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(All events on Oahu, unless noted)

2008

11/8/08
Aloha State Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ/Sub Grapping)
(Gym #1, UH Manoa)

August 2008
The Quest for Champions Martial Arts Tournament
(Sport-Pankration, Submission Grappling and Continuous Sparring)


8/9/08
K-1 Hawaii Grand Prix
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Stan Sheriff Center, UH at Manoa)

7/26/08
Maui Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Tournament
(BJJ)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)

7/19/08
Affliction - Fedor vs. Sylvia

7/11/08
Hawaii Fighting Championships 10
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballrooms)

7/5/08
UFC 86 - Jackson vs. Griffin
(PPV)

6/27-29/08
OTM Pacific Submission Grappling Tournament
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Blaisdell Exhibition Hall)

MMA Expo
(Blaisdell Convention Center)

6/21/08
Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale

6/20/08
Paragon
(MMA Hybred)
(O Lounge)

6/15/08
Grapplefest
(Submission Grappling)

Anderson Silva Seminar
Studio 4, UH at Manoa
1-4PM
$100

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua Seminar
Tropic Lightning TKD
Waipahu
5-7PM
$60

6/14/08
EliteXC
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, HI)

6/7/08
UFC 85 - Bedlam
(PPV)

6/6/08
Punishment in Paradise
Pound 4 Pound
(Kickboxing)
(Ahuna Ranch, Maili)

6/5-8/08
World Jiu-Jitsu Championsihps
(BJJ)
(California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California)

6/1/08
Hawaiian Open of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ/Sub Grapping)
(Gym #1, UH Manoa)

WEC 33
(Faber vs. Pulver)

(PPV)

5/31/08
CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights
(9-11 p.m. ET/PT)
(CBS)


5/25/08
Man Up Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)

5/24/08
UFC 84 - Ill Will
BJ Penn vs. Sean Sherk
(PPV)

5/16/08
X-1: Legends
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, HI)

5/9/08
Man Up Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)

Hawaii Fighting Championships 9
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballrooms)

5/3/08
Hawaii Fight League
Season 1, Event 3
(MMA)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)

Full Force 4
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)

Heart-of-a-Cage-Fighter

(
Kauai Veterans Center, Lihue, Kauai)

4/25/08
Punishment in Paradise
(Kickboxing)
(Farrington High School)


4/18/08
Local Pride
Friday, April 18, 2008
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)


4/12/08
Man Up &Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)

4/6/08
GrappleFest: Submission Sundays
(Submission Grappling)
(Hawaii Room, Neal Blaisdell Center)

3/29/08
Garden Island Cage Match 7
(MMA)
(Hanapepe Stadium, Hanapepe, Kauai)

Hawaii Fighting Championships 8
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial)

3/28-30/08
Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship
(BJJ)
(Californina State University, Dominguez Hills, CA)
Registration ends 3/22/08

3/16/08
Sera's Kajukenbo Open Tournament
(Continuous Sparring, MMA, Submission Grappling)
(Maui High School Gym, Kahului, Maui)

Icon Fitness Gym Tournament
(Submission Wrestling)
(Icon Fitness Gym)


3/15/08
Icon Sport
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)

3/9/08
2008 Pacific Invitational BJJ Tournament
(BJJ )
(Hibiscus Room, Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu)

3/7/08
Got Skillz Fighter
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)

3/1/08
USA-Boxing Hawaii, Palolo B.C. & Kawano B.C. Presents Amateur Boxing
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park)

2/29/08
X-1 at the O-Lounge
Fight Club Meets Nightclub 4
(MMA)
(O-Lounge, Honolulu)

2/24/08
Icon Grappling Tournament
(Sub Grappling)
(Icon Gym)

2/17/08
Hawaiian Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ/Sub Grapping)
(Gym #1, UH Manoa)

2/15/07
Midwest Invasion: Team Indiana vs. Team Hawaii
(MMA)
(Coyotes Night Club, 935 Dillingham Blvd, Kalihi)

2/8/08
Hawaii Fighting Championships 7
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)


2/2/08
Man up and Stand up
(Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)

1/26/08
X1 World Events: Champions
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)

1/20/08
Big Island Open Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
(Konawaena High School)
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(POSTPONED)

1/19/08
UFC 80: Rapid Fire
(
BJ Penn vs. Joe Stevenson)
Newcastle, England

1/12/08
Hawaii Fight League
Season 1, Event 2
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)

 News & Rumors
Archives
Click Here

June 2008 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 with Ian Beltran and Kickboxing Tuesday and Thursday with Kaleo Kwan!

Click here for info!

Take classes from the Onzuka brothers in a family-like environment!

In Memory of Lars Chase
Rest in peace my brother
March 10, 1979 - April 2, 2008

Looking for a hotel room on Oahu?
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Check out the FCTV website!
Fighters' Club TV
The Toughest Show On Teleivision

Tuesdays at 7:00PM
***NEW TIME***

Olelo Channel 52 on Oahu
Also on Akaku on Maui

Fighters' Club TV Radio
The Toughest Show On Radio

Mondays at 9:00-10:00AM
AM1500 The Team
(808) 296-1500
- Call in with questions and comments
with hosts Mark Kurano & Icon Sport's Patrick Freitas

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!

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O2 Martial Arts Academy Day Classes Start May 2!
Women & Kids Kickboxing Class starts May 4!

Click here for pricing and more information!

O2MAA Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Day Classes will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and will be taught by one of Relson Gracie's first black belts, Sam Mahi!

We will be starting a Womens and Kids kickboxing class on Sunday afternoons from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The class will be taught by none other than O2's Kaleo Kwan! It will be a non-competitive, fun atmosphere and allow the ladies and kids to get in a quick workout and learn some legitimate kickboxing technique before the long work week starts.


Want to Contact Us? Shoot us an email by Clicking Here!

6/10/08

Quote of the Day

“Zeal is a volcano, the peak of which the grass of indecisiveness does not grow.”

Kahlil Gibran, 1883-1931, Lebanese Poet and Novelist

Fighters' Club TV Tonight!
Channel 52, Tuesdays at 7:00 PM

FCTV episode 58 will run in our normal timeslot of 7pm on Oceanic Channel 52 Olelo Oahu Tuesday nights.

Episode 59 features:

Highlights from the Grapple Fest

Comments, Questions, and Suggestions to: fctv@onzuka.com

CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES
KJ NOONS AND YVES EDWARDS,

NICK DIAZ AND MUHSIN CORBBREY,
ELITEXC HEAD OF FIGHT OPERATIONS,
JEREMY LAPPEN,
DIAZ’ COACH, CESAR GRACIE
Monday, June 9, 2008

In an eagerly-awaited, pick ‘em matchup, EliteXC lightweight champion and former Big Island resident, KJ Noons (6-2) of San Diego, Calif., will defend against rejuvenated Yves Edwards (33-13-1) of Coconut, Creek, Fla., in the main event this Saturday on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

In the co-feature, world-class Cesar Gracie jiu-jitsu black belt Nick Diaz (16-7) of Stockton, Calif., faces dangerous, up-and-coming ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series alum Muhsin Corbbrey (7-2) of Hilton Head, S.C.

The Diaz-Corbbrey winner could be facing the Noons-Edwards survivor in the near future.

Tickets for June 14 start at $25 and are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com, at the Blaisdell Arena and at all Times supermarkets. Doors open at 2:30. The first live fight is at 3 p.m. The SHOWTIME portion of the card begins at 4 p.m. Hawaiian time.

Also on the live SHOWTIME telecast, former EliteXC 185-pound champ Murilo “Ninja” Rua (15-8-1) of Brazil will meet Australian Tony Bonello (16-0-1, 1 NC) in a compelling matchup at 185; Brazil’s highly regarded Rafael Feijao (5-1) meets Wayne Cole (11-6) of Oklahoma City, Okla., at 205 pounds and heavyweight prospect Dave “Pee Wee” Herman (10-0) of Indiana takes on Ron Waterman (15-5-2) of Greeley, Colo.

Opening Comments:

Jeremy Lappen: Thanks everybody for coming on the call. Just wanted to say we're very excited about this event. It's another great card. We're very excited about it.

(A reminder that ) Following the SHOWTIME event, the undercard fights will be streamed on the internet at ProElite.com. It's a great undercard with some terrific local fighters. Kaleo Kwan is fighting Mike Aina; Mark Oshiro, the ICON champion at 140 pounds, will be fighting Chris "Red Bull" Willems. ICON champion Kala Kolohe will also be on the undercard at ProElite.com.

The opening fight of the night (on SHOWTIME) is Rafael Feijao, who comes out of a great camp. (He) trains with (some really good fighters) and is in against Wayne Cole, who you probably saw on the Cung Le and Frank Shamrock card - dispatched Mike Kyle in about 30 seconds. That should be a great match-up.

Dave "Pee Wee" Herman, an undefeated heavyweight at 10-0, an up-and-coming guy that we're high on, is taking on Ron Waterman, so that will give us a gauge where he's at. "Ninja" Rua, our former champion, is taking on an undefeated fighter, Tony Bonello. Nick Diaz and Muhsin Corbbrey should be a terrific fight along with KJ Noons and Edwards.

So we're very excited about the entire upcoming card. Thanks for being on the call.

Noons: I just want to say thanks for having me on. Thanks to my team, City Boxing, that helped me get prepared for this fight. Thanks to EliteXC and their whole crew and SHOWTIME. I also want to thank my opponent, Yves, for coming up and fighting and all the fighters on the card.

It takes a lot, you know, to get in there and actually fight. A lot of people talk a lot of stuff, but it's a lot harder to actually train and get up there in front of people and fight. On top of that, (you fight on) TV, so I've got a lot of respect for everybody on the card.

I'm really excited about the undercard, the whole card in general. This is a dream for me to be fighting the main event, especially back in my hometown. This (Hawaii) is where I started my MMA career and now I'm defending my title there.

I'm really excited to be home in front of my family and my friends and to be fighting somebody -- a fighter of such high caliber as Yves Edwards who has so much talent and has been in this game so long.

Yves and I go back. We used to work out a little bit like nine years ago. This is a guy I used to look up to. It's funny how things work out. I stick to my dream and now I have the title and defending against him.

So it says a lot about his character, too. You know, never giving up. Coming back after losses and winning. Now he's in title contention.

I think our styles are going to make for a very exciting fight. I'm glad to have this opportunity with only (a record of) 5-1, 5 knockouts, 1 loss by knockout. So every single fight I've had is exciting, and don't expect anything different for this fight. I'm super excited, and I think it's going to be a great fight. Thanks.

Edwards: I'm really excited about this fight also. I want my teammates and everybody on American Top Team for helping me get prepared for this and EliteXC for giving me the opportunity to fight for the belt.

But I'm looking at this fight as a really tough one. I've heard things, and you get on the internet and you hear, ‘oh, Yves will kill this guy,’ or ‘KJ destroyed this guy, ‘you know. KJ beat up Nick Diaz, man.

So for anybody that doesn't have faith in KJ, you know, that still stands. That still holds true. He beat up Nick Diaz. So that's a guy that I have to fear for.

I think I've been focused a lot on this fight. I'm prepared for it. I agree with KJ that this should be a really good fight.

We did workout back in the day. But I don't think either one of us is going back to that time and thinking, you know, I need to key in on these things from that time. It was too long ago.

But I've still got a lot of respect for KJ. This is the one fight I want him to lose. In everything else, I want him to do well. I like the kid a lot. I'm just really excited about this fight.

I'm glad to be fighting again in Hawaii. I've fought there twice before. I love the place. It's awesome. I'm an island boy myself being from the Bahamas. Going across the mainland and fighting on the other side; it's a whole lot of fun to be fighting for the islanders.

(Some of) You guys don't understand. Islanders love fights. They're like the best fans to fight in front of. So I'm just looking forward to this. This is an opportunity for me to fight for a world title, a quality world title. And I'm looking for my chance to grab it, man.

I'm just ready to go. I'm kind of antsy right now. I'm moving around on my feet right now just excited about the fight. I think this is going to be a good one. You guys better not blink because you've got two explosive guys in there and you just never know what can happen.

Q. Muhsin, is the biggest fight of your career and what are your thoughts going into it?

Corbbrey: I think, definitely. First of all, I want to say thank you for having me here. Thanks to coach John Blanken and all the guys that helped me prepare and helped with my game plan for what I have to do on Saturday.

It's an honor to be on the call with these guys. All these guys are tough. Yves is somebody I've looked up to, so it's going to be great to be on the card with him. KJ is tough as nails and Nick is one of the toughest fighters out there. So it's an honor to be grouped in with these guys and have the chance to show what I can do against these guys.

I have nothing but respect for all of them. I can't wait for Saturday night. Hopefully, we'll all put on a great show for the fans.

Q. Muhsin, who have been on a roll since 2006 when you lost. What did you take from that fight?

Corbbrey: The biggest thing I learned is never take anything for granted and to train hard for any fight.

I cut down to 145 for that fight, and I shouldn't have. I'm too big for that. On top of that, my son was due that day, the day I fought. So my head wasn't there, and I shouldn't have taken the fight.

I learned a lot about training and preparing for fights. (I learned to) Never come into a fight unless I'm at my full potential. It was a great learning experience for me

Q. You were supposed to fight Diaz earlier this year; what happened with that fight?

Corbbrey: I think the card just fell through. You know, that was a little too early of notice for me to move up and fight. So luckily everything fell back into place and we're able to do it this weekend.

Q. KJ, there was talk you were intended for the CBS card, but it didn’t happen. Can you clear the air as to if you were intended for that card and what happened? There seems to be some rumblings about negotiations and such. If you could just clear why there was a seven-month layoff for you?

Noons: I think there were a bit of contract issues as far as they wanted to extend my contract to be on the card. You know, I didn't want to do that. I just wanted to do what's best in my favor, you know what I mean? I felt that if I held off, you know, I didn't want to sign an extension just yet. So the CBS card happened, and I'm glad. I'm glad I'm fighting on SHOWTIME and defending my title.

As far as (the seven-month layoff), I think we were scheduled for April 26, I believe. I think we were supposed to fight. That also got pushed back because of the CBS event and now we're fighting June 14.

This is the longest I've ever trained for a fight. (But) I'm in top shape and I'm just really ready to get in there and mix it up.

Q. Have the contract issues you had, have they been resolved? Did it put a strain between you and the promotion? Is there any lingering problem with that or do you feel everything's been satisfied?

Noons: I don't think there's any strain. All it was was they wanted most of the fighters they have on a long-term extension. I'm on a three-fight deal. This is my first of my three fights. They wanted me to extend the time with CBS; I declined. They said they had no problem.

It turned out better for me. Now I'm headlining on a SHOWTIME card. So I'm not on the undercard. I'm fighting a very well-versed opponent, Yves Edwards, and I'm very excited for the whole card. There are a lot of great guys on the whole card. I think it's going to be a great card.

Q. You said this is the longest you've trained for a fight. How did you handle that? Did you have to stop or restart your schedule? How did you handle the seven-month layoff in general?

Noons: Usually, I start about eight weeks before a fight. So eight weeks before April 26 I started training. That got pushed back and I just didn't stop. You know, a lot of people think you can overtrain. You've just got to watch yourself, and I just trained all the way through four months. This is my job, that's what I do. It was fun and I'm glad I'm taking a break finally.

I learned a lot for this fight, too. With only six MMA fights, I'm still learning a lot. So I'm just getting better, and I just want to be all around good for whenever the fight goes to make it exciting for the fans.

Jeremy Lappen: I also can speak to that. The reason KJ was not on the CBS card (was not because) of a contractual issue. When we looked at all the different events we had lined up, when we were talking about the CBS card and our first date, one of the dates that we were actually looking at was April 26 in Hawaii. And that's when we discussed it with KJ.

(But when that didn’t happen) We needed a headliner for our next SHOWTIME show. And with it being in Hawaii, and KJ being from Hawaii and being our champion, than KJ-Yves was the perfect battle for that. That's actually why KJ wasn't on the CBS card.

Q. Jeremy, so this is not an ICON card? You're going to have EliteXC and separate ICON cards in Hawaii go back and forth between the two brands?

Jeremy Lappen: Exactly. This is an EliteXC card. But ICON will continue to do shows in Hawaii. Their next show will be in August. ICON is fought in the ring; EliteXC is in the cage.

Q. Muhsin, you had a bit of a professional boxing background before you turned full-time to MMA. Why did you decide to focus on MMA rather than boxing?

Corbbrey: I've been training in martial arts a long time, a little bit of everything. Boxing is great and I still want to continue to pursue it. But at the moment, I have a lot (going in) MMA, so I want to continue in that. I want to accomplish my goals in MMA before I go full tilt to boxing. But I love both sports equally.

Q. Muhsin, having done some professional boxing, what do you think of the level of striking that goes on, and how does it compare in MMA?

Corbbrey: A lot of things work from boxing and a lot of things don't. If you train in MMA, you know what works and what doesn't. You can take a lot from every sport, and you just have to make it work for MMA. Boxing is definitely a huge part of MMA, as is wrestling, so you just have to take what works and leave out what doesn't work.

Q. Have you seen your opponent's most recent fight, because he did win that in a TKO? He was throwing a lot of punches over the three rounds in that fight.

Corbbrey: He looked good in that fight, man. I have nothing but respect for Nick. I think our styles are going to mesh well in the cage and put on a great fight for everyone. It should be a fun fight for the fans.

Q. Muhsin, you think he's going to look more for a submission and go that route against you?

Corbbrey: I mean, it's MMA, and Nick's a fighter. Wherever he's comfortable, he's going to try to make the fight happen. I've prepared myself to be ready anywhere.

But like I said, Nick's a great competitor. He'll throw down with you on the feet or he'll grapple with you. It should be a great fight.

Q. For all the fighters: With the number of mixed martial arts organizations around the world, the sport is definitely growing -- is that a good or a bad thing? Does it cause confusion for the casual fan? Does it dilute the talents of the different organizations and the champions (so that) no one can see who is really the best?

Noons: I think the more exposure of the sport, the more people are going to get to know about it. I think it's just good for the sport as it grows. It just gives more awareness to people and lets people know we know the sport and that we train for this and that it's a great thing to watch.

As far as other organizations and stuff, you know, it's growing. I'm happy where I'm at and I'm planning on staying with EliteXC.

Edwards: I think the more quality organizations that exist, it's a good thing. There are a lot of fighters. I don't think the sport is anything close to what it's going to be in its true adulthood. I think at that point things will happen such as unification bouts. It could be years away, but I do think it will happen.

Having these different organizations, it allows the younger fighters to get that world class experience. Get that experience on a high level of taking on world class guys and going out there and fighting a guy like KJ or myself or Nick Diaz or Rafael Feijao or Anderson Silva. These guys are world class guys.

You know, you're going to need these organizations to do that. You're not going to get high-level guys all fighting out of their own organizations in their home states and hometowns.

Corbbrey: I agree with Yves 100 percent. I think it's great for the sport (that they) have options on where they want to go. And getting a chance to see fighters on TV; with the competition that's out there, it's a good thing. It can only be good for the sport and I think that it's going to continue to help our sport grow. So I think it's awesome.

Q. Yves, how concerned are you that you've taken the last few fights on a shorter (notice) than in the past?

Edwards: I'm not concerned about that at all. Actually, I prefer that. I prefer to fight. I don't like sitting on my butt. Right now, being with American Top Team, it's great because we've always got four or five guys with fights within the next few weeks. So there's always a lot of training going on, lot of guys trying to get keyed and trying to peak.

That always helps having high-level guys always preparing and getting ready for something important to them. That keeps you pushing really hard, even when you're not trying to prepare for something.

But I've been lucky that I've had those guys around. I like fighting often. I don't like long layoffs. I'm not that kind of guy. If you look at my record, it would show you that when I do take long layoffs, I seem to have problems.

I don't like long layoffs. I like to be in the ring. I like to be fighting. I love the challenge of fighting. I love the training, and I love to train hard. So I definitely love taking fights quickly.

Q. What is the biggest change as far as training with ATT instead of when you were out the Third Column jiu-jitsu and training in the Gulf Coast area?

Edwards: The biggest thing is having world class guys all the time every single day. The thing for me with American Top Team, I don't have to make phone calls and worry about who is going to show up and try to round up a crew to get together for the day.

For a while in Houston, I had that. We had guys go in all the time working out. We had good, high-level guys working out all the time. But guys started moving away. Guys moved back to Brazil and Louisiana. Guys fell off, and I was kind of left alone.

Moving to American Top Team, we've got everybody in the gym every day of the week. That's been the big difference for me, besides the fact that everybody in there brings something to the table. We have a lot of really good coaches that have helped sharpen my game up quite a bit. It just exposes you to what you're weak at. (So where) your game is not strong, you can work on getting it stronger at that point.

Q. KJ, what are some of the things you'll have to be looking out for in particular against Yves?

Noons: I don't know; you've got to look out for everything with Yves. He's so good all around. A lot of people always ask the first question, how is your ground game, how is your wrestling game? If anything, just because you don't see it, and I don't do that on TV or in my fight, doesn't mean I don't train it.

I'm training that probably three times more than I am my striking. Yves is an all-around great fighter. He's explosive. At any time, something can happen, and you've just got to be ready.

So I just am prepared on every aspect of my game. (I know I need to) Just be ready for everything.

Q. KJ says he thinks the extra five pounds fighting at 160 rather than 155 is a pretty dramatic thing for him. Is it a dramatic thing for you or not a big deal?

Edwards: I don't think it's that big of a deal for me. I know I can still make 155 pounds. We're basically fighting at super lightweights, so it's not a big issue. I've fought at this weight before at EliteXC and I'm comfortable at the weight.

Of course, it's a little more comfortable just because you don't have to lose that extra five pounds. But I don't think it's a problem. I think it is fine. It's not going to change the outcome of the fight or the strength that either one of us goes into the fight with.

Q. KJ, is the chance to fight on a CBS card extra motivation for you?

Noons: Like Jeremy said, I'm happy fighting on SHOWTIME in my hometown and being the main event. Wherever they want to promote me, wherever they want me to fight, I really don't care. I just want to fight.

About the weight thing; I'm really glad it's at 160. It's like a science project for me because if I go a couple of days without watching my weight, I might be 180. So don't send a stack of pancakes to my room before weigh-ins because I might not make weight.

But I like the 160 weight, and I'm happy wherever I fight -- whether it be on CBS or SHOWTIME.

Q. Yves, are you motivated by the potential of fighting on a CBS card or does that matter at all?

Edwards: A lot of guys would say yes, some guys may say no. Honestly, I don't really think about it. It's one of those things that if it comes up, it comes up. But when you get out there and the fight is going on and you've got a guy across the cage from you -- even if it's somebody that's a friend or somebody you like that is trying to pun punch you in the face - all of that goes out the window.

Would I like to fight on CBS? Yes. That's a lot of exposure; that would be very exciting. But as of right now the only thing I'm focused on is trying to take KJ's gold.

Q. Muhsin, Nick has an almost taunting, short-punch boxing style that not a lot of people have been able to figure out, but KJ did. Do you think that's because of KJ's boxing skills? Do you think you're going to be able to take a cue from that and use your boxing experience to cut through that?

Corbbrey: I think I'm definitely going to try. I think KJ's boxing experience did come in and it showed a little bit. But I think Nick is a game guy. He's going to come in and use all of his ability. I've got to be prepared for that. He's a tall southpaw. He's going to throw his fast punches and probably finish with something a little bit harder. So I've got to be prepared for what he brings to the table.

I think my boxing will definitely help me out a lot. We'll see on Saturday night.

Q. Obviously Diaz is a significant step-up in at least name recognition. What does that opportunity mean for you and what do you think it will take to get a victory on Saturday?

Corbbrey: It means a lot. It's going to come down to who wants it a little bit more. Every fight he goes in to, he fights tooth and nail to the end. This is going to be a tough, hard fight. I'm going to have to stand in there and get gritty with him.

But it's a huge opportunity. I have a ton of respect for him. He's a tough fighter that's been around forever. So, you know, I really appreciate EliteXC giving me the chance to step up and show what I can do.

Q. Yves, you're a respected veteran. Where would a win on Saturday night rank in your career? What are your goals as a fighter at this point?

Edwards: This Saturday night is very important. It's the most important fight I've been prepared for. It's a main event on SHOWTIME, one of the biggest networks in the country. So that's definitely a huge, huge thing for me. Definitely this fight's the biggest of my career up to date.

As far as goals for my career, I want to leave this game with a legacy. I want to be talked about when my son is my age. When my son is 25 years old and he's doing whatever it is he's doing, if he decides he wants to fight, I want people to say he's better than his dad. But I want his dad to be great.

I want to be somebody that people remember as a pioneer in this sport 50-100 years from now when MMA becomes whatever it is it is going to be. I want to leave a legacy behind by fighting the best guys -- the Nick Diaz's, KJ Noons, Corbbreys, fighting these guys. These are the fights that I want.

Q. KJ, in your opening statement when you talked about Yves, there was some clear respect and vice versa. With MMA coming to the forefront and the mainstream, how important do you believe it is for new viewers to see the kind of respect that most MMA fighters have for one another?

Noons: I think it's very important. I think now that it's becoming mainstream and it's a professional sport. People are starting to get paid pretty well. So when you show up to the press conference or show up to the fights, I think fighters should have a little class. Dress up a little nice, you know what I mean? Maybe clean shaven. Treat it like a professional sport.

It’s already in the limelight on network TV and we're already going to be on SHOWTIME this Saturday. So I think it's very important that we show a lot of respect to each other. You know, kind of like a fighter camaraderie. Because when we get in there, it's not so much like that. It's punches thrown, blood flying, teeth flying. But I think it's good that fighters show respect to each other and we show that to people that are new to the sport.

Q. Yves, you're certainly a well-rounded fighter. KJ’s done a good job of defending the takedown recently and staying on his feet. How important is it to get this fight to the ground?

Edwards: It is what it is. KJ's defense has been good in the past and he doesn't have to show what he has on the ground.

How important is it to get the fight on the ground? I honestly don't know yet. My stand-up is good. There may come a time I decide the stand-up is not where I want to play the game, but that might not happen.

This is an MMA fight. I know what KJ's weakness is -- I don't necessarily know what his weakness is, but I think my ground fight is better. But that's not the only place I'm going to fight him.

This is an MMA fight, and I'm going to make this an MMA fight. It's going to be an all-around thing. His defense has looked good in the past. I'm sure it's gotten better. But he's going to have to be prepared for everything, as will I.

You know, the ground game, if that's to my advantage if we get there, that will be really important. If not, it is what it is. It's just a thing. I'm just going out there to fight, and I'm looking forward to a good fight.

If it goes to the ground, it goes to the ground. I feel comfortable there. But I also feel comfortable on my feet punching and kicking. My point is it doesn't have to get to the ground. It just has to get in the cage, and there will be a big smile on my face.

Q. Do you think that your MMA experience advantage will play a role in this fight?

Edwards: I think it could, but I don't know it definitely will. KJ's had a lot of fights. He's not only fought in MMA. He's fought in some open-hand matches here in Texas -- professional boxing and kickboxing matches. So all of those things come together to form an experience.

I don't think the experience is as definitively an edge for me. But it can come into play, and it could be an edge. But I'm not going into the fight hoping for it to be an edge, because if it isn't, then that is a weapon that I planned on using that I lose. So I don't look for that at all.

Q. KJ, that’s got to be a good feeling fighting in Hawaii as opposed to going to Budapest or something. Is it special for you or you've done enough of them there?

Noons: Yeah, super nice. No, this is definitely the most special for me. To have…. this is where my father used to fight 20 years ago in like the late '70s. He fought professionally at the Blaisdell Arena. Then I got in MMA. This is where I started my career. I was the first fight on the fight card my first MMA fight at Blaisdell. (And now) I'm returning back as the main event on SHOWTIME, defending my title.

So this is really special. (To fight) In front of all my friends and family, and all the fans of Hawaii; it’s just an awesome experience.

Q. KJ, do you feel better on the ground game offense or defense? Do you feel you've come a long way on one or the other, or both?

Noons: I feel like I've come a super long way on everything. I don't know where Yves is going to take the fight. But I train every fight as if, you know, that's what the guy has to do is take it to the ground. So I prepare physically on the ground so I won't get submitted or that I can submit, or I can ground and pound, or I can defend ground and pound. So I work on it a lot. I'm definitely prepared for it.

Q. Yves, how much have you been able to scout KJ? Is it just a film thing you look at or video you look at or do you talk to other people?

Edwards: You know, I don't like to talk to other people and get information from them because everybody's different. It's different for different guys.

As far as scouting KJ, fortunately, we both fought the same guy, and that was Berto, and I've watched that fight tons of times just getting ready to fight Edson. And then they turned around and offered me the fight with KJ. So I just watched the same tape again from the other side. I also got to watch his fights with Nick and a few others.

But I prefer to watch tape to study. I think I have a good idea of what he's really capable of and where I need to take the fight to him to make it easier for me.

Q. If it goes the distance, does it favor you or KJ?

Edwards: He's shown that he has good cardio. And I never had a problem with my cardio either. That's one thing, I think if it goes the distance, it's good for the fans. I don't think the explosiveness goes away in either one of us after the third round. I think it's still going to be the same fight in the third as it was in the first and second. So the fans will definitely be pleased to see that.

In the end, I'm going into this fight trying to win it. So if you put a gun to my head and tell me to give you an answer, if it goes into the later rounds then it favors me.

Q. Yves, you're going to be fighting in the Blaisdell. Do you think the crowd's going to be a factor? Are you going to be affected by the crowd?

Edwards: I don't know. I've gotten some good love from the fans in Hawaii. The thing is I wasn't fighting a local boy when I did. It could be different this time around. But in the end, I've still got to fight KJ. I don't have to fight the fans. So I don't think it's going to affect me too badly whether they support me or not. I do look to not be the favorite going into the fight.

Q. Any desire to compete in Japan now that the door to Japan has opened again with the ProElite and DREAM partnership?

Noons: I'm not looking past Yves this Saturday. I just want to fight the best out there. That's all.

Edwards: I fought there before. I love the place. It's a lot of fun. But that is another fight. It's not this one.

Would I like to fight there again? Yeah, for sure. But I'm fighting in Hawaii on Saturday, and that is the one that matters now.

Q. Jeremy, it was mentioned that Feijao's going to be appearing and he had quite a debut in February. Are there any plans to institute a light heavyweight title in the future?

Jeremy Lappen: Yeah, there definitely are. Probably sometime before the end of the year or early 2009 we'll have the championship, and Feijao is one of the people that we're very excited about. I think he's got a tough test in Cole. Wayne's a terrific wrestler. He’s dropping down to 205 just like Feijao.

I think Feijao's got a chance; he's got to get by Wayne Cole first though, which is tough. But I think he's got a chance to be the best in the world, so we're looking forward to that fight.

Q. Jeremy, Eddie Alvarez is doing good in Japan now. Do his wins in the DREAM tournament impact his standing in the eyes of EliteXC? Does that move him closer to a title shot?

Jeremy Lappen: We had Eddie before he fought in DREAM. So he was always going to be a contender for a title match. Obviously, winning in Japan helps his cause, and he's one of the top contenders. We're looking forward to having him back.

He's got his finals first to get through in DREAM and then he's getting married. As soon as he's ready, we're looking forward to having him back in EliteXC. Will it be a title match his first fight back? We're not sure yet. But he's right there in contention.

Q. KJ, you've done both MMA and boxing, but you haven't boxed in about a year. Is there any reason? Is it too difficult to do both?

Noons: No, I think EliteXC and Gary Shaw have been focused on building his promotion and has me fighting on that. I'm concentrating on that right now. As soon as, like I say, I'm not looking past Yves, but as soon as I'm done with this fight, I'd like to pursue my boxing career.

Q. What about the different styles? What is so different between the two sports?

Noons: They have their similarities and definitely their differences. I take what I can from the boxing and implement them into the MMA. Then, when I train for boxing, it's definitely different. You have four-ounce gloves compared to 10-ounce gloves, so you can take a lot more shots and feel a little more comfortable in the ring when you're boxing. Compared to MMA, the gloves are so small, so you really can't take as much punishment. So there are definitely differences.

Q. KJ, how do you deal with the mental preparation for a fight as they get bigger and bigger?

Noons: I just feel a lot more confident whenever I'm the underdog. The only time I lost is when I was supposed to win, and I got knocked out against “Krazy Horse’’ (Charles Bennett).

So I'm the underdog in this one; I was the underdog in the last one. I'm fighting guys with a lot of fights. The last three guys I fought had over 25 or 30 fights.

So I like the challenge. I like high pressure. I like the chance to show up and shine. So just pretty much take it. Before I went into the Diaz fight, before I walked out on stage where millions of people are viewing and thousands are watching me live fighting the best guy in the world at the time, I'm laughing at myself thinking, ‘I'm getting paid for people to see this.’ This is a dream come true.

I get to fight, and get paid and be on TV and people get to watch it. It's just an awesome experience.

Q. On that Krazy Horse fight, do you still have an interest to go out and fight again in a rematch?

Noons: Yeah, as soon as they're ready to give me that, I would like to take that fight next. I would like to definitely show that I can beat that guy. So as soon as the opportunity comes, you know, hopefully, I'll be the underdog and I can go out and claim that win.

Q. Yves, what does fighting for the EliteXC lightweight title mean to you?

Edwards: It means a lot. EliteXC came to me and offered me a deal. I was excited about it. You know, after two fights in their organization, three fights since the deal happened, they've offered me a title shot. I'm excited about it, man. I appreciate the shot. I'm going to do everything I can to make the most of it.

Q. What kind of pressure do you feel from this opportunity?

Edwards: For the first time, I don't really feel any pressure. I've got the backing of a good team. I'm not doing this on my own. I'm not trying to make the deals by myself and basically being my own manager.

I've got Mr. Don Lambert taking care of things for me. I've got teammates helping me get prepared and guys that believe in me.

I'm just excited right now. All I have to do is go out there and fight. I don't have to think about anything else but KJ. I just get to lay back, relax, and do what I love to do more than anything in the world.

Q. Jeremy, can you give us an idea of the light heavyweight picture in the future? Any notable names we should be on the lookout for?

Jeremy Lappen: Yeah, we mentioned Feijao and Cole as two of our top light heavyweights. We also have Jared Hamman, who was undefeated until he lost to Poai Suganuma, who is also one of our top heavyweights, in sort of controversial fashion.

He was rocked early and a lot of people think that fight was stopped too early, so they're going to rematch Aug. 15. That will give us one of the top contenders. And we're always actively looking to bring in other top guys.

So the 205 division is the one we're looking to build out now. We've got good young guys and we're looking to bring in established people as well.

Q. Jeremy, anything going on with the Tito Ortiz situation?

Jeremy Lappen: We're interested. We'd love to have Tito Ortiz as part of our organization. Any organization out there would love to have Tito.

Q. Are you in any talks or anything?

Jeremy Lappen: Yeah, we're talking. We'll see what happens. The deal has to be good for both sides. He'd be a great addition to our organization. But there are a lot of people actively pursuing him.

Q. Nick couldn't be on the call with us today. But his coach Cesar Gracie has just joined. Cesar, can you make some comments on Nick's behalf on his thoughts on this fight?

Gracie: Yeah, he's training really hard. I don't know if you got to see his last fight. Fortunately, EliteXC allowed him to do a fight in Japan to make up for the fight that he wasn't able to do with that fiasco that happened in California.

And Nick came out like the Nick Diaz of old that we're accustomed to seeing back in the day, really aggressive. Doing what he does. He looked really good.

His focus is on this fight coming up against Muhsin and everything. But he's not looking past that. He's got to win this fight, and that's what he's focusing on doing right now.

Q. Cesar, what do you think Nick's mindset is since he had the surgery and the fact that he fought? He didn't cut at all?

Gracie: No, he didn’t cut (which is something that has happened over and over since his first fight). We had a plastic surgeon look at it. He said that Nick's ocular bones are extremely sharp, and he's always going to cut and keep building up scar tissue. So, fortunately, the plastic surgeon was able to remedy that by filing it down and making it smooth like someone that doesn't cut. I think that's the difference.

Nick is a really tough guy. I think, without getting cut up, you're going to see Nick is really hard to stop.

Q. KJ, how prepared are you if Yves wants to make this fight more on the ground?

Noons: Like I said before, just because I don't show it in a lot of my fights -- my ground work or maybe my wrestling or submitting somebody -- it doesn't mean I don't work on it. I'm consistently in the gym trying to improve and get better on the ground. You know, doing submissions or defending submissions. All I can do is practice every day in the gym and get better.

Q. Do you want to keep this primarily a stand-up fight? How do you see this fight going?

Noons: I feel comfortable anywhere. I trained to be on my back. I trained to be on top. I train to be standing, train to even take down to have great takedowns. It's an MMA fight. It's not boxing, so I'm prepared for everything: Knees, elbows, kicks, strikes, submissions, chokes. We'll see what happens.

Q. Yves, what you expect and are you going to want to make this more grappling?

Edwards: I go into every fight, just looking to have a good time first of all. I'm not uncomfortable anywhere in a fight, especially not now. I've got so many good guys helping me train. I've got good guys standing in front of me, great strikers. These guys stand in front of me.

I've got good wrestlers working with me. So I'm really comfortable anywhere.

In this particular fight, I'm just going to take it as it comes. Wherever I feel comfortable, I feel I'm going to be strong. That's where I'm going to make the fight happen. I'll just let it play itself out from there.

Q. Yves, do you think the ground game is a particular weakness of his?

Edwards: I wouldn't say it's a weakness. Take Nick Diaz, for example. Nick's ground game is legit. He is for real on the ground. (There was a time) we trained in the same training room sometimes. I watched him with his brother, and his brother had nothing but good things to say about him. His whole ground game didn't even come into play with KJ

KJ's got some strengths that can help keep you away from parts of his game that you think he's weak at. But you really don't know. You don't want to go out there and get surprised. I've been surprised before, and I'm not going to let that happen again. So I'm not looking at him being weak at any particular part of the game. I've trained like he's the best guy in every aspect of the game.

Q. Do either of you want to make a prediction for this fight?

Edwards: You'll probably get the same prediction from both of us. It's just at the end, my hand's going to be raised and the gold's going to be around my waist. I'm sure he feels the same way.

Noons: Same thing, but the cup's going to be around my waist.

Q. Jeremy, what was EliteXC/ProElite's reaction to the reaction you guys got for the May 31 show?

Jeremy Lappen: We were obviously thrilled. We were very, very excited. The news of how it did was terrific. CBS was very excited, which is obviously important. We're scheduling our next event now.

I think there was some negative press from I'd call it more the hard-core community. Honestly, we expected that somewhat. I didn't expect it to be so severe. But the fight card that we put together, we stood behind. We were excited about it. We thought they were going to be terrific, entertaining fights.

It was a fight card aimed to hit more of the mainstream audience. I think he we did that. Everybody I talked to outside of the hard-core world thought the fights were terrific.

There were some controversial things that happened, but those are things we can't control. We put the fights together, and the fighters fight them, and the Athletic Commission and referees make their decisions and the doctors make their decisions.

So with what happened, if we could choose for them to be different, yeah, I think we'd choose them to be different. But it sets up good things for the future. So we were all very, very pleased around the office.

Q. In terms of the hard-core fan base being negative about the show; do you think it was unjustified in terms of the stuff you couldn't control? But the things that were under control - people's comments that the card was not a particularly strong card, especially in the main event - what are your thoughts on that?

Jeremy Lappen: I think everybody has different thoughts. But I'd personally disagree. I think that main event fight was a very exciting fight. Kimbo gets a lot of criticism because he's got a lot of exposure. People are just interested in him. People were tuning in to watch him fight. They were buying tickets to watch him fight.

For a guy that's only had three professional fights, I thought he did an amazing job. He fought a very, very tough veteran in James Thompson, A guy that fought all over the world, fought very tough people and has had over 20 fights. .

I think people were tougher on the card than needed to be. Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith put on an amazing fight. That was one of the best fights that I've seen. Unfortunately, it ended the way that it did. But those two will go at it again, which is terrific. From top to bottom, I think the card was really solid.

All of the fight that's we put on are always great. We're always 100 percent behind the cards we put on. The one this Saturday is another terrific card. Our fights are exciting. Our fighters are exciting. I think they're top-level fighters.

Q. Yves and KJ, what are your thoughts and reaction to how the general public reacted to the May 31 card?

Edwards: Well, Saturday is another fight and I’m excited. On the May 31 card, they were promoting our fight. I think that helped a bit. Some of the fans that enjoyed the fight and probably hadn't watched fights before or knew that we were going to fight on SHOWTIME will check it out Saturday. We'll get a few more viewers for it. A few more people will get to see some good fights.

Other than that, it's the next fight. That's what I'm prepared for. As far as the event on CBS, it is great to see fights on regular television. You know, everybody has access to it. I was excited about that.

Just like everybody else, I was disappointed with some of the calls and some of the things that happened, but I also enjoyed the fights. I especially enjoyed the girl fight between Gina Carano and Kaitlin Young. Those girls put on a show.

Noons: I'd like to say I enjoyed the fights also. I thought it is what it is as far as referee callings. They got their numbers. They hit the numbers, CBS. It got out there to the audience.

I don't know why there is so much negativity. Maybe I'm a hard-core (with) what you want to call underground. If they want to be so negative, why don’t everybody that has something negative to say go train for eight weeks and try to get in a cage in front of 10,000-20,000 people. And then fight in front of five or six million people. That's not as easy.

I would say give these guys some credit. They all trained really hard. They're all great athletes. I thought it was good. Some of the calls -- maybe the calls weren't the greatest. But give the fighters some credit.

I’m super excited for this card Saturday. There are a lot of great fighters. I do think EliteXC puts on a lot of great fights. I think there are going to be some really exciting fights June 14.

Q. Go back to the training you guys did nine years ago. Were you regular training partners? Were you friends to a point where there's a friendship that extends until now?

Noons: Let me start. I don't even remember sparring Yves. It was so long ago. What was it, nine years ago, Yves?

Edwards: Yeah, it had to be.

Noons: I can't even remember. But I can say we were good friends. We've stayed in contact ever since. I've watched his career. He's watched my career. And I think it's a great opportunity for both of us.

Edwards: Actually, I'm doing the math in my head. It was a little bit less than nine years ago. KJ had probably just graduated high school. He was coming in to help me get ready. There were not a lot of guys in Houston, especially back then.

When the kid graduated from high school, he had good stand-up. So he came in, helped me out. He got in a few hours. But it's kind of hard to go back and think about oh, what did he do here? How did he react to these things? Mostly he was there to just help me out. He hadn't even fought a martial arts fight yet.

But he was there to help me out. And yeah, it extended to a friendship. So much so that I was glad to be there at his first open-hand mixed martial arts fight. I was glad to see him in there. He looked really good.

I remember talking to him afterwards. We've seen each other in different places throughout the years. We've kept in touch through MySpace, etc.

So, yeah, we're friends. But at the same time we will punch each other in the face come Saturday night.

Q. KJ, This card is billed as “Return to the King,’’ obviously, in reference to you returning home. What is your background on when you lived in Hawaii?

Noons: My mom, all my family on my mom's side are from there. Born and raised there until I was about 16 years old in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. That's where my father had his professional kickboxing career in the late '70s.

Blaisdell is here I had my first MMA fight. Now I'm coming back with the title. I'm going to be defending it in front of my family and my friends, and it's going to be a blast.

Q. When your dad fought at Blaisdell Arena, were you there?

Noons: No, I wasn't even thought of yet.

Q. Cesar, can you provide more detail about the surgery that Nick had. How long did the actual procedure take? Whether it was in-patient or out-patient? How long did Nick have to stay out of the gym and recover, etc.?

Gracie: It took a few hours. Over his career he's built up a lot of scar tissue, so it keeps cutting over and over on his ocular bone. It was out-patient. He came out of it and he stayed a couple of days in Las Vegas.

He was out of the gym a couple weeks. He couldn't do anything. Then he started to roll a little bit. He couldn't box or anything like that. He's now 100 percent and training with really top-level guys.

His main boxing partner is Andre Ward. For those who aren't familiar with him, he was the only American to win a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. He looked pretty sharp in his last fight because of it.

Before, Nick was constantly getting cut, even when he was rolling. I mean, it was weird. But it's been a complete success and we're really pleased with it. It's going to really add to the longevity of his career.

Q. Is there anything that you guys avoid because of that, or does he go full-out and gets hit in the face, etc., in the gym?

Gracie: Sometimes just rolling in jiu-jitsu you take a knee or something like that, just in the course of it, you get your bumps every once in a while. It's kind of frustrating when someone might get a bump and it's just that. Someone else, you'll get it and get cut like Nick. It's kind of weird.

But he was getting cut off silly stuff. So we're just thrilled that we can put that behind him. Now when he loses, it can be because he got stopped, he got knocked out or something. Look at the Gomi fight, his face was a bloody mess, and he still came back and won because fortunately that doctor didn't stop the fight. He let it go.

But it's always like throwing the dice out there with Nick, you don't know what's going to happen. But we're excited that now he's going to have to be submitted or knocked out to lose the fight?

Q. What is the status of Nick's relationship with the California State Athletic Commission? Is that all behind you as well?

Gracie: We're still looking at legal options and everything. It's just we've been so busy with so many fights. Nick fought last month; he's fighting this month. We'll see what happens and how many fights he's going to do in the upcoming months. We're still negotiating with some things.

We're talking to EliteXC about it. It's kind of been the main thing on the plate as far as Nick is concerned.

We’ll see what happens. What is behind us is behind us. We'll keep our eye out to make sure that there's no bias against us, against our fighters or something.

You know, Nick is the kind of guy that he stands up against the powers-to-be-type thing. He doesn't like to be bullied. He doesn't like to be told what to do. So, that's where we're at.

Closing Comments:

Corbbrey: I want to thank everyone for having me here. I want to thank EliteXC for the opportunity to get out there and show what I can do. I think it's going to be a great fight. Nick Diaz is a great competitor, a hard-nosed guy. It should be a fun fight for the fans. That's what I want to do. I want to give the fans something fun to watch. So tune in on Saturday, and hopefully you'll see something special. Thanks a lot.

Edwards: I'm just like the guys. I'm really excited about this weekend. And really looking forward to it. I’ve been preparing for it for a while. I wish all of these guys, everybody on the card, the best of luck -- KJ included. I just want to go out there and put on a show, man.

KJ, just bring it, because we definitely have to put on a show, man. So bring it, and I'll give back as good as I get. So let's go out there and do it.

Noons: Just want to say thanks for the opportunity. Saturday it's on. I'm excited. It's going to be fun.

Gracie: Just talking to Nick, and he wanted to thank the fans, foremost, because they make it happen. And he wants to thank EliteXC and hopes that everybody is in Hawaii to check it out. And those people that can't, tune in for it on SHOWTIME. It's going to be a great fight. He's happy he's fighting a tough opponent.

Source: EliteXC

UPSET WITH UFC 85 STOPPAGE, VERA WANTS REMATCH

Brandon "The Truth" Vera was defeated by Fabricio Werdum at UFC 85, but the heavyweight fighter did not agree with the referee stoppage with 20 seconds left in round one and wants a rematch with Werdum.

"That ref (Dan Miragliotta) sucks," bluntly stated Brandon Vera during the UFC 85 post-fight press conference. "I don't agree with that stoppage, and I'm pissed. I had to walk away from the ref.

"The referee was asking me, talking to me, saying something like, 'are you okay?' He was talking to me. I remember he was talking to me and I was saying, 'I'm okay. I'm okay. I'm okay.' I said it three times. I made sure I stressed, 'I'm.' My last fight I fought with a broken hand after the first thirty seconds, all three rounds, no complaints. I was getting punched in the face man. Come on."

Vera continued, "He hit me three or four times. The rest were on my arms. Fabricio had an awesome mount. I wasn't getting out of the mount. I figured I'd just have to ride the ass-whoopin out for the next 20 seconds, get up to our feet in the second round, and I was going to give it to him... I didn't even start kicking yet."

During the press conference, Werdum commented that Vera must work his way back up through the ranks before getting a rematch, something that didn't sit well with Vera.

"I'm kind of disappointed in Fabricio," said the California fighter. "He said yes earlier in the cage, right after. At least that's what I thought. He shook his head, yea, we can do it again. Now he's telling me to get back in line. I understand why he doesn't want to fight me again."

With the victory over Vera, Werdum is likely in line for a title shot against the winner of Frank Mir and current UFC heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira following next season's edition of the Spike TV reality series "The Ultimate Fighter."

Source: MMA Weekly

PALASZEWSKI IN BIG NEED OF ADRENALINE WIN

If ever there was a sense of urgency in the career of lightweight Bart “Bartimus” Palaszewski, now would be it.

Currently in the midst of a three-fight losing streak, the first since he suffered a similar streak when he first entered MMA in 2002, Palaszewski is in desperate need of a win to keep his career aspirations of title contention alive.

Taking a break from his contractual obligations with the International Fight League, he steps into Saturday’s Adrenaline event in his adopted hometown of Chicago, Ill. in search of the kind of win that can kick-start his stalled career and put him back on the right track.

“It’s great, the IFL allowing us to fight on a different show,” commented Palaszewski of his participation in Adrenaline. “It’s been a while since I’ve been outside the IFL, a couple years now, and fought inside a cage too – that’s going to be interesting.

“To be home fighting in Chicago has been a while, so to have my fans, friends and family supporting me there is going to be great.”

As Palaszewski pointed out, it’s been two years since he last fought in a cage, which presents tactical differences from the IFL’s ring. He feels he’s made the proper adjustments to his game to counteract the divergences.

“I think there won’t be any adjustment in my game, but more an adjustment to my opponent’s game,” explained Palaszewski.

“If I’m on the ground with my head stuck against the cage, things change a little bit. So, I think it’s more an adjustment defensively than offensively.”

At Adrenaline, he is scheduled to square off against Jeff Cox, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter who will also be making his Adrenaline debut.

“From what I know, he calls himself a wrestler, and had a few UFC fights, but didn’t so well there,” stated Palaszewski of Cox. “I’m not taking him lightly, though.

“I’m busting my butt as I always do. I’ll go in there and mix it up. I plan for everything – I’ll be ready.”

It may very well be now or never for Palaszewski, as he admits to a sense of urgency heading into Saturday night.

“I have to win this fight – it’s one of those have to win situations,” he explained. “I’ve had a rough ride lately. I’m on a three-fight losing streak, and I’ve got to get back on the horse.

“Even though I’m in a rut, I know I’m going to pull out of it and get back to where I’m supposed to be. I’m training hard and hopefully go out there and come out on top.”

After Saturday, he plans on making the most of his time with the remaining months of the year prior to taking some time off for his impending marriage in November.

“I have two more fights with the IFL and I’m going to honor my contract with them,” said Palaszewski. “I am scheduled for the August 15 show (in New Jersey), but I’m not sure who they’ve got for me.

“After the Adrenaline show I have eight weeks, so I’ve got to decide if I want to take a fight before the IFL, or just get ready for it and try to get a couple more fights before the end of the year.”

Even with seemingly stable ground ahead of him career-wise for the remainder of the year, Palaszewski knows if he wants to keep people interested in having him on their show, he has to get back to his winning ways, starting in Chicago on June 14.

“I want to thank my sponsors; Tapout, Critical Clothing, and Premier Fighter,” concluded Palaszewski. “I want to also thank all my coaches; Doug Mango, Dave Davis and Jeff Curran.

“Hopefully I can put on a good show in front of my fans, friends and family.”

Source: MMA Weekly

Werdum goes off on Vera
"He has to get back in line"

Fabricio Werdum was one of the winners at UFC 85, this Saturday, in England. The black belt defeated Brandon Vera by technical knockout at the end of the first round. Nevertheless, the party was marred by complaints from the American of premature intervention from the referee. Dismayed, Vera played down Werdum's vitory, inspiring ire on the part of the Brazilian.

In an email sent to the GRACIEMAG.com newsroom, Werdum commented on the episode:

"I'm very pleased with my win. I came to England to show my skills and training, I put on an excellent fight and won, in the 1st round. I can't go against the referee's opinion, they know what they are doing and if the ref hadn't stopped it then, he would have stopped it two punches later. My goal is the belt, I don't have time for a revenge match with Vera. He was in my way and I got him out of it. I'm not discarding the possibility of facing him and knocking him out again. I'm fully prepared, but first he has to go to the back of the line.

Blessings"

Source: Gracie Magazine

Kron loses in black belt debut
Rickson's son submitted by Sergio Moraes
By Ivan Trindade, special envoy to Long Beach

Good advice and comments for all competitors

The black belt competition didn't start well for Kron Gracie. Rickson Gracie's son was submitted by Sergio Moraes, of Alliance, right in the first fight of the middleweight category. The fight was very disputed, but Sergio kept the lead throughout the entire match after taking the lead with two takedowns. With two minutes to go, Moraes managed to pass Kron's guard and mount. In an attempt to defend, Kron turned his back and had his neck squeezed. The gymnasium shook with excitement, as is always the case when a raved-about favorite is defeated.

Kron receives support after his defeat

Fight over, Kron remained a few seconds longer in the fight area. HIs father jumped to receive him on the sidelines of the mat and the embrace was a long one. Applauded, father and son left the fenced off area where the fights take place and went beneath the bandstands of the Long Beach Pyramid. "You lost to his experience. FOrget everything you've done till now, at black belt it's all different. But only those who have lost can win. You insisted a lot on getting the neck, you should have gone for his foot, tried other things," the father consoled and commented. "I tapped," lamented the son. Uncle Renzo turned up: "You fought well. It was a good fight. THe guy was slick. Nobody knows him, but he has a lot of experience," argued Renzo. The next to give his support was two-time absolute champion Ronaldo Jacare: "It happens. Don't worry about it," Jacare said soothingly.


Source: Gracie Magazine

Arlovski talks UFC, Affliction

It certainly has been a long time coming, but former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski has found a new home.

Thursday, after months of heated speculation, Affliction finally confirmed what many fans knew already expected – Arlovski had signed up with the upstart promotion for its inaugural card “Banned” on July 19 in Anaheim, Calif.

The “TBA” facing Ben Rothwell is now a “Pitbull.” It’s bittersweet news for the former champ.

“I am excited,” Arlovski told MMAWeekly.com. “Also, I have mixed feelings – sad about leaving UFC and excited about my future.”
ADVERTISEMENT

Arlovski and his management are mum about the details of the negotiation that led him to leave the UFC, but its clear that the industry-leading promotion could not offer Arlovski the dollar sign he required.

“My management and I did what we had to do to work out a new deal with the UFC,” he said. “But we also had to test the market. At the end of the day it’s a business.”

If he had his choice though, Arlovski would have stayed with the company that made him a star.

“It is always my choice,” he continued. “I just had to evaluate everything on the plate, listen to the opinions of my advisors and make the decision. At this time I felt that based on everything this decision would be better for me. There are a lot of things that go into consideration.”

Arlovski maintains that his relationship with his former employers remains strong, and that the possibility of a return to the Octagon is not out of the question.

“In the last few month both Dana and Lorenzo showed me a lot of respect on the personal level and I got to know them better on the personal level,” he said. “They told me that they respect my decision and wished me success. I am very grateful to them for what they did for the sport, for the UFC and for me personally over the years. Everybody indicated that the doors are open.”

Details on the length of Arlovski’s contract were not forthcoming, due to confidentiality agreements signed by his management, although reports put the deal at three fights.

The focus will now shift to Rothwell, a heavyweight with a penchant for knocking opponents into next Tuesday.

“He is strong and very technical,” Arlovski said. “He has very good stand-up. It’s going to be a difficult fight for both of us.”

Affliction made a formal announcement of the signing Tuesday, along with a partnership with famed entrepreneur Donald Trump, at a press conference in New York. With an already deep heavyweight division, there is no shortage of future opponents for “The Pitbull.”

“Currently (Affliction has) some of the best heavyweights in the world,” he said. “I am looking forward to testing my skills there.”

Source: Yahoo Sports

6/9/08

Quote of the Day

"When so many are lonely as seem to be lonely, it would be inexcusably selfish to be lonely alone."

Tennessee Williams, 1911-1983, American Playwright

Palolo Boxing Event Results

USA-Boxing Hawaii, Five-0 B.C., Kawano B.C., and Palolo B.C.
Presents a fundraiser Match Event for the
Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team to Marquette, Michigan.
Palolo District Park, Honolulu, Hawaii
Saturday, June 7, 2008
6 p.m.

Red Corner Weights Blue Corner
Lbs/Birthdate 3 Rounds Lbs/Birthdate

1). Nathan Rodrigues (73) lost/decision to Wilson Savedra Jr. (68)
Palolo B.C. 07/27/98 1 min. Villaver B.C. 08/10/99
2). Gavin Marques (89) lost/dec. to Eric'e Tuale Auelua (86)
Waipahu B. 1 02/05/98 1 min. Villaver B.C. 02/19/98
3). Keoni Adric (74) won/dec. over Dustin Somera (79)
Waipahu B.1 09/01/97 1 min. PearlSide B.C. 08/13/97
4). Kekoa Balasi (83) won/dec. over James Hashimoto (78)
Waipahu B.1 07/16/97 1 min. Palolo B.C. 08/23/95
5). Austin Dumlao (93) lost/dec. to Justly Laquihon (94)
Waipahu B.1 08/29/95 1 min. Kawano B.C. 11/10/94
6). Arnold Dinong (145) won/dec. over Tyler Agbayani (148)
Waipahu B. 1 06/24/94 1 ½ min. Kalakaua B.C. 07/20/94
7). Ryan Arasato (174) lost/dec. to Steven Cabilis (185)
Palolo B.C. 08/15/77 2 min. Kalakaua B.C. 06/27/90
8). Dustin Awaya (153) won/dec. over Jesse Alonzo (153)
Palolo B.C. 12/08/87 2 min. Kawano B.C. 06/02/86

Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team to Marquette, Michigan June 14-22nd, 2008. 106- Kalai McShane (Five-O), 110- Kurtis Hagi (Honolulu B.C.), 114- Emmit Bolibol (Hawaii Youth), 119- Lopaka Armitage (Five-O), 132- Ezra Cabang (A.P. Big Island), 145- Keanu Sabado (Honolulu B.C.), 154- Josh Nakagawa (Southside B.C.), 176- Faleauto Manutulila (Hawaii Youth), Females 119- Chazzette Sau (Southside B.C.), 125- Helena Dela Cruz- Lopes (Five-O). Regional Coordinator/Team Manager- Bruce Kawano, Coach- Nante Manangan, Coach- Danny Kaheaku, and Official- Don Tsarks. Supporting staff- Don Casil, Shane McShane, Anthony Pagan.

On behalf of the Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team, we would like to Thank the Volunteers who donate their time- Boxers, Coaches, Officials, Announcer, Dr. Suehiro, Door Workers, Medal Sponsor- Hawaiian Fight Gear, Concession, and "YOU" our Boxing Fans. Thank You for Your Support!!

SIDE NOTE: Good crowd, all boxers and fans, well behaved in and out of the ring. Makes boxing fun for everyone. No bad sportsmanship or complaints. Coaches and parents doing a good job, teaching kids humbleness, humility, and good sportsmanship.

Thank You Again!!!

Source: Bruce Kawano

The Quest for Champions (Summer 2008)
Martial Arts Tournament


(Featuring:Sport-Pankration, Submission Grappling and Continuous Sparring)

Will be rescheduled for August 2008 (Tentative)

* More information will be posted as we get more confirmation *

Source: Tommy Lam

WORLD VICTORY ROAD: SENGOKU THIRD BATTLE
Yoshida Takes Out Smith, Wiuff Stops Fujita
Thompson Continues His Winning Ways
By Kelsey Mowatt

The Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, hosted World Victory Road’s third Sengoku event today, with a card that featured several notable fighters from both Japan and abroad. Although the line-up did not necessarily command the intrigue of Dream’s ongoing middleweight and lightweight grand-prix tournaments, with highly regarded fighters like Nick Thompson, Kazuo Misaki, Kazuyuki Fujita, Travis Wiuff and Jorge Masvidal all competing today in Saitama, Sengoku 3 certainly had some appeal.

In the main event, noted kickboxing and MMA veteran Maurice Smith, took on one of Japan’s favorite fighters in the judoka, Hidehiko Yoshida. Although both men have left their better days behind them competition wise, due to each man’s considerable accomplishments in combative sports, one can understand why World Victory Road believed the bout could be a draw in Japan.

During the opening moments of the bout, Smith kept his distance, and threw the odd kick to Yoshida’s legs and inner thigh. After failing to take Smith down through an outside shot Yoshida eventually bull-rushed Smith into the corner. From the clinch, the former Olympic Judo Gold medalist quickly swept Smith to the mat, worked his way to side-mount, before securing a fight ending neck crank moments later.

At welterweight, the now defunct BodogFight 's champion Nick Thompson, took on Chute Boxe’s Michael Costa. After an extremely brief striking exchange, Costa quickly shot in on Thompson and took the Minnesota fighter down to the mat. From there, Thompson immediately began working on a Kimura from half-guard, and then transitioned into a full armbar attempt from his guard. Despite the nice maneuver, Costa saw it coming all the way, and clasped his hands firmly together so that Thompson could not extend his arm. For much of the remaining portion of the round, Costa attempted to punish Thompson while working from within his opponent’s guard, but Thompson was largely able to negate any of Costa’s attacks.

In round two, Costa stepped up his striking game, throwing a barrage of kicks and punches Thompson’s way, before a left hand from the Chute Boxe fighter landed and sent Thompson crashing to the mat. Despite taking several more hard shots from Costa, Thompson was able to recover and pull Costa into his guard. As Thompson attempted to work back to his feet, he was able to reverse Costa, and assume the top position. After passing to sidemount, Thompson attempted a straight-arm-bar and then quickly transitioned it into a painful looking Kimura, which gave Costa no choice but to tap-out. With the win Thompson runs his impressive winning streak to 12.

In another bout which featured one of Japan’s more experienced and popular fighters, heavyweight Kazuyuki Fujita took on American veteran, Travis Wiuff. Each fighter came out looking to test the waters striking, and other than a few feigned attempts of a takedown by Fujita, both men looked to exchange. Only moments in, a hard left hook from Wiuff dropped Fujita to the mat, and after the Japanese fighter absorbed several hard hammer fists from Wiuff to the head, the referee jumped in to save Fujita from any further punishment.

At lightweight, BodogFight vets in Rodrigo Damm and Jorge Masvidal faced off. After each man looked to find their range striking during the opening moments of the bout, it would be Masvidal who would land first, sending Damm crashing to the mat with a hard right hand. Despite the shot, Damm quickly recovered, grabbed on to Masvidal’s legs, and relentlessly pursued his own takedown. With the fighters nearly falling through the ropes, the ref halted the action and resumed the bout standing at center ring. For the remainder of the round the bout remained at its feet and neither fighter was able to land any telling blows.

Round two would also see the action take place with the fighter’s on their feet, and for the first 4 minutes of the round, neither man was able to dominate the striking game. With less than one minute to go in the second bracket, Damm landed a thundering right straight that instantly floored Masvidal. As Damm swooped in to inflict more punishment onto his fallen opponent, and with Masvidal already covering up, the ref jumped in to bring the bout to a halt. A dejected and seemingly coherent Masvidal quickly rose to his feet while Damm celebrated the win in boisterous style.

Stay tuned for a full report in the next issue of Full Contact Fighter

Sengoku 3 Results

Fabio Silva Def. Kazuo Takahashi by KO R2 0:24
Rodrigo Damm Def. Jorge Masvidal by TKO R2 4:38
Marcio Cruz Def. Choi Mu Bae by Submission (Choke) R1 4:37
Sanae Kikuta Def. Chris Rice by Submission (Armbar) R1 3:54
Nick Thompson Def. Michael Costa by Submission (Kimura) R2 4:13
Kazuo Misaki Def. Logan Clark by Unanimous Decision
Travis Wiuff Def. Kazuyuki Fujita by TKO R1 1:24
Hidehiko Yoshida Def. Maurice Smith by Submission (Neck-crank) R1 2:23

Source: Full Contact Fighter

Xande is the open champion

Xande won his second blackbelt world absolute title after beating Roger Gracie this Sunday in Long Beach.

Alliance conquered teams contest in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2008

The 2008 World is over.

Xande Ribeiro was the greatest name of the event, conquering the absolute after defeating Roger Gracie by 4 to 2, points earned by two takedowns, while Roger scored with a sweep.

Thus Ribeiro became blackbelt open class champion for the second time, since he was the winner also in 2006.

Alliance conquered the contest among teams, followed by Gracie Humaita in second and Gracie Barra in third

Roger Gracie took the ultra heavyweight by beating Leo Leite by submission (the score was 9 to 2 but with a choke settled, Leite tapped at the same time the time expired). Roger's adversary in the absolute, Xande Ribeiro guaranteed himself at least one gold by beating Alexandre Souza by 3 to 2 at heavyweights.

In the roosterweight decision, the runner-up was the one applauded. Adopted by the crowd, Japanese Yusuke Homna gave Caio Terra a hard time, however, the Cesar Gracie student was more effective and took the victory after the ten regulation minutes.

Another Japanese fighter to have nearly made it was Samuel Braga's adversary, Dai Yoshioka, who gave the champion work, but ended up seeing the Brazilian from Gracie Barra become champion in advantages.

In an exciting fight, locked in a draw up until the final moments, Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles didn't give up and managed to get Bruno Frazzatto by the foot as the stopwatch neared zero, driving the Alliance gang insane. Cobrinha maintains his domination over the featherweights.

Celsinho Venicius mastered the balance to beat Lucas Lepri in lightweight division. The win came by way of two points from a takedown. The Ryan Gracie fighter was crowned champion among the lightweights.

Even though both are from Alliance, Sergio Moraes and Bill Cooper did not accept "making a deal" to declare the other champion without facing off. So the solution was to extend the team's banner along the side of the fight area and go at it. As time drew out, Sergio Moraes, who was responsible for Kron Gracie's elimination in the first round, took Bill Cooper down three times. The two points suffered as a penalty were not enough to keep him from the gold.

Pan-American absolute champion Andre Galvao added one more gold to his heap. His victim in the final was Braulio Estima. The outcome of the medium heavyweights was determined when the Brasa representative choked the Gracie Barra athlete out from the back.

In the super heavyweight final, Antonio Braga Neto had revenge on Rafael Lovato Jr from their meeting in the Worlds last year. Lovato had defeated the Gordo JJ fighter, taking the title. This time, Neto left nothing to chance; he swept and passed the guard, bringing the score to 5 to 0 by the time the clock ran out.

ULTRA HEAVY

Roger Gracie (Gracie Barra) defeated Leo Leite (Brasa) by submission - Roger managed to sweep, pass and mount. Leo Leite managed to score with a takedown.

HEAVY

Xande Ribeiro (Gracie Humaitá) defeated Alexandre Souza (Gracie Florianópolis) by 3 to 2. Xande scored by passing. Souza earned two points due to a punishment.

ROOSTER

Yusuke Homna (Paraestra) defeated Caio Terra (Cesar Gracie) - Caio scored with a takedown and two sweeps, while Yusuke, adopted by the crowd, had two sweeps.

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT

Samuel Braga (Gracie Barra) defeated Dai Yoshioka (Tokyo Yellow Man) by 3 to 2 in advantages

FEATHER

Rubens Charles Cobrinha (Alliance) submitted Bruno Frazatto (Brasa) with a footlock

LIGHT

Celsinho Venicius (Ryan Gracie) defeated Lucas Lepri (Alliance) by 2 to 0 - Celso's points came from a takedown.

MIDDLE

Sergio Moraes (Alliance) defeated Bill Cooper (Alliance) with points from three takedowns, despite 2-point penalty.

MEDIUM HEAVY

André Galvão (Brasa) defeated Bráulio Estima (Gracie Barra) by choke from the back.

SUPER HEAVY

Antonio Braga Neto (Gordo JJ) defeated Rafael Lovato Jr. (Gracie Humaitá) by score of 5 to 0, with sweep and pass.

ABSOLUTE

Xande Ribeiro (Gracie Humaitá) defeated Roger Gracie (Gracie Barra) by 4 to 2

FEMALE FINALS

Super feather: Miriam Cerqueira (UGF) defeated Takato Abe (Paraestra) by decision
Feather: Bianca Barreto (Gracie Barra Alagoas) defeated Laurence Cousin (Behring) by 2 to 0 by advantages
Light: Kyra Gracie (Gracie Barra) defeated Luana Alzuguir (Barbosa Jiu-Jitsu) by 2 to 0
Middle: Hannette Quadros (Carlson Gracie) submitted Fernanda Mazzelli (Aguinaldo Goes) by foot lock
Médium heavy: Ana Laura Cordeiro (GB) defeated Penny Thomas (Gracie Humaitá) 9 to 1 in advantages
Heavy: Gabrielle Garcia (Triumph) submitted Maria do Carmo (Carmem Casca-grossa) with a choke

Source: Gracie Magazine

FOLLOWING WEC 34,
FABER PLAYS THE WAITING GAME

by Mitch Gobetz

At World Extreme Cagefighting 34, Urijah Faber proved why he is he is the No. 1 featherweight in the world with his dominating performance over Jens Pulver. Pulver, who was undefeated at featherweight prior to the bout, was thought to be, and probably was, Faber’s toughest test to date. Faber passed with flying colors with his aggressive attack, crisp punching and solid wrestling.

“It's basically just been good times with my buddies and just relaxing and being here with all my friends and family,” said a laid back Faber recently on MMAWeekly Radio. “It's just been amazing. I've had a great time through the whole process before, during and after the fight.”

The fight took place in the Arco Arena in Urijah Faber’s hometown of Sacramento, Calif. Getting to fight in front of his home crowd meant a lot to Faber and had his blood pumping. “It was pretty intense. I feel like it was a first time experience for me being in a venue that large and having everyone there for me was amazing. I was a lucky guy.”

Jens Pulver came into the fight very game, and Faber expected to have a very tough fight on his hands. “That guy is a warrior,” said Faber. “I think this was the best prepared he's been for a fight in a long time. You could see it at the weigh-ins. He was in really good shape compared to some of his other fights, even years ago. I knew he was going to be really tough to finish. It was just something that was kind of a big deal to him and me and I'm just so glad I won.”

The one aspect of the fight that seemed to surprise most people was Faber’s much improved boxing skills. “One thing that I pointed out after this fight, my last five fights, go back and watch them and see who took me to the ground. Jeff Curran took me to the ground. Chance Farrar took me to the ground. Dominic Cruz took me to the ground. Joe Pearson jumped guard. Bibiano Fernandez took me to the ground. So, people talk about my ground and pound. I'm just trying to fight out there. I love throwing punches.”

Faber continued to dominate the stand-up with his solid right hand that kept finding a home. Even though he threw many solid combinations, his right hand was definitely his moneymaker on the feet. “The right hand for me has always been my power shot. It used to be my lunging overhand right when I first started fighting. I've put some technique behind it. I was really happy to get to showcase some of this stuff.”

This fight was also the first time that Faber had been taken five rounds. For some fighters, going five rounds would make them gas out, but not Faber. His conditioning is always off the charts. “My cardio was great. I'm a lifetime fighter. If I can't do 25 minutes, then I wouldn't even be in the mix. My cardio felt great. The second round when I was a little fatigued, it was something you don't get to practice trying to actually finish a guy because in practice, you shake a guy. You don't go in for the kill.”

WEC had to share the weekend with CBS-EliteXC Saturday Night Fights’ debut show. While the EliteXC show was marred with controversy, the WEC put on another solid event. In fact, ESPN’s Jim Rome commented that the Urijah Faber-Jens Pulver match should have been the fight that was put on network television instead of Kimbo Slice and James Thompson.

Faber shared his opinion on those remarks. “I agree with him. You could see the talent and the skill level of the fighters in the WEC versus the guys in EliteXC. I'm really happy they have that EliteXC show on CBS. I think that's huge for the sport. It's drawing so much attention.”

The WEC, since being televised on Versus, has produced quality shows with great fights that even rival its parent organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship. “I think what you have is a huge pool of talent in the lighter weights. People are just getting to see why they are the most exciting fights in the world. They are really making a showcase for the some of the most talented MMA fighters in the world.”

When Jens Pulver and Urijah Faber squared off last Sunday night, it was a testament to the lighter weight classes in how exciting their fights usually are. The fight was so compelling, some fans were wondering if a rematch may happen at some point.

Faber has no qualms about giving Jens a rematch. “I'd fight anyone. Jens is a tough guy. I think that I did a good job of proving why I am No. 1 right now, but if he is the one that is in contention, I'd definitely give him the opportunity.”

The big question surrounding Faber right now is who will he fight next. Mike Brown had an impressive performance over Jeff Curran and may be the front-runner to a title shot against Faber. “There are some rumors about a fight in September. That would be great for me. It depends who they think. I think Mike Brown is well-deserving. He's beaten Yves Edwards. He's a worthy opponent. At this point, it's a waiting game for me.”

Source: MMA Weekly

UFC 85 Notebook - Bonuses Awarded
Brian Knapp

The American Top Team's Thiago Alves notched a signature victory against former welterweight champion Matt Hughes in the main event at UFC 85: Bedlam on Saturday at the O2 Arena in London. With it, came a $50,000 bonus check.

Alves (15-3, 8-2 UFC) was awarded "Knockout of the Night" honors after he flattened Hughes with a flying knee in the second round. The 24-year-old Brazilian, who failed to make weight for the bout, has won six straight fights - none bigger than his latest. Alves dominated Hughes (42-7, 15-5 UFC) in a match that was never competitive and became an instant contender for the UFC welterweight throne, currently held by Georges St. Pierre.

A late injury replacement for Ryo Chonan, newcomer Kevin Burns capitalized on his opportunity, as he coaxed a tapout from Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Roan Carneiro (12-7, 2-2 UFC) with a second-round triangle choke in his UFC debut. Burns (6-1, 1-0 UFC), the one-time Victory Fighting Championships titleholder, was awarded a $50,000 bonus for "Submission of the Night." He will enter his next bout on a four-fight winning streak.

"Coming into the fight, I thought Roan had everything to lose, I had everything to gain," Burns said. "I had been training very hard for a shot in the UFC, to fight against the best in the world. I had every intention of coming over here to win. I did see on tape a few things that I could exploit. We put together a game plan as fast as possible."

Finally, lightweights Matt Wiman and Thiago Tavares (13-2, 3-2 UFC) received matching $50,000 bonus checks for "Fight of the Night" in wake of their barn burner on the undercard. Wiman (10-3, 4-1 UFC) scored the most significant win of his career, as he knocked out the highly regarded Brazilian with a vicious right hand 1:57 into round two.

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MARQUARDT, VERA WANT REMATCHES

Former UFC middleweight title contender Nate Marquardt wants a rematch with Thales Leites following his split decision loss to the Brazilian at UFC 85. Marquardt was deducted two points by referee Herb Dean, the first for an illegal knee strike, the second for an illegal elbow.

"At this point, I'd really like a rematch," Marquardt said. "I think we need to settle it that way."

Marquardt (26-8-2, 5-2 UFC) admitted fault for the second-round knee but believes Dean was mistaken on the third-round elbow. The point deductions cost him the victory, as he appeared to win the second and third rounds against Leites (13-1, 4-1 UFC).

"On the first knee, I really thought he was getting up, but it was definitely my mistake," Marquardt said. "On the second point deduction, the elbow, I'm pretty sure it hit the side of his head, kind of towards his temple area. It was a horizontal elbow. It should have been completely legal. I'm disappointed. I went out and fought my best."

Heavyweight Brandon Vera (8-2, 4-2 UFC) was more vehement in his call for a rematch after he was stopped on strikes from the mount by Pride Fighting Championships veteran Fabricio Werdum. He criticized referee Dan Miragliotta for his decision to intervene with only 20 seconds to go in the first round.

"That ref sucks," Vera said. "I'm pissed. The referee was talking to me. He was saying something like, ‘Are you OK?' I was saying, ‘I'm OK.' I said it three times. [Werdum] hit me maybe three or four times. The rest was on my arms. Fabricio had an awesome ass mount. I wasn't getting out of the mount. I figured I was just going to ride the ass whoopin' for the next 20 seconds, get up to our feet [in the] second round, and I was going to give it to him."

Werdum (11-3-1, 2-1 UFC), who has emerged as a top contender for Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's heavyweight championship, would not commit to a rematch afterward.

"I'm kind of disappointed in Fabricio," Vera said. "He said, ‘Yes' earlier in the cage. At least that's what I thought. Now he's telling me to get back in queue. I understand why he doesn't want to fight me again."

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KAMPMANN BACK IN THE SADDLE

Four hundred sixty two days and 21 events passed between Martin Kampmann's bout with Drew McFedries at UFC 68 in March 2007 and his return at UFC 85 on Saturday in London.

Having undergone two reconstructive knee surgeries, the talented Dane was back in action on the undercard, as he submitted Jorge Rivera with a guillotine choke in the first round. Kampmann (16-2, 4-0 UFC), who was believed to be on a short list of title contenders before his injury, has won nine straight fights.

"Sucks being out. Sucks not being able to train," Kampmann said. "It's great to be back."

Based out of Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts in Las Vegas, Kampmann was masterful against Rivera, as he locked in the fight-ending choke 2:44 into the bout. A kickboxer by trade, nearly half (seven) of his 16 career victories have come by submission, including two straight. Kampmann has not lost in four trips inside the Octagon, and only Thales Leites was able to take him the distance.

Source: The Fight Network

'Cro Cop' Cancels Grappling Match
by Tim Leidecker

Pride 2006 Grand Prix champion Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic has canceled his June 15 grappling exhibition against Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Ralek Gracie after aggravating an elbow injury in training. Dnevnik, one of the biggest online news portals in Croatia, reported the cancellation of the bout on Saturday.

The match, which was scheduled to be held under modified rules with a no-points system, began as a stopgap solution after promoter Fighting & Entertainment Group was unable to find a suitable mixed martial arts opponent for the Croatian kickboxer.

Excluding a 56-second cameo appearance against overmatched Japanese grappler Tatsuya Mizuno last March at Dream 1, the Zagreb native has not fought in a Japanese ring for over 17 months.

Filipovic suffered the elbow injury in the Mizuno fight, but opted for conservative treatment in order to avoid surgery. However, after more than 15 years in the fight game, "Cro Cop" is finally showing the wear and tear of over 60 professional bouts.

The kickboxer, 33, is now tentatively scheduled for a clash with fellow former K-1 star Jerome LeBanner on July 21 at Dream 5.

Source: Sherdog

St. Pierre analyze Pitbull vs. Hughes
By Guilherme Cruz

Directly connected to the main event of the UFC 85, between Thiago "Pitbull" Alves and Matt Hughes, the champion of the weight category, Georges St. Pierre, analyzed the fight that can credit the Brazilian to dispute the belt, if Thiago Pitbull beat the former champion Hughes. "It's a difficult fight to bet in somebody. I think Matt Hughes is very good, and if he take the fight seriously he can win, but depends on how the fight is going to follow. Keeping on top, Thiago Alves is going to win, but if it goes to the ground Matt Hughes will win", said GSP, which prefers not to bet on anyone for the fight.

“I don’t know. Depends on how the athletes are going to prepare themselves. Matt Hughes hás the reputation of sometimes don’t train hard and don’t be in a good shape, but when he made it he is very tough. For one side, Thiago Alves is a tough guy too and improve a lot, so I would not bet on this fight”, said the champion, which analyzed a fight between him and the Braziliam. “I don’t know, it could be one day, if he defeats Matt Hughes. I respect him a lot, he is a great fighter, a good person too, a good model to the sport, just like Anderson Silva is. I respect him a lot”, said the champion.

Source: Tatame

BENJI RADACH: READY TO RETURN ... AGAIN
by Mick Hammond

If you were to pick a Comeback Fighter of the Year for 2007, it wouldn’t be surprising to find International Fight League middleweight Benji “Razor” Radach at or near the top of the list of candidates for the honor.

After a seemingly endless list of injuries sidelined him, Radach returned to competition after a three-year layoff to become one of the IFL’s premier fighters, winning his first five fights with the promotion.

Only falling short in his attempt to become the organization’s first 185-pound champion to Matt Horwich last December during his IFL campaign, Radach looked to be one of the IFL’s stars as they headed into this year’s new format, but the injury bug once again struck, sidelining him for the last five months.

After taking time to properly heal, Radach is once again looking to return to action and prove he belongs among the top fighters in the middleweight division.

“It seems like I’m prone to injuries the last few years, but I think pretty much it was mainly because I was training so hard last year through the whole season,” commented Radach on his latest injury stint. “I had six fights, and was only getting a week off between each training session, so my body never really got any time to recover.

“I was always just killing it, and I think my body just kind of gave up. I was out at Team Quest training rear naked chokes and fractured my neck. I put a neck brace on, healed up and everything feels great now. I’m ready to get back in there.”

With the more open format the promotion has adopted with this year’s schedule, Radach looks to capitalize on the downtime he’ll be afforded this year.

“I like fighting not so often, so that way I’m much more hungry and less likely to lose,” he explained. “When I’m really hungry I want to win.

“I feel good, strong and there’s not much holding me back. Unless I get caught, there’s not going to be much chance of me losing. That’s how I want to feel going into every fight.”

Radach is looking to use the next scheduled IFL show as a timetable for his possible return to action.

“I’m thinking about August 15 and fighting on that show,” he said. “I’m not sure who yet, but I’m ready to fight anyone basically.

“I just want to get out there, start swinging and get into the mix, because all this time off has sucked.”

When the question was posed whether he would rather take a tune up fight or go straight after current IFL 185-pound champ Dan Miller, Radach made it clear he’s gunning for a title and nothing less.

“I wouldn’t mind fighting him right away,” he commented. “The reason being is, you can always try to take a tune-up fight, but you’re not always going to train the same way as you would for a title fight.

“You might as well going into a fight training your hardest and fight the best guys instead of going in there training lackadaisical like you would not fighting for a championship.”

Since Radach last fought, the IFL entered the most turbulent era of its short history. Many changes in the hierarchy of the promotion and admission of the possible selling of the company have become almost as newsworthy as the fights themselves, but he isn’t worrying.

“I’ve always hoped the best for the IFL,” stated Radach. “I’m just going to be doing my thing, and if or when they need me, I’m down.

“They’ve treated me pretty well and I’m going to stick to helping them out as best I can. I’m going to go with the flow and hopefully they can work something out.”

Back healthy and ready to return to action, Benji Radach looks to rebuild the momentum he had going last year and parlay it into a 2008 he hopes will end with gold around his waist.

“To all my fans, definitely keep an eye out for me,” he concluded. “I’ll be back knocking people out shortly. I want to thank L.A. Boxing for all their help, American Top Team, Team Quest and Xtreme Couture.”

Source: MMA Weekly

6/8/08

Quote of the Day

"A mind always employed is always happy. This is the true secret, the grand recipe, for felicity."

Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826, 3rd President of the United States

UFC 85: Bedlam Results!

UFC 85: Bedlam from the O2 Arena in London, England.
1. Antoni Hardonk def. Eddie Sanchez via KO (punch) - R1 (4:15)
2. Paul Taylor def. Jess Liaudin via split decision
3. Luiz Cane def. Jason Lambert via TKO (strikes) - R1 (2:07)
4. Kevin Burns def. Roan Carneiro via submission (triangle choke) - R2 (2:53)
5. Matt Wiman def. Thiago Tavares via KO (punches) - R2 (1:57)
6. Martin Kampmann def. Jorge Rivera via submission (choke) - R1 (2:44)
7. Fabricio Werdum def. Brandon Vera via TKO (strikes) - R1 (4:40)
8. Thales Leites def. Nate Marquardt via split decision
9. Mike Swick def. Marcus Davis via unanimous decision
10. Michael Bisping def.Jason Day via TKO (strikes) - R1 (3:42)
11. Thiago Alves def. Matt Hughes via TKO (strikes) - R2 (1:02)

ROUND-BY-ROUND RESULTS:

Welterweights: Thiago Alves (174) vs. Matt Hughes (170)
R1: Hughes shoots and Alves avoids the takedown. Hughes shoots again and Alves stops it. Hughes doesn't want to give up the takedown but ends up pulling guard. Alves lands punches and stands up. Hughes scores a takedown into Alves' halfguard. Alves brings the fight to his butterfly guard. Hughes reverts to halfguard. Alves stands up with Hughes hanging onto one leg. Alves escapes. Hughes immediately shoots. Hughes ends up falling into guard. Aves connects on ground and pound punches.

R2: Hughes shoots and eats a knee. Hughes pulls guard. They are back up. Hughes shoots right away. Alves throws a knee. Hughes is down. Alves pounces and referee Herb Dean stops the fight.

Alves apologizes to UFC management for not making weight and said he sprained his ankle days away from the weigh-ins. He asks Dana White for a title shot.

Hughes says he has at least one more fight left in him (against Matt Serra).

Alves wins via TKO - R2 (1:02)

Middleweights: Jason Day (184) vs. Michael Bisping (184)

R1: Day tags Bisping with several light leg kicks. Bisping scores the takedown with 3:24 left. Bisping effectively ground and pounds Day. Bisping passes to side control. Day rolls out. Bisping hits Day with knees as soon as he gets up. Bisping immediately takes Day down. Bisping advances to full mount. Bisping controls Day's back while landing left punches. Day has no answer but to cover up. The fight is stopped.

Bisping wins via TKO - R1 (3:42)

Middleweights: Thales Leites (185) vs. Nate Marquardt (185)

R1: They circle. Leites glances Marquardt with a superman punch. Marquardt chases Leites with a punch combo. They exchange punches. Leites drops Marquardt with a right. Leites has full mount. Marquardt gets halfguard. Leites advances to side control with a little over two minutes left in the round. Marquadt escapes back to his feet. Marquardt scores with a punch to the body. Marquardt presses Leites against the cage. They separate. Marquardt hits a leg kick. Leites touches Marquardt with a spinning back kick. Marquadt stuns Leites with an uppercut. Marquardt lands a leg kick before the end of round one.

R2: Leites presses forward with punches. They clinch. They separate. Marquardt takes Leites down. Marquardt hits Leites with a left knee, but it's illegal since Leites still had one leg grounded. They fight is paused. The doctor checks on Leites and says Leites is fine. Marquardt gets a point taken away. They resume with 3:50 left in the round. Marquard scores immediately with a takedown. Marquardt works ground and pound strikes. Leites is bleeding from his nose. Marquardt connects with elbows. Leites tries upkicks, but it's not effective. Marquardt drops down into Leites' guard with a punch. Mardquardt attacks with hammerfists and punches. The referee stands up the fight and there is just under 30 seconds left. Marquardt goes for the takedown but its Leites who lands in full mount.

R3: Marquardt punches Leites in the body and then an uppecut. Leites throws a flying knee but is taken down. Leites attempts a triangle choke but Marquardt escapes. According to referee Herb Dean, Marquardt hits Leites with a punch to the back of the head. Since Marquardt received a warning in the first round, Dean deducted Marquardt another point. Marquardt needs to finish in order to win. Marquardt scores an easy takedown. Leites looks for a kimura. Marquardt lands punches. Leites throws elbows at Marquardt's head. Leites moves for the kimura, but doesn't get it. Leites holds one leg and gets back to his feet. Marquardt with a piledriver! Luckily, Leites is fine and the fight is over.

Marquardt won the last two rounds, but let's see how the judges score it considering the two point deductions.

28-27 for Leites, 28-27 for Marquardt, and 28-27 for Leites. Leites is overjoyed.

Marquardt disagrees with the second point deduction. The video replay shows that the punch was to the side of the head, not the back.

Leites wins via split decision

Welterweights: Mike Swick (170) vs. Marcus Davis (170)

R1: Swick swings high kicks that are missed or blocked. Davis presses Swick against the cage. Davis momentarily gets the takedown. Swick brings the fight to the ground with Davis holding on to a guillotine. Swick almost passes to side mount. Swick passes to halfguard. Swick throws punches but Davis defends well. Davis closes his guard. Swick continues with punches until the end of the round.

R2: Davis lands a left. Swick attacks with repeated leg kicks. Swick moves into Davis's guard. Swick advances to Davis' halfguard. Davis works punches to Swick's body. Swick passes to side control. Swick tries for the full mount but falls back into halfguard. Davis wants the kimura. Davis finally lets go and they are back up. They clinch and Davis punches Swick in the body. Davis throws uppercuts in the clinch. Swick answers with knees to the body. Davis is back with the uppercuts and trips Swick down. Swick almost locks in a triangle choke. They stand up, but Swick takes Davis right back down.

R3: Swick connects with a knee. They clinch and separate. Davis throws overhands. Swick hits Davis with a knee. Davis moves Swick against the cage. They separate. Davis tries uppercuts. They separate and clinch. Swick tries the Muay Thai knees. Davis attempts a takedown but can't finish it. The referee deducts Swick a point for holding the fence. Swick scores the takedown. There is 1:25 left in the fight. Davis is bloodied up. Swick works ground and pound strikes. Swick swings wildly on the top of Davis in the closing seconds.

Even with the one point deducted, Swick takes 29-27 on all the cards.

Swick wins via unanimous decision.

Heavyweights: Fabricio Werdum (247) vs. Brandon Vera (228)

1: Vera lands a leg kick. They clinch. Vera hits Werdum with knees to the thigh. They separate and then resume the clinch. Werdum throws punches and they separate. They are back in the clinch and they hit each other with knees to the thigh. Werdum drops for the takedown and gets it. Vera closes his guard. Vera kicks Werdum off and they are on their feet. Werdum grabs a leg to attempt a takedown but Vera defends it. Vera hurts Werdum with a left punch. Vera presses Werdum against the cage. The referee separates them. They clinch. Werdum takes Vera down. Werdum passes to halfguard, and then to full mount, where unleashes strikes with 30 seconds left. Vera blocks most of the punches but referee Dan Miragliotta stops the fight.

Vera argues it, saying he could have lasted the rest of the round.

Werdum wins via TKO - R1 (4:40)

Source: MMA Fighting

Shaw: Slice-Rogers Likely for October
by Loretta Hunt

It looks like Brett Rogers will get his wish.

EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw told Sherdog.com on Friday that a heavyweight tilt between Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and burgeoning nemesis Rogers is a likelihood for October.

"Kimbo says he wants Rogers. Rogers says he wants Kimbo. If that's what they want, we'll make it happen," said Shaw.

Rogers, also victorious during EliteXC's "Primetime" live CBS telecast on May 31, confronted "Slice" during a post-fight press conference, describing the headliner's third-round TKO of James Thompson (Pictures) as "garbage."

Rogers, 27, dispatched local draw Jon Murphy (Pictures) in a minute and one second at the Prudential Center event in Newark, New Jersey. A tire repairman from Minneapolis, Minn., Rogers recently left his day job to train full time.

Shaw was uncertain if October's proposed event would be telecast on CBS. A venue has not been selected yet.

"Slice" first announced the potential bout on Thursday during a radio interview with The Dan Le Batard Show on Sports Talk 790 AM "The Ticket."

"His corner needs to tell him there's ways to do things, and this just isn't the way to do it. Now it's personal," Ferguson told Le Batard. "But I guess they did their part. They called me out and got the fight."

Ferguson, 34, said his bout with Thompson will force him to focus on his ground game more, as future opponents will try and expose him on the mats.

"I'm going to change up my training from this fight on. It's going to be ground, ground, ground," said the feared brawler famous for his legendary Internet backyard battles.

Ferguson noted that the sabbatical till October will allow him time to heal both his thumbs, which were injured in the bout.

An additional EliteXC event is being considered for the summer, said Shaw.

Source: Sherdog

Rodriguez to replace Randleman against Monson

Former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez will fill in for the injured Kevin Randleman against Jeff Monson at the inaugural "Godz of War"event on June 21 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Randleman had to bow out due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He had suffered the injury prior to his return to Japan at "Sengoku 2" on May 18, but the shoulder worsened when he threw his first punch in the fight. Randleman would grind out the unanimous decision against Pancrase 2006 Neo-Blood tournament champion Ryo Kawamura.

Rodriguez (28-9), who defeated Randy Couture at UFC 39, last fought on April 11 in the single-night heavyweight tournament promoted by YAMMA Pit Fighting, the new organization from UFC co-founder Bob Meyrowitz. Rodriguez lost a one-round decision to eventual winner Travis Wiuff.

Monson (24-8) competed in the main event on the same "Sengoku" card with Randleman, losing to Josh Barnett by unanimous decision. Monson is taking a risk by taking a fight against Mike Russow for Adrenaline MMA a week before this fight against Rodriguez. Both debuting promotions are counting on the grappling champion as the headliner.

Source: MMA Fighting

Some MMA coverage deserving of beatdown
While sport grows, some misperceptions and unfair stigmas remain OPINION

By Mike Chiappetta

There are times you can’t help but be embarrassed for being part of the media.

The public trusts us less than ever, the people we cover don’t always want to deal with us, and the pay isn’t always great.

And then sometimes, it’s because of your own colleagues passing off personal opinions they should just keep to themselves.

I’m tired of people attacking MMA and its fighters. I love the sport. I see it as a human chess match, sometimes with blood but always with guts. Those of us who sit at a keyboard or behind a monitor will never have any clue how much courage it takes to step into a cage or ring and depend on no one but yourself.

Just like any other sport, it has its good days and bad days.

Last weekend, we saw the emphatic victory of Urijah Faber in Sacramento, almost three rounds of a wonderful fight between Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith, and the continued dominance of Miguel Torres. On the other hand, we saw an uneven first outing for the sport on primetime network TV, a few questionable stoppages in EliteXC and the return of the national debate about MMA’s place in society.

Follow along here: boxing is an Olympic sport. So is judo and wrestling. Karate, jiu-jitsu and other martial arts forms are studied and respected by millions around the nation, and countless more around the world.

Put them all together, though, and critics say it’s part of the decline of civilization.

Read that again: separately, they are all honorable disciplines, but as one, it’s suddenly “street-brawling” or “barbarism,” and too violent to be seen.

Keep in mind, this argument often comes from mainstream sports writers who cover sports like pro football and boxing, writers like Brian Burwell of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, who writes that MMA is “where the absolute worst elements of human nature are sanctioned and celebrated.”

Talk about needing perspective. I guess he missed seeing Scott Smith and Robbie Lawler hug after their fight, Jens Pulver hold up Urijah Faber’s arm immediately after the final bell and say he lost to a better man, and the fearsome Kimbo walk over and kiss Thompson on the head at the end of their fight. He didn't see athleticism and sportsmanship on display?

All those critics see is violence. Worse yet, they say that the violence between MMA and other sports like football is different. They say in football, it is not the “object” of the game to hurt a man. In essence, they are saying, manufactured, man-made goals of scoring a touchdown and defending the end zone make the violence acceptable.

In football, it is legal:

for a blitzing 280-pound defensive end to have a running start and blindside the quarterback at full speed
for a 250-pound linebacker to get a head of steam and T-bone a receiver coming across the middle trying to make a catch
to dive at a player’s thighs, regardless of how many catastrophic knee and leg injuries we’ve seen
It is perfectly legal to hit unsuspecting, even defenseless players, as we often see in the kick return game when a would-be tackler is focused on the ballcarrier and gets hammered by a blocker. This is all OK, critics say, because violence isn’t the “object,” so apparently their injuries mean less.

And boxing is the “sweet science,” so giving a fighter a standing eight-count after a knockdown so he can get up and take more punishment is apparently humane.

If you are going to lambaste MMA for its violence — and that is essentially what Burwell is doing — you don’t get to give football and boxing a free pass.

Burwell goes on to call MMA “street brawling.” Really? You’ve seen someone use a gogoplata in a street fight? A kimura? You’ve seen someone use a sweep into a guillotine?

There is a visceral reaction to the violence in MMA, and sometimes that is enough to turn someone off. It’s certainly not for everyone.

There is the visceral reaction, and then there is the truth of what is actually occurring. There is just as much technique that goes into B.J. Penn’s ground game as there is in the Denver Broncos’ blocking schemes. It’s easy to discount the technique on display when you don’t know what you’re watching.

We fear what we do not understand.

Burwell calls MMA part of the "American Apocalypse," failing to understand that the same young demographic that is tuning into MMA is also the group that is largely responsible for making Barack Obama the first African-American presidential nominee, for countless innovations on the internet, for trying to save the planet. They are young, they are educated, and they are forward-thinking.

Then, there is the disrespect that goes the fighters’ way.

This weekend, both Kevin Iole and Dan Wetzel of Yahoo.com described Kimbo Slice’s opponent, James Thompson, as a “tomato can” in published columns.

Iole wrote, “Had Slice faced ex-WWE champion Brock Lesnar, the current UFC rookie hopeful, he’d have been beaten in less than two minutes. As it was, Slice struggled his way to a sloppy third-round knockout of a complete tomato can.”

And Wetzel wrote, “Any promotion that was going to use Kimbo Slice as its main event clearly cared nothing about the quality or growth of the sport. It was just grabbing cheap viewers. If that meant sending a mostly unskilled street fighting sensation against a guy who was such a tomato can he should have dressed in red, then so be it.”

Both men had a larger and more valid point to make, but what was the point of essentially demeaning Thompson?

While it’s true that Thompson has struggled lately and had lost six of his last eight fights prior to Saturday, he still had a winning 14-8 mark in his career. In addition, the six losses were to fighters with a combined record of 50-17-1. He wasn’t losing to low-level fighters; he was losing to guys like Kazuyuki Fujita, who has been in the ring with Mirko Cro Cop and Fedor Emelianenko; to Brett Rogers, who is unbeaten; and to Jon Olav Einemo, whose only loss is a decision to Fabricio Werdum, one of UFC’s top heavyweight contenders.

Mainstream media members often rail at blogs not having to be accountable for what they write, but the characterization of Thompson as a “tomato can” sounds like a shot they knew they’d never have to answer for. Why was there a need to resort to insulting a guy who has always tried hard but struggled at times? I don’t see baseball beat writers describing backups as “scrubs.”

Athletes with the courage it takes to perform should not be subjected to this kind of treatment. Whether they are knocking a sport or an individual, writers should think about what they are telling the world.

Like the fighters and the sport you have no problem bashing, you owe the public an honest effort.

Source: NBC Sports

Lyoto and Anderson Silva at the TUF
By Guilherme Cruz

Rodrigo Minotauro team at the reality show The Ultimate Fighter won two gorgeous backings to face Frank Mir team. Big Nog will have the help of the UFC champion and best world fighter pound for pound Anderson Silva and from Lyoto Machida that had a great performance against Tito Ortiz at the UFC 84. Anderson and Lyoto are already at the TUF house to help the Rodrigo Minotauro team training.

Source: Tatame

The demand for MMA doesn't justify airing it
By Doug Harris, Staff Writer

Mixed martial arts finally reached mainstream television Saturday night, May 31, when street-fighting legend Kimbo Slice met British brawler James Thompson on CBS-TV, and the Elite Xtreme Combat match supplied the blood-thirsty fans of that so-called sport exactly what they wanted.

Thompson was dealt a savage beat-down and yet he couldn't understand the referee's rationale for stopping the fight — but perhaps that was because he was having a hearing problem at the time.

His mangled left ear was nearly torn off. And as that bloody mess bobbed up and down, it looked like someone had ripped his beating heart from his chest and plastered it to the side of his head, which, as near as I can tell, is perfectly within the rules.

The soaring popularity of Ultimate Fighting Championship and other brands of mixed martial arts, like EliteXC, merely shows how desensitized we've become to violence and gore, and the fact that the sport has gone from niche cable channels and pay-per-view venues to network TV — beamed into the nation's living rooms for every tot to see — makes it all the more disturbing.

MMA aficionados will say part of the allure is the blend of fighting styles, and that Slice and Thompson shouldn't have been featured because they're just boxers. But in every snippet I've seen on cable, someone ended up in a helpless position while getting his face pulverized.

CBS will broadcast two more nights of bouts, and I suppose the network sees it as a ratings winner. But just because there's an audience for it, that doesn't mean we have to cater to it.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Source: Dayton Daily News

Marco Alvan

"We have some athletes that earn more with sponsorship than with the fight salaries"
Team Link has been doing a good job at MMA. Chaired by Marco Alvan, the team got great fighters, such as Gabriel Napão Gonzaga who is considered among the bests UFC fighters at his weight category. At a TATAME Interview, the Team Link leader and also manager, Marco Alvan talked about the team performance on the Ultimate last edition, the news of the team and revealed that Gonzaga already has a bout scheduled for UFC 86, at Las Vegas. Check out below the complete interview with Marco.

How was Team Link performance at UFC 84?
This last UFC was fantastic. Our company had four athletes at the event and we maximized what athletes got from sponsorship. We have some athletes that earn more with sponsorship than with the fight salaries.

Which athletes did you work with?
Our company worked with Wanderlei Silva, Rousimar (Toquinho) Palhares, Rich Clementi and Sean Sherk. To Sean Sherk we were responsable only for the after party at LAX. I, personally worked for Wand and Toquinho and the sponsorships were very happy with the result we got.

Who is Team Link?
It couldn’t be better. We were last NAGA New England general champion and we have athletes fighting MMA almost every weekend. Gabriel Gladiador made the main event at Full Force at Plymouth. After that, next June 7th the brothers John and Chris Manley will fight at Glory Fighter with John at the main event. After that our ‘golden boy’ Ricardo Funch is going to fight for the belt at Texas, on June 14th. On June 28th, our team are going to try to maintain our tittle at Jiu-Jitsu and no gi at the NAGA.

Napão have a fight scheduled?
Napão signed a new contract for a long period and he is very happy. UFC treats him very well and he has many fans wanting to see him fighting again. For his hapness he is confirmed at UFC 86 at Las Vegas on July 5th.

How are his trains?
Napão is very good, intensifying the physical part with Phill Dixon. He is also making a Wrestling job with Marcão (Marcos Oliveira) and the ground game with our black belts Gabriel Gladiador, Alexandre Vaca and our students.

It was announced that Napão could do his physical training with Alejarra...
Yeah, I had a meeting with him at Wanderlei’s house at Las Vegas a month ago and we settled that he would come to Massachussetts to prepare Napão until the fight, but, at the eleventh our, a feel details made him not to come. Alejarra, with no doubt is the biggest at the physical training, and we are going to make everything to bring him at Napão next bout.

Do you have another freshness to the next semester?
For sure. We are waiting for the arrival of a Word Champion that must arrive after the Mundial. If that happens for sure the team will improve a lot at the ground game. We are waiting and as soon as he arrive here I will announce to you. We received some e mails from fighters that wanted to come to train here, but we have to be careful to take care of them the way they deserve to. We are investing in the structure to have the best athletes and so then receive more athletes.

Source: Tatame

You're Fired! Trump becomes a partner with Affliction, signs Arlovski to fight Rothwell
by Leland Roling

MMARated.com gets the tip of the hat in confirming that Andrei Arlovski has, in fact, been signed to the newest MMA promotion throwing money around, Affliction. Arlovski adds to the list of UFC heavyweights making the move to make more money and fight the better competition outside the UFC.

Also announced, Donald Trump has reportedly become an equity partner with Affliction. It was quoted as being a significant share of the company.

Will this be a significant partnership that will help Affliction become a mainstream MMA promotion? It's definitely possible, but we've also seen Mark Cuban enter the marketplace as well without really spending a lot of money. Business is, after all, about spending the least to get the most. Of course, that isn't always the case.

What can we expect? For one, we can expect one of the better heavyweight fights to take place. Andrei Arlovski vs. Ben Rothwell should prove to be a battle between two top 10 fighters alongside Sylvia vs. Emelianenko. The card is definitely looking to be stacked right now barring any injuries. With the right marketing and the success of EliteXC fresh in fans' minds, will we see some good numbers?

That question is up in the air at this point. Marketing will be the biggest test, and Donald Trump should have the connections and business sense to help Affliction make some big moves in that department. Prepare for Affliction to saturate our minds, and if they don't, they didn't do a good job in promoting such an epic card.

Source: MMA Analyst

6/7/08

Quote of the Day

"Of all of our inventions for mass communication,
pictures still speak the most universally understood language."

Walt Disney, 1901-1966, American Film Producer/Director/Animator

Boxing at Palolo Gym Today!

Boxing Show will be on Sat. June 7th at Palolo Gym starting at 6 p.m. Admission will be $10. It's a fundraiser to help the Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team. If you need more info. email me back.

Thanks for the Support!!

Bruce Kawano
Hawaii Junior Olympic Regional Coordinator/Team Manager.
USA-Boxing Hawaii Junior Olympic Chairman.
USA-Boxing Hawaii Board of Dir./Gov.
Ringside Board of Advisors.
NMU Boxing Program Task Force Member.

USA-Boxing Hawaii, Five-0 B.C., Kawano B.C., and Palolo B.C.
Presents a fundraiser Match Event for the
Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team to Marquette, Michigan.
Saturday, June 7, 2008 at Palolo District Park, 6 p.m.

Red Corner Weights Blue Corner
Lbs/Birthdate 3 Rounds Lbs/Birthdate

1). Nathan Rodrigues (73) 70 Wilson Savedra Jr. (68)
Palolo B.C. 07/27/98 1 min. Villaver B.C. 08/10/99
2). Gavin Marques (89) 90 Eric'e Tuale Auelua (86)
Waipahu B. 1 02/05/98 1 min. Villaver B.C. 02/19/98
3). Keoni Adric (74) 75 Dustin Somera (79)
Waipahu B.1 09/01/97 1 min. PearlSide B.C. 08/13/97
4). Kekoa Balasi (83) 80 James Hashimoto (78)
Waipahu B.1 07/16/97 1 min. Palolo B.C. 08/23/95

10 MIN.----- INTERMISSION -----10 MIN.
5). Austin Dumlao (93) 95 Justly Laquihon (94)
Waipahu B.1 08/29/95 1 min. Kawano B.C. 11/10/94
6). Arnold Dinong (145) 145 Tyler Agbayani (148)
Waipahu B. 1 06/24/94 1 ½ min. Kalakaua B.C. 07/20/94
7). Ryan Arasato (174) 180 Steven Cabilis (185)
Palolo B.C. 08/15/77 2 min. Kalakaua B.C. 06/27/90
MAIN EVENT
8). Dustin Awaya (153) 152 Jesse Alonzo (153)
Palolo B.C. 12/08/87 2 min. Kawano B.C. 06/02/86

Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team to Marquette, Michigan June 14-22nd, 2008. 106- Kalai McShane (Five-O), 110- Kurtis Hagi (Honolulu B.C.), 114- Emmit Bolibol (Hawaii Youth), 119- Lopaka Armitage (Five-O), 132- Ezra Cabang (A.P. Big Island), 145- Keanu Sabado (Honolulu B.C.), 154- Josh Nakagawa (Southside B.C.), 176- Faleauto Manutulila (Hawaii Youth), Females 119- Chazzette Sau (Southside B.C.), 125- Helena Dela Cruz- Lopes (Five-O). Regional Coordinator/Team Manager- Bruce Kawano, Coach- Nante Manangan, Coach- Danny Kaheaku, and Official- Don Tsarks. Supporting staff- Don Casil, Shane McShane, Anthony Pagan.

Medals sponsored by Hawaiian Fight Gear and Automatik.

On behalf of the Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team, we would like to Thank the Volunteers who donate their team- Boxers, Coaches, Officials, Announcer, Dr. Suehiro, Door Workers, Medal Sponsors, Concession, and "YOU" our Boxing Fans.

Thank You for Your Support!!

Undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion
Anderson "The Spider" Silva Seminar

ACROSS THE POND: BRITISH MMA NEWS
Pitbull Comes in Heavy for UFC 85
By David West

Thiago “Pitbull” Alves was the only fighter not to make weight ahead of UFC 85, which won’t look good for the American Top Team member as he’s been talking about getting a title shot if he beats Matt Hughes tomorrow night. Whatever the outcome of the fight, after the debacle of Travis Lutter coming in over the limit and thus forfeiting his shot at the Middleweight Championship when he fought Anderson Silva, the UFC is unlikely to look kindly on Alves’ title aspirations after not making 170 lbs in his first headline fight. He came in four pounds over but Hughes has agreed to meet Alves in the cage anyway, although the match will now be a catchweight contest. There was no word at the press conference about whether Alves will have to forfeit part of his purse. Hughes looked calm and composed, every inch the seasoned competitor, while Alves was pumped and obviously excited about tomorrow night.

“Tomorrow night is going to be a war”, Alves told Joe Rogan, “You’re going to see the best Pitbull ever and I’m going to knock him out.”

Unruffled, Hughes responded, “This is a comeback fight. I’m coming off a loss. I’m very happy to fight someone like Thiago that’s an up and comer that’s won five fights in a row for the UFC so far, so it’s a great fight for me.”

Several fighters needed the benefit of the one pound leeway permitted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, with Martin Kampmann tipping the scales at 186 lbs and Road Carneiro at 171 lbs. Most of the athletes looked relaxed, although Mike Bisping got right in Jason Days’ face as they posed for photographers. Similarly, Jason Lambert looked eager to dish out some punishment, getting up close and personal with Luiz Cane when they posed for the press. The height difference between the two light-heavyweights was apparent, but Lambert’s massive torso suggests the strength he showed knocking out Babalu. It was no surprise that Bisping got the biggest cheer from the crowd in attendance, while Hughes got a slightly mixed reception, though whether that indicates he’s not popular with the London fans or simply the presence of a large Brazilian contingent wasn’t clear.

It’s interesting to see Mark Ratner supervising the weigh in as technically speaking the Nevada State Athletic Commission has no authority in the UK, where the sport is still both unlicensed and unregulated. In that regard, the UFC is to be commended for setting an example to the domestic British promotions with a rigorous approach to medical exams and fighter safety.

Full Weigh In Results

Matt Hughes (170 lbs) vs. Thiago Alves (174 lbs)
Michael Bisping (184 lbs) vs. Jason Day (184 lbs)
Mike Swick (170 lbs) vs. Marcus Davis (170 lbs)
Thales Leites (185 lbs) vs. Nate Marquadt (185 lbs)
Fabricio Werdum (247 lbs) vs. Brandon Vera (228 lbs)
Martin Kampmann (186 lbs) vs. Jorge Rivera (185 lbs)
Thiago Tavares (154.5 lbs) vs. Matt Wiman (155 lbs)
Kevin Burns (170 lbs) vs. Roan Carneiro (171 lbs)
Luiz Cane (204 lbs) vs. Jason Lambert (205 lbs)
Jess Liaudin (169 lbs) vs. Paul Taylor (169 lbs)
Eddie Sanchez (244 lbs) vs. Antoni Hardonk (247 lbs)

Source: Full Contact Fighter

A chat with Rickson Gracie

Master speaks of Worlds and what he hopes for black belt son

Friday morning, Kayron Gracie has just submitted his second opponent in a row before the final of the absolute brown belt (a trajectory interrupted two fights later by a ankle lock Carlos Gracie Jr’s son fell victim to). Two paces outside the fight area Rickson Gracie pulls his nephew aside to whisper instructions to him. Later, when asked about what he said to the young man, the master kept his secrecy: “We always have to polish up the treasure. I always talk to Kron when he leaves a fight. You're happy because he won and left the fight with a lot of mistakes to fix."

The subject now is his son and his recent promotion to black belt: "He is really excited about fighting." But why the early promotion? "He had a really good fight against a really tough opponent in Japan, a staller."

And what will his son’s debut at black belt be like? “He will be taking on guys with five, six and even eight years at black belt. It will be real different from brown.” And why won’t we see Kron in the absolute this year? “That would be to burn too much rubber.”

To finish, was there any studying done of the adversaries at middleweight? "I don't think of Jiu-Jitsu in that light, with a specific game plan for each adversary. If you put together a strategy and it fails, you’ll be dead. The thing is to go into the fight comfortable and make your adversary have the problem.”

This is Rickson Gracie, direct from Long Beach

Source: Gracie Magazine

'This is just the beginning'
Carlos Gracie Jr receives red and black belt and promises new endeavors

Before the eyes of 50 black belts, cousin Rickson and a large number of other people who packed the new Gracie Barra America branch in Irvine, CA, Renzo Gracie holds the red-and-black belt of his master, Carlos Gracie Junior.

Everyone waited for the final joke in the speech, and, surprisingly, the good humored fight icon lets out a torrent of tears. "Don't laugh," he says, before drying his tears and hugging Carlinhos, tying the new belt around his teacher's waist.

Renzo ties the belt on Carlinhos. "The best thing I found here was love", said Renzo crying.

The graduation cerimony, held on the evening of June 3rd, was started off by loyal pupil Marcio Feitosa who, moved, handed over command to black belt and economist Flavio Cachorrinho, who introduced the guest speakers, starting with Rickson Gracie.

Flávio Cachorrinho presents the event, and summons the first speaker...

We, Gracies, have a much bigger mission than MMA. MMA was used to show the efficiency of Jiu-Jitsu, but our true role is to strengthen the good qualities of the human being, through Jiu-Jitsu. And, for everything he has built, I am proud to be his relative," said Rickson.

... Rickson Gracie.

Others to speak were Carlinhos's contemporary and Jiu-Jitsu pioneer in the United Kingdom, Mauricio Gomes, his son and current holder of Jiu-Jitsu's most important belt, absolute world champion Roger Gracie.

Maurição Gomes...

... And his son Roger.

The man responsible for introducing Jiu-Jitsu to Sheikh Tahnoon (and thus for creation of the ADCC), Nelson Monteiro; the Carlinhos product to have given the most black belts, Vinicius Draculino; Northeastern Brazilian Braulio Estima; and another of Carlinhos's black belts and GRACIEMAG vice-president, Luca Atalla. And, the representative of the new generation of students, blue belt Kenny Epstein.

Sheikh Tahnoon's first instructor, Nelson Monteiro...

Student with over 60 black belt students, Vinicius Draculino...

And, listened to attentively by Rickson, Carlinhos, Sergio Ignácio, Renzo, Draculino and Marcinho...

... Bráulio Estima.

Introduced simply as Carlinhos's best student, and author of the final speech before the promotion, Renzo highlighted the importance of the environment Carlinhos created for the art's development.

"Being a tough guy, being a champion, that all ends. I think the most important thing I found in his academy was love," he said, crying, before hugging his master.

Renzo also told of how his uncle uses reverse psychology to stimulate:

"He looked at me [when Renzo was a young lesser belt, and was training among family members], and said in front of everyone: 'Renzo, what am I going to do with you? You are horrible!' All he needed to do was say that for me to prove to him I could be good."

Renzo alternated between jokes and causes with a serious and emotional message.

Carlinhos donned the new belt fastened by Renzo uncerimoniously:

"Belts hold no importance to me. We are the ones who give personality to the belt, and not it that give personality to us. But I'm proud to have all you here together. That is what I love and I'll never change. In the future, I may have a better house, a better car, but I'll continue coming to the academy every day, training with my family.

"I'm 52 years old, and I model myself on the example of my father, who, when I was born, was 56, and still went on to have five more kids. However, when someone shows up to train at 40 or 50 years of age and thinks they are too old for it, I explain that it's never too late to do what we dream of doing.

"My father stimulated us to dream. The other day, I read that if you wish to reach the moon, you'll at least get to the stars. That is why I have a healthy life, and I hope to have all you, many white and blue belts, together with me with black belts, 18 years from now, when I receive my red belt. And all this will be ten times bigger."

Carlinhos, whose achievements are of the caliber of Gracie Barra, the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation and GRACIEMAG, promises:

"This is just the beginning."

Source: Gracie Magazine

DANA WHITE SAYS UFC HEADED TO ATLANTA
by Ken Pishna

As the Ultimate Fighting Championship lands for another go around in the U.K., UFC 85 takes place on Saturday at the O2 Arena in London, the company’s president, Dana White, announced another expansion of the company’s reach in the U.S. market.

In a recent interview with ESPN The Magazine, he stated that the UFC will hold an event in September in Atlanta, Ga. White also indicated the event in Atlanta would mark Chuck Liddell’s return to the Octagon.

Though no venue was announced, sources indicate that the UFC will operate the September event, expected to be dubbed UFC 88, at the Philips Arena. The venue is a 21,000-seat arena that recently hosted its first mixed martial arts event, which was run by the American Fight League.

Liddell was supposed to have headlined Saturday’s UFC 85 event, against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua initially. Following a Rua knee injury, however, Rashad Evans stepped in to face the former UFC light heavyweight champion. Then, for the first time in his career, Liddell had to withdraw from the card due to a severe hamstring injury.

UFC 85 is now headlined by a bout pitting two-time former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes against American Top Team fighter Thiago Alves.

White also indicated in the interview that he would be making a significant announcement next week that, he expects, will shake up the mixed martial arts world.

There has been no reliable information on what the announcement is, but most speculation centers on a possible television deal that White has been working towards for the past couple of years

Source: MMA Weekly

Changes Come to Shooto, Fighters React
by Jordan Breen

Although Shooto's premier event series of 2008 is called "Tradition," the world of Shooto is set to change.

In a move that will assuredly garner praise from the MMA world, the International Shooto Commission has announced that in the coming months all Shooto events worldwide will abandon two of its most contentious rules: strikes to the back of the head and the much-maligned knockdown count.

Because of Shooto's ongoing rookie tournament series already having its rules defined at the year's onset, the knockdown rule will be abolished officially on Jan. 1, 2009. However, strikes to the back of the head will be outlawed as of Sept. 1, due to a more pressing medical necessity.

According to ISC secretary general Toshiharu Suzuki, the European Shooto Commission asked the ISC in March to consider revising the two provisions, which have long been critiqued.

Initially the ISC was skeptical of the proposal, especially in relation to the knockdown rule. Shooto's authorities have long held the idea that the potential for unconscious fighters to be pounded after they were knocked down was enough of a risk to oppose changing the rule. However, Suzuki explained that the vision of pro-wrestling legend and Shooto founder Satoru "Tiger Mask" Sayama in Shooto's conception was the synthesis of striking, throwing and submitting. In accordance with that vision, the ISC considered the rule alteration suitable.

Also playing a prominent role in the ISC's decision to revamp its knockdown rule and strikes to the back of the head were the obvious medical issues. The prevailing wisdom surrounding mixed martial arts is the idea that unlike other prizefighting venues such as boxing and muay Thai, MMA fighters who are knocked down and in jeopardy are typically finished. In regards to other combat sports, the dominant belief is that fighters are given a count to recover that results in prolonged fights, more strikes and more damage -- and thus a greater risk of injury.

"With an eight count in Shooto, we thought it favored the ground fighter, as it gave them a second chance," explains Martijn de Jong, former Shooto competitor, Shooto Holland promoter and current European Shooto president. "[But] the most important reason to abolish was that Shooto's main concern has always been safety for the fighters."

While the abolition of Shooto's knockdown rule may seem long overdue, even more curious is the fact that until now professional Shooto has allowed strikes to the back of the head. Given the sensitivity to strikes to the back of the head exhibited in North America under the unified rules of MMA, it seems almost astonishing that the technique has been permissible.

The rules were largely held in place by Shooto's strong sense of tradition and strange brand of solipsism.

Conceived in 1985, the first amateur Shooto event was held in 1986 and the first professional Shooto event in 1989. With the longest clear lineage in the entire sport, Shooto authorities view Shooto not as an organization but as an international sport unto itself, with its own unique class system, weight divisions and in-ring rules. As a result of this self-contained and self-sustained ideology, the world of Shooto has been slow to embrace change, even as MMA has globalized, forcing many large Japanese promotions such as Pancrase, GCM and Deep to adopt certain provisions of the unified rules.

Despite the fact that many fighters have spent the vast majority of their pro MMA careers under these rules, the changes have already been met with universal support.

"Currently, MMA has been spreading throughout the world, but rules are not completely well-established," says Rumina Sato (Pictures), the iconic Shooto legend who has fought his entire 12-year career under Shooto rules. "I would hope that at the end, MMA will be held under one rule throughout the world. I think that it is Shooto's destiny as a long-established competitive sport to continue to make a safe and highly competitive rule by continuing the process of trial and error."

Shooto world title challenger and current WEC signee Kenji Osawa (Pictures) notes that no other organization besides Shooto has a knockdown rule.

"Plus it's difficult to judge if someone is 'down,' so I think it's good they got rid of the rule," Osawa says. "Making punches to the back of the head illegal is a very good thing. There have been cases where certain fighters would get hit to the back of the head a lot and feel nauseous afterwards, so he'd have to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. It's better to be safe."

Premier flyweight Yasuhiro Urushitani (Pictures) is quick to add his support: "Fights get dragged out when a [knocked down] fighter recovers. … The audience might lose interest."

"Personally, I agree with [banning strikes to the back of the head]," says former Shooto 143-pound world champ Akitoshi Tamura (Pictures). "Even if it is a light punch, it gets to me in a weird way. Even if the fighter can take a back mount, there is a technique to punch the side of the head or to the face. Allowing striking to the back of the head of a downed opponent is not an approved rule worldwide."

Even those with some measure of advantage under the old rules acknowledge the necessity for change.

"The head strike rule is bad for me because I like taking the back," explains Tetsu Suzuki (Pictures). "[But] maybe it's best if all rules are unified."

One of the other major difficulties with such an awkward rule set is that many international competitors have struggled to adapt to the often-aggravating rules that differ so radically from other international promotions. None too surprisingly, many international regulars of the Shooto ring are thankful for the changes.

"The rule change eliminating the eight count brings us closer to a real fight, which is what I have always looked for in MMA," offers Shooto Europe's 168-pound champion David Baron (Pictures), who upset Hayato "Mach" Sakurai in Japan last month.

"This is one rule that I never liked," says featherweight standout Antonio Carvalho (Pictures) on the eight count. "It broke the natural flow of the fight, in my opinion. Also the referees were inconsistent with what was considered a knockdown. I'm happy they will get rid of it."

In fact, the rules were awkward and unthinkable to a point where some of Shooto's most notable competitors didn't even know they existed.

"Really? All this time, I didn't know that it was allowable," says former Shooto world champion Joachim Hansen (Pictures) with a laugh upon learning that pro Shooto rules allowed striking to the back of the head.

However, the rule alterations have repercussions outside of Japan. Although Shooto has internationalized with events under the Shooto banner all over the globe, the ability for Shooto events to be held in North America has been limited by the existing restrictions of the unified rules, which make no concessions for knockdowns and explicitly prohibit strikes to the back of the head. With these reformed rules, Shooto will now have a chance to grow in North America.

"The new Shooto ruling will impact the growth of Shooto in the U.S. tremendously, particularly in California, where progress had been stalled due to the inability to promote events under the Shooto rules," explains Jason Manly, who, with the help of leading Shooto promoter Sustain, staged a slightly modified Shooto event in Irvine last August.

"Now we have the ability to promote events in the state I believe is most critical to Shooto's growth and long-term success. Previously I was stuck between what the Shooto Commission wanted and what the California State Athletic Commission would allow, and unfortunately that wasn't allowing me to organize events. But now, given the pliable approach of the ISC in dealing with this obstacle, I am very excited about the immediate possibilities for Shooto in California."

Shooto's tradition has long been one of sporting sophistication, and these long overdue amendments should serve to strengthen Shooto's ideology internationally.

Source: Sherdog

FIGHT-BY-FIGHT: UFC 85 HUGHES VS. ALVES
by Ricardo Mendoza

Welterweight Bout:

Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves

Former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes takes on American Top Team fighter Thiago Alves. Hughes has a 42-6 record and trains out of the H.I.T. Squad with Robbie Lawler. Alves has a 14-3 record and trains out of the American Top Team with Gesias “JZ” Calvancante.

Hughes comes off a submission loss to Georges St. Pierre at UFC 79, while Alves scored a TKO stoppage victory over Karo Parysian at UFC Fight Night 13.

This fight was put together after Chuck Liddell was forced off the card due to a hamstring injury, which left the event without a headline bout. It’s an interesting fight with the rugged veteran Hughes and the up and comer Alves.

Hughes’s strategy in the fight will be to get the fight to the ground and to keep there, not letting Alves use his striking to get control of the fight. If Alves keeps the fight on the feet, expect him to use his deadly low kicks to eat away Hughes’ legs, making it harder for him to take Alves down.

Plain and simple, Hughes is on the decline as a fighter because he hasn’t been able to keep up with the new generation of fighters that are complete in every area and not just great in one aspect of MMA. Expect Alves to stay on the outside, using low kicks to nullify Hughes’ attempts at getting the fight to the ground and punish him with punching combinations en route to a decision.

Prediction: Thiago Alves by decision.

(UFC 85 weigh-in results: Alves fails to make weight)

Heavyweight Bout:

Brandon Vera vs. Fabricio Werdum

Californian fighter Brandon Vera faces off with former Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Fabricio Werdum. Vera has an 8-1 record and trains out of the Alliance Training Center in California. Werdum has a 10-3 record and trains out of the Chute Boxe Academy with Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos.

Vera comes off a disappointing decision loss to Tim Sylvia at UFC 77, while Werdum stopped former heavyweight title challenger Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 80.

A lot is riding on this fight for both men. The winner will more than likely become the next challenger for the UFC heavyweight title after Frank Mir challenges interim champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Both fighters are well versed on the feet and on the ground, so expect both men to be comfortable in either area of the fight.

Although Vera is a good ground fighter, it would be in his best interest to keep the fight on the feet because Werdum isn’t a joke on the ground being a former Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion. The same goes for Werdum, although his striking is getting better since joining Chute Boxe it still isn’t as good as Vera’s.

This should be an entertaining fight, but Vera should be able to come out on top over a game Werdum. Vera will out-strike Werdum with crisp combinations, landing the cleaner and harder shots of the two fighters. Werdum will be unable to get the fight to the ground, as Vera will use the same strategy that other fighters have used to defeat Werdum, winning a decision.

Prediction: Brandon Vera by decision.

Middleweight Bout:

Michael Bisping vs. Jason Day

Ultimate Fighter 3 winner Michael Bisping takes on Canadian striker Jason Day. Bisping has a 15-1 record and trains out of the Wolfslair Gym with Paul Kelly. Day has a 17-5 record and trains out of the Canadian Martial Arts Centre in Canada.

Bisping comes off a stoppage victory over Charles McCarthy at UFC 83, while earlier in the night Day made his successful UFC debut, stopping Alan Belcher with strikes.

Bisping was originally scheduled to fight Chris Leben, but he pulled out because of legal problems and Day stepped in at short notice. Both fighters will be fighting on a short one and a half month turn around instead of the ample time given as usual in the UFC.

This should be an exciting stand-up war. Both fighters love to throw down and this fight won’t last too long. Bisping will be the bigger and stronger fighter of the two and that will be a factor in the fight because he will be able to muscle Day in the clinch. Day needs to work angles and not be caught in an exchange because Bisping will have the punching power on his side.

It should be an even fight in the early stages, but as it wears on Bisping will close the distance and clinch up, punish Day with dirty boxing, finishing the fight towards the end of the opening round.

Prediction: Michael Bisping by TKO in the first round.

Middleweight Bout:

Nate Marquardt vs. Thales Leites

Former middleweight King of Pancrase Nate Marquardt takes on Brazilian fighter Thales Leites. Marquardt has a 26-7-2 record and trains out of Jackson’s Submission Fighting with Rashad Evans. Leites has a 12-1 record and trains out of Nova Uniao with Jose Aldo.

Marquardt comes off a solid submission victory over Jeremy Horn at UFC 81, while Leites submitted Midwest wrestler Ryan Jensen at UFC 74.

The winner of this fight may very well put himself in contention for a title shot against UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. This fight should be evenly matched between two excellent ground fighters.

Leites’ strategy in the fight will be to end up on top and work submissions, while Marquardt will look to ground and pound or keep the fight on the feet. The one determining factor in the fight will be which fighter is the better wrestler and that would be Marquardt, training with top-notch wrestlers at Jackson’s Submission Fighting.

These two will be fairly even on the feet, so look for Marquardt to get the fight on the ground, maintaining top position and pounding Leites en route to a decision.

Prediction: Nate Marquardt by decision.

Welterweight Bout:

Mike Swick vs. Marcus Davis

Ultimate Fighter alumnus Mike Swick faces off with fellow alumnus Marcus Davis. Swick has an 11-2 record and trains out of the American Kickboxing Academy with Jon Fitch. Davis has a 14-3 record and trains out of Team Gurgel with Jorge Gurgel and Sityodtong with Mark DellaGrotte.

Swick comes off a lackluster decision victory over Josh Burkman at UFC Fight Night 12, while Davis knocked out Frenchman Jess Liaudin at UFC 80.

Swick didn’t look good in his welterweight debut, but this time around he has promised to give a better performance. Both Swick and Davis have been two of the better fighters to come from The Ultimate Fighter and a win for either puts them in title contention.

This fight will prove to be exciting on the feet, being that both fighters are well versed in boxing. The deciding factor on the feet will be either Davis’s technique or Swick’s hand speed. If neither fighter is able to get an advantage on the feet, look for these two to take the fight to the ground.

Swick’s speed and strength will be too much for Davis expect Swick to stay on the outside, charging in on occasion with a quick combination and when in trouble taking the fight to the ground, outworking a smaller Davis en route to a decision.

Prediction: Mike Swick by decision.

Middleweight Bout:

Martin Kampmann vs. Jorge Rivera

Danish kickboxer Martin Kampmann faces off with Team Elite fighter Jorge Rivera. Kampmann has a 15-2 record and trains out of Xrteme Couture with Mike Pyle. Rivera has a 15-6 record and trains out of Team Elite in Massachusetts.

Kampmann comes off a submission victory over Drew McFedries at UFC 68, while Rivera surprisingly knocked out Kendall Grove at UFC 80.

Kampmann is coming off a torn ACL in his knee that kept him out of action for over the past year and this will be his first fight since that injury. Rivera looked to be done in the UFC, but resurrected his career by knocking Ultimate Fighter 3 winner Kendall Grove out.

Kampmann is the better technical striker, but Rivera has more punching power in his shots, which could pose a problem for Kampmann if he chooses to keep the fight on the feet. If he gets hurt on the feet, Kampmann will take the fight to the ground and work submissions on Rivera.

This fight will look very similar to Kampmann’s last fight with McFedries, they’ll trade on the feet and Kampmann will get tagged, take the fight to the ground and lock on a submission to put himself back in the middleweight title picture.

Prediction: Martin Kampmann by submission in the first round.

Lightweight Bout:

Thiago Tavares vs. Matt Wiman

Exciting Brazilian lightweight Thiago Tavares takes on Midwest lightweight Matt Wiman. Tavares has a 13-1 record and trains out of Brazil. Wiman has a 9-3 record and trains out of Tulsa Top Team in Oklahoma.

Tavares comes off a dominating decision victory over Michihiro Omigawa at UFC Fight Night 12, while Wiman submitted UFC newcomer Justin Buchholz earlier in the night.

Whoever wins this fight will start climbing the ladder towards a title shot in the crowded lightweight division.

Tavares has shown his dominating ground game over the past year, muscling his opponents to the ground, pounding on them and looking for submissions. If Wiman has a shot at winning the fight he’ll need to catch Tavares off guard on the feet, but that’s unlikely.

Although he will be outclassed, expect Wiman to stay tough in the fight, surviving Tavares’ onslaught in the early going, but eventually succumbing to a submission midway through the fight.

Prediction: Thiago Tavares by submission in the second round.

Light Heavyweight Bout:

Jason Lambert vs. Luis Cane

Californian fighter Jason Lambert faces off with Brazilian Muay Thai fighter Luis Cane. Lambert has a 23-7 record and trains out of the North County Fight Club with Eddie Sanchez. Cane has a 7-1 record and trains out of Gibi Thai in Brazil.

Lambert comes off a disappointing knockout loss to Wilson Gouveia at UFC 80, while Cane was disqualified at UFC 79 for landing an illegal knee against James Irvin.

These two fighters will no doubt slug it out until someone is flat on their back. Neither fighter can afford a loss because that could mean that they will have to fight elsewhere as the competition in the UFC gets tougher and the talent pool smaller.

Lambert has shown to be a powerful striker, but was caught his last time out after dominating the majority of the fight. This time around Lambert might not want to keep the fight on the feet because Cane is the better striker of the two. Lambert will want to wrestle Cane down to the ground and pound him out.

Expect Lambert to take the fight to the ground, but Cane will be hard to keep down, getting back on his feet and punishing Lambert with strikes until he is finally on his back and out of the fight.

Prediction: Luis Cane by TKO in the first round.

Welterweight Bout:

Roan Carneiro vs. Kevin Burns

Brazilian fighter Roan Carneiro faces off with UFC newcomer Kevin Burns. Carneiro has a 12-6 record and trains out of the American Top Team with Jorge Santiago. Burns has a 5-1 record and trains out of Iowa.

Carneiro comes off an impressive stoppage victory over Tony DeSouza at UFC 79, while Burns knocked out Bobby Voelker at Victory Fighting Championships 23.

Carneiro was initially scheduled to face Ryo Chonan, but an injury forced the Japanese fighter off the card and Burns stepped in at the last minute to make his UFC debut. With nothing to lose, Burns will come out aggressive and looking to impress.

If the fight goes on the ground, Carneiro will have the advantage both in positioning and submissions. Burns’s best shot at winning the fight will be to catch Carneiro on the feet because he is severely outclassed in every aspect of the fight.

Fighting on late notice, his inexperience will catch up to Burns as Carneiro will quickly get the fight to the ground and work over Burns a bit before locking on a submission.

Prediction: Roan Carneiro by submission in the first round.

Welterweight Bout:

Paul Taylor vs. Jess Liaudin

British striker Paul Taylor faces off with French submission fighter Jess Liaudin. Taylor has an 8-3-1 record and trains out of England. Liaudin has a 12-9 record and trains out of Team Quest with Dan Henderson.

Taylor comes off an exciting decision loss to Paul Kelly at UFC 80, while later in the night Liaudin was knocked out by Marcus Davis.

These two have shown to be some of the better European fighters in the UFC, putting on impressive displays on every European UFC show. Both fighters need a win to stay alive in the crowded welterweight division, as whoever loses will more than likely be shown the door.

Taylor has the big advantage on the feet, but his weakness is the ground game as seen in his last two fights in the UFC. Liaudin was impressive in his first two fights, but once he faced a tougher fighter, he was quickly beaten. If the fight stays on the feet, Taylor will knock Liaudin silly, but on the ground, Liaudin will tap Taylor.

Liaudin is a submission fighter, but he isn’t well versed in takedowns and that will play into Taylor’s favor as he will light up Liaudin on the feet, knocking him out in the opening stanza.

Prediction: Paul Taylor by TKO in the first round.

Heavyweight Bout:

Antoni Hardonk vs. Eddie Sanchez

Dutch striker Antoni Hardonk takes on late replacement Eddie Sanchez. Hardonk has a 6-4 record and trains out of the Vos Gym with Ernesto Hoost. Sanchez has an 8-1 record and trains out of the North County Fight Club with Jason Lambert.

Hardonk comes off a quick stoppage victory over Colin Robinson at UFC 80, while Sanchez stopped the much bigger Soa Palelei at UFC 79.

Hardonk was originally scheduled to face off with UFC newcomer Neil Wain, but an injury forced him off the card and Sanchez stepped in on late notice. These two should slug it out on the feet, but the outcome could be very different.

Hardonk has the obvious advantage on the feet, being the technical kickboxer, while Sanchez is a wild slugger with power. If Sanchez is smart, he will take the fight to the ground and exploit Hardonk’s biggest weakness instead of risking getting knocked out.

These two will trade shots on the feet to start off, but Sanchez will soon realize that he will be better suited on the ground, taking the fight there and pounding on the inexperienced Hardonk for a stoppage midway through the fight.

Prediction: Eddie Sanchez by TKO in the second round.

Source: MMA Weekly

Yoshida Aims for KO Against Smith at
‘Sengoku Battle III’

by Stephen Martinez

World Victory Road headliners met the press on Friday in anticipation of its "Sengoku Battle III" event this Sunday at Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo.

The promotion's third effort is what many local and foreign fans alike are describing as the true definition of "flying under the radar," as the event has not attracted great interest.

In the main event, 1992 Olympic judo gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida (Pictures) will take on former UFC heavyweight champion and world champion kickboxer Maurice Smith (Pictures).

Yoshida, 38, will attempt to bounce back from a submission loss to another former UFC heavyweight champion in Josh Barnett (Pictures) at the first Sengoku event last March, while the 46-year-old Smith has fought twice in the last seven years, scoring victories over fellow Octagon legend Marco Ruas (Pictures) and Rick Roufus (Pictures), who he tapped out at a Strikeforce event last February.

At the press conference, Smith spoke of "secret training" that he completed in Russia in the last two weeks, and addressed Yoshida's statement that he'd trained heavily in boxing in order to trade and win by knockout.

Also on the card, a very humble Travis Wiuff (Pictures) discussed his match with "Iron Head" Kazuyuki Fujita (Pictures).

The recent Yamma Pitfighting heavyweight tournament champion spoke of the inspiration he found in Fujita's style after watching the Japanese wrestler compete in the Pride 2000 Grand Prix finals, dating before the two-time All-American wrestler's own MMA debut.

The rest of the card is composed of an interesting mix between old and new.

Former Pride veterans Kazuo Misaki (Pictures), Yoshiki Takahashi (Pictures), Choi Mu Bae and Sanae Kikuta (Pictures) will be no strangers to the circuit.

Relative newcomers to the scene include former UFC heavyweight Marcio "Pe de Pano" Cruz, former Bodog Fight welterweight champion Nick Thompson (Pictures), Chute Boxe's new product Fabio Silva (Pictures), Alliance Jiu-Jitsu's Rodrigo Damm and American Top Team standout Jorge Masdival. American kickboxer Duane "Bang" Ludwig still awaits an opponent as well.

World Victory Road will hold a second press conference on Saturday with all fighters present.

World Victory Road "Sengoku Battle III"
June 8
Saitama Super Arena
Tokyo

Hidehiko Yoshida (Pictures) vs. Maurice Smith (Pictures)
Kazuo Misaki (Pictures) vs. Logan Clark (Pictures)
Kazuyuki Fujita (Pictures) vs. Travis Wiuff (Pictures)
Fabio Silva (Pictures) vs. Yoshiki Takahashi (Pictures)
Mu Bae Choi (Pictures) vs. Marcio Cruz (Pictures)
Nick Thompson (Pictures) vs. Michael Costa
Chris Rice (Pictures) vs. Sanae Kikuta (Pictures)
Rodrigo Damm vs. Jorge Masvidal (Pictures)
Duane Ludwig (Pictures) vs. TBA

Source: Sherdog

Paulo Filho vs. Sonnen at September at WEC

The WEC middleweight champion will be back on the octagon at September. After beating Chael Sonnen at WEC 31, Paulo Filho had to listen his opponent say that he hadn’t tapped and that Paulo ran out of a rematch, settled down to WEC 34, when the Brazilian fighter had problems with depression. “Paulão has 98kg now, and he’s already losing weight. The contract arrives here tomorrow and he’ll sign for the fight at September 10th. We’ll give Sonnen a rematch, because he keeps saying that he didn’t tapped and all those things, and now Paulo well keep hurting him until the judge tells him to stop”, guarantees Josuel Distak, Paulo Filho’s coach.

Source: Tatame

Kimbo Slice Trainer Bas Rutten:
Fight Should Have Been Stopped in Second Round

by Michael David Smith

Bas Rutten is a legendary figure in mixed martial arts, a former UFC champion, and currently the trainer for Kimbo Slice.

Because of his affiliation with Kimbo, everyone wants to know what Rutten thinks about Kimbo's victory over James Thompson on Saturday night. Rutten answers with a post on his official web site, and although he mostly defends Kimbo, he says something shocking at the end: He actually thinks referee Dan Miragliotta should have stopped the fight and awarded it to Thompson late in the second round. Rutten writes:

People ask me if the fight should have been stopped at the end in the second round, I say YES because those are the rules, it should have been stopped because Kimbo didn't do anything to improve his situation. But I think what made the ref NOT do it was the fact that Kimbo was giving his thumbs up the whole time to let the referee know that he was OK.
This was the refs decission, not Kimbo's.

So Rutten believes Thompson should have been awarded the victory late in the second round. I disagree.
The rule in question states:

Referee Stoppage: the referee may stop a match in progress if: a fighter becomes dominant to the point where the opponent is unable to intelligently defend himself from attacks, which may occur as quickly as a few seconds

There's some room for interpretation in that rule. It doesn't say the referee "must" stop, it says the referee "may" stop. In general, the rules give the referee fairly wide latitude, and Dan Miragliotta, the referee in this particular match, felt that he could let it go. I respect Rutten for giving his true opinion even when it reflects badly on his own fighter, but I don't agree with that opinion.

Source: Fight Opinion

6/6/08

Quote of the Day

"Winning is only half of it. Having fun is the other half."

Bum Phillips, American Football Coach

Punishment in Paradise Today!
Pound 4 Pound
June 6, 2008
Ahuna Ranch, Maili



Source: Brennan Kamaka

Maui Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Tournament Date Announced!

On July 26th, Maui Jiu-Jitsu will host another one of their great tournaments on the Valley isle. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Start planning your travel arrangements now to avoid last minute troubles. Check out the Hawaii Super Ferry and Hawaiian Airlines recently has shown lower prices than Go Airlines.

Wish our boys Good Luck at the World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Long Beach, CA!

Kyle Snyder-Olivares, Pono Pananganan, Lindsey Arcangel are laying it on the line at the world JJ champions

Smooth Sailing at UFC 85 Press Conference
By David West

The press conference ahead of this Saturday’s UFC 85 at the O2 Arena in London was a civilized affair, with no trash talking and no scuffles when the fighters came face to face. Headliner Matt Hughes seemed in a sombre and reflective mood ahead of his clash with Thiago Alves, as he hopes to get back on track.

“It will be an interesting match-up between Thiago and I, a very traditional striker versus grappler,” said Hughes. “I’ve tried to cut my ties with what I’ve been doing lately and get back to the old Matt Hughes. Its funny when you get older in this sport and you start learning things, you start seeing how many ways you can actually lose and it slows you down a little bit. I’m going to try and get back to the old way and just go out there where the only way to lose is to not try hard enough. That’ll be my style, that’ll be my game plan for this fight. I’m going to go out there and put 120% percent effort out there for three rounds.”

Asked what he has left to prove in MMA, Hughes responded, “I’m here to show everybody that I’ve not left and I’m still one of the top fighters in the UFC. Thiago is definitely good enough where he’s a notch, he’s not somebody that I won’t put on my resume so to speak. It’s definitely a match I was able to get up for and train hard for. The training centre has been great. It’s allowed me to stay home more. I used to have to drive up to Iowa on Monday and come back on Friday and I don’t have to do that now so it’s been much more pleasurable training for me to get ready for this fight. I’ve gone from training twice a day to training three times a day now.”

The mood remained subdued, a contrast to the last UFC press conference in London, where Quinton Jackson waxed lyrical about his love of Asian girls and the size of his new truck. The only moment of levity came when Matt Hughes was asked for his thoughts on women in MMA and what motivates him to keep competing.

“I’m not a big fan of women fighting to be honest,” replied Hughes. “It’s nothing against them and it’s not that I don’t think they have the right to be in there, personally I just don’t like to see a woman get hit, whether it’s by another woman or not it doesn’t matter. What inspires me to fight – I still love to get in there and mix it up. That’s why I’m here, that’s why I’m still in this sport it’s because I just like it. I’ve got a great training crew back there, we have a great time and if I sill love to do it and I’m having a good time doing it, I’m going to keep after it.“

At this point Mike Bisping jumped in, unable to resist the urge to crack wise, “Surely women don’t have time either, with all the cooking and cleaning. I’m just kidding! I couldn’t resist!”

Alongside Bisping and Hughes on the podium was Marcus Davis, making his fourth appearance on this side of the Atlantic. Davis explained the appeal of fighting in the UK in practical terms, saying, “I’ll never fight in my hometown, or it doesn’t look like that would ever happen, I mean I live in Maine. I’m not going to be a hometown fighter so every time I’m on the road I’m the bad guy. Travelling from Maine to Vegas, there’s no such thing as a direct flight so the flights for me are about nine to twelve hours, it’s crazy. Coming over here, it’s a five hour flight. This is the closest thing I’ve got to home!”

Facing Mike Bisping on four weeks notice, Canada’s Jason Day wasn’t worried about his short prep time. “Coming off the fight with Belcher I was healthy, I was still in shape so I took one week off basically, just decompressed that week then I got a call two weeks later. I was already back in the gym, I just had to turn it up and get back into fight mode. I don’t think cardio will be an issue for either one of us. If it goes three rounds I’ve got more than enough gas.”

FCF caught a moment with Thiago Alves to get his thoughts on his match with Matt Hughes on Saturday night.

FCF: Matt Hughes is a big star in MMA – does his reputation intimidate you?

Alves: “It makes me even more hungry to fight him. The guy is a legend. I want to be the best in the sport and I know I’m going to be so I’m on my way now. It’s my time.”

FCF: What are you expecting from Hughes?

Alves: “I think he’s going to look for the takedown early. He’ll probably fake a couple of shots and try and take me down, hold me on the mat. I’m going to make him pay all the time he tries to do something.”

FCF: If he takes you down, are you comfortable on your back?

Alves: “I’m comfortable everywhere.”

FCF: Your last match saw you stop Karo Parisian for the first time in his career. Were you surprised you were able to finish him?

Alves: “No, not at all, it was just hard work paying off. I trained really hard and it was just a matter of time. “

FCF: This will be your first time at the top of the bill, is there any added pressure?

Alves: “It’s an opportunity, there’s no pressure at all. Actually I like the crowd, the fans, the whole thing. I want to get to the top and this is part of the game.”

Robbie Lawler was on hand to corner his training partner Hughes, so we picked his brain about the Scott Smith fight.

FCF: Were you left unsatisfied by the premature end of your fight with Scott Smith?

Lawler: “I just feel like we didn’t get to finish the fight. I felt like I was doing well and I was on my way to victory. I hurt him pretty bad in the first round, had him wobbled a few times. I was picking him apart and being a little quicker than him. In the second round he threw a lot of punches, cut me with an elbow on the top of the head and maybe a head kick but I was slipping a lot of shots and I started to figure him out. I started picking him apart at the end of the second and then in the third the same thing, staying outside with my jab, being a little longer than him, a little quicker than him before the accidental poke in the eye.”

FCF: Have you got your next fight lined up yet?

RL: “No, I want to fight in July though. I’m taking all of June off as far as no grappling, just working on my cardio and letting my cut heal up. Then I want to fight at the end of July, early August and just get right back in there and get to work. It’s an every day fight with myself, trying to get myself better and work on my skills.”

FCF: What have you been doing with Matt to get him ready for Alves?

RL: “Just the same old stuff, getting him into shape, wrestling, grappling, sparring, just the usual fight stuff.”

On Saturday Paul Taylor will face Jess Liaudin in a rematch some five years in the making. The pair fought at Cage Rage 2, held at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, in February 2003. Taylor won by decision but Liaudin has disputed the result ever since and has long been looking for a rematch.

FCF: What are you expecting from Jess on Saturday night?

Taylor: “I think he’s going to try to take me down from the off. He’s going to try to put me flat on my back. That’s what I’ve been training for. I know where the holes in my game are, but I also know where I excel and that’s where I want to keep it.”

FCF: Was this rematch high on your to-do list?

PT: “Not at all. I already beat Jess, but it’s a bigger organisation, we’re completely different fighters so I can see the crowd might want to see that. Obviously Jess feels the need to big it up and slag me off in some of his interviews. He’s got to make his hands and his feet do the talking on Saturday night. That’s what I’m going to do.”

FCF: It’s a long road from fighting at the York Hall to the UFC at the O2 Arena.

PT: “It was in the early days of British MMA as well. It was probably one of the best fights of the year in terms of British fights. We’ve both come on but we both took our games in different directions. If you look at a lot of Jess’s fights, he’s gone more along the wrestling and submission route, whereas I’ve stuck to what I like to do best which is stand up and bang. I think that did detract a little bit from my ground work which I’ve paid for on a couple of occasions but I feel I’ve fixed those points and if he thinks he’s going to keep my flat on my back on Saturday night, he’s got another think coming.”

FCF: What have you done to prepare for the fight?

PT: “I’ve been training at The Martial Arts Centre in Cannock, in Staffordshire. It’s where I’ve always trained. I’ve got some new sparring partners, I’ve got Marc Goddard working on my jiu-jitsu with me. It’s been more on the mental side. I am prone to get pulled into a row with somebody, like in the Paul Kelly fight for instance. I’m more of a technical fighter than that, believe it or not, but I caught in a row. You hit me, I’ll hit you back. It was great for the crowd but not good for my fight record. I appreciate Jess has been trying to wind me up in all his interviews trying to get me to bite, but I ain’t biting this time. He’s going to get the cool, calm, collected Paul Taylor of old who goes out to win.”

Source: Full Contact Fighter

Jacare's 2 cents
Champion gives his predictions for the 2008 Worlds

Jiu-Jitsu ace Ronaldo Jacare put his nextel to work and calls up GRACIEMAG.com "I was cleaning my radio on my shirt, I ended up beeping you by accident," explains the Brazilian aspiring to win the Dream 83kg GP, the next stage of which is on the 15th of June in Japan.

To prove Jacare is not just thinking about his next opponent, Jason Miller, and taking advantage of the accidental beep, we asked for him to give his predictions on the Worlds, the event he'll be watching from the front row.

"Sure I have predictions. I know the middleweight category is a tough one full of tough guys, but I'm betting on the guy who got 50 submissions in 50 fights at brown belt: I bet on Kron Gracie," says Ronaldo, between training sessions in Los Angeles, where he's also battling to get his visa. "At medium heavyweight, things will be even tougher. It'll be between Andre Galvao and Braulio, since Barral's not fighting."

And the absolute? "It'll go to Xande. I believe in Roger a lot and he has everything he needs to be champion, of course. But there will be a guy from the Amazon in his way. Xande will be there," he says in provocation, remembering the lightweights. "I heard a load of tough Japanese fighters in the lower weight groups will be coming. These Japanese guys are wily. But in truth I think Cobrinha will take the featherweight again. And I'll be there to see it up close.

Source: Gracie Magazine

Lucas Leite chasing second
2007 champion may get Kron in semifinal

Lucas Leite was one of the big revelations of last year's Worlds. After a great campaign, he met friend Andre Galvao in the final and they shut out the category, taking the gold. This year, however, there will be no slack. To win his second, the Brasa black belt will have to get past such monsters as Victor Estime (GB), Mike Fowler (Lloyd Irvin) and, in the semifinal, Kron Gracie (Rickson). "I can't be thinking only about Kron, if just because there are a lot of tough fighters in the bracket."

The champion is ready, but some good news came along to get in his way during the final stretch: "Leozinho's son was born and he couldn't make it to this Worlds, but we managed to get together here to train some. I trained had even in Sao Paulo," revealed Lucas. Stay glued to GRACIEMAG.com to find out what goes down in Long Beach.

Source: Gracie Magazine

NO BROKEN FOOT, SCOTT SMITH LOOKS TO REMATCH
by Damon Martin

Despite previous reports that EliteXC middleweight fighter Scott Smith broke his foot during his bout with Robbie Lawler last Saturday night, MMAWeekly.com has confirmed that he suffered no break and will not miss any time with an injury.

Smith confirmed the news himself when he appeared on MMAWeekly Radio Wednesday night.

“I got x-rays yesterday, no breaks, no cracks, nothing. My foot’s good to go,” he stated.

After the fight ended, Smith limped to the post fight press conference and, at the time, he thought he was dealing with a broken foot, but upon further examination the injury will heal up fairly quickly.

“The night of the fight, I could barely walk on it. By the next day I was walking pretty good, and I’m completely walking normal now,” said Smith. “It’s black and blue all the way above my ankle and pretty swollen, but the doctor said no breaks, so he just said, ‘quit kicking people in the elbow.’”

Following an epic fight with Lawler at the first ever CBS-EliteXC Saturday Night Fights card, Smith says he will take a week off to spend some time with his children and then he will head back into the gym to prepare for his rematch with the champion.

While no official announcement has been made, EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw mentioned that the next CBS show would likely take place in late summer or early fall, and Smith believes he and Lawler will be the headline fight.

“They said for sure we’re rematching, we’ll be a main event at a CBS card type thing. It will be good,” he commented. “September, October is what I’m told.”

After a brief break from action, Smith also said he would be traveling to Thailand to train and get ready for his rematch with Lawler where he hopes this time to go home as the new EliteXC middleweight champion.

Source: MMA Weekly

Alejarra denies Wand vs. Rashad
By Guilherme Cruz

Although the news at the site Subfighter.tv, saying that Wanderlei Silva could already have his next bout scheduled to face Rashad Evans at the UFC, his physical coach, Rafael Alejarra, denied any contact from the event to the fighter about his next fight. “If they have mouth, they can talk. Nobody from UFC call us to talk about the next fight. Wanderlei is on vacations at Hawaii , I talked with him on the fone and there is nothing right for the next bout”, guaranteed Alejarra, denying the information.

Source: Tatame

Trump Talks Affliction Partnership
by Joe Hall

NEW YORK -- Donald Trump plans to bring money and attention to Affliction's MMA events, the real estate mogul said Thursday at a news conference held to announce his partnership with the clothing company turned promoter.

"I've got a lot of money," Trump told a room filled with journalists on the 25th floor of Trump Tower. "That helps, right? But also and perhaps more importantly, I seem to get a lot of attention. For instance, if I wasn't here today, you might have maybe one writer. And now the place is packed."

Trump said he had been discussing a partnership with Affliction for six months.

"It's really something that I'm doing because I enjoy doing it," he said. "If we make money, that's great. I think we will. I think it will be successful. What I do is usually successful."

As evidence Trump cited his experience hosting some of Mike Tyson's biggest fights as well as his success with the WWE's Vince McMahon. He also put his partnership with Affliction in perspective.

"It's financial, but it's not a very big deal for me," he said. "When you build a billion-dollar building like I'm doing in Dubai and lots of other places, that's a much bigger financial commitment."

Twice Trump said Affliction has the best fighters in MMA. It was no accident that a phone call interrupted the conference to back up that claim.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski (Pictures) was on the line via speakerphone.

"Hello, Andrei," Trump said. "You think this was a setup? This has got to be the worst setup I've ever seen."

The room broke into laughter.

"We're having a very successful press conference," Trump told Arlovski. "A lot of people showed up. Who knows what they're going to write? Who the hell cares? It ultimately doesn't matter as long as they write."

Arlovski thanked Trump and confirmed his fight with Ben Rothwell (Pictures) for Affliction's July 19 debut event in Anaheim, Calif.

Trump also threw Tito Ortiz (Pictures)'s name into the mix after referencing the ratings success of "The Apprentice" on NBC, a show on which Ortiz appeared.

"We'll probably be asking Tito to come along also," Trump said. "We have many, many great fighters, but we'll be asking Tito to come along."

Ortiz, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, lost a decision to Lyoto Machida (Pictures) on May 24 in what is believed to be his last fight in the UFC. His ongoing feud with UFC President Dana White has received constant attention.

Trump would not criticize White when given the opportunity Thursday.

"I have great respect for Dana White," he said. "Some of the people in the room may not like him. I like him and I think he's done a very good job."

At the same time, Trump said the addition of another powerful promoter is a positive move for the sport.

"If there's only one organization," he said, "you can pay the fighters five dollars and they'll be happy to fight."

Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio (Pictures) stood beside Trump while he spoke. The juxtaposition made for a stark contrast: Trump in a suit and Atencio in designer jeans with a chain hanging down his leg.

An odd partnership perhaps but one that has plans for MMA nonetheless.

"I think there are things we can do to make this very, very exciting," Trump said. "And my fights have always been very exciting, even when I'm fighting with businesspeople."

Source: Sherdog

MMA SUBMISSION: AN INTERVIEW WITH DANA WHITE
by Ryan Hockensmith

Never shy with opinions, Dana White is quite an interesting interview.

Get a load of Dana White's schedule this week. The UFC president spent two days in New York on business, then flew right to London for this weekend's pay per view. Then he's flying back to New York for more meetings. "It's a little crazy right now," he says with a laugh. "But in a good way. This sport is blowing up."

The Mag caught up with him for a wide-ranging question and answer session about everything from this weekend's pay-per-view to Kimbo Slice. He couldn't answer some questions about pending deals (including an announcement he's planning for next week, an announcement he says will rock the MMA world). Other questions, such as his thoughts on Slice, he had plenty to say.

The Mag: Let's start with the main event this weekend, Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves.

DW: Interesting fight. Hughes is the most dominant welterweight champion ever. After the two losses to Georges St.-Pierre, people are wondering where he's at. He's been so dominant with his wrestling, but Thiago has looked good lately with his takedown defense and his standup is brutal. Hughes is either going to take a step forward and say, 'I'm still here and I'm not going anywhere.' Or Alves will say, 'No, I'm the guy now.' It's going to be a fun fight.

The Mag: I heard Hughes say the other day that, win or lose, he's definitely going to fight Matt Serra next. True?

DW: Those two want to fight. Serra told me before the GSP fight that he wants Hughes next. There's nothing like two fighters at their levels when they want to fight just because they don't like each other. That's never not fun. I think we'll make that fight for the fall.

The Mag: And break down this weekend's Marcus Davis vs. Mike Swick fight.

DW: A lot of people are pumped up about this one. Davis is on a tear and Swick is coming off one of the only boring fights he's ever had. Swick is not happy about that, and I've been busting his chops ever since then. I think he's going to come out like a mad man.

The Mag: If Davis beats Swick, that has to put him at the top of the list to fight GSP.

DW: If he wins, that's huge. He's in the food chain for a title shot, no doubt about it.

The Mag: What will BJ Penn do: stay at 155 or move up to 170 for a rematch with St.-Pierre?

DW: BJ has become one of the most well-rounded, most amazing fighters I've ever met. He used to be just a jiu-jitsu guy. Now his wrestling is second-to-none. His standup is (freaking) amazing. Even boxing guys say they like his hands. The kid is unbelievable. The only thing he lacked was so he was so (freaking) good, so talented, that he always came up with these crazy schemes to move up to heavyweight and do all this crazy stuff. It took years to reel him in and convince him to focus on being a 155-pounder. This kid is so focused and fired up right now. It's going to be fun to see what he does.

The Mag: So what do you think he will do?

DW: Penn against GSP is a huge fight. I think that fight needs to happen.

The Mag: How do you feel about those kind of superfights between different weight classes?

DW: I don't like it. I like guys to stay at their weight classes and dominate. I don't want guys moving up and down.

The Mag: So the dream matchup of Anderson Silva against GSP, maybe at a catch weight…

DW: Don't hold your breath on that one.

Getty Images

Dana White thinks Kimbo Slice sucks. How does he feel about Kaley Cuoco? Time will tell.

The Mag: Who will Chuck fight in September?

DW: The fight is going to be in Atlanta, Georgia—that's something we haven't said publicly yet. There's something no one else has heard. You have no idea some of the stuff that we have planned. I'm going to make an announcement next week that is going to blow people's minds. That deal is done, but my employees don't even know yet. I'm renting out a place next Thursday and I'm going to tell them. Then we'll make the announcement later that day. It's an indicator of where this business is going over the next five years. I gotta tell you, I was very, very disappointed in ESPN this past weekend. A 15-minute feature on SportsCenter about Kimbo Slice? That is embarrassing. It's so bad I can't even tell you. Then that show goes off. That guy he fought is a joke, and he went three rounds with Kimbo in a fight that shouldn't have been stopped. When the major media outlets would rather follow freak shows instead of real athletes, it's embarrassing. It just makes my life and job a whole lot harder. It's already been exposed. But getting that kind of coverage on ESPN, and BJ Penn doesn't? Everybody is so obsessed over who's going to take a chunk out of the UFC that those guys will get this kind of press coverage for no reason whatsoever. I think the show that happened on CBS the other day was a complete embarrassment for CBS and for the sport of mixed-martial arts. Urijah Faber is 145 pounds. He'll beat Kimbo Slice. Kimbo Slice sucks. He's terrible. If I had a heavyweight The Ultimate Fighter show, I don't think he'd win the show. And he's headlining a show on CBS?

The Mag: But if the Elite XC card is an embarrassment, aren't you and the UFC winners?

DW: We put on fights between the best fighters; we don't put on freak shows. Even in the dark days, when we were bleeding money, we could have gone out and found a freak show. I could be on CBS right now, but I'm not going to make a crappy deal. We're in this thing for all the right reasons. Now people are out there trying to cash in. The reality is, everything about that show sucked, but they created some brand confusion. A lot of people thought they were tuning in to the UFC that night. What does that do to me? For you to say that I walked away as a winner, I completely disagree. I lost that night.

The Mag: Don't you feel like in the long run, this is a step forward for MMA?

DW: It doesn't feel like it right now. Everybody thought Kimbo could fight—until Saturday night. He knocked out 50-year-old Tank Abbott and all of a sudden everybody thought he could fight? Most of the people who follow him are 16-year-olds on the Internet that don't know a thing about fighting. Listen, I don't want Kimbo showing up in my back yard wanting to fight. If he's in a backyard streetfight, he's a tough guy. I'll give him that. But this is a real sport with real athletes. He wouldn't last 13 seconds on our reality show.

The Mag: How did the WEC show from the following day compare?

DW: That's what the sport is all about—two guys at their weight class, Jens Pulver and Urijah Faber, who are the best in the world. Not just one guy in a backyard with a crazy beard. Everything we do is the best against the best.

The Mag: I spoke with Urijah Faber last week, and he said he'd be willing to go up to 155 and move to the UFC. How would you feel about that?

DW: I don't know if I want to see that. He's so small. I don't know how he'd do at 155. He's so talented at that weight, and he doesn't even have to cut to make it. That fight lived up to the hype. The place was legitimately sold out, with the best fighters in the world. He should stay at 145 and become a superstar.

The Mag: There's been a lot written and discussed lately about the UFC trimming its roster. Where was the roster at, where is it now, and where is it heading?

DW: Right now, we're at about 180 fighters. Before, we had 250. I like that number, 180. As long as we have enough fighters and fight cards to keep everybody fighting three times a year, that's where I want our roster to be.

The Mag: Much has also been made about fighters' pay, especially after Tito Ortiz's comments trashing you and the UFC for not paying guys enough. What are your feelings about salaries for your guys?

DW: Everybody thinks these guys don't make good money. But they make a lot of money—a lot. I don't like talking about pay. But the stars make millions of dollars, and the lesser-known guys do fine, too. Why are we the only organization that gets asked about that? Our guys do better than fighters anywhere else. People are popping up left and right and throwing money around, but that's proven to be a terrible business model. What good does it do for a guy to make $100,000 for one fight, and then the promotion goes under? Guys do all right with their basic salaries, and then we do a lot of bonuses that other promoters don't do. At our last pay-per-view, we gave out three $75,000 bonuses for great fights. Who else does that?

The Mag: Of the 180 fighters on the roster, what percentage of them make more than $50,000 a year?

DW: Tons make that, and most make a lot more. I'd say a huge percentage.

The Mag: Would you say 75 percent of your guys—of the 180 on the roster—make that or better?

DW: Easily 75 percent. Probably more than 75 percent.

The Mag: In the recent Rolling Stone story, and in other interviews, you've said you don't want to stick around once this business isn't fun any more. With the Tito ordeal, and the lawsuits and trouble with Randy Couture, and other promotions popping up, are you still having fun?

DW: It still is a lot of fun for me. There's so much left to do. People talk about how big this sport is right now. But we still have so much room to grow. I have a road map for where this is going, and we're not even close to that place yet. In the next 10 years, MMA will be the biggest sport on the planet.

The Mag: Where is the sport going? Are you talking about it going international?

DW: Yes, this sport is going international. I think it's going to be the first world-wide pay-per-view company. Right now, we're in 170 countries either on PPV or free TV. In the next five years, we're going to take live events all over the world.

Getty Images

Tito + Dana = Not Friends.

The Mag: When was the last time you spoke with Randy Couture?

DW: I talked to him at the last PPV, when he cornered Wanderlei Silva. I said, 'Hey, what's up?' And he was very cool. I like Randy. He had the problem with me. I hate Tito Ortiz, but I don't hate Randy.

The Mag: What are the chances that Randy fights again in the UFC?

DW: Better than zero. There's still a chance. We're still in litigation with him. But I could see us putting everything behind us some day. I don't know what will happen. But if we could patch things up, I'd put him in The Octagon in a heart beat. All I care about in this business is putting great fights on. If I can get Randy back, I would.

Source: ESPN

6/5/08

Quote of the Day

“Confidence is the result of hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication.”

Roger Staubach, American Football Player

Shogun strikes back
Says will fight Sokoudjou any time

After defeating Kazuhiro Nakamura at UFC 84, Cameroon’s Thierry Sokoudjou chose Brazil’s Mauricio Shogun as his next target in his quest for the light heavyweight belt. What started as just a healthy challenge at the press conference has become a more serious accusation by the Team Quest athlete in a recent interview with website FightHype.

In the interview, Sokoudjou said that Shogun has been running away from him since they were both fighting in Pride. He also said that he expects the Brazilian to finally accept his request to fight now that they are both working with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Faced with the “African Assassin’s” declarations, even the always calm and respectful Shogun had to say something, and that’s why GRACIEMAG.com gave him a call:

“They can match me up against anyone and I’ll be happy. It is Dana White and the guys at the UFC who decide who I fight with. I’m not going to give this guy any attention, even because I have fought better fighters than him. He wanted to fight me and I never said yes or no – they just didn’t make it happen and he ended up fighting Ricardo Arona at Pride’s last event. I never heard anything about Chute Boxe telling him he’d have to fight Evangelista Cyborg before me, like he said. I’ll fight him like I have always fought all top competitors,” said Shogun, who is currently recovering from a knee injury at his new academy, called Universidade da Luta (‘Fight University’).

Source: Gracie Magazine

Darrel Gholar back to BTT

One of the greatest Wrestlers of all time is back to Brazilian Top Team (BTT). The North-American Darrel Gholar arrived in this week to help Murilo Bustamante and Milton Vieira training to the debut at Godz of War on June 21st at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, United States. "Darrel is going to add a lot to the whole team training. He is a great wrestling coach and everyone here in BTT already knows him very well. We have a new structure and it will bring benefits to everyone", said Sergio Cunha, Muay Thai coach of the team, which along with Sergio Babú and Eraldo Paes, has been leading the team's training sessions and helping the leader Murilo Bustamante in this final training phase.

Source: Tatame

Murilo trains to the “war” at U.S.

The day that he will return to the American MMA is coming and Murilo Bustamante is training hard to restart, on June 21st, his way with the right foot in the United States. Away from the U.S. events since 2002, when he fought for the last time at the UFC octagon, the leader of BTT will face Josh Haynes at Godz Wars, new event that will have also at the card Milton Vieira, another athlete of his team. "I was training at BTT Las Vegas and now I have two weeks and a half to devote myself exclusively to training. Traveling is always difficult, but managed to train and now I'm going to dedicate myself to my fight here. Miltinho and I are going strong", said Murilo, who is confident in the success of the event. "The expectation is that everything goes right, that the event is all that they are promising and that we have a performance at the same level of the show. I arrived yesterday and I have already trained at night and we are working, we will make everything possible to give a good show to the North-American public", said the leader of the Brazilian Top Team.

Source: Tatame

Antonio Pezão Silva
By Marcelo Alonso

“I'm in the queue and I want to be among the Top 10 and maybe one day, be at the first or second place. I want to make history at the category”

The Brazilian giant Antonio "Pezão" Silva, with 127kg and excessive strength, is the big bet of the American Top Team for the heavyweight category. Preparing himself to the debut on open TV at EliteXC on July, Pezão said in exclusive interview to TATAME, from ATT training center on his way to the North-America, his fight against the growth hormones and his family at ATT. "I'm in the queue and I want to be among the Top 10 and maybe one day, be at the first or second place", said the Brazilian, who dreams in conquer the belt, but he just doesn’t wants to learn to face the current champion in this category at the UFC, his friend Rodrigo Minotauro. Check out the complete interview below.

How did you come to American Top Team?
I have been here already for a year and three months at and with a contract with American Top Team. I came through my manager Alex Davis and I am very happy here because we are a complete academy, we have everything here, all kinds of training. A good training of Wrestling, Boxing, a good striking training, good ground training with Libório, which is a Jiu-Jitsu legend, finally, here is the right place for the athlete who wants to grow at the sport.

You had a problem when you came ... How was that?
I have a accelerated production of Growth Hormone and I had to make a mini-surgery to remove a benign tumor that was producing a lot of GH. Thanks to God I am well after been stopped three months after surgery...

There are people who spend money to buy the hormone and you had to spend some to stop producing it?
It was more expensive to take off that if I had to take it, it was better if I had just took it. But God knows what does and gave me such good genetics and I am very happy after surgery, I made two fights and had two wins.

How is your card record now?
I have 13 fights, 12 wins and just one lost on a fight.

What is the difference between ATT and other academies?
Ahead everything is the companionship and the organization. Here the everybody help each other a lot, people has no jealous from other are winning. The organization of training, schedule, finally, ATT is different because of that.

With 127kg you have to lower the weight to enter the category?
The fact is that it is not a sacrifice because seven kilos for a heavyweight is very easy to loose. For my last fight I did not have to do any sacrifice, I put my normal clothes and I made sauna to sweat more and I losse the weight smoothly. I am also thinking in one day, maybe, go to 205 pounds (93kg) category (laughs).

But you can loose that much? You have already weighed close to it?
I came here with that in my mind and the people is almost dying, saying it is impossible. But this is more a joke, but Benkei (Andrew) said it is possible. Benkei make everything, but this is only a joke and even my focus is the heavyweight and I want to make history at the category.

What is your plan now?
It is almost right that I will fight on July 26, at CBS by EliteXC and and it is going to be for the belt, I don’t have an opponent yet, but still has a long time ahead.

If you could choose your opponent, who would you choose?
Without any doubt anyone between Top 10 I would be pleased. Because I'm in the queue and I want to be among the Top 10 and maybe one day, be among the first and second places. I'm in the queue and I want to be among the Top 10 and maybe one day, be at the first or second place.

If in case you faced Rodrigo Minotauro, How it would be?
This is something I do not think about, because beyond Minotauro is a friend of training, is my personal friend, I was in a very bad situation in England with my wife and my daughter and who welcomed me and brought me from England was him. I think I would prefer to stop fighting, because I could not close my hand to hit Minotauro.

How was that situation in ?
I was called to five fights in England invited by Mario Sucata, who gave me the first opportunity to fight abroad, but unfortunately I had two managers that cheat me, did not pay my last fight, did not pay my tickets back to Brazil, because I knew Aras and signed with him to fight in Japan, at Hero's and they were upset, and so that they did everything wrong with me. Then at the time that I needed most, Aras and Minotauro helped me. So It is impossible to close my hand to hit Minotauro, there is no way to it happen.

Do you want to face Fedor?
I was very anxious when he left M-1 and there was some speculation that he could fight at Pro-Elite, but he signed with other events, but my contract is open and I think that while the opportunity does not appear, I'm training to acquire more experience, because everyone knows that he is a complete fighter, so the more experience I have to face him is better.

How is their adaptation in ? You living with your wife who is pregnant.
The beginning is difficult, the language, but now I'm more accustomed, more adapted to the city, my daughter is already speaking English. My wife is pregnant, one more happiness for us. And here in Florida where we are, is like a piece of , the academy, many Brazilians, friends, restaurants and I'm happy here.

Are you already speaking English?
That is complicated, you see my daughter with seven months already speaking English and I, who is more than a year here, I only speak feel words yet. But anyway, I have to try harder, because my time to learn is low, because when I'm not training at ATT I am resting at home, then I have to learn here at the academy in the course of days.

And at Paraíba state, your homeland, with who you worked before fighting?
I started working helping selling auto parts and then I went to be a seller, then I did a vigilant course, and the last job I did was that I was safe car bodyguard.

Source: Tatame

Nashville viewers show support for MMA

The first mixed martial arts broadcast on network TV certainly caught the attention of viewers in Middle Tennessee.

USA Today reported that the event Saturday night received a 10.3 overnight rating in the Nashville market, the second-highest rating in the country. That rating means the broadcast was seen in approximately 98,880 households here.

Oklahoma City had the highest national rating, at 11.1. New Orleans (9.7) followed Nashville, and Memphis was fourth (8.4), the newspaper reported.

That national rating doesn’t include the main event, which didn’t appear until 10:30 p.m., which is past the primetime ratings period.
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CBS plans at least three more MMA shows — the next, still unscheduled, likely will come this fall — and probably will add more if they continue to draw young viewers on Saturday, TV’s least-watched night.

In the main event at Newark, N.J., Kimbo Slice had his hands full with James (The Colossus) Thompson, eventually winning by TKO.

The fight was stopped 38 seconds into the third round with a dazed Thompson bleeding from the ear from some big punches to the head. Slice, a former street brawler from Miami whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, improved to 3-0 after the main event at the Prudential Center.

Source: Tennessean

Kimbo Slices the Colossus

It'll be some time before I get the image of James "The Colossus" Thompson's cauliflower ear exploding on impact after a right cross from Kimbo Slice in Saturday night's MMA action on CBS. Only a horror-film director could've thought that one up.

Then again, in retrospect, that ear was destined to pop. So swollen was the Briton brawler's ear that the thing seemed to enter the cage a full minute before Thompson himself did.

All in all, CBS' first shot at ultimate fighting was promising. Mind you, I watched most of it the way one watches Halloween III--squinting through one's fingers while anxiously awaiting the bloody killshot. The time between fights was often interminable and the fighters' nicknames seemed forced, but the bouts themselves were quite good. I found the sight of Gina Carano and Kaitlin Young pummeling each other a bit disturbing--just my two cents--but there was plenty of action, skills were very good and Carano seemed to have a bit of the It factor in her post-bout interview.

The middleweight contest between Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith was an absolute cracker--both guys were wobbling at different points and seemed a punch away from collapsing, but hung on long enough to get their legs under them again. Too bad an errant finger in Smith's eye ended the fight early.

Then it was on to the big boys. Fittingly, the clip of Slice busting open Thompson's grotesque ear is destined to be a YouTube phenom; as you heard 42 times this past weekend, Slice made his name in backyard brawls shared on YouTube--some of which have been seen 2.5 million times apiece.

Speaking of cauliflower ears, I was pleased to see the U.S. Super League rugby championship on ESPN Classic Saturday night as well--live, no less. The production was first-rate, the match could not have been closer, and it was a pleasure to not have to schlep to some Manhattan pub at an off hour to catch live rugby on TV.

My only quibble was with my DVR. The match went into double overtime and then sudden death before New York Athletic Club sealed it--lasting well past when my DVR stopped recording.

Source: Broadcasting Cable

Kimbo obviously still needs some work

James Thompson gave the notorious YouTube brawler a run for his money, only to succumb to Ferguson's heavy hands early in round three of the featured bout at EliteXC "Primetime" at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Carried by CBS, the historic event served as MMA's debut on live network television.

Ferguson was the centerpiece, and while he remained unbeaten, his latest effort exposed some glaring holes in his game.

With fatigue setting in, Ferguson ripped his British adversary with a right hook that ruptured his right ear and sent blood spilling down Thompson's torso. He followed it with a vicious combination that wobbled Thompson and sent him back pedaling into the cage, where referee Dan Miragliotta brought the bout to an end.

The glassy-eyed Thompson protested and pawed at Miragliotta in disgust at one point. Ferguson (3-0, 3-0 EXC) collapsed to the canvas in relief.

"I've got a lot to learn and a long way to go," Ferguson said. "James was a very tough opponent. I didn't underestimate him, but I didn't know he was going to be that strong on the ground."

After an even first round, Thompson (14-9, 0-2 EXC) appeared to gain control in the second, as he grounded Ferguson against the cage and dropped a series of short unanswered elbows until time expired. His inability to finish the street-fighter proved costly. Moments later, his night's work was over, as Ferguson delivered a right uppercut-left hook combination that finished the Pride Fighting Championships veteran.

Another high-profile match ended even less conclusively.

EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler retained his title following an accidental eye poke that left challenger Scott Smith unable to continue. Because the bout did not go the requisite three rounds for a decision, it was ruled a no contest. Fans showered the cage with chants of "Bulls**t."

"I'm sorry we couldn't finish this," Lawler said. "We'll just have to run it back and do it again."

Smith (13-4, 1-0 EXC) informed the cageside doctor that he could not see out of his right eye, according to New Jersey State Athletic Control Board representative Nick Lembo. The fight had proven competitive up until the stoppage, though Lawler (15-4, 1-0 EXC) had landed the more punishing blows, including a series of first-round liver kicks that nearly had Smith doubled over in pain.

EliteXC Live Events president Gary Shaw indicated a rematch would be made immediately and that Smith and Lawler would both be awarded their win bonuses. His words, however, did little to ease the disappointment that resulted from an anti-climactic conclusion.

"I don't like for a fight to end like this," Smith said. "I probably would have gotten knocked out, but I'd rather get knocked out than for it to end like this. I would have kept fighting until he killed me."

Meanwhile, Gina Carano lived up to pre-fight billing a day after she failed to make weight for her bout with Kaitlin Young.

Carano (6-0, 3-0 EXC) minimized a first-round takedown and seized control in the second, as she punished Young (4-2, 0-1 EXC) standing. The 26-year-old, who moonlights as "Crush" on the NBC series "American Gladiators," let her hands fly despite signs she was tiring. By the end of round two, Young's left eye had swollen to such an extent that the fight was stopped.

"She's one of my toughest opponents," said Carano, who reportedly only trained for the match for three weeks. "I didn't get to put my heart into training. I was really unsure going into this fight. I've got to get back in the gym and get my butt in gear."

In middleweight action, Joey Villasenor dominated fading veteran Phil Baroni, as he stopped the brash brawler on strikes in just 71 seconds.

Baroni (10-10, 0-1 EXC) scored with an early takedown, as he caught a high kick from Villasenor and sent him to the canvas. From there, the bout grew more and more one-sided. Villasenor (26-6, 4-1 EXC) moved back to a standing position, stunned his foe with a short left hook and then caught Baroni in a standing guillotine choke. Though he escaped, Baroni was clearly winded, and when Villasenor approached again, he could not defend himself. The referee stepped in after Villasenor found the mark with a series of unanswered blows.

"It was all about finding my range," Villasenor said. "That left hook was just there. I knew he was going to get out [of the choke], but I knew he was definitely going to be wheezing for air after that."

Once a bright young star in the 185-pound division, Baroni has dropped three consecutive fights — all by TKO. Where the 32-year-old goes from here remains to be seen.

Elsewhere, the mohawked Brett Rogers (7-0, 3-0 EXC) continued his climb up the heavyweight ladder, as he dispatched Jon Murphy (4-3, 0-1 EXC) in 1:01. The unbeaten Rogers, after some nice clinch work, clipped his opponent with a short right hook that dropped him where he stood.

"I knew I was going to catch him," Rogers said. "It feels good to get in and out. I'm moving up, up and up the ladder."

Former Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro Carlton Haselrig (2-0, 1-0 EXC), UFC veteran Chris Liguori (8-7, 1-0 EXC), Matt Makowski (3-0, 1-0 EXC) and Joe Sampieri (1-2, 1-0 EXC) all were victorious by TKO in preliminary action. Meanwhile, Wilson Reis (4-0, 1-0 EXC) and James "Binky" Jones (7-6, 1-0 EXC) each won by submission. Zach Makovsky (4-1, 1-0 EXC) rounded out the show by earning a unanimous decision against the American Top Team's Andres Soares (5-2, 0-1 EXC).

Source: Fox Sports

CBS and the Elite XC experiment

Well, did you watch it? Last night CBS boldly went where no network has gone before... and it kind of sucked. That's too bad. As someone who counts himself as a fan of MMA, I had high hopes for the big debut. But then, I knew going in that it was an iffy proposition. They try hard, but the Elite XC is still far from the cream of the MMA crop. For the prime time debut, it really would have been nice if this could have been a big UFC event. Heck, even the WEC with that Uriah Faber vs Jens Pulver (VS tonight at 6PM PST) match would have been preferable.

Despite the lack of big name talent, the show still had a shot. Great fights can make up for a lot of shortcomings, and this one had a lot of them to be made up for. To start, the production left a lot to be desired. For example, if you are promising the fans big time fighting, get to it already. It took a full 25 minutes before the first match started. Worse than that, given the way the first two matches played out, fans were left with just over two minutes of actual fighting in the first hour of the show. I was left thinking that the most exciting thing about the first hour was the commercial for Street Fighter IV. Not a good sign.

The team doing the coverage wasn't the greatest either. Mauro Ronallo, Gus Johnson, and Frank Shamrock all did an ok job, but you have to compare them to their peers. They come off as lacking when you hold them up to the dynamic that you get from Mike Goldberg, Joe Rogan, and Randy Couture.

As I said before though, good fights trump everything. If the fights were really good, you could listen to an announce team speaking in a foreign language and it would still be a great show. And that is ultimately what killed the Elite XC here. Let's take a look at the matches.

The first two were both instantly forgettable. Yeah, the occasional quick knockout is exciting, but it was exactly the opposite of what the show needed. Joe Murphy was never even in his fight with Brett Rogers. Much like Phil Baroni putting up no real challenge for Joe Villasenor. Baroni's tired entrance shtick, which looked like Val Venis, without the humor, took longer than his fight.

And then we had one of the few bright spots of the night. Surprisingly, it came from the women. Gina Carano vs Kaitlin Young was the fight I was most interested in coming into the show. For one, the women's division is the one thing that really set it apart. You just don't see a lot of girls doing MMA on the TV. Also, of course, Gina Carano is just ridiculously hot, and the fact that she's dedicated herself to being a fighter is fascinating.

The fight was better than I had anticipated. Both of them are much more powerful than I had expected, landing, and taking, some really big kicks and punches. The best part though, was that this fight finally had some shifts in momentum. Kaitlin Young wasn't just another step on Gina Carano's tour. She had her moments where she was up in the fight. And damn, the girl is tough. If you watched, you had to see that quickly expanding mouse under her left eye at the end of round two.

And then things really started to go off the rails. I didn't think much of the stopping of that fight when it happened. I've certainly seen fighters go back out with injuries worse than Young's, but I was willing to accept the doctor's decision to stop the fight there. In light of how the rest of the night played out though, it was a harbinger of things to come.

The next fight really had the makings of a signature for the Elite XC. Scott Smith and Robbie Lawler were well matched and put on a great show. Like Young, Smith can take a punch. And his ability to absorb damage and recover served him well as he and Lawler went back and forth. The first round got off to a slow start, with boos raining down from impatient crowd. After that though, it was a good match. Right up until that unfortunate finger to the eye. The stories vary, and I'm sure there is plenty of blame to be passed around, but right or not, the doctor stopping the fight right there was the worst thing that could have happened to the show. It was the big title fight, tied one round apiece and still anybody's to win, and we are left with a no contest. Ridiculous.

But wait, there was more ridiculous to come. I thought the addition of the Kimbo Slice fight was a smart decision. His internet stardom means that he is more familiar to the non-MMA fan, and could draw a crowd. With that in mind though, it probably wasn't the best idea to put his match at the end of the show. If you are asking someone new to join you in this endeavor, probably not the best idea to ask them so sit through two hours of two bad fights, and two fights with questionable endings, to get to it. I'd guess that a lot of the audience had given up by the time the 11:00 hour approached and they finally got to the main event.

The fight itself surprised me. I thought they would bring in some tomato can so as not to endanger all the promotion they have put into Kimbo. James Thompson proved himself very dangerous. He also exposed Kimbo Slice. There is much more hype than actual skill to Kimbo when it comes to MMA. At this point, he's still a one trick pony. If somebody stands in front of him and lets him swing away, yes, he's going to eventually knock them out. But on the ground, he's more than vulnerable. He needs a lot more training before he is ready to take on any of the more accomplished fighters in the sport.

While it did take a little of the shine off of Kimbo, it did make for an interesting fight. Thompson had him on the ropes and looked to actually have a shot at winning the fight at one point. But again, like the two fights before it, it all ended up going to hell. That was one of the worst stoppages I have ever seen in MMA. Sure Thompson looked like he was about to be knocked out, but he had looked like that in the round before as well. If he could have wrapped Kimbo up and gotten him to the ground again, he could have come back. I highly doubt that Big John McCarthy or Herb Dean would have stopped the fight while Thompson was still on his feet and swinging.

Even if it was a good stop, which is debatable, it was again a horrible result for the debut of Elite XC. Your two biggest matches ending with the crowd booing and chanting bullshit is not a good sign. At the end of the day, the start of this experiment was about as bad as it could get. I would probably tune in to watch it again, but it's gone from wanting to see a great show to being more like how I watched Heatstroke on SciFi last night. How bad can it get?

Source: TV Squad

Timing of TKO has some crying fix of show

However, one baffling byproduct of the show has been a flood of conspiracy theories. Some are the result of misunderstanding. Others can only be attributed to lunacy.

Take for instance the night's main event between former bare-knuckle brawler Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and veteran fighter James Thompson. Ferguson (arguably EliteXC's biggest star) barely survived the second round, but after he staggered and bloodied Thompson with a vicious punch early in the third, he was awarded the technical-knockout victory.

Some called it a premature stoppage, which is a reasonable gripe. Others called it proof of a fix, which is simply absurd.

In what was a typically chaotic post-event press conference, EliteXC promoter Gary Shaw told the media Thompson was on his way to the hospital and was unavailable for interviews. However, the fighter appeared in the press area moments later.

The kooks point to it as proof EliteXC officials were in cahoots with the athletic commission and/or referee Dan Miragliotta, and were concocting stories to silence Thompson. That begs the question: Why would they?

Many in attendance, including undercard fighter Bret Rogers, said they saw Ferguson "tap out" in the second round from Thompson's repeated strikes. However, not only did Thompson say Ferguson never tapped out, he also said he "understood" the stoppage.

So much for the conspiracy and the need to hush Thompson.

And yes, he went to the hospital immediately after the conference.

Source: Day to Daily News

You can rest now, Kimbo

Those who tuned in last night to watch CBS' Elite XC Saturday Night Fights witnessed one of the greatest sporting spectacles in the history of organized competition.

Not.

Ok, there were brief moments of compelling action. But overall, it's hard to say that mixed martial arts' first entry into the world of prime time television was anything more than average.

It's not CBS' fault, but two of the four fights were relative disappointments, another was one-sided and essentially meaningless, and the fourth merely exposed Kimbo Slice, MMA's biggest star, as a work in progress.

We'll find out in the next couple of days what CBS grabbed in terms of ratings, but one can imagine that there weren't too many people who sat through the entire two-hour broadcast from start to finish. Slice against James Thompson was the main event, and they didn't square off until 10:30 p.m. In between there were too many lulls in action, and the mini-profiles of the fighters were not exactly in-depth or illuminating.

The first televised bout of the night featured Joey Villasenor winning by TKO over Phil Baroni with about one minute left in the first round. Hard to draw in viewers with a fight that's over that quick. Later, in an all-female bout, Gina Carano dominated Kaitlin Young in two rounds, but the big story there was how Carano would be forced to share 12 percent of her winnings because she came in four pounds overweight.

The middleweight title bout between Robbie Lawlor and Scott Smith had promise, but was stopped and ruled a no-contest in the second round after Lawlor inadvertently poked Smith in the eye. Fans in Newark had some colorful things to say about that decision. (How ironic would it be if CBS got fined by the FCC not for the violence of this event, but the profanity coming from the crowd?)

As for Kimbo Slice, well, he won using his fists, as many predicted. But he spent a lot of time lying on his back in the cage, which is not a familiar place for him. It was plainly obvious that Slice has not yet acquired the necessary skills to win a fight on the ground, and he looked like he had the stamina of Nel Carter running a marathon. The final minute of the second round basically consisted of Thompson pinning Slice against the mat the cage wall, elbowing him in the head over and over.

But Slice was saved by the bell and nailed Thompson with a couple of huge right hooks, including one that caused his ear to explode with blood.The fight was called a few seconds later.

CBS' Gus Johnson was his usual wound-up self, and kept calling the decision to stop the fight "controversial" but there was really no controversy. One could argue that Thompson could have fought on, but one more punch to the head by Slice would have ended it. (And I've never liked the idea of announcers referring to something as "controversial." Very rarely is anything truly controversial.)

It will be very interesting to see how CBS does with these MMA events moving forward, particularly if they lack a high-profile fighter like Slice. Will people tune in to see guys they never heard of?

Source: Washington Times

6/4/08

Quote of the Day

“The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882, American Poet

2008 HAWAIIAN CHAMPIONSHIP OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU -
PART 2 OF TRIPLE CROWN SERIES
RESULTS



WOMEN'S GI WHITE BELT
FEATHER
1ST - Theresa Motobu Relson Gracie Main Academy
2ND - Liliana Rangel Relson Gracie Main Academy

LIGHT
1ST - Corrie Leandro Grappling Unlimited
2ND - Alyssa Corcoran Gracie Kailua

MEN'S GI WHITE BELT
SUPER FEATHER
1ST - Joshua Martinez Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
2ND - Matt McMullin Relson Gracie - Derizans JJ
3RD - Shuichi Yamamoto Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

FEATHER
1ST - Dustin Kimura ICON
2ND - Chad Raymond BJ Penn Academy
3RD - Eric Cannon Ka-Mole JJ

LIGHT
1ST - Nicholas Lee Relson Gracie - Team HK
2ND - John Felix Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy
3RD - Aaron Terry Central Oahu JJ

MIDDLE
1ST - Jason Onishi Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
2ND - Kamuela Ha'anio Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy
3RD - Preston Miller Team Hi5 (Home Gym)

MIDDLE HEAVY
1ST - Sy Kageyama Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
2ND - Jence Kona Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy
3RD - Patrick Candelaria Gracie Kailua

HEAVY
1ST - Tyson Yoshizuma BJ Penn Academy
2ND - Raymond Keahi Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
3RD - Ryan Kauanui Central Oahu JJ

SUPER SUPER HEAVY
1ST - Roger Skeens Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy
2ND - Jake Santa Monica Central Oahu JJ
3RD - Jesse Perrin Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

MEN'S GI BLUE BELT
SUPER FEATHER
1ST - Sean Matsuo Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
2ND - Daniel Igawa Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

FEATHER
1ST - Ricky Alvarez BJ Penn Academy
2ND - Jun Hyodo Relson Gracie Main Academy
3RD - Noa Mau-Espirito Kendall Goo JJ

LIGHT
1ST - Douglas Nakata Maui JJ
2ND - Darin Ho Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
3RD - Sebastian Mariconda Relson Gracie - Papakolea JJ

MIDDLE HEAVY
1ST - Chris Templo Relson Gracie - Team HK
2ND - Elia Mundon BJ Penn Academy
3RD - Randall Silva Relson Gracie - Kauai Technical Institute

HEAVY
1ST - Guillermo Villa Relson Gracie Main Academy
2ND - Jacob Reis Central Oahu JJ
3RD- James Kupahu BJ Penn Academy

MEN'S GI PURPLE BELT
LIGHT
1ST - Erik Alves Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
2ND - Erik Beach BJ Penn Academy

MIDDLE
1ST - Pono Pananganan Relson Gracie - Kauai Technical Institute
2ND - Ahmed Diallo Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

MEN'S NO-GI NOVICE
FEATHER
1ST - Chad Raymond BJ Penn Academy
2ND - Eric Cannon Ka-Mole JJ

LIGHT
1ST - Nicholas Lee Relson Gracie - Team HK
2ND - John Felix Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy
3RD - Miguel Canals Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

MIDDLE
1ST - Nicholas Pait Hawaiian Competitive Arts
2ND - Jason Onishi Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
3RD - Preston miller Team Hi5 (Home Gym)

MIDDLE HEAVY
1ST - Jence Kona Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy

HEAVY
1ST - Ryan Kauanui Central Oahu JJ
2ND - Todd Sales Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy
3RD - Chris Santa Monica Central Oahu JJ

MEN'S NO-GI INTERMEDIATE
ROOSTER
1ST - Sean Matsuo Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
2ND - Joshua Martinez Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

FEATHER
1ST - Noa Mau-Espirito Kendall Goo JJ
2ND - Daniel Igawa Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
3RD - Noel Castle HMC

LIGHT
1ST - Anthony Leone BJ Penn Academy
2ND - DeJuan Hathaway Grappling Unlimited
3RD - Sebastian Mariconda Relson Gracie - Papakolea JJ

MIDDLE HEAVY
1ST - Kazrae Herring BJ Penn Academy
2ND - Randall Silva Relson Gracie - Kauai Technical Institute
3RD - Sy Kageyama Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

SUPER SUPER HEAVY NOVICE / INTERMEDIATE
1ST - Jake Santa Monica Central Oahu JJ
2ND - Jesse Perrin Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

MEN'S NO-GI ADVANCED
FEATHER
1ST - Erik Beach BJ Penn Academy
2ND - Eric Alves Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
3RD - Ricky Alvarez BJ Penn Academy

MIDDLE
1ST - Gunnar Nelson BJ Penn Academy
2ND - Pono Pananganan Relson Gracie - Kauai Technical Institute
3RD - Ahmed Diallo Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

HEAVY
1ST - JR Kawamoto BJ Penn Academy
2ND - Guillermo Villa Relson Gracie Main Academy
3RD - Thane Fowler Hoa'ahi Grappling

KIDS GI WHITE
6 YRS & UNDER
1ST - Anjelynn Baron Central Oahu JJ
2ND - Triston Baron Central Oahu JJ
3RD - Peter Victoria Central Oahu JJ

7 YRS
1ST - Tao Tuulima Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy
2ND - Zayden Hamboro Central Oahu JJ

8-9 HEAVY
1ST - Draden Morisato Grappling Unlimited
2ND - Makalanani Bushe Central Oahu JJ

9-10 LIGHT
1ST - Lokahi Morante Central Oahu JJ
2ND - Caelin Lathrop Gracie Kailua
3RD - Christian Dumaoal Central Oahu JJ

9-10 MIDDLE
1ST - Kiana Lau Grappling Unlimited
2ND - Chaden Morisato Grappling Unlimited
3RD - Eugene Auguay, Jr. Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy

11-12 LIGHT
1ST - Ikela Nixon Central Oahu JJ
2ND - Brendon Hironaka BJ Penn Academy
3RD - Dustin Ibara Central Oahu JJ

11-12 HEAVY
1ST - Brandon Lau Grappling Unlimited
2ND - Mano Kailikea Central Oahu JJ

12-14 YRS
1ST - Jacob Kealoha Clam Gracie Barra
2ND - Shannon Paaaina Central Oahu JJ
3RD - Taaga Tuulima Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy

15-16 YRS
1ST - Austin Strong Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
2ND - Logan Wernet Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
3RD - Justin Lee Relson Gracie - Papakolea JJ

KIDS GI COLOR BELT
7-9 LIGHT
1ST - Dayson Maeda Central Oahu JJ
2ND - Issac Stalcup Central Oahu JJ

9-11 LIGHT
1ST - Teshya Alo Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team
2ND - Derek "DJ" Chinen, Jr. Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team
3RD - Mykah Kuratani Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy

10 HEAVY
1ST - Kaohi Kapiko Relson Gracie - Papakolea JJ
2ND - Masina Kaohelaulii Gracie Kailua

14-15 YRS
1ST - Bryan Peralta Junior Grappling
2ND - John Hommel Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team
3RD - Cody Willenborg Relson Gracie Hawaii Kai

KIDS NO-GI NOVICE
6 YRS & UNDER
1ST - Anjelynn Baron Central Oahu JJ
2ND - Jay Swift Central Oahu JJ
3RD- Triston Baron Central Oahu JJ

7 YRS
1ST - Issac Stalcup Central Oahu JJ
2ND - Tao Tuulima Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy
3RD- Dayson Maeda Central Oahu JJ

9 YRS
1ST - Lokahi Morante Central Oahu JJ
2ND - Christian Dumaoal Central Oahu JJ

10-11 LIGHT
1ST - Kiana Lau Grappling Unlimited
2ND - Ikela Nixon Central Oahu JJ

11-12 HEAVY
1ST - Brandon Lau Grappling Unlimited
2ND - Brendon Hironaka BJ Penn Academy

14 YRS & UP
1ST - Logan Wernet Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
2ND - Justin Lee Relson Gracie - Papakolea JJ
3RD- Austin Strong Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

KIDS NO-GI INTERMEDIATE

9-11 LIGHT
1ST - Teshya Alo Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team
2ND - Derek "DJ" Chinen, Jr. Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team
3RD- Mykah Kuratani Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy

10 HEAVY
1ST - Kaohi Kapiko Relson Gracie - Papakolea JJ
2ND - Masina Kaohelaulii Gracie Kailua

15 YRS & UP
1ST - John Hommel Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team
2ND - Calford Pader Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu

SCHOOLS
Hoa'ahi Grappling

Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
BJ Penn Academy
HMC

Hawaiian Competitive Arts

Clam Gracie Barra

Grappling Unlimited

Junior Grappling

Ka-Mole JJ

Central Oahu JJ
Gracie Kailua

Team Hi5 (Home Gym)

Maui JJ

Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Arts Academy
Relson Gracie - Papakolea JJ
Relson Gracie - Team HK
Relson Gracie Main Academy
Relson Gracie Hawaii Kai
Relson Gracie - Derizans JJ
Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team
Relson Gracie - Kauai Technical Institute

ICON

Kendall Goo JJ

TEAM POINTS SCHOOLS
1ST - Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu, BJ Penn Academy, & HMC 89 Pts
2ND - Relson Gracie Affiliates 83 Pts
3RD - Central Oahu & Gracie Kailua 66 Pts

Source: The Man Known as David

Hawaii's Newest PARAGON of Fight Events...

This is the latest progression in Hawaii's fighting evolution, for fighters with stand-up/kickboxing, triple threat/got skills, as well as MMA backgrounds in both amateur and pro-bouts.

This event will feature an extensive fight-card, with fighters from Oahu AND outer islands to showcase their talent as well as gain valuable experience and exposure.

WHAT:PARAGON
WHEN: FRIDAY, JUNE 20
TIME: 7:3O PM
Where; Olounge Nightclub

tickets: $25 pre-sale/ $30 door
ticket info: 741-0322 / 781-2064

AFL: Saraiva retains title
Lightweight back on track

Held on Friday night, the American Fight League event in Atlanta had in Brazilian fighter Diego Saraiva one of its standouts. Having had a dissatisfying performance at the UFC (three losses out of three), Saraiva has been recovering and now got his second win at AFL. With the technical knockout over Josh Cate via punches in round one, Saraiva retained his lightweight belt.

Source: Gracie Magazine

Wand: "I had will to cry"

The image of Wanderlei Silva staring at Keith Jardine before their fight at UFC 84 reminded the old Wand from Pride, and the few 36 seconds of the fight showed that the old way of the Brazilian comeback. At his personal website on the Internet, the excited Wanderlei thanked the fans support who sent messages to support the Brazilian, who was passing by complicated moments, especially after the defeat to Chuck Liddell at UFC 79. "My greatest joy was certainly to could give such joy to you that never stopped believing in me. My true friends, today we are with the ‘soul washed’. I spent the day seeing and reviewing your messages on the Internet. You can realize how happy I am. I'm sure that any fighter would like to have fans like you are to me", wrote Wand, which also revealed a crying repressed at the end of the fight against Jardine.

"I was very excited and I had will to cry after the victory, thanks to God that it was a crying from joy. At that moment I thought in all of you vibrating with this moment so expected", revealed the Brazilian that opened a new communication way with his fans on the Internet. Apart from his official blog, Wand has created a page on MySpace. "Let's hit in the chest and celebrate with joy because this is our victory", finalized.

Source: Tatame

Slice won, but was it a win for MMA on CBS?

It's hard to determine which was nastier -- Kimbo Slice's beard, which probably houses a woodchuck or some other breed of forest creature, or that revolting case of cauliflower ear on James Thompson's cranium.

Either way, Slice scored a technical knockout against Thompson on Saturday in the first primetime Mixed Martial Arts event in broadcast television history.

CBS was the first network to jump into the rising popularity of MMA and received everything that makes the fight game compelling including of course, controversy.

The fight wasn't supposed to go three rounds, as Thompson's job was serve as the biggest tomato can since Peter McNeely stepped into the ring with Mike Tyson.

CBS and EliteXC both wanted Slice to come out and destroy Thompson.

Unfortunately, Thompson didn't get the memo and actually showed up to fight.

And so we are left today with two follow up storylines involving the outcome of the fight.

The commentators fueled the first theory that the fight was stopped too soon.

Well, that's just flat out silly. Anyone who thinks Thompson wasn't doomed to kiss the canvas simply doesn't have enough experience watching either old-school boxing or the new world of MMA.

The referee could have allowed Kimbo to continue pummeling away on Thompson, whose guard had clearly dropped.

All that would have accomplished is a further disfiguring of Thompson's facial features, including that bloodied and mutant-like left ear that was flapping off his head like wet laundry on a clothesline.

There's absolutely no question that the stoppage in the third round was the proper decision, unless of course the fight should have been stopped in the second round.

Thompson fought his best round in the second, and if he possessed any sort of punching or elbow-striking power he would have finished off Slice.

Thompson spent the final minute atop Slice, but the instead of engaging in some good old ground-and-pound. he rattled off 60 seconds worth of slaps and daps.

Observers today are claiming that Slice tapped out somewhere while grappling in the second round.

It's hard to say without a second-by-second analysis of the tape, but it never appeared in watching it live that Thompson sunk in any sort of submission and those punches were little more than fly swats.

The biggest problem of the fight would have been had the result been left up to the judges, which throughout history have invariably blown many a fighters career.

So where does this leave things?

First, come Tuesday the ratings will come in and it's a sure bet that the Slice fight will have outdrawn the Stanley Cup finals and CBS will be back for more.

Second, MMA fans have seen the last of Thompson in any sort of televised fight.

Third, Slice will get another headlining fight down the road because of the phenomenon he has become.

He's actually picked up a bit of technique since his days of backyard brawling that made him an Internet superstar in the first place.

However, he's still a novelty act.

He's still lacking in cardio-fitness and the ability to submit an opponent when the opportunity presents itself as it did a couple times on Saturday.

Randy Couture, Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia and Adrei Arlovski would have little trouble crushing Slice like an empty soda can.

Unfortunately, at least half the 5 million people watching last nights fight probably dont know who those four world class fighters are.

So that's the real lesson that may have come from last night.

Fighting sells. Controversy sells. But most of all, human characters like Slice or Tyson definitely sell.

Any astute fight observer knows that Slice deserved the victory but the real question is does Slice deserve the hype?

The answer of course is: No.

Source: Star Telegram

CBS's Slice night lives up to the hopes and fears

Over the course of a lifetime, the list of things you thought you'd never see, but inevitably do, grows ever longer.

And now, one more entry: watching a guy's ear explode, for real, live, in prime time, in bloody high definition, on a normally staid, steadfastly middle-of-the-road American television network.

So yes, Kimbo Slice night on CBS lived up to most of the hopes and fears.

The hope that bringing mixed martial arts to the network of Andy Rooney would generate enormous amounts of hype?

Check. Slice, aka Kevin Ferguson, graced magazine covers, was a subject of great interest to the conventional sports press, and surely drew a large number of the curious to a place where they'd never been before.

The fear from mixed martial arts purists that a sport still battling to establish its legitimacy might be drawn back towards its grotty, "human cockfighting" origins?

Check. The dancing girls, the fireworks, the ridiculous pro-wrestling style stage entrances, Slice's obvious lack of skills and a couple of extremely dubious stoppages (including that of the main event) certainly did nothing to advance the cause.

The hope that, as the very excitable announcer Gus Johnson promised early in the proceedings, "There will be blood!"?

Check. Buckets of it, climaxing when the grotesque cauliflower ear sported by Slice's opponent, James (The Colossus) Thompson, popped like a party balloon.

The fear that we're all going to hell in a handbasket?

Well, it might be a little late for that, given that anything shocking about Saturday's proceedings had far more to do with the context than the actual content. Look around. It's everywhere.

(And for the sake of perspective, remember that they used to show boxing on the networks three nights a week. Benny (Kid) Paret died in front of a live television audience. So did Davey Moore. So did Duk Koo Kim.)

What was fascinating about Saturday's show (which otherwise was pretty much what anyone who has watched MMA would expect — a moderately interesting card featuring a cast of second-raters) was listening to Johnson and company try to construct a conventional sports hero narrative around someone who would terrify most Americans were he to show up at their front door unannounced.

For those who don't know by now, Slice is a legitimate tough guy, a bouncer and bodyguard who was homeless for a spell, and who is employed most notably by purveyors of internet pornography (a fact they somehow failed to mention during the broadcast). He made his fighting reputation not in a ring or an octagon or a cage, but in Miami backyards and parking lots, those savage bare knuckle street fights preserved for posterity and distributed via YouTube.

The trip from there to mainstream benediction by CBS happened remarkably quickly (Slice had been involved in only three "legitimate" bouts), and required the construction of a contemporary Horatio Alger myth.

"Not that long ago, this man was homeless," Johnson told the audience. "Bathing in the ocean…using the bathroom wherever he was." (A bit too much information there)…

"They asked him, "Why do you fight?'

"'I fight for the money,'" he said.

(In an interview earlier in the week, Johnson went farther, making reference to the shaky U.S. economy, to the foreclosures and job losses, and painted Slice as a representative of the beleaguered American working class.)

Once upon a time, they tried to soften and racially neutralize Mike Tyson's image by telling the story of his kindly aged white mentor/trainer, about how he raised pigeons, about how outside the ring he was smarter and gentler than anyone would have imagined.

With Slice, they're not bothering with anything like that. He's not nicer and gentler than anyone would imagine. But there's a good reason for it.

The problem was that on Saturday, he didn't really deliver the goods. Matched against an opponent chosen specifically because he had a history of being knocked out in spectacular fashion, Slice struggled mightily. He was hopeless when taken to the ground. He was completely out of gas by the third round, when Thompson's glass ear let him down. Temporarily stunned, Thompson absorbed some hard shots from Slice, and then the referee leaped in just as fast as he could to preserve the desired ending.

But how do you re-invent the character called Kimbo Slice when in the end he looked more relieved and shaken than triumphant, more intimidated than intimidating, out of place under the big spotlight, miscast, almost a sympathetic figure? Better get to work on that script.

Source: The Globe & Mail

6/3/08

Quote of the Day

“The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.”

Roger Bannister, English Neurologist and Runner

Fighters' Club TV Tonight!
Channel 52, Tuesdays at 7:00 PM

FCTV episode 58 will run in our normal timeslot of 7pm on Oceanic Channel 52 Olelo Oahu Tuesday nights.

Episode 59 features:

Highlights from the Grapple Fest

Comments, Questions, and Suggestions to: fctv@onzuka.com

Boxing at Palolo Gym!

Boxing Show will be on Sat. June 7th at Palolo Gym starting at 6 p.m. Admission will be $10. It's a fundraiser to help the Hawaii Junior Olympic Boxing Team. If you need more info. email me back.

Thanks for the Support!!

Bruce Kawano
Hawaii Junior Olympic Regional Coordinator/Team Manager.
USA-Boxing Hawaii Junior Olympic Chairman.
USA-Boxing Hawaii Board of Dir./Gov.
Ringside Board of Advisors.
NMU Boxing Program Task Force Member.

Punishment in Paradise
Pound 4 Pound
June 6, 2008
Ahuna Ranch, Maili



Source: Brennan Kamaka

UFC 85: MARCUS DAVIS EXPECTS A KNOCKOUT

Marcus Davis is perhaps the most underrated fighter in the welterweight division right now. A contestant on season two of “The Ultimate Fighter,” he has become one of the most improved fighters in the sport today. When Davis first started in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he was known mostly as a boxer, but has improved his jiu-jitsu game substantially since.

He will look to continue his ride at UFC 85 against another Ultimate Fighter alumna, Mike “Quick” Swick. Knowing he was going to fight Swick pretty early on, Davis has been preparing for a while.

“I had a feeling the fight was going to happen way back at the UFC that happened at Ohio,” Davis commented. “I had already been offered the contract to fight Mike Swick, and I signed it. Since then, I've been focusing on this fight. I'm ready to get in and get it over with.”

Since The Ultimate Fighter, Davis has increased his strength and stamina tremendously and it has shown in his last few fights. The “Irish Hand Grenade” is looking to beef up even more for this fight.

“This is the longest training camp I had ever. I wanted to gain muscle mass. The heaviest I got was 193 pounds, but it was 193 pounds with eight percent body fat.”

This fight will be Swick’s second at welterweight. He earned his first victory in the weight class against Josh Burkman in a lackluster bout. Davis isn’t taking that fight for granted though. He truly believes he will be fighting the toughest Mike Swick ever.

“I haven't watched that fight since that fight happened. All I'm doing is focusing on what Mark DellaGrotte has told me to do and focusing that I'm fighting the best Mike Swick there's ever been. I picture that and me winning the fight,” he explained. “This is the most intense training camp I've ever had. I keep getting better. I want to keep getting better. If I stop getting better then it's time to hang it up.”

If both of these fighters’ previous bouts have told us anything, this has all the makings of being a stand-up slugfest. However, Davis is prepared to go to the ground if necessary.

“I think he's going to initially stand with me, try to use his reach and keep me on the outside. He'll use the cage to try to stay away from me and as soon as I commit, he'll try to take me down. I think a lot of people are still wondering if I have a ground game even though my 11 wins, seven of them are by submission. I'm prepared for that. If he doesn't do that and he wants to bang it out, that's perfect. I want to go in there and I want to place a bet that my chin will withstand what he has to dish out and his chin will not stand what I have to dish out.”

A quality win over Swick will most certainly propel Davis into the title picture. Even though he isn’t looking past Swick, Davis does have a theory of how this could all play out if he pulls out the victory.

“If I beat Mike Swick, then I'm definitely going to fight one of those guys. If I sit there and I think about it, this is what I think is going to happen. I would end up fighting the winner of the Thiago Alves-Matt Hughes fight and then the winner of that fight would fight the winner of GSP and Jon Fitch. I would like to see Thiago win that fight and then me and Thiago fight. A lot of people said that Thiago is the best stand-up guy. That fight would be one of those fights that people want to see.”

Even though Davis has fought and defeated some very tough competitors in the UFC, a victory over Swick will be his highest profile win and continue to push him one step closer to a title shot. However, Davis isn’t worried about obtaining one.

“I never said I would be UFC champion. The way I'm looking at it now is let me fight the best guys I can, make as much money as I can. If I keep winning, I'm going to get a title shot. Right now, I'm taking one fight at a time and I have a tough obstacle ahead of me.”

As solid of a card as UFC 85 is, this is by far the one with the most “Fight of the Night” potential. Davis and Swick are each known for their fast and relentless pace, as well as their extensive stand-up skills. Due to both of those factors, most fans don’t expect this fight to go the distance – and neither does Marcus Davis.

“I think it's going to be over in the first round. I'm going to go after him. He's either going to catch me or I'm going to catch him. I think it'll end by KO. I don't think I'll submit him and I don't see him submitting me. I don't shoot on people so he's going to have to do a jumping Swick-o-tine to get my neck. I'm sticking to my philosophy that I'll go out there and knock him out in the first. That's what I'm keeping my fingers crossed for.”

Source: MMA Weekly

Former WWE star Bobby Lashley signs with AFL

Former WWE pro wrestler Bobby Lashley will follow in the footsteps of current UFC heavyweight Brock Lesnar.

Lashley, 31, will make his jump to mixed martial arts competition as a heavyweight with the American Fight League, the promotion announced Friday during its "Bulletproof" (Results) event in Atlanta, Georgia.

"I've been looking to switch to MMA for quite some time but wanted to make sure the move was with the right organization," Lashley stated. "I love the AFL's vision. They aren't interested in running a circus but rather want to produce quality MMA events with legitimate athletes."

Lashley will carry with him a strong base in amateur wrestling. The Kansas-born big man won three national amateur wrestling championships while attending Missouri Valley College from 1995-1998. He is also a former National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) wrestling champion.

Another major signee announced Friday was Tara LaRosa, the first and last Bodog Fight 135-pound women's champion.

Source: MMA Fighting

Carano fails to make weight, fined 12.5% of purse

Gina Carano's struggles with the scale continued Friday during the CBS-EliteXC "Saturday Night Fights" weigh-ins at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Carano weighed in at 144.5 pounds for her 140-pound bout against Kaitlin Young. There is a one pound allowance, but Carano and her camp accepted that she would not be able to cut 3.5 pounds in one hour.

In her previous fight, against Tonya Evinger, Carano weighed in at 141.1, but she was given the extra .1 allowance because she had shorts on. For her bout against Julie Kedzie at the first-ever EliteXC event, Carano weighed in at 141.25.

Young, who stepped off the scales safely at 140.5, allowed the fight to continue and will receive 12.5% of Carano's purse.

Source: MMA Fighting

Gurgel: ‘Alliance is here to win’
After conquering the Pan-Ams, team wants to defeat Gracie Barra in Long Beach

On his way to the airport in Brazil, Fabio Gurgel is nothing but confidence. After the 1st place at the 2008 Pan-Ams, Alliance has gathered all its power to dethrone Gracie Barra (2007 champion) also at the 2008 Worlds. “It has been a long time since we were able to enter a championship with the team complete. I estimate we are going to have almost 90 athletes,” says the General, with pride. Gurgel took the opportunity to list the team’s favorites for gold medals: “In the black belt, we will have Tarsis Humphreys, Rubens Charles, Lucas Lepri and Michael Langhi, American Bill Cooper and Gabriel Vella.”

Part of Alliance black belts

The Worlds preparation, as well as it was for the Pan-Ams, is going to be done in Atlanta, Georgia, the Team’s headquarters run by GMA member Romero ‘Jacare’ Cavalcanti. Says Gurgel: “I am traveling with 20 athletes and the rest is going directly to Los Angeles. We have no last minute trouble this time. No injury, money or visa problem. We even have a new sponsor. So we are going to Long Beach to win the championship.”

The presence of so many Brazilian athletes at the Worlds is a clear sign of success of the event’s new location: “There was a doubt regarding the difficult for non-Americans traveling to the USA. That is past now. The Pan-Ams had over 2000 athletes. The Jiu-Jitsu boom among Americans is a reality now,” analyzes Gurgel.

Alliance wants to repeat this scene at the Worlds

Well prepared, Alliance knows who are going to be its biggest adversaries at the Worlds: “There are a lot of teams with good athletes, but I think the team's dispute will be restricted to Alliance, Gracie Barra and Brasa.” Gurgel also spoke about the individual disputes: “I think all categories will be tough. Only at Roger Gracie’s category I think he has an edge over the others.” He also commented the absolute category: “Here it is difficult. Roger is the favorite, but we have seen him losing a couple of times.”

As a closure to his analysis, the four-time world champion talked about Jiu-Jitsu biggest news recently. The son of Rickson Gracie getting the black belt: “Kron arrives at the black belt in an excellent moment. He had an amazing end of brown belt, as we all saw at the Pan-Ams. He has a style very similar to Rickson’s – very aggressive and defined. Nevertheless, he will have trouble at the middleweight at the Worlds.”

Source: Gracie Magazine

Drysdale focused on MMA
Black belt negotiates debut

The 2008 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship will suffer a great blow. Absolute champion of the last ADCC Robert Drysdale opted not to participate in the famous competition, as he has not been training much in the gi and is focused on his MMA debut.

“I don’t think anyone can be good at both things. Even though Jiu-Jitsu is my passion, I want to debut in a big event, so I know I have to be prepared. At the moment I'm very focused on my boxing training. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to compete for fun," said the black belt.

The Brasa athlete will go to the California State University Long Beach gymnasium next weekend only to accompany his girlfriend, Michelle Nicoline, who will dispute her weight division and the absolute in the women’s black belt category.

Responsible for groundfighting instruction at one of the most famous teams in the world, Extreme Couture, Drysdale wants to dive in head first into MMA, debuting in a big event right off the bat. And even though he has never fought in the style, the fighter has already been targeted with offers, as he himself confirms exclusively to GRACIEMAG.com.

“The other day they offered me Matt Lindland (at Affliction). The money was good, but I took too long to respond and Fabio Negao got it. To get Matt in my debut is rough (laughs). Couture offered me another fight in October, maybe I’ll take it, we’ll see,” said the champion.

Source: Gracie Magazine

EliteXC's Saturday Night Fights: Pros and cons

So, what did you think of Saturday Night Fights on CBS? While it’s much more fun to deal with the ramifications from the event, a quick pros/cons list is in order. If you were a mixed martial arts first-timer, what did you think about the sport? Would you watch it again? What did you like/dislike?

To catch you up, Kimbo Slice won in a lame technical knockout in a fight that shouldn’t have been stopped. CBS announcer Gus Johnson used the word “horrible” about 36 times when talking about the decision to stop the fight afterward and he was right on. The curmudgeonly Kevin Iole from Yahoo Sports thinks the event made a mockery of MMA – and here are the post-fight notes from CBSSports.com.

PRO- Gus Johnson was awesome. I would love to see a real MMA organization on CBS with Johnson calling the action. A definite step up from other outlets. He was probably the highlight of the night for me.

CON- The length of the show. It ran 45 minutes late and that was with half of their fights being stopped before both fighters even entered the cage. Awful. That’s why the sports division of CBS should’ve put on the event and not the entertainment division. Sloppy.

CON- Kimbo/Thompson. I was at a wedding and caught the fights later but had about a dozen people call/text me after the Kimbo fight to fill me in on Slice’s big “TKO.” After talking with Gus Johnson last week and hearing him say he thought some viewers might think the fights were fake like wrestling, I groaned when I heard how Slice won. It might’ve been better for the sport overall just to have someone from Slice’s posse distract the ref while Kimbo hit Thompson over the head with a freaking folding chair. At least he would’ve earned a true knockout.

PRO- The Gina Carano-Kaitlin Young fight. What did you think? I’ve never been a big proponent of women’s MMA but if they can produce fights like that, maybe it could be moderately successful. Carano was impressive and it was definitely the fight of the night, given how Robbie Lawler-Scott Smith finished.

CON- The Ringmaster, Gary Shaw. The guy is a clown. Terrible for the sport. Coming up Wednesday I will devise the perfect exit strategy for Shaw, however, and how he can get out of all this mess without EliteXC going bankrupt and with everyone involved walking away a winner.

CON- Post-fight news conference. The near fight between the posses of Kimbo Slice and Brett Rogers was a joke (check out the CBS notes column above for more detail). This isn’t boxing, we don’t need fights and “staredowns” in the post-fight news conference. Simply awful. I thought the Tito Ortiz presser was over-the-top but this is about 100x worse than that.

PRO- Lawler and Smith put on a good show before the eye incident. What an unlucky way for that to end.

OVERALL- The hardcore MMA fans see it as a disastrous night but I don’t get the same feeling. A lot of things they had problems with the casual fan probably missed. It ran long and the last fight had a lame ending, but it could’ve been far, far worse if Thompson (who was clearly winning at the time) ended up with a win over Slice. I don’t think it helped nearly as much as it could’ve with decisive finishes in the last two bouts but it wasn’t a total loss.

The biggest thing I came away from this whole thing with was a greater appreciation for Gus Johnson and contempt for Gary Shaw. With a few more events, he could really do some damage to the sport (should he ignore the plan I map out for him Wednesday). Makes me appreciate the UFC’s Dana White much more.

What did you think?

Source: Baltimore Sun

No beatings here
The pro fighting game today is ignorant and vile, unlike the past

Why are columns about what you don't like in sports easier to write than the alternative?

Perhaps because imbecility reigns in so many areas of our lives, and because sports are no exception.

On Saturday night, as I was looking for some weather information on a station out of Greenville, I stumbled across CBS's unfortunate, prime-time presentation of Mixed Martial Arts.

I'd earlier told someone I wouldn't watch this abomination, but I did.

And I feel dirty. Really dirty. I know it's being embraced by the younger demographics, but they're also the ones who celebrate the antics of Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller as if they're gifted. It's simply bad taste. I know, I don't understand the nuances of fighting or fine comedy. Right.

Comparisons with dog fighting and MMA or Ultimate Fighting are rife, and when I see two goons in the ring, I can't help but feel we've regressed deplorably to a time when people fought for survival in the Roman Colosseum.

In this day and age of political correctness, I don't know how boxing, tame by MMA standards, has survived.

There's a lot about political correctness that annoys me, but I'm outraged by two goons (there's no other word to describe the combatants in MMA or Ultimate Fighting) who are locked in a cage, with the intent of mauling each other in the most feral manner. MMA and its ilk give sports a bad name. It should be referred to as legalized carnage.

I feel I'm qualified to discuss this topic more so than most media types. (Well, maybe not Mike Lupica and John Clayton.) I boxed in my youth under the auspices of the Police Athletic League (PAL). And I was good enough (I'd mastered the left hook off the jab) and confident enough to try my hand at boxing in the military.

My greatest attribute was a fear of being hit, if that can be described as an attribute. Whatever. It sure made me alert.

One day at a tryout at Fort Knox, I knocked someone who could have been Kimbo Slice's father (Slice won the main event Saturday night) through a barracks wall, and a Natural was born. However briefly.

Some Einstein believed I was ready for top-notch competition and they put me in the ring in a tournament with a guy who had at least five inches on me, experience in Europe and 40 fights under his belt.

He beat me to a fair-thee-well. I always thought about a rematch.

Hey, Joe Louis came back against Schmeling, didn't he?

After that fiasco I put all my energy into playing football.

It's inevitable that someone's going to die in this sport, and perhaps then someone else in a position to do something about it will move to have it banned.

The hardcore fans will cite deaths in boxing, but if we make the first move to eliminate unbridled mayhem, then perhaps the short move to ban boxing will follow.

Source: Rocky Moutain Telegram

Kimbo's fame takes a hit

Despite keeping his perfect record intact, mixed martial arts heavyweight Kimbo Slice (Kevin Ferguson) lost some of his luster Saturday night at the Prudential Center. Slice registered a third-round TKO of James Thompson, but his struggles didn't go unnoticed.

After two rounds of action, Slice was behind on two of the three cards -- Romulo Bittencourt of Newark had Thompson leading 20-18, while New York's Douglas Crosby gave Thompson a 20-17 advantage. The fight was even at 19 on Eric Colon's card.

Slice also trailed on The Star-Ledger card, 20-18. Going into the final round Slice needed a knockout to win. At the very least, he needed a 10-8 round in the third to earn a majority draw.

He would get the stoppage after opening a cut on Thompson's left ear that bled profusely. Referee Dan Miragliotta called the fight off 38 seconds into the third.

Most of the 8,033 fans in attendance expressed disappointment with the stoppage. Even members of the CBS broadcast crew questioned the decision.

But it was Slice's performance that received the most criticism, especially from fellow EliteXC heavyweight Brett Rogers, who opened the telecast with a first-round TKO of Jon Murphy. During the postfight press conference, Rogers was asked his opinion of Slice's showing.

"I've seen some (stuff) tonight," said Rogers, a St. Paul, Minn., resident who is 7-0. "I'm saying it like this: Kimbo Slice, that was just garbage, man."

At the heart of Rogers' criticism was his belief that Slice tapped out in the second round while Thompson had him on the ground. Rogers wasn't alone. Several ringside observers near the action claimed Slice submitted and that Miragliotta didn't see it.

"I'm going to speak it real," Rogers said while looking directly at Slice. "You did tap. You did tap out. I saw it. I was right there. That was garbage, man."

For all the anger he exhibits in the cage, Slice is a very polite person when not fighting. He greeted all the fighters on the card kindly, even Rogers, who opted not to accept, before taking a seat on the podium.

But his kindness quickly evaporated after hearing Rogers' comments. Tension filled the press room as Slice stood up and faced his tormentor.

"That sounds like a challenge, man," Slice said. "We can do this right now."

As the fighters began moving toward one another, along with their respective bodyguards, promoter Gary Shaw stepped between them. Shaw warned each man they'd better reserve their fighting for the cage.

Order was soon restored. But the tension remained until all parties had left the room.

The confrontation raised expectation of a Slice-Rogers showdown in the fall, but that's not likely.

Excluding the exhibition in June 2007 against former heavyweight boxing champ Ray Mercer, Slice has only three MMA bouts. And he enters the sport with little or no wrestling, jujitsu, Muay Thai or professional boxing skills.

Slice remains a work in progress and will need more tuneup bouts before being allowed to fight Rogers. This fight is at least a year away.

Slice-Thompson wasn't the only fight on the card that resulted in a disputed stoppage. EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler kept his title due to a no-contest.

In the third round, Lawler accidentally stuck challenger Scott Smith in the right eye. When asked by Miragliotta about his condition, Smith said he could not see.

Miragliotta told Smith he had five minutes to recover. When Smith repeated that he could not see, Miragliotta informed him that saying so could lead to the fight being called off.

At that point the referee called time and summoned ringside physician Sherry Wulcan into the cage. According to Nick Lembo, a New Jersey State Athletic Control Board official, Wulcan also questioned Smith about his physical condition. He reiterated his inability to see.

Unknown at the time, Smith had suffered a broken right foot during the fight. After Wulcan examined Smith, another ringside physician, Angela Gagliardi, took a look at the top-ranked middleweight.

When Smith told Gagliardi his vision was blurry, the fight was called off. MMA rules state that three full rounds of a five-round bout must be completed before the cards are read. Because three full rounds had not been completed, the fight was ruled a no-contest.

Source: Newark Star Leger

Foray into Mixed Martial Arts gives CBS optimism

Whether "rear naked chokes" ever becomes a sports cliche depends on mixed martial arts competing in the TV mainstream. And given ratings for the sport's broadcast network debut on CBS Saturday night, here's the first verdict: It probably can.

Normally during the September-May TV season, CBS draws 4.1% of U.S. households in that 9-11 p.m. ET time slot. CBS' EliteXC MMA show drew only 2.7%.

But, also consider this:

•All viewers aren't equal. Marketers covet younger viewers because — compared to their elders — they're seen as less likely to have formed product brand loyalties and thus will be more susceptible to advertising. Normally in that time slot, CBS draws only 0.7% of males viewers aged 18-34 — but CBS' MMA drew a 271% hike in that demographic.

•That national rating doesn't include the grand finale. The main event and highest-rated part of the show — Kimbo Slice's ear-splitting win over James Thompson — didn't appear until 11:30. Because that was past primetime, national ratings for the 11:30-11:45 portion of the show weren't available Sunday. But that portion drew a 4.7 overnight — translating to a solid 4.7% of the 54 urban TV markets measured for overnights.

(Another ratings trend, whether or not it's promising for MMA, is CBS' show being strongest in the Sun Belt — which produced each of the show's top 10 local ratings. The leader was Oklahoma City, where the show drew 11.1% of households, followed by Nashville (10.3%), New Orleans (9.7%) and Memphis (8.4%).)

CBS plans at least three more MMA shows — the next, still unscheduled, likely will come this fall — and probably will add more if they continue to draw young viewers on Saturday, TV's least-watched night.

Meaning, aesthetic considerations are sort of irrelevant. Some things shouldn't be aired on TV — like, say, live coverage of prison executions — just because they'd probably draw good TV ratings. MMA falls within the bounds — ever-widening, thanks to reality TV shows — of what is OK for TV.

And MMA offers some arresting images, like seeing one guy pinned against the floor under another guy who's pummeling him in the back of the head. And CBS announcer Gus Johnson Saturday suggested the slam bams were only a subplot: "It's not about beating each other silly, it's about proving who's the better man."

Although Slice has been heavily-hyped, Johnson didn't whitewash his less-than-inspiring win over James Thompson. When the ref stopped the fight after Slice punched Thompson's already grotesquely-swollen ear — causing it to seemingly explode — Johnson disagreed with the call, saying it was a "terrible stoppage, horrendous!"

But with blood spurting out of Thompson's head like a turned-on faucet, cage footing could have gotten tricky and sponsor logos on the mat might have been obscured.

Source: USA Today

6/2/08

Quote of the Day

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George Santayana, 1863-1952, Spanish-born American Philosopher

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WEC 34 RESULTS AND LIVE PLAY-BY-PLAY

MMAWeekly.com will be bringing you full results and play-by-play from WEC 34 on Sunday night from the Arco Arena in Sacramento, Calif.

World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight champion and the world’s No. 1 ranked 145-pound fighter, Urijah Faber, defends his belt in the main event against former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight titleholder Jens Pulver.

The first preliminary bout is expected to begin at about 3:00 p.m. PT / 6:00 p.m. ET. The main card will be telecast live on the Versus network beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

Be sure to refresh your browser frequently for the latest results and play-by-play...

MAIN BOUTS:

-Urijah Faber vs. Jens Pulver

R1 – Faber scores early with an overhand right and forearm to the face. They lock up and Faber gets off a couple good knees, following with good punches from the inside. They separate and Faber’s timing is impeccable, landing brutal right hands. Pulver is firing back, but doesn’t have his range yet. Faber goes for a head kick and slips, Pulver following him down, but Faber works his way back up to standing. During an exchange, Faber inadvertently pokes Pulver in the eye, but they continue on. Faber lands a solid body shot, but Pulver fires back with a solid combination. But Faber continues to land some powerful punches, almost at will.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Faber.

R2 – Round two opens with an inadvertent kick by Faber to Pulver’s groin. They pick it back up, looking to continue with his striking attack, but shifts gears and lands a double-leg takedown, but Pulver fights his way back up to standing without suffering any damage. They start right back into the striking game, with Faber outpacing Pulver, then landing a hard shot dropping Pulver, but Pulver gets back up. And again Faber unloads on Pulver, who somehow withstands the assault and starts firing back, although looking slower. Pulver lands an uppercut and follows with a straight left. Faber takes the fight to the mat, but Pulver starts to outwork him from north-south position. They scramble out and back to their feet, and Faber starts unloading again on Pulver. With 20 seconds left Faber unloads some hard elbows, but they finish out the round.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Faber.

R3 – Faber goes for the takedown early, and lands the suplex, but Pulver gets immediately back to his feet. Faber lands straight right, but Pulver answers with a left uppercut. They continue on trading blows, and Pulver lands a body kick that looks to hurt Faber, but then Faber starts firing back with his own body kicks. He shoots to take Pulver down, but Pulver lands in top position in half-mount/guard and starts to ground and pound. They wrestle it out and Faber starts dropping big forearms from Pulver’s guard. Pulver manages to tie up Faber and get a return to standing with 45 seconds left. They finish the round on their feet without much more fireworks.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Faber.

R4 – Faber rushes Pulver but eats a hard left to the head, separates, and then starts to fire back. Faber is really starting to mix up his strikes, going to the body, then the legs, then the head. Faber lands numerous left hooks that seem to be bothering Pulver’s right eye. Faber has just been continuously busier the entire fight. Halfway through the round and Faber shoots and drags Pulver down and lands in his guard and starts landing forearms to the face and head. The round finishes with Faber firing off a couple hard forearms.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Faber.

R5 – Faber and Pulver come together and hug to start the round showing respect for each other. Then they start right back into bashing each other in the face. Faber throws a punch combination to the head, then kicks to the body and leg before Pulver lands another shot. Pulver still firing back, managing to land some hard power shots, but can’t seem to keep pace with the quickness and timing of Faber. With 1:30 left, Faber lands a hard knee to the face of Pulver, but they continue to battle on, exchanging various strikes. Faber wrestles Pulver to the ground and they finish out the fight with Faber ground and pounding. After the bell, Pulver raises Faber’s hand into the air, signaling that he felt Faber won the bout.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Faber and the fight 50-45 for Faber.

Urijah Faber def. Jens Pulver by Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-44), R5

-Miguel Torres vs. Yoshiro Maeda

R1 – Torres comes out striking, slipping early, but back up and throwing lots of kicks and knees in the opening minute. Torres continues with his kicks, but gets taken down. He quickly attempts an arm lock from the bottom, but Maeda gets out and back up. Maeda continually drops his hands trying to draw Torres in, but Torres answers with kicks to the head and legs, and knees into the body. Maeda lands a couple of good shots about three minutes in, but Torres keeps firing back. They clinch and Torres lands on his back, aggressively looking for submissions, but Maeda gets up and out. Torres is bleeding, his face becoming more crimson. But Torres is still leading the action with his combinations.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Torres.

R2 – Torres starts off going right back to kicking. Maeda connects with a good punch and Torres half-slips, but gets right back up. Maeda then catches a leg and drops Torres and aggressively kicks to his legs, but Torres double-kicks Maeda off of him and stands up. Maeda calling Torres in, and Torres answers with a multiple-punch combination and follows with knees. Maeda backed to the cage, Torres works over his body with knees and starts landing uppercuts, Maeda fires back strong with punches. They fall to the ground and Maeda starts searching for leg submissions. Maeda and Torres each have toe holds locked on each other with a minute-and-a-half left. Torres gives up his hold and sits up, but Maeda elbows Torres to the face. Torres transitions and nearly lands a triangle. Back to standing they clinch on the fence and Torres locks on a guillotine, but can’t secure it as though go to the ground, Torres in mount, then transitioning to back mount with a body triangle.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Torres.

R3 – The round starts again with Torres striking, but now utilizing his reach and jab in combination with the knees. Maeda lands a good stiff jab, but doesn’t follow it and Torres unloads with a damaging three-punch combination. Maeda is firing back, but not keeping up with the pace of Torres. Maeda’s right eye is ballooning and closing. Torres is looking much fresher at this point, mixing up his striking to great effect. Maeda wrestles Torres to his back, but Torres continues to strike effectively off of his back, mixing punches and elbows, as well as heel strikes. Maeda gets back up, appearing to get frustrated. Torres continues to pick Maeda apart as the round ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10- 9 for Torres.

Miguel Torres def. Yoshiro Maeda by TKO (Injury Stoppage) at 5:00, R3

*Torres successfully defends his WEC Bantamweight Championship

-Mark Munoz vs. Chuck Grigsby

R1 – An All American wrestler in college, Munoz goes for takedowns early, but is defended by Grigsby, who uses his reach advantage and lands some hard strikes in the opening minute and a half. Munoz finally scores the takedown, landing in Grigsby’s guard. Munoz stands in the guard and starts to drop some heavy strikes down and dives into half guard, drops a few more shots, then passes to side control dropping down more hard shots. Continually diving past Grigsby’s guard from standing, Munoz repeats the process for a final time, landing some brutal right hands to the face that put Grigsby out of the fight.

Mark Munoz def. Chuck Grigsby by TKO (Strikes) at 4:15, R1

-Rob McCullough vs. Kenneth Alexander

R1 – After a minute of feeling out, Alexander shoots, but winds up on his back with McCullough in his guard. Back up on the feet, Alexander edges ahead by landing the occasional jab, utilizing his reach. With a minute left, they clinch briefly, then separate. McCullough lands a grazing jumping knee just before the close of the round.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Alexander.

R2 – Alexander gets a body lock and drags McCullough down, but he gets out and they start trading occasional strikes, but neither fighter seems willing to over-commit. Alexander lands a head kick midway through the round, but no follow up. Alexander lands an uppercut, but McCullough starts landing some good leg kicks. Alexander scores the takedown from the body lock and starts to ground and pound, but the round ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Alexander.

R3 – Much of the same in round three as each fighter lands occasionally, but neither working solid combinations. McCullough lands a superman punch and follows with a knee to the body then they clinch on the fence. About three minutes into the round, McCullough lands a knee to Alexander’s groin while they are in the clinch and action is halted. Following the break in action, Alexander lands a head kick and looping overhand right then clinch and exchange knees. McCullough lands another jumping knee. Alexander catches a kick and leg trips McCullough down, but they quickly return to their feet.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for McCullough and the fight 29-28 for Alexander.

Rob McCullough def. Kenneth Alexander by Split Decision (30-27 McCullough; 29-28 Alexander; 30-27 McCullough), R3

PRELIMINARY BOUTS:

-Danny Castillo vs. Donald Cerrone

R1- Both fighters feel each other out and Castillo gets a takedown. He drops some punches as Cerrone settles into his guard. Cerrone goes for a armbar but Castillo pulls out of danger. Cerrone again goes for an armbar and has it locked in as Castillo taps out.

Donald Cerrone def. Danny Castillo by Submission (Armbar) at 0:30, R1

-Alex Serdyukov vs. Luis Sapo

R1- Both fighters trade kicks to start the fight. Serdyukov stalks Sapo as Sapo lands a combination. They trade shots and Sapo goes for a takedown but Serdyukov defends well. They trade some shots as Serdyukov continues to press forward with Sapo picking his shots. Sapo lands a nice combination as Serdyukov continues to press forward. Sapo slips and Serdyukov jumps on top of him and moves into side mount then mount. Serdyukov starts unloading on Sapo and the round comes to an end. They stop the fight in between rounds as Sapo is unable to continue.

Alex Serdyukov def. Luis Sapo by TKO at 5:00, R1.

-Jeff Curran vs. Mike Brown

R1- They start the fight trading shots and they clinch along the fence. They seperate and Curran lands a body kick and they clinch up again. Brown landing some knees to the body and lands a hook as they seperate. Curran lands a good flurry and they clinch against the fence again as Curran pulls guard. Brown lands a couple of elbows and Curran returns fire from his back. Brown staying busy within Curran's guard with punches and elbows. Brown lands a nice barrage of punches as he moves into side mount. They get back to their feet and end the round clinched along the fence.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Brown.

R2- Curran comes out aggressive to start the second with punches as Brown gets a takedown. Curran holding Brown and they are restarted on the feet. Curran lands a nice combination and Brown gets a takedown. Curran keeping Brown close to him, not letting him land any shots from the top. Brown is able to get loose and land a small flurry as Curran continues to be defensive. Brown moves into side mount and is dropping shots as Curran struggles to defend the shots. Curran is able to reverse out and is on top with Brown on his knees as the round ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Brown.

R3- Both fighters trading shots on the feet with neither landing anything of note. Brown being the aggressor on the feet as Curran lands a small flurry. Curran goes for a takedown but Brown defends and they clinch along the fence. Brown is able to trip Curran to the ground and lands a barrage of strikes. Brown moves into half guard then into side mount. He lands elbows as Curran tries to use the cage to reverse him but is unsuccessful. Brown almost moves into mount but Curran is able to get him into half guard and sweep him. Brown gets to his knees and Curran is holding him in position but Brown reverses as the fight ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Brown and the fight 30-27 for Mike Brown.

Mike Brown def. Jeff Curran by Unanimous Decision (All three 30-27), R3.

-Chase Beebe vs. Will Ribeiro

R1- They start to trade and they clinch, as they seperate Beebe lands a nice uppercut. They stalk each other and Ribeiro lands a nice body shot that hurts Beebe. Ribeiro lands a flying kick then catches Beebe in a guillotine choke that he escapes. Back on the feet, Ribeiro landing the cleaner shots as they exchange spinning back kicks. Beebe picks Ribeiro up and slams him down but gets his head caught in a choke. Beebe escapes and begins to drop elbows on Ribeiro. Beebe trying to move into side mount but Ribiero gets back to his feet and Ribeiro lands a nice combination. Beebe goes for a takedown and is caught in a guillotine choke but the round ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Ribeiro.

R2- Beebe goes for a takedown but gets his head caught again but is able to pull out. Beebe drops some punches and elbows. Beebe is able to get his back then transitions into a crucfix. Ribeiro is able to reverse positions and drops some shots from the top before standing up. Ribeiro goes for a takedown but Beebe reverses and gets his own takedown. The round ends with Beebe working some elbows.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Beebe.

R3- Ribeiro presses forward and Beebe lands some low kicks. Beebe goes for a takedown but Ribeiro defends it. Ribeiro being the aggressor on the feet. Beebe continues to land low kicks as Ribeiro charges in with a flurry. They trade and Beebe lands a nice hook but Ribeiro continues to press forward. Both fighters trading shots but not landing much as Ribeiro clinches and lands a couple of knees. Beebe goes for a takedown and is caught in a guillotine choke that he escapes. Beebe starting to get active from the top with punches and elbows as the fight ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Beebe and the fight 29-28 for Chase Beebe.

Will Ribeiro def. Chase Beebe by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), R3.

-Tim McKenzie vs. Jeremy Lang

R1- They start to trade as Lang picks McKenzie up and slams him down. Lang works from half guard as McKenzie tries to improve his position. Not much action as Lang is holding McKenzie down and not going for any kind of offense. McKenzie tries to get back up but is caught in a guillotine choke but he escapes and is back on his back. McKenize is able to get guard and Lang moves into half guard. Lang is holding McKenzie down as McKenzie retains guard and lands some elbows from the bottom that cut Lang. Lang lands a small flurry as the round ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Lang.

R2- Lang picks McKenzie up and slams him down to start the round. McKenzie gets to his knees as Lang tries to hold him down but McKenzie is finally put on his back. After a scramble on the ground, Lang goes for a rear naked choke but McKenzie escapes and once again gives up his back. McKenzie escapes and starts to unload from the top as Lang gets back up to his feet. Lang once again takes McKenzie down and holds him down. Not much action going on as Lang continues to hold McKenzie down without doing much damage. Lang stands up and drops some punches and McKenzie lands an up kick as the round ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Lang.

R3- McKenzie goes for a takedown but Lang defends and lands an knee to the groin as the action is halted. Action resumes and McKenzie lands a big shot that hurts Lang, who goes for a takedown but is caught in a guillotine choke. The fight is stopped as Lang passes out from the choke.

Tim McKenzie def. Jeremy Lang by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 0:40, R3.

-Jose Aldo vs. Alexandre Franca Nogueira

R1- They stalk each other and Nogueira goes for a takedown but Aldo defends and lands a knee. Both fighters continue to feel each other out as Aldo comes in with a flurry and Nogueira goes for a takedown but Aldo defends. Both fighters trade shots but neither is landing anything significant. Aldo continues to press forward and is being the aggressor on the fee, landing shots but nothing too powerful. Nogueira goes for a takedown but Aldo defends well and escapes. Aldo lands some kicks as the round ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Aldo.

R2- Nogueira goes for the takedown but Aldo is defending well and landing shots on the feet. The crowd is starting to get restless as Aldo continues to stalk Nogueira. Nogueira goes for a takedown but ends up on his back and Aldo starts to land brutal shots as Nogueira tries to pull guard. Aldo lands elbows that cut Nogueira and moves into mount as he continues to punish Nogueira as the referee steps to stop the fight.

Jose Aldo def. Alexandre Franca Nogueira by TKO at 3:22, R2.

-Charlie Valencia vs. Dominick Cruz

R1- Both fighters trade, neither landing much. Cruz lands some low kicks as Valencia goes for a combination. Valencia lands a punch then a knee but Cruz responds with a combination. Cruz lands a stinging combination but Valencia responds with a high kick. They trade and Valencia lands a nice hook and Cruz responds with a combination that hurts Valencia. Valencia goes for a takedown but Cruz defends and lands a knee that stuns Valencia and he comes in with flurry but Valencia survives. They continue to trade and Cruz finishes the round with a combination.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Cruz.

R2- Valencia lands a combination that hurts Cruz, he goes for a takedown but its defended well and they get back on their feet. They continue to trade shots but neither landing anything significant as they continue to stalk each other. They continue to trade shots but none connecting with power. Cruz goes for a takedown but Valencia defends as the round ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Valencia.

R3- Both fighters come out trading as they both land their shots. Cruz lands a nice combination of punches but Valencia continues coming forward. They both go for hooks but Cruz lands his with authority. They continue to trade and Valencia lands a nice hook. They stalk each other but neither fighter is landing anything of note. They clinch against the fence but seperate and Cruz lands a good combination. They continue to trade shots as the fight ends.

MMAWeekly scores the round 10-9 for Cruz and the fight 29-28 for Cruz.

Dominick Cruz def. Charlie Valencia by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

QUICK RESULTS

-Urijah Faber def. Jens Pulver by Unanimous Decision, R5
-Miguel Torres def. Yoshiro Maeda by TKO (Injury Stoppage) at 5:00, R3
-Mark Munoz def. Chuck Grigsby by TKO (Strikes) at 4:15, R1
-Rob McCullough def. Kenneth Alexander by Split Decision, R3
-Donald Cerrone def. Danny Castillo by Submission (Armbar) at 0:30, R1
-Mike Brown def. Jeff Curran by Unanimous Decision, R3
-Will Ribeiro def. Chase Beebe by Split Decision, R3
-Tim McKenzie def. Jeremy Lang by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 0:40, R3
-Alex Serdyukov def. Luis Sapo by TKO at 5:00, R1
-Jose Aldo def. Alexandre Franca Nogueira by TKO at 3:22, R2
-Dominick Cruz def. Charlie Valencia by Unanimous Decision, R3


Source: MMA Weekly

A WORD FROM THE ASIAN SENSATION...

…hype

hype

-verb

1. to stimulate, excite, or agitate

2. to create interest in by flamboyant or dramatic methods

3. to intensify

4. exaggerated publicity; hoopla.

James Thompson played the unforeseen part of the spoiler. Well, almost.

Riding the hype train at breakneck speed, the man known as “Kimbo Slice” won his third pro fight last Saturday evening and prevented a near disaster for EliteXC. Kevin Ferguson defeated James Thompson via TKO in the third round of a much discussed and touted fight.

For a man who was sold to the public as an ‘MMA Sensation,’ Ferguson displayed the skills of a neophyte in his new craft. He is a work in progress. He is not ready to headline events nor should he be put in a position to do so.

A fatigued Ferguson endured his most difficult test to date as a professional. After the fight, a dejected tone could be heard in his voice as he revealed that his opponent was stronger than he expected to be. James Thompson was brought in as cannon fodder and he nearly put Ferguson’s promoters and supporters into a state of panic. Thompson came in with a game plan and put Kimbo on his back numerous times; an intelligent albeit obvious plan on the English fighter’s part.

The strategy proved useful as Thompson held a seemingly helpless Kimbo down for the remaining two minutes of the second round while peppering him with more than fifty unanswered elbows and punches. Kimbo looked like a fish out of water and was ultimately saved by the bell. By the same token, many viewers, including myself, wondered why the fight wasn’t stopped.

The announcer exclaimed “terrible stoppage!” after referee Dan Miragliotta halted the fight during the final round in Ferguson’s favor. A dazed James Thompson suffered a ruptured cauliflower ear and received four unanswered strikes which led to the stoppage. It could be argued if the stoppage was questionably early; I personally felt the decision by the referee was adequate.

After his high profile fight came to a conclusion, a tired Kimbo could be seen lying on the mat. He seemed relieved. ProElite, the parent company of EliteXC, must have been relieved as well. A defeat for their chosen star would have been disastrous. However, the damage was done.

Pushing Kevin Ferguson into the forefront was a strategic marketing move for EliteXC. Kimbo received an extensive amount of publicity and exposure prior to the promotion’s CBS debut. Unfortunately, the hype train got derailed by Ferguson’s average performance against an opponent he should have demolished on paper.

The purpose of the invented wonder that is “Kimbo Slice” was to draw in the casual fans with hopes of good ratings. EliteXC may need to find a new angle in promoting their next CBS broadcast, assuming there will be another one.

In the end, EliteXC has no one else to blame but themselves. They placed their eggs in one basket and set the expectations too high. A fuse was lit and Ferguson was shot out of the cannon too soon. The thick bearded fighter didn’t get exposed and he is not to blame. He is exactly what he is; an inexperienced MMA fighter.

Kevin Ferguson rebounded to win his fight at CBS-EliteXC Saturday Night Fights. “Kimbo Slice” was defeated by the hype.

(Editor’s note: CBS released incomplete early ratings on Sunday and indicated that ratings were up for the network across the board for that specific time slot. So there is likely to be another CBS-EliteXC Saturday Night Fights, although no announcement of such has been forthcoming. Full ratings, however, will not be available until Tuesday.)

Source: MMA Weekly

WEC 34: HOMETOWN HERO FABER EDGES OUT PULVER

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber defended his title in his hometown against Jens Pulver in a five round war on Sunday night. According to World Extreme Cagefighting officials, there we 12,682 fans in attendance with a live gate of $738,855.

Faber was able to display his stand-up in this fight, tagging Pulver with crisp combinations, but the former UFC lightweight champion got in some shots of his own throughout the fight, testing the champion like never before.

The fight played out with the two warriors trading shots back and forth, tagging each other with crisp punches. Faber finally was able to get the fight on the ground on several occasions in the later rounds, punishing Pulver with his trademark elbows, leaving his face swollen and discolored.

One thing that was never in doubt was the hometown crowd’s enthusiasm throughout the fight as they encouraged their champion on and cheered the rival Pulver by the end of the five-round war. As the fight wound down, Faber was able to get a takedown and land a couple of punishing elbows for good measure as both fighters were given a standing ovation once the fight ended.

Hometown hero Urijah Faber earned a unanimous decision with scores of 50-45, 50-44 and 50-44, winning every round on the judges’ scorecards.

“Sacramento has a great 145-pound champion” said Pulver after the fight.

“This was just a fun experience overall. I feel honored to be here in my hometown to put on a show,” said Faber.

WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres made his first title defense against former featherweight King of Pancrase Yoshiro Maeda in what is easily a fight of the year candidate. These two went to war with Torres using his reach, tagging Maeda with jabs and kicks. Maeda found his way inside and returned fire with crisp combinations and kicks of his own. On the occasion the fight went on the ground, Maeda would drop punches and quickly get back on his feet wanting no part of the champion’s submissions.

In the second round, the war continued on with Torres finding his range with punches and landing the occasional flurry of knees. By now both Torres and Maeda showed signs of war, with Torres bleeding profusely from a cut and Maeda’s right eye swelling quickly. Maeda switched strategies, taking the fight to the ground and going for a heel hook, Torres obliging by going for his own. After a scramble the champion ended the round in mount, dropping blows on Maeda.

It was more of the same in the third with Torres starting to take over with his jab and Maeda becoming frustrated on occasion. By round’s end, Maeda’s eye was swollen shut, forcing the doctor to stop the fight in between the third and fourth round, giving Torres the victory.

Former NCAA wrestling champion Mark Munoz made a successful WEC debut, stopping Midwest striker Chuck Grigsby in the opening round. Grigsby looked good early, using his reach to tag Munoz on the feet, even stopping one of his takedowns, but the wrestler was finally able to get the fight to the ground. From then on, Munoz punished Grigsby with strikes, diving in and out of his guard with hard punches. Munoz continued this onslaught until finally catching Grigsby with a shot, following it up with more punches and putting a halt to the fight at 4:15 of the first stanza.

“Razor” Rob McCullough won a controversial decision over Kenneth Alexander, in what turned out to be a lackluster fight. Neither fighter seemed willing to engage, instead playing it safe and keeping their distance and picking their shots. Through the fight, it was Alexander who pressed forward and on several occasions went for takedowns, but McCullough stuffed most of them. In the final round, both fighters started to get more active, but not as much as the crowd would have liked. The judges gave their verdict with McCullough winning on two judges’ cards with the score of 30-27 and Alexander taking the other with a score of 29-28.

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone continued his submission streak, finishing WEC newcomer Danny Castillo early on in the first round. After a takedown by Castillo, Cerrone went for an armbar right off the bat, but Castillo pulled out and Cerrone once again went for it, locking in the technique for good this time.

(The Cerrone victory was officially announced as being at 0:30 of round one, but the fight clock appeared to be closer to 1:30.)

Mike Brown made an impressive WEC debut, winning a well-earned decision over former title challenger Jeff Curran. Brown stayed composed through the fight, trading with Curran on the feet before getting the takedown and controlling him with punches and elbows. For all three rounds, Brown would punish Curran with the same offense. Curran had no answer for the attack. In the end, Brown walked way with a unanimous decision, gaining scores of 30-27 on all three judges cards.

Returning to action for the first time since losing his title, former WEC bantamweight champion Chase Beebe faced Brazilian striker Will Ribeiro. The Brazilian scored on the feet with kicks and crisp combinations as Beebe looked to take the fight to the ground. Each time Beebe got a takedown, Ribeiro would catch him in a guillotine, but was never able to finish the hold. From there Beebe would land elbows and punches, but Ribeiro would always get back to his feet. The same scenario played out for all three rounds with the judges being more impressed with Ribeiro’s striking, earning him a split decision with scores of 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28.

In a come from behind victory, Tim McKenzie choked out a very game Jeremy Lang in the final round of their middleweight fight. Lang used his powerful wrestling to control McKenzie on the ground, but was infective, to say the least, when it came to doing damage. McKenzie fought back, landing elbows and opening a cut on Lang’s forehead. Lang controlled the action in the second once again, keeping McKenzie grounded and even going for a pair of rear naked chokes, but McKenzie defended well and made it out of the round.

After a failed takedown by McKenzie to start the third round, Lang landed a knee to the groin putting a stop to the action. Once the action resumed again. McKenzie landed a big shot that forced Lang to go for a takedown, getting caught in a guillotine choke that put him to sleep, forty seconds into the last round.

Russian welterweight Alex Serdyukov might have put himself into title contention, stopping the debuting Luis Sapo after one round of action. Both fighters engaged on the feet with neither landing anything of note, but staying busy. As the round was coming to an end, Sapo slipped and Serdyukov pounced on top, dropping elbows and punches that had the Brazilian stunned with his saving grace being the end of the round. Sapo looked sluggish getting back to his corner and it was determined between rounds that he was unable to continue.

In an all-Brazilian battle, Nova Uniao’s Jose Aldo made a successful American debut, stopping former Shooto lightweight champion Alexandre Franca Nogueira. The first round was uneventful as neither fighter engaged much with Aldo being the aggressor on the feet and defending Nogueira’s attempts to take the fight to the ground.

The second round began with much of the same, but midway through the round, Nogueira dropped to his back after a failed takedown. Aldo jumped and unleashed a furious onslaught of punches and elbows that cut Nogueira and had him out of the fight at 3:22 of the second round.

The night was opened with bantamweight action as Dominick Cruz edged out a game Charlie Valencia. Both fighters kept the fight on the feet and each landed their shots throughout the fight. Cruz stunned Valencia in the first with a fluid combination and Valencia did the same in the second stanza. It all came down to the final round with Cruz landing the more effective shots on the feet and winning a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.

Source: MMA Weekly

Mixed martial arts show with Kimbo Slice scores big in Los Angeles

The Saturday night tape-delayed Elite Extreme Combat event from Newark, N.J., came in with a local overnight rating of 4.7 and a 9 share. The rating peaked at 7.2 the final 15 minutes.

By comparison, a Stanley Cup final hockey game shown earlier in the evening on KNBC-TV Channel 4 averaged just a 1.3 local rating and a 3 share.

The MMA national overnight rating, which is an average for the nation's 54 largest markets, was a 2.7 with a 5 share.

The main event for the five-card night featured Kimbo Slice, a former street brawler from Miami whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, against James "The Colossus" Thompson of England. Slice won by technical knockout. The fight was stopped 38 seconds into the third round with a dazed Thompson bleeding from the ear after taking a few explosive punches to the head.

Jared Shaw, vice president of fighter relations for EliteXC, said he was extremely pleased with the overnight viewership numbers in L.A. Three other fights are scheduled to be shown on CBS later this year.

"The rating is phenomenal," he said. "With each big city, the numbers should be very similar."

The event was scheduled to run from 9 to 11 p.m., but ran about 45 minutes longer, causing the KCBS local news to be delayed and shortened in length by about 20 minutes.

In some parts of the country, "CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights" was delayed and, in one case, not shown at all.

In the Billings, Mont., area and parts of central Ohio, some viewers tuned in but found a prescheduled Children's Miracle Network telethon instead. Most of those CBS affiliates chose to show the MMA event at a later hour.

That wasn't the case in Greensboro, N.C., where WFMY gave rights to the event to a low-wattage network 25 miles away in Reidsville, according to program director David Briscoe. Instead, the CBS affiliate televised a 1992 made-for-TV movie called "Getting Up and Going Home," which stars Tom Skerritt as a divorced attorney who copes with his mid-life crisis by having multiple affairs.

In an earlier statement sent to greensborosports.com, Briscoe wrote: "We have concern for the content in CBS' EliteXC."

Source: LA Times

UFC VET SHONIE CARTER WINS AT INCEPTION

Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Shonie Carter returned to the winner’s circle on Friday night in Merrillville, Ind. He defeated Deni Deedsby by TKO near the end of the first round. The fight was the main event of Prime Time Fighting Championship “Inception.”

-Shonie Carter def. Deni Deedsby TKO at 4:21, R1

-Jay Estrada def. David Lowe by KO at 1:53, R1

-Steve Kinnison def. Will Sholt by Submission (Rear Naked Chock) at 4:52, R1

-Ron Fields def. Bobby Martinez by Submission (Arm Bar) at 2:42, R1

-Kevin Knabjian def. Mario Staple by TKO at 2:02, R1

-Demain Decorah def. Sean "Omega" Sallee by TKO at 4:07, R1

-John Murphy def. Jeremy Ashley by Unanimous Decision, R3

-James Warfiled def. John Fields by TKO at 2:40, R1

-Tony Martin vs. Kris Boydon - no contest due to injury

-Antonio Cansa def. Paul "Small" Martin by TKO at 4:42, R2

-Romy Daovd def Christian Nelson by Submission (Heel Hook) at 0:36, R1

Source: MMA Weekly

Pacific Submission Grappling Championships
June 27-30, 2008
Blaisdell Exhibition Hall

Open to all Men, Women and Kids 5-14 & Juniors 15-17 years old.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday June 27-29, 2008

Location:
Neil Blaisdell Exhibition Center
Honolulu, HI

Fees:
*(Must Pre-Register on or before June 25th at
www.grapplingtournaments.com or by mail for these prices)
*Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships – Saturday June 28th - Men, Women & Juniors - $50
*No Gi Submission Grappling – Sunday June 29th - Men, Women & Juniors - $50
**BOTH events for ONLY $75**
*1 day Spectator ticket: $10 (must purchase online or $20 a day) 2 day spectator ticket: $15 (must purchase online or $20 a day)

Pre-Registration Enrollment (3 options):
1) Mail a signed Registration Form along with a money order or check made payable to:
GTA Tournaments - Mail to: 17424 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Note: postmarked no later than Monday June 23rd)

2) Register online: grapplingtournaments.com (Note: Online registration must be completed by Wednesday June 25th) or at OTM Fight Shop (Pre-Registration must be completed by Wednesday June 25th)

3) Night before or day of Registration: $20 late fee will apply
Show up to either weigh-in time to register.

Weigh-Ins (2 options):
Either OTM Fight Shop or Tournament Location. Note: There will be no weight allowance. If an athlete is within 3 pounds of their weigh class they will have until an hour and a half before their scheduled division to make weight.

Option 1: Day before Weigh-ins will beFriday, June 27th, 2008 between 12pm - 6pmat OTM Fight Shop:
1255 S. Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 92647 (808) 591-6620

Option 2: Day of Weigh-ins you can also weigh-in the day you compete 1 hour 30 minutes before your scheduled cut off time at the tournament location. Complete information is available at grapplingtournaments.com

For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and/or No-Gi Submission Grappling Divisions
Morning of the event before your divisions scheduled deadline time at the tournament location. See schedule below for deadline times. (Anyone arriving after deadline will be penalized an additional $20 if the division has not started yet.)
Note: This is the earliest a division will be called. It does not necessarily reflect the actual fight time.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Divisions run on Saturday
*(Must be weighed in and ready to compete by listed weigh-in times)*
Kids all divisions (5-10 & 11-14): Weigh in before 9am - Compete at 10am
Juniors all divisions (15-17): Weigh in before 10:00am - Compete at 11:30am
White Belt Executive & Masters: Weigh-in before 9am - Compete at 10am
White Belt Adult: Weigh-in before 9am. Compete at 11am
Blue Belt Executives & Masters: Weigh-in before 11am. Compete at 1pm
Blue Belt Adult: Weigh-in before 11am. Compete at 2 pm
Women all divisions: Weigh-in before 1 pm. Compete at 3 pm
Purple Belt Executive & Masters: Weigh-in before 2 pm. Compete at 4 pm
Purple Belt Adult: Weigh-in before 2 pm. Compete at 4 pm
Brown & Black Belt: Weigh-in before 2 pm. Compete at 4:30 pm

Schedule For No-Gi Submission Grappling Divisions on Sunday:
Kids all divisions (5-10 & 11-14): Weigh in before 9am - Compete at 10am
Juniors all divisions (15-17): Weigh in before 9:30am - Compete at 11:30am
Beginner Executive & Masters: Weigh-in before 9am - Compete at 10am
Beginner Adult: Weigh-in before 9:30 am - Compete at 11:30am
Advanced Executives & Masters: Weigh-in before 11:00am - Compete at 1:30pm
Advanced Adult: Weigh-in before 11:30am - Compete at 2pm
Women all divisions: Weigh-in before 1pm - Compete at 2:30pm
Intermediate Executives and Masters: Weigh-in before 1pm - Compete at 3pm
Intermediate Adult: Weigh-in before 1:30pm - Compete at 3:30pm

Coaches:
Coaches will be required to check-in online or by phone and provide a list of registered students to receive credentials. STRICTLY ENFORCED! Email
director@grapplingtournaments.com or call (714) 847-6787 for credentials.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship Division & Rules • Saturday June 28th

BJJ Skill Levels:

Men & Women: White Belt, Blue Belt, Purple Belt, Brown Belt & Black Belt

Kids (8-14) & Juniors (15-17 years): White, Yellow, Orange & Green Belt

Length of BJJ Matches:

White: 5 minutes

Blue: 6 minutes

Purple: 7 minutes

Brown: 8 minutes

Black: 10 Minutes

Juniors: 4 minutes

Executive (30-39) / Masters (40+): White/Blue belts 4 minutes • Purple/Brown belts 6min • Black belts 7 minutes

Male Adult BJJ Weight Classes: (Note: Weigh-in WITHOUT uniform)

Rooster: 121lbs. and below

Super Feather: 122-134 lbs.

Feather: 135-147 lbs.

Light: 148-160 lbs.

Middle: 161-174 lbs.

Light-Heavy: 174-187 lbs.

Heavy: 188-202 lbs.

Super-Heavy: 203-221 lbs.

Unlimited: 221 lbs. and over

Juniors (13-17) BJJ Weight Classes:

Lightweight: 114.9 lbs. and below

Welterweight: 115-129.9 lbs.

Middleweight: 130-149.9 lbs.

Cruiserweight: 150-169.9 lbs.

Heavyweight: 170 lbs. and over

Women's BJJ Weight Classes:

Class A: 119.9 lbs and below

Class B: 120-134.9 lbs.

Class C: 135-149.9 lbs.

Class D: 150 lbs. and over

Women's Absolute: Open Weight, Open Skill

Executive & Masters BJJ Weight Classes:

Lightweight: 159.9 lbs and below

Middleweight: 160-179.9 lbs.

Cruiserweight: 180-199.9 lbs.

Heavyweight: 200 lbs. and over

BJJ Point System:

Takedown: 2 points

Knee on Belly: 2 points

Sweep or Reversal w/ legs: 2 points

Passing Opponent's Guard: 3 points

Mounted Position: 4 points

Back Control w/ Hooks: 4 points

(All positions must be held for 3 full seconds)

BJJ Illegal Techniques:

White Belt, Blue belt, Executives and Masters: No Leg Locks EXCEPT Straight Ankle Lock. No Neck or Cervical Cranks, Wrist Locks, Slamming or Slicers.

Purple - Black: No Twisting Leg locks EXCEPT Inside Toe Hold, No Neck or Cervical Cranks or Slamming.

Submission Grappling Divisions & Rules • Sunday June 29th

Skill Levels:

Beginner: Under 2 years

Intermediate: 2 years to 4 years

Advanced: More than 4 years

Kids & Juniors: Beginner = Less than 18 months • Advanced = 18 months or greater

Women: Beginner = Less than 18 months • Advanced = 18 months or greater

Executive: 30-39 years – Beginner = Less than 18 months • Advanced = 18 months or greater

Masters: Over 40 years - Beginner = Less than 18 months • Advanced = 18 months or greater

Length of No-Gi Matches:

Beginner: 4 minutes

Intermediate: 5 minutes

Advanced: 6 minutes

Kids & Juniors: 4 minutes

Women: Beginner = 4 minutes • Advanced = 6 minutes

Executive/Masters: Beginner = 4 minutes • Advanced = 5 minutes

Men's No-Gi Weight Classes:

Flyweight: 139.9 lbs. and below

Featherweight: 140-149.9 lbs.

Lightweight: 150-159.9 lbs.

Welterweight: 160-169.9 lbs.

Middleweight: 170-179.9 lbs.

Cruiserweight: 180-189.9 lbs.

Light-Heavyweight: 190-199.9 lbs.

Heavyweight: 200-209.9 lbs.

Superweight: 210 lbs. and over

Children’s No-Gi Weight Classes:

*Rough guideline. Youth will be matched as closely as possible.*

Bantamweight: 50 lbs. and below

Flyweight: 50-59.9 lbs.

Featherweight: 60-69.9 lbs.

Lightweight: 70-79.9 lbs.

Welterweight: 80-94.9 lbs.

Middleweight: 94-109.9 lbs.

Cruiserweight: 110-124.9 lbs.

Heavyweight: 124 lbs. and over

Kids & Juniors No-Gi Weight Classes:

Lightweight: 114.9 lbs. and below

Welterweight: 115-129.9 lbs.

Middleweight: 130-149.9 lbs.

Cruiserweight: 150-169.9 lbs.

Heavyweight: 170 lbs. and over

Women's No-Gi Weight Classes:

Class A: 119.9 lbs and below

Class B: 120-134.9 lbs.

Class C: 135-149.9 lbs.

Class D: 150 lbs. and over

Women's Absolute: Open Weight, Open Skill

Executive & Masters No-Gi Weight Classes:

Lightweight: 159.9 lbs and below

Middleweight: 160-179.9 lbs.

Cruiserweight: 180-199.9 lbs.

Heavyweight: 200 lbs. and over

No-Gi Point System:

Takedown landing in Half or Full Guard: 2 points

Takedown to Side Control or Mount: 3 points

Sweep or Reversal w/ legs: 2 points

Passing Opponent's Guard: 3 points

Mounted Position: 4 points

Back Control w/ Hooks: 4 points

(All positions must be held for minimum 3 seconds)

No-Gi Illegal Techniques:

Beginner, Novice, Executive & Masters Divisions: No Leg Locks EXCEPT Straight Ankle Lock. No Neck or Cervical Cranks, Wrist Locks, Slamming or Slicers.

Intermediate: No Twisting Leg locks EXCEPT Inside Toe Hold, No Neck or Cervical Cranks, Wrist Locks, Slamming or Slicers.

Advanced: No Slamming

Detailed Rules:

The object of the competition is to control and submit your opponent.

Ways to win:

1) Causing your opponent to physically or verbally tapout or quit by using a technique within the guidelines of the rules in each set division. (All competitors must be aware of dangerous techniques and know how to tapout.)

2) Highest score at end of regulation time period or overtime.

3) Referee Stoppage

1. Hygiene: At weigh-ins all competitors will be checked for communicable diseases, not limited to but including ring-worm, staph, herpes and impetigo.

2. Tie Breakers: There will be a one minute overtime in the event of a draw. At the end of the 1 minute overtime if the were no points scored it will immediately turn to sudden death in which the first point scored gets the victory. The stalling rule will be enforced with ZERO tolerance in overtime. The referee will give 2 warnings and you will be deducted -1 point and given the loss if you do not go after the victory.

3. No Stalling: The referee will issue warning for the 1st offense of stalling (i.e. backing out of the guard without engaging, butt scooting, fleeing the ring to avoid takedown/submission attempts). The 2nd offense will result in a 2 point deduction. A 3rd offense will result in a 3 point deduction. A 4th offense will result in a DQ.

4. Leg Locks: Leg Locks are ILLEGAL in all kids, masters, executive, and novice divisions. Straight ankle locks are legal for Beginner. Straight ankle, inside figure four toe holds, straight knee bars and calf slicers are legal for Intermediate. , All leg locks are legal in the Advanced Men’s division. Note: Reaping (crossing you leg across your opponents body while attacking a foot) is illegal in all divisions except Intermediate and advanced adult.

5. Illegal Techniques in all divisions: No strikes, biting, eye gouging (includes chin to eye), head butting, small join manipulation (finger and toe locks), hair pulling, or ear pulling, neck cranks.

6. Slamming: ZERO tolerance on slamming. This is to avoid slamming to escape the guard and various submissions from the guard. A competitor will be immediately disqualified NOTE - Takedowns are not considered slamming, unless intent to injure is determined by the referee.

7. Neck Cranks and Twister: Neck cranks and Twister (wrestling guillotine) are only legal in the advanced division. Intermediate division may use the Twister setup to execute the banana split or calf slicer.

8. Takedowns and control: Any position must be held for a MINUMUM of 3 full seconds before points will be awarded. If you take your opponent down and Mount him you would receive 3 points for the take down AFTER 3 seconds AND then 3 more seconds for the 4 point mount. Therefore you must maintain the position for 3 seconds per set of points. Guard pass points are established when the opponent’s shoulders are flat on the ground and your legs are completely clear of their legs. If you go from standing to a guys back with BOTH his knees on the ground for 3 full seconds you receive 2 points for reversal.

9. Sweeps/Reversals: Reversal of position points are given when one opponent reverses from the bottom to the top position and maintained for a full three seconds. The reversal has to be used from your guard or in the immediate transition of someone passing your guard. For example if you’re passing my guard and I IMMEDIATELY put you on your back I receive reversal points. Note: Rolling someone over when you are mounted or in side control is an escape not a reversal.

10. No-Gi Attire: board shorts, fight shorts, singlets, or Gi pants are required. Rash guards, t-shirts, tank tops, Wrestling shoes, knee pads (non-medal braces), headgear, cups and mouth pieces are optional.

11. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Attire: A clean solid colored uniform is required to compete in the BJJ Division. Uniform Jacket must have a four finger space at cuff and sleeves within 3” of wrist. Pants must be within 3” of ankles.

12. Code of Conduct: We will be enforcing a zero tolerance rule on disrespecting, threatening with physical violence, or verbally abusing referees or staff at any time before, during or after the event. If any spectator, coach or competitor threatens or abuses the referee in any shape or form, they will be escorted out of the building.

For Rules Packet and Regeistration form please email us at:

hawaii@otmfightshop.com

Online regestration will be avaliable after May 18th at

www.grapplingtournaments.com

Online Regestration now open at:

http://www.grapplingtournaments.com/platnew/index.php

Pre-Regestratoin ends Wednesday June 25th.

6/1/08

Quote of the Day

"Thought is action in rehearsal."

Sigmund Freud, 1856-1939, Austrian Neurologist and Psychiatrist

Hawaiian Open Championship BJJ Tourney
Today!

Competitor Fees:
Adults: $65
Kids: $35

When:
Sunday June 1, 2008
11am Kids Rules Clinic & Kids Matches
PM Adult Matches

Location:
Klum Gym
University of Hawaii

TIMELINE:
http://www.hawaiitriplecrown.com/

EARLY ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
(1 WEEK PRIOR TO EVENT DAY)

LATE ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
(5 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT DAY)

"PRE-REGISTERED" CHECK BY APPLICANTS
(4 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT DAY).

ALL ERRORS MUST BE ADDRESSED BY THIS DATE OR NO.BRACKETS POSTED ON WEBSITE
(2-3 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT DAY)

Divisions:
Adult, Kids, Women, All Weight Divisions, All Levels.
The Adult division is open for everyone, but athletes of other age divisions willing to compete here will not be allowed to fight in their own division (athletes can only enroll in one age division)

Medals – Medals will be given out promptly after each division has completed the finals match.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place competitors: please standby your mat table and wait for the sheet.
Once the sheet has been verified for accuracy, please bring to the award table to receive your respective medal.

STAFF
Time/Score keepers and Referees are needed for the Hawaiian Open 2008

Would you like a front row seat to see the Hawaiian Open Championship? Help our sport grow and be an active part of the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

We are currently filling staff positions for the Hawaiian Open 2008. We are in need of Time/Score keepers and referees. You do not have to have any experience to be a time keeper, just the willingness to hang in there for a long fun filled day. We will offer a staff meeting at the start of the day to answer any questions that you might have.

We intend to run 6 mats simultaneously, but this will be dependant on staff manning.

Would you like to receive email updates on upcoming tournaments?

Go to our "News" page and sign up for the newsletter at
www.hawaiitriplecrown.com/news.html

Homepage:
www.hawaiitriplecrown.com

Information:
Hawaii Triple Crown Staff

Pride Grand Prix Champion
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua Seminar

Ninja & Shogun Rua

Tropic Lightnining Tae Kwon Do
2nd Floor, Waipahu
Sunday, June 15, 2008
5-7PM
Cost: $60

To reserve your spot, please call:
Alden (Submit One) 371-1589
Wyman 216-4852

Strictly Bangers 2 Results
O Lounge Night Club, Honolulu, Hawaii
May 30, 2008

170 Brandon Mendoza (Team Ruthless) def Mike Guillermo (Freelance) by Unanimous Decision
HW Ata Tivao (94 Block) def Justin Padasdao (Team Submit) by KO rd 1
155 Chris Ho (Island Thunder) and Neil Dacanay (Freelance) was a draw
160 Alex Mendoza (Bullspen) def Tyson Decosta (Freelance) by KO rd 1
205 Junior Sua (Freelance) def Brandon Naleieha (Tiger Muay Thai) by KO rd 1
185 Josh Ferreira (Team Ruthless) def Nolan Vierra (Freelance) by KO rd 1
185 Smokey Brown (Knockout Factory) def Nelson Owens (Freelance) by KO rd 1
160 Darren Ioane (94 Block) def Thomas Yandall (Konnah Blokk) by Unanimous Decision
HW Joaquin Dabbs (Eastsidaz) def Mark Taoa (94 Block) by Unanimous Decision
145 Alan Hashimoto (Freelance) def Joseph Enaena (Freelance) by Unanimous Decision
195 Justin Lawelawe (No H8ters Inc) def Jake Palelei (Konnah Blokk) by TKO rd 1
HW Vilitonu Fonokalafi (No Remorse) def Otto Hoopii (Stand Alone) by Unanimous Decision

Source: Event Promoter

CBS-ELITE XC REVIEW: KIMBO BY CONTROVERSY
by Damon Martin

NEWARK, N.J. – With 8,033 in attendance at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, CBS and EliteXC debuted the first-ever mixed martial arts event to be telecast live in prime time on broadcast television. Much to the surprise of the fans, the main event didn’t end in the first minute… as a matter of fact it went into the third round.

A controversial stoppage in the final round of the fight saw Kimbo Slice declared the victor despite an opponent in James Thompson who, while definitely hurt, did not seem out of the fight yet.

Thompson looked solid for the better part of the fight, playing a smart game plan, taking Kimbo down numerous times throughout the fight. While Kimbo was able to reverse position a couple of times during the bout, Thompson’s takedowns almost made the difference.

The second round saw Thompson trap Kimbo against the cage and start to reign down punches and elbows. Kimbo was doing very little to defend himself, and while Thompson’s strikes weren’t overly devastating, it seemed the fight could have been stopped at that point. Kimbo did survive, however, and the fighters went to another round.

Kimbo woke up in the third landing a big hook that burst and bloodied Thompson’s cauliflower ear. He followed up with a few more strikes, rocking his British opponent. Thompson took the shots, but stayed standing and just as he seemed to be coming forward at Kimbo, the referee stepped in and stopped the bout.

After the fight, Thompson put his hands up in protest, going as far as pushing the referee away; visibly upset by the stoppage.

While the hype machine around Kimbo Slice cannot be denied, after his performance on Saturday night, the fighter still has a lot to live up to as far as his stature in the world of MMA.

In what had to be the most exciting fight of the night with the most anti-climactic ending, Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith did not get to finish what they started after an accidental eye poke in the third round caused doctors to stop the bout.

In the opening round, Smith came out firing at Lawler trying to take advantage of the champion early in the fight. Lawler persevered and came back at Smith with a barrage of jabs and a couple of body kicks that seemed to buckle the California fighter. As the round closed, it was Lawler who landed a number of shots and at the time, it appeared Smith was saved by the bell.

The second round told a much different story as Smith, looking completely refreshed, brought the fight to Lawler hitting him with punches, knees and inside the clinch with elbows. Smith controlled the biggest part of the round, keeping Lawler on the defensive with his striking game.

With each fighter winning a round according to the official scorecards of the cage side judges, Lawler opened round three pursuing Smith with an aggressive attack of punches. It was during an exchange while the two fighters battled it out that Lawler put out his hand to try and find the distance for a punch on his opponent when his fingers found their way into Smith’s eye.

The action stopped as the doctors stepped in to check Smith’s condition. Despite repeated pleas from Smith to allow the fight to continue, the doctors decided the damage was done and the fight was stopped and ruled a no contest due to an accidental eye poke.

EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw announced during the post-fight interviews that he would pay both fighters their normal purse plus their contractual win bonuses for their respective performances on Saturday night.

Despite not making weight and after admitting that she didn’t have the right time to train for the fight, Gina Carano pulled out an impressive performance in her fight against Kaitlin Young, winning by doctor’s stoppage after the second round.

Many questioned if Carano was really focused on this fight, but once the bell rang she was business as usual feeding Young a steady diet of front kicks and using her jab effectively.

In the second round, Carano took over, hitting Young with multiple punches and it seemed that she could soon finish the Minnesota native. Another front kick put Young on the mat and Carano followed up trying to sink in a rear naked choke, but the round ended before the submission could fully be applied.

Between rounds, the doctors examined Kaitlin Young’s eye, which had taken damage in the second round, and determined the fight could not continue, giving Carano a TKO win. The New Jersey crowd gave Carano one of the loudest ovations of the night, cheering her name on different occasions and exploding when she was victorious.

Team Jackson fighter Joey Villasenor overcame the adversity of a tough crowd cheering for their almost hometown fighter, Phil Baroni, as the former King of the Cage champion finished “The New York Badass” in the first round of their bout in New Jersey.

Baroni took Villasenor down early, but quickly the two fighters were back exchanging on the feet. Villasenor moved Baroni against the cage and almost ended the fight with a guillotine choke. Baroni survived the submission attempt, but he didn’t survive much longer as Villasenor seemed to smell blood in the water and moved in for the kill.

Tracking Baroni down, Villasenor landed a good combination that put Baroni on his heels, reeling against the cage. Knowing his opponent was hurt, Villasenor followed up with a few more punches that put Baroni down and out for good.

With his third win in a row, Joey Villasenor has to be a leading candidate to challenge for the EliteXC middleweight title in the near future.

Brett “The Grim” Rogers started CBS-EliteXC Saturday Night Fights off with a bang, knocking out Jon Murphy early in the first round of their match-up. Rogers made his way to the cage introduced by rapper Busta Rhymes and was followed up by an entourage including MTV star Christopher “Big Black” Boykin.

Murphy looked solid early on, landing some big punches on his opponent, but in the end Rogers’ power was too much.

After a brief clinch against the cage, the fighters separated and as they both swung at each other, Rogers connected with a thunderous right hook that landed Murphy face down on the canvas. Rogers will now look for another big fight in the growing EliteXC heavyweight division.

-Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson def. James Thompson by TKO at 0:38, R3
-Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith ruled a No Contest (Doctor Stoppage) at 3:26, R3
-Gina Carano def. Kaitlin Young by TKO (Doctor Stoppage) at 3:00, R2
-Joey Villasenor def. Phil Baroni by TKO at 1:11, R1
-Brett Rogers def. Jon Murphy by KO at 1:01, R1
-Chris Liguori def. Jim Bova by TKO (Doctor's Stoppage) at 4:31, R2
-Carlton Haselrig def. Carlos Moreno by TKO (Unable to Continue) at 5:00, R1
-Matt Makowski def. Nick Serra by TKO (Unable to Continue) at 3:57, R2
-Wilson Reis def. Justin Robbins by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:06, R1
-James Jones def. Calvin Kattar by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:49, R1
-Zach Makovsky def. Andre Soares by Unanimous Decision at 5:00, R3
-Joe Sampieri def. Mike Groves by TKO (Strikes) at 4:58, R1

Source: MMA Weekly

SMITH-YOSHIDA SIGNED FOR SENGOKU III

Former UFC heavyweight champion Maurice Smith will lock horns with 1992 Olympic gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida at World Victory Road: Sengoku III on Sunday, June 8 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Representatives from WVR announced the heavyweight tilt on Tuesday.

Smith (12-12), who turns 47 in December, last appeared in February, when he submitted fellow kickboxing aficionado Ric Roufus in less than two minutes at a Strikeforce event in Tacoma, Wash. He has rattled off two consecutive victories since he returned from what was nearly a seven-year-long hiatus in 2007. Smith owns notable wins against Marco Ruas (twice), David “Tank” Abbott and UFC Hall-of-Famer Mark Coleman.

The 37-year-old Yoshida (7-6-1), meanwhile, will enter the match on a three-fight losing streak. He submitted to a Josh Barnett heel hook at World Victory Road’s inaugural event in March. Wins against Don Frye and Mark Hunt highlight his resume; he twice fought Wanderlei Silva to a decision, losing both.

World Victory Road: Sengoku III
Sunday, June 8
Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan

Maurice Smith vs. Hidehiko Yoshida
Nick Thompson vs. Michael Costa
Kazuo Misaki vs. Logan Clark
Marcio Cruz vs. Mu Bae Choi
Travis Wiuff vs. Kazuyuki Fujita

Source: The Fight Network

HUGHES BROTHERS SET FOR UFC REUNION
by Ken Pishna

It has been more than eight years since former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes and twin brother Mark have competed in mixed martial arts at the same event. That era, however, may soon come to an end.

Matt, in a pre-fight media conference call for UFC 85 on Thursday, was posed a question he didn’t expect, that being about the possibility of his brother returning to the Octagon.

“This is an unexpected question,” said Matt, the elder brother – by five minutes – of the Hughes twins. “I do know that Mark is going to sign a contract with the UFC where he won't compete for anybody else. And that'd be right here coming up. That's all I can really tell you. That's all I can really comment on,”

Mark sports a 6-2 professional record in MMA, including a win at UFC 28, but hasn’t competed in nearly five years. Apparently poised for a return, Matt says that Mark doesn’t have a fight lined up yet, but is adamant about his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a place Matt has called home for several years.

“There's no fight scheduled (for Mark), but he is going to sign a contract with the UFC to fight for them and nobody else."

Of course, with the twin brothers under contract, the obvious question is if they will compete on an upcoming fight card together. On that issue, Matt was less certain.

While he indicated that he would like to fight on the same event as his brother, Matt said, “To be honest, we tried that in the past with the old owners and they just never went for it. But that's been six, seven years ago probably. So, we'll just see what comes out of it. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. Hopefully if it does, it'll be in the Midwest there somewhere.”

With the sport now under sanctioning across most of the United States, including Illinois and Missouri, there has been speculation that the UFC will soon operate an event in either Chicago or St. Louis. So it appears that Matt’s hopes of fighting in the Midwest, with his brother, has now become a distinct possibility.

Source: MMA Weekly

Herring steps in to face Lesnar at UFC 87

Heath Herring, a former PRIDE title contender, will take on 2000 NCAA wrestling champion Brock Lesnar on August 9 at UFC 87: Seek and Destroy at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The UFC confirmed Thursday that Herring has signed on to replace UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman, who is out with a torn MCL suffered during training. The knee injury won't require him to undergo surgery, but it'll likely sideline him for the next 6-8 weeks. Coleman was preparing for his return to the UFC after a nine-and-a-half year absence from the Octagon.

Lesnar (1-1) lost his UFC debut in February against former UFC champion Frank Mir. The former WWE superstar fared well in the bout left himself open for a knee bar that forced him to tap out.

Herring (29-13-1), who reclaimed a spot on MMAFighting.com's top ten heavyweights with a win over Cheick Kongo in March, could position himself for a title shot with a win here at the UFC's first event in Minnesota. Mir's win over Lesnar earned him a spot as a coach on the next season's "The Ultimate Fighter" as well as a shot at the interim UFC heavyweight title against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

UFC 87: Seek and Destroy
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Target Center in Minneapolis, MN

170 lbs. | Georges St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch (Title Bout)
155 lbs. | Kenny Florian vs. Roger Huerta
265 lbs. | Brock Lesnar vs. Heath Herring
265 lbs. | Cheick Kongo vs. Dan Evensen*
155 lbs. | Mac Danzig vs. Clay Guida*

*not officially announced

Source: MMA Fighting

Fedor's Greatest Challenge
by Joe Hall

It's another Friday morning in Midtown Manhattan, and the Avenue Restaurant at the Sheraton New York is full of tourists.

Over eggs and coffee and the clinking of forks against plates, these visitors chat about the day ahead. They are anxious to get started. Times Square is just a few blocks south, Rockefeller Center a few east, Central Park to the north and within sight.

They might view Manhattan from the observation deck on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building. Might visit where Lennon was shot at the Dakota or catch a celebrity strolling down Central Park East in a ball cap and glasses.

And as they finish off their toast, their orange juice and prepare to hit the sidewalks, among them, unnoticed, sits a man considered the best heavyweight fighter on the planet.

Fedor Emelianenko wears blue jeans, a denim jacket and black tennis shoes. The people who consider him the best in the world are the ones who have seen him fight.

These tourists have not. To them, he must seem no one special. Some stout stranger, 6-foot tall and 230 pounds, who speaks in a foreign tongue when he speaks at all.

Now he's pacing the hotel lobby. His gait is casual, confident. A Russian radio station has scheduled an interview, but they're not ready, they're ready, they're not ready. No frustration from Fedor. His stoicism is legendary.

Just watch his many entrances in Pride, thousands of Japanese fans in attendance, lights out in the arena except for where he moves. Croatian kickboxer Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic waiting for him in the ring, UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira waiting for him, Mark Hunt waiting for him. And Fedor's expression on his way into battle? Eerie impassivity.

Now is an understandable time to be frustrated, though. He's been doing interviews for days. A news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, one in New York on Thursday. Appearances and pictures and autographs -- all in the name of Affliction, the clothing company turned MMA promoter that has signed Fedor to headline its July 19 debut at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

His interpreter, Antonina Dzhomardova, tells of an exhausting day dedicated entirely to interviews. It reached a point where she was struggling to keep a straight face while translating questions that had already been asked a half-dozen times. Yet Fedor gave no hint of irritation. She says he answered each inquiry as if it were new, stood and thanked his interviewer when finished, then sat down with the next one and smiled.

Fedor gets it. Whether America will get him, however, is uncertain.

In April 2007 he headlined a Bodog Fight event that sold an abysmal 12,000 pay-per-views, Bodog Fight Commissioner Jeff Osborne recently told The Fight Network. A big UFC event can sell 500,000 or far more.

Bodog Fight is essentially dead now, and Osborne predicts a similar fate for Affliction. Other insiders join him in pointing to Fedor's compensation, which has been rumored to fall in the neighborhood of $1.5 million to $2 million, as well as the overall fight purse for the event as a major burden to turning a profit. The experts argue that Fedor is a great fighter but not a popular one -- not in the United States anyway.

Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio disagrees.

"Do we think we're going to take a loss? No," he says of Affliction's first MMA event. "Are we prepared for it? Yes."

Atencio blames Bodog's failures with Fedor on marketing. Bodog had a "monstrous" advertising budget, according to Osborne, which included plastering Fedor's image in the New York City subways. Pride's U.S. venture with Fedor at the top of the card didn't sell many pay-per-views either. Yet Atencio still contends that "The Last Emperor" hasn't been marketed properly in the United States.

"I know for a fact that not very many people knew about [Fedor's fights in the United States]," Atencio says. "I've been in this industry for a long time and I didn't really hear anything about it, especially with Bodog."

Bodog matched Fedor against Matt Lindland (Pictures), who, although a quality fighter, is not a heavyweight in stature or drawing power. Affliction will pair the Russian against former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia (Pictures), who has headlined multiple UFC events. Whether Sylvia can capture similar interest outside of the UFC, though, or send attention Fedor's way, remains to be seen.

Accordingly, Atencio refrains from saying how many pay-per-views Affliction hopes to sell. He knows that naming a number would be like loading a gun that's sure to go off in the promotion's face if expectations aren't met. That's because the MMA industry has come to expect pay-per-view disasters from shows not named UFC.

Affliction's strategy includes marketing Fedor to the Russian community. The clothing company also plans on using its relationships with department stores such as Bloomingdales and Nordstrom's to make sure that fans -- whether new, casual or hardcore -- know that the top heavyweight in the world will be fighting a former UFC titleholder.

In certain circles, of course, Fedor is already known. Tourists here in Manhattan may overlook him, but fans at Affliction's news conferences lined up to meet the 31-year-old. Donald Trump sat in the front row at the New York presser, shook Fedor's hand and offered his support for Affliction. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has also watched Fedor fight in person, which testifies to the fighter's reputation in Russia, especially when one considers whether George Bush might ever sit Octagon-side in support of the best U.S. heavyweight.

As for what happened with the Pride and Bodog pay-per-views, Fedor echoes Atencio's views by saying they were poorly marketed.

"I think the [Affliction] pay-per-view will be higher of course because this is the most important event of this year," Fedor says. "And it is marketed very wisely. Affliction pulling together with M-1, they are making a good team. They have completed a lot and they have a good future."

Fedor pins Affliction's success, at least in part, on himself.

"I think that every fighter will try to draw as many fans as he can," he says. "So this is also a responsibility of every fighter to do that, to be a part of that."

Which is what brings him to America. He's not so stoic outside of the ring. Sitting here now, he is laughing, grinning and telling in Russian what is probably a joke.

"Sorry," he says in English before turning back to the interview with a grin and … was that a wink? Did Fedor just wink?

Later he laughs when asked of his favorite Russian writer.

"Leo Tolstoy."

"But what about Dostoevsky? I thought you liked Dostoevsky?"

"Well of course I like Dostoevsky as well," he answers, "but most likely he will take second place after Tolstoy. I have read everything from Tolstoy, everything."

What does this have to do with fighting? Next to nothing.

"I think I've proved everything for myself already," Fedor says of his battles in the ring. "But as far as American fans, I'd like them to get to know me personally, as my Japanese audience knows me personally. Not just as a fighter -- as a human being as well."

Well, he's certainly likeable. No sense in Affliction playing the scary-Russian-fighter angle with a man who doesn't seem interested in the stereotype. Not that the promotion is going down that well-traveled road just yet; at this point, Affliction is simply introducing him and reintroducing him, letting him shake hands and be human.

He breaks for his radio interview, then returns apologetically 20 minutes later to sit right down on the criticism many MMA fans have had of him: Fedor has not been fighting top competition lately.

He could blame that fact on promoters trying to maximize their profits with bouts that appeal to broad audiences, but he doesn't. Top fighters, Fedor says, should not always fight top competition.

"I think it should be a mixture," he explains. "Everyone should be given a chance. Even if a fighter is not very strong or very famous and not everyone knows him, he should still be given a chance to try. In every fighter's career, you should fight both of them: fighters who are not as good as you are and fighters who are much better."

Of course Fedor could have added that he has beaten the UFC's best heavyweight twice. He considers his encounters with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira the most difficult fights of his career, along with his August 2005 showdown against Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, when the Croatian was perhaps at his best.

For 20 grueling minutes Fedor stood and out-struck Filipovic. The strategy was as stunning as it was effective, yet what truly won him the fight was mental fortitude. He pinpoints an exchange in that bout as the most memorable moment in his career.

"He was trying to kick me in the liver, hard," Fedor says. "I put up a very hard defense with my leg. It was painful for myself and for him, and I could see that. It was a strike, leg against leg. It was very painful for both of us. I didn't show that it was painful for me, but I could see in his eyes that it was very painful. I could feel he broke a little bit inside. I could feel his weakness at that very moment, and I used it."

Tim Sylvia would prefer that Fedor also engage him on the feet in their July 19 contest. The Pat Miletich-trained fighter stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 265 pounds, giving him significant height, weight and reach advantages.

"He's tall and has reach of course," Fedor says after complimenting Sylvia's punching power. "But I have had tall opponents before, so I know how to deal with them."

Fedor is the favorite, but Sylvia is good and this is MMA -- the sport of endless variables, a game at which everyone loses at some point. Even Fedor has a notch on the right side of his impressive win-loss ledger, and another defeat, taken at the wrong time, could ruin his mystique in the United States.

"I'm just doing everything I can," he says. "I just train and do everything the best way. I'm not thinking about if I'm going to win or lose."

A loss, though, could also spoil a potential dream matchup with Randy Couture. So could the prolonged legal proceedings between Couture and the UFC. Fedor has been following the saga.

"I don't have the opportunity to follow it all the way through, but I read online," he says. "And I get information from my friends and people, so I can say that I follow it. I know the important things."

Rooting for Randy?

"Yes," he says. "Of course."

Affliction began teasing the fight with a January photo shoot that brought Fedor and Couture together. Fedor's interpreter, Antonina, relays that they discussed families and interests, friends and fighters they both know.

"That's one of the questions the journalists kept asking in Los Angeles," Antonina confides with a giggle. "What Randy Couture and Fedor talked about at the photo shoot. Everyone asked."

Whoops.

It's 70 degrees and sunny this morning, the final few hours of another trip to New York in which Fedor won't have time to see Central Park or much else. His friends have told him to make time on these trips to see America.

"Maybe one day," he says, "I will come and do that."

But today he's answering the Affliction photo shoot question again. The next interviewer will probably ask it, too, and Fedor will likely answer as he just did -- patiently and kindly, the response of a man who is hoping to be heard despite a great barrier.

Source: Sherdog

UFC 84 MEDICAL SUSPENSIONS HANDED DOWN

The Nevada State Athletic Commission on Thursday released the medical suspensions stemming from the UFC 84: Ill Will event that took place on Saturday, May 24 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

B.J. Penn retained his UFC lightweight title, defeating Sean Sherk in the main event by TKO at the end of round three. Sherk has been suspended until July 7 with no contact until June 24 due to a laceration to his right cheek.

Wanderlei Silva defeated Keith Jardine by TKO in the first round and Jardine has subsequently been suspended until Nov. 21 for a nasal fracture. The Greg Jackson trained fighter can be cleared by a doctor before the November date, but cannot compete earlier than July 24, with no contact until July 9.

Tito Ortiz was suspended for six months or until he gets his left hand and wrist x-rayed and cleared by an orthopedic doctor after his unanimous decision loss to Lyoto Machida.

Wilson Gouveia was suspended for six months or until he gets clearance from a doctor for a broken nose and possible cheek. The American Top Team fighter also suffered broken ribs in his TKO loss to UFC newcomer Goran Reljic.

Kazuhiro Nakamura was medically suspended for six months or until he gets clearance from a doctor due to a broken nose suffered in his TKO loss to Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.

Jason Tan was suspended for six months or until he gets his broken nose cleared by a doctor. Tan lost to Dong Hyun Kim by TKO in the opening moments of the third round.

Source: MMA Weekly

Leo Leite back at JJ Worlds
Brazilian Olympic judo athlete to fight in California

Bronze medalist at the last judo Pan-American, which took place at the beginning of the month, and backup medium heayweight fighter for Brazilian Olympic judo, black belt Leo Leite is getting ready to put his ippons aside. The Carioca intends to get back to his roots in the Jiu-Jitsu worlds, and event he knows well.

Leo was world champion in 1999, in the super heavyweight category, beating Ze Mario Sperry in a memorable final. Even though he’s returning to the Worlds as a favorite to win among the ultra heavyweights, he has not fought in the gentle art since the Luta Casada event, which took place at the beginning of 2007. “I know I’m a little behind the guys who train just Jiu-Jitsu, but I’m making up for it by training double, twice or three times a day. I have to adjust some fight reflexes, timing of positions and some habits that are different between judo and Jiu-Jitsu,” he admitted.

The athlete has been dedicating himself these last two months to ground-specific training, since he considers his chances of going to the Olympics to be slim. “I’m a reserve in my weight group in the Olympic team, and as they will take the junior team instead of the B team, I’ll only go to Peking if the starter gets injured,” said the judoka.

At 30, the Alliance representative doesn’t want to hear about a master category, and believes he’s still a boy with a lot of fire left. “I just turned 30 and think I’m at my best. At the last judo world cup, a guy in the stands turned to my brother and asked: “That guy’s still fighting??” I couldn’t believe it, I was only 28! (laughs). As a master I won’t go. No way. I have lots of plans still, including fighting MMA. But not now,” Leo revealed.

As for all the tough guys he may encounter at the Worlds, from the 5th to 8th of June in California, the black belt had an answer on the tip of his tongue: “There’s Bruno Paulista, Luiz Big Mac, who I’ve already fought, Cavaca, who trains with me, and Braga Neto and Rafael Lovato, if they go in as ultra heavyweights. It’ll be cool. Aah, and after the Worlds I’ll continue training ground, since it’s good for judo.

Source: Gracie Magazine

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