near the top
and if he is able to defeat his opponent, Hayato “Mach”
Sakarai in the finals of the tournament for this year’s
New Year’s Eve show, he will become champion and seemingly
untouchable.
There
are plenty of opponents for Gomi to take on in Pride’s lightweight
division, and he won’t be one to pass up on any opportunity
to get a win. A rematch with Joachim Hansen has to be a top priority
for Gomi if he’s able to capture the title. American fans
would love to see Yves Edwards get a shot at him, as well as
Josh Thompson who wasn’t able to fight in the tournament.
The
fact is that Takanori Gomi is possibly the top fighter in the
world today and he always puts on a great show. It will be interesting
to see him match up against Sakarai because Gomi is usually the
bigger fighter in his matches, but don’t expect him to back
down at all.
Takanori
Gomi is definitely sitting on top of the world right now, and
the sky is the limit.
Source: MMA Weekly
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BUSHIDO
RESULTS: THE FINALS ARE SET!
WELTERWEIGHT ALTERNATE BOUT:
Paulo Filho quickly dispatched with Ryuta Sakurai with an arm-popping
Arm Bar just 3:49 into the first round.
WELTERWEIGHT
QUARTERFINAL 1:
Akihiro Gono showed the world that he is for real, winning a
close fight with Chute Boxe fighter Daniel Acacio. The fight
was almost entirely on the feet and Gono did enough to win a
Unanimous Decision.
WELTERWEIGHT
QUARTERFINAL 2:
Dan Henderson wasted no time with Ryo Chonan. Only 0:22 into
the first round, Henderson floored Chonan with a huge right hand
and then followed that up with a couple more for good measure
while Chonan was on his back on the ground before the referee
could step in to stop the fight.
WELTERWEIGHT
QUARTERFINAL 3:
For Ikuhisa “The Punk” Minowa, the second time was
a charm. In his rematch with Phil Baroni, Minowa didn’t
make it an exciting fight, but he learned from the first go around
and was able to take Baroni down several times and control positioning
to earn a Unanimous Decision.
WELTERWEIGHT
QUARTERFINAL 4:
Finally returning to his more natural weight of 183 pounds, 39-year
old Murilo Bustamante looked ten years younger as he traded shots
with Pride rookie Masanori Suda before taking him to the ground
and slickly submitting him with an Arm Bar 3:20 after the opening
bell.
LIGHTWEIGHT
ALTERNATE BOUT:
Early in the first round, Dokonjonosuke Mishima started going
for submissions on Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett. But
Bennett struck back, literally, rocking Mishima with a solid
upper cut and then attempting a guillotine choke of his own.
In the end, it was Mishima that was able to land an ankle lock,
sort of a modified version of a heel hook that had Bennett tapping
out 4:04 into the round.
LIGHTWEIGT
QUARTERFINAL 1:
In his first bout at 160 pounds, Hayato “Mach” Sakurai
debuted in impressive fashion. From the opening bell, he took
the fight to Jens Pulver, landing brutal leg kicks and getting
the better of the punch exchanges early on. Pulver fought back,
hurting Sakurai a couple of times with well-timed punches before
Sakurai finally dropped him with a knee to the head and finishing
with a barrage of Hammer Fists. Sakurai won by a TKO ref stoppage
8:56 into the first.
LIGHTWEIGHT
QUARTERFINAL 2:
This was one of the most highly anticipated fights of the night.
But when all was said and done, Yves Edwards and Joachim Hansen
ended up fighting a very technical battle trading strikes and
working for position on the ground. Hansen attempted to work
his ground and pound game, while Yves looked for the submission.
After two rounds and a strong edge in takedowns, Hansen walked
away with a Split Decision.
LIGHTWEIGHT
QUARTERFINAL 3:
In a battle between the two highest ranked lightweight fighters
in the world, Takanori Gomi clearly made his case to be considered
the top dog. In a stunning fight that saw both fighters exchanging
and recovering from some tremendous strikes, Gomi continually
did more damage to Tatsuya Kawajiri than he received before finishing
him off with a rear naked choke at 7:42 of round 1.
LIGHTWEIGHT
QUARTERFINAL 4:
Continuing his reputation as a ferocious fighter, Luiz Azeredo
knocked out Naoyuki Kotani with a big right hand, a kick to the
face, and a couple knees to the head… all in just 11 seconds!
WELTERWEIGHT
SEMI-FINAL 1:
Looking very impressive at the lighter 183-pound limit, Dan Henderson
continued winning as he dominated Akihiro Gono for 7:58 with
his boxing skills before knocking him out.
WELTERWEIGHT
SEMI-FINAL 2:
Continuing to peel away the years, Murilo Bustamante traded strikes
with Ikuhisa Minowa and attempted several submissions before
finally finding a way to win late into the first round. At the
9:51 mark, Bustamante kicked Minowa in the face, dropping him
to the mat, and then followed up with several more soccer-style
kicks to the head for the TKO.
LIGHTWEIGHT
SEMI-FINAL 1:
In an amazing fight that saw a tremendous amount of back and
forth action, Hayato Sakurai continued to resurrect his career
as he edged out a very exciting fight with Joachim Hansen. Sakurai
was a little quicker on the feet and landed some very nice throws
to earn a Unanimous Decision and a berth in the final.
LGIHTWEIGHT
SEMI-FINAL 2:
What a way to finish the night! Luiz Azeredo gave Takanori Gomi
everything he could handle. Hurting Gomi several times over the
two round fight, it was still Azeredo that more often felt the
sting of Gomi’s devastating strikes. It was Gomi that stood
with his hand raised in the end for a Unanimous Decision following
another extremely exciting fight.
THE
FINALS AT SHOCKWAVE
After a tremendous show with tournaments in two new weight classes,
we’ll have to wait three months for the final of each class,
but it should be well worth the wait. The new welterweight champion
will be crowned and the lightweights will finally get the respect
they so rightly deserve at Shockwave on New Year’s Eve.
In
the welterweight (183-pound) division, Murilo Bustamante will
finally get the rematch that he has longed for with Dan Henderson.
Both fighters are getting on in years, so it’s quite appropriate
that they will meet to decide the championship and show the young
bucks how it’s done.
The
first two rounds of the lightweight tournament were nothing shy
of spectacular. And DSE/Pride has to be beaming at the thought
of finally having an all-Japan final in one of their tournaments,
guaranteeing that they will finally crown a Japanese champion.
Hayato Sakurai may have been the surprise of the tournament,
but he will definitely test Takanori Gomi’s claim to number
one when they meet.
Source: MMA Weekly
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Dutch
a Treat at K-1 Final Elimination
OSAKA,
September 23, 2005 -- For the second consecutive year, there
will be three entries from the Netherlands at the K-1 World Grand
Prix Tokyo Dome Final, this after all participating Dutch fighters
emerged victorious at today's K-1 '05 WGP Final Elimination Tournament
at the Osaka Dome.
The
event featured combatants from a dozen different nations -- K-1
GP '05 Tournament-winners along with the '04 Final Eight -- in
a one-match elimination format. The seven winners here now qualify
for the K-1 WGP Tokyo Dome Final this November 19. (Remy Bonjasky,
who fought and won in a Superfight tonight, had already earned
a bye to the Final as the Defending WGP Champion.)
The
first matchup on the card featured Ray Sefo of New Zealand and
the 80kg Kaoklai Kaennorsing of Thailand. Both the smallest and
youngest-ever K-1 Tournament Champion, Muay Thai wunderkind Kaoklai
is precise and relentless with his low kicks; while veteran Sefo
is murder with the fists, and considered one of the best K-1
fighters never to win the WGP Final.
This
was a surprisingly one-sided fight, as Sefo led with a right
straight, then surprised Kaoklai with a low kick that put the
Thai off-balance. As usual, Sefo repeatedly dropped his guard
and invited his opponent in, answering Kaoklai's kicks with punches.
This was expected to be all feet versus fists, but Sefo threw
many more kicks than usual throughout the bout.
Although
it wasn't always pretty, there was plenty of hard core action,
as the two men repeatedly charged at one another. In the second
Sefo cut off the ring, turned sideways in defense against the
kicks, and amid the chaotic clashes was able to score a down
with a right hook which caught Kaoklai round the side of the
head. Again in the third Sefo taunted the Thai, who was woefully
unable to work kicks to keep the distance as he has in the past,
and tried instead to hurt Sefo with his hands. It was in vain,
as Sefo dominated in every respect to take a comfortable unanimous
decision.
The
second bout saw Russian dynamo Ruslan Karaev, who pounded his
way through the Las Vegas GP Repechage tournament last month,
step in against Rickard Nordstrand of Sweden. A finalist in the
K-1 Scandinavian '04 GP, Nordstrand was named as a late substitute
when four-time K-1 WGP Champion Ernesto Hoost was forced to withdraw
due an aggravated leg injury.
Karaev
started strong and swift, rattling Nordstrand with a right then
laying in with brutal combinations. Nordstrand had some good
hard low kicks here -- and his conditioning as a player in the
Swedish Elite ice hockey league stood him in good stead as he
proved able to absorb a lot of punishment
Karaev
launched his spinning back kicks in the second, and got a good
right through to stay in control. In he third round the Russian
put a dandy spinning back punch in right on the money. To his
credit, Nordstrand read Karaev better as this fight went on,
and stayed in the thick of it to the end, frequently stinging
Karaev with the low kicks but unable to score the down he would
need to inch up on the scorecards. In the final analysis Karaev
was simply the more aggressive and better fighter, and took the
unanimous decision.
Brazilian
Kyokushin fighter Glaube Feitosa wowed Las Vegas fans when his
kicking prowess carried him to victory at the K-1 USA GP earlier
this year. Here he went up against Semmy Schilt of Holland, whose
lethal combination of technique and power carried him to victory
at the K-1 Europe GP in Paris this May.
Schilt
brought a 20kg/50lbs weight and 18cm/7" height advantage
to this dance, and easily controlled the distance throughout
with low kicks and one-two straight punch combinations. Feitosa
didn't look like he knew what to do here, tossing several meek
jabs in early but otherwise mostly closed up tight on the defensive.
In the second again, Feitosa struggled to get within striking
distance, and when he did was met with the clinch and messed
up with big Dutch knees. When the deadly Kyokushin high kick
finally materialized late in the third -- connecting with Schilt's
head and stunning him -- the crowd cheered, but for the judges
it was too little too late. A unanimous decision for Schilt.
Jerome
LeBanner defeated compatriot Cyril Abidi in a grueling Paris
Superfight to earn his place here. The Gaul's opponent tonight
was Gary Goodridge, a Trinidad and Tobago-born brawler who makes
his home in Canada. Goodridge got his spot on the card by taking
this year's K-1 Hawaiian GP in convincing fashion.
These
two fighters are friends outside the ring, and have similar builds
and similar styles, marked by explosive starts aimed at the quick
KO. But this one was all LeBanner, as the French powerhouse barreled
in with hard low kicks and a brutal one-two punch combination
from which Goodridge never recovered. A LeBanner left straight
punch rattled Goodridge before a right high kick to the head
put him down. Seconds after resumption LeBanner's relentless
low kicks hurt Goodridge badly and earned the Frenchman a second
down. Goodridge limped to the corner and closed up, hoping to
recompose and get out of the round, but LeBanner just kept on
coming, firing in a barrage of blows to force a referee stop
even as Goodridge went tumbling once again to the canvas. An
overwhelming display of power that saw LeBanner return to the
form that had made him such a force in K-1 in years past.
Said
LeBanner post-bout: "It's all about training. I've had the
same team since my Paris fight with Abidi, and I will take them
with me to the Tokyo Dome and all the way to victory."
Peter
Aerts of Holland met American Mighty Mo in the fifth tournament
bout. Three-time K-1 WGP Champion Aerts is a seasoned fighter
with a complete arsenal of technical attacks, while Mo is a heavyset
power puncher possessed of almost superhuman strength.
Aerts
aggressively fired in hard low kicks from the start. Mo was not
immediately proficient with his defenses, and wobbled under the
Lumberjack's attacks. However, the American soon began to bring
the leg up in response, and contact with Mo's knee opened a cut
on Aerts' right shin. This prompted a doctor check, but Aerts
was cleared to continue. Now Mo laid in with body blows, and
threw a few kicks of his own, but Aerts was always better with
the counters, and planted some good punches of his own, while
Mo missed repeatedly with his signature overhand right. Like
LeBanner before him, the ageless Aerts was at the top of his
game, and early in the second put a middle kick in that dropped
Mo to the canvas, wincing and clutching at his right knee. Mo
struggled to beat the count but his feet would not hold him,
and Aerts had the win.
Francois
"The White Buffalo" Botha of South Africa faced Musashi
in the next contest. Among the crew of former boxers who have
tested their skill in the K-1 ring, Botha has probably adapted
the best. But he had his hands full here against Musashi, a Japanese
Seidokaikan Karate fighter who has evolved from also-ran status
into one of the best in the sport, finishing second at the K-1
Final the last two years running.
Botha
took the center of the ring and led with the jab, his right cocked
and waiting, while Musashi circled, firing in the low kicks.
Some of these connected solidly, but Botha also clocked Musashi
more than once with the right and delivered some good body blows.
Musashi stepped in and boxed some in the second, and brought
the left kick up nicely here, connecting with Botha's head and
midsection, but Botha was otherwise capable on defense. Musashi
was seeing Botha's right now, staying out of harm's way while
scoring points with his low kicks and a nice left.
In
the third Musashi was better with quick combinations, Botha missing
again and again with the right. Although Botha's blocking was
good throughout, his jabs were the only offence he had going,
and these were no match for the power strikes the Japanese fighter
threw back. A fairly close fight, with Musashi taking a unanimous
decision.
In
the battle of the behemoths Main Event, it was American Bob Sapp
(200cm/6'7"; 145kg/319lbs) against South Korea's Hong-Man
Choi (218cm/7'2";161kg/355lbs). The 24 year-old Choi has
plenty of speed for a big guy, and won the K-1 Asian GP in Seoul
this year. The always explosive Sapp, meanwhile, overcame his
discipline and stamina deficiencies to become this year's improbable
Japan GP Champion. Both men stepped into the ring undefeated
in K-1 this year.
Both
men bulldozed in from the start, flailing punches punches and
more punches. This was both a wild fight, and a purist's nightmare
as most punches missed, some were blocked, and but a few found
their target. Sapp threw a couple of solid low kicks here before
the pace slowed down to the point where the two fighters were
standing motionless, staring at one another while panting for
breath.
The
rested combatants started the second round in aggressive fashion,
wildly flailing punches punches and more punches. Again, a purist's
nightmare as most punches missed, some were blocked, and but
a few happened to find their target. And, again there was a slowdown
and then more standing and panting, which prompted the referee
to call time and remind the fighters that they were here to fight.
Obediently, Sapp and Choi resumed wildly flailing punches punches
and more punches. And again, most punches missed, some were blocked,
while but a few found their target.
In
the third, both fighters recommenced wildly flailing punches
punches and more punches. But there ensued a sloppy clinch, from
which Choi brought a knee up squarely to Sapp's face. This was
the decisive blow. A stung Sapp turned away and as Choi pursued
him Sapp was assessed a standing count. His nose badly bloodied,
Sapp showed some spunk after resumption, varying his attacks
somewhat and managing to get a knee of his own up on his opponent,
but Choi fought through to finish with a win by narrow majority
decision.
Again,
definitely not a purists' fight, more a war. The crowd was engrossed,
and the fighters' battered faces post-bout testified to the brutality
of the action.
"I
should have used the knees more," said Sapp afterward, "but
that's the game. In the end, I beat myself."
Said
Choi: "It was a tough fight. So far I've only been working
on one-two punch combinations. I will try to learn more for the
Tokyo Dome."
Although
he was forced to withdraw from the tournament, Four-Time WGP
Champion Ernesto Hoost of the Netherlands made the trip to Osaka
to deliver a message to his fans:
"I
have had an injury to my left leg, the fibula head bone, for
almost 2 years now, and it's not getting better. I must be realistic,
I turned 40 this year and I'm not getting any younger or stronger,
and so at this point I've made the decision not to compete in
tournaments anymore. I have not planned my retirement fight yet,
because I think I could still do Superfights, but not before
the end of this year at the earliest."
There
were also a pair of Superfights on the Osaka card:
In
a highly-anticipated matchup, Defending WGP Champ Remy Bonjasky
met Belorussian challenger Alexey Ignashov, who is coming off
a knee injury which prevented him from training properly for
almost one year.
