Upcoming
Events
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event on Onzuka.com?
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(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
2008
11/8/08
Aloha State Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ/Sub Grapping)
(Gym #1, UH Manoa)
6/5-8/08
World Jiu-Jitsu Championsihps
(BJJ)
(Long Beach, CA)
5/3/08
Hawaiian Open of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ/Sub Grapping)
(Gym #1, UH Manoa)
3/28-30/08
Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship
(BJJ)
(Carson, CA)
2/08
OTM Grappling Tournament?
2/17/08
Hawaiian Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ/Sub Grapping)
(Gym #1, UH Manoa)
1/26/08
NAGA Hawaii
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Location TBA)
Tentative
Kickboxing event
(Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
1/19/07
UFC 80: Rapid Fire
(BJ Penn vs. Joe Stevenson)
Newcastle, England
2007
UFC 79: Nemisis
Las Vegas, NV
12/15/07
Clinton A.J. Shelton 3rd Annual Memorial Boxing Event
(Boxing)
Palolo District Park)
12/8/07
Ultimate Fighter Season 7 Finale
Las Vegas, NV
12/7/07
Punishment In Paradise
"BEST OF THE BEST"
11/23/07
MMA Contenders
(Kickboxing, Various)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
Hawaii Fighting Championships 4
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
11/18/07
The Quest for Champions 2007 II
(Sport-Pankration, Submission-Grappling, Continuous Sparring)
(St. Louis High School Gym)
11/17/07
Man Up & Stand Up
(Kickboxing, Various)
(Kalaheo High School, Kailua)
UFC78: Validation
Newark, NJ
11/16-17/07
Hawaii Training Center Boxing match event
(Boxing)
(Hawaii Training Center, Waipahu)
11/11/07
Aloha
State Championship of BJJ
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Klum Gym UH Manoa)
10/27/07
Freedom Fighting
"Battle on the Base"
(MMA)
(Kahunas Ballroom, MCBH, Kaneohe)
10/26/07
Kickin It / Hawaii's Most Wanted
(Kickboxing, Various)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
X-1 Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
(MMA)
(O Lounge Night Club, Honolulu)
10/19/07
Hawaii Fight League
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery)
10/6/07
Gracie Proving Ground
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
9/28/07
Hawaii's Most Wanted
(Kickboxing, Various)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
9/15/07
Elite XC
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
September
Gracie Fighting Championships
(MMA)
9/8/07
UFC
75
(02 Arena in London, England)
(PPV)
Hawaii Fighting Championships 4
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
8/31/07
Fighters Journey
Pro-Am MMA Event
(MMA)
(tba)
X-1 Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
(MMA)
(O Lounge, Honolulu)
8/25/07
UFC
74: Respect
(Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada )
(PPV)
8/23-25/07
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championshihps
(BJJ)
(The Pyramid, Long Beach, CA)
8/12/07
Punishment
In Paradise 17
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Hawaiian Waters, Kapolei)
***Postponed***
8/10/07
Hawaii's Most Wanted
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
8/4/07
X-1
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
Island Warriors Fighting Championship
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
7/28/07
Maui
Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Maui War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku, Maui)
7/21/07
Garden Island Cage Match 6: Caged Fury
(Kickboxing, MMA)
(Hanapepe Stadium, Kauai)
Palolo Boxing Club & Kawano Boxing Club
presents amateur boxing
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
7/14/07
Patriot Fighting Championships
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Kaneohe Marine Corps Base)
***Postponed***
7/13/07
Hawaii Fighting Championships: Stand Your Ground 3
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
7/8/07
Dan Henderson Seminar
(MMA)
(O2
Martial Arts Academy, Aiea)
7/7/07
UFC
73: Stacked
(PPV)
7/1/07
Mike Swain Seminar
(Judo)
(O2
Martial Arts Academy, Aiea)
6/30/07
Icon Sport: Fearless
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
***Postponed
to 9/15***
6/29/07
MMA Contendors: Conflict - The Beginning
(MMA)
(Farrington H.S. Gym)
X-1 Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
(MMA)
(O Lounge Night Club, Honolulu)
6/23/06
Ultimate Fight Night
(BJ Penn vs Jens Pulver)
(Spike TV)
6/23/07
Hawaiian
Open of BJJ
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Klum Gym UH Manoa)
6/22/07
Got
Skills
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
6/16/07
UFC 72: Victory
(PPV)
6/12/07
UFC
Fight Night
(MMA)
(Spike Oceanic 559)
6/3/07
The Quest for Champions 2007
(Sport-Pankration, Submission-Grappling, Continuous Sparring
and Sport-Jujitsu)
(Saint Louis High School Gym)
5/27/07
Benefit Concert for the 2007 Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team
(Ewa Ranch, Ewa Beach)
5/26/07
UFC
71 Liddell vs Rampage
(MMA)
(PPV Oceanic 701)
Memorial Day Mayhem
(Kickboxing)
(Kalaheo High School Gym)
5/19/07
Kickin it
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
5/12/07
Punishment In Paradise: Untouchables
(Kickboxing)
(Hawaiian Waters, Kapolei)
USA-Boxing Hawaii Fundraising Event
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
5/5/07
ROTR Qualifer: Beat Down 3
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center, Hilo)
4/28/07
Pride
Fighting Championships:
(PPV)
(Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV)
Maui MMA Event
(MMA)
(Maui)
K-1 World GP
(Kickboxing)
(Honolulu)
4/27/07
XMA
(MMA, Kickboxing)
**Cancelled**
4/24/07
Professional Boxing
(Boxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
4/20/07
Kickin It 2007 Part 3
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
4/7/07
Got Skills
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu Club Tournament
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(King Intermediate, Kaneohe)
4/6/07
Hawaii Fighting Championships: Stand Your Ground 3
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
4/5/07
Ultimate
Fight Night
(Spike TV)
3/31/07
Icon Sport
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
3/25/07
Kickboxing Benefit Event for Mrs. Faagai
(Kickboxing)
(Waianae H.S. Gym)
3/24/07
Garden Island Cage Match
5
(MMA)
(Kauai)
The 2007
Hawaii State/Regional Junior Olympic Championships (Boxing)
(Palolo District Park)
UFC:
Tito Ortiz vs. Dana White boxing match
(Nevada)
*Cancelled*
3/17/07
X-1
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
Island Warriors
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial)
3/13/07
Ultimate
Fight Night
(Spike TV)
3/10/07
Hawaiian Championship of BJJ
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Klum Gym UH Manoa)
3/3/07
UFC 68
(PPV)
(Columbus, Ohio)
Kickin It
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom)
2/24/07
Pride Fighting Championships:
(PPV)
(Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV)
2/17/06
Got
Skills
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
2/16-17/07
USA-Boxing Hawaii State & Regional Championships
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park Gym)
2/16/07
Punishment
In Paradise 15
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Hawaiian Waters)
2/9/07
Icon Sports
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Blaisdell Arena)
2/3/07
UFC
67
(Lutter vs Silva)
(PPV)
2/2/06
Got
Skills & Kickin' It
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
1/23/07
Ultimate
Fight Night
(Spike TV)
1/20/07
IFL
(MMA)
1/14/07
NAGA Hawaii
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(St. Louis H.S. Gym)
1/13/07
USA Boxing Amateur Boxing
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
1/12/07
K-1 Dynamite
(MMA)
(PPV, 5:00 PM Ch: 701)
|
|
December 2007 News
Part 1
|
Casca Grossa Jiu-Jitsu
is now the O2 Martial Arts Academy with 6 days a week training!
We are also offering Escrima (stick fighting) on Monday nights
and Kickboxing Tuesday and Thursday!
Click
here for info!
Take classes from the Onzuka brothers in a family-like environment! |
 
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Teleivision
Tuesdays at 7:00PM
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Onzuka.com
Hawaii Underground Forum is Online!
Chris, Mark,
and I wanted to start an official Onzuka.com forum for a while
now. We were searching for the best forum to go with and hit
a gold mine! We have known Kirik, who heads the largest and most
popular forum on the net, The Underground for years.
He
offered us our own forum within the matrix know as MMA.tv. The
three of us will be the moderators with of course FCTV808 being
the lead since he is on there all day anyway!
We
encourage everyone from Hawaii and our many readers around world
to contribute to the Hawaii Underground.
If you
do not have a login, it's simple and fast to get one.
Click here to set up an account.
Don't worry about using Pidgin English in the posting. After
all it is the Hawaii Underground and what is a Hawaii Underground
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To
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Quote
of the Day
"If
you want to make good use of your time,
you've got to know what's most important and then give it all
you've got."
Lee Iacocca, American Industrialist and Automobile Executive
|
Icon
Sport / Patrick Freitas / 808 232-3481
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lawler
Pulls Out of Icon Sport Event Next Saturday!
Press Conference to be Held Today!
DEC 9, 2007 HONOLULU, HI - An injury to Icon Middleweight Champ
Robbie Lawler wil force him to pull out of his Dec 15th World
Title fight against Waianae knockout artist Kala Kolohe Hose.
This is the second delay, as Lawler pulled out of their June
title fight with a dislocated shoulder. Robbie Lawler, Kala
Kolohe Hose, Icon Sport President T.Jay Thompson, and Icon Promoter
Patrick Freitas will meet with the media 2pm Monday, December
10th at the Blaisdell to discuss the status of the event, as
well as any possible replacements for Lawler.
WHO: Robbie Lawler, Kala Kolohe Hose, Icon Sport
WHAT: Urgent press conference regarding Robbie Lawller injury
WHEN: 2pm Monday, December 10th
WHERE: Blaisdell (exact site TBA. Contact Patrick Freitas 808
232-3481)
|
Ze`
Mario "The Zen Machine" Sperry Seminar
Sport
Accomplishments: Black Belt World Mundial Champion 1996, 1997
and 1998. Brazilian National Black Belt Heavyweight Champion
1994 and 1995. Voted Best Purple Belt in Brazil by the Brazilian
Confederation in 1990. Voted Best Brown Belt in Brazil by the
Brazilian Confederation 1992.
No
Holds Barred Accomplishments: Vale Tudo Super fight Champion
at the Titanic Duel in Brazil 1995. Reality Super Fight Champion
in Alabama 1996. Ultimate Caged Combat Overall Championship in
Sidney Australia 1997. Japan's Coliseum 2000 Heavy Weight Champion
(Def. Hiromitsu Kanehara). Pride Fighter from 2001 - 2006.
Submission
Grappling Accomplishments: Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Competition
Heavyweight and Absolute Class Champion 1998, Abu Dhabi Submission
Wrestling Competition Superfight Champion 1999. Abu Dhabi Submission
Wrestling Competition Super Fight Champion 2000.
Monday, December 17, 2007
455 Kilani Ave., Wahiawa
(Behind Vista Gas Station, across from Tamura's)
6:00 - 8:30 PM
$70.00
(1 Hour Gi, 1 Hour No-Gi, 15 Minutes Q&A and 15 Minutes Picture
Taking)
*Contact
Tammy 228-1711, Thomas 428-1886 or Tony 220-8835 to reserve your
slot*
Sponsored
by: Central Oahu Jiu-Jitsu & HMC Wahiawa
Special Thanks to: Jeff "JD" Doner & Marcelo Steenhagen
|
K-1
World GP 2007 Final Results
K-1 World GP 2007 Final
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa, Japan
1.
Mitsugu Noda def. Noel Cadet via TKO - R2 (1:13)
2. Jan Nortje def. Dong Wook Kim via TKO - R2 (0:11)
3. Takashi Tachikawa def. Ki Min Kim via KO - R1 (1:21)
4. GP Reserve: Paul Slowinski def. Mighty Mo via KO - R2 (0:50)
5. GP Quarterfinal: Jerome LeBanner def. Hong Man Choi via 3-0
decision
6. GP Quarterfinal: Semmy Schilt def. Glaube Feitosa via 3-0
decision
7. GP Quarterfinal: Remy Bonjasky def. Badr Hari via 2-0 decision
8. GP Quarterfinal: Peter Aerts def. Junichi Sawayashiki via
KO - R1 (1:29)
9. GP Semifinal: Semmy Schilt def. Jerome LeBanner via TKO -
R2 (1:02)
10. GP Semifinal: Peter Aerts def. Remy Bonjasky via 3-0 decision
11. Musashi def. David Dancrade via KO - R1 (2:59)
12. GP Final: Semmy Schilt def. Peter Aerts via KO - R1 (1:49)
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Rampage’s
coach wants revenge
Shogun and Wand in his sites
Juanito
Ibarra, one of the most famous boxing coaches in the world of
MMA, responsible for the striking prowess of fighters like Quinton
“Rampage” Jackson, Cheik Kongo and Michael Bisping,
wants revenge against Wanderlei Silva and Shogun. Rampage, his
most successful pupil, has been overcome by Chute Boxe several
times over the years, accumulating two losses to Wand (when he
was still part of the team) and one to Shogun, all by knockout.
His
only win over the Curitiban team was against Murilo Ninja, in
a controversial fight in which, although having won in the score
cards, Jackson admitted to losing. After leaving to the UFC,
the American is in the perfect setting to redeem himself for
these losses, since, according to Juanito, Quinton’s evolution
since his days in Japan till now has been immense and now he
is light heavyweight champion of the biggest organization in
the world. Should Wanderlei overcome Chuck Liddell, Juanito’s
plan to go up against the Brazilians could enter the scene quicker
than he thought.
“I
always said our plan was to have our revenge. We want to pay
back all those that beat us, I refer to Shogun and Silva. This
is our will, but I don’t know if those kids are ready, or
if they want to face Rampage, we will see,” fired off Juanito
to the site Fighthype.com.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Cung
Le talks Frank Shamrock, Anderson Silva
By Robert Rousseau
Most martial arts fans know of Cung Le’s Sanshou kickboxing
prowess. After all, the man is undefeated in that style of kickboxing.
That said, the undefeated record only tells part of the story
on his Sanshou prowess.
Just
check out one of those ESPN reruns for the rest of it. Le simply
brings an unheard of level of excitement to those kickboxing
matches with explosive throws, strikes, and especially that patented
scissor kick of his (where he whips his heel into his opponent's
stomach while at the same time using his other leg to sweep them).
So
the question when he started his MMA career on March 10, 2006
was, can he bring those unorthodox striking skills to the cage
with the same exciting results?
After
five mixed martial arts encounters, it seems that the answer
is a resounding yes. And now fresh off a victory over Sam Morgan
at the Strikeforce: Four Men Enter, One Man Survives event on
November 16, 2007, MMAFighting.com’s Robert Rousseau was
lucky enough to get a chance to talk with him. The topics?
How
about the possibility of really getting in a cage with Frank
Shamrock and hypothetically getting in one with UFC Middleweight
Champion, Anderson “The Spider” Silva?
MMAFighting.com:
First thing’s first. . . Congratulations on the win over
Sam Morgan. Did that fight go down how you expected it to?
Cung
Le: I think he came out swinging for the fences. I didn’t
expect those looping punches. . . He got a couple of shots in
and I just shook them off and pressed the action. I took what
he gave me.
MMAFighting.com:
What do you think that victory meant to your MMA career thus
far?
Cung
Le: Every time I win it’s always good for the career, you
know. I was just happy that I was able to pull off a spectacular
knockout at the end. I showed a lot in the fight. I know a lot
of people expect more from my ground game, (but) I haven’t
been in that situation a lot. (I was just) taking my time, having
fun, trying to listen to my corner, and not get over excited.
MMAFighting.com:
Definitely. Obviously after the fight there was a lot of talk—and
there’s been a lot of talk—about you and Frank Shamrock
going at it in the cage in the future. In fact, after the bout
Shamrock seemed to indicate that he wanted to do it. What do
you think the possibility of that fight happening is, and is
there anything to report on it?
Cung
Le: I believe that fight is going to happen. It could happen
in March at the next Strikeforce event in San Jose. Anything
could happen; I don’t know. (Still) I have a strong feeling
that’s what’s going to happen.
MMAFighting.com:
That would be great, especially in San Jose.
Cung
Le: I know it’s just the end of the year and people are
going to wind down a little bit. For me, I’m going to wind
it up and keep my training going— not burn out—but
keep my cardio going (and) get my strength up even more so I
can break out of those guards and get back up on my feet if I
need to. So watch out.
MMAFighting.com:
I’ve read that you have a past training history with Frank
Shamrock. Tell me about that.
Cung
Le: I trained with him a lot before. I trained with him the fight
before he fought Tito (Ortiz) and the fight while he fought Tito.
I did a lot of sparring with him standing up. We never went down
to the ground except when I threw him. He’s a tough guy.
