Upcoming
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(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
2007
10/6/07
Punishment
In Paradise 18
(MMA &
Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery)
7/13/07
Punishment
In Paradise 17
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery)
6/22/06
Got
Skills
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
4/27/07
Punishment
In Paradise 16
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery)
3/24/07
Garden Island Cage Match
5
(MMA)
(Kauai)
2/18/06
Got
Skills
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
2/9/07
Punishment
In Paradise 15
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery)
2/2/06
Got
Skills
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
1/14/07
NAGA Hawaii
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(St. Louis H.S. Gym)
1/13/07
USA Boxing Amateur Boxing
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
2006
12/31/06
Pride FC Shockwave
(PPV)
IFL 2hr Championship Show
(Fox Sports TV)
12/30/06
UFC 66
(PPV)
12/16/06
Longman
Jiu-Jitsu Open Tournament
(BJJ)
(Kauai Veterans Center, Lihue)
12/13/06
Ultimate Fight Night
(Spike TV)
(Miramar, Marine Corps Air Station), San Diego, CA)
12/9/06
Grapplers Quest West X
(All Sport Arena, Las Vegas, NV)
12/2/06
Aloha State Championship
of BJJ
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Klum Gym, UH)
12/1/06
Icon Sport
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
11/25/06
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
11/24/06
Punishment In Paradise 14
(MMA &
Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery)
11/19/06
The Quest for Champions
(Sport Jujitsu, Submission Grappling)
(St. Louis High School Gym)
IFL (11/4 event)
(Fox Sports TV)
11/18/06
UFC
65: Bad Intentions
(PPV)
11/18/06
Got
Skills
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
11/11/06
The Ultimate Fighter 4: Finals
(Spike TV)
11/5/06
Pride Bushido 13
(PPV)
11/4/06
Stand
Up Martial Arts (SUMA)
(Kickboxing)
(Blaisdell Arena)
10/28/06
Palolo Boxing
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park)
10/21/06
Pride Fighting Championships:
The Real Deal
(PPV)
(Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV)
RWE Qualfiers
(MMA)
(Hilo)
10/14/06
Kickin It
2-4PM
(Kickboxing)
&
Got Skills 5
7-10PM
(Kickboxing/Boxing & Wrestling/Sub Grappling)
(Ilima Intermediate, Ewa Beach)
UFC 64: Unstoppable
(PPV)
Pacific
Island Showdown
International Invitational Ultimate Full-Contact Stickfighting
Championship
(Stickfighting)
(Filipino Community Center Ballroom, Waipahu)
HLTC Olympic
Sport Taekwondo Seminar
(Taekwondo)
(Kihei Public Charter School Auditorium – 300 Ohukai Road
#209- Kihei, Maui)
10/13/06
RWE Qualfiers
(MMA)
(Katchafire Concert,
Guam)
10/10/06
Ultimate Fight Night
(Spike TV)
10/8/06
IFL (9/23
event)
(Fox Sports TV)
10/7/06
Hawaii Fighting Championships: “Stand Your Ground I”
(Kickboxing/Jiu Jitsu/MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
10/6/06
X-1 Battlegrounds
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
10/2/06
IFL 2 hr
Special
(Fox Sports TV)
9/30/06
Jason "Mayhem" Miller Seminar
(HMC)
9/24/06
IFL (9/9 event)
(Fox Sports TV)
9/23/06
UFC 63: Hughes vs. Penn 2
Arrowhead Pond,
Anaheim, California
9/16/06
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
9/9/06
Punishment In Paradise
13
Unfinished Business
(Kickboxing, MMA)
(Dole Cannery Square Ballroom)
9/2/06
Icon Sport 47
(MMA, Kickboxing)
(Blaisdell Arena)
8/26-27/06
International
Masters & Seniors Championships
(BJJ)
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
8/26/06
Got Skills 3
(Kickboxing/Boxing & Takedowns/Submission Grappling)
(Ilima Intermediate, Ewa Beach)
Palolo Gym Smoker
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
UFC 62
(MMA)
(PPV)
8/21/06
UFC 62 Countdown: Liddell vs. Sobral
(Spike)
UFC: All Access Renato "Babalu"
Sobral
(Spike)
8/18/06
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
8/17/06
Ultimate Fight Night 4
(MMA)
(Las Vegas, NV)
The
Ultimate Fighter 4: The Comeback Premiers
(Spike)
8/12/06
Hawaiian Open of
BJJ
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
8/5/06
Rumble On The Rock
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
Garden Island Cage Match 4
(MMA)
(Kauai)
Island
Warriors Fighting Championship
(MMA)
(War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
7/28/06
RWE & PXC
(MMA)
(University of Guam Fieldhouse, Mangilao, Guam)
7/22/06
RWE Qualifiers
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center, Hilo)
7/22-30/06
CBJF World
Championships
(BJJ)
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
7/21/06
Punishment In Paradise 12
(MMA, Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
7/20-24/06
CBJJO World Championships
(BJJ)
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
7/?/06
RAZE MMA Fight Night 2
(MMA)
(San Diego, CA)
7/8/06
Ring of Honor
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Waianae H.S. Gym)
7/7/06
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
UFC 61
(MMA)
(Las Vegas, NV)
7/3/06
Got Skills 2
(Kickboxing/Boxing & Wrestling/Sub Grappling)
(Pagoda Hotel Ballroom)
Quest for Champions 2006 Tournament
(Sport-Jujitsu, Sport Pankration, Sub Grappling, Extreme Sparring)
(St. Louis H.S. Gym)
7/1/06
Pride
(MMA)
(Saitama Super Arena)
6/24/06
The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale
(MMA)
(The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV)
6/17/06
RWE Qualifiers
(MMA)
(Afook
Chinen Civic Auditorium, Hilo)
USA-Boxing Hawaii
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park)
6/10/06
X-1 Battlegrounds 4
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
6/4/06
PRIDE Bushido 11: 'Bushido
Survival '06'
(PPV)
6/3/06
X-2 Extreme Wars:
Bay Area Brawl
(MMA)
(Oakland Alameda Coliseum, Oakland, CA)
2006 Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Associations Gi Tournament
(BJJ)
(Gracie Main Academy)
5/27/06
UFC 60:
Royce Gracie vs. Matt Hughes
(PPV)
5/26/06
Icon Sport 45
(MMA)
(Blaisdell 6Arena)
5/20/06
3rd Maui Jiu-Jitsu Championships
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku)
5/13/06
Got Skills Fighter Event
(MMA)
(Pagoda Hotel)
4/29/06
RAZE MMA Fight Night
(MMA)
(ipayOne center , former San Diego Sports Arena
San Diego, CA)
4/21/06
Rumble on the Rock
11: Grand Prix
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
4/15/06
UFC 59: Reality Check
(MMA)
(Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, CA)
4/7-9/06
2006
Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
(BJJ)
(California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA)
4/6/06
Ultimate Fight Night on Spike TV
(MMA)
(Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV)
4/1/06
Punishment in Paradise
(Kickboxing)
(Sea Life Park)
3/26/06
3rd Maui Jiu-Jitsu Championships
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku)
3/25/06
Garden Island Cage
Match #3
(MMA)
(Kapaa H.S. Gym, Kapaa, Kauai)
3/11/06
Hawaiian Championship
of BJJ
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(St. Louis H.S. Gym)
Full Contact Showdown
(MMA)
(Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill, Kaneohe Marine Corps Base)
3/4/06
Kickin It 2006
(Kickboxing)
(Venue TBA)
2/26/06
NAGA Hawaii State Championship
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Honolulu)
*Cancelled
until Summer*
2/25/06
Icon Sport 44
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
2/4/06
Kick it Up
(Kickboxing)
(Pagoda Hotel Ballroom, Honolulu)
UFC 57:
Liddell vs. Couture 3
Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, NV
(PPV)
1/27/06
So You Think You Tough
(MMA, Kickboxing)
(Kona Gym, Kona)
January
Grappler's Quest Hawaii
(Submission Grappling)
(TBA)
***Cancelled*** |
|
December 2006 News
Part 1
Casca
Grossa Jiu-Jitsu is now the O2 Martial Arts Academy with 6 days
a week training!
We are also offering Escrima (stick fighting classes) on Monday
nights!
Click here for info! Take classes from the Onzuka brothers in
a family-like enviornment!
 
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price, click on one of these banners above! |
 |
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Tuesdays at 7:00PM
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Quote
of the Day
"The
biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your
dreams."
Oprah Winfrey, American Television Talk Show Host/Actress/Entrepreneur
|
60
MINUTES TO AIR MMA SEGMENT ON SUNDAY
This Sunday's episode of the critically acclaimed CBS newsmagazine
60 Minutes is scheduled to include a segment on mixed martial
arts.
The
segment will include in-depth looks at both of the major MMA
events that took place on September 23rd: UFC 63 in Anaheim,
California (featuring Matt Hughes vs. BJ Penn), and the IFL's
event in Moline, Illinois (featuring Renzo Gracie vs. Pat Miletich).
In addition, 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley trained with
both Gracie and Miletich before their fight.
Make
no mistake about it: This will be the biggest mainstream exposure
that the sport of MMA has ever had. 60 Minutes is not only the
most-watched newsmagazine on television, but is is also among
the top twenty most-watched shows on all of television, with
an average audience this season of just under 15 million viewers.
The
show will air at 7:00 PM Eastern and Pacific Time on Sunday night,
although depending on the ending time of the late afternoon NFL
game on your local CBS affiliate, the broadcast could begin after
7:00 PM in your local market.
The
official episode preview on CBS' web site hypes the segment in
this way: "A New Kind of Fight--- Mixed martial arts, combining
styles like boxing, wrestling and jujitsu, was once deemed too
vicious for decent society. The sport has now modified its rules
and is becoming one of the fastest growing sports in America.
Scott Pelley reports. Solly Granatstein is the producer."
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
12/7
Press Release
Falaniko
Vitale signs with Pavia, Ciscone & Associates, LLC
Pavia,
Ciscone & Associates, LLC, in conjunction with www.MMAagents.com,
is pleased to announce the signing of Falaniko Vitale. A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, “Niko”
has compiled a 21-6 professional MMA record, including wins over
Matt Lindland, Dave Menne, Masanori Suda, Yushin Okami and Aaron
Riley.
Most
recently, Vitale defeated Tim Williams by a first-round KO at
Extreme Wars 5 on October 6, 2006 in Oahu, Hawaii. With his exciting,
fan-pleasing style of fighting, and possessing victories over
some of the top fighters in the world, MMAagents is looking forward
to representing this great athlete.
Pavia,
Ciscone, and Associates, LLC would like to make you aware of
the upcoming fight dates for some of the fighters we represent:
“The
Sergeant” Steve Byrnes, a former sergeant in the U.S. Marines, will
be making his UFC debut against fellow first-timer Logan Clark
at Ultimate Fight Night 7 on Wednesday, December 13 in San Diego,
CA. Based out of Honolulu, Hawaii, Byrnes has a 6-0 pro MMA record
with six submissions. The UFN 7 is being held at a marine base
in San Diego.
Karo
“The Heat” Parisyan is scheduled to face Drew Fickett
at Ultimate Fight Night 7 live on Spike TV on Wednesday, December
13 in San Diego, CA. Parisyan has a record of 15-4, with wins
over Matt Serra, Chris Lytle, Nick Diaz.
We
are actively soliciting fighter sponsors for these events. We
realize that the economics of the MMA fight game today dictate
the need for fighter sponsors. As such, we coach all of our clients
to use best efforts in displaying logos and to make mention and
give thanks in all public opportunities, and we also send out
post-fight sponsor packets with photos of sponsored fighter wearing
sponsor logo on shorts and shirts and wearing sponsor company
gear when applicable. We encourage the use of these pictures
in advertisement when applicable and without conflict.
The
costs vary greatly depending on fighter and event. If you should
have any interest, or would like to request more information,
please contact my assistant Scott at 949-892-8702 or by e-mail
at scott@mmaagents.com. I can also be reached directly by e-mail
at kenpavia@mmaagents.com.
Please
check out our new website, www.MMAagents.com, to find out more
about our company and the fighters we represent. Also, go to
the News section and read our weekly columns, “The Pav says...,”
“Q&A with GT,” and “The Cube in the Cage.”
Source: MMA Agents
|
Q&A
with G.T. - Steve Byrnes
A
former sergeant in the U.S. Marines, Steve Byrnes is making his
UFC debut against Logan Clark on December 13, 2006 at Ultimate
Fight Night 7 on Spike TV. Fittingly enough, the event is being
held at a marine base in San Diego, CA.
"The
Sergeant" has been undefeated since making his professional
mixed martial arts debut in January 2005, compiling a 6-0 record
with six submissions.
Most
recently, Byrnes dominated Joshua Ferreira at Hawaii-based X-1
show in October 2006 en route to a rear naked choke victory midway
through the first round. Dressed in camouflage, full fatigues
and with the American flag in hand as he makes his entrance,
you know that Byrnes is always ready to go to war.
I
recently sat down with Steve as he was getting ready to head
to the mainland for his UFC debut.
GT:
Steve, you are making your debut in the UFC Dec 13. Tell me what
you thought when you received the call.
Steve:
I was shocked. This is something that all fighters want. My dreams
had come true and this will be a day I will never forget. This
is the best opportunity in my life.
GT:
What is your fighting background?
Steve:
My background is in wrestling. I have been wrestling since I
was 12 years old. I have been grappling for eight years. I consider
myself a submission fighter.
GT:
Tell me about your upcoming fight in the UFC?
Steve:
I am facing Logan Clark and he is 7-0. I have trained harder
for this fight than all the rest of my fights. I will do whatever
it takes to get a victory.
GT:
Should all go well in the UFC, what do you see for yourself in
the future?
Steve:
I see bigger and better fights. I want to become a professional
fighter full time. My main goal is to make this a career.
GT:
You were the head instructor for the Marines MMA class. Tell
me about this experience.
Steve:
I am a 1st degree black belt. My job was to teach other Marines
how to teach MMA. I was the head instructor trainer. It was exciting
and an experience that I will never forget.
GT:
Tell me how you met Ken Pavia. And has he made your dreams come
true?
Steve:
I met Ken at the weigh-ins at my last fight in X1 (Hawaii). He
walked up to me and told me that Phil Baroni had mentioned me.
He asked me what I wanted to do in my career. I looked him straight
in the eyes and told him that I wanted to fight in Vegas. He
gave me his card, I called him a week later and he made everything
he promised a reality. Ken Pavia has made all my dreams come
true.
Source: MMA Agents
|
The
Pav says…
The
Pav says… I just got back from a weekend that saw me go
from Hawaii
for Icon Sport
on Friday to Vancouver on Saturday for the Bodog fights…
I’ll tell you, the Hawaiian fans are the best I’ve
ever seen. The energy is great and they flip out whenever a punch
lands. They also LOVE Miller… The Vancouver fans are new
to the sport and were sober, with no alcohol permitted in the
venue. While BoDog did not skimp on the production, the fans
were in a coma for the first eight fights or so… Lesson
learned: get them drunk, everyone always has a better time…
As much as I fly, I still can’t figure out why the stewardesses
wake me to make the seat erect for take off and landing, let
a brother relax.
The
Pav says… Mayhem, along with Baroni and Tito, are the most
entertaining fighters when they are not slinging leather. But
Jason edges them both with ring entrances. It wasn’t his
night, but you know he won’t take Trigg lightly in the rematch.
Mark my words, he will be back bigger and better… How the
hell did Trigg make 170 pounds eight months ago? He weighed in
at 186 JACKED for the Mayhem fight. He must have taken a ton
of Gamma-O and consumed large quantities of something.
The
Pav says… Jeremy “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” Williams
will surprise you in MMA. He was 41-5 as a heavyweight boxer
with 35 KO's. He cut to 205 to fight MMA. Twice, Fields had armbars
deep on Williams in Hawaii and twice he got Rampage-slammed.
I was sure the arm was going to pop. What surprised me even more
was that Jeremy was ducking under punches and taking Fields down
to show his diversity. Oh, and yes it is the same Williams that
was the coach on The Contender.
The
Pav says… Eric Pele showed a true warrior’s spirit.
He could have folded the tent under the barrage from Silva but
stayed in the game. Homie is 10-2 with some big W's. Kudos to
the guy for peeling the shirt too. He is down 150lbs and plans
on dropping 50 more to make heavyweight.
The
Pav says… Trevor Prangley is the real deal. I would drop
a dime on him if he was in against Franklin or A. Silva. He smashed
Lutter, beat Stout and Sonnen, and was robbed against Horn. At
BoDog, he beat a very good Semenov for a second time. You could
hear Andrei wincing every time a body blow or a knee landed.
He also has a caveman head. Trevor will wear a strap someday.
The
Pav says… I booked eight fights today with four different
organizations. This includes four UFC fights. Every fight outside
the UFC, including the winner’s share but not sponsors,
pays our guys over 20k. I make dreams come true...