Bonjasky
started in with low kicks, which Ignashov coolly answered with
left straight punches. Ignashov put a good right punch in to
the body and a hard knee up midway through the first, all the
while using the left jab to control the distance. But the fighters
appeared overly cautious through the first, and lack of aggression
was to mar the entire bout. In the second Ignashov started with
a promising hard low kick before the fight again settled into
a minimal strike-and-counter pattern. Ignashov worked the body
again here, and there were a few good kicks from both men, but
neither mounted sustained pressure.
Bonjasky
boxed in the third, keeping his guard high and affording Ignashov
little opportunity to work anything but low kicks. Given that
these two are counted among the hardest and most creative kickers
in the sport, this was another relatively listless round. Judges
didn't see a winner and so called for a tiebreaker.
With
the fight up for grabs, again, unfortunately, there were long
stretches of inactivity in the extra round. Bonjasky was however
a little better, initiating more attacks, connecting with a left
and following that with a good middle kick. Bonjasky launched
one of his flashy flying knees, and although he missed he deserves
credit for at least trying. As the round wore on, for his part
Ignashov appeared content to let the clock run out. Judges saw
Bonjasky as marginally more aggressive and so awarded him the
unanimous decision.
"It
wasn't my best fight," understated Bonjasky later.
In
the other Superfight, Seidokaikan legend Nobuaki Kakuda of Japan
tangled with Australian George "The Iron Lion," the
brother of famed former K-1 fighter Stan The Man.
Kakuda
looked right fit for a 44 year-old, and traded hard low kicks
with his opponent in the early going. But midway through the
first, The Lion got in with a left straight to the snout to score
a down, and kept the pressure up through the end of the round.
In the second, Kakuda fed The Lion a few good fists and was alert
with his evasions. The third saw an agile Kakuda put the Aussie
off-balance with a left straight and work the right to effect.
But that was not enough to overcome the down, and judges unanimously
scored the contest in favor of The Lion.
In
an undercard fight, Alexandre Pitchkounov of Russia used tight
combinations to beat French fighter Rani Berbachi by unanimous
decision.
The
World Grand Prix 2005 Final Elimination in Osaka attracted a
crowd of 31,800 to the Osaka Dome. It was same-day broadcast
in Japan on the Kansai and Fuji TV network, in South Korea on
MBS ESPN and in New Zealand on TVNZ. There will be delayed-broadcasts
on Eurosport across Europe, Viasat in Scandinavia, ITV in the
UK and Astro in Malaysia. For scheduling information in these
and other locations, check with local providers.
See
the K-1 Official website (www.k-1.co.jp) for the official results.
Source: Maxfighting
|
Quote
of the Day
"The most important work you and I will ever do will be
within the wall of our own homes."
Harold B. Lee, 1899-1973, American Clergyman
|
Fighters'
Club TV Episode 33 Tonight!
This episode will run on
September 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th at our new time:
9:30pm, Tuesday nights
on Channel 52 (Olelo-Oahu).
Maui will receive a copy of the
show in the next week so check your local listing on Akaku.
Episode
33 features:
Highlights
from "Lockdown in Paradise"
-Paco Woods vs Adam Ah Sue
-Trenell Savant Young vs Kendall Groves (+ intvw w/ Savant)
-Jumar Dumaoal vs Eha Souza
-Isaac Kuikahi vs Jeremy Payet
-Ronald "The Machine Gun" Jhun vs Jay Heiron (+intvw
w/ Jay)
-Fabiano Iha vs (+intvw w/ Fabiano)
-Intvw w/ Lockdown Promoter Braddah Camanse
-and let's not forget some cool footage of the "Ainokea"
Ring girls
Technique
of the Week:
-Mike Tanaka of Kalakaua Boxing Club teaches the uppercut
Catching
up w/ Egan Inoue
-How's he doing? Where's he been? What are his plans for the
future?
All those questions answered in this great intvw. Plus, a sneak
peak
at his women's self-defense class
And,
Hawaii's favorite FCTV hosts "hamming it up", Mike
"Icon" Onzuka,
and Mark "T.O.G.--the other guy" Kurano
Questions,
Comments, Suggestions? Email us at:
fightersclubtv808@hotmail.com
We're
also looking around for some talented young lady who may want
to
take a shot at co-hosting a segment so please keep an eye out
for
us--resumes (w/ pics please--nothing fancy) to: chris@onzuka.com (yes,
he also got dat job mon)
|
Seminar
with Roberto Atalla
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
3X World BJJ Champion
Founding member of Rio Grappling Club
Saturday
Sunday
October
1, 2005 October 2, 2005
3
PM – 6 PM 3 PM – 6PM
Passing
the Guard (Gi ) Submission Escapes (No Gi)
$40
each day or both days for $60
Seminar
Location
Central
Oahu Jiu-Jitsu
23
S. Kamehameha Hwy., #204
Wahiawa
Contact:
Wyman 216-4852
|
PRIDE
Bushido GP - 09/25/3005 - COMPLETE RESULTS *SPOILER*
DSE 'PRIDE Bushido Vol. 09 – PRIDE GRAND PRIX 2005 Lightweight
Tournament & PRIDE GRAND PRIX 2005 Welterweight Tournament'
September 25th, 2005
At Ariake Coliseum
Since
I don't see Bushido being played in InDemand anytime soon, here
are the results.
COMPLETE
RESULTS:
1st
Fight – Welterweight GP Reserve Match – 10 min / 1R
& 5 min / 2R
Ryuta Sakurai (Japan / R-GYM / DEEP middleweight champion) vs.
Paulo Filho (Brazil / Brazilian Top Team)
Winner:
1R 3'49' Paulo Filho by Tapout (armbar)
2nd
Fight – Welterweight GP Quarter-final – 10 min / 1R
& 5 min / 2R
Akihiro Gono (Japan / GRABAKA) vs. Daniel Acacio (Brazil / Chute
Boxe Academy)
Winner:
2R Akihiro Gono by Decision (3-0)
3rd
Fight - Welterweight GP Quarter-final – 10 min / 1R &
5 min / 2R
Dan Henderson (U.S.A. / Team QUEST / 2000 KOK champion) vs. Ryo
Chonan (Japan / Team M.A.D.)
Winner:
1R 0'22' Dan Henderson by KO (punch)
4th
Fight - Welterweight GP Quarter-final – 10 min / 1R &
5 min / 2R
Phil Baroni (U.S.A. / Hammer House) vs. Ikuhisa Minowa (Japan
/ Freelance)
Winner:
2R Ikuhisa Minowa by Decision (3-0)
5th
Fight - Welterweight GP Quarter-final – 10 min / 1R &
5 min / 2R
Masanori Suda (Japan / CLUB J / Shooto light-heavyweight champion)
vs. Murilo Bustamante (Brazil / Brazilian Top Team / former UFC
middleweight champion)
Winner:1R
Murilo Bustamante by Tapout (arm lock)
6th
Fight – Lightweight GP Reserve Match - 10 min / 1R &
5 min / 2R
Dokonjonosuke Mishima (Japan / MMA Dojo Cobra-kai / DEEP lightweight
champion) vs. Charles 'Krazy Horse' Bennett (U.S.A. / Freelance)
Winner:1R
Dokonjonosuke Mishima by Tapout (knee bar)
7th
Fight - Lightweight GP Quarter-final - 10 min / 1R & 5 min
/ 2R
Hayato 'Mach' Sakurai (Japan / Mach Dojo / former Shooto middleweight
champon) vs. Jens Pulver (U.S.A. / Team Extreme / former UFC
lightweight champion)
Winner:
1R Hayato 'Mach' Sakurai by TKO (referee stoppage - punches on
the ground)
8th
Fight - Lightweight GP Quarter-final - 10 min / 1R & 5 min
/ 2R
Joachim Hansen (Norway / Team Scandinavia / former Shooto welterweight
champion) vs. Yves Edwards (U.S.A. / Third Column)
Winner:
2R Joachim Hansen Decision (2-1)
9th
Fight - Lightweight GP Quarter-final - 10 min / 1R & 5 min
/ 2R
Takanori Gomi (Japan / Kiguchi Wrestling School / former Shooto
welterweight champion) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri (Japan / Team TOPS
/ Shooto welterweight champion)
Winner:1R
Takanori Gomi by Referee Stoppage (rear naked choke)
10th
Fight - Lightweight GP Quarter-final - 10 min / 1R & 5 min
/ 2R
Naoyuki Kotani (Japan / Rodeo Style) vs. Luiz Azeredo (Brazil
/ Chute Boxe Academy)
Winner:
1R 0'14' Luiz Azeredo by KO
11th
Fight – Lightweight GP Semi-final 10 min / 1R & 5 min
/ 2R
Akihiro Gono (Japan / GRABAKA) vs. Dan Henderson (U.S.A. / Team
QUEST / 2000 KOK champion)
Winner:1R
Dan Henderson by KO
12th
Fight - Welterweight GP Semi-final 10 min / 1R & 5 min /
2R
Ikuhisa Minowa (Japan / Freelance) vs. Murilo Bustamante (Brazil
/ Brazilian Top Team / former UFC middleweight champion)
Winner:1R
Murilo Bustamante by TKO (doctor stoppage)
13th
Fight - Lightweight GP Semi-final 10 min / 1R & 5 min / 2R
Hayato
'Mach' Sakurai (Japan / Mach Dojo / former Shooto middleweight
champon) vs. Joachim Hansen (Norway / Team Scandinavia / former
Shooto welterweight champion)
Winner:
2R Hayato 'Mach' Sakurai by Decision
14th
Fight - Lightweight GP Semi-final 10 min / 1R & 5 min / 2R
Takanori Gomi (Japan / Kiguchi Wrestling School / former Shooto
welterweight champion) vs. Luiz Azeredo (Brazil / Chute Boxe
Academy)
Winner:
2R Takanori Gomi by Decision
'Gomi
vs Mach & Henderson vs. Bustamante on New Year's Eve!'
|
Kickin
It 2005 Part V Results
Pagoda Hotel Ballroom, Honolulu, Hawaii
September 24, 2005
By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com
The
premier kickboxing event returned to the landmark Pagoda Hotel
with two championship fights and featured some of Hawaii’s
best amateur kickboxers from a number of gyms around the island.
The event was sold out and was bursting at the seams with a standing
room only crowd. The Bull’s Pen two rising stars Tim Lapitan
and Lorenzo Moreno looked impressive and two fighters to keep
an eye on, with Moreno (no relation to Mark and Marcus) scoring
a vicious knockout victory over a tough Kaika Choyfoo. Tony Pereira
and Bruce Niimoto met in the ring again for an action packed
fight. The fight was kicked up a notch when the bell ending the
second round was not heard by Bruce Niimoto, so he kept fighting.
Pereira’s father, who was more than twice the size of Niimoto,
rushed in the ring and slammed Niimoto to the ground. That was
quickly broken up and addressed by the promoters as matches involving
family members can get overly emotional at times. Chad Pavao
and Jumar Dumalao went to war with great exchanges throughout
the fight. The match was very close, but Pavao edged out Dumalao
to retain his title. The main event featured a bout that has
been postponed a number of times for various reasons. Balicao
is the Super Lightweight Champion and has dominated his opponents.
Lee looked to take the edge off of Balicao by turning the fight
into a brawl, but Balicao maintained his composure and showed
off his quick hands and counter punching abilities. Balicao looked
to make short work of Lee, except for the fact that Ryan Lee
was all heart in the third round and took Balicao to a decision.
It was a great night of fights with the next event scheduled
for Thanksgiving weekend with every champion defending their
title and the introduction of a Semi-Pro division, so that the
professional fighters can enter the mix and bring the event to
the next level.
110-120
lbs.
Justin Piamonte (Animal House) Def. Shane Dulatre (413)
Unanimous
decision [(30-27), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
Exhibition:
160-165 lbs.
Ben Rodrigues (HSD) Vs. Jerry Saribay (Bull’s Pen)
155-160
lbs.
Tim Lapitan (Bull’s Pen) Def. Kea Demello (Animal House)
Unanimous
decision [(30-27), (30-27), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
140-145
lbs.
Shaison Laupola (Jesus Is Lord) Def. Edmund Li (HMC)
KO
in Round 2.
180-185
lbs.
Nai
Delasantos (Team Soljah) Def. Stephen Adamstein (Team Mixbreed)
TKO
in Round 3.
140-145
lbs.
Bino (Team Mixbreed) Def. Jarrid Santos (Bull’s Pen)
Unanimous
decision [(30-27), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
130-135
lbs.
Nui Wheeler (Team Soljah) Def. Jay Bolos (Animal House)
Unanimous
decision [(30-27), (30-27), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
155-160
lbs.
Brandon
Absher (HSD) Def. Marcus Marino (Bull’s Pen)
Unanimous
decision [(30-26), (29-28), (29-27)] after 3 rounds.
120-125
lbs.
Vern
Kapoi (HMC) Def. Darryl Labrador (HSD)
Unanimous
decision [(29-28), (29-28), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
145-150
lbs.
Zack Rapaul (Waianae Kickboxing Club) Def. Kevin Delima (Bull’s
Pen)
Unanimous
decision [(29-28), (29-28), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
200-205
lbs.
Ron Verdadero (Jesus Is Lord) Def. Junior Chavez (HSD)
KO
in Round 3
120-125
lbs.
Tony Pereira (Waianae Kickboxing Club) Def. Bruce Niimoto (413)
Split
decision [(30-27), (28-29), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
155-160
lbs.
Lorenzo Moreno (Bull’s Pen) Def. Kaika Choyfoo (Jesus Is
Lord)
KO
in Round 1.
135-140
lbs.
Chad Pavao (HSD) Def. Jumar Dumalao (808 Fight Factory)
Pavao
retains his title.
Split
decision [(28-29), (30-27), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
Main Event
Super
Lightweight Championship
136 -141 lbs.
David
Balicao (HSD) Def. Ryan Lee (Bull’s Pen)
Unanimous decision [(30-26), (30-26), (30-26)] after 3 rounds. |
4
Factions a Fight Fan Should Know
In
the world of professional MMA fighting it pays to have good training
partners in your gym and in your corner. There are so many fighters
out there right now that it is hard to really grasp who’s
on what team and training with who. MaXfighting breaks down four
of the top teams that you should know about, if you are a fan
of American MMA.
1.
Miletich Martial Arts
Pat
Miletich heads up this hard-hitting list of fighters whose training
methods are legendary. Miletich fighters are known for fighting
through injuries, their brutal striking ability, and being extremely
explosive grapplers who are dangerous on the ground. Probably,
the most famous of all of these fighters is Matt Hughes, the
current UFC welterweight champion and a coach on the Ultimate
Fighter Season 2 on Spike TV. Hughes is a ridiculous 37-4-0 in
his professional career and is a living legend in the UFC. Miletich
himself was a UFC title holder, as was Jens Pulver who conquered
the now defunct UFC 155 lbs division. On top of that, Tim Sylvia
held the Heavyweight title to make them one of the most dominat
teams ever to compete in the UFC.
Members
you might already know: Matt Hughes, Pat Miletich, Jens Pulver,
Tim Sylvia, and Robbie Lawler.
Full
Roster : Jason Black, Laverne Clark, Emily Fisher, Spencer Fisher,
Tony Fryklund, Sam Hoger, Mark Hughes, Matt Hughes, Adrienna
Jenkins, Robbie Lawler, Ryan McGivern, Jason Medina, Pat Miletich,
Josh Neer, Joe Pierson, Jens Pulver, Ben Rothwell, Tim Sylvia,
and Ron Turcsak.
2.
Team Quest
Team
Quest out of Gresham, Oregon is headed up by UFC legend and multi-time
UFC Champion “The Natural” Randy Couture. There have
been many notable names to come out of this camp but Randy is
the most famous and widely respected competitor out of the bunch.
A lot of fighters owe their success to their training with Team
Quest and guidance from Randy Couture and co-founder of the team,
and multi-time UFC title contender Matt Lindland. Team Quest
has also fielded a couple of TUF contestants in Chris Leben and
Nate Quarry, in Season one when Randy himself coached on the
series. The team is most known for its strong grappling, as Couture
was 3x National Greco/Roman Wreslting Champion, and Lindland
was an Olympic Silver medalist. And of course there is Rulon
Gardner, most known for breaking the undefeated Russian Alexandre
Kareline, to capture Olympic gold.
Members
you might know : Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, Chris Leben, Rulon
Gardner, and Nate Quarry.
