Upcoming
Events
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(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
2008
1/26/08
NAGA Hawaii
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Location TBA)
Tentative
2007
11/24/07
Kickin It
(Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
11/10/07
Aloha
State Championship of BJJ
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Klum Gym UH Manoa)
10/26/07
Kickin It / Got Skills
(Kickboxing, Varios)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
X-1 Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
(MMA)
(O Lounge Night Club, Honolulu)
9/28/07
Kickin It / Got Skills
(Kickboxing, Varios)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
9/15/07
Icon Sport: Fearless
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
September
Gracie Fighting Championships
(MMA)
9/8/07
UFC
75
(02 Arena in London, England)
(PPV)
8/31/07
Fighters Journey
Pro-Am MMA Event
(MMA)
(tba)
X-1 Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
(MMA)
(O Lounge, Honolulu)
8/25/07
UFC
74: Respect
(Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada )
(PPV)
8/23-25/07
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championshihps
(BJJ)
(The Pyramid, Long Beach, CA)
8/12/07
Punishment
In Paradise 17
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Hawaiian Waters, Kapolei)
8/10/07
Kick In It / Got Skills
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
8/4/07
Punishment In Paradise:
Best of the Best
(MMA, Kickboxing)
(Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, Kapolei)
7/28/07
Maui
Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Maui War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku, Maui)
7/21/07
Garden Island Cage Match 6: Caged Fury
(Kickboxing, MMA)
(Hanapepe Stadium, Kauai)
7/14/07
Patriot Fighting Championships
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Kaneohe Marine Corps Base)
7/13/07
Hawaii Fighting Championships: Stand Your Ground 3
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
7/8/07
Dan Henderson Seminar
(MMA)
(O2
Martial Arts Academy, Aiea)
7/1/07
Mike Swain Seminar
(Judo)
(O2
Martial Arts Academy, Aiea)
6/30/07
Icon Sport: Fearless
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
***Postponed
to 9/15***
6/29/07
MMA Contendors: Conflict - The Beginning
(MMA)
(Farrington H.S. Gym)
X-1 Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
(MMA)
(O Lounge Night Club, Honolulu)
6/23/06
Ultimate Fight Night
(BJ Penn vs Jens Pulver)
(Spike TV)
6/23/07
Hawaiian
Open of BJJ
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Klum Gym UH Manoa)
6/22/07
Got
Skills
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
6/16/07
UFC 72: Victory
(PPV)
6/12/07
UFC
Fight Night
(MMA)
(Spike Oceanic 559)
6/3/07
The Quest for Champions 2007
(Sport-Pankration, Submission-Grappling, Continuous Sparring
and Sport-Jujitsu)
(Saint Louis High School Gym)
5/27/07
Benefit Concert for the 2007 Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team
(Ewa Ranch, Ewa Beach)
5/26/07
UFC
71 Liddell vs Rampage
(MMA)
(PPV Oceanic 701)
Memorial Day Mayhem
(Kickboxing)
(Kalaheo High School Gym)
5/19/07
Kickin it
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
5/12/07
Punishment In Paradise: Untouchables
(Kickboxing)
(Hawaiian Waters, Kapolei)
USA-Boxing Hawaii Fundraising Event
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
5/5/07
ROTR Qualifer: Beat Down 3
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center, Hilo)
4/28/07
Pride
Fighting Championships:
(PPV)
(Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV)
Maui MMA Event
(MMA)
(Maui)
K-1 World GP
(Kickboxing)
(Honolulu)
4/27/07
XMA
(MMA, Kickboxing)
**Cancelled**
4/24/07
Professional Boxing
(Boxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
4/20/07
Kickin It 2007 Part 3
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
4/7/07
Got Skills
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu Club Tournament
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(King Intermediate, Kaneohe)
4/6/07
Hawaii Fighting Championships: Stand Your Ground 3
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
4/5/07
Ultimate
Fight Night
(Spike TV)
3/31/07
Icon Sport
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
3/25/07
Kickboxing Benefit Event for Mrs. Faagai
(Kickboxing)
(Waianae H.S. Gym)
3/24/07
Garden Island Cage Match
5
(MMA)
(Kauai)
The 2007
Hawaii State/Regional Junior Olympic Championships (Boxing)
(Palolo District Park)
UFC:
Tito Ortiz vs. Dana White boxing match
(Nevada)
*Cancelled*
3/17/07
X-1
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
Island Warriors
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial)
3/13/07
Ultimate
Fight Night
(Spike TV)
3/10/07
Hawaiian Championship of BJJ
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Klum Gym UH Manoa)
3/3/07
UFC 68
(PPV)
(Columbus, Ohio)
Kickin It
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom)
2/24/07
Pride Fighting Championships:
(PPV)
(Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV)
2/17/06
Got
Skills
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
2/16-17/07
USA-Boxing Hawaii State & Regional Championships
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park Gym)
2/16/07
Punishment
In Paradise 15
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Hawaiian Waters)
2/9/07
Icon Sports
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Blaisdell Arena)
2/3/07
UFC
67
(Lutter vs Silva)
(PPV)
2/2/06
Got
Skills & Kickin' It
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
1/23/07
Ultimate
Fight Night
(Spike TV)
1/20/07
IFL
(MMA)
1/14/07
NAGA Hawaii
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(St. Louis H.S. Gym)
1/13/07
USA Boxing Amateur Boxing
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
1/12/07
K-1 Dynamite
(MMA)
(PPV, 5:00 PM Ch: 701)
|
|
June 2007 News Part
3
|
Casca Grossa Jiu-Jitsu
is now the O2 Martial Arts Academy with 6 days a week training!
We are also offering Escrima (stick fighting) on Monday nights
and Kickboxing Tuesday and Thursday!
Click
here for info!
Take classes from the Onzuka brothers in a family-like environment! |
 
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.
Quote
of the Day
"The
very man who has argued you down, will sometimes be found, years
later, to have been influenced by what you said."
C. S. Lewis, 1898-1963, Irish Author and Scholar
(known for the children's series "The Chronicles of Narnia")
|
Mike
Swain Seminar at O2 Martial Arts Academy
Tomorrow!
There are still available spots open! We are accepting late
attendees!
When:
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Time: 5:30 - 7:15 pm
Where: O2 Martial Arts
Academy
98-019 Kam Hwy Unit 206A
Aiea, HI 96701
Cost: $30 (Must pay to reserve your spot)
Questions? Email: info@onzuka.com
Directions
to O2MAA:
We are located in the building between Best Buy and Cutter Ford
Aiea on the second floor facing Shiro's.
We are above Goodwill, Small Engine Clinic and the Bike Shop
on the second floor.
We are
limiting the seminar to the first 30 people who sign up and PAY!
No holding spots. The invitation to this seminar is open to ALL
SCHOOLS!
You can also pay online by going to: http://www.2takedown.com/
Bio of Mike Swain:
Mike is the first man from the Western Hemisphere, to win a gold
medal at the World Championships, since its inception in 1956.
The World Championships is a very prestigious tournament held
only once, every two years. As a World Champion, 4 - time Olympian
(bronze medalist in the Seoul Games) and 1996 Olympic Coach,
Mike has gained a phenomenal amount of valuable knowledge and
experience.
Throughout his many years of competition and coaching, Mike has
traveled the world competing against and analyzing hundreds of
different styles and techniques. His knowledge of standing techniques
and ground work is unsurpassed.
Mike
Swain
Born:
12/21/60 (Elizabeth, NJ), Height 5' 9", Weight 71 kg
Sport: JUDO - Fifth Degree Black Belt (Godan)
Business: Swain Sports International 408-286-5836
Wife: Chie Swain (1992 - 61kg Olympian - Brazil)
Father-in-law: Chiaki Ishii (1972 - 95kg Olympic Bronze Medalist
- Brazil)
Books: Ashiwaza II (book), Mike Swain's Judo (video), Championship
Newaza (video)
U.S.
WORLD AND OLYMPIC HONORS
1977
Barcelona, Spain (World Team)
1980 Moscow, Russia (Olympic Team)
1983 Moscow, Russia (World Team)
1984 Los Angeles (Olympic Team)
1985 Seoul, Korea (World Team)
1987 Essen, Germany (World Team)
1988 Seoul, Korea (Olympic Team)
1989 Belgrade, Yugoslavia (World Team)
1992 Barcelona, Spain (Olympic Team)
1996 Atlanta (Men's Olympic Judo Coach)
MAJOR
INTERNATIONAL MEDALS
GOLD
1987
World Championships - Essen Germany (Only American Male to ever
win)
1987 Pan American Games - Indianapolis
1991 US Open
1988 Italian Open
1984 Czechoslovakian Open
1984 Belgian Open
1982 Dutch Open
SILVER
1989
World Championships - Belgrade, Yugoslavia
1985 World Championships - Seoul, Korea
1991 Sungkok Cup - Korea
1991 Pacific Rim Championships - Hawaii
1990 Goodwill Games - Seattle
1987 Shoriki Cup - Japan
1986 Kano Cup - Japan
1985 Matsumae Cup - Austria
1985, 1983 US Open
1977 Pan American Championship - Argentina
BRONZE
1988
Olympic Games - Seoul, Korea
1989 Pacific Rim Championships - China
1987 German Open
1985 Pacific Rim Championship - Japan
1984 German Open
1983 Pan American Games - Venezuela
1983 Pacific Rim Championships - Japan
1981 Dutch Open
1981, 1980 US Open
NATIONAL
HONORS
5
- Time National Champion
4 - Time National Collegiate Champion
5 - Time Olympic Sports Festival Champion
|
Agents
arrest ex-kickboxing champ Alexio
Advertiser Staff
Dennis
Alexio,
a former undisputed world kickboxing champion, was arrested yesterday
by the U.S. Marshal's Hawai'i Fugitive Task Force on a subpoena
charging him with failure to appear before a grand jury in West
Virginia on an Internal Revenue Service tax case.
Alexio,
48, was also arrested on an outstanding federal warrant issued
in San Francisco for bank fraud.
Alexio
was arrested shortly before 2 p.m. at his 'Aiea home, according
to Mike Ferstl, chief deputy U.S. marshal for the district of
Hawai'i.
Ferstl
said Alexio claimed to be a citizen of the sovereign nation of
Hawai'i, not the United States. An identity status hearing is
scheduled Friday before a federal magistrate. Alexio is being
held at the Federal Detention Center.
Alexio
reportedly retired from kickboxing with a record of 70-2. He
was at one time the undisputed world heavyweight kickboxing champion,
holding several titles.
Alexio
won his heavyweight world title in Hawai'i in 1997 when he defeated
Barrington Patterson of London.
Source:
Honolulu Advertiser
|
Officials:
Wrestler Strangled Wife, Suffocated Son, Hanged Self
Professional wrestler Chris Benoit strangled his wife and smothered
his 7-year-old son, placing bibles at their sides, before hanging
himself from a pulley in his weight room, authorities said Tuesday.
Police
ruled the death a double homicide-suicide and are investigating
whether steroids may have been a factor in the deaths.
Authorities
said they found prescription anabolic steroids in the home among
other legal prescriptions. Steroid abuse has been linked to depression,
paranoia, and aggressive behavior or angry outbursts known as
"roid rage."
"There
was a lot of prescription medication that he had received from
doctors with what we believed to be at this time legal prescriptions,"
said Lt. Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department.
Police
said that Nancy Benoit died of asphyxiation on Friday, said Fayette
County District Attorney Scott Ballard. She was found in an upstairs
family room with her legs and wrists bound and blood under her
head, perhaps indicating a struggle, he said.
The
Benoits' son, Daniel, died of asphyxiation sometime Saturday
morning, Ballard said. He was found in his bed upstairs. Both
mother and son had bibles placed at their sides.
Authorities
found the pro wrestler dead in the basement, hanging from the
pulley of a weight machine. He died sometime late Saturday or
Sunday, Ballard said.
"In
a community like this, it's bizarre just to have a murder suicide
-- certainly involving the death of a 7-year-old child,"
Ballard said.
Nancy
Benoit filed for a divorce in May 2003, saying their three-year
union was irrevocably broken and alleging "cruel treatment."
But she later dropped the complaint, as well as a request for
a restraining order in which she charged that Benoit had threatened
her and had broken furniture in their home.
In
the divorce filing, she said Benoit made more than $500,000 a
year as a professional wrestler and asked for permanent custody
of Daniel and child support. In his response, Benoit sought joint
custody.
"He
was like the dad you always wanted to have," Bill Apter,
a pro-wresting writer and friend of Benoit, told FOX News. "I
just don't get this."
Apter
called Benoit pensive and quiet, adding: "Chris Benoit was
not the type of guy that you would profile to do anything of
what is being alleged to have happened."
The
World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler canceled a pay-per-view
appearance at the "Vengeance" event in Houston because
of "personal reasons" a day before the trio were found
dead.
The
bodies were found Monday afternoon in three separate rooms of
the house, off a gravel road about two miles from the Whitewater
Country Club.
Neighbors
said the Benoits led a low-key lifestyle.
"We
would see Chris walking in his yard from time to time. He wasn't
rude, but he wasn't really outwardly warm," said Alaina
Jones, who lives across the street.
Jimmy
Baswell, who was Benoit's driver for more than five years, placed
a white wreath at the Benoits' gate. "They always seemed
like they were the happiest people," he said.
Whiteside
said toxicology tests could take up to a week or longer to complete.
Text
messages from the wrestler seem to have prompted the police to
visit the home.
"The
sheriff's department will only confirm that he sent one text
message sometime around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, and I know that the
WWE is saying that he sent several others, which is what prompted
them to contact the sheriff's office to go do a welfare check
at the house," Saeed Ahmed of the Journal-Constitution told
FOX News.
World
Wrestling Entertainment said on its Web site that it asked authorities
to check on Benoit and his family after being alerted by friends
who received "several curious text messages sent by Benoit
early Sunday morning."
The
WWE, based in Stamford, Conn., said it had been asked by authorities
not to release further information on the deaths.
Benoit
was born in Montreal. He was a former world heavyweight champion,
Intercontinental champion and held several tag-team titles over
his career. He was known by several names including "The
Canadian Crippler."
"WWE
extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family's
relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy," the company
said in a statement on its Web site.
Benoit
had maintained a home in metro Atlanta from the time he wrestled
for the defunct World Championship Wrestling. The Fayette County
Tax Assessors Office lists the value of the house, situated on
more than 8.5 acres, at nearly $900,000.
The
WWE canceled its live "Monday Night RAW" card in Corpus
Christi, Texas, and USA Network aired a three-hour tribute to
Benoit in place of the scheduled wrestling telecast on June 25.
Benoit's
wife managed several wrestlers and went by the stage name "Woman,"
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
They
met when her then-husband drew up a script that had them involved
in a relationship as part of an ongoing story line on World Championship
Wrestling, the newspaper said.
Benoit
has two other children from a prior relationship.
Benoit
became a standout at an early age among wrestling prospects who
trained in the dungeon basement of the house where fellow Canadians
and professional wrestlers Owen and Bret Hart trained. Owen Hart
was killed during a wrestling event in 1999.
"He
was like a family member to me, and everyone in my family is
taking it real hard," said Bret Hart, a five-time champion
with the now-defunct World Wrestling Federation.
The
Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source:
Fox News
Wrestler
Chris Benoit Double Murder-Suicide: Was It 'Roid Rage'?
By Catherine Donaldson-Evans
Steroids were among the prescription medications found by investigators
going through pro-wrestler Chris Benoit's house, where he strangled
his wife and young son last weekend before hanging himself.
Key
to their probe is determining whether drugs played a role in
the double murder-suicide, and whether so-called "roid rage"
was at the root of the tragedy.
Chronic
use of anabolic steroids — the kind commonly taken in excessively
high doses by athletes including wrestlers — has been linked
to marked aggression and anger, or what is referred to as "roid
rage."
"Anabolic
steroids affect neurochemicals in the brain," said Dr. Linn
Goldberg, an expert in steroid use and the head of sports medicine
at Oregon Health and Science University. It's those neurochemical
changes that cause the extreme anger, he explained.
Goldberg
said most people who succumb to steroid-induced rage are predisposed
to aggression and anger problems, and the drugs exacerbate those
tendencies.
"They're
not in great control to start with and then they use steroids
and it heightens that," he said. "They have problems
with impulse control."
Sam
Maniar, a sports psychologist at Ohio State University Medical
Center, said it's rare for someone who wasn't at all aggressive
before taking steroids to become filled with rage just by using
the performance-enhancing drugs.
"It's
really hard to say what comes first — it's like a chicken
and the egg type of thing," Maniar said. "There's some
evidence that mood changes can occur, but sometimes people have
the rage or depression there before."
Fayetteville,
Ga., sheriff's spokesman Lt. Tommy Pope declined to comment as
to whether the steroids found in the Benoit family home contributed
to the wrestler's state of mind when he killed his family and
then himself. Police were awaiting toxicology test results to
determine whether or not he was on steroids or any other drugs.
World
Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) issued a strongly worded statement
Tuesday night condemning media speculation that steroids had
anything to do with the homicides and suicide.
In
addition to uncontrollable fury, other possible behavioral side
effects of regularly taking large quantities of steroids include
paranoia, delusions, depression and mania.
"They
lead to psychotic episodes of aggression," said FOXNews.com's
managing health editor Dr. Manny Alvarez. "It's not inconceivable
that this wrestler was indeed suffering from some of the psychological
consequences of anabolic steroids, which might have led him to
commit this heinous act."
When
studies have been done on rats, according to Goldberg, the rodents
have become aggressive after being given steroids and frequently
remain aggressive even once the drugs are no longer administered.
But
he and Maniar agreed that fury so intense it becomes lethal is
uncommon, even in the worst cases of steroid abuse.
"It
seems like it's rare for roid rage to become deadly," Maniar
said.
Psychological
side effects aside, anabolic steroids cause a host of physiological
problems too, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke,
blood clotting, kidney disease and changes in metabolism.
"In
World Wrestling Entertainment, a lot of these athletes are dying
at six times the rate of other human beings, most of them from
cardiovascular disease," Goldberg said. "There's a
bunch of them who died at young ages, in their 30s and early
40s."
Athletes
of all kinds take anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass and
improve performance. The problem has become so widespread in
professional sports that the government has gotten involved in
cracking down on steroid use.
Whether
or not Benoit was abusing steroids and in the throes of roid
rage when he smothered his wife and 7-year-old son and then took
his own life, the tragedy has caused the problem to be revisited.
"If
there's any take-away message, it's that anabolic steroids of
any sort at any age have no place in any kind of professional
sports," Alvarez said.
Source:
Fox News
Chris
Benoit: Professional Wrestler, Murderer, Suicide
By Liza Porteus
Chris Benoit had it all. As a professional wrestler, he had been
world heavyweight champion and intercontinental champion, and
he held several tag-team titles.
A
handsome, muscular man with a six-figure income, he lived in
a house in metro Atlanta with his beautiful wife and 7-year-old
son.
Over
the weekend, he also became a double murderer, having asphyxiated
his wife and 7-year-old son. He also became a suicide, having
hanged himself on his gym equipment.
Benoit,
his wife Nancy and their son Daniel were found dead in their
home in what police said Tuesday was a murder-suicide. The cause
of the 40-year-old Benoit's deadly rampage remains a mystery,
although investigators said they found doctor-prescribed steroids
at the scene, leading to the theory that "Roid Rage"
might have sent him over the edge.
Benoit,
a native of Edmonton, Alberta, was known by several names throughout
his career, including "The Canadian Crippler." He lived
in the Atlanta area from the time he wrestled for the defunct
World Championship Wrestling organization.
His
wife, Nancy, was a professional wrestling valet and manager who
went by the stage name "Woman."
"He
had a great sense of humor — he was just a great guy,"
his friend, professional wrestling writer Bill Apter, said in
an interview on Tuesday. "They were just a pleasure to be
around and they so adored their little boy, Daniel — that’s
why I can’t even fathom anything like this happening."
Benoit
attended his first live wrestling event at the Old Pavilion in
Edmonton when he was 12. He said that from the moment he saw
the Dynamite Kid, Tommy Billington, in ring action, "I wanted
to be just like him."
He
spent much of his time at home lifting the weights his parents
gave him one Christmas. But he also spent time training on the
football field or in the gym of Archbishop O’Leary High
School, where he played defensive end. He traveled with friends
to wrestling venues throughout Edmonton and Calgary and often
helped set up the ring and chairs.
According
to IMDB.com, he lost a tooth when he was pretending to wrestle
with his dog as a kid. He never had the tooth put back in, since
he figured he would lose it again when he started his own wrestling-career.
He would later become known for his "toothless aggression."
When
he began wrestling, he wrestled as "Dynamite" Chris
Benoit, and began using the Diving Headbutt, one of the Dynamite
Kid's trademark moves.
Benoit
began his career in 1985 in Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling
promotion, but in 1989 he left for New Japan Pro Wrestling. He
later competed in Mexico and Germany, where he won a few regional
championships. Using the nickname "Pegasus," he took
part in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1992 to 1993,
and in 1994 he signed with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).
While there, he dropped the "Pegasus" name and gimmick
and became The Canadian Crippler because of his rougher style.
He signed with World Championship Wrestling in late 1995/early
1996.
Benoit
met his wife, Nancy Daus-Sullivan, when her then-husband, match
booker Kevin Sullivan, thought up a script that had Benoit and
his wife involved in a relationship as part of an ongoing WCW
story line. Benoit and Daus began spending more time together
and eventually, in 1997, Daus divorced Sullivan and became engaged
to Benoit. Benoit and Sullivan were by then embroiled in a high-profile
rivalry. Nancy Benoit helped manage her husband's career from
their home in Atlanta.
Sullivan,
who was also a wrestler, booked and lost a retirement match to
Benoit on July 13, 1997. It is often joked that "Kevin Sullivan
booked his own divorce," according to reports. As a booker,
Sullivan reportedly caused Nancy to quit wrestling when she refused
to appear topless in an angle Sullivan created for a pay-per-view.
On
the DVD, Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story, Benoit said he
still had respect for Sullivan and that he didn’t think
the booker came at him with vengeance in the ring, even though
he blamed the Canadian wrestler for breaking up his marriage.
But IMDB says the feud resulted in Benoit losing points in many
matches scheduled by Sullivan.
Sullivan
is among those blamed for the 2000 departure of Benoit and three
others from WCW. Sullivan got promoted to head booker, which
angered a number of WCW wrestlers, given his tendency for professional
rivalries (notably Benoit), among other things, according to
About.com. Sullivan booked Benoit to win the WCW title at the
professional wrestling pay-per-view event Souled Out 2000 in
January from 1997 through 2000, but Benoit and the other three
would quit the night after to join the World Wrestling Federation.
Benoit
debuted in the WWF with a group called The Radicalz in 2000.
It was also in this time period that Benoit wrestled in his first
WWF pay-per-view main events, challenging The Rock for the title
in July 2000 and as part of a fatal four-way title match in September.
Both times, Benoit appeared to have won the WWF Championship,
but the wins were reversed by the commissioner, who said Benoit
cheated.
In
2002, during the first WWE Draft, Benoit was picked by Vince
McMahon third to be part of the new SmackDown! roster but later
appeared on the RAW roster and won several titles. He held the
record for being in a Royal Rumble match the longest (over 61
minutes) and was the 2004 WWE Royal Rumble Winner, according
to IMDB.
Benoit
also made sports entertainment history at the 2005 SummerSlam,
when he defeated Orlando Jordan for the U.S. Championship in
just 25.5 seconds — the fastest U.S. Championship victory
in the title’s 20-year history.
Benoit
was called the "fightingest" Intercontinental Champion
in WWF history because of how many times he defended his title.
"I
am the greatest technical wrestler in the history of the WWF!"
Benoit would say. "Prove me wrong!"
Benoit
and his wife became the parents of Daniel Christopher Benoit
on Feb. 25, 2000. Benoit had two children, David and Megan, from
a previous relationship.
Nancy
filed divorce papers from Benoit in 2003, including a petition
for protection from domestic abuse against her 220-pound husband.
In the papers, she claimed Benoit "lost his temper and threatened
to strike the petitioner and cause extensive damage to the home
and personal belongings of the parties, including furniture."
Nancy claimed she was in "reasonable fear" of her own
safety and that of her son. But three months later, she filed
to have the divorce papers and restraining order dismissed.
But,
asked if there ever was a feeling that Nancy or Daniel were in
danger, Apter said "absolutely not."
"He
was an easygoing, very quiet type of person," Apter said,
adding that Benoit was very "pensive" and didn’t
let many see the type of person he was inside.
"He
was like the dad you always wanted to have," he added, saying
the Benoits adored Daniel, who often attended wrestling matches
with his parents.
"I
just don’t get this," Apter said.
District
Attorney Scott Ballard told reporters Tuesday he had not seen
the documents in question.
"A
lot of stuff that has come out in the past couple days is a complete
shock to everyone," said Dave Meltzer of WrestlingObserver.com,
who was a friend of Benoit’s for over 20 years. "He
was well-liked, he was well-respected … it’s like a
nightmare. There’s no explanation."
Meltzer
added: "I just don’t think you can blame steroids as
a simple answer … there’s got to be far more to it
than just that."
Family
and friends also described Benoit as "soft spoken,"
according to the WWE. But once inside the ring, he was a totally
different person.
"Wrestling
has consumed my life," Benoit would say, according to WWE.
"It’s my mistress, my passion. It defines a lot of
who I am as a person."
"I
think he’s one of the best wrestlers. It seems like he always
put a lot of fight in the job that he did … he always was
on top of his game," said James Welsh, a 27-year-old legal
assistant in Fairfax, Va., who has been a wrestling fan for 15
years.
Welsh
said it was always his impression, through watching wrestling
and reading stories about Benoit, that the 220-pound giant was
devoted to his family, especially his son.
"I
heard he always had him backstage and would always have him wear
ties and suits and stuff back there and make him look real nice,"
Welsh said. "From what I heard, he was a good family man
… loved his kid and all. So it’s kind of weird, it
turned out the way it has it has."
Wrestling
fans wrote tributes and criticisms on the Slam! Sports site in
Canada.
"I
have been a fan of Chris for a number of years. I have not lost
any respect for him as a result of this incident, nor should
it affect anyone else's opinion. Remember the man for who he
was," wrote "Richard W."
"Larry"
wrote: "I have watched wrestling for a long time and Chris
was one of my favorites. Now I feel extremely sad for his wife
and child because they seem to be getting only passing mention
while he is getting tributes. I do not think he deserves this,
he was a great wrestler but his image has now been tarnished
and I will never think of him the same. I am sure he had some
problems but that does not excuse him for what he did I now consider
him a murderer and he took the easy way out instead of facing
what he did. My heart goes out to all the extended families and
wish them the best through this difficult time. More should be
mentioned of his wife and son and less of him."
Added
"Stacey": I'm sorry, but why are there tributes and
memorials for an obviously very troubled man who just murdered
his wife and 7 year old child!!?? He should be referred to as
a 'murderer', not as a great man/pro wrestler who should be remembered!
Source:
Fox News
|
The
Tao of Frank Shamrock
by Jake Rossen
Leading into last Friday's showdown with a bloviating Phil Baroni,
Frank Shamrock made it known to everyone that he was the predetermined
victor based on his prowess as a Martial Artist, rattling off
a laundry list of Budo talking points that seemed more suited
for an Art of War lecture than a cage fight.
While
Shamrock's existentialism has always made for a good quote, many
were convinced that a seven-year layoff from elite opposition
would be grim preamble for a depressing performance.
Pedro
Rizzo took two years off, and the formerly durable heavyweight
was quickly knocked out in consecutive bouts; Pat Miletich strayed
for nearly five years, and was choked out by Renzo Gracie; the
less said about Mike Tyson's post-prison career, the better.
There's
no substitute in the gym, not even with world-class training
partners, for the kinetic and awkward reality of the ring. The
crowd, the cameras, the attention, and your opponent being compensated
for shattering your face can't be replicated.
That's
why Baroni was the favorite heading into their manufactured grudge
match. Despite an uneven record, the fighter had been in the
gauntlet, mixing it up with highly credible athletes on a routine
schedule. He's a heavy hitter, a good wrestler, and fresh off
a series of dominating performances in Japan.
Ominously,
Shamrock's last substantial win was against Tito Ortiz in 1999
-- President Clinton was still in office and Beverly Hills, 90210
was still on the air, for God's sake. Cornermen should've been
sweeping dust and cobwebs off of him before the referee's inspection.
Even commentator Jay Glazer's last minute reveal that Shamrock
had torn his ACL and MCL seemed like a pre-digested excuse for
pending mediocrity.
But
incredibly, inexplicably, Shamrock showed virtually no sign of
the rust that seemed guaranteed to plague him. He waded directly
into the pocket of Baroni's ham-fisted assault, getting the better
of him with a barrage of combinations, kicks, and knees, proving
his assertion that he was the better technical athlete. Countering
Baroni's boast that he wouldn't dare trade, Shamrock dropped
him and nearly ended the fight in the first.
There
was the gimmickry (Shamrock miming the hand gesture for "naptime"
and pointing to Baroni), and then the choke, after which the
victor kicked Baroni's unconscious frame off of him with a mixture
of contempt and boredom.
It
was the kind of dynamic, gutsy performance that made Shamrock's
name in the last century a proprietary blend of skill and bravado
that the sport rarely sees.
For
fans, it was a bittersweet sight: they welcomed the return of
"old Frank" -- an incarnation that apparently broke
free of the ether world that's nabbed "old Vitor" and
"old Tank" -- but they couldn't help but feel morose
at the thought that they missed seven years of similar displays.
Taking
into account the limited audience of the fledging EliteXC and
Strikefroce, there is some degree of irony in Shamrock's claimed
reason for his premature exit, that he was operating in a vacuum
where his skills were unappreciated both financially and historically.
Undoubtedly,
Showtime, Gary Shaw or Scott Coker are able to write in more
zeroes than SEG's overdrawn resources ever could. But it remains
a puzzlement that two men who could clearly enrich one another's
interests -- Shamrock and Dana White -- instead choose to exchange
adolescent potshots.
Shamrock's
opportunities in Elite or Strikeforce are more cinematic in nature
than anything that will compel people to buy into his legacy.
A match with fellow San Jose attraction Cung Le will sell-out
any venue in the area, but Shamrock's submission acumen will
make Le look like a child; a rematch with Renzo Gracie seems
necessary, but rote and predictable; the less said about the
idea of fighting his rapidly aging adoptive brother Ken Shamrock,
the better.
Shamrock
couldn't care less, obviously.
If
he wanted to contest the best at his weight, he'd be in the UFC
or seek out fights with rogue fighters like Matt Lindland. Instead,
he seems hellbent on taking the "i" out of deifying
the abrasive UFC chair, using his stature to boost the profile
of the competition.
As
has been repeated ad nauseum in this space, overcoming the UFC's
brand awareness is nearly impossible. Casual fans have a finite
budget for combat entertainment, and they'll almost always go
with the proven commodity over the upstart, even if the latter
provides a more compelling show. Shamrock is getting wealthier,
but not as wealthy as if he were in the Ultimate. He's getting
attention, but not the kind offered by endless basic cable barker
shows.
I'm
still unable to discern whether his refusal to deal with the
UFC is ego, or something more noble. That promotion's business
practices are alternately celebrated and vilified, with some
stars making millions and others making pennies, despite a seeming
surplus of profit to correct the disparity.
Shamrock
the Martial Artist claims it's an insult to the athlete. But
are Elite and Strikeforce really doing anything differently,
other than allowing him to cherry-pick his opposition?
With
a mutilated ACL that could take over a year to rectify, Shamrock
has plenty of time to weigh his options. After a few more showcase
performances, it wouldn't shock me to see both Shamrock and White
see the financial sense in having the Elite champion face the
UFC titleholder, particularly if Shamrock can use the press to
perpetuate the idea that he's the man to beat in the division.
Post-fight,
Shamrock was bluntly articulate in his self-assessment, stating
plainly that he has no interest in competing against anyone who
can't sell tickets or t-shirts. That would seem to remove middleweights
like Lindland and Murilo Rua from the equation.
Challenged
in the ring or not, there's a quality of character in the self-professed
"old dog" that elevates the sport. When Shamrock talks
about honor and integrity and a love for athleticism, it sounds
convincing.
In
a sea of athletes who seem cut from the same biker-gang movie-extra
cloth, that comparative squareness is a proper balance. His samurai
spirit is intact.
But
would Sun Tzu advocate taking the path of least resistance?
Source: Sherdog
|
Shogun
between Pride and UFC
Decision should be made in coming days
Mauricio
Shogun has not yet defined where his new house will be. According
to the leader of Chute Boxe, it has not yet been defined whether
Shogun will fight in Japan or the USA: "He should fight
in August or September, it’s not for sure yet. It has to
be determined whether he will fight for Pride or UFC,” revealed
Rudimar Fedrigo.
This
Thursday, the chuteboxer had a scare during training when he
injured his knee. Master Rudimar guaranteed, however, that the
injury was not serious: “He will start training again tomorrow,”
he said by phone.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
CRO
COP VS KONGO CONFIRMED
UFC
75: Crop Cop vs. Kongo Confirmed
By FCF Staff
Ultimate
Fighting Championship President Dana White, announced yesterday
in an appearance on ESPN’s “Hot List”, that Mirko
“Cro Cop” Filipovic will take on Cheick Kongo at UFC
75. The card, which will take place on September 8th at the 02
Arena in London, England, will be headlined by the title unification
bout between UFC Lightweight Champion Quinton Jackson and Pride
Middleweight Champion (205 lbs.) Dan Henderson.
Cro
Cop (22-5) is coming off a stunning knock-out loss to Gabriel
Gonzaga at UFC 70 in April, only his 4th loss in 3 years. Prior
to UFC 70, the Croatian had won 5 straight, including victories
over Josh Barnett, Wanderlei Silva, and Eddie Sanchez in his
February, UFC debut.
Kongo
(9-3-1), who is also well known for his striking abilities, is
coming off a Majority Decision victory over Assuerio Silva at
UFC 70. Prior to that, he dropped a Split Decision loss to Carmelo
Marrero at UFC 64 last October.
The
UFC has also confirmed that Season 3 “Ultimate Fighter”
participants, Michael Bisping (13-0) and Matt Hamill (5-0, combined
pro-am), will meet in the Octagon at UFC 75. The two fighters,
who had a bit of a running feud on TUF 3, have continued there
success in the UFC. Bisping has won all three of his fights in
the Octagon, with wins over Josh Haynes, Eric Schafer and most
recently, Elvis Sinosic by TKO at UFC 70. Hamill has also won
all of his UFC fights to preserve his undefeated record, defeating
Jesse Forbes, Seth Petruzelli, and Rex Holman by TKO, at UFC
68 in March.
Source: FCF
|
Nick
Requests Fight with Frank Shamrock
Nick Diaz, who is signed with ProElite, has requested to face
Frank Shamrock as soon as possible. After a spectacular win against
Takanori Gomi, Diaz seems intent on enrolling himself for higher
profile fights. With both fighters fighting in the same organization
this fight seems the logical next step in what would be an MMA
fan's dream come true.
"I
watched his last fight and no disrespect intended but I think
I would whoop his ass.", stated Diaz. A formal offer of
intent has been delivered to the promoters to set this fight
up and now we await their response.
Source: Gracie Fighter
|
Quote
of the Day
"We're
all given some sort of skill in life. Mine just happens to be
beating up on people."
Sugar Ray Leonard, American Boxer
|
X-1
Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
Tonight
O Lounge Night Club, Honolulu, Hawaii
June 29, 2007
Main Event.
Shaison
Laupola (Team Ruthless) vs. Chris Willems (BJ Penn MMA) 150 lbs
MMA
Amateur Matches - [Confirmed]
Sam
Quel (Team Ruthless) vs. Isaac Uriostegui (Team Submit) 125 lbs.
Royce
Dela Sano (Freelance) vs. Kyle Kaahanui (Freelance) 170 lbs.
Colin
Mackenzie (Team Ruthless) vs. Chris Burnham (Team Submit) 140
lbs.
Matt Miyake (Waianae Valetudo) vs. Larry Gabriel (Jus Rush) 155
lbs.
Robin Clark (Team Hells Fire) vs. Marcus Chapman (Freelance)
170 lbs.
William Bohol (Team Hells Fire) vs. Casey Tavares (Team
Submit) 180 lbs.
Ben
Santiago (Team Ruthless) vs. Anthony Ornellas (Jus Rush) 170
lbs.
Kimo Lani (Freelance) vs. Hans Wells (First Lap) 240 lbs.
Jon
Barnard (Team Ruthless) vs. Jared Iha (Freelance) 135 lbs.
Kickboxing
Match. [Confirmed]
1."Sam
Boy" Tapeni (Humble The Proud) vs. Lino Kakiva (Team Konnah
Blokk) 185 lbs.
MMA
Pro Matches. [Confirmed]
Michael
Brightmon (Gorilla House) vs. Kenneth Gusman (Freelance) 190
lbs.
Augie
"The Warrior" Padeken vs. Jethro "The Jet"
Parks 210 lbs.
Source: Event Promoter
|
MMA
CONTENDORS TONIGHT!
WHO - MMA CONTENDORS
WHAT - MMA CONTENDOR "CONFLICT - THE BEGINNING"
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (AMATEUR & 2 PRO BOUTS)
WHEN - JUNE 29, 2007 FRIDAY - 6:30 PM
WHERE - FARRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
WEIGH - INS WILL BE HELD JUNE 28TH AT 24 HOUR FITNESS (MILILANI)
AT 7:00PM. ALL FIGHTERS MUST BRING THEIR ID FOR CONFIRMATION.
IF YOU HAVENT PICKED UP YOUR TICKETS BY NOW. TOMMORROW AT THE
WEIGH INS WILL BE THE LAST CHANCE TO GET THEM. FOR AFTER THE
WEIGH INS, ITS GOING TO BE DOOR PRICE ($30.00). THERE WILL BE
A CONCESSION STAND TO HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THE FARRINGTON HIGH
SCHOOL ATHLETIC CLUB AND BOOTHS IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO PICK
UP SOME FIGHT GEAR OR TEE SHIRTS, ETC. SO COME DOWN AND SUPPORT
THIS EVENT AS WELL AS THESE TALENTED LOCAL FIGHTERS.
DEVIN DAMO 135 DWAYNE HANEY
ANIMAL HOUSE BULLSPEN
THOMAS FERGUSON 270 KAWIKA HONG
TEAM DEVASTATION GOODSPORT KICKBOXING
DALE KAMAI 180 FRED CABANTING
MAILI SOLJAH BULLSPEN
JAY BOLOS 135 MARK TAJON
ANIMAL HOUSE BULLSPEN
MAIKA IGE 165 JOE SIMPLICIANO
ANIMAL HOUSE FIGHTERS UNION
BRAD TAVARES 185 THOMAS SODENO
UNIVERSAL COMBAT SPORT BULLSPEN
THIS WILL BE OUR SEMI MAIN EVENT. BE SURE NOT TO MISS THIS FIGHT.
THOMAS HAS BATTERED ALL OF HIS THREE OPPONENTS ON GOT SKILLS
WITH HIS HEAVY ARTILLERY IN HIS STAND UP GAME. AND BRAD LEFT
HIS OPPONENT A BLOODY MESS AT HIS FIGHT ON GOT SKILLS FROM HIS
RAPID FIRE. AND WHEN THESE GUYS GET HIT, ITS LIKE CANDY, THEY
EAT IT UP. SINCE BOTH OF THESE GUYS LIKE TO BANG, NO ONE WILL
PROBABLY CEASE FIRE UNTIL THE MATCH IS DONE. AND WHEN THE GUNSMOKE
CLEARS, BE SURE THAT YOU'RE THERE TO SEE WHO IS LEFT STANDING.
THIS WILL BE A WAR - SO DO NOT MISS THIS FIGHT.
DAVID BALICAO 150 CHAD MIGUEL
JESUS IS LORD BULLSPEN
ISAIAH ADAMS 145 MATT COMEAU
ANIMAL HOUSE MMAD
VINNIE DELASANTOS 155 JUSTIN WONG
MAILI SOLJAHS HMC
HUGH JONES 155 MARCUS MORENO
FIGHTERS UNION BULLSPEN
KAINOA SOUZA 190 JOHN FERRELL
TEAM DEVASTATION FREELANCE
PELE FANOTI 205 ANDREW SETEFANO
ANIMAL HOUSE 94 BLOCK
THESE TWO BIG BOYS WILL BRING THE THUNDA WHEN THEY STEP INTO
THE RING. NOT THE THUNDA THAT CAN BE HEARD BUT THE KIND THAT
CAN BE FELT. YOU KNOW THE RESULTS WILL NOT BE PRETTY IF YOU GOT
TWO BIG SO-LEZ FIGHTING EACH OTHER. PELE LOVES TO SWING AT PEOPLES
FACE WHEN HE FIGHTS. AND SETEFANO OF 94 BLOCK HAD BETTER BLOCK
HIS FACE. SETEFANO IS DEFINITELY DOWN TO FIGHT. TELLING CONFLICT
THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO FIGHT ON THIS CARD. WHEN ASKED HIS WEIGHT.
IT WAS "NO MATA, I FIGHT ANYBODY. PELE HAS THE EXPERIENCE
AND STRENGHT ON HIS SIDE BUT ANDREW HAS THE ATTITUDE AND THE
GWEBBLES ON HIS. COME DOWN AND SEE, IF ITS ENOUGH.
BRYSEN HANSEN 135 TONI BERGAMO
MMAD HMC
THIS MATCH HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR BRYSEN SUFFERED A BROKEN NOSE
DURING PRACTICE. THE PUNCHING BAG WON (NAH). BUT ON THE REAL,
IT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
CONFLICT WILL BE HAVING TWO KICKBOXING BOUTS. TWO TEENAGE GIRLS
WILL MAKE THEIR KICKBOXING DEBUT. NO SCRATCHING , NO PULLING
HAIR, NO NAME CALLING JUST SWINGING. THESE TWO GIRLIES AINT GIRLIE
AT ALL. WHEN THE BELL RINGS - ITS ON. DONT MISS OUT ON THIS VERY
RARE MATCH BETWEEN TWO FEMALES GOING UP AND UP. CAUSE THATS HOW
THEY LIKE TO KICK IT. ALSO ADDED TO THE CARD, A 70# 8 YEAR OLD
VS A 63# 10 YEAR OLD. THIS IS DEFINITELY THE FUTURE OF FIGHTING.
AND THESE TWO KIDS ARE NOT VIRGINS TO THE RING. THEY CAN BANG.
SO PLEASE BELIEVE IF YOU'RE EXPECTING TO WATCH SOME ANIMAL FIGHTS
ON JUNE 29TH. YOU'LL BE AT CONFLICT "THE BEGINNING".
DAS RIGHT
KONA MEYERS 70 KAINOA DUNN
HSD FREELANCE
GENNALYN GANABAN 135 SHANEN DELA CASTRO
FREELANCE ANIMAL HOUSE
MATCHES AND PARTICIPANTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Source: Event promoter
|
Hilo's
Penn weighing his options
Advertiser Staff
After
a decisive victory Saturday, Hilo's BJ Penn now has a decision to make.
Lightweight
or welterweight?
Penn
said on his Web site yesterday that he is not sure what his next
move in the sport of mixed martial arts will be after his resounding
victory over Jens Pulver in Las Vegas.
In
a video message posted this morning on bjpenn.com, Penn said:
"I don't know what I'm going to do yet. I still have a lot
of things to think about — sit down with my family and friends
and kind of talk about what I should do next in my career.
"I
don't know what I'm going to do yet, if I'm going to go back
to 170 (pounds) or stay at 155."
Penn
also thanked many of his friends and family members, and his
fans in Hawai'i during the message.
Penn
defeated Pulver by rear-naked choke submission in the second
round of their lightweight (155 pounds) bout. It was the main
event of The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale mixed martial arts card.
The
victory avenged a loss to Pulver in 2002.
Penn's
professional record is 11-4-1, and his most recent losses came
in the welterweight division (170 pounds) against Matt Hughes
and Georges St. Pierre. Moving up to welterweight would give
Penn a shot at avenging either — or both.
Staying
at lightweight might give Penn a title bout against Sean Sherk,
who is the Ultimate Fighting Championship's current 155-pound
champion.
Saturday's
bout was televised nationally on Spike TV.
In
a live interview in the octagon shortly after his victory, Penn's
only comment was: "If you want to know what BJ Penn feels
like, check out bjpenn.com."
The
response from fans was so overwhelming it apparently caused the
site to crash.
Penn
has been promoting his Web site for several months, and it now
includes video of training techniques and bouts from his gym
in Hilo. Penn said he wants the Web site to be "an internet
dictionary-type thing for martial arts."
Source:
Honolulu Advertiser
|
Hawaii’s
BJ Penn pulverizes Pulver
By Billy Hull
LAS
VEGAS » The six-pack abs that BJ Penn showed off when he entered the octagon
last night said everything that needed to be said.
Hungrier than he has ever been, a slimmed down Penn put on a
jiu-jitsu clinic, frustrating Jens Pulver with submission move
after submission move before finally choking out "Lil Evil"
in the main event of the UFC Ultimate Fighter Finale last night
in Las Vegas.
Penn
has always been regarded as one of the best mixed martial artists
in the world, but suspect training habits have always been his
flaw, until last night.
Penn
dominated all aspects of the fight and looked -- for the first
time since his return to the UFC -- like the man that at one
time was labeled as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Pulver
and Penn have never gotten along, and took turns hurling insults
at each other prior to the fight. But after it was done, an emotional
Pulver embraced Penn in the ring, admitting that he is one of
the best.
"Obviously
my weakness is on the ground and BJ is a savage," Pulver
said. "How can you not respect someone that can do the things
he does."
BJ
Penn finally showed the world that UFC President Dana White knew
what he was talking about when he called Penn the most talented
mixed martial artist in the world.
"The
Prodigy" toyed with Jens Pulver for a round and a half,
showing off a beautiful display of jiu-jitsu skills, before eventually
finishing him by submission with a rear naked choke at 3 minutes
and 12 seconds of the second round in the main event of the Ultimate
Fighter Finale show last night at the Pearl Concert Theater at
the Palms Resort and Casino.
Penn
(12-4-1) broke a two-fight losing streak in the UFC by dominating
Pulver (21-8-1) both standing and on the mat, nearly submitting
him multiple times before eventually locking in the rear naked
choke.
"Honestly,
I have been fighting these past five years just to fight Jens
Pulver," said Penn, who is from Hilo. "Even though
I beat Matt Hughes and had all these fights at all these weights,
it really was all to go back to fight (Pulver)."
This
was Penn's first fight at 155 pounds in the UFC since his return
two years ago, and it seemed to make a big difference, as he
uncharacteristically was able to slam Pulver twice in the first
round. Once on the mat, Penn remained patient, maneuvering for
position, until eventually going for his signature submission
holds. He twice nearly submitted Pulver with an armbar and a
triangle choke, but seemingly gave up on the moves to inflict
more damage.
"I
really wanted to see if I could knock him out cold from the mount,"
Penn said. "I haven't fought at 155 in a while and he seemed
to be really light."
Round
2 began just like the one prior to it, as Penn took Pulver down
by tripping his leg, and within 30 seconds had him mounted. Pulver
rolled to his back in an attempt to escape, but Penn locked his
legs around Pulver's body and eventually choked him out.
"The
biggest difference is that I'm a grown man now," the 28-year-old
Penn said in comparing this fight to the first meeting between
the two in 2002, which Pulver won by decision to hand Penn his
first loss. "I didn't drink alcohol for six months and ran
5 to 9 miles a day."
That
was a big difference for Penn, who admitted in the past to only
training for "half an hour a day." But after being
stopped in his last fight by Hughes, which was the first time
in his career he lost by TKO, he hired a nutritionist to help
him with his weight, and looked in the best shape he has been
in a long time.
"Losing
to Matt Hughes -- that way was very embarrassing," Penn
said. "I didn't want to be disappointed again like I have
been the past two years."
His
performance clearly showed he is at the top of the lightweight
division, but at this stage of Penn's career, it's about more
than just titles. He likely would be in line for a title shot
later this year if he stayed at 155, but Penn makes no bones
about not wanting to cut down to that weight. He weighed 163
pounds when he entered the cage last night, and wants to keep
his weight around 170.
"The
only reason I came back down to this weight was to fight Jens,"
Penn said.
The
obvious fight next for Penn is a rubber match with Hughes, but
he already has a welterweight title shot against champion Matt
Serra scheduled for after the filming of the next "Ultimate
Fighter" reality series in which they'll be coaching. That
would mean Penn would have to wait almost a year for that fight
with Hughes, putting his upcoming fight plans in doubt.
"No
disrespect to the other fighters, but there's nothing for me
at 155," Penn said. "There could only be one person
to fight and that's Matt Hughes."
In
the co-main event, Nate Diaz won a UFC contract by beating Manny
Gamburyan in the second round after Gamburyan's shoulder popped
out of its socket on a takedown attempt, forcing him to tap out.
University
of Hawaii alumnus Andy Wang didn't fare well in his fight, losing
to Cole Miller by TKO in just 70 seconds. The much bigger Miller
dropped Wang with a left high kick to the temple and pounced
on his fallen foe, finishing the fight with strikes.
Source:
Honolulu Star Bulletin
|
Tear
at BTT
Rumors that Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira has left Brazilian
Top Team have been confirmed. Nogueira now heads his own team
and does his training at other gyms. A split between Murillo
Bustamante and Mario Sperry has resulted in Sperry's ouster.
Paulo Filho and others that made the core of the team have also
left. BTT now is being controlled primarly by Murillo Bustamante
and Bebeo Duarte.
Shogun
has injured his knee and could be out of his upcoming UFC appearance.
We should know more on the severity of the injury in the next
few days and whether or not it will have any impact on his fight
schedule.
UPDATE:
Shogun cleared by doctor to fight, injury determined not serious
after medical evaluation
Source: Gracie Fighter
|
Brazilian
Notebook: Nogueiras in the News
by Gleidson Venga
While fans await the debut of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the
octagon, the Brazilian heavyweight is training hard for his July
7 UFC bout versus Heath Herring.
"Minotauro"
Nogueira does so with the rumored but very real possibility that
he and Brazilian Top Team -- the former PRIDE champion's longtime
camp and management team -- are about to severe ties.
Things
apparently started to go south when Nogueira signed a contract
with the UFC without the knowledge of the gym's leaders. Weeks
later, excerpts of an interview with Murilo Bustamante conducted
by Japanese media surfaced in a Brazilian magazine.
The
BTT captain said he was sad with Nogueira's attitude and he wasn't
sure if the team would accept him back.
In
an interview with Brazilian magazine Tatame, "Minotauro"
declined to comment on his relationship with BTT leadership,
but showed to be indignant regarding Bustamante's words. Fellow
BTT chief Mario Sperry also refused to comment on the situation.
Currently,
Minotauro is training with his friends in a private facility,
as he gets ready to fight in UFC. Chatter has it that Minotauro
and his twin brother Rogerio are actually leaving the team.
Far
away from the ugliness between his brother and BTT, Antonio Rogerio
Nogueira keeps training for the Pan-American games, where he
will represent Brazil in boxing.
In
May, "Minotoro" traveled with the Brazilian Olympic
Boxing team on a European tour where the light heavyweight mixed
martial artist competed in some tournaments.
"The
tour was great, and we learned a lot in Europe," said Rogerio.
"My first fight took place in the Czech Republic and I didn't
fight well; I think it was because I was tired. In Spain I felt
better. I won the first match and I lost the second match, but
it was a very close fight. The tour was very positive."
With
less than one month before the Pan-Am games, the Brazilian said
he hopes to show an amazing performance to the crowd.
"Now
I will keep training to be in shape for the Pan-Ams, and to fight
for a medal to Brazil," he said.
Source: Sherdog
|
UFC
74 set for August 25
Couture-Napão, St. Pierre-Koscheck featured
UFC
74: Respect will be held August 25 and will feature the first
title defense of heavyweight champion Randy Couture, against
Brazilian Brazilian black belt Gabriel "Napão"
Gonzaga, who recently achieved a huge win over former Pride superstar
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic. The other bout currently
announced is between former welterweight champion Georges St.
Pierre and TUF star Josh Koscheck. The bout is the return of
St. Pierre after losing his title to Matt serra at UFC 69.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Gracie
Alliance
"What people have to understand is that we are and always
have been the same team"
-Renzo Gracie
When
people speak of the best teams in the world of mixed martial
arts they often refer to teams that are located in different
areas. BTT, Team Quest, and many others are spread out amongst
different academies and different states. Team Graciefighter
is a team that primarily consists of the Renzo Gracie fight team
on the East Coast and Cesar Gracie fight team on the West Coast.
UFC
Champion, Matt Serra and a host of Renzo Gracie fighters in the
IFL along with West Coast chapter fighters such as Nick Diaz,
Jake Shields, Gilbert Melendez, Nathan Diaz, David Terrell and
many others comprise what is quite possibly the world's greatest
fight team.
In a recent phone meeting, Renzo, Cesar and Rilion Gracie (Miami)
reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the Gracie fight team
in the years to come.
"We
don't recruit fighters, we make them."
Cesar Gracie
Source: Gracie Fighter
|
Quote
of the Day
“If
you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”
Mother Teresa, 1910-1997, Albanian-born Humanitarian/Missionary/Nobel
Peace Prïze Winner
|
2007
Hawaiian Open of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Results!
I have highlighted
the information that is missing so if someone from the respective
school can email us the corrected information, we can update
the post and forward it to Brazilian Freestyle. Thanks to BFJJ
for another great tournament and quick results!
Kids GI
Yellow/Orange Belt 46-50
1st Maven Walker - Papakolea
2nd Kainoa Torigoe - Relson Gracie - Kaneohe
3rd Spike Kahalewai - Papakolea
Kids
GI Yellow/Orange Belt 76-87lbs.
1st Justin Kahalewa - Papakolea
2nd Chanson Auwae - Papakolea
3rd Bobby Castle - Kendall Goo JJ
Kids
GI Yellow/Orange Belt 99-106
1st Brandon Saiki - O2 Martial Arts Academy
2nd Lauren Haag - Gracie Kailua
3rd J D Walker - Papakolea
Kids
GI Yellow/Orange Belt 115-122lbs.
1st Isaac Grammer - Ka-mole
2nd Brentten Rapozo - Ka-mole
*3rd Jimmy Gallagher - BFJJ Oahu
Kids
GI Yellow/Orange Belt 144-147lbs
1st Austin Rapozo - Ka-Mole JJ
2nd Derrick Lizama - Kendall Goo JJ
Kids
GI White 42-54 lbs. 7-9yrs. old
1st Shaedon Quevedo - BJ Penn Academy
2nd Kai Navarra - Relson Gracie - Kaneohe
Kids
GI White 42-54lbs. 5-6yrs. Old
1st Micah Walker - Papakolea
*2nd Kason Nitahara - Relson Gracie - Main
Kids
GI White 132-147lbs.
1st Joshua Hashimoto - Grappling Unlimited
2nd Matthew Aoki - Studio Manoa
*3rd Dylan Yamamoto - Relson Gracie - Main
Kids
GI White 64-75lbs.
1st Ocean Cordeiro - New Life
2nd Sunnie Saffer - Papakolea
3rd Shaun Saffer - Papakolea
Kids
GI White 73-86lbs.
1st Michael Nelson - New Life
2nd Jordan Kanehiro - Gracie Kailua
Kids
GI White 79-87lbs.
1st Lucky Molina - Papakolea
2nd Enlil Grimsley - Relson Gracie - Kaneohe
3rd Joshua Perry - Papakolea
Kids
GI White 87-93lbs.
1st Michael Akiona - Relson Gracie - Kaneohe
2nd Noa Berry - Papakolea
3rd Tyler Barros - BFJJ Oahu
Kids
GI White 105-111
1st Devin Lee - O2 Martial Arts Academy
2nd Thane Goo - Longman JJ
3rd Noah Hashimoto - Grappling Unlimited
Kids No-Gi Advanced 115-122lbs.
1st Isaac Grammer - Ka-Mole
*2nd Noah Cronin - Relson Gracie - Kaneohe
Kids
No-GI Intermediate 76-87lbs
1st Bobby Castle - Kendall Goo JJ
2nd Justin Kahalewa - Papakolea
3rd Canaan Rabaino - Gracie Kailua
Kids
No-Gi Intermediate 102-111
1st Brandon Saiki - O2 Martial Arts Academy
2nd Noah Hashimoto - Grappling Unlimited
Kids
No-Gi Intermediate 122-147
1st Austin Rapozo - Ka-mole JJ
2nd Derrik Lizama - Kendall Goo JJ
3rd Joshua Hashimoto - Grappling Unlimited
Kids
No-Gi Novice 42-54lbs
1st Shaedon Quevedo -BJ Penn Academy
2nd Maven Walker - Papakolea
3rd Micah Walker - Papakolea
Kids
No-Gi Novice 64-65lbs.
1st Ocean Cordeiro - New Life
2nd Sunnie Saffer - Papakolea
Kids
No-Gi Novice 73-79lbs.
1st Jordan Kaneshiro - Gracie Kailua
2nd Shaun Saffer - Papakolea
3rd Joshua Perry - Papakolea
Kids
No-Gi Novice 84-87lbs.
1st Michael Nelson - New Life
2nd Lucky Molina - Papakolea
3rd Enlil L. Grimsley - Relson Gracie - Kaneohe
Kids
No-Gi Novice 87-93lbs.
1st Noa Berry - Papakolea
2nd Michael Akiona - Relson Gracie - Kaneohe
3rd Tyler Barros - BFJJ Oahu
Kids
No-Gi Novice 105-120
1st Brentten Rapozo - Ka-Mole JJ
2nd Devin Lee - O2 Martial Arts Academy
3rd Konapiliah Aina - BJ Penn Academy
Kids
No-Gi Novice 132-143lbs.
1st Matthew Aoki - Studio Manoa
2nd Price Popoalii - Papakolea
3rd Andre Chow-Vega - New Life
Adult Gi
Divisions
Open
(Belt?/No-Gi)
1st Koa Asprilla
(Schools?)
2nd Josh Hayes
Women's GI
1st Nancy Kapiko - Papakolea
2nd Kanani Raqusa - Ka-mole JJ
3rd Danielle Martin - Longman JJ
Men's GI White Belt 123-135
1st Dwayne Yuen - BFJJ
2nd Eric Pereza - KTI
*3rd Domenick Ansagay - AINOFEA
Men's
GI White Belt 136-148
1st Chris Kono - Papakolea
2nd Conner Dowsett - Gracie Kailua
3rd Austin Pahia - Papakolea
Men's GI White Belt 149-161
1st Matthew Fisher - Central Oahu JJ
2nd Joseph Wigfall - Papakolea
3rd Alika Dayton - Relson Gracie Kaneohe
Men's
White Belt 162-174
1st Bulla Tuzon - BFJJ
2nd Jordan Ware - BFJJ
3rd Jay Bento - Ka-mole JJ
Men's
White Belt 175-187
1st John Hahn - Relson Gracie - Main
2nd Frederick Puou - New Life
*3rd ______
Crane - Gracie Kailua
Men's
GI White Belt 188-201
*1st ______Solano
- ________
2nd Lono Lindsey - Relson Gracie - Main
*3rd Joshua Pong - BFJJ
Men's
White Belt 202-214
1st Steve Pruty - KTI
2nd Kelsey Espina - Longman JJ
*3rd Jacob Reis - Central Oahu JJ
Men's
GI White Belt 215 & over (Free Weight/Open)
1st Ryan Grace - Papakolea
2nd Wesley Henderson - Kendall Goo JJ
3rd Greg Perreira - Longman JJ
Men's
GI Blue Belt 136-148
1st Mike Pedro BFJJ
2nd Sean Skiendel - BFJJ
3rd Taylor Sadler - Kendall Goo JJ
Men's
GI Blue Belt 149-161
1st Lorrin Ishimine - BFJJ
2nd Katieli Teu - No affiliation
3rd Jay-Ar Sagario - O2 Martial Arts Academy
Men's
GI Blue Belt 162-174
1st Kawika Stewart - Longman JJ
2nd Shane Kahanui - KTI
3rd Keith Inouye - BFJJ
Men's
Blue Belt 175-187
1st Graham Kuuarik - Relson Gracie - Main
2nd Keolamaulo Akao - BJ Penn Academy
3rd Wayne Vieira - Relson Gracie - Main
Men's
Blue Belt 188-201
1st Kelly Grissom - Relson Gracie Kaneohe
2nd Russell Morita - Kendall Goo JJ
3rd Diogo Riberiro - Relson Gracie - Main
Men's
Blue Belt 202-214
1st David Chew - Relson Gracie - Main
*2nd Cole Williams - BJ Penn Academy
3rd Gilmath Brede - Longman JJ
Men's GI Purple Belt 162-174
1st Jake Scovel - Longman JJ
2nd Ahmed Diallo - BFJJ
3rd Gilson Souza - BFJJ
Men's
Gi Purple Belt 175-187
1st Jr Kawamoto - BJ Penn Academy
*2nd Marcelo Kaminski - Gracie Kailua
3rd David Thompson - No affiliation
Men's GI Brown Belt 161-214
1st Luke Hacker - Longman JJ
*2nd Gabriel Silva - BJ Penn Academy
3rd Kaleo Hosaka - Relson Gracie - Main
Adult NO-GI
Divisions
Men's
No-GI Novice 123-135
1st Dwayne Yuen - BFJJ
2nd Quintin Campbell - Ka-mole JJ
Men's
No-Gi Novice 136- 148
1st ______
Chong - Hard Knocks
2nd Rogemar Buccat - No affiliation
3rd Austin Pahia - Papakolea
Men's
No-Gi Novice 149-161
1st Matthew Fisher - Central Oahu JJ
2nd Chad Ward - No affiliation
3rd _____
Holt - Papakolea
Men's
No-GI Novice 162-174
1st _____
Paglinawan - KTI
2nd Anya Douglas - Central Oahu JJ
3rd Chad Asato - O2 Martial Arts Academy
Men's
No-Gi Novice 175-187
1st Arian Moskwa - No affiliation
2nd _____Bukoski
- BJ Penn Academy
3rd ______Aquino - BFJJ
Men's
No-Gi Novice 188-201
*1st Joshua Pong - BFJJ
Men's
No-Gi Novice 202-214
1st Kelsey Espina - Longman JJ
2nd Shea Montgomery - KTI
Men's
No-GI Novice 215 & over
1st Ryan Grace - Papakolea
2nd Kapena Cummings - KTI
3rd Matthew Flower - Central Oahu JJ
Men's No-Gi Intermediate 136-148
1st Troy Takara - Central Oahu JJ
2nd Mike Pedro - BFJJ
3rd ____
Rizzo - Longman JJ
Men's
Intermediate 154-161
1st Lorrin Ishimine - BFJJ
2nd Deacon Doss - BFJJ
3rd Katieli Teu - No affiliation
Men's
No-Gi Intermediate 162-174
1st Kawika Stewart - Longman JJ
2nd Shane Kahanui - KTI
Men's
No-Gi Intermediate 175-187
1st Graham Kuuarik - KTI
*2nd Keolamaulo Akao - BJ Penn Academy
3rd Jace Schaefer - KTI
Men's No-Gi Intermediate 188-201
1st Kelly Grissom - Relson Gracie - Kaneohe
2nd Diogo Riberio - Relson Gracie - Main
3rd Russell Morita - KTI
Men's
No-Gi Intermediate 202 & over
1st _______
Mederios - No affiliation
2nd Paul Wright - Shoot Fighting
*3rd David Crabtree - Central Oahu JJ
Men's No-Gi Advanced 174 & Under
1st Luke Hacker - Longman JJ
2nd Jake Scovel - Longman JJ
*3rd Bulla Tuzon - BFJJ
Men's
No-Gi Advanced 215 & over
1st David Chew - Relson Gracie - Main
2nd Charles Barton - HMC
*3rd Ron Verdadero - Jesus is Lord Gym
Team
Points
1st Relson Gracie Association - 133pts.
2nd BFJJ/BJ Penn Academy/HMC - 61pts.
3rd Gracie Kailua/Central Oahu/Longman - 54pts.
*Not
present for Medal presentation or missing name - Please have
your Coach contact BFJJ Rep.
|
CARTER
WILLIAMS TESTS POSITIVE FOR COCAINE
A statement released today by the California State Athletic Commision
noted, "Carter Williams, who last competed for Strikeforce/EliteXC
on June 22, 2007 in San Jose, has tested positive for Cocaine.
He has been fined $1,000. His suspension began at the conclusion
of his bout on June 22, 2007 and will run through December 19,
2007."
Williams
is the second mixed martial artist in as many days that has been
suspended by the CSAC. It was announced yesterday that Jorge
Ortiz tested positive for Nandrolone Metabolite, the same anabolic
steroid that Royce Gracie recently tested positive for. Ortiz
was fined the current California maximum of $2,500 and suspended
for 365 days.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
PHIL
BARONI OUT FOR 6-7 MONTHS
Phil Baroni goes in for surgery this week to repair a hernia
and torn groin muscle, both of which he suffered in his recent
Strikeforce title fight with Frank Shamrock. According to manager
Ken Pavia, he suffered the injuries early on in the first round
of the June 22 bout, which Shamrock eventually won with a rear
naked choke towards the end of the second.
“[Phil’s]
got three months of absolutely nothing,” said Pavia. He
won’t be allowed to do any sort of training [during that
time]. It’ll be 6-7 months before he can fight again.”
When
he does get healthy, Baroni would like another shot at Shamrock.
“He wants to get healthy and get back in the ring, take
another fight, and get another shot at Frank,” stated Pavia.
“He’d like to fight him again when they’re both
healthy.”
Baroni
is currently under a non-exclusive contract with Strikeforce.
He has two fights left on his current deal.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
SHAMROCK
VS. BARONI SALARIES & ATTENDANCE
MMAWeekly has obtained the fighter salary information for the
Strikeforce/EliteXC co-promoted Shamrock vs. Baroni event, which
took place on Friday, June 22nd in San Jose, Calif.
The
following figures are based on the fighter salary information
that Strikeforce and EliteXC are required by law to submit to
the state athletic commissions. All figures provided by the California
State Athletic Commission.
Although
MMA fighters do not have collective bargaining or a union, the
fighters' salaries are still public record, just as with every
other major sport in the United States. Any undisclosed bonuses
that Strikeforce and EliteXC also pay their fighters, but do
not disclose to the athletic commissions, are not included in
the figures below.
In
the listings below, "Main Event Fighters" are defined
as fighters who compete in the main event of a show and/or compete
in a title fight on a show. "Preliminary Match Fights"
are fights that are taped before a television or pay-per-view
show goes on the air, regardless of whether or not those fights
aired on the telecast or pay-per-view broadcast.
The
official attendance for Shamrock vs. Baroni, as recorded by the
CSAC, was 9,672. That total includes a paid attendance of 8,584,
or 88.8% of the total attendance. There were 1,088 exempt or
complimentary tickets that the promotion gave away, or 11.2%
of the total attendance. The total capacity of the HP Pavilion
for Shamrock vs. Baroni was 12,632. That leaves 2,960 tickets
that were neither sold nor given away.
The
live gate (total gross receipts) for Shamrock vs. Baroni was
$721,210 compared to a total disclosed fighter payroll of $628,340.
Main
Event Fighters
-Frank
Shamrock: $200,000 (defeated Phil Baroni)
-Phil
Baroni: $100,000 (lost to Frank Shamrock)
Main
Card Fighters
-Murilo
“Ninja” Rua: $50,000 (defeated Joey Villasenor; $25,000
+ $25,000 win bonus)
-Paul
Buentello: $50,000 (defeated Carter Williams; $25,000 + $25,000
win bonus)
-Cung
Le: $45,000 (defeated Tony Fryklund)
-Josh
Thomson: $20,000 (defeated Nick Gonzalez; $15,000 + $5,000 win
bonus)
-Joey
Villasenor: $15,000 (lost to Murilo “Ninja” Rua)
-Duane
Ludwig: $15,000 (lost to Paul Daley)
-Edson
Bert: $14,000 (defeated Victor “Joe Boxer” Valenzuela;
$7,000 + $7,000 win bonus)
-Carter
Williams: $13,340 (lost to Paul Buentello)
-Paul
Daley: $12,000 (defeated Duane Ludwig; $6,000 + $6,000 win bonus)
-Tony
Fryklund: $8,000 (lost to Cung Le)
-Nick
Gonzalez: $4,000 (lost to Josh Thomson)
-Victor
“Joe Boxer” Valenzuela: $4,000 (lost to Edson Berto)
Preliminary
Match Fighters
-Mike
Pyle: $20,000 (defeated Aaron Wetherspoon; $10,000 + $10,000
win bonus)
-Luke
Stewart: $10,000 (defeated Jason Von Flue)
-Jason
Von Flue: $10,000 (lost to Luke Stewart)
-Seth
Kleinbeck: $6,000 (defeated Sam Spengler; $3,000 + $3,000 win
bonus)
-Chris
Cariaso: $4,000 (defeated Anthony Figueroa; $3,000 + $1,000 win
bonus)
-Ray Seraille: $4,000 (lost to Rex
Richards)
-Rex
Richards: $4,000 (defeated Ray Seraille; $2,000 + $2,000 win bonus)
-Aaron
Wetherspoon: $4,000 (lost to Mike Pyle)
-Sean
Bassett: $3,700 (lost to David Smith)
-Anthony
Figueroa: $3,000 (lost to Chris Cariaso)
-Sam
Spengler: $3,000 (lost to Seth Kleinbeck)
-Nik
Theotikis: $2,800 (defeated Nikk Covert)
-David
Smith: $2,000 (defeated Sean Bassett; $1,000 + $1,000 win bonus)
-Nikk
Covert: $1,500 (lost to Nik Theotikos)
Disclosed
Fighter Payroll: $628,340
Source: MMA Weekly
|
CRO
COP'S OPPONENT, EUROPEAN UFC EXPANSION
In an appearance on ESPN’s “The Hot List” yesterday,
UFC President Dana White officially announced Mirko “Cro
Cop” Filipovic’s opponent for UFC 75. As expected,
Cro Cop will face French kickboxer turned MMA fighter Cheick
Kongo. UFC 75 is scheduled for Sept. 8 in London.
“Mirko
‘Cro Cop’ is fighting Cheick Kongo from France,”
said White via a live satellite feed. “He’s six foot
four and two hundred and forty pounds – he’s huge.
They are both strikers. Cheick Kongo is a very good striker and
he’s good with his feet, knees and hands – it’s
going to be a very interesting matchup.”
White
also talked about the UFC’s success in the United States
and the U.K. and its planned expansion further into the European
Union. “We’ve done so well over here in the last six
years in the U.S., we have this product…it translates all
the cultural barriers, language barriers and we know this can
work worldwide. We opened an office in London and we will have
done three events in the U.K. this year, and they will all have
been successful. Our plan is to move out into Europe and next
year go into Italy, Spain, Germany, France, etc.”
Bouts
officially announced for UFC 75 in London include:
–Quinton Jackson vs. Dan Henderson
–Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. Cheick Kongo
–Michael Bisping vs. Matt Hamill
Other
speculated participants, but not officially announced by the
UFC, include:
–Alessio Sakara
–Jess Liaudin
–Dennis Siver
Source: MMA Weekly
|
MMAWEEKLY
WORLD MMA RANKINGS UPDATED
The latest MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings were released on Wednesday,
June 27th. This system ranks the top ten MMA fighters from all
across the world in each of the five major weight classes, as
voted on by MMAWeekly.
We
take into consideration a fighter's performance in addition to
his win-loss record, head-to-head and common opponents, difficulty
of opponents, and numerous other factors in what is the most
comprehensive rankings system in the sport.
Fighters
who are under drug-related suspensions are not eligible for top
ten consideration. Of special note, BJ Penn's eligibility has
been changed from the welterweight division to the lightweight
division.
Here
are the current MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings, which are up-to-date
as of June 27th.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HEAVYWEIGHT
DIVISION (over 205 pounds)
#1
Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Fedor Emelianenko
2.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
3.
Mirko Cro Cop
4.
Josh Barnett
5.
Randy Couture
6.
Gabriel Gonzaga
7.
Tim Sylvia
8.
Andrei Arlovski
9.
Fabricio Werdum
10.
Aleksander Emelianenko
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
LIGHT
HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (205-pound limit)
#1
Light Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Mauricio "Shogun"
Rua
2.
Quinton Jackson
3.
Chuck Liddell
4.
Dan Henderson
5.
Wanderlei Silva
6.
Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
7.
Ricardo Arona
8.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
9.
Tito Ortiz
10.
Kazuhiro Nakamura
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
MIDDLEWEIGHT
DIVISION (185-pound limit)
#1
Middleweight Fighter in the World: Matt Lindland
2.
Anderson Silva
3.
Paulo Filho
4.
Rich Franklin
5.
Dan Henderson
6.
Denis Kang
7.
Nathan Marquardt
8.
Robbie Lawler
9.
Kazuo Misaki
10.
Frank Trigg
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
WELTERWEIGHT
DIVISION (170-pound limit)
#1
Welterweight Fighter in the World: Matt Serra
2.
Georges St. Pierre
3.
Matt Hughes
4.
Josh Koscheck
5.
Karo Parisyan
6.
Diego Sanchez
7.
Jon Fitch
8.
Jake Shields
9.
Akira Kikuchi
10.
Carlos Condit
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
LIGHTWEIGHT
DIVISION (160 pounds and lower)
#1
Lightweight Fighter in the World: Takanori Gomi
2.
Hayato Sakurai
3.
Gilbert Melendez
4.
Tatsuya Kawajiri
5.
Shinya Aoki
6.
Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro
7.
Joachim Hansen
8.
Mitsuhiro Ishida
9.
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto
10.
Sean Sherk
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
“You
spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball, and in the
end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time.”
Jim Bouton, American Baseball Player and Author of "Ball
Four"
|
Still
Spaces for the Mike Swain & Dan Henderson Seminar!
There is
still room for more people to attend the Judo seminar with world
champion Mike Swain and Pride Middle and Lightheavyweight Championship
Dan Henderson!
These
seminars are open to everyone from any school!
Don't miss the opportunity to train with these champions!
|
On
The Mat Store Opening in Hawaii!
It's the
first OTM here in Hawaii and we are hoping to open a few more.
The address of the store is:
OTM
Store
1255 S. Beretania St.
Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 808.591.6620
A new place to get your fight gear and Jiu-Jitsu clothing.
|
4th
Annual Maui Jiu-Jitsu Open
Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Now that the Hawaiian Championships of BJJ is over the next
major BJJ tournament is coming up fast. Make sure that you plan
on attending the Maui Jiu-Jitsu Open. All the best competitors
come to this tournament and it is one more shot to hone your
competition game before heading off to the world championships.
Don't miss this opportunity to get some more competition mat
time in!
Dear
Friends,
It
is our great pleasure to invite you and your organization to
attend and compete in the 4th annual Maui Jiu-Jitsu open Tournament.
The event will take place on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at the War
Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii. We also welcome
back all who attended last year's event. We expect this year's
tournament to be even larger, with bigger and better competition!
Competition
will consist of matches in all belt levels and weight divisions
with medals, trophies, and prizes to the winners as well as the
always competitive team competition, with trophies and prizes
to the top three teams. As with the growth of our sport, we at
Maui Jiu-Jitsu are always striving to expand and improve on our
tournament. At this time, we are planning to hold several exhibition
matches between black belt competitors. Anyone locally here who
are interested - please contact us.
Due
to the growth of our tournament, we are implementing a new registration
and weigh-in system to help facilitate a timely start and finish
to the event. Please pay close attention to the changes made
in order to ensure an enjoyable and problem free tournament experience.
Registration
and entry forms:
Registration may be done by mail, or online at our website. Entry
forms must be received no later than Wednesday, July 25, 2007.
A late fee of $10 will be assessed to all applications received
after the deadline. The decision was made to implement this system
in order for us to be able to have all brackets made and posted
prior to the event without having to weigh competitors prior
to the event.
Please mail all completed entry forms to: 732 Makaala Drive,
Wailuku, Hi. 96793. Don't forget to include a phone number if
we need to reach you and make sure you check the weight class
you want to compete in.
Weigh-ins:
Competitors will be weighed prior to their matches. All contestants
must ensure that they meet the weight limits for their respected
weight classes or forfeit the match. There will be no moving
up to the next weight class if weight is not met.. Please be
sure to make your weight! - no exceptions!
If
you have any questions, please feel free to call Luis or Lee
at the numbers listed, or email us. It is our hope that you will
join us in the spirit of friendly, fun competition and to further
promote the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!
See
you on the Mats!
Luis
"Limao" Heredia Lee Theros
Head Instructor - Maui Jiu-Jitsu Event Coordinator
Ph. (808) 575-9930 Ph. (808) 298-7698
Website: www.mauijiujitsu.com
Email: mauibadboy@aol.com
4th Anunual Maui Jiu-Jitsu open
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
War Memorial Gymnasium. Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii
Saturday July 28, 2007
Divisions:
Adult,
Kids, Women, Masters
All Weight Divisions, All Levels.
Medals for 1st and 2nd place, (All kids receive medals!)
Individual Achievement Awards, prizes and trophies
Team competition trophy and prizes
Competitor Fees: (Includes T-Shirt)
Adults: $60 Kids: $30 (Make checks payable to: Maui Jiu-Jitsu)
When:
Saturday,
July 28, 2007
Location:
War
Memorial Gymnasium
Kaahumanu Avenue, Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii
Event
Schedule:
Wednesday,
July 25, 2007 - APPLICATION DEADLINE!
9:30 - 10:00 am Opening Ceremonies and rules briefing.
10:00 am Start of Competition.
All competitors to be weighed prior to their matches.
Information:
Lee
Theros
(808) 298-7698
Email: mauibadboy@aol.com
Luis
Heredia
(808) 575-9930
Web: www.mauijiujitsu.com
Tournament Rules and Information
Weight
Divisions:
Rooster: 110 - 121 lbs.
Super Feather: 122 - 134 lbs.
Feather: 135 - 147 lbs.
Light: 148 - 160 lbs.
Middle: 161 - 173 lbs.
Light Heavy: 174 - 187 lbs.
Heavy: 188 - 202 lbs.
Super Heavy: 203 - 213 lbs.
Unlimited: 214 lbs. & over
Time
Limits:
Adult: White Belt 5 Minutes
Blue Belt 6 Minutes
Purple Belt 7 Minutes
Brown Belt 8 Minutes
Black Belt 10 Minutes
Children (under 16 years old) 4 minutes
Requirements
for Competition:
1.
Clean Gi
2. Sleeves no shorter than 4 inches from the wrist.
3. Four finger cuff clearance
4. Signed Waiver
5. Paid entrance fee.
Tournament
Rules:
Points:
1. Throws / Takedowns 2 Points
2. Knee on Stomach 2 Points
3. Sweep 2 Points
4. Pass Guard 3 Points
5. Mount 4 Points
6. Back (2 hooks in) 4 Points
7. Submission/Tap Out End of Match
In
the event of a tie at the end of regulation, the match will be
awarded to the fighter determined to have earned the higher number
of advantages during the match. (Referee discretion)
Rules:
1. Competitors shall shake hands at the start of, and at the
end of the match.
2. Competitors shall observe and follow all of the referee's
instructions at all times.
Illegal
Techniques:
1. Heel hooks and knee bars
2. Single Digit Toe or Finger Manipulation
3. Striking of any kind (Punching, Kicking, Shoulder)
4. Slamming opponent from inside the guard
5. Placing fingers in eyes, ears, or mouth
6. Neck Cranks
|
The
Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale Review
By Robert Rousseau on June 24, 2007
Since
The Ultimate Fighter Reality Television show (TUF) first aired,
the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) has taken off in a big
way. Part of the correlation is obvious: People who weren’t
willing or able to see a pay per view event finally got their
chance on regular television because of the show. In other words,
reality television really helped bring MMA into the mainstream.
That said, people had to like the sport once they saw it in order
to become fans.
And
perhaps some of those memorable finales– Forrest Griffin
vs. Stephan Bonnar, Luke Cummo vs. Joe Stevenson, Rashad Evans
vs. Brad Imes, and Kendall Groves vs. Ed Herman– helped
turned spectators into fans.
So
would the TUF 5 finale featuring Manny Gamburyan vs. Nate Diaz
turn out like some of the aforementioned memorable clashes? Well,
not exactly. Still, there would be some interesting finishes
on the night.
Regardless,
before the headliners (the finale and B.J. Penn vs. Jens Pulver)
there was Doug Evans vs. Roger Huerta.
Huerta
was heavily favored because of his clear edge in experience (19-1-1
before the fight). That said, Evans was undefeated in his short
MMA career (6-0) and a seven time state wrestling champion in
Alaska.
Coming
into things, Huerta– the first MMA fighter to ever grace
the cover of Sports Illustrated– was confident, perhaps
even too confident.
Reinforcing
this, Huerta said the following about his opponent before the
bout. “Doug Evans is not going to beat me standing; he’s
not going to beat me on the ground; he’s not going to beat
me anywhere. Everywhere the fight goes, I’m going to be
dominant.”
But
early on Huerta found out that Doug Evans was undefeated for
a reason. Along with this, the underdog pressed his opponent
against the Octagon wall and took him to the canvas on multiple
occasions in the first round. In fact, Evans actually took Huerta’s
back at one point in the round and showed the ability to stand
and bang with him (he also showed a propensity to drop his hands
to much, but that’s another story).
“This
just goes to show you how deep the talent pool in mixed martial
arts is,” commentator Joe Rogan said during the fight in
reference to how Evans was performing.
But
Huerta, with all of his experience, got through the first round;
and in the second, he came out a different man. Along with this,
Huerta beat Evans to the punch on their feet, taking advantage
of a man whose hands were too low; then he reversed Evans after
the stellar wrestler had taken him down to avoid the upright
punishment “The Matador” was dishing out.
And
soon after, Huerta had mounted Evans. Face down on the Octagon
floor, the Alaskan took punch after unanswered punch until the
referee had no choice but to step in at 3:30 of round two.
Next
on the docket was Floyd Sword vs. Thales Leites. Sword, a camp
mate of former Ultimate Fighter 1 winner Diego Sanchez at Jackson’s
Submission Fighting, may have gotten a word from the former fighter
on how to handle the intensity of competing on an Ultimate Fighter
card in your inaugural UFC moment.
If
so, that word didn’t help all that much.
Leites
started off with some unorthodox power strikes that didn’t
come through. But in the end, he proved to be the better takedown
guy and jiu- jitsu fighter.
In
other words, Leites took Sword down twice– once he threw
him to the canvas quite hard, in fact– and then submitted
him with an arm triangle at 3:50 of the first round.
Next
up was a classic striker versus grappler match up when Gray Maynard,
an All American wrestler, took on Rob Emerson, a guy who likes
things to stay on the feet. They were friends on the show, but
as Maynard said, “it’s all business [(now).”
And
like we’ve all seen so many times in the past, the grappler
won.
Well,
not really.
After
a first round where Maynard was able to keep Emerson on the ground
and pound on him in a big way, the second round started off with
a bang.
And
it ended that way too. The bang was Maynard lifting Emerson up
and slamming him into the canvas (after setting the move up with
a hard uppercut and left).
In
the end, the move was so powerful that the referee stopped the
fight after Emerson tapped (Emerson was wincing in pain at the
end of this one). That said, Maynard may have knocked himself
out with the move himself (Maynard vehemently denied that he
was out afterwards). Still, the referee thought that he was.
And
that’s why the fight was deemed a no contest.
Was
Maynard extremely woozy: No doubt. Was he actually out? Tough
call. Here’s what we do know.
That
was one nasty slam.
Up
next was the guy that most guessed would be fighting in this
TUF finale before the show started when favorite Joe Lauzon took
on Brandon Melendez.
Here’s
the skinny on this one: Melendez was the better striker and showed
it at times, throwing some decent hands. That said, Lauzon was
able to bring him the canvas at will and take Melendez’s
back. Though Melendez did show better grappling skills than he
might have been given credit for– he turned Lauzon over
in multiple instances and avoided the rear naked choke–
one of the times he turned his opponent over in the second round
proved to be to his own detriment.
Because
on that occasion Melendez got caught in a triangle choke for
his efforts that ended the fight at 2:09 of round two.
Next
was the reason that the whole night was going down: Nate Diaz
vs. Manny Gamburyan
These
guys were on the same team on the TUF show; in other words, they
were friends. That said, when Diaz spoke before the fight you
got the sense that the friendship would be on hold for at least
15 minutes on June 23rd.
“I’m
coming to whoop his ass,” said Diaz. “That’s all
there is to that.”
Still,
things did not start out well for Diaz as he almost immediately
found himself caught in a tight guillotine via Gamburyan’s
powerful arms. That said, Diaz eventually flipped out of it.
Still, the tough time continued for the majority of the first
round for Diaz as he found himself going for submissions that
missed before they even got started and defending against Gamburyan’s
significant ground and pound.
But
then the second round started. And then it ended. In sum, Gamburyan
went for a takedown and suddenly began to tap while on all fours
on the ground.
Afterwards,
Gamburyan indicated that his shoulder popped out and that has
been a recurring injury. Tough way for a finale to end. Still,
these guys both have good MMA careers ahead of them and were
respectful to one another in post fight interviews.
Due
to the speed with which the finale ended, television spectators
also got to see Cole Miller take on Andy Wang, a guy that B.J.
Penn kicked off of his team after he refused to play to his grappling
strengths during a match on his show.
Unfortunately
for Wang, he probably should’ve tried for the takedown quicker
in this one too as a terrific left head kick by Miller floored
him early in the first. After Miller followed him to the ground
and pounded on him with a few more rights, the referee stopped
things at 1:10 of the round.
Finally,
there was a rematch with a lot of bad blood: B.J. Penn vs. Jens Pulver. Years ago, Pulver
defeated B.J. Penn in a huge upset. In case you were wondering
about the stakes, here’s what Penn had to say before the
bout.
“This
fight is huge. I would have never come back to the lightweight
division if I wasn’t fighting Jens.”
And
just for reinforcement, here’s what Pulver had to say.
“I
just don’t want to beat him, I want to beat the hell out
of him. I want to knock him out, no one ever has.”
So
with all the pleasantries out of the way, here’s the story
on the actual bout. Jens Pulver showed heart as he fought his
way through both an armbar and triangle choke in the first round.
That said, in the end, Penn was able to take Pulver down repeatedly
throughout the fight. Further, in the second Penn was able to
mount his opponent and then take his back.
And
though it took awhile to finish things, eventually Penn did sink
in the rear naked choke, forcing Jens to tap at 3:12 of round
two.
Afterwards,
Pulver was a changed man. “How can you not respect somebody
like that?” he said. “I respect him more and more every
minute.” In fact, Pulver even indicated that he might train
with Penn in the future.
In
the end, The Ultimate Fighter Finale 5 was somewhat of a disappointment
due to the way that the Diaz- Gamburyan fight ended (and the
show that Strikeforce and Elite XC put on the night before).
That said, there were still some interesting moments (the Pulver-
Penn fight held some drama and the Maynard slam was something
you don’t see everyday).
Source: MMA Fighting |
The
real difference betwen the UFC and boxing promoters - monopoly
power
The
primary purpose of a business is to make money. I have no problem
with that. But, when I saw this quote from Dana White, it got
got my attention:
Fighters
can make more money here or there, but the UFC is the place to
create your legacy,” White said. “Fifty years from
now, people are going to ask who was the best ever and the UFC
has the best fighters.
After
reading Dana's quote, I could not help but to think back to an
article I quoted on this site in July 2006:
"You
can be a boxing fan and a UFC fan at the same time," White
said. "The problem with boxing, in my opinion, is all the
powers in boxing have done nothing to secure the future of the
sport. Guys like Don King and Bob Arum, they don't care about
the future of boxing. All they care about is how much money can
I put in my pocket right here and right now."
Of
course, a huge difference between Ultimate Fighting Championship
and boxing is that there are not as many pockets to fill. There
are no Don Kings, no promoters, no sanctioning bodies like the
World Boxing Council and the various other entities that get
a piece of everything -- the people who often produce mismatched
fights and padded records in an effort to protect their boxers.
In
reality there is one essential fact that explains the between
the UFC's approach and the approach of boxing promoters - the
UFC enjoys virtual monopoly power. The UFC has no serious competition,
and acts as both the promoter and championship sanctioning body.
Meanwhile, boxing promoters have to compete with each other and
deal with multiple sanctioning bodies.
Certainly,
the UFC is just as greedy as any boxing promoter. It just had
the single greatest year of PPV buys in the history of the world,
and its president responded by saying that fighters should take
a pay cut if they want the privilege of fighting for the organization.
Source: Whale dog
|
Andrei
"The Pitbull" Arlovski gives update on UFC future
By Sean McClure on May 18, 2007
Andrei
Arlovski is back to his winning ways in the UFC by winning two
tough fights in a row. At UFC 66, Arlovski knocked out a very
game Pe De Pano Cruz and then at UFC 70, Arlovski beat Fabricio
Werdrum, Cro Cop's sparring partner and one of the top ten fighters
in world, by unanimous decision.
Arlovski
took time out to talk to MMAfighting.com about his future in
the UFC.
MMAFighting.com:
Now that you have peeled off two victories in a row, do you believe
that this lines you up to face the winner of Gonzaga vs. Couture?
Do you feel ready for that fight if it happens?
Arlvoski:
Of course I am ready. But it is up to the UFC and they will say
if I am ready for the title shot. As I have said before I am
contender and can wait in line.
MMAFighting.com:
I was at UFC 68 and saw you applauding Randy's performance and
showing your appreciation for his talent. Do you think that this
may affect your ability to fight him if he gets past Gabe Gonzaga
and you are next in line for the title shot?
Arlvoski:
About UFC 68, I am very happy that Randy beat Tim. I have a lot
of great respect for Randy; he is great fighter and athlete.
But it is a business and fighting him does not change my opinion
of him as good person.
MMAFighting.com:
How hard was it to handle Werdrum's speed? He looked very fast
and it looked like he hit very hard. Were you concerned about
this going in to the fight?
Arlvoski:
Yeah, he has pretty fast hands and he once hit me and cut me.
I trained hard to defend speed and because I got hit a couple
times means I need to train harder.
MMAFighting.com:
Since the addition of Nogueira and Cro Cop the the ranks, does
a match-up with either of those fighters intrigue you? Would
you like to face Cro Cop if the opportunity presented itself?
Arlvoski:
I would like to fight them yes. I want to fight the best fighters
and if the UFC sets it up, I will be there.
MMAFighting.com:
Do you feel that you will one day make up for the loss in the
third fight to Tim Sylvia? It is well known that you were injured
and that you stated you had a bad performance on that night.
Is that a fight you are looking forward to?
Arlvoski:
I wish to fight Tim once again and I am not looking for excuses.
I just want one more fight.
MMAFighting.com:
How soon can we expect you back in the Octagon?
Arlvoski:
Not sure. I want to fight in August or September but it's up
to UFC again.
Source: MMA Fighting |
Quote
of the Day
“All
kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes
in them.”
Magic Johnson, Hall of Fame American Basketball Player |
Got
Skills Results
FRIDAY
NIGHT WAS ALL ABOUT CHAMPIONSHIP MATERIAL. ALOT OF THE FIGHTS
HAD THE AUDIENCE STANDING AND SCREAMING. ESPECIALLY THE MAIN
EVENT BETWEEN JUMAR AND GARY. THIS MATCH HAD THESE FIGHTERS GOING
BACK AND FORTH EACH ROUND. THIS MATCH LOOKED LIKE IT WAS GOING
TO BE A DRAW. FIRST ROUND HAD ALOT OF FURIOUS EXCHANGES. SECOND
ROUND HAD ONLY ONE TAKEDOWN FOR BOTH OF THESE GUYS JUST WANTED
TO BANG. THE LAST ROUND WAS PRETTY EVEN WITH BOTH OF THESE GUYS
HAVING NO SUCCESS IN TAKING EACH OTHER DOWN FOR ANY KIND OF SUBMISSIONS.
WITH JUMAR BECOMING THE NEW 140# GOT SKILLS CHAMPION.
THE BEST 3RD ROUND FIGHTER TROPHY WENT TO PAUL LOPES WHO ALMOST
SUBMITTED VAN SHIROMA ABOUT 3 TIMES IN THE 3RD ROUND WHICH WAS
THE DECIDING ROUND OF THE FIGHT. THE BEST 2ND ROUND FIGHTER TROPHY
WENT TO CORY FREITAS WHO TOOK DOWN JULIO MORENO NUMEROUS TIMES
IN THE SECOND ROUND. AND JULIO SHOWED THAT HE WAS A CLASS ACT
BY PUTTING ON CORY'S BELT AROUND HIS WAIST. NOW IS THAT SPORTSMANSHIP
AT ITS FINEST OR WHAT. AND THE BEST FIRST ROUND FIGHTER TROPHY
WENT TO THOMAS MATHIAS WHO SHOWED SOME MAJOR POWER IN HIS STAND
UP SKILLS.
THE FIGHTER OF THE NIGHT HAD TO GO TO SAGE YOSHIDA WHO SCHOOLED
THE OLDER BUT LIGHTER PAUL VARQUEZ. THIS KID IS ONLY 14 BUT HE
DEFINITELY GOT SKILLS. WHICH IS PROBABLY WHY HES THE NEW 125#
GOT SKILLS CHAMPION. THE FIGHT OF THE NIGHT HAD TO GO TO JUMAR
AND GARY BUT ANOTHER FIGHT THAT WAS VERY EXCITING WAS RONNIE
VILLAHAMOSA AND DICKIE REBALLIZSA. DICKIE BEING THE FIRST TIMER
MADE HIS PRECENSE KNOWN BY BRINGING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF GAME
TO THE RING. THESE TWO TEENAGERS BEAT EACH OTHER UP THE WHOLE
FIRST TWO ROUNDS AND WHEN THE LAST ROUND CAME. THEY USED UP THEIR
LAST BREATH TO FINISH EACH OTHER WITH THE DECISION GOING TO RONNIE.
GOT SKILLS HAS BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE THIS AMOUNT OF TALENT AT
THE SHOW. AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR SUPPORTING THIS ONE OF
A KIND EVENT. SEE YOU AT THE NEXT SHOW.
BE SURE NOT TO MISS CONFLICT "THE BEGINNING" AT FARRINGTON
HIGH SCHOOL ON JUNE 29TH. THE NEXT EVENT FOR GOT SKILLS FIGHTERS
WHO ARE OF AGE TO MOVE UP TO. SEE YOU THERE.
CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS
CORY FREITAS 130 JULIO MORENO
ANIMAL HOUSE BULLSPEN
FREITAS DEC OVER MORENO
TONY PERERRA 145 JUSTIN WONG
WAIANAE KICKBOXING HMC
WONG DEC OVER PERERRA
GARY REBALLIZSA 140 JUMAR ESCOSIO
INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING ANIMAL HOUSE
ESCOSIO DEC OVER REBALLIZSA
ALIKA VELAROSA 230 KOLOA KAHALEWAI
ANIMAL HOUSE TEAM ANILAND
VELAROSA DEC OVER KAHALEWAI
SAGE YOSHIDA 125 PAUL VARQUEZ
HMC EWA FREESTYLE GRAPPLING
YOSHIDA DEC OVER VARQUEZ
DESHAUN JOHNSON 135 THOMAS MATHIAS
ANIMAL HOUSE WAIANAE KICKBOXING
MATHIAS DEC OVER JOHNSON
VAN SHIROMA 145 PAUL LOPES
HMC JESUS IS LORD
SHIROMA DEC OVER LOPES
JUSTIN DANO 170 DEAN LISTA
HSD HMC
LISTA DEC OVER DANO
UNDERCARD
RICHARD "HIT TOO HARD" BERNARD EXHIBITION MATTHEW FISHER
HSD TEAM ISLAND THUNDER
TKO DUE TO INJURY IN SECOND ROUND
RONNIE VILLAHAMOSA 135 DICKIE REBALLIZSA
EWA FREESTYLE GRAPPLING INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING
VILLAHAMOSA DEC OVER REBALLIZSA
A.J. LANI 145 JORDAN FATTORA
INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING ANIMAL HOUSE
FATTORA DEC OVER LANI
GURU DAS 200 KOA GIDDENS
HMC COMBAT 5-0
GIDDENS DEC OVER DAS
NOA SHW OTO
WAIANAE KICKBOXING TEAM ANILAND
NOA DEC OVER OTO
TONY BELEN 165 PRESTON LEE
INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING ANIMAL HOUSE
LEE SUBMISSION OVER BELEN
JERRELL MUNOZ 145 ALEJANDRO MORALES
HSD EWA FREESTYLE GRAPPLING
MORALES SUBMISSION OVER MUNOZ
|
HUERTA
& GARCIA: UFC'S FIRST STEPS TO MEXICO?
The Ultimate Fighter Season 5, designed to highlight the lightweight
division, has its finale tomorrow night. Ironically, the two
lightweights that could most affect the sport in the future were
neither coaches nor contestants on the show.
Roger
Huerta and Leonard Garcia are now linked in the minds of MMA
fans, owing to their epic confrontation on the Shootout card
in Houston, Texas in April. Huerta was eventually awarded the
unanimous decision, but not before he and Garcia engaged in a
three-round battle that caused UFC commentator Joe Rogan to call
it “one of the best fights [he’d] ever seen.”
UFC president Dana White also made a point of entering the cage
to congratulate both fighters on a highly entertaining performance.
What
has happened outside the cage since the fight, however, has been
nearly as remarkable. While ESPN The Magazine opted for longtime
– and recently dethroned – UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
Chuck Liddell, posing smiling with his son, to be its first MMA
cover subject, Sports Illustrated chose Huerta in mid-action,
delivering a kick to Garcia. That Huerta has coverboy looks can
hardly be questioned, but his Horatio Alger-esque struggle from
poverty and instability as a child to one of the rising stars
for the UFC’s newly reconstituted 155-pound division is
at least as compelling as his appearance.
Additionally,
both Huerta and Garcia proudly claim and represent their Hispanic
heritage, and White has made little pretense of his coveting
of Mexican and Hispanic-American fight fans.
In
September, White remarked to MMAWeekly, “We’re going
to aggressively go after the Hispanic market over the next couple
of years. Right now down in Mexico, they get The Ultimate Fighter
on DirecTV. Every time I go down to Mexico, people know about
the sport and the show and we’re looking for a television
deal.”
With
the contention between boxing enthusiasts and MMA fans reaching
a fever pitch, and Mexican mainstays in the sweet science like
Oscar De La Hoya reaching the ends of their careers, White could
well figure that now is the time to push a good-looking, bilingual,
extremely-talented, Hispanic fighter with a three-fight UFC win
streak under his belt, such as Huerta.
Garcia,
while possibly not as polished a marketing product as Huerta,
is no less compelling inside the Octagon, having taken the Huerta
fight on short notice and still managing to deliver one of the
most scintillating performances of this year. Garcia both took
and dispensed an enormous amount of punishment in the fight,
a performance that could remind potential Hispanic converts of
Mexican pugilists Marco Antonio Barrera or Erik Morrales.
Undoubtedly,
the marketing and hype of the evening will center on the Pulver
vs. Penn rematch and The Ultimate Fighter 5 Final between Gamburyan
and Diaz. But fans interested in the shape the sport will take
in the coming years would do well to tune in early to catch Huerta
taking on Doug Evans, and getting online to download Garcia’s
scrap with Allen Berube.
With
UFCs 70, 72, and 75 taking place in the U.K., Zuffa is clearly
serious about expanding overseas. We could be but a few steps
away from a Huerta vs. Garcia rematch in Mexico City, the first
of which could be their respective bouts on Saturday night.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Which
will be the future of the Brazilian Top Team?
In
your opinion, what will happen with the BTT now? After the little
discussions and problems between some athletes, the future of
the team is already undefined and a lot of speculations have
been made. Don’t miss the new poll of site TATAME and answer
the follow question: What do you think will happen with the BTT
now? The options are: The team will be divided in 3 new teams
(Minotauro team, Zé Mário Sperry Team and another
one leaded by Bustamante and Bebeo Duarte); or that will be the
end of BTT; or the BTT will move on without Minotauro; or everything
will get right and the BTT will move on as always.
In
the last poll made by site TATAME, we asked for the web users
which athletes the fans would like to see receiving a tribute
at the Fight Hall of Fame, that was inaugurated some months ago
in Niteroi city, in Rio de Janeiro. The first placed was the
BJJ legend, Master Hélio Gracie with 31% of votes, followed
by the Chute Boxe star Wanderlei Silva, who got 27%. In third
place come Rickson Gracie with 24%, followed by Flavio Canto
and Paulão Filho, they drew with 4% of votes. In fifth
place, Waldemar Santana guaranteed 3% of votes and in sixth place
was Anderson Silva who drew with Hugo Duarte, both with 2%. In
the last place, with only 1% of votes, comes Vitor Shaolin.
Source: Tatame
|
Jorge
Guimarães
By Marcelo Alonso
"I think Minotauro will dominate the category, even with
some gossips about a possible contract of Fedor"
In
the backstage
He
just arrived in Brazil after spending some days in London, UK,
to promote his athlete Anderson Silva at the UFC, so the entrepreneur
and TV hostess and BJJ black belt Jorge “Joinha” Guimarães
talked exclusively to site TATAME. During the interview that
was held at the Black House academy, Jorge Guimarães told
us about the backstage of the MMA. Check it out now:
Where
have you been?
I
went to Los Angeles, went to Las Vegas to watch the Ultimate,
after that I went to England, Anderson had to be there to sign
his contract and do the promotion of the UFC 73. That was a great
success; everyone was there to see the Ultimate champion, that
was a complete success.
What
about your program in United States, the Passing the Guard?
We
are not doing that anymore. We have more thing to be focus right
now. I think I have to priories what is giving me better things.
What
about in Brazil, how are doing the things?
We
closed a contract right now with the TV channel Jornal do Brasil,
we will be back at the Brazilian open TV next week. The program
will be held everyday for one hour.
What
about the “Passando a Guarda” program?
This
is fine. I am pretty satisfied because finally I got the things
right with Elton Simões, who is a great director, he has
much experienced in the sportive world and he also knows everything
about TV. He is not like a big fan of martial arts, but he supports
our sport today. I just try the success of the Ultimate. I got
pretty impressed that the weighting was transmitted by the TV
channels ABC, NBC, CBS and ESPN, that was an evolution.
The
ESPN noticed that the UFC event was the most watched sport of
the weekend, better than events like NBA and Nascar. Did you
really fell that?
I
felt the audience presence, the actor’s presence. There
was Adam Sandler, André Agassi, Steffi Graf and also the
Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro. He loved it; he was there because
he will be doing an event promoter character in a film that will
be also the participation of Randy Couture. You all will be able
to watch an exclusive interview with Adan Sandler and Rodrigo
Santoro at the Passando a Guarda program. Rodrigo wanted to feel
the event and I also took him to the backstage, he also visited
the lock room of Quinton Jackson.
Did
you believe that Quinton would win Liddell?
People
like to joke with me saying that I always know everything; I
always comment the fight and know the result. I did say that
Quinton Jackson would win. I knew that both games couldn’t
get right. I think Chuck Liddell was a little bit Young during
his career, he become a celebrity, a Hollywood person.
What
do you think about the Pride have bought the UFC?
I
think the Fertitta brothers are big business men. You may only
watch them now and what they had done with the Ultimate. They
choose very well the friend and president of the event Dana White.
We all must give him a lot. The Pride wasn’t in a good time.
But I think there are too many good people there, competent people.
The Japanese won’t let it easy. The Pride was the biggest
event and it lost the kingdom.
Do
you think it is the end of the Pride?
I
don’t know, I can be wrong but I think it is hard for the
Pride to keep on. The event is pretty respect for all over the
world, but I don’t think they are a tough name in United
States. I think this is the end of the line for them.
What
about your entrepreneur area?
Paulo
Filho is my new athlete. I want to put him to fight at the WEC
because he may be introduced to America. He has a established
name, but it is important.
Talking
about the UFC categories...
I
think nobody will be able to win Anderson Silva under his category.
I think Anderson will win in the Ultimate for many and many years.
In the Middleweight I think Chuck Liddell got his end now, but
we have Shogun now who already won Quinton, Henderson also challenged
Quinton, and now we also have some possibilities to Rogério
Minotouro comes into the Ultimate. It will be hard for everyone,
especially for the training, he takes it pretty serious. I believe
at Lyoto Machida, I think he has great conditions to bring us
this belt.
You
met Dana. People have been saying that he will put Chuck against
Wanderlei...
This
bout of Chuck is not so interested anymore after the lost of
Wanderlei to Dan Henderson. But after the defeat of Chuck I think
that it could happen. We could see Quinton Jackson fighting with
Dan Henderson and then Chuck Liddell fighting Wanderlei. Wanderlei
had fought in the Pride, but he is still a very popular person
in United States.
How
do you see the situation between the heavy ones?
I
think Minotauro will dominate the category, even with some gossips
about a possible contract of Fedor. Cro Cop, after lost, is out
of the competition between the best ones. We also have Napão,
who surprised everyone with that kick and I think he has great
chances to defeat Couture, but I am still pointing to Rodrigo.
What
about the gossips about that he is leaving the BTT?
Rodrigo
always had a dream of doing his own team, but I don’t agree
with that, I think he has to be 100% focus at his career. He
has the Minotauro Team in his mind and he will do that, but I
don’t think it is a good thing. At the moment I don’t
know if he is BTT, or ATT or Minotauro Team, I only can guarantee
that he isn’t Black House.
Source: Tatame
|
Quote
of the Day
“My
doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless
there are three other people.”
Orson Welles, 1915-1985, American Actor/Director/Radio Broadcaster
|
EXCLUSIVE
INTERVIEW WITH BJ PENN!
Saturday
night inside The Pearl at The Palms Hotel & Casino in Las
Vegas, BJ Penn provided anything but an oasis for Jens Pulver.
As Pulver himself said, “There was no getting out of it.
I tried, but he was putting it on me.”
In
exclusive comments to MMAWeekly.com editor Ken Pishna following
the fight, Penn commented on his attempts to trade strikes with
Pulver, a fighter known for his knockout power and toughness.
“I was trying to knock him out the same way he was trying
to knock me out.”
Although
Penn was very aggressive in finishing fights early in his career,
Pulver felt that was a distinction to his credit now compared
to the first time the two fought at UFC 35 in early 2002. “He
was more finishing, more punishing.”
Penn
credits his renewed dedication to training for this fight when
discussing his performance. “This past 6 months, that’s
all I’ve been doing. All I’ve been doing is training,
man, ever since December. I didn’t even go out and party
on New Year’s Eve.” Especially physically, Penn appeared
to be an entirely different fighter than the thin kid we saw
in 2002. His newfound physicality dwarfed the 152-pound Pulver.
In
talking with Penn, it seems that his new training regimen is
something that will likely carry his decision on where to fight
in the future, staying at the 155-pound mark or moving back up
the 170-pound division where he has twice tasted defeat since
his return to the UFC.
Aside
from where he stands physically in either division, Penn has
a fighter in mind that he feels there is unfinished business
with. Anyone familiar with his return to the UFC knows immediately
who that fighter is. But with Pulver at least, Penn has found
closure.
“Yeah,
it’s over, it’s over, I’m done,” reflecting
on the bad blood that fueled the blaze between the two The Ultimate
Fighter coaches. “I just want to be his friend.”
Source: MMA Weekly
|
PENN
PULVERIZES LITTLE EVIL, DIAZ WINS
LAS VEGAS – More than 5 years have passed since Jens Pulver
shocked the world by defeating the heavily favored and highly
regarded BJ Penn in their UFC lightweight title fight. Since
that time both fighters left the UFC, both fought overseas, and
both returned to the UFC to coach on season five of The Ultimate
Fighter. The rivalry grew during the season and finally came
to a culmination on Saturday night during the finale show
As
the bout began, Penn took the fight to Pulver as he landed a
big punch early on and then took the fight to the ground. Penn
worked and passed Pulver’s guard and after gaining the mount
went for an armbar. It looked like the fight was finished, but
Pulver battled out and rolled over into Penn’s guard but
was caught again, this time by a triangle choke.
Again,
Pulver battled out and worked some ground and pound, but Penn
got loose and the fight stood back up. Once on the feet, Pulver
tried to work some dirty boxing as Penn defended well and the
round ended.
The
second round began with Penn again taking Pulver down and passing
his guard. Once in the mount, Penn showed his dominant ground
skill, forcing Jens to roll to avoid the shots. The Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu black belt flattened his opponent out and proceeded
to reign down heavy punches. Pulver tried to maintain, but he
eventually succumbed to the pressure and got caught in a rear
naked choke forcing the tap out.
BJ
Penn gets his redemption as he submitted Jens Pulver in the second
round of their rematch.
After
the fight, it looked like the grudge had finally been settled
and Jens announced his official move to 145 lbs., assuming the
approval of UFC President Dana White, and a likely future in
the WEC while it seems BJ may move back to 170 lbs. to try to
reclaim a title and losses to Matt Hughes and Georges St. Pierre.
Team
Pulver teammates Nate Diaz and Manny Gamburyan squared off in
The Ultimate Fighter Finale for the guaranteed UFC contract and
both were determined. Manny got the early takedown and while
Diaz tried furiously to lock on any submission he could try for,
it was the Armenian born Gamburyan who worked a good ground and
pound attack, landing a barrage of strikes from within Diaz’s
guard. Diaz never seemed hurt but much like all of the opponents
he faced on the Ultimate Fighter show, Manny’s strength
seemed to be too much and he controlled the fight as the first
round ended.
The
second round started with Manny again shooting in for a takedown,
but he almost instantly was tapping out. Gamburyan rolled over
in obvious pain and afterwards revealed that he separated his
shoulder, while Nate Diaz celebrated the biggest fight of his
young career. Gamburyan was visibly upset at the loss as Nate
Diaz got his trophy from UFC President Dana White crowning him
The Ultimate Fighter season five winner.
During
his post fight comments, Nate made multiple mentions about his
brother Nick who was not allowed to corner him due to a suspension
that Nick is still currently serving. The suspension stems from
a positive drug test that resulted in a six-month suspension
for the elder Diaz brother.
Thales Leites showed again why he has a very bright future ahead
of him by submitting Greg Jackson student, Floyd Sword in the
first round. Ever since a shaky start in the Octagon with a loss
to Dutch hitman, Martin Kampmann, Thales Leites came out and
dominated his next two opponents.
Leites
showed tremendous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skill controlling Sword
at every turn on the ground and after gaining mount, it was Sword
who turned and gave up his back. Leites moved Sword exactly where
wanted him and after Sword rolled again, Leites locked on a head
and arm triangle choke forcing the submission. Leites is just
another example of an ever-growing middleweight division in the
UFC.
Roger
Huerta, coming off the media coverage from making the cover of
Sports Illustrated recently, came into The Ultimate Fighter Finale
against relative unknown fighter, Doug Evans out of Alaska.
Huerta
struggled mightily in the first session getting caught with punches
on the feet from Evans. After the fight made it to the ground,
it was Evans who took his back and worked for a body triangle
while trying to apply a rear naked choke. Huerta persevered,
but looked overwhelmed in the first round.
Huerta
came out like a totally different fighter in round two, as he
swung immediately, pushing the fight and taking it to Evans.
After a move to the ground, it was Huerta who got to mount position
and then unleashed punches from everywhere to which Evans could
not defend and the referee stopped the fight.
Roger
Huerta remains undefeated in the UFC and will wait for his next
match-up in the lightweight division, arguably the most stacked
division in the sport.
Due
to the length of many of the main card bouts, fans watching at
home were treated to a great many of the undercard fights that
took place prior to the telecast. Joe Lauzon dominated a weight
challenged Brandon Melendez en route to a triangle choke submission
in the second round. Cole Miller high kicked Andy Wang to the
head in the first round of their match-up and then followed up
with ground and pound that stopped the fight, giving Miller the
win.
In
the most controversial fight in the UFC in some time, Gray Maynard
and Rob Emerson fought to a no contest in a very strange ending
that saw both men finished in one way or another. Emerson, who
was fighting a rib injury, tapped out when he was taken down
early in the second round, but Gray Maynard slammed his own head
into the canvas in the process of getting the takedown and was
rendered unconscious. Maynard argued afterwards that he was never
out, but the replay showed over and over again that he was obviously
wobbled and couldn’t get up on his own power after the fight
was finished.
Emerson
clearly tapped, but the Nevada State Athletic Commission instructed
referee Steve Mazzagatti to call it a no contest instead.
In
untelevised action, Leonard Garcia made a successful return to
the UFC after putting on a possible fight of the year with top
contender Roger Huerta at UFC 69. Garcia submitted The Ultimate
Fighter season five competitor Allen “Monstah” Berube
via rear naked choke in round one. Also on the card, Matt Wiman
finished off former housemate Brian Geraghty by TKO due to strikes
on the ground in the first session.
The
Ultimate Fighter season five may go down as one of the best seasons
ever, but unfortunately the final between Diaz and Gamburyan
didn’t live up to the hype due to the injury that forced
Manny out of the bout early in the second round. BJ Penn proved
his dominance by dispatching of Jens Pulver and Roger Huerta
almost became the latest upset victim before getting it together
and putting away Alaskan Doug Evans.
MMAWeekly’s
Fighter of the Night goes to BJ Penn, who showed tremendous skill
and heart in defeating Jens Pulver. Fight of the Night goes to
Huerta and Evans who had the most compelling bout of the evening.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
KIMBO
SLICE'S LEGIT DEBUT ENDS IN VICTORY
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – While the majority of the fight world
was focused on the grudge match between BJ Penn and Jens Pulver,
a great many fans were still interested to see what would happen
when Internet street fighting legend Kimbo Slice made his official
MMA debut against former world boxing champion, “Merciless”
Ray Mercer.
Kimbo
has taken a great focus on training MMA, working at both Bas
Rutten’s camp in Los Angeles and alongside numerous MMA
stars at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. His dedication showed as
he quickly dispatched of the former heavyweight champion early
in the first round.
Kimbo
shot in early on Mercer, who tried to land some shots, but caught
some knees and a combination instead. Kimbo eventually worked
position and caught Mercer in a guillotine choke causing a tap
out in the first round, handing the former street fighting legend
his first win in MMA. It will be interesting to see if Kimbo
will continue to train as he has done for this fight for a potentially
lucrative career in professional mixed martial arts.
Full
results for Cage Fury Fighting Championships 5:
Kimbo
Slice over Ray Mercer by guillotine choke Rd 1
Josh Rhodes over Noah Inhofer by TKO Rd 2
Deividas Taurosevicius over Kevin Roddy by armbar Rd 1
Gregor Gracie over Josh Lydell by rear naked choke Rd 1
Dante Rivera over Alexis Aquino by heel hook Rd 2
Nick Serra over Mike Varner by armbar Rd 2
Jim Miller over Anthony Morrison by triangle choke Rd 1
Nick Cantone over John Howard by unanimous decision
Lyman Good over Doug Gordon by unanimous decision
Al Buck over Brian Demuro by unanimous decision
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"It
has never been my object to record my dreams, just the determination
to realize them."
Man Ray, 1890-1976, American Artist
|
ULTIMATE
FIGHTER 5 FINALE Results!
The Ultimate
Fighter 5 Finale
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada
155
lbs: Matt Wiman def. Brian Geraghty via TKO (strikes) - 2:09
of R1
155
lbs: Leonard Garcia def. Allen Berube via submission (rear naked
choke) - 4:22 of R1
155
lbs: Gray Maynard and Rob Emerson fought to a no contest - R2
155
lbs: Cole Miller def. Andy Wang via TKO (strikes) - 1:10 of R1
155
lbs: Joe Lauzon def. Brandon Melendez via submission (triangle
choke) - 2:09 of R2
155
lbs: Roger Huerta def. Douglas Evans via TKO (strikes) - 3:30
of R2
185
lbs: Thales Leites def. Floyd Sword via submission (arm triangle
choke) - 3:50 of R1
155
lbs: Nathan Diaz def. Manvel Gamburyan via submission (dislocated
shoulder) - 0:20 of R2
155
lbs: B.J.
Penn def.
Jens Pulver via submission (rear naked choke) - 3:12 of R2
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Kimbo
Slice makes MMA debut, submits Ray Mercer
Internet celebrity Kimbo Slice won his mixed martial arts debut
against former heavyweight boxing champion Ray Mercer Saturday
night at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Slice
locked in a tight guillotine choke to submit Mercer at 1 minute
and 12 seconds into the first round.
After
the fight, Slice challenged "Tank" Abbott for CFFC
6 on September 14.
Slice
became an overnight internet sensation due to his widely circulated
bare-knuckle fight videos. His most popular video was an underground
fight against Boston police officer Sean Gannon, whom the UFC
later signed in an effort to capitalize on the notorious video.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
X-1
Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
O Lounge Night Club, Honolulu, Hawaii
June 29, 2007
Main Event.
Shaison
Laupola (Team Ruthless) vs. Chris Willems (BJ Penn MMA) 150 lbs
MMA
Amateur Matches - [Confirmed]
Sam
Quel (Team Ruthless) vs. Isaac Uriostegui (Team Submit) 125 lbs.
Royce
Dela Sano (Freelance) vs. Kyle Kaahanui (Freelance) 170 lbs.
Colin
Mackenzie (Team Ruthless) vs. Chris Burnham (Team Submit) 140
lbs.
Matt Miyake (Waianae Valetudo) vs. Larry Gabriel (Jus Rush) 155
lbs.
Robin Clark (Team Hells Fire) vs. Marcus Chapman (Freelance)
170 lbs.
William Bohol (Team Hells Fire) vs. Casey Tavares (Team
Submit) 180 lbs.
Ben
Santiago (Team Ruthless) vs. Anthony Ornellas (Jus Rush) 170
lbs.
Kimo Lani (Freelance) vs. Hans Wells (First Lap) 240 lbs.
Jon
Barnard (Team Ruthless) vs. Jared Iha (Freelance) 135 lbs.
Kickboxing
Match. [Confirmed]
1."Sam
Boy" Tapeni (Humble The Proud) vs. Lino Kakiva (Team Konnah
Blokk) 185 lbs.
MMA
Pro Matches. [Confirmed]
Michael
Brightmon (Gorilla House) vs. Kenneth Gusman (Freelance) 190
lbs.
Augie
"The Warrior" Padeken vs. Jethro "The Jet"
Parks 210 lbs.
Source: Event Promoter
|
Punishment
In Paradise: Best of the Best
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, Kapolei, Hawaii
August 4, 2007
Source: Event Promoter
|
Report:
PRIDE returns on August 18th
By Zach Arnold
Nikkan
Sports reported on Wednesday morning that the first show of the
’shinsei’ (newborn) PRIDE will happen on August 18th
at Saitama Super Arena (the same ‘home’ building that
DSE used). The theme of the show will be a “Japanese all-star”
presentation, centered around Hidehiko Yoshida.
Source: Fight Opinion
|
An
all-out turf war for PRIDE in Japan
On Wednesday, Nikkan Sports published a report that on August
18th, the first ’shinsei’ PRIDE event would happen
at Saitama Super Arena. Obviously, it sounded like the kind of
rumor that would be started by someone who used to be affiliated
with DSE or is trying to get involved on the ground in Japan
to try to revive the PRIDE name there. That’s just how business
works in Japan.
Japanese
writer Motoichiro Takasu contacted Hiroyuki Kato, who was an
important director of PRIDE events in Japan under DSE Inc. leadership.
Kato flat out denied that there are any plans for a PRIDE Worldwide
FC event in Japan. However, he did confirm that he is the one
who booked Saitama Super Arena for August 18th and that ‘PRIDE’
fighters will participate on the show. Takasu speculates that
the old management of PRIDE is going to break into two parts.
What
does this mean in the grand scheme of things for the Japanese
MMA landscape? An all-out turf war. Most of the fighters who
worked in PRIDE know that their options with UFC are slim and
none — and slim just walked out of the barn. Because of
Zuffa’s current situation, patience is running out fast
in Japan and results are quickly wanted.
We
may see one form of PRIDE or another in Japan, but it’s
not what you might expect it to be. This may be a turf battle
that UFC has zero control over. It probably would serve them
well to ignore the Japanese marketplace and not get involved
in this mess.
Source: Fight Opinion
|
Terrell
Eyes Return
From a fighting perspective, the past 2 years have been hard
ones on David Terrell. The Gracie Jiu-jitsu Black belt has endured
a string of injuries that have kept him out of the cage. Forced
to sit on the sidelines he has instead been focusing on a successful
school he runs out of Santa Rosa, California. Meanwhile the sport
of MMA has exploded onto the American market in ways no one envisioned
just a few years ago.
Now
injury free and wanting a piece of the pie, Terrell eyes a return
to fighting. This time however he seems determined to fight at
the 205lbs weight limit instead of his recent 185lbs outings.
The drastic weight cut to 185 proved too demanding and often
left him drained of energy and susceptible to sickness. We should
see Dave back in the UFC at the new weight mark later this year
and those of us who know him can't wait.
Source: Gracie Fighter
|
Chasing
perfection
American wrestler
Josh Barnett believes he can always go a bit further to please
the fans. He is the third profile of the series on Pride’s
OW GP contenders, and according to him, the last one
First published September, 2006 (GM #114)
Josh
“The Baby-Faced Assassin” Barnett is one of the most
beloved fighters in Japan. This popularity doesn’t come
solely from his Pride career, which began in 2004; but, rather,
from his dazzling tour de force in the world of pro wrestling.
The curious change of path, ignited by the loss of his UFC title
in 2002, was not resignation to a not so brilliant future. His
head high, the Seattle heavyweight faced the challenge and fulfilled
a childhood dream.
On
March 22, 2002, Barnett beat legendary wrestler Randy Couture,
becoming, at 24, the youngest UFC champion in history. The inexorable
youth, who by then had a grown-up’s record (with only one
loss to Pedro Rizzo), gave his fellow countryman the taste of
a technical knockout in round two. But the title was taken from
him outside the ring due to steroid use. It was time to change
gears. The following year, Josh debuted in New Japan. In next
to no time, he was already an outstanding foreigner; soon afterwards,
he had become one of the greatest heros in the pro wrestling
scene. “It’s wonderful to be so loved in Japan,”
he says. “When I go there, I don’t feel like I’m
on a business trip at all. It’s like being at home.”
Barnett
suffered, against Rizzo, his first MMA loss. According to the
Brazilian, Barnett’s excessive confidence did the trick.
Controversy
Some
of his acts make the American a controversial character. The
bearer of unbreakable self-confidence, the wrestler can be interpreted
in many ways. “When the two of us fought, I was the favorite,
but he said he was training with some Americans from K-1 and
thus would knock me down,” recalls Pedro Rizzo, one of the
two people who have defeated Barnett in mixed martial arts. “In
a kick I threw, he grabbed my leg and could have taken the fight
to the ground, but he was so confident in striking that he didn’t.
His arrogance ended up getting in his way. He has always been
polite to me, but I don’t really like the way he deals with
things. Nobody likes him a lot.”Aware of the demands of
a sport where the athlete relies only on themselves against an
opponent who constantly tries to crush them, Barnett disagrees.
“I know the difference between reality and show. Fighters
are very confident, and we always think we are the best,”
he says. “Anyone who actually knows me knows that I’m
not arrogant. To me it doesn’t matter if I have to do it
in front of 50 thousand people or in the gym. If I’ve gotta
fight someone, I just fight them. And I don’t need any other
incentive. That extra showmanship is just for the fans, to make
it interesting. They paid to see a good show, so I’m gonna
make sure they get it.”
Barnett
about to steal Randy Couture’s UFC belt, which he would
soon have to give up.
The
Mirko issue
Holder
of the king of Pancrase title, which he stole from Yuki Kondo
in August 2003, Barnett is a fierce defender of his art, pro
wrestling. So much so that he deems fighting MMA and pro wrestling
to be the same. Thus, his going to Pride, in 2004 – without
leaving New Japan, which he would only do early this year, –
was a more than natural step. “I adored pro wrestling as
a child, and when I’m done fighting again I’m sure
I’ll go back to it,” he reveals. “But I have a
lot of goals that I want to accomplish, and I think Pride is
the place to do it.” What Barnett was not expecting was
to find his second hangman in his October 2004 premiere.
In
only 46 seconds, after a high kick by Mirko “Cro Cop”
Filipovic, Barnett fell victim to a freak shoulder injury and
suffered his second loss in MMA. One year later, another loss
against Mirko. But why is it that Barnett, a much more complete
fighter, has so much difficulty in beating the Croatian? “It’s
not hard,” he answers. “The first time we didn’t
really fight. The second, I wasn’t ready to be in the ring
again, but I took the fight anyway.” Since then, Barnett
has had three convincing wins, the latter two at the open-weight
Grand Prix. Many expected him to lose in round one, against Aleksander
Emelianenko, brother of heavyweight champion Fedor. But the 254-lb
American managed to escape a very tough first round, and imposed
his will in under two minutes of the second period. “I always
thought he was one of the favorites,” Rizzo points out.
“Josh can take a beating and gives the bout a strong rhythm.
I knew he was going to beat Aleksander like that. Against Nastula,
the Russian had nearly passed out from exhaustion, so it was
clear Barnett was gonna take it to the second round and win.”
But
Barnett, who usually says he is never entirely satisfied with
his fights, criticizes that performance: “I should have
stepped forward more and thrown more punches. I’d have probably
knocked him out or put him on the ground sooner.”
Against Mark Hunt, in the second round, there was no such difficulty.
Still inexperienced at ground play, the striker from New Zealand
was caught in a kimura lock at the 2:02min mark. Now, however,
there are only experienced MMA fighters left. Knowing there will
be no more easy bouts, Barnett speculates, the grudge match on
his mind: “It’s gonna be hard to finish Nogueira. I
think this is a fight where there will be a submission or a KO.
If we fight enough, it’s bound to happen, and I think I
can be the person to do it. I’ll try to use pro wrestling
moves like I always do, because I know they can surprise any
opponent.
And
I believe I’ll meet Cro Cop in the final. Both he and Silva
are dangerous strikers, and any of them can lose. I think one
of them is going to be in very bad shape for the final.”
Jeff Monson, current ADCC champion and a mate of Barnett’s
since ’99, is anxious about the Grand Prix’s final
day: “I’ve wanted to see that fight for years. I know
I’m a little biased, but I think Josh is more of a complete
fighter. Both he and Minotauro have good standup and good ground,
but Josh is a better wrestler. I just think he is too aggressive
for the guys that remain. Silva is aggressive too, but he doesn’t
have the ground game that Josh has, and he is too small.”
To
Pedro Rizzo, Rodrigo Minotauro will be the wrestler’s toughest
challenge yet. “The great mystery to me is Barnett versus
a good ground fighter,” he comments. “It’s possible
that Rodrigo will pass his guard. Barnett is a typical Pancrase
fighter; those guys have good submissions, but they don’t
know how to get to the positions. I think that, if Rodrigo uses
his arsenal of attacks, Josh is going to be confused. If Minotauro
doesn’t submit him, he can at least reverse a position,
get on top and Barnett – a heavy guy – will be in danger.”
Being
entirely safe is not a luxury enjoyed by any of the remaining
athletes. Can Barnett smash the favorite onto the canvas and
go on to take revenge on his archenemy? Certainly, it wouldn’t
be the first time he surprises the world.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Quote
of the Day
"Patience
is a necessary ingredient of genius".
Benjamin Disraeli, 1804-1881, British Statesman and Prime Minister
|
Hawaiian
Open of BJJ Today!
Gym 1,
UH Manoa Campus, Honolulu
June 23, 2007
Klum Gym's bathrooms are between Klum Gym and Gym 1.
2007 HAWAIIAN OPEN
OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
University of Hawaii
Manoa, GYM#1 (Next to Klum Gym)
Advanced belts and
divisions will be held first and the beginner and intermediate
divisions will be held later in the day so that the advanced
competitors can assist with the tournament and help coach their
team.
APPLICATIONS ON
LINE AVAILABLE AT http://WWW.BRAZILIAN-FREESTYLE.COM
1. Oahu Residents
Only: Pre-Registration & Weigh-in will be held at UH Manoa
(Athletic Complex Studio 4) on Friday, 22 JUN 2007, between 12:00
pm-2:30 pm and 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Late applicants will be accepted
until 10:00 am Sat 23-Jun, with a $10 late fee.
2. Outer-Island
Residents Only: If unable to meet registration & weigh-in
requirements as stated above, Pre-Registration/Payment due by
Wednesday, 20 JUN 2007 in the following ways: 1) Mail to: Triple
Crown BJJ, 311 Ohua Ave., #103B, Honolulu, HI 96815; 2) Fax to:
(808)955-2588; 3) Email to: hattoridkn002@hawaii.rr.com or barroshawaii@hotmail.com.
Late applicants will be accepted until 10:00 am Sat 23-Jun, with
a $10 late fee. Weigh-in for outer-island residents ONLY will
be held on tournament morning, Sat 23 JUN 2007, between 8:00-10:00
am. Maui Residents can contact Ermin Fergerstrom at (808)877-5505
for registration & weigh-in at Kahului Academy. Applicants
who pre-register and fail to make weigh-in or make weight prior
to 10:00 am will automatically forfeit their match and no refunds
will be provided. (Note: These are the same registration guidelines
as set forth by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation/Pan
American Jiu-Jitsu Championships).
3. Tournament Location:
University of Hawaii Manoa, GYM#1 (Next to Klum Gym)
4. ENTRANCE FEES:
Kid: $30.00 Adult/Master: $60.00 Make checks payable to: Romolo
Barros
5. Rules Clinic
Kids: 9:45AM Adult: 1:15PM
|
ULTIMATE
FIGHTER 5 LIVE FINALE- JUNE 23, 2007 ON SPIKE TV
Today!
6:00-9:00PM
Channel 559 (Digital)
Main
Card Bouts:
-BJ Penn (#6 Welterweight in
the World)* vs. Jens Pulver
-TUF 5 Lightweight Tournament Finals: Manny Gamburyan vs. Nate
Diaz
-Roger Huerta vs. Doug Evans
-Thales Leites vs. Floyd Sword
Preliminary
Bouts:
-Joe Lauzon vs. Brandon Melendez
-Gray Maynard vs. Robert Emerson
-Leonard Garcia vs. Allen Berube
-Cole Miller vs. Andy Wang
-Matt Wiman vs. Brian Geraghty
Note:
The winner of Penn vs. Pulver will likely get a shot at the UFC
Lightweight Title on a UFC PPV event in late 2007.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Strikeforce-EliteXC:
Shamrock vs. Baroni Results!
Strikeforce-EliteXC: Shamrock vs. Baroni
Friday, June 22, 2007
HP Pavilion in San Jose, California
Mauro
Ranallo, Bill Goldberg, and Jay Glazer are the commentators for
the pay-per-view broadcast.
Bout
#1 - Victor “Joe Boxer” Valenzuela vs. James Edson
Berto
R1:
Berto with two right kicks and shoots for a takedown that puts
Valenzuela on the floor. Unable to pass on the ground, Berto
stands up. Berto dives in for the heel hook and secures it. Valenzuela
scrambles to escape but is forced to submit at 47 seconds into
the bout.
Berto
def. Valenzuela via submission (heel hook) - 0:47 of R1
Bout
#2 - Carter Williams vs. Paul Buentello
R1:
They touch gloves and there's a brief exchange of missed punches.
Williams takes Buentello to the ground. Williams grabs Buentello's
back and lands rights. They return to standing and are fighting
for position against the fence. Buentello is working the clinch,
trying to land knees to Williams' head. The referee separates
them after the action stalls. Williams misses a combination of
punches and shoots for a takedown. Buentello stuffs it. Again,
they battle for position against the fence. Williams lands a
left before the conclusion of round 1.
R2:
Buentello throws three consecutive uppercuts. He connects on
the last two to send Williams falling to the mat and covering
up his face. The referee jumps in to prevent further damage.
Buentello
def. Williams via TKO (strikes) - 0:10 of R2
Bout
#3 - Joey Villasenor vs. Murilo “Ninja” Rua
R1:
Villasenor lands a left hook that stuns Ninja for a brief second.
Ninja scores a takedown. Villasenor reverses and is in Ninja's
half guard. Villasenor tries to pass and Ninja ends up grabbing
a leg for a leglock that Villasenor escapes. They are back on
their feet. Ninja scores another takedown and ends up in Villasenor's
half guard. Ninja takes side control. Ninja lands elbows to the
left side of Villasenor's head. Villasenor returns to his feet.
Ninja grabs Villasenor's right leg and takes him down. Ninja
is in Villasenor's half guard. Ninja tries for a kimura on Villasenor's
right arm. Villasenor pulls out, but Ninja takes full mount.
Villlasenor escapes. Ninja lands a right hook before the end
of round 1.
R2:
Ninja tries for a flying knee. He lands nice overhands rights.
Villasenor answers back with a left. Ninja is throwing wildly.
He lands a straight right that sends Villasenor to the mat. Ninja
follows with punches to Villasenor before the referee finally
steps in.
Rua
def. Villasenor via TKO (strikes) - 1:05 of R1
Rua
is in tears, as he becomes the first-ever Elite XC 185-pound
champion.
Bout
#4 - Josh Thomson vs. Nick Gonzalez
Thomson
misses a left high kick. Thomson shoots in and takes Gonzalez
down. Thomson holds onto Gonzalez's body and works to take Gonzalez's
back. Gonzalez tries to roll out but Thomson won't give up Gonzalez's
back. Thomson now has both hooks in and locks in the rear naked
choke for the win.
Thomson
def. Gonzalez via submission (rear naked choke) - 1:42 of R1
Bout #5 - Cung Le vs. Tony “The Freak” Fryklund
R1:
Le with a sidekick. Fryklund answers with an inside left kick.
Le lands another sidekick. Le slips from an axe kick attempt.
Le connects with a variety of kicks and combination of punches.
Le lands a left and a high right kick. Fryklund lands a leg kick.
Another left-right combo by Le. Fryklund misses a spinning back
fist. Le misses a spin kick that almost leaves himself exposed
for a takedown. Fryklund with a small flurry and a spinning kick
of his own. Le rocks Fryklund with a right - the first dangerous
blow of the fight. Le lands a right hook and Fryklund falls to
the floor. Frylkund is hurt but is able to return to his feet.
Le with a spinning heel kick to the head of Fryklund! Another
spinning heel kick. Le pushes Fryklund back with a side kick.
Frylund misses another spinning back fist.
R2:
Le with more kicks. Fryklund goes for a takedown, which Le defends.
Le lands a hard right leg kick. Le with more spin kicks following
a combination of punches. Fryklund is aggressively attacking
Fryklund with a flurry of punches. Le dodges them. Frylund with
a sharp spinning backfist that misses. Fryklund's legs are showing
signs of wear from Le's kicks. Le glazes a spinning back fist
of his own to Fryklund's head.
R3:
Le immediately lands a high kick. Fryklund is feeling the effects
of Le's body kicks. Le knows it and crumbles Frylund with an
overhand right.
Le
def. Fryklund via TKO (right punch) - 0:25 of R3
Bout
#6 - Phil Baroni vs. Frank Shamrock
Glazer
reports that Shamrock tore his ACL and MCL two weeks ago.
R1:
Baroni lands a barrage of body shots while Shamrock is clinching
Baroni's neck. Shamrock misses a right overhand. Baroni takes
Shamrock down. Shamrock thinks about an armbar. They return to
their feet. Shamrock lands a combo and taunts Baroni. Shamrock
taunts Baroni some more by signaling that he'd put Baroni to
sleep. Shamrock hits another combination of punches and Baroni
is down! Shamorck is pounding away at Baroni. The referee breaks
them up due to a violation. Shamrock is penalized a point for
hitting Baroni on the back of the head - the same illegal action
that cost Shamrock his last EliteXC fight against Renzo Gracie.
Baroni takes Shamrock down. Shamorck lands punches from the bottom.
Shamorck has full guard. They stand back up. Baroni lands a left
jab. Baroni attempts a single leg. Shamrock defends and his unloading
with rights to Baroni's body. Shamrock is pounding Baroni against
the cage. They scramble and are both standing up. Shamrock mocks
Baroni some more. Baroni is tired. Baroni connects with uppercuts.
Shamrock with left rights, which land with ease. Baroni takes
Shamrock down.
R2:
Shamrock is connecting with jabs at will. Baroni is able to respond
with strong left hooks. Shamrock with hard rights and a left.
Baroni shoots in for a takedown to avoid further punishment.
Shamrock hooks his right arm around Baroni's right arm. Shamrock
moves to Baroni's back and is looking for a rear naked choke.
Shamrock chokes Baroni unconscious.
Shamrock
def. Baroni via TKO (rear naked choke) - 4:00 of R2
Shamrock
wins the Strikeforce 185-pound title.
Bout
#7 - Duane "Bang!" Ludwig vs. Paul Daley
R1:
Daley throws a left kick that Bang blocks. Daley lands a right
leg kick. Daley goes for a takedown. Ludwig stuffs it. Daley
again with another takedown attempt. Bang stops it . Daley tries
for a judo throw. Bang doesn't allow it. They seperate. Bang
tries for a high right kick. Daley misses a punch. Daley tries
two more shoots that Bang stops. Daley finally gets a takdown
with a trip. They are quickly back up. Bang is trying to find
his rhythm with punches. Daley lands a long jab.
R2:
Daley lands a straight right that drops Ludwig. Daley moves in
to pound Ludwig with lefts for the referee stoppage win.
Daley
def. Ludwig via TKO (strikes) - 0:42 of R2
Preliminary
Bouts:
Seth
Kleinbeck def. Sam Spengler via TKO (strikes) - 2:55 of R2
Chris Cariaso def. Anthony Figueroa via unanimous decision
Rex Richards def. Ray
Seraille
via TKO (strikes) - 0:34 of R1
Luke Stewart def. Jason Von Flue via TKO (strikes) - 2:17 of
R3
Mike Pyle def. Aaron Wetherspoon via unanimous decision
Nik Theotikos def. Nikk Covert via KO - 1:13 of R1
Source: MMA Fighting
|
POLAR
OPPOSITES
Penn, Pulver Prepare For Rematch Five Years In The Making
By Brian Knapp
B.J.
Penn and
Jens Pulver will confront one another for what many believe will
be the final time at The Ultimate Fighter 5 Live Finale Saturday
at 9 p.m. EST at The Pearl at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.
With Pulver rumored to be headed for the World Extreme Cagefighting
featherweight division and Penn unlikely to remain in the UFC's
155-pound weight class for more than a handful of fights, it
seems doubtful the two will ever cross paths again.
The
two first met at UFC 35 “Throwdown,” as Pulver successfully
defended his lightweight championship with a majority decision
victory over the heavily favored Penn. Soon after, both men left
the promotion amid contractual disputes, and fans were left clamoring
for a rematch. In two days, the MMA world gets its wish.
“This
is my weight class; I started it,” Pulver says. “Not
B.J. – not anybody – is going to come in there and
take it away.”
Penn,
who believes Pulver has been dodging the rematch for the last
five years, openly questions his opponent's desire to re-engage.
“I can tell every time I look in his eyes he doesn’t
want this fight,” Penn says. “Even when he did beat
me that first time, he never wanted it then. He never did want
this fight.”
They
come from opposite ends of the spectrum, the laid-back Hawaiian
who was born with talent to spare and money in his pocket and
the roughneck from Washington state who rose from the ashes of
a broken home to become the UFC’s first lightweight champion.
The
oldest of four children, Pulver endured a childhood filled with
unspeakable violence, as alcoholism ravaged his home. Many examples
of abuse are addressed in his autobiography, “Little Evil,
One Ultimate Fighter’s Rise to the Top.” One incident
depicted in the book describes an event in which Pulver’s
drunken father threatens to execute 10-year-old Pulver and his
two brothers. He shoved the barrel of the shotgun into Pulver’s
mouth first, since he was the oldest and first to come to his
mother’s aid.
Though
life stacked the deck against him at an early age, Pulver persevered.
A successful high school wrestling career – he won two state
championships – sent him to Boise State University, where
he discovered mixed martial arts. He has since become one of
the most celebrated lightweights in the sport's history.
The
32-year-old product of the famed Miletich Fighting Systems camp
is 21-7-1 during an eight-year career that has taken him across
the globe. More than half (13) of his 21 wins have come via KO
or TKO, as his heavy hands made him a regular on highlight reels.
Now, his sights are once again trained on Penn.
“I
won’t lose to B.J. in chess, checkers, coin tosses, coaching,
ping pong – I’m not losing to him,” Pulver says.
“The bottom line is we fought once, and I won. We’re
going to fight again, and I’m going to win again.”
By
stark comparison, Penn grew up in relative paradise in Hilo,
Hawaii. The youngest of the Penn brood, he was introduced to
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 17, earning his black belt under Andre
Pederneiras. The first American to win a gold medal in the black
belt division at the Mundial World Championships, Penn made his
MMA debut at UFC 31 in 2001. He opened his career with three
consecutive wins, all by first round KO or TKO, and quickly emerged
as one of the sport’s bright young stars.
Momentarily
knocked off course by his loss to Pulver, Penn eventually moved
up in weight and became the UFC welterweight champion, defeating
Matt Hughes, Matt Serra and Renzo Gracie, among others, along
the way. Saddled by back-to-back defeats, the 28-year-old finds
himself at a career crossroads as he primes for his rematch with
Pulver.
“Mixed
martial arts is my whole life,” Penn says. “It’s
all I’ve been doing for so long; it’s all I know. People
have been telling me for years, ‘You’re the best’
and this and that, and I want to prove them all right.”
Pulver
and Penn rekindled their rivalry as coaches on the fifth season
of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series. For Pulver,
who made an unsuccessful return to The Octagon at UFC 63 in September,
the show renewed his passion for the sport.
“It
was just an unreal experience,” Pulver says. “I needed
it. It woke me up. It saved me. It brought me back around. Before
I did [the show], I pretty much thought I was ready to retire
and be a coach. After seeing [the guys we coached] and being
around them and seeing how hungry they are, now I’m ready
to go back and fight and appreciate what I’ve got.”
Pre-fight
bravado aside, Penn and Pulver carry a genuine dislike for one
another into their pay-per-view caliber bout. “Me and Jens
can be friends after I retire him,” Penn says. “When
we fight this next time, I’m just going to wipe him out.”
Despite
the fact that he weathered Penn’s jiu-jitsu wizardry in
their 25-minute war five years ago, Pulver thinks he is being
underestimated, just as he was in 2002. “The thing that
makes me mad about B.J. is he’s got no respect for me,”
Pulver says. “He doesn’t respect me. He doesn’t
think I’m a good fighter. He doesn’t think I’m
a good coach. He doesn’t think I’m s—t. I said
it before … I’m not losing to him – not him.”
Penn,
for whom greatness has been forecast since he burst on the scene,
says he is ready to fulfill his potential. “I’m ready
to fight Jens,” Penn says. “B.J. Penn is going to become
the biggest MMA star the world has ever seen after I knock out
Jens Pulver.”
Source: The Fight Network
|
Garden
Island Cage Match 6
July 21st, 2007
Hanapepe Stadium, Hanapepe, Kauai
Door open at 5pm
If
you are interested in advertising in the program deadline for
you ad is July 6th.
Please contact
me
asap.
See
you all at the fights!!!
Source: Event promoter
|
MMA
News: Kimbo Slice vs Ray Mercer Odds Up in Bodog Sportsbook
Kimbo
Slice will fight legally for the first time on June 23.
Generally,
mixed martial arts fighters don't like being compared to street
fighters. MMA takes skill. It's a sport for professional athletes
in prime physical condition. Street fighting is for bums and
slobs. There's no such thing as a "professional street fighter".
Unless,
of course, you are Kimbo Slice (0-0-0).
Standing
6-2 and weighing 260 pounds, Slice, AKA Kevin Ferguson, is a
professional street fighter from Miami, Florida. Sure, his name
sounds like a soft-drink but he's a man to be taken seriously,
especially if you are facing him in a bare-knuckle slug-fest
in somebody's backyard.
Although
he has never had an MMA fight, Slice has become infamous among
fans thanks to videos of his street fights that have been released
onto the internet. The following record is posted on wikipedia.org:
Opponent
Height Weight Fight Winner
(Big D) 6'1" 270 #1 Slice
Rasta (Dreads) 6'0" 240 #2 Slice
Sean Gannon 6'3 295 #3 Gannon
Afro Puff 6'5" 300 #4 Slice
Big Mac 5'11" 300 #5 Slice
Adryan 6'1" 240 #6 Slice
The Bouncer 6'3" 300 #7 Slice
Chico 6'4" 240 #8 Slice
Slice's
one loss came at the hands of Sean Gannon (1-1-0) a police officer
from Boston, Massachusetts who, after defeating Kimbo, was given
a shot in the UFC where he was beaten badly by Branden Lee Hinkle
(12-9-0)
June
23 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Slice will make his professional
MMA debut against former world champion boxer Ray Mercer (0-0-0).
Slice is the favorite to win in the Bodog Sportsbook, enjoying
a line of -205. Mercer is the underdog at +165.
In
an interview with touchgloves.com, Slice explained his strategy.
"I'm gonna bang it out," he said. "He wants to
bang, we are gonna bang."
Card
for Cage Fury Fighting Championships 5, June 23 in Atlantic City,
NJ.
Kimbo
Slice (-205) vs. Ray Mercer (+165)
Josh Rhodes vs. Noah Inhofer
Devidas Taurosevicius vs. Kevin Roddy
Gregor Gracie vs. Josh Lydell
Dante Rivera vs. Alexis Aquino
Mike Varner vs. Nick Serra
Jim Miller vs. Anthony Morrison
Nick Catone vs. John Howard
Doug Gordon vs. Lyman Good
Brian DeMuro vs. Al Buck
Source: Fight Opinion/Bodog Fight
|
Assembly
passes legislation to legalize MMA in Illinois
The Illinois General Assembly passed a legislation Wednesday
to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts in Illinois, reports
the Chicago Tribune.
To
finalize the measure, Governor Rod Blagojevich will need to the
sign the bill into law.
Expect
the UFC to promote an event in Chicago as soon as MMA is officially
regulated in Illinois, which appears to be early 2008.
Local
MMA events are currently being held in Illinois via state-approved
waivers.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Trouble
in Japanese paradise
By Zach Arnold
With the demise of PRIDE (backed by Dream Stage Entertainment),
you would think that K-1 would be in a celebratory mood. Sapp
vs. Aerts is set for this Saturday in Holland, 13 months after
the infamous scandal in the same place involving Sapp refusing
to fight Ernesto Hoost due to a contract dispute.
Instead,
2007 has been one giant headache of a year for the organization.
Source: Fight Opinion
|
Quote
of the Day
"One's
first step in wisdom is to question everything --
and one's last is to come to terms with everything."
Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, 1742-1799, German Scientist/Satirist/Philosopher
|
Got
Skills Championship Today!
WHAT -
GOT SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT
WHEN - JUNE 22, 2007 (FRIDAY)
WHERE - WAIPAHU FILCOM CENTER
WEIGH INS ARE GOING TO BE HELD AT ADRENALINE KONCEPTS ON JUNE
21, 2007 (THURSDAY) AT 6:30 PM. SEE YOU THERE.
ON JUNE 22ND, GOT SKILLS WILL MAKE 1 YEAR AND JUST LIKE KICKIN
IT, THEY WILL BE HANDING OUT BELTS FOR THE MOST WELL DESERVED
FIGHTERS THAT WORKED HARD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. KICKBOXING, BOXING
W/ TAKEDOWNS AND GRAPPLING ALL IN ONE MATCH. THE ONLY THING THAT
THIS EVENT DOESNT HAVE IS GROUND AND POUND. BUT THIS IS THE EVENT
THAT HELPS FIGHTERS MAKE THE TRANSITION TO MMA. SOME GUYS WILL
LEAVE WITH A BELT AROUND THEIR WAIST AND OTHERS WILL HAVE TO
TRY NEXT YEAR. AND ONCE YOU WIN THIS AMATEUR TITLE, ITS YOURS.
FOR THEY ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS WHERE THEY HAVE TO DEFEND THEIR
TITLE TO KEEP IT. AMATEURS ARE THE FUTURE OF ANY SPORT AND THATS
WHY THEY DONT HAVE TO DEFEND THEIR TITLES. THESE EVENTS ARE MADE
TO BE THEIR STEPPING STONES. SO WHEN THEY TURN PRO, THEY WILL
START OFF AS CONTENDORS INSTEAD OF PRETENDERS. GOT SKILLS WOULD
LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED THIS EVENT THROUGHOUT THE
YEAR AND HOPE TO SEE YOU ON JUNE 22ND. BE THERE
CHECK OUT THIS LINE UP - THE CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS WILL BE CRAZY
SO DONT MISS OUT ON IT. TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL PARTICIPATING
SCHOOLS OR CALL RICK (PROMOTER) AT 954-5325.
CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS
CORY FREITAS 130 JULIO MORENO
ANIMAL HOUSE BULLSPEN
TONY PERERRA 145 JUSTIN WONG
WAIANAE KICKBOXING HMC
GARY REBALLIZSA 140 JUMAR ESCOSIO
INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING ANIMAL HOUSE
ALIKA VELAROSA 230 KOLOA KAHALEWAI
ANIMAL HOUSE TEAM ANILAND
SAGE YOSHIDA 125 PAUL VARQUEZ
HMC EWA FREESTYLE GRAPPLING
DESHAUN JOHNSON 135 THOMAS MATHIAS
ANIMAL HOUSE WAIANAE KICKBOXING
VAN SHIROMA 145 JORDAN FATTORA
HMC ANIMAL HOUSE
UNDER CARD
JUSTIN DANO 170 DEAN LISTA
HSD HMC
KALANI AQUIN 165 MATTHEW FISHER
BIG TYME FIGHT TEAM ISLAND THUNDER
FRANKIE HILONGO 135 DICKIE REBALLIZSA
ANIMAL HOUSE INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING
KAWENA CORPUZ 155 ERIN GUILLORY
BIG TYME FIGHT FREELANCE
A.J. LANI 145 PAUL LOPES
INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING JESUS IS LORD
CLIFF NAMOC 200 KOA GIDDENS
EWA FREESTYLE GRAPPLING COMBAT 5-0
NOA SHW OTO
WAIANAE KICKBOXING TEAM ANILAND
TONY BELEN 165 PRESTON LEE
INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING ANIMAL HOUSE
ALL MATCHES AND PARTICIPANTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
|
Hawaii's
Scott Junk takes
on Jimmy Ambriz for the MFC Heavyweight Title!
Today!
|
Strikeforce-EliteXC:
Shamrock vs. Baroni Today!
Friday, June 22, 2007
HP Pavilion in San Jose, California
Hawaii
Air times
Strikeforce aires at 5 AM on Saturday, channel 701
COMPLETE
FIGHT CARD
Pay-Per-View
Bouts:
Phil
Baroni (183 lbs) vs. Frank Shamrock (184 lbs)
Cung Le (179 lbs) vs. Tony “The Freak” Fryklund (177.5
lbs)
Carter Williams (265.5 lbs) vs. Paul Buentello (250.5 lbs)
Victor “Joe Boxer” Valenzuela (155 lbs) vs. James Edson
Berto (155 lbs)
Joey Villasenor (184 lbs) vs. Murilo “Ninja” Rua (184
lbs)
Josh Thomson (154 lbs) vs. Nick Gonzalez (155 lbs)
Swing Bout:
Duane
"Bang!" Ludwig (170 lbs) vs. Paul Daley (170 lbs)
Preliminary and Internet Bouts:
Mike
Pyle (168.5 lbs) vs. Aaron Wetherspoon (168.5 lbs)
Jason Von Flue (173 lbs) vs. Luke Stewart (173 lbs)
Anthony Figueroa (132.5 lbs) vs. Chris Cariaso (134 lbs)
Seth Kleinbeck (184.5 lbs) vs. Sam Spengler (184 lbs)
Ray Seraille
(265.5 lbs) vs.
Rex Richards (305.5 lbs)
David Smith (155 lbs) vs. Sean Bassett (154 lbs)
Nick Covert (175 lbs) vs. Nick Theotikos (181 lbs)
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Berto
replaces "Krazy Horse"
James Edson Berto will step in for the trouble-plagued Charles
"Krazy Horse" Bennett on Friday night’s Strikeforce-EliteXC
“Shamrock vs. Baroni” from the HP Pavillion in San
Jose, California.
Berto
(11-3-1), the 155-pound champion for Tampa Bay’s Real Fighting
Championships promotion, will face Victor "Joe Boxer"
Valenzuela.
Bennett’s
bout against Valenzuela would have been a rematch of their August
2005 outing that was controversially declared a draw despite
Valenzuela knocking out Bennett.
Bennett
was arrested last Friday in Marion County, Florida for probation
violations stemming from charges involving battery and witness
tampering.
Bennett
was actually released today but missed his flight to the weigh-ins.
He might still make an appearance during tomorrow’s pay-per-view.
Berto
also competed on the Feb. 10 EliteXC "Destiny" card,
winning by second-round stoppage over John Shackelford.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Hawaiian
Open of BJJ tomorrow!
Gym 1,
UH Manoa Campus, Honolulu
June 23, 2007
Klum Gym's bathrooms are between Klum Gym and Gym 1.
2007 HAWAIIAN OPEN
OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
University of Hawaii
Manoa, GYM#1 (Next to Klum Gym)
Advanced belts and
divisions will be held first and the beginner and intermediate
divisions will be held later in the day so that the advanced
competitors can assist with the tournament and help coach their
team.
APPLICATIONS ON
LINE AVAILABLE AT http://WWW.BRAZILIAN-FREESTYLE.COM
1. Oahu Residents
Only: Pre-Registration & Weigh-in will be held at UH Manoa
(Athletic Complex Studio 4) on Friday, 22 JUN 2007, between 12:00
pm-2:30 pm and 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Late applicants will be accepted
until 10:00 am Sat 23-Jun, with a $10 late fee.
2. Outer-Island
Residents Only: If unable to meet registration & weigh-in
requirements as stated above, Pre-Registration/Payment due by
Wednesday, 20 JUN 2007 in the following ways: 1) Mail to: Triple
Crown BJJ, 311 Ohua Ave., #103B, Honolulu, HI 96815; 2) Fax to:
(808)955-2588; 3) Email to: hattoridkn002@hawaii.rr.com or barroshawaii@hotmail.com.
Late applicants will be accepted until 10:00 am Sat 23-Jun, with
a $10 late fee. Weigh-in for outer-island residents ONLY will
be held on tournament morning, Sat 23 JUN 2007, between 8:00-10:00
am. Maui Residents can contact Ermin Fergerstrom at (808)877-5505
for registration & weigh-in at Kahului Academy. Applicants
who pre-register and fail to make weigh-in or make weight prior
to 10:00 am will automatically forfeit their match and no refunds
will be provided. (Note: These are the same registration guidelines
as set forth by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation/Pan
American Jiu-Jitsu Championships).
3. Tournament Location:
University of Hawaii Manoa, GYM#1 (Next to Klum Gym)
4. ENTRANCE FEES:
Kid: $30.00 Adult/Master: $60.00 Make checks payable to: Romolo
Barros
5. Rules Clinic
Kids: 9:45AM Adult: 1:15PM
|
Ninja
confirmed for Strikeforce
The Brazilians exams released by Athletic Commission
Murilo Ninja is confirmed for Elite XC-Strikeforce, set for Friday,
in Los Angeles. The news, sent to GRACIEMAG.com by the fighter’s
publicist, puts to rest a series of misunderstandings that began
last weekend, when the State of California Athletic Commission
announced that the chuteboxer's medical exams were not approved.
“There
was confusion relating to the papers I sent to Brazil and the
interview I had here in the United States. The Athletic Commission
accepted my exams, the technical questions are being resolved
and I have been released. My brother Shogun is here and Master
Rudimar Fedrigo arrives on Thursday (tomorrow). I would like
to thank all the fans that supported me during these last days,”
said Ninja.
The
Brazilian’s opponent will be Joey Villasenor, an American
who is coming off a win over David Loiseau at Elite XC in February.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
How
Big a Drug Problem Does Mixed Martial Arts Have?
by Michael David Smith
On
March 31, the California State Athletic Commission began a new
program for testing boxers and mixed martial arts fighters. The
results have not been good: Less than three months of testing
has yielded about 20 positive tests, with 90 percent of the positives
coming from competitors in mixed martial arts.
So
just how big a problem does the sport have with performance-enhancing
drugs? One of the ways that the Ultimate Fighting Championship
transformed itself from the fringe to the mainstream was by embracing
drug testing, and there's no reason to think UFC has any more
athletes using steroids than there are in other pro sports.
But
mixed martial arts shows outside UFC often don't have drug tests,
and that has the potential to tarnish the sport's image. If mixed
martial arts is ever going to shed the "human cockfighting"
label once and for all, it has to be perceived as clean, and
that will only happen when every single competitor is tested.
Source: Fight Opinion/AOL FanHouse
|
Gracie
Maintains Innocence
by Josh Gross
Of the mixed martial artists that fought June 2 at the Los Angeles
Memorial Coliseum, MMA pioneer Royce Gracie was likely the last
man anyone would have tabbed a steroid user.
However,
on Thursday, that veneer was crushed when the California State
Athletic Commission revealed the 40-year-old Brazilian tested
positive in both "A" and "B" samples for
traces of Nandrolone, a commonly used anabolic steroid.
Currently
vacationing in Spain after defeating Kazushi Sakuraba on points,
Gracie e-mailed Sherdog.com to refute the CSAC report.
"I
have never in my 14-year fighting carrier [sic] taken anything
other then natural supplements and natural proteins," said
Gracie, who was paid $300,000 to fight. "As such, I am shocked
that anything was found in my system."
The
early June bout marked the first time Gracie -- who competed
five times in Japan from 2000-2005 after taking half a decade
away from the ring following 13 unregulated UFC contests on American
soil -- was required to undergo tests for steroids conducted
by a regulatory body.
Though
Gracie fought Matt Hughes on May 27, 2006 in Los Angeles, California
was not testing for anabolic agents at that point, said CSAC
Executive Officer Armando Garcia.
"I
am looking into this issue right now and will file an appeal
with the CSAC," Gracie's e-mail continued. "I have
been training [for] this fight since October of 2006, as initially
the show was supposed to be on March 15th. Over the course of
training I have taken legal supplements that are available in
GNC to anyone that wants to get them. Outside of that I have
never taken anything nor ever would consider taking anything."
Cytosport,
which produces the widely used "Muscle Milk" brand
of supplements, lists Gracie alongside fellow fighter Nick Diaz
and others, including Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Nathan, as
sponsored athletes.
According
to Mike Kogan, who helped promote the June 2 "Dynamite!!
USA" Fight Entertainment Group card, Gracie was awoken by
phone calls at 4:30 Friday morning informing him of the news.
Closing
out the short two-paragraph message, Gracie (14-3-3) wrote: "My
good name is all I have and I do not want my fans to think that
I would ever be [involved] with anything like this."
Pending
appeal, which Gracie (14-3-3) must file for by July 13, the CSAC
has suspended the slender Brazilian from June 2, 2007 through
May 30, 2008, and fined him the maximum $2,500.
Source: Sherdog
|
Quote
of the Day
“Nothing
is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise.”
George Washington Carver, 1864-1943, American Botanist
|
Dan
Henderson Seminar at O2 Martial Arts Academy!
Current Pride Lightweight & Middleweight Champion
When:
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Time:
4:30-7:30PM
Where:
O2 Martial Arts Academy
(between Best Buy & Cutter Ford Aiea)
(2nd floor above Small Engine Clinic)
98-019 Kamehameha Highway, #206A
Aiea, Hawaii 96701
Cost:
$50
Space
is limited so pre-pay to reserve your spot with the only man
to hold championships in two categories in Pride at the same
time and possibly could be the next UFC Light heavyweight champ!
No spots will be held on verbal requests.
|
Frank
Shamrock on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Tune in
on Thursday, June 21st to “Jimmy Kimmel Live” to see
legendary mixed martial arts champion, Frank Shamrock, teach
Jimmy Kimmel’s security guard, Guillermo, how to get in
shape with Mixed Martial Arts training. This hilarious segment
starts with Guillermo getting bullied at the beach and then flying
to San Jose to seek help from Frank to toughen up and get strong
to defend himself against future bullies.
Frank
Shamrock, the first-ever UFC middleweight champion and a former
King of Pancrase, will take on UFC and Pride Fighting Championship
veteran, "The New York Badass" Phil Baroni, in the
main event of the Strikeforce-EliteXC mixed martial arts fight
card at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA on Friday. "Shamrock
vs. Baroni" be televised live on SHOWTIME® PPV (10 p.m.
ET/7 p.m. PT).
If
you miss the show on Thursday night you can check out Frank's
clip on ProElite.com beginning on Friday.
Jimmy
Kimmel Live on ABC
Oceanic Channel 6
Weeknights 12:05/11:05c
Check local listings for channel
FINAL PRESS
CONFERENCE QUOTES
From
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Grill at HP Pavilion; San Jose, CA
Shamrock vs. Baroni Is On
Villasenor Faces “Ninja” Rua
Friday, June 22, 2007 At 10 pm ET (7 pm PT)
Live
On Showtime PPV
From
HP Pavilion
Watch
The Undercard Free On ProElite.com at 7:30 ET (4:30 pm PT)
Despite
rumors concerning the eligibility of both “The New York
Badass” Phil Baroni and Murilo “Ninja” Rua to
compete on Friday’s “Shamrock vs. Baroni” world
championship mixed martial arts fight card, it was confirmed,
two days beforehand, that both will suit up and enter the cage
for their respective matchups. Former UFC middleweight champion
and King Of Pancrase, Frank Shamrock, will square off Baroni,
a UFC and Pride Fighting Championship veteran, for the vacant
Strikeforce world middleweight (185 lb. limit) title while former
Pride stars, Joey “The Dream Smasher” Villasenor and
Rua will battle for the vacant EliteXC world middleweight (185
lb. limit) crown.
As
many as five additional bouts will be broadcast during the live
Showtime Pay Per View event at HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA. Tickets
are on sale and can be purchased at the HP Pavilion box office
(408-287-7070); by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com, or at
any TicketMaster outlet. The event is being co-produced by Strikeforce
and EliteXC.
Complete
“Shamrock vs. Baroni” Fight Card:
Main
Event – Strikeforce World Middleweight (185 lb. limit) Championship
Bout
Frank
Shamrock vs. “The New York Badass” Phil Baroni –
5 x 5 Rounds
EliteXC
World Middleweight (185 lb.) Championship Bout:
Joey
“The Dream Smasher” Villasenor vs. Murilo “Ninja”
Rua - 5 x 5 Rounds
Additional
Pay Per View Bouts:
Cung
Le vs. Tony “The Freak” Fryklund – 185 lbs. –
3 x 5 Rounds
Carter
“The Beast” Williams vs. Paul Buentello – heavyweight
– 3 x 5 Rounds
Victor
“Joe Boxer” Valenzuela vs. Charles “Krazy Horse”
Bennett – 155 lbs. – 3 x 5 Rounds
Pay
Per View “Swing” Bouts:
Josh
“The Punk” Thomson vs. Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez
- 155 lbs. – 3 x 5 Rounds
Duane
“Bang” Ludwig vs. Paul “Semtex” Daley –
170 lbs. – 3 x 5 Rounds
Preliminary
Card – Live Broadcast on ProElite.com:
Rex
Richards vs. Steve Jester – superheavyweight (+ 265 lbs.)
– 3 x 5 Rounds
Seth
Kleinbeck vs. Sam Spengler – 185 lbs. – 3 x 5 Rounds
Anthony
Figueroa vs. Chris Cariaso – 135 lbs. – 3 x 3 Rounds
Jason
“Live Wire” Von Flue vs. Luke Stewart – 175 lbs.
– 3 x 5 Rounds
Aaron
Wetherspoon vs. Mike “Quicksand” Pyle - 170 lbs. –
3 x 5 Rounds
Phil Baroni
“He’s
done a lot of talking and, now, I think he’s wrote some
checks that I don’t think his ass will be able to cash”
“This
ain’t a joke. This ain’t about fighting in my hometown
and fighting hand-picked opponents.”
Speaking
To Shamrock: “You can laugh and smile with that stupid looking
face all you want, but when they shut the fuckin’ cage door,
it’s not gonna be a fuckin’ joke. So, keep smiling.
Keep smiling. You’re not gonna be smiling when I separate
you from consciousness.”
“This
is a big opportunity. I’ve been through a lot of ups and
downs in my career and my life, but so has everybody. I just
don’t cry about it like this guy.”
On
being granted a license by the California Athletic Commission
after additional medical exams: “People say I should be
thankful. What the fuck am I thanking them for? They’re
puttin’ me in a fuckin’ cage and telling me to fight…….
But, they stepped up this time and they took my back. They did
the right thing….I guess I’m not that fuckin’
crazy.”
“I’m
gonna fight like a rockstar…..(Speaking To Shamrock) You’re
looking kind of scrawny. You should get some Gamma-O, bitch.”
Frank
Shamrock
“Phil,
what you don’t know is you are the hand-picked opponent
and that’s why you’re here. This is my town. This is
my arena and this is my sport and welcome to world, baby.”
“You
think (this fight) is about you. That’s why you’re
underneath the name ‘Shamrock.’ So, welcome to my show.
I like your glasses. Your tan is better than me. You’re
ripped more than me. You’ve got a better beard and I can’t
really grow one. All I wanna see is – if you beat me, God
bless you. If you don’t, we just move on from here. This
is about fighting. I’ve said all I need to say. You’ve
said more than you need to say.”
“All
you fighters, fight your heart out. We’re an independent
show, making huge waves. We’re gonna change MMA – help
make it right. This is about fighting, about art.
Murilo
“Ninja” Rua
“Thank
you very much. This fight should be the best fight of the night
because of what we have on the line. We’re going to put
on a great show for MMA fans.”
“I’m
going to win this (fight) and dedicate this (title) belt to Gary
Shaw.”
Joey
“The Dream Smasher” Villasenor
On
Rua’s comments about dedication of the fight: “Then,
we’re in a tough spot because I’m dedicating this win
to my mom cause it’s her birthday."
Source: Mike Afromowitz
|
Hawaiian
Open of BJJ this Saturday!
Gym 1,
UH Manoa Campus, Honolulu
June 23, 2007
Klum Gym's bathrooms are between Klum Gym and Gym 1.
2007 HAWAIIAN OPEN
OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
University of Hawaii
Manoa, GYM#1 (Next to Klum Gym)
Advanced belts and
divisions will be held first and the beginner and intermediate
divisions will be held later in the day so that the advanced
competitors can assist with the tournament and help coach their
team.
APPLICATIONS ON
LINE AVAILABLE AT http://WWW.BRAZILIAN-FREESTYLE.COM
1. Oahu Residents
Only: Pre-Registration & Weigh-in will be held at UH Manoa
(Athletic Complex Studio 4) on Friday, 22 JUN 2007, between 12:00
pm-2:30 pm and 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Late applicants will be accepted
until 10:00 am Sat 23-Jun, with a $10 late fee.
2. Outer-Island
Residents Only: If unable to meet registration & weigh-in
requirements as stated above, Pre-Registration/Payment due by
Wednesday, 20 JUN 2007 in the following ways: 1) Mail to: Triple
Crown BJJ, 311 Ohua Ave., #103B, Honolulu, HI 96815; 2) Fax to:
(808)955-2588; 3) Email to: hattoridkn002@hawaii.rr.com or barroshawaii@hotmail.com.
Late applicants will be accepted until 10:00 am Sat 23-Jun, with
a $10 late fee. Weigh-in for outer-island residents ONLY will
be held on tournament morning, Sat 23 JUN 2007, between 8:00-10:00
am. Maui Residents can contact Ermin Fergerstrom at (808)877-5505
for registration & weigh-in at Kahului Academy. Applicants
who pre-register and fail to make weigh-in or make weight prior
to 10:00 am will automatically forfeit their match and no refunds
will be provided. (Note: These are the same registration guidelines
as set forth by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation/Pan
American Jiu-Jitsu Championships).
3. Tournament Location:
University of Hawaii Manoa, GYM#1 (Next to Klum Gym)
4. ENTRANCE FEES:
Kid: $30.00 Adult/Master: $60.00 Make checks payable to: Romolo
Barros
5. Rules Clinic
Kids: 9:45AM Adult: 1:15PM
|
Got
Skills Championship
WHAT -
GOT SKILLS CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT
WHEN - JUNE 22, 2007 (FRIDAY)
WHERE - WAIPAHU FILCOM CENTER
WEIGH INS ARE GOING TO BE HELD AT ADRENALINE KONCEPTS ON JUNE
21, 2007 (THURSDAY) AT 6:30 PM. SEE YOU THERE.
ON JUNE 22ND, GOT SKILLS WILL MAKE 1 YEAR AND JUST LIKE KICKIN
IT, THEY WILL BE HANDING OUT BELTS FOR THE MOST WELL DESERVED
FIGHTERS THAT WORKED HARD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. KICKBOXING, BOXING
W/ TAKEDOWNS AND GRAPPLING ALL IN ONE MATCH. THE ONLY THING THAT
THIS EVENT DOESNT HAVE IS GROUND AND POUND. BUT THIS IS THE EVENT
THAT HELPS FIGHTERS MAKE THE TRANSITION TO MMA. SOME GUYS WILL
LEAVE WITH A BELT AROUND THEIR WAIST AND OTHERS WILL HAVE TO
TRY NEXT YEAR. AND ONCE YOU WIN THIS AMATEUR TITLE, ITS YOURS.
FOR THEY ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS WHERE THEY HAVE TO DEFEND THEIR
TITLE TO KEEP IT. AMATEURS ARE THE FUTURE OF ANY SPORT AND THATS
WHY THEY DONT HAVE TO DEFEND THEIR TITLES. THESE EVENTS ARE MADE
TO BE THEIR STEPPING STONES. SO WHEN THEY TURN PRO, THEY WILL
START OFF AS CONTENDORS INSTEAD OF PRETENDERS. GOT SKILLS WOULD
LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED THIS EVENT THROUGHOUT THE
YEAR AND HOPE TO SEE YOU ON JUNE 22ND. BE THERE
CHECK OUT THIS LINE UP - THE CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS WILL BE CRAZY
SO DONT MISS OUT ON IT. TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL PARTICIPATING
SCHOOLS OR CALL RICK (PROMOTER) AT 954-5325.
CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS
CORY FREITAS 130 JULIO MORENO
ANIMAL HOUSE BULLSPEN
TONY PERERRA 145 JUSTIN WONG
WAIANAE KICKBOXING HMC
GARY REBALLIZSA 140 JUMAR ESCOSIO
INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING ANIMAL HOUSE
ALIKA VELAROSA 230 KOLOA KAHALEWAI
ANIMAL HOUSE TEAM ANILAND
SAGE YOSHIDA 125 PAUL VARQUEZ
HMC EWA FREESTYLE GRAPPLING
DESHAUN JOHNSON 135 THOMAS MATHIAS
ANIMAL HOUSE WAIANAE KICKBOXING
VAN SHIROMA 145 JORDAN FATTORA
HMC ANIMAL HOUSE
UNDER CARD
JUSTIN DANO 170 DEAN LISTA
HSD HMC
KALANI AQUIN 165 MATTHEW FISHER
BIG TYME FIGHT TEAM ISLAND THUNDER
FRANKIE HILONGO 135 DICKIE REBALLIZSA
ANIMAL HOUSE INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING
KAWENA CORPUZ 155 ERIN GUILLORY
BIG TYME FIGHT FREELANCE
A.J. LANI 145 PAUL LOPES
INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING JESUS IS LORD
CLIFF NAMOC 200 KOA GIDDENS
EWA FREESTYLE GRAPPLING COMBAT 5-0
NOA SHW OTO
WAIANAE KICKBOXING TEAM ANILAND
TONY BELEN 165 PRESTON LEE
INNER CIRCLE GRAPPLING ANIMAL HOUSE
ALL MATCHES AND PARTICIPANTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
|
ULTIMATE
FIGHTER 5 LIVE FINALE- JUNE 23, 2007 ON SPIKE TV
Main
Card Bouts:
-BJ Penn (#6 Welterweight in
the World)* vs. Jens Pulver
-TUF 5 Lightweight Tournament Finals: Manny Gamburyan vs. Nate
Diaz
-Roger Huerta vs. Doug Evans
-Thales Leites vs. Floyd Sword
Preliminary
Bouts:
-Joe Lauzon vs. Brandon Melendez
-Gray Maynard vs. Robert Emerson
-Leonard Garcia vs. Allen Berube
-Cole Miller vs. Andy Wang
-Matt Wiman vs. Brian Geraghty
Note:
The winner of Penn vs. Pulver will likely get a shot at the UFC
Lightweight Title on a UFC PPV event in late 2007.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
PRESS
RELEASE
Contact:
Patrick Freitas
Icon Sport Promoter
(808) 232-3481
superbrawl21@yahoo.com
Lawler
Injures Shoulder; Icon “FEARLESS” Delayed
June 18, 2007 Honolulu, HI. The June 30th Icon Sport event, “FEARLESS”
has been rescheduled due to a separated shoulder injury incurred
by Robbie Lawler while training. Lawler expressed an interest
to compete in the event regardless of his shoulder injury, but
doctors advised that he take 4 to 6 weeks to heal appropriately.
Icon Sport: FEARLESS will immediately be reset for September
15, just twelve weeks after the original date.
Upon hearing news of the event’s delay, UFC star and new
Icon Martial Arts and Fitness Center instructor Chris Leben volunteered
to help prepare Lawler’s “underdog” Hawaiian opponent,
Kala Kolohe Hose:
“The show’s delay just gives me more time to get Kala
Kolohe ready for Robbie. I know how he (Lawler) fights. I understand
his game. Kala Kolohe will be ready.”
Hose stated:
“It’s heartbreaking that we won’t meet on June
30th. But I want Robbie to take all the time he needs to heal.
I want him healthy when I beat him. I don’t want any excuses.”
Fans who have already purchased tickets to the June 30th event
may use these same tickets for entry into the September 15 rescheduled
date.
Any refunds must to be done at point of sale. Online sales will
be refunded at www.ticketmaster.com. The Blaisdell Box Office
should be ready to process refunds by Friday, June 22nd.
Source: Icon Sport |
Jason
"Mayhem" Miller Seminar
July 1,
2007
Location: HMC
Cost: $35
 |
Fighters
Journey
NEW MMA EVENT ON OAHU
Jesus
is Lord is putting on a pro-am mma show. The amateur fights will
be 3X2 min rounds, with head gear. The reason for head gear is
so that the amateurs can stay amateurs and still enter other
amateur events. The event will be in a classy ballroom downtown
on Friday, August 31. It will be a
small, respectable show of about 1000 people. If you are interested
in being a sponsor or fighter, please contact me at tan_superman@hotmail.com.
Thank you for your support
David Padilla
jesusislordgym.com
tan_superman@hotmail.com
(808)282-2232 |
|