Upcoming
Events
Do you want to list an
event on Onzuka.com?
Contact Us
(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
2007
2/10/07
Punishment In Paradise 13
(MMA, Kickboxing)
(Blaisdell Arena)
2006
November
Aloha State Championship
of BJJ
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
RWE Qualfiers
(MMA)
(Kauai)
11/25/06
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
10/21/06
Pride Fighting Championships
(PPV)
(Las Vegas, NV)
October
Rumble On The Rock
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
September
ROTR Qualifers
(MMA)
(Maui)
9/16/06
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
August
Icon Sport 48
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
8/26-27/06
International
Masters & Seniors Championships
(BJJ)
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
8/18/06
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
8/17/06
Ultimate
Fight Night 4
(MMA)
(Las Vegas, NV)
8/12/06
Hawaiian Open of
BJJ
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
8/5 or 8/12
Rumble On The Rock
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
Garden Island Cage Match 4
(MMA)
(Kauai)
Island
Warriors Fighting Championship
(MMA)
(War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
7/22/06
RWE Qualifiers
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center, Hilo)
RWE Qualifiers
(MMA)
(Guam)
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)
7/7/06
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
7/3/06
Got Skills 2
(Kickboxing/Boxing & Wrestling/Sub Grappling)
(Pagoda Hotel Ballroom)
s 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*** |
|
June 2006 News Part
2
Wednesday
night and Sunday classes (w/ a kids' class) now offered!
 
For the special Onzuka.com
price, click on one of these banners above! |
 |
Fighters' Club TV
The Toughest Show On
Teleivision
Tuesdays at 9:30PM
Olelo Channel 52 on Oahu
Akaku on Maui
Check
out the FCTV website! |
Quote
of the Day
"Effective
leadership is not about making speeches or being liked;
leadership is defined by results not attributes."
Peter F. Drucker, American Management Consultant and Author
|
Fighters'
Club Television Episode 40
Tonight!
Fighters' Club Television Episode 40 is cut and submitted to
Olelo Programming. It will air in our timeslot of 9:30pm Tuesday
nights on June 6, 13, 20, and 27.
Episode
40 features:
-
Highlights from Rumble on the Rock's 175 lbs tournament:
- With special interviews done by our guest host, Jason "Mayhem"
Miller from the weigh-ins
- Interview with tournament winner Jake Shields
-
Featured bout from Brennan Kamaka's Punishment in Paradise between
Ryan Cayetano (Smith TKD) vs Ikaika Choi Fu (JIL)
-
Featured bout from Icon Sport: David "Kawika" Padilla
vs Adam Bass
-
Technique of the Week:
Jason Miller demonstrating his famous "D'arce" Choke.
and
don't miss the credits where you can catch FCTV's Mike and Chris
Onzuka (and the other guy, Mark Kurano), hamming it up after
the fights. Somebody actually "threw in the towel"
on us - you don't want to miss that!
Questions,
Comments, Suggestions:
fctv@onzuka.com
|
The
Quest for Champions 2006 Tournament
The Quest for Champions 2006 Tournament
Hosted by Kempo Unlimited
St. Louis High School Gym
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Source: Event Promoter
|
Full
card for The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale
The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale
Saturday, June 24, 2006
The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
The
Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale airs live on Spike TV at 9pm.
If
you missed any of the episodes, the season 3 marathon airs the
same day from 9am-9pm.
Televised
Bouts
-
Lightweight Main Event: Sam Stout vs. Kenny Florian
-
TUF 3 Light Heavyweight Final: Josh Haynes vs. Mike Bisping
-
TUF 3 Middleweight Final: Kendall Groves vs. Ed Herman
-
LHW: Keith Jardine vs. Wilson Gouveia
Preliminary
Bouts
-
LHW: Wes Combs vs. Mike Nickels
-
LHW: Matt Hamill vs. Jesse Forbes
-
MW: Solomon Hutcherson vs. Luigi Fioravanti
-
MW: Kalib Starnes vs. Danny Abbadi
-
MW: Rory Singer vs. Ross Pointon
Source: MMA Fighting
|
JEREMY
HORN AND UFC OFFICIALLY PART WAYS
by Ken Pishna
Though many fans felt it had been a long time coming when Jeremy
Horn finally made his Ultimate Fighting Championship return,
in which he lost to current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck
Liddell, it seems that Horn's stint with the most prominent MMA
promotion in the United States has come to an end.
Horn’s
last fight, a middleweight victory over Team Quest’s Chael
Sonnen, was also the final fight of his three-fight contract
with the UFC. According to manager Monte Cox, it was obvious
to both sides that there is currently no room for Horn in the
promotion as long as he wants to fight in the middleweight division.
“It
only makes sense. As long as Jeremy stays at middleweight and
Rich [Franklin] holds the title, there’s really not much
of a future for him in the UFC,” said Cox. “He and
Rich won’t fight, so all he would be doing is picking off
their top contenders, which doesn’t really make sense for
them.”
Cox
said that it was an amicable split and that they already have
Horn’s immediate future secured… they just can’t
say what that security entails. “We’ve already got
a couple of things done, but we have to respect the promoter’s
wishes and wait until they are ready to announce it,” Cox
said, refusing to elaborate more on the specifics.
He
did acknowledge that rumors of Horn having been offered a shot
in Pride were true, but the parameters of the deal just weren’t
quite right at the time. Cox said that they did find an appropriate
deal for Horn’s services that seemed a better fit for him
at this time, and he added that the specifics regarding Horn’s
future should be announced soon.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
PRIDE
Critical Countdown Absolute 2006
PRIDE FC announced two new matchups for Critical Countdown Absolute
2006.
-
Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshiki Takahashi
- Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
The
remaining eight tournament fighters who will battle to become
the 2006 PRIDE FC Absolute (open-weight) champion:
-
Hidehiko Yoshida vs. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic
- Wanderlei Silva vs. Kazuyuki Fujita
- Fabricio Werdum vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
- Mark Hunt vs. Josh Barnett
Critical
Countdown Absolute will premiere on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH
Network, and TVN pay per view on Sunday, July 2, 2006.
The
show takes place at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Saturday,
July 1, 2006.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Quote
of the Day
"If
your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more,
do more and become more, you are a leader."
John Quincy Adams, 1767-1848, 6th President of the United States
|
CABBAGE LOSES TO PRO WRESTLER
BY CUT STOPPAGE
Hawaiian fighter Wesley
"Cabbage" Correira lost via cut stoppage to pro wrestler Mike Plotcheck
in the main event of the "Rumble on the Rock: Qualifier
Beatdown" show in Hawaii this weekend.
Though
Correira's opponent used the stage name of Mike Barton, which
is one of his pro wrestling aliases, his actual last name is
Plotcheck.
Correira
initially took control of the fight on the ground and tried to
finish Plotcheck with a rear naked choke, but a strike from Plotcheck
opened up a big cut on Correira's face. The ringside doctor ruled
that the cut was too severe for the fight to continue, and so
Plotcheck was declared the winner by TKO after less than two
minutes of action.
Correira's
last three MMA fights have all been in the Rumble on the Rock
promotion, and they have all been losses. Correira lost in January
to Eric "Butterbean" Esch when he was unable to come
out for the third round. That particular fight had special rules
that limited ground fighting to no more than 15 seconds at a
time, and Correira also suffered a fracture to his elbow shortly
before the fight. This past April, Correira lost to Pride veteran
Kazuhiro Hamanaka by submission in another ROTR fight.
Mike
Plotcheck, also known as Bart Gunn in WWE and Mike Barton in
All Japan Pro Wrestling, was making his MMA debut against Correira
at over 40 years of age. When WWE held its first and only shoot-fighting
tournament in 1998 (called the "Brawl for All") with
the intention of getting over a wrestler named Steve Williams,
Plotcheck threw those plans into disarray by knocking Williams
out and going on to win the entire tournament.
Unfortunately
for Plotcheck, WWE then decided to bring in Eric "Butterbean"
Esch to face Plotcheck in a shoot-fight at WrestleMania in March
of 1999, which turned out to be a big mistake. Plotcheck was
knocked out very quickly in devastating fashion, and he never
wrestled for another major company in the United States again.
Prior to making his MMA debut, Plotcheck had spent the past several
years working in the Japanese pro wrestling industry. He is now
seeking a rematch with Esch.
Full
Results
-Mike
"Bart Gun, Mike Barton" Plotcheck def. Wesley Correira by TKO (doctor stoppage
due to a cut) at 1:46 of Round 1
-Ross Ebanez def. Joe Cronin by
unanimous decision
-Marc
Rodrigues def. Zak Dudoit by submission (rear naked choke) at
1:30 of Round 1
-Mike
Aina def. Rosco Mcclelan by TKO at 2:20 of Round 2
-Albert
Manners def. Gene Gregory by submission (rear naked choke) at
0:44 of Round 1
-Shane
Nelson def. Tyler Kahihikolo by unanimous decision
-Chad
Fujita def. Aaron Castro by submission (keylock) at 2:50 of Round
1
-Chris
Henriques def. Isaac Carbalo by KO at 0:46 of Round 2
-Michael
Bickers def. Ashton Castro by submission (triangle choke) at
1:52 of Round 1
-Kirk
Wah-Yick def. Kabel Gebeke by TKO at 0:24 of Round 1
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Palolo
Boxing Smoker Results!
USA-BOXING HAWAII ASSOC. INC
USA-Boxing Hawaii, Palolo B.C. and Kawano B.C. Smoker
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Palolo District Park
70 lbs: 3 Rounds x 1 Minute
1). Justly Laquihon (Unattached) def. James Hashimoto (Palolo
B.C.)
Via RSC in Round 2.
105
lbs: 3 Rounds x 1.5 Minutes
2). Dustin Ah-Chong (A.P. Big Island) def. Jonard DeVera (Kalakaua
B.C.)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
100
lbs: 3 Rounds x 1.5 Minutes
3). Jenson Juan (Kalakaua B.C.) def. Devin Ah-Chong Jr. (A.P.
Big Island)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
145
lbs: 3 Rounds x 1.5 Minutes
4) . Alexander Palacios (Oki B.C., Kauai) def. Joshua Nakagawa
(Southside, Maui)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
140
lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
5). Christopher Williams (A.P. Big Island) def. Edward Carrillo
(Unattached)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
130
lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
6). Lean Jeffrey Gumboc (Central Maui B.C.) def. Akihiko Arima
(Palolo B.C.)
Via RSC in Round 2.
110
lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
7). Ezra Cabang (A.P. Big Island) def. Gino Ramos (Kawano B.C.)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
145
lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
8). Noah Abdil (Southside Maui) def. Hoku Dusenberry-Lee (Oki,
B.C. Kauai)
Via RSC in Round 2.
135
lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
9). Aaron Echales (Central Maui B.C.) def. William Miura (A.P.
Big Island)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
160
lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
10). Paul Gutierrez (Kawano B.C.) def. Joseph Bissen (Central
Maui B.C.)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
175
lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
11). Kainoa Oca-Kauhane (Kawano B.C.) def. Francis Maddela (Central
Maui B.C.)
Via RSC in Round 2.
155
lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
12). Todd Park (Pearlside B.C) def. Josiah Cabang (A.P. Big Island)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
132
lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
13). Tommy Buswell- Ordonez (A.P. Big Island) def. Amadeo Ezzo-White
Jr. (Unattached)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
Female
-100 lbs lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
14). Sasha Tatsuhara (A.P. Big Island) def. Gina Ramos (Kawano
B.C.)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
125 lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
15). David Tangjian Jr. (Kawano B.C.) def. Matt Takata (Palolo
B.C.)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
Special Main Event Bout - 5 Rounds
200 lbs. lbs: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes
16). Isaiah Vasquez (Evolution B.C.) def. Gabe Aio (Kawano B.C.)
Via decision after 3 rounds.
If
you have any question email me at bkawano@aol.com
We
had an excellent show with a great turnout. Maybe we can bring
Boxing back a little. It showed that boxing isn't dead yet in
Hawaii. We still have some Boxing Fans!!!
Thanks You For Your Time.
Bruce
Kawano
USA-Boxing Hawaii Junior Olympic Chairman
USA-Boxing Hawaii Board of Dir./Gov
National Coaches Committee
Ringside Board of Advisors
Source: Bruce Kawano
|
Kendall
Grove Interview:
"I'm Living In a Dream World Right Now!"
by KawikaVeeka
"Da Spyder" Kendall Grove has Hawaii MMA fans standing
proud to see their local boy representing the 5oth State with
pride on "The Ultimate Fighter 3" reality show on Spike
TV. How does a boy from Maui become a man while working for his
dream of fighting in the UFC? Kendall was nice enough to take
the time out of his busy schedule to talk with the Hawaii Fight
Network about his opportunity to make it big in the world of
MMA.
HI-FN:
We seen that you made it into The Ultimate Fighter 3 middleweight
finals. What kind of things have you been doing to prepare?
Kendall
Grove: Ah man!! I'm stoked. I'm more stoked that everybody knows
now, because it sucked holding it in. I'm glad that I got to
show more of my skills. I know in my previous fights I was too
gun-shy to let my hands go. This fight told it all. I broke out
of my shell. Thanks to Tito Ortiz, Saul Soliz, and Dean Lister.
They made me mature as a fighter and here I am now, up here at
big bear training with pretty much the A-Team. I got Tito Ortiz,
the other half of Team Dagger Solomon Hutcherson, Matt Hamill,
Josh Burkman, Josh Barnett, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson,
Jason "Mayhem" Miller, my cornerman from Vegas Troy
"Rude Boy" Mandaloniz, and Joe Stevenson.
HI-FN:
Can't forget Joe!
KG:
No, you can't forget Joe. His pudgy ass is up here trying to
lose some weight, because he's fighting Yves Edwards. (laughs)
HI-FN:
When did taping for the show take place?
KG:
January 19th to March1st.
HI-FN:
Have you realized your new found stardom amongst regular people?
KG:
Oh yeah. Well, for me, I'm a simple man. You know what I mean?
I'm a straight up island boy, so it's kinda weird up here too,
especially here in the mainland. Little kids and grown ass people
who act like little kids coming up to me and asking, "Can
I get your autograph?", "You're my favorite fighter!",
"I hope you make the finals!" I love that. Especially
with the kids. It hits me in the heart. They're the reason why
I fight so hard. It's the little kids. They're the future. One
day they're gonna grow up and kick my ass. (laughs)
HI-FN:
What got you motivated to participate in MMA?
KG:
Growing up I didn't really get into it. The first fight I seen
was Kimo versus Royce. I got an interest in the sport after that.
I kind of dropped out of it until after high school. Then I started
training with my boys Jon Kim and Eddie Ferreira, back yard style.
Then I started to get into the sport and started really looking
up to Tito Ortiz, BJ Penn, Rampage, Wanderlei, Shogun, and Ninja.
They'd go out there and beat the shit outta you. That caught
my eye.
HI-FN:
You now get to rub elbows with some of the fighters you mentioned.
What kind of feeling do you get when you realize that you’re
preparing yourself with and learning from fighters you idolized?
KG:
I'm living in a dream world right now! Who would have thought
2 years ago that Tito would ask me to help him spar for a fight.
It's shocking! I just thank God for this opportunity. Tito took
me under his wing and now I'm the newest member of Team Punishment.
HI-FN:
With the training partners you mentioned earlier, it sounds like
Punishment and Cobra Kai have formed a union.
KG:
Actually, there's no official connection between the two gyms.
I had to go out and evolve my training. Don't get me wrong. Cobra
Kai is an awesom gym and I'm unbelievably greatful. I thank God
for that school, because all my jiu jitsu and all my ground game
came from Marc Laiman at Cobra Kai. Being that Cobra Kai is straight
jiu jitsu, I have to take it to the next level with FIGHTING
and train with these guys out in Cali. I actually plan on moving
here after my next fight. I love it out here. There's a bunch
of sick, retarded guys I train with who don't mind getting beat
up everyday. Luckily, that's how I am.
HI-FN:
That's a good explanation of your evolution and what most fighters
have to go through to become a better fighter. You can't stay
in your comfortable realm and moving around is the logical thing
to do.
KG:
Yeah, that's what I tell a lot of people. If you wanna be a great
fighter you have to push yourself. Every fighter out there gym
hops. It's like a memory bank. When I'm with Laimon, I'm drilling
the same stuff over and over. Training with Tito is totally new.