Full
Roster : Randy Couture, Dennis, Davis, Rulon Gardner, Dan Henderson,
Ed Herman, Matt Horwich, Chris Leben, Matt Lindland, Buck Meredith,
Nate Quarry, Art Santore, Ryan Schultz, Heath Sims, Chael Sonnen,
Brian Stromberg, Jay White, and Chris Wilson.
3.
Meat Truck Inc.
Rich
“Ace” Franklin is the current UFC middleweight champion
and the most notable of the Meat Truck fighters. Training with
TUF season 2 star Jorge Gurgel, legendary personal trainer Billy
Rush, and TUF season 1 contestant Josh Rafferty has vaulted Rich
to superstardom in the UFC and with fans worldwide. Meat Truck
has slowly put together a roster of winning fighters who train
just as hard as any other camp. Recently, they have seen quite
a few UFC fighters walk through their doors in the past few months
wanting to get themselves ready for their next fight in the octagon.
Members
you might know : Rich Franklin, Jorge Gurgel, Josh Rafferty,
and TUF 2 contestant Kerry Schall.
Full
Roster : Rich Franklin, Jorge Gurgel, Steve Martin, Michael Patt,
Josh Rafferty, Neal Rowe, Billy Rush, Kerry Schall, and Maurice
Walker.
4.
American Kickboxing Academy
King
of the Cage heavyweight champion Paul “The Headhunter”
Buentello is the most recognizable name of this fight team although
Mike Swick might take exception to that statement, being a TUF
season 1 contestant along with teammate Bobby Southworth. Many
fighters on this team have seen great success in their career
due to the quality of people that they surround themselves with.
Orginally associated with Frank Shamrock, the team had a head
start in developing its training processes. Now headed by UFC
veteran "Crazy" Bob Cook, the team is one of the hottest
in the business. Buentello has a title shot on October 7th which
may mean that they could be bringing yet another title home if
Paul can stop Andrei Arlovski like he has his other UFC opponents.
Members
you might know : Paul Buentello, Mike Swick, Josh Thompson, and
Trevor Prangley.
Full
Roster : Hannibal Adofo, Paul Buentello, Richard Crunkilton,
Brian Ebersole, Alex Khanbabian, Pat Minihan, Richard Montoya,
Trevor Prangley, WWE Tough Enough winner Daniel Puder, Sammy
Sleezer, Mike Swick, Josh Thomson, Christian Wellisch, and Eric
Wray.
Source: Maxfighting
|
Quote
of the Day
"Ultimately, the only power to which man should aspire is
that which he exercises over himself."
Elie Wiesel, Romanian-born Activist and Novelist
|
PRIDE
Fighting Championships Hawaii Showing
9/25/2005
1:00PM
Channel 226 FSWH
10/3/2005
5:00PM
Channel 226 FSWH
Source:
Oceanic Cable
|
Rumble
On The Rock Goes To Maui!
Rumble World Entertainment heads to Maui on Friday October 7,
2005 at the Lahaina Civic Center.
Cabbage Correira VS Ron Rumpf
Scott Junk VS Bobby Hoffman
(Fight of the Night for sure!)
Kendall Groves VS Jay Carter
Mike Aina VS Albert Rios
Sonny Boy Kaanana VS Bryse Martines
Paco Woods VS Lorrin Ishimine
Brandon Visher VS Jamar Dumalo
More Fights to Come!
Source: Rumble World Entertainment
|
UFC
56: Full Force
MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Saturday, November 19, 2005
UFC Middleweight Title Bout
Rich Franklin (Champion) vs. TBA (Challenger)
UFC
Welterweight Title Bout
Matt Hughes (Champion) vs. TBA (Challenger)
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Black
Belt Magazine's Top 5 Martial Arts Films
Martial Arts Film Festival
After 16 classic films in three days, the top 5 Films are:
1. Enter the Dragon (Warner)
2. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (Celestial Pics./Shaw Bros.)
3. Kill Bill, Vol. 1 (Miramax)
4. The New One-Armed Swordsman (Celestial Pics./Shaw Bros.)
5. The Matrix (Warner)
Source: Black Belt Magazine's Newsletter
|
HENDO
VS CHONAN IN GREAT MATCHUP
by Mick Hammond
If there is one fight that could produce a stunning finish in
Pride’s Bushido Welterweight GP it could be the match between
Ryo Chonan and Dan Henderson. Both fighters have gone into the
majority of their fights with the strategy of standing first,
then going to the ground if need be. Both have shown solid power
and for the most part both have shown they can take a shot. It’s
where the two differ and how well each can withstand the strengths
of their opponent that will decide who moves onto the second
round and possibly the finals in Pride’s attempt to crown
their first ever champion at 183lbs.
For
Dan Henderson this tournament represents his chance at redemption.
For the better part of the past few years he’d always seemed
like he was one step away from a title shot but never quite got
there. Then earlier this year when he had a chance at Pride’s
Middleweight GP he made a most unexpected quick exit in the first
round of his fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
It
wasn’t always “close but no cigar” for Henderson.
When he debuted in 1997 Henderson took a Brazil Open 4-man tournament
title and followed that up by winning UFC 17’s middleweight
tournament. These two tourney victories quickly established this
original member of Team Quest as one of the top fighters in the
world.
Next,
thanks to his performances in the Open and the UFC, Henderson
was invited to the Rings King of Kings 1999 tournament and took
the title winning all five of his matches. On his way to this
victory he defeated Hiromitsu Kanehara, Gilbert Yvel, Renato
Sobral, and handed future Pride Heavyweight Champion Antonio
Rodrigo Nogueira his first loss ever.
After
losing his Pride debut to Wanderlei Silva, Dan rebounded taking
his next three wins in a row before running into a roadblock
on his way towards another showdown with Silva. Matched up with
Ricardo Arona and rematched with Rodrigo Nogueira in consecutive
fights, Dan suffered two straight defeats that placed his contender
status up in the air again.
Upon
winning his next four in a row, it became clear again that Henderson
deserved an opportunity to challenge for a title, thus he was
included in Pride’s 2005 Middleweight GP. But for the third
time in his last four matches against the BTT, Henderson couldn’t
escape defeat as Nogueira finished him off with an arm bar 8
minutes into their fight.
So
the question remains, can Henderson become a champion in Pride
where it seems he cannot match up to past glory? With the inception
of the 183lb division Dan has possibly his best shot ever to
answer that question. No longer being forced to face heavier
competition, Hendo now has a more level playing field and with
his power and wrestling ability he becomes an early favorite
to take the first ever Pride Welterweight Championship.
Standing
in Henderson’s way is possibly Japan’s best hope in
the winning the tournament, Ryo Chonan, and if past performance
is any forbearer of what could come, it could be Chonan’s
tournament to lose.
At
10-5 heading into the tournament you would think that Chonan
wouldn’t be a favorite, but he is. Even though he’s
had at times an inconsistent career, he’s perfectly capable
of putting together all his tools and making a serious run of
multiple wins in a row.
It
is because of his varied skills that Ryo has been able to succeed
more often than not. After losing three of his first six bouts
in MMA, including a loss to fellow Welterweight GP participant
Masanori Suda, Chonan turned his career around winning his next
three straight, earning his way into Pride’s revamping Bushido
series.
After
losing his first bout in Pride to then Middleweight King of Pancrase
Ricardo Almeida, Chonan won his next four bouts with wins over
Pride vets Carlos Newton, Anderson Silva, and Nino Schembri.
In particular Chonan’s wins over Newton and Silva made him
a fan favorite in Japan. Against Newton, Chonan survived a deadpan
arm bar to come back to blast Newton with a ton of shots on his
way to a win. Then against Silva he pulled off one of the most
talked about submissions of the year when he segued from a scissors
takedown into a heel hook.
Dubbed
one of Bushido’s “Four Aces,” Chonan perhaps let
his overconfidence become the better of him as he stood and traded
with “New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni at Bushido 8 and
got knocked out for the first time in his career. Looking to
rebound after the devastating loss, Chonan now sets his sites
on another American in Dan Henderson as Ryo looks to become the
first Japanese fighter to win a title in Pride’s 8 year
history.
With
both Hendo and Ryo you get fighters who love to stand and trade.
While Chonan is more of a complete striker using both hands and
legs effectively, Dan represents pure power with his trademark
overhand right. If Chonan isn’t willing to exchange shots
with the heavy-handed Henderson, look for Ryo to try to get Dan
to the ground for a submission, but it won’t be easy. Henderson
is one of the best wrestlers in Pride and unless Chonan can pull
another slick submission similar to the one he caught Silva with,
he may not be able to take Dan down.
As
the race to determine Pride’s first champion at 183lbs heats
up, both Henderson and Chonan look to have a big role in determining
just who gets the belt. No matter what, whoever wins this bout
will be considered a favorite not only to make it to the finals,
but win the whole tournament. With pressure like that and Pride’s
mandate to be exciting and put on a good fight this could be
a proverbial barn burner as both Henderson and Chonan look to
guarantee themselves a spot at Shock Wave 2005.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
WWE
VS UFC SHOWDOWN HEATS UP
by Ivan Trembow
The war between the UFC and World Wrestling Entertainment continues
to heat up, as the two entities will compete head-to-head with
each other on different cable channels for the first time on
Monday, October 3rd.
USA
Network and WWE have put a huge, multi-million-dollar advertising
campaign behind the October 3rd return of WWE Raw to USA Network,
which is being billed as "WWE Homecoming."
By
contrast, there has been a conspicuous lack of advertising or
even acknowledgement that the UFC's October 3rd live fight special
even exists. The special was just announced by Spike TV on Wednesday,
September 21st, less than two weeks before it is scheduled to
take place. There is no way to measure how severely the October
3rd live fight special has been damaged by this glaring lack
of promotion.
Working
in the UFC's favor is the fact that WWE is not allowed to display
or say the words "USA Network" on the last remaining
episodes of WWE Raw that air on Spike TV. So, for the many people
who only see the "WWE Homecoming" commercials on WWE
television, they are being bombarded with commercials that say,
"WWE Homecoming- October 3rd," as opposed to seeing
commercials that say, "WWE Homecoming- October 3rd on USA
Network." It remains possible that WWE will violate its
agreement with Spike TV by mentioning the words "USA Network"
on the final episode of Raw that airs on Spike TV, but there
are currently no plans within WWE to do so.
Tension with
WWE Leads to Spike TV Having a Change in Attitude
Tension
between WWE and Spike TV has been building for years. This tension
has been stronger than ever in recent weeks, as Vince McMahon
is said to have "flipped his lid" and "gone nuts"
with multiple headset-throwing tempter tantrums (as first reported
by the Wrestling Observer) upon seeing that Spike TV is advertising
a competing pro wrestling organization (NWA-TNA) during WWE's
own TV show, and is also continuing to air commercials during
WWE Raw about the UFC being a "real sport" with "real
athletes."
Spike
TV has also been firm with WWE in stressing the 11:08 PM cut-off
time for WWE Raw on Monday nights. While Raw went over that time
limit to as late as 11:10 PM on four separate occasions during
the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, Spike TV has made it
clear that it is no longer going to grant WWE any wiggle room
in that timeframe. If WWE Raw is still taking place on any given
week when the clock strikes 11:08 PM Eastern Time, Spike TV has
made it clear that the show will be cut off regardless of what
is happening at that moment, the screen will fade to black, and
The Ultimate Fighter will begin airing as scheduled.
Several
months ago when Spike TV cut off all negotiations with WWE for
a contract renewal between the two parties (a move that cost
WWE millions of dollars in lost negotiating leverage with USA
Network), the attitude within Spike TV is that they would not
try to compete directly with WWE for the same demographic in
the 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM timeslot on Monday nights. Instead, the
network would move TUF to Saturday nights and would air repeats
of "CSI" and "CSI: New York" head-to-head
with Raw on Monday nights, as the CSI shows draw from a completely
different demographic and would not likely be damaged by going
head-to-head with Raw.
That
attitude changed at some point in the past month, prompting Spike
TV to test the waters with a live UFC special on Monday night,
October 3rd. In addition to the mounting tension with WWE, Spike
TV may have been emboldened when The Ultimate Fighter, in its
latenight timeslot, actually drew a higher rating than WWE Raw
in the 25-to-34-year-old male demographic on Monday night, August
29th.
Indeed,
the timeline of events would seem to support this assertion,
as the Wrestling Observer reports that Spike TV initially contacted
the UFC on Thursday, September 1st, and asked if the UFC could
put together a live fight special that would take place on October
3rd.
The
UFC was not about to turn down all of the programming rights
fees and advertising revenue that it generates every time it
has a show on Spike TV, so the UFC agreed to Spike TV's request
and had tentatively put together a complete fight card by the
end of the day on Saturday, September 3rd, just two days after
Spike TV's request.
UFC and WWE
Play a High-Stakes Game of "Chicken"
For
the past several weeks, Spike TV and the UFC have played a constant
game of one-upsmanship with USA Network and WWE, which has been
documented extensively by MMAWeekly and also by the Pro Wrestling
Torch.
Shortly
after WWE management learned that Spike TV was planning to air
a live UFC special on October 3rd, WWE made its October 3rd show
into a huge event with numerous big-name returns scheduled for
one show, despite the fact that they could make more money in
the long run by spreading those returns out over the course of
a few weeks or months instead of hot-shotting them all in one
night. The pro wrestling audience has always followed pro wrestling
when it changes nights or networks, so there would be no need
for WWE to blow everything in one night if not for the sense
of competition with WWE.
It
was also announced that the October 3rd episode of Raw would
be a special three-hour episode, starting at 8:00 PM instead
of the usual 9:00 PM, thus giving WWE a one-hour head-start on
the UFC and a chance to hook viewers on something that they feel
they can't turn away from. In other words, expect to see Stone
Cold Steve Austin and/or Hulk Hogan on the screen right around
the time that the UFC's live special is starting at 9:00 PM,
in order to discourage Raw's viewers from changing the channel
to the UFC.
The
response from Spike TV was to schedule a new episode of UFC Unleashed
to air at 8:00 PM on October 3rd before the live fight special,
thus negating WWE's lead-in advantage. This episode of UFC Unleashed
will feature the Forrest Griffin vs. Bill Mahood fight that just
took place at UFC 53 in June 2005, as well as the Andrei Arlovski
vs. Vladimir Matyushenko fight that took place at UFC 44 in September
2003.
WWE
quickly responded by announcing that Raw would actually start
at 7:55 PM, thus giving WWE a five-minute head start on the UFC.
WWE also added a one-hour "Best of Raw" special that
is scheduled to air on October 3rd at 11:05 PM Eastern Time,
head-to-head with a new episode of The Ultimate Fighter 2 on
Spike TV.
Earlier
this week, WWE announced a ridiculous amount of wrestling legends
who will be making special appearances on the October 3rd episode
of Raw, in addition to the previously announced appearances by
Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Mick Foley, Vince McMahon, and Vince
McMahon's son-in-law Triple H. In an effort to squash the competition
that it will be facing on Spike TV, it was announced that Raw
on October 3rd will also feature appearances by wrestling legends
such as Rowdy Roddy Piper, Superstar Billy Graham, The Iron Sheik,
Nikolai Volkoff, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, Harley Race,
Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Hillbilly Jim, Chief Jay Strongbow, Jimmy
Hart, The Fabulous Moolah, Mae Young, Koko B. Ware, and Greg
"The Hammer" Valentine.
On
the other hand, because mixed martial arts is a sport as opposed
to "sports entertainment," the UFC can't just add an
unlimited number of special guest stars to its shows. It's quite
the opposite in this case, as the UFC special will undoubtedly
be damaged by the loss of Stephan Bonnar to a broken hand suffered
in training, as Bonnar would have been the UFC's #1 ratings draw
on that night.
On
Wednesday of this week, Spike TV countered yet again in this
continuing game of, "Can you top this?" by announcing
that the aforementioned new episode of UFC Unleashed will actually
air at 7:00 PM on October 3rd, followed by a "UFC Ultimate
Knockouts" special at 8:00 PM.
So,
unless WWE fires back once again, the five-hour UFC programming
block will begin approximately 55 minutes earlier than the WWE
programming block on October 3rd.
