|
January 2007 News
Part 2
|
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!
Click
here for info!
Take classes from the Onzuka brothers in a family-like enviornment! |
 
For the special Onzuka.com
price, click on one of these banners above! |
 |
Fighters' Club TV
The Toughest Show On
Teleivision
Tuesdays at 7:00PM
***NEW TIME***
Olelo Channel 52 on Oahu
Akaku on Maui
Check
out the FCTV website! |
Got a question for us? Email info@onzuka.com
or click here to send us
an email.
Please
Help The Family of Officer Favela on Jan 28th at the Pipeline
Cafe Fundraiser
The survivor benefits for his wife and kids may take up to
a year to be paid out, so please help one of HPD's fallen heroes.
Newswatch
Star-Bulletin staff
and wire service
Benefit
will help officer's family
Friends of Honolulu motorcycle police officer Steve Favela, who
was fatally injured during a presidential motorcade, are holding
a fundraiser for his family Jan. 28 at Pipeline Cafe.
All
the money raised will go to his wife, Barbara, and four children,
Keahi, 7, Kiana 5, Matthew, 3, and Jacob, 5 months.
Tickets
are $20 and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling
Darren Cachola at 864-2001.
Source: Star Bulletin
|
Quote
of the Day
Dance is
the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it
is made."
Ted Shawn, 1891-1972, American Dancer
|
USA
BOXING HAWAII ASSOCIATION INC.,
Tonight!
USA BOXING HAWAII ASSOCIATION INC.,
PALOLO B.C. AND KAWANO B.C.
PRESENTS A MATCH EVENT ON JANUARY 20, 2007 7 P.M.
Tentative Bouts- Subject to Change
RED
CORNER WEIGHTS BLUE CORNER
AGE 3 ROUNDS AGE
1).
Tristen Kamaka 10 65 James Hashimoto 11
5-0 B.C. 07/31/96 1 min. Palolo 08/23/95
2). Kai Kamaka 11 75 Justly Laquihon 12
5-0 01/05/95 1 min. Unattached 11/10/94
3). Shane McShane 13 95 Emmitt Bolibol 14
5-0 01/19/93 1 min. Villaver 01/02/93
4). Jumar Dumaolao 20 150 Earl Fritz III 24
5-0 11/04/86 2 min. Wailuku 11/09/82
----------------------------------1st MAIN EVENT- 4 ROUNDS-------------------------------
5). Ronnie Reams 26 12/30/85 140 Brandon Visher 22
Rainbow B.C. (Colorado Springs) 2 min./4 rounds Wailuku 05/06/84
----------------------------------15
MIN---INTERMISSION---15MIN-------------------------
6).
Frank Pojsl 29 201+ Mike Abrahms
33 Palolo 08/28/77 2 min. Palolo 10/22/73
7). Helena Delacruz 14 115 Chazzette Sau 13
5-0 04/25/92 2 min. Southside 03/15/93
8). Renante Villanueva 22 127 David Tangjian Jr. 17
Oki B.C. 03/06/84 2 min. Kawano 05/30/89
-----------------------------------------2ND MAIN EVENT------------------------------------------
9). Davin Kim 17 125 Amedeo Ezzo- White Jr. 18
5-0 10/07/89 2 min. Unattached 04/16/88
Outstanding
Boxer Award- Sponsored by Red Lions University
Outstanding J.O. Boxer Award- Sponsored by Red Lions University
Outstanding Bout Award- Sponsored by Kawano B.C. and Kalakaua
B.C. __________________________________________
Sportsmanship Award- Sponsored by the Benitez Family
Sportsmanship Award- Sponsored by Hawaiian Fight Gear
Special
Thanks to our Volunteers- Dr. Myles Suehiro, HPD Officer- Daryl
Takata, Door Workers, Palolo B.C., Ralph Martin, State Boxing
Commission, Hal Adonis, Boxers, Officials, Coaches, Timekeeper,
Andy Cruz, and "YOU" our Boxing Fans for your support.
Next match event will be at Evolution B.C. on Feb. 3rd.
2007 Hawaii State/Regional Championships will be on Feb. 16-18.
Winners advance to the 2007 U.S. Championships, an Olympic
Trials Qualifier. Our 2008 Olympic Team will be chosen this
year. U.S. Championships will decide who goes to the Olympic
Trials.
Thank You Again!!!
Your
Host, USA Boxing Hawaii, Bruce Kawano, and Joe Kim.
|
Niko
Vitale
Loses Split Decision to Jeremy Horn
International Fight League
Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
5,005 attendence
International
Fight League
ORACLE Arena, Oakland, Calif., January 19, 2007
Condors (Southern Calif.) def. Tiger Sharks (Seattle), 3-2
LW/155 lbs.: Shad Lierley, Tiger Sharks, def. Adam Lynn, Condors,
via TKO (strikes), 0:44, 1st round
HW/265 lbs.: Antoine Jaoude, Condors def. Curtis Crawford, Tiger
Sharks, via decision (unanimous) after three rounds
LW/155 lbs. (alt.): Danny Suarez, Condors, def. Tristan Wit,
Tiger Sharks, via submission (triangle choke), 1:44, 1st round
MW/185 lbs.: Jeremy Williams, Condors, def. Bristol Marunde,
Tiger Sharks, via TKO (triangle choke), 1:13, 1st round
LH/205 lbs.: Reese Andy, Tiger Sharks, def. Justin Levens, Condors,
via decision (unanimous) after three rounds
Lions (Reno, Nev.) def. Razorclaws (San Jose, Calif.), 3-2
LW/155 lbs.: John Gunderson, Lions, def. Josh Odom, Razorclaws,
via submission (triangle choke), 3:05, 1st round
HW/265 lbs.: Roy Nelson, Lions, def. Vince Lucero, Razorclaws,
via TKO (ref stoppage), 1:58, 1st round
LW/155 lbs. (alt.): Clint Coronel, Razorclaws, def. Joe Martin,
Lions, via TKO (ref stoppage), 0:45, 2nd round
WW/170 lbs.: Pat Healy, Lions, def. Ray Steinbeiss, Razorclaws,
via decision (unanimous) after three rounds
MW/185 lbs.: Brian Foster, Razorclaws, def. Daniel Molina, Lions,
via TKO (ref stoppage), 2:05, 2nd round
Superfight
190 lbs.: Jeremy Horn def. Niko Vitale, via decision (split), after five rounds
IFL Standings Through Jan. 19
Team Overall Match
Condors 1-0 3-2
Lions 1-0 3-2
Anacondas 0-0 0-0
Dragons 0-0 0-0
Wolfpack 0-0 0-0
Pitbulls 0-0 0-0
Red Bears 0-0 0-0
Sabres 0-0 0-0
Scorpions 0-0 0-0
Silverbacks 0-0 0-0
Razorclaws 0-1 2-3
Tiger Sharks 0-1 2-3
Special Awards
(Tiger Sharks vs. Condors)
Best KO - Shad Lierley, Tiger Sharks
Best submission - Jeremy Williams, Condors
Fastest finish - Shad Lierley, Tiger Sharks
Most exciting fight - Reese Andy, Tiger Sharks, vs. Justin Levins,
Condors
(Lions vs. Razorclaws)
Best KO -
Best submission - John Gunderson
Fastest Finish - Roy Nelson
Fight of the Night - Dan Molina vs. Brian Foster
Most Valuable Fighter - John Gunderson
Source: MMA Fighting
|
UFC
Fight Night 8 card is complete
The UFC Fight Night 8 card has been finalized. The event takes
place on Thursday, January 25 from the Seminole Hard Rock Live
Arena in Hollywood, Florida.
The
three televised bouts will be Rashad Evans vs. Sean Salmon, Heath
Herring vs. Jake O'Brien, and Spencer Fisher vs. Hermes Franca.
Dean Lister vs. Nathan Marquardt will air if time permits. The
show starts at 8pm on Spike TV.
Fight
Card:
205
lbs: Rashad Evans vs. Sean Salmon
HWT: Heath Herring vs. Jake O'Brien
155 lbs: Hermes Franca vs. Spencer Fisher
185 lbs: Dean Lister vs. Nate Marquardt
170 lbs: Chad Reiner vs. Josh Burkman
185 lbs: Ed Herman vs. Chris Price
155 lbs: Clay Guida vs. Din Thomas
170 lbs: Ross Pointon vs. Rich Clementi
Source:
MMA Fighting
|
AOKI
TO REMATCH KIKUCHI IN SHOOTO
by Al Yu
At a press conference today in Yokohama, Japan, Shooto announced
a highly anticipated rematch between Shinya Aoki and Akira Kikuchi.
The fight will take on place on Shooto’s upcoming February
17th ‘Back To Our Roots’ show. The current 167-pound
Shooto Champion Shinya Aoki will be making the first defense
of his title since winning it last February. Aoki defeated the
Killer Bee fighter to claim the Shooto Middleweight belt and
the rematch will take place exactly one year later from their
first meeting.
Since
defeating Kikuchi, Aoki has defeated his four subsequent opponents,
including a very impressive submission victory over Joachim Hansen
at Pride Otoko Matsuri 2006. Kikuchi successfully rebounded from
his loss with a win over Ronald Juhn at Shooto Champion Carnival.
Aoki is currently the #6 MMAWeekly ranked lightweight while Kikuchi
is #8 at welterweight.
2/17
Shooto ‘Back To Our Roots’ card so far:
Shooto
Middleweight Championship fight:
Shinya Aoki (Paraestra Tokyo) vs. Akira Kikuchi (Killer Bee)
Shooto
Welterweight Pacific-Rim Championship fight:
Mizuto Hirota (GUTSMAN Shooto Dojo) vs. Takashi Nakakura (Shooting
Gym Osaka)
Shooto
Lightweight Pacific-Rim Championship fight:
Tenkei Fujimiya (STG Yokohama) vs. Akitoshi Tamura (Tsudanuma
Dojo)
Yusuke
Endo (GOKITA GYM) vs. Ganjo Tentsuku (Purebred Omiya)
Koutetsu Boku (Killer bee) vs. Kenichiro Togashi (Paraestra Hiroshima)
Takeshi Inoue (STG Yokohama) vs. Hiroyuki Abe (AACC)
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Lyoto
Machida to face Sam Hoger
The American will be the Brazilian’s adversary at UFC 67
The
Brazilian karateka Lyoto Machida already knows who he will face
in his UFC debut, to take place at UFC 67, on the 3rd of February.
Although it has not been officially pronounced by the organization,
behind the scenes at the UFC the name Sam Hoger, whose professional
record is of six wins and two losses, is a certainty.
This
will be the first performance of the athlete from Belém
since July of last year, when Lyoto, undefeated in MMA with eight
wins in eight fights, defeated Vernon White in the WFA.
Anderson
Silva vs Travis Lutter
Mirko Cro Cop vs Eddie Sanchez
Quinton Jackson vs Marvin Eastman
Lyoto Machida vs Sam Hoger (to be announced)
Source:
Gracie Magazine
|
Ground
And Pound Awards 2006
The vote for the second annual Ground & Pound Awards is over.
Fans, fighters, managers, promoters and trainers from around
the world have selected the winners of the fifteen categories.
Here are the results:
Fighter
Of The Year 2006
1.
Mirko Cro Cop: 45.87%
2. Georges St. Pierre: 29.50%
3. Chuck Liddell: 12.99%
4. Josh Barnett: 6.09%
5. Anderson Silva: 3.65%
6. Yoshihiro Akiyama: 1.89%
What
a comeback! After he had the weakest year of his career in 2005,
suffering two clear defeats, it seemed that the time of being
one of the world's top heavyweights had run out on the Croatian
kickboxer. The PRIDE Grand Prix however gave him the opportunity
to prove his critics wrong: With convincing victories over Judo
Olympic Gold Medalist Hidehiko Yoshida and in the Final on his
32nd birthday against PRIDE Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva
as well as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett, Cro
Cop won his first major title. Almost half of all voters rewarded
this outstanding performance and selected him ahead of Canadian
ace Georges St. Pierre as Fighter Of The Year 2006!
Team
Of The Year 20006
1.
Chute Boxe: 30.33%
2. American Top Team: 22.04%
3. Brazilian Top Team: 21.45%
4. Jackson’s Submission Fighting: 19.23%
5. Team Quest: 4.59%
6. Fairtex San Francisco: 2.37%
It
was a close race between Chute Boxe, ATT & BTT and Jackson’s
Submission Fighting. In the end the team from South Brazil prevailed
just like they did last year. Even though Wanderlei & Co.
hadn't been as outstanding as in 2005, Chute Boxe continued to
have two of the three best light heavyweights in the world. Additionally
they managed to establish another two fighters, Evangelista Cyborg
and Gabriel Napão, in PRIDE and the UFC respectively.
Plus the team of boss Rudimar Fedrigo can boast of maybe the
biggest talent in Brazil in Thiago Silva.
Rookie
Of The Year 2006
1.
Gilbert Melendez: 41.43%
2. Michael Bisping: 24.89%
3. Melvin Manhoef: 12.59%
4. Mitsuhiro Ishida: 8.05%
5. Gesias Calvancanti: 7.32%
6. Kendall Grove: 5.71%
"El
Niño" accelerated like a Lockheed SR-71 in 2006.
Before he was only widely known by hardcore lightweight fans,
but after his moments of glory in Strike Force and especially
in PRIDE, the Californian fighter has catapulted himself into
the Top 5 of the 155lbs weight class as well as the hearts of
the fans. The 24-year-old Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner is one
of the few undefeated fighters who have not padded their records
but who have instead beaten legendary opponents like Stephen
Palling or Rumina Sato at a very young age.
Most
Improved Fighter 2006
1.
Denis Kang: 56.20%
2. Matt Lindland: 19.28%
3. Melvin Manhoef: 8.82%
4. Mitsuhiro Ishida: 7.32%
5. Gesias Calvancanti: 5.08%
6. Carlos Condit: 3.29%
The
vote for Most Improved Fighter had one of the clearest results
in the whole poll. Denis Kang, son of a Korean father and a French
mother, had already made the jump from 50/50 fighter to superstar
in a small league (Spirit MC in Korea) three years ago. In 2006,
his outstanding performance in the Bushido Grand Prix helped
him break into the World Class. Even though he controversally
lost the Final against local hero Kazuo Misaki on points, the
29-year-old American Top Team member was one of the most positive
figures in the middleweight division this past year.
Best
Young Fighter 2006
1.
Shinya Aoki: 63.93%
2. Tyson Griffin: 19.79%
3. Gesias Calvancanti: 6.09%
4. Carlos Condit: 5.02%
5. Gegard Mousasi: 3.20%
6. Hatsu Hioki: 1.98%
The
story of Shinya Aoki is a special one, because the original plan
of the World Class ground fighter was to retire from Mixed Martial
Arts after only two years in the game. His life's dream was to
become a member of the Tokyo Highway Police instead or being
a fighter. Thank goodness for fight fans around the world he
failed the entrance exam and stayed in the fight business this
way. "Tobikan Judan" picked up the pace in the ring
as a result and won the SHOOTO middleweight title from longtime
champion Akira Kikuchi. He then made his debut in PRIDE where
he racked up three impressive submission victories against Jason
Black, Clay French and Joachim Hansen.
Craziest
Fighter 2006
1.
Genki Sudo: 33.14%
2. Jason Miller: 25.79%
3. Charles Bennett: 20.17%
4. Shonie Carter: 10.52%
5. Olaf Alfonso: 7.06%
6. Ross Pointon: 3.31%
Genki
Sudo is one of the few fighters who managed to defend their title
from last year (the others were Roger Gracie and Semmy Schilt).
Unfortunaltely it will also most likely be his last award for
the time being because the sympathetic Tokyo native announced
his retirement from fighting on New Year's Eve because of a slipped
disc which caused him so much pain that he couldn't even train
properly anymore. Be it for his colorful ring outfits, eccentric
masks or unorthodox fighting style - his fans around the world
will surely miss the "Neo-Samurai"!
Best
German Fighter 2006
1.
Nelson Siegert: 22.94%
2. Martin Zawada: 20.03%
3. Daniel Weichel: 18.42%
4. Dennis Siver: 17.29%
5. Steve Mensing: 14.22%
6. Andre Balschmieter: 7.11%
A
surprise for many experts was Nelson Siegert winning the award
for Best German Fighter. Even though Martin Zawada and Dennis
Siver had good arguments for winning as well because of their
strong performances in Holland and England respectively, a narrow
majority voted for the fighter from Berlin's IMAG team. Siegert's
best showing was in autumn when he managed to win the FFC Middleweight
Grand Prix in Leipzig. Victories over SHOOTO veteran Rimgaudas
Kutkaitis, Czech fighter Andre Reinders and whiz kid Peter Sobotta
crowned him the strongest German fighter under 185lbs.
Boxer
Of The Year 2006
1.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.: 34.21%
2. Wladimir Klitschko: 27.17%
3. Manny Pacquiao: 26.19%
4. Joe Calzaghe: 5.73%
5. Juan Diaz: 4.09%
6. Miguel Angel Cotto: 2.62%
Floyd
Mayweather Jr. had already taken over from ex-champion Bernard
Hopkins as boxing's best pound for pound fighter in July of 2005.
After his heroics last year, he won the IBF and WBC welterweight
titles with superior performances against former undisputed champ
Zab Judah and irksome Argentine pugilist Carlos Manuel Baldomir,
this knowledge which had before only been known to boxing experts
had reached the general public. "Pretty Boy" Floyd
is one of very few boxers who control the entire situation in
the ring at all times and who have the ability to put their stamp
on their opponents with their pace and flexibility.
Kickboxer
Of The Year 2006
1.
Semmy Schilt: 38.46%
2. Buakaw Por. Pramuk: 30.47%
3. Jerome Le Banner: 13.73%
4. Peter Aerts: 11.61%
5. Chalid Arrab: 4.37%
6. Ramazan Ramazanov: 1.36%
K-1
really did everything in their power to prevent another triumph
of the "Hightower". Already before the Finals they
threw Peter Aerts, Musashi and Hong-Man Choi at him. And if that
wasn't enough, they modified the rules to make the knee from
the clinch, Schilt's most dangerous weapon, an illegal one. Still
the 6'9" Dutchman won't be put off and stoically went his
way: Unspectacular but with pitiless effectiveness he worked
his way to three decision victories over K-1 legends Le Banner,
Hoost and Aerts at the K-1 World Grand Prix Final and crowned
himself as the world's strongest kickboxers for the second year
in a row.
Grappler
Of The Year 2006
1.
Roger Gracie: 48.96%
2. Marcelo Garcia: 32.00%
3. Xande Ribeiro: 13.60%
4. Andre Galvao: 2.08%
5. Bibiano Fernandes: 1.76%
6. Braulio Estima: 1.60%
In
a category which was dominated by Brazilians last year, Jiu-Jitsu
prodigy Roger Gracie managed to push through the competition
just like he did in 2005. At the Mundials in Rio de Janeiro he
won the gold medal at super heavyweight and placed second in
the open division. At the Pan-Am's it was exactly the other way
around: A silver medal at super heavyweight and first place in
the absolute division. Last but not least he made his MMA debut
against former WEC Champion Ron Waterman whom he submitted in
the first round.
Fight
Of The Year 2006
1.
Karo Parisyan vs. Diego Sanchez: 28.80%
2. Mirko Cro Cop vs. Wanderlei Silva: 23.08%
3. Josh Barnett vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira: 21.11%
4. Matt Hughes vs. B.J. Penn: 9.84%
5. Melvin Manhoef vs. Evangelista Cyborg: 9.66%
6. Joachim Hansen vs. Luiz Azeredo: 7.51%
It
was the main event of UFC Fight Night 6 - Karo Parisyan against
Diego Sanchez! Parisyan had been 5-1 in the UFC before the fight,
Sanchez even 4-0. The winner would move dangerously close to
getting a title shot and as a result both men boxed, wrestled,
grappled and fought for fifteen minutes at the highest level.
They seemingly effortless transitioned from offense to defense
and proved how World Class MMA can look like. In the end Sanchez
won the unanimous decision but that didn't really matter as both
fighters had turned in a fantastic performance in the Octagon.
Knockout
Of The Year 2006
1.
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Wanderlei Silva: 70.02%
2. Anderson Silva vs. Chris Leben: 11.13%
3. "Kid" Yamamoto vs. Kazuyuki Miyata: 7.90%
4. Joachim Hansen vs. Luiz Azeredo: 4.13%
5. Roman Zentsov vs. Pedro Rizzo: 3.41%
6. Spencer Fisher vs. Matt Wiman: 3.41%
There
are humorous knockouts like Fisher vs. Wiman, ones that are quick
as lightning like Yamamoto vs. Miyata and then there are knockouts
which are quite simply brutal! Cro Cop's destruction of Wanderlei
Silva in the semifinals of last year's PRIDE Grand Prix falls
into that category. The Croatian kickboxer had already floored
the "Axe Murderer" with a left to the chin when his
patented left high kick sent the Brazilian into the realm of
dreams for good. Seeing the PRIDE Middleweight Champion completely
motionless and unable to get up in the middle of the ring for
the first time in his career put an exclamation mark behind the
brutality of the Knockout Of The Year 2006.
Submission
Of The Year 2006
1.
Shinya Aoki vs. Joachim Hansen: 53.00%
2. Marcus Aurelio vs. Takanori Gomi: 16.10%
3. Josh Barnett vs. Aleksander Emelianenko: 11.80%
4. Jason MacDonald vs. Ed Herman: 11.42%
5. Renzo Gracie vs. Pat Miletich: 7.12%
6. Carlos Condit vs. Frank Trigg: 0.56%
Shinya
Aoki had already shown the fans a couple of fantastic submissions
victories like his triangle choke against Jason Black or his
flying triangle choke against Clay French before his NYE duel
with Norway's Joachim Hansen. Hansen, a former SHOOTO welterweight
champion and one of only three fighters on the planet who managed
a victory over lightweight top dog Takanori Gomi, was considered
to be able to hold his own on the ground with the judo/jiu-jitsu
prodigy. The absolute opposite happened however: Aoki took care
of "Hell Boy" with a Gogoplata, one of the technically
most ambitious submission holds (the opponent is choked with
the chin), in a little less than two and a half minutes.
Best
Promotion 2006
1.
PRIDE Fighting Championships: 57.32%
2. Ultimate Fighting Championship: 39.96%
3. SHOOTO: 1.81%
4. HERO*S: 0.72%
5. Cage Rage: 0.18%
6. Rumble On The Rock: 0.00%
Commentary:
The Yakuza scandal and the subsequent loss of their TV deal with
Fuji TV as well as the departure of long time superstars like
Kazushi Sakuraba (to HERO*S), Quinton Jackson (to the WFA) or
Igor Vovchanchyn (into retirement) could not hurt the enormous
popularity of PRIDE. Just as little as the persistent efforts
of the UFC to snatch fans from the Japanese "Champions League"
with eighteen events a year and three different Free TV shows.
The distance between the UFC and PRIDE may have decreased but
still there is nothing quite like hearing 37,000 people at Saitama
Super Arena cheer on the best fighters in the world.
Best
Event 2006
1.
PRIDE Grand Prix Final: 66.79%
2. UFC 57 "Liddell vs. Couture 3": 16.42%
3. PRIDE Bushido 10: 11.81%
4. HERO*S Grand Prix 2nd Round: 2.95%
5. SHOOTO "Champion Carnival": 1.48%
6. Cage Rage 15 "Adrenalin Rush": 0.55%
The
assessment of the best promotion is enforced by the distinctness
of people's preferences as far as the Best Event goes. Almost
80% of all votes went to PRIDE events. The PRIDE Grand Prix Final
with "Fight Of The Year" candidates Mirko Cro Cop vs.
Wanderlei Silva and Josh Barnett vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
came out on top in the end. UFC 57 headlined by the third encouter
between Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture snuck in between the
PRIDE GP Final and Bushido 10 with a little over 16% of the votes.
HERO*S Grand Prix Round 2, SHOOTO "Champion Carnival"
and Cage Rage 15 "Adrenalin Rush" all failed in their
attempt at racking up more than 5%.
Source:
Hampfsportnews.com
|
Quote
of the Day
"Never part without loving words to think of during your
absence. It may be that you will not meet again in this life."
Jean Paul Richter, 1763-1972, American Dancer
|
Vitale
Talks IFL on "The Savage Dog Show
The Savage Dog Show is back for another go-around. Listen in
as Greg Savage and Jeff Sherwood talk to Hawaiian mixed martial
artist Falaniko Vitale (Pictures) about his Jan. 19th International
Fight League showdown against MMA iron-man Jeremy Horn (Pictures).
Vitale discussed his Hawaiian roots, his return from retirement,
and handicapped his bout with Horn.
Greg
and Jeff breakdown this weekend’s IFL and WEC cards, as
well as answer listener e-mail. Also, make sure to listen for
your chance to win a $50 Sherdog.com shopping spree. All you
have to do is come up with a name for the SDS’s word association
segment.
Don’t
miss this episode of "The Savage Dog Show" on the Sherdog
Radio Network!
It's
the Savage Dog Show on The Sherdog Radio Network!
Click Here to go to Sherdog.com and check out
the podcast on iTunes.
Video
Length: 56:09 min
Video Size: 22.49 MB
Source:
Sherdog
|
Exclusive
Interview with Rich "Ace" Franklin
By Sean McClure
MaxFighting: Rich, you're back in training, man. How are things
going?
Rich
Franklin: Not bad. I'm healed up and my face is not real sore
or anything. Training is going productively well and I am getting
back in shape, cardio-wise. I can't be displeased with my progress.
MaxFighting:
One thing that I have noticed, most fighters that suffer a loss,
well it takes a while to get back in to the swing of things.
Obviously, being here at the school today and seeing you training
full force again, it says a lot about your recovery from the
loss physically. Have you watched the Silva tape yet?
RF:
No, I haven't.
MaxFighting:
I know in previous interviews you stated that you might watch
it when you are training again. Is that still the case?
RF:
I probably won't watch that tape while I am getting ready for
Jason. It won't do me any good to study my Silva fight when I'm
preparing for MacDonald.
MaxFighting:
Makes sense to me.
RF:
You know, I'm not going to get much footage of myself from that
fight either, because it was a bad fight for me. That tape will
benefit me when I am preparing to fight Anderson again.
MaxFighting:
You obviously have an opponent for March 3rd it just hasn't been
inked, right.
RF:
Yeah. I was approached for it, Jason MacDonald was approached
for it.
Supposedly, both my camp and his camp have tentatively accepted
the fight.
So we will see how far it goes from here.
MaxFighting:
How much respect do you have for his ground game?
RF:
A lot.
MaxFighting:
Obviously, you're ground game might be underestimated because
you are labeled as a striker. You like to knock people out standing
up and I think a lot of people might believe because you choose
to fight on your feet that it implies your grappling skills are
lacking. Have you ever had someone question your ground game
or is that something you feel everyone knows you have and just
choose not to use it?
RF:
You know what....really...In interviews or in passing I have
never really encountered anyone who thought my ground game wasn't
any good.
MaxFighting:
I think the perception, like I said, is that you don't use it
so it must not be there, at least for some fans. You're a brown
belt in jiu jitsu, right?
RF:
Yeah, I am.
MaxFighting:
So, it's not like you don't know what you're doing on the ground.
I come up here often so I see what you are capable of doing on
a regular basis. The general consensus is that he is better than
you in that department. Do you think his jiu jitsu might be problematic
for you?
RF:
I don't know, really. I'll prepare for the fight like it would
be because that is his strongest point and hope that it is not
if it does go to the ground.
MaxFighting:
Do you think his stand-up is comparable to yours?
RF:
I think that's my strength in this fight.
MaxFighting:
Hypothetically here....The UFC approaches you and says, "Rich
we have a fight for you" and they mention Chris Leben.
RF:
That's how this fight was approached to me was that I was supposed
to fight the winner of the Leben/MacDonald fight. You know, I
don't have anything against Chris, Personally.
MaxFighting:
Even though he made those Jorge Rivera comments *laughs*
RF:
*Laughs* Well, facts are facts and he beat Rivera faster than
I did and of course he tried to do it in such a way, tried to
say that in such a way that it might get me fired up a little
bit and what not. Leben has his antics and everything, but he's
been nothing but cordial with me in person.
MaxFighting:
It's just business, obviously.
RF:
Yeah, you know that's the kind of stuff that happens. People
do a little talking here and there to create business. I'm sure
if Leben won that fight they would have put him on the microphone
because he's a good talker. He would have said a few things and
called me out a little bit and created some controversy for the
fight and everything. I don't think he personally dislikes me,
maybe he does, I don't know. It's just all part of the game.
MaxFighting:
Hypothetically again, the UFC tells you are fighting Swick.
RF:
They have already told me that Swick is not a possibility for
this fight.
MaxFighting:
Let's say they did say Swick. He's up and coming and obviously
a top 5 UFC middleweight.
RF:
For sure. I would agree with you there. It doesn't really matter
where I go, I am going to get a decent fighter in this weight
class. No matter what my options are there are going to be some
sort of challenges out there for me. MacDonald is going to potentially
be problematic on the ground and Swick is good on his feet so
I have another striker I am contending with. Not to take anything
from Swick being a well rounded fighter. We all know that he
is good on the ground as well.
MaxFighting:
The Swick-a-tine. *laughs*
RF:
*laughs* There you go. I am going to have challenges with any
one I fight. At this point I am looking forward to getting back
in to the Octagon and making a good comeback fight.
MaxFighting:
UFC buys the WFA and a name that comes with the purchase is a
familiar one, Ryoto Machida. What was your feeling if any when
you saw that?
RF:
I could care less, really. If I fight Machida in the future,
great. If I don't, I don't care one way or the other.
MaxFighting:
Do you think it would be a different fight this time.
RF:
I am almost positive it would be.
MaxFighting:
Let's talk about your ambassadorship to the sport. The one thing
about you is that you have a large fan base out there and spend
a lot of time signing autographs, doing charity work, and other
things. How many events do you attend a year?
RF:
Well, you know I am decreasing that a little bit, making myself
not as busy, and making a little more time for myself.
MaxFighting:
To play some paintball.
RF:
*laughs* WHATEVER it is that I do for fun. 2005 and 2006 were
very, very busy years for me. They're probably, almost, wasn't
a weekend that I wasn't out of town. I had a stretch last year
in 2006 where I went to Iraq, Las Vegas for about a week and
a half, and just did a bunch of other stuff.
Before I went to Iraq I was in El Paso and I also went to New
Mexico to visit some Army and Air Force bases there and I would
say over a 35 day period I was probably home maybe four of those
days.
MaxFighting:
I mean you support the troops obviously a whole lot.
RF:
Well, yeah. All I am saying is that the last two years of my
life have been that way. I have kept myself very busy and I am
the type of person that likes to stay busy, but I think that
I...Well, I bought a little bit of land here in Ohio and I am
going to take some time in between fights and not keep myself
as busy as I have been in the past.
MaxFighting:
Speaking of fights, are you on a new contract with the UFC or
finishing up the same one?
RF:
Still finishing up the previous one. Three left.
MaxFighting:
Obviously, when those three fights are done you will renegotiate.
RF:
Yeah.
MaxFighting:
That's not saying that you don't get paid well as some might
have you believe, correct?
RF:
That's not saying that I don't get paid well, correct.
MaxFighting:
Everyone knows that Dana, despite the dislike by many hardcore
fans, has been taking care of the fighters. He continues to keep
people guessing and talking. His latest effort has brought Randy
Couture out of retirement. I know you are friends with Sylvia....
RF:
And I am friends with Randy.
MaxFighting:
What kind of emotions did that bring up in you?
RF:
Business is business, man. I like both guys.
MaxFighting:
Do you think that Randy has anything to offer against Tim?
RF:
Everybody has something to offer and Randy is well, Randy's Randy.
*laughs* You can't just say, you can't just count Randy out like
that. He's definitely got some things to offer Sylvia. This is
going to be a tough fight for Randy. Tim's takedown defense has
gotten a lot better and he's long and range-y. Randy is the master
of his domain. He knows how to suck you in to his game plan,
dirty box, take you down and smash you so it's an interesting
fight.
MaxFighting:
What about the UFC's signing of Cro Cop?
RF:
I think that Cro Cop's match-up with Tim is an interesting one
as well.
I think that Tim actually will fare well with him. I mean, the
leg kicks are going to be problematic for Tim. He's going to
have use good footwork, but with the long range of his jabs I
think that this will be a good fight for him. It would be a fight
I would love to watch.
MaxFighting:
Rich, 2007...at the end of 2007 will that belt be around your
waist?
RF:
Who knows. I tell you what, I actually started thinking about
that the other day and I was actually beginning to wonder if
I could actually pull that off by the end of the year or not.
It's hard to tell if the UFC is going to approach me with a couple
of contender fights before the belt or if they are going to have
me fight this one or put me back in a rematch. I think all of
that stuff, they base off of match-ups and how business is going
with Silva and all that kind of stuff so who knows.
MaxFighting:
Would you rather have two or three fights and then rematch or
do you care?
RF:
I'll say this, the belt has never been my primary focus in my
career.....winning is my primary focus. If I win, the belt will
eventually be around my waist anyways. If I have a couple more
fights and then a rematch that's fine. If the UFC says Silva
next after this fight, then I am completely content with that.
Whatever they want me to do. Whatever is good for me and good
for them. A fight is a fight.
MaxFighting:
Do you have anything coming up? New sponsors?
RF:
American Fighter has been doing a lot of stuff. I have all of
the same sponsors that I had. I am one of those people that I
don't like to look around and hustle for sponsors. I am very
loyal. American Fighter is the main sponsor I work with...
MaxFighting:
Because you're part owner.
RF:
Because I am part owner of that company. We've been doing some
stuff like filming a pilot for a TV episode that they are pitching
to some stations. They have been working on some things with
people at Wal-Mart and some licensing stuff with the US Military.
We've got some exciting things going on there. I'm hoping the
company takes off because that will be a good retirement plan
for me.
MaxFighting:
How is the charity going, the "Keep it in the Ring"?
RF:
We're still at the ground level where we are raising money. We
did a phone conversation auction on EBAY, which I took a little
heat on. Let me just say this, I think that the next time I do
a telephone auction like that, all for charity mind you, once
they paid the EBAY cost it all went to charity.....whatever the
bid is for the call I will match it in the future.
MaxFighting:
That's cool. That's very cool.
RF:
So, I talked to Jeff the other day. Of course, I am sure that
they will find some way *laughs* to criticize me on the forums
about that. I can't imagine why I wouldn't be able to match the
bid. Someone bid $300 to talk on the phone with me for 10 minutes
and I spoke with them for 20 minutes. I can't see why I would
not be able to match the bid on future charity auctions. Everything
goes to the charity.
MaxFighting:
Rich, thanks so much once again for your time and MaXfighting
wishes you the best of luck on March 3rd.
RF:
Thanks, Sean. It's always a pleasure.
Source:
Maxfighting
|
Half
Moon Bay BJJ Instructor Arrested
San Mateo's Daily Journal newspaper is reporting the following:
A
Brazilian martial arts champion who runs a Half Moon Bay jiu
jitsu studio drank beer with four boys, including three students,
and gave them inappropriate massages, according to prosecutors.
Joao
Pierini, 35, is accused of contributing to the delinquency of
a minor, annoying a child under 18, sexual battery and lewd and
lascivious behavior, said Half Moon Bay Police Chief Ike Ortiz.
Pierini
was charged Jan. 8 with one felony and eight misdemeanors, said
Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.
He
pleaded not guilty and asked for a court-appointed attorney.
He returns Jan. 19 for a preliminary hearing and remains in custody
in lieu of $500,00 bail.
If
convicted, he faces about three years in prison, he said.
The
investigation is ongoing but police believe they have identified
all the victims, Ortiz said.
On
Dec. 15, four boys ages 15 to 17 ran into Pierini at a local
Starbucks coffee shop, Wagstaffe said.
Three
are students and the fourth a friend.
Pierini
noticed they had beer and invited them to his studio, Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu at 2830 North Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay, where
he also lives, Wagstaffe said.
Pierini
reportedly gave the boys his keys, told them to put the beer
in the refrigerator and said he’d meet them there.
As
they drank beer, Pierini offered the boys massages. The first
victim later reported Pierini massaged his genital area until
he got up and rejoined his friends without sharing what had happened.
The next day, he asked the other boys if they had a similar experience
and they agreed. The boys told the first victim’s father
and they reported the situation to the Half Moon Bay police.
On
Jan. 3, Half Moon Bay served a search warrant for Pierini’s
workplace and car.
Pierini
is a 25-year jiu jitsu veteran with a third-degree black belt,
according to the biography posted on his workplace Web site.
The
Web site also advertises therapeutic massage for trainers.
Pierini
moved to the United States from Sao Paolo, Brazil in 1999 and
opened the Half Moon Bay school with Jim Irizarry. The two also
created the Joao Pierini Association and a competition known
as the California Open International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu &
Submission Grappling Championships.
According
to the Ultimate Fighting Championship Web site, in 2002 Pierini
fought under the moniker “The Tasmanian Devil.”
Pierini
has no prior convictions in San Mateo County, Wagstaffe said.
Source:
Gracie Fighter
|
Mr.
Schembri back in the gi
JJ phenomenon fights new event in Rio
Nino
Schembri is back in Rio and once again with his gi on ready to
amaze the crowd. After the comeback at the Worlds’, last
July, the “Elvis” is scheduled for a special match
at Rio's new JJ event, entitled “Luta Casada.com”.
Schembri will face Daniel Moraes in a middleweight bout.
Besides
Nino, the new event scheduled January 27th will feature a superfight
between two-time open class world champions Marcio Pe de Pano
and Rodrigo Comprido. Also on the card are world champions such
as Marcelinho Garcia. Check out the complete listing of fights:
Card
(subject to changes)*
Lightweight
Celsinho Vinícius vs. Dudu Pessoa
Alexandre Pulga vs. Tiago Alves
Leonarto Tunico Leite vs. Bruno Frazatto
Middleweight
Marcelinho Garcia vs. Romulo Barral
Delson Pe de Chumbo vs. Demian Maia
Nino Schembri vs. Daniel Moraes
Heavyweight
Leo Leite vs. Antonio Braga Neto
Womens
Leticia Ribeiro vs. Hanette Quadros
Superfight
Marcio Pe de Pano vs. Rodrigo Comprido
Source:
Gracie Magazine
|
Quote
of the Day
"Make
it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at. Make
it fun to read."
Leo Burnett, 1891-1971, American Advertising Executive
|
Icon
Sport Ruthless is Back!
February
9, 2007
Blaisdell Arena
7:30 PM
The card is shaping up so get your tickets quick for the return
of Robbie Lawler against a very tough Trevor Garrett, the debut
of Charuto Verissimo in the Icon Sport ring, witness the bone
crushing power of Scott Junk, and local favorites Kolo Koka,
Tyson Nam, and Chico Cantiberos.
This card is stacked with talented veterans as well as a few
up and comers who usually end up stealing the show!
Now that Colt's back for his senior season, we can get back to
concentrating on MMA.
Yeeee Hawwwww! |
MONSON
RETURNS TO UK TO DEFEND BELT
The big news coming out of the UK is that Jeff Monson has signed
to make a return to the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship on
the March 4th show at Wolverhampton.
The
return will mark Monson’s third title defense since winning
the heavyweight belt back at Cage Warriors 9 in December 2004
against current Cage Rage title contender Tengiz Tedoradze. He
has since successfully defended against Tedoradze in a rematch
and then went on to dispose of Emmanuel Marc in record time.
The
initial feeling was that Monson was lost to British shores following
his return to UFC competition, but it now looks likely that he
will be spending a lot more time on the UK scene. He reportedly
has personal interests there as well as being in prime position
to defend his Cage Warriors title.
The
UFC are also coming to the UK, and it is of great surprise to
note that Monson’s intended opponent for his March defense
will likely be against UFC 63 veteran and Wolfslair standout
Mario “Sakuta” Neto.
But
what about Fedor? Well, the originally scheduled date for the
Monson vs. Fedor fight for the 3rd of March has been pulled with
no official rescheduled date yet announced, although early April
is expected.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
AKIYAMA
DISQUALIFIED AND NOW SUSPENDED
After much controversy surrounding Yoshihiro Akiyama’s fight
with Japanese legend Kazushi Sakuraba, the match was declared
a “No Contest”. As fans recall, Sakuraba complained
that Akiyama’s legs were very slippery. The fight was later
stopped by officials at ringside with Akiyama declared as the
winner. An angered Sakuraba left the ring without greeting the
Korean Judoka; his actions weren’t typical of his character.
Akiyama later revealed that he used a lubricant on his body and
his legs, claiming a skin a condition.
In
addition to being disqualified and forfeiting his fight purse,
FEG president Sadaharu Tanigawa recently stated that Yoshihiro
Akiyama has been suspended indefinitely. The Judoka has stated
at a previous press conference that he is willing to accept any
length of punishment that K-1 deemed necessary. Akiyama also
apologized to Sakuraba and to the fans.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
JEFF
CURRAN TALKS KOTC, PRIDE & MORE
With PRIDE anticipating a larger amount of shows in the US this
year, they are investing more predominantly in American fighters
across all weight classes. Among those fighters that figure to
make an impact for the promotion is lightweight MMA veteran Jeff
Curran.
Jeff,
who previously fought in numerous promotions including the UFC
before joining PRIDE, is entering his 10th year of fighting by
headlining this Friday’s King of the Cage show in Rockford,
Illinois against up and comer Donny Walker.
While
finalizing his training for his KOTC fight, Curran spoke to MMAWeekly
to discuss Walker, this past year and his future prospects in
PRIDE and abroad.
MMAWeekly:
First off Jeff, tell us about your upcoming fight this Friday
for King of the Cage in Rockford.
Jeff
Curran: It’s my second time fighting for KOTC; it’s
[going to be] in Rockford, Illinois, and my opponent is not the
most feared fighter, Donny Walker. I think he’s 3-1 as a
pro, but he trains with Jason Dent, who I fought a couple years
ago [at XFO 3]. According to their [Team Griffonrawl] website,
he’s going to fair well against me. It’s them kind
of taking the fight…not…they know exactly what they
are getting into, I just think they’re looking to take a
long shot and hopefully do well with me or something.
MMAWeekly:
Not knowing Walker directly, but who he trains with, what do
you anticipate in this fight?
Jeff
Curran: I’m just going to fight like normal. I don’t
anticipate him to be dominating at anything, but maybe he’s
as good as me standing, maybe he’s okay [at] wrestling,
I just don’t think overall he’s going to be able to
put it together as good [as I am]. I’m definitely not taking
him lightly. I’m holding out, waiting for my next PRIDE
deal, so I don’t want a loss on my record. I’m taking
every fight like it’s the biggest fight of my life. I just
want to get a nice win and hopefully end it as quickly as I can.
My last three fights have gone to decision and it’s put
a wear and tear on my body the last three months.
MMAWeekly:
Tell us your thoughts on how you fared in 2006.
Jeff
Curran: It’s been a really good year. My one upset was when
I didn’t do enough homework on [Hatsu] Hioki in PRIDE. When
I fought him [at Bushido 12], I knew he was tall and I thought
he was going to totally shoot in and try to take me down, and
I was hoping he would do that, but he was the opposite. He was
actually better standing than I thought. He was standing up and
just kicking my legs, and that was the worst experience of the
year: just taking that kind of punishment to my lead leg and
not being able to make anything else happen in the fight and
losing it and “my shot,” I guess you could say.
That
was a little bit of a disappointment for me, but I beat undefeated
fighters: Wagnney Fabiano and Raphael Assuncao, both in close
split-decision, but a win’s a win in my book and I fought
them booth good and fought them hard. So the whole year turned
out pretty good…I’m just glad it’s over and I’m
starting fresh.
MMAWeekly:
You’re entering into your 10th year of fighting. How do
you feel this past year helped add to your continued evolution
as a fighter this far into your career?
Jeff
Curran: Lately the biggest thing I’ve been doing is concentrating
my speed and agility training. I have a trainer that runs a speed
program all the time, who trains athletes from all sports. The
training doesn’t change much, but it’s so challenging.
I mean every workout you want to throw up. You’re pushing
your body it seems so much harder than sparring, grappling, and
hitting pads. We just train like crazy, it’s been awesome.
I get in the ring in the past three fights I’ve had, I’m
not even breathing heavy and I’m just going.
The
leg kick thing with Hioki just kind of opened my eyes. A few
years ago I started boxing pro and I feel like I regressed in
my Thai-boxing. I used to be better with my legs than I was with
my hands, and now I’m more into my hands than legs. So I’ve
gone back to a more traditional style of Thai-boxing and already
in sparring its like night and day. That’s really just me
kind of realizing that I went backwards for MMA a little bit
there to develop my hands, now it’s all kind of meshed together
and works out better.
MMAWeekly:
So when fighters see your name on the card they can expect to
face off against a much more well-rounded fighter who can push
the pace and keep it up?
Jeff
Curran: Definitely, that’s the plan. Another thing is, instead
of walking around at 145lbs, I’m walking around at 165lbs
and that makes me solid at 155lbs. My last fight was at 155lbs
and this fight is, so I’ve moved up in weight for the time
being so I can be a little more to deal with in the PRIDE arena.
That’s going to help me gain an advantage when I move back
down to my normal 145lb weight class. I’ll have a little
bit more strength than I normally did at the weight.
MMAWeekly:
Where would you like to see yourself career-wise this year?
Jeff
Curran: I would like to see myself successful in PRIDE, working
towards maybe in a year away from now being considered for a
lightweight grand prix. That’s one angle that’s big
thing to me, another thing is the WEC thing. The WEC right now
has Urijah Faber fighting Joe Pearson [for the WEC 145lb Championship].
Pearson’s got a great triangle and comes from a good camp,
but I don’t see him beating Faber.
Faber
is getting all the hype and to me, he’s the guy I want,
I want to fight him – he looks like a lot of fun to fight.
The kid’s got my respect and I would want to see how I would
do with this kind of fighter who has a lot of hype at 145lbs
and is the mirror image of me size-wise. Hopefully the WEC/UFC/Zuffa
relationship works out well and the division explodes and I’m
making money and working towards world titles at my natural weight
class. That’s what I’m hoping for by year’s end.
MMAWeekly:
In recent interviews with us, fighters such as Bart Palaszewski
and Mark Hominick have mentioned how your training with them
has been a big factor in their success. How do you feel about
the training/coaching aspect of your career?
Jeff
Curran: My gym right now is so successful; we’re at 300
members right now and growing. We’ve got a full-time staff
and my pro fighter list is growing. I’ve got like 6 pros,
another 5 armatures, and like 15 boxers. I love coaching and
being a part of helping people develop.
I
really feel like when I get someone like Mark Hominick or Sam
Stout come in from out of town it’s refreshing. If I spend
a week with Mark he’s going to be so receptive of the training
and the pressure’s on me. He’s here for less than a
week, so I have to make sure he goes away with something. I love
that, I love the responsibility of that.
Mark’s
actually flying in on Sunday, January 21st for 4-5 days getting
ready for Hioki [at the next TKO]. He fought him once, I fought
him and now we’re going to come up with a gameplan to beat
him so hopefully Mark can get his TKO title back. So yeah, that’s
something I’m going to pursue the rest of my life, especially
when I’m done fighting.
MMAWeekly:
Aside from fighting and training others, you also are a successful
promoter with the XFO and Evolution shows. What can we expect
from them in this coming year?
Jeff
Curran: We’ll continue to do our regular shows. We always
bring back a lot of UFC/PRIDE/WEC veterans that have some good
wins and success but maybe need to regroup and stay busy while
they reach a new level to get back to something bigger. I think
we’re kind of like that polish zone where a fighter can
come to us because people are coming out of the XFO successfully
and go to a bigger show.
At
the same time people from organizations want to make sure they
stay busy and they want to make sure they fight for a legitimate
organization. So it definitely helps us. We’ll do one super
show every year, we do an outdoor show that’s getting pretty
famous in the area and holds about 2,000 people, so we’ve
got good plans.
MMAWeekly:
It’s definitely looking like 2007 is shaping up to be a
big, busy year for you.
Jeff
Curran: Yeah, and to top the start of the year I have KOTC this
week…the week after I have small show in Rockford called
Evolution, that me and my partner Dan do…and then a couple
weeks after that my baby’s due, I’ve got a little boy
on the way…so it’s a busy start.
MMAWeekly:
With all that we may need to get you a wheelchair or oxygen or
something to keep you going huh?
Jeff
Curran: Yeah, or something…hook me up to an IV. [Laughs]
MMAWeekly:
Thanks for your time Jeff, it’s always appreciated. Is there
anything you want to say as we head out?
Jeff
Curran: I do want thank some sponsors: Fairtex Gear, they always
take care of me…my guys from Pride Nutrition at PrideNutrition.com,
they’ve had a big part in my strength training that’s
gone hand in hand with my guy Dave Davis from the Davis Speed
Center at DavisSpeedCenter.com. All those guys have helped me
out, so I wanted to say thanks to those guys and my friends,
family and everybody that’s helped out.
I
know there’s a scheduled 11 or 12 bouts, KOTC is always
an awesome show live because they’re fight after fight and
they put a lot into their production, tickets are pretty affordable
and realistic and Rockford’s a fun place. So for anybody
thinking about coming out, I definitely invite them to come out
and have a good time. I know my fights always come out entertaining.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"Make
it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at. Make
it fun to read."
Leo Burnett, 1891-1971, American Advertising Executive
|
Gracie
Team Hawaii Results!
Relson Gracie Hawaii youth Hikina Gaughen 8yrs. old and Makoa
Gaughen 9yrs old participated in Claudio Franca's Jiu-Jitsu by
the Sea Invitational competition this past weekend in Santa Cruz,
California. Both were very reluctent to accept the invitation
considering the NAGA's but was bribed by their father with new
PSP games. Here are the results.
Hikina Gaughen got 3 first place medals in three divisions.
Makoa Gaughen got a first place medal in his division and 2nd
place medal in the older division.
Special Mahalo's to Claudio Franca, Garth Taylor, and Mikey for
the open invitation, a well run competition, and especially for
being great hosts!
Source: Big K |
USA
BOXING HAWAII ASSOCIATION INC.,
PALOLO B.C. AND KAWANO B.C.
PRESENTS A MATCH EVENT ON JANUARY 20, 2007 7 P.M.
65 lbs 1 min
Tristen Kamaka vs James Hashimoto
75 lbs 1 min
Kai Kamaka vs Justly Laguihon
95 lbs 1 min
Shane McShane vs Emmitt Bolibol
150 lbs 2 min
Jumar Dumaolao vs Earl Fritz
Main Event - 4 Rounds of 2 min
Ronnie Reams (Rainbow BC, Colorado Springs) vs Brandon Visher
(Wailuku, Maui)
201+ lbs 2 min
Frank Pojsl (Palolo) vs Mike Abrahms (Palolo)
115 lbs 2 min
Helena Delacruz vs Chazzette Sau (Southside)
127 lbs 2 min
Renante Villanueva (Oki BC) vs David Tagjian Jr (Kawano BC)
2nd Main Event
125 lbs
Davin Kim vs Amedeo Ezzo-White Jr.
Outstanding
Boxer Award- Sponsored by Red Lions University
Outstanding J.O. Boxer Award- Sponsored by Red Lions University
Outstanding Bout Award- Sponsored by Kawano B.C. and Kalakaua
B.C.
Sportsmanship Award- Sponsored by the Benitez Family
Sportsmanship Award- Sponsored by Hawaiian Fight Gear
Special
Thanks to our Volunteers - Dr. Myles Suehiro, HPD Officer- Daryl
Takata, Door Workers, Benitez family, Palolo B.C. , Boxers, Officials,
Coaches, Timekeeper, Andy Cruz, and "YOU" our Boxing
Fans for your support.
Thank You Again!!!
Your
Host,
USA Boxing Hawaii, Palolo B.C, and Kawano B.C.
|
PIP
Main Event Alert
Friday, February 16, 2007
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
Danny Steele vs. Mark Moreno
The War is on as two Warriors will go toe-to-toe in a K-1 Rules
style match. Steele who is a former Hawaii resident left Hawaii
to persue his career were he became the World Kickboxing &
Muay Thai Champion. Steele will be in laying it on the line has
he will face of aganist "EL TORO" meaning The Bulll
in Moreno. Mark Moreno a hard hitting fighter who K.O any fighter
who trys to stand toe to toe with him. Fireworks will go off
a the bell will ring and these two fighters wwill BATTLE..
Source: Promoter |
EILERS
VS. RIZZO HEADLINES NEW MMA PROMOTION
Wholly owned, SUN Production Group, in association with International
Fighters Association announced their premiere event for 2007
– "ART OF WAR", Undisputed Arena Fighting Championship.
The 10-bout fight card is set for March 9, 2007, at the American
Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, and will be televised in high
definition by Mark Cuban's Company HDNet.
Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu legend, Pedro "the Rock" Rizzo will take
on American, Justin "The Hammer" Eilers, in the Main
Event. Both Rizzo and Eilers are veterans of the highly successful
UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).
World
famous "Voice of MMA" announcer, Bruce Buffer, will
serve as the Event's Master of Ceremonies and Ring Announcer.
Because of the event being at Dallas' American Airlines Center,
home of the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) and Dallas Stars (NHL), a
number of local dignitaries and sports celebrities are expected
to be in attendance, as well.
Former
UFC Champion, Guy Mezger, serves as an advisor and chief matchmaker
for all SUN MMA events. Heading up event management and marketing
will be Lester Bedford of The Bedford Agency. Bedford has marketed
over 100 World Championship Boxing events over the past 20 years,
including events televised on HBO, Showtime, NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN,
USA and other networks.
SUN
Chairman & CEO CJ Comu, stated, "I am very pleased with
the completion of this transaction and the future opportunities
that are provided to us as a public company. As a former Chairman
and CEO of a public company, this is a responsibility that requires
a dedicated team that can manage the affairs of its business
and develop market support of its stock". Comu added, "The
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) industry is the fastest growing Sports
Entertainment business in the world. We hope to be a large player
in this small but rapidly growing space and deliver high quality
entertainment to the networks and fans around the world."
Source: MMA Weekly
|
MMA'S
JAPANESE BLOODLINES RUN DEEP
MMAnthropology:
How Sumo Solves the Mysteries of Japanese MMA
Without
fail, foreigners can’t help but be fascinated by a trip
to Japan. Maybe it’s the interplay of ancient so close to
cutting edge, the conflicted soul of a country so steeped in
tradition yet obsessed with advancement. Or maybe it’s the
$75 cantaloupes.
Whichever
it is, the sense of old vs. new is pervasive in the country,
with things no different in the realm of combat sports. Within
the span of two weeks in November, I had the chance to attend
a Sumo tournament dating back a thousand years but selling tickets
on the Internet and a mixed martial arts tournament that could
easily be described as post-modern, yet draws its inspiration
and name from the ancient Bushido code.
From
a distance, it wouldn’t seem like a Sumo and MMA have much
in common aside from Teila Tuli, Akebono, and a penchant for
attire that leaves little to the imagination. However, after
attending an event from each discipline, one can’t help
but notice some similarities. And in taking note of the things
that have been borrowed from Sumo, one gains a greater appreciation
for some of the unique characteristics of events run by Pride,
K-1, and other Japanese organizations.
In
retrospect, it is not at all surprising that Japanese MMA should
take some of its cues from Sumo. According to legend, Sumo is
as old as Japan itself, with popular mythology telling of a Sumo
match between two gods to determine possession of the Japanese
islands 2500 years ago. Its recorded history is long and proud
and, to foreign eyes, it is as recognizably Japanese as samurai
swords or Hello Kitty. It is also Japan’s oldest martial
art, combat sport, and longest running professional spectator
sport as well. In trying to win over the Japanese fan base with
a new sport, mixed martial arts organizations have naturally
latched on to certain traits with which Japanese combat sports
followers are already familiar.
Insofar
as the way match-ups are organized, Japanese organizations have
clung fiercely to two ideas that have both been regulated out
of the American MMA scene: the tournament format and matches
between opponents of different weight classes. Tournaments, or
basho, are the only way official Sumo matches are conducted,
with six tournaments held per year.
One
could make the argument that Grand Prix hurt the MMA scene by
confusing the title landscape. After a Welterweight Grand Prix
that saw belt-holder Dan Henderson lose to eventual winner Kazuo
Misaki but saw Misaki lose to Paulo Filho, can anyone legitimately
claim to be the champ at 83 kilos? Pride recently announced that
it would begin dialing back on its tournaments, holding only
one per year. But given the cultural attachment to the tournament
ideal, the format is unlikely to disappear completely, as it
has stateside.
In
addition, Pride recently announced the advent of a Super Heavyweight
division, which will likely result in a decline in the huge differences
in weight between fighters. However, the idea that strength and
size do not always reign supreme is well entrenched in Japanese
philosophy. All Sumo events are open weight, and while Sumo wrestlers
are often portrayed uniformly as mountainous, Michelin Man-shaped
fatsos, the truth is that they come in all shapes and sizes.
Indeed, it is not uncommon for one rikishi to outweigh his opponent
by 200 pounds or more. For a fan base raised on the idea that
technique usually beats size, we are unlikely to have seen the
end of "freak show" matches. Ikuhisa Minowa probably
shouldn’t get too comfortable.
Sitting
in attendance at a Sumo tournament leaves one with the impression
that several other unique features of the Japanese MMA scene
have their roots in the ancient customs of Sumo. The elaborate
introduction ceremony at Pride events, where each fighter emerges
to stand on the same stage, can be seen as mimicking the dohyo-iri,
the Sumo entrance procedure in which the rikishi are introduced
to the crowd one by one in ascending rank order.
Corollaries
can also be seen in the way matches are introduced and conducted.
One of the great mysteries of Japanese MMA is the strange allure
of female announcers who seemingly take a half hour to say the
word Brazil. Love them or hate them, one can’t help but
wonder why both Pride and K-1 would employ women with that, shall
we say, unique gift for elocution. The mystery is solved, however,
with the introduction to the yobidashi, the official announcer
who calls out the names of the Sumo wrestlers about to compete.
While the yobidashi must be male, he must also recite the names
in a distinct, high-pitched voice with enough melismatic flair
to stretch competitor’s names for several extra syllables.
After hearing the yobidashi for a while, it’s not hard to
figure why Japanese get such a kick out of their screechy female
announcers.
Before
an MMA match even begins in Japan, there is already one major
divergence from the way things are run stateside. Every Pride
or K-1 fight starts with a staredown, while only championship
bouts get the staredown treatment in America. In Sumo, the staredown,
or shikiri, is designed to let participants purify the ring and
try to gain a psychological advantage and it holds a revered
place in the pageantry of each match. While Sumo tournaments
have begun instituting time limits on the shikiri, starting with
10 minutes in 1928 and moving down to the current four-minute
limit, the staredown will almost always take longer than the
match itself. An MMA staredown, while brief and functionally
pointless – fighters should really know the rules by that
point – provides that same chance to get inside an opponent’s
head, psyche them out, and ratchet up the drama.
Taking
note of the ways the ancient customs of Sumo have shaped modern
Japanese MMA productions, one can’t help but notice that
the influence only runs in one direction; Sumo stands virtually
unchanged despite changing times and tastes. Perhaps this is
for the best. If there’s one image we can avoid it’s
that of one Sumo wrestler kissing the other at the staredown.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
ISHIDA
RELINQUISHES SHOOTO BELT
Matsuhiro Ishida recently relinquished his Shooto Welterweight
Pacific Rim title following his TKO loss to Takanori Gomi and
Pride’s Shockwave show on New Year’s Eve, according
to SportsNavi. Ishida is the #9 Lightweight in the MMAWeekly
Rankings.
Had
he come out of the fight with Gomi unscathed, Ishida was scheduled
to defend his Shooto belt on Feb. 17. But due under Shooto rules,
a fighter that has been knocked out (a TKO due to strikes falls
under this category) is not allowed to fight for at least 60
days. The Feb. 17 date falls within that 60-day ruling.
Due
to his inability to defend the belt, Ishida relinquished his
title and apologized to fans for not being able to defend his
belt enough. Takashi Nakakura (Shooting Gym Osaka) and Mizuto
Hirota (GUTSMAN Shooto Dojo) will now compete for the Shooto
Welterweight Pacific Rim title.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"Hope
for the best, expect the worst. Life is a play. We're unrehearsed."
Mel Brooks, American Comedic Actor/Writer-Director/Producer
|
ZINOVIEV'S
RED BEARS DEBUT AT IFL ATLANTA
The International Fight League, the world’s first team-based
professional mixed martial arts league, today announced the 11-bout
card for its first event in the Southeast, on Friday, February
23, at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Ga., beginning
at 7:30 p.m. The matchups at The Arena at Gwinnett Center will
include the Portland, Ore., based Wolfpack, coached by Olympic
silver medalist Matt Lindland, taking on the Dragons, based in
Toronto, Ontario and coached by world champion Carlos Newton.
The second team matchup will feature the New York-based Pitbulls,
coached by world jiu-jitsu champion Renzo Gracie, taking on the
Chicago-based Red Bears, a team of Russian athletes led by Igor
Zinoviev.
In
addition, UFC veteran Robbie Lawler (Davenport, Iowa) will battle
one of Brazil’s best in Eduardo Pamplona (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
in a highly-anticipated Superfight following the team competition.
The
evening is part of the full 11-event IFL 2007 schedule, the most
comprehensive advance schedule in the history of fight sports.
The matchups are as follows:
Dragons
(Toronto) vs. Wolfpack (Portland) (IFL Record, Overall)
155 lb: Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (0-0, 4-1) vs.
Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) (1-2, 14-9-1)
170 lb: Claude Patrick (Mississauga, Ontario) (1-0, 6-1) vs.
Chris Wilson (Portland, Ore.) (2-1, 11-3)
185 lb: Brent Beauparlant (Montreal, Quebec) (1-2, 4-3) vs. Matt
Horwich (Gresham, Ore.) (2-2, 17-8-1)
205 lb: Wojtek Kaszowski (Winnipeg, Manitoba) (0-2, 0-4) vs.
Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.) (2-1, 3-3)
265 lb: Rafael Feijao (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (0-0, 2-0) vs.
Devin Cole (Medford, Ore.) (2-3, 6-4)
Red
Bears (Chicago) vs. Pitbulls (New York)
155 lb: Gocha Markoziya (Russia) (0-0, 1-1) vs. Erik Owings (New
York) (2-1, 2-1)
170 lb: Mark Miller (Chicago) (0-0, 5-1) vs. Delson Heleno (Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil) (1-1, 7-2)
185 lb: Andrei Semenov (Russia) (0-0, 25-8-2) vs. Fabio Leopoldo
(Sao Paulo, Brazil) (1-0, 3-1)
205 lb: Alexander Zubachev (Russia) (0-0, 0-0) vs. Jamal Patterson
(Belvedere, N.J.) (2-1, 2-1)
265 lb: Dmitry Zabolotny (Russia) (0-0, 0-1) vs. Bryan Vetell
(New York) (0-1, 0-1)
Superfight
185: Robbie Lawler (Davenport, Iowa) (0-0, 12-4) vs. Eduardo
Pamplona (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
Source: MMA Weekly |
URIJAH
FABER: CALIFORNIA KID WITH WARRIOR SPIRIT
At first glance, Urijah Faber appears to be what one would consider
the typical ‘Laguna Beach’ style California resident
with his wavy blonde hair, board shorts and flip-flops...and
to an extent he might be just that. After all, he has been given
the nickname ‘The California Kid.’ But, once you get
past his outgoing personality, warm smile and cordial hospitality,
you’ll find a massively competitive man with a deep warrior
spirit that is veiled just beneath his easy-going semblance.
Faber
has chosen – at least for now – to be a professional
fighter, and it’s obvious that he has selected a profession
that he is quite good at. Currently, Urijah is (16-1) as a professional
mixed-martial-artist and has held titles in such promotions as:
King of the Cage, Gladiator Challenge and the W.E.C.
Faber
can now add “TV star” to his already thick list of
accomplishments with the recent debut of MSNBC’s new four-part
series titled “Warrior Nation.” In the first episode
of the series, MSNBC’s cameras followed both Enoch Wilson
and Urijah Faber to their homes, their gyms and their locker
rooms to try to find out what life is like for a present day
MMA fighter.
Faber
said of this new series, “There are 80 million subscribers
to MSNBC and their stations, so it’s going to reach a really,
really large amount of people…a lot of people who I’m
sure don’t know much about mixed martial arts. They really
focused on myself and my opponent at that time who was Enoch
Wilson, and kind of our backgrounds and kind of who we are from
a ground level…you know, met our families and talked about
our upbringings and stuff like that as well as starting to introduce
a couple of other people who they’re going to start featuring
in another three shows.”
Faber
was under contract with the WFA, but since that organization
went the way of the winds – for the 2nd time – Zuffa,
the company that owns the Ultimate Fighting Championship, purchased
the WFA and the fighters’ contracts that went along with
it. Though it has been unfortunate for a number of fighters that
the WFA folded, Urijah is actually quite content with the way
things are going in his life right now.
Faber
said, “To be honest, I’m kind of happy that things
fell through there [in the WFA] because I’m now under the
Zuffa brand…with their marketing and their know-how in the
fight business.”
Urijah’s
next fight, which will be his first for the Zuffa organization,
is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 20, at the Hard
Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Urijah will be fighting
to retain his WEC Featherweight Belt against tough Miletich-trained
fighter Joe Pearson. Faber doesn’t know a lot about his
opponent, but what he does know of Joe helps him remember that
Pearson is not a man to be overlooked.
Faber
said, “I know that the Miletich camp out there has a great
training system, so I know he’ll be prepared. He [Pearson]
seems like a pretty athletic guy – he’s 5’10”
and he comes to fight, so I’m excited about it.”
Urijah
continued, “I’m ready to mix it up…I was looking
to fight in December with the WFA and it never happened so I’ve
been itching to get in there and throw some punches and be able
to unload on someone…it’s going to be exciting. I’m
going to go 100 M.P.H. and I think he’s got the same attitude.
He’s (17-7) and he’s coming off of a seven-win winning
streak…I don’t think he’s going to be scared to
mix it up, and neither am I.”
It
seems like 2007 has all of the makings to be a great year for
Faber, but also for the MMA community in general. With so many
new organizations stepping up like the WEC and the IFL –
who holds shows all over the country – it appears that 2007
could be a dream year for both the Midwestern and the East-Coast
fans who have far fewer opportunities to see a good MMA show
than do their friends west of the Mississippi.
Also,
with new shows like MSNBC’s “Warrior Nation,"
as well as Showtime’s deal to air Elite XC shows starting
on February 10th, MMA should continue to be on the rise in the
coming year.
Good
for us.
Source: MMA Weekly |
SHAMROCK
& CONDIT SOUND OFF TONIGHT
The legendary Frank Shamrock and rising star Carlos Condit join
Damon & Jeff on MMAWeeklyRadio.com tonight at 6pm PT / 9pm
ET.
Frank
Shamrock is known as one of the first true mixed martial arts
in the sport. Not focusing on one discipline over the other,
Shamrock was set the early standard for comprehensive training
which incorporated striking, wrestling, submissions, and conditioning,
to be a well-rounded mixed martial artist.
Shamrock
has also become one of the most controversial figures in MMA
today. His refusal to work with the Dana White-run Ultimate Fighting
Championship has taken on a life of it’s own. Controversy
has also followed as Shamrock signed on to fight Renzo Gracie
in the main event of Showtime’s emergence on the MMA scene
with EliteXC on February 10th.
This
Friday night, Frank leads his San Jose Razorclaws head-to-head
against his brother, Ken’s Nevada Lions in the International
Fight League’s 2007 season opener. Though it isn’t
quite what some fans might clamber for, we’ll finally get
to witness Shamrock vs. Shamrock.
Carlos
Condit has grown his fight career steadily over the past four
years, consistently adding to his arsenal and gradually stepping
up in competition. That is until he seemingly burst onto the
world’s radar as part of the Rumble on the Rock 175-pound
Grand Prix. There he shocked many who were unaware of the New
Mexico-product by knocking out Charuto Verissimo and submitting
Frank Trigg, both in the first round, before losing a decision
in the finals to Jake Shields.
Condit
has fought his last three battles in Japan’s prestigious
Pancrase organization, reeling off wins in all three bouts. Possibly
lining himself up for a shot at a Pancrase title, Condit first
steps into the cage at the newly revamped World Extreme Cagefighting
this Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las
Vegas, Nevada.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Quote
of the Day
"Instead
of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate
than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority
of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged."
Helen Keller, 1880-1968, American Blind/Deaf Author and Lecturer |
HFC
Results
It
was standing room only at Dole Cannery. UFC Veteran Tony Desouza
was present cornering BJ Penn's fighteres. The night was full
of battles and well matched fights. This event was 100% more
organized than the first one so HFC made huge strides in only
their second event. The crowd was treated to some great fights.
Kickboxing 3x1 min rounds
Randy Kamaiopili (Eastsidaz) defeated Cody Machado (House of
Thunda) by decision (29-28) (30-30) (30-27)
90 lbs
Kalae McShane (Bible Fight Team) fought Nainoa Mesiona (808 FF)
in an Exhibition
Kickboxing
3x1-1/2 min rounds
145 lbs
John Benard (Team Ruthless) defeated Zack Zemina (Hawaii Fight
Club) by decision (29-28) (29-30) (28-29)
145 lbs
Kainoa Wright (808 FF) defeated Ikaika Martin (House of Thunda)
by DQ. Martin wrapped his hands illegally.
Stand
and Ground (two 1-1/2 min kickboxing rounds and one 3 min submission
grappling round)
195 lbs
Donovan Colier (Inner Circle Grappling) defeated Fracis Fuentes
(Uprising Fight Team) by decision
(30-29)(29-28)(30-27)
Makana Fronda (Bulls Pen) defeated John Sandborn (Wahiawa, HI)
at 34 sec in round 2 due to an injured shoulder.
125
lb Champioship
Julio Moreno (Bulls Pen) finished Erwin Celes (SYD) at 1:56 of
round 3 by triangle
65 lb Exhibition (two 1 min kickboxing rounds and one 2-1/2 min
submission grappling round)
Triston Kamaka (808 FF) vs Nainoa Dung (Uprising Fight Club)
135 lbs
Chris "Red Bull" Williams (House of Thunda) finished
Red Davis (Team Ruthless) at 36 sec of round 3 by triangle.
Amatuer
MMA (two 3 min rounds)
Super
Heavyweight
Justin Puaoi (Westside Connection) finished Gene Palmerton (Inner
Circle Grappling) at 2:30 of round 3 by referee stoppage (cut
on eye).
195 lbs
John Joao (Uprising Fight Team) finished Daniel Ramos (Inner
Circle Grappling) at 2:50 of round 2 by referee stoppage (punching
standing)
175? lbs
Chris Tennis (North Shore Cartel Fight Team) finished John Felix
(Freelance) at 1:56 of round 1 by armbar from guard.
Russell
Deone (808 FF) defeated Keoki Emond by decision (20-18)(20-18)(19-19)
170 lbs
Ikaika Moreno (Bulls Pen) finished Travis Coyle (Freedom Fighter)
at 2:32 of round 2 by guillotine
185
lbs Pro MMA Championship Bout (Three 3 min rounds)
Guy Nakashima (Baret Yoshida Submission Grappling) finished Tommy
Lawhorn (Freedom Fighters) at 1:58 of round 1 by referee stoppage
from punches from the mount.
145
lbs Pro MMA Championship Bout (Three 3 min rounds)
Donald Gonzales (BJ Penn's MMA) finished Josh Colione (808 FF)
at 38 sec of round 1 by guillotine (Colione went to sleep).
205
lbs Pro MMA Championship Bout (Three 3 min rounds)
Poai Suganuma (Hilo, HI) finished Augie "The Warrior"
Padeken at 2:06 of round 1 by rear naked choke.
155 lbs Pro MMA Championship Bout (Three 3 min rounds)
Kaleo Kwan (Eastsidaz) finished Mike "Boom Boom" Bickers
(BJ Penn's MMA) at 40 sec of round 1 by referee stoppage due
to punches.
|
MELENDEZ
RISING, READY FOR GOMI
“El Niño” Gilbert Melendez has hit the Pride
Lightweight division with a bang. He made his Pride debut against
Nobuhiro Obiya in August in Bushido 12. Melendez dominated the
bout impressively and earned a unanimous decision victory. Many
people knew that “El Niño” was for real, but
Pride was ready to put him to the test.
On
New Year's Eve, Melendez was indeed tested. He took on the extremely
tough Tatsuya Kawajiri in a very exciting match that some claimed
could have been Fight of the Year. Melendez joined MMAWeekly
last week to talk about his fight and upcoming career goals.
Many people wondered how Gilbert would handle the pressure of
fighting somebody the caliber of Kawajiri on Pride’s biggest
show of the year. “I’m nervous every fight and it wasn’t
just another fight for me,” the California native admitted.
“If I would have lost this fight, it would have meant nothing,
me being 13-0.”
Melendez,
who is now the #3 Lightweight in the MMAWeekly Rankings, was
dropped hard in the first round, but the 24-year-old knew that
he had to keep going. “The day you get hit, do you stay
down there or get back up?” But Melendez came back with
a vengeance and eventually dropped Kawajiri, just as he had done
to Gilbert earlier.
Kawajiri
is an extremely tough fighter and put on a good fight, but in
the end, “El Niño” was just too much. Melendez’s
high pace and constant pressure persuaded the judges to vote
in his favor. MMAWeekly Radio asked Gilbert if he was nervous
about the judges’ decision. “Even when I’m dominating,
I always ask my corner if I won that round. We were in Japan,
and not to say the judges are biased, but you are fighting in
his backyard.”
The
victory was a satisfying one for Melendez as it catapulted him
in the MMAWeekly rankings from number ten to three. Some fighter’s
don’t care about rankings, but Gilbert does for personal
achievement. “One of my goals was to get in the top five
by the end of the year, and I did it on New Years Eve.”
The
future seems bright for Melendez and a shot at Pride Lightweight
champion Takanori Gomi is in his sight. “I want that belt,
man. I think Gomi’s a hell of a fighter, but I want that
belt. I want his belt and I want it bad. Let’s make it happen.”
With all of the hype of the Lightweight Grand Prix in 2007, there
is an excellent chance that their paths may cross. When asked
if he would participate in the grand prix, an energetic Melendez
says “Sign me up. I’ll do it man.”
Source: MMA Weekly
|
SYLVIA
RESPONDS TO COUTURE’S CHALLENGE
Randy “The Natural” Couture officially renounced his
retirement last night on “Inside the UFC” on Spike
TV, “I've just signed a new four-fight contract with the
UFC.” Not only that, but the 43-year old former UFC heavyweight
and light heavyweight champion verified the news which broke
on MMAWeekly Radio on Tuesday evening, “My first fight will
be on March 3rd against the big man, Tim Sylvia. I'm going back
after the heavyweight title.”
Today,
the “big man” and current UFC heavyweight titleholder
Tim Sylvia commented on the news that Couture has decided to
return and challenge for his belt, “Am I surprised? Absolutely,
fully surprised.” But along with that surprise came a lot
of respect. Sylvia isn’t one of the many questioning the
UFC Hall of Famer’s abilities as he steps back into the
Octagon, “He’s Randy. He can do anything he wants.
When everybody counts him out, that’s when he’s at
his best.”
Sylvia
did, however, disagree with Couture’s recent assessment
of him. Speaking with host Joe Rogan on “Inside the UFC,”
Couture exclaimed that, “I think in the Monson fight, [Sylvia]
showed a conservative attitude that's not going to get him where
he wants to be ultimately. He fought not to lose instead of going
out and fighting to win. He could have finished that fight.”
“I
don’t agree with that,” said Sylvia. “I go out
there to win. I wanted to knock [Monson] out, but he wouldn’t
stand and trade with me. He was trying to go to the ground all
five rounds.” The champ continued, “I defended his
takedowns. I tried to finish the fight several times on the ground
and the triangle was tight, I really thought I had him there.
I always go out there trying to finish the fight.”
But
that is really neither here nor there come March 3rd in Ohio
when the two step into the Octagon together and the cage door
slams shut. The bigger question now is what Sylvia brings to
this fight when the two collide. “My size, my reach, my
striking ability… he’s been knocked out twice by Liddell.
Chuck and I are a lot alike. I believe I’ll knock him out,”
responded Sylvia.
Obviously,
both men see something that leads them to believe they will walk
out of the Octagon the champion on March 3rd, but there is still
a lot of respect between these two world-class athletes. “I
consider [Tim] a friend, but that won’t preclude me from
going out and getting after him,” Couture stated last night.
Just
as respectful, Sylvia was also just as confident. “Randy
is a great fighter. I even called him and wished him the best
of luck. And he’s still going to be a great fighter after
the fight,” said Sylvia before adding, “But he wants
to take my belt from me and that is something that I will not
allow.”
Source: MMA Weekly
|
GRACIE
FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS POSTPONED
The Gracie Fighting Champions event scheduled for January 20th
at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida was postponed
on Friday. According to the promotion’s website, they “will
be strategically rescheduling [their] show for another date shortly.”
No reason was given for the postponement although the usual speculation
always returns to slow ticket sales as the culprit.
The
fight card was set to feature several UFC and Pride veterans,
with bouts such as Nick Diaz vs. Thomas Denny, Frank Trigg vs.
Ivan Jorge, Renato "Charuto" Verissimo vs. Jake Shields,
Wes Sims vs. Jeff Monson, and many more.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"Courage
is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage
you can't practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice
any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage."
Maya Angelou, American Author and Poet
|
HFC
Stand Your Ground Tonight!
|
Ortiz
& Liddell Cash In
From a recent quote of a major news source:
"Ortiz
and Liddell would likely end up with somewhere around $3 million
each when all is said and done. UFC reportedly pays out 25% of
their share of the PPV gross (the amount left after the cable
and satellite companies take their half off the top) as a bonus
to their PPV headliners." - Fox Sports MMA Blog
If
the above statement is true, then you can now say that the UFC
is paying their fighters what they are worth and then some. Arguably
the two biggest PPV draws in the UFC right now went to war in
December taking part in the biggest match of UFC's sixty-six
fight card history. UFC 66 may have ended with Liddell's hand
raised, but both men's wallets were bulging to excess after all
was said and done.
$3,000,000
dollars for one fight? That is exactly what was paid to the two
of the most popular fighters on the UFC's roster right now. Tito
was, at one point, in financial ruin due to a nasty divorce and
other personal issues.
It
would appear now that the sun is shining on his spacious, neatly-kept
green front lawn and probably gleaming nicely off of a shiny
new foreign car.
If
you watched Chuck Liddell's All Access program on Spike TV you
would know that he is doing quite well for himself already and
this latest pay day is probably going to allow him to retire
whenever he feels like it. I doubt that will be anytime soon.
In
his December interview with MaXfighting, Chuck had this to say
in response to a retirement question:
"MaxFighting:
Speaking of retirement, you're no where near retiring are you?
Chuck:
No, everything's great. I feel good and I'm not going to retire
when I'm still feeling.....as soon as I'm not able to perform
like I should be.
Right now, everything's fine and I'm at the top of my game. I'm
not going to retire anytime soon."
Well,
if I was getting paid "Chuck Liddell money" I wouldn't
retire anytime soon, either.
Source: Maxfighting |
Silva
vs. Henderson
PRIDE
Welterweight Champion Dan Henderson has confirmed reports that
he’ll rematch Wanderlei Silva at the company’s second
assault on the American market, PRIDE 33, on Saturday, February
24th at the Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas.
Henderson,
who bested Vitor Belfort at PRIDE 32 in October, will once again
step up to 205lbs, this time for a shot at Silva’s middleweight
title.
In
his PRIDE debut the Apple Valley, California native battled bravely
against Silva before losing a unanimous decision.
Six
years on Henderson has chance to become the company’s first
double-champion in front of a red hot Las Vegas crowd
As
part of the promotional drive for PRIDE 33, The Second Coming,
both fighters will be guests on the Best Damn Sports Show on
Fox, Tuesday, January 9th, where they’ll publicly announce
their February bout.
Source: Maxfighting
|
Quote
of the Day
"Courage
is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage
you can't practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice
any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage."
Maya Angelou, American Author and Poet
|
HFC
Stand Your Ground This Friday Night!
|
NAGA
HAWAII GRAPPLING CHAMPIONSHIP
IS THIS
SUNDAY!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Doors open at 8:00 a.m.
St. Louis School, Honolulu, HI
130 Gi & No-Gi Divisions!
This event is Nationally
860-295-0403
President@nagafighter.com
www.NAGAFighter.com
Download
event flyer HERE.
NAGA
makes its much anticipated return to the island of Oahu. Hawaii
is full of incredible grapplers, NAGA is excited about coming
back to give you a fair and fun atmosphere to compete in. Enjoy
the holidays then come and compete against the best grapplers
Hawaii has to offer.
Samurai
swords will be awarded to all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers.
The
no-gi and gi absolute champion will take home this championship
belt!
Source: NAGA
|
Gracie
Fighting Championships to Hold Star-Studded Evening of Fights
in Miami
The
Gracie Fighting Championships will bring elite mixed martial
artists together for a night that fight fans will not forget
on January 20 in Miami, Florida at the American Airlines Arena.
Columbus,
OH December 11, 2006 - The Gracie Fighting Championships, a North
American mixed martial arts organization will host a night of
intense fight action on January 20 in Miami. The first of four
planned shows in 2007, the event is titled "Evolution: The
Genesis of Mixed Martial Arts".
Scheduled
bouts include a contest for the new GFC welterweight championship
featuring fan favorite Nick Diaz (14-6-0) and Thomas "Wildman"
Denny (22-14-0). Two fighters from the camp of the recently departed
Carlson Gracie will be fighting that evening: Ivan “Batman”
Jorge (5-0), who will face the new ICON Sport middleweight champion
Frank Trigg (14-5-0), and Miguel Torres (29-1-0) in a match against
Charlie Valencia (7-2-0). Also fighting will be Ronaldo "Jacare"
Souza Dos Santos (3-1-0) vs. Jorge "Macaco" Patino
(14-9-1). "Jacare" is a highly watched Brazilian jiu-jitsu
world champion who has set his competitive sights on mixed martial
arts after reaching the apex of his grappling career. This will
be his North American mixed martial arts debut. Renato "Charuto"
Verissimo
(6-4-0) will also take on Rumble on the Rock Welterweight Champion
Jake Shields (16-4-1). Veteran mixed martial arts fighter Mario
Sperry (12-4-0) will take on Wes "The Project" Sims
(16-8-1), who recently defeated the powerhouse fighter "Kimo".
Rhalan
Gracie
(0-1-0), the son of Relson
Gracie
will make his return after a loss in his debut earlier this year
to a seasoned fighter. Rhalan will be fighting Andrew Mathews
in Mathews' first professional fight. The card is rounded out
in an encounter between Chris "The Westside Strangler"
Brennan (18-12-1) and Rafael Dias (6-1-0).
Undercard:
Phil Cardella (6-2-0) vs. Marcos
Avellan (1-0-1)
Nissen Osterneck (1-0-0) vs. Mitch McElroy (1-0-0)
Ben Saunders (3-0-2) vs. John Kopenhaver (4-1-0)
Daniel
Moraes
(0-1-0) vs. Luis Palomino (3-0-0)
Tickets
for the event will go on sale December 13 and will be available
through Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6 p.m. EST and undercard
bouts will begin at 7 p.m. EST. Ticket prices begin at $55. The
event will also be available via pay per view in the United States
via Dish Network and Viewers Choice and in Canada via Bell ExpressVu.
All of the action of the January 20 card will be available on
iN DEMAND for six weeks after the event.
About
the Gracie Fighting Championships:
The
Gracie Fighting Championships (GFC) is a mixed martial arts organization
whose goal is to create a tradition of excellence in the sport
by bringing together superior match ups where athletes can demonstrate
their skills. The GFC will continue in the competitive spirit
of the legendary Gracie family. The GFC is based out of Columbus,
Ohio and additional information on the company can be found at
www.gfcfighter.com.
Source: Gracie Fighting Championship Website
|
Pride
FC To Work with WWE ?
According to reports emanating from Japan PRIDE FC is set for
a business relationship with Stamford-based sports entertainment
entity, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the world’s
leading wrestling organisation.
As
PRIDE, who made their North American debut in October, look to
make a further incision in the market this year, and WWE, who
are entertaining the idea of promoting mixed martial arts, a
deal would seemingly be beneficial for both parties.
After
a productive meeting at WWE’s global headquarters in Stamford,
Connecticut in November, between DSE President Nobuyuki Sakakibara
and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, both organisations, which remain
at the forefront of their respective industries, have expressed
a desire to hold further negotiations.
The
would-be relationship would involve WWE talent being dispatched
to PRIDE FC to compete in the Super Heavyweight division, which
will be established this year with the introduction of a Monster
GP tournament.
PRIDE
veterans Mark Hunt and James Thompson are scheduled to compete
in the newly formed division, with the organisation actively
seeking additions to the 125kg bracket.
"WWE
fighter appearances? That's also likely. Already, we’ve
been flying around the world looking for yet-to-be-known monsters",
said Sakakibara.
The
Japanese organisation is a familiar battleground for professional
wrestlers with an abundance of grapplers entering PRIDE in recent
years including Ron Waterman, Don Frye and Ken Shamrock.
"This year we will take the offensive", added Sakakibara,
who set the initiative for an American onslaught in 2007.
Source: Maxfighting
|
CRO
COP ON BUENTELLO'S HIT LIST
Paul ‘The Headhunter’ Buentello is a tough, charismatic
American Kickboxing Academy fighter who is well known for his
heavy hands and his killer instinct whether in the ring or the
cage. The ‘Head Hunter’ joined MMAWeekly’s SoundOff
Radio crew to KO some floating Internet rumors, and in the process
gave SoundOff hosts Damon Martin and Jeff Cain the inside scoop
on all things Buentello.
The
latest rumor floating around MMA chat rooms is that popular street
fighter Kimbo Slice and ‘The Headhunter’ will be throwing
down head to head sometime soon. While Paul said that the whole
thing started as nothing more than an online joke, the possibility
of a match up between him and Kimbo may actually be more likely
than one would anticipate.
Paul
said about his management and Kimbo’s, “They’re
in negotiations.” Paul continued, “I would say it’s
probably about 60/40 right now. 60 percent chance of us getting
into a fight and broadcasting it somehow or another.”
While
a match up between a street fighter in Kimbo and a legitimate,
professional heavyweight MMA fighter in Buentello is an interesting
one, be sure that Paul still has aspirations to fight top competition
in each “real” fight that he participates in.
Paul
said, “My contract with Strikeforce is that they’re
supposed to give me the toughest fights that they can give me
– whoever they can get – but, these last couple times
Pride wasn’t releasing their guys to fight on James Thompson
and on Alistair Overeem and then Pedro Rizzo was going to take
the fight, but couldn’t get his Visa in time...I mean it’s
just pretty crazy. It just shows that the UFC and other organizations
have all the major heavyweights signed up.”
Buentello
also talked about his current contract with Strikeforce and communicated
his aspirations to be a UFC fighter once again.
“I’m
content right now, but as soon as this contract is over with
it would be nice to go back to where I started,” Buentello
said.
Paul
even went so far as to call out Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovic
– the UFC’s newest heavyweight addition.
Paul
said, “God Almighty…wouldn’t it be nice to fight
‘Cro Cop?’ Man, I would love to fight him… I know
my boy Eddie Sanchez is going to do what he can do, I offered
to go down and help him train – he hasn’t called me
back – but, that’s a fight for me.”
Before
we get too far ahead of ourselves daydreaming over the notion
of Paul fighting ‘Cro Cop’ in what would no doubt be
a standup free-for-all, let’s talk about a card that Paul
has confirmed he is fighting on…the April Shamrock vs. Baroni
Strikeforce card. Paul said, “I’m guaranteed on that
show already.”
The
‘Headhunter’ is without a doubt a heavyweight who deserves
to be in a top-tier organization no matter which one it may be,
and hopefully we will see Paul competing against the upper crust
heavyweights in the world again sometime very soon. His determination
to make the fight as exciting as possible – no matter which
side of the coin he ends up on when it’s all said and done
– is a trait that many MMA fans cling to in today’s
breed of fighters.
Given
the right match ups, Paul could easily fit back into the UFC’s
heavyweight division and cause quite a stir. If so, Paul will
get his wish and fans will get theirs when a dangerous and exciting
Buentello makes it back into the rank of UFC heavyweight fighters…a
rank in which he truly belongs.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
New
Fighters' Club TV Episode Airs Tuesday!
Happy Holidays
Everyone!
Fighters'
Club TV Episode 46 is cut and submitted to Olelo Programming.
It will run in our normal timeslot at 7pm every Tuesday night on Olelo
Oahu Channel 52. Airdates are Dec. 19, 26, Jan 2, and 9.
Episode
46 features:
-Jason
Mayhem Miller vs Ruthless Robbie Lawler + intvw w/ Robbie (from
Icon's Sep 2 show)
-Tyson
Nam vs Marc Oshiro + intvw w/ Marc (from Icon's Dec 1 show)
-Technique
of the Week: Shooto Middleweight Champion and Pride Star, Shinya
Aoki demonstrating the upside down heel hook
-FCTV
EMAIL: Mike and Mark answer YOU THE VIEWERS in our newest HIT
SEGMENT!
-Mike
interviews Frank "Twinkletoes" Trigg after his win
in the Dec 1 Icon UNSTOPPABLE show.
-stay
tuned for the credits for KITV's report on Mayhem vs Trigg
and
of course, the ever-increasing antics of Chris, Mike and Mark.
Comments,
Questions, and Suggestions to: fctv@onzuka.com
Aloha
|
K-1
Dynamite to Air Jan 12 on PPV
K-1 Dynamite
that was held New Years Eve will finally be broadcast on Oceanic
Digital Channel 701 on January 12, 2006 at 5:00 pm to 8:00 PM
Hawaii time.
Here
are other air times:
(IN1)
Channel 701
Fri 1/12 5:00 PM
(IN3)
Channel 703
Sat 1/13 6:00 AM
(IN1)
Channel 701
Sat 1/13 12:00 PM
(IN3)
Channel 703
Sat 1/13 3:00 PM
(IN3)
Channel 703
Sun 1/14 8:00 AM
(IN1)
Channel 701
Mon 1/15 2:00 PM
(IN3)
Channel 703
Wed 1/17 6:00 AM
(IN1)
Channel 701
Wed 1/17 11:00 AM
(IN3)
Channel 703
Thu 1/18 1:00 PM
(IN3)
Channel 703
Sat 1/20 9:00 AM
(IN1)
Channel 701
Sat 1/20 12:00 PM
K-1 Dynamite 2006 Fight Card
Sunday, December 31st, 2006
K-1
Rules:
- Hong Man Choi vs. Bobby Ologun;
- Musashi vs. Randy Kim;
- Masato vs. Yong-Soo Choi;
- Badr Hari vs. Nicolas Pettas;
MMA:
- Genki Sudo vs. Damacio Page;
- Ken Kaneko vs. Andy Ologun;
- Kid Yamamoto vs. Istvan Majoros;
- Akebono vs. Giant Silva;
- Hideo Tokoro vs. Royler Gracie;
- Katsuhiko Nagata vs. Shuichiro Katsumura;
- Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Kazushi Sakuraba;
- Tokimitsu Ishizawa vs. Kin Tai Ei.
|
PIP
Returns
www.myspace.com/man_on_da_side (PIP WEBSITE)
WWW.PIPHAWAII.COM
Tenative Card
Heavyweight Bout
Cabbage (Eastsidaz, Hilo) vs, Deutsch Puu (Army Boxing, Ewa Beach)
160lbs. Bout
Kaleo Kwan (Eastsidaz, Waimanalo) vs Danny Steele (Team Steele,
California)
160lbs Bout
Ikaika Choy Fu (Jesus is Lord, Kaneohe) vs. John Visante Jr.
(Sit You Down, Waianae)
145lbs Bout
Lorenzo Moreno (Bull Pin, Kalihi) vs. Zack Rapal (Fighters Union,
Waianae)
170lbs Bout
Wayne Perrin III(Bigdogs, Waianae) vs. Kona Ke (Team Ruthless,
Makaha)
150lbs Bout
Chico Canteberros (Eastsidaz, Kailua) vs. Brandon Piper (Hardknocks,
Waianae)
140lbs Bout
Abe Cortez (Young Gunz, Hilo) vs. Domi Lopez (Team Bigdogs, Waianae)
155lbs Bout
Makana Fonda (Bulls Pin, Kailihi) vs. Shaison Laupola (Team Ruthless,
Makaha)
Heavyweight Bout
Hanson Apo (Eastsidaz, Waimanalo) vs. Carl Sua (Fighters Union,
Waianae)
170lbs. Bout
Koa Ramos (Eastsidaz, Kailua) vs. Zane Kamaka (Guts & Glory,
Waianae)
190lbs. Bout
Rob Chong (Kodan Kan, Kailua) vs. Curtis Jones ( Dream Team,
Waianae)
160lbs Bout
Chad Valentine (HMC, Kalihi) vs. Kia Hale-Gannigan (Untaimed
Bloodline)
135lbs Bout
Chaz Schmidt ( Jus Rush, Kailua) vs. Erwin Celes (Sit You Down,
Waianae)
155lbs. Bout
Randy Rivera (HMC, Kalihi) vs. Louis Smith (Team Ruthless)
140lbs. Bout
Ryan Lee (Bulls Pin, Kailihi) vs. Colin McKenzie (Team Ruthless,
Makaha)
140lbs. Bout
Jacob Smith (Smith Taekwondo, Kaneohe) vs. Jonah Visante (Sit
you Down, Waianae)
|
|