I know that going up against him in what he does is going to
be a big step up in competition for me. (Still) I’m looking
forward to it and like my chances.
MMAFighting.com:
That’s awesome. You talked about ground fighting with Sam
Morgan a little, and that’s really the most ground fighting
you’ve had in MMA thus far. If you ended up on the ground
with Frank Shamrock—and I know that it’s a tall order
getting you there—how confident are you that you could get
up or survive?
Cung
Le: I don’t know if he’s going to get me to the ground;
I don’t predict the future. I couldn’t tell you what
would happen. But I’m telling you what I would try to do
(which) is pop right back up, protect my neck, and protect my
limbs because I know that he’s going to want to rip them
off. That’s basically what I would have to do.
MMAFighting.com:
I’ve got to ask you this question because I’ve seen
this written about all over the place at forums. Obviously, right
now Strikeforce, EliteXC, and other organizations are all trying
to get up to the level of the UFC. And speaking of the UFC, they
have a middleweight champion that you know probably pretty well
by the name of Anderson Silva, who is known for his striking
skills. How well do you know Anderson Silva in terms of fighting,
and what are your thoughts on a stand up fight with him? I know
that it’s all very hypothetical.
Cung
Le: I like the way Anderson fights. He’s a very exciting
fighter to watch. If there would ever be the possibility of a
fight with him, I think that my stand up matches very well against
him. He’s very long. He’s well balanced with his punches,
kicks, and knees but so am I. I come from different angles, and
I’m not one to be afraid to engage in a stand up battle
with him. A lot of other fighters, they go in there and don’t
like to engage with him, and they make mistakes. I’d go
in there and have fun. I’ve been in plenty of stand up fights
in my amateur and professional career as a San Shou fighter and
K-1 fighter. I have just as much experience standing up as Anderson
Silva does. It would be an awesome, awesome fight to be a part
of.
Right
now (though) I’m going to take one fight at a time. I have
a lot of respect for Anderson. Just because I respect him doesn’t
mean I fear him.
MMAFighting.com:
It sounds like you have a lot of confidence that the Frank Shamrock
fight is going off and fans are going to really like hearing
that. If not Frank Shamrock, though, is there anyone else that
you would like to tangle with?
Cung
Le: I think the highest profile fight that I can get. . . It’s
a good time. I feel very confident in my abilities with my stand
up and even with my ground game to put on a good fight. A lot
of fighters can probably do a better job—I’m not saying
any specific fighter—but a lot of fighters go in there and
don’t want to take certain risks and do certain things.
I’m a risky fighter and that makes for more exciting fights.
(This makes my fights) more like the kind that fans like to watch.
MMAFighting.com:
Yeah, and that’s actually one of the reasons I think they
like you so much. You are so exciting on your feet and do kind
of go for it in there. Beyond that, do you have anything you’d
like to say to the fans?
Cung
Le: I just want to say thank you for accepting me as an MMA fighter.
I’m just happy to be competing and to be performing to the
best of my ability right now. I hope to put on a lot more exciting
fights and great performances for all the fans out there.
Also,
after my fighting career I’ll probably do some entertainment.
My training camp for Sam Morgan was broken up a little bit because
I finished my filming with Terrence Howard and Channing Tatum
for this movie called "Fighting." It’s going to
be released on the big screen next year. They ended up calling
me back because they wanted to add a little more— a shot
in the beginning and the end— to expand my role a little
bit. So I just wanted you to say that if you also want to follow
what I’m doing in the entertainment business you can look
me up at IMDB.com under Cung Le.
MMAFighting.com:
What is "Fighting" about?
Cung
Le: Channing Tatum is a Division 1 college wrestler that ends
up selling some bootleg DVD’s trying to make it on the streets
of New York. He gets into a street fight with a couple of guys
from Terrence Howard’s crew and he ends up taking him under
his management to fight underground fights. It’s a pretty
good story with some good actors in there. I think it will do
well in the theatres.
MMAFighting.com:
Sounds good. Thanks for talking to me and I look forward to talking
to you again in the future.
Cung
Le: Sounds good. I’ll talk to you soon.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Gracie
Fusion: the new force in MMA
During the visit of TATAME at Gordo Jiu-Jitsu academy in this
morning, the leader of the team Roberto Gordo, told us at first
hand, that his team will make a fusion with the teams of Ryan
Gracie and Vinicius Draculino (Gracie Barra BH). "What I
can say by now is that the team will be Gracie again. Me, Ryan
and Draculino are joining the three teams and we created Gracie
Fusion", said Gordo. With the union, the team will have
fighters such as Márcio Pé-de-Pano, Delson Pé-de-Chumbo,
Fabricio Monteiro, Joaquim Mamute, Fabio Leopoldo, Rafael Sapo,
among other names.
Source: Tatame
|
Pancrase
to adopt Unified Rules of MMA weight classes
Pancrase has decided to revise its weight class structure to
follow the weight classes designated by the "Unified Rules
of Mixed Martial Arts."
Classes
Current Weight New Weight (Effective 1/30/2008)
Flyweight ----- 127.9 lbs.
Bantamweight 127.9 lbs. 135 lbs.
Featherweight 135 lbs. 145 lbs.
Lightweight 145 lbs. 155 lbs.
Welterweight 155 lbs. 170 lbs.
Middleweight 170 lbs. 185 lbs.
Light Heavyweight 185 lbs. 205 lbs.
Heavyweight 205 lbs. 265 lbs.
Open-weight No Limit No Limit
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Rudimar
and Sperry bet a car in Fury
The
leader of Chute Boxe, Rudimar Fedrigo believes in the victory
of Daniel Acácio in the 83kg GP of Fury FC, that will
point today the number one of the category in . “He´s
very concentrate, well prepared and motivated. We expect a final
against BTT”, said Rudimar. Rudimar even is betting a car
in his athlete “I bet a Toyota Land Cruiser in Daniel. The
ones who accept the offer should talk to me”, ended the
grand-master.
After
the news about Rudimar´s bet were posted in TATAME´s
site, the former leader of BTT, Zé Mario Sperry, that
is in Las Vegas , made contact with our team accepting Rudimar´s
challenge. “Although I haven´t followed Toquinho´s
in these last months, I know him very well and I believe that
he can be the champion. With all my respect to the other athletes
and with the intention to promote even more the event, I accept
Rudimar´s bet. He should only say which is the car´s
year and the price”, said Sperry. Just after Zé Mario´s
call, Bebeo Duarte contacted us and knowing about Sperry´s
declaration said “I cover Sperry´s bet if he gives
up”.
Source: Tatame
|
Quote
of the Day
"Humor
is by far the most significant activity of the human brain."
Edward de Bono, Maltese-born Psychologist and Authority on Creative
Thinking
|
Come
Celebrate the Re-Grand Opening of
Fighter's
Corner!
Today!
Sunday, December 9th, 2007
405 N. King St. Honolulu, HI
Bas Rutten will be signing autographs and taking pictures from
12-4pm, at Fighter's Corner to help celebrate the Re-Grand Opening
of the store.
The store has expanded and been totally renovated and is a MUST
SEE.
Fighter's Corner is located at 405 N. King St. Honolulu, HI,
near the corner of King and Liliha St.
Call 808-599-4448 for details.
Source: Fighter's Corner
|
The
Ultimate Fighter 6 Finale Results
Local boy, Troy
Mandaloniz
Wins Via KO!
TUF 6 Finale
Dec. 8, 2007
Pearl Concert Theater, Las Vegas, NV
1.
WW: Jonathan Goulet def. Paul Georgieff via sub (rear naked choke)
- R1 (4:42)
2. WW: Roman Mitichyan def. Dorian Price via sub (ankle lock)
- R1 (0:23)
3. WW: Matt Arroyo def. John Kolosci via sub (armbar) - R1 (4:42)
4. WW: Troy
Mandaloniz def.
Richie Hightower via KO - R1 (4:20)
5. WW: Ben Saunders def. Dan Barrera via unanimous decision
6. WW: George Sotiropoulos def. Billy Miles via sub (rear naked
choke) - R1 (1:36)
7. WW: Jon Koppenhaver def. Jared Rollins via TKO (strikes) -
R3 (2:01)
8. WW: Mac Danzig def. Tom Speer via sub (rear naked choke) -
R1 (2:01)
9. LW: Roger Huerta def. Clay Guida via sub (rear naked choke)
- R3 (0:51)
Source: MMA Fighting
|
YARENNOKA!
UPDATE
M-1 Reaffirms Emelianenko for Yarennoka!
Opponent Yet to be Determined
By FCF Staff
In a news release sent out today by M-1 Global, the MMA promotion
reaffirmed its commitment to have Fedor Emelianenko compete on
the upcoming Yarennoka! card, scheduled for New Year’s Eve,
at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Just last week, M-1 CEO
Monte Cox attended a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, which
announced that Yarennoka! organizers would also be joined by
M-1, The Fighter Entertainment Group (K-1) and DEEP, in promoting
the December 31st event.
"This
is something Fedor really wanted to do," the release quoted
Cox as saying. "He has a huge following in Japan and the
New Year's Eve events are legendary here. We're hoping this is
the start of a long and successful effort for M-1 Global in Japan."
Emelianenko
(26-1) has not competed since April 14th earlier this year, when
he submitted Matt Lindland with an armbar at Bodog Fight’s
“Clash of Nations” event. There had been reports that
the Russian heavyweight might face Hong Man Choi at Yarennoka!,
however, today’s release states that Fedor’s opponent
has “yet to be determined.”
Source: FCF
|
Big
John retires
Referee is symbol of the UFC
Those
that keep up with the UFC feel they know him like a friend. After
all, it’s been no less than 14 years that they’ve been
seeing Big John McCarthy in the American organization’s
octagon. Nevertheless, starting from this Saturday’s TUF,
things will be different. Considered one of the UFC’s greatest
icons, so much so that he was featured in NOCAUTE # 15, which
celebrated the 10 years of existence of the event created by
Rorion Gracie, Big John will referee his last fight and then
announce his retirement.
“I
found myself in between two guys wanting to fight and I had to
say something. The first thing that came to mind was the obvious:
‘are you ready? So let’s get it on!,’” recalled
Big John in an interview with NOCAUTE on how his famous line
came about.
Now
45 years old and a father of three adolescents (two boys and
a girl) Big John McCarthy was present at every UFC from the second
event on, except for UFC 78, last week, in Newark, New Jersey.
According to information published on BigJohnMcCarthy.com, the
Rorion Gracie black belt has presided over more than 500 fights.
Away
from the octagon, Big John works as a commentator for the MMA
site The Fight Network, besides dealing with the academy he owns
in the city of Valencia, California.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Tim
Sylvia to compete at UFC 81: Breaking Point
Former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia (26-3) confirmed on
his official website that his next fight will be on February
2, 2008 in Las Vegas at UFC 81: Breaking Point.
Although
Sylvia said he couldn't reveal his opponent, the signs point
to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira because the Brazilian has been left
without an opponent due to Randy Couture turning down a title
defense against him last Tuesday. If Couture really does relinquish
his title, the UFC plans to immediately set up a championship
bout between the number one and two contenders.
Another
option for Sylvia is Cheick Kongo, whom Sylvia challenged for
the number one contender status after defeating Brandon Vera
via unanimous decision at UFC 77 on Oct. 20.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
IS
CARWIN THE NEXT HEAVYWEIGHT MONSTER?
by Mick Hammond
It’s no secret that mixed martial arts’ heavyweight
division needs a shot in the arm.
Over
the past year there’s been a lack of consistency at the
highest level of the weight class, as well many of the young
prospects of the division haven’t panned-out as it appeared
they once might.
Even
the two brightest spots in the division seem less likely to resurrect
it anytime soon, as former Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko
has yet to see a fight in 2007, and Ultimate Fighting Championship
heavyweight champion Randy Couture is currently sidelined, unclear
of where he may be resuming his fighting career… if he does
so at all.
So
where could the much needed injection of life come to the ailing
heavyweight division?
Enter
Colorado wrecking machine Shane “Monster” Carwin.
Standing
6’4” and weighing 265 pounds of pure muscle, Carwin,
a former NCAA Division II National Wrestling Champion, is an
imposing figure who not only looks every bit the part of monstrous
fighter, but also delivers when the bell rings.
So
far in eight fights, he is undefeated and hasn’t gone out
of the first round, dominating opponents with a relentless aggression
that’s sorely missing in the current heavyweight division’s
landscape.
Carwin’s
skills were on display at the most recent Ring of Fire show in
Colorado on Dec. 1, where he quickly dispatched former UFC fighter
Sherman Pendergarst in just over a minute-and-a-half, claiming
the Ring of Fire heavyweight championship in the process.
“It
felt great,” exclaimed Carwin of his win last Saturday.
“I put a lot of training and effort (into the fight).
“To
win over a quality opponent in Sherman, and get the belt for
Ring of Fire in my first championship opportunity felt awesome.”
His
most recent victory is his third in a row this year after spending
nearly 15 months on the shelf due to injury.
Carwin
is quick to give credit to the team he surrounds himself with
as the reason he’s been able to come back stronger than
ever and defeat increasingly difficult opposition.
“I’ll
tell you what, down at T’s K.O. (Fight Club) and High Altitude
(Martial Arts), with all the guys down there, I’ve evolved
as a fighter with all those guys with the training I’m getting
and it’s definitely showing up in the cage,” he explained.
With
quality wins over the likes of Pendergarst and Strikeforce standout
Rex Richards this year, it might not be long before he gets his
opportunity to face off against some of the top competition on
the national stage.
“I
want to move into those upper shows and go against some of those
top guys, just to see where my game’s at,” said Carwin.
“I thrive on competition and I absolutely love the sport
and have a passion for it; I have a passion to be in the cage.”
As
for what he feels he could bring to next level, he feels he can
deliver what the fans want to see the most, excitement.
“I
think people want to see heavyweights that are big, but also
athletic,” commented Carwin. “I think I can bring some
consistency and athleticism (to the heavyweight division).
“I’m
definitely not looking to lay and pray. When I get on top, it’s
definitely a punishing attack with my ground and pound and the
same thing with throwing knees, elbows, strikes – I tend
to smother my guy at all times and not give them time to breath
and react.”
As
he explains, with the work he’s put in with the likes of
Nate Marquardt and Christian Allen on his jiu-jitsu, as well
as his boxing development under Trevor Wittman, coupled with
his already immense wrestling skills, the best fighters in the
weight class aren’t far out of his reach.
“I
feel I can compete in that top level with those top-tier guys,”
commented Carwin. “I’m excited for my chance to get
those shots when they come.”
And
those shots that he wants could come much sooner than later if
he continues on his current rampage through the heavyweight division
as he heads into 2008.
“I
just would like to thank Hard Nutrition,” concluded Carwin.
“They’ve been with me from the beginning, and they’re
not just a sponsor, but their supplements are phenomenal and
that’s what I take.
“Hopefully
there’s big things coming for me in 2008 and I’ll be
seen in the national spotlight. I definitely hope to keep the
fights exciting.”
Source: MMA Weekly
|
The
Death of Douglas Dedge
by Joe Hall
Sam
Vasquez's death on Nov. 30 marked the first casualty in regulated
mixed martial arts. In the wake of his passing, Sherdog.com revisits
here the story of Douglas Dedge, the first fighter known to have
died due to complications following an MMA bout, and the unregulated
Ukrainian event in which he fought.
The
sources quoted in this article were interviewed in the summer
of 2003, when Joe Hall researched Dedge's death for a story published
in the February 2004 issue of the now-defunct Fightsport magazine.
Dedge died in 1998, during a time when MMA was not winning a
struggle to shed its barbaric reputation. The sport was widely
banned then, and every other UFC event was shrouded in speculation
that it was the last. Yet MMA was still growing at the grassroots
level, where loyal followers sustaining the sport feared one
potential setback above all others: the death of a fighter.
The
correspondence between Will Hendricks and Andre Starovoit started
in February 1998.
Mixed
martial arts in the United States was not yet five years old.
Randy Couture had recently won his first UFC heavyweight championship.
Pride had held only one show.
In
Kiev, Ukraine, a jiu-jitsu club called Minamoto was recruiting
fighters for the March 16 World Super Challenge -- a limited-rules
event that would match the club's athletes against foreign competitors.
To field the opposition, labeled the "World Team,"
Minamoto circulated invitations on the Internet that guaranteed
potential competitors travel and stay expenses, as well as $2,000
for fighting and an additional $3,000 to win.
"Don't
miss," an invitation said. "Such an event happens only
ones [sic] in life. You have the chance to get into the symbolic
world team."