As
of right now, here is the schedule on October 3rd for the two
competing line-ups:
UFC on Spike
TV, October 3rd (All Times Eastern)
7:00
PM to 8:00 PM: New episode of UFC Unleashed
8:00
PM to 9:00 PM: UFC Ultimate Knockouts
9:00
PM to 11:05 PM: Live airing of UFC Ultimate Fight Night 2
11:05
PM to 12:05 AM: New episode of The Ultimate Fighter 2
WWE on USA
Network, October 3rd (All Times Eastern)
7:55
PM to 11:05 PM: Special three-hour-and-ten-minute-long "Homecoming"
episode of WWE Raw
11:05
PM to 12:05 PM: Best of Raw special
Ratings Expectations
for October 3rd
In
terms of the head-to-head ratings battle between the UFC and
WWE, there is nobody on either side of this battle who is expecting
the UFC to match WWE in overall ratings, or to even come close
to doing so.
Instead,
the hope within Spike TV and the UFC (and the fear within WWE)
is that the UFC can take a significant chunk of WWE's young male
demographic, while also maintaining the same overall rating that
live UFC fight specials on Spike TV have drawn when they're not
going head-to-head with WWE.
Spike
TV has aired live UFC fight specials on two previous occasions,
with events on Saturday, April 9th and Saturday, August 6th of
this year. Those events drew overall ratings of 1.9 and 1.5,
respectively. If the UFC's two-hour live special from 9:00 PM
to 11:05 PM on Monday, October 3rd can still draw a rating somewhere
in the range of 1.5 to 1.9, despite the fact that it will be
going head-to-head with a mega-hyped edition of WWE Raw, that
will be considered a huge success.
On
the other hand, if the live UFC special draws a rating somewhere
in the range of 1.0 to 1.4, it will be considered a mild disappointment
by Spike TV. Finally, if the UFC special draws a rating that
is under 1.0, it will be embarrassing for Spike TV as a whole,
and particularly for Spike TV president Doug Herzog, who made
the decision to put the UFC head-to-head with Raw on WWE's first
night back on USA Network.
The Long-Term
Schedule After October 3rd
As
mentioned in this article and as chronicled previously on MMAWeekly,
Spike TV originally planned to move UFC programming to Saturday
nights as soon as WWE left the network to go back to USA Network.
The plan was to have a Saturday night schedule with UFC Unleashed
at 8:00 PM, new episodes of The Ultimate Fighter 2 at 9:00 PM,
and another episode of UFC Unleashed at 10:00 PM, all of which
would serve as a strong lead-in to the "TNA Impact"
pro wrestling show at 11:00 PM on which Tito Ortiz is expected
to be a featured attraction.
Now,
those plans have changed. Not only will a new episode of The
Ultimate Fighter air in its normal timeslot (Monday at 11:05
PM) on October 3rd, but the Wrestling Observer is reporting that
Spike TV currently plans to keep new episodes of TUF 2 in that
same timeslot for the remainder of the season. Those plans are
tentative, and could change based on the results of the ratings
battle that is going to take place on October 3rd.
As
of right now, Spike TV management has convinced itself that it's
a good idea to continue airing new episodes of TUF 2 on Monday
nights at 11:05 PM, with the reasoning being that viewers who
are used to watching The Ultimate Fighter after WWE Raw will
flip the channel from USA Network to Spike TV every week at 11:05
PM when Raw goes off the air.
As
for Spike TV's line-up on Saturday nights, starting on October
8th that line-up will consist of an action movie from 7:00 PM
to 9:00 PM, an episode of UFC Unleashed from 9:00 PM to 10:00
PM, a repeat airing of The Ultimate Fighter 2 from 10:00 PM to
11:00 PM, and TNA Impact from 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
If
the UFC absolutely tanks in the ratings on October 3rd, it's
possible that Spike TV could decide to shift the new airing of
The Ultimate Fighter every week to the Saturdays at 10:00 PM
timeslot that the network currently has booked for TUF repeats
every week.
The
only thing that has been set it stone by Spike TV at this point
is that The Ultimate Fighter 2 will continue to air on both Saturday
nights at 10:00 PM, and on Monday nights at 11:05 PM, even after
WWE Raw leaves the network. At this point, the only question
is which one of those airings will be the new episode every week,
and which one will be the repeat every week. Spike TV's advertising
sales are flexible enough that the network can afford to make
the final decision on this matter depending on how well the UFC
performs in the ratings on October 3rd.
In
the meantime, a marathon of the first six episodes of The Ultimate
Fighter 2 will air on Saturday, October 1st from 5:00 PM to 11:00
PM on Spike TV, in a move that Spike TV feels will provide a
quality lead-in for the October 1st premiere of TNA Impact at
11:00 PM.
Possible Dates
for UFC Live TV Specials in 2006
If
Spike TV wanted to run live UFC events on Monday nights a few
times per year, in order to capitalize on the pro wrestling audience
that is normally watching TV on Monday nights, surely the best
nights to do so would be the nights on which WWE Raw is pre-empted,
right?
That
would seem to make the most sense, and if Spike TV is thinking
the same way, then three potential dates for live UFC specials
on Spike TV would February 13th, August 28th, and September 4th
of 2006.
One
of the major reasons that WWE left USA Network for Spike TV several
years ago was because of WWE's frustration over being pre-empted
three times per year for other programming on USA Network. Now,
having been essentially forced to return to USA Network after
Spike TV and every other cable network was unwilling to meet
its contractual demands, WWE is right back in the same situation
it was in several years ago with three pre-emptions per year.
A
press release that was put out by USA Network this week discloses
that WWE Raw will be pre-empted on Monday, February 13th, 2006
for the network's annual airing of the Westminster Dog Show on
USA Network. That just screams to Spike TV, "Put a live
UFC special on this date in Raw's timeslot and maybe regular
viewers of Raw will watch Spike TV that night instead!"
It's not known if Spike TV executives are planning such a move
at this point, but it's certainly something that they're going
to consider at some point.
In
addition, USA Network will pre-empt WWE Raw on Monday, August
28th, 2006 and again on Monday, September 4th, 2006 for its annual
coverage of the US Open tennis tournament. Logic would dictate
that either of these two dates would be ideal for a live UFC
special from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Again, nothing has been decided
by Spike TV on this matter, but don't be surprised if you see
it happen.
Source:
MMA Weekly |
DANA
WHITE SPEAKS
The following
is an interview Dana White did back in 2001, only four days after Zuffa finalized
the purchase of the UFC from SEG
It's
interesting to see how most of the things Dana said have turned
out to be the exact opposite (interview by PrimeTimeFighters.com):
Interviewer:
Who owns Zuffa Corporation?
Dana
White: Lorenzo Fertitta, Frank Fertitta III and Blake Sartini
Interviewer:
What is your position with Zuffa?
Dana
White: President.
Interviewer:
What does Zuffa mean?
Dana
White: It's Italian and it means to "fight" or to "scrap".
Interviewer:
What other businesses are they associated with?
Dana
White: The Station Casinos: Palace Station, Boulder Station,
Texas Station, & Sunset Station
Interviewer:
Why did you buy the UFC?
Dana
White: First and foremost because we're fans. But also because
we feel we can take the UFC to where it should've been taken
a long time ago.
Interviewer:
There has been some negativity about the previous owners…
Dana
White: Right. I think Bob (Meyrowitz) burned a lot of bridges.
A lot of conflicts. That's what made it tough for him to move
forward with it.
Interviewer:
So he was difficult to do business with?
Dana
White: Very confrontational. You have to look at it like this:
He had a company that was doing business with the cable companies
and he lost cable. And it was just a constant fight to get it
back.
Interviewer:
He obviously never got it back. That must be a goal of Zuffa.
Dana
White: That is our goal: To get it sactioned in the state of
Nevada and get it back on cable.
Interviewer:
Are you President of the UFC or Zuffa?
Dana
White: Both UFC and Zuffa.
Interviewer:
Will the UFC and Zuffa co-exist here at the same Las Vegas location?
Dana
White: Correct.
Interviewer:
There was already at least one fight card already scheduled,
are you going to keep that?
Dana
White: Yes. Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City Feb. 23rd, 2001. You
won't see too many of our changes right away. You're gonna see
some changes in the first UFC but the show was already planned
so it's too soon for us to make any real changes.
Interviewer:
Taj Mahal is not on an Indian Reservation, why is it allowed
there?
Dana
White: Because it's been sactioned in New Jersey. In fact, Paul
Smith's IFC is holding another event this weekend there as well.
That's the key.
Interviewer:
There has been alot of talk that the UFC didn't pay very well.
Will that change?
Dana
White: Right. That's gonna change. See, that's what we really
want to change. We're gonna bring back alot of the fighters that
left the UFC for that reason and the other reasons that they
were chased away.
You
have to understand Lorenzo and I.
Lorenzo
comes from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and what do
they do? Their job is to look out for fighters. I was a manager,
what was my job? To look out for fighters. So we really want
to put alot of emphasis on the fighters. The old UFC's emphasis
was the UFC. That was the main thing that they wanted to promote
and publicize.
We
want to create superstars.
Interviewer:
When will the UFC be in Las Vegas?
Dana
White: That we don't know. We're working hard and we're hoping
within 18 months.
Interviewer:
There are other people watching you, other organizations, pulling
for you to get the UFC in Las Vegas.
Dana
White: The first thing I did when we bought the UFC was call
Yukino Kanda from PRIDE. I told her there was always a war between
the UFC and PRIDE... I told her the war is over.
Our
office staff started clapping and cheering when I made that call.
Then
I called Terry Trebilcock from King of The Cage, Paul Smith from
IFC. I talked to Jamie Levin from WEF today. Basically, these
guys were all at war with each other and I want to work together.
The sport of mixed martial arts is fighting so many other foes,
whether it's cable companies or political foes, that we need
to stick together and work to further the sport.
Interviewer:
Will you keep the UFC in Las Vegas once you start holding shows
here?
Dana
White: Well, I think Las Vegas will become the mecca of mixed
martial arts. I mean you can have fights in New Jersey, but it's
cold in the winter time. Las Vegas is warm, it has so many other
things to see and do, it's cheap. It's a great place to come
and visit for a weekend. It's a good excuse to come and watch
a fight.
I
think that's why the boxing business does so well here. Everybody's
looking for an excuse to go to Vegas
Interviewer:
You can no longer manage fighters, right?
Dana
White: Right. That's been a big issue with us and it's a big
issue right now. Anybody who's involved in the promoting part
of the UFC has to pick one or the other. Either they promote
or manage but you don't do both. It's totally unethical and a
conflict of interest.
If
you have a guy that's getting paid to set up the fight and getting
paid from his fighter's pay as well, it’s not
right.
Interviewer:
Who's going to take over Tito (Ortiz)?
Dana
White: A gentleman named Jim Gallo has taken over Tito and Chuck
Liddell. He's an attorney here in Las Vegas. Smart guy, good
guy, fair guy. And Tito and Chuck love him.
Interviewer:
Is he familiar with the fight game?
Dana
White: Yes. He's one of the best contract lawyers as far as puting
contracts together. And kicking promoters' asses. He's good.
Interviewer:
Who will join that stable with Tito and Chuck?
Dana
White: Jim Gallo has some pretty decent boxers, and I think Alfonso
Alcarez, a mixed martial arts fighter, will be joining them.
Alcarez and Jens Pulver fought to a draw. He's a tough little
guy. Look for him and Pulver to fight again soon. Because I'm
sure Pulver would love that fight too so he could redeem the
only bad mark on his UFC record.
There's
a fighter out of Texas, Yves Edwards that will join Gallo also.
Interviewer:
So Gallo will continue to represent both MMA and boxers?
Dana
White: Yes.
Interviewer:
What big names do you want to bring back to the UFC?
Dana
White: (Smiling) I've talked to a lot of them already. I'd love
to see Mark Kerr back. I'd love to see Coleman back, Frank Shamrock,
Ken Shamrock if he's interested in fighting still.
Interviewer:
Those are definitely some names...
Dana
White: (Smiling really big) ...And my main goal, the main guy
I want to get together with. Even if I have to co-promote with
PRIDE, and we don't have a problem with co-promoting, they do
it in boxing... is Sakuraba.
Interviewer:
Will he come here? Because I heard he doesn't like to fight outside
Japan.
Dana
White: I think he will. I think we can work out a deal with Yukino
over at Dream Stage (PRIDE's parent company). Besides, money
talks.
But,
Yukino and PRIDE really want Tito. And we really want Sakuraba.
So I don't see why we can't work something out. I enjoy working
with PRIDE. I respect them, so I don't see a problem.
Interviewer:
You've told me Tito doesn't like fighting outside the cage.
Dana
White: Right. That's something we'd have to work out in the contract.
I don't really think Sakuraba would have a problem with that
because he's fought in the UFC before.
Interviewer:
Any other Japanese fighters?
Dana
White: Sakuraba's the main one. He's the man. Him and Tito would
be a dream fight.
Interviewer:
Ali - Frazier I, Twenty First Century style.
Dana
White: Exactly. Tito currently has the title, so the way I see
it: Put Sakuraba and Tito together, and Frank (Shamrock) gets
the winner.
Interviewer:
That will sell you some pay-per-view.
Dana
White: Yes it will.
Interviewer:
Any other middleweights you have in mind?
Dana
White: Jeremy Horn, Chuck Liddell, Evan Tanner who is fighting
Tito in this next UFC, Bustamante.
Interviewer:
There's a lot of people in the 199 and under division. What do
you see in the heavyweights?
Dana
White: Igor, Mark Kerr, Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, and of
course our champ Randy Couture.
Interviewer:
Do you think Randleman should drop below 200 lbs. and go into
that division?
Dana
White: I don't know. Fifteen pounds is a lot of weight. It takes
a lot out of you. Would Randleman be the same aggressive, powerful
fighter he is after losing 15 pounds. Some guys can pull that
off and others can't.
Interviewer:
Tito does it doesn't he?
Dana
White: See, that's a big myth. Everybody talks about Tito's weight
dropping. Tito only drops between 10 and 12 pounds for a fight.
Interviewer:
PRIDE has it's fighters and the UFC has theirs. Would you be
stealing their thunder by signing the PRIDE's fighters for a
UFC event?
Dana
White: That's what I don't want. It shouldn't be that way. You
see PRIDE's fighters are allowed to fight in the UFC, there's
no contract restrictions with PRIDE fighters.
There's
always been contract restrictions on UFC fighters fighting in
PRIDE.
Interviewer:
Which is a shame because the money's always been bigger in PRIDE.
And that kept the UFC fighters from getting paid more money.
Dana
White: I think if we had Igor or Sakuraba fight in a UFC, PRIDE
wouldn't have a problem with that as long as it weren't in Japan.
It's always been the UFC who wouldn't let the fighters fight
in other shows.
Interviewer:
That was in the contract? Why?
Dana
White: I don't know.
Interviewer:
Get a taste of the money and "Leave me forever" or
what?
Dana
White: I guess. But PRIDE fighters from the U.S. have to travel
to Japan for every fight, and that can't be easy even though
Tito loves going to Japan. He only has to go there once, twice
a year. These guys do it all the time and I know the last time
I went to Japan I wasn't right for a week! So I don't how these
guys go over there and do it.
Interviewer:
Will there be any rules changes in the 'New' UFC?
Dana
White: It depends on the commission. I think the only thing that
changed in New Jersey was there's no knees on the ground.
Interviewer:
What big heavyweight fights do you want in the upcoming cards?
Dana
White: You know we have Randy Couture who just regained the Heavyweight
Title. He is awesome.
Interviewer:
People love that guy. He is so well spoken and in super shape.
Dana
White: This guy is such a stud. He's 38-years old. He just came
back from like a 3 year layoff, regained the title from an unbelievable
guy, and if you saw that fight...
Interviewer:
I did.
Dana
White: That fight was the perfect example of what I'm talking
about of where the sport could go. People want to bad mouth it
because they don't understand it, they're uneducated in the sport.
You've got two guys who are superb athletes. They went at it,
it was a great fight.
Afterwards,
Randleman goes up to Couture with the greatest jesture of sportsmanship
I've ever seen: Passes the title over to him, congratulates him...
it was just amazing. I was actually there and I was glad to be
part of something like that.
I
think I'd like to see Couture fight any of those guys out there.
Any of the 'Top' Dogs. He can hang with any of them
Interviewer:
Did you buy the UFC website ?
Dana
White: Yes. We will be re-constructing the website and we hope
to have our new site up by Feb. 5th. We plan on having a great
website. I think our fans are gonna enjoy our website.
Interviewer:
What about the UFC logo? Is that gonna stay?
Dana
White: No. That's changing. We're gonna have a whole new UFC.
Interviewer:
Who's the new logo?
Dana
White: We don't know yet. We plan on having that up by Feb. 5th
as well.
Interviewer:
Who will be your play-by-play and color commentators?
Dana
White: We're keeping all the current employees in place right
now.