The
Pav says… My newest signing - Faliniko Vitale - is a BEAST. He’s a natural
athlete and with the proper training he will be back on top of
the mountain. Walking with him in Hawaii is like being with Brad
Pitt in a female prison, or like being with Razor Rob in Huntington
Beach. Check out http://www.myspace.com/robrazor
The
Pav says… Put your seatbelt on because this web site is
just getting started. Tune in for three exclusive stories every
week, and look for our pictures section. Just like Reggie Bush,
LeBron James, Sidney Crosby, Ryan Howard, Martin Kampmann, Jake
O’Brien, and Mike Pyle, we are busting out!
Source: MMA Agents
|
Quote
of the Day
"Your
waistline is your lifeline."
Jack LaLanne, American Fitness and Exercise Expert
|
Donate
a Toy and Enjoy a Free Concert!
O2 Martial Arts
Academy and Onzuka.com are proud sponsors and supporters for
this charity event! Please donate a toy if you can stop by.
Hey
Everyone,
Tomorrow
is the FREE CONCERT with one of Hawaii's Hottest RnB / Jawaiian
Band INOA' OLE and our Toys for Tots Charity Drive and we're
hoping to count on our friends, and family to show up and support
this event!!
Location: Cheerleaders Sports Bar near the old Costco's in Salt
Lake
Time: 8:30pm to 2:00am / Inoa' Ole will go on at 10:00pm
Date: December 9, 2006
If
you haven't heard the radio spots on 1027.fm with Rick Rock and
Francine Dee we are also one of the supporters in tonight’s
Import Car Show pre-party at Foreplay Fridaze Pipeline Cafe'
- So party all night but make sure to come out tomorrow night
as well!!
We
will have some very cool prizes to raffle off courtesy of: The
Tint Doctor, PUC Upholstery, Rad Motor Sport, Bad Sushi, 24 Hour
Fitness, and SamtheManRadio.com and 1027 Da Bomb.
Remember,
you are not obligated to bring an unwrapped toy, however it is
a charity event so give accordingly.
Aloha
and Happy Holidays! See you guys tomorrow night!! Check out www.4x4boyz.com for more information!
~
Marc Ebalaroza
|
WILL
DSE REALLY SELL PRIDE TO WWE OR UFC?
Dream Stage Entertainment is taking part in ongoing negotiations
with several different companies based in several different countries
to sell Pride, according to a report in the Wrestling Observer
Newsletter.
Among
the companies with which DSE has had talks are the Ultimate Fighting
Championship, World Wrestling Entertainment, and multiple companies
in both the United States and South Korea that were not named
in the article, which further stated that the majority of the
interest that has been shown in purchasing Pride has come from
outside of Japan.
The
crux of the Observer article is that it is necessary for DSE
to eventually sell the company because while the company can
continue to put on mega-shows like the December 31st show in
the short term, Pride at its current level is simply not a sustainable
business model over the long run without the all-important Japanese
TV deal.
Fuji
TV cancelled its contract and removed Pride from its network
earlier this year due to company scandals, even though Pride's
2005 New Year's Eve show won the head-to-head ratings battle
with the K-1 New Year's Eve show for the first time.
Fuji
TV was much more than just a TV outlet for Pride, as Fuji also
paid the company millions of dollars and provided it with valuable
promotional exposure. Pride has been unable to secure a new TV
deal with any other major network in Japan.
The
DSE-owned Pride will continue to aggressively expand into the
U.S. marketplace, add big-name fighters to its roster if given
the opportunity, and continue to run shows in Japan. While it
remains possible that a huge explosion in popularity or a Japanese
TV deal could change the situation, neither of those two things
are particularly likely to occur, and this would likely make
it necessary for DSE to sell the company to new ownership if
things don't turn around in the next year or so.
If
Pride were to be purchased by World Wrestling Entertainment,
it is not a stretch to say that it would be unlikely to succeed.
Putting aside any fears that WWE would be tempted to fix fights,
there's also the well-documented fact that WWE Chairman Vince
McMahon has never displayed competence in any business outside
of his core business of pro wrestling, with unsuccessful business
ventures in nutritional supplements (IcoPro), a bodybuilding
league (WBF), the movie industry (WWE Films), reality television
production (Manhunt, Tough Enough, WWE Diva Search), a professional
football league (XFL), the book industry (WWE's self-published
novels in which McMahon solves crimes), and yes, even promoting
legitimate shoot-fights on national television (Brawl for All).
The
Observer article noted that Zuffa is faced with a strategic choice.
If the UFC bought Pride and inherited what the Observer referred
to as Pride's "very high contracts," Zuffa would acquire
lots of world-class MMA fighters, but the move would raise the
UFC's salary structure and "up the ante greatly" in
terms of the amount of money that the company spends on fighter
contracts.
If,
on the other hand, Zuffa were to sit back and take a different
kind of risk by letting the situation play itself out, the ideal
scenario for Zuffa would be that Pride would eventually go out
of business (or whoever buys Pride would fail with it and go
under), thus making all of Pride's fighters free agents.
This
would enable Zuffa to pay a lot less for the fighters than they
would otherwise have to, because at that point there would be
a very large amount of free agent fighters and only two stable,
big-money options available for those fighters (UFC and K-1),
although upstarts like BodogFight have managed to lure Fedor
Emelianenko away, at least for one fight.
As
the Observer reported, in the latter scenario Zuffa would be
able to "work at signing only the people they want with
the ability to negotiate more favorable terms [for Zuffa] due
to the only other option [for the fighters] being K-1, which
generally doesn't pay at Pride's level." In this scenario,
with Pride's entire roster as free agents, the top-level fighters
would likely end up split primarily between the UFC and K-1.
In
the face of all the speculation, Pride broadcaster Frank Trigg
appeared on MMAWeekly Radio's SoundOff and denied outright that
Pride was for sale. Trigg said, "Two major organizations
offered to buy Pride and both answers were no. They were both
very substantial offers." Trigg was adamant as he said,
"[DSE President] Sakakibara does not want to sell Pride.
Pride is not up for sale. I spoke with him earlier today. Are
we trying to do cross-promotions with other people? Absolutely...
[but] Pride is not up for sale."
The
Observer reported in its initial article that DSE's senior management
will continue to act like "everything is status quo"
and will continue to tell company employees that the company
is not going to be sold.
Regardless
of how the situation with Pride plays out, the Observer reports
that Zuffa is planning on getting "very aggressive"
when it comes to signing top talent.
The
only thing for certain is that in the ever-changing landscape
of MMA, only time will tell.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
WHITE
WANTS TO "SHUT UP" SOUTHWORTH
At the up coming Strikeforce on December 8th the promotion will
be holding its first ever 205lb Championship match as MMA veteran
Vernon “Tiger” White and The Ultimate Fighter 1 alum
Bobby Southworth collide.
Both
fighters are looking to rebound after disappointments in their
most recent fights and build momentum for next year, but that’s
about where the similarities end.
While
it may be conceivable that Southworth will be competing to further
his fame, White has a decidedly different motivation heading
into the fight.
“I’m
ready to have this long awaited fight with Bobby Southworth because
there’s a lot of people that really look up to this guy
and don’t realize what kind of jerk he is,” exclaims
Vernon. “He likes to make fun of people and I want to shut
his mouth.”
“Basically
he irritates me a lot,” continued White. “What he did
to Chris Leben wasn’t called for on The Ultimate Fighter.
I’m kind of in the same situation as Chris, so I’d
like to give him [Southworth] a little bit of ammo or a little
bit of fuel to burn his fire and see if he’ll talk trash
about me. If he’s willing to do that then I’ll shut
him up when we get in the cage.”
According
to Vernon, not only is there motivation to shut up Southworth,
this fight has been a long time coming.
“Somebody
had set it up like two times before,” explained White. “I
don’t even know if he knew about it, but they asked me and
I was like, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’”
When
asked if the fact that a title on the line was further incentive
to win the fight, Vernon replied with a chuckle, “Not necessarily…because
belts come and go, but to shut people up – that’s few
and far between.”
After
a solid 2005 and beginning to this year, White has had a rough
go of things over the past few months. After taking some time
off, Vernon is ready to use this fight as a catalyst to bigger
and better things.
“In
my last two matches, the one up in Canada [in Elite Fighting]
and the one out in LA [in the WFA], were disappointing losses
by decisions,” commented White. “But a lot of people
figure that I won the fights, so the true fans know, all my fans
out there know I’m an exciting fighter and whoever I go
up against it’s going to be a good match”
“I
can do nothing but get better,” added Vernon. “Obviously
it’s a turning point in my life. A lot of people that know
me personally know I went through some hard times, moving up
to Susanville and helping Ken out and then going through some
money problems. So now it’s time for me to buckle down and
start making some money like everybody else. I’m tired of
these small paydays; it’s time for me to start making some
mad money.”
As
for the future, word has it that White has the inside track on
joining teammate Ken Shamrock’s Reno Lions of the IFL next
season, but that’s not all that Vernon sees for himself
in the coming year.
“I
want to stay as active as possible,” stated White. “The
IFL, from what I understand, is going to be about 4-5 fights
a year, so when I’m not fighting for them I’d like
to fight somewhere else. I want to keep my feet wet because once
you get out of the ring, the ring rust sets in and I don’t
want ever to second guess my skills.”
Along
with a busier fight schedule, Vernon intends to explore avenues
outside the fight game.
“I’m
looking at doing some TV programs or whatever I can do, anything
to stay busy, maybe even commentating,” expressed White.
“I was looking at Chuck [Liddell] and he was doing Celebrity
Fit Club [on VH1], helping these guys out…that should be
me, I should be doing stuff like that, I’m better looking
than that guy [laughs]. The more recognition we can bring from
other avenues to this area is better for everybody.”
First
things first as Vernon is clearly focused on his task at hand
at Strikeforce. A point he reiterated when he concluded, “I’d
like to thank my sponsors…Bite Me Mouthguards, Sierra Yamaha
up in Chilcoot, California and Big Time Pest Control in Redding,
California. As far as all the fans go, come up to the show because
there’s going to be some fireworks popping off in Southworth’s
face. So everyone come prepared to ‘oohh’ and ‘aahh’
because it’s going to be beautiful.”
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Jungle
defines Brazilian adversaries
The
organization of the seventh edition of Jungle Fight, that will
be held on next December 17th, already confirmed the adversary
of the Brazilian athletes confirmed at the card. Ronaldo Jacaré
faces Roan Jucão’s pupil, while Aussério Silva
faces the Croatian Saso Mucnjak. Rodrigo Riscado will face the
French athlete Antony Rea and Danilo Rodaki faces the athlete
from Amir Rahnavardi. This is the first edition of Jungle Fight
out of . The promoter Wallid Ismail took the event from Amazonas
to the Stadium Dvorana Tivoli Arena, at Slovene. Check out the
complete card confirmed by the organization:
COMPLETE
CARD (subject to change):
Jungle
Fight 7
Sunday, December 17th, 2006
Stadium Dvorana Tivoli Arena – Slovene
-
Ronaldo Jacaré vs. Kassim Annam;
- Assuério Silva vs. Saso Mucnjak;
- Fabiano Iha vs. Dalibor Anastov;
- Rodrigo Riscado vs. Antony Rea;
- Danilo Rodaki vs. Amir Rahnavardi;
- Igor Pokrajac vs. Steven Cantewell;
- Leonard Sipolex vs. Ninic Drazenko;
- Jasmin vs. Jovanovic Dragan;
- Dany Marold vs. TBA;
- Kramberger Robert vs. Srdan Knjazevic.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"Your
waistline is your lifeline."
Jack LaLanne, American Fitness and Exercise Expert
|
Triple
Crown Results!
Team Results
1) Team Relson Gracie
2) Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu / HMC
3) Gracie Kailua / Central Oahu / North Shore
Triple Crown
Belt Winners
White Belt:
Sean Skiendel, Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
Blue Belt:
Brooks Navares, Gracie Kailua
Purple/Brown
Belt:
Rylan Lizares, Grappling Unlimited
No Gi Novice:
Brooks Navares, Gracie Kailua
No Gi Intermediate:
Keith Inouye, Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
No Gi Advanced:
David Chew, Relson
Gracie
|
Kids Gi Division
Ages 5 - 7:
1) Nainoa Dung
Uprising
2) Spike Kahalewai
Papakolea Fight Club
3) Kaua Nishigaya
Papakolea Fight Club
Ages 9 - 10 (Light):
1) Joshua Terao
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
2) Canaan Rabaino
Gracie Kailua
3) Bobby Castle
Kendall Goo Jiu Jitsu
Ages 9 - 11 (Heavy):
1) Brandon
Saiki
Relson Gracie O2
2) Elijah Naeole
Gracie Kailua
3) JD Walker
Papakolea Fight Club
Age 12:
1) Noah Hashimoto
Relson Gracie
2) Justin Kahalewai
Papakolea Fight Club
3) Kealiiokamalu Nao
Papakolea Fight Club
Ages 12 - 14:
1) David Terao
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
2) Noah Cronin
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
3) Ryan Nakagawa
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
Ages 13 - 16:
1) Kawai Ching
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
2) Rusty Rivera
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
3) Taylor Sadler
Kendall Goo Jiu Jitsu
Ages 16 - 17 (Heavy):
1) Woodlen Kekauha
Papakolea Fight Club
2) Joshua Asperilla
Papakolea Fight Club
3) Richard Kim-Davis
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
Womens Gi Division
White Belt
1) Mytra Mckeague
Longman Jiu Jitsu
2) Kuulani Koenig
Gracie Kailua
3) Joleen Abreu
Relson Gracie KTI
Blue - Purple Belt:
1) Lara Franco
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
2) Anya Douglas
North Shore Jiu Jitsu
3) Sunshine Maunakea
North Shore Jiu Jitsu
Mens White Belt
110 - 122 lbs:
1) Joshua Martinez
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
2) Chivas Pestana
Grappling Unlimited
123 - 135 lbs:
1) Sean Skiendel
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
2) Ken Ito
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
3) Matt Isoda
Grappling Unlimited
136 - 148 lbs:
1) Cory Gifford
Central Oahu Jiu Jitsu
2) Wayne Salazar
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
3) Brian Pate
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
149 - 161 lbs:
1) Kyle Matsuoka
Papakolea Fight Club
2) Jason Murata
Grappling Unlimited
3) Richard Diaz
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
162 - 174 lbs:
1) Ikaika Ohia
Gracie Kailua
2) Allan Ferreira
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
3) Ason Abe
Grappling Unlimited
175 - 187 lbs:
1) Graham Kovarik
Relson Gracie KTI
2) Tyson Suzuki
Papakolea Fight Club
3) Joseph Johnson
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
188 - 201 lbs:
1) Kenneth Gusman
Papakolea Fight Club
2) Kenneth Jimenez
Papakolea Fight Club
3) Ryan Lee
Papakolea Fight Club
202 - 214 lbs:
1) Cole Williams
BJ Penn
2) Nick Char
Longman Jiu Jitsu
3) Seung Min Lee
Papakolea Fight Club
215+ lbs:
1) Kalani Abreu
Relson Gracie KTI
2) Chris Academia
Fight 4 Life
3) Martin Trammel
Street Sports
Mens Blue Belt
136 - 148 lbs:
1) Desmond Thain
Papakolea Fight Club
2) Mike Pedro
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
3) Jim Riglos
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
148 - 161 lbs:
1) Michael Bright
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
2) Bill Dorman
Gracie Kailua
3) Verne
Schank
Relson Gracie O2
162 - 174 lbs:
1) Brooks Navarez
Gracie Kailua
2) Keith Inouye
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
3) Shane Kahananui
Relson Gracie KTI
175 - 187 lbs:
1) Paul Champlin
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
2) Robert Thompson
Relson Gracie
3) Benjamin Scapanio
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
188 - 201 lbs:
1) Bo Lagmay
Relson Gracie KTI
2) Sol Kahn
Longman Jiu Jitsu
3) Tyler
Bailey
Relson Gracie O2
202+ lbs:
1) David Chew
Relson Gracie
2) Patrick Kaawaloa
Gracie Kailua
3) James Craig
Central Oahu Jiu Jitsu
Mens Purple Belt
Lightweight:
1) Kalani Lizama
Kendall Goo Jiu Jitsu
2) Syrus Melandish
Kendall Goo Jiu Jitsu
Middleweight:
1) Kyle
Olivares
Relson Gracie O2
2) Luke Hacker
Longman Jiu Jitsu
3) Gilson Souza
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
Heavyweight:
1) Caleb Price
North Shore Jiu Jitsu
2) Leandro Grande
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
Mens Brown Belt
1) Rylan Lizares
Grappling Unlimited
2) Shane
Agena
Relson Gracie O2 |
Kids No Gi Division
Ages 5 - 7 (Novice):
1) Nainoa Dung
Uprising
2) Kaua Nishigaya
Papakolea Fight Club
3) Spike Kahalewai
Papakolea Fight Club
Ages 9 - 10 (Novice):
1) Bobby Castle
Kendall Goo Jiu Jitsu
2) Cienna Japu
North Shore Jiu Jitsu
3) Canaan Rabaino
Gracie Kailua
Ages 13 - 14 (Novice):
1) Ryan Nakagawa
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
2) John Hommel
Relson Gracie
3) Kevin Conley
North Shore Jiu Jitsu
Ages 15 - 17 (Novice):
1) Taylor Sadler
Kendall Goo Jiu Jitsu
2) Rusty Rivera
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
3) Lorence Kila
Relson Gracie
Ages 10
- 11 (Intermediate):
1) Brandon Saiki
Relson Gracie O2
2) Elijah Naeole
Gracie Kailua
3) Joshua Terao
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
Ages 12 - 13 (Intermediate):
1) Joshua Hashimoto
Relson Gracie
2) Noah Hashimoto
Relson Gracie
3) David Terao
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
Ages 12 - 14 (Advanced):
1) Sylver Quemado
Cobra Kai
2) Noah Cronin
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
3) Keanu Ching
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
Womens No Gi
1) Anya Douglas
North Shore Jiu Jitsu
2) Heather Eischens
Relson Gracie
Mens No Gi Novice
123 - 135 lbs:
1) Sean Skiendel
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
2) Matt Isoda
Grappling Unlimited
3) Joshua Martinez
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
136 - 148 lbs:
1) AJ Mendoza
2) Rodrigo Rizzo
Longman Jiu Jitsu
3) Brian Pate
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
148 - 161 lbs:
1) Chris Kawaihae
Gracie Kailua
2) Rob Tartaro
HMC
3) Kaitieli Teu
Fight 4 Life
162 - 174 lbs:
1) Allan Ferreira
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
2) Patrick Acia
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
3) Chris
Kansaki
Relson Gracie O2
175 - 187 lbs:
1) Graham Kovarik
Relson Gracie KTI
2) Arian Moskwa
Fight 4 Life
3) Lars
Chase
Relson Gracie O2
188 - 201 lbs:
1) Hunter Seelbinder
Bulls Pen
2) Kenneth Gusman
Papakolea Fight Club
3) Ryan Lee
Papakolea Fight Club
202+ lbs.