Hendricks,
a manager from Colorado, had a fighter who was interested. He
e-mailed an address listed on the invitation, and Starovoit,
Minamoto's chief instructor, replied the next day. Within a week,
two of Hendricks' fighters, Clarence Thatch and Larry Parker,
had been accepted.
"In
hindsight," Hendricks said later, "I don't think [Minamoto]
was concerned about obtaining an experienced or qualified fighter.
I really think they were looking for an opponent."
Hendricks
and Starovoit agreed to the pay mentioned in the invitation and
began negotiating other details. They spoke on the phone, exchanged
e-mails. By the end of February, Hendricks' messages showed increasing
concern for his fighters' safety and welfare.
The
manager refused to have Thatch and Parker buy their own plane
tickets on Starovoit's promise they would be reimbursed. Hendricks
was also worried they would not be paid for fighting, and he
stressed that the fighters had to be compensated in U.S. currency
immediately after their bouts.
On
March 4, just 12 days before the event, Hendricks was ready to
pull Thatch and Parker. He gave Starovoit 24 hours to get plane
tickets, hotel confirmations and a contract with updated terms.
Starovoit did enough to satisfy Hendricks' requests, though,
and finally sent a list of rules: no biting; no eye gouging;
no grabbing the nose, ears, throat, fingers or groin; and no
time limit. Fights could be stopped by the fighter or by his
trainer.
The
deal was done. Hendricks remained wary, however.
"Every
day we have ads on TV and radio, half of tickets has been sold
already and we expect full [arena]," Starovoit wrote in
an e-mail a week before the show. "Besides as you know we
will have professional filming and naturally you will receive
a copy of this film, too."
Starovoit
sent a final pre-fight message on March 13, the day before the
fighters were scheduled to arrive in Kiev. Hendricks would not
be traveling with Thatch and Parker, but Starovoit assured him
there would be no problem recognizing the fighters at the airport.
The
only problem in Kiev, said Starovoit, was that it was zero degrees
and snowing.
Douglas
Dedge also learned about the World Super Challenge on the Internet.
He was a 31-year-old karate practitioner from Chipley, Fla.,
who had a wife and five children.
He
had fought in one recorded amateur MMA match -- a bizarre loss
via armbar to Sean Brockmole on Sept. 6, 1997. Midway through
the fight, Dedge grabbed his opponent's hair and pinned his head
to the mat. Brockmole's cornerman, HooknShoot promoter Jeff Osborne,
jumped up on the ring apron and screamed.
"I
had no idea what he was yelling about," Brockmole said,
"but apparently [Dedge] took his wristband or headband off
and was wrapping it around my neck."
Dedge
also exhibited unusual behavior while training with a group of
martial artists in Tallahassee, Fla., where he had occasional
"spells" on the mat.
"He
would lose his vision and get extremely lightheaded," said
Steve Atwell, who trained several times with Dedge in Tallahassee.
"We would have to stop grappling with him, as he would be
staring off into space, and his face would be white as a sheet."
In
one particular incident, Atwell was in Dedge's guard and looked
down to see a vacancy in his eyes. Dedge's skin was suddenly
cold, clammy.
"I
can't see," Dedge said. "I've lost my vision."
They
stopped training. Dedge waited on the mat until his sight returned,
then he left.
These
spells were not the result of Dedge getting slammed. "I'm
not going to say he wasn't getting jostled around," Atwell
said, "but I know for a fact none of us ever slammed him
down."
Dedge's
training partners told him to see a doctor about the episodes,
especially if he was considering fighting.
"As
far as I know, he never went," Atwell said. "I don't
think he wanted to even admit that something was wrong."
The
group in Tallahassee did not consider Dedge a competent fighter.
He was tall and lanky -- not an athlete. His background was in
striking, but he could not punch and his grappling was just as
weak. His training partners warned him to avoid professional
bouts, but he frequently e-mailed promoters and embellished his
ability anyway.
"He
certainly admitted to hyping up his skills to promoters,"
Atwell said. "I am unsure as to exactly what he would say
about his skill set, but he would tell them that he had many
fights in small unheard-of events."
Most
promoters refused him. The Minamoto club did not.
Snow
stranded Thatch, Parker and their trainer, Sheldon Marr, in Amsterdam
until March 16 -- the day of the event. The trio finally arrived
in Kiev in the morning. A man believed to be Andre Starovoit
picked them up at the airport and took them to a luxury hotel.
They were fed, treated well.
At
the Sports Palace a few hours before the fights, they met Dedge.
He had purchased plane tickets for himself and a friend, Danny
Ray, on Starovoit's word he would be reimbursed. Dedge asked
Marr to corner him because Ray did not train, and Marr agreed.
Someone
with the event briefed the Americans on the rules. Someone checked
their attire. There were no pre-fight physicals or tests of any
kind.
"I
don't remember that they even checked a heartbeat," Marr
said.
Dedge
was the first American to fight. He was wearing a gi when he
walked onto the large, elevated mat where the competition took
place. On each arm he wore wristbands, and his hands were taped,
though his knuckles were bare. He looked taller but lighter than
his opponent, the Minamoto club's Yevgeni Zolotarev, who also
fought bare-knuckle and was listed as a 174-pound 2nd Dan in
jiu-jitsu.
The
Sports Palace was packed but freezing. Fans sat in their seats
with coats on, and Marr wore a leather jacket while he stood
at the edge of the mat for Dedge's fight.
Zolotarev
made the first move, a takedown attempt that Dedge momentarily
stopped with a sprawl. After a brief struggle, however, the Ukrainian
completed the takedown, and the fight moved to Dedge's guard.
Less
than two minutes into the match, Dedge used his wristband to
try to choke Zolotarev, but the referee prohibited the tactic.
From the top position, Zolotarev retaliated with occasional punches
and head butts, though most of the blows were deflected.
A
minute later the referee restarted the bout on the feet. Dedge
removed his gi top, then shot awkwardly for a takedown. Zolotarev
easily defended the attempt and moved into the mount. Several
punches descended for Dedge's head -- many missed, some scored.
Marr
described the strikes as "pretty average."
"I
do remember that a couple of blows were to the side of the head,
to the temple area," Marr said. "That obviously can
be dangerous, but it didn't seem to be extraordinarily hard."
After
absorbing a handful of strikes, Dedge tapped out less than five
minutes into the fight, and the referee intervened immediately.
Larry
Parker was watching Dedge's bout to decide if he was going to
compete later that night or slip out the backdoor. The 34 year
old from Colorado was an experienced grappler who would go on
to have a successful career that included an appearance in PRIDE.
From the moment Starovoit asked him to purchase his own plane
ticket, Parker had been apprehensive about fighting on foreign
soil -- especially with no time limits and few rules.
"If
I would have thought they were letting it get too far out of
hand and they were just going to let anything happen that they
wanted to," Parker said, "then I was going back to
the locker room, grab my bag and go."
Yet
Parker saw nothing in Dedge's bout that spooked him.
"He
really didn't take much punishment," Parker recalled. "He
was taking some punches, he tapped, they stopped, and I thought,
‘OK, cool. They're going to keep it a sports show here.'"
After
submitting, though, Dedge stood, lurched forward and then collapsed
backward to the mat.
"At
first," Marr said, "he just looked like he was exhausted
or something. When we went to see if he was OK, he was going
into convulsions and was just totally out of it. We knew he was
in serious trouble."
The
fallen fighter received immediate medical attention. He was promptly
placed on a stretcher and carried off the mat. On a video of
the event, it appears that medical personnel worked to establish
an artificial airway and monitor his heart rate, but it is difficult
to decipher exactly what treatments were provided. Dedge was
then taken directly to the Kiev Institute of Surgery, according
to a report in a Ukrainian newspaper.
The
other Americans stayed at the Sports Palace. Parker fought and
won. Thatch lost.
The
next morning, while Dedge was at the Institute, Parker and Marr
spoke with the friend who had accompanied Dedge on the trip,
Danny Ray. He told them that Dedge had blacked out recently in
training.
"Did
he hit his head?" Marr asked. "Did he come down hard
on his upper torso or his neck?"
"No,"
Ray answered. "He was just taken down and blacked out."
Dedge
was still at the Institute when Marr, Parker and Thatch left
Kiev. By the time they returned home to Colorado, he had died.
News
of Dedge's death spread quickly. For fans of mixed martial arts,
who had followed the maligned sport's struggles for legitimacy,
this was the moment they had feared most -- the moment that many
believed would mark the end of MMA.
Newspapers
in Alabama and Florida, near Dedge's home, published reports
of the incident, but larger papers like the Washington Post and
the Philadelphia Inquirer mentioned it only briefly. Many major
European publications ran an Associated Press report. In Spain
alone an estimated two million readers learned of Dedge's death
in the daily newspaper El País.
Editorials
followed from Montreal to Jerusalem. Headlines were unforgiving:
"Extremely Repugnant" and "No Holds Barred Fight
Kills Father" and "Brain Damage Killed Wrestler."
Most
reports said Dedge had died in an "ultimate fighting"
match, which no doubt led some readers to believe he had been
killed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The stories fueled
further criticism of MMA in the United States and abroad. UFC
co-creator Art Davie, who had recently turned to promoting kickboxing,
publicly denounced the sport he had helped spawn.
Yet
the circumstances of Dedge's death were mostly unclear. He had
died on March 18, 1998, of what Petro Spasichenko, chief emergency
room doctor at the Kiev Institute of Surgery, called "severe
brain injuries."
Speculation
abounded that Dedge was a journeyman who had suffered a brain
injury during years of fighting, that he had been knocked out
in training, that he had severed spinal tissue in the fight,
that he had not received proper medical treatment afterward.
Now
it is widely accepted that Dedge had a pre-existing medical condition,
though it has never been officially confirmed. Dr. Margaret Goodman,
former chairman of the Nevada State Athletic Commission Medical
Advisory Board, believes it is very likely Dedge had a pre-existing
condition that contributed to his death.
"No
fighter ever really dies from one punch," Goodman said.
"I'd say probably at least 50 percent of the deaths that
I know of that have occurred in the ring have been in fights
that were not tough fights, against an opponent that wasn't a
big puncher. So I really believe that there is something pre-existing.
… Otherwise, if it wasn't, we would see [deaths] all the
time."
Years
after Dedge's death, though, misinformation was still rampant.
In April 2001, The Observer -- a newspaper published on Sundays
in the United Kingdom -- reported an outrageous account of the
fight. This entirely fabricated retelling had Dedge lying face
down, half-conscious while his opponent trampled him and then
"bashed him at the base of the neck about 14 times."
The referee did not intervene, according to The Observer's source,
because he was intimidated by the audience, which was screaming,
"Kill the Yankee! Finish him off!"
None
of that happened, though those details have been repeated as
fact in multiple publications, including another U.K. newspaper
in March 2006.
But
back in March 1998, while MMA fans were wondering what exactly
had happened to Dedge and waiting for the demise of the sport,
Will Hendricks had resumed his correspondence with Andre Starovoit.
As feared, Parker and Thatch had not been paid.
Hendricks
told Starovoit his fighters were owed $6,250, including reimbursements
for visas and the hotel in Amsterdam. The manager continued requesting
his fighters' money into April, but by then he was also asking
for compensation on behalf of Dedge's wife. The Minamoto club
had not reimbursed her for the plane tickets Dedge bought nor
had they compensated her with the $2,000 he earned by fighting.
In
fact, the promoters disappeared when Mrs. Dedge flew to Kiev,
on her own money, to retrieve her husband's body.
Starovoit
resurfaced in mid-April, when he sent a fax apologizing for the
fighters not being paid. The little they had been compensated,
said Starovoit, had come from his own pocket. He added that the
Minamoto club had a plan to generate the remaining money owed
to the fighters and to Dedge's family, but Hendricks lost contact
with him.
Months
later, as the sport was realizing it would survive its first
casualty, Hendricks received an e-mail from another Minamoto
representative.
"They
were going to have a representative in the United States trying
to market the tape of the event," said Hendricks, who was
propositioned to buy the rights to the video, distribute it and
use the profits to settle his financial squabble with the club.
"They thought it would be worth a couple million dollars
because it had a death involved in it. It was pretty sad."
Hendricks
declined the offer, and he never heard from Starovoit or his
Minamoto associates again.
Source: Sherdog
|
Quote
of the Day
"What
we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly;
it is dearness only that gives everything its value."
Thomas Paine, 1737-1809, English-born Pamphleteer ("Common
Sense")
and Founding Father of the United States
|
The
Ultimate Fighter 6 Finale:
Roger Huerta vs. Clay Guida
Today!
The Ultimate Fighter 6 Finale
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Pearl Concert Theater in Las Vegas, NV
MAIN
CARD:
Roger
Huerta vs. Clay Guida
Mac Danzig vs. Tommy Speer
Jared Rollins vs. John Koppenhaver
George Sotiropoulous vs. Billy Miles
Dan Barrera vs. Ben Saunders
PRELIMINARY CARD:
Troy
Mandaloniz vs. Richie Hightower
Matt Arroyo vs. John Kolosci
Roman Mitichyan vs. Dorian Price
Paul Georgieff vs. Jonathan Goulet
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Super
Challenge explores rivality in the card
Today!
The West Promotion, company responsible for producing the Super
Challenge Grappling, just informed the confrontations between
16 fighters that will enter the tatami at the Club Athletico
Paulistano, next Saturday, December 8. The announcement was made
by the chairman of the company, Paulo Vasconcellos, who said
on Tuesday the confrontations were based on what he and the public
would like to see. "We will give some athletes the opportunity
of revenge and will offer the public fights that many people
would like to see", says Vasconcellos. The announcement
was followed by the presentation of the fighter Eduardo Teles
in the place of the American Jeff Monson. According to the organization,
even with the signed contract, Monson has not been found and
seems to have abandoned the event without explanation.
Check
out the confrontations:
Group
1:
Demian Maia x Bruno Bastos
Rafael Louvato Jr. x Luiz Big Mac
Tarsis Humpreys x Shiko Yamashita
Fabricio Werdum x Pé de Chumbo
Group
2:
Xande Ribeiro x David Avellan
Cristano Titi x Hyotaro Endo
Eduardo Teles x Gabriel Vella
Nino Schembri x André Galvão
Source: Tatame
|
Come
Celebrate the Re-Grand Opening of
Fighter's
Corner!
Tomorrow
Sunday, December 9th, 2007
405 N. King St. Honolulu, HI
Bas Rutten will be signing autographs and taking pictures from
12-4pm, at Fighter's Corner to help celebrate the Re-Grand Opening
of the store.
The store has expanded and been totally renovated and is a MUST
SEE.
Fighter's Corner is located at 405 N. King St. Honolulu, HI,
near the corner of King and Liliha St.
Call 808-599-4448 for details.
Source: Fighter's Corner
|
ULTIMATE
FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE
Final Match-Ups Set for TUF 6 Finale
By FCF Staff
The
Ultimate Fighting Championship has confirmed the final match-ups
for this Saturday’s, “Ultimate Fighter” finale,
which will take place at the Pearl in Las Vegas, Nevada. The
card will be headlined by a lightweight contender bout between
Roger Huerta and Clay Guida, and will feature 8 other fights,
mostly comprised of competitors from this season’s television
show.
Season 6 Coach Matt Hughes
In the last episode of TUF 6 broadcast on Spike TV last night,
Tommy Speer likely surprised many by knocking out George Sotiropoulus
in the first round. The Australian fighter, who defeated Jared
Rollins and Richie Hightower during the season, was regarded
by many of the TUF 6 coaches and competitors as one of the show's
more talented fighters. In the other semi-final, veteran fighter
Mac Danzig submitted John Kolosci for a second time, to advance
to the show’s finals. Kolosci, who had been previously eliminated
by Danzig, stepped up to replace Matt Arroyo who was unable to
compete in the semi-finals due to a rib injury. So in the end,
despite lagging behind to Team Serra for most of the season,
two members of Team Hughes in Danzig (17-4-1) and Speer (9-1)
will battle for first prize.
Sotiropoulus
(7-2) will now face Billy Miles (2-1). Miles was originally eliminated
by Kolosci, who submitted the Team Hughes fighter with a guillotine
choke earlier in the season in episode 3. Kolosci (8-4) draws
Arroyo (2-1) for the finale card, who defeated Dorian Price and
Troy Mandolinz, before bowing out of competition due to his injury.
The
previously announced bouts for this Saturday's card include;
Jared Rollins (9-3) vs. John Koppenhaver (5-1), Ben Saunders
(4-0-2) vs. Dan Barrera (1-0), Troy Mandaloniz (2-1) vs. Richie
Hightower (7-1), Roman Mitichyan (8-1) vs. Dorian Price (8-2),
and Paul Georgieff (7-1) vs. Jonathan Goulet (20-9-1).