We
actually have administrative meetings all week this week. They're
all flying out this week to meet with us.
The
problem has never been the employees at SEG. It's been the lack
of capitol, no cable, burnt bridges. Things like that.
Interviewer:
Do you want people to be able to reach you right now?
Dana
White: If people want, they can call 702-221-4780
Interviewer:
Is your matchmaker still gonna be Perretti.
Dana
White: For now, we won't be making any changes.
Interviewer:
Anything else you want to discuss or are you ready for dinner?
Dana
White: Let's go eat.
Source: Fight Sport
|
Pride
Bushido at Eastside Grill Today!
We have heard that Eastside Grill will be showing Pride Bushido
at around 3 pm. I could not find the exact time, but if you want
to check it, they may be the only game in town.
|
Quote
of the Day
"There is no victory at bargain basement prices."
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1890-1969, 34th President of the United
States
|
Kickin'
It Tonight!
The
event is totally sold out, so if you were waiting to buy your
tickets, it is too late! NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR.
The next event is going to be bigger and badder around Thanksgiving,
so get your tickets early!
WHAT- KICKIN IT 2005 PART V (AMATEUR KICKBOXING)
WHEN- SEPT. 24, 2005 DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM
WHERE- PAGODA HOTEL BALLROOM
PRE SALE TICKETS $20.00 AT THE DOOR- $25.00
MAIN EVENT
RYAN LEE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP DAVID BALICAO
BULLSPEN 136 -141 HSD
NO HEADGEAR - NO FEETPADS - NO EXCUSES
BRANDON ABSHER 150 - 155 MARCUS MARINO
HSD BULLSPEN
SEAN CASTRO 170-175 BRYAN INGRAM
TEAM MIXBREED HAWAII TRAINING CENTER
ZACK RAPAUL 145-150 KEVIN DELIMA
WAIANAE KICKBOXING CLUB BULLSPEN
JARRID SANTOS 140-145 ISAAC
BULLSPEN TEAM MIXBREED
TONY PERERA 120-125 BRUCE NIIMOTO
WAIANAE KICKBOXING CLUB 413
SHANEN KIRA 160-165 NYE DELASANTOS
TEAM MIXBREED TEAM SOLJAH
EDMUND LI 135-140 SHAISON LAUPOLA
HMC JESUS IS LORD
WINNER WILL FACE RED DAVIS FOR THE TEENAGE AMATEUR SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT
CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE BELT ON SEPT. 24 2005.
JARRID CHAVEZ SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT JARRID LINDSEY
HSD BULLSPEN
DARRYL LABRADOR 120-125 VERN KAPOI
HSD HMC
TIM LAPITAN 155-160 KEA DEMELLO
BULLSPEN ANIMAL HOUSE
CHAD PAVAO 135-140 JUMAR DUMLAO
HSD 808 FIGHT FACTORY
JUSTIN PIAMONTE 110-120 SHANE DULATRE
ANIMAL HOUSE 413
LORENZO MORENO 155-160 KAIKA CHOYFOO
BULLSPEN JESUS IS LORD
ALL MATCHES AND PARTICIPANTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Source: Event Promoter
|
WLADIMIR
KLITSCHKO VS. SAMUEL PETER
BOXING AFTER DARK
Saturday,
Sept. 24 at 10:00pm ET/PT
It's a night of hard-hitting action when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK:
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO VS. SAMUEL PETER AND MIGUEL COTTO VS. RICARDO
TORRES is seen from the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, exclusively
on HBO. The HBO Sports team of Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant,
plus a guest appearance from George Foreman, will be ringside
for the event.
PREFIGHT ANALYSIS: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO VS. SAMUEL PETER
It's
"bombs' away" at the boardwalk when Wladimir Klitschko
and Sam Peter square off. This keenly anticipated match-up presents
an exciting opportunity, not only for these two fighters, but
also for the Heavyweight Division in general. The "Nigerian
Nightmare" Peter exploded onto the boxing scene in December
`04 when he sent Jeremy Williams to dreamland via an awe-inspiring
one-punch knockout. Impressive, but still very much unproven,
Sam represents fresh hope for the future in a division long deprived
of greatness. Wladimir Klitschko, whose boxing future has seemed
all but over, is determined to resurrect his defunct career.
If he is no longer the boxer he used to be, that might be the
good news.
Former
champ Wlad will battle his own nerves as well as the hard-hitting
Peter. Klitschko readily admits that he can be his own worst
enemy. Granted, Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster turned out
to be about as bad as enemies get. Klitschko had made good headway
in the division, besting respectable fighters such as Chris Byrd,
a faded Ray Mercer, and a reluctant Jameel McCline, before his
stunner of a loss at the hands of golfer/boxer Corrie Sanders.
One year and two successful tune-ups later, Wlad crashed and
burned again, losing after punching himself out in five rounds
against Lamon Brewster. Though Klitschko has racked up several
wins since then, those 2 losses have dominated his reputation.
In his words: "From nothing to everything, it's a long way.
But from everything to nothing it's one step."
Tell
that to Samuel Peter. The 25 year old hottest prospect in the
division seized the spotlight and gained instantaneous credibility
based on a single outing less than a year ago. Still rough around
the edges when it comes to technique and possessing a thin resume
when it comes to the worthiness of his opponents, the undefeated
Peter appears to have the hand speed, firepower and will of a
champion. Given the longevity of contemporary heavyweights, Peter
could be a household name for years to come.
Almost
more exciting than either of its participants, this top notch
heavyweight pairing showcases untested talent against a flawed
but experienced pugilist. If Wladimir Klitschko finds the underdog
role to be comfortable and can avoid getting chopped down by
Peter's power shots, he could dominate the scorecards as a head-hunting
menace to the shorter slugger. Sam has yet to establish an effective
jab, keeping it busy but rarely connecting. Nevertheless, it's
not his jab that has brought him to this prizefighting juncture:
When Sam Peter's power punches find their mark, there has not
been a heavyweight yet who can withstand them. Has Wlad transformed?
Is Peter the real item? The answers will make themselves known
in t he ring.
Source: HBO
|
Fight
for Respect:
'Chute Boxe vs. Brazilian Top Team'
October 19th, 2005
Pavilhao Atlantico, Lisboa, Portugal
Chute
Boxe vs. Brazilian Top Team card
Brazilian
magazine 'Tatame' reports that a Chute Boxe vs. Brazilian Top
Team card will take place on October 19th in Portugal. The line-up
will feature three representatives from each team facing off
against each other:
Chute
Boxe vs. BTT matchups
(Chute Boxe fighters on left side):
Fabio Silva vs. Roan 'Jucao'
'Jamanta' vs. Alexandre 'Cacareco' Ferreira
Mauricio 'Veio' vs. Paulo Boiko
Source:
Fight Sport
|
BAS'
BUSHIDO BREAKDOWN
By Mick Hammond
With Bushido "The Tournament" quickly approaching,
the MMA world is buzzing about what could be the single most
intriguing night of action in the lower weight classes ever.
Not only will the finals for 183lb welterweight division be set,
but the stacked 160lb lightweight division will take one step
closer to crowning a champion for the first time in many years.
MMA
Weekly spoke to living legend and incomparable Pride commentator
Bas “El Guapo” Rutten recently to break down the American
hopes in the tournaments and to discuss the present and future
of both himself and the Pride Fighting Championships.
MMA
Weekly: Bas let’s not waste any time and get right into
breaking down some of the fights in the two tournaments starting
with the welterweights. First up let’s discuss the match
between Ikuhisa “The Punk” Minowa and “The New
York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni, tell us your thoughts on this
fight.
Bas
Rutten: You know what, knowing Minowa and this being a rematch,
he’s going to be prepared like a crazy man. Phil knows that
of course so he’s going to train real hard too. Hopefully
they are going to start this fight like they did in round 2 of
the last one, like right away just start slugging it out. I have
a feeling that’s going to happen because Minowa doesn’t
want to waste any time, I think he’s going to in and going
to go real hard and force Phil to keep up with him.
MMA
Weekly: So do you feel this fight will share the same outcome
as their first match?
Bas
Rutten: I don’t know, I really don’t know. The first
time, in the first round, Minowa looked real good against Phil.
I have to say Phil looked a lot better against Chonan, he looked
lighter on his feet and his boxing improved. Saying that I think
Phil should take this one again.
MMA
Weekly: Next up we have Dan Henderson taking on Ryo Chonan. What
do you see for this one?
Bas
Rutten: This is a difficult one, very difficult. Dan has knockout
power in his overhand right and a good left hook and he’s
very hard to take down. Chonan is really good at striking himself
but he has to use more of his legs in this fight. Dan doesn’t
kick a lot, he kicks, but it’s not to knock people out,
it’s more like set ups for his overhand. Chonan is just
really tough, he got caught last time by Phil but he can come
out with some crazy submissions. If Dan makes one little mistake
while he’s in ground ‘n pound, he sits up or something
and Chonan pulls him back there are the leg locks because he’s
really good at that. I would say that Dan could take this fight
because he’s very hard to take down and he will dictate
if this fight goes to the ground or not. If he takes this a little
bit too light there could be trouble.
MMA
Weekly: You mentioned Ryo getting caught by Baroni in his last
bout. Do you think that the KO will play at all in Chonan’s
mind heading into this fight and could it have any effect on
the outcome?
Bas
Rutten: Yeah for sure, it’s one of the most difficult things
a fighter has to deal with. When you get KO’d in one fight
and come back, I have so much respect for those guys, especially
the ones that come back and get a victory by KO, those are the
real guys. I believe that for Chonan, he’s got true warrior
spirit, I think it won’t be a problem. As long as it doesn’t
get in his head and he starts thinking “what if?” Once
he starts that, it’s bad, you fill your head with negative
thoughts and you won’t be able to concentrate clearly on
the fight.
MMA
Weekly: So who do you see making their way to the finals and
is there any dark horse that could come out of the 8-man field
and surprise people?
Bas
Rutten: That’s a very difficult question, I really can’t
tell, it’s like the middleweight tournament, there is so
much talent in it. Daniel Acacio is on a roll right now, Phil
is always dangerous, Minowa if he starts off right away, Chonan
is a favorite lately, and Akihiro Gono is so tough also. I can’t
tell you, there are eight of the world’s best fighters in
there so I cannot make a prediction right now.
MMA
Weekly: Heading on to the lightweight tournament now. First up
let’s talk about Hayoto “Mach” Sakurai taking
on Jens “Little Evil” Pulver.
Bas
Rutten: It’s going to be heavy. Sakurai is back in total
shape now training with Matt Hume, he’s totally back. Jens
Pulver had those losses a few years back but he’s in the
groove again. I think this will be a real good fight. If it stands
on its feet it should go to Jens.
MMA
Weekly: What if this fight goes to the ground? Sakurai is a very
accomplished submission fighter and we haven’t seen Pulver
go to the ground much in his most recent fights.
Bas
Rutten: The Miletich guys do know submissions and how to escape
and when you’re going to fight Sakurai I’m sure they’ve
worked with ground fighters to prepare. So I don’t see submissions
being a problem for Jens if it goes to the ground.
MMA
Weekly: Next up we have Yves Edwards, a fighter many claim is
the uncrowned Lightweight Champion in the US, taking on Norwegian
superstar Joachim “Hellboy” Hansen. Give us your breakdown
on this fight.
Bas
Rutten: This is going to be a knockout probably, even though
Yves surprised us last time with a submission. Joachim has only
lost a couple of times and when he lost it was by submission.
Yves shows that he’s good on the ground, if he plays his
cards right he’ll strike with Hansen and then take him down
and he could pull off a submission. If it stays standing it could
be the fight of the night, it’s going to be just brutal,
they’re both very good.
MMA
Weekly: Breaking away from the Americans in the tournament, we
have to talk about “Fireball Kid” Takanori Gomi and
Tatsuya Kawajiri. How do you think this battle of Japanese superstars
will go?
Bas
Rutten: This could be a main event this fight, it’s the
hometown boys, they don’t want to lose in front of their
own crowd, so it’s going to be brutal and a real hard fight.
This is the kind of fight that you can’t predict an outcome,
all these fights are so well matched up that you can’t really
say who’s going to win. What I can say, it’s going
to be a war that’s for sure.
MMA
Weekly: Neither fighter looked very good in their last bout,
do you think because of that they will want to come out and impress
early?
Bas
Rutten: Fighters are always trying things. In his last fight
Gomi probably wanted more power so he hit the weights and bulked
up, but he found out in his last fight that it wasn’t good
because he got tired, so he won’t make the same mistake
this time. Kawajiri in his debut he didn’t look good, but
I think now fighting Gomi that he’s familiar with, it will
be different.
MMA
Weekly: Is there anyone, favorite or underdog, that we can look
to make an impact in this show and make it to the finals?
Bas
Rutten: Again look at this tournament, there’s so much talent
in there. Azeredo gave Gomi his run for his money, Gomi, Kawajiri,
Yves Edwards, Sakurai, Jens Pulver, I mean can you pick one?
I can’t. Joachim comes in with a bang, he’s on a roll,
he’s got a chance, all eight of them do, it’s just
the most impossible thing to predict.
MMA
Weekly: Tell us how overall important it is for Pride to have
these tournaments and secure champions at these weights?
Bas
Rutten: I think it’s very important because of separating
the weight classes, it’s all about weight nowadays. In the
early days it wasn’t, but now it does make a lot of difference.
It’s very important for Pride to have these tournaments;
the talent involved is unbelievable. I don’t think there’s
ever been in the world with two tournaments like this with names
like this. What can I say, it’s going to be an unbelievable
happening.
MMA
Weekly: Getting away from the tournament, tell what kind of impact
are you seeing from Pride now being featured on Fox Sports Net?
Bas
Rutten: The Fox thing was the best thing that could have happened
to Pride. Now the regular people who aren’t normally MMA
fans get slowly shown what MMA and Pride is and they see the
50,000 people at a show and are blown away and get interested.
If I was seeing it for the first time I would want to get involved
in this, it’s a happening. This is what we wanted our whole
lives, everybody was working for this. It’s just phenomenal
that it’s happening like this. I mean you watch in just
one more year, it’s going so fast in the last few years,
it’s going to get even bigger.
MMA
Weekly: Let’s talk about El Guapo now, I know you’re
one of the busiest people in MMA, tell our readers what’s
upcoming for you.
Bas
Rutten: You know there’s a lot going on with me. There’s
the Pride show on Fox every month and the Best Damn Sports Show
wants to have me on as a regular. Every month in Japan we have
Pride and Bushido, and I have the Bas Rutten MMA System that
I do. I’ve got movies, I have to shoot a pilot again, it’s
a lot of work, I’ve got a lot of stuff in my head. I’m
flying all over the place, I’m going to Japan, when I come
back I shoot a part in a movie, I go back to Japan, I come back,
I do seminars, and instructor-cons. It’s crazy for me the
last six months; I can’t go at this speed anymore. I tell
everybody I can do this for a couple of more months but then
I’m going to burn out. So I’ve got to really make some
good choices about exactly what I’m going to do.
MMA
Weekly: Any new products/merchandise we can look forward to in
the coming months?
Bas
Rutten: Not here soon, but I’ve got the Bas Rutten MMA Workout
that’s going to be renewed and it’s going to be really
cool, I’ve got some good ideas for that. I’m also writing
a book actually, it’s Bas Rutten’s philosophy of life
and it’s very funny I think. But that’s going to take
a while because I don’t have a lot of time to work on it
so I just take it with me in my PDA. Everywhere I go I have moments
of what I think is funny, every day something pops up, and I
stop the car and I put it in the book. Later on I’m going
to take it to a real book editor and actually let them edit it
for me because my grammar in English isn’t that good.
MMA
Weekly: Sounds great Bas. Is there anything you’d like to
say to the fans as we head out?
Bas
Rutten: Just keep watching MMA and do not to forget to tune in
on the 25th for Bushido because it’s going to be a spectacle,
it’s going to be unbelievable. I said it last time after
the middleweight tournament, every time we think we cannot top
it anymore, and for some reason it happens again, it tops it
again. If it happens for the welterweight and lightweight tournament
I don’t know how we’re going to top that. Just keep
supporting MMA that’s all I’m asking.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
Minotouro
may fight Boxing 4 Brazil
After years dedicated to Jiu-Jitsu, it looks like Rogerio 'Minotouro'
has found a new love: Boxing. Training hard with former national
team trainer Luis Dorea since 2002, Rogerio showed the world
his improvement in the quarter finals of Pride Grand Prix, taking
clear advantage in the stand up game over the champion and Muay
Thai black belt, Mauricio 'Shogun'. After that fight the Jiu-Jitsu
black belt got motivated to take Boxing even more seriously.
