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
11/23/07
Kickin It / Hawaii's Most Wanted
(Kickboxing, Various)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
Hawaii Fighting Championships 4
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
11/18/07
The Quest for Champions 2007 II
(Sport-Pankration, Submission-Grappling, Continuous Sparring)
(St. Louis High School Gym)
11/17/07
Kickin It / Hawaii's Most Wanted
(Kickboxing, Various)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
11/11/07
Aloha
State Championship of BJJ
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Klum Gym UH Manoa)
10/27/07
Freedom Fighting
"Battle on the Base"
(MMA)
(Kahunas Ballroom, MCBH, Kaneohe)
10/26/07
Kickin It / Hawaii's Most Wanted
(Kickboxing, Various)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
X-1 Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
(MMA)
(O Lounge Night Club, Honolulu)
10/19/07
Hawaii Fight League
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery)
10/6/07
Gracie Proving Ground
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
9/28/07
Hawaii's Most Wanted
(Kickboxing, Various)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
9/15/07
Elite XC
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
September
Gracie Fighting Championships
(MMA)
9/8/07
UFC
75
(02 Arena in London, England)
(PPV)
Hawaii Fighting Championships 4
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
8/31/07
Fighters Journey
Pro-Am MMA Event
(MMA)
(tba)
X-1 Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
(MMA)
(O Lounge, Honolulu)
8/25/07
UFC
74: Respect
(Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada )
(PPV)
8/23-25/07
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championshihps
(BJJ)
(The Pyramid, Long Beach, CA)
8/12/07
Punishment
In Paradise 17
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Hawaiian Waters, Kapolei)
***Postponed***
8/10/07
Hawaii's Most Wanted
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
8/4/07
X-1
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
Island Warriors Fighting Championship
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
7/28/07
Maui
Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Maui War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku, Maui)
7/21/07
Garden Island Cage Match 6: Caged Fury
(Kickboxing, MMA)
(Hanapepe Stadium, Kauai)
Palolo Boxing Club & Kawano Boxing Club
presents amateur boxing
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
7/14/07
Patriot Fighting Championships
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Kaneohe Marine Corps Base)
***Postponed***
7/13/07
Hawaii Fighting Championships: Stand Your Ground 3
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
7/8/07
Dan Henderson Seminar
(MMA)
(O2
Martial Arts Academy, Aiea)
7/7/07
UFC
73: Stacked
(PPV)
7/1/07
Mike Swain Seminar
(Judo)
(O2
Martial Arts Academy, Aiea)
6/30/07
Icon Sport: Fearless
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
***Postponed
to 9/15***
6/29/07
MMA Contendors: Conflict - The Beginning
(MMA)
(Farrington H.S. Gym)
X-1 Presents
Fight Club Meets The Night Club
(MMA)
(O Lounge Night Club, Honolulu)
6/23/06
Ultimate Fight Night
(BJ Penn vs Jens Pulver)
(Spike TV)
6/23/07
Hawaiian
Open of BJJ
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Klum Gym UH Manoa)
6/22/07
Got
Skills
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
6/16/07
UFC 72: Victory
(PPV)
6/12/07
UFC
Fight Night
(MMA)
(Spike Oceanic 559)
6/3/07
The Quest for Champions 2007
(Sport-Pankration, Submission-Grappling, Continuous Sparring
and Sport-Jujitsu)
(Saint Louis High School Gym)
5/27/07
Benefit Concert for the 2007 Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team
(Ewa Ranch, Ewa Beach)
5/26/07
UFC
71 Liddell vs Rampage
(MMA)
(PPV Oceanic 701)
Memorial Day Mayhem
(Kickboxing)
(Kalaheo High School Gym)
5/19/07
Kickin it
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
5/12/07
Punishment In Paradise: Untouchables
(Kickboxing)
(Hawaiian Waters, Kapolei)
USA-Boxing Hawaii Fundraising Event
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
5/5/07
ROTR Qualifer: Beat Down 3
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center, Hilo)
4/28/07
Pride
Fighting Championships:
(PPV)
(Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV)
Maui MMA Event
(MMA)
(Maui)
K-1 World GP
(Kickboxing)
(Honolulu)
4/27/07
XMA
(MMA, Kickboxing)
**Cancelled**
4/24/07
Professional Boxing
(Boxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
4/20/07
Kickin It 2007 Part 3
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
4/7/07
Got Skills
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu Club Tournament
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(King Intermediate, Kaneohe)
4/6/07
Hawaii Fighting Championships: Stand Your Ground 3
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
4/5/07
Ultimate
Fight Night
(Spike TV)
3/31/07
Icon Sport
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
3/25/07
Kickboxing Benefit Event for Mrs. Faagai
(Kickboxing)
(Waianae H.S. Gym)
3/24/07
Garden Island Cage Match
5
(MMA)
(Kauai)
The 2007
Hawaii State/Regional Junior Olympic Championships (Boxing)
(Palolo District Park)
UFC:
Tito Ortiz vs. Dana White boxing match
(Nevada)
*Cancelled*
3/17/07
X-1
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
Island Warriors
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial)
3/13/07
Ultimate
Fight Night
(Spike TV)
3/10/07
Hawaiian Championship of BJJ
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Klum Gym UH Manoa)
3/3/07
UFC 68
(PPV)
(Columbus, Ohio)
Kickin It
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom)
2/24/07
Pride Fighting Championships:
(PPV)
(Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV)
2/17/06
Got
Skills
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
2/16-17/07
USA-Boxing Hawaii State & Regional Championships
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park Gym)
2/16/07
Punishment
In Paradise 15
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Hawaiian Waters)
2/9/07
Icon Sports
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Blaisdell Arena)
2/3/07
UFC
67
(Lutter vs Silva)
(PPV)
2/2/06
Got
Skills & Kickin' It
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
1/23/07
Ultimate
Fight Night
(Spike TV)
1/20/07
IFL
(MMA)
1/14/07
NAGA Hawaii
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(St. Louis H.S. Gym)
1/13/07
USA Boxing Amateur Boxing
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
1/12/07
K-1 Dynamite
(MMA)
(PPV, 5:00 PM Ch: 701)
|
|
October 2007 News
Part 1
|
Casca Grossa Jiu-Jitsu
is now the O2 Martial Arts Academy with 6 days a week training!
We are also offering Escrima (stick fighting) on Monday nights
and Kickboxing Tuesday and Thursday!
Click
here for info!
Take classes from the Onzuka brothers in a family-like environment! |
 
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.
Onzuka.com
Hawaii Underground Forum is Online!
Chris, Mark,
and I wanted to start an official Onzuka.com forum for a while
now. We were searching for the best forum to go with and hit
a gold mine! We have known Kirik, who heads the largest and most
popular forum on the net, The Underground for years.
He
offered us our own forum within the matrix know as MMA.tv. The
three of us will be the moderators with of course FCTV808 being
the lead since he is on there all day anyway!
We
encourage everyone from Hawaii and our many readers around world
to contribute to the Hawaii Underground.
If you do not have a login, it's simple and fast to get one.
Click here to set up an account.
Don't worry about using Pidgin English in the posting. After
all it is the Hawaii Underground and what is a Hawaii Underground
without some Aloha and some Pidgin?
To
go directly to the Onzuka.com Hawaii Underground Forum click
here!
|
Quote
of the Day
“Worry
is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.”
"George Washington, 1732-1799, 1st President of the United
States
|
Boxing
Smoker October 13
Evolution
Training Center
Fights start at 5:00 PM
Wanted to let you know the next Boxing smoker will be on Sat.
Oct. 13 Starting at 5 p.m., at the Evolution Training Center,
94-547 Ukee St., Suite 209, Waipahu, HI., 96797 in Waipio.
Host is Five-O Boxing Club.
Boxers from Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai are expected to
compete.
20 - 25 bouts are scheduled.
Tickets are $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door.
For pre-sale tickets For pre-sale tickets contact Danny Kaheaku
at 808-590-9084.
Thank You for Your Support!!
Source: Bruce Kawano
|
HFC
Returns on Friday, November 23!
Dole Cannery
Ballrooms
Doors open at 5:30 pm and show starts at 6:00 pm
|
FIRST
NORTH AMERICAN MIXED MARTIAL ARTS EXPO!
Guys! I
am super excited because the entertainment company that I do
sponsorship marketing for just got hired to find sponsors for
the FIRST NORTH AMERICAN MIXED MARTIAL ARTS EXPO! I am pretty
excited because most of the events that we do are red carpet
events and celebrity parties. I can't believe we are actually
doing an MMA event - I am so excited! I feel so blessed. I never
thought I'd be networking with the UG... so this is great!
This
is actually my very first thread I've ever posted in the UG too
– TTT to that! HA!
Anyway,
the North American Mixed Martial Arts Expo will be held on December
1st and 2nd at the Anaheim Convention Center and has been specifically
designed to benefit the following groups in the MMA industry:
Amateur
Fighters
Professional Fighters
Fighter Managers & Agents
Event Promoters
Models & Ring Girls
Consumers & Fans
Apparel & Gear Companies
Training Centers & Martial Arts Schools
Fight Leagues & Venues
Cage Manufacturers
We
are currently looking for Sponsors, Exhibitors, Fighters, Schools,
and Models to attend the event.
SPONSORSHIPS
There
are three types of sponsorship packages:
Gold - $25,000
• Event Sponsor Mention on All Radio & Television Advertising
• Event Sponsor Position on All Printed Media
• Event Sponsor Position on Event Program and PowerPoint
• Free 20 x 10 Booth Space
• 2 Free Kiosks
• 4 5 x 20 Banner Positions at Event
• 4 10 x 10 Banner Positions at Event
• 10 4 x 5 Banner Positions at Event
Silver
- $10,000
• Primary Sponsor Position on All Printed Media
• Primary Sponsor Position on Event Program and PowerPoint
• 50% Discount Off Of Booth Costs
• 5 4 x 5 Banner Positions at Event
Bronze
- $5,000
• Secondary Sponsor Position on All Printed Media
• Secondary Sponsor Position on Event Program and PowerPoint
• 25% Discount Off Of Booth Costs
• 3 4 x 5 Banner Positions at Event
Our
radio Ads will drop on two weeks! The sooner you sponsor the
better. :)
EXHIBITORS
20ft
X 10ft Space is $3,200 10ft X 10ft Space is $2,500
This
is going to be BIG! We have 225,000 square feet of the Anaheim
Convention Center.
Apparel
Exposition – runway show of all apparel exhibitors
Some
exhibitors whom already confirmed are TapOut, Warrior Wear, Eyience
Extreme Science, Throwdown, TapOut Magazine, Cryogel, Fizogen
Extreme Couture, and many more...
FIGHTERS
Most
fighters want to know how to get agents, sponsors, and exposure.
Well this is the place to be.
It's
$125 to join the Fighter Registry. This includes:
• Your picture, bio, and stats will be on the registry wall
at the Expo
• NAMMAE will provide 100 full glossy take away flyers FREE*
• Agents will be walking around the show and can pick up
your flyer
• Full slide in the NAMMAE Fighter PowerPoint presentation
• Your own page on the NAMMAE website for a full year.
Also,
a random drawing will be held and 25 fighters will be picked
to be showcased in front of the entire consumer show on Saturday
afternoon. This means exposure to 10,000 people including new
sponsors and agents.
SCHOOLS
Exposure
is key and new students are everything. 250 table spaces available
for Mixed Martial Arts Schools.
$500
per table space
• 4x8 table with a 2x5 school banner display in front (which
will be given to you for FREE)
• Listing in Expo program
• Slide in Expo PowerPoint presentation showcasing schools
• Listing in the NAMMAE website school directory for a full
year
Stages
and mats will be available for school demonstrations.
(20%
is due at booking. Balance is due by November 1st.)
MODELS
$50
Model Registry
• Listing in Expo program
• Contestant in Miss NAMMAE 2007 Pageant
• Slide in Expo PowerPoint presentation showcasing Models
• Your own page on the NAMMAE website for a full year.
All
fighters from each apparel company like Warrior Wear and TapOut
are said to attend. Also, there will be a VIP section for all
celebrities and celebrity fighters too.
If
you're interested in any of the following, please email me at
missrara@ballisticinc.com
If
you want more information you can visit http://www.nammae.com
Kirik,
MMA.tv & Staff, if you'd like to attend, I was told I could
give you guys a discount. I would love for you guys to be there.
:)
PLEASE
SPREAD THE WORD! Mixed Martial Arts is the fasting growing sport
in history! We deserve our own Trade Show and we deserve our
own Consumer Expo!
Source: Miss Rara |
ROTHWELL
& WHITEHEAD OUT OF IFL GRAND PRIX
The International Fight League has had to make a few changes
to its World Grand Prix scheduled for Nov. 3 at the Sears Centre
in Chicago. Heavyweight Ben Rothwell and light heavyweight Mike
Whitehead will not be fighting as planned.
According
to commissioner Kurt Otto, the situation stems from contract
negotiations for the 2008 season. He indicated that both sides
agreed that neither should fight for a belt in the organization
– which is the focus of the Grand Prix’s four-man tournament
format – if they were not guaranteed to remain in the IFL
for the next season.
Rothwell
and Whitehead are both represented by Monte Cox.
“We
had confirmation [from their management]* that they were going
to stay and they would sign, so they would stay in the Grand
Prix,” said Otto. “The terms were agreed upon and the
message was clear. … Their management changed gears. We
said that if they don’t sign by [a certain] time, then we
would be forced to pull them from the Grand Prix.”
And
that is exactly what has happened. Both fighters have been removed
from their respective brackets.
“We
couldn’t let our Grand Prix be held hostage,” Otto
stated.
In
the case of the heavyweight division, Rothwell’s removal
means that Reese Andy will face Roy Nelson in one half of the
bracket and alternate Bryan Vetell will be inserted to face Antoine
Jaoude in the other half.
The
matter is entirely different in light heavyweight division. In
addition to Whitehead, several of the other top 205-pounders
in the league are unable to compete on Nov. 3 for various reasons,
so fans will be treated to the first individual title fight in
the IFL’s history at the Sears Centre.
Vladimir
Matyushenko will face Alex Schoenauer for the light heavyweight
belt without having to fight through the tournament format.
“It’s
arbitrary, but it’s great to have a title fight on the line,”
said Otto. “We’ll be showing it live on TV.
“We’ll
have Benji Radach vs. Brent Beauperlant, Chris Horodecki vs.
Bart Palaszewski, and then Vladdy vs. Shoenauer on the live broadcast
[on MyNetworkTV]. And if we have some fast finishes, we’ll
[show] even more fights for free.”
There
had also been recent speculation that welterweight Jay Hieron,
also represented by Cox, may be leaving the IFL. Otto stated
that Hieron has signed for the 2008 season and remains in the
Grand Prix.
His
initial opponent, Mark Miller, has re-injured his hand, however,
and had to withdraw. The re-shuffled 170-pound brackets now pit
Hieron against Pat Healy, as Brad Blackburn steps in to face
Delson Heleno.
“At
the end of the day,” said Otto, “Monte has to do what
he thinks is right for each athlete individually, but I’m
disappointed.
“We’re
in this for the long term. This isn’t a hotel. You can’t
just check-in and then check-out. We want consistency in our
league.”
Despite
not signing to the initially agreed upon terms, Otto indicated
that he would still like to have Rothwell and Whitehead back
for the 2008 season and remains hopeful that it will happen.
He also said that both fighters are still under contract with
the IFL for the remainder of the year. They have not been released.
Representatives
for Rothwell and Whitehead were unavailable for comment at the
time of publication.