Source: FCF
|
Last-Minute
Changes for K-1 World GP Final
by Tim Leidecker
K-1 promoter Fight Entertainment Group has made a couple of last-minute
changes to the World Grand Prix Final, scheduled for Saturday
at the Yokohama Arena in Japan.
Injuries
have forced Ray Sefo, Chalid Arrab and Souleimane Konate out
of their reserve and super fights respectively.
Sefo
was set to face Paul Slowinski in the tournament's first reserve
bout. However, the 36-year-old fan-favorite, who was a World
Grand Prix finalist in 2000, aggravated a wrist injury and will
be unable to participate.
The
second reserve fight between "Mighty Mo" Siala Siliga
and Chalid Arrab also lost one of its participants when "Die
Faust" was diagnosed with appendicitis. As a result, Slowinski
and Siliga will now face each other in a Polish-Samoan encounter.
Also
off the card is Frenchman Souleimane Konate, who was injured
in training. David Dancrade, a teammate of Konate and a two-time
muay Thai champion in France, will step in against two-time K-1
World GP finalist Musashi in the night's lone super fight.
While
FEG was lucky that the injury bug didn't bite one of the main
draw fighters, the reserve match participants are just as important
historically. Last year, three-time champion Peter Aerts (Pictures)
started as a reserve. After Remy Bonjasky was unable to continue
following his quarterfinal clash with Stefan Leko, the wily veteran
took his place and made it to the final.
A
similar case took place in 2005, when Brazilian Kyokushin fighter
Glaube Feitosa also made it to the final after not being among
the original eight competitors.
All
undercard changes aside, two-time defending champion Semmy Schilt
remains a heavy favorite with the bookmakers at a value of 2-1,
followed by his predecessor as champion, Bonjasky, at 5-1 and
the duo of Choi and Hari at 6-1. Glaube Feitosa and Junichi Sawayashiki
are the biggest outsiders at 26-1 each.
Source: Sherdog
|
Azeredo
vs Kawajiri on New Years
Melendez, Sakurai, Aoki and Cavalcante on same M-1 card
Not
having fought since December of 2006, when he defeated Paul Daley
at Cage Rage 19, Luis Azeredo was confirmed today on the card
of Yarennoka, the event to take place on December 31, in Japan.
The chuteboxer’s adversary will be the hard Japanese fighter
Tatsuya Kawajiri, known for being the first fighter to defeat
black belt Vitor Shaolin Ribeiro.
“I
finally have an opponent on which I’m totally focused. I
want to continue training hard, keeping in shape and let it all
out on New Year’s,” said the Japanese fighter during
a press-conference in Japan.
Besides
the Azeredo vs Kawajiri bout, Yarennoka, the event organized
by the directors of M-1 Global in partnership with former Pride
employees, have three other fights already confirmed, among them
the battle between Gesias Cavalcante and Shinya Aoki. Here they
are:
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs Luiz Azeredo
Mitsuhiro Ishida vs Gilbert Melendez
Hidehiko Hasegawa vs Hayato “Mach” Sakurai
Shin’ya Aoki vs Gesias Cavalcante
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Family
Fuels Huerta's Fire
by Greg Savage
You
might assume a grizzled veteran of 21 professional mixed martial
arts bouts could consider his accomplishments in the arena a
convincing statement on his toughness. In the case of lightweight
sensation Roger Huerta, you would be mistaken.
Oh,
it is not because he doesn't think he is tough. The St. Paul,
Minn., resident is plenty confident in his durability. Rather,
it is just the way he came to realize he could make it in the
rough and tumble sport that is MMA.
Most
fighters just starting out do not know if they can withstand
the grueling daily grind that comes with the fame and fortune
enjoyed by the sport's greats.
That
was not an issue for the 24-year-old Huerta.
After
an upbringing that saw him bounce between parents and family
members and from Los Angeles to Texas to El Salvador to Mexico
and back to Texas, Huerta experienced more troubling times than
a child ever should.
"We
are not going there," said the man known as "El Matador."
Not
knowing what you are going to eat or if you are going to eat.
The absence of a guiding influence on your life. The overwhelming
sense that you are missing out on something nearly everyone else
around you cherishes.
That
was Roger Huerta's childhood.
"The
unconditional love a parent has for their child is something
I never had and when I finally experienced it, that made me want
to spread that to everyone I could," Huerta declared.
Jo
Ramirez, Huerta's English teacher during his senior year of high
school, was the mother he never had. Fending for himself after
being abandoned by his biological parents, Huerta finally found
the family he always yearned for when Ramirez legally adopted
him in 2002.
Huerta
made the transition from the Texas heat to the Minnesota cold
after enrolling in Augsburg College, a Division III wrestling
juggernaut. It wasn't long before he discovered MMA.
After
making his debut, Huerta was convinced this was the sport for
him. Soon after, he left the wrestling team to pursue a career
as a fighter. Huerta did remain in school, where he stands just
three credits shy of a degree in business.
With
the help of former UFC middleweight champion Dave Menne among
others, Huerta has transformed from just a wrestler to one of
the most dynamic lightweights in the world.
That
conversion has come with the added bonus of another family for
Huerta. Along with Menne, strength and conditioning coach Justin
Hagen has taken up a prominent post among Roger's inner circle.
"It
is really hard for him to open up and let people into that inner
circle," Hagen said. "The way he grew up, he has to
really be careful about who he can trust, who he can count on."
It
became even clearer that Menne and Hagen were integral pieces
to Huerta's success when they moved into the gigantic house Huerta
purchased in October. The plan is to renovate the garage into
a state-of-the-art training facility and to provide a place for
Huerta's second adoptive family to live together.
"You
know, when I saw the kitchen in this place I knew I had found
a home," Huerta said. "It just says family, and that
is what I am all about."
The
feeling among the roommates is mutual.
"I
care much more about him and the guys than I would just a normal
friend," Hagen said. "It is like a brotherhood, especially
with all the guys living in the house together. We are all here
for each other, and I think that is what appeals so much to Roger."
While
it has been an up-and-down path to get to this point, Huerta
swears he would not have it any other way. Rather than let his
rocky childhood define him, he has remarkably dissected the positive
aspects of his youth from the negative.
"I
am kindhearted. I have the biggest heart, and nothing will ever
change that," Huerta said. "I am who I am because of
the way I grew up."
Another
trait garnered from his childhood is a mental toughness that
was forged in a fire not too many people have been unfortunate
enough to know. It is an invaluable characteristic in any competition,
not to mention life in general.
"Without
the mental toughness," Huerta said, "you can't become
physically tough."
And
without either of those, you can't become one of the most highly
regarded young fighters in MMA.
Despite
his stellar record, Huerta has come under fire for the lack of
big names on his ledger. It is a criticism that is not lost on
the man whose picture adorned the cover of Sports Illustrated
earlier this year.
"People
can say what they want about that, but when they give me a fighter
I know nothing about and on short notice, I don't think they
are trying to protect me," said Huerta of his bout with
Douglas Evans.
If
there were any remaining questions about the UFC's plans to protect
their valuable commodity, they can now be cast aside. A perfect
5-0 record in the UFC has landed Huerta, 19-1-1 (1 NC) overall,
a main event against fellow 155-pound cardio machine Clay Guida
on "The Ultimate Fighter" finale Saturday in Las Vegas.
Guida
(22-8-0) has a penchant for taking out fighters that are supposed
to beat him handily. He did it to Josh Thomson and Marcus Aurelio
and would like to add Huerta to the hit list.
With
that in mind, Huerta sees a marked advantage in the striking
game and views this as a fight he should win rather easily.
"Clay
is a lot like me," Huerta said. "He is a good wrestler,
he scrambles well, has a good chin and has great cardio. The
only problem is I do every one of those things better than him.
"I
don't want to say I have been holding back, but there is so much
more I know I can do. I have not reached my potential; I haven't
shown everything I am capable of."
Either
way, win or lose, Huerta will go back to the people he cares
so much for, and they will congratulate him on doing his best.
That
is how unconditional love works.
Source: Sherdog
|
Guida:
Trawling for a Title Shot
by Mike Sloan
Virtually
every fighter, from novice to world champion, wakes up at the
crack of dawn for a depleting morning run. Typically, pad work,
bag work, mitt work and jumping rope follow. Then there's weight
training, a proper diet that frustrates most, and grueling cardio
regimens. Don't forget to include all the hours of bone-jarring
sparring.
The
life of a fighter, especially one who dedicates his or her entire
existence to the sport, is a daunting one, a way of life that
only a select few are capable of living.
The
aches, the bruises, the cuts, the headaches, the heartaches encapsulate
what 99.9 percent of the fight fans can never grasp, the sort
of deliberate torture most regular people couldn't possibly comprehend.
All
that, no matter how debilitating it may seem, is almost a joke
to Clay Guida, who fights Roger Huerta in the main event of Saturday's
"The Ultimate Fighter 6" season finale on SpikeTV.
Speaking
with a tone of bewildered reminiscence, Guida recounted what
life was like during six weeks on a 210-foot trawler in the perilous
Bering Sea with a group of men whose sole purpose it was to catch
crab and fish far off the coast of Alaska.
"It
was by far the toughest thing I've ever done in my life, without
a doubt," Guida told Sherdog.com. "It was way tougher
than any UFC fight, any mixed martial arts organization, any
training, anything. It was during a different stage of my life
and I'm glad I did it. I probably won't ever do it again but
it definitely made more of a man out of me. It was a great experience
and I met a lot of good people, made a lot of money but it was
without a doubt the toughest thing I've ever done. I can't explain
how brutal of a job that was."
At
the ripe age of 21, Guida, wanting a change in his life, made
the trek from the Windy City to Alaska. He knew the journey would
be arduous but he didn't fully grasp how daunting and depleting
an assignment it was until the first frigid wave crashed over
the ship.
It's
one thing to be walking outside in sub-zero temperatures with
30 mile-per-hour winds in Chicago, but it's another thing entirely
when the ocean splashes up and devours the entire deck, only
to freeze into heaping chunks of ice almost instantly.
The
crew had to scurry around, break up the ice and throw it back
into Poseidon's wrath, only to repeat the process ad nauseam
every single day.
And
that's not including the hundreds of pounds of sea life that
was lifted from the ocean via crates and pulleys while the tyrannical
and vicious sea battered the ship like a ping-pong ball.
"Being
out there was a fight with yourself, you know, the struggle,"
Guida said. "We worked pretty damn hard out there and I
can't even compare how hard that was to grueling training or
a fight. It's like nothing I've ever done before, so nothing
even compares to that."
"We
were out there for 14-day intervals and come back to land for
a day to offload our catch and then go back for another 14 days
for a full six months," he said, relieved that those days
are a thing of the past. "Every day you think about your
friends and family but you have to just go back out there with
your crew and new buddies. But when you're working 18-20 hours
a day, seven days a week, up to 130 hours a week, it's kind of
hard not to want to get off and go live a normal life again.
Pretty much every day I wanted to go home."
That
type of fortitude and mental toughness has paid dividends in
Guida's life, especially in how he trains and fights inside the
cage.
Guida
is renowned for his relentless pressure and unending stamina.
Every man who dares climb into the cage Guida knows well in advance
that "The Carpenter" won't run out of gas and will
be in his face from start to finish.
"I
get my work ethic from my father," said Guida, who turns
26 on Saturday. "He's worked very hard his whole life and
we come from not very much. More importantly, I come from a very
loving and supportive family, which takes my training to a whole
another level. I use that work ethic into my training and I'm
also having fun out there. It may not look like it out there,
but I am having a lot of fun, which makes my training easier."
Preparing
for Huerta is fairly easy for Guida anyway, considering how important
this fight is for the lightweight contender. Huerta has become
the new poster boy for the UFC. He has the looks ladies adore
and possesses the potential to bring in millions of Hispanic
fight fans that might only desire boxing.
"He's
earned his keep in the UFC," Guida said. "That doesn't
bother me one bit. It actually fuels the fire a lot more for
this fight. It's nothing personal against him. I don't know exactly
why that is; maybe it's management, maybe he's better looking,
I don't know what it is. But that's all out of my hands. It's
on the UFC and the media."
Guida
(22-8-0) realizes a triumph over a fighter some have deemed the
MMA version of Oscar de la Hoya would catapult him into the forefront
of the 155-pound weight division.
""Without
a doubt this is the most important fight of my life," he
added. "I haven't even scratched the surface as to what
I can achieve and this fight is huge for me, for TV and for Roger
as well. A lot is at stake here and I'm sure Roger feels the
same way, which makes for an intriguing and exciting matchup.
He hasn't fought the toughest competition, but he's handled the
guys he's fought, no doubt. He can't pick the guys he fights
but the 8th ain't going to be his night, I know that for sure.
I've fought tougher opponents. I've got more experience and we'll
see how it goes."
Guida
expects the best Huerta to show up and he is prepared for one
of the toughest fights of his life -- just not as tough as the
frozen air on the horrifying Bering Sea.
Source: Sherdog
|
ULTIMATE
FIGHTER RATINGS ON DOWNWARD TREND
by Ivan Trembow
The twelve-episode regular season of “The Ultimate Fighter”
season six was the lowest-rated season in Ultimate Fighter history.
This marks the third consecutive season of a slow decline in
the ratings.
Season
six initially opened to a 1.5 rating, but averaged out over the
entirety of the twelve regular season episodes to a 1.1 rating.
OVERALL
RATINGS
In the history of the series, the regular season of The Ultimate
Fighter season one averaged a 1.6 overall rating; the second
season was down to a 1.4 average rating; the third season was
the series' peak with a 1.7 average rating; the fourth season
was down to an average rating of 1.2; the fifth season was down
very slightly from the previous season but still rounded to an
average rating of 1.2; and the just-completed sixth season was
down to an average rating of 1.1, which is a new series-low.
RATINGS
IN THE NO. 1 KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
In the demographic that is most coveted by advertisers on Spike
TV, the 18-to-34-year-old male demographic, the ratings of The
Ultimate Fighter as a series were on a steady increase through
the first three seasons (which finished airing in June 2006),
and have been on a steady decrease ever since.
In
the 18-to-34-year-old male demographic, the twelve-episode first
season averaged a 2.2 rating; the second season increased to
a 2.5 average rating; the third season continued the increase
with a 2.9 average rating; the fourth season decreased to a 2.0
average rating; the fifth season continued the decline with a
1.6 average rating; and the just-completed sixth season declined
further to an average rating of 1.5.
RATINGS
IN THE NO. 2 KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
The second most targeted demographic among the UFC and Spike
TV's advertisers is 18-to-49-year-old males. In this demographic,
we don't have all of the data for the first and second seasons,
but we do have all of the data starting with the third season.
In
the 18-to-49-year-old male demographic, the twelve-episode third
season drew an average rating of 2.2; the fourth season decreased
to an average rating of 1.6; the fifth season continued the decline
with an average rating of 1.4; and the just-completed sixth season
further declined with an average rating of 1.3.
FUTURE
OF THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER
Despite the decreasing ratings, The Ultimate Fighter is not going
to be leaving the airwaves anytime soon. In fact, it's just the
opposite, as Spike TV has a deal in place with the UFC to air
season’s seven and eight in 2008; season’s nine and
10 in 2009; season 11 in 2010; and season 12 in 2011.
The
most recent season pick-ups were part of a multi-year renewal
of the UFC's contract with Spike TV to air numerous shows on
the network, including The Ultimate Fighter, UFC Unleashed, and
UFC Fight Night.
Under
the terms of the new contract, Spike TV will pay the UFC more
than $100 million, according to Variety and MultiChannel News,
plus additional funds if there are more than six special event
broadcasts per year, which consist of four UFC Fight Night events
per year and two Ultimate Fighter finales per year (until 2010
and 2011 where there will be one season of The Ultimate Fighter
each year alongside another series, which is still in development).
The
seventh season of The Ultimate Fighter will feature a 16-man
middleweight tournament and will be filmed starting in January.
It will air in April, May, and June.
While
the coaches of season seven have not yet been officially announced,
the UFC has said that it has very big plans for Quinton "Rampage"
Jackson in the near future, which has added fuel to the widespread
rumors that Jackson will be one of the coaches. As for the other
coach, the most likely choices would seem to be Forrest Griffin,
who scored the biggest win of his career in September when he
submitted Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 76; or Chuck
Liddell, provided that he defeats Wanderlei Silva at UFC 79.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Chuck
Liddell turns to Tony Robbins for extra motivation
Chuck Liddell is seeking out life and "peak performance"
coach Tony Robbins to help in his pursuit to recapture the UFC
light heavyweight championship.