'I
really believe Rogerio already has the technical level to be
on Brazilian national Boxing Team representing Brazil in Pan-American
games on 2007' says Dorea, who sent Rogerio for 15 days of training
in Cuba with the Brazilian Boxing Team.
'It
was an amazing experience. There is nothing fancy, you live to
train' guaranteed Minotauro's brother. Very proud with the evolution
of his pupil, Dórea, who has participated in many international
competitions as Brazilian National Team trainer guarantees: 'Pride
is a priority in his life, but if the schedule permits I believe
both Rogerio and Vitor Belfort have excellent conditions to be
on the Brazilian national team and give us many titles in Boxing'
he finishes, adding that he is also taking care of Vitor Belfort's
training.
Source:
Tatame
|
TITO
ORTIZ RETURNING TO TNA WRESTLING
To appear on "iMPACT!" on Spike TV
Nashville, TN (September 23, 2005) - TNAwrestling.com has learned
that the hottest free agent in mixed martial arts, "The
Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Tito Ortiz, will be making his
return to TNA Wrestling on an upcoming episode of "iMPACT!"
on Spike TV!
Ortiz
served as the special referee in the main event at May's "Hard
Justice" Pay-Per-View, featuring "The Phenomenal"
AJ Styles beating Jeff Jarrett for the NWA World Heavyweight
Title.
Ortiz
will be meeting with TNA management and NWA Championship Committee
member Larry Zbyszko next week in Orlando to discuss his return
to Total Nonstop Action.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Quote
of the Day
"It is very strange that the years teach us patience-that
the shorter our time,
the greater our capacity for waiting."
Elizabeth Taylor, British Movie Actress
|
Kickin'
It Tomorrow!
WHAT- KICKIN IT 2005 PART V (AMATEUR KICKBOXING)
WHEN- SEPT. 24, 2005 DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM
WHERE- PAGODA HOTEL BALLROOM
PRE SALE TICKETS $20.00 AT THE DOOR- $25.00
MAIN EVENT
RYAN LEE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP DAVID BALICAO
BULLSPEN 136 -141 HSD
NO HEADGEAR - NO FEETPADS - NO EXCUSES
BRANDON ABSHER 150 - 155 MARCUS MARINO
HSD BULLSPEN
SEAN CASTRO 170-175 BRYAN INGRAM
TEAM MIXBREED HAWAII TRAINING CENTER
ZACK RAPAUL 145-150 KEVIN DELIMA
WAIANAE KICKBOXING CLUB BULLSPEN
JARRID SANTOS 140-145 ISAAC
BULLSPEN TEAM MIXBREED
TONY PERERA 120-125 BRUCE NIIMOTO
WAIANAE KICKBOXING CLUB 413
SHANEN KIRA 160-165 NYE DELASANTOS
TEAM MIXBREED TEAM SOLJAH
EDMUND LI 135-140 SHAISON LAUPOLA
HMC JESUS IS LORD
WINNER WILL FACE RED DAVIS FOR THE TEENAGE AMATEUR SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT
CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE BELT ON SEPT. 24 2005.
JARRID CHAVEZ SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT JARRID LINDSEY
HSD BULLSPEN
DARRYL LABRADOR 120-125 VERN KAPOI
HSD HMC
TIM LAPITAN 155-160 KEA DEMELLO
BULLSPEN ANIMAL HOUSE
CHAD PAVAO 135-140 JUMAR DUMLAO
HSD 808 FIGHT FACTORY
JUSTIN PIAMONTE 110-120 SHANE DULATRE
ANIMAL HOUSE 413
LORENZO MORENO 155-160 KAIKA CHOYFOO
BULLSPEN JESUS IS LORD
ALL MATCHES AND PARTICIPANTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Source: Event Promoter
|
The
Icon Sport MMA Radio Show
Be sure tune into another exciting hour of MMA interviews, opinions,
and updates on The Icon Sport MMA Show presented by Steinlager
Monday morning at 9 a.m on Sports Radio 1420 am KKEA. Our first
two shows have been action-packed with guests Dana White, Rich
Franklin, Matt Hughes, and the one-and-only Jason "Mayhem"
Miller. We've had lots of great listener call-ins already, but
we would like more!
Last week the streaming link at www.sportsradio1420.com had a
coding error and did not function properly. We apologize to all
of our listeners who were unable to catch the show on-line. KKEA
engineers have assured us that the web link is now up and ready.
So, if you're stuck at your desk, or if you're one of national/international
listeners, listen to the show on your computer.
We encourage all listeners to call the show to answer the daily
fan question and speak to our MMA celebrity guests. Local listeners
can call (808) 296-1420. Mainland and international listeners
can call the toll free line at (866) 400-1420. You can also email
the show at inconsportradio@yahoo.com.
Here's whats on tap for Monday, September 26:
Daily Fan Question: Whose side are you on Hawaii? Niko Vitale
or Jason Mayhem Miller.
Daily Mayhem Moment: Another unpredictable talk with Jason "Mayhem"
Miller.
Interview: Tom Deragish, owner of Fitness & Nutrition and
Military Nutrition, and Maxine Kamanu, fitness model and champion
bodybuilder.
Source: Icon Sport
|
UFC:
'ULTIMATE FIGHT NIGHT 2' CARD
Below
are the official and unofficial matchups that are scheduled for
the UFC: 'Ultimate Fight Night 2' card on October 3rd.
Evan
Tanner vs. David Loiseau
Chris Leben vs. Edwin Dewees
Josh Koscheck vs. Drew Fickett
Fabiano Scherner vs. Brandon Vera
James Irvin vs. TBA
Thiago Alves vs. Spencer Fisher
Brock Larson vs. Jon Fitch
Jay Hieron vs. Jonathan Goulet
Source:
Fight Sport
|
First
two matches announced for
Pride Fighting's Fully Loaded
The first two matches have been announced for PRIDE FIGHTING'S
upcoming event, FULLY LOADED, which is scheduled to premiere
on North American pay per view on Monday, October 24th, 2005
at 10:00 pm ET, 7:00 pm PT.
Making
his return will be Memphis, Tennessee native, Quinton "Rampage"
Jackson. After a tough loss in the first round of the middleweight
tournament to eventual champion, Mauricio "Shogun"
Rua, Jackson is looking to return to his winning ways and move
back into title contention. In his path will be tough PRIDE veteran,
Hirotaka Yokoi. This Japanese fighter boasts a record of 10-3
and gave Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira all he could handle in the
first round of the heavyweight tournament in 2004.
Also
announced is a match up pitting judo legend against judo legend
as Japan's Makoto Takimoto (Olympic gold medallist) takes on
Korea's Yoon Dong Sik under mixed martial arts rules.
FIGHT
CARD:
-
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (USA) vs. Hirotaka Yokoi
(Japan)
- Makoto Takimoto (Japan) vs. Yoon Dong Sik (Korea)
Additional
matches to be announced soon.
Fight card subject to change.
Source:
MMA Fighting
|
Diesel
Dropping Down in Weight
By Sean McClure
“Joe Riggs is in the best shape of his life”, says
Jorge Gurgel with a smile as we sit and talk at Jorge’s
MMA Academy in Middletown, OH.
I
was there for a Renato Tavares seminar this weekend and Joe “Diesel”
Riggs is currently training there for his upcoming fight with
Chris Lytle, not Pete Sell. Riggs, who once weighed in at almost
300 pounds, is now a slim and trim 170 lbs and unable to fight
Sell who is a middleweight. As a welterweight Riggs will have
the “bigger, stronger” advantage in this fight by default,
coming down from the middleweight division. You have to assume
that he is hoping to have the same resounding success that Rich
Franklin did when he made the jump down beating Evan Tanner at
UFC 53 for the Middleweight Championship.
Gurgel
and his camp also believe that “Chris Lytle has the best
hands in the UFC right now” based off of reports from sources
close to Lytle and Riggs is training just as hard on his stand
up. This fight should prove to be a memorable one as these two
men are some of the UFC’s best stand-up fighters. Complement
that with their very good ground games and we gave a war in the
making at the Mohegan Sun. Riggs vs. Lytle will take place at
UFC 55 on October 7th.
Source:
Maxfighting
|
LE
BANNER SPEAKS
by Alan Kermorvan
Interviewer:
Hi Jerome, how are you? Ready for your next fight? How's the
arm?
Le
Banner: Hi, I feel great! I'm ready to fight, and my arm is perfectly
healed.
Interviewer:
What are your thoughts about your upcoming fight against Goodridge?
Le
Banner: It's kind of special cause he's a friend, we trained
together and I like him. At first I didn't want to fight him...
But he had some good results lately and I had to accept. But
I'll fight to win, without mercy. Even if he's a nice guy.
I
don't talk too much with other K-1 guys cause I have troubles
fighting them afterwards. Guys like Hoost and Aerts are friends,
I have huge respect for them. I'll never fight them again.
Interviewer:
Can you tell us more about Abidi, the fight in Paris, and the
disagreement between you two?
Le
Banner: First of all I must say something, I hated the way the
audience reacted in Bercy. When the whole arena boos a guy when
he steps into the ring, it's disgusting. Then they cheered for
him after the fight. That's hypocritical. Honestly, it pissed
me off, even if I'm not friend with the guy. Jeering him like
that, it was really petty.
At
first I knew Cyril when we both trained with Ali Sadok.We trained
together. Then Cyril went with Roméas, another French
promoter, but we still went along well. He did some sparring
with me before one of his fights in Switzerland. Then he improved
and started being successful in Japan, in some way it was normal
we became rivals. Moreover his entourage wasn't really friendly
with mine, things have been said in Japan... Of course I share
some responsibilities too. I talked. I talk a lot and always
speak my mind, without much care for the consequences. But I'm
a respectful guy. In some way it's a problem: I say what I think
and the day after I think the exact contrary! So it seems I'm
contradicting myself. I'm kind of unstable, but apparently I
get better with age. At least that's what people tell me.
Anyway,
back to Abidi, being the elder and the most experienced I shouldn't
have left the situation worsen like that... In the fight Cyril
showed he has tons of heart and for that I'll give him a rematch.
But I don't like to fight a compatriot. I think Franco-french
fights should only happen for a title or at the end of a tournament.
As far as I'm concerned the fight completely settled things down
and it's time to move on.
Interviewer:
Do you think it's your year and that you'll finally win the K-1
Grand Prix?
Le
Banner: I don't say anything. I'm superstitious... I can only
tell you I'll do everything to win.
Interviewer:
You're regarded as the best K-1 fighter never to have won the
GP. What do you think about that?
Le
Banner: I don't think I'm the most talented. Honestly, I don't
question myself about it, I'm not egocentric at all. You'll probably
have a hard time believing it but I'm actually kind of shy. I
also think the GP isn't everything... You've got the GP champion
and K-1 champion, it's two different things.
Interviewer:
You often had bad luck in tournaments....
Le
Banner: It's true, I was unfortunate during the last K-1 GPs.
But you know, luck changes. Of course losing the GP a couple
of minutes before the end is infuriating. I was gutted. I cried
thinking about my daughter. Inside the ring I knew it was serious,
and I knew I would have to get surgery. Back in France, in the
ambulance on the way to the hospital, I thought about my daughter.
I saw her in the giant screen, she was kissing me, and I broke
down. Fuck, I'd have preferred to get knocked out cold.
In
some way I knew the bad luck wouldn't stop there. I'm not patient
enough. I went back to training too soon. That's the way I am
and fuck I don't think it gets any better with time, but in everyday
life I'm much calmer.
Interviewer:
What are your picks for the Osaka Eliminations? Sefo/Kaoklai...
Le
Banner: I have no idea...
Interviewer:
LeBanner/Goodridge...
Le
Banner: Me by KO.
Interviewer:
Sapp/Choi...
Le
Banner: Sapp is going to put Choi to sleep. Choi will try to
be all over Sapp, and will get countered.
Interviewer:
Botha/Musashi...
Le
Banner: I think Botha by KO, but I'd like Musashi to win. He's
a great guy. Botha is a nice guy too.
Interviewer:
Aerts/Mo...
Le
Banner: I'd like Aerts to take it, but I don't have any predictions
for that fight...
Interviewer:
Feitosa/Schilt...
Le
Banner: Schilt by decision.
Interviewer:
Bonjasky/Ignashov...
Le
Banner: Ignashov. I think he'll be back at his best, he can be
top level.
Interviewer:
Karaev/Hoost...
Le
Banner: Hoost by KO (the interview took place before Hoost's
withdrawal was announced).
Interviewer:
What is your opinion on MMA? Would you like to fight more under
those rules?
Le
Banner: I like it. I'll fight under MMA rules in New Year's Eve,
but I don't know yet against who. I just hope it won't be a can.
MMA is less physically traumatizing than K-1, it's more natural.
I'd like to fight more in MMA, and if one day there's no big
names left in K-1, I'll make the switch.
I
was with Fedor not too long ago, and I'll train a few weeks with
Red Devil. Dean Lister will also probably come to France in November/December
to help me with my ground game. And I'll also work with Bertrand
Amoussou. He currently does a lot of great things for mma in
France.
Interviewer:
Thanks Jerome! Now if you don't mind I'll ask you a few questions
from IronLife's members.
Le
Banner: Alright, let's go.
Interviewer:
About K-1, what is your opinion on Sapp, Choi, Akebono? Is K-1
turning into a circus?
Le
Banner: Yes and no, Japanese people like it... And they try to
please people of their country first. If you look from an occidental
point of view of course it's a different story.
Interviewer:
Are you still hungry for a GP title? At what point?
Le
Banner: I'm hungry, that's for sure. I still want to deliver.
But I'm more focused on doing spectacular fights and giving 100%
of myself, I'm not obsessed with the GP.
Interviewer:
How do you see the GP this year?
Le
Banner: I see Mo in the semis, he has been impressive this year.
But I'll be there. He wants to send old men to retirement, but
that won't be me!
Interviewer:
Will you retire soon? And if so, when?
Le
Banner: No. I don't even think about it.
Interviewer:
Does K-1 miss Cro Cop, Hunt, and Leko?
Le
Banner: No, I think no one is irreplaceable.
Interviewer:
What will your strategy be against Goodridge?
Le
Banner: Like the first time, rush into him.
Interviewer:
Did you ever get in trouble for KO'ing Pettas after the bell?
Le
Banner: No, now that I think about it, it was funny. It was at
the heart of the action!
Interviewer:
What do you like the most, three rounds or five rounds for K-1
fights?
Le
Banner: Three rounds is better, the fights are more intense,
we can pound away at each other better. I'm a V12, not a diesel!
Interviewer:
Why do you fight Goodridge and not Schilt, as it was apparently
scheduled before summer?
Le
Banner: It's K-1's choice. Schilt was Samy Kebchi's choice (famous
french promotor). Kebchi put the cart before the horse and I
can tell you I'll never fight for him again. He's not an honest
man.
Interviewer:
What do you think about the current state of K-1? Do you think
there's a lack of talent?
Le
Banner: Yes, I think so. The Japanese want fat guys (laughs).
That's their business and they don't try to bring it overseas.
There's more talent in MMA nowadays. I think money is killing
K-1. I had a lot of fights before I could fly in business class.
Interviewer:
What was your best fight?
Le
Banner: Against Hunt I think, the last two fights we had.
Interviewer:
Your current K-1 top 3?
Le
Banner: Bonjasky, Mo, and Sefo.
Interviewer:
When did you start training?
Le
Banner: I started when I was 6 with Judo, then Karate. I started
kickboxing at 18 years old (Full Contact).
Interviewer:
What does a day of training look like for you?
Le
Banner: In the morning I do kickboxing or boxing during 1:30.
In the evening I run. I work out twice a week, the rest of the
time I walk and do cardio training.
Interviewer:
How's your arm? Does it still bother you?
Le
Banner: It doesn't bother me at all anymore. According to my
sparring partners, I hit as hard as ever. It was long and tough,
it was a big injury.
Interviewer:
Is your jab as powerful as before the injury?
Le
Banner: Even more powerful, I don't know why.
Interviewer:
You're right handed, yet you're a southpaw in the ring. Why's
that?
Le
Banner: I feel better like that. When I was young I bought a
Jeet Kun Do book, where they said it was better to put your strong
arm forward. Then during four years I was unable to throw a left
highkick! I was really serious when I was younger, no alcohol
or tabacco, I partied later...