1) Chris Academia
Fight 4 Life
2) James Craig
Central Oahu Jiu Jitsu
Mens No Gi Intermediate
136 - 148 lbs:
1) Richard Vavra
Central Oahu Jiu Jitsu
2) Mike Pedro
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
3) Brandon Thompson
Cobra Kai
149 - 161 lbs:
1) Rick Burnett
HMC
2) Dan Holley
Central Oahu Jiu Jitsu
3) Bill Dorman
Gracie Kailua
162 - 174 lbs:
1) Makoa Hanaike
MMA Development
2) Sage Gassaway
Longman Jiu Jitsu
3) Keith Inouye
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
175 - 187 lbs:
1) Paul Champlin
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
2) Benjamin Scapanio
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu Jitsu
3) Randal Kennedy
Central Oahu Jiu Jitsu
188 - 201 lbs:
1) Tyler
Bailey
Relson Gracie O2
2) Bo Lagmay
Relson Gracie KTI
3) Sol Kahn
Longman Jiu Jitsu
215+ lbs:
1) Kalani Abreu
Relson Gracie KTI
2) Michael Tengan
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
3) Roy Onomura
Relson Gracie Team HK
Mens No Gi Advanced
149 - 161 lbs:
1) Luke Hacker
Longman Jiu Jitsu
2) Kyle
Olivares
Relson Gracie O2
3) Michael Bright
Relson Gracie Kaneohe
161 - 174 lbs:
1) Rylan Lizares
Grappling Unlimited
2) Brooks Navares
Gracie Kailua
3) Philip Espaniola
BJ Penn
175 - 188:
1) Daniel Espaniola
Gracie Kailua
201+:
1) David Chew
Relson Gracie |
|
WFA
PRESIDENT SUING OWNERS FOR NON-PAYMENT
As first reported live on MMAWeekly Radio on Wednesday evening,
have told MMAWeekly that World Fighting Alliance President and
CEO Jeremy Lappen is suing the owners of the WFA for breach of
contract. In a lawsuit in the state of California, Lappen alleges
that the WFA's owners have not paid him or many of the company's
other employees for quite some time.
Sources
tell MMAWeekly that many of the WFA's employees have left the
company and that the WFA's debt is piling up, with creditors
seeking payments and with some vendors from the July 22nd show
still waiting for their funds to be delivered.
As
mentioned on MMAWeekly Radio, this does not necessarily mean
that the WFA is going out of business, but the lack of payments
and the loss of employees is certainly an ominous sign for the
potential future of the WFA.
The
WFA ran a show headlined by Quinton Jackson vs. Matt Lindland
at The Forum in Los Angeles, California on July 22nd. Another
show was scheduled for December 9th in Las Vegas, Nevada with
a main event of Jackson vs. Marvin Eastman, but the Las Vegas
show was postponed last month. At this point, it is not known
when or if there will be another WFA show.
If
the WFA does indeed go out of business, it is believed that Quinton
Jackson would become a free agent and would be able to sign with
the UFC, Pride, or any other organization of his choice. Based
on public statements and the marketability of the fight, a rematch
with Chuck Liddell in the UFC would seem to be the most likely
next move for Jackson if the WFA does go out of business.
Mixed
martial arts legend Bas Rutten, who was one of the main attractions
at the WFA's July show, is a coach in the IFL and previously
said in an interview with MMAWeekly that his WFA contract allows
him to also fight in the IFL if he so chooses. It is not known
when Rutten would be legally able to fight for an MMA organization
other than the WFA or IFL if he wanted to do so.
The
contractual status of Heath Herring is also not currently known,
but it is believed that other organizations have already approached
the heavyweight fighter.
Many
of the other top fighters from the WFA's July show have signed
with other MMA organizations, specifically the IFL in the cases
of Matt Lindland and Ivan Salaverry.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
PRIDE
ADDS SHOGUN & GOMI FOR SHOCKWAVE
Two
more fights have been added to Pride Shockwave 2006. MMAWeekly’s
#2 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter Mauricio “Shogun”
Rua will face Japanese Judoka Kazuhiro Nakamura, who is currently
ranked #10. Both fighters are coming off of wins at Pride 32:
The Real Deal. Originally scheduled to face Marvin Eastman, Nakamura
stopped late replacement Travis Galbraith with strikes. “Shogun”
Rua rebounded from an injury loss to Mark Coleman with a kneebar
submission victory over Coleman’s teammate Kevin Randleman.
Also
announced, current Pride Lightweight Champion Takanori Gomi will
face current Shooto Pacific Rim Welterweight Champion Mitsuhiro
Ishida in a non-title match. The #1 ranked Gomi retained his
Lightweight title at Bushido 13 with a unanimous decision over
Marcus Aurelio in an anticipated rematch. Ishida has been impressive
in his four Pride appearances, utilizing his wrestling prowess
to remain undefeated. The T-Blood fighter is currently ranked
#7 in MMAWeekly’s Lightweight Rankings.
Confirmed
Shockwave fights so far:
Fedor
Emelianenko vs. Mark Hunt (Heavyweight Title Match)
Shinya Aoki vs. Joachim Hansen
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Gilbert Melendez
Mauricio Rua vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Takanori Gomi vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida (Non-Title Match)
Source: MMA Weekly
|
IVAN
SALAVERRY SIGNS TO FIGHT IN IFL
Ultimate Fighting Championship and K-1 veteran Ivan Salaverry
has signed to fight for the International Fight League. He will
face Eduardo Pamplona at the January 19th event in Oakland, California
that kicks of the first full 11-event season in the short history
of the IFL.
Salaverry
was last in action at the World Fighting Alliance’s re-emergence
over the summer in Los Angeles, California. There he defeated
Art Santore in exciting fashion with a TKO referee stoppage due
to strikes, as he out-struck the hard-hitting Team Quest fighter
throughout the contest. It was a remarkable return for Salaverry
who had been released from his UFC contract following what many
deemed a lackluster effort in a bout with Nathan Marquardt in
the main event of the first Ultimate Fight Night.
His
opponent, Pamplona, trains under Ryan Gracie in Sao Paulo, Brazil
and brings a strong repertoire of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai
skills to the bout. At 5-1, Pamplona’s only loss was in
the first bout of his career, against Sanae Kikuta, and has wins
over such strong competitors as Jorge Patino and Jose Landi-Jons.
Most of his fight experience has come in his home country of
Brazil and the fight with Salaverry will be his first in the
United States.
There
was speculation that Salaverry was in talks to be on the next
Gracie Fighting Championships card in Miami, Florida in January,
however, the IFL officially announced his participation on their
January 19th event today.
The
event in Oakland will also feature the debut of the Ken Shamrock-coached
Nevada Lions against his brother’s (Frank Shamrock) San
Jose Razorclaws. Another featured team match-up on the card is
Maurice Smith’s Seattle Tiger Sharks vs. the also-debuting
Southern California Condors coached by Marco Ruas.
Coaches
Smith and Ruas will face each other in a Superfight in Los Angeles,
California on March 17th.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"Food
is an important part of a balanced diet."
Fran Lebowitz, American Writer and Humorist
|
Cameron
Earle Locked Up?
We
have just received an anonymous report that Cameron
Earle, a Ralph Gracie black belt, is currently in Portland Oregon
County Jail on a warrant for Identity Theft, Furnishing False
Info to Police, Theft of Services and a Warrant out of California
for failure to appear for Assault w/intent to commit sex crime
w/deadly weapon. It is unknown when he will be released.
Information #503-988-3005. Inmate # 710867.
As
with all types of slanderous information, please take this with
a grain of salt and if you would like to verify it, please do
so. The source provided some very specific information to do
so. We believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty
so until the judge our jury renders a decision in a court of
law, please take this as interesting reading. We mainly post
this type of information because if it is true, maybe someone
that wants to offer assistance to Cameron may be able to track
him down a bit easier.
|
Rumor
control: Fighters for Sale? PRIDE on the market?
This
week speculation has run wild about the possible sale of the
PRIDE organization. Corporate names like Vince McMahon and Dana
White have been thrown out as potential buyers. Some accounts
have PRIDE approaching prospective buyers and some have the opposite.
What exactly is going on here?
Parallel
stories run in concordance with this speculation creating some
interwoven "truths". Brandon Vera said in a recent
interview that the UFC has made some "huge signings".
What could this mean? Well, rumors are bombarding the internet
and being squashed as fast as they surface about Mirko "Cro
Cop" Filipovic close to signing with the UFC. An article
was printed on another popular MMA website stated this was a
possibility and on another it was being dismissed. An interview
with Cro Cop in the foreign media had him stating these were
just rumors and no offer had come from the UFC. It stated that
apparently, someone saw a UFC representative on a plane and peered
over their shoulder. They saw a potential offer to Filipovic
and the rest is now history.
It
was announced in the foreign press that Fedor Emilianenko would
fight outside of PRIDE for Bodogfight against Jeff Monson and
then reports appeared that Dream Stage Entertainment, PRIDE's
parent company, would not allow it. Monson's latest interview
clearly states that he will fight Fedor in 2007.
Another
report that backs PRIDE not being for sale comes from Frank Trigg,
PRIDE's color commentator. The new ICON Sports champion made it crystal clear that
while PRIDE may have received some offers, it had no intention
of selling. He said that PRIDE was going nowhere but "up".
Trigg also said that PRIDE had made a huge acquisition from right
under the nose of another MMA organization. Some have speculated
that this might be a deal with HBO (from the UFC), Brock Lesnar
(K-1), or possibly a fighter like Babalu (UFC) or someone of
that caliber from somewhere else. Jerome Le Banner's name was
also tossed around as a possible answer to Frank Trigg's riddle.
Le Banner has challenged Tim Sylvia on internet video recordings
on several occasions.
He
is currently signed with K-1 and some believe that this would
be a big deal for PRIDE since a fight with Cro Cop would be a
large draw with MMA fans.
With
all of the rumors flying around it is hard to tell what is fact
and what is fiction. MaXfighting will keep you up to date on
all of the information as it becomes available.
Source: Maxfighting |
Frank
Trigg makes a triumphant return to MMA
Frank
Trigg has always been an overachiever. He had seven brothers
to contend with growing up and that would instill a healthy competitive
drive in anyone for sure. He wrestled while he attended the University
of Oklahoma and wrestling has played a big part in his MMA career.
Sadly, what most remember Trigg for is not his growing up, his
wrestling, or anything else that he may have accomplished along
the way. What most remember Frank for are his three losses in
the UFC by rear naked choke. Hughes did it twice and Georges
St. Pierre also managed to pull it off at UFC 54. With the loss
to Georges St. Pierre Frank Trigg disappeared from public view.
Trigg
would sign to fight with ICON Sports in Hawaii and defeat his first opponent there,
Ronald Jhun and seemed to be back to his winning ways.
Disappointingly, Frank would lose to Carlos Condit in his very
next fight leaving fans scratching their heads since he was the
heavy favorite going in to the fight. It seemed as if "Twinkle
Toes" might fade in to obscurity and vanish from the MMA
world. He had lost. Then, on December 2nd, Frank Trigg proved
everyone wrong and defeated the favored ICON sports middleweight
champion Jason "Mayhem" Miller by TKO in the second
round.
What's
next for Trigg? A title defense against former champion Robbie
Lawler would be a good bet if he is not signed exclusively with
the PRIDE organization. Lawler beat Falaniko Vitale for the title
and then turned around and lost it to Miller. With his win over
Mayhem Miller, Frank trigg has made a statement to the MMA world.
"Twinkle Toes" is back and he means business. Now.......any
bets on how long until Dana White's number shows up on Trigg's
cell phone? If it hasn't rang already.
Source: Maxfighting |
Where
are they now? Ricco Rodriguez
So
many times a fighter pops up on the MMA radar as a bright green
blip alerting all to their presence. Then, without warning they
disappear from sight leaving most to scratch their heads in confusion.
This is all too common in mixed martial arts and today it seems
like it is more common because of the sheer volume of fighters
on the circuit. There are those few, those select few that leave
you asking, "what happened?" MaxFighting takes a look
at some of those fighters and where they are today.
Ricco
Rodriguez - Of all the fighters I have seen that had the most
potential or seemed a lock for super stardom it was Ricco. He
was good looking, very talented, and oozed confidence. The type
of fighter you would consider a very dangerous opponent and one
you train extra hard for. He beat the legendary Randy Couture
for the UFC heavyweight title and the world was his to command
in the heavyweight division. He had beaten names like Gary Goodridge,
Pete Williams, Paul Buentello, Andrei Arlovski, and Jeff Monson
en route to an amazing 11 fight win streak culminating with his
UFC 39 TKO over Couture. Then, at UFC 41, Tim Sylvia changed
all of that. In 3:09 of the first round, Tim landed some bombs
to Rodriguez who was defending from his back that knocked him
out cold. Sylvia would move on as champion and Ricco was left
to try and regroup.
His
next two fights were back to back losses. One in the PrideFC
to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by unanimous decision, which is nothing
to be ashamed of and the other to Pedro Rizzo. The fight with
Rizzo at UFC 45 is now considered one of the worst fights in
UFC history. Neither fighter wanted to engage the other with
any enthusiasm and the crowd booed badly at a time when booing
wasn't in style like it is today. Ricco lost that fight by decision
making the embarrassment even worse for himself. This was truly
a rough time for the former UFC champion.
After
that fight things would turn around for Rodriguez. He peeled
off four wins in a row with only one going past the first round.
It looked Ricco had his career back on track. After those victories,
he would lose a decision to former WWE wrestler Ron "H20"
Waterman. He would turn back around and win 3 more in a row before
suffering another loss, this time to Robert Beraun by decision.
Ricco has won his last three fights including a TKO victory that
avenged his previous loss to Waterman in the newly reformed WFA
organization.
Rodriguez
may be back on track to fight in the UFC once again if he is
training as hard as is reported. It happens sometimes in a fighter's
life after a loss. They lose focus and need some time to get
their head straight and to find their center, if you will. Randy
Couture found his and beat the top 3 light heavyweights in the
UFC after he did. Ricco could easily come back and make things
happen for himself if he gets the call to come back to the UFC.
His
affiliation with the WFA promotion may become null and void if
that organization continues on in the reportedly financially
troubled direction it is going right now.
Next
week we will take a look at another fighter who has vanished
from the mainstream scene, tracking where they have been and
what they have been doing since we last saw them in the big leagues
of the fight industry.
Source: Maxfighting |
Quote
of the Day
"There
is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted."
Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862, American Essayist/Poet/Naturalist |
MELENDEZ
CONFIRMS PRIDE FIGHT WITH KAWAJIRI
As Pride’s New Year’s Eve show is coming together,
Gilbert Melendez confirmed on MMAWeekly Radio that he will face
Tatsuya Kawajiri on the Shockwave card.