Who knows how long I'll be here? Two or three years may go by
and BOOM, I'll be at a different place looking to get better
there. That's just the way the sport goes.
HI-FN:
You keep close ties with Laimon?
KG:
Yeah, for sure. I just talked to him a couple days ago. He's
a great guy and I love him to death. Like I said, if it wasn't
for him, my game would be where it's at right now. (pause) THAT'S
ANOTHER THING!! The fight game might seem big, but it's small.
Everybody knows each other. That's some advice I'd like to give
to people. DON'T BURN YOUR BRIDGES! Everybody's friends in the
fight world. It's a small community. Try and keep the peace with
everybody. I seen a lot of fighters burn bridges. You burn a
bridge one place, you don't know that they're real good friends
with another good place and you try to go there, you're shit
outta luck. The best advice I can give would be to keep good
relationships with trainers.
HI-FN:
Moving on to the fight with Kalib, what did you expect from him
going in?
KG:
I expected everything that you guys seen. I didn't expect to
injure him. I actually expected to go to a decision. I did not
break his rib. I separated the cartilage from his rib which is
almost the same feeling. That should answer a lot of questions
about breaking his rib. I was mad going into that fight because
everybody in the house called me a 3 to 1 underdog. Only Bisping,
Solomon, and my coaches knew I was going to win. Jesse (Forbes)
was the only one to answer my question about me being an underdog.
I had to thank him because I needed to hear that. I love being
the underdog and when guys under estimate me. The night before
picking fights Kalib was like, "Who does this kid think
he is coming in and challenging ME?" That pissed me off.
He bleeds like me. He can die like me. He's human. I went in
amped. He was either going to give me his respect or I was going
to take it from him. I was stoked that after the fight because
he said he respected me. The only thing Tito demanded from me
was to never give up and always push myself. That's what I did
and I came out of the fight victorious.
HI-FN:
Has the training from Team Punishment changed from TUF to preparing
for this fight?
KG:
Everything you guys seen on the show is what we do everday. We'll
drill takedowns and spar five 5's. After that we'll go do jiu
jitsu or wrestling. Then drill techniques like single and double
leg defense, wall walks, and other drills. We do it fifty times
each. It's the same stuff we did on the show. It's harder in
Big Bear at 7,000 feet elevation though. (laughs) It's beating
the shit outta my lungs right now. I got back into some light
training a month and a half ago to prep for The Finale and I
sparred five 5's the day before I came up to this mountain. I
was good and could have gone more. WHEN I CAME UP HERE, it's
a whole new ball game. (laughs) THIS ELEVATION IS CRAZY!!!!
HI-FN:
That's almost like training at Haleakala.
KG:
Maybe like a little bit before the crater. That just shows how
much of a cardio machine Tito is. I was up here for two weeks
this time and we'd go out and run for about 3 miles under 23
minutes, almost all uphill. I'm trying to push myself by doing
stuff like this. You're working when you're at the gym and your
vacation is the fight. I'm just going everyday and trying to
represent Hawaii as much as I can. I'm trying to inspire a lot
more people to get off their asses and start training and become
great fighters. We have the potential in Hawaii. You just gotta
put your mind to it. Look at me, I'm a skinny, tall, goofy............SASQUATCH!!!
(laughs) I just had a dream and never had quit in my heart. Now
I'm here working hard to fullfil that goal.
HI-FN:
Tito mentioned you in his UFC 59 post-fight interview. What happened
with Tito's injury during the Forrest fight?
KG:
His knee went out on the show and it was bothering him. It was
hard for him because he jumped in with Forrest right after that
and didn't get back to 100% before fighting. The training wasn't
at max. We'd only do 4 days of total training to prep for that
fight with only 2 days at all out, hardcore training. Even THAT
was putting a toll on his injuries. He did something to his back
also. He was aching because he never had any recovery time. He
fought Forrest at about 70%. He tried to give everything in the
first round and the second and third was just pure heart. I had
to piggy back him to the dressing room when we got to the back
because he couldn't walk. His knee was so jacked. You can actually
see his knee buckle in the fight when he goes for a shot.
HI-FN:
As you get ready for this bout at The Finale, you mention training
with "Mayhem". What's your take on him?
KG:
Aw man! I love that guy to death. He's one of the guys who helped
me blossom as a fighter early in my career. I give the utmost
respect to that guy. That's another guy who trains his ass off.
He deserves every good thing he gets.
HI-FN:
Is it true that it's an ultimately retarded time when the two
of you are together?
KG:
Yeah it is! That guy brings out the worst in me. (laughs) He's
just naturally mental! I'll usually try to keep it cool, but
when I'm around him, I just can't help acting like a Mayhem Monkey.
(laughs)
HI-FN:
What number did he give you?
KG:
I'm high up there. I didn't get a myspace til after the show.
HI-FN:
Let him know I'm still waiting for mine.
KG:
I'll let him know tomorrow. (laughs)
HI-FN:
You fight at 185. What do you walk around at?
KG:
It all depends. I try to keep it under 205. I'll probably be
ten pounds over the week of my fight. Brah, I'm the worst when
it comes to chocolate. I LOVE CHOCOLATE! I grind ice cream and
pound root beer. It's hard for me not to eat all that crap, but
it pays off when you don't.
HI-FN:
Backtracking to your prior career stats. How many fights have
you had all together?
KG:
Nine all together. Eight professional fights and one amateur
fight. I used to hold the 185 pound international championship
for Total Combat. They used to be in Tijuana, but now they hold
it in San Diego since they legalized the sport in California.
I love fighting in Hawaii though. Depending on what happens with
the UFC, I'd love to comeback and fight at home again. Rumble
on the Rock, ICON....I love fighting in Hawaii. That's my peeps!
I love my home crowd.
HI-FN:
Which fight prior to The Ultimate Fighter would you consider
your most memorable?
KG:
There's actually two. A fight that made me feel really good inside
was my win over Kaipo Kalama from Oahu. I was a big time underdog
in that one. Everybody from Oahu thought I was going to lose.
He's a tough guy and that was actually the first fight where
I went to a second round. The fight that changed my career would
have to be the one against Joe Riggs. I matured a lot as a fighter
in that fight. I lost that fight by a devastating knockout by
elbows, but I grew up in that fight. I feel I went from a kid
to a man in that one. That fight pushed me to get better.
HI-FN:
I remember you telling me at a club that you couldn't belive
that he was as strong as a MACK truck.
KG:
Yeah. That was a big truck with elbows for side mirros. (laughs)
HI-FN:
Being that there is somewhat of an inlet to the UFC for you with
TUF3, you think there's a chance for a Riggs rematch in the future?
KG:
I definitely want to fight Riggs again. That's if he stays at
185. I'd like to fight him in about a year. Maybe this time he'll
stand with me.
HI-FN:
One thing I want to let you know on a personal note, is that
when you're on the show, you're actually being the Kendall that
everyone who knows you actually knows. You're not buttering up
for the camera or anything.
KG:
Yeah. All my friends in Hawaii know how I am. So why should I
fake it for the rest of the country and the world? Before I went
on the show I did a video interview, which is mandatory along
with a highlight tape. I got wasted for the video interview because
I was kind uncomfortable in front of the camera at the time.
I just got full blown wasted and the producers were like, "That's
the Kendall Grove we want on the show!" I just did my thing
on the show and kept it real. Spit in the house everthing. (laughs)
My mom was pissed at me when she seen that though.
HI-FN:
You want to do an official apology?
KG:
Yeah. Mom, I'm sorry for spitting in the house on the first episode.
Alcohol does that to you.
HI-FN:
Great interview. Really appreciate the honesty and info. Good
luck in the finals. You want to thank anyone before we wrap things
up?
KG:
First of all, I'd like to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Without him we wouldn't be here. I'd like to thank my trainer
"Rude Boy" Troy Mandaloniz for helping me out this
whole time and going through the bullshit when I'm cranky. The
other half of Team Dagger, Solomon for coming up and helping
me out. The whole Team Punishment crew, Tito, Justin McCully,
Josh Burkman, Matt Hamil, Rampage, Mayhem Miller, and all those
guys who help me train. I'd also like to thank my sponsors Temper
Tantrum Athletics, who's always been there for me. Da Hui, who
just picked me up! HELL YEAH, one love to them! MY MOM and DAD!!
Gotta love those guys for telling me that I can do this. My mom
was fully against it, but then after a while, she told me I should
move back to Vegas to become a better fighter. Thank God for
her for just having my back along with my whole family. Also
Submit One for hooking me up. Punishment Athletics, and ALL MY
FANS IN HAWAII for the support!! I'm trying to open some doors
for the fighters at home and get the exposure because we deserve
it. Without the fans though, I don't think this game would be
the same. Thank you!!!
Source:
hawaiifightnetwork.blogspot.com
|
Denis
Kang - Road to the Welterweight Crown
By Al Yu with Robby Park
From inside the Saitama Super Arena, a voice could be heard.
“This
is my tournament…I’m going to be the champion!”
Still
full of adrenaline and spoken with utmost confidence, these were
the words of Denis Kang. In one of the most anticipated fights
of PRIDE Bushido 11, Kang only needed 15 seconds to dispatch
of Murilo ‘Ninja’ Rua. Not only did Kang move onto
the next round of the welterweight tournament, he arguably handed
the Chute Boxe fighter the worst loss of his professional career.
Kang
has been making an impact in PRIDE and is undefeated in four
fights.
Though
his impressive victory over Murilo Rua has caught the attention
of the MMA world, there are still many that do not know about
the fighter who represents the Korean flag.
Born
to a Korean father and a French mother, Denis and his family
emigrated from the French island of St. Pierre of Miquleon to
Vancouver, Canada when he was two. After his parents separated,
Denis’ mother left and his father moved back to Korea. Denis
was raised by his uncle and his family.
While
holding multiple jobs, Kang began practicing Jiu-Jitsu. Denis
had success early on, winning numerous competitions in British
Columbia. The former Canadian heavyweight Muay Thai champion
studied under the tutelage of Marcus Soares, a well respected
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and one of Carlson Gracie’s
greatest students. Earning a black belt from Marcus Soares, Kang
became the first man ever from Vancouver to be awarded with that
honor.
Denis’
early MMA career yielded a record of 5-7-1, a record considered
sub par by today’s standards. At that point in his career,
MMA seemed more like a hobby to him. Seeking the accomplishments
indicative of a champion fighter, Kang decided to rededicate
himself to the sport. To help bring out his potential, Denis
moved to Florida and joined American Top Team, also home to Jeff
Monson, Marcus Aurelio and his future wife Shelby Walker.
In
2004, Denis went back to Korea and competed in Spirit Martial
Challenge. Seen as an opportunity to be reunited with his father,
Kang never expected his success to be a defining point in his
life and career. At the time, Korean MMA was in its infancy.
Kang’s success and Korean heritage made him very popular
and he was proud to have contributed to the growth of MMA in
Korea. Participating in the 2004 Spirit MC Grand Prix, Denis
finished three opponents to win the 8-man tournament.
Not
only did the Spirit MC Grand Prix tournament receive a lot of
media attention in Korea, it also received coverage in Japan.
Kang’s tournament victory caught the attention of PRIDE
Fighting Championships. Shortly after, Kang signed a contract
and made his debut at Bushido 6.
Now
sporting a record of 22-7-1, Kang is considered a favorite to
win the welterweight Grand Prix. Since his rededication to MMA,
Denis has been on an impressive unbeaten streak of eighteen fights.
Joining American Top Team has also helped Denis develop into
a complete fighter. Working with Olympic gold medalist boxer
Howard Davis Jr, Kang has improved his striking skills. Denis’
punches are more powerful and accurate and his technique is refined.
Training with a talented team has greatly improved his abilities
as a fighter.
The
Bushido welterweight tournament has been seeded with some of
the best fighters in the world. The competition in the second
round will be tough and the potential match-ups may provide competitive
yet entertaining fights. PRIDE has found a new star in Denis
Kang. His exciting style has earned him many new fans and he
continues to mature as a fighter.
Denis
Kang is a fighter on the rise. He is a man who is proud of his
Korean heritage. He embodies the meaning of hard work and dedication.
All of the remaining fighters are formidable opponents for Denis
and his style has yet to produce a boring fight in PRIDE. Though
the path to the welterweight title will be difficult, the accolades
at the end of the road will be great. Can Kang overcome the opposition
and proudly represent his heritage?
One
thing is for sure, my money is on Kang.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Sherdog
Q&A: Sperry on Past, Present and Future
by Gleidson Venga
Brazilian Top Team leader Mario Sperry spoke to Sherdog.com’s
Gleidson Venga about the politics of managing BTT while being
an active fighter, what he thinks of Wanderlei Silva’s participation
in the PRIDE Open-Weight Grand Prix, and why Brazilian Top Team
fighters have not fought in the UFC.
Ze
Mario also answers questions about his up-and-down career, what
we should expect from Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, BTT fighters
competing in the U.S. and who best adapted his Brazilian jiu-jitsu
game to mixed martial arts.
Sherdog.com:
In light of a half-year that hasn’t started very well with
your loss in PRIDE 31, what do you expect from yourself for the
rest of the year?
Mario
Sperry: I had good plans for this year. I was excited, feeling
like I was in the best shape of my life. Well prepared, training
well with everyone, both wrestling and ground fighting. In that
respect I was feeling very good about myself. If I had won, I
would be in this Open-Weight Grand Prix. I hurt my knee and my
hand, and this disturbed my plans a little. My hand is still
not 100 percent. My goal right now is to get better; it’s
my main objective. After that I will study the offers, like Cage
Rage and PRIDE. Meanwhile, I’ve been dedicating my time
to train the guys. We are planning a new event in the near future.
I’m focusing my energies in other points, plus my training,
for now.
Sherdog.com:
You had lost some fights to fighters theoretically weaker than
you, but had important victories in fights when you were the
underdog, just like against Igor Vovchanchyn in PRIDE 17, when
he was in his prime. How do you analyze this?
Sperry:
I analyze that unemotionally. It’s evident that MMA is not
a sport like the others. It is a blood sport where you can’t
miss a thing and this is evident in both cases when I had the
advantage in technical terms, experience and strength. But for
some reasons unrelated to my will the victory flied from my hands.
That shows how MMA is an ungrateful sport, when any mistake can
be fatal.
Sherdog:
What can we expect from “Minotauro” on this Grand Prix?
Sperry:
About Nogueira, he has a very big chance to be the champion this
year. He is stronger, heavier. It was something I was trying
so hard for a very long time and I couldn’t do: an athlete
who is very strong and very technical. Stronger, I think he can
count on more weapons, plus his techniques. Besides that, Fedor,
who is notoriously a hard fight for anybody — and he showed
to know how to stop Nog’s game — will not fight. Because
of this, his chances get higher.
Sherdog.com:
What do you think about Wanderlei Silva’s participation?
Sperry:
Other than being lighter than Nogueira, Wanderlei is a hard fight
for anybody. He was the best light heavyweight and, in my opinion,
has an excellent contract — which he deserves — and
[faces] a new challenge: fighting in the heavyweight division
to give more emotion to his athletic life and improve his career.
I believe that with him this Grand Prix gets more interesting.
I think that he can offer a great expectation from the fans in
relation with how he will present himself, and even more, with
him replacing Fedor, we will have a more exciting Grand Prix
with parity. Fedor, even being the best in the world, doesn’t
show many surprises in his fights. And Wanderlei does.
Sherdog.com:
How is the situation between Ricardo Arona and the PRIDE organization?
Sperry:
Arona still has a contract with PRIDE. He has a contract until
the first half of 2007, with more three fights, if I’m right.
They have interest in using him. He was invited to this Grand
Prix, but he injured his foot in the fight against Wanderlei.
He was unsure about putting his name in it, because he wasn’t
recovered from this injury until February. Because he didn’t
want to fight, they took him off the card. But he is recovering
himself and is back to training. With the end of the Grand Prix
and starting to reduce the absence of fighters from the GP …
I believe that Arona will be back in September.
Sherdog.com:
Now, Paulo Filho is the best BJJ fighter of BTT? And who is the
best striker?