Interviewer:
What's your weight in life, for a fight and for a tournament?
Le
Banner: I'm roughly 120kgs (264lbs) in everyday's life and between
115kgs (253lbs) and 117kgs ( 257lbs) for a fight and a tournament.
Interviewer:
How much do you bench press?
Le
Banner: Max bench was 160kgs (353lbs), but it's old and I stopped
doing max a long time ago.
Interviewer:
What do you think about your career right now?
Le
Banner: I don't think about it. I can die tomorrow... I had a
lot of fun. two years of bad luck excepted. I come from Le Havre,
and it's a miracle if I'm where I am today, I'm fortunate and
I thank my lucky star.
Interviewer:
At what age do you want to retire?
I'm
only 32, McDonald is 40! It has nothing to do with age. I'll
retire the day I'm not able to do the show, the day I can't make
the audience's panties wet anymore.
Interviewer:
Do you plan to do pro wrestling after you retire?
Le
Banner: Of course. I also hope I'll have other propositions like
opening a gym, not only in France but everywhere in the world.
Interviewer:
You're the most well known fighter in France, does it give you
responsabilities?
Le
Banner: Yes, I have to be more diplomatic. Before I always said
what I thought, and often changed my mind. Sometimes I can't
even bear myself (laughs)! I'm sometimes surprised by that popularity,
there's 60/70 year old people who know me, for them I'm kind
of the symbol of the great white HW boxer. They like me for that.
Interviewer:
It seems you're changing your team very often, why's that?
Yeah,
I don't keep the same people around me for a long time. There's
too many parasites. I don't like the (kickboxing/fighting sports)
scene. I only have two real friends in the scene: Rani Berbachi
and Jean Claude Guérot. Matthias Riccio is also
a great guy, we saw each other not too long ago. One day I was
in trouble, I called him at six in the morning, he was there
in the evening, and he's located at more than 1000 kms (620 miles)
from my home.
Interviewer:
Will you get your nose fixed at the end of your career?
Le
Banner: Yeah, I was supposed to do it last January, but finally
I think I'll wait.
Interviewer:
Are you still into breeding dogs?
Le
Banner: I was really passionate about it, but after the fight
against Hunt in Bercy, I lost a dog I loved... It was painful,
it's not the same thing anymore... Maybe I'll stop. Currently
I have seven puppies and nine adult dogs.
Interviewer:
There were rumors about you training with Chute Boxe in 2002
and with Fedor more recently. What's the situation?
Le
Banner: Training with Chute Boxe was postponed and then I broke
my forearm... Vanderlei Silva gave me a phone call last week
and we should see each other soon. I train with Fedor but not
on a regular basis, I'm not always available. But I plan on training
more with Red Devil, their boss Vadim is ok with it.
Interviewer:
What MMA fighters do you like? What do you think about MMA in
general?
Le
Banner: I like Fedor and Silva, they're great champions. I think
there are too many organizations. There's a risk to see many
bogus champs, like guys who go to Brazil, learn a couple of things,
call themselves champions and open their own gym. We had the
same phenomenon in Thai boxing a few years ago.
Interviewer:
What is your opinion on mma being illegal in France?
Le
Banner: I'm all for the legalization of mma in France, but I
doubt it'll change soon. French sport ethics are different. The
idea of hitting a downed guy is unacceptable. They have this
image in football (soccer) when you help your downed opponent
to get up, it's not in the general mentality yet. We're not warriors
like the Dutch for example.
Interviewer:
What does your mma training look like?
Le
Banner: It's not on a regular basis, depending on the fight.
It's like if I switched from football to rugby.
Source: IronLife.com
|
Quote
of the Day
"No man is fit to command another that cannot command himself."
William Penn, 1644-1718, British Religious Leader and Founder
of Pennsylvania
|
TUF
2 WEEK 5:
HEAVYWEIGHTS, BUT NOT HEAVY HANDS
Recapping
Week 4, of course, the major highlight was Joe Stevenson’s
pounding of Marcus Davis to maintain his credibility as Matt
Hughes’ number one guy.
After
breaking down Joe and Marcus’ fight, the focus was once
again on Matt Hughes. He continued to comment on how poor of
a job that Rich Franklin is doing as a coach and kept up his
perpetual harassment of Jorge Gurgel. Basically, Matt has been
coming across as a cocky, win at all costs, hard ass on the show,
and this week’s episode did nothing to dispel the notion.
This might be good for the show, but it could be a blow to the
general public’s perception of Matt as an All-American farm
boy.
This
week’s heavyweight challenge took place early on in the
show and was a little lackluster. The three competitors from
each team were in the octagon for a non-striking “Rock ’Em,
Sock ’Em” event. All six fighters wore socks the color
of their team with the challenge being to remove the other team’s
socks, apparently this is an old wrestling drill. Hughes’
team won with an Olympic caliber effort, 6 stinky socks to none.
Hughes
continued to razz Franklin’s team after the challenge, an
effort that is really starting to smell of a Hughes-style psychological
assault.
Winning
the challenge, Hughes’ team chose to pair up Tom Murphy
against Team Franklin’s Rashad Evans. It was Hughes that
made the call and seemed to be thinking that Tom was the weakest
member of his heavyweights and was expendable, but still felt
that he could defeat Rashad.
After
going through the usual preflight rituals of training preparations
and weigh-ins, the fight was on. Unfortunately, it was a fairly
uneventful fight; which took place almost entirely on the feet.
Usually that means a lot of striking, but really Tom seemed to
show maybe too much respect for Rashad’s stand up game.
Throughout the fight, they clinched, with Rashad edging out the
clinches with knees and punches to the body.
Tom
had one golden opportunity at the beginning of round 2, where
he locked on a tight guillotine choke, but Rashad remained patient
and worked his way out and back up to the feet.
The
third round followed the same M.O., clinching and separating
with Rashad getting the better of the skirmishes, but not really
doing damage. Tom finally came to life with about 10 to 15 seconds
left in the final stanza, hurting Rashad with some good forearms,
but it was too little, too late, as he didn’t follow up.
In
the end, Rashad won a unanimous decision in what Dana called,
“…the absolute sh*tiest fight I have ever seen.”
Wow! With a statement such as that, it’s amazing that he
didn’t make sure that the fight was pulled off of the episode
and declare that both fighters were eliminated from the show.
Towards
the end, we were given another dose of the meaner, unforgiving
Matt Hughes, at least that the way he seems to be portrayed,
as he felt that Tom didn’t give 100% in the fight and that
maybe he just wanted to get a fight in and go home.
Coming
Up on Week 6:
Hughes confronts Rashad about his behavior in the octagon and
his mental attack on Jorge final pays off.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
MaXpreview:
Bushido Tournaments
By Jeremy Wall
The
first rounds of the dual welterweight and lightweight tournaments
take place at Bushido 9 at Ariake Colosseum on September 25th
in Japan, airing on tape delay pay per view in North America.
It's
a huge show for Bushido, as it could end up being the launching
pad for a popularity explosion for the series, along the lines
of a less popular MMA version of K-1 Max. Or it could mean absolutely
nothing.
But
hardcore fans can rejoice, because Bushido has booked two tournaments
loaded with SHOOTO-style matchups as Pride has now become the
premier place to go for lighter-weight mixed martial artists.
The
show is not top heavy with a huge main event, as none of the
Bushidos have that. But it features eight quality fights out
of the two tournaments combined, plus four semi-finals matches
and two reserve bouts, one for each tournament. That is fourteen
total fights on the card, six more than the regular Pride show.
Of
course, not all of these fights will air on North American pay
per view. I would expect the reserve matches to be cut from the
show. I would also suspect that by the fourteenth fight of the
night, the live crowd at Ariake Colosseum is going to be dead
tired. The finals for both tournaments will take place later
in the year.
One
of the big problems with the tournament, however, is the overexposure
of the tournament concept in PRIDE. Everything is about a tournament
in Pride. That works for K-1, but that has been K-1's promotional
gimmick from the start. Plus, when K-1 began, it featured short,
explosive stand-up fights (although you can't really say that
about the K-1 heavyweight division now). Many of these Bushido
matches stand to be long affairs, and some will certainly be
quite dull because of the way some of these fighters match up
against one another.
Pride
already did the middleweight Grand Prix this year, won by Mauricio
Shogun. It was a sixteen man tournament. Last year they did the
heavyweight tournament, also a sixteen man battle, won by Fedor
Emelianenko. Now they have two eight-man tournaments in Bushido,
and will likely do another Grand Prix next year. Pride has proven
that they now have to rely on the tournament concept in order
to book the big fights in Japan, so let's hope for them that
the tournament concept itself does not wear thin with fans.
Anyway,
on to the preview:
WELTERWEIGHT
TOURNAMENT
Ikuhisa
Minowa vs. Phil Baroni
This is a rematch from Baroni's debut in Bushido earlier this
year. Baroni was able to knock Minowa out in the second round
of their fight after Minowa gassed. Baroni gassed too, but not
as badly as Minowa. It was an exciting match and this one should
be too since both of these guys bring big attitudes to the ring.
Baroni will always gas, and unless he can score the knockout
again, I can see Minowa finishing him. But that depends on Minowa's
cardio for this fight. I have to go with the past and bank on
Baroni here.
Masanori
Suda vs. Murilo Bustamante
Suda is a longtime SHOOTO 183 lbs World Champion, with a ton
of quality experience, although very few big show fights. Bustamante
is the former UFC Welterweight champ who has been having a tough
time of it in PRIDE since coming along in 2003. Bustamante is
a decent boxer, but of course his skill is in jiu jitsu. Suda
hasn't been submitted in almost a decade, so I would have to
put the odds on a Bustamante decision victory. But I can see
Bustamante disappointing here as well since Pride judging criteria
doesn't favour his style of fights.
Dan
Henderson vs. Ryo Chonan
Chonan, coming off his knockout loss to Baroni, has proven himself
adept at handling grapplers. He's scored victories in the past
over Carlos Newton, Nino Schembri and a variety of others, and
was able to hang to a decision loss with Ricardo Almeida. Henderson
has a good chance of knocking Chonan out with his big punch,
and his submissiosn defense is enough to avoid any possible submission
attempts by Chonan. Stylistically this match favours Henderson.
Daniel
Acacio vs. Akihiro Gono
Gono is coming off his win over Crosley Gracie, whereas Acacio
is a talented fight who has not lost since his first career fight
in 2000. He's a striker, and Gono has had problems with strikers
in the past (Shogun, Yuki Kondo), and Acacio's record seems to
backup a possible victory for him.
The
final four for the welterweight tournament should end up being
Acacio, Henderson, Baroni and Bustamante, although Suda could
sneak in there. All of these matchups are very even, so it's
hard to say what will happen. I would like to see a rematch between
Henderson and Bustamante and would favour Bustamante in that
fight. However, unless that match happens, I would pick Henderson
to win the tournament. Acacio is a dark horse, though.
LIGHTWEIGHT
TOURNAMENT
Tatsuya
Kawajiri vs. Takanori Gomi
For Pride, this is the most important match on the card, The
whole point of these tournaments are to create the Japanese stars
to carry the Bushido flag. Gomi is undefeated in Bushido, but
whomever wins this match will be the native star to build around.
Some American journalist thought this matchmaking was odd, but
what is odd is that people don't understand the simplicity of
this fight. PRIDE is just guaranteeing that a Japanese fighter
with star potential makes it into the next round, and that's
it. Gomi and Kawajiri are both immensely talented and have star
potential, and either could end up winning this tournament and
becoming the first Japanese fighter to win a tourney in Pride.
Another interesting twist is that while Gomi is the former SHOOTO
154 lbs Champ, Kawajiri currently holds that title. Now, I would
have to favour Gomi, but it's a definite toss up.
Naoyuki
Kotani vs. Luiz Azeredo
Kotani is a ZST veteran making his PRIDE debut. He's not a particularly
standout competitor, but has experience. Azeredo is coming off
his loss to Gomi, but should pull out a victory in this one unless
Kotani brings something surprising to the table.
Yves
Edwards vs. Joachim Hansen
This is a helluva match. Edwards would be the UFC Lightweight
champ if they had a title, and Hansen is one of the best lightweight
fighters in the world, himself being a fromer SHOTOO Champion,
being one of only two men to hold a victory over Takanori Gomi
(and taking the SHOOTO belt in that instance). This is a fifty-fifty
match, and whoever gets past here is going to be hurting in their
second round fight later in the evening. I've seen more of Edwards,
so I'd have to favour him, but it could go either way.
Hayato
Sakurai vs. Jens Pulver
Sakurai has the weight advantage, but Pulver has bulked up for
this match. This could be a good fight, although Pulver is inconsistent
and might not have the power to KO Sakurai. I see Sakurai taking
this fight by decision.
The
semi-finals for the lightweight tournament end up being either
Kawajiri or Gomi, either Hansen or Edwards, Sakurai and Azeredo.
Gomi vs. Hansen would be the natural matchup if that happens,
as although it is a risk for Pride, I think Gomi would win the
rematch since their last fight was a split-decision and I have
a gut feeling that PRIDE's judging is more in favour of hometown
fighters than SHOOTO's. I could see Gomi, Hansen or Edwards winning
this tournament.
The
reserve fight for the welterweight tournament is Charles "Krazy
Horse" Bennett against Dokonjonosuke Mishima in what will
be an exciting match that Mishima should win. The reserve for
the welterweight tournament is Ryuta Sakurai vs. Paulo Filho,
and I've have to favour the highly underrated Filho in that match.
Source:
Maxfightin |
Boston
Herald on Gannon
The
Boston Herald has another negative article on the UFC, regarding
Sean Gannon's debut with the promotion in October. Gannon has
been signed by the UFC for months now after successfully marketing
himself on the internet from the hype based around a homemade
fight tape of him beating up street brawler Kimbo Slice. The
Herald has been out of line before with its version of reality,
but it is on the money with their criticism of UFC using Gannon
in this article:
Source: Maxfighting
'Ultimate'
cop bashes rules, back in ring
By Dave Wedge
Friday, September 16, 2005 - Updated: 09:57 AM EST
A
hulking Hub cop who came under fire for starring in a bloody
basement brawl tape is still on the job and is set to fight in
an internationally televised pay-per-view event next month at
a Connecticut casino.
Sean ``The Cannon'' Gannon has been signed to the Ultimate Fighting
Championship – considered the major league of mixed martial
arts - and will battle in ``UFC 55: Fury'' at Mohegan Sun Oct.
7.
``It's a big step up for him,'' Gannon's manager, Joe Cavallaro
said. ``UFC is the best in the world. It's the Super Bowl of
mixed martial arts.''
A
6-foot-3, 265-pound slugger, Gannon is a six-time Golden Gloves
boxing winner and a former state judo champ who has become one
of the state's most feared mixed martial arts warriors.
He remains a patrolman, despite some controversy over his chosen
sport.
Last year, he reportedly was the subject of a Boston police internal
affairs probe after a tape surfaced of him in an unsanctioned,
blood-soaked battle with street brawler Kimbo Slice.
Boston police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Sexton said Gannon faced
no disciplinary action last year.
Gannon is allowed to fight in Massachusetts-sanctioned events
but the department ``will be reviewing'' his off-duty employment
application because the UFC event is out of state, Sexton said.
The Kimbo brawl sparked controversy in extreme fighting circles
and became a hot seller on several Web sites. But Cavallaro said
the tape has been ``blown out of proportion.''
``My understanding is that it was a sparring match that somebody
got a hold of . . . and marketed it as something it wasn't,''
he said.
Gannon's UFC debut comes just months after Boston officials shut
down a ``gladiator'' clash at the Roxy and effectively banned
mixed martial arts fights from city venues.
UFC has other cops in its ranks, including a heavyweight champ
who is an officer from Belarus and a light heavyweight champ
who is an officer in Athens, Georgia.
Source: Boston Herald
|
Hoost
Out of K-1 Grand Prix
Ernesto
Hoost has withdrawn from K-1's 9/23 Osaka Dome show through injury.
The four-time K-1 World GP Champion was scheduled to face 22-year
old Russian Ruslan Karaev. Hoost has also withdrawn from Bushido
Europe's 10/9 show in Rotterdam.
The
Dutchman has released the following statement on BushidoEurope.com:
"I'm
sorry to say that due to a persistant injury I will not be able
to participate in the Rotterdam Rumble on October 9th in AHOY'.
This is also the reason why I will not fight the K-1 eliminations
on September 23 in Japan.
I
promised myself only to fight when I'm injury free but I still
have hopes to fight this year. Where or when I don't know yet
but I will let you know.