After
winning seven fights in a row, Liddell lost his title to Quinton
"Rampage" Jackson in May. Liddell was then given an
opponent to get him back on the winning track, but Liddell ended
up unexpectedly losing to Keith Jardine in September. This led
fans and even longtime friend and UFC President Dana White to
question his desire to fight.
It
appears Liddell himself wants to restore the drive that resulted
in him becoming one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts.
Robbins
offered Liddell as an example while talking about his work with
athletes in a recent interview with the Boston Herald:
"I
just got a call from Chuck Liddell. Chuck is finding himself
in a position where he’s famous, because his sport has grown
in popularity so rapidly. All of a sudden you have a posse and
you’re going out to dinner before your fights and not working
like you used to. He’s not as hungry as when he made it.
We’re just starting the journey with him to find out what
drives him."
Liddell
is currently preparing to face Wanderlei Silva in the long-awaited
matchup between two former champions at UFC 79: Nemesis on Saturday,
December 29.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Quote
of the Day
"If
anything is sacred, the human body is sacred."
Walt Whitman, 1819-1892, American Poet
|
Punishment
In Paradise
"BEST OF THE BEST"
Today!
FRIDAY DEC 7,2007
Hawaiian Adventures Waterpark
MAIN EVENTS
IKAIKA CHOY FU (JESUS IS LORD, KAILUA)
vs.
JOHN VISANTE JR (SIT YOU DOWN,WAIANAE)
ZANE KAMAKA (SIT YOU DOWN, WAIANAE)
vs.
STEPHEN MIYOSE (WESTSIDE CONNECTION, NANAKULI)
|
Sherdog.com's
Guide to TUF 6
by Scott Holmes
It's time to find out who the final matchup will be come Saturday
night at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. The last four fighters
are vying to move on to try and become the "Ultimate Fighter"
-- at least for this season.
From
Team Serra we have Matt Arroyo and George Sotiropoulos meeting
Mac Danzig and Tommy Speer from Team Hughes.
I'm
proud to say that at this point I can type Sotiropoulos without
looking it up. It's a good feeling.
While
preparing to square off against Danzig, Arroyo injures his ribs
during training and heads off to the doctor. He doesn't wait
for the doctor to give him bad news, telling Serra that he should
drop out of the fight anyway. Serra listens and turns him over
to Dana White, who tries to explain to Arroyo what an opportunity
he'll be passing up.
"You're
one fight away from going home and recovering," Dana says.
Arroyo
has thought it through, however, and explains that the injury
is affecting his breathing and, in turn, his confidence. He says
that a fighter without confidence shouldn't enter the ring.
White
talks about all the guys that have quit before and doesn't think
that Arroyo is from the same stock.
"Who
am I to say that the kid's not hurt?" says Dana after giving
his usual "If you leave, you aren't coming back" speech.
He's pretty sure that Arroyo is no quitter.
After
Arroyo's decision, Serra and White get together to figure out
who will step in for the injured fighter. One by one the fighters
from Team Serra are paraded through. After "War Machine"
gives his thoughts, Serra interprets it as an "I'll give
it a try."
"Rude
Boy" comes in. At 190 pounds, he admits, "I'm just
dreading that cut."
Richie
Hightower also has to cut but says, "I'm not scared to fight
Mac."
White
and Serra aren't convinced that any of these guys want any part
of Danzig, so how refreshing for them when John Kolosci comes
in and announces, "Gentlemen, I want to fight Mac Danzig,"
to laughter. He immediately gets the chance.
Danzig
finds out that he has to fight Kolosci again and doesn't think
it's very fair and vents to his teammates. Danzig fought his
way into this spot and, like anybody else, doesn't want to see
a past foe get a lucky second chance.
Serra
knows that Kolosci didn't give his best showing the first time.
"He keeps his calm, he'll give Mac a hell of a fight,"
Serra says.
Kolosci
is well aware of the opportunity, saying of the first meeting,
"I'll be erasing that fight out of my mind." He adds,
"Now I get another chance."
Kolosci
is punchier in this fight with Danzig. He doesn't freeze up and
spends most of the first round throwing leg kicks, some of which
connect well, and others miss. Danzig is still able to stay out
of the reach of his taller opponent and seems annoyed by Kolosci's
effort. Danzig eventually closes the distance and dumps Kolosci
onto the ground. Kolosci tries for an armbar while under Danzig
but to no avail.
Once
Kolosci turtles up on all fours, Danzig gives him a few body
blows while Kolosci holds onto one of Danzig's wrists. Danzig
then secures a rear-naked choke without even getting his hooks,
and again Kolosci is forced to tap from the same submission as
their last fight.
Kolosci
put everything he had into every strike he threw, which, according
to Hughes, "made him slow" and allowed Danzig to avoid
any real damage.
"Mac's
a well-rounded fighter who's paid his dues and has earned his
spot," Dana says. "I'm happy for him."
Tommy
Speer and George Sotiropoulos are the last two left on the dance
card and the fight I most want to see.
It
is a matchup of well versed versus well built since Sotiropoulos
by all accounts is very technical while Speer has that ungodly
strength that comes from a lifetime of wrestling.
Hughes
thinks that Speer has more than just big arms: "If he can
unleash that right hand against George, it could be lights out."
On
the flip side, Speer teammate Blake Bowman points out the fact
that "Tommy has been caught in both of his fights, but George
can finish."
"This
kid has a ton of heart," Dana says about Speer but adds
that, "I think George can stuff his takedown and has better
standup."
Early
in the first round, one of Speer's punches grazes the eye of
Sotiropoulos and affects him enough for the ref to stop the action.
Sotiropoulos recovers enough to get back in the action but continues
to favor the eye with blinks and squints.
Speer
wisely decides to work that side of his head and connects with
a right hand that drops Sotiropoulos for the first time on the
show. Once the Australian hits the ground, a new Tommy Speer
shines.
Training
has paid off for Speer, and he must have developed a killer instinct
because he is all over Sotiropoulos with hammerfists to leave
him lying unconscious on the mat while Team Hughes rushes the
Octagon.
After
the great run that Team Serra has throughout the season, the
finals this weekend is all Hughes as his best fighter, Danzig,
will meet his new protégé, Speer.
Speer
revels in the joy, and after his teammates mob him, he compares
the feeling to a "buzzer-beater shot."
While
Speer and company celebrate, a foggy Sotiropoulos wakes up and
asks his coach, "What happened?"
While
it wasn't his night, we certainly haven't seen the last of Sotiropoulos.
With the success of previous TUF contestants, it won't be a reach
to say that the sky is the limit for the Australian.
This
weekend we will get to see who the last man standing will be
among this season's 170 pounders. The finale will be another
matchup of styles, not so much in the martial art sense but in
terms of the style of fight.
Speer
said it best, noting, "Mac's going to use his skills to
finish it, and I'm going to use my power."
Looking
forward to it.
Source: Sherdog
|
CALIFORNIA
STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION UPDATE
Sherk Considers Civil Suit
By Steven Marrocco
Tuesday, December 4- Los Angeles: After listening to hours of
mind-numbingly technical language on the nature of steroid testing,
the California State Athletic Commission went back to basics.
More likely than not, they decided Sean Sherk had used the illegal
performance enhancer Nandrolone before fighting Hermes Franca
at UFC 73.
The
preponderance of evidence standard, one present in the three
most established athletic commissions in the country—California,
Nevada, and New Jersey, was the deciding factor in halving Sherk’s
suspension to six months. Originally suspended for one year in
late July, Sherk will now be able to fight on January 5th. His
$2500 fine will stand.
“I
knew coming in here I wasn’t going to be able to fight for
a long time, regardless,” Sherk said. “It’s not
about the money, it’s about saving my dignity. I didn’t
take Nandrolone. This thing’s going to follow me around
for the rest of my career.”
Sherk’s
lawyer, Howard Jacobs, used the CSAC’s own language against
them, arguing they didn’t follow World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA)
policies they claimed to adhere to.
“You
can’t say that the parts of WADA apply that we want to apply
and just ignore the other ones,” Jacobs said. “You
either adopt it or you don’t.”
Jacobs’
defense focused on WADA regulations, specifically the procedures
employed when testing for steroids. He showed the committee a
set of lab results showing that one of Sherk’s supplements
tested positive for Nandrolone. He claimed the CSAC’s own
testing facility showed readings that the testing machine used
in Sherk’s case was contaminated.
Dr.
Barry Sample, the Chief Science Officer for the facility in question,
Quest Laboratories, deluged the committee with details on Quest’s
procedures before they capitulated and went to a vote.
A
vote to keep the original sentence in place failed quickly. A
second proposal to reduced the sentence and keep the fine failed
initially, but passed after commissioner Timothy Noonan asked
for clarification on the preponderance of evidence standard.
After
the proposal was re-introduced, Mr. Noonan cast the tie-breaking
4th vote on the committee of six, making the decision final.
Outside
the courtroom, Jacobs speculated that the decision today was
setting a precedent.
“I
think if you come forward with any evidence that raises any doubt
at all, six months is the standard,” Jacobs said. “Although
it doesn’t really seem like it has to be evidence. James
Toney didn’t have any evidence.”
Jacobs
was referring to the former boxing champion who was called before
the CSAC in August. Toney claimed his supplements were tainted,
berated the members of the commission, and had his suspension
reduced six months.
All
of this was no consolation for Sherk, who was adamant about fighting
the decision.
“This
process with the Commission is over with, but I’m not done,”
he said outside the hearing room. “I’m going to explore
my options. I don’t care how long this takes or how much
money it costs, I’m going to make it right. They picked
the wrong guy to get in a fight with. Now it’s my time to
have some fun.”
As
the second fighter to flatly deny taking steroids, Sherk said
he wants a judge and a jury to weigh his evidence.
“Somebody
who’s neutral, who can hear all the facts,” he said.
“The problem with the commission is that they’re the
judge, the jury, and the prosecution. You don’t get a fair
trial.”
CALIFORNIA
STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION UPDATE
CSAC Reduces Sherk’s Suspension to 6 Months
By FCF Staff
Ultimate
Fighting Championship Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk, has had
his one year suspension reduced to six months this afternoon
by the California State Athletic Commission, FCF’s Steven
Marrocco reports. The decision, which was rendered at Sherk’s
appeal hearing today in Los Angeles, will allow the fighter to
return to action in early January.
Sherk was originally suspended one year and fined $2,500 by the
CSAC, for allegedly testing positive for Nandrolone Metabolites,
following his lightweight title defense over Hermes Franca at
UFC 73 in July. Despite today’s suspension reduction, Sherk’s
$2,500 fine was upheld.
BJ
Penn and Joe Stevenson are scheduled to compete on January 19th,
at UFC 80, in Newcastle, England, for the promotion’s interim
lightweight title.
Full
report above.
Source: FCF
|
Wand
speaks about Fedor
Brazilian thinks Russian should have signed with the UFC
To many, Fedor Emelianenko’s decision not to go to the biggest
MMA event in the world, where there are the best fighters and
biggest purses in the world, was strange or just wrong. This
lack of comprehension will only be rectified after the M-1 Global
events, promising big shows, cards and, mainly, good adversaries
for the Pride champ.
One
of those that thinks the Russian straight up made a mistake is
Wanderlei Silva, who recently signed with the American organization
and says he’s happier for it. Mr. Pride signed for four
fights, and will debut on December 29th at UFC 79 against Chuck
“the Iceman” Liddell.
Although
he has denied to GRACIEMAG.com saying he thought Fedor was crazy
for not signing with the UFC, he confirmed the rest of what he
said in an interview with the website 15rounds.com: “I don’t
know why the guy doesn’t want to fight here. These are the
best events. This is the biggest promotion. The guy could be
a symbol here. He could have money for the rest of his life.
He could do well with the promotion, with sponsors, with commercials,
and many other possibilities. Japan is a good market, but the
US is different. The American fans love the fighters. Everyday,
people come up to me in the street. He needs to come to the UFC.”
“All
Wand said was that Fedor should rethink his decision not to fight
in the UFC. Everybody is anxious and wanting him to come here,”
added Alejarra, Wand’s coach, to GRACIEMAG.com.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
NINJA
& ANTONIO SILVA EXTEND ELITEXC CONTRACTS
EliteXC on Thursday announced that it recently signed Antonio
“Big Foot” Silva and Murilo “Ninja” Rua to
long-term contract extensions. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.
The
re-signing of Silva and Rua brings to five the number of well-known
fighters who have re-signed or signed with EliteXC in the past
several weeks. The others include Jake Shields, Nick Diaz, and
Kimbo Slice.
“We’ve
always said there is more than one brand out there,’’
EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. “The fact
that so many fighters stay with us speaks volumes and is testament
to what we are all about.’’
Silva
dominated Jonathan Wiezorek in his last start, registering an
impressive 3:12, first-round submission (rear naked choke) on
the Nov. 10 “Renegade” event in Corpus Christi, Texas.
“I
believe Silva is the No. 1 heavyweight in the world, which is
why I wanted to make sure he stayed with us,’’ Shaw
said. “If there is a UFC heavyweight or, for that matter,
any heavyweight out there that feels they are the best then lets
make a match.
“We
can do the fight in an Octagon, in the EliteXC cage or any venue.
I truly believe ‘Big Foot’ will kick any heavyweight’s
butt and look forward to giving him the opportunity to do it.’’
Rua
overcame a slow start to regain his winning ways with a second-round
submission (rear naked choke) over France’s willing Xavier
Foupa-Pokam on “EliteXC Presents: Cage Rage 24’’
in London.
“Ninja
is an exciting fighter who is coming off a great victory in Cage
Rage,’’ Shaw said. “Ninja will forever be remembered
for being the first EliteXC world champion, but we all know he
wants more and another shot at the world belt.’’
“EliteXC
has treated me very well and I am excited to be able to remain
part of their family,’’ Rua said. “I am looking
forward to getting back in the cage again and regaining my title.
“A
lot of other organizations give up on their fighters, but not
EliteXC and I appreciate that very much.’’
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Gina
Carano to join cast of American Gladiators
EliteXC's Gina Carano has been cast as "Crush" on the
upcoming revival of the American Gladiators series, according
to the American Gladiators Fan Site.
Carano
(5-0) last fought at the Sept. 15 EliteXC Uprising event in Honolulu,
Hawaii, submitting Tonya Evinger via rear naked choke in the
first round.
The
relaunch of American Gladiators premieres on Sunday, January
6, 2008 at 9pm ET on NBC. The show will be hosted by former WWE
pro wrestler Hulk Hogan and former boxing champion Laila Ali.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Quote
of the Day
“He
that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner.”
Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, American Scientist/Publisher/Diplomat
Source Unknown |
Congrats!!!!
O2 Martial Arts Academy's Brandon Saiki and Kaneohe Team member
Bryan Parelta both did fantastic at the recent Grappler's Quest
in Las Vegas this past weekend! Brandon won both GI and No Gi
divisions in the 12 and below. Bryan won the GI and got second
in the No GI in the 13 to 16 years old division.
Great job guys!
We are all proud of YOU!!!!!!!!
Source KG Lurking |
Punishment
In Paradise
"BEST OF THE BEST"
FRIDAY DEC 7,2007
Hawaiian Adventures Waterpark
MAIN EVENTS
IKAIKA CHOY FU (JESUS IS LORD, KAILUA)
vs.
JOHN VISANTE JR (SIT YOU DOWN,WAIANAE)
ZANE KAMAKA (SIT YOU DOWN, WAIANAE)
vs.
STEPHEN MIYOSE (WESTSIDE CONNECTION, NANAKULI)
|
Road
to Yarennoka! NYE! 2007 vol.1 ~ Aoki ~
Shinya
Aoki Interview
-
Did you expect fighting J.Z.Calvan?
I actually had a feeling that I will fight J.Z.Calvan.
-
When did you know about your match?
It was the day before the press conference.
-
What do you think about him?
He is really strong and one of the top fighters in the world.
I have some top level techniques now and I look forward to the
fight. He may be able to defeat me but nobody else can.
-
Do you have any message to him?
I respect the Hero`s fighter, Gesias Cavalcanti Souza, I hope
we do our best and I will win by KO.
-
Did you pick the entrance music? Baka Survivor again?
Yes. I`m sure my fans like this song.
-
The rule has not been announced yet. Do you have any request?
Nothing. I hope a lot of people come and see my fight live.
-
Does this fight mean anything for you?