It
was expected that Melendez was going to be matched up with Japanese
standout Shinya Aoki at Shockwave, so Kawajiri was a surprise
to many, including Melendez. “I was assuming Aoki because
at the last Bushido he called me out.”
But
he’s definitely excited to fighting Kawajiri, currently
ranked #3 in the MMAWeekly's Lightweight Rankings. “He’s
a great challenge and I think it’s going to be an exciting
fight.”
Melendez
continued, “It’s definitely the better fight for me.
Taking nothing away from Aoki, but Kawajiri is highly ranked.”
Of
course, there are questions surrounding Melendez’s health.
He had to pull out of both the latest Bushido show and next week’s
Strikeforce card due to bursitis in his elbow. Melendez didn’t
seem too concerned though, “I’ll definitely be 100%
by New Year’s Eve.”
Knowing
that Kawajiri is a highly ranked for a reason, Melendez sounds
ready for the challenge, “He’s definitely a well-rounded
fighter. I have to be prepared everywhere. It’s definitely
going to be a high-paced fight.”
With
Melendez currently sitting at the #10 position in the MMAWeekly
Rankings, a win over Kawajiri would be huge for his career. It
looks to be the toughest challenge of his young career, but no
one should be looking past him either. Melendez could easily
end up being the toughest challenge of Kawajiri’s career
as well.
Source: MMA Weekly |
GRACIE
WINS, PELE TOPS SILVA ON BODOG PPV
The BodogFight promotion held its first pay-per-view event on
Saturday night, December 2nd, and the end result was less than
thrilling.
The
theme of the show was "USA vs. Russia," despite the
fact that the event took place in Vancouver, Canada. In addition,
one of the three advertised superfights did not air (with absolutely
no explanation), the USA vs. Russia series was a fairly one-sided
affair in favor of Team USA, valuable minutes of PPV time were
wasted on a performance by a Bodog Music group called Neurosonic,
and there was a seemingly never-ending stream of truly dreadful
segments involving punk rocker Bif Naked, who was met by the
crowd with a mix of boos and awkward silence every single time
she entered the ring.
The
announcers claimed that the 5,000-seat arena was sold out, but
that did not appear to be even close to true, and the crowd that
was in attendance was quiet for most of the evening. On the live
PPV broadcast, Fedor Emelianenko was not seen in the building,
nor was the promotion's financier, gambling maven Calvin Ayre.
Pride Open Weight Grand Prix finalist Josh Barnett was watching
the event from the front row, and in a baffling moment, the commentators
(who otherwise did a fairly good job throughout the evening)
actually stated that Barnett used to be the UFC Heavyweight Champion
and "chose to leave the UFC to move on to bigger and better
things in Japan."
Interestingly,
the post-event credits included two names that may be familiar
to viewers of "ShoBox: The New Generation" on Showtime.
One day after working on the ShoBox broadcast crew in California
on Friday night, producer Richard Gaughn and director Rick Phillips
had the same exact roles on Saturday night's Bodog broadcast.
The live production of the show was respectable, with the exception
being that the graphics team got the weight classes consistently
wrong throughout the evening (ie, 185 pounds being "light
heavyweight," 170 pounds being "welterweight,"
etc).
The
most anticipated fight of the evening for a majority of hardcore
fight fans was King of the Cage veteran Eric Pele's fight against
Antonio Silva, who came into the event undefeated in his MMA
career. One of the most agile 300-pound fighters that you'll
find, Silva had previously dominated MMA veteran Tom Erikson
via absolutely vicious ground and pound at a K-1 Hero's event
in May of this year.
A
buzz was building for Silva headed into the event, and he appeared
to justify that buzz in the first two minutes of the fight, as
he used his fast, accurate, and powerful punches and kicks to
pick apart Eric Pele. All of that changed when Pele connected
flush with a hook to the side of Silva's head, sending Silva
crashing down to the canvas. After several unanswered blows on
the ground, the referee stopped the fight, and Pele won by TKO
in a huge upset.
Silva's
cornermen should be ashamed of themselves for their actions after
the fight, as they ran into the ring and went face-to-face with
the referee, yelling in his face for stopping the fight and repeatedly
saying, "He wasn't knocked out!" No, he was not knocked
out, but he was also not intelligently defending himself, and
the stoppage was justified.
The
referee, who was just doing his job, did not deserve to have
cornermen screaming in his face. As for Silva himself, he started
protesting the stoppage about five or six seconds after it happened,
but he still congratulated Pele on the victory afterwards. Silva
still has a lot of potential, but tonight his rapid rise was
at least temporarily derailed.
In
the other superfight on the PPV broadcast, accomplished Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu stylist Roger Gracie made his MMA debut against Ron
Waterman, who was offered the fight after Bodog's negotiations
in recent months did not result in signed contracts for Gracie
to fight Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, or Don Frye.
Waterman
took Gracie down and was briefly in the side mount position,
but he was never able to truly test Gracie's chin with any devastating
blows before Gracie maneuvered himself into the full guard and
submitted Waterman from the bottom with an armbar. With an MMA
record of 1-0, Gracie is just starting in his MMA career and
has a long way to go, but with his phenomenal submission skills
as a strong base from which to build, he has plenty of potential
to be a force in MMA a few years from now.
During
the PPV commercials that aired for several weeks before the event,
and during the PPV countdown show, and during the first half
of the live PPV broadcast, there were three advertised superfights:
Gracie vs. Waterman, Silva vs. Pele, and Aaron Riley vs. Eddie
Alvarez. Riley vs. Alvarez never aired on the PPV, with absolutely
no explanation given to the paying customers as to why they were
not going to see all of the advertised fights on the PPV.
If
the company had simply run out of PPV time, one could make a
strong argument that they managed time very poorly with all of
the Bif Naked segments and other filler. If that were the case,
it would be frustrating, but at least then there would be a logical
explanation for the Riley vs. Alvarez fight not airing. In fact,
the show went off the air with 30 minutes of reserved PPV time
still remaining on the broadcast, which makes the decision not
to air Riley vs. Alvarez all the more inexcusable.
The
fight between Riley and Alvarez did take place after the PPV
went off the air, with Alvarez winning via first round knockout,
but you wouldn't know that if you were one of the paying customers
who ordered the PPV.
If
one of the goals of this event was to build up some goodwill
with MMA fans and make them more likely to order the company's
next PPV in March, this event likely accomplished the exact opposite.
The
USA vs. Russia series was an anti-climactic affair, as Fedor
was nowhere to be seen on the PPV, even though he was supposed
to be "the coach of the Russian team."
When
all was said and done, the Americans won six of the USA vs. Russia
match-ups, and even then, one of the two victories for the Russian
team came by way of a questionable split decision (Erik Oganov's
victory over Keith Wisniewski).
In
the eight-fight USA vs. Russia series:
-Trevor
Prangley (Team USA) controlled most of his fight against Andrei
Semenov (Team Russia) en route to earning a unanimous decision
victory.
-Mario
Rinaldi (USA) dominated Sergei Kaznovsky (Russia) and won via
unanimous decision, but only after he survived a major scare
in the second round. Kaznovsky landed a huge knee that opened
a big cut above Rinaldi's eye and could have ended the fight,
but Rinaldi recovered enough to still win the second round and
the fight.
-Chael
Sonnen (USA) rode out a lackluster unanimous decision victory
over Alexey Oleinik (Russia). Sonnen did not connect with much
offense, and even more so, Oleinik seemed content to hold on
to Sonnen tightly from the bottom guard and did not attempt much
in the way of offense.
-Tara
Larosa (USA) was impressive as she put on a grappling clinic
in her submission victory over Julia Berezekova (Russia).
-In
one of the only exciting fights in the "USA vs. Russia"
series, Nick Thompson (USA) and Ansar Chalangov (Russia) had
a back-and-forth bout, which ended when Thompson secured a rear
naked choke and Chalangov tapped out just before the horn sounded
to signal the end of the first round.
-Nick
Agallar (USA) appeared to be in control of Vladimir Zenin (Russia)
in the stand-up position, particularly with some nasty leg kicks,
until Zenin floored Agallar with a punch and then finished the
fight with strikes on the ground.
-Erik
Oganov (Russia) fought a lot better than his 2-5 career record
would suggest as he squeaked out a split decision over Keith
Wisniewski, although I honestly don't know how one of the judges
had Oganov winning all three rounds.
-Michael
Patt (USA) controlled most of his fight with Martin Malkhasyan
(Russia) and won via split decision. The dissenting judge must
have given Malkhasyan the first round, which Patt was winning
until Malkhasyan scored a takedown with a minute left in the
round.
Full
Results
PPV
Superfights
-Roger
Gracie def. Ron Waterman by submission (armbar) at 3:38 of Round
1
-Eric
Pele def. Antonio Silva by TKO (referee stoppage due to strikes)
at 2:40 of Round 1
USA
vs. Russia Fights
-Trevor
Prangley (USA) def. Andrei Semenov (Russia) by unanimous decision
-Mario
Rinaldi (USA) def. Sergei Kaznovsky (Russia) by unanimous decision
-Chael
Sonnen (USA) def. Alexey Oleinik (Russia) by unanimous decision
-Tara
Larosa (USA) def. Julia Berezekova (Russia) by submission (armbar)
at 1:28 of Round 2
-Nick
Thompson (USA) def. Ansar Chalangov (Russia) by submission (rear
naked choke) at 4:59 of Round 1
-Vladimir
Zenin (Russia) def. Nick Agallar (USA) by TKO (referee stoppage
due to strikes) at 4:26 of Round 1
-Erik
Oganov (Russia) def. Keith Wisniewski (USA) by split decision
-Michael
Patt (USA) def. Martin Malkhasyan (Russia) by split decision
Post-PPV
Fights
-Eddie
Alvarez def. Aaron Riley by KO in Round 1
-Todd
Gouwenberg def. Ron Faircloth by KO in Round 1
Pre-PPV
Fight
-Rob
Velek def. Tim Smith by TKO in Round 1
Source: MMA Weekly |
A
WORD FROM THE ASIAN SENSATION...
…forgettable.
for·get
v. for·got, for·gotten, for·getting
for·get·ta·ble, adjective
1.
to cease or fail to remember; be unable to recall: to forget
someone's name.
2. to omit or neglect unintentionally: I forgot to shut the window
before leaving.
3. to omit mentioning; leave unnoticed.
In
Tokyo, Japan, another ZST has come and gone. ZST 11…yes
it was forgettable. Not that all of the fights were bad, but
the event was forgettable due to its significance. Of the eight
scheduled fights, seven of them went to a draw. Yes, I said seven.
Congratulations to Kenji Nagai for actually finishing his opponent,
thus preventing a shut-out full of indecisiveness (no thanks
to ZST’s rules).
Now
for those who don’t watch ZST very often, fights going to
a draw aren’t uncommon. In ZST, there are no judges and
fights that last the full time limit are ruled a draw. As an
exception, decisions can occur during tournament events.
ZST
11 Full Results:
Fight
#1:
Kenichi Ito and Emerson Azuma fought to a draw.
Fight
#2:
Kenji Nagai defeated Hiroshi Oyaizu by TKO Round 2 0:48
Fight
#3:
Petras Morkevicius and Nobutatsu Suzuki fought to a draw.
Fight
#4:
Hiroyuki Ito and Masayuki Okude fought to a draw.
Fight
#5:
Kentaro Imaizumi and Shuichiro Katsamura fought to a draw.
Fight
#6 (ZST Tag Team Match):
Hideo Tokoro / Baret
Yoshida
and Shinya Sato / Wataru Inatsu fought to a draw.
Fight
#7 (GT-F Grappling Match):
Takumi Yano and Rubens Charles fought to a draw.
Fight
#8 (Vale Tudo Match):
Naoyuki Kotani and Erikas Peitras fought to a draw.
I
think it’s about time for ZST to re-evaluate their rules.
Fans will agree that the many stalemates are getting rather old.
If the organization wants to be known as more than just a stepping
stone, they need to implement judges.
I
must applaud ZST for continuing to bring in more amateur fighters
but I’m having a hard time taking them seriously if they
don’t make a significant change in the near future. The
organization that brought us Remigijus Morkevicius, Hideo Tokoro,
Takumi Yano, and Masakazu Imanari may slowly be falling into
mediocrity.
PRIDE
TO END BUSHIDO
In
a recent issue of Gong Magazine, Dream Stage Entertainment CEO
Nobuyuki Sakakibara announced that the company will focus its
attention on Pride’s ‘numeric’ shows in 2007.
Moreover, Sakakibara stated that their popular Bushido brand
has been discontinued and will be combined with the regular Pride
show in the future. DSE plans to continue using the Bushido name
for events held outside of Japan and the U.S. It was not specified
if the lighter weight fights would adopt Pride’s 3-round
system as opposed to Bushido’s two.
DSE
originally created Bushido to showcase the lighter weight classes.
Since its debut in 2003, Bushido has garnered a large following
and has lately been more revered by fans than the regular Pride
show. In my opinion, Bushido 9 is still the best MMA event I
have ever seen and has yet to be surpassed.
News
of Bushido’s imminent end has saddened loyal fans. Fans
angered by the announcement must realize that this was probably
a logistical move by the company and does not mean the end of
the lighter weight classes. From a business perspective, the
Bushido shows didn’t draw in the live crowd like Pride’s
regular shows have and gate sales are still one of their main
sources of revenue. Many fans will miss the Bushido cards that
consisted of up to fourteen fights. However, keep in mind that
there will be more regular Pride shows planned for 2007. With
more opportunities to showcase the lighter weight classes, it
would also expose the fighters to larger venues and larger crowds.
Although
I will miss the Bushido shows, I think the merger is a good thing.
The lighter weight classes will balance out the events and provide
a boost to what the regular Pride shows have been lacking of
late. Prior to this merger, the only time fans could see an event
consisting of all weight classes was at Pride’s Shockwave
show, which only occurred once a year. Combining all the weight
classes into one event will help reduce the amount of ‘filler’
or ‘freak show’ fights and create better overall shows.
Sure,
the merger of the two shows may be a sign of financial trouble
and could symbolically mean a step backwards. However, I think
it’s better for the organization in the long run and will
allow Pride to showcase all of their fighters with each and every
event. Bushido was created to establish the lower weight classes
and it did just that. Now that the show has done its job, it’s
time to move on. Knowing that they don’t have the financial
backing that they used to, DSE is just evaluating their business
plan and working to make Pride more efficient and marketable.
With their television setback in Japan, Pride is serious about
being successful in the U.S. market and the merger may play an
important role.
It’s
sad to see the Bushido brand end but it had a great run. The
once fledgling offshoot will now be immortalized in MMA history.
GOOD
NEWS FROM SAKAKIBARA
In
addition to the Bushido’s demise, Nobuyuki Sakakibara announced
that Pride will only hold one Grand Prix tournament for each
weight class every four years. I think DSE finally realized that
fans have been overwhelmed with their recent saturation of tournaments.
The news is a welcome change and will free up the current title
holders so they can actually defend their belts. In February,
Pride will hold another event in the U.S. and current 205-pound
champion Wanderlei Silva is expected to defend his title.
Speaking
of title holders, Sakakibara stated that there will be at least
one title defense on every future ‘numeric’ Pride event.
That’s great news. Pride has garnered much criticism for
its lack of title defenses so to see DSE addressing the issue
affirms the company’s willingness to change for the better.
One problem though; with only four champions, how can there consistently
be a title defense on each event? Pride plans to possibly hold
up to twelve shows in 2007 which may make for a strenuous schedule
on their champions. Taking into account the risk of injury, obtaining
Visa’s and other known/unknown variables, a title defense
at each event may very well be unattainable.
So
how is this resolved?
Add
more weight classes. I would love to see a featherweight division
in Pride. It would give fighters like Hatsu Hioki and Jeff Curran
a more suitable home and open the doors for other fighters who
wouldn’t normally sacrifice their size to make the lightweight
limit. “Lion Takeshi” anyone? A super heavyweight division
could also be introduced (saying that made me cringe).
STILL
NO TELEVISION DEAL FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
Time
has come and gone since Nobuyuki Sakakibara said there would
be a major announcement on Nov. 10th regarding their television
situation. The silence could be a grim foreshadowing of the company’s
future in Japan. The major television networks in Japan have
released their New Year’s Eve schedule and none of them
have Pride’s Otoko Matsuri (Shockwave) show listed.
Currently,
the event will only be available via SkyPerfect Pay-Per-View.
This will greatly limit the event’s exposure. Unlike the
U.S., most major MMA events in Japan are aired free on television
so its Pay-Per-View market is relatively small. Why pay when
you can watch it for free? At this moment, K-1 Dynamite! will
have no major MMA ratings competition this year. I guess Pride
gambling on Mike Tyson hasn’t paid off yet.