Source: MMA Weekly |
FRANK
SHAMROCK & RAZORCLAWS RELEASED
Frank Shamrock, coach of the International Fight League's San
Jose Razorclaws, told MMAWeekly on Wednesday that he has been
released by the organization and his team removed from the roster.
"They
said they were going a different direction with their business,”
stated the current Strikeforce and former Ultimate Fighting Championship
middleweight titleholder. “They're good people and they're
a good company. They've got a hard road ahead of them. I'm still
willing to help in any way because they treated me real good."
The
Razorclaws will not be a part of the 2008 IFL season, but Shamrock
believes that at least one of his fighters will carry over elsewhere
in the league.
"I
think they cut everybody but Brian Foster and he's in the Grand
Prix, so he's got his chance coming up. I think they're going
to reassign him to a new team. He's got a couple of teams that
he has the option to go to."
Kurt
Otto, commissioner of the IFL, had indicated that changes were
forthcoming when he held a recent conference call with the media.
Instead of initial plans that called for the league to expand
from its current stable of 12 to 16 teams in 2008, he stated,
“We're pretty much going to hold ground at twelve teams,
(but) we've already added two coaches into our league as far
as Mario Sperry and Ian Freeman, who have already started building
their teams. They're going to be replacing two existing coaches.”
He
continued, "Those two are going to be replacing certain
teams which we're going to be announcing in the next two to three
weeks. Even though two or three teams [are] leaving, we're still
going to keep certain athletes of those teams that were able
to compete and have them go on to new teams."
With
IFL coaching behind him, Shamrock is now focused on his fighting
career and personal life.
"I'm
going to fight Renzo (Gracie) in April,” although he did
not state where or for what organization, “(and) my wife
is having a baby in May, and then I'll probably fight again in
(or around) September."
Source: MMA Weekly |
Quote
of the Day
“Don't
simply retire from something; have something to retire to.”
Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1878-1969, American Clergyman
|
Fighters'
Club TV New Episode!
Channel 52
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
Make sure to tell your friends and family!
Yes, we're
back! After a bit of a break due to Mark concentrating on his
fight at Elite XC where he was victorious, FCTV comes back with
another great show!
We
take a look at a new event, in a new venue, by a new promoter...Fighters
Journey!
Mark
interviews one of the top fighters in the world at 160 lbs, Cesar
Gracie student, Nick Diaz. This interview was conducted just
before his now epic battle with Hawaii's own Mike Aina in Elite
XC.
Mike
gets a chance to chat with another Cesar Gracie student and one
of the best at 170 lbs, Jake Shields.
We
have a very special guest for our technique of the week segment
that you do not want to miss!
As
always, your warm and inviting hosts, Mark Kurano and Mike Onzuka
tastefully batter back and forth for your entertainment and enjoyment.
|
KURT
ANGLE MAY BE IFL BOUND
Former Olympian and current professional wrestler Kurt Angle
has been a subject of interest for many mixed martial arts promotions
of late including the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but it
looks as if the Pittsburgh native will likely call the International
Fight League home in the near future.
Angle,
who currently wrestles in the Total Nonstop Action promotion,
has toyed with the idea of transitioning to MMA for the past
couple of years. It seems that a deal is in the works that would
fit his schedule in terms of balancing fighting with his professional
wrestling career.
IFL
commissioner Kurt Otto likes the idea of Angle coming into the
league. He confirmed to MMAWeekly that contract negotiations
are under way.
“I’m
psyched. He’s pretty open about it, which is good. We’re
in talks. We’re excited about the opportunity.”
While
Angle has flirted with a number of organizations, Otto feels
confident as to why he may land in the IFL.
“Kurt
Angle really wants to come on board. He wants to learn MMA and
he wants to come to the IFL specifically because of the team
format because he’s used to that.”
"God
willing, the IFL and myself can make a deal," Angle told
Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com recently. "The best fit for
me right now as a pro wrestler who [works] about 120 times a
year is the IFL."
If
Angle does sign with the team oriented league, both sides have
committed to giving him the time needed to be sure he is truly
prepared for his fighting debut.
No
deal has been made official, but it looks like both sides are
ready and willing to iron out a workable contract. If Kurt Angle
is ready to be an MMA fighter, it only seems a matter of time
that it will be with the IFL.
Source: MMA Weekly |
EILERS
LOOKS TO REBOUND AT HDNET FIGHTS
It’s now or never for mixed martial arts heavyweight Justin
Eilers. Once the young, hungry up-and-coming contender for the
Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title, he is now a
veteran fighter, looking to find his way back to the top after
some disappointing performances in major fights.
Step
one in returning to the big time for Eilers is his fight on Oct.
13 in Dallas for the upstart HDNet Fights promotion, run by the
at times controversial, always entertaining billionaire owner
of the National Basketball Association’s Dallas Mavericks,
Mark Cuban.
“This
is a pretty big opportunity,” exclaimed Eilers. “Everybody
knows who Mark Cuban is. I think with him being involved, it
has a huge chance to really blow up and become really big.
“I’m
hoping to go out there and be able to put on some good fights
for them and just do my part in helping them grow.”
In
order for Eilers to receive an opportunity to grow with the promotion,
he has to get past Matt Thompson, a local Texan whose name some
may recognize from when he filled in for the International Fight
League’s Los Angeles Anacondas this past February.
“I
think he’s an unorthodox fighter, a taller guy, so that
poses problems in itself, but as I always say, a fight’s
a fight,” commented Eilers. “The guy can either come
at me and try to take me down or he’s going to come at me
and try to knock my head off, so I just get in good shape and
be ready to go.”
Knowing
anything in-depth about your opponent is often times a luxury
in MMA that few fighters get. Accordingly, Eilers doesn’t
waste time in pre-fight preparations coming up with an extensive
game plan for his opponents.
“I
like to feel people out a little bit, when I don’t know
a lot about them, for the first couple minutes of a fight and
see how he’s going to try to fight me,” he explained.
“Then pretty much form a game plan from then on.”
Having
recently relocated to Nevada to work with fellow former Miletich
Fighting Systems teammate Tony Fryklund at Fight Club Las Vegas
(FCLV), Eilers feels a renewed sense of vigor thanks to his new
surroundings.
“I
was out in Iowa and I was just doing MMA at a boxing gym and
that wasn’t enough,” he said. “I decided that
I need to get out to Vegas because for one, there are better
gyms out here, and two, this is the fight capital of the world.
I want to be in the mix.
“There’s
a wealth of knowledge there (at FCLV) that I can learn from.
Tony’s a great teacher and I know he’s going to surround
himself with people who know a lot of stuff, so I figure it’s
a good spot for me to just learn for a while and get better.”
Should
all go well at this weekend’s HDNet Fights, Eilers will
look to build off his new, stable foundation and get back into
the heavyweight spotlight in the coming year.
“I’m
well into my career now,” he admitted. “I’m 20-something
fights in, have been in some big fights and look at fighting
now as a job. It’s how I make a living. So I’m always
in the gym, training, trying to learn and get better, stay healthy
and fight often and take opportunities when they come.
“I
think the move to Vegas is going to help me out a lot. I’m
going to learn a lot being here and … be able to take those
bigger fights and get wins. That’s the goal.”
Step
one towards achieving that goal for Eilers comes this Saturday
at the American Airlines Center in Dallas at the debut show of
Mark Cuban’s HDNet Fights.
“I’d
definitely like to get a shout-out to Ed and Sinister Clothing,
and a big shout-out to the Fight Club and all the guys I’m
training with out there,” closed out Eilers. “To the
fans, I love you, thanks for supporting me and I’ll try
to knock people out for you.”
Source: MMA Weekly |
GUILLARD
VS. CLEMENTI SET FOR UFC 79
Melvin Guillard is set to return to action in the Ultimate Fighting
Championship against rival Rich Clementi. Sources close to the
fight confirmed to MMAWeekly on Monday that the two will meet
at UFC 79 on Dec. 29 in Las Vegas.
Guillard
has been serving a suspension handed down by the Nevada State
Athletic Commission after he tested positive for Benzoylegonine,
a major metabolite of cocaine, following his loss to Joe Stevenson
in April of this year.
During
an appearance on MMAWeekly Radio in March 2007, prior to his
fight with Stevenson, Guillard commented on his feud with Clementi.
“This
is a guy I came up under, I looked up to him. Rich, he gets on
the Internet, because I became a lot more of a known fighter
back home, even before the UFC, before I was on The Ultimate
Fighter, I was a known fighter, I took his spotlight,” stated
Guillard.
“When
I got on The Ultimate Fighter, I guess he was jealous of that.
He started saying some kind of racial stuff on MySpace and talking
about he knows how to beat me and he built my career, basically
saying he made me who I am.”
The
rivalry hit a fever pitch when, according to Guillard, Clementi
approached him at an event. He again told Clementi they were
going to fight and proceeded to punch him in the face.
While
many stories came about after the fact, Guillard was quick to
point out that he warned Clementi before the altercation ever
came to a head.
The
severity of the altercation is not known, but neither fighter
has any love lost for the other. This grudge match will take
place in the lightweight division at UFC 79.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Quote
of the Day
“A
friend never defends a husband who gets his wife an electric
skillet for her birthday.”
Erma Bombeck, 1927-1996, American Journalist/Author/Humorist
|
AURELIO
RETURNS TO UFC, CAUDILLO READY
Luke Caudillo on Friday confirmed to MMAWeekly that he has accepted
a bout with Marcus Aurelio for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s
Nov. 17 event in Newark, N.J. Though not officially announced,
the bout is expected to round out the fight card at the Prudential
Center.
“We
were looking more at December,” said Caudillo on the timing
of the fight, “but it sounds like they offered this to a
lot of guys and nobody really wanted to take it. So I said, ‘Let’s
do it man. I’m a fighter.’”
Having
fought his way into the UFC by way of the hard-nosed regional
promotions of the Midwest, Caudillo realizes that Aurelio’s
jiu-jitsu prowess and top-level experience makes the fight a
difficult task.
“He’s
an awesome jiu-jitsu guy,” he said of the American Top Team
black belt. “And, I mean, he’s fought Gomi, you know.
He’s one of the best.”
Aurelio
and Caudillo are on equal footing when it comes to the UFC though,
as both men lost their Octagon debuts.
In
fact, Aurelio’s loss to Clay Guida at UFC 74 in August extended
his losing streak to three, dating back to June of 2006.
Caudillo,
meanwhile, had a two-fight winning streak snapped in his unanimous
decision loss to Nate Mohr at UFC Fight Night 10 in Hollywood,
Fla. back in June. But he still takes on a positive outlook from
the experience.
“I’m
kind of glad it’s out of the way. I didn’t think I
was going to get the (first time) jitters, but as soon as the
lights hit and the cameras rolled, I was a little nervous. So
it’s good to have that out of the way.”
Now
Caudillo can just focus on the task at hand, and having lost
in his debut, he knows that this task is more than just Aurelio.
“It’s
a ‘must win’ for me right now because I want to stay
in the UFC.”
Earlier
this week, the UFC made official a headline bout between Rashad
Evans and Michael Bisping, as well as four more bouts to complete
the planned UFC 78 pay-per-view fights.
Evans
vs. Bisping marks the first time that two season-winners from
The Ultimate Fighter will face each other in the Octagon.
UFC
78 is scheduled for Nov. 17 at the Prudential Center in Newark,
N.J.
Officially
announced bouts for UFC 78:
–Rashad Evans vs. Michael Bisping
–Houston Alexander vs. Thiago Silva
–David Terrell vs. Ed Herman
–Karo Parisyan vs. Hector Lombard
–Frankie Edgar vs. Spencer Fisher
Other
UFC 78 bouts, not yet officially announced:
–Thiago Alves vs. Ryo Chonan
–Akihiro Gono vs. Tamdan McCrory
–Joe Lauzon vs. Jason Reinhardt
–Luke Caudillo vs. Marcus Aurelio
Source: MMA Weekly
|
UFC-HBO
DEAL REACHES DEAD END
Negotiations between the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Home
Box Office have ceased according to a report by R. Thomas Umstead
of Multichannel News. The two parties have tried for months to
come to terms on a deal that would allow the UFC to broadcast
live events on the premium television network.
There
have been many snags in the negotiations, with much media attention
surrounding production details. UFC president Dana White, however,
has constantly sounded confident that a deal would eventually
be reached.
Before
the breakdown in negotiations, the promotion event went so far
recently as to search out a location for an event planned to
air on the network sometime in early December.
According
to a statement released by HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg,
“After lots of discussion, it became apparent that the business
model doesn’t make sense for either one of us. So we agreed
to go our separate ways. You never know what the future holds.
We have enormous respect and admiration for the executives we
dealt with at the UFC. We wish them well.”
A
later report by Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports quoted White as saying
that, despite Greenburg's comments to the contrary, "We'll
come to a deal with HBO; I'm 100 percent confident of that."
He still believes that both sides want the deal, apparently even
if Greenburg isn't among those that are supportive of an agreement.
Amidst
the HBO fallout, the UFC is also in talks with SpikeTV about
extending its current deal. The promotion has consistently provided
SpikeTV with high ratings in the coveted 18-34 male demographic.
UFC 75, which aired on Sept. 8 on the network, averaged 4.7 million
viewers and was the most watched program on television that night
among men 18-34 years old.
According
to previous reports in both MultiChannel News and Variety, any
new deal is expected to cost Spike TV over $100 million.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Shogun
has successful surgery
Yesterday,
Chute Boxe Athlete, Mauricio Shogun Rua, made a surgery in his
left knee, in the ACL (anterior crusade ligament). Doctor Mario
Namba, Doctor Chief of the Brazilian Gymnastic Confederation,
that had already took care of Wanderlei Silva and Daine dos Santos
(Gymnastic World Champion) was the responsible for the surgery,
that was made at the Hospital Vita in Curitiba, Parana, Shogun
hometown.
Dr.
Mario Namba commented that the Shugun will come back soon. "The
surgery was a success. I'm following Mauricio for the last few
months and this problem was identified before his last fight,
as a professional he decided to keep his agreement to fight and
I respect that, he's young and very strong, I'm sure that his
recovery will be fast and he will be ready to fight again very
soon", said Namba.
Mauricio
Shogun thanked the fans support and said the his knee is not
an excuse for the defeat against Forrest Griffin. "I know
about my mistakes in the fight against Forrest, I will never
use this surgery as an excuse for my lost, I have all the responsibility
for the bad result, now I just want to look for the future, I
would like to thank all my fans that are supporting me in this
difficult moment and I promise you all that I will be back better
than ever, I know that I lost the first battle but not the ‘war’
for the UFC belt", said Shogun.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
“At
the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.”
Plato, 427-347 B.C., Greek Philosopher
|
Gracie
Proving Ground Results!
Saturday,
October 6, 2007
Blaisdell Arena
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Fights start at 7:00 PM
This card started off as a show of up and coming fighters, but
after a number of changes due to fighters pulling out or getting
hurt, there was a good mix of new blood and wiley veterans in
MMA competing on this card. This MMA event was much different
than your standard MMA events in regards to the stand up ruling,
rounds, and judging criteria.
Relson
Gracie wanted to allow the fighters more time on the ground to
wear down their opponent so that the fighters could use more
ground technique. This is great for the ground fighters, but
many of the fans are used to many stand ups and a lot of action.
The lack of stand ups caused some boos from the audience, but
if there was no action, then the referees were instructed to
stand the fighters up.