Sperry:
I like to work with statistics. Paulo is very good on the ground,
but I wouldn’t say he is the most complete. He could not
impose his game against Murilo Ninja, who didn’t have a
good fight against Paulo. We have more athletes with a good BJJ
game, like the Nogueira brothers. It’s all about having
the chance to show your game plan. Everyone on BTT has improved
a lot in boxing skills; we are more confident about using Muay
Thai and boxing. We’ve been working on that a lot. In my
eyes those who have better boxing skills are Rogerio Minotoro,
Rodrigo Minotauro and Edson Drago, for now. Murilo Bustamante
has a good boxing too. But he has a different style. Rogerio
is the Brazilian champion. We have excellent boxers and ground
fighters, but Paulo is the one who knows how to use his ground
game better in MMA.
Sherdog.com:
Who are the possible BTT athletes to dispute the middleweight
belt this year?
Sperry:
We are in several negotiations. There are a lot of rumors, but
those who choose the fighters are not the PRIDE promoters, not
even the athletes. Those who choose the fighters are the Japanese
crowd. It’s their choice. There is a tendency that I see
in my travels to Japan, in a title shot against Wanderlei, that
maybe happens against Rogerio “Minotoro.” But for that
happen, we have considering his fights on this Grand Prix. If
he wins a couple of fights it will be difficult for him to go
back to fighting in the middleweight division. But if he fights
it will probably be against Rogerio. If that does not happens
in September, it will be on New Year’s Eve. Before that
Rogerio will have one or two more fights.
Sherdog.com:
What are the plans of the team in the USA? Would you think of
putting someone to fight in the UFC or other organizations like
IFL and WFA?
Sperry:
I am in a huge struggle with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
We are keeping contact before the events, but we have a big barrier,
the visa, which is a complicated point. I’ve already sent
a lot of DVDs of our athletes, but they never give us the visa.
It’s part of our plans to put one of our guys to fight over
there, especially in the UFC. We are keeping contact with other
events also, but the visa always is the main barrier. I don’t
know how far it can go, but it is our biggest problem.
Sherdog:
BTT has various top athletes in the same the weight division,
like yourself, Arona, “Minotoro” and in past days Murilo
Bustamante and Paulo Filho, who are lighter know. How do you
guys do the management, considering that it’s not always
possible for everyone be fighting at the same event, and there
are not many events that pay as well as PRIDE? Considering that,
is it hard to be a fighter and manager at the same time?
Sperry:
It’s a little complicated, but this is the kind of problem
all teams wish they had. We have top athletes, and this is good.
We let them know that those decisions come from the promoters,
but definitely nowadays being a great athlete is not enough.
Your position outside the ring counts a lot, your image, etc.
It’s PRIDE’s choices, not ours. Sometimes, considering
the physical condition, we point out one or other. It’s
not usual, but happens. In my position of being an athlete and
manager, its evident it stays a little complicated. But I’m
focused on fighting, different than the other managers, because
I’m training and living every situation inside and outside
the ring, which helps me in my decisions, choosing the best situation
to the athletes. As a manager, I have to benefit the athletes.
My participation in the ring helps me in my work as a manager.
Sometimes I’m absent, but I counter balance being at training
with my opinions, which gives me advantage to the other managers.
Sherdog.com:
Tell us about your times with Carlson Gracie’s Team, of
Carlson influences in BTT and about a possible tribute to him
on BJJ championships.
Sperry:
Carlson was very important in our history. It was in his gym
that we, BTT leaders, started our careers. But unfortunately
destiny put us in different ways. During that time, under his
influence, we always had a lot interest in training mixed martial
arts and that was because in the 1990’s, Carlson’s
Team stood out in MMA. And this is BTT’s way, being successful
very quickly. Under his influence in our lives we reached success.
About the tribute, we were thinking about joining all gyms for
a single BJJ World Championships and I agreed with that, despite
that I’m not that focused on gi tournaments, but I will
support it. We’ve made a shirt to honor [Carlson] and wore
it on the last PRIDE editions. All kinds of tributes to Carlson
Gracie, I will support.
Sherdog.com:
Do you think that, someday, a new generation of fighters as talented
as yours can emerge from BTT’s history?
Sperry:
I think so. That will depend a lot on working on it, especially
if we can keep the energy from our athletes on training. We give
it at BTT; I think this made us different. Our biggest incentive
is to keep them on hard work, offering them access to all the
competitions. I like to emphasize they are in a privileged condition,
in privileged times, on a privileged team, with teachers in contact
with the organizations. In my personal opinion, I try to motivate
them, giving the example, showing myself always motivated.
Sherdog.com:
To finish this interview, would you like to send a message to
all BTT fans?
Sperry:
I would like to thank everyone who supports Brazil as the top
of MMA World. It doesn’t matter if they like BTT or not,
critics and admirer are always very important, once we improve
with them. Thanks to everybody, I wish you all the best.
Source:
Sherdog
|
Leozinho
Seminar In Hawaii on DVD!
How
much is a DVD featuring 2x Abu Dhabi Champion Leo Viera sparring
with BJ Penn Worth? What if you throw in an entire seminar by
Leo? The sparring itself is worth $29.95, so support top level
athletes coming to Hawaii to share their techniques by ordering
this DVD. See the details below.
Leo
Vieira Seminar in Paradise
2
X ADCC World Champion and BJJ World Champion Leozinho Vieira
Seminar in Hawaii.
In
this 1 hour DVD Leo covers both Gi and No-Gi featuring guard
passing. Considered one of the greatest guard passers in the
game, Leo shows his incredible passing technique in a progessive,
step by step way.
In
the Gi section Leo covers guard passing including side control
and choke.
In
the No-Gi section Leo goes over takedowns, his trademark No-Gi
guard passing and other techniques.
DVD
bonus includes a friendly training session between the World
Champions Leo & BJ Penn. Watch as the two top fighters play
like cats demonstrating their mastery of guard passing and defense.
The bonus footage is worth the DVD price alone!
A
must have DVD
Order
it by going to www.bjjmart.com.
|
Quote
of the Day
"Life
is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honors."
Louisa May Alcott, 1832-1888, American Author
|
The
Got Skills Event Is Back!
Got Skills 2
Pagoda Hotel Ballroom, Honolulu, Hawaii
July 3, 2006
6:00PM Doors open
6:30PM Event starts
1st
Round – Kickboxing
2nd Round – Boxing with takedowns
3rd Round – Submission Grappling
|
Amidst
Allegations of Organized Crime Ties,
PRIDE Keeps Pay-Per-View for Now
By Nori Yoshida
PRIDE Fighting Championships, the world's largest and most popular
fighting promotion, continues to reel from Fuji Television Network's
June 5 announcement that it would no longer nationally televise
its events for what it described as "damages to [Fuji Television
Network's] programming credibility, dignity and image,"
and thus a "breach of contact." In what has become
a trickle-down effect of separation from the event's promoters,
Dream Stage Entertainment (DSE), in recent days has at least
stopped with their pay-per-views, aired by Sky Perfect Television,
which agreed yesterday to at least carry PRIDE's next two events,
the June 17 pro-wrestling event "Hussle Aid" and July
1's second round of the PRIDE Open-Weight Grand Prix.
"We
have not made any concrete decisions and therefore do not plan
to make any changes in the upcoming schedule," Sky Perfect
Television representatives said Monday in an official announcement.
"However, if new facts come to our attention, there is a
strong possibility that we will make changes."
On
June 7, Japanese news publication Sports News had reported that
Sky Perfect Television announced that although they had met with
DSE CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara, "It would be difficult to independently
continue the programming work that Fuji Television had been doing,"
and that, "there are many voices within the (Sky Perfect
Television) network in favor of canceling [PRIDE] broadcasting."
PRIDE
executives have called Sky Perfect Television their "lifeline,"
and are sure to be doing all they can to maintain good relations
with their last hope for remaining on the airwaves for now until
a new TV arrangement materializes, if at all.
Yesterday's
announcement was a bit of reprieve for the promotion that has
been under the microscope this last week. Fueled by recent reports
in the tabloid news publication Shuukan Genndai (Modern Weekly),
it has been speculated that DSE has been tied to "bouryokudan"
(criminal organizations).
Speculation
of DSE's involvement in criminal activities dates back to 2003,
when then and still current PRIDE Heavyweight Champion Fedor
Emelianenko made an appearance at rival promotion Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye's
televised event. Three members of an organized crime group reportedly
demanded 200,000,000 yen (nearly 1.8 million dollars) in restitution.
The three were arrested on charges of attempted blackmail in
February of this year.
At
a June 8 emergency press conference, DSE CEO Sakakibara called
the recent accusations unfounded. "(Those reports) are completely
groundless. We have never broken the law, nor have we been subject
to any criminal investigation." In tears, Sakakibara finished
his statement, assuring the fans that he would "defend PRIDE
with his life, as long as there is the support and passionate
expectation from the fans." He also included in his statement
that DSE was currently in the process of filing a lawsuit against
Shuukan Genndai.
With
54 PRIDE Fighters backdropped behind him, Sakakibara announced
that even without the backing of Fuji Television, they would
continue with all of the events that are scheduled for the rest
of the year, including their first American event in Las Vegas
on October 21, as well as their largest annual event on New Year's
Eve.
PRIDE's
2005 New Year's Eve event scored a 17% viewer rating on Fuji
and Sports News has reported that it generated nearly 800 million
yen (approximately 7.3 million dollars) in revenue. They also
estimate that Fuji Television sponsorship accounts for 1-2 billion
yen (approximately 9-18 million dollars) throughout the year.
DSE CEO Sakakibara said that this is only 10-15% of total revenue
and that they would still be able to continue with the events
as scheduled. However, Sky Perfect Television revenues are also
estimated by Sports News to be around 10% of the total, which
could add to a total 25% drop if new developments were to occur.
Source: FCF
|
Interview
w/ UFC Welterweight: Thiago Alves
By Denis Martins
Welterweight UFC fighter and ATT member Thiago "PitBull"
Alves will step into the octago for the 4th time, on June 28
at The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Nevada. PitBull
is 2-1 in the UFC and will try to become a contender when he
squares off against the tough Jon Fitch. Both Fitch and PitBull
are coming off 2 consecutives wins in the UFC and this fight
has war written all over it.
MaxFighting:
Did it feel great to get your victory over Derek Noble, a guy
who had beaten you in the past?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: Sure did. We, who are competitors,
have a natural way of not accepting a defeat, but I knew GOD
had big plans for me. Thanks to HIM that I was blessed with the
second opportunity of facing Noble and I got the nod in the match.
MaxFighting:
I know you prepared yourself very-well for this fight. But on
the mental side, how di dyou prepare yourself to face a guy who
already beat you?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: The mental side was the easiest, because
I wanted this re-match a long time ago, and this couldn't happen
at a better moment, I was more than ready.
MaxFighting:
What did you notice in Noble's gameplan that had changed since
your first fight?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: He was more willing to trade blows
on the feet; he was very determined. In our first meeting, he
wasn't.
MaxFighting:
The fight lasted only 2:54. So what do you credit your victory
to? Was it the motivation of winning the rematch?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: No question the desire to get revenge
for the lose; I couldn't lose to him again. He connected a strike
on my ribs and it hurt me. Even so, I was determined and I knew
I had to wait for the correct moment to counter-attack, and with
faith in GOD everything worked.
MaxFighting:
What is your best advice to going into a second fight with someone?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: I think there are a few important
things. The main is what kind of situation it is. I mean, sometimes
you go in as the loser of the last one or the winner. And of
course it depends of what kind of fighter you're, and what kind
of training and how much you want this victory.
MaxFighting:
Your next fight is against Jon Fitch at Ultimate Fight Night
5. What do you know about him?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: Fitch is a tough fighter with a good
wrestling and with good stand-up game. I think he's very well
prepared physically too.
MaxFighting:
Like you, he has two victories at UFC and on paper this seems
like a balanced matchup. What are you plans to turn this fight
in your favor?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: First off my will to win and my faith
in GOD, of course my training. I've never felt better than I
do now. I've trained as much as I do now; I get to have fun and
I realize the training is better every time. So I know going
in that I've trained as best I possibly could.
MaxFighting:
Do you think a victory over Fitch could earn you a rematch against
Spencer Fisher?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: If it happens, I'd love to. But Fisher
dropped to 155lbs and I don't know if I'll have the chance to
face him again.
MaxFighting:
Is this a match you'd like to fight prior to becoming a championship
contender?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: I would love this rematch, but I don't
see it happening. But it in this game things change overnight,
so we never know what will happen.
MaxFighting:
Do you think with a win over Fitch and maybe one more, you'll
start to fight the bigger name contenders?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: To tell you the truth, I think it's
a hard way to walk. There are a lot of fighters very-well 'ranked',
and I think their positions are better than mine.
MaxFighting:
So couldn't you don't see yourself as a contender soon?
Thiago
"PitBull" Alves: I'm ready to fight anyone, and I think
the UFC promoters know it. But like I mentioned,there are several
fighters who I think are ahead of me . Also, this late in 2006,
I don't see myself this year. But maybe next year!
Source: Maxfighting
|
BILL
GOLDBERG JOINS UP WITH WFA
Press Release
WORLD FIGHTING ALLIANCE (WFA) SIGNS PRO WRESTLING ICON
BILL GOLDBERG AS COLOR COMMENTATOR FOR
“WFA: KING OF THE STREETS”
Dish
Network To Offer Live Pay-Per-View Broadcast of July 22nd Event
at The Forum To Customers Nationwide
LOS
ANGELES, CA, June 14, 2006 – The World Fighting Alliance
(WFA) – the recently launched mixed martial arts (MMA) organization
featuring a “who’s who” lineup of MMA superstars
– announced today its signing of pro wrestling superstar
and television and film personality Bill Goldberg as its color
commentator for the upcoming “WFA: King of the Streets”
live pay-per-view broadcast from the Forum in Los Angeles on
July 22nd.
Goldberg’s
connections to the MMA world run deep. The former WCW World Heavyweight
Champion has been a martial arts enthusiast throughout his career
in wrestling and television, and has trained for most of his
adult life in the art of Muay Thai kickboxing. Goldberg also
owns and operates Extreme Power, a Muay Thai training facility
for children and adults, as well as competitive fighters in Oceanside,
CA. Currently, Goldberg is set to star in a remake of the 1980s
martial arts film, “Half Past Dead,” which originally
featured martial arts expert-turned film star Steven Seagal.
Shooting is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles in July.
“I’ve
been passionate about martial arts my entire life through my
own Muy Thai training, my Extreme Power martial arts training
facility and now through the myriad of relationships I have with
the top fighters in the sport of MMA,” said Goldberg. “When
the WFA approached me with this opportunity and I saw the lineup
of elite MMA stars fighting for the WFA, I knew this was an opportunity
to get more involved in the rapid evolution of this sport. The
decision was a no-brainer and I’m thrilled about my affiliation
with the WFA.”
The
WFA also announced a distribution agreement with national satellite
television provider Dish Network for “WFA: King of the Streets.”
to compliment its existing deal with iN Demand. The event, broadcast
live on July 22nd, will be available to Dish Network customers
nationwide through a live pay-per-view broadcast, available on
Dish Network for $34.95. In addition to the Dish Network, “WFA:
King of the Streets” will be available live on pay-per-view
for cable customers nationwide via iNDemand (check local cable
listings for details).
The
broadcast will feature a three-man broadcasting team, led by
veteran boxing play-by-play commentator Barry Tompkins with Goldberg
handling color commentary duties. The WFA is reportedly speaking
with several well-known former MMA stars to round out the broadcast
team, handling post-fight interviews and analysis in the ring.
Details on this final member of the King of the Streets broadcast
team will be announced in the weeks to come.
“Goldberg
is a legend to millions of Americans and his hard-nosed, raw
and aggressive persona is the perfect compliment to what the
WFA is all about,” said Jeremy Lappen, CEO of the WFA. “He
shares our passion for the sport and we feel his signing simply
underscores the credibility of our organization and our commitment
to providing a superior entertainment experience. Needless to
say, we’re thrilled to have him on board as an ambassador
for the WFA.”
Goldberg
became a professional wrestler after a standout college football
career at the University of Georgia and professional football
stints in the World League and a three-year NFL career with the
Atlanta Falcons. Goldberg’s success in wrestling was almost
instantaneous capturing the WCW U.S. title and the WCW World
title (in a historic battle with Hollywood Hulk Hogan) in less
than two years. He is inarguably one of the most beloved and
revered personalities in the history of professional wrestling.