On
a positive note, ticket sales for Otoko Matsuri will likely be
very good, as history has shown.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Quote
of the Day
"Let
your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone,
and let your hand give in proportion to your purse."
George Washington, 1732-1799, 1st President of the United States
|
Fighters'
Club TV Episode 45
Is Out!
Fighters' Club TV Episode 45 is cut and submitted to Olelo programming.
It will run in our normal timeslot at 7pm on
Oceanic Channel 52, Tuesday night-the 21st and 28th.
This
episode features past matches of the fighters that are going
to be featured in the next ICON Sport event on Dec 1st.
The ICON Sport preview show features great fights with Jason
Miller, Frank Trigg, Robbie Lawler, Tyson Nam, and Mark Oshiro.
This
episode also marks the long awaited, and frequently requested
(mainly by Chris coaxing people to send in email), return of
the one and only Chris Onzuka!
What would the show be without
the whirling...
the twirling...
the squirreling antics of...
Mark, Mike, and Chris at the end of the show!
On the Ham Meter, this episode may be off the charts, so you
don't wanna miss it.
Questions,
Comments, and Suggestions to: fctv@onzuka.com
Auryte!
Mark
|
USA
Boxing Amateur Boxing Returns to Cap off 2006
USA Boxing, Palolo Boxing Club, And Kawano Boxing
Presents:
Hawaii's Boxing's 2006 Finale
Palolo District Park
2007 Palolo Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
Saturday, December 16, 2006
6:30PM
Admission: $10
Ages 10 & under: $5
Source: Bruce Kawano
|
FRANK
SHAMROCK VS. RENZO GRACIE POSSIBLY ON SHOWTIME
 
'The Wrestling Observer' reports that Jay Dee Penn wants to sign the matchup of Frank
Shamrock vs. Renzo Gracie for his premiere MMA show on Showtime,
which is scheduled in February.
According
to The Wrestling Observer, Penn and his group have picked up
the remnants of 'The World Fighter' promotion, which folded when
it did not receive a contract from Showtime.
Penn's
'Rumble on the Rock' promotion
is now trying to sign a lot of the talent that was supposed to
fight on The World Fighter show in January, and wants to schedule
them for his February MMA show on Showtime, including the Shamrock/Gracie
matchup.
Source: Fight Sport
|
Diaz
signs to fight at GFC
Nick Diaz has signed to fight Thomas "Wildman" Denny
at the Gracie Fighting Championships. The show will be taking
place on January 20th in Miami, Florida. Denny is a veteran of
over 30 fights, the most notable of which was a recent submission
win over MFS fighter Tony Fryklund.
Diaz comes in as a top ten fighter in the welterweight division
and a recent impressive tko win at UFC 65.
The
Gracie Fighting Championships will be offered on pay-per-view
and is currently acquiring a roster of fighters that will be
on a world class level. We will be announcing the full card in
upcoming days.
Source: Gracie Fighter
|
Cro
Cop guarantees he'll fight at Pride New Years
Information released on fighter's official site
The operation performed on his foor last month will not prevent
Mirko Cro Cop from participating in the end of the year edition
of Pride. According to the fighter himself, on his official site,
the name of his opponent will soon be released.
"I
can't wait to fight again. My foot is recovering well and I hope
is that I won't have a problem in my coming fights. I hope this
will be my last fight before getting a shot at the title, which
I hope will take place in February," the Croat declared.
For
the time being, the only fight yet confirmed for the Pride New
Years show is the battle for the belt between current champion,
Fedor Emalianenko, and the New Zealander Mark Hunt.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Legendary
Kronk Gym closes for good
By Bill McGraw and Mike Brudenell
DETROIT
- The steamy little west side basement of a city recreation center
that became a world-famous incubator of boxing champs - has closed
for good, Detroit officials said Tuesday.
The
final blow was a theft: In September, thieves stole the copper
pipes in the Kronk, cutting off the gym's water supply and forcing
legendary trainer Emanuel Steward to close it, at least temporarily.
The fighters took up residence at a Gold's Gym in Dearborn.
But
the cost of fixing the plumbing and making other major repairs
led city Recreation Department officials to decide to shut it
permanently, said Lawrence Hemingway, the department's deputy
director.
"It's
the oldest rec center in the city. It has lived a useful life,"
he said.
At
its peak, the Kronk was one of the best breeding grounds for
amateur and professional boxing talent in the nation.
It
attracted boxers, media and fans from around the world, and it
was a pure Detroit mix, too, with world-class boxers like Thomas
Hearns and Hilmer Kenty sparring and skipping rope in the basement
while senior citizens and children were using the rec center's
other areas.
"Throughout
the years, the Kronk became an icon. It represents Detroit's
grit and determination," said Bill Kozerski, a local fight
promoter. "If it passes, an era in Detroit boxing will go
with it."
The
gym is located in a city recreation center at Junction and McGraw
that was closed earlier this year because of Detroit's budget
problems. Officials had allowed the gym to remain open as Steward,
the Kronk's founder, continued to run the boxing program and
attempted to raise money.
So
far, fund-raising has been unsuccessful, but Steward is throwing
a benefit Thursday at the Star Southfield theater at which, organizers
say, actor Sylvester Stallone will introduce the new "Rocky"
movie.
Any
money raised Thursday will go to a new Kronk Gym, said Steward's
assistant, Kim Hagood.
"We
really need to look for a new facility for the Kronk," she
said Tuesday.
Steward's
first experience at the Kronk came in October 1969, when he used
it to train his younger brother, James Steward, for amateur bouts.
James Steward went on to win Golden Glove titles in 1970, `71
and `72.
Emanuel
Steward, meanwhile, went on to train such fighters as Hearns,
Kenty, Jimmy Paul, Milton McCrory, Mark Breland, Frank Tate,
Ricky Womack, Roderick Moore, Steve McCrory, Mickey Goodwin,
Michael Moorer and William (Caveman) Lee. He also counted former
heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis among his stable of fighters.
"The
atmosphere in that little basement gym kept you focused and competitive,"
recalled Kenty, a former lightweight champion. "The heat,
the humidity, and the smells - they combined to create a unique
atmosphere."
The
Kronk center is a brownish-red brick building that looks its
age; it was opened not long after World War I.
For
decades its steel gratings have bled rust onto its masonry, which
is crumbling. Bricks lay on the pavement like KO'ed fighters.
The parking lot is filled with garbage and broken glass. One
piece of graffiti on the building proclaims: "Kronk R.I.P."
Those
who have been inside remember the black-painted iron stairway
descending into the cramped basement boxing area built around
a worn, full-size ring. The concrete walls were filled with pictures
of Kronk champions and news clippings. And around the ring, young
fighters would jab at their images in a full-length mirror or
pound a speed bag in the corner.
Today,
the gym is sealed like a tomb because there are no windows. But
when you look through the security gate that protects the first-floor
glass, you can see a homemade poster on an inside wall that carries
a simple message:
"Kronk
makes heroes."
Source: The Mercury News
|
Quote
of the Day
Need to update quotes starting here.
"Let
your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone,
and let your hand give in proportion to your purse."
George Washington, 1732-1799, 1st President of the United States
|
NAGA
HAWAII GRAPPLING CHAMPIONSHIP
IS CONFIRMED!
This is in the official NAGA newsletter and a friend who co-promoted
NAGA here in Hawaii also confirmed it.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Doors open at 8:00 a.m.
St. Louis School, Honolulu, HI
130 Gi & No-Gi Divisions!
This event is Nationally
860-295-0403
President@nagafighter.com
www.NAGAFighter.com
Pre-Register HERE.
$75 pre-reg
fee
Download
event flyer HERE.
NAGA
makes its much anticipated return to the island of Oahu. Hawaii
is full of incredible grapplers, NAGA is excited about coming
back to give you a fair and fun atmosphere to compete in. Enjoy
the holidays then come and compete against the best grapplers
Hawaii has to offer.
Samurai
swords will be awarded to all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers.
The
no-gi and gi absolute champion will take home this championship
belt!
Source: NAGA
|
Hawaii's
Bruce Kawano
is the US Women's Boxing Coach
Bruce Kawano front row, far right
THREE U.S. BOXERS
WIN MEDALS AT THE 2006 WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – Two U.S. boxers won silver medals
at the 2006 Women’s World Championships in New Dehli, India
on Thursday. Light middleweight Akima Stocks (S. Orange, N.J.)
and light heavyweight Tika Hemingway (Pittsburgh, Pa.) both competed
in final round action, dropping their championships bouts to
take the silver medal at the NDMC Indoor Stadium. Light flyweight
Marlen Esparza (Houston, Texas) won a bronze medal on Wednesday.
The
2006 Women’s World Championships are the first World Championship
event for all three medal winners and the first international
competition for Esparza and Hemingway. Stocks battled defending
World Championships silver medallist Ariane Fortin of Canada
in the championship bout and was stopped by Fortin in the second
round due to her 15-point deficit. Hemingway took on Irina Sinetskaya
of Russia in her championship bout but lost a 13-6 decision to
win the silver.
The
United States total of three medals is triple the medal outcome
from 2005 when the U.S. team won one bronze medal. The hometown
team of India led the tournament in medal count with seven, including
four gold medals.
The
United States team is being led by Gloria Peek (Norfolk, Va.)
and Bruce
Kawano (Pearl City, Hawaii) and Bobby Lee (Simpsonville, N.C.) is serving
as team manager for the event.
Over
180 boxers from 32 are competing in the fourth Women’s World
Championships in New Dehli, India, November 18-23.
Source:
USA Boxing
|
***For
Immediate Release***
For more information and fighter interviews, contact Mike Afromowitz,
(917) 566-8754 or muaythaimes@aol.com, or visit www.strikeforceusa.net.
San
Jose Pro Footballer Suits Up For
Strikeforce Cage Fight
November
27, 2006; New York, NY….San Jose Sabrecats lineman and undefeated
mixed martial arts super heavyweight contender, Rex Richards
(3-0), will attempt to extend his win streak in the cage when
he makes his Strikeforce debut during the promotion’s “Triple
Threat” world championship fight card being presented by
BodogFIGHT at San Jose, California’s HP Pavilion on Friday,
December 8th.
The
26 year old Richards, a 6 foot 5 inch, 300 pound monstrous specimen
of man, holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He will face
another giant in 6 foot 8 inch, 290 pound Kyle Leviton (0-1)
of San Diego. Also 26 years of age, Leviton is skilled in both
kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Richards’
track record of achievement on the field is trivialized only
by his determination to excel in competition. Over the course
of his four year playing career (1999-2002) at Texas State University,
he started a total of 40 games, more than any other offensive
lineman in the school’s history. In his senior year, he
was named to the All-Big 12 first team by both the Dallas Morning
News and Kansas City Star.
In
September 2003, Richards was signed to the practice squad of
the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and, one year later, he was
signed as a free agent by the Sabrecats, an Arena Football League
(AFL) squad.
On
November 5th of last year, Richards made his professional mixed
martial arts fighting debut at the Verizon Wireless Theater in
Houston, Texas. He made quick work of Ashley Rivers, stopping
his opponent with a barrage of knee strikes at the 1:24 mark
of the opening round.
Tickets
for Strikeforce “Triple Threat” are on sale at Ticketmaster
(408-998-TIXS) and Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com)
as well as at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070). Tickets
are priced at $200.00, $150.00, $100.00, $75.00, $50.00, and
$40.00, and $30.00.
The
December 8th card will feature Strikeforce’s first-ever
205 pound light heavyweight championship bout. Bobby Southworth,
a veteran of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, will face
off with hard-hitting road warrior and K-1 and Pride Fighting
Championship veteran, Vernon “Tiger” White, for the
vacant crown.
Making
his third-career mixed martial arts start, undefeated world San
Shou kickboxing champion, Cung Le, will face his toughest test
to date in Jason “Live Wire” Von Flue, a contestant
on season two of The Ultimate Fighter.
Off
the heels of his victory on October 7th, lightweight sensation,
Josh “The Punk” Thomson, will be challenged by another
dangerous adversary in 23-year-old rising star, Nam Phan.
World
Muay Thai champion and UFC and K-1 Max veteran, Duane “Bang”
Ludwig, will move up to the 170 pound weight class to meet hard-nosed
battler, Tony “The Freak” Fryklund.
Old
rivals Eugene “The Wolf” Jackson and Ronald “The Machine Gun”
Jhun will
collide for the second time in their careers. Jhun is looking
for payback eight years after Jackson submitted him with a forearm
choke during a contest in Hawaii.
Former
WWE star, Daniel Puder, will face fellow unbeaten heavyweight
contender, Mike Cook. Heavyweight contender, Paul “The Headhunter”
Buentello, who stopped UFC legend David “Tank” Abbott
on Strikeforce’s October 7th card, will return to action
against a yet to be named opponent.
The
Strikeforce mixed martial arts event is being produced by Silicon
Valley Sports and Entertainment (SVS&E, www.svse.net), a
leading producer of major sporting and entertainment events and
the exclusive producer of such events for San Jose, California’s
largest entertainment venue, HP Pavilion. SVS&E’s many
properties include “Fight Night at the Tank” professional
boxing; the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks; and
the annual ATP men’s professional tennis “SAP Open”
event.
Strikeforce
is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion that,
on Friday, March 10th, made history with its “Shamrock vs.
Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight
card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza,
which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion,
played host to 18,265 fans, the largest-ever attendance at a
mixed martial arts fight card held in North America.
Source: Mike Afromowitz
|
Windy
City Lands Igor Zinoviev-led IFL Squad
Of the many Russian names that dot mixed martial arts annals,
few are as revered as Igor Zinoviev, who in 1995 authored a breakthrough
moment by stopping Brazilian star Mario Sperry 11 minutes into
an Extreme Fighting-promoted contest.
On
Monday, it was announced Zinoviev would lead the International
Fight league's 12th team, the Chicago Red Bears, completing the
league in advance of its first full season slated to begin early
next year.
The
Red Bears are expected to feature a compliment of Russian-born
mixed martial artists who will make their home in the Second
City.
Zinoviev,
a modest 4-1-2, is also widely known for having fallen victim
to one of the sport's most brutal slams. In 1998, former UFC
champion, and current IFL head coach, Frank Shamrock brutally
deposited Zinoviev to the canvas, knocking out the former Red
Army commando in 22 seconds while at the same time shattering
his collar bone. It would be the last time Zinoviev stepped foot
in a ring.
Source: Sherdog
|
PRIDE
MAKING BIG CHANGES IN 2007
by Al Yu
In a recent issue of Gong Magazine, Dream Stage Entertainment
CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara announced several changes that Pride
will undergo in the near future, including the fact that the
Bushido series of events has been discontinued in Japan and will
be combined with the regular Pride shows in the future.
As
a result, all Pride shows from this point forward will feature
fights in all four of Pride's weight classes (160 pounds, 183
pounds, 205 pounds, and heavyweight).
Sakakibara
also announced that the Pride Grand Prix for any given weight
class will only be held once every four years, much like the
Olympics. Since Pride has four weight classes, this means that
there will be one new Grand Prix tournament each year.
While
Sakakibara did not mention which one of Pride's four weight classes
will have a Grand Prix in 2007, it's almost certain that it's
not going to be 183 pounds and it's not going to be heavyweight
(or "open weight"), since Pride just held Grand Prix
tournaments for both of those weight classes in 2006.
That
would leave the 205-pound division and the 160-pound division
as the two remaining possibilities for a Grand Prix in 2007.
Previously, Pride held Grand Prix tournaments for the 160-pound
division in 2005, and for the 205-pound division in both 2003
and 2005.
With
each of Pride's weight classes only having a Grand Prix tournament
once every four years, Sakakibara also stated that the four Pride
title belts (currently held by Fedor Emelianenko, Wanderlei Silva,
Dan Henderson, and Takanori Gomi) will be defended much more
often. Specifically, Sakakibara said there will be at least one
title fight on every Pride show from now on.
One
thing that Sakakibara did not announce was a Japanese TV deal
for the New Year's Eve Pride Shockwave show. The originally hyped
announcement date of November 10th has come and gone with no
announcement being made. Further, all of the major Japanese TV
networks have released their schedules for the big night on NYE,
with no Pride broadcast in sight.
Fuji
TV terminated its broadcasting agreement with Pride earlier this
year due to several company scandals. The cancellation came despite
the fact that on December 31st of last year, Pride drew its highest
New Year's Eve ratings ever and won the head-to-head New Year's
Eve ratings battle with K-1 for the first time, in what would
turn out to be the final Fuji TV airing of the Pride New Year's
Eve show.
This
year's installment of the New Year's Eve show, along with future
Pride shows, will still be available in Japan on the satellite-based
pay-per-view channel SkyPerfecTV, and in the United States on
various cable and satellite pay-per-view outlets.