I
especially apologize to everyone who doesn't have the opportunity
to go to Japan and thought this was the best possibility to see
me fight. Anyway I wish you all a pleasant evening and hopefully
good fights.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"No man is fit to command another that cannot command himself."
William Penn, 1644-1718, British Religious Leader and Founder
of Pennsylvania
|
Kickin'
It Weigh Ins at Bulls Pen
WE ARE HAVING OUR WEIGH INS AT BULLSPEN GYM.
WHAT- KICKIN IT 2005 PART V (AMATEUR KICKBOXING)
WHEN- SEPT. 24, 2005 DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM
WHERE- PAGODA HOTEL BALLROOM
PRE SALE TICKETS $20.00 AT THE DOOR- $25.00
MAIN EVENT
RYAN LEE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP DAVID BALICAO
BULLSPEN 136 -141 HSD
NO HEADGEAR - NO FEETPADS - NO EXCUSES
BRANDON ABSHER 155-160 MARCUS MARINO
HSD BULLSPEN
NO HEADGEAR - NO FEETPADS - WITH LEG KICKS
ZACK RAPAUL 145-150 KEVIN DELIMA
WAIANAE KICKBOXING CLUB BULLSPEN
JARRID SANTOS 140-145 BINO
BULLSPEN TEAM MIXBREED
TONY PERERA 120-125 BRUCE NIIMOTO
WAIANAE KICKBOXING CLUB 413
STEPHEN ADAMSTEIN 180-185 NYE DELASANTOS
TEAM MIXBREED TEAM SOLJAH
EDMUND LI 140-145 SHAISON LAUPOLA
HMC JESUS IS LORD
JUNIOR CHAVEZ SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT JARRID LINDSEY
HSD BULLSPEN
DARRYL LABRADOR 120-125 VERN KAPOI
HSD HMC
TIM LAPITAN 155-160 KEA DEMELLO
BULLSPEN ANIMAL HOUSE
CHAD PAVAO 135-140 JUMAR DUMLAO
HSD 808 FIGHT FACTORY
JUSTIN PIAMONTE 110-120 SHANE DULATRE
ANIMAL HOUSE 413
LORENZO MORENO 155-160 KAIKA CHOYFOO
BULLSPEN JESUS IS LORD
BEN RODRIGUES 160-165 JERRY SARIBAY
HSD BULLSPEN
BILLY HALL 200-205 RON VERTADERO
HMC JESUS IS LORD
ALL MATCHES AND PARTICIPANTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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UFC
to Internet:
Thanks But No Thanks for the Memories
Rumors
have been running rampant and wild that the Ultimate Fighting
Championships will no longer provide media access to mixed martial
arts websites and (possibly magazines as well) at their events,
starting with UFC 55: Fury. While there has yet to be an official
announcement from the UFC, individuals with expansive knowledge
of the inner workings of the MMA world believe this is more than
just a myth of the worldwide web; and it could very well extend
all the way up to the more professionally run sites, not just
every mom-and-pop.com MMA page.
It’s
been pointed out time and again, but the UFC is a business, not
a sports league. They have the right to determine who gets media
access to their events. If they intend to run their own news
service either via the Internet, magazine or both (as has also
been rumored), certainly they may believe it to be in their best
interest to limit or outright deny access to events, and create
an information monopoly. The question becomes would such a move
be simply to ensure the profitability of their own magazine and
news services, or does the UFC feel that mainstream media will
finally come calling?
Those
who viewed the UFC 54 preview special on Spike TV may very well
remember recognized MMA media personalities, Loretta Hunt and
Josh Gross, providing expert commentary and analysis. When the
UFC needs expert and knowledgeable analysis of MMA, it is these
very websites and magazines supposedly being barred from having
media access that the UFC has depended upon. When the dedicated
fans of the sport have looked for behind-the-scenes interviews
and fight previews and recaps, the hardworking and underpaid
(often unpaid) journalists that believe in the sport and want
to support the fighters, have been there so they can access the
Internet to get their fill of MMA news.
Apparently
those services may no longer be needed or wanted.
Some
have said such a ban is not a serious issue, that the Internet
is full of unprofessional hacks. Certainly there are plenty of
individuals and websites only interested in creating controversy
and increasing their own feelings of self-importance by providing
unnecessary and often crude criticism.
While
you, the reader, are free to think my writing stinks and I can’t
run an interview to save my life, the fact is I simply want to
contribute to a growing sport that I love, and provide an outlet
for the countless hardworking fighters out there that need and
deserve exposure. I can name at least five sites, maXfighting
included, that have never been guilty of anything more than trying
to provide the highest quality of MMA news coverage possible,
and keep fans informed of the major shows and the top fighters
with great coverage, photos and fighter interviews.
Again,
this is nothing more than a rumor at this point. Perhaps this
has all been overblown. Maybe the UFC is simply denying access
to small, less professional websites. Or the Internet/MMA media
ban simply means no more backstage access, but media credentials
will still be available.
It
is possible that the UFC has a trick up its sleeve; maybe they
already have mainstream media members looking to cover the UFC’s
events in the future. They have a cable television show, pay-per-view
and attendance marks have been on a steady upward trend, and
so the traditional media outlets might finally be taking notice.
Even
if that is the case, are there really enough qualified individuals
in the regular media to provide a wide array of quality and informed
analysis? The UFC turned to MMA reporters in its UFC 54 preview
not only because the New York Times and Washington Post likely
did not care to participate, but also because they likely do
not have reporters who understand MMA rules, grappling and the
background of the fighters.
I
am also lucky enough to cover boxing for another well established
website. Despite the upward trend, boxing is still a bigger sport
with more clout and mainstream media attention than MMA at this
point. Yet boxing promoters do not deny access to Internet sites
covering the fights. While smaller sites with few readers may
get declined, particularly for the high profile prizefights,
professional, quality Internet reporters working for high traffic
sites are given the same access as other reporters. As horribly
as boxing is managed, they at least realize that more coverage
is a positive.
If
this ban is real, and maXfighting is denied a media credential
to UFC 55 (at which point I’ll probably have to call Bruce
Buffer and start begging, and I am sure he doesn't want that),
the fact is that I will still continue to cover the sport as
long as my services are needed. If I don’t get that credential
for October 7th, to be perfectly blunt I’m not going to
cry over not having to drive 14 hours round trip to go to Connecticut.
Heck, with gas prices I can stay home, order the pay-per-view
and feed a party of 50 and still save money.
This
is not about me wanting to pretend to be special and get my fifteen
minutes of fame sitting in the press row at the UFC (as a matter
of fact, I am NOT special, and have accepted that fact for many
years). This is about getting the best MMA coverage out there
to the fans, and supporting the fighters. That is who truly counts
and will allow the sport to continue growing. And whether that
coverage comes from an MMA magazine, a news team ending in a
.com or a major newspaper should not matter.
Opinions,
comments, rants may be sent to the following: bboy680@yahoo.com
Source: Maxfighting
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Pride
and Glory Results
Gwinett Arena, Atlanta GA
September 18, 2005
The
Gwinett arena with a crowd of 4,500 strong was the place to be
Friday September 17th as Pro Boxing, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial
Arts came together seamlessly in one great night of fight action.
Titles were awarded and championship hopes lost for a few as
the action was fast paced. Guilty Boxing in association with
the WKA USA and Battleline Productions pulled off what other
promotions have simply failed to do so far by merging the top
Combat Sports together on one card.
Atlanta’s
own Ebo Elders fought a tough 11 rounds before being floored
for the fourth and final time in the 12th round by his opponent.
Both fighters traded some heavy shots throughout but it was Lavtka
Sim getting the KO in the last round to obtain the #1 ranked
contender spot to fight Juan Diaz for the WBA title. WBO Asia-Pacific
heavyweight champion Sultan Ibragimov defeated Friday Ahunanya
after an early stoppage due to an accidental head butt.
The
MMA bouts started off with a title match for American Top Team’s
Din Thomas and Team Prodigy’s Dwayne “Diesel”
Shelton. This was a match up of young up-and-comer versus the
proven veteran. Diesel came out firing with hands and even threw
a right head kick to Thomas. Thomas then got Diesel in the corner
and slammed him hard to the mat. Diesel muscled his way to his
knees and put Thomas in a crucifix and landed a really hard shot
to his face with a right knee. Thomas pulled guard after escaping
and swept Diesel into an armbar where the match ended. Props
to both fighters.
The
next match was a Muay Thai Intercontinental Championship with
Holland’s Chris Ngimbi versus Atlanta’s own Khunpon.
The first round had both fighters landing some good leg kicks.
The second had a huge head kick by Ngimbi that rocked Khunpon
and bloodied his nose but the Veteran Thai came back with a tremendous
flying knee and control of the clinch. The start of the third
round Khunpon caught a kick and came down wrong on his right
knee. He was unable to get up and had to accept the TKO. Ngimbi
by TKO in the 3rd. Ngimbi looked great and we found out later
he has only been training for 3 years! Look for great things
to come from this one.
The
second MMA match had one of the sports finest in Sean Sherk going
up against Joel Blanton in a highly anticipated return to the
ring by Sherk. Sherk came out and threw 2 really hard right low
kicks that stopped Blanton in his tracks. The fighters tied up
and in a blink of the eye, Sherk dropped elevation and pulled
off the nasty double leg that he is known for. Sherk passed guard
to side mount and in a scramble Joel gave him his back and had
to tap out to the rear naked choke shortly after. Major congrats
to Blanton for having the guts to step up and fight a guy that
will make is UFC re-emergence shortly when he takes on George
St Pierre in November.
The
final fight of the night had Atlanta’s own Steve Headen
of Velocity Gym fighting David Kaplin of Team Lloyd Irvin. Both
fighters traded shots back and forth in the first round with
Headen trying for the take down and Kaplin defending. The second
round Kaplin took control and threw some heavy hands that really
had Headen feeling wobbly. Kaplin finally got the mount and rained
down half a dozen unanswered hammer fists that forced referee
Rick McCoy to call a halt to the bout for the Winner Kaplin by
ground and pound.
This
event is hopefully the first in a series of MMA and Boxing shown
put on by the combinations of Guilty Boxing, WKA USA, and Battleline
Productions. Look for more big name stars and terrific up and
comers in the months to come!
Source:
Maxfighting
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Drew
Fickett Ready for Koshcheck
MaXfighting
spoke with Drew Fickett to discuss his upcoming fight with Josh
Koscheck (which he confirmed is officially set) on Monday October
3rd. Fickett also went over his training thus far and his win
over Josh Neer in his last UFC appearance.
MaXfighting:
How good did it feel to sink that choke in on Josh Neer and get
that first UFC win?
Drew
Fickett: It felt really cool! I was definitely happy the way
I finished the fight. There were critics, especially on the Internet,
talking about what would happen, and my friends told me about
some things people were saying. It was nice to prove some people
wrong.
MaXfighting:
Losing your last UFC fight to Nick Diaz, and as disappointing
as that fight turned out, were you more relieved or just excited?
Drew
Fickett: I was definitely happy. But it was also good to have
that first win out of the way to be able to move on to the next
step.
MaXfighting:
On this season of the Ultimate Fighter the welterweight class
is being featured. Do you see any good potential match-ups for
yourself?
Drew
Fickett: You know what, I really just haven’t had the time
to watch the show at all yet. I do know about Joe Stevenson,
and he’s an awesome fighter. There’s also Jorge Gurgel…he’s
a little smaller at 170, but he’s really good. I’ve
seen those two guys fight, so I know how good they are, but I
haven’t been able to follow the show.
MaXfighting:
How’s training been thus far?
Drew
Fickett: It’s going pretty good. I trained up in Washington
for a bit.
I
wrestled with some guys up there, including some bigger guys.
Getting to wrestle larger guys definitely forces you to improve
your game.
MaXfighting:
So the fight with Josh Koscheck being talked about, that’s
a done deal?
Drew
Fickett: Yeah, it is.
MaXfighting:
They’re throwing this October 3rd show together pretty quickly,
when were you contacted about the fight.
Drew
Fickett: I was called about it a couple of weeks ago, so they’ve
had some time to put it together.
MaXfighting:
What kind of contract do you have? Is it a multi-fight deal?
Drew
Fickett: No it isn’t. It’s a one-fight deal. It looks
like they’re doing that more, going one fight at a time.
MaXfighting:
I noticed in Josh’s fights thus far, including Leben and
Diego on the TV show, and against Spratt, he was definitely the
stronger fighter. I’m guessing he won’t have that advantage
against you; you guys seem pretty even strength wise.
Drew
Fickett: Yeah, I think we’re pretty even. We’re both
big 170 pounders. There’s no doubt he’s really strong,
but I don’t think he’ll have an advantage against me.
MaXfighting:
I saw in a previous interview that you said you were glad to
be fighting him now, that you maybe see him getting a lot better
in the future. Do you think he has a lot of potential, that maybe
he could be one of the guys to beat down the road?
Drew
Fickett: It depends, I guess. I haven’t met him, so I don’t
know his mindset and how focused he is to improve. He’s
definitely a strong kid, and getting better.
Maybe
I’m biased, but I think wrestlers make the best fighters.
But they can also be the most stubborn, and don’t do enough
to improve the rest of their game. How far he goes depends where
he is mentally.
MaXfighting:
How about yourself? Do you think you’re on the level to
compete with the top guys like Hughes or Parisyan right now?
Drew
Fickett: I think right now I’m at that level. I feel I can
match up well with anybody at this point. Some guys might have
the upper hand against me, but I would definitely at least have
a “puncher’s chance” against anyone.
MaXfighting:
Did you get to see Koscheck’s fight against Pete Spratt?
What did you think?
Drew
Fickett: Yeah, absolutely. He looked good. I saw when he was
going for that choke, he didn’t look completely comfortable
like he totally knew what he was doing, but he got it done.
MaXfighting:
Do you have a strategy at all for this fight? Are you going to
try and keep it standing? Obviously he probably has a good sprawl,
but would you want to take him down and get him on his back?
Drew
Fickett: I’m just going to go out there and fight and have
fun. I’m definitely going to throw more. People haven’t
really seen my stand up. Against most of the guys I fight, I’m
the better wrestler, so I can just go for the take down then
work for a submission or something. But he’s a really good
wrestler, so I’ll be ready to work the stand up.
MaXfighting:
Congratulations on your win against Neer, and good luck against
Koscheck in October. Thanks for taking the time to talk.
Drew
Fickett: Thanks man.
Source: Maxfighting
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Kickin'
It's Updated Fight Card!
WHAT- KICKIN IT 2005 PART V (AMATEUR KICKBOXING)
WHEN- SEPT. 24, 2005 DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM
WHERE- PAGODA HOTEL BALLROOM
PRE SALE TICKETS $20.00 AT THE DOOR- $25.00
MAIN EVENT
RYAN LEE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP DAVID BALICAO
BULLSPEN 136 -141 HSD
NO HEADGEAR - NO FEETPADS - NO EXCUSES
BRANDON ABSHER 150 - 155 MARCUS MARINO
HSD BULLSPEN
SEAN CASTRO 170-175 BRYAN INGRAM
TEAM MIXBREED HAWAII TRAINING CENTER
ZACK RAPAUL 145-150 KEVIN DELIMA
WAIANAE KICKBOXING CLUB BULLSPEN
JARRID SANTOS 140-145 ISAAC
BULLSPEN TEAM MIXBREED
TONY PERERA 120-125 BRUCE NIIMOTO
WAIANAE KICKBOXING CLUB 413
SHANEN KIRA 160-165 NYE DELASANTOS
TEAM MIXBREED TEAM SOLJAH
EDMUND LI 135-140 SHAISON LAUPOLA
HMC JESUS IS LORD
WINNER WILL FACE RED DAVIS FOR THE TEENAGE AMATEUR SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT
CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE BELT ON SEPT. 24 2005.
JARRID CHAVEZ SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT JARRID LINDSEY
HSD BULLSPEN
DARRYL LABRADOR 120-125 VERN KAPOI
HSD HMC
TIM LAPITAN 155-160 KEA DEMELLO
BULLSPEN ANIMAL HOUSE
CHAD PAVAO 135-140 JUMAR DUMLAO
HSD 808 FIGHT FACTORY
JUSTIN PIAMONTE 110-120 SHANE DULATRE
ANIMAL HOUSE 413
LORENZO MORENO 155-160 KAIKA CHOYFOO
BULLSPEN JESUS IS LORD
ALL MATCHES AND PARTICIPANTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Source: Event Promoter
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