Goldberg has transitioned into television and film work with
roles in feature films including The Longest Yard and Universal
Soldier.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"Wisdom
is ofttimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar."
William Wordsworth, 1770-1850, British Poet
|
"Bart
Gunn" Guarantees "Beatdown" in Hilo
by KawikaVeeka
Rumble
World Entertainment's "Beatdown" set for this Saturday
in Hilo looks to live up to its name as former WWE wrestler Mike
"Bart Gunn" Pochlopek makes his MMA debut against Wesley
"Cabbage" Correira. Event promoter JD Penn has informed
the Hawaii Fight Network that it was "Gunn" who contacted
RWE officials for this heavyweight bout. Motives of his move
to MMA come from seeing Eric "Butterbean" Esch's victory
over Correira.
Many
remember the WWE's "Brawl For All" toughman tournament,
where "Bart Gunn" impressed viewers with his knockout
victories over Bob Holly (who was his most recent tag team partner
at the time), "Dr. Death" Steve Williams, and Justin
"Hawk" Bradshaw (now JBL) to win the 16 man tournament
that spanned from mid to late 1998. Upon his tournament victory
in the first attempt to bring legitimate combat to the WWE, "Bart
Gunn" was later matched up to face "Butterbean"
at Wrestlemania XV on March 28, 1999. That fight resulted in
"Butterbean" delivering a brutal knockout on "Bart
Gunn" in under one minute of the contest. After seeing the
response of "Butterbean" in the MMA world, "Gunn"
plans to get his long awaited redemption in the cage.
His
first fork in the road to a rematch (with 4 oz. gloves) is the
self-admitted cement headed veteran in "Cabbage."
"Gunn"
has told the promoters that he will not disappoint the fans,
as his plans to stand in the pocket and trade blows with "Cabbage"
is a guarantee. We will see what his reaction will be after he
tastes a few slugs from Correira's hands, elbows, and knees.
Or might "Cabbage" feel the wrath of a man on a mission
to get his revenge?
Source:
hawaiifightnetwork.blogspot.com
|
RWE
Qualifier Tonight!
RWE Qualifers: "BEATDOWN"
Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, Hilo, Hawaii
June 17, 2006
Tentative
Fight Card
Ross "Da Boss" Ebanez vs Joe Cronin
Wesley "Cabbage" Correira vs Mike Barton
"Iron" Mike Aina vs Rosco McClellan
Mark Rodriguez vs Pat Mcbraun
Albert "Always Bad" Manners vs Gene Gregory
"Sugar" Shane Nelson vs Ty Burham
Chris Enriques VS Isaac Carbalo
Michael Bickers vs Ashton Castro
Chad Fujita VS Maluhia
Kirk Wahrick VS Tyler Bean
Source: Event Promoter
|
Boxing
Smoker at Palolo Gym Today!
Palolo Boxing Club and Kawano B.C. will have a Boxing Smoker
on Saturday, June 17th at the Palolo Rec. Center Gym, starting
at 6 P.M.
Boxers from the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai will be participating.
15 to 20 bouts are scheduled.
For more info email Bruce Kawano at bkawano@aol.com or call Joel Kim at
220-9469, you can also call Ralph Martin for registration at
306-7654.
|
Rogério
Minotouro Back to the ring
By Eduardo Ferreira
Rogério Minotouro is almost one year without fighting
Vale-Tudo and at this time the reason wasn't an injury. The JJ
black belt of Brazilian Top Team didn't have adversaries and
during this period he used to train and to wait an opportunity
to go back to Japan to fight. "I'm getting crazy! I am already
one year without training and I have lots of accounts to pay
(laughs)", joked the Rodrigo Minotauro's brother, who believes
that will be fighting with his brother at the Pride in July.
"They had guaranteed to me that I have a vacant in the next
edition of the Pride. I have 90% of chances of being at the card.
They just need to define my adversary", said Minotouro in
exclusive interview that you can check out now.
You
brother and you were training in Belo Horizonte?
We
trained for one week in Belo Horizonte with Luiz Dórea,
that is our Boxing trainer and with Vitor Belfort, that fought
against Alistair Overeem. Now we are in Rio de Janeiro training
with our team, the Brazilian Top Team.
When
you return to fight in the Pride?
I'm
getting crazy! I am already one year without fighting and I have
lots of accounts to pay (laughs). They had guaranteed that I
have a vacant in the next edition of the Pride. I have 90% of
chances of being at the card. They just need to confirm my adversary.
Is
that true that you would face Evangelista Cyborg?
I
don't know about this fight. They like to say a lot of things
and while they don't define my adversary I prefer to not talk
about this rumors.
About
the category belt. What do you think that you need to do to dispute
it?
Opportunity.
Each time happens something. People say that I would make another
fight against Maurício Shogun, Ricardo Arona could dispute
the belt for the second time with Wanderlei Silva. Nothing is
right. Now I will enjoy the opportunities that I have and I will
fight well to have this opportunity soon.
Did
you watch the fight between Royce Gracie and Matt Hughes at the
UFC 60? What did you think?
Royce
faced the strongest guy of the category. We knew that Royce's
chance was he uses his technique to try to submit in the end
of the fight. Hughes showed to everyone that is training Jiu-Jitsu
and surprised Royce and all of us.
Source: Tatame
|
KOTC
CALLS IT QUITS WITH BOBBY HOFFMAN
by Ken Pishna and Jeff Cain
This past weekend’s King of the Cage “Mangler”
show in California was supposed to feature Bobby “Bad Seed”
Hoffman squaring off with last-minute replacement Wes “The
Project” Sims in the main event. While the rest of the show
went off without a hitch, Hoffman was nowhere to be found come
fight time.
Understandably,
Wes Sims was a little bit upset. Two of Sims' past three scheduled
opponents have pulled out of their fights, first Mark Kerr at
the ACF show, and now Hoffman in KOTC.
As
usual, Sims is not one to mince words, and he came to some conclusions
of his own. Sims said, "I don't know what happened. There
were some unconfirmed reports that he came in and saw that they
were doing urine tests and bailed. He didn't even see me. He
just saw the urine test and just bailed out of there."
Actually,
it wasn’t the sighting of drug testing that drove Hoffman
away because he never even bothered to show up for the fight.
According
to King of the Cage promoter Ted Williams, "[Bobby Hoffman]
contacted us for travel arrangements the day before the show,
which were secured by us, but he still never made it to the show.
He didn’t call and didn’t show."
This
is just the latest dip in the roller-coaster ride that has been
Bobby Hoffman’s career. He has risen to the heights of winning
the King of the Cage Heavyweight Title and has fallen into the
throes of various legal troubles, including having to serve a
prison sentence for spousal abuse.
It
seems that King of the Cage will be stepping off of that roller
coaster, finally severing ties with their former champion. Said
Williams, “We’re done with Hoffman. We are now severing
ties with the Bad Seed.”
After
such an up and down career, and quickly approaching his 40th
birthday, Hoffman has to be running out of opportunities in the
fight game. King of the Cage was one of the few promotions that
was still willing to give him a chance, and now that he has closed
that door, it remains to be seen if Hoffman just slammed the
door shut on his MMA career as well.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"Instinct
is the nose of the mind."
Delphine de Girardin, 1804-1855, French Novelist and Poet
|
Maurição
from Hunter dies in Rio
We met
Mauricao in Brazil when Hunter first came out and he was always
a nice guy every single time we saw him. He will be missed.
Unfortunately in the so awaited day of the Brazil's debut at
the World Cup, we need to notice a sad news of the death of our
friend Maurício Miguel Pereira, known as "Maurição
from Hunter". According to friend's information, the black
belt trainer of Fabrício Werdum, would have been reached
for two shots arriving still with life at the hospital São
Bernardo, in Barra da Tijuca, west zone of Rio de Janeiro.
Source: Tatame
|
RWE
Qualifier
Tomorrow
Weigh-ins for Rumble World Entertainment's BEATDOWN Announced
Posted by RWE Staff Weigh-ins scheduled for Rumble World Entertainment's
latest Qualifier Event "BEATDOWN" will be Friday, June
16, at the Kaikodo Restaurant in Hilo at 5:30pm.
Everyone is welcome.
"BEATDOWN"
to be held on June 17, 2006 at Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium
in Hilo, Hawaii...
The
following fighters will be participating in the Qualifier:
Ross "Da Boss" Ebanez vs Joe Cronin
Wesley "Cabbage" Correira vs Mike Barton
"Iron" Mike Aina vs Rosco McClellan
Mark Rodriguez vs Pat Mcbraun
Albert "Always Bad" Manners vs Gene Gregory
"Sugar" Shane Nelson vs Ty Burham
Chris Enriques VS Isaac Carbalo
Michael Bickers vs Ashton Castro
Chad Fujita VS Maluhia
Kirk Wahrick VS Tyler Bean
Source: Event Promoter
|
Boxing
Smoker at Palolo Gym Tomorrow!
Palolo Boxing Club and Kawano B.C. will have a Boxing Smoker
on Saturday, June 17th at the Palolo Rec. Center Gym, starting
at 6 P.M.
Boxers from the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai will be participating.
15 to 20 bouts are scheduled.
For more info email Bruce Kawano at bkawano@aol.com or call Joel Kim at
220-9469, you can also call Ralph Martin for registration at
306-7654.
|
The
Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale
Saturday, June 24, 2006
The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale airs live on Spike TV at 9pm.
If
you missed any of the episodes, the season 3 marathon airs the
same day from 9am-9pm.
Fight
Card:
-
Sam Stout vs. Kenny Florian
- Light Heavyweight Final: Jesse Forbes or Josh Haynes vs. Mike
Bisping or Ross Pointon
- Middleweight Final: Kendall Groves vs. Rory Singer or Ed Herman
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Is
the legend of Royce Gracie tarnished?
By Jeremy Wall
On May 27th, Royce Gracie made his long-awaited return to the
UFC's octagon after an eleven year absence, only to lose to the
current Welterweight champion Matt Hughes. Hughes stopped Gracie
with less than thirty seconds left in the first round, after
completely dominating Royce on the ground, something which few
would have suspected.
The
question is: does the loss to Matt Hughes slander Royce's legend?
What is the origin of Royce's legend anyway?
Royce
is often credit with reinventing martial arts. This is a half
truth.
It
is true that he dominated the early UFC scene from 1993 through
1995, winning the UFC 1, 2 and 4 tournaments. His fight against
Kimo at UFC 3 has been raised to the level of a myth, and his
disappointing rematch against Ken Shamrock at UFC 5 was one of
the most watched UFC fights of the 1990s.
Yes,
these are his accomplishments, but even Royce would only claim
partial credit. Royce's use of Brazilian jiu jitsu is what deserves
much of the credit for these victories. Originally, Rickson Gracie
was supposed to compete in Royce's spot in the original UFC tournament,
but backed out due to family politics. It is likely that if it
was Rickson, then a superior fighter to Royce, in this and the
subsequent UFC tournaments, he would have done just as good or
even better.
Rickson
probably would have handled Kimo more easily than Royce did,
and likely would have advanced at least to the finals of the
UFC 3 tournament.
It
is difficult to determine how Rickson would have fared both in
the finals of that show and in the UFC 5 superfight if he wound
up facing Ken Shamrock both times. The UFC 5 fight would have
been at least a draw no matter what happened simply because of
the way Shamrock approached that fight. The same could be said
if they met at UFC 3.
Of
course, Rickson in the UFC is a huge what-if, and the legacy
of Rickson belongs in the what-if trash pile of MMA. However,
the point is that it was the jiu jitsu system combined with Royce's
application of that system, which brought Royce the success he
earned in the UFC.
The
jiu jitsu system is also what cost Royce his fight against Matt
Hughes. Royce went into the bout with the idea that since Hughes
has been submitted quickly before, particularly to the much smaller
Dennis Hallman in the UFC, that Royce would have a strategic
advantage. Problem was, Royce has no hindsight, since the Hallman
loss was five years ago and Hughes has improved greatly as a
fighter since then. Royce's strategy of exploiting Hughes' weakness
for submissions comes across like a PR strategy for proving that
he's still the best fighter in UFC history, rather than a strategy
for actually winning the fight.
Nevertheless,
the loss to Hughes does nothing to tarnish the influence of Royce
Gracie on mixed martial arts. All the loss does is simply prove
something which mixed martial artists have known for quite a
few years now: the era of the dominate jiu jitsu grappler is
long dead, and the era of the complete mixed martial artist is
very much in its prime.
Source: Maxfighting
|
Quote
of the Day
"One
of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat
him at politeness."
Josh Billings, 1815-1885, American Humorist and Lecturer
|
Lockdown
in Lahaina Town
Lahaina
Civic Center, Lahaina, Hawaii
June 24, 2006
The fight card is still being put together, but Lockdown promoter,
Douglas Camanse (AKA BRADDA) will be fighting Loki out of California.
There will be a casting call for the Lockdown Ring Girls To be
held at Paradise Bluz on June 8 and the finals will be held on
June 22nd.
If you have any questions call Me (Darci, Braddas wife) or call
Bradda 808-870-2031.......
"Lockdown
in Lahaina Town" Returns: Camanse makes MMA Debut, Filipino
Amateur Awaits U.S. Bout, Savant in Negotiations
Promoter
of Maui's premeire mixed martial arts cage event, Douglas "Braddah"
Camanse hypes up the fans for his MMA debut. The head trainer
of Lahaina's Native Action Fight Team is set for heavyweight
action in a long awaited grudge match with Oahu's Mike Stone.
"I
wanna do this. This guy has been calling my phone and taunting
me.", said Camase. "I guess I beat him up a long time
ago and he wants his revenge since he's grown up. My brother
went to go check this guy out on Oahu, and I'm in for a real
fight. I think he's got close to fifty pounds on me."
Camanse
has also developed a relationship with J.D. Penn of Rumble World
Entertainment and has helped them branch out to the Valley Isle
while working out with the BJ Penn MMA Academy from time to time.
"I'm gonna be polishing up my ground (skills) and jiu jitsu
in Hilo. I've been boxing for a really long time, so that's second
nature. It's gonna be nuts!", ended Camanse, who has a military
amateur boxing record of over 50 fights.
Also
on the card is an MMA phenom who's been tearing up the amateur
scene in the Phillipines. Nelson Pundy will be making his U.S.
professional MMA debut at Lockdown in 155 pound action. Pundy
is undefeated in 8 amateur MMA bouts and comes with an unbelievable
quickness in all aspects of his game.
Another
name that's been in negotiations for the second edition of Lockdown
is the return of welterweight beast, Savant Young of the 228th
St.Gym in Long Beach, CA. He was last remembered by Maui fans
as the man who choked TUF3 Middleweight competitor Kendall Grove
unconscious in the first Lockdown in March of '05 despite a 20
pound and 10 inch weight and height disadvantage. Savant has
participated in such events as King of the Cage: Canada and World
Extreme Cage Fighting: California since his last appearance here
on Maui.
Casting
calls for Lockdown Ring Girls will be held at Paradise Bluz in
Lahaina on June 8th and the finals on June 22nd, two days before
the event.
For
more info call 808-870-2031.
Source:
KawikaVeeka
|
USA-BOXING
HAWAII ASSOC. INC
USA-Boxing Hawaii, Palolo B.C. and Kawano B.C. Smoker
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Palolo District Park 6 p.m.
WEIGH-INS: 12 NOON, JUNE 17TH AT PALOLO GYM
Tentative Bouts, updated 06/11/06
RED BLUE
1). James Jordan-Callos 10/60 - Tristen Kamaka 9/65
Wailuku (Maui)(0) Kai Kamaka (0)
2). Justly Laquihon 11/67 - Kai Kamaka III 11/72
Unattached (0) Kai Kamaka (0)
3). Rocky Balala 11/91 - Patrick Cullen 11/95
Central Maui (5+) Kalakaua (5+)
4). Jonard DeVera 14/100 - Dustin Ah-Chong 13/105
Kalakaua (5) A.P. Big Island (1)
5). Jenson Juan 14/97 - Devin Ah-Chong Jr. 13/100
Kalakaua (0) A.P. Big Island (0)
6) . Alex Camala-Palacios 14/145- Joshua Nakagawa 14/145
Oki B.C. (Kauai) (1) Southside (Maui) (1)
7). Eddie Carrillo 21/140 - Christopher Williams 17/140
Unattached (0) A.P. (0)
8). Akihiko Arima 10/127 - Lean Gumboc 18/130
Palolo B.C. (0) Central Maui (0)
9) Romnick Daniel 15/122 - German Lee 16/122
Wailuku (1) A.P. (1)
10). Ezra Cabang 14/107 - Gino Ramos 15/110
A.P. (?) Kawano (5+)
10 minute- Intermission
11). Hoku Dusenberry-Lee 16/145- Noah Abdil 16/145
Oki, B.C. Kauai (0) Southside Maui (0)
12). Aaron Echales 18/130 - William Miura 21/134
Central Maui (2) A.P. (2)
13). Joseph Bissen 160 - Paul Gutierrez 160
Central Maui(2) Kawano (4 )
14). Francis Maddela 178 - Kainoa Oca-Kauhane 170
Central Maui(0) Kawano (1)
15). Todd Park 155 - Josiah Cabang 152
Pearlside A.P. (5+)
16). Amadeo Ezzo-White Jr.127 - Tommy Buswell- Ordonez 134
Unattached (5+) A.P. (5+)
10 minute Intermission- followed by 2 Main Event Bouts.