Despite
the lack of a TV deal in Japan, or perhaps in part because of
it, Pride is aggressively pursuing its plans for expansion, and
Sakakibara stated that there will be up to twelve Pride events
in 2007, with up to six of those events being held in the United
States.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"To
fall in love is awfully simple, but to fall out of love is simply
awful."
Bess Myerson, American Celebrity
|
Longman
Jiu-Jitsu Open Tournament
Kauai Veterans Center, Lihue
(near the airport)
Saturday, December 16, 2006
10AM-6PM
All schools are welcome!
Call Bruno Ewald (808) 645-1265 for more info!
Please call ASAP, so we can help you with housing accommodations
if you are coming from off island.
Jiu-Jitsu rules apply.
Come be part of the challenge!
Source: Bruno Ewald
|
'JACARE'
IN PRIDE
Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza
The
Japanese media reports that BJJ world champion Ronaldo 'Jacare'
Souza will make his PRIDE debut in 2007. Jacare is expected to
participate in the 185-pound division.
Source: Fight Sport
|
Filho
Challenges Shogun, Wanderlei Calls Him chicken
The dispute between Rogerio and Arona for the right to face Wanderlei
Silva, took another spicy and controversial turn after the final
of the PrideFC 83kg Grand Prix. After the event, Paulo Filho
was asked if he was really planning to go up to the middleweight
division and who he would like to fight. Filho said that he would
just like to make one fight in the 93kg division. "My normal
weight is 97kg; I just came down to 83kg because I have a lot
of friends in that division. My main goal in 83kg is to face
the champion, Dan Henderson, but I really would like to go up
to the 93kg category to face Shogun in a special fight. I never
forgot the day he said I was the next in line [the day he beat
Ricardo Arona]. I will show him the real Jiu-Jitsu game that
he will not be able to blink his eye," Filho challenged,
starting a new chapter in the war between BTT and Chute Boxe.
One day after Filho's statement, Wanderlei was asked about what
could happen in a possible fight between Shogun and Filho. In
response, the champion threw out a bomb of his own. "I think
he didn't take his daily gardenal [it's a medicine for mad people],
Shogun would kill him. For what he did in the Grand Prix, this
guy is talking too much. What he did was a shame. He chickened
out of facing Kang because of a little pain in his leg, that's
ridiculous -- a total lack of respect with the Japanese audience
and something that a top fighter can never do. This guy is talking
too much", said the always controversial Wand.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the event's promoter:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAWL at the MALL IV
Place:
Auburn Super-Mall, Vision Quest Sport and Fitness.
Date: Dec 2nd 2006
Time: Doors open 7PM, Fights start 8PM
General Admission tickets $25, VIP $30, Ringside $40-$50
Tickets available at: Vision Quest – Auburn Supermall 253-333-7771
AMC Kickboxing & Pankration – Kirkland 425-822-9656
www.pankration.com
Don't
miss the superfight!!!!
Special
3 man tag challenge to end the night as over 1400 pounds collide,
this may bring the ring down!!
MMA,
Kickboxing, Lightweight Grand Prix MMA semifinals, "The
Superfight", and The tag team challenge match!!!!
Ian
Wallace vs Chris Zaragoza 160 MMA
Andy Palmer vs Jovon Curtis 160 MMA
Fred Ward vs Anthony Matney 160 MMA
Abraham Velasco vs Brian Roberge 185 MMA
Demetrious Johnson vs Michael Arias 130 MMA
Paul Franz vs Aaron Park 185 MMA
Roque Martinez vs Tua Aiono Hvy MMA
Adrian Simmons vs Michael Briggs 145 (Kickboxing)
Jett Dorage vs Jesse Davis 145 MMA Grand prix semi's
Bobby Brokenshire vs Zach Mukai 145 MMA MMA Grand prix semi's
Taurean Washington vs Caros Fodor 170 MMA Super fight title match
Submission wrestling challenge tag team match:
White Buffalo Hunters - Brent Knopp, Malembe Gonzales, &
Kenan Erden
vs
White Buffalo Rockstars - John Hall, Kevin Moore, & Shawn
Cahill
Source: Full Contact Fighter
|
Cesar
Gracie Interview
By Gerald Blaire
GB:
Cesar, everyone wants to know, what's next for Nick Diaz.
Cesar:
He's signed to fight early next year. I think he's one of the
most exciting fighters in the world and I'm happy to get him
back on T.V. where everyone can have the opportunity to watch
him fight. We'll have a statement on the venue and opponent in
the next couple of days.
GB:
A lot of people have asked us why he (Nick) wasn't televised.
Thoughts?
Cesar:
I'm sure it was a business decision on their part. They knew
Nick was signed to fight for another organization and they don't
want to build him up for their perceived competition. I thought
they only hurt themselves. I thought it was one of the best fights
of the night and that they deprived their own viewers from a
great bout. Seemed kinda petty to me.
GB:
That organization Nick was signed to was supposedly The World
Fighter show. What happened with you and them and how will this
affect your fighters that were signed for the show like Jake
Shields, Nick and Nathan?
Cesar:
Well luckily all of those guys have fights coming up. Shields
will be fighting on the same card as Nick and Nathan has something
good in the works. As far as the TWF show is concerned, I think
it was the wrong time for me to work for them. The guys there
all have good intentions and that is to bring MMA to the next
level. The main event was to be Frank Shamrock vs. Renzo Gracie.
It couldn't of not succeeded. According to the people at TWF
Frank signed for the fight but then quit talking to them. They
say he backed out for some reason or another. I wasn't involved
in the talks so I don't know what happened. Renzo signed for
the fight and was very disappointed when it fell apart. With
all that was going on in MMA these days I didn't have the time
for the drama and had to get my guys fights right away. It was
definitely frustrating. Last time I talked with the TWF people
they were trying to put something together. No ill feelings towards
them.
GB:
What about Gilbert Melendez and his upcoming Strikeforce fight?
Also can you comment on David Terrell's recent pullout of UFC
66?
Cesar:
I don't think Gil is fighting in Strikeforce. Pretty sure he'll
be doing something in Japan at the end of the year instead. As
far as Terrell is concerned I don't know what to say. He's the
only blackbelt I've ever promoted and at one point was really
the team leader. I hope he can put things together and live up
to what I know he can do.
GB:
With the decision of Showtime to air a show on their network,
where do you see the sport of MMA heading in the coming years?
Cesar:
I think it will eclipse boxing. I hope that it will do so because
of the technical aspects and the personalities in the sport and
not because people want to see a legalized bar brawl.
GB:
You were one of the pioneers with your academy being one of the
earliest fight teams in the country. Where do you see your team
headed.
Cesar:
Hopefully up. We've been lucky to get guys like Jake Nick, etc
that know just how hard they have to work to be that good. I'm
thankful for all of the friends that I've made in the academy
and I know I've learned more from them than I ever was able to
teach.
GB:
Out of my own personal curiosity, who do you believe are the
best teachers today?
Cesar:
Well if you are talking about jiujitsu teachers then I'd have
to say the best gi teacher I know would be my uncle Rilion Gracie.
He is light years ahead and a true master of the art. If you're
looking at gi-less for fighting then probably Renzo would be
my recommendation. A fighter is only as good as his teacher and
training partners can push him to be so look for a place that
excels in producing results.
GB:
Thanks for your time and good luck
Source: Gracie Fighter
|
SHOCKWAVE
PRESS CONFERENCE HELD IN TOKYO
The first press conference concerning PRIDE's New Year's Eve
show SHOCKWAVE, to be held at Saitama Super Arena, was held at
the Dream Stage Entertainment office in Tokyo on November 21st.
PRIDE General Director Nobuhiko Takada announced the SHOCKWAVE
fight card and made comments regarding possible fighters, television
broadcasts and a big surprise.
2006
was a roller-coaster year for PRIDE with their withdrawal from
regular television and their full-scale entry into the American
market. Nobuhiko Takada, PRIDE's General Director, announce the
main outline of the event that will close out 2006, SHOCKWAVE,
including a partial fight card. The themes and subtitles for
the previous two New Year's Eve events were "destiny"
and "summit". However, the theme for this year's SHOCKWAVE
was appropriately decided as "indestructible." Takada
commented on the decision, "This has been a busy year for
PRIDE and I have also used the word "indestructible"
several times. We used "indestructible" as the subtitle
for the New Year's Eve event in order to reflect the return to
our roots while overcoming difficulties and to get off to a good
start as we move into 2007."
The
first match announced for SHOCKWAVE was a PRIDE Heavyweight Championship
title match between the current Champion Fedor Emelianenko and
Mark Hunt. Takada explained how this match developed, "After
taking the belt from Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Fedor defended
the Heavyweight Championship title against Nogueira and Mirko
"Cro Cop" Filipovic a total of three times. A rematch
with Mirko was our first choice. However, Mirko has had surgery
on his leg and he is not in his best condition. We want them
to fight each other when they're both in top condition and didn't
want to rush it, so we decided against a title match with Mirko.
The
next name brought up was Josh Barnett. Josh has already fought
six matches this year, much like Mirko did for a time. 2006 was
a hard year for Josh, full of tough opponents in a tough schedule.
For those reasons, he hasn't been able to take care of his body
as well as he needed to. Josh wants to fight (Fedor) in his best
condition and we want to put that fight together when he is in
his best condition but for now, we have decided against it.
So,
we decided that Mark Hunt would be the best opponent in terms
of the fight card's impact. Hunt only made it to the Best 8 of
the Open Weight Grand Prix but when I think about the time that
Fujita's punch made Fedor's knees wobble, a match with Fedor
against Hunt, MMA's hardest puncher and the toughest chin in
the business, would likely be an exciting fight. There is always
the chance that Hunt will knock Fedor out and Hunt has wins over
Mirko and Wanderlei Silva in previous New Year's Eve events.
There are also man fans that want to see a Fedor versus Hunt
match and that is how this title match was realized."
Hunt began training immediately after the Open Weight Grand Prix
concluded and is apparently in top condition. Hunt has given
up his days of lazy training and is now training hard as he aims
for PRIDE's summit. Fedor himself has previously mentioned Hunt
as a possible title match opponent and negotiated towards that
matchup, and current information indicates that he's fully satisfied
with this decision. "We don't expect Fedor to grapple right
from the start," Takada said. "Of course, I think they
will trade strikes at first. I'm sure we will be able to see
the striking battle that the fans and the staff here hope for."
Takada
also announced some additional "PRIDE ALL-STARS" that
will compete. "We are planning for a total of 10 fights.
So, as you can tell by looking at these names, only the best
of the best fights will be matched.
Today
we have announced a Heavyweight Championship title match but
there is still a possibility of a title match or matches in other
weight classes, too.
Regarding Japanese fighters, Hidehiko Yoshida and Kazuyuki Fujita
are almost confirmed. There are also some expectations for BUSHIDO
fighters, too, so the percentage of Japanese fighters will probably
increase. There was a big impact last year so we want to see,
and put together, a Japanese versus Japanese match. We want to
put together a card that will exceed last year's Yoshida versus
Ogawa match, regardless of weight class. We need at least one
or two fights between Japanese fighters. Our intent is to put
together a fresh card like you've never seen before rather than
rematches and revenge matches."
"We
have some surprise fighters," Takada continued, predicting
a surprise. "If I told you who there are though, they wouldn't
be a surprise, right? (laughing) We are working on putter together
a surprise card. Please be surprised when we make the announcement!"
Although Takada didn't make any clear declarations, he doesn't
usual speak of surprises so this must be something big. "We
are also currently in final negotiations regarding television
products," Takada added. "Last year, we had them open
up six hours in prime-time on New Year's Eve. We've had a lot
of calls from fans that can't come to the venue (this year) and
we won't give up until the end. Of course, there are some people
that may say we should give up but it's not as though the (TV
networks) have told us that there is no chance."
Everyone's
attention is now focused to see how this New Year's Eve SHOCKWAVE
will develop.
Source: Pride
|
Quote
of the Day
"Those
are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have
others."
Groucho Marx, 1890-1977, American Comedian
|
Aloha
State Championships of BJJ
Today!
St. Louis High School Gym, Honolulu, Hawaii
Saturday, December 2, 2006
OPEN INVITATION
TRIPLE
CROWN OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
Final Conflict
FROM:
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
TO:
Competitors and Schools
SUBJECT:
2006 Aloha State Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Part
II I Final Conflict of Triple Crown Series
We’d
again like to extend an open invitation to all of you to our
upcoming 2006 Aloha State Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
/ Part III, scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2006. Part II
of our Triple Crown series this past August attracted over 250
competitors representing 17 academies throughout Oahu and the
neighbor islands. Many have expressed anticipation for this FINAL
CONFLICT of the TRIPLE CROWN SERIES where championship belts
will be presented to overall winners; and once again, we will
be awarding world class medals, cool T-shirts, and offering complementary
massages to all competitors. This event is being dedicated to
Chris Johnson, a longtime student and friend of Casca Grossa
Jiu-Jitsu Academy, who recently passed away from a body surfing
accident at Sandy Beach.
In
the days leading up to our event, we would like to take this
opportunity to inform you of some notable changes for our December
2nd event:
Tournament
site has been changed to the University of Hawaii Klum Gym.
Morning hours from 9:45 am to 1:00 pm will be reserved for all
Junior competitors only. Afternoon hours from 1:00 pm –
4:30 pm will reserved for all GI Adult competitors, and from
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, all NO GI Adult competitors.
Registration
and Weigh-in:
Oahu Residents – Registration Form, payment and weigh-in
will be held at 2 locations on Friday, December 1st: 1) University
of Hawaii Athletic Complex, Studio #4 / 2nd Floor from noon –
1 pm, and 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm. 2) HKF Martial Arts Center
in Waipahu at 94-295 Pupuole Street / 2nd Floor, from 7:30 pm
– 8:30 pm.
Outer-Island Residents – If you are unable to make the Oahu
weigh-in/registration times as noted above, please proceed as
follows: Registration Forms ONLY must be received by Wednesday,
Nov. 29th, 3:00 pm. Form can be submitted in the following ways:
1) Mail to Romolo Barros c/o 7007 Hawaii Kai Dr., #F12, Honolulu,
HI 96825, 2) Fax to 808-955-2588, 3) E-mail to barroshawaii@hotmail.com.
Outer-Island weigh-ins will be held on the morning of the event
from 7:30 am – 9:30 am, and entrance fees collected upon
arrival. NOTE: Outer-Island and Pre-Registration applicants who
fail to make weight as designated on their pre-registration form
will automatically forfeit their match, and no refunds provided.
(Note: These are same registration requirements as set forth
by the International Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / PanAmerican
Jiu-Jitsu Championships).
Maui Residents Only -- Registration Form, payment and weigh-in
will be held on Friday, December 1st, noon-2 pm, at the Brazilian
Freestyle Academy in Kahului, Maui / 270 Lalo Street, #106 /
Contact: Ermin 877-5505. If you are unable to make this registration/weigh-in,
please follow registration directions above for Outer-Island
Resident.
FOR BOTH OAHU AND OUTER-ISLAND COMPETITORS, NO APPLICATIONS WILL
BE ACCEPTED AFTER STATED DEADLINES OR ON THE DAY OF COMPETITION.
We understand that these changes may be of inconvenience to a
select minority, but we are hopeful that in the end, these changes
will be of greater benefit to the vast majority – your cooperation
will allow us to complete all brackets in advance, and we can
ensure a much faster completion to the day’s events.
More
details and applications are available on our website at www.brazilian-freestyle.com,
or just give us a call. We hope you can join us for another action-packed
day of sportive competition, and once again, we thank you for
your continued support.
Weight
Classes
Rooster
110-122
Super Feather
123-135
Feather
136-148
Light
149-161
Middle
162-174
Light Heavy
175-187
Heavy
188-201
Super Heavy
202-214
Free Weight
Open
|
Match
Points
Take Downs
2 points
Sweeps
2 points
Knee Ride
2 points
Guard Pass
3 points
Mount
4 points
Back Hooks
4 points
|
If the contest does not end by submission, the match will be
decided via the above point system. If the score is tied at the
end of official match time, there will be a 1 minute overtime,
with first to score appointed the winner. If no points are scored
in overtime, referee will determine the winner based on aggressiveness
or advantageous positioning.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
Illegal Techniques -- All Belts and Levels:
1) No Neck Cranks (cervical without chokes)
2) No Leg Locks, Heel Hooks, or Toe Holds (Except: Brown Belt/Advanced
No-Gi and above) / Only Straight Ankle Locks allowed.
3) No Wrist, Bicep or Calf Lock (Except: Brown Belt/Advanced
No Gi and above)
4) No Attacks to Windpipe, Eyes, Small Joints or Groin. No Fish
Hooks, no Hair Pulling or Biting
5) No Hands, Elbows, Knees on face
6) No Scissors Takedown
7) No Striking of any kind
8) No Slamming your opponent to the mat
Any intentional use of an illegal technique, abuse of an official
or show of poor sportsmanship will result in immediate disqualification
or ejection of the competitor, coach or spectator.