I would like to show my appreciation to my fans who were waiting
for since April. This is very special fight and I am very glad
to fight in this event. I think this is one of the fight which
Japanese people were waiting for.
-
Do you know your fans were longing to see your fight?
Yes, absolutely. Some people talked to me and requested my fight
in the event I was not fighting. I really appreciate all supports
of my fans.
-
Any message to your fans?
I thank all my fans waiting for my fight since last April. I
will do my best to have a great fight. I hope everybody come
and see my fight on NYE. Thank you for supporting me and wish
my luck!
Source: Suki MMA |
Road
to Yarennoka! NYE! 2007 vol.2 ~ Hasegawa ~
Hasegawa`s
interview
-
Did you expect to be fighting Mach Sakurai?
Not at all.
-
When did you know about your match?
It was the day before the press conference. Mr. Saeki had forgotten
to tell me till then.
-
You said you heard about joining in "Yarennoka!" through
the press and broadcasting in your blog.
That`s right. Mr. Saeki asked me if I would like to fight in
"Yarennnoka!" before, but was not told after that.
After training, a press guy told me that your name was in the
list of fight in "Yarennoka!"
-
How was your 2007? You became the DEEP champion and fought Kim
Dong Hyung twice this year.
I don`t want to fight him again. I`m glad to be able to have
a title match and be a champion. I have to do one more big fight
left though.
-
Are you thinking to do any performance on NYE?
I usually fight in smaller places and I do nothing but dashing
in the ring.. I haven`t thought about yet but I should do something.
-
You are going to fight as a DEEP champion on NYE. Do you feel
any responsibility as a DEEP representative?
Mr. Saeki said he would send Mr.Hasegawa Mr. DEEP confidently.
I think I don`t want to have a lot of pressure, but I will do
my best and show the DEEP has higher level than when Mach was
a part of us.
-
I suppose the rule will be similar to the PRIDE rule. Can you
adjust to the PRIDE rule?
My fight style will not be influenced by rules.
-
What do you think about your opponent, Mach Sakurai?
He stays in the top of MMA for last 10 years. He has an amazing
power to damage opponents. He said he would like to have a fight
like playing a game, Final Fantasy. In the game, I`m the main
person who started from 1st level and finally get a chance to
fight a strong guy.
**
Mr. Saeki interrupted and said you are not challenging him. You
are the champion who is getting his challenge.
What?
Don`t be like that. It is obvious I`m not taking his challenge
but I`m getting this opportunity to fight him finally.
-
Have you been depressed before the fight?
Yes, I have once in a while but it wastes of my time. I think
positive and try to enjoy my fight. I like fighting and decided
to come this far.
-
You have a fight in Deep X on Dec 02.
I wonder if someone fights instead of me. My opponent is actually
really good. This fight won`t affect to my fight on NYE. I`m
sure I will win.
Mr. Saeki said this fight should not be arranged.
-
Do you think the fight on NYE is important for your career as
a fighter?
I am focusing on my fight and not thinking about my career after
this fight.
-
Are you going to use Sambo techniques?
Sure.
-
Any message to your fans?
I hope many fans come and see our fight on NYE. I can guarantee
that watching the fight live is much more exciting than watching
on TV.
-
Any message to people who have never seen your fight?
I will show you my Sambo techniques which I brushed up in DEEP.
Source: Suki MMA |
Gono
Comments on UFC Fight
Gono spoke
about his 1R in the UFC
Akihiro
Gono talks about his UFC debut fight in his blog.
* 1st Round *
McCrory attacked me from the beginning of the fight. I was actually
taken aback at his game plan because I thought he prepared for
this fight by watching my fight videos. He should have learned
the aggressive attack does not work. I wondered if he had a lot
of confidence about his offense or he did not take his time analyzing
me. His attacking worked a bit because I was confused.
McCrory
kept at a longer distance than Musashi, and I needed some time
to get use to it. I did not want to be offensive before I got
the feeling of the distance and figured out how to fight my game.
So, I decided to be defensive in the beginning.
In
PRIDE, I had 10 min./1R and I always fought at home. I knew PRIDE
judges understood my game plan even if I put myself in the defense
position for first 4 to 5 min.. They considered I was waiting
for the right moment to turn offensive. In UFC, I had 5 min./1R
and was an away game for me. UFC judges definitely considered
me an unknown asian who was being pushed back. I was afraid of
points being taken away by remaining in the defensive position
for 2 min., even if I turned aggressive in the next 3 min.
UFC
has the different pointing system with PRIDE. UFC counts points
every round and do not combine points.
I
have to stop McCrory. First thing I did to him was throwing the
counter punch from my right. I throw my punch at the same time
he throw his right when the cage was right behind me. My punch
landed on the perfect spot at the same time my right hand broke
30%. I throw low kicks and counter kicks while I was waiting
for my right hand to recover from the pain. When I caught McCrory`s
low kick, his face was not protected at all. In 0.3 seconds,
I thought I got a great chance to punch him right on his face,
but I was worried about my hand, though I was 100% sure my punch
would land. I decided to throw my right hand and it landed clearly
and my right hand broke.
I
could not see how much damage I could give from his face, but
McCrory was getting slow. I didn`t know he was getting less offensive
because he got my punched or he just simply got tired.
McCrory
was getting slow and the fight started to be easier for me. He
started clinching. He slapped and his kicks were nothing but
creating rhythm. I did not feel any risk taking his clinching.
When
I fought Shogun, my body was warning all the time. I was caught
and could not get out from him and could not do anything. McCrory
was not an opponent I have to be afraid of because I knew I felt
I was controlling the fight. I figured out I should show judges
I`m taking control of this fight, and I threw him and could take
him down easily. My right hand hurts and could not give enough
damage and the 1st round was over.
I
did not get any power punches and I gave 2 right power punches
and got 1 take down. I was defensive in the beginning but I felt
50/50 at the end of 1R.
Gono spoke about his 2R in the UFC
*
In the corner *
I was getting my aggression back at the end of 1R. I still feel
like I was not fighting at my pace, probably because this was
my debut fight in the UFC. The advice from my second was I should
put myself in the defensive position until I get my confidence
and I should be patient and turn offensive when I`m fully ready.
I
don`t remember what Kikuta said, but he was worried if I was
still confused in the new circumstance of the UFC. I was doing
fine at the end of 1R, but my corner was not optimistic. I analyzed
that my opponent was getting tired and used up his offensive
techniques. I was aware he may attack me again in the beginning
of 2R. I noticed he only kicks from his right.
*
2nd Round *
I gave up giving the counter punch because my right hand was
pain. My game plan was to be ready to block and catch his kick,
break the punch by front kick, keep the position up-right, float
on my forefoot a bit, and throw low kicks.
My
low kick slightly hit between his legs when he tried to avoid
my kick. When I saw him appealing exaggeratedly that he got a
low blow kick, I was certain that I took initiative of this fight.
I felt my toe slightly touched his foul cup and he definitely
felt nothing even without the foul cup. In fact, his appeal was
not accepted and our fight started again. I knew he was making
time to take a break because he was getting very tired physically
and mentally. He was not on the level of someone who could compete
techniques to me. All he could do was attack until he exhausted.
Each time I blocked his attack, his energy was worn down and
he realized I was controlling the fight. I was sure I got him
and won this fight!
This
kid was still attacking with no techniques. When I blocked his
attack by back step I threw a combination punches to his left
body and a right low kick. I felt good and decided to give damages
steadily.
My
left hook landed on his face and I saw this tall guy stumble.
I wanted to run into him and stomp his baby face like Shogun
in PRIDE, but I controlled my impulse because it is foul play
in the UFC. I took the guard position to attack him. I was surprised
to see him trapped the arm triangle on my right arm. I escaped
and moved to his side, but he took it back easily because my
right hand was not supporting well. Immediately I used my left
hand and moved to his side again. I took the mount position by
giving my elbow.
All
I can do is one thing from the mount position. I have analyzed
his move when he was under the mount position. He always does
the same movement. I waited to see by pretending to give him
an elbow and he started his move as usual. I put on an arm bar
and he screamed TAP TAP TAP. He gave up and I thought I did great.
Source: Suki MMA |
Quote
of the Day
“Missing
someone gets easier every day because even though it's one day
further from the last time you saw each other, it's one day closer
to the next time you will.”
Source Unknown |
Hawaii
Xtreme Combat's
Hostile Takeover
December 1, 2007
Lahaina Civic Center, Maui
Fight
Results:
Sergio
"Monstah" Mamone defeats Kili "Hawaiian Prince"
Madrid - decision
Mike
"Rocky" Malone defeats Travis Lincoln - rd 1 tapout
David
"Hollywood" Balicao defeats Mike "Pitbull"
Pedro - decision
Brandon
"Viper" Visher defeats Matt Comeau - decision
Lorenzo
Moreno defeats Pat Makini Aikau Clark - rd1 triangle choke
Dylan
Clay defeats Kimo Woefel - rd1 ko
David
"Tan Superman" Padilla defeats Ermin "Ironman
" Fergerstrom - decision
Clayton
"Kazu Boy" Nohara defeats Braddah Vive Costello - rd
1verbal tapout
Ikaika
Choy Fu defeats Loren Ganoy - rd1 rear naked choke
Ian
Dela Cuesta defeats Javin Santos - decision
Bryson
Hansen defeats Donald Gonzalves - ref stoppage due to strikes
Kaeo
Linkee defeats Kawika Maddella - rd1 tapout
|
Phil
Baroni joins IFO as commentator
The
"New York Bad Ass", Phil Baroni, has been signed to
join the previously announced Al Bernstein as part of the commentating
team for the IFO’s December 28th MMA event at the Riviera
Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Baroni
has fought some of the best fighters in a long and fruitful mixed
martial arts career, including Frank Shamrock, Ryo Chonan, Kazuo
Misaki, and Matt Lindland. Never afraid to state his opinion,
the "New York Bad Ass" will bring both his technical
knowledge and verbal flare to a commentator’s table that
is rapidly becoming one of the best in the business.
"We
have put together what I feel is the #1 commentating team in
MMA," stated John "Ski" Stachofsky, Vice President
of Steele Cage. "Phil Baroni and Al Bernstein are the ideal
combination to have in the booth. I can't wait to watch the tape
of our show."
Source: MMA Fighting |
Avellan
jabs back at Xande
“It’s good to know he wants revenge”
David
Avellan, standout in the world submission wrestling scene and
one of the athletes confirmed for the Super Challenge Grappling
tournament on the 8th, in Sao Paulo, accessed GRACIEMAG.com and
read how the black belt Xande Ribeiro wants revenge for his defeat
at ADCC 2007. Avellan was quick to fire GRACIEMAG.com an email
in response.
"I
have been training very hard for this event and I am very excited
to a part of a tournament that has only champions. I am glad
Xande is looking for revenge - so am I. There are a couple of
guys here that I have lost to in the past, particularly Tarsys
Humphreys, that I would love to rematch. But Xande, he is mistaken
if he thinks he will win - the rules won't matter when he is
tapping out," retorted Avellan.
Super
Challenge Grappling will take place at the Paulistano Athletic
Club, and you will find news about the event right here, on GRACIEMAG.com.
Source: Gracie Magazine |
There
Should Be More Like Din
When
Din Thomas was cleared of recent charges against him alleging
that he hosted “underground fights”, a sigh of relief
bellowed from my unstable lungs. A respected professional mixed-martial
artist and instructor, it was rather hard for me to fathom Thomas
was in the business of facillitating bouts that would have made
the movie “Lionheart” seem realistic.
The
truth is apparently, that Thomas was merely hosting sparring
sessions for students and fighters from ATT (where he is an instructor)
with an added twist by incorporating a crowd to give the participants
a feel for what it is like to have eyes on you while doing your
bidding. If this is true, not only should Thomas have been cleared,
but in my mind, copied by every instructor in the world of MMA.
Wrestling
programs, especially at the college levels and in high schools
where the sport is of high importance, have been hosting wrestle-offs
and practices in front of on-lookers for decades. Many coaches
and athletes, myself included, believe that providing a crowd
of people for competitive preparation adds an element that is
crucial to performance. It’s one thing to know how to be
a practice room warrior, but it is another to have the heat bought
on you when you might actually care if people are watching.
Many
fighters and athletes share a cognizant awareness of “stage
fright.” People and attention make them nervous or overzealous,
and often hinder their performance. By introducing spectators
for preparation, an athlete has the advantage of at least having
a clue what it is like to compete in an electric atmosphere.
If he or she has limited or no experience in that kind of setting,
then getting a lay of the land so to speak is an invaluable tool
to have handy come fight time.
I
am not going to jump the gun and brand Thomas an innovator, as
I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that other MMA coaches
and instructors regularly employ this kind of stage for their
athletes as well. And plus, as I mentioned, wrestling has been
doing this for years and years. But to me, Din Thomas did what
a responsible and caring instructor would do, and that is make
an effort to completely pull out all the stops in aiding his
charges for competition. So if you are a MMA coach or trainer,
take note of Din Thomas. Yes, the man can fight, but he also
seemingly knows how to prepare a fighter as well.
Source: MMA Fighting |
Quote
of the Day
“Laughter
is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain.”
Charlie Chaplin, 1889-1977, English-born Comedic Actor and Director
|
Fighters'
Club TV New Episode Tonight!
Channel 52
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
We return with our huge Christmas show!
In this episode, we meet on of the rising stars of the 170 lb
class and showcase his huge win over Rhalan Gracie, Eastsidaz's
Koa Ramos. Ramos has also been training at 02 Martial Arts Academy
with us as well and you will see huge things in the future from
this talent.
Another man that burst on the MMA scene is Kana Hyatt. We get
a chance to talk with Kana and after two big wins, he is one
of the fighters to beat at 135.
Penny Thomas, one of best female grapplers in the world, provides
our technique of the week!
We have much, much more on this episode including the usual one
scoop of Mike and one scoop of Mark with gravy all over. Mmmm
yummy!
As always, come and "talk story" with us on the Onzuka.com's
Hawaii Underground. The forum for Hawaii MMA, grappling,
and just about anything else!
|
EXCLUSIVE:
JOACHIM HANSEN CONFIRMS NYE BOUT
Joachim Hansen and his management confirmed to MMAWeekly.com
at the recent Cage Rage 24 event that he will be fighting on
the Dec. 31 mixed martial arts event, Yarennoka!, to be held
in Japan against an unconfirmed opponent.
Hansen’s
career has effectively been on hold for the better part of 2007
due to contractual reasons and the uncertain environment faced
by many of Pride’s former superstars. During that time he
competed in several kickboxing matches in his native Norway.
Having
dropped a decision to Eiji Mitsuoka on the Nov. 8 Shooto event,
he now faces a challenge to get back into the world lightweight
rankings and refocus his sights on his future in 2008.
Yarennoka!
is a combined effort spearheaded by former employees of Dream
Stage Entertainment (the former parent company of Pride). Other
promotions involved include K-1, DEEP, and the newly formed M-1
Global.
The
event is already slated to feature bouts between Gesias “JZ”
Calvancante versus Shinya Aoki and Hidehiko Hasegawa versus Hayato
“Mach” Sakurai, as well as fighters such as Fedor Emelianenko,
Aleksander Emelianenko, and Roman Zentsov.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
EXCLUSIVE:
SHERK UNCERTAIN HEADING INTO HEARING
Ultimate
Fighting Championship lightweight champion Sean Sherk is scheduled
to appear in front of the California State Athletic Commission
on Tuesday to receive a ruling on his appeal of a yearlong suspension
for steroid use.
Sherk
tested positive for Nandrolone shortly after his title defense
against Hermes Franca at UFC 73 in July.
The
hearing comes after two delays to the appeal. In August, Sherk
and his lawyer, Howard Jacobs, requested a continuance because
they hadn’t received pertinent information on the case from
the CSAC. On Oct. 31, the commission discovered they were missing
Jacobs’ legal brief outlining his defense. After settling
on an initial date of Nov. 13, the commission pushed back the
date to this week.
In
an interview at the North American Mixed Martial Arts Expo, Sherk
told MMAWeekly.com that the format of the hearing had been changed.
“Instead
of doing it like a court case, like you normally do, with examinations,
cross-examinations, and witnesses, basically they’re going
to take all that out, and my lawyer’s going to do a closing
statement,” he said.
CSAC
executive director Armando Garcia confirmed the changes to MMAWeekly.com.
“My
understanding is that the Attorney General is going to explain
the case and the facts as she sees it, then Mr. Jacobs is going
to present his case, and then the Commission will decide,”
he said.
Before
the commission decides, Sherk will have an opportunity to make
a statement to the Commission. Originally, he was told that the
statement would be in a letter, but learned on Sunday that he
would be allowed to speak directly to the board.
At
the Oct. 31 hearing, CSAC council Spencer Walker said that a
ruling would be made on the admissibility of Sherk’s polygraph
test. According to Sherk, his team has not received that ruling.
He
is optimistic about the outcome of the hearing, but has no idea
what to expect when he walks into the door on Tuesday.
“You
don’t know what you’re going to get until you get there,”
said Sherk. “I’m optimistic because we do have a lot
of facts supporting my innocence. I’ve got more facts than
anybody that’s ever come in front of the CSAC, supporting
the fact that I didn’t do anything, plus a polygraph. A
polygraph, in my opinion, is a pretty substantial amount of evidence.”
It’s
clear that he is fighting hard to keep his composure amidst all
of the changes.
“They
don’t really have rules and regulations that they have to
follow,” he said of the Commission. “All I want is
a fair trial. I just want an opportunity to present facts that
we have, supporting my innocence that I did not take Nandrolone.
That’s all I’m asking, just listen to the facts and
make a fair judgment as far as what you think happened.
“It
takes a lot to rattle me, I’ve been real quiet during this
whole process, but when it’s all over with, I can let everyone
know how I really feel about this situation.”
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Report:
Gina Carano to join cast of American Gladiators
EliteXC's
Gina Carano has been cast as "Crush" on the upcoming
revival of the American Gladiators series, according to the American
Gladiators Fan Site.
Carano
(5-0) last fought at the Sept. 15 EliteXC Uprising event in Honolulu,
Hawaii, submitting Tonya Evinger via rear naked choke in the
first round.
The
relaunch of American Gladiators premieres on Sunday, January
6, 2008 at 9pm ET on NBC. The show will be hosted by former WWE
pro wrestler Hulk Hogan and former boxing champion Laila Ali.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Quote
of the Day
“Anyone
who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted
in large ones either.”
Albert Einstein, 1879-1955, German-born American Physicist
|
COUTURE
HEALING, FUTURE STILL IN DOUBT
In his Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title defense
against Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 74, Randy "The Natural"
Couture suffered a broken arm while blocking a high kick in the
second round of the scheduled five-round bout. Couture on Saturday
confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that the arm still hasn't completely
healed, but he believes he will be back in the gym training at
full capacity in two weeks.
"I'm
training again. It's not 100%, but it's good," said the
current UFC heavyweight champion. “I just had it x-rayed
again. I think in a couple of weeks it will be cleared 100%."
He
added, "It feels a little strange in certain places, but
overall it's good."
Couture's
acting career has taken off, but it most likely hampered the
healing process. He commented, "It would have healed faster
I think if I allowed them to put a cast on it. With the acting
gig, I couldn’t be walking around ‘The Unit’ and
‘Scorpion King’ with a cast."
Despite
still being recognized as the UFC heavyweight champion, Couture
– ranked as the No. 4 heavyweight in the world by MMAWeekly.com
– is currently in the midst of determining his future, both
with the company, and in the sport in general.
He
submitted his resignation from the UFC, both as a fighter and
in other capacities, in early October, saying, “I’m
tired of swimming upstream at this stage with the management
of the UFC.”
A
very public war of words has ensued since his resignation with
both Couture and the UFC holding separate press conferences to
detail their respective sides of the situation.
Couture
since has reportedly been offered a title defense against Antonio
Rodrigo Nogueira.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
NINJA
3-0 IN ENGLAND WITH WIN AT CAGE RAGE
LONDON - Murilo “Ninja” Rua moved to 3-0 in Cage Rage
following his win over French fighter Xavier Foupa-Pokam on Saturday
night in a bout that saw both fighters dancing about the cage
picking shots at each other. Pokam invariably coming off the
exchanges better having worked his range out and using his powerful
kicks to soften the Brazilian.
The
second round continued the dance between the fighters until Rua
managed to close and bring his opponent to the ground. From this
position Foupa-Pokam appeared to be completely out of his depth
and found himself struggling to maintain composure.
Rua
appeared to have a plan all marked out, and having abandoned
a brief attempt at an arm triangle, he proceeded to secure a
tight rear naked choke forcing the tap. With the submission,
he derailed Foupa-Pokam's five-fight win streak, marking himself
out as the top contender for the vacant Cage Rage Middleweight
title.
Elvis
Sinosic had a long flight over to the U.K. for a short time in
the cage and will be spending the long return flight wondering
what on earth happened in his fight with Liverpudlian terror
Paul Cahoon.
The
opening seconds of the round saw both fighters circling and throwing
feeler shots at each other before Cahoon stepped in, having measured
his distance perfectly, to plant a big right cross square on
the jaw of the Australian fighter, wobbling his legs before sending
him crashing to the canvas.
Cahoon
was clearly ecstatic about his performance and his in cage celebration
showed it as he jumped around on the cage walls like Spiderman
on speed - climbing in, on and out of the cage in joy before
coming back down to check on his downed opponent.
It
was a very impressive win for Cahoon. He underlined his position
as king of the British light-heavyweight division and the man
most likely be gunning for Vitor Belfort's strap during 2008.
Drew
Fickett came from the brink of defeat in his fight with Mark
Weir, having found himself on his back trying to survive a vicious
ground and pound assault from the Briton. It was clear early
on that Fickett had no intention of doing anything other than
making the fight a grappling match. Mindful of this, Weir seemed
comfortable on the ground and seemed completely prepared for
that scenario.
Weir
had previously stated that he would call it a day if he ever
becomes easy prey for his opponents. In this fight he proved
that there is still fire in him having almost finished the fight
via ground and pound, but you have to give praise to the American
for his tenacity and composure. His setup of the rear naked choke
was masterful and swift. Fickett should prove to be a welcome
addition to the Cage Rage 170-pound division.
Ross
Pointon surprised everyone in his fight with Marios Zaromskis,
taking it to the Lithuanian fighter in the standup exchanges
and rocking him on several occasions. Even though he stepped
out of the cage with an evil-looking four centimeter long cut
in his forehead, he was chomping at the bit demanding a rematch.
“I
want that fight again. I know I can beat him and want the chance
to prove it. He didn't hit me with anything I couldn't handle,”
proclaimed the Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran and fan
favorite.
Many
thought Zaromskis might prove too much for the Stoke based fighter,
but despite taking several full force connecting knees, he refused
to go down or even be rocked by the exchanges and was the aggressor,
pushing the pace at all times. Zaromskis appeared to be frustrated
at the lack of effect his strikes were having.
Pointon
looked completely different in this fight to any other time we
have seen him, with crisp hands and stinging leg kicks. Aside
from opening a few exchanges with knee's, Zaromskis was in effect
fighting a counter game with his strikes and relying on his high
kick speed to try and score.
Ultimately
a big right hand signaled the end for Pointon's night, connecting
on a cut that had been opened earlier in the bout, and forcing
the fight to the mat. There appeared to be a lot of blood coming
from Pointon, forcing a doctor's check. Reminiscent of the cut
suffered by Marvin Eastman at UFC 43, there was no option but
to halt the bout. Pointon will be looking at this fight as “one
that got away.”
Mark
“The Beast” Epstein proved there is still life in him
- this time at middleweight - in his fight against Tom “Kong”
Watson in a bout that would be contested over the full 15-minute
duration.
With
the opening round finding both fighters respectful of each other's
striking skills, they circled and chipped away, Watson using
his jab well and Epstein attempting a bold, early high kick attempt.
Surprisingly it was Epstein who initiated the first takedown
of the fight, only to be reversed and spend the rest of the round
fighting off his back.
With
all three rounds of the fight being closely fought affairs -
both fighter's working similar game plans - scoring the bout
must have proven quite difficult for the judges. But Epstein
picked up the win; most likely on account of having finished
the last round in top position.
Watson
offered his view on the fight, saying, “I should have been
more aggressive in the standup, and I only have myself to blame
for that. I hate fights going to the judges, but I still thought
I did enough to win that fight having attempted armbars and triangles
from the bottom. Mark got the win, but I'll be back and I'll
be meaner next time.”
Mark
Buchanan impressed with his maturity and composure in his fight
against George Castro, having stepped up on two day's notice
to fill in for Dave Legeno and proved that “who dares wins.”
Both
Castro and Buchanan were content on trading, that much was apparent
and both looked pretty good with their boxing. Buchanan has tended
to not look comfortable in the past striking and almost as though
he has been trying to piece MMA together in stages. He was positively
flowing Saturday night and kept adjusting his range and striking
to pick off his opponent, never fully over-committing himself
to a big exchange, but still chipping away calmly.
Midway
through the second round Buchanan must have smelt blood, having
forced Castro to back up into the cage with a nice combination.
He grounded the fight and unleashed a barrage of punches to force
the referee to step in and call time. His conservation of energy,
calmness and ability to turn the pace up when it mattered won
him the fight and showed that he has improved massively in 2007.
Robert
“Buzz” Berry came into this bout with a chest infection
and even appeared to be breathing heavy during the pre-fight
interview, but it didn't stop him from throwing it all down in
the cage and fighting a “do or die” first round against
Neil Grove.
Berry
has had criticisms leveled at him in the past over his lack of
head movement and his propensity to throw strikes with a rigid
back whilst hanging his chin out, an area that he appears to
have worked on for this fight. Indeed, it appears that Berry
has highlighted major chinks in the “Goliath's armor”
and possibly laid a blueprint on how to beat the South African
fighter.
Berry
circled well, stepping back out of oncoming punches and drove
forward to close the distance before working solid knees in the
clinch. Even on the ground it was Berry who dominated top position
with a solid run at an arm triangle, but he fell foul to conditioning
and was unable to finish the fight with strikes despite being
in top position. Having worked himself into oxygen debt and unable
to breathe, he only had this telling nugget to offer, “I
was (expletive), I couldn't breathe and there was no way I was
going to make it out for the second round.”
Italian
Ivan Serati came out ultra-aggressively against Lee Hasdell in
the opening moments of their bout, immediately working for a
takedown and forcing his will upon the British veteran. Following
a scramble, both fighters made it to their feet and up against
the cage wall, but again it was the Italian who was pushing the
pace landing knee's before dragging the fight down again.
The
fight proved to reach a major turning point at the end of the
first round with Serati setting up an armbar submission from
the top position that was on deep, so much so Hasdell's arm was
slinged-up after the bout and awaiting further medical inspection.
The submission didn't end the bout though as the bell for the
end of round broke the hold.
Round
two continued in the same form with Serati being the aggressor
taking Hasdell back down and securing mount. He fired off a continuous
stream of punches on his opponent forcing the referee to call
time to the bout. Serati chalks up his first win on the big stage
in impressive fashion and Hasdell is left to ponder his future,
just around the corner from turning 41-years-of-age.
Abdul
Mohammed and Robbie Olivier fought to a three round decision
to contest for the lightweight championship in a bout that offered
too much respect towards each other's abilities. Olivier arguably
won the first, driving for the takedown, using his strikes well
to open up a cut inside Mohammed's ear and really pushing the
pace. Mohammed arguably took the second, working stronger in
the clinch and using his wrestling base to good effect attempting
to work his ground and pound game.
The
winner of the bout boils down to how you scored the third round,
and in this case the judges favored Mohammed. The old adage of
“to be a champion, you have to beat a champion” rings
true and although both fought well, Olivier didn't let his hands
go enough in the final round to sway the judges, and Mohammed
retained his title by decision.
Robert
Paczkow, Polish sumo wrestler and owner of the worst mullet ever
seen in the cage, clearly has some judo in his background and
he used it to good effect having weathered an early attempt at
an armbar by James McSweeney from the bottom. But a 100-pound
weight disadvantage would always prove to be a problem to shift
if you are on your back and, as such, the British fighter couldn't
find a way out, enabling Paczkow to setup the choke from the
north/south position.
In
the opening bout of the evening, Ronnie Mann took out Jordan
Miller quickly via triangle choke following a big takedown. It
was evident that Mann was looking forward to fighting Pickett
and to be denied the opportunity due to injury, clearly took
the luster away from his win and it showed. Miller was a late
replacement and did well to step-up and take the fight, but clearly
wasn't going to be a match for the upcoming Team Trojan fighter.
Cage
Rage 24
Saturday, Dec. 1, 2004
Wembley Arena
London, England
-
Murilo “Ninja” Rua def. Xavier Foupa Pokam by Submission
(Rear Naked Choke) at 3:47, R2
- Paul Cahoon def. Elvis Sinosic by TKO (Strikes) at 0:21, R1
- Drew Fickett def. Mark Weir by Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
at 3:55, R1
- Marios Zaromskis def. Ross Pointon TKO (Cut) at 3:39, R2
- Mark Epstein def. Tom Watson by Split Decision, R3
- Mark Buchanan def. George Castro by TKO (Strikes) at 3:17,
R2
- Neil Grove def. Robert Berry by TKO (Unable to Continue) at
5:00, R1
- Ivan Serati def. Lee Hasdell by Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
at 1:34, R2
- Abdul Mohammed def. Robbie Olivier by Majority Decision, R3
- Robert Paczkow def. James McSweeney by Submission (North-South)
at 2:09, R1
- Ronnie Mann def. Jordan Miller by Submission (Triangle Choke)
at 0:53, R1
Source: MMA Weekly
|
WIUFF
VS. DIABATE AT STEELE CAGE ON DEC. 28
Steele Cage Promotions, LLC and the International Fighting Organization,
LLC have announced the lineup for their “Fireworks in the
Cage IV” event. It scheduled for Friday, Dec. 28 at the
Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
The
card will feature a light heavyweight IFO title fight between
Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Travis Wiuff and Pride
and Cage Rage veteran Cyrille “The Snake” Diabate.
Wiuff is coming off of a four-fight streak that includes wins
over tough competitors Sean Salmon and Travis Fulton. Diabate
is coming off of a submission victory over Ryan Robinson in Cage
Rage back in April.
Also
featured on the card is a bantamweight title fight between Del
Hawkins and Brandon Foxworth. Both fighters are coming off losses,
but look to get back on the winning track and become the IFO
135-pound divisional champion.
The
fight card is as follows:
IFO
TITLE FIGHTS
205 lbs. – Travis Wiuff vs. Cyrille Diabate
135 lbs. – Del Hawkins vs. Brandon Foxworth
IFO
NON-TITLE FIGHTS
145 lbs. – JR Sims vs. Reynaldo Duarte
155 lbs. – Joe Cronin vs. Jeff Cox
205 lbs. – Ryan Bader vs. Ryan Peterson
170 lbs. – Waachim Spiritwolf vs. Joey Varner
265 lbs. – Buddy Roberts vs. Dennis Bacon
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"The
only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and
no apology."
Red Auerbach, 1917-2006, Hall of Fame American Basketball Coach
|
Fundraiser
Tonight at Pipeline Cafe for
a Person Suffering from Cancer
Please stop by to enjoy some great music and more importantly,
help out a person and family fight Cancer!
Pipeline Cafe
Sunday, December 2, 2007
5-10PM
$15 at the door
The bands that will be performing are:
One Drop
Pilialoha
Darren Benitez
Kalihi
Light It Up
For more info call 782-2245
Source: Niko Vitale
|
Come
Celebrate the Re-Grand Opening of
Fighter's
Corner!
Sunday, December 9th, 2007
405 N. King St. Honolulu, HI
Bas Rutten will be signing autographs and taking pictures from
12-4pm, at Fighter's Corner to help celebrate the Re-Grand Opening
of the store.
The store has expanded and been totally renovated and is a MUST
SEE.
Check
the video out:
Fighter's Corner is located at 405 N. King St. Honolulu, HI,
near the corner of King and Liliha St.
Call 808-599-4448 for details.
Source: Fighter's Corner
|
Hughes
In A “Rush” To Make Statement
When Matt Serra’s back suddenly betrayed him last week,
the one thought that crossed my mind was “Chuck versus Silva
better live up to the hype.” The UFC surely couldn’t
afford to have another pay event fail to impress such as UFC
79 did so just last week.
Thoughts
have a tendency to turn into links that create a chain, so naturally
my own mind began to wonder if Hughes would still fight. Plain
and simple, he needs a match. After a list of possibles cascaded
through my thoughts, and I had just about chalked up the whole
UFC welterweight division to irrelevancy, the match-up was announced:
Hughes-St. Pierre III.