The
other item of difference were the judging and rounds. All the
fights with the exception of one match, had 10 minute first rounds,
2 minutes of rest, and a 5 minute second round. At the rules
meeting, the judges were to score the first round as a 10-8 round
so that the fighter that won the first round would lock in a
win of the fight unless the other fighter knocked him out, knocked
him down, or submitted him in round 2. This is where some controversial
decisions were rendered. The big question was that since the
fight was allowed to remain on the ground longer, the dominate
ground fighter could have an edge in the duration of domination
of the entire fight and how that aspect of the fight would be
judged against the power punches and kicks during the stand up
exchanges.
The
biggest controversy was with the Sugar Shane Nelson and Harris
Sarmiento fight. Sarmiento was winning the stand up by tagging
Nelson with numerous kicks and punches. Nelson on the other hand,
took down Sarmiento a number of times and was consistently trying
to pass Sarmiento's guard. Sarmiento was able to stop many take
downs and also scramble back to his feet on a few occasions.
Nelson was able to control the top position, but did not land
too many damaging blows. Nelson ended up winning the decision,
but this decision caused some backlash of boos from the crowd
who thought Sarmiento through his prevention of many take downs
and power shots standing clearly won the fight.
Not
many fights ended in a decision so the fights were not really
impacted too much from the 10 minute first round. The fights
that did go to a decision involved fighters in great shape and
fought hard the entire 15 minutes.
Other than the Nelson/Sarmiento fight, the fight to watch was
Relson's son Rhalan Gracie was to make his second only fight
in MMA and his first fight in Hawaii against rising star Koa
Ramos of the Eastsidaz. This was a great match up where excellent
ground met excellent stand up on paper. As we all know fights
are not won on paper, especially MMA as we have seen as of late
in the UFC with its many upsets. Ramos implemented superb strategy
of striking and moving and constantly tagged Gracie with some
hard shots. To his credit, the young Gracie was taking all of
Ramo's punches and kicks very well and did not look rocked. Ramos
was utilizing different angles and circling making him a hard
target for a take down. Rhalan landed a couple of leg kicks,
but Ramos remained aggressive in his stand up attack. Eventually
Ramos threw a left hook and landed a right upper cut that ended
the night for Rhalan in a knock out. This was a huge victory
for the young Koa Ramos who is a fighter to be watched at 170
lbs.
Main
Event
175 lbs
Rhalan Gracie (Relson Gracie) vs Koa Ramos (Eastsidaz)
Ramos by KO at 2:44 of round 1.
155 lbs
Harris Sarmiento (808 Fight Factory) vs "Sugar" Shane
Nelson (Nova Uniao)
Nelson by unanimous decision.
170 lbs
Byson Kamaka (808 Fight Factory) vs Israell Gomes (Relson Gracie)
Kamaka by TKO due to punches at 13 seconds in round 1.
170 lbs
Jeramiah O'Neal (Relson Gracie) vs Dave "The Tan Superman"
Padilla (Jesus is Lord)
O'Neal by guillotine at 6:15 in round 1.
170
lbs
Chris Henriques (Nova Uniao) vs Kimo Wolfel (Eastsidaz)
Henriques by armbar at 2:16 of round 1.
185 lbs
Fabio Prato (Relson Gracie Brown Belt) vs Billy Hall (HMC)
Hall by split decision (18-19)(20-17)(18-19).
185 lbs
Ron Verdadero (Jesus is Lord) vs Michael Brightmon (Gorilla House)
Brightmon by unanimous decision (19-18)x3
170 lbs
Pono Pananganan (Relson Gracie) vs Ferrid Kheder (Team Quest)
Pananganan by split decision (18-19)(20-17)(20-17)
205 lbs
David Chew (Relson Gracie) vs Kevin Grace (HMC)
Chew by rear naked choke at 5:55 in round 1.
155 lbs
Kana Hyatt (Lava MMA) vs Duke Saragosa (808 Fight Factory)
Hyatt by TKO due to punches at 1:17 in round 1.
Hyatt was actually literally a last minute replacement that came
to the fight to watch the fight, but stepped up to fight when
Saragosa's original opponent became ill.
155 lbs155 lbs (the only fight which was 3 x 3 min rounds)
Van Oscar Penogaroff (Westbrook Boxing/Da Kine Bail Bonds) vs
Gerald "G-Money" Arevalo (808 Fight Factory)
Penogaroff by guillotine at 3:11 of round 1.
Another late replacement due to another fighter pulling out.
Penogaroff had about 2-3 weeks notice.
205
lbs
James Stanford (Team Big Dogs) vs Brian Harper (Team Quest)
Harper guillotine from the mount at 1:56 in round 1.
155 lbs
Daniel Devers (808 Fight Factory) vs Dean Lista (HMC)
Lista by rear naked choke at 2:11 in round 1.
170 lbs
Jodi Mesiona (808 Fight Factory) vs Kaika Sasaoka (Relson Gracie)
Sasaoka by armbar at 3:48 in round 1.
|
PRIDE
WORLDWIDE JAPAN OFFICE OFFICIALLY CLOSED
Pride Fighting Championships started on Oct. 11, 1997, with the
legendary fight of Nobuhiko Takada versus Rickson Gracie. With
their 10th anniversary just around the corner, the venerable
Japanese mixed martial arts promotion has come to an end. On
Oct. 4, the Pride FC World Wide (Pride WW) office closed without
fanfare and all employees were dismissed.
Lorenzo
and Frank Fertitta, primary owners of the Ultimate Fighting Championship,
purchased Pride FC from Dream Stage Entertainment (DSE) in March
with intentions of revitalizing the organization, which then
was in serious financial peril due to losing their television
contract in Japan.
Initial
plans by Lorenzo Fertitta and UFC president Dana White were to
continue operations in Japan and bring top fighters from both
Pride and the UFC together in a sort of “Super Bowl of mixed
martial arts.”
“This
is about putting together the dream fights that me and you as
fans have always wanted to see," said Fertitta at a press
conference in March of last year, announcing the purchase.
Plans
of having a Super Bowl of mixed martial arts came to an end Thursday
night in Japan as the Pride WW office was shut down. Employees
who previously worked for DSE and were rehired by Pride WW after
the Fertittas’ purchase were notified of their dismissal
in a conference call by Pride WW president Jamie Pollack, according
to Japanese MMA website God Bless the Ring.
Reports
by SportsNavi indicated that employees have not been able to
re-enter their former workplace and have been unable to use company-owned
mobile phones, PCs, etc.
The
former head of Public Relations for DSE, Keiichi Sasahara, made
a vehement public statement in SportsNavi about the closure:
"It
makes me very angry that the U.S. management would do this in
a way that betrays the people who have supported us. We believed
in Lorenzo (Fertitta's) message of restarting Pride. We've been
working toward that end and that's how we've answered fans who
have asked what's going to happen. To have that all end all of
a sudden in this way is incredibly frustrating."
White,
who is also a part owner of the UFC, said on numerous occasions
that Pride shows in Japan would not be held until a television
contract was signed, but as the months drew on, no television
contracts materialized.
Addressing
the media in August, White stated, “I’ve pulled everything
out of the trick box that I can and I can’t get a TV deal
over there with Pride. I don’t think they want us there.
“Pride
is a very powerful brand and we want to keep it alive, but I’ll
tell you what, the brand is very tainted, not only over there,
but (also in the U.S.).”
Kamipro
Hand is reporting that Pollack is expected to make a statement
regarding the current state of Pride WW.
Source: MMA Weekly |
CFFC
SHOW FEATURING KIMBO VS TANK CANCELLED
After much speculation, the Cage Fury Fighting Championships
(CFFC) event scheduled for Oct. 12 in Atlantic City, N.J. has
been cancelled according to CFFC president Felix Martinez, who
made the announcement on Friday via the promotion’s website.
The
show was to feature a main event bout between Internet fighting
legend Kimbo Slice and Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran
David “Tank” Abbott in a heavyweight match-up at the
Trump Taj Mahal.
“It
is with deep regret that I have to announce the cancellation
of Cage Fury’s Oct. 12 event,” stated Martinez. “I
did everything in my power to make this show happen for the fighters
and the fans. However, I could not overcome the loss of a major
investor for this show who decided to pull out at the last moment.
With the loss of this investor, I cannot proceed with another
first-class event.
“It
has always been my intention to provide the best combative sport
entertainment that I could. I am very sorry for having to cancel
this event and sincerely apologize to all the fighters, the fans,
and our dedicated staff.”
The
news comes just days after Martinez himself said the show was
still happening despite the loss of a deal with iN DEMAND Networks
to broadcast the show on pay-per-view. CFFC was hopeful of airing
the event on the Internet instead.
The
event was also set to feature the return of Renzo Gracie prodigy
Ricardo Almeida, who retired from the sport after a unanimous
decision victory over Ryo Chonan in May of 2004.
No
word has come from the promotion’s representatives as to
whether or not the show will be rescheduled for a later date.
CFFC
are not the first promoters to have to cancel a major show just
before it was about to take place. Both Global Fighting Championships
and the Gracie Fighting Championship have cancelled events in
the recent past.
Source: MMA Weekly |
UFC
WIRED PREMIERES THIS WEEKEND
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to hit 130 markets
throughout the United States starting this weekend with their
new nationally syndicated show entitled “UFC Wired.”
The
show will be hosted by UFC color commentator Joe Rogan. He will
lead fans through the one-hour broadcast each week featuring
some of the best fights from the vaults of the UFC library.
Starting
on Oct. 6 fans can see many match-ups featuring current and past
stars in the Octagon. It will be a similar program to the current
UFC compilation show featured on Spike TV, "UFC Unleashed."
The
premier episode set to hit television this Saturday will showcase
many current and past champions in the UFC and week to week fans
can expect much of the same from "UFC Wired."
Here
are the listings for the fights on the initial offering of UFC
Wired:
-
Rich Franklin vs. Jason McDonald (UFC 68)
- Anderson Silva vs. Travis Lutter (UFC 67)
- Matt Serra vs. Georges St. Pierre (UFC 69)
- Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Mirko CroCop (UFC 70)
Source: MMA Weekly |
Quote
of the Day
“There
are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing
still.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1882-1945, 32nd President of the United
States
|
Gracie
Proving Ground Tonight!
All the fighters
made weight. Ferrid Kheder was the only one that had a cut a
little weight. They are all ready to go. The rounds are one 10
min round with one 5 min round with a 2 min rest in between.
The fighter that wins the first round will win the fight since
he won a longer round. So please keep this in mind when you come
and watch the event!
Saturday,
October 6, 2007
Blaisdell Arena
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Fights start at 7:00 PM
The long awaited arrival of an MMA event by Relson Gracie makes
it way to his home in Hawaii! The Gracie Proving Ground is a
feeder show for up and coming MMA talent to prove their worth
for a shot at possibly being on the Gracie Fighting Championships
seen on pay-per-view across the country. Relson has constructed
his team of international, mainland, and local Hawaii fighters
to take on fighters from Hawaii and Team Quest.
Headlining
the show is none other than Relson's son, Rhalan Gracie, who
will make his return to the MMA scene after an epic debut fight
against Dustin Hazlett. Rhalan showed huge heart and incredible
technique in his first fight against a much more experienced
Hazlett. Rhalan faces one of Hawaii's rising stars in Koa Ramos
of the Eastsidaz. Ramos brings an exciting stand up game which
he will try to use to counter the ground wizardry of Rhalan.
Don't miss this opportunity to see a Gracie in action!
Sometimes
things happen for a reason and what turned out from bad to great
is a semi-main event featuring BJ Penn's Sugar Shane Nelson against
808 Fight Factory's Harris Sarmiento. There is an argument that
these two could be the two best Hawaii MMA fighters at 155 lbs.
The
rest of the card features Relson Gracie trained MMA fighters
against a mix of Hawaii's up and coming talent.
Even
Jason "Mayhem" Miller will bring two Team Quest fighters
to compete in this event.
Will
Rhalan be the Gracie that brings the Gracie name back to prominence
in MMA?
Tickets
are on sale now! The seats closest to the ring are filling up
fast so don't wait!
The
tentative fight card is as follows:
Main
Event
175 lbs
Rhalan Gracie (Relson Gracie) vs Koa Ramos (Eastsidaz)
155 lbs
Harris Sarmiento (808 Fight Factory) vs "Sugar" Shane
Nelson (Nova Uniao)
170 lbs
Byson Kamaka (808 Fight Factory) vs Israell Gomes (Relson Gracie)
170 lbs
Jeramiah O'Neal (Relson Gracie) vs Dave "The Tan Superman"
Padilla (Jesus is Lord)
170
lbs
Chris Henriques (Nova Uniao) vs Kimo Wolfel (Eastsidaz)
185 lbs
Fabio Prata (Relson Gracie Brown Belt) vs Billy Hall (HMC)
185 lbs
Ron Verdadero (Jesus is Lord) vs Michael Brightmon (Gorilla House)
170 lbs
Pono Pananganan (Relson Gracie) vs Ferrid Kheder (Team Quest)
205 lbs
David Chew (Relson Gracie) vs Kevin Grace (HMC)
155 lbs
Patrick Clark (Koali Fighting Systems) vs Duke Saragosa (808
Fight Factory)
155 lbs
Ramon Howard (Relson Gracie) vs Gerald "G-Money" Arevalo
(808 Fight Factory)
205
lbs
James Stanford (Team Big Dogs) vs Brian Harper (Team Quest)
155 lbs
Daniel Devers (808 Fight Factory) vs Dean Lista (HMC)
170 lbs
Justin Dyer (Relson Gracie) vs Kaika Sasaoka (Relson Gracie)
Fight
card subject to change without notice.
Tickets are on sale
now! Time is running out!
|
Shogun
makes knee surgery today
After
losing his debut on UFC octagon, facing Forrest Griffin, Mauricio
Shogun Rua will face today the surgery room. The Chute Boxe Athlete
will make a right knee surgery. “I’ll do it today.
I hurt in a couple of months training with my brother. My foot
got stuck and when I turn my knee turned too”, said Shogun,
that doesn’t know when he will return. “I don’t
know yet when I’m will be back. I’ll make my recovering
and come back to train making a stand up game at lest” comment.
Asked
about Chute Boxe bad luck in last month, with the defeat of Murilo
Ninja, Andre Dida, Fabio Silva, Helio Dipp and his own defeat,
Shogun said “there is a fell teams in the world that can
put five fighters to fight in the same week. We know ours mistakes
and we’re going to correct then”, finalized Shogun.
Source: Tatame
|
Jacaré
submits at his return
Mundial
pen weight BJJ champion, Ronaldo Jacaré return to the
ring in stylishly, submitting his bout at Amazon Challenge, that
was hold last Saturday, September 29, at Arena Poliesportiva
Amadeu Teixeira, at Manaus, Amazonas. At the Super fight, the
ASLE black belt defeated José “Zezão”
Ribamar (Trator Team), with an arm lock at 3min28sec of the first
round. The brilliant night to ASLE continue with Diego Brandão,
that won the first round and is qualified to the second of the
70kg GP. Diego knocked out Juarez (Fabio Cunha) in only 1min27sec
and then defeated Fabiano Jacarezinho (Associação
Trinadade) at judge’s decision.