Refereeing is a subjective task, and as such, is prone to personal
interpretation, judgment and human error. Any dispute of match
or calls must be made before the next match commences. In the
name of fairness, Referee will make all attempts to resolve disputes
and disagreements, but REFEREES and JUDGES possess the FINAL
authority on all decisions and designation of winners.
All Competitors are required to attend their designated rules
clinic. Competitors will be allowed to address questions and
concernssurrounding competition rules and match point scoring
system during the rules clinic.
The kimono must be washed and dried with no unpleasant odors.
The kimono must be free of tears and of proper length. The jacket
is to be of suficient length down to the thighs, sleeves must
reach the wrist with arms extended in front of body.
Competitors who fail to appear when their name is called will
forfeit their match.
|
Frank
Trigg Stops The Unstoppable And Captures the Icon Sport Middleweight
Title!
Oshiro KO's Nam for the Flyweight Title and Silva Triangles Jack
for the Welterweight Title.
Icon Sport: Unstoppable Results!
Icon Sport 48: Unstoppable
Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
December 1, 2006
Icon
Sport: Unstoppable featured fighters that claimed to be…well…unstoppable.
Fortunately for the fans, but unfortunate for a few fighters,
many of these fighters proved to be very stoppable. The event
had a good mix of debuting fighters, fighters on the rise and
the cream of the crop, with every fighter looking to finish their
opponent. Lorenzo Moreno started strong, but Sadhu Bott finished
strong in their 3 round war. Marshall Harvest and Kyle Miyahana
had a great technical battle on the ground coupled with some
wild exchanges. But in the end, Harvest's composure and control
throughout the bout earned him the unanimous decision. Mark Oshiro
stopped Icon Sport rising start Tyson Nam cold, but knocking
him out to capture the Hawaii State Flyweight title and put him
at the top of the 135lbs mountain. The only one to defeat Oshiro
was former champ, Ed Newalu. Can you say rematch? Sydney Silva
proved that he can do no wrong by out striking Jay Jack, then
locking in a triangle to submit the visitor and capture the North
American Welterweight title. The main event saw a former top
5 fighter rise to greatness. Frank Trigg showed improved striking
skills and capitalized on some errors in Mayhem's strategy. Much
like his victory over the similarly styled Renato Verissimo,
Frank Trigg defended take downs, neutralized positions that would
have led to submissions and pounded the ground technician with
punches and soccer kicks to the head. Miller did get his chance
to end the fight by having Trigg's back, but Trigg defended well
and scrambled back to his feet after a couple of belly to back
suplexes. Miller, who is known for taking a tremendous amount
of punishment during his fights, finally found his limit and
was handed his first loss on Hawaiian soil.
Kickboxing:
Heavyweight
Chavis Victoria def. Jacob Cook
Decision after 3 rounds.
MMA
145-lb: 3 Rounds x 3 Minutes
Bronson Pieper (Hard Knocks) def. Vinny Delos Santos
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes from the mount at 2:00
minutes in Round 1.
MMA
145-lb: 3 Rounds x 3 Minutes
Sadhu Bott (HMC) def. Lorenzo Moreno (Bulls Pen)
Unanimous decision (29-28), (30-27), (29-28) after 3 rounds.
MMA
210-lbs: 3 Rounds x 3 Minutes
Maui Wolfgram (Team MADD) def. Ben "Pele" Fonoti (Freelance)
Submission via arm bar at 2:43 minutes in Round 1.
MMA
195-lbs: 3 Rounds x 3 Minutes
Ron Verdadero (Jesus Is Lord) def. Kekoa Baker (Fearless Fight
Club)
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes from the back mount at
1:36 minutes in Round 1.
MMA
135lbs: 3 Rounds x 3 Minutes
Paul Gorman (AMMA, Portland, Maine) def. Ikaika Silva (Animal
House)
Submission via arm bar at 2:10 minutes in Round 1.
MMA
160-lbs: 3 Rounds x 3 Minutes
Chris Cisneros def. David Padilla (Jesus Is Lord)
Submission via arm bar at 1:16 minutes in Round 2.
MMA
160lbs: 3 Rounds x 3 Minutes
Marshall Harvest (Animal House) def. Kyle Miyahana (Team MADD)
Unanimous decision (30-27), (30-27), (30-27) after 3 rounds.
Icon
Sport Hawaii State Flyweight Championship
MMA 135lbs: 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
Mark Oshiro (Bulls Pen) def. Tyson Nam (Grappling Unlimited)
TKO due to strikes at 2:16 minutes in Round 1.
*Mark Oshiro becomes the Icon Sport Hawaii State Flyweight
Champion.
MMA
205lbs: 3 Rounds x 3 Minutes
Jeremy "Half Man, Half Amazing" Williams (Legends)
def. Ron "Killing" Fields
Submission due to strikes from the guard at 37 seconds in Round
2.
Icon
Sport North American Welterweight Championship
MMA 170lbs: 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
Sidney Silva (HMC/Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu) def. Jay Jack
(AMMA, Portland, Maine)
Submission via triangle at 2:30 minutes in Round 1.
*Sydney Silva becomes the Icon Sport North American Welterweight
Champion.
Main
Event:
Icon Sport World Middleweight Championship
MMA 185lbs: 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
Frank "Twinkle Toes" Trigg def. Jason "Mayhem"
Miller
TKO via Referee stoppage due to strikes at 2:53 minutes in Round
2.
*Frank Trigg becomes the new Icon Sport World Middleweight
Champion.
|
Enson
Inoue Vale
Tudo MMA Seminar in Washington
This is a great opportunity to train with a man that has done
it all! He doesn't do many seminars, if any, so here is your
chance to train with a Hawaii legend!
Event Date: Saturday, December 02, 2006
Start Time: 12:00 PM
End Date: Sunday, December 03, 2006
Ending Time: 12:00 PM
Category: Seminars
Description: Enson
Inoue former
Pride & MMA fighter will be conducting his first ever seminar
in Southwest Washington. On December 2-3 of this year.
The seminar will be held at:
Armstrong Martial Arts
located in Battleground Washington,
1517 S. Parkway Avenue
Battleground Wa 98604.
The
first day of the seminar will be on December 2 from 2:00-6:00
pm.
The second day of the seminar will be on December 3 from 1:00
to 5:00 pm.
Costs
of the seminar $100 for both days or $60.00 for one day.
Register
prior to December 2, to reserve a spot as space is limited.
Videotaping
of the seminar is not allowed however camera's are okay. Enson
will be only in town a few days as he is flying in from Japan.
For
information contact L. Gabriel at 360 772-3312 or J. Starks at
360 772-0686.
See
you guys there!! I'll also try to bring some shirts to sell.
Source: Enson Inoue via the UG
|
PRIDE
wants to run shows in Brazil
That’s the headline in Nikkan Sports today. The newspaper
claims that PRIDE has received multiple offers from promoters
to run events in Brazil, and given their roster of Brazilian
talent, it is felt to be a natural business fit. The paper claims
that the major issue facing PRIDE as far as running in Brazil
is getting licensed to run shows in the country. The article
also states that PRIDE is interested in running in Croatia.
Source: Fight Opinion
|
Kicking
it up at the McDojo
Street cred | Old-style fighting disciplines like kung fu have
been relegated to tournaments, as the mixed-martial-arts style
called Ultimate Fighting pummels its way to the top.
CHRISTIAN COTRONEO
There's
a true story Brian McIlmoyle likes to tell, about what happens
when a highly trained martial artist meets the broken bottle
of reality.
A
British kung fu grandmaster was once confronted by an angry,
bottle-wielding assailant in a bar. "He was top dog as far
as kung fu goes in Great Britain," recalls McIlmoyle, a
Toronto-based martial arts instructor.
Did
the grandmaster immediately execute a head-removing roundhouse,
or a "fanged buttercup" that would have left the drunkard
wheelchair-bound for the rest of his days?
Nope.
The grandmaster threw years of martial arts training to the wind
and delivered a proverbial kick to the family jewels.
And
what proved to be the coup de grace?"Bashing his head off
the bar," McIlmoyle explains.
"The
fact of the matter," he concludes, "is you look at
somebody who's been studying a specific art for their entire
life, and they get into a fight, they're not using the art. They're
using what comes natural to their body."
That
may be why, for all their grand traditions, fighting disciplines
like kung fu, tae kwon do and karate are increasingly relegated
to tournaments and showrooms. Meanwhile, a more practical and
street-worthy mixed-martial-arts style is pummelling its way
to the top.
It's
called Ultimate Fighting; and it's hard to find a club among
Greater Toronto's 100-plus establishments dedicated to martial
arts that doesn't offer training in the trendy technique. The
style is vaulting to North American attention thanks to the wildly
popular Ultimate Fighting Championship, a U.S.-based, anything-goes
fighting league with its own TV berth.
While
many of the GTA's martial-arts schools still adhere to classical
precepts, more and more are diversifying to suit contemporary
tastes. One such establishment is Fight Club, in Toronto's east
end, whose name references the 1999 Brad Pitt film. Another is
Crazy Bob's House of Death, which bills its program as "serious
training with a sense of humour." It offers one-on-one training
in everything from street fighting to knocking guns out of an
enemy's hands.
The
sheer number of fight schools in Toronto promising fast and furious
training has also given rise to a fresh, if not flattering, moniker:
McDojos.
They
cater to the steady stream of men who've been tuning in to TV's
Ultimate Fighting Championship. According to Joey Delosreyes,
program director at Kombat Arts Training Academy in Mississauga,
the show has really boosted the popularity of mixed martial arts
in the past 10 years.
"Piss
and vinegar," is how Delosreyes describes many of his TV-dazzled
new recruits. "They just have a lot of energy."
Ultimate
Fighting isn't easily defined, because it incorporates a broad
range of techniques, from grappling to Japanese ju-jitsu to the
Thai boxing tradition known as Muay Thai. A typical Ultimate
Fight features throws, kicks, elbows, knees, plenty of grappling
and even a few good whacks while the opponent is on the ground.
Compared
to such a gritty, hard-edged style, tae kwon do and karate seem
"frozen in time to a degree, and divorced from their combative
roots," says McIlmoyle, a director at Toronto's Fighting
Arts Collective at Dupont and Concord Sts. "They've become
much more sport and less combat." At a karate tournament,
for example, "generally they're looking at style points
and technique points ... and in some cases even artistic impression."
In
other words, best in show.
When
it comes to mixed martial arts, however, "everything has
been rendered down and all of the crap is out of it."
McIlmoyle
doesn't see it so much as a trend as a return to traditional
fighting roots. Over the years, he says, martial arts have become
compartmentalized.
Interested
in the striking arts? Try karate. But if you're looking to throw
people around, consider judo or aikido.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
`Often, fights start at striking range ... and end up with two
guys rolling around on the floor wrestling'
Brian
McIlmoyle, martial arts instructor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trouble
is, in the real world, things tend to go down differently. "Anyone
who has been in a fight knows that most have all of these elements
in them," McIlmoyle explains. "Often, fights start
at striking range ... and end up more often than not with two
guys rolling around on the floor wrestling."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fighting Arts Collective takes the combat catch-all to the next
level, offering a certified smorgasbord of pain, including traditional
Chinese wing chun kung fu, which emphasizes rapid, close-range
strikes.
McIlmoyle
also trains students to get all medieval on their foes. He specializes
in armizare, a fighting system that was all the rage in Europe
during the 14th century. It was a time, McIlmoyle notes, when
"an individual's ability to fight in all situations actually
was directly related to their lifespan."
Although
it incorporates empty-handed striking, throwing and wrestling
skills, you won't see armizare as part of Ultimate Fighting anytime
soon. The technique includes proficiency with swords, body armour
and, yes, horseback combat.
"The
relevance of swordsmanship today," McIlmoyle admits, "is
suspect. But the use of a knife, and defence against it ... and
the empty-handed skills are just as relevant today as 700 years
ago."
Fighting
Arts also offers training in jeet kune do, a mixed technique
pioneered by Bruce Lee, and the more modern Systema Downtown,
a mixed martial art originating in Russia.
Ultimately,
wanting to be a mixed martial artist is one thing. Training is
another. There are nearly 400 students enrolled at the Kombat
Arts Training Academy, but when it comes to those training in
Ultimate Fighting-style combat, "it's probably a very small
group."
Delosreyes
counts only two women in that group. "And usually when they're
in it, they're pretty tough."
The
sport is also dogged by stories about primitive fighting dens
in backyards, basements and private clubs with mercilessly few
rules.
"There
are some associations, some shows, which are just truly barbaric,"
Delosreyes says. "And they're really bad for the sport."
While
he cites secretive clubs in the U.S., such events are also rumoured
to take place closer to home, even in Toronto. But those matches
are not nearly as prevalent as they are in Asia, where there's
a long tradition of brutal, one-on-one combat.
Burma
evolved its own mixed-martial-arts style after years of pitting
its fighters against ones from India and Thailand. Brazil developed
valetudo, a no-holds-barred tradition that has since caught on
in other countries.
Japan
is also notorious for taking the gloves off — and paying
people much more generously to do so. There, many executives
are drawn to Ultimate Fighting, in contrast to the mostly working-class
fans in North America. A ticket can go for as much as $2,800,
which translates into more money for combatants.
Martial
artist Paul Minhas has been to Japan more than 20 times. "With
the right sponsors," he says, "someone in the upper
ranks may earn a six-figure contract."
Still,
if the grassroots level is any indication, Ultimate Fighting
will get bigger, and more lucrative, here. In 1994, Minhas founded
Ultimate Martial Arts in Scarborough to teach Muay Thai. Today,
Muay Thai has been absorbed into the curriculum, and the school
is entirely devoted to mixed martial arts.
The
average price for aspiring fighters is $50 per month, which includes
classes seven days a week. And almost all the 750 or so students
incorporate mixed martial arts into their training.
Like
the British kung fu grandmaster, Minhas has been in a rare bar
brawl in the past. And like that grandmaster, he knows when art
must yield to simple survival.
Indeed,
his last fight, several years ago, was an exercise in simple.
"All
I used was a right hand and two left knees. Very basic stuff."
Source: Toronto Star/Fight Opinion
|
Quote
of the Day
"An
idea, like a ghost, must be spoken to a little before it will
explain itself."
Charles Dickens, 1812-1870, British Novelist
|
Icon
Sport: Unstoppable Today!
Here is
the link to the pre-event TV show:
http://www.gofish.com/player.gfp?gfid=30-1057241
Icon Sport 48: Unstoppable
Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
December 1, 2006
Kickboxing: 165-lb:
Todd "Hitman" Young vs. Ben Santiago (HSD)
Kickboxing: Heavyweight
Jacob Cook vs. Chavis Victoria
MMA
145-lb:
Lorenzo Moreno (Bulls Pen) vs. Sadhu Bott (HMC)
MMA
195-lbs:
Ron Verdadero (Jesus Is Lord) vs. Kekoa Baker
MMA
145-lb:
Vinny Delos Santos vs. Bronson Piper
MMA
210-lbs:
Maui Wolfgram (Team MADD) vs. Ben "Pele" Fonoti
MMA
135lbs:
Paul Gorman (AMMA, Portland, Maine) vs. Ikaika Silva (Animal
House)
MMA
160-lbs:
Chris Cisneros (Young Guns de Luta) vs. David Padilla (Jesus
Is Lord)
MMA
160lbs:
Kyle Miyahana (Team MADD) vs. Marshall Harvest (Animal House)
MMA
205lbs:
Jeremy Williams vs. Jamiah Williamson
Icon
Sport Hawaii State Flyweight Championship
MMA 135lbs:
Tyson Nam (Grappling Unlimited) vs. Mark Oshiro (Bulls Pen)
Icon
Sport North American Welterweight Championship
MMA 170lbs:
Sidney Silva (HMC/Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu) vs. Jay Jack
(AMMA, Portland, Maine)
Main
Event:
Icon Sport World Middleweight Championship
MMA 185lbs:
Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Frank "Twinkle Toes"
Trigg
|
Miller,
Trigg to settle who's unstoppable one
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
ICON SPORT: UNSTOPPABLE
Who: Jason “Mayhem” Miller vs. Frank Trigg in the main
event, plus 11 other bouts
When: Tomorrow, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Blaisdell Center Arena
Tickets: $35 upper level seats, $55 loge level, $75 floor and
riser, $150 ringside
Jason "Mayhem" Miller wants to continue his reign in
mixed martial arts.
Frank
Trigg wants to re-establish his.
The
battle of wills — and wits — should make for an intriguing
fight when Miller and Trigg meet in the main event of the Icon
Sport: Unstoppable card at the Blaisdell Center Arena tomorrow.
Miller's
Icon Sport middleweight (185 pounds) world championship will
be at stake. Miller is 17-4, including 8-0 in Hawai'i.
"I
don't look at fights in terms of big or small, because every
one is big," Miller said. "Not to speak in the third
person, but there's always a chance that somebody out there is
watching Mayhem Miller fight for the first time, so I feel like
I have to be at my best every time out."