17). Sasha Tatsuhara 103 - Gina Ramos 98
A.P. (2) Kawano (8)
18). Matt Takata 127 - David Tangjian Jr. 119
Palolo (4) Kawano (13)
Special
Main Event Bout - 5 Rounds
19).
Isaiah Vasquez 200 - Gabe Aio 200
Evolution (8) Kawano (9)
STATE
CHAMPIONS COMPETING.
"
Gino Ramos 2006 J.O. State Champion for 15/16 division at 106.
Will compete in Marquette, Michigan at the National Junior Olympics
the last week of June. Ezra Cabang 2006 State Champion at 106
in the 13/14 age division.
" Joe Bissen- 2004 State J.O. Champ
" Tommy Ordonez 2X State J.O. Champion formerly from Maui,
Amadeo Ezzo-White Jr. 2X J.O. Champion, 2X Open Champion.
" David Tangjian Jr. - 2005 J.O. State Champion, 2006 Open
Champion, Ringside World Champion.
" Gina Ramos - 2005 National Junior Olympic Champion, 2006
USA National Champion, only Hawaii female to win J.O.s or U.S.
Championships, ranked #1 for 2005 and 06 year. Ringside World
Champion. Record is 7-1
" Gabe Aio 2006 Hawaii State Heavyweight Champion, Opponent
Isaiah Vasquez is 8-1 formerly from Texas.
Other 2006 Junior Olympic Champions competing are Oahu's - Justly
Laquihon, Maui's - Rocky Balala, Big Islands- German Lee, and
Kauai's - Hoku Dusenberry.
Admission
will be $10, 12 and under - $5 at the door.
All participants must be registered with USA-Boxing Hawaii.
Need
more info email me at bkawano@aol.com or Joel Kim at mangoman923@earthlink.net
Source: Bruce Kawano
|
IS
VITOR BELFORT'S CAREER NEARING AN END?
by Mick Hammond
At one point and time Vitor Belfort was “THE” fighter
in MMA. Coming into the sport as an 18-year-old phenom out of
Brazil, Belfort quickly established himself as a force to be
reckoned with.
After
debuting successfully at Superbrawl 2, Vitor headed to the UFC
and went on to defeat fighters much older than him to take the
promotion’s first ever heavyweight tournament at UFC 12.
Belfort fallowed that up with a 53-second stomping of the company’s
poster boy Tank Abbott three months later.
Even
after a tough loss to Randy Couture at UFC 15, Belfort continued
to impress, winning next two fights, including his highlight
reel demolishing of Wanderlei Silva at UFC: Ultimate Brazil in
1998.
It
appeared then and there that Vitor would be among the elite fighters
in the world for a long time, but it’s been a rocky road
since, culminating in this past weekend’s uninspired and
sloppy loss to Alistair Overeem at Strikeforce 2.
Since
his initial run of greatness in the SEG era UFC, Belfort has
been plagued by inconsistency, personal troubles, and what appears
to be the general downgrading of his once trademark relentless
aggression.
Vitor
began to show signs of this degradation when he left the UFC
for PRIDE in 1999. Losing his first fight for the company to
Kazushi Sakuraba at PRIDE 5, Beflort wouldn’t look much
like the fighter he had been in the UFC.
While
winning the remaining four fights with Japanese promotion, Vitor
wouldn’t display the hand speed and KO power that he had
in his earlier days. Instead he opted for a controlled ground-based
attack, leading to only one finish (a rear naked choke win over
Bobby Southworth at PRIDE 13) in his four wins.
Perhaps
missing the American style MMA game, Belfort would return to
the UFC and face off against Chuck Liddell at UFC 37.5, losing
via unanimous decision and again not looking like the Vitor of
the past.
After
taking a year away from the sport it appeared as if Belfort would
return to form as he quickly walked over Marvin Eastman at UFC
43 in similar fashion as he had in his SEG era fights.
An
unintentional cut to the eye of Randy Couture at UFC 46 would
give Vitor his only MMA Championship, but the glory was short
lived as just seven months later Belfort would be ground ‘n
pounded out by Couture to lose his title in his only defense.
Since
losing to Couture for the second time, Vitor has gone on to lose
three of his next four fights, two to Overeem and in the process
has failed to look like the fighter he once was. Now nearly 10
years in the sport and still in his 20’s it looks as if
Vitor has aged 50 years, no longer possessing that which he once
had.
So
what could be next for the once great phenom of the UFC?
Belfort
is still a marketable name, but he needs to either choose his
fighting career or life outside the sport if he is truly to return
to being one of the sport’s most feared and respected fighters.
Should
Vitor’s high-profile personal life in his native Brazil,
multiple team changes and shifting focuses continue, it may be
that his contender days are long behind him. If he continues
down his current path however, we may see a replay of another
once highly touted fighter’s career path, Pedro Rizzo.
Right
now is a crossroad in the career of Vitor Belfort. It’s
possible for him to reinvigorate his career like other fighters
in recent memory have or he could fade away. It’s all up
to Vitor where he goes, for better or worse, it’s in his
mind which Belfort we’ll remember, The Phenom or simply
The Once Was...
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Rodrigo
Gracie to return to action
By Sean McClure
Rodrigo Gracie will be returning to the ring August 5, 2006 at
the K-1/HERO'S 85KG Tournament.
The
first round is scheduled to take place in Tokyo on August 5,
2006. No information is yet available on Rodrigo's opponent.
If victorious, Rodrigo will advance to the semifinals to be held
in August of 2006.
Rodrigo
had to cancel his busy seminar schedule and get back into fight
training. Recently Rodrigo visited and trained at the World Famous
Fairtex Academy in San Francisco with his cousin Royce Gracie,
who was getting ready for a return to the UFC against current
welterweight champion Matt Hughes.
*courtesy
of http://www.roycegracie.tv
Source: Maxfighting
|
For
Immediate Release:
Contact: Greg Kalikas
Gladiators Fighting Series
ProKarateweekly.com
Greg@prokarateweekly.com
330-324-3034
Four
New Gladiators MMA Champions crowned at "Fight Nite in the
Flats 2"
Tuesday,
June 13, 2006 (Cleveland, OH USA) By Scott A. Joffe: Gladiators
Fighting Mixed Martial Arts made it’s return to Cleveland
this past weekend with one of it’s biggest and most competitive
cards to date. "Fight Nite in the Flats 2," presented
by BetonFighting.com and PKW Live, once again took center stage
on a beautiful night riverside in Cleveland’s magnificent
Plain Dealer Pavilion considered by many as one of the region's
premier outdoor venues.
The
night featured four Gladiators title fights along with a stacked
feature and preliminary card which made for an unbelievably competitive
fight card. In the evening's main event Cleveland’s own
Dan “The Bull” Bobish once again lived up to his nickname
by dispatching 300 lb. plus Eric Knox in just over a minute.
The
Bull charged in from the opening horn and immediately looked
for the takedown which he was easily able to obtain. Once in
familiar territory, Bobish unleashed a ground and pound attack
that prompted referee Mark Matheny to stop the bout and declare
Bobish the new Gladiators Fighting Super Heavyweight MMA Champion.
Bobish will now turn his attentions to his next opponent Eric
“Butterbean “Esch who comes to town Saturday, September
9th.
Josh
“Heavy” Hendricks stretched his unbeaten streak to
seven straight fights as a pro with a first round submission
victory over Team Gurgels Patrick Barrentine. After an early
exchange Barrentine executed a nearly flawless suplex to take
the action to the mat, but quickly found himself in a bad position
with Hendricks on top and forcing the action. Hendricks was able
to secure an armbar and end the fight nearly two minutes into
the first round, earning the title of Gladiators Fighting Heavyweight
MMA Champion.
In
what was expected to be a very closely contested match-up, Hammer
House fighter Rob “The Bullrider” Wince faced Peak
Submission’s AllanWeickert for the Gladiators Fighting Light
Heavyweight MMA crown. Wince controlled the fight from the outset
with a series of early takedowns which seemed to set the tone
for the rest of the fight.
Wince
stuck to his game plan and seemed prepared to go the full three
rounds if needed, while Weickert looked nothing like his usual
self and was never able to dictate the tempo as he has in recent
match-ups. In the end it was an impressive win for Wince, who
now improves to 15-6 overall with the unanimous decision.
In
another highly anticipated match-up, Cleveland police officer
Jeff Cox entered the caged colosseum for the last time and once
again showed why he is one the most respected fighters in the
sport.A great early exchange got the crowd going, but Myers was
quickly forced to the ground by a Cox takedown. From there it
was all Cox who sunk in the finishing front choke nearly midway
through the opening round.
After
the fight, an emotional Cox gave Cleveland fight fans a moment
to remember with one of the best post fight speeches in Gladiator's
history - while sending a warning to all criminals that he has
not retired from his job. Cox finished by dedicating the title
and belt to trainer and friend Marcus Marinelli, who is also
the founder of the Strong Style Fight Team which went 5-1 on
the night.
Prior
to the evening's four title fights, ring announcer and former
Kickboxing world champion Duke Roufus addressed the appreciative
crowd and introduced VIP guests in attendance, which included
UFC stars Stephan Bonnar, Brandon Lee Hinkle, Wes “The Project”
Sims along with top ranked ladies fighter Lana Stefanac and Miss
2003 Bikini America Gina Lara.
Team
Griffon-Rawls Jason “Dynamite” Dent once again impressed
his hometown fans with a memorable performance in a featured
Lightweight showdown against Team Next Level’s Luke Spencer.
In
a fight that Ohio fans thought was long overdue, the two battled
into the third round in what was a very tight and fast paced
match-up. Dent and Spencer held nothing back while going toe-to-toe
for most of the fight, but Dent was able to capitalize on a late
Spencer mistake and sink in the winning triangle choke in round
three. Dent, who improved to 18-6 with the win, will now be fighting
in October for the Gladiators Fighting Lightweight MMA title.
Donnie
Walker, Dent's teammate and student, looked to make a name for
himself by taking out the previously unbeaten Jason “Steeltown”
Taylor in a Gladiators Lightweight clash. Both fighters showed
a well rounded attack in a back and forth fight, but Walker eventually
would capitalize on a Taylor mistake late in round two to earn
the submission victory. Walker improved to 6-2 and has established
himself as a contender in the Gladiators Lightweight MMA division.
Kickboxing
champion Ryan “The Lion” Madigan made his Gladiators
MMA debut a successful one as he took care of a feisty Clint
Zeedyk in a Welterweight clash. Madigan showed early patience
after Zeedyk took the kickboxer down in the opening stages of
the fight.
After
avoiding what appeared to be a tight heel hook, Madigan turned
the tables on Zeedyk and at one point even mounted the Gladiators
veteran. The second round started with a brief exchange and another
Zeedyk takedown, but once again Madigan was able to sweep and
gain control after slipping through Zeedyks guard prompting his
corner to throw in the towel. An impressive debut against a tough
Clint Zeedyk likely assured Madigan a return to the Gladiators
Cage this October.
In
one of the night's most entertaining match-ups, Torrance “The
Tyrant” Taylor improved to 3-2 with a split decision win
over Toby “Tiger Heart” Grear.
Each
fighter came out aggressive in the first round with Grear getting
the fight's first takedown, however a rapidly improving Taylor,
fought off a vicious Grear assault and managed to get the fight
standing where he would look to get things going. An unintentional
knee to the head of Grear cost Taylor a point in the opening
round which would loom large as the fight progressed.
The
second and third rounds were both as close as round one, with
both fighters showing tremendous heart and a wide array of skills.
In a fight that featured nearly everything, the eighteen year
old "Tyrant" from Cleveland did enough in the judge's
eyes to squeak out the win, with many fans already talking rematch.
Team
Strong Style's Matt Masterson stayed unbeaten (4-0) with a KO
win over MMA veteran Todd Seyler of Boardman, Ohio. A left uppercut
from Masterson followed by an uncontested forearm to the face
of a downed Seyler led to one of the show's most devastating
KO’s. Seyler thankfully would be alright, but would need
assistance leaving the ring while Masterson now sets his sights
on his next victim.
Tommy
“Gun” Ridenbaugh got back on track with an impressive
TKO win over the highly touted Casey Leonard who was making his
pro debut. Prior to this match-up, Ridenabaugh's last 4 opponents
had combined records of 16-1 with Leonard coming in at 3-1.
Leonard
got Ridenbaugh's attention just seconds into the fight with a
right leg high kick that nearly connected, but from that point
on it was all Ridenbaugh as his right hand stunned Leonard sending
him crashing to the canvas. From there it was a series of strikes
that prompted referee Mark Matheny to stop the fight.
Vander
Fighting Systems Jason “Freebird” Freeman made his
long awaited pro debut after an accomplished amatuer MMA and
toughman career. His opponent, Thomas Russell, took a different
road to the pros after competing in just two amatuer contests,
but would show the experience of a five year veteran on this
night in Cleveland.
After
a Freeman takedown and brief scramble in the opening moments,
Russell secured an armbar forcing Freeman to tap with just over
a minute gone in the first round. A disappointed Freeman admitted
after the fight that he made a mistake in allowing the fight
to go to the ground and chalked it up as a learning experience.
Russell, on the other hand, is now back on track after losses
to UFC veteran Joe Doerksen and KOTC’s Brenan Seguin.
The
featured preliminary bout lived up to all of the hype with the
NAAFS’s top two Welterweights battling in an all out war.
“Smokin'” Joe Heiland and Josh McBride put on a show
that Cleveland fight fans would not soon forget and for nearly
three rounds showed fans what amateur MMA is all about.
Heiland
took round one while controlling the pace and taking the fight
to McBride after avoiding an early takedown attempt. The second
round may have gone to McBride who was able to gain position
on the ground and control most of the round. The third round
saw both fighters lay it on the line in what was a memorable
exchange that brought the capacity crowd to its feet. Heiland
would finally land the finishing blow, a left hook that would
end the night for McBride. Look for both of these fighters to
be back in the cage this Saturday, October 7th as part of "Caged
Vengeance 2" in Cleveland.
In
other preliminary action, Tyler “Superman” Combs won
his 3rd fight in his last four attempts over a very game John
Myers via arm triangle in the third round. Carl Dean Roff improved
to 2-1 with a unanimous decision victory over Marcus “Maximus”
Keith while Rob Stroup of Jamestown, New York took care of Cleveland’s
Domonic Ciricillo as both fighters made their MMA debuts. The
opener saw Dan Spohn improve to 2-0 with a first round submission
win over Cleveland’s’ Dave Osborne.
For
the official "Fight Nite in the Flats 2" photo gallery,
log on to Prokarateweekly.com. The next Gladiators Ohio show,
“Caged Vengeance 2” is schedule for Saturday, October
7th at the Cleveland Gray’s Armory. VIP Ticket reservations
are now being accepted by calling 330-324-3034.
Gladiators
Fighting would like to thank the fighters, fans, special guests,
the Ohio State Athletic Commission and our sponsors for all of
their support in making this one of our best events ever. "Fight
Nite in the Flats 2" was sponsored by Betonfighting.com,
McCarthy’s Ale House, PKW Live, The Beach Comber and TikiBar,
Tazmanian Freight Systems, The Fan Union, 2XL Sports, SportstalkCleveland.com,
Bloody Buddy Fight Gear, XS Energy Drink, MMAvideo.com, Gameness
and Warrior Wear.