COMPLET
RESULTS:
Amazon
Challenge
Arena Poliesportiva Amadeu Teixeira, Manaus (AM), Saturday, September
29, 2007
GP
70kg:
- Jorge Clay (Nova União) submitted Albert Frederico (Omar
Salum) with a choke from the monted position at 1m50s of the
R2;
- Fabinho Sacy (Orley Lobato) knocked out Dan Harisson (Carioca)
at 1m39s of the 1R;
- Diego Brandão (Asle) knocked out Juarez (Fabio Cunha)
at 1m27s of the 1R;
- Fabiano Jacarezinho (Associação Trindade) submitted
Alexandre Capitão with a guillotine at 2m48s of the 1R;
Semifinals:
- Jorge Clay (Nova União) defeated Fabinho Sacy (Orley
Lobato) at unanimous decision;
- Diego Brandão (Asle) defeated Fabiano Jacrezinho at
judge’s decision;
GP
80kg:
- Yuri Fraga (Buldog Team) submitted Cláudio Feitosa "Supa"
(Ulisses Paixão) with a guillotine at 1m11s of the 2R;
- Daniel Trindade (Associação Trindade) defeated
Rosenberg (Carioca) by give up at 1min43s of the 1R;
Semifinal:
- Daniel Trindade (Associação Trindade) knoched
out Yuri Fraga at 58s of the 3R;
Superluta:
- Ronaldo Jacaré (Asle) submitted José Ribamar
Zezão (Trator Team) with an arm-lock at 3min28s of the
1R.
Source: Tatame |
ANDY
SOUWER K-1 MAX CHAMP ONCE AGAIN
TOKYO – Shoot boxer Andy Souwer turned aside three challengers
to win the K-1 World Max '07 Final Wednesday at the historic
Nippon Budokan. It was the 26-year-old Dutch fighter's second
World Max Championship; he also claimed the coveted belt in 2005.
The
first quarterfinal was a keenly anticipated matchup between all-round
kickboxer and media darling Masato of Japan, who won the Max
Belt in 2003; and Thai fighter Buakaw Por Pramuk, whose positively
lethal legs and fast fists made him the two-time and Defending
Max Champion.
Both
fighters got the low kicks going early, and the first round had
plenty of action -- Buakaw scoring with body blows and a high
kick, Masato getting an uppercut in before surprising his opponent
with an innocent-looking right straight punch to score a down.
The
second saw Buakaw good with the hard low kicks, Masato leading
with the left straight and deftly picking his spots on the counters,
connecting with another uppercut. Masato used the ring to effect,
moving to his left, forcing Buakaw to approach with less than
perfect positioning. In the third Buakaw needed a down to get
back into the fight, but was uncharacteristically tentative with
his attacks. Masato meanwhile continued his mastery, focused
and fast with the straight punches, closing for another uppercut
while absorbing his opponent's low kicks. A fine performance
from Masato for the well-earned unanimous decision.
The
second matchup featured power puncher Mike Zambidis of Greece,
a compact bundle of strength and determination; and Ukrainian
Artur Kyshenko, a Muay Thai fighter who also likes the fists.
A
slow first, Kyshenko with occasional high kicks, Zambidis blocking
well and countering with low kicks and body blows -- neither
fighter connecting decisively, a slight edge to Kyshenko evidenced
on two judges' cards. Better action in the second, Zambidis darting
inside with punches but Kyshenko employing his 5cm/2" height
advantage to arrest the Greek with long low kicks.
In
the third, Kyshenko went with the fists, pumping in body blows,
while Zambidis launched a couple of flying knees that came up
short. Spirited action to end the fight, which one judge gave
to Kyshenko and two saw as a draw, triggering a tiebreaker round.
A
more aggressive Kyshenko in the deciding extra round, in with
proficient kicks and combinations; Zambidis meanwhile circling
with a hit-and-run strategy, missing again with his flying knees
but getting body blows through. A difficult one to call, the
decision going to Kyshenko.
Dutch
boxer Albert Kraus' speed, smarts and punches won him the inaugural
World Max Championship in 2002. In the third tournament quarterfinal,
the 27-year-old Max veteran met the two-time and defending Japan
Max Champ, kickboxer Yoshihiro Sato.
Sato
started fast, intent on using his reach and 10cm/4" height
advantage to run Kraus down. But the Dutch fighter was equally
aggressive, moving past the straight punches and knees with body
blows and uppercuts. Sato sent a number of high kicks up throughout
this one, but Kraus' evasions and blocking were sound.
In
second, a Sato knee looked to have Kraus in trouble, but the
Dutch fighter answered with a dandy straight punch and left hook
to regain his momentum. The third was thrilling, both fighters
repeatedly clashing. Sato again used his long legs to fire the
low kicks, and leaped forward with the knees. But a determined
Kraus was smart in all aspects of his game -- his movement and
positioning were perfect, and he tallied big time late in the
round with a punch combination that snapped Sato's head back
and, were it not for the ropes, might have put him down.
One
of the best fights on the night, the unanimous decision going
to Kraus.
Andy
Souwer of Holland set off on the road to glory against Muay Thai
stylist Drago, an Armenian known for both aggression and creativity.
The
pair kept their guards high and close and traded hard low kicks
and straight punches in the opening moments, Souwer sailing a
high kick just over Drago's head. The second saw Drago taking
some chances, leading with the jab and closing with body blows,
Souwer coming back with the knees and kicks. And then, in an
instant, it was over. Drago leaned in with a left straight just
as Souwer was bringing a right hook around. The fighters' arms
brushed past one another, and Drago's missed and Souwer's connected,
knocking the Armenian out cold.
The
first semifinal pitted Masato against Kyshenko in a back-and-forth
battle. Masato started fast with the low kicks and straight punches
to put his opponent on the defensive. Kyshenko rallied promisingly
with some big haymakers and high kicks, but was shut down well
by Masato's stinging low kicks. Even as Masato appeared to be
in control, the limping Kyshenko came back with three hard right
straight punches, and now it was Masato in trouble. Kyshenko
was chasing his opponent when the bell sounded to end the first,
and took the round on two cards.
In
the second Kyshenko resumed the punches, Masato the low kicks.
The distance had closed with both fighters at center ring and
exchanging punches, when Masato rammed in a left hook to drop
Kyshenko, who was unable to beat the count. Masato moved on to
the final.
It
was Kraus and Souwer in the all-Dutch second semi. Souwer had
very little rest time between his quarterfinal and this fight,
but nonetheless brought some strong attacks, setting the distance
with front kicks, pumping the knee up and putting the low and
middle kicks through in the first, picking up the pace in the
second to score with combinations, body blows and high kicks.
Kraus got inside, only to be stymied by a high and close Souwer
guard. A Kraus left hook in the second kept it close, but Souwer
had the better stuff overall, connecting with a nice right in
the fast-paced third and taking the decision on two cards, with
one judge calling a draw. Souwer, with the narrowest of majority
decisions, now had a date with Masato in the final.
The
dream final brought the crowd to their feet, the encouragement
deafening as their favorite son made his way to the ring. Masato
took the initiative from the bell, charging at Souwer with straight
punches and body blows, getting full contact with a hard left
punch. Souwer weathered the attacks, closed up in defense. Souwer's
attacks were less than overwhelming. He missed with a high kick
and saw his low kicks answered fearlessly with more straight
punches.
But
in the second Souwer turned it up a notch or two, throwing low
kicks and flying in with the knees; while Masato pressed forward
again to deliver the one-two straight punches, unleashing the
uppercut that had done him well in his earlier fights. Souwer
persisted with the low kicks and by midway through the round
they were seriously slowing Masato.
The
turning point came late in the round, Souwer smashing in a right
straight punch, catching his off-balance opponent with a number
of hard low kicks. At the clapper Souwer was chasing the retreating
Japanese fighter and when the bell sounded Masato slowly slumped
over the ropes, hurt and exhausted.
The
ringside camera stayed on Masato between rounds and the question
now was whether he could answer the bell for the third. The time
ticked off, the announcer called 'seconds out,' but Masato's
cornermen remained huddled round their seated fighter, who had
pain tattooed on his face. A quiet, mournful shake of the head
and the hint of a smile from Masato and it was over.
Souwer
leapt in the air, then dropped to the canvas and bowed to Masato,
lifting the Japanese fighter to his feet as the crowd rose to
theirs to offer both warriors a standing ovation.
In
his post-fight interview, Masato told reporters that injuries
to his hand and legs from his bout against Buakaw had badly limited
him in his subsequent fights.
Commenting
afterward on his strategy for the final, Souwer said, "My
trainer Andre Mannaart and I knew Masato wanted to rush me with
punches, so we had this plan to use kicks. My ribs and my ankle
were hurt in my fight with Kraus and my right hand was also causing
me pain, but I had to give my all against Masato, who is one
of the best!"
With
the victory, Souwer reclaims the belt he surrendered to Buakaw
last year and also picks up a cool 20 million yen in prize money.
"My
second son was born just last week," said Souwer, "I
will put this money in the bank for him and his brother."
Source: MMA Weekly
|
MMA
FIGHTER ADAM SMITH POSITIVE FOR COCAINE
Adam Smith, who faced Dewey Cooper at the Strikeforce at the
Mansion event in Beverly Hills, Calif. this past Saturday night,
has been fined and suspended for testing positive for cocaine
and marijuana according to Bill Douglas, a representative of
the California State Athletic Commission.
He
has been fined a total $1,500 and his suspension period runs
from the conclusion of the bout on Sept. 29, 2007 through June
25, 2008.
The
loss at the Playboy Mansion was not only the second consecutive
loss for Smith, but also the second straight loss at the hands
of Cooper. The two first met at the Palace Fighting Championship
this past July in Lemoore, Calif.
According
to Douglas, all 23 of the other fighters that competed on the
Strikeforce event tested clean for drugs of abuse. All anabolic
agent/masking agent test results are still pending.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
“It's
never just a game when you're winning.”
George Carlin, American Stand-Up Comedian and Actor
|
Gracie
Proving Ground This Saturday!
Updated Fight Card!
Weigh Ins
are Today 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
at Dave and Busters
Saturday,
October 6, 2007
Blaisdell Arena
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Fights start at 7:00 PM
The long awaited arrival of an MMA event by Relson Gracie makes
it way to his home in Hawaii! The Gracie Proving Ground is a
feeder show for up and coming MMA talent to prove their worth
for a shot at possibly being on the Gracie Fighting Championships
seen on pay-per-view across the country. Relson has constructed
his team of international, mainland, and local Hawaii fighters
to take on fighters from Hawaii and Team Quest.
Headlining
the show is none other than Relson's son, Rhalan Gracie, who
will make his return to the MMA scene after an epic debut fight
against Dustin Hazlett. Rhalan showed huge heart and incredible
technique in his first fight against a much more experienced
Hazlett. Rhalan faces one of Hawaii's rising stars in Koa Ramos
of the Eastsidaz. Ramos brings an exciting stand up game which
he will try to use to counter the ground wizardry of Rhalan.
Don't miss this opportunity to see a Gracie in action!
Sometimes
things happen for a reason and what turned out from bad to great
is a semi-main event featuring BJ Penn's Sugar Shane Nelson against
808 Fight Factory's Harris Sarmiento. There is an argument that
these two could be the two best Hawaii MMA fighters at 155 lbs.
The
rest of the card features Relson Gracie trained MMA fighters
against a mix of Hawaii's up and coming talent.
Even
Jason "Mayhem" Miller will bring two Team Quest fighters
to compete in this event.
Will
Rhalan be the Gracie that brings the Gracie name back to prominence
in MMA?
Tickets
are on sale now! The seats closest to the ring are filling up
fast so don't wait!
The
tentative fight card is as follows:
Main
Event
175 lbs
Rhalan Gracie (Relson Gracie) vs Koa Ramos (Eastsidaz)
155 lbs
Harris Sarmiento (808 Fight Factory) vs "Sugar" Shane
Nelson (Nova Uniao)
170 lbs
Byson Kamaka (808 Fight Factory) vs Israell Gomes (Relson Gracie)
170 lbs
Jeramiah O'Neal (Relson Gracie) vs Dave "The Tan Superman"
Padilla (Jesus is Lord)
170
lbs
Chris Henriques (Nova Uniao) vs Kimo Wolfel (Eastsidaz)
185 lbs
Fabio Prata (Relson Gracie Brown Belt) vs Billy Hall (HMC)
185 lbs
Ron Verdadero (Jesus is Lord) vs Michael Brightmon (Gorilla House)
170 lbs
Pono Pananganan (Relson Gracie) vs Ferrid Kheder (Team Quest)
205 lbs
David Chew (Relson Gracie) vs Kevin Grace (HMC)
155 lbs
Patrick Clark (Koali Fighting Systems) vs Duke Saragosa (808
Fight Factory)
155 lbs
Ramon Howard (Relson Gracie) vs Gerald "G-Money" Arevalo
(808 Fight Factory)
205
lbs
James Stanford (Team Big Dogs) vs Brian Harper (Team Quest)
155 lbs
Daniel Devers (808 Fight Factory) vs Dean Lista (HMC)
170 lbs
Justin Dyer (Relson Gracie) vs Kaika Sasaoka (Relson Gracie)
Fight
card subject to change without notice.
Tickets are on sale
now! Time is running out!
|
ANTHONY
TORRES TESTED POSITIVE AT UFC 75
Despite no sanctioning body overseeing the Ultimate Fighting
Championship’s latest foray into the U.K., one fighter from
that event has allegedly tested positive for the anabolic steroid
Boldenone according to a report from Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports.
The
fighter in question is Anthony Torres, who was TKO’d in the first round by Jess
Liaudin at UFC 75 on Sept. 8 in London.
UFC
vice president Marc Ratner told Iole that because there is no
regulatory body for mixed martial arts in the U.K., the UFC administered
drug tests itself at random both before and after the fights.
Most
fighters that test positive for steroids are punished by the
governing athletic commission – usually a suspension and
fine – but since no commission has jurisdiction in this
instance, no such punishment applies. The UFC does, however,
plan to advise commissions of the positive test.
Ratner
did state that Torres was released from his contract for poor
performance following the loss to Liaudin.
The
other UFC 75 fighters that were tested and passed were: Quinton
Jackson, Dan Henderson, Dennis Siever, Michael Bisping, Terry
Etim, Houston Alexander and Gleison Tibau.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
RASHAD
EVANS VS. MICHAEL BISPING AT UFC 78
The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Wednesday announced via
their website the main event for UFC 78 on Nov. 17 in New Jersey.
Two Ultimate Fighter winners will square off when Rashad Evans
faces Michael Bisping.
MMAWeekly
spoke with Evans immediately after the announcement of the fight.
He was as surprised as anyone when he found out who his opponent
would be.
“Joe
Silva just called me and he was like ‘are you ready to fight
in November?’ and I was like ‘Who Forrest (Griffin)?’
and he was like ‘no, Michael Bisping,’” said Evans
in an exclusive interview with MMAWeekly.
The
bout comes as a surprise not only to Evans, but many others who
believed the main event would be a rematch with Tito Ortiz. Evans
was unsure of the reasons why Ortiz wasn’t his opponent.
“They
didn’t really tell me anything, but I’m thinking they
probably wanted another match-up that made more sense,”
Evans stated, “with Tito taking so long trying to renegotiate
his contract or they’re just trying to find a better fight?
I’m kind of disappointed because I wanted a rematch, but
everything happens for a reason, so I’ll take this fight.”
Michael
Bisping is coming off of one of the most controversial decisions
in UFC history, a split decision over rival Matt Hamill in September.
Evans
doesn’t take Bisping lightly and understands the danger
he presents in the fight.
“I
think he’s a game opponent,” Evans said. “He’ll
definitely be coming to fight. He’s coming off that controversial
win, so he definitely wants to go out there to prove himself.
I’m looking to go out there and fight a very hungry opponent.”
Rashad
Evans will face Michael Bisping at the Prudential Center in New
Jersey on Nov. 17.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
JARDINE
NOT LIKELY TO RETURN UNTIL 2008
When Keith Jardine defeated Chuck Liddell, he not only handed
for the former champion a decisive loss, he also put himself
at the top of the food chain in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s
light heavyweight division.
While
many fights could be on the horizon for Jardine, fans are not
likely to see him again in 2007.
“I’m
thinking January, the early part of the year would be a good
time,” said Jardine about the ideal time for his next fight.
Jardine,
the #7-ranked light heavyweight in the MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings,
also stated that because not many of his teammates at Greg Jackson’s
gym in Albuquerque, N.M. are preparing for fights right now,
he plans to take some time off before heading back into training.
Unless
something changes to alter that timeline, Jardine would be out
of the running as a possible opponent for Wanderlei Silva’s
rumored debut on Dec. 29 at UFC 79 in Las Vegas.
Never
one to back down from a challenge, his main focus is to fight
the top talent in the growing light heavyweight division. Of
course, a title shot would please him as well.
“I’ll
fight whoever, but I want to fight the best guys,” Jardine
said. “I’m not holding my breath, but I’d love
the opportunity to fight Quinton Jackson, but anybody from the
top down.”
Currently,
the UFC is looking towards England once again with a show in
January and a follow-up back in the U.S. on Super Bowl weekend
in early February that could potentially be the biggest show
of the year.
With
the win over Liddell, it is anticipated that Jardine’s next
bout could also be another headliner. Current rumblings have
UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture penciled in for Super
Bowl weekend, so a show in the United Kingdom in January could
be a perfect place for the light heavyweight contender to fight
next.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
NAKAMURA
TO APPEAL, OTHER UFC 76 FIGHTERS CLEAN
Aside from Kazuhiro Nakamura’s previously announced suspension
for testing positive for marijuana, the 17 remaining competitors
from Sept. 22’s Ultimate Fighting Championship event in
Anaheim, Calif. were clean on their drug tests, both for drugs
of abuse and for anabolic agents/masking agents, according to
Bill Douglas, a representative of the California State Athletic
Commission.
Nakamura
lost a unanimous decision to Lyoto Machida at UFC 76. He was
subsequently fined $500 and suspended from the conclusion of
the bout on Sept. 22, 2007 through Dec. 21, 2007.
According
to Zach Arnold of FightOpinion.com, however, Nakamura’s
management team, J-ROCK, is appealing the CSAC ruling and considers
the drug test result a mistake.
The
basis of their argument appears to be concern in regards to an
MRI that was conducted as part of post-fight precautionary measures
ordered by the commission. The testing is standard procedure
following a “hard fight” according to Armando Garcia,
executive director of the CSAC.
Garcia
relayed that Nakamura was kept overnight in the Intensive Care
Unit because of what representatives at the hospital said appeared
to be abnormal results on his MRI and a possible subdural hematoma
(commonly referred to as bleeding on the brain).
The
next day “the neuro surgery team evaluated him and determined
that he did not have one,” said Garcia. “He was subsequently
released.”
According
to Arnold’s recount with J-ROCK, “Nakamura flew back
to Japan … and was examined by a Japanese doctor. The results
of the Japanese tests were different than the American hospital’s
test results (the Japanese testing did not show bleeding in the
brain).
“Therefore,
J-ROCK’s public stance is that there were mistakes with
other medical tests and that there must have been a mistake with
the CSAC drug test. They do not accept the current findings from
the initial CSAC drug test.”
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
“Never
bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world straight in the
eye.”
Helen
Keller, 1880-1968, American Blind/Deaf Author and Lecturer
|
TITO
OR NOT, RASHAD WANTS TO FIGHT
Following his fight with Tito Ortiz in July, which ended in a
draw, Rashad Evans has been waiting for the rematch that fans
have been clamoring to see.
A
lot of controversy ensued following their initial match-up. Ortiz
had clearly won the first round, but in round two, he repeatedly
grabbed the fence. After a takedown attempt by Evans, Ortiz grabbed
the fence once again, causing the referee to take a point away.
Evans took the fight to Ortiz in the third causing the judges
to declare it a unanimous draw.
There
have been many rumors regarding their anticipated rematch happening
on Nov. 18 at the Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the
Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
“I
don't even know,” Evans said of a rematch with Ortiz. “I
heard November, maybe December. I don't even know if he has his
contract deal done yet. It's on him, honestly.”
There
had been some speculation that Evans was injured or that Ortiz
might have a fight with another opponent.
“No,
I don't have any injuries. I heard he was going to have another
fight, too. I don't know what he plans on doing. I'm ready to
fight.”
If
Evans were to have another fight with Ortiz, he believes it would
just be a continuation of their first fight.
“I'll
just pick up right where I left off,” said Evans. “Everybody
was saying that Tito only lost because he had that point taken
away in the second, but I think that if he hadn't grabbed the
cage, it would have been different.”
Evans
was definitely holding his own with Ortiz, but he did feel that
there was some room for improvement that he could utilize in
a rematch, if it happens.
“I
was kind of feeling alright during the second round, when I was
trying to take him down. I felt pretty confident … but the
one thing I didn't do is plant my feet and trade.”
Rashad
doesn't seem to think that Ortiz is really into having this rematch
with him. After all, the rematch was preliminarily scheduled
for October, now it's being pushed to November, and there is
no guarantee that it will happen then either.
“I
just feel like he's taking so long to take this fight for a reason.
He isn't in a hurry to fight me,” said Evans.
If
Evans doesn't fight Ortiz, there are other top contenders that
he could face. One name being thrown around is red-hot UFC newcomer
Houston Alexander. A fight between Alexander and Evans would
make sense due to the fact that Alexander destroyed Evans' training
partner Keith Jardine in May at UFC 71. Evans, however, doesn't
feel it's the right time for that match-up.
“Houston's
a tough dude. But I see no point of swapping places with anybody.
If they said you got to fight this guy, then I would. But I really
don't have anything to gain off of that.”
Regardless
of whether Evans fights Ortiz or another contender, he would
like to get another fight in this year.
“I
definitely want to get another fight in this year. I want to
fight another good opponent.”
Source:
MMA Weekly |
Belfort
making planes to fight at 83kg
Cage
Rage champion, last September 22, when he conquered the light
heavy weight belt (93kg) defeating James Zikic at judge’s
decision, Vitor Belfort gave an exclusive interview to TATAME
website about the fight, his expectations about news invitations
and a possible renew. “I broke my hand at the beginning
of this year training. I treat and after that it made a bone
callus. When I fought against the Ivan Serati, I broke it again
and it didn’t recovered it completely”, said Vitor
that will have a surgery this week. Vitor talk about the possibility
of fight at 83kg category.
Vítor
Belfort
By Marcelo Alonso
“I have a big wish of fighting against Quinton Jackson,
I think it would be a great fight”
Champion
of Cage Rage, on 22th of september, winner of the big belt of
the medium-heavy weight after defeating James Zikic on the judge´s
decision, Vitor Belfort gave a special interview to TATAME talking
about the fight, the expectation in being invited for more events
and a possible renovation. The complete interview you find below.
How
have you broke your hand?
I
broke my hand on the beggining of the year when I was training
with a sparring. I was taking care of the injury, but then it
became ossified. After that I fighted against an italian and
broke on the same place, but this time only one half was consolidated
the other was cracked. Before the combat, I went to Leonardo
Metsavat and he told me that he would make a simple surgery to
rub out the bone and consolidate everything. I had to fight on
this event now, so I decided to fight with this injury, nobody
knew about this, only Rogerão, Distak and my wife. I didn´t
want anybody to comment that I fighted with a broken hand. I
couldn´t use properly my left hand, so I chose a different
strategy to submit the opponent and I used my elbow on his face.
On the second round he gave me a good kick, but I recovered myself
very fast, knocked him down and mounted. It was great. Now I´m
going to do this surgery to stay 100% prepared for the next fight.
What
are your plans for the future? People are asking for you in UFC...
I
want to start everything from the beggining and win the most
big belts that I can. I´ll give the maximum attention to
my career and fight against the best athletes. I have this big
wish of fighting against Quinton Jackson, I think it would be
a great combat. EliteXC that´s buying all the events, made
a proposal for me to go to a lower category to face Robbie Lawler
and fight for the big belt. Me and Spike, we are taking a careful
look at this proposal of lowering my weight, getting this belt
from Robbie Lawler or the big belt of the medium weight in Ultimate
and then winning the superheavy belt. I want to fight in all
events I can, but this I´ll decide after taking a look
at all the proposals I´ve got. I still have a fight in
Cage Rage. I liked this guy, Gary Shaw (president of EliteXC).
We´re studying a proposal of making a great event here
in . I want to be where people recognize my value. I have a history
in Vale Tudo and I still have some objectives in my career. My
coaches Rogerão, Daniel, Distak and Babu will help me
to continue my training sessions in Black House. I´m gonna
train really hard. I´ll also train with Paulão and
we are gonna do a great job together.
So
you have plans of going to UFC and winning Quinton Jackson´s
big belt too?
That´s
right. Then I´ll go to the superheavy category, this is
my aim. Now I´m with Cage Rage´s belt and want more.
Pro Elite that bought Cage Rage is doing an interesting thing,
that is getting all the big belts and making the athletes fight
for a world belt of the category. I received a proposal and I´ll
try to win the big belt of the 83kg category in this event. I
want to take part in the events where people want to watch me
fighting and the ones who will give me the chance of achieving
my aims.
And
the injury on your hand, how are you going to take care of it?
I´m
going to make this surgery this week, then I´ll rest for
two weeks and do physioteraphy. I expect everything to be fine
in one month. I wished everything was solved in another way but
it will have to be like this. Well, the good thing is that I
won a fight with a broken hand, fortunately my strategy was right.
I would like to thank my sponsors, my fans all around the world,
the people that give me all the support, my wife, my son, my
parents, my friends, my coaches, and everybody in Black House,
specially Tiagão (Baggio), that helped me a lot and has
a great future in MMA. That´s it. I´m back and brought
another big belt to .
So
you consider Tiago Baggio as the new talent of MMA…
He´s
a very tough kid and won this last event in Castelo (Gladiator
Combat). It´s the sparring that is doing the most traning
sessions with me and it´s always giving me all the support.
Source:
Tatame |
|
Buscapé
try the return game against Azeredo
The
first edition of the event The Vip One, that will hold at February
13 next year will bring a Chute Boxe vs. BTT bout. Junior Buscapé
(BTT) will try the return game against Luiz Azeredo, that defeated
him at judge’s decision at Pride Bushido 6, at April 2005.
“ That fight I won but they didn’t gave it to me. For
this time, I will go for him to don’t give any doubts “,
said Buscapé.
According
to chuteboxer Luiz Azeredo, the bout against Junior Buscapé
(BTT) is almost closet to happen. “It’s 99% deal. I
think this fightagaiunst him will be very good. I know what he
is going to try to do and I know what to do about that. I will
fight home and I want to give a big show in this fight. For sure
I am going to try to knock him out all the time”, said Azeredo.
About Buscapé words about him, Azeredo was smooth at his
answer. “I don’t have nothing against him. I want to
know why he doesn’t like me. But for me is good that he
enter the ring with this sentimental side, because he is drawing
my victory”, answered the Chute Boxe black belt.
Source:
Tatame |
Quote
of the Day
“I
don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to
achieve it through not dying.”
Woody
Allen, American Film Director/Screenwriter/Stand-Up Comic
|
Gracie
Proving Ground This Saturday!
Updated Fight Card!
Weigh Ins are Friday
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
at Dave and Busters
Saturday,
October 6, 2007
Blaisdell Arena
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Fights start at 7:00 PM
The long awaited arrival of an MMA event by Relson Gracie makes
it way to his home in Hawaii! The Gracie Proving Ground is a
feeder show for up and coming MMA talent to prove their worth
for a shot at possibly being on the Gracie Fighting Championships
seen on pay-per-view across the country. Relson has constructed
his team of international, mainland, and local Hawaii fighters
to take on fighters from Hawaii and Team Quest.
Headlining
the show is none other than Relson's son, Rhalan Gracie, who
will make his return to the MMA scene after an epic debut fight
against Dustin Hazlett. Rhalan showed huge heart and incredible
technique in his first fight against a much more experienced
Hazlett. Rhalan faces one of Hawaii's rising stars in Koa Ramos
of the Eastsidaz. Ramos brings an exciting stand up game which
he will try to use to counter the ground wizardry of Rhalan.
Don't miss this opportunity to see a Gracie in action!
Sometimes
things happen for a reason and what turned out from bad to great
is a semi-main event featuring BJ Penn's Sugar Shane Nelson against
808 Fight Factory's Harris Sarmiento. There is an argument that
these two could be the two best Hawaii MMA fighters at 155 lbs.
The
rest of the card features Relson Gracie trained MMA fighters
against a mix of Hawaii's up and coming talent.
Even
Jason "Mayhem" Miller will bring two Team Quest fighters
to compete in this event.
Will
Rhalan be the Gracie that brings the Gracie name back to prominence
in MMA?
Tickets
are on sale now! The seats closest to the ring are filling up
fast so don't wait!
The
tentative fight card is as follows:
Main
Event
175 lbs
Rhalan Gracie (Relson Gracie) vs Koa Ramos (Eastsidaz)
155 lbs
Harris Sarmiento (808 Fight Factory) vs "Sugar" Shane
Nelson (Nova Uniao)
170 lbs
Byson Kamaka (808 Fight Factory) vs Israell Gomes (Relson Gracie)
170 lbs
Jeramiah O'Neal (Relson Gracie) vs Dave "The Tan Superman"
Padilla (Jesus is Lord)
170
lbs
Chris Henriques (Nova Uniao) vs Kimo Wolfel (Eastsidaz)
185 lbs
Fabio Prata (Relson Gracie Brown Belt) vs Billy Hall (HMC)
185 lbs
Ron Verdadero (Jesus is Lord) vs Michael Brightmon (Gorilla House)
170 lbs
Pono Pananganan (Relson Gracie) vs Ferrid Kheder (Team Quest)
205 lbs
David Chew (Relson Gracie) vs Kevin Grace (HMC)
155 lbs
Patrick Clark (Koali Fighting Systems) vs Duke Saragosa (808
Fight Factory)
155 lbs
Ramon Howard (Relson Gracie) vs Gerald "G-Money" Arevalo
(808 Fight Factory)
205
lbs
James Stanford (Team Big Dogs) vs Brian Harper (Team Quest)
155 lbs
Daniel Devers (808 Fight Factory) vs Dean Lista (HMC)
170 lbs
Justin Dyer (Relson Gracie) vs Kaika Sasaoka (Relson Gracie)
Fight
card subject to change without notice.
Tickets are on sale
now! Time is running out!
|
Justin
Buchholz Signs with the UFC!
PRESS RELEASE
Bulls
Pen Fighter and Icon Sport Champion, Justin Buchholz has just
signed a 4 fight deal wiht the UFC. He is scheduled to fight
in November or December of 2007. No other details have been released
at this point.
Mark
"El Toro" Moreno, X-1 World Champion, will be fighting
UFC, Pride, and Elite XC veteran Nick Diaz on October 20 in San
Francisco. Also fighting on that card will be Hawaii's Mark Oshiro
vs Demacio Page of Jackson Submission Fighting who was featured
on the Tap Out show on Versus.
Source: Bulls Pen |
Hawaii
Fight League
Friday,
October 19, 2007
Dole Cannery Ballroom
Doors Open at 6:00 PM
|
Rumble
Inc.’s Beat Down 5 Results
Sept.28
Hilo Civic Auditorium
Heavyweight
Alika Cabang (Shoot Hawaii) Def. John Estabillio (Team Big Daddy)
KO Round 1
155 lbs.
Maka Watson (Penn Fitness &Training Center/ Nova Uniao Jiu
Jitsu) Def.
Luis Parra (Uprising Fight Team) TKO Round 1
145 lbs
Buddy Betts (Penn Fitness & Training Center/ Nova Uniao Jiu
Jitsu) Def.
Tino Cuban (Uprising Fight Team) Rear Naked Choke Round 2
135 lbs
Kana Hyatt (Lava MMA) Def. Nui Wheeler (Freestyle) Rear Naked
Choke Round 1
145 lbs
Matt Comeau (Team MMAD) Def. Chris Willems (Penn Fitness &
Training Center) Rear Naked Choke Round 1
155 lbs
Shane Pacaro (Penn Fitness & Training Center/ Nova Uniao
Jiu Jitsu)
Def. David Kaahananui (Uprising Fight Team) Rear Naked Choke
Round 1
Heavyweight Pro-X Stand up only fight
Delbert Grace (HIBC) Def. Germaine Estabillio (Team Big Daddy)
Referee Stopage Round 1
160 lbs
Chris Cisnerous (Lava MMA) Def. Makoa Hanaike (Team MMAD)
Heel Hook Round 1
165 lbs
Sergio “Da Monster” Mamone (Penn Fitness &Training
Center/ Nova Uniao Jiu Jitsu) Def. Mike Cuban (Uprising Fight
Team) Rear Naked Choke Round 1
190 lbs
Jay “Excalibur” Carter (Penn Fitness & Training
Center) Def. Jonathan Joao (Uprising Fight Team) KO Round 1
175 lbs
Ross “Da Boss” Ebanez (Penn Fitness & Training
Center/ Nova Uniao Jiu Jitsu) Def. Michael Brightmon (Freestyle)
Unanimous Decision
|
CAMP
REPORT: CHUTE BOXE
When most mixed martial arts fans think of Chute Boxe, the face
they think of is that of Wanderlei Silva or Mauricio “Shogun”
Rua.
But
behind the recognizable faces, there are others that are just
as responsible for the successes of the team as any of the competitors
gracing the world stages today. Second in command at Chute Boxe,
behind Master Rudimar Fedrigo, is former professional fighter
Master Rafael Cordeiro.
MMAWeekly.com’s
Ivan Canello recently spoke with Cordeiro about the state of
the Chute Boxe camp, Shogun’s loss in his recent UFC debut,
Wanderlei’s departure, and more.
MMAWEEKLY:
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, former Pride star, debuted at
UFC 75 and was defeated by Forrest Griffin. What happened that
night?
CORDEIRO:
Shogun is that kind of athlete that [at] any time you know [anything]
can happen. We truly believe that Shogun can and will be the
UFC champion and this loss won’t change a bit what Chute
Boxe thinks about his potential.
He
knows better than anyone the big factors that made him lose that
bout. He had a serious injury in his left knee, but he chose
to fight anyway. It was his decision. Besides that, he got married
and all this made him not train that well, but this is not an
excuse, Forrest was better that night and he deserved the victory.
But
we all know that he will be back stronger after the surgery.
MMAWEEKLY:
Another recent disappointment for Chute Boxe was when Murilo
“Ninja” Rua, Shogun’s brother, lost his belt to
Robbie Lawler at the last EliteXC. What do you think happened
in that fight?
CORDEIRO:
Ninja was surprised by Lawler’s power. Lawler is very tough
and a very strong fighter, but I think Ninja was doing good.
But when you are a fighter who likes to punch and be punched,
you must know that anything can happen.
Again,
we are not here to make excuses, we have to learn from our loss
and try to create a new path to victory and Chute Boxe is this,
we always learn from our losses and victories.
MMAWEEKLY:
According to the Rua brothers’ latest results, what are
you and Master Rudimar Fedrigo planning to change at Chute Boxe?
CORDEIRO:
We are planning to change some things here at Chute Boxe due
to our latest results. Ninja and Shogun used to train their stamina
and power training away from Chute Boxe with another trainer,
but now we are contacting a great name here in Brazil to take
care of their stamina and muscles inside our gym. This last September
was very odd for Chute Boxe, but we will be back with a lot of
victories.
MMAWEEKLY:
In Japan, two more Chute Boxe fighters competed recently. Fabio
Silva fought and lost by TKO in the first round to Melvin Manhoef.
Andre Dida fought in the Hero’s Grand Prix and in his first
fight of the night beat Karo Uno by unanimous decision and in
the finals was defeated by Gesias "JZ" Calvancante
by arm-lock.
CORDEIRO:
Fabio Silva’s fight was interrupted a little bit too early,
but due to Melvin’s name, the fight was interrupted. If
it was the opposite, the referee will let the fight stay on a
little bit more. But Fabio will be back again at Hero’s
and will show what he can really do in the 205-pound division.
Dida
to me was the biggest name of the night. Nobody knew about him
and he went there and showed everybody that he is the man.
He
made an excellent fight against Uno and did a good job with JZ.
Dida has everything to be champion and we are working to make
that happen in the near future.
We
really believe in his potential and about JZ, I think that this
second championship to Gesias speaks to itself. He is a very
tough fighter and he deserved the title again.
MMAWEEKLY:
Another fighter who fought last month was Chute Boxe Jiu Jitsu
coach Cristiano Marcello. He defeated Hector Munoz by rear naked
choke in the first round. Tell us a little bit about that fight.
CORDEIRO:
Cristiano fought a tough fighter at Art of War and was able to
show that the Chute Boxe Jiu Jitsu is very strong. Cristiano
is family to me and he is very professional too, his fight was
postponed three times and he kept training the same way.
MMAWEEKLY:
Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos will fight at Cage Rage
in December. Is everything ready for him?
CORDEIRO:
Cyborg is one of the most exciting fighters ever. Every event
wants to have a fighter like Cyborg. He will fight in October
at Hero’s in Korea. After that, he will fight at Hero’s
in Slovenia and then in December at Cage Rage. That will be a
busy end of the year for him.
MMAWEEKLY:
No one has really talked much about the situation with Wanderlei
Silva and Chute Boxe. Please explain to us what is the real situation
between Chute Boxe and Silva.
CORDEIRO:
Wanderlei was the greatest icon at Chute Boxe. It was 17 years
together. The most painful thing was to see that friend going
to another country and lose that friendship.
It
is impossible to talk about Wanderlei Silva and not talk about
Chute Boxe and it’s impossible to talk about Chute Boxe
and not talk about Wanderlei Silva. It was a very beautiful marriage.
He was projected to be a great champion and we all did it.
We
wish all the best to him and we know that he will transmit everything
he learned here at Chute Boxe, not just as a fighter, but as
a man, too. God bless him and very good luck to him in his new
way and his new camp.
Chute
Boxe is always here. Chute Boxe did not stop with Wanderlei going
out and Chute Boxe won’t stop with Shogun [losing]. We are
very sure that there will always be a new champion coming out
of here at our camp.
In
the end, we hope only the best to Wanderlei Silva.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
MARINES
& SAILORS USE MMA AS PART OF TRAINING
OKINAWA, JAPAN – The Marine hits the ground, stares at the
hot sun, and waits for a moment before sitting up. The instructor
calls out, “Alright, your turn! Execute a hip throw!”
With a devilish smile, the Marine thinks payback.
Groans
and occasional smiles flourished as approximately 20 Marines
and sailors from Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd
Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit,
honed their martial arts skills and warrior ethos during a Marine
Corps, Martial Arts Program course at Camp Hansen here, August
3 to September 22.
The
course trained the leathernecks to qualify for their green belt,
the third belt in the Corps’ five-belt martial arts system.
Staff
Sgt. Ronald Sampson, a Combined Anti-Armor Platoon section leader
with Weapons Co., who led the course, explained that their goal
was to have the company qualify for green belt before the Dec.
31, 2008 deadline set by the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen.
James T. Conway.
However,
Marines and sailors of Weapons Co. view the training as something
more important than meeting a deadline.
"It
builds the fighting spirit," said Cpl. John Cunningham,
a machine gunner with Weapons Co. "It gets everyone in a
combat mindset."
The
seven-week course combines existing and new hand-to-hand and
close combat techniques, with morale and team-building functions
in what the Marine Corps calls the "Warrior Ethos.”
Some of the techniques the war-fighters trained on were unarmed
combat, edged weapons, weapons of opportunity and rifle and bayonet
maneuvers.
As
war-fighters who are accustomed to engaging the enemy with heavy
firepower, the MCMAP training made for an addition to their typical
training, explained Sampson. The students would participate in
the course around their daily schedule.
"It's
a fun way of doing (MCMAP), getting out there and sparring each
other. Everyone wants to get out there and do it. As someone
who has no background in martial arts, this is pretty interesting
and a great learning experience,” said Cunningham, a native
of El Segundo, Calif.
Meanwhile,
Sampson agreed that this training is important because it continues
to build the Marines' morale, motivation and endurance while
they are not in an operational environment.
Although
a significant portion of the course covers martial arts techniques,
the training also focuses on developing the mental, physical
and character simultaneously, Sampson explained.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
JULIE
KEDZIE WINS AT HOOK N SHOOT
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – A near sold-out crowd filed into the
Evansville Coliseum Saturday night for Hook n Shoot. Julie Kedzie
and Jan Finney were featured in the main event along with a middleweight
tournament and featherweight title bout.
Kedzie
was victorious in a bout that was supposed to be for the women’s
title, but Finney was unable to make weight, so that fight was
relegated to non-title status.
John
Troyer blasted his way through three fights to win the middleweight
tournament.
John
Turner took a unanimous decision over Matt Troyer regaining his
Hook n Shoot featherweight belt.
The
event was filmed by Bodog to be shown at a later date on the
ION network.
HOOK
N SHOOT RESULTS:
–John Turner def. Matt Troyer by Unanimous Decision, R3
–John Troyer def. Scott Henze by Submission (Rear Naked
Choke) at 3:11, R1
–Julie Kedzie def. Jan Finney by TKO (Strikes) at 2:44,
R2
–Merritt Warren def. Victor Vitola by Submission (Armbar)
at 3:57, R1
–Scott Henze def. Steve Connelly by Submission (Armbar)
at 1:14, R1
–John Troyer def. Joseph Baize by TKO (Strikes) at 4:12,
R1
–Courtney Ray def. Roy Timmons by Submission (Armbar) at
0:20, R1
–David Overfield def. Kwinn Davis by Submission (Triangle
Choke) at 1:12, R1
–Scott Henze def. Joe Cooper by Submission (Choke) at 3:13,
R1
–John Troyer def. Andy Fink by Submission (Armbar) at 1:04,
R1
–Joseph Baize def. Anthony White by Submission (Heel Hook)
at 0:14, R1
–Steve Connelly def. Jerry Davison by Submission (Rear Naked
Choke) at 0:37, R1
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
“Age
is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese.”
Billie Burke, 1885-1970, American Actress
|
Fighters'
Club TV New Episode!
Channel 52
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
Make sure to tell your friends and family!
Yes, we're
back! After a bit of a break due to Mark concentrating on his
fight at Elite XC where he was victorious, FCTV comes back with
another great show!
We
take a look at a new event, in a new venue, by a new promoter...Fighters
Journey!
Mark
interviews one of the top fighters in the world at 160 lbs, Cesar
Gracie student, Nick Diaz. This interview was conducted just
before his now epic battle with Hawaii's own Mike Aina in Elite
XC.
Mike
gets a chance to chat with another Cesar Gracie student and one
of the best at 170 lbs, Jake Shields.
We
have a very special guest for our technique of the week segment
that you do not want to miss!
As
always, your warm and inviting hosts, Mark Kurano and Mike Onzuka
tastefully batter back and forth for your entertainment and enjoyment.
|
STRIKEFORCE
RESULTS LIVE FROM THE MANSION
STRIKEFORCE
“Strikeforce at the Mansion”
Saturday, Sept. 29
Playboy Mansion
Beverly Hills, Calif.
ANTHONY
FIGUEROA vs. MIGUEL LINARES
RD1:
Linares strkes with a low kick as Figueroa circles looking to
strike. Both fighters trade low kicks with neither landing anything
significant. Both fighters start trading as they clinch up with
Figueroa landing some stinging punches that drop Linares and
he finishes him off with strikes.
Anthony
Figueroa by TKO, 2:09 of the 1st RD.
LUKE
STEWART vs. SAM LIERA
RD1:
Liera tags Stewart from the get go as Stewart tries to get it
to the ground. They clinch and Stewart gets it to the ground
and lands in side control. Liera reverses but Stewart returns
the favor and gets into mount. Stewart begins to unload with
strikes as Liera deperately tries to defend. Stewart is just
pounding on Liera and the refeere needs to stop the fight as
Stewart is just mauling him. The fight is finally stopped as
Liera was just outgunned tonight.
Luke
Stewart by TKO, 3:40 of the 1st RD.
EDDIE
MILLIS vs. DANIEL McWILLIAMS
RD1:
Millis gets a quick takedown but McWilliams gets back up and
keeps Millis in a guillotine choke. They end up on the ground
and McWilliams ends up on top but Millis reverses him. Millis
goes for a leg lock and McWilliams escapes and mounts Millis,
landing a couple of punches before securing a rear naked choke
that forces Millis to tap.
Daniel
McWilliams with a rear naked choke, 2:05 of the 1st RD.
DEWEY
COOPER vs. ADAM SMITH
RD1:
Copper comes out with a low kick and follows it with a combination.
Copper looks very comfortable as he lets loose with kicks as
Smith just looks on. Copper lands a stinging punch and follows
it with low kicks. Copper working comfortably with kicks and
punches as Smith hasn't done much besides be a human punching
bag.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Copper.
RD2:
Copper lands a high kick to start the round but Smith catches
it, taking Coper to the ground. Copper reverses him and ends
up on top. Smith has him caught in a guillotine choke but Copper
escapes to his feet. Smith charges him into the cage and gets
him to the ground. Smith mounts Copper but neither fighter does
much and they are stood up. They tap gloves and Copper lands
a kick as the round ends.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Smith.
RD3:
Both fighters looked fatigued to start the fight, they clinch
against the fence and Smith takes it to the ground. He lands
a pair of strikes before Copper reverses him and gets back to
his feet. Copper lands a pair of stinging punches and Smith takes
it to the ground. They are stood back up due to inactivty. They
clinch along the fence and Copper has a guillotine choke as Smith
takes it to the ground. They end the fight with Smith stuck in
a guillotine.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Copper. MMAWeekly scores the fight
29-28 for Copper.
Dewey
Copper by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27).
DANIEL
PUDER vs. RICHARD DALTON
RD1:
Dalton charges Puder into the cage and they clinch along the
fence. Puder gets a standing guillotine choke that he really
is muscling and trying to finish but Dalton stays calm. Puder
keeps in a guillotine position until Dalton escapes and froces
him against the cage. Both fighters trade knees in the clinch
with neither landing anything solid. Puder again goes for a guillotine
choke but Dalton is defending well. Both fighters are clinched
along the fence and it finally goes to the ground with Puder
going for a kimura. The round ends with Dalton throwing rabbit
punches from the top.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Puder.
RD2:
Dalton again charges Puder and takes it to the ground. Dalton
landing some sporadic ground and pound as they are stood up.
Dalton pushes Puder against the cage but Puder reverses him.
They seperate and Puder lands a punch that drops Dalton. Puder
has him in a turtle position and lands some solid hammer shots.
Puder goes for his back but Dalton escapes to his feet. Dalton
pushes him along the fence but can't take him down as the round
ends.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Puder.
RD3:
Dalton once again pushes Puder against the fence. Puder reverses
him and starts unloading with some knees to the head. Puder mixes
in some foot stomps with knees. Dalton escapes and they start
to trade strikes but Dalton pushes him to the cage again. They
seperate and Dalton lands some solid strikes as they clinch along
the fence. Dalton goes for a takedown and Puder holds him down
to the end the round.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Puder. MMAWeekly scores the fight 30-27
for Puder.
Daniel
Puder by unanimous decision (All Three 30-27).
FALANIKO
VITALE
vs. RON FIELDS
RD1:
Both fighters come out striking as they clinch along the fence.
Vitale takes Fields to the ground and is in half guard. He starts
to unlaod some solid ground and pound on Fields, getting into
side mount. Vitale landing some solid shots as Fields struggles
to defend. Vitale is landing at will and Fields taps out to strikes.
Falaniko
Vitale by submission (Strikes), 3:02 of the 1st RD.
BOBBY
SOUTHWORTH vs. BILL MAHOOD
RD1:
Southworth goes for a takedown as they clinch along the fence.
Southworth gets the fight to the groun, Southworth throws shots
to the body as Mahood signals to the referee that he is injured
and the fight is stopped. Mahood seems to have injured his ribs,
which forced a stop to the fight.
Bobby
Southworth by TKO, 1:15 of the 1st RD.
MATT
LEE vs. JORGE MASVIDAL
RD1:
Lee comes out aggressive on the feet. Lee lands some solid strikes
and that forces Masvidal to take it to the ground. Lee gets back
to his feet but Masvidal unloads a flurry of elbows on the feet
that drop Lee as Masvidal finishes him off with strikes.
Jorge
Masvidal by TKO, 1:33 of the 1st RD.
BILLY
EVANGELISTA vs. CLINT CORONEL
RD1:
Both fighters feel each other out to start the fight, Coronel
lands a couple of solid punches as Evangelista lands low kicks.
Evangelista lands some solid low kicks as they circle each other.
Evangelista has a cut on his face as they start to trade punches.
Evangelista is starting to find his groove as he lands some solid
combinations. They trade with Coronel landing some wild hooks
and Evangelista with straights. Evangelista lands some more solid
punches as Coronel swings and misses. They trade as the round
ends.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Evangelista.
RD2:
Coronel swings and misses as Evangelista lands some solid punches.
Both guys are swinging and landing solid punches. They are really
trading some solid shots as both guys get their strikes in. Both
guys are landing punches with Evangelista mixing in low kicks.
Coronel lands some good shots as Evangelista responds with a
kick to the body. They trade and Coronel gets the best of the
exchange to end the round. A really close round with lots of
action.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Coronel.
RD3:Coronel
lands some solid shots to start the round as Evangelista tries
to take it to the ground but Coronel defends well. Both fighters
are trading with Coronel landing the better strikes. Evangelista
lands a nice elbow and Coronel responds with punches. Both fighters
are trading with both getting their shots in. Evangelista gets
a takedown and lands in half guard. Evangelista working some
ground and pound as Coronel regains guard. Evangelista lands
some solid shots as Coronel gets back to his feet just as the
round ends.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Evangelista. MMAWeekly scores the fight
29-28 for Evangelista.
Billy
Evangelista by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27).
JOSH
THOMSON vs. ADAM LYNN
RD1:
Thomson comes out with a low kick as they clinch along the fence.
Both guys are trading knees in the clinch. Thomson gets a nice
trip takedown but Lynn gets back up to his feet. Thomson lands
some solid knees in the clinch as Lynn tries to get it to the
ground but Thomson defends well. Both guys are in the clinch
ad Thomson gets a knee in the groin. They are restarted and both
guys trade strikes with nothing landing for neither fighter.
They clinch along the fence but they seperate. Thomson lands
a right hand that drops Lynn and he finishes him with strikes
on the ground.
Josh
Thomson by TKO, 4:45 of the 1st RD.
EUGENE
JACKSON vs. JOE RIGGS
RD1:
Both fighters start the fight cautious as they feel each other
out. Riggs lands a nice one-two combo that wakes Jackson up.
Riggs comes in and lands a couple of solid punches as he takes
Jackson down. He mounts him then gets his back and transitions
to an armbar. He stretches it it but somehow Jackson escapes
and gets back to his feet. Riggs gets it back to the ground and
gets Jackson's back. He gets back into mount and starts dropping
bombs that are hurting Jackson. Riggs gets into side mount and
starts dropping bombs that hurt Jackson, forcing the referee
to stop the fight.
Joe
Riggs by TKO, 3:56 of the 1st RD.
GILBERT
MELENDEZ vs. TETSUJI KATO
RD1:
Melendez goes for a takedown right off the bat but Kato defends
well. Melendez lands a couple of solid punches as Kato circles.
Kato lands a nice kick and Melendez lands a nice flurry that
drops Kato. Melendez tries to finish Kato but he survives and
is in Melendez's guard. Melendez is working some ground and pound,
landing some really solid shots. They get back up to the feet
and both guys trade shots. Kato is bloodied up as the round ends.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Melendez.
RD2:
Kato lands a shot and Melendez goes for a takedown but Kato defends
well. Both fighters being a little more cautious on the feet.
Melendez starting to land more shots as Kato face is starting
to swell. Melendez goes for a takedown but Kato reverses and
goes for his own. They stop the fight to put a mouthpiece back
in. Restarted, Melendez looks to be the fresher of two as they
trade shots. Kato's face is starting to become a bloody mess
as Melendez is the busier of the two fighters as the round ends.
MMAWeekly
score the round 10-9 for Melendez.
RD3:
Kato lands a nice low kick and Melendez takes Kato down. Melendez
continues to land some solid shots to Kato's face. Kato gets
back to his feet and Melendez seems to hurt his right hand as
he just tthrowing with his left. Kato clinches with Melendez
and tries to take him down but Melendez defends well. They hit
the ground but they get back to the feet. Kato lands a nice straight
but Melendez rocks him with a flurry as Melendez turns up the
heat. Melendez is landing some solid shots to Kato's face as
Kato's face totally beaten as the fight ends.
MMAWeekly
scores the round 10-9 for Melendez. MMAWeekly scores the fight
30-27 for Melendez.
Gilbert
Melendez by unanimous decision (30-27).
Source: MMA Weekly
|
BELCHER
VS. STARNES ANNOUNCED FOR UFC 77
The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Saturday officially announced
a middleweight bout between Alan Belcher and Kalib Starnes. The
fight is scheduled to take place as part of UFC 77 on Oct. 20
at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Anderson
Silva defends his middleweight championship at UFC 77 in a rematch
with challenger Rich Franklin. Rising heavyweight talent Brandon
Vera is also set to make his return to the Octagon facing former
heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia.
Belcher
has traveled a tumultuous rode in his short UFC career. Thrown
into the mix immediately, losing a unanimous decision to middleweight
contender Yushin Okami, he has managed a 2-2 mark thus far in
UFC competition.
Belcher
most recently stepped up on short notice to compete at light
heavyweight where he sent Sean Salmon reeling, finishing him
with a guillotine choke in just 53 seconds.
Against
Starnes, he returns to his usual weight of 185-pounds.
Starnes
made his way to the UFC via season three of The Ultimate Fighter
reality show. He has amassed a 2-1 record in the Octagon, his
one loss also at the hands of Okami.
He
has since spent time training with the strong stable of fighters
at American Top Team and rebounded from the loss, grinding out
a unanimous decision over fellow Ultimate Fighter alum Chris
Leben in May at UFC 71.
Bouts
officially announced for UFC 77 in Cincinnati, Ohio:
–Anderson Silva vs. Rich Franklin
–Tim Sylvia vs. Brandon Vera
–Josh Burkman vs. Forrest Petz
–Alan Belcher vs. Kalib Starnes
Rumored
bouts for UFC 77, not yet confirmed by the UFC:
–Yushin Okami vs. Jason MacDonald
–Jason Black vs. Matt Grice
–Jorge Gurgel vs. Alvin Robinson
–Eric Schafer vs. Stephan Bonnar
–Demian Maia vs. Ryan Jensen
Source: MMA Weekly
|
IN
WITH THE OLD AT K-1 ELIMINATION IN SEOUL
SEOUL, September 29, 2007 -- The Europeans fared well as always,
big Hong-Man Choi squeaked out a controversial win, and Japan's
new wunderkind scored an upset tonight at the K-1 World Grand
Prix Final Elimination in Seoul.
Fightsport's
most coveted crown, the K-1 WGP Championship is bestowed each
year on a single warrior after a worldwide series of qualifying
tournaments. On this early autumn evening, the top 16 stepped
in for eight fights at the Seoul Olympic Complex, with the eight
winners earning a spot at the WGP Final in December.
The
Final Elimination is one of the GP season's highlights -- nowhere
on the calendar is the talent pool deeper. Each fighter is fresh,
has prepared for a specific opponent, and knows he must unleash
his all in the do-or-die event. A very vocal crowd further pumped
up the intensity for a tournament that was nothing short of terrific.
The
first matchup featured Defending K-1 Heavyweight Champion, bad
boy Badr Hari of Morocco, facing the surprise winner of August's
Battle at the Bellagio tournament in Las Vegas, Doug Viney of
New Zealand.
Viney
took the early initiative, stepping in and scoring with the straight
left, firing the low kicks, hooks and body blows. Hari took his
shots from outside, connecting solidly to rattle Viney's jaw,
but the Kiwi's superior positioning usually kept him one step
ahead. Hari however got the combinations going nicely in the
second to force the fight. The lanky Moroccan then perfectly
picked a chance, countering a Viney low kick with a devastating
right cross to deposit his opponent on the canvas. Viney could
not beat the count, and Hari was on his way to the December Final.
"Everything
that I do is calculated," said Hari afterward. "He
was very well prepared for my jab, after the first round I could
see that. So after that I threw my jab, and set him up for the
other punch."
The
second bout was a clash of size and power versus raw determination,
as the two-time and Defending WGP and Super Heavyweight Champion
Semmy Schilt of Holland took on this year's Europe GP tournament
winner Paul Slowinski of Australia.
Slowinski
joked at the pre-event press conference that he had a "big
job" ahead of him here, and that was no exaggeration. At
212cm/6'11" Schilt is one of the largest fighters in K-1,
and has the technique and speed to boot. One has to go back more
than a year to find a loss on Schilt's record.
Schilt
closed to work the knees to start, but Slowinski showed good
evasions, and challenged the Champ with some solid straight punches.
For a time, that is. Scarcely midway through the first, as Slowinski
was backed against the ropes, he briefly relaxed his guard and
Schilt brought the left knee up hard, catching him on the right
of the jaw and crumpling him to the canvas. Slowinski got to
his feet, barely in time, but the referee didn't like the look
of his bloodied face, and waved his arms to stop the fight, giving
Schilt the KO win.
Schilt
says his goal is to win the GP Final three times in a row. "I
think tonight I've come a little bit closer to that goal,"
he said after the bout.
A
couple of quick and technical fighters went at it in the third
bout, as two-time WGP Champion Remy Bonjasky of Holland met Stefan
"Blitz" Leko of Germany.
Leko
brutalized Bonjasky's gonads when these two met at last year's
Final, kicking him below the belt twice times in their quarterfinal
matchup, prompting a long break and a postponement. Bonjasky
went on record saying he suspected the second blow was intentional.
And so, this had the makings of a "revenge" match.
Leko
had the low kicks and combinations working from the bell, while
an aggressive Bonjasky went with his signature flashy flying
knees and high kicks. At one point, when a Bonjasky kick hit
Leko's midsection, the German fighter played the crowd with some
"I'm alright, what's the big deal?" theatrics.
Maybe
he shouldn't have mocked Bonjasky like that, because now "The
Flying Gentleman" redoubled his efforts, and in a moment
had flown in with a right knee to the jaw. A howling strike,
which downed Leko. A convincing KO romp for Bonjasky, who after
a trying string of personal tragedies looks to be back in absolutely
top fighting form.
"My
mother passed away recently," said Bonjasky, "and winning
this fight was like giving a trophy to her, so I'm really glad."
In
the next bout it was another German, power-punching Chalid "Die
Faust," taking on the Brazilian with the out-of-this-world
kicks, Glaube Feitosa.
Die
Faust came out swinging, but it was Feitosa who had the better
first, controlling the distance with front kicks, countering
with a left knee to score an early down and answering his opponent's
haymakers with a left straight punch to score a second down late
in the round. This one went the distance and the crowd loved
it -- there were gasps of astonishment when Feitosa serpentined
his kyokushin kicks; and roars of approval when the plucky Die
Faust weathered repeated the blows but continued to come back
on the attack.
Both
fighters got through in the second and third with uppercuts,
straight punches and kicks. Die Faust ate a hard knee and stumbled
some in the third, but showed a good chin as Feitosa could not
finish him, and the bout ended with no further downs. Really
a great, fast and spirited contest, Feitosa's hand raised by
the referee but the boisterous standing ovation clearly going
to both fighters.
In
his post-fight interview, Feitosa spoke about his preparations
for the December Final: "I train to get stronger, but that
doesn't necessarily mean that I will -- it takes a lot of work
to improve. Rather than focusing on one thing, I know that I
need work on everything."
Next
up, French K-1 veteran Jerome Le Banner took on late substitute
Young Soo Park of Korea. The scheduled qualification bout between
LeBanner and Ruslan Karaev, was turned into a Superfight when
Karaev could not make it to the event.
Park
started aggressively, firing in three fast low kicks to elicit
cheers of encouragement from the crowd. But LeBanner was not
buying into the Cinderella scenario, and marched forward with
the fists. Now it was the Frenchman putting on the pressure,
and it didn't take long before Park looked out of his league.
A LeBanner right hook proved the decisive blow, sending the Korean
down hard, where he stayed, sorely unable to beat the count.
Remarking
this year's Final falls on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, LeBanner
joked with reporters afterward, "I want the fight in December
to be a big Pearl Harbor. Banzai!"
The
sixth fight featured Japanese kickboxing sensation Junichi Sawayashiki,
who stunned the K-1 world by defeating LeBanner this March, and
turned 23 only last week. Sawayashiki's opponent was compatriot
Yasuke Fujimoto, the Asian GP '07 Champion.
Fujimoto
started with low kicks, and put a couple of straight punches
through to bloody Sawayashiki's nose, prompting a couple of doctor
checks. Sawayashiki looked skittish, not committing to attacks
even as he absorbed more blows from Fujimoto.
In
the second Sawayashiki swung wildly but was rarely on target,
until he got a knee and punch combination through to drop Fujimoto.
Now it was Fujimoto, bleeding from above his right eye, who got
the doctor check. Full-on fisticuffs followed resumption, and
at the clapper Sawayashiki brought up a right high kick to score
a second down.
Fujimoto
was terribly wobbly in the third, his legs buckling at even the
suggestion of a strike. After calling a number of slips, finally
the referee ruled a down, then a second, then a third, and Sawayashiki
had the win.
Testimony
to the youngster's spirit, he fought on to victory despite having
had his nose broken in the first round.
Three-time
WGP Champ Peter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts has, incredibly,
appeared in every WGP Final since K-1's inception in 1993. To
stretch his streak to 15, he'd have to get past another seasoned
veteran, Kiwi slugger Ray Sefo.
It
was all Aerts in the first. Although Sefo managed a nice right
straight punch that cocked Aerts' head back, he looked less than
100% here. The Lumberjack got the fists and textbook combinations
in at will, and repeatedly chopped Sefo down with low kicks,
these finally scoring a down late in the round. At the bell Sefo
uncharacteristically walked away from his opponent. If there
was any doubt Sefo was in distress it was confirmed when he did
not answer the bell.
The
ringside camera zoomed in on the doubled-over Sefo, revealing
tears streaming down his face. When Aerts wrapped his arms around
his long-time friend, the crowd knew this was no time for jeers,
and offered the pair a warm round of applause.
"It
was not a problem," said Aerts afterward. "Ray said
he was a little bit sick, but the fight was not too much of a
problem. I wanted to hurt his legs and that worked out."
The
Main Event saw local hero, the gargantuan Hong-Man Choi, in a
revenge match against the only fellow to beat him this year,
hard-hitting Samoan-American Mighty Mo.
With
the crowd chanting his name, Choi looked down on his rotund opponent
for a long while before making a move. Mo tried a kick to no
avail, and came in with haymakers that made only partial contact.
Finally Choi got the knee in, then a front kick, then swatted
at Mo with a left. But Mo stood his ground, despite more swatting
and hammer punches from Choi.
In
the second Mo barreled in with the fists and this seemed to unnerve
Choi, who answered with feeble jabs. A Choi low blow toward Mo's
groin brought controversy -- the referee did not call a time
out, but instead issued a standing count. The two then briefly
mixed it up, Mo putting Choi in the corner and connecting with
a couple of overhands, while absorbing a knee.
The
third saw Choi, his left glove glued to the side of his head
in perpetual guard, smacking down the occasional hammer punch,
stretching in front kicks and scoring with a good hard middle
kick midway through; Mo at darting in from distance to throw
the overhands, tagging the Korean with a right and a left.
The
judges gave it to Choi, but the decision hardly received the
reaction one would associate with a convincing win.
"I
feel I was robbed. I should have won," said a disappointed
Mo after the fight. "He must have picked up a new technique
-- the kick below the belt! I really think that there should
be a third fight. There was a lot of favoritism here, next time
I want to fight somewhere else."
Informed
of Mo's protestation, Choi said, "I don't have any problems
with the decision -- I wanted to beat him by KO but beating him
by decision is good. I was very nervous yesterday, I kept remembering
Mighty Mo from that time, so I only slept for three hours and
I was tired. If he wants a rematch, anytime!"
Tonight's
eight winners will participate in a draw here in Seoul tomorrow,
September 30, to determine the matchups for the December WGP
Final.
In
other action on the card, the Opening Fight saw 217cm/7'3"
Young Hyun Kim of South Korea use the big knees and low kicks
to beat Ryushi Yanagisawa of Japan. In undercard action Kyoutaro
Ranger of Japan won over South Korean Kyoung Suk Kim under the
three-downs-in-a-round rule; while in an all-Korea match, Min
Soo Kim beat Randy Kim by decision.
The
K-1 World Grand Prix '07 Final Elimination attracted a crowd
of 16,652 to the Olympic Complex in Seoul. It was broadcast live
in Japan on the Fuji TV network and in South Korea on CJ Media.
The event will be delay-broadcast in 135 countries, contact local
providers for scheduling information. Check the K-1 official
website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for official results and coverage
of this an all K-1 action.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
“The
way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire
to appear.”
Socrates, 470-399 B.C., Greek Philosopher
|
Sobral’s
Purse Deduction Upheld
By Steven Marrocco
Monday,
September 24-Las Vegas: In a conference call this morning, the
Nevada State Athletic Commission voted unanimously to finalize
the deduction to Renato “Babalu” Sobral’s fight
purse following his actions at UFC 74 one month ago.
Sobral’s
win purse of $25,000 was initially held after NSAC executive
director Keith Kizer spoke to Sobral following his win over David
Heath. At issue was Sobral’s refusal to release a fight-winning
Anaconda Choke after it was clear Heath had tapped, in addition
to his post-fight comments about “teaching [Heath] a lesson.”
NSAC
representatives had since viewed the video and post-fight interview,
weighing it against Sobral’s written apology released to
the media after the controversy erupted. Sobral and his representative,
Richard Wilbur, were present on the call.
A
NSAC representative opened the proceedings by questioning Sobral.
“Looking
at your statement, you say that ‘in short, my post fight
comments were not intended to be comments about the choke, rather
they were comments about the aggressive performance I put in,’
and I’m concerned about that statement, because if in fact,
your comments post-fight were about the aggressive performance,
than why would they otherwise be inappropriate?” he asked
Sobral.
“Because
I should have been more gracious in victory,” Sobral responded.
“I
don’t have a problem with people talking about their aggressive
performance. We expect you to be very competitive when you’re
fighting. What concerns me is that there’s a recognition…that
in fact your comments, yes, were inappropriate but weren’t
geared towards the aggressive performance, they were geared towards
how you conducted yourself in an inappropriate manner by refusing
to let go when you should have.”
Mr.
Wilbur then came to Sobral’s defense, speaking of Sobral’s
respect for his opponents and his friendship with them. Wilbur
noted that Sobral had been a guest of Chuck Liddell at UFC 76.
The
NSAC representatives then asked Sobral what he was thinking when
he made the comments about punishing Heath.
“Joe
Rogan [asked] me a couple of questions after the fight,”
Sobral responded. “I didn’t understand very well, all
I understand, in every fight, I didn’t understand what he
was talking about after the fight. Because after the fight, you’re
tired. I didn’t say at any time that I held the choke. I
didn’t say that I did what I did to teach some respect.
It’s about my words, not about Joe Rogan’s correction.”
NSAC
executive director Keith Kizer took issue with this, citing Sobral’s
agreement with Rogan about holding the choke longer to teach
him a lesson, but acknowledged that the language barrier and
his state of mind could have been a factor.
After
evaluating the acrimony between Sobral and Heath leading up to
the fight, the representatives emphasized the danger Sobral caused
by holding the choke too long.
The
committee ended the proceedings by recognizing that Sobral had
been released from his UFC contract, and further punishment would
not be necessary.
“We
cannot allow this time of conduct to occur in any fight or match,”
one representative stated.
Sobral’s
total purse would have been $50,000 for the fight.
In
other news, middleweight Jason Guida, brother of UFC lightweight
Clay Guida, was approved for a second’s license in Nevada.
Guida had been suspended last year after a Florida commission
drug test proved he had lied to the NSAC about his marijuana
use. Kizer warned Guida that should he test positive again –as
random drug tests could be administered to him as a second—he
should “not waste his time” by applying for a license
again.
Source: FCF
|
Jorge
“Navalhada“ trains with Jacaré and plain his
back
In
2002, with only 22 years old, Jorge “Navalhada” Magalhães
already had an amazing recor of 31 fights with only one loss.
Consider at that time, one of the toughest MMA 83kg fighters
at , the ex-BTT fighter had everything to be recognized all around
the world nowdays. But he felt at the temptation of the easy
money, as much Brazilians young mans. After been arrested by
the federal police with ecstasy pills, Navalhada pass five years
jailed at Rio de Janeiro , before been transferred to Manaus
where, thanks to his good behavior at the prison, he is on Probation.
At Rio I stayed with 80 mans in a cell. Today, I just come back
to prison to sleep”, said Navalhada, that come back to do
what he really likes, to train. His guardian now is Henrique
Machado (ASLE), that is making Navalhada apart from train, been
Ronaldo Jacaré number one sparring, make him study. “I
made something wrong and I am paying for that. I am studying
to begin the college next year. If the judge authorize me, I
will be back at the rings soon”, said the fighter.
Source: Tatame
|
Mezger
Talks HDNet Fights
by Steven Marrocco
FCF
recently caught up with UFC, Pride, and Pancrase veteran Guy
Mezger to talk about his new venture with HDNet Fights. The brainchild
of Mark Cuban, HDNet Fights will have its first show on October
13th at the American Airlines in Dallas, Texas.
Cuban--
who owns the HDTV network and the Dallas Mavericks-- is the latest
billionaire to enter the MMA market with an eye on competing
with the UFC. Mezger hooked up with the entrepreneur two months
ago when the promotion was still in its planning stages. Initially,
he was brought on as a consultant, but that all changed when
the two met face to face.
“I
was invited out to Las Vegas to meet with Mark, and we sat down
and started discussing some things, and I took on a much larger
role,” Mezger tells FCF. “Mark’s a very enthusiastic
guy. His enthusiasm is contagious. His thought process is very
much in alignment with what I want to do in this sport. I like
getting involved in the ground level so things get started in
the right way.”
Mezger’s
role now encompassed all fighter relations and matchmaking duties.
It was perfect timing, given Mezger’s fallout with the Dallas-based
Art of War promotion.
“When
my contract came up with the Art of War guys, I helped them get
their second show going on good faith we were going to come to
terms on a contract,” Mezger says. “And after working
a month without getting paid, the contract came up and they said,
‘well, we don’t really want to pay you, but we want
to give you stock in our company.’ Which is funny, because
it was worth about five cents. Not only was it worth five cents,
it was restricted stock. It’s beyond ridiculous.”
After
losing World Extreme Cagefighting to Zuffa and the Versus Channel,
HDTV has suffered an absence of MMA content. Cuban moved quickly
to fill that gap after WEC founders Scott Adams and Reed Harris
sold the company in December of 2006. The network was unprepared
for the departure.
“They
felt a little stunned,” Mezger says. “From my understanding,
WEC didn’t let them know they were interested in selling
it. Mark and those guys probably would have bought it.”
When
speaking of his new role in a new company, he echoes the optimism
of many promoters as they start out on a new venture. But Mezger
is no newcomer. Since retiring from the fight game, Mezger has
been involved behind the scenes in one capacity or another. A
true believer in the martial arts spirit, Mezger takes great
pleasure in giving athletes the head start he never had.
“I
know how hard it is to get going,” he says. “Before
the UFC, way back in 94, I had 60 some pro fights and nobody
knew who I was. The most money I ever got paid at that point
was 2000 dollars back in the bare knuckle karate tournament days.
Exposure is a big deal for these guys. It’s a chance to
launch a career.”
Starting
this month, HDNet premiered “Inside MMA”, the network’s
answer to Inside the UFC and IFL Battleground. Like those shows,
it combines in-depth features and studio interviews with people
in the MMA biz. HDNet’s fight show will get started shortly
after the October 13th event, taking a format similar to the
network’s previous WEC offerings.
The
million dollar question for any new promoter these days is their
branding strategy for competing with the 100 pound gorilla that
is Zuffa, LLC. Mezger banks on Cuban’s ability to give these
new athletes exposure through his media outlet. But more importantly,
he wants to avoid taking the scraps of the UFC. He’s not
there yet -there are 4 UFC vets on the October 13 card- but he
makes it clear that new blood is his focus.
“We
intentionally did that,” Mezger says of the first card.
“We don’t really want to have ex-UFC fighters, because
that’s what everybody else does. We want to have guys that
are really great fighters that haven’t had that opportunity.
With Mark’s ability to get promotion out there, people are
going to see these guys and say ‘where have these guys been.’”
In
the end, HDNet Fight’s success will be measured by how watch-able
these new fighters are. But one thing you won’t see any
time soon is a reality show.
“I
don’t think Mark has any desire to do a reality show at
this point,” Mezger says. “I’m glad, because that
show [The Ultimate Fighter] hurts my brain."
Source: FCF
|
Gracie
Proving Ground This Saturday!
Onzuka.com
Exclusive
Keone Bryant had
to pull out of the main event against Rhalan Gracie due to a
broken knuckle. None other than the Eastsidaz rising star, Koa
Ramos, has stepped up to take on Rhalan Gracie in the Main Event!
Koa brings a dangerous striking game against Rhalan's unstoppable
ground technique. You do not want to miss this epic match up
of the next generation of MMA stars.
Stay tuned
to Onzuka.com to find out any updates to this exciting card!
If you have not got your tickets get them now.
Saturday,
October 6, 2007
Blaisdell Arena
The long awaited arrival of an MMA event by Relson Gracie makes
it way to his home in Hawaii! The Gracie Proving Ground is a
feeder show for up and coming MMA talent to prove their worth
for a shot at possibly being on the Gracie Fighting Championships
seen on pay-per-view across the country. Relson has constructed
his team of international, mainland, and local Hawaii fighters
to take on fighters from Hawaii and Team Quest.
Headlining
the show is none other than Relson's son, Rhalan Gracie, who
will make his return to the MMA scene after an epic debut fight
against Dustin Hazlett. Rhalan showed huge heart and incredible
technique in his first fight against a much more experienced
Hazlett. Rhalan faces one of Hawaii's rising stars in Keone Bryant
of Jus Rush. Bryant has been on a tear as of late finishing another
MMA stud who is also on this card Koa Ramos of the Eastsidaz.
Don't miss this opportunity to see a Gracie in action!
Also
on this card, Hawaii's own knock out artist Kaleo Kwan from the
Eastsidaz and O2 Martial Arts Academy will face hard hitting
Duke Saragosa of the 808 Fight Factory.
Three Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts have been brought in by
Relson to face Hawaii's own Kimo Wolfel from the Eastsidaz, "Sugar"
Shane Nelson of Nova Uniao, and Brandon Wolff from Team MMAD.
The rest of the card features Relson Gracie trained MMA fighters
against a mix of Hawaii's up and coming talent.
Even
Jason "Mayhem" Miller will bring two Team Quest fighters
to compete in this event.
Will
Rhalan be the Gracie that brings the Gracie name back to prominence
in MMA?
Tickets
are on sale now! The seats closest to the ring are filling up
fast so don't wait!
The
tentative fight card is as follows:
Main
Event
175 lbs
Rhalan Gracie (Relson Gracie) vs Koa Ramos (Eastsidaz)
155
lbs
Kaleo Kwan (Eastsidaz & O2 Martial Arts Academy) vs Duke
Saragosa (808 Fight Factory)
155
lbs
Fabricio Morango (Relson Gracie Black Belt) vs "Sugar"
Shane Nelson (Nova Uniao)
170
lbs
Jorge Drito (Relson Gracie Black Belt) vs Brandon Wolff (Team
MMAD)
170
lbs
Daniel Nova (Relson Gracie Black Belt) vs Kimo Wolfel (Eastsidaz)
185
lbs
Fabio Prata (Relson Gracie Brown Belt) vs Billy Hall (HMC)
170
lbs
Jeramiah O'Neal (Relson Gracie) vs Dave "The Tan Superman"
Padilla (Jesus is Lord)
170
lbs
Kamal (Relson Gracie) vs Kolo Koka (Team MMAD)
155
lbs
Randy Vera (Relson Gracie) vs Dean Lista (HMC)
170
lbs
Pono Pananganan (Relson Gracie) vs Ferrid Kheder (Team Quest)
170
lbs
Ryan Larson (Relson Gracie) vs TBA
205
lbs
David Chew (Relson Gracie) vs Kevin Grace (HMC)
185
lbs
Jason Carr (Relson Gracie) vs Ron Verdadero (Jesus is Lord)
185
lbs
Justin Dyer (Relson Gracie) vs Jodi Messiona (808 Fight Factory)
135
lbs
Ramon Howard (Relson Gracie) vs Ivan Jennings (808 Fight Factory)
205
lbs
Maui Wolfgram (Team MMAD) vs Brian Harper (Team Quest)
Fight
card subject to change without notice.
Tickets are on sale now!
|
Full
Force is Back on October 20th!
Maui War Memorial
Gym
Listen to Kawika Veeka on 98.3 FM for the latest info on this
fight card loaded with local Maui fighters!
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