Trigg
is 13-5, and he was ranked among the top 10 170-pound fighters
in the world throughout 2005.
"I'm
always looking for a challenge, and this is definitely going
to be a challenge for me," Trigg said. "I'm moving
up to a heavier weight class, and against a guy who, on paper,
is supposed to be better."
Miller
and Trigg are both reputed to have sharp skills in the ring and
sharp tongues out of it.
As
Trigg put it: "Half the time, I'm unhinged. I never know
who I'm going to (upset) with something I say. But this guy (Miller),
he's mentally unhinged, too."
Miller
is considered a jiu-jitsu expert, and 12 of his 17 victories
have come via opponent submission. He won the Icon Sport championship
in September with a choke-submission of Robbie Lawler.
Trigg
is known for his "ground and pound" style, and seven
of his 13 wins have come via knockout.
Miller
— who was raised in Atlanta, but now trains mostly in Honolulu
— has captured the imagination of fight fans in Hawai'i
with his colorful antics and playful personality.
At
a press conference this week to promote tomorrow's bout, Miller
showed up in a University of Hawai'i football jersey. On a recent
edition of the OC-16 cable television show "Countdown Hawai'i,"
Miller was picked as one of the 10 most popular figures in Hawai'i.
"It's
not like I'm Elvis making an appearance here," Miller said.
"But I really do feel like the Hawaiian people have responded
to who I am and I really appreciate it."
In
preparation for Trigg, Miller recently joined Team Quest, a mixed
martial arts school based in Oregon. The leader of Team Quest
is former Ultimate Fighting Championship superstar Randy Couture.
Dan
Henderson, one of the world's top 185-pound fighters, also trains
with Team Quest and he will be in Miller's corner tomorrow.
Trigg,
who is originally from New York but now trains in Las Vegas,
has already fought some of the best. From 2003 to '05, he was
under contract with the prestigious UFC organization.
He
worked his way up to world title contention, but lost twice to
former UFC champion Matt Hughes, and once to current champ Georges
St. Pierre.
After
his last bout — which also took place in the Blaisdell Arena
— Trigg announced his retirement after losing to Carlos
Condit.
"It
was fun sitting on the couch, eating chicken and drinking wine,"
he said. "I got up to about 220 (pounds)."
Trigg
said his retirement plan was to focus on his broadcasting —
he is a color commentator for the Pride organization of Japan.
"I
thought if I dedicated myself to broadcasting, the bug (to fight)
would go away," he said. "It never did."
NOTES
Former
Icon Sport champion Robbie Lawler will not fight on tomorrow's
card as originally scheduled. He suffered a broken hand during
training this month in Iowa, prompting officials to cancel his
bout.
Another
former Icon Sport champion, Falaniko Vitale of Waipahu, also
will not appear due to an injury. Vitale was supposed to fight
in a 205-pound bout, but he suffered a knee injury in training.
TOMORROW'S
CARD
185
pounds (Icon Sport world championship): Jason "Mayhem Miller
vs. Frank Trigg. 170 (North American championship): Sidney Silva
vs. Jay Jack. 135 (Hawai'i championship): Tyson Nam vs. Mark
Oshiro. 205: Jeremy Williams vs. Ron Fields. 160: Kyle Miyahana
vs. Marshall Harvest. 160: Chris Cisneros vs. David Padilla.
135: Paul Gorman vs. Ikaika Silva. 210: Maui Wolfgram vs. Ben
Fonoti. 145: Vinny Delos Santos vs. TBA. 195: Ron Verdadero vs.
Ross Hose. 145: Lorenzo Moreno vs. Sadhu Bott. Heavyweight: Jacob
Cook vs. Chavis Victoria.
Source: Honolulu Advertiser
|
Nam
aims to close trying year with a title
The UH student, whose brother was killed this year, fights for
a belt tomorrow
By Billy Hull bhull@starbulletin.com
Not this fast.
Not
so soon.
It
was only a year ago that Tyson Nam decided to give his first
professional mixed martial arts fight a try. He didn't know what
to expect and wasn't even considering a future in the sport.
"It
all started off as a good way to get some exercise," Nam
said.
ICON
SPORT: UNSTOPPABLE
Tomorrow, Blaisdell Arena
MAIN EVENT
World Welterweight Championship: Jason "Mayhem" Miller
(17-4) vs. Frank Trigg (13-5)
UNDERCARD
North American Championship: Jay Jack (12-6) vs. Sidney Silva
(5-1)
Hawaii Flyweight Championship: Mark Oshiro (7-1) vs. Tyson Nam
(3-0)
205: Jeremy Williams vs. Ron "Killing" Fields
160: Kyle Miyahana vs. Marshall Harvest
160: Chris Cisneros vs. David Padilla
135: Paul Gorman vs. Ikaika Silva
210: Maui Wolfgram vs. Ben "Pele" Fonoti
195: Ron Verdadero vs. Ross Hose
145: Lorenzo Moreno vs. Sadhu Bott
HW: Jacob Cook vs. Chavis Victoria (kickboxing)
Now, just 10 months and three fights into his professional career,
Nam (3-0) will try to finish the toughest year of his life by
claiming the vacant Hawaii State Flyweight (135-pound) title
against Mark Oshiro (7-1) during tomorrow night's Icon Sport:
Unstoppable event at the Blaisdell Arena.
In
the main event, World Middleweight Champion Jason "Mayhem"
Miller (17-4) will defend his title for the first time against
Frank Trigg (13-5). Sidney Silva (5-1) and Jay Jack (12-6) will
also battle for the North American Welterweight Championship.
Nam
exploded onto the scene of mixed martial arts in February, scoring
a TKO victory over Ryan Lee in his debut. But just a month later,
as he was preparing for his next fight, Nam was floored by the
news that his brother, 31-year-old Jason Nam, had been shot and
killed in the driveway of his own home in broad daylight.
"Ever
since I was just boxing, he never missed a fight," Nam said.
"He was always the one to call me and see how my training
was going before my fights."
Nam
already was busy as a full-time student studying kinesiology
at the University of Hawaii, where he also worked part-time.
But to the surprise of some, Nam returned to the ring just two
months after Jason's death, and after a special video package
honoring his brother was played prior to his entrance, Nam fought
back his emotions to win a unanimous decision over Bill Dexter.
Tyson Nam will take on Mark Oshiro for the vacant Hawaii flyweight
championship tomorrow.
"Just
before I walked out, I started tearing a little bit," Nam
said. "It was really emotional just thinking about my first
time fighting without him."
Despite the distractions, Nam remained perfect for his young
career and, after another impressive victory in September, can
put a satisfying end to a trying year by claiming his first title
belt in a fight that most likely won't make it to the ground.
"Everyone
likes to see a knockout, and we're two guys that like to stay
on our feet," Nam said. "I think the styles make for
an exciting fight and that's what people want to see."
Oshiro
comes in the more experienced of the two -- he needed just 20
seconds to knock out his last opponent in September. Oshiro's
only defeat came at the hands of Ed Newalu by decision in a three-round
war last year that is considered by many the greatest fight in
Icon history.
Newalu
won the flyweight title in that fight, but had it stripped from
him after failing to defend the belt within a year, setting up
tomorrow night's fight for the vacant title.
"I
just like to finish fights as soon as possible," Oshiro
said. "He likes to stand and bang and I like to stand and
bang, so no matter what it's going to be exciting."
In
the main event, Miller will look to remain undefeated in Hawaii
as he defends the belt against Trigg, who has fought in Hawaii
twice this year, defeating local boy Ronald Jhun by decision
in January, and losing by armbar to Carlos Condit.
"(Miller)
is a little bit mentally unhinged, so you've got to watch out
for him because it makes him extra scary," Trigg said.
Miller,
who is just three months removed from winning the belt after
tapping out Robbie Lawler, isn't satisfied with just being champion.
"This
is a giant responsibility to have the belt," Miller said.
"I'm not the kind of guy to wear it to Wal-Mart and go shopping.
"I
don't want to look at it all the time. I've got to stay hungry."
Twelve
fights are scheduled for tomorrow's show, which begins at 7:30
p.m. Tickets are available at the Blaisdell Box Office and any
ticketmaster outlets and range from $35-150.
Source: Star Bulletin
|
Aloha
State Championships of BJJ
Tomorrow!
St. Louis High School Gym, Honolulu, Hawaii
Saturday, December 2, 2006
OPEN INVITATION
TRIPLE
CROWN OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
Final Conflict
FROM:
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
TO:
Competitors and Schools
SUBJECT:
2006 Aloha State Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Part
II I Final Conflict of Triple Crown Series
We’d
again like to extend an open invitation to all of you to our
upcoming 2006 Aloha State Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
/ Part III, scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2006. Part II
of our Triple Crown series this past August attracted over 250
competitors representing 17 academies throughout Oahu and the
neighbor islands. Many have expressed anticipation for this FINAL
CONFLICT of the TRIPLE CROWN SERIES where championship belts
will be presented to overall winners; and once again, we will
be awarding world class medals, cool T-shirts, and offering complementary
massages to all competitors. This event is being dedicated to
Chris Johnson, a longtime student and friend of Casca Grossa
Jiu-Jitsu Academy, who recently passed away from a body surfing
accident at Sandy Beach.
In
the days leading up to our event, we would like to take this
opportunity to inform you of some notable changes for our December
2nd event:
Tournament
site has been changed to the University of Hawaii Klum Gym.
Morning hours from 9:45 am to 1:00 pm will be reserved for all
Junior competitors only. Afternoon hours from 1:00 pm –
4:30 pm will reserved for all GI Adult competitors, and from
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, all NO GI Adult competitors.
Registration
and Weigh-in:
Oahu Residents – Registration Form, payment and weigh-in
will be held at 2 locations on Friday, December 1st: 1) University
of Hawaii Athletic Complex, Studio #4 / 2nd Floor from noon –
1 pm, and 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm. 2) HKF Martial Arts Center
in Waipahu at 94-295 Pupuole Street / 2nd Floor, from 7:30 pm
– 8:30 pm.
Outer-Island Residents – If you are unable to make the Oahu
weigh-in/registration times as noted above, please proceed as
follows: Registration Forms ONLY must be received by Wednesday,
Nov. 29th, 3:00 pm. Form can be submitted in the following ways:
1) Mail to Romolo Barros c/o 7007 Hawaii Kai Dr., #F12, Honolulu,
HI 96825, 2) Fax to 808-955-2588, 3) E-mail to barroshawaii@hotmail.com.
Outer-Island weigh-ins will be held on the morning of the event
from 7:30 am – 9:30 am, and entrance fees collected upon
arrival. NOTE: Outer-Island and Pre-Registration applicants who
fail to make weight as designated on their pre-registration form
will automatically forfeit their match, and no refunds provided.
(Note: These are same registration requirements as set forth
by the International Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / PanAmerican
Jiu-Jitsu Championships).
Maui Residents Only -- Registration Form, payment and weigh-in
will be held on Friday, December 1st, noon-2 pm, at the Brazilian
Freestyle Academy in Kahului, Maui / 270 Lalo Street, #106 /
Contact: Ermin 877-5505. If you are unable to make this registration/weigh-in,
please follow registration directions above for Outer-Island
Resident.
FOR BOTH OAHU AND OUTER-ISLAND COMPETITORS, NO APPLICATIONS WILL
BE ACCEPTED AFTER STATED DEADLINES OR ON THE DAY OF COMPETITION.
We understand that these changes may be of inconvenience to a
select minority, but we are hopeful that in the end, these changes
will be of greater benefit to the vast majority – your cooperation
will allow us to complete all brackets in advance, and we can
ensure a much faster completion to the day’s events.
More
details and applications are available on our website at www.brazilian-freestyle.com,
or just give us a call. We hope you can join us for another action-packed
day of sportive competition, and once again, we thank you for
your continued support.
Weight
Classes
Rooster
110-122
Super Feather
123-135
Feather
136-148
Light
149-161
Middle
162-174
Light Heavy
175-187
Heavy
188-201
Super Heavy
202-214
Free Weight
Open
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Match
Points
Take Downs
2 points
Sweeps
2 points
Knee Ride
2 points
Guard Pass
3 points
Mount
4 points
Back Hooks
4 points
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If the contest does not end by submission, the match will be
decided via the above point system. If the score is tied at the
end of official match time, there will be a 1 minute overtime,
with first to score appointed the winner. If no points are scored
in overtime, referee will determine the winner based on aggressiveness
or advantageous positioning.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
Illegal Techniques -- All Belts and Levels:
1) No Neck Cranks (cervical without chokes)
2) No Leg Locks, Heel Hooks, or Toe Holds (Except: Brown Belt/Advanced
No-Gi and above) / Only Straight Ankle Locks allowed.
3) No Wrist, Bicep or Calf Lock (Except: Brown Belt/Advanced
No Gi and above)
4) No Attacks to Windpipe, Eyes, Small Joints or Groin. No Fish
Hooks, no Hair Pulling or Biting
5) No Hands, Elbows, Knees on face
6) No Scissors Takedown
7) No Striking of any kind
8) No Slamming your opponent to the mat
Any intentional use of an illegal technique, abuse of an official
or show of poor sportsmanship will result in immediate disqualification
or ejection of the competitor, coach or spectator.
Refereeing is a subjective task, and as such, is prone to personal
interpretation, judgment and human error. Any dispute of match
or calls must be made before the next match commences. In the
name of fairness, Referee will make all attempts to resolve disputes
and disagreements, but REFEREES and JUDGES possess the FINAL
authority on all decisions and designation of winners.
All Competitors are required to attend their designated rules
clinic. Competitors will be allowed to address questions and
concernssurrounding competition rules and match point scoring
system during the rules clinic.
The kimono must be washed and dried with no unpleasant odors.
The kimono must be free of tears and of proper length. The jacket
is to be of suficient length down to the thighs, sleeves must
reach the wrist with arms extended in front of body.
Competitors who fail to appear when their name is called will
forfeit their match.
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Ultimate
Fighter tryouts in Hollywood on Friday
BY BOB EMANUEL JR.
Ever watched the Ultimate Fighting Championship and thought to
yourself, ``I can do that.''
Think
you're tough, both mentally and physically?
If
you can qualify for the 155-pound class, you can prove your mettle
Friday morning, Dec. 1, when the UFC visits Hollywood's Seminole
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for an open casting call for the fifth
season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Interested
applicants should sign up via ufc.com or spiketv.com. The casting
call begins at 9 in Ballroom D.
It
is the second time the UFC visited the Hard Rock since October,
when Tito Ortiz headlined a Ultimate Fight Night card by defeating
Ken Shamrock.
''The
South Florida market is huge for us,'' UFC president Dana White,
who will oversee the auditions, said. ``I'm starting to equate
the Florida now with California. It really is a hotbed for mixed
martial arts. It continues to grow every year. There are tons
of schools down there, tons of people training and tons of fans.
That showed when we held that event there, and it sold out in
hours. We love Florida. We're coming back.''
Joining
White to oversee the tryouts will be executive producer Craig
Piligian and Spike TV Senior Vice President of Sports and Specials
Brian Diamond. Din Thomas and Charles McCarthy, who train locally
and appeared on The Ultimate Fighter 4: The Comeback, will also
be in attendance.
The
Ultimate Fighter has been an immense success for Spike TV and
the UFC, delivering record ratings for the network and boosting
the popularity of the sport and its fighters. More than two million
viewers tune in weekly to view the show.
Season
five begins taping in Las Vegas in January.
Source: Miami Herald
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Galvão
defeats Pé de Pano and Brasa is champion
Gracie Barra takes the title among heavyweight black belts in
the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team championship.
The conquest came with André Galvão's victory over
Marcio Pé de Pano (4 to 1 in advantages) in the final
phase of the competition. Galvão's triumph was added to
Robert Drysdale's win over Alexandre Café (by advantages)
and Teodoro Contonete Prata's win over Paulo Samoa (12 to 0).
Braga Neto won the point of honor for Gracie Barra in the confrontation
by submitting Igor Silva.
Although
it took second place among heavyweights, Gracie Barra celebrated
in the lightweight category by taking the title after defeating
team Gama Filho by 3 to 0.
Stay
tuned and we will bring you new information about the competition
that took place today in the Tijuca Tenis Club shortly.
Source: Gracie Magazine
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WFA
2 Fight Card: "USA vs Brazil"
Las Vegas, NV
December 9th, 2006
Quinton Jackson vs. Marvin Eastman
Heath Herring vs. Pedro Rizzo
Lyoto Machida vs. Alex Stiebling
Urijah Faber vs. Fabio Mello
Rob McCullough vs. Fabiano Iha
Carlos Condit vs. Jose “Pele” Landy-Johns
Antonio McKee vs. Zach Light
Shad Smith vs. Kit Cope
Jeremy Williams vs. John George
Source: Hawaii Fight Network
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