Fight
Nite in the Flats 2 - Quick Results
Featured
Pro Bouts
Main
Event: Super Heavyweight Title Fight - Dan Bobish over Erik Knox
- TKO (ref stoppage) rd1
Heavyweight
Title Fight – Josh Hendricks over Patrick Barrentine - Armbar
rd1
Light
Heavyweight Title Fight – Rob Wince over Allan Weickert
- Unanimous Dec
Welterweight
Title Fight – Jeff Cox over Chris Myers - Front Choke rd1
155
lbs. – Jason Dent over Luke Spencer - Triangle Choke rd3
155
lbs. – Donnie Walker over Jason Taylor - Triangle Choke
rd2
170
lbs. – Ryan Madigan over Clint Zeedyk - TKO (towel thrown)
rd2
155
lbs. – Torrance Taylor over Toby Grear - Split Dec
195
lbs. – Matt Masterson over Todd Seyler - KO rd1
155
lbs. – Tommy Ridenbaugh over Casey Leonard - TKO rd1
205
lbs. - Thomas Russell over Jason Freeman - Armbar rd1
Preliminary
Bouts
170
lbs. - Joe Heiland over Josh McBride - KO rd3
155
lbs. - Tyler Combs over John Myers - Arm Traingle rd3
155
lbs. - Carl Dean Roff over Marcus Keith - Unanimous Dec
170
lbs. - Rob Stroup over Dominic Ciricillo - Rear Naked Choke rd2
205
lbs. - Dan Spohn over Dave Osborne - Rear Naked Choke rd1
Source: Greg Kalikas
|
Quote
of the Day
"Be
wise with speed. A fool at forty is a fool indeed."
Edward Yoüng, 1683-1765, English Poet
|
PUNISHMENT
IN PARADISE: EAST vs. WEST
Friday July 21, 2006
Dole Cannery Ballroom, Honolulu, Hawaii
TICKETS
ON SALE!!
Dole
Cannery holds 1,500 people we have 1,000 tickets left, Tickets
are moving at a great pace.
TICKET
OUTLETS!!
www.piphawaii.com
808
Fight Factory 671-4140
Jesus Is Lord 282-2232
Jus Rush 620-3004
Kodan Kan 351-4898
For
Ticket or Fight Information call
Brennan Kamaka @ 590-3824
TENATIVE
FIGHT CARD
Fights
subject to change
Shooto
Middleweight Pacific Rim Championship (3x 5 Minute Rounds)
Keita Nakamura (Shooto, Japan) Vs. Ronald Jhun (808F.F, Waipahu)
Lightweight
Shooto Bout (3x5 Minute Rounds)
Hayate Usui (Shooto, Japan) Vs. Ed Newalo ( 808 F.F, Kaneohe)
165lbs.P.I.P
Championship Kickboxing Bout (3x2 Minute Rounds)
Keoni Bryant (Jus Rush, Kailua) vs. John Visante Jr (Sit You
Down, Waianae)
137lbs.P.I.P
Kickboxing Championship Bout (3x2 Minute Rounds)
Ryan Lee (Bulls Pin, Waipahu) Vs. Domi Lopez (Team Bigdogs, Waianae)
15Olbs.
P.I.P Kickboxing Championship Bout (3x2 Minute Rounds)
Marcus Moreno (Bulls Pen, Kailihi) Vs. Zack Rapal (Fighters Union,
Waianae)
135lbs.
PIP Kickboxing Champiosnhip Bout (3x2 Minute Rounds)
Bronson Mohika (808 F.F, Kaneohe) Vs. Nui Wheeler (Team Soljah,
Waianae)
160lbs.
Kickboxing (3x2 Minute Rounds)
Dale Kamai (Team Soljah, Maile) Vs. Kevin Smith (Team Bigdogs,
Waianae)
183lbs.
Light Heavyweight Amatuer Shooto Bout (2x3 Minute Rounds)
Jesse Ware (Kaneohe Team, Kahalu’u) Vs. Joey Corn (Team
Tiger, Waianae)
160lbs
Kickboxing (3x2 Minute Rounds)
Dean Henze (Smith Taekwondo, Kaneohe) Vs. Duke Saragossa (808
F.F, Wahiawa)
205lbs
Cruiserweight Amatuer Shooto Bout (2x3 Minute Rounds)
JJ Richardson (Jus Rush, Kailua) Vs. Lee Jay Gatewood (Sit You
Down, Waianae)
154.3lbs.
Welterweight Amatuer Shooto Bout (2x3 Minute Rounds)
Dominic Kamealoha’ Ah Nee (Feelance, Maui) Vs. Hugh Jones
(Fighters Union, Waianae)
175lbs.
Kickboxing (3x 2 Minute Rounds)
Weston Victorio (Disciples of Puhi, Kuaui) Vs. Zane Kamaka (Sit
You Down, Waianae)
167lbs.
Middleweight Amatuer Shooto Bout (2x3 Minute Rounds)
Keoki Cyrpiano (Jus Rush, Kailua) Vs. Kawika Kalani (Team Devastation,
Waianae)
132.3lbs.
Featherweight Amatuer Shooto Bout (2x3 Minute Rounds)
Chaz Schmidt (TEAM MMAD, Kailua) Vs. Jay Bolos (Animal House,
Ewa Beach)
167lbs.
Middleweight Amatuer Shooto Bout (2x3 Minute Rounds)
Anthony Ornellas (Jus Rush, Kailua) Vs. Jason Bray (Sit You Down,
Waianae)
145lbs.
Kickboxing Bout (3x2 Minute Rounds)
Leonard Ja-reaux (Smith Taekwondo, Kaneohe) Vs. Erwin Celes (Sit
You Down, Waianae)
143.3lbs.
Lightweight Amatuer Shooto Bout (2x3 Minute Rounds)
Justin Anderson (Jus Rush, Kailua) Vs. Keoki Cruz (Team Devastation,
Waianae)
205lbs.
Cruiserweight Amatuer Shooto Bout (2x3 Minute Rounds)
Rob Chong (Koden Kan, Kailua) Vs. Noah Souza (Team Devastation,
Waianae)
145lbs.
Kickboxing Bout (3x 2 Minute Rounds)
Sam Kalani Vat Ming Cong (Smith Taekwondo, Kaneohe) Vs. Sammuel
Ferriera (Sit You Down, Waianae)
Kickboxing
3x1 Minute Rounds
Ashley Jhun (808 F.F, Salt Lake) Vs. TBA
70lbs.
Kickboxing Bout (3x1 Minute Rounds)
Kai Kamaka III (808 F.F, Salt Lake) Vs. Jacoby Visante (Sit You
Down, Waianae)
Source: Event Promoter
|
RWE
Qualifier Updated Card
Tunda Productions and EX Drinks Presents RWE Qualifier
Posted by RWE Staff R.W.E. in affiliation with Tunda Productions
& EX Drinks Announces the next ROTR Qualifier - "BEATDOWN"
BEATDOWN will be held on June 17, 2006 at Afook Chinen Civic
Auditorium on Hilo, Hawaii...
The
Rumble on the Rock Qualifiers offer local fighters the opportunity
to compete in the bigger shows by testing their skills in a professional-level
environment. Rumble World Entertainment utilizes qualifier events
to scout talent for its bigger shows in Honolulu and throughout
Hawaii.
Updated
Fight-Card for ROTR Qualifiers BEATDOWN Announced...
Posted by RWE Staff Rumble World Entertainment announces the
updated fight-card for it's upcoming ROTR Qualifier - "BEATDOWN"
to be held on June 17, 2006 at Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium
in Hilo, Hawaii...
The
following fighters will be participating in the Qualifier:
Ross "Da Boss" Ebanez vs Joe Cronin
Wesley "Cabbage" Correira vs Bart Gunn
"Iron" Mike Aina vs Rosco McClellan
Mark Rodriguez vs Pat Mcbraun
Albert "Always Bad" Manners vs Gene Gregory
"Sugar" Shane Nelson vs Ty Burham
Chris Enriques VS Isaac Carbalo
Michael Bickers vs Ashton Castro
Chad Fujita VS Maluhia
Kirk Wahrick VS Tyler Bean
The
Rumble on the Rock Qualifiers offer local fighters the opportunity
to compete in the bigger shows by testing their skills in a professional-level
environment. Rumble World Entertainment utilizes qualifier events
to scout talent for its bigger shows in Honolulu and throughout
Hawaii.
Times:
Doors Open - 6:00 PM
Show Starts - 7:00PM
Ticket Prices:
General $25
Cageside $45
Military & Students (ID Required) $20
Ticket Locations:
Health Haven Fitness
CD Wizard
Employment Experts
Big Island Surf
Source: Event Promoter
|
The
Quest for Champions 2006 Tournament
The Quest for Champions 2006 Tournament
Hosted by Kempo Unlimited
St. Louis High School Gym
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Source: Event Promoter
|
SkyPerfecTV
announcement on Monday
Yomiuri Hochi reports that the board of directors for SkyPerfect
Communications (Shibuya, Tokyo) will make an announcement on
Monday regarding DSE programming on SkyPerfecTV PPV.
Source: Fight Opinion
|
NATHAN
QUARRY UPDATE
by Mick Hammond
Since losing for only the second time in his professional career
last November at UFC 56 against Rich Franklin, Nathan Quarry
has been one of the most quiet fighters in MMA, leading many
to wonder what he's been up and where he's been.
Recently,
Quarry contacted MMAWeekly to give us an update on his recent
activities, and it appears that he could miss the remainder of
the year, if not more time, due to an impending back surgery.
For
most of his life, Nate has suffered from a hereditary degenerative
condition, and coupled with the physical demands of training
and fighting, this has caused a disc in his back to virtually
disintegrate.
This
has led to vertebrae in his back rubbing together, creating excruciating
and even debilitating pain.
Later
this month, Quarry will travel to Las Vegas to have surgery that
will fuse multiple vertebrae together, creating a singular, larger
vertebra. Nate will then spend the next three weeks in Vegas
until he is cleared to travel back to his native Oregon for further
recovery.
Should
all go well, it will be a few months before Quarry will be given
clearance from doctors to train, which could potentially lead
to a return to UFC action in 2007.
However,
there is a slim possibility that Nate will not be able to fight
ever again, which would be the case if doctors feel that the
risk of further damage, including paralysis, is too great.
Quarry
is very optimistic that he will be back in action and that his
career will continue. Quarry also wanted to thank all of his
fans, friends, and sponsors, Bet Eagle, Yok’d Clothing,
Xooma, Beyond Genetics, and Sprawl for their support.
Nate
further commented that he will be making a statement very soon
on his official website, NathanQuarry.com, and via his MySpace
page, myspace.com/rockquarry, addressing the situation and filling
in more details.
On
a personal note, Quarry has remained busy over the past few months
recovering from various accumulated injuries, pursuing multiple
real estate ventures, and raising his daughter, who just graduated
from kindergarten this past week.
Nate
also took part in taping an episode for an upcoming Spike TV
show that will take you behind the scenes of fighters' homes
and daily lives. Think MTV's Cribs meets The Ultimate Fighter.
There has not yet been any official word on when this series
will debut, or when Quarry's episode will air.
Most
recently, Nate could be seen at UFC 60, supporting former TUF
1 castmate Mike Swick and Team Quest teammate Chael Sonnen in
their respective bouts against Joe Riggs and Jeremy Horn.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"The
will to conquer is the first condition of victory."
Ferdinand Foch, 1851-1929, French Soldier
|
Bryson
Kamaka
2 Tough Losses
in 2 Consecutive Nights
King of the Cage: Mangler Results
By Matthew McPherson
Soboba Casino, San Jacinto, CA
6/9/06
Bobby
Hoffman did not show up for the main event.
1)
Pat Nannery defeats Mark Barelo TKO (did not answer bell) R1
5:00
2) Jaime Sanez defeats Gene Gilsdorf TKO R2 2:22
3) Clark Bevans defeats Randy Palmer DEC R2 5:00
4) Rubin Tagle defeats Ron Cushen TKO R1 4:05
5) Ernie Perea defeats Sampy Blankenship TKO R1 1:27
6) Keith Berry defeats Aiki Cavanaugh KO R1 0:06
7) Keith McDaniel defeats Chris Ruyle TKO (did not answer bell)
R1 5:00
8) Mike Mireles defeats Jason Allsman SUB (guillotine) R2 4:22
9) Brandon Beckering defeats Brian Savoia KO R1 1:22
10) Shad Smith DRAWS Richard Montano R2 5:00
11) Manny Rodriguez defeats Adrian Perez TKO R1 1:43
12) Brian Sesma defeats Moises Castillo SUB (strikes) R1 3:09
13) Elijah Young defeats Aaron Cruz SUB (rear naked choke) R1
4:03
14) Jerry Davis defeats Richard Newell TKO R1 3:41
15) William Sriyapai defeats Charles Benway KO R1 1:06
16) Chance Williams defeats Big Will TKO R1 1:48
17) Shawn Bias defeats Al Garza TKO R1 1:40
18) Aaron Witherspoon defeats Jeremiah Metcalf DEC R2 5:00
19) Thomas Kenny defeats Bryson Kamaka TKO (did not answer bell) R1 5:00
Source: MMA Fighting |
Fighters'
Club Television Episode 40
Tonight!
Fighters' Club Television Episode 40 is cut and submitted to
Olelo Programming. It will air in our timeslot of 9:30pm Tuesday
nights on June 6, 13, 20, and 27.
Episode
40 features:
-
Highlights from Rumble on the Rock's 175 lbs tournament:
- With special interviews done by our guest host, Jason "Mayhem"
Miller from the weigh-ins
- Interview with tournament winner Jake Shields
-
Featured bout from Brennan Kamaka's Punishment in Paradise between
Ryan Cayetano (Smith TKD) vs Ikaika Choi Fu (JIL)
-
Featured bout from Icon Sport: David "Kawika" Padilla
vs Adam Bass
-
Technique of the Week:
Jason Miller demonstrating his famous "D'arce" Choke.
and
don't miss the credits where you can catch FCTV's Mike and Chris
Onzuka (and the other guy, Mark Kurano), hamming it up after
the fights. Somebody actually "threw in the towel"
on us - you don't want to miss that!
Questions,
Comments, Suggestions:
fctv@onzuka.com
|
Dillon
Clay Interview:
"It's Always a Mystery in MMA"
By KawikaVeeka
Maui's Dillon "The Villain" Clay gets set for his Oahu
debut in the X1: "Battlegrounds 4" event scheduled
for Saturday June 10th at the Blaisdell Arena. The Hawaii Fight
Network had the opportunity to talk with the Colorado native
who now fights out of the Valley Isle. ____________________________
Hawaii
Fight Network: You've been involved in a few Maui fights. What
got you started in MMA competition?
Dillon
Clay: Actually, (laughs) there was a guy who dropped out one
time and my coach Romolo Barros said, (in Romolo's voice) "Dillon,
how much do you weigh?"and I told him around 175 or 170.
Then he's like, "You're fighting tomorrow." and so........I
fought. (laughs) I was kinda interested before. I was always
a fan of MMA. I was kinda pushed into it though.
HI-FN:
What event was that?
DC:
It was Warriors of the New Millenium in 2003.
(*Note: Dillon beat Cruz Malaikini of Koali Fighting Systems
(Hana) at 3:24 of Rnd1 by RNC.)
HI-FN:
What was your background before this?
DC:
I started wrestling when I was in the first grade in Colorado.
I never took it seriously with the wrestling programs. When I
got older, I was kind of in trouble with the law (laughs) and
did a little street fighting a few times. Then I did a modern
Arnis class. That was kind of the most technical thing I had
done up to that point. We did stick fighting, muay thai, and
jiu jitsu. I did nothing SUPER technical until I came here to
Hawaii and started training with Romolo Barros.
HI-FN:
When did you come to Hawaii?
DC:
I came here in 2002. No........2001. September 29th, 2001 to
be exact. I moved right after September 11th.
HI-FN:
How do you feel your progression as a fighter has come?
DC:
Wow! My jiu jitsu, ESPECIALLY, has gone through the roof. I'm
acutally a purple belt now. I don't mean to sound cocky or anything,
but I think the level of jiu jitsu in Hawaii is high level and
it helped me a lot. I went back to the mainland and rolled with
some guys from before I was totally working them. I think Hawaii
has been a center of martial arts for quite a while. It just
happens to be something that people take seriously over here
and they're at a high level.
HI-FN:
It also helps when the Brazilians like coming here to surf.
DC:
Yeah, that's true. (laughs)
HI-FN:
Tell us about your upcoming bout at the Blaisdell in the X1:
"Battlegrounds 4" this weekend?
DC:
I'm fighting Kimo Wolfel. He's 2-2. He's got two wins by knockout
and two losses by submission. He's a big boy. He usually fights
at a RIPPED 185 and is a little shorter than me. Probably not
as long of a reach as mine, but he is a POWERHOUSE. He fought
Sean Castro at 178 ripped and picked him up with a high crotch
pickup almost above his head and like BAM! I'm not sure what's
gonna happen though. I'm kind excited. The guy's gonna be rough
and I know he's got one punch knockout power. I think he's mainly
a boxer and not too technical on the ground, but a real good
wrestlers' base. It might be hard to keep him down. I expect
to fight from the guard because the guy is so strong. I'll try
to keep it on my feet, but you never know. It's always a mystery
in MMA. (laughs)
HI-FN:
What fight would you consider the most memorable?
DC:
They were all pretty memorable. I liked them all. (pause) Well,
the fight with Michael Leon-Guererro was fun. He gave me the
toughest match so far. He was a little bulldog. I give him props!
That was a battle that was fun. It wasn't super long battle,
but it was the most fun fight. It was at "War on the Valley
Isle 1." (May '05)
HI-FN:
You fought a kickboxing match against Avelino Lee from the House
of Tunda. Would you ever want to rematch him in MMA?
(*Note: Avelino Lee scored a brutal first round knockout on Dillon
at "War on the Valley Isle 2" in April '06.)
DC:
Oh yeah. I would love to. I don't know how good his ground is,
but I think my ground is good. I basically think he wouldn't
have a chance. That's my world. I stepped in to his world. MMA
is what I like to do. I can go to the ground, knee from the clinch,
and freakin elbow. I stepped into his world and would love for
him to step into mine.
HI-FN:
Interesting. At the end of your last MMA fight at "Ultimate
Warriors Combat" in December of 2005, you spoke highly about
your nutritionist and the importance of dieting. How important
is that for you?
(*Note: Dillon defeated Aaron Rose of the 808 Fight Factory at
1:09 of Rnd1 by armbar.)
DC:
Well, diet is important for everyone. Studies have shown that
modern olympians are breaking records because of proper nutrition.
Athletes keep progressing, because of the knowledge of nutrition.
Plus I have diabetes, so I have to keep it in check. If you have
really good nutrition, it makes you faster, your cardio gets
better, and it makes your mind quicker. It's one of the most
important things.
HI-FN:
Do you have problems making weight?
DC:
I never have a problem making weight. I always walk around at
the same weight I fight at. I don't mean to talk smack, but I
look up to guys like Bas Rutten, Sakuraba, and BJ Penn. These
guys gain weight to fight heavier guys. That seems more honorable.
Why do you have to fight at a lighter weight? Are you scared
of your natural weight class? I'm not saying I'm going to go
fight a 220 pound guy or anything, but that's just my opinion.
HI-FN:
Another interesting reaction. Before we go, would you like to
thank anyone?
DC:
I realy would. I'd like to thank Maui Spinal Care, Romolo Barros,
Brazilian Freestyle, Lorrin Ishimine, Tyson Coloma-Naho'oikaika,
Ermin Fergustrom, and also you Kawika for spreading MMA around
and supporting in so much. Mostly, I'd like to thank the fans
who pay their hard earned moeny to buy a ticket and are interested
to see this sport grow. Thank you all. Aloha!
Mahalo
from KawikaVeeka
|
CAN
"THE WOLF" KEEP HOWLING?
by Mick Hammond
It seems that not only will 2006 be known as "The Year of
the Upset," but it could also be labeled as "The Year
of the Comeback."
With
returns by MMA legends such as Bas Rutten and Pat Miletich, plus
the UFC's decision to bring back past warriors such as Keith
Hackney and Mikey Burnett for The Ultimate Fighter 4, there has
been a resurgence of veterans making their way back into the
fray.
Among
them is Eugene "The Wolf" Jackson. While not a familiar
name to many of the newer fans of the sport who just started
watching in the past year or so, Jackson helped bridge the gap
between the original SEG-era Ultimate Fighting Championship and
the modern Zuffa regime.
After
spending the start of his career in Superbrawl, IFC, and Bas
Rutten Invitational events, Jackson made his UFC debut at UFC
21 with a dramatic knockout victory over Royce Alger. From 1999
to 2002, Jackson was one of the most familiar faces in the UFC.
When
the Fertittas purchased the organization, he was among the core
of fighters that Zuffa retained from SEG. While primarily a striker,
Eugene was one of the fighters who helped take MMA from singular
disciplines to cross-training in various styles, mirroring the
evolution of the promotion itself from what it was, to what it
has become today.
After
a knockout loss to Mark Weir at UFC 38 in July 2002, Jackson
left the UFC and didn't fight again until July 2003, at which
point he lost to Tony Fryklund on a smaller show in Illinois.
Eugene
would spend the next two years out of fighting before rumors
began to circulate that he would be making a comeback in 2006.
Sure enough, at the Strikeforce event this past Match, The Wolf
once again prowled the MMA cage.
Going
up against the much younger Jorge Ortiz, Jackson looked as if
he had not missed a beat. Still in the tremendous shape that
he had always maintained throughout his career, Eugene showcased
just how complete of a fighter he was and still is, imposing
his will on the ground and standing.
When
all was said and done, it was Jackson who took a unanimous decision
victory in March. Now, three months later, he looks to remain
on the comeback trail at Strikeforce "Revenge" this
weekend in San Jose against veteran Muay Thai specialist Mike
Seal.
There’s
no reason this fight should go to the ground. Both Eugene and
Mike love to stand and trade strikes, and both are aggressive
fighters who are more than willing to take two shots to give
one. In what could be a real treat for the fans in attendance,
this fight could easily produce a KO result.
Should
the fight go to the ground, things could get very interesting.
Having fought the likes of Jeremy Horn and Ricardo Almeida, and
having trained with Frank Shamrock, Eugene is no stranger to
having to defend himself on the ground, and he may have a slight
edge over Seal on the ground.
Regardless
of the result of the fight, Jackson could once again prove with
a good performance that while the old guard's time may be coming
to an end, it's still viable and dangerous in the modern MMA
world.
And
that, seemingly, has always been the mark of Eugene "The
Wolf" Jackson. Like his namesake, the wolf, Jackson may
not have always been the biggest, strongest, or best, but he
was always there, always tenacious, and always capable of something
spectacular, no matter what the circumstances may have been.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Interview
with UFC Lightweight Contender
Kenny "KenFlo" Florian
By Sean McClure
MaxFighting long time friend Kenny Florian took some time away
from training for his showdown with Sam Stout on the Ultimate
Fighter 3 finale to talk with us. Here is what he had to say
about dropping down to the lightweight division, facing Sean
Sherk, fighting Sam Stout, and the vacant lightweight title.
MaxFighting: Kenny, first off how is the training going for Sam
Stout out there in Vegas?
KenFlo:
Everything is going very well. I am use to preparing for fights
in Boston but I think this training camp has been very good for
me.
MaxFighting:
Is there some extra excitement for you now that the lightweights
are in full swing again?
KenFlo:
Definitely. The lightweight fights in the UFC thus far have been
exciting and being a main event on June 24th as a lightweight
means that the UFC is really committed to the division. The UFC
has been looking to bring back the weights while and now with
the amount of shows they have, they are able to showcase one
of the best divisions in the sport.
MaxFighting:
Looking at the last two fights with Alex and Kit Cope, them being
at 170 pounds…. will there be an adjustment to your fight
game because of the weight class switch? Is that even something
that fighters think about it when they do that?
KenFlo:
I think the adjustments will be natural really. I am not making
any changes really to what I need to do for the weight class.
I am just watchingn what I eat and I will be quicker and pretty
strong for the division.
MaxFighting:
Sam Stout is a very proficient MMA fighter. What gives you the
edge, Kenny? Is it the ground game? Or the stand-up?
KenFlo:
I think I have an edge in all aspects but we will find out on
the 24th. For sure Sam is a tough fighter and one of the best
in the division right now. I am confident I can finish him before
the 3 rounds are over.
Source: Maxfighting
|
LIDDELL:
'TITO IS A PUSSY!'
Chuck Liddell was recently interviewed by an internet site and
had the following to say when asked about Tito Ortiz:
Interviewer:
Your victory over (Vitor) Belfort solidified your status as the
number one contender to Tito Ortiz's Light Heavyweight title,
but that fight never happened, why was that?
Liddell:
Because he's a pussy! You want the simple version or you want
me to elaborate?
Interviewer:
Please, elaborate!
Liddell:
That was the first time anyone mentioned me and him fighting,
his fat mouth jumping in the ring and he started on about fighting
me. Then I was supposed to fight him next but they asked if I'd
step aside so he could fight Ken (Shamrock), as Ken vs. Tito
was a big fight for them. I said fine, as long as I get the shot
after that. I fought Babalu and knocked him out. He beats Ken
and then he's all of a sudden saying "oh, I don't know if
we can fight, we're friends". So why the fuck were you running
your mouth at UFC 37.5 if we're such good friends? Now all of
a sudden, when it's coming up to where he has to fight me, he
starts running his mouth. Losing to Randy (Couture) was the biggest
crush to me - it wasn't that I lost to Randy as I have all the
respect in the world for him, it was that it took the pressure
off of Tito to fight me. I could beat him any day of the week
and he knew that. Then I finally got around to fighting him and
I proved that. When we fight again, if his crying ass will actually
fight me again, I will butcher him! I'm begging for him to let
me carry him for 3 or 4 rounds, just so I can punish him. If
he comes out fighting like he did against Forrest (Griffin),
it'll be an ugly mess!
Interviewer:
Has he said anything since you beat him?
Liddell:
Yeah, he's always running his mouth. That guy will always run
his mouth, you can't shut him up. He's a legend in his own mind.
Source: Fight Sport
|
Quote
of the Day
"Whatever
tears one may shed, in the end one always blows one's nose."
Heinrich Heine, 1797-1856, German Poet and Journalist
|
Fred
Bandalan and Dr. Remy Presas Jr. Seminar!
We will be hosting a FMA seminar featuring Gm Fred Bandalan-Bandanlan
Doce Pares and Dr. Remy Presas Jr.-Modern Arnis. The seminar
will be on Oahu, Oct 7-8 at the Pagoda Hotel with a picnic on
Oct 9th. Please check our website for more info www.olaa-naloeskrima.com.
Mahalo,
Ron England
Olaa-Nalo Eskrima
Source: Ron England
|
Three
bouts added to UFC 61: Bitter Rivals
The UFC announced three new bouts for UFC 61: Bitter Rivals.
-
Cheick Kongo vs. Gilbert Aldana
- Frank Mir vs. Dan Christison
- Josh Burkman vs. Josh Neer
Previously
announced:
- Tim Sylvia vs. Andrei Arlovski
- Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock
Source: MMA Fighting
|
PRIDE
OPEN WEIGHT GP MATCHES ANNOUNCED
by Ivan Trembow
Dream Stage Entertainment has officially announced the second
round match-ups for the 2006 Open Weight Grand Prix. In what
will likely be the main event, Mirko Cro Cop will face Hidehiko
Yoshida. Also, Wanderlei Silva, who replaced Fedor Emelianenko
in the tournament when Fedor had to pull out due to injury, will
face Kazuyuki Fujita. The other two bouts are Antonio Rodrigo
Nogueira vs. Fabricio Werdum, and Josh Barnett vs. Mark Hunt.
Based
on the original "odds to win the tournament" that were
made before the first round took place and before Wanderlei Silva
was added to the tournament, Cro Cop would be the favorite over
Yoshida, but only a slight favorite, while Nogueira would be
the favorite over Werdum, and Hunt would be the favorite over
Barnett. Having already defeated the man who was originally ranked
by oddsmakers as the #3 most likely fighter to win the entire
tournament (Aleksander Emelianenko), Barnett will now get a chance
to defeat Hunt, the man who was originally ranked as the #2 most
likely fighter to win the entire tournament.
In
addition to the four tournament match-ups, DSE also announced
the non-tournament fight of Kazuhiro Nakamura vs. Evangelista
"Cyborg" Santos, a Chute Boxe fighter from Brazil who
will be making his Pride debut. The Nakamura vs. Cyborg fight
will have a 205-pound weight limit.
The
second round of the Pride Open Weight Grand Prix is scheduled
to take place in Japan on July 1st, but as of now it will have
no television clearance in Japan other than the satellite-based
Sky PerfecTV, due to Fuji TV's cancellation of its contract with
DSE. The event will debut on North American pay-per-view outlets
on Sunday night, July 2nd.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Murilo
Bustamante is already in Rio
After being eliminated at Pride Welterweight GP to Amar Suloev,
on last day 4, one of the leaders of the Brazilian Top Team,
Murilo Bustamante arrived early this week in Rio de Janeiro.
Still upset with the result, Bustamante lamented the strategy
used for the adversary. "He ran all the time! I couldn't
knock him down. That was difficult. But I have that to admit
strategically, he was correct and seemed he studied my game",
believes Bustamante, who now will be dedicated to the trainings
with the friend from BTT Paulão Filho, whom follows unbeatable
in the competition and has now the responsibility of the Brazilian
hopes. "Paulão is the best one in the event for me,
but a lot of things can happen. He will have my help and we will
prepare them together for this heading", affirmed Bustamante.
Source: Tatame
|
PRIDE
UPDATE
DSE held a press conference on June 8th in Tokyo to announce
that even though FUJI TV and its affiliates have dropped both
DSE's MMA and pro wrestling promotions, PRIDE and Hustle respectively,
that both promotions will still go on.
Fujit
TV's official reason for dropping DSE is still a very vague mention
that DSE supposedly breached its contract, even though everyone
in the media agrees that it is all due to the current yakuza
scandal that DSE is embroiled in.
Insiders
all agree that DSE will still be able to pay top dollar to fighters,
just like they did before they had the Fuji TV contract.
DSE
president Nobuyuki Sakakibara also mentioned that they still
plan to stage a PRIDE show in the United States on October 21st.
The show will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las
Vegas, Nevada.
Sakakibara
added that the year end PRIDE show on December 31st will also
still take place as planned.
FUJI TV
DROPS PRIDE AMID YAKUZA SCANDAL
By Shimura Funaki on location in Tokyo, Japan:
The
Japanese media reports that Fuji TV has cancelled the PRIDE promotion
from their network. The contract with DSE/PRIDE has been cancelled,
effective immediately.
Fuji
TV's official quote is that the cancellation is due to a supposed
breach of contract by DSE/PRIDE, but other sources in the media
are saying that the real reason the contract was cancelled was
because of the yakuza scandal that DSE/PRIDE is currently embroiled
in.
More
news to come in a few days.
Source: Fight Sport
|
Quote
of the Day
"To
be able to be caught up into the world of thought--that is educated."
Edith Hamilton, 1867-1963, American Writer and Educator
|
X-1:
Extreme Fighting: Battlegrounds 4
Results
Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
June 10, 2006
By Michael Onzuka
X-1: Extreme Fighting: Battleground 4 Results
Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
June 10, 2006
By Michael Onzuka
Mike@onzuka.com
X-1
returned to a Blaisdell Arena and was hoping to give local favorite
Marcelo Tiger an opportunity for the world to consider him a
legitimate threat in the light heavyweight division. Up to this
point, Tiger has only a win over UFC vet Tim Lajcik way back
2001 which was his claim to fame other than going to war local
hero Egan Inoue only to fall victim to his notorious rule breaking
infractions. Promoter Mike Miller stated that Tiger wanted to
step up in talent and UFC veteran Trevor Prangley definitely
fit the bill. Unfortunately for Miller and the rest of the Hawaii
fans, once again Tigre brought controversy with him. It was first
reported that Tiger missed his plane and then during the event,
it was reported that Tiger did not pass his physical because
of a broken hand. The New York Bad Ass Phil Baroni who was in
town and would have cornered Prangley along with Crazy Bob Cook
and Josh "The Punk" Thompson stated in an interview
with the emcee that maybe Tiger has vaginitis. Prangley who was
interviewed right after stated that he was ready to go to war
and maybe it was a broken hand or broke back mountain. After
hearing these statements that the crowd seemed to enjoy, it was
very apparent to this reporter that if Tiger was in the building,
he would have came out fighting no matter what the doctors told
him.
John
Crisostomo of the 808 Fight Factory brushed off four years of
ring rust during training because none was evident during his
technical schooling of Chad Guzman. Bryson Kamaka who fought
last night in California was welcomed home by a huge right hand
from Ferreira that knocked Kamaka out. Ferrerira made a mistake
by finishing with a soccer kick to a downed Kamaka which costed
him the match due to a disqualification. Dylan Clay, a Jiu-Jitsu
fighter from Maui, displayed fluid technique in his submission
victory over a rugged Kimo Wolfel. As the substituted main event,
Mark Moreno did his impersonation of Chuck Liddell and landed
a overhand right that closed Geraghty's eye, started the birds
chirping, and the room spinning for a knocked out Geraghty. There
was a small turn out at the event, but the card had a good mix
of decisions, submissions, knockouts, and a bit of controversy,
but isn't that what makes the MMA world go around?
Amateur
MMA: 2 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 155lbs
Peter Placido (Bulls Pen) VS Gene "Bino" Gregory (Mix
Breed)
Placido by unanimous decision (20-18), (20-18), (20-18)
Amateur
MMA: 2 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 260lbs
Thomas Ferguson (Team Devastation) VS Nickolas Agricola (HMC)
Ferguson by rear naked choke at 2:09 in round 1
XMA
Match/Stand Up: 3 Rounds x 2 Minutes - 140lbs
David Balicao (HSD) VS Donald Gonzales (Young Guns de Luta)
Balicao by unanimous decision (29-28), (30-27),(29-28)
MMA:
2 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 155lbs
Marcus Moreno (Bulls Pen) VS Alika Rincon (Young Guns de Luta)
Rincon by unanimous decision (27-30), (27-30), (27-30)
MMA:
2 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 150lbs
Lorenzo Moreno (Bulls Pen) VS "Dirty Dave" Moreno (Freelance,
Kona)
No contest. Lorenzo Moreno had a cornea scratch during round
1.
MMA:
3 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 155lbs
Kaleo Kwon (Eastsidaz) VS Lorin Ishimine (Brazilian Freestyle
Jiu-Jitsu)
Ishimine by unanimous decision (28-29), (28-29), (28-29)
MMA:
3 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 170lbs
John Crisostomo (808 Fight Factory) VS Chad Guzman (Team Papakolea)
Crisostomo by armbar from triangle at 2:00 in round 1.
MMA:
3 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 170lbs
Dylan Clay (Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu) VS Kimo Wolfel (Eastsidaz)
Clay by rear naked choke at 2:03 in round 2.
MMA:
3 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 185lbs
Bryson Kamaka (808 Fight Factory) VS Josh Ferriera (Freelance,
Waianae)
Kamaka by disqualification from a kick in the head while he was
down at 25 second of round 1. Ferriera knocked out Kamaka with
one punch, but followed up with an illegal kick to the head of
a downed opponent.
MMA:
3 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 145lbs
Ed Newalu (808 Fight Factory) VS Kainoa Walther (Young Guns de
Luta)
Walther did not make weight so the fight was scratched.
MMA: 3 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 135lbs
Mark Oshiro (Bulls Pen) VS Tony Belvidere (Team Devils Den)
Oshiro by standing guillotine at 1:20 in round 1.
MMA:
3 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 145lbs
Vacant Super Lightweight Championship Bout
Eddie Yagin (Grappling Unlimited) VS Kana Hyatt (Young Guns de
Luta)
Yagin by referee stoppage due to punches from the cross side
at 1:36 of round 2.
MMA:
3 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 170lbs
X-1 Welterweight Championship Bout
Mark Moreno (Bulls Pen) VS Johnny Geraghty (Freestyle Academy)
Moreno by one punch knock out at 1:47 of round 2.
MMA:
3 Rounds x 3 Minutes - 205lbs
X-1 Light Heavyweight Championship Bout
Marcelo "Tiger" Dantas VS Trevor Prangley (American
Kickboxing Academy)
Tiger was not allowed to fight due to a reported broken hand
so the fight was scratched.
|
"The
Ferocious" Lorrin Ishimine
By Kawikaveeka
Here is the first of many contributions to Onzuka.com by the
newest Onzuka.com Contributing Editor, Maui Radio Personality,
Fighters' Club TV Maui Rep, and the man behind of the Hawaii
Fight Network Blog, Kawikaveeka.
"The Ferocious" Lorrin Ishimine knows he can make a
big impact on the Hawaii MMA scene with a win over Oahu's Kaleo
Kwon tomorrow night at X1: "Battlegrounds 4." Ishimine
worked through his share of battles in the ring and is hoping
to gain the credibility of a premeire lightweight in Hawaii.
The Mauian looks to do his Brazilian Freestyle Team proud and
was able to share some thoughts with the Hawaii Fight Network.
Hawaii
Fight Nightwork: How long have you been involved in MMA?
Lorrin
Ishimine: I've been doing MMA since 2003. I was into wrestling
in high school. I did wrestling for a couple years at Baldwin
High School. You know, wrestling gave me an open view of competition
and it taught me about ground skills. Just like wrestling, I
admire the competition of MMA. I'd also watch it on tv and that's
what really inspired me to do it.
HI-FN:
Was there any fighter that influenced you in particular?
LI:
One of the main inspirations back in the day was Vitor Belfort.
He's one of my heroes. I really liked his aggressive style when
he first came out.
HI-FN:
Also, congratulations on your jiu jitsu tournament win at 155
here on Maui. How long have you been training with the gi?
*Note: Lorrin competed in the white belt division.
LI:
I've been training gi for a year now and it was my first gi tournament.
There's so much ways to finish an opponent. It puts them in a
situation where they have to quit when the gi is used the right
way. It's real different (for me) since I had to be more defensive
than offensive. It helped a lot and it was really awesome.
HI-FN:
You'll be fightijng in the upcoming X1: "Battlegrounds 4"
event at the Blaisdell this Saturday. How did the opportunity
to fight in X1 come about?
LI:
My jiu jitsu instructor Romolo Barros got me in the door to X1.
It's a good foot into the MMA game with it being at the Blaisdell
Arena. There's gonna be a lot of people there so it will help
to get my name out. Especially for the Maui fighters since we
hardly get recognized. The guys in Oahu think that a Maui opponent
will be coming in and they're gonna run over us but........(laughs)........it's
just time to get my name out and represent.
HI-FN:
You're fighting kaleo Kwon at 155 pounds. What are you expecting
from Kaleo in the fight?
LI:
Kaleo's a good striker with good stand up. He's a clean boxer
and a kickboxer with crisp strikes. I'm expecting to work MY
game though. I'm pretty confident in my stand up and striking
skills whether it's up or down (standing or ground). Whatever
he leaves open, I'll take it and play my game.
HI-FN:
Maui fans have seen you in some memorable bouts on the Valley
Isle. You've shown a toughness that many recognize instantly
in your performances. With that said, what fight was your most
memorable and why?
LI:
My first fight was the most memorable. My debut was against Harris
Sarmiento who's a tough fighter. It was a good experience and
pushed me to another level because he was already at a high level
of competition. That fight showed me where I wanna be at or be
even better. Every time I practice I shoot to be the best.
HI-FN:
You showed unbelievable resilience and heart in that bout against
Harris. Since then, he's gone on to gain national recognition
with Strikeforce and rumors of the World Fighting Alliance as
well. As he moves on to bigger shows, do you ever think about
testing YOUR improvements with a future rematch against Sarmiento?
If so, how would you think it would go?
LI:
Oh, I'd DEFINITELY love to rematch Harris. Next time I'd play
my game. I'm a grappler. That's my first love and it would show
this time. I'd put him on his back, be on him, and finish him
next time.
HI-FN:
What do you do in preparations for a fight?
LI:
I train my body AND my mind. I didn't do a lot of weight training
for a lot of my fights before. Now I have though. I feel my game
has gone through the roof because of it. A lot of people probably
can't compare to my strength. I got a good camp (Brazilian Freestlye
Maui) and a lot of good people pushing me to the limit.
HI-FN:
Your brother, the well known wrestling phenom Bulla Tuczon is
said to be doing excellent in his collegiate wrestling career.
Has he expressed interest in competing in MMA? If so, what advice
would you have for him or any othe aspiring MMA fighter for that
matter?
LI:
My little brother Bulla lays it DOWN man. He's one of my training
partners for wrestling when he's back in the islands. For him
or anyone else who wants to be a fighter........it's possible,
especially if you came from a background in another martial art
or whatever, like wrestling. Just keep going and train ALL OF
IT. You can't just go in with a single mind frame like stand
up or wrestling and think you're gonna finish everybody, even
though that's possible. I think everybody on Maui should work
together though. It will help to push us forward and do this.
HI-FN:
What words would you choose to deliver to those individuals who
still call MMA "human cockfighting" or bash the sports
violence?
LI:
This is our job. This is what we like to do. It's like any other
sport. We train hard and put hours in. Blood, sweat........it's
not illegal. It's actually getting more popular and gets even
more positive with its popularity. It's actually motivated me
a lot. It's a foundation for my life now. I work hard day in
and day out and it shows a good structure for my life and what
I wanna become. I wanna be the best at everything I do. I push
myself to the limit and give 110% at everything I do from work
to training. It's just a good foundation for your life and work
ethics.
HI-FN:
Those are some great words there. Thanks for the interview. Would
you like to thank anyone before we go?
LI:
I'd like to thank God. I'd also like to thank my family for all
their support. Also to my friends, my training partners, my girlfriend,
my son, and all the fans from every island who support the sport
by checking out the shows. Keep pushing us local boys from the
small shows to the big shows. That's how it's gotta happen. Thank
you.
Mahalo
from KawikaVeeka
|
Paulo
Filho: The right way to the title
By André Araújo
Less
than 24h after defeating the French Gregory Bouchelaghem, at
Pride Welterweight GP 2006, that was held on Sunday 4, in Japan,
Paulão Filho was interviewed by TATAME crew and told us
his impressions about the event and the loses of Murilo Bustamante,
Ninja and Marcus Aurélio. The Brazilian Top Team's black
belt talked about the fight, beyond making some plans for the
title: "I can be a champion and win everyone easily. They
know that!" said Filho. Check out now the complete interview:
What
did you think about the fight against Gregory?
That
was a hard fight. I didn't know his game very well and I wasn't
so good. I didn't fight using my best conditions, because I got
a cold some days ago. He is good exchanging punches and he has
an aggressive ground game. He wasn't silly and I am sure that
we will hear his name a lot. He did a right game and didn't let
the arm and the neck easily for me.
Do
you think Bustamante's loss had influenced your fight? What did
you think of his fight?
Yes,
it happened. Especially because of the team. Seeing an athlete
from your team losing just before your own fight is not very
good. But about his fight, I didn't like how it had finished.
The man won in an opportunity he had. Bustamante dominated 90%
of the fight and what happened was a fatality. He was really
well during the whole fight, but that was a blow that decided
the bout.
During
the event, the favorites were all eliminated...
Well,
talk about favoritism is really hard for me. Who knows Denis
Kand knows that he is a strong guy, but the Phil Baroni's result
had surprised me. I think that for now, who is well trained will
be the best ones.
A
lot of people are saying that the way is open for you now to
take the title...
I
think the way is not open. There are Denis Kang, Kazuo Misaki,
Dan Henderson, Amar Suloev. It is true that the game of the athletes
that are still in the competition, are good games to me. And
that will be better for me that the favorites by the fans are
not in the competition anymore.
What
you will be doing differently in the next fight?
At
this time I wasn't in my best condition, but I believe that I
can be a champion and I can win anyone. I can win easily, but
all of them deserve it, of course. And they know it!
It
is true that you would like to face Matt Hughes to revenge Royce?
Yes.
Royce is a living legend of Vale-Tudo and anyone who fights today
admires him. As a representative of Jiu-Jitsu, I would be ready
to face Hughes. That would be a pleasure to me to revenge Royce.
If
Rickson fight with Matt Hughes, the result would be the different?
I
respect Royce a lot. But Rickson is unbelievable. You can see
at the "Gracie in Action" the way that he submits the
wrestlers. He has a great guard, what makes any game of anyone
harder. Fighting against a wrestler is good for Rickson game.
I think that he would be able to submit him!
What
about Sakuraba?
I
can't really see Sakuraba winning Rickson! He is not able to
KO. Submit neither! So I can't see another result. If this fight
really happens one day, I believe that Rickson would win.
Source: Tatame
|
Column:
Hostility toward karate in MMA
By Jeff Harder
The climate toward eastern martial arts—specifically karate—is
becoming increasingly hostile in the world of mixed martial arts.
After a memorable KO victory over Rick Davis at UFC 60, Melvin
Guillard took some time to proclaim the irrelevance of karate
in the world of mixed martial arts. His comments come on the
heels of Mike Nickels pep talk to Ed Herman on last Thursday’s
broadcast of The Ultimate Fighter 3, disparaging fellow competitor
Danny Abaddi’s job as a tae kwon do teacher.
How
come karate gets no love?
Twenty
years ago, though it may not have been terribly explicit, karate
promised to make little kids into badasses, similar to MMA today.
Look at Cobra Kai (not the Marc Laimon one). They did push-ups
on their knuckles for God’s sake!
More
importantly, it was flashy. Karate entered the public consciousness
around the same time Steven Seagal and Jean Claude Van Damme
started making some of the best/ worst movies ever. Find me a
critic of karate in MMA that doesn’t love Van Damme movies
and I’ll show you someone that doesn’t exist. Karate
was seemingly a tangible way for kids to emulate the heroes of
the R-rated movies they shouldn’t have been watching in
the first place. Who cares if a horse stance ignores common sense?
Who cares if tornado kicks leave you open for an elbow at the
back of your skull? It looks cool!
But
that’s probably the root of the animosity that still festers
through the MMA community today: karate is at best an inferior
fighting style, and the general consensus is that it has no reality
application. You’ll be hard pressed to find an MMA fighter
that didn’t do karate at some point, though, which makes
me think the animosity toward karate stems from a sense of betrayal.
It’s as though they had been duped out of learning the real
way to fight and instead wasted years on developing skills in
this martial art that wouldn’t count when a dude 40 pounds
heavier would slam you on the ground.
We
all took karate when we were younger. I took karate for a few
years until I reached red belt and lost interest. That interest
was rekindled about a year later when I started studying BJJ
and gradually got into MMA from there.
By
no means am I an advocate for karate in mixed martial arts, nor
am I even an active karate practitioner. The issue, though, is
karate is a scapegoat. Maybe fighters are so vocal in their disdain
because of karate’s prevalence. Watch the new Dunkin’
Donuts commercial where a mom rolling in a minivan drops her
kids off at a bunch of different after-school activities, the
last of which is a karate (a.k.a. “Karateeeeeeeeeeeee!”)
class. Towns with populations of 2,000 have McDojos. And if I
had an Abe Lincoln for every time I told someone I do BJJ and
they say, “Oh cool, I have a friend that takes Tae Kwon
Do,” I’d use my newfound wealth to start a drug cartel.
“Karate” is almost synonymous with “martial arts.”
Maybe
it’s the rigidity and unflinching adherence to rules that
have lost all meaning. But these martial artists who see with
tunnel vision are decimated time and again in modern MMA competitions.
That doesn’t just refer to karate masters either, but one-dimensional
wrestlers, boxers, kickboxers, and jiu-jitsu practitioners as
well. Though I don’t necessarily endorse or condemn karate
moves in MMA—nor do I have the authority to do so—it’s
time for people to stop dissing karate. How many times do you
see spinning kicks in MMA shows now?
The
bottom line is that MMA stands for mixed martial arts: reliance
on a single style should be condemned, but the style itself shouldn’t
be. Mr. Abaddi should have been condemned for being an incomplete
fighter before his reliance on karate.
So
maybe karate betrayed you because you weren’t able to smash
peoples’ faces at the flag pole after school as easily as
you were led to believe. Maybe you hate Steven Seagal (lord knows
I do). Whatever your prejudices, put them aside and appreciate
the occasional double-leg shot countered by a spinning back kick.
Or don’t, whatever.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
|