Although
Hughes now says he “chose” St. Pierre, it is hard to
fathom. St. Pierre impressed the first time and dominated the
second. In many people’s eyes, Serra reeled in a fluke and
that St. Pierre really is the true king of the division. Kind
of hard to argue with that line of thinking, especially after
witnessing his outstanding effort in out-wrestling Josh Koscheck
last time out, a fight that is significant if only because it
was concise as it was timely. Koscheck is no world-beater, at
least not yet. But he was a fantastic college wrestler, and his
game was completely knocked off the hinges by St. Pierre, in
what was his own statement making appearance after losing to
Serra.
Hughes
and Serra was a compelling match-up based primarily from the
merits of the The Ultimate Fighter. About a year ago or so it
would have been hard to convince even the most casual of fans
that Serra would see a third round against Hughes. After Serra
blitzed St. Pierre though, a mystique began to follow the native
Long Islander. It wasn’t the fact that he knocked out GSP,
but rather his approach. Serra didn’t look tame and hesitant,
but instead like a guy hungry for the title.
Biased
am I, because I do not enjoy the term “fluke.” I believe
that St. Pierre at his best is better than Serra at his. But
I also believe in timing, and Matt Serra had all of it that night,
and pounced on the opportunity.
Respect
was naturally due his way. It wasn’t to me how he won, but
how he went about it: Serra went right after him. Did he expose
St. Pierre? Maybe. Maybe St. Pierre is vulnerable to having heat
bought on him when he can’t respond with a rythym. Or maybe
one bombing right-hand changed his game (and his balance) enough
to not be able to recover. Who knows?
Matt
Hughes apparently thinks he does. There would have been other
opponents the company may have attempted to parade as candidates
for this contest. But none of them have the ability to capture
the fans’ attention, (and not to mention rescue the card)
the way that St. Pierre does.
Hughes
claims he sought out St. Pierre. Others have speculated that
it was an attempt by Hughes to catch St. Pierre off guard. But
Hughes is too smart for that. St. Pierre certainly will be ready
for battle come late December. The real question appears to be
then is if Hughes is the one who might be biting off more than
he could chew?
Arguably
the greatest champion in the history of the sport, Hughes can
let his past do his bidding. But in a sport and culture where
the recent past frequently overshadows the body of work, Hughes
definitively no longer betrays an aura of invincibility. He was
being handled by BJ Penn before Penn snapped a rib and St. Pierre
completely and dynamically tore Hughes to shreds during their
second encounter. The last Hughes appearance withstanding, the
former champion has quietly left any prior championship-like
performances to celluloid.
Serra
would have been a good match-up for Hughes. They just fit. The
dumb verbal spats on Spike, the styles, the head sizes, trash
talk and Bible passages. But St. Pierre is not a very good match-up
for anybody. He’s too athletic and creative for even the
most game of fighters to contend with. And at 34 years of age,
some are beginning to wonder if perhaps Hughes’ best days
are behind him. Fair, sort of. But it’s not just the fights
that age fighters, it’s also the training camps, sparring
sessions, weight reduction, and so forth. That makes 46 other
times Hughes has had to come through all of the preparation it
takes to enter the ring. This upcoming 47th has the potential
to be the most important.
A
loss in Hughes’ column could mark the true end to the old
guard of the UFC, and usher out its most accomplished former
champion. St. Pierre is once again in the crosshairs and one
wonders if Hughes’ scope is bent in the wrong direction.
They’ll tell you this is for an “interim championship”,
and even if it wasn’t, the winner in the minds of the many
will be viewed as the true king of the welterweight division.
Cheers to Matt Hughes for at least taking the high-road in his
attempt to once again climb the throne.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ
II IS MADE!
In a joint press release sent out by Golden Boy Promotions and
Top Rank, the long-awaited rematch between WBC Super Featherweight
champion Juan Manuel Marquez and Pinoy superstar Manny Pacquiao
has officially been set for Saturday, March 15, at the Mandalay
Bay Hotel & Casino.
The
bout will be televised by HBO PPV.
Source: The Fight Network
|
THE
BRITISH BARK
News and Notes from the United Kingdom
By Stash Capar
Mixed
martial arts fans will witness the UFC’s first-ever Brit-versus-Brit
bout when undefeated Paul Kelly takes on Paul Taylor at UFC 80
“Rapid Fire” on Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Metro Radio
Arena in Newcastle, England. A member of the Wolfslair Academy
– home to Michael Bisping, light heavyweight winner from
season three of “The Ultimate Fighter” – Kelly
has signed a four-fight deal with the promotion.
“Paul
is definitely one to watch out for,” Bisping said. “He
was to make his Cage Rage debut earlier this year, but things
didn’t quite work out. Either way, we’re glad he’s
UFC bound.”
Kelly
(6-0) began his professional career in 2005, with a match against
Nigel Whitear at FX3 “Battle of Britain.” The bout
lasted all of 54 seconds. In the two years since, the welterweight
has finished off five more opponents. Five of his six wins have
come in the opening round.
Kelly
was originally scheduled to make his television debut against
Cage Rage welterweight champion Paul Daley at Cage Rage 21 in
April. The fight was called off, and though no official reason
was provided, some speculate the UFC approached Kelly with a
superior offer. He defeated Jordan James at Cage Gladiators 4
in August, as he scored a second-round TKO.
Taylor
(8-2-1, 1-1 UFC), meanwhile, has already fought in two of the
three UFC shows in the UK and is coming off a submission loss
to Marcus Davis at UFC 75 in September.
UFC
80 “Rapid Fire”
January 19, 2008
Metro Radio Arena
Newcastle, England
UFC
Interim Lightweight Championship
Joe Stevenson vs. BJ
Penn
Gabriel
Gonzaga vs. Fabricio Werdum
Marcus Davis vs. Jess Liaudin
Alessio Sakara vs. James Lee
Kendall Grove vs. Jorge Rivera
Sam Stout vs. Per Eklund
Paul Kelly vs. Paul Taylor
Colin Robinson vs. Antoni Hardonk
Source: The Fight Network
|
Xande
wants revenge at Super Challenge
Black belt has his eye on David Avellan
With
his return to Brazil confirmed for this weekend, the 2006 Absolute
Jiu-Jitsu champion guarantees he’s on his toes for Super
Challenge Grappling. Xande is finishing up a season of seminars
in Japan and promises to intensify his training without the gi
to fight for the Super Challenge Grappling title and a prize
of US$ 15,000.
When
asked about his opponents, Xande stated it is an honor to participate
in the event with so many tough opponents, but doesn’t hide
his intention of returning the defeat he suffered by points to
David Avellan, at ADCC 2007. “I can’t wait to get my
hands on him. With Super Challenge rules he can’t win,”
predicts Xande.
Confirmed
for the coming 8th of December, in the luxurious Paulistano Athletic
Club, in Sao Paulo, Super Challenge Grappling will bring together
16 athletes from around the world in the biggest absolute submission
grappling event ever held. On the card the names Demian Maia,
Fabricio Werdum, David Avellan, Rafael Lovato, Jeff Monson, Delson
Pe de Chumbo, Tarsys Humphreys, Nino Schembri and Andre Galvao
are confirmed. The grand champion will take home a prize of US$
15,000 and will receive a katana sword from the hands of Rickson
Gracie.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Quote
of the Day
"He
enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul's estate."
Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862, American Author/Critic/Naturalist
|
Hawaii
Xtreme Combat Presents
HOSTILE TAKEOVER
On Maui
Today!
Hawaii Xtreme Combat Presents
HOSTILE TAKEOVER
Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina, Hawaii
Saturday, December 1, 2007
7pm (Doors Open at 6)
FIGHT CARD!
MAIN
EVENT
Kili “Hawaiian Prince” Madrid (Wailuku Boxing) v Sergio
“Monstah” Mamone (BJ Penn)
Mike
“Rocky” Malone (Eastsidaz Fight Club) v Travis Lincoln
(Fight For Life)
Mike
“Pitbull” Pedro (Bang Inc/Brazilian Freestyle) v David
“Hollywood” Balicao (Jesus is Lord)
Brandon
“Viper” Visher (Wailuku Boxing) v Matt Comeau (Team
MMAD)
Pat
Makini Aikau Clark (Team Koali) v Lorenzo Moreno (Bulls Pen)
Dylan
Clay (Brazilian Freestyle) v Kimo Woelfel (Eastsidaz Fight Club)
Ermin
Fergerstrom (Brazilian Freestyle) v David “Tan Superman”
Padilla (Jesus is Lord)
Braddah
Vive Costello (Bullspen) v Clayton “Kazu Boy” Nohara
(BJ Penn)
Loren
Ganoy (Lahaina Underground) v Ikaika Choy Foo (Jesus is Lord)
Javin
Santos (Bang Inc./Brazilian Freestyle) v Ian Dela Cuesta (Jesus
is Lord)
Donald
Gonzalves (BJ Pen MMA) v Bryson Hansen (MMAD)
Kaeo
Linkee (Bang Inc/Brazilian Freestyle) v Kawika Maddella (Freelance)
Tickets
Available at:
Otopia (Kaahumanu Center)
Uncle Jesse's
Akamai Coffee Company
Local Motion, Lahaina
Source: Event Promoter
|
Fundraiser
at Pipeline Cafe for a Person Suffering from Cancer
Please stop by to enjoy some great music and more importantly,
help out a person and family fight Cancer!
Pipeline Cafe
Sunday, December 2, 2007
5-10PM
$15 at the door
The bands that will be performing are:
One Drop
Pilialoha
Darren Benitez
Kalihi
Light It Up
For more info call 782-2245
Source: Niko Vitale
|
CAGE
RAGE 24
Cage
Rage 24 “Feel the Pain” stands just days away, and
with Jordan Miller stepping in to replace injured featherweight
Brad “One Punch” Pickett, the Dec. 1 card is set.
Pickett,
who broke his arm while training with the American Top Team,
was originally scheduled to do battle with Trojan Freefighter
Ronnie Mann (9-1-1), a top contender in the Cage Rage featherweight
division. Both Mann and Miller (2-4) have exceptional ground
skills, a fact which may turn the fight into a jiu-jitsu clinic.
However,
it’s the main event that has British fight fans talking,
as Frenchman Xavier Foupa Pokam (13-7) will take on Chute Boxe
veteran and former EliteXC middleweight champion Murilo “Ninja”
Rua (14-8-1). Pokam has competed in both Europe and Japan throughout
his five-year career and is currently on a five-fight winning
streak. He posted his most recent victory against Pierre Guillet
at Cage Rage 23.
Rua,
meanwhile, finds himself on the rebound following his TKO loss
to Robbie Lawler at EliteXC “Uprising” in September.
The Curitiba, Brazil native holds a 2-0 record in Cage Rage and
figures to be hungry for a win.
Cage
Rage 24 “Feel the Pain”
Saturday, Dec. 1
Wembley Arena
London, England
Murilo
“Ninja” Rua vs. Xavier Foupa Pokam
Elvis Sinosic vs. Paul Cahoon
Drew Fickett vs. Mark Weir
Marios Zaromskis vs. Ross Pointon
Dave Legeno vs. George Castro
Ivan Serati vs. Lee Hasdell
Robert Paczkow vs. James McSweeney
Neil Grove vs. Robert Berry
Tom Watson vs. Mark Epstein
Abdul Mohamed vs. Robbie Oliver
Ronnie Mann vs. Jordan Miller
Source: The Fight Network
|
K-1
HERO'S UPDATE
Yamamoto vs. Yahya Confirmed for Dynamite!
By FCF Staff
K-1 Hero’s official website is reporting that a fight between
Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto and Rani Yahya has been added
to the promotion’s upcoming, New Year’s Eve card. K-1
Premium 2007 Dynamite! will take place at the Kyocera Dome, in
Osaka, Japan.
Yamamoto,
who is FCF’s 2nd ranked featherweight fighter, recently
returned his fulltime attention to his MMA career, after abandoning
a bid to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in freestyle wrestling.
The Japanese fighter currently holds a record of 15-1, and most
recently worked his way to a Unanimous Decision victory over
jiu-jitsu champion Bibiano Fernandes at Hero’s September
17th event.
Yahya
(11-3) is coming off a failed bid to take the World Extreme Cagefighting
135lb. title away from Chase Beebe in September, losing to the
champion by Unanimous Decision. Prior to that, Yahya submitted
UFC veteran Mark Hominick in the first round with a rear-naked-choke
at WEC 28 in June.
The
Dynamite! card will be headlined by a fight between former Pride
star Kazushi Sakuraba (21-10-1) and Masakatsu Funaki (38-11-1),
who is returning to action for the first time since 2000. Sakuraba
most recently submitted Katsuyori Shibata with a first round
armbar in September.
Source: FCF
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Renato
"Babalu" Sobral to return in January
Former UFC light heavyweight title contender Renato "Babalu"
Sobral (28-7) has set a return date of January 12, 2008 to face
Vernon "Tiger" White (25-32-2) at Xcess Fighting in
San Diego, California.
Sobral
is taking the rest of the year off after getting released by
the UFC in August for his actions at UFC 74. With the fight already
won, Sobral held onto the anaconda choke extra long to punish
his opponent David Heath, whom he felt had disrespected him.
Sobral escaped suspension but was fined $25,000, which was half
his purse.
Sobral
had little difficult in his search for a new home, though: Besides
signing with Xcess Fighting, Sobral has secured non-exclusive
deals with Hardcore Championship Fighting and Strikeforce.
Xcess
Fighting will be available live via online pay-per-view on RingSideJunkie.com.
FIGHT
CARD:
Renato
"Babalu" Sobral vs. Vernon "Tiger" White
Jimmy Ambriz vs. Kauai Kupihea
Joe Riggs vs. Gustavo "Ximu" Machado
Ricco Rodriguez vs. TBA
Drew Fickett vs. Carlo Prater
Mark Kerr vs. TBA
David "The Crow" Loiseau vs. Josh Haynes
Virgil Georgianna vs. TBA
Georgi Karakahyan vs. TBA
Megan Gangitano vs. TBA
Fabio Costa vs. TBA
Source: MMA Fighting
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Oleg
Taktarov is Back in Bodog
By Brian Knapp
Oleg
Taktarov weighed in at 220 pounds for his heavyweight main event
with John Marsh (220) at Bodog Fight “Russia vs. USA 2,”
scheduled for this Friday at the MegaSport Ice Arena in Moscow,
Russia. The other 20 fighters on the card also made weight.
Taktarov
(12-5-2), who turns 40 in June, has not competed since he submitted
Aaron Salinas with a first-round armbar at a Total Kombat show
in May 2001.
“The
Russian Bear” put himself on the MMA map in 1995 when he
defeated Dave Beneteau, Anthony Macias and David “Tank”
Abbott – all on the same night, all by submission –
to win the UFC 6 “Clash of the Titans” tournament.
Taktarov also owns a decision victory over Marco Ruas.
Marsh
(7-6) last fought in February, when he lost to Chad Griggs by
third-round TKO at an International Fight League event. A veteran
of both PRIDE and the UFC, the 37-year-old Californian holds
wins over Wesley “Cabbage” Correira and Travis Fulton.
The
“Russia vs. USA 2” show will not air immediately, as
Bodog Fight plans to cut footage into a “made for TV”
event that will stream on the Web at a later date.
Bodog
Fight “Russia vs. USA 2”
Friday, Nov. 30
MegaSport Ice Arena
Moscow, Russia
Oleg
Taktarov (220) vs. John Marsh (220)
Emyr Bussade (183) vs. Andrei Semenov (185.5)
Diego Visotzky (185) vs. Alexander Shlemenko (185.5)
Zulu (401) vs. Vladimir Kuchenko (266)
Eric Pele (265) vs. Akhmet Sultanov (235.5)
Jessica Aguilar (125) vs. Julia Berezkova (125)
Dan Evensen (255) vs. Konstantine Gluhov (214)
James Jones (155) vs. Vladimir Zenin (156)
Stanislav Shushko (208.5) vs. Telman Sheripov (245.5)
Ivan Anikanov (202) vs. Besiki Gerenava (202)
Alexander Kokoev (184) vs. Sultan Tikhaev (184.5)
Source: The Fight Network
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Andre
Gusmao in UFC 81
Former IFL fighter to debut against David Heath
The
Brazilian legion in the UFC just keeps growing. Today the American
organization announced Andre Gusmal will be fighting at UFC 81,
to take place in February in Las Vegas. The capoeira instructor
and student of Renzo Gracie will go toe to toe with David Heath,
who is coming off two losses in a row, to Lyoto Machida and Renato
“Babalu” in a controversial fight that cost the Brazilian
his job.
On
the occasion, Babalu held held Heath in a choke till passing
out, although the fighter had already tapped out. Andre Gusmao
is undefeated in MMA, with five wins, the last four representing
his IFL team, the Pitbulls of New York.
Source: Gracie Magazine
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