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(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
2009
11/21/09
UFC
106
(Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas)
11/14/09
UFC
105
(United Kingdom)
November
Aloha
State Championship
of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
10/24/09
UFC
104
(Staples Center, Los Angeles)
10/10/09
NAGA
Hawaii
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Hawaii, Tentative)
9/19/09
UFC
103
(American Airlines Center, Dallas)
9/16/09
UFC
Fight Night 19
(Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City)
9/12/09
Hawaiian Open
(BJJ)
(Kaiser High)
August
Hawaiian
Open Championship
of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
8/29/09
MAUI OPEN 2009
Submission Grappling Challenge
(Sub Grappling)
(Maui War Memorial Gym)
UFC
102
(Rose Garden, Portland)
8/9/09
WEC
(Las Vegas, NV)
8/8/09
UFC
101: Declaration
(BJ Penn vs. Kenny Florian)
(Wachovia Center, Philadelphia)
8/1/09
Affliction: Trilogy
Fedor vs. Barnett
(Honda Cetner, Anaheim, CA)
7/25/09
Gracie Tournament
(Kalaheo H.S. Gym)
Boxing at Palolo
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
7/23/09
JUST SCRAP
(MMA)
(Pipeline Cafe)
7/20/09
Dream 10: Welterweight GP Final
(Japan)
7/11/09
UFC
100: Lesnar vs. Mir
(Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, NV)
7/10/09
Man up and Stand up
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
6/27-28/09
OTM's 2009
Pac Sub
(Gi & No-Gi competition)
(Blaisdell Exhibition Hall)
6/20/09
The
Ultimate Fighter 9:
Team US vs Team UK Finale
6/13/09
Destiny
(MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
UFC
99: Comeback
Silva vs. Franklin
(Cologne, Germany)
6/7/09
WEC: Brown vs. Faber 2
(Versus)
6/6/09
Quest for Champions 2009 Tournament
(Sport Pankration, Sub Grappling)
(Kalani HS Gym)
Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields
(St. Louis, MO)
6/4/09 - 6/7/09
World
JJ Championships
(BJJ)
(California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA)
5/30/09
Event of the Champions
(Triple Threat, Kickboxing, Grappling)
(Elite Auto Group Center)
5/26/09
Dream 9
5/23/09
UFC
98: Evans vs. Machida
(PPV)
5/16/09
KTI's Scrappa Lifestylez
Scrapplers Fest
(BJJ/Submission Grappling)
(Kauai)
5/9/09 - 5/10/09 &
5/16/09 - 5/17/09
Brazilian Nationals JJ Championships
(BJJ)
(Carson, CA)
5/9/09
X-1 Kona
(MMA)
(Kekuaokalani Gym, Kona)
15th Grapplers Quest Las Vegas
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Las Vegas, NV)
5/2/09
Destiny
(MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
Uprising MMA
(MMA)
(Maui)
May 2009
Abu Dhabi World Submission Wrestling Championships
(Sub Grappling)
(Tentative)
4/25/09
MMA Madness Water Park Extravaganza
(MMA)
(Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, Kapolei)
4/18/08
Kingdom
MMA
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
NY
International JJ Championships
(BJJ)
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
4/11/09
Hawaiian
Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Kaiser High)
X-1: Temple of Boom
(Boxing & MMA)
(Palolo Hongwangi)
4/10/09
HFC: Stand Your Ground XII
(MMA, Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
4/4/09 - 4/5/09
NAGA
World Championship
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(NJ, Tentative)
3/28/09
Garden Island Cage Match
(MMA)
(Hanapepe Stadium, Hanapepe, Kauai)
3/27/09
- 3/29/09
Pan
Am JJ Championships
(BJJ)
(Carson, CA)
3/27/09
Tiger Muay Thai Competition
(Muay Thai)
(Tiger Muay Thai Gym, Sand Island Road)
3/21/09 - 3/22/09
$30k Grapplers Quest/Fight Expo/Make a Wish Weekend
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Del Mar, CA)
NAGA US Nationals
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Georgia)
3/14/09
Hawaii Amateur Pankration Association: "Hit and Submit"
(Pankration & Muay Thai)
(O-Lounge Night Club, Honolulu)
NAGA Vegas
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
3/7/09
UFC 96
(PPV)
(Columbus, OH)
Grapplers Quest Beast of the East
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Wildwood, New Jersey)
2/27/09
X-1 World Events
NEW BEGINNING"
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
2/21/09
Destiny
(MMA)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
UFC
95
(PPV)
(London, England)
2/15/09
X1 World Events
Temple of Boom: Fight Night III
(MMA)
(Palolo Hongwanji)
2/8/09
IWFF
Submission Wrestling Tournament
(No-Gi)
(IWFF Academy, Wailuku, Maui)
2/7/09
4th Annual Clint Shelton Memorial
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
Manup and Standup
(Kickboxing)
(Kapolei Rec Center, Kapolei)
UFC Fight Night
(PPV)
(Tampa, FL)
1/31/09
UFC 93 BJ vs GSP
(PPV)
(MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV)
1/30/09
MMA Event
(MMA)
(Schofield Barracks)
1/24/09
Eddie Bravo Seminar
(BJJ)
1/17/09
UFC
93
(PPV)
(Dublin, Ireland)
1/10/09
MAT ATTACK Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling Tournament
(Sub Wrestling)
(Lihikai School, Kahului, Maui)
1/3/08
Uprising - Maui
(MMA)
(Paukukalo Hawaiian Homes Gym)
Hazardous Warfare - Maui
(MMA)
(Lahaina Civic Center)
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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.
We have 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.
New
O2MAA Kid's Jiu-Jitsu Class On Fridays from 5:30 to 6:30 PM!
Wrestling Class Starts On Fridays from 8:30 to 9:30 PM!
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Quote
of the Day
"I
have dreams, and I have nightmares. I overcame the nightmares
because of my dreams."
Jonas Salk
|
BROCK
LESNAR RESPONDS TO FRANK MIR'S CRITIQUE
by Steven Marrocco
In a May interview with MMAWeekly.com, UFC interim heavyweight
champion Frank Mir said Brock Lesnar was just doing it for the
money.
“I’m
a martial artist; he’s a professional fighter,” said
Mir. “He fights because he gets paid to fight. If the UFC
were to go bankrupt tomorrow, a month later I would still be
in some small organization fighting. Not because I need to; my
house is paid off, my cars are paid; I don’t need the money
as far as desperately.
“I
fight because I enjoy fighting. I enjoy the preparation and the
training and the mindset, everything that goes behind it. I don’t
know if we can say the same about Lesnar. If Lesnar was making
$10,000, would he show up to fight?”
On
a Wednesday teleconference promoting Mir's title unification
rematch with Lesnar at UFC 100, Lesnar told reporters that, yes,
it’s about the money. But it’s no less about the love.
“(He
has) desires to fight, and I’ve got mine,” said Lesnar.
“I truly love what I’m doing, and it just so happens
that I get paid a lot more money than he does. So, at the end
of the day, whoever’s happy, that’s his prerogative.
I’m happy with the way I’m doing it, and hopefully
he’s happy the way he’s doing it.
“At
the end of the day, you’ve gotta be able to provide for
your family. This is a business for me and it just so happens
I enjoy getting up every day and going to work. When this is
all said and done and everything’s over with, and there’s
no money in the bank, I don’t know, to me, it just seems
like nowadays, especially with the way the economy is, I want
to live comfortably when this is all said and done.
“You
put your body and your mind through so much discipline and, no,
I can honestly say I wouldn’t fight for peanuts. That’s
just who I am. I’ve been there. I’ve wrestled, blood,
sweat, and tears for 18 years. I’ve got a lot of time in
the gym and got paid zilch. So now, here’s my opportunity.
This is prize fighting for me. You look at it any other way,
you might as well just go fight in the underground, bare knuckle,
or fight in the streets, as far as I’m concerned.”
Lesnar
says he’s most certainly not doing it for the fame. Since
leaving the WWE, and later the NFL, he’s had his fill of
being recognized at gas stations. He rarely does interviews and
conducts his training camps in seclusion from the outside world.
“That’s
why I live a simple life,” said Lesnar. “I’ve
already been through that, I’ve already made a lot of money,
and now it’s just a matter of staying grounded, being close
to my family, and being happy. If you’re not happy, life
can be pretty damn miserable. And I wasn’t very happy as
a professional wrestler. Now I’m happy; life is pretty enjoyable.”
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Month
in Review: June’s Good, Bad and Ugly
by Danny Acosta
Like virtually anything else in life, mixed martial arts has
its yin and its yang. The sport’s ever-changing landscape
offers fighters, fans and frenzied media monthly talking points.
In June, there was plenty about which to be upset and enough
to feed the optimists, too. Here’s a look at the good, the
bad and the ugly.
The
Good
UFC
Expands Markets, Wallets: The UFC’s global domination plot
puts Pinky and the Brain to shame. The Las Vegas-based organization’s
30-day calendar never has an empty space, but in a one-week span,
it broke ground in Deutschland (June 13) and strengthened its
footing in the UK (June 20). Despite German opposition, Zuffa
LLC delivered a stellar card at UFC 99, headlined by Wanderlei
Silva’s valiant decision loss to Rich Franklin. With that,
the UFC put down roots in another major European market. One
week later, it crowned two new “The Ultimate Fighter”
winners from the UK in James Wilks and Ross Pearson. Their rise
to reality television stardom only boosts the UFC’s position
overseas. In addition, the UFC handed out three “Fight of
the Night” bonuses for the first time in its history at
“The Ultimate Fighter 9” Finale. Nate Diaz, Joe Stevenson,
Kevin Burns, Chris Lytle, Clay Guida and Diego Sanchez all pocketed
an extra $25,000. Not a bad start to summer.
Fifteen
Minutes for Females: Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker knew it, as
did fighters and hardcore fans: women can fight for 15 minutes
-- or more. Gina Carano’s stock skyrocketed and with it
went the popularity of female MMA. Bantamweight Sarah Kaufman
scored a decision victory against Miesha Tate in a bout contested
over three three-minute rounds at ShoMMA “Strikeforce Challenge
Series 1” on May 15 in Fresno, Calif. The non-stop action
the match featured served as a tipping point. At the second ShoMMA
installment just a month later, Strikeforce featured female MMA’s
first major 15-minute match between Kaufman and Shayna Baszler.
The unbeaten Kaufman again won by unanimous decision. Coker has
the commissions in Washington and California on board. A long-awaited
super fight pitting Carano against Cristiane “Cyborg”
Santos will crown the first Strikeforce women’s champion
on Aug. 15. The historic headliner -- which should only further
the female fight cause -- has been scheduled for five five-minute
rounds.
Trench
Battles: When there are major shows every weekend, barnburners
are bound to surface. World Extreme Cagefighting kicked off the
month with a five-round war, as featherweight champion Mike Thomas
Brown bested injured hometown hero Urijah Faber at WEC 42 on
June 7 in Sacramento, Calif. … Razor-thin decisions were
abundant at UFC 99 on June 13, none more emotionally riveting
than a catchweight main event between former UFC middleweight
king Rich Franklin and longtime Pride Fighting Championships
titleholder Wanderlei Silva … Strikeforce picked up where
Zuffa LLC left off, as Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Jorge Gurgel
slugged his way to victory against Conor Heun and the Greg Jackson-trained
Joey Villasenor earned a split decision against Evangelista “Cyborg”
Santos at ShoMMA “Strikeforce Challenger Series 2”
on June 19 … The UFC closed the curtains on its month on
June 20 with “The Ultimate Fighter 9” Finale, which
featured three “Fights of the Night,” including a memorable
main event battle between lightweights Diego Sanchez and Clay
Guida.
Tim
Kennedy and the Prospects: In what proved to be a savvy free
agent signing, Strikeforce picked up middleweight Tim Kennedy
and placed him against massive welterweight Nick Thompson at
ShoMMA “Strikeforce Challenger Series 2.” Kennedy struck
Thompson into submission in his first bout as a full-time fighter.
While not exactly a traditional prospect, the former Army Ranger
-- a natural ambassador for the sport -- has been a solid middleweight
for years, and his undivided attention to the sport all but promises
a transformation into a contender. The same card featured guerilla
jiu-jitsu brown belt Luke Rockhold, who made an emphatic statement
with a 30-second victory against Cory Devela. Lyle Beerbohm emerged,
too. A former methamphetamine addict, Beerbohm literally went
from prison to the gym and picked up the best win of his young
career against UFC veteran and 2002 K-1 USA Max winner Duane
Ludwig … The month started with Seth Dikun pulling a flying
triangle choke against Rolando Perez at WEC 41 -- a surefire
way to leave one’s mark in MMA. Josh Grispi graduated from
prospect to contender by submitting one-time UFC lightweight
champion Jens Pulver … Meanwhile, featherweight Joe Soto,
lightweight Eddie Alvarez, welterweight Lyman Good and middleweight
Hector Lombard cashed in $175,000 in their Bellator Fighting
Championships tournament wins, adding their names to smart money’s
watch list.
***
The
Bad
New
York: It seems UFC fighters will only compete in Madison Square
Garden in “UFC 2009 Undisputed 2009” -- for now. A
bill to regulate MMA in the Empire State crumbled during an emergency
session by the Tourism, Arts and Sports Committee. MMA optimists
in New York hoped to see a UFC show there in December or early
2010; now, they will have to set a new target date a full year
behind schedule. Anti-MMA Assemblyman Bob Reilly gets his way
again but only seems to be prolonging the inevitable, as success
in Pennsylvania comes in August with a visit from the UFC and
will continue in other established markets like California, Texas
and abroad. Somewhere, New York MMA crusader Matt Serra is drowning
his justified sorrows in a bowl of pasta.
Banned
Sponsors: A FiveOuncesofPain.com report revealed Dethrone, One
More Round and Rolling Stone magazine as the latest sponsors
to join Affliction on the UFC’s banned list. There may be
a method to Zuffa’s madness. However, constricting blood
flow to companies that support fighters -- who more often than
not rely on sponsorships to pay the bills -- seems absurd. It
impacts more than the fighters, too. Popular UFC cutman Jacob
“Stitch” Duran was sponsored by One More Round. Is
there a brand with a more fitting name for the 60-second healer?
This move was nothing new for the sport. The Rolling Stone ban
was striking, though. French heavyweight Cheick Kongo entered
the Octagon to Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” at
UFC 99, and the surreal nature of seeing one of America’s
most important cultural touchstones supporting a mixed martial
artist must not be ignored.
Bellator
vs. WEC: Consensus top featherweight Mike Thomas Brown only made
a reported $25,256, including a win bonus, for besting Urijah
Faber in a five-round scrap that also earned him a $10,000 “Fight
of the Night” bonus. The WEC’s bonuses and overall
salaries are stacked lower than the UFC’s despite both companies
being owned by Zuffa LLC. UFC transplant Manny Gamburyan made
more in disclosed pay in his WEC debut than Brown, though the
Armenian-born judoka did carry his UFC contract into the WEC.
Fighter pay remains a contentious an issue in the sport, but
something seems wrong about Brown, the best 145-pounder in the
world, missing out on larger paydays because of his weight class.
The WEC provides the greatest platform the lighter divisions
have ever enjoyed, but more progress needs to be made. That the
upstart Bellator Fighting Championship promotion handed $175,000
to featherweight tournament winner Joe Soto served as a small
reminder.
Referring,
Judging: Wanderlei Silva, Mustapha al Turk, Marcus Davis, Gleison
Tibau, Edgar Garcia and Nick Thompson all had trouble with referees,
judges or both during the month of June. With such a representative
sample of fighters speaking out about the same issue in a 30-day
span, fans, promoters and commissions should take notice. Enough
red tape exists to deter anyone from tackling the issue, but
there are tough people involved in MMA. The sport made it this
far. No sense in succumbing to complacency.
***
The
Ugly
Mercer
Crumples Sylvia: Washed-up professional boxer Ray Mercer, a 1988
Olympic gold medalist, knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion
Tim Sylvia in nine seconds at Adrenaline MMA 3 on June 13 in
Birmingham, Ala. Mere facts do no do the ugliness of the KO justice.
Source: Sherdog
|
Curran
Surprised but Eager to Fight Mizugaki
By Kelsey Mowatt
Since making his WEC debut in August, 2007, a successful one,
a Unanimous Decision victory over Stephen Ledbetter, it’s
been a tough and bumpy ride through the promotion for Jeff “Big
Frog” Curran. The highly regarded veteran went on to face
two of the world’s very best at 145lbs. in Urijah Faber
and Mike Brown, and then, after Curran made the decision to drop
down to bantamweight, rising prospect Joseph Benavidez was there
to greet the former Pride competitor.
Although
the three fight losing streak has likely been a tough pill to
swallow for Curran, especially for a fighter who lost just twice
from 2004 through almost all of 2007, the accomplished veteran
arrived in the WEC looking to fight the world’s best. Up
next, Curran will once again take on one of the promotion’s
toughest in Takeya Mizugaki, the man who pushed WEC Bantamweight
Champion Miguel Torres to his limits back in April.
“My
initial reaction was I was just glad to get a shot,” Curran
told FCF, when asked about how the August 9th bout came together.
“I know I’ve had really good fights and I’m fighting
the top guys but I’m still coming off three losses. I was
a little shocked that they were giving me such a high level fight
but at the same time, after talking about it with them, I’m
on a higher pay scale; I’m one of the higher level guys
in the organization so they need to use me for high level fights.
I’m excited.”
“He
proved himself with Torres you know?” Curran added while
commenting on Mizugaki. “Some people thought that was his
fight. The earlier part of the fight was his. Torres won the
later part of the fight; somewhere in the middle the pace changed,
but a lot of people think he won that fight.”
Mizugaki,
who made is WEC debut as a replacement for the injured Brian
Bowles, had won 5 straight fights competing in Japan, before
surprising many around the MMA world with his memorable performance
against Torres.
“I
had heard about him but I didn’t know much about him,”
Curran conceded when asked about whether or not he was surprised
by Mizugaki that night. “Once I saw that he was fighting
Torres I started researching it. Once I started researching it
I realized I had heard his name before.”
“I
honestly think he’s well balanced, he matches up well with
me all around,” Curran said while assessing the Japanese
bantamweight’s abilities. “He’s really composed.
He’s not a wild guy, and he’s going to box with me
if I want to box with him, which I think plays a little bit into
my favor, especially if I can get into that groove where I’m
boxing with him. I definitely think I have the advantage on the
ground, so my biggest intention is to try to get a hold of him
and try to school him in that department.”
When
Curran announced that he was dropping down to 135, immediately
discussions pertaining to a possible bout between him and the
champion Torres, (who also lives and trains in the Chicago area)
began circulating around the internet.
“I
was always focused on Benavidez when the talk about Torres started,”
said Curran, who now holds a professional record of 29-11-1.
“When the talk about Miguel started the only reason that
I really brought it up and played into it was because the fight
was taking place on the local level. I felt like it brought that
into it, so I’m not looking past Mizugaki, just like I didn’t
look past Benavidez, but I definitely want to fight Torres. I’d
like to fight him whether or not he’s champion. I just want
to get a shot at him, and quite honestly, I’d like to get
another shot at Urijah Faber. If I can get a on a winning streak
I’d like to fight him at 135 or 145 it doesn’t matter.
I definitely would like another shot at him.”
Source: Full Contact Fighter
|
Bitetti
and Nogueira’s training for Couture
By Guilherme Cruz
Two
times open class world champion of Jiu-Jitsu, Amaury Bitetti
is excited for the next fight of Rodrigo "Minotauro"
in the UFC. Responsible for the ground trainings of the former
champion, Bitetti talked with TATAME about the preparation of
the heavyweight for the fight against Randy Couture, in UFC 102.
"I
arrived here in the United States now and Minotauro called me
saying that will train in the mountains (Colorado), then he’ll
returns to California, in Black House. The expectation is big,
he is excited, training hard, and has already done all the exams...
He is ready", says Amaury, eyeing, also, at the fight between
Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir, on August 11 (UFC 100).
"This
combat will be a tough fight to Frank Mir, because Lesnar developed
a lot, is training with (Rodrigo) Comprido and other good coaches,
and has a strong gripping. It will be a great fight", analyzes
the black belt, seeing no favoritism to either side. "Mir
isn’t fool... He can catch some submission, but, if he tries
to strike, Lesnar knocks him out".
Source: Tatame
|
10
July Tussles Worth Watching
by Tim Leidecker
One might think -- and rightfully so -- that UFC 100 on July
11 in Las Vegas obscures and eclipses all other mixed martial
arts action this month. Sadly, it’s not much of a stretch.
Besides the always-industrious Japanese promoters and the odd
regional U.S. show with a compelling main event, July represents
a summer break for the sport.
Still,
Sherdog.com managed to compile a rundown of 10 worthy tussles
for July.
As
always, this list does not focus on the major bouts you already
know to watch but rather on fights from all over the planet that
are worth seeing.
10.
Robert Westermann vs. Ric Schreiter
Fight Club Vogtland, July 4 -- Plauen, Germany
Westermann
and Schreiter are two of the true pioneers of German MMA. Their
bout serves as a rematch from their first encounter five years
ago, when Schreiter won by first-round submission. The loss has
long haunted Westermann, considered one of the premier German
grapplers at his weight. Schreiter, on the other hand, remains
one of the country’s most decorated wrestlers, with more
than 500 amateur matches under his belt. Can Westermann overcome
the weight difference and avenge an earlier defeat?
9.
Alavutdin Gadjiev vs. Kazuhiro Hamanaka
Cage Force & Valkyrie, July 12 -- Tokyo
Two
athletes who have fought on some of the biggest stages in the
world find themselves on the undercard of a women’s MMA
main event. Russian sambo stylist Gadjiev was a hot property
early last summer until he accepted and lost a short-notice bout
against Ralek Gracie, a man who outweighed him by 15 pounds.
Meanwhile, Kazushi Sakuraba student Hamanaka’s fall from
grace has been a long and painful one. Will the 30-year-old professional
wrestler regain the form that once made him one of the most promising
Japanese talents at 205 pounds?
8.
Gan McGee vs. Ruben Villareal
Pure Combat 9 “Home Turf,” July 25 -- Visalia, Calif.
Six-foot-10
giant McGee was once a sought-after American heavyweight. After
wins against Paul Buentello and Pedro Rizzo, he even challenged
for the UFC crown in 2003, falling to Tim Sylvia. Following three
straight defeats, he left the game for more than four years.
Ruben Villareal has also fought a couple of notable names but
for all the wrong reasons; “Warpath” has always earned
high-profile fights by accepting them as a last-minute substitute.
7.
Andrew Fisher vs. Martin Stapleton
Strike & Submit 11, July 5 -- Dunston, England
With
Strike & Submit British lightweight champion Ross Pearson
unable to defend his title because of his win on Season 9 of
“The Ultimate Fighter,” the promotion has put his strap
up for grabs. Fellow TUF alumnus Stapleton will duke it out with
another promising prospect, Fisher, for the vacant title. Fisher,
a 23-year-old submission expert and former middleweight, had
won four in a row prior to his defeat to Paul Sass in October.
James
Edson Berto returns
to his hometown promotion.6. James Edson Berto vs. Jason Ball
Real Fighting Championships 18 “Pride,” July 24 --
Tampa, Fla.
Leglock
master Berto, who traded leather with Karl James Noons and Yves
Edwards during his stint in EliteXC, returns to his hometown
promotion, RFC, for the second time this year. Ball, an experienced
and well-rounded Englishman, will meet him in the middle. The
Cage Warriors veteran became only the second fighter top stop
durable Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Alexandre Izidro this
spring and also holds notable wins against Leslee Ojugbana and
Aidan Marron.
5.
Ricco Rodriguez vs. Mario Rinaldi
World Fighting Championships “Battle of the Bay 8,”
July 10 -- Tampa, Fla.
Another
of Florida’s many local promotions returns with arguably
its strongest effort to date. Former UFC heavyweight champion
Rodriguez will headline the 11-fight card, as he takes on American
Top Team’s Rinaldi. Their career paths have intersected
at the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships, where
Rodriguez has medaled four times and Rinaldi reached the quarter-finals
in 2007.
4.
Hacran Dias vs. Ui Cheol Nam
M-1 Challenge 17, July 4 -- Seoul, South Korea
Nova
Uniao has slowly but surely established itself as the number
one fight team in Brazil and has positioned its top talent in
the biggest promotions in the world. Dias, an undefeated prospect,
wants to be the next to make the jump. The 25-year-old Brazilian
jiu-jitsu brown belt, having risen from the Complexo do Alemao
favela, the most violent slum in Rio de Janeiro, will take on
Spirit Martial Challenge veteran Nam. The 27-year-old submission
wrestler went 8-0 in Korea’s most prominent organization
and wants nothing more than to chalk up his first win on the
M-1 Challenge circuit in front of his fellow countrymen.
3.
Masakatsu Ueda vs. Eduardo Dantas
Shooto, July 19 -- Tokyo
Nova
Uniao’s 20-year-old Shooto South American champion, “Dudu”
Dantas, will challenge Ueda for the promotion’s 132-pound
world title. The 31-year-old Ueda will defend the belt for the
third time since he captured it against then undefeated Koetsu
Okazaki in March 2008. Dantas will undoubtedly look for some
valuable tips from teammate Marcos Galvao, who fought Ueda to
a draw in September. Can “Dudu” accomplish what “Louro”
could not?
2.
Shinya Aoki vs. Vitor Ribeiro
Dream 10, July 20 -- Saitama, Japan
Although
he recently relocated to New York, former Shooto welterweight
champion Ribeiro remains a Novo Uniao product and one of the
finest students of legendary black belt Andre Pederneiras. “Shaolin”
returned from an 18-month injury layoff in April, as he stopped
Japanese Olympic wrestler Katsuhiko Nagata on first-round strikes.
He now faces the current poster child of Japanese MMA, Aoki,
in one of the summer’s most-anticipated showdowns. Which
BJJ style will prove more advanced, the one Pederneiras taught
Ribeiro or the one Aoki learned from his master, Yuki Nakai?
1.
Georges St. Pierre vs. Thiago Alves
UFC 100, July 11 -- Las Vegas
Technically
the co-headliner to Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir 2, St. Pierre’s
welterweight title defense against the powerful Brazilian ranks
as every purist’s main event of the summer. With both fighters
well-rounded, well-conditioned and finely tuned, the matchup
boils down to the champion’s game plan. Unlikely to stand
and trade with the dangerous muay Thai specialist, it seems like
a good bet to expect St. Pierre to take the conservative route
and try to control Alves on the ground.
Source: Sherdog
|
Rolles
back at Art of War
Event in China set for July 18
The
makers of Chinese event Art of War released the following information
regarding their upcoming July 18 show:
ART
OF WAR 13: RISING FORCE
Since
2005, the Art of War Fighting Championship® has strived to
establish itself as China's premier mixed martial arts organization.
Featuring China's best martial arts athletes, the Art of War®
is recognized by fans and industry experts as the pioneer and
leader of China's mixed martial arts revolution. The Art of War
Fighting Championship® 13 - "Rising Force" returns
to the National Olympic Sports Center on July 18, 2009 with 12
action-packed mixed martial arts fights for your entertainment
pleasure.
Under
Card:
84 kg - Xu Chao (China) versus Yoann Gouaida (France)
90 kg - Luo Qiang (China) versus Dorjderem Munkhayasgalan (Mongolia)
78 kg - Kim Dong Hyung (Korea) versus Lubomir Guedjev (Bulgaria)
66 kg - Ning Guang You (China) versus Kang Kyung Ho (Korea)
72 kg - Bernueng Sakhomsin (Thailand) versus Jadambaa Narantungalag
(Mongolia)
Main
Card:
72 kg - Yu Woo Sung (Korea) versus Egon Racz (Slovakia)
72 kg - Wu Hao Tian (China) versus Shukhrat Minavarov (Uzbekistan)
96+ kg - Katsuhisa Fujii (Japan) versus Rodney Glunder (Holland)
72 kg - Dai Shuang Hai (China) versus Marcin Pionke (Poland)
96+ kg - Rolles Gracie (Brazil) versus Yim Joon Soo (Korea)
78 kg - Wang Sai (China) versus Claes Beverlov (Sweden)
*Fight
card subject to change
Let's
take a look at the main card...
72
kg match
The main card will feature up-and-coming Korean fighter, Yu Woo
Sung "Bronco" (10-3), who was the 2006 Spirit MC Welterweight
Tournament Finalist. His opponent is the always tough and durable,
Egon Racz (1-2) of Slovakia, who is returning to the Art of War
ring after a one year absence. Bronco is a very strong wrestler
who will look to bring the fight to the ground where his powerful
ground and pound skills give him a big advantage. Racz is an
expert striker with over 100 matches to his credit and also the
2006 European open Muay Thai champion, and the 2005 European
kickboxing champion. No doubt he will be looking to stop Bronco
with a powerful knockout.
72
kg match
After dominating his opponent in AOW12, Chinese fighter, Wu Hao
Tian (6-0), will be returning to face his toughest challenge
yet in Shukhrat Minavarov of Uzbekistan. Minavarov is a 3x Central
Asia kickboxing champion and 2007 World Kickboxing Federation
world champion. Wu Hao Tian will have to display perfect grappling
skills if he is to get Minavarov to the ground and force the
submission. Minavarov is also an expert in combat sambo and claims
to be unafraid of Wu Hao Tian's ground skills.
96+
kg match
Katsuhisa Fujii (9-17) of Japan will face the very dangerous
Rodney Glunder (25-18) of Holland. Fujii is an expert grappler
and is a disciple of famous Pride veteran, Kazuyuki Fujita. His
opponent, Rodney Glunder, has wins over Melvin Manhoef, Cheik
Congo, Valentijn Overeem, and Cyrille Diabate. Fujii is coming
off a tough loss to Korean MMA superstar Choi Mu Bae and wants
to get back on the winning side.
72
kg match
Dai Shuang Hai (8-0-3) "The Wolf" of China will face
undefeated Polish superstar, Marcin Pionke (6-0), who is a disciple
of Olympic Judo Champion, Pawel Nastula. Both are expert grapplers
and strikers. Will youth and power prevail over technique and
experience?
96+
kg match
Rolles Gracie (2-0) of Brazil will be facing Korean fighter Yim
Joon Soo (5-5). Rolles Gracie is coming off a submission victory
over Baga Agaev in Art of War 12 while Yim Joon Soo is coming
off a KO victory over Yang Cheng in Art of War 11. Will Gracie
be able to take the fight to the ground? Yim Joon Soo has devastating
power in his hands and has proven it in previous MMA bouts. Will
he be able to keep the fight standing and KO Gracie?
78
kg match
In the main event, up and coming Chinese fighter Wang Sai (2-0)
will be facing Swedish newcomer, Claes Beverlov (5-2). Wang Sai
will be facing a much more experienced opponent, but he has proven
that he can remain calm under pressure. Beverlov is a product
of the famous Legacy Gym under the leadership of Ole Baguio Larsen.
This is a match up of the young guns and will no doubt end in
knock out or submission.
The
undercard will feature the return of WMC 70 kg world champion
Bernueng Sahkomsin verus Jadambaa Narantungalag of Mongolia,
who is a K1 veteran having faced such great fighters as Kid Yamamoto
and Buakaw Por Pramuk. Also, Ning Guang You "The Tank"
will fight Kang Kyung Ho, who is a veteran of Korea's Spirit
MC and also the winner of Go! Super Korean Season 3, an MMA reality
show.
What:
Art of War 13 - Rising Force
When: Saturday, July 18, 2009
Where: National Olympic Sports Center
Time: 2:00 pm (doors open) 4:00 pm (event starts)
Tickets: http://www.piao.com.cn or call 400-810-3721
Information: http://www.mmachina.com or call 010-5129-5028
The
Art of War Fighting Championship® can be seen on Inner Mongolia
Satellite TV (NMTV) from within China every SUNDAY afternoon
from 12:40 pm - 1:30 pm.
Visit
our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/artofwarfc.
For more information, please visit our website at http://www.mmachina.com.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Drew
Fickett inebriated, fails pre-fight physical
Former top ranked welterweight Drew Fickett failed his pre-fight
physical and was not allowed to compete this past Saturday at
Rage in the Cage 129 in Glove, Arizona.
Fickett was scheduled to take on one-time PRIDE competitor Shannon
"The Cannon" Ritch but the featured bout was canceled
when Fickett showed up inebriated for his physical.
According
to Ritch, Fickett submitted to a Breathalizer test and was considered
legally drunk.
Attempts
to secure a replacement were unsuccessful, but Ritch was paid
his fight purse in full.
Fickett
in 2005 was considered one of the best welterweights in the world
and last year was close to fighting Jake Shields for the EliteXC
belt. From April 1999 through June 2008, Fickett's MMA record
was 34-5 with victories over Josh Koscheck, Josh Neer, Kurt Pellegrino
and Kenny Florian. He has since lost seven of his last nine fights.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Behind
a Successful Man is a Great Manon
MFC Staff Keith Grienke
A successful MMA fighter needs a great cornerman. The corner
influences strategy, supports, and instructs their fighter. Not
only does the corner celebrate their fighter's victory, but they
are also there when the opponent’s hand is raised. The corner
rarely gets the spotlight, but they are always in close proximity
to the action. A successful promoter needs a great cornerman
as well. Mark Pavelich's corner is covered by his wife, Manon
Pavelich. Mark Pavelich has received many accolades as the President
of Maximum Fighting Championship and he is the first one to say
that a major reason for this success is his cornerman, or rather
cornerwoman, Manon Pavelich.
Fans know all about the MFC president and are getting more familiar
with his son, HeatXC frontman, Dave Pavelich – but what
about Manon? Manon is modest and does not boast about all she
has helped her husband to accomplish. After overcoming her initial
reluctance to talk about herself, one is amazed by how outgoing
she becomes as she discusses, in her charming French-Croatian
accent, her business, her friends, and most importantly, her
family.
Manon
and Mark Pavelich have been married twenty-three years. They
first met in Montreal at a restaurant at a time when Manon had
yet to learn English. Their language barrier did not stop the
couple from falling in love and marrying. Together they have
gone on to proudly raise two children, Dave and Kayla. Their
collaboration has also produced the number one MMA promotion
in Canada.
Initially, the two opened a successful entertainment business,
but then Mark was bitten by the MMA bug. Together they opened
a gym and launched the MFC. “I did not like all the fighting
at first and would watch movies in my room when Mark watched
early UFCs,” admits Manon. “I watched Mark teach at
the gym and became fascinated by the sport once I knew the work
ethic and amazing techniques that are behind the fight, but I
still do not like the blood,” she laughs.
"I'm
nobody", she modestly states. "I'm just a behind-the-scenes
girl". Her husband, and number one fan, disagrees vehemently
"Manon is 100% the reason why MFC is the number one show
in Canada. She worked out how to make money at mixed martial
arts". Ten years ago, Manon and Mark had to take a hiatus
from MFC. “MMA was foreign to people and was a difficult
business,” says Mark, “We needed to make some money,
so we went back to the entertainment business.”
So how did Mark resurrect his faltering MMA promotion? Mark
points to his wife, “Manon figured it out! She knew I loved
MMA and my passion was dying due to the early failures of MFC.”
Manon came to his office one day and declared that she knew
how to make money at mixed martial arts. Her strategy? “Right
now MFC spends 95% of its time on fighters and 5% on sponsors.
If we spend 95% of our time on sponsors, we will be the biggest
Canadian show in three years and in ten years we could be top
five in the world.” She was right. As Mark treated each
MFC event “like a professional sporting event, like an Oiler
game” and worked the phones for sponsors everyday, Maximum
Fighting Championship gradually became the biggest Canadian show.
Manon, who in addition to raising her family, created a ticket
network that sells out every MFC show. She is involved in most
aspects of the business. She believes in personal service and
delivers many of the tickets herself. “I love to socialize
with people even if it is only five minutes. People are special
to me!” “We have 1800 seats for MFC and Manon has
1800 friends!” claims her proud husband. She is also a
task master and once in a while brings out the whip. When she
heard her husband and son were on MMA forums all day she told
them, “Don’t go on there with negative people. You
should be phoning people.” Manon knows that her husband
and her son do their best work when they are talking with their
fans, sponsors, and fighters.
One of the dreams of her childhood was to create her own brand
– a perfume, a fashion, a car dealership – something
with her name on it and she has proudly accomplished this dream
with her family. “I want my kids to be proud and I want
to leave a legacy for them to take over.” Would the MFC
have been successful if it was not a family business? “No
way, I am the only one who understands Mark. People think he
is arrogant but he really is just a perfectionist who loves what
he does. No one but his family could care as much about this
business as he does. Employees cannot care as much as we do.”
For all the work she does, how does the president of the MFC
compensate this remarkable lady? Manon laughs easily, “Take
me out to eat. I hate cooking!” Then she adds, “I
don’t get paid, but I live well. If my kids are happy and
healthy and my husband is happy and healthy, then I am very happy!”
Everyman could use a woman like Manon Pavelich in their corner!
Source: The Fight Network
|
Silva
training with the heavyweights for Keith
By Guilherme Cruz
After
13 victories in the career, being ten by knockout, Thiago Silva
was defeated for the first time in the MMA career, but is getting
prepared to return to the UFC octagon, on August 29 (UFC 102).
For the bout against Keith Jardine, the athlete of the American
Top Team is training with the heavyweights of the team.
"I'm
doing my training here in the ATT with the heavyweights. I'm
doing my training with (Antônio Silva) Bigfoot, Todd (Duffee)
and everybody here. The training is strong as always, I'm training
a lot. Now I’m with the help of Katel Kubis, who came here
and is giving me a Muay Thai training", says the fighter,
commenting about the last fight of his opponent, against Quinton
"Rampage" Jackson. "I thought it was very good.
Both have a very high level, but I'm prepared and well trained.
I know his pros and cons, I'm studying with my coaches and you
will see in time, the strategy is always a surprise".
Source: Tatame
|
UFC
gauging how far they can push the envelope
By Zach Arnold
1)
Their new magazine
MMA
Payout notes that UFC’s mailing list, combined with Men’s
Fitness customer database, will be the backbone for launching
and developing a customer list for their own magazine.
Prediction:
UFC will develop a magazine that is oriented for the general
public, not for hardcore fans. The company won’t go after
other magazines who interview fighters since UFC would likely
consider it free PR. As far as whether the magazine makes a profit,
I don’t think it matters — as long as UFC can generate
enough press coverage through their own means without spending
too much money, it’s a win-win situation for them.
2)
Dana White’s on-again, off-again infatuation with Vitor
Belfort
He
said on YouTube the day after he got Kimbo at the TUF 10 tapings
that he was in Los Angeles for a meeting that would change the
world. Then he said on the UFC web site that he wanted Vitor
Belfort, despite Belfort being under contract. Tampering charges?
How reckless was this? White’s now saying publicly that
he has no interest in Belfort.
Prediction:
If Affliction 3 bombs, my opinion is that Atencio considers filing
a lawsuit and ending up with a settlement. This story also illustrates
that not only is White still unfiltered (think: Youtube incident,
Vitor issues, the whole issues with the video game), but that
the company’s legal team doesn’t give a damn. They
don’t exactly have Jerry McDevitt in their corner, however.
The
mood with UFC, as demonstrated with the Jon Fitch video game
situation, does seem reflective on how Lorenzo Fertitta operates
— good and bad — as we’ve seen with the way Station
Casinos was handled when it went from private to public and now
back to private, along with the various union fights that have
existed with SC.
3)
Continuing fights against sponsors
It’s
insanity. No other major league sport has gotten into as many
fights so quickly (as I can recall) than UFC has with sponsors.
As I stated before, all of this reeks of divide-and-conquer politics
at its worst. Why is this penny-wise and pound foolish? What’s
attracting new talent to MMA is money. Fighters are coming in
because they sense they can make a career in this sport. If you
start taking money directly away from fighters because you’re
cheap or because you want 100% control over the athletes, then
guess what will start happening? People will start leaving the
business or not consider getting into it. As we’ve seen
in Japan, when the money dries up so does the big-league talent
pool.
Prediction:
UFC will continue to push away or blacklist sponsors at an alarming
rate. It will not catch up with them right now, but in a couple
of years the organization will find itself developing so many
enemies that UFC will find the people they shunned aligning with
opposition groups. I also predict that if a slowdown in sponsorship
money continues that there will not be as many blue-chip prospects
coming down the road, despite the fact that the reason most people
want to fight in UFC has more to do with fame than money.
UFC
already has the best of all worlds — they have fighters
as independent contractors and not employees, they don’t
pay fighters outside of whenever the athlete fights, and they
approve/disapprove of sponsors. It’s not a crime to make
a profit, but it’s bad business when you become too cheap
and it starts to negatively impact who wants to be in MMA and
who doesn’t. If you assume people make rational economic
decisions in terms of employment, then drying up how much money
a fighter can make certainly will impact who stays and who goes.
Source: Fight Opinion
|
Fukuda
Captures Deep Middleweight Title
by Tony Loiseleur
TOKYO -- EliteXC veteran Riki Fukuda captured the Deep middleweight
title from Yuichi Nakanishi in the main event of Deep 42 Impact
on Tuesday at Korakuen Hall.
In
victory Fukuda avenged his decision loss to Nakanichi in May
2008, when Nakanichi originally won the title at Deep 35 Impact's
middleweight tournament.
While
Fukuda took the title by split decision, his performance was
less than convincing. Throughout all three rounds, the southpaw
Fukuda chased Nakanishi and looked to wing big left hands for
the knockout. Nakanishi played a counter game, maintaining distance
to land with counter rights and a myriad of solid kicks to the
body. For every solid left straight that Fukuda stung Nakanishi
with, there were at least two body kicks or a one-two waiting
for him in response.
A
standout wrestler, Fukuda only attempted four takedowns over
the three rounds, opting instead to seek the knockout. While
Nakanishi defended all the takedown attempts and played a smart
counter game, it appeared as if Fukuda's forward momentum and
handful of clean lefts won him the bout on the scorecards of
judges Samio Kimura and Kenichi Serizawa. Only judge Koichi Takemura
ruled the bout for the defending champion, Nakanichi.
Dream
and K-1 Hero's vet Kazuyuki Miyata powered his way to a majority
decision over Dream vet Takeshi Yamazaki in one of the evening's
fight of the night candidates. Though Yamazaki had Miyata in
trouble with a tight kneebar into heel hook combo in the first
period, Miyata evened things up with big punches and top control
over the remaining two rounds. Miyata also soccer kicked Yamazaki
in the head in the first, suplexed him late in the third period
and generally ground him up with punches on the mat to convince
judges Kimura and Serizawa that he deserved the win, though judge
Takemura curiously ruled the bout a draw.
Deep
mainstay Ryuta Sakurai and Japanese MMA veteran Hiromitsu Kanehara
fought to an entertaining draw. After Sakurai controlled with
takedowns, dominant position and kimura attempts in the first
round, Kanehara rebounded in the second period, stuffing takedown
attempts to get takedowns of his own. From top or in riding time,
Kanehara won the second round to even up the fight on Kimura’s
and Umeki's scorecards for the draw, with only judge Takemura
awarding the bout to Kanehara.
Things
could have gone better for Japanese TV personality Bernard Ackah,
who racked up two yellow cards for three low blows on Young “Ryo”
Choi. Ackah's inability to move his head had him eating hard
right hands in the first period, and his multiple infractions
-- including a rope grab that prompted an in-ring conference
by all four referees to decide whether to disqualify Ackah --
didn't seem to do him any favors by the second and final frame.
In spite of Ackah's tenacity, judges Takemura, Serizawa and Umeki
awarded the bout to Choi.
Koji
Kanechika used excellent head movement to weave his way into
range to land vicious overhands on Kazuhisa Tazawa. Though Tazawa
showed a little more energy in pushing a grappling game in the
first period, Kanechika's cumulative damage sapped Tazawa's strength,
gassing him to the point of a yellow card for inactivity. Judges
Umeki, Takemura and Kimura thus gave the nod to Kanechika.
Toshikazu
Iseno took a sound decision over Kleber Koike, using the BJJ
stylist's penchant to pull guard from the clinch to rack up points
by punching from above. This, in addition to the few solid punches
Iseno landed on the feet, proved more worthwhile than Koike's
two guillotine attempts for judges Serizawa, Takemura and Umeki,
who ruled the bout unanimously for “Ise.”
There
didn't seem to be a punch that Myeon Ho Bae could miss, sparking
Yusaku Tsukumo early to pound out a dominant first-round effort.
Bae indulged Tsukumo in some grappling in the second period,
and while Tsukumo could more or less hold his own, Bae still
handily controlled and punched his way to a sound unanimous decision.
Shigetoshi
Iwase dominated Shooto banger Taisuke Okuno with superior wrestling
and grappling over two rounds, racking up points for the unanimous
decision. Okuno made it easy for Iwase by pressing forward and
looking for big punches, but left himself open to takedowns and
counterpunches. Though Okuno typically managed to power out of
bad positions, his lack of control cost him the decision.
Other
Results
Yusuke
Kagiyama def. Yasuhiro Kawasaki -- Unan. Dec. 5:00 R2
Tatsumitsu Wada def. Tatsuya Tsuchida -- Submission (RNC) 2:14
R1
Tomoya Kato def. Motoki Awaji -- TKO (Punches) 1:30 R1
Ryota Uozomi def. Pat Uncangco -- Unan. Dec. 5:00 R2
Tomoya Miyashita def. Hiryu Okamoto -- Submission (Guillotine)
1:34 R1
Hiroki Sato def. Kenji Nagai -- Unan. Dec. 5:00 R2
Source: Sherdog
|
Jorge
Rivera signs four-fight deal with UFC
Jorge Rivera has inked a new four-fight contract with the UFC,
the Boston Herald reports.
Rivera has competed ten times for the UFC since UFC 44 "Undisputed"
in September 2003. In 2006, Rivera signed on with "The Ultimate
Fighter 4: The Comeback" to compete in the show's middleweight
competition.
Rivera
won a split decision in April against former WEC competitor Nissen
Osterneck at UFC Fight Night 18 in Nashville. According to the
Boston Herald, Rivera is hoping for a return in early fall once
he finishes rehabbing an injured left shoulder.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Quote
of the Day
“No
pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed an
uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.”
Helen Keller
|
WEC
ANNOUNCES FULL CARD FOR WEC 42
World Extreme Cagefighting on Monday announced the remaining
bouts for WEC 42: Torres vs. Bowles live from The Joint at Hard
Rock Hotel and Casino on Aug. 9.
Tickets
for Torres vs. Bowles are on sale now and priced at $40, $55,
$85, $100, $125, $175, and $225. Torres vs. Bowles will be televised
nationally live on VERSUS beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m.
PT.
In
addition to the bantamweight title bout between champion Miguel
Angel Torres (36-1) and Brian Bowles (7-0), nine other bouts
round out a stacked card in Las Vegas.
With
Torres and Bowles trading leather in the main event to determine
the sport’s best bantamweight, two other top 135-pounders
will meet to determine the next probable title challenger. Sacramento’s
Joseph Benavidez (10-0), a pupil of former featherweight champion
Urijah Faber, brings his exciting style to The Joint at Hard
Rock to face San Diego’s Dominick Cruz (13-1). A speedy,
precision-punching New Mexico native, Benavidez is coming off
the biggest win of his career in April, a unanimous decision
win over Jeff Curran. Now matched with Cruz, Benavidez believes
a win will solidify his spot as the number one contender in the
bantamweight division. Much like his opponent, the 24-year-old
Cruz hopes a win will propel him toward championship glory. Riding
a three-fight winning streak, the hard-hitting Californian promises
fireworks when he goes to battle with Benavidez.
Exciting
lightweights Danny Castillo (7-1) and Ricardo Lamas (6-0) collide
in a battle that will move the winner one step closer to a shot
at the 155-pound title. A member of Urijah Faber’s Team
Alpha Male in Sacramento, Calif., Castillo is a former two-time
NAIA All American wrestler who boasts excellent grappling. The
San Francisco native, riding a two-fight winning streak in the
WEC, hopes to use his wrestling prowess to overpower the unbeaten
Lamas. Coming off a victory over Bart Palaszewski in March, the
Chicago-based Lamas is explosive and well-rounded. Nicknamed
“The Bully,” Lamas looks to dominate Castillo and push
closer to joining the lightweight elite.
After
engaging in a war with Miguel Angel Torres in a Fight of the
Year candidate in April, Japanese striker Takeya Mizugaki (11-3-2)
returns to the WEC with aims of earning another shot at the champion.
Before he gets a second title opportunity though, the gritty,
crowd-pleasing Mizugaki must first defeat tested veteran Jeff
Curran (31-11-1). At the age of 31, perhaps no fighter has faced
the quality opposition than that of Island Lake, Illinois’
Curran. Over the past two years, Curran has exchanged strikes
with the likes of Urijah Faber, Mike Brown, and Joseph Benavidez.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, who has also competed as
a professional boxer, hopes to thwart Mizugaki’s championship
aspirations and paint himself into the bantamweight title picture.
Lubbock,
TX native Leonard Garcia (16-4) looks to get one step closer
to another crack at the featherweight title when he faces Jameel
Massouh (21-5) of Kenosha, Wis. in August. A well-conditioned,
entertaining competitor fighting out of Greg Jackson’s camp
in Albuquerque, NM, Garcia fell short against champion Mike Brown
in his last fight in March, but is determined to get back in
title contention. In order to do so, he’ll need to be prepared
for the versatile Massouh. A great striker with competent ground
skills, the former Pancrase star is seeking his first WEC win
and hopes to do so by defeating Garcia.
Four-time
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Fredson Paixao (8-3) hopes
to get his first WEC win when he takes on four-time NCAA Division
II National wrestling champion Cole Province (6-1) in his adopted
hometown of Las Vegas. Known universally as the “King of
Wristlocks,” the 145-pound Paixao brings his unique, technical
brand of submission fighting to the cage. Originally from Amazonas,
Brazil, the 30-year-old Paixao believes his superior grappling
will guide him to victory. Standing in his way is the powerful
Province. A star wrestler at the University of Central Oklahoma,
the once-beaten Province relies on relentless ground and pound
to best his opponents. The 28-year-old, who fights out of Edmond,
Okla., hopes to score his seventh professional win by defeating
Paxaio on August 9.
Two
of the lightweight division’s most aggressive competitors
will clash when Marcus Hicks (8-2) of Dallas, TX takes on Las
Vegas resident Shane Roller (5-2). Nicknamed “The Wrecking
Ball,” Hicks is a complete fighter, boasting a Golden Gloves
boxing background, as well as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.
With three wins inside the WEC cage, Hicks hopes to gain momentum
by defeating three-time NCAA All American wrestler Roller. An
equally balanced fighter, Roller was a top wrestler at Oklahoma
State University before launching an MMA career. With submission
victories over Todd Moore and Mike Budnik in his WEC career,
Roller is out to show that he possesses the pedigree necessary
to one day rule the 155-pound division.
Heavy-handed
Ed Ratcliff (6-1) of San Diego, Calif. returns to the Octagon®
to take on former Marine Phil Cardella (12-3) of Austin, TX in
lightweight action. A black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Ratcliff burst
onto the WEC scene in 2007 with back-to-back knockout wins over
Johnny Sampaio and Alex Karalexis. Ratcliff seeks his third stoppage
victory in the WEC when he faces the submission-savvy Cardella.
A jiu-jitsu black belt under Relson Gracie, Cardella is no slouch
when it comes to the ground game. The versatile 32-year-old looks
to diffuse Ratcliff’s power and earn his first WEC win when
the two lock horns at Hard Rock.
Brazilian
jiu-jitsu ace Rani Yahya (14-4) hopes to earn his fourth WEC
win when he takes on Tokyo, Japan’s Kenji Osawa (15-8-2)
in bantamweight action. Yahya, originally from Brasilia, Brazil
and now fighting out of San Diego, Calif., is a feared grappler
with a record of 3-1 in the WEC. Each of his victories has come
by way of submission, including his last win via choke over former
champion Eddie Wineland in April. He’ll look to use his
dangerous ground skills against seasoned boxer Osawa. A 32-year-old
striker who rose to stardom in Japan’s Shooto organization,
Osawa relies on his heavy hands and slick boxing to overpower
opponents. He is coming off a decision victory over Rafael Rebello
in March and hopes to climb the 135-pound ladder with a win over
Yahya.
It
will be a classic striker vs. grappler matchup when featherweights
Diego Nunes (12-0) and Rafael Dias (13-5-1) collide on Aug. 9.
A former Brazilian Muay Thai champion, the 26-year-old Nunes
of Caxias do Sul, Brazil is a ferocious standup fighter who scored
a unanimous decision win over Cole Province in his WEC debut
last December. He’ll look to keep the action on the feet
when he battles Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Rafael Dias. A
product of the famed American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL,
Dias scored his first WEC win in April via unanimous decision
over Mike Budnik. Holding a three-inch height advantage over
Dias, the Rio de Janeiro-born Dias will look to impose his will
and take another step toward the featherweight title.
Source: MMA Weekly |
BACK
TO THE WALL, IT'S DO OR DIE FOR MAC DANZIG
Coming into season six of The Ultimate Fighter, Mac Danzig was
believed to be one of the most well rounded and respected guys
out of any season. An early favorite to win, he showed the versatility
which would be essential for a fighter exiting TUF and transitioning
into the big show that is the UFC.
Submitting
runner-up Tommy Speer en route to a six-figure contract with
the 800-pound gorilla organization would mark his fourth submission
victory in a row, including his three exhibition bouts during
his time in the house. His exhibition wins included Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu ace Joe Scarolla via triangle choke and the always
tough John Kolosci twice by rear naked choke, none making it
out of the first round.
The
self-proclaimed vegan was successful in his first bout outside
of the TUF banner. On his pay-per-view debut at UFC 83 "St.
Pierre vs. Serra II,” Danzig submitted Mark Bocek in the
third round in front of his fellow Canadians after softening
him up with superior stand-up, using effective knees and boxing
from the outside, changing levels and sticking his jab.
Though
many were optimistic of Danzig’s potential as a true lightweight
contender, he has been on a stroll down ‘bad luck lane,’
unsuccessful in his last two outings, outwrestled by the enigmatic
Clay Guida and than submitted by Miletich product Josh Neer.
There
is no such thing as an easy fight in the UFC.
In
familiar territory, Danzig has been here before. His entrance
into The Ultimate Fighter house came on the heels of two consecutive
losses; a decision loss to Clay French losing his King of the
Cage lightweight title, and in his next fight, a knockout loss
to Japanese star Hayato Sakurai for the now defunct Pride organization.
The
pressures of losing always looming over a fighters head is difficult
in itself, but the Pittsburgh native is faced with a whole new
pressure. Most would say being the winner of any season of The
Ultimate Fighter is almost like walking around with a bulls-eye
on your back and coupled with facing the adversity of new challenges
awaiting him, Danzig is using this fight as motivation in ways
unimaginable.
“I
put a lot of pressure on myself leading up to that Neer fight
and fighters are superstitious. I try not to be too superstitious,
but I can’t help it sometimes, it’s the nature of the
beast. Looking back at it, maybe I shouldn’t have put so
much pressure on myself. Going into this one, let’s face
it, it’s do or die for me.
“I
don’t want to lose my job with the UFC.”
The
newly minted father of a seven-month old baby girl will look
to take on another difficult challenge in opponent Jim Miller,
who is coming off of a loss of his own to Gray Maynard, another
prized lightweight prospect and training partner to Danzig out
of the famed Xtreme Couture camp in Las Vegas.
Always
one to keep his composure, Danzig will need his sense of self
when he faces Miller in what is hyped to be the biggest card
in the company’s history at UFC 100 on July 11 in Las Vegas.
Though most are openly ecstatic at the opportunity, Danzig takes
a different approach to the situation, as a true professional
would.
“It
depends on how you think of it. I try to do my best not to think
of stuff like that because I don’t want to get over excited
or nervous, I just try to stay focused on the task at hand and
I try to treat it just like any other fight and that’s the
best way for me to deal with something like this mentally.
“I’ll
enjoy it more when the fight is done,” he explained.
Though
New Jersey's Miller is an opponent who brings many dangerous
tools into the fight, it’s his name recognition that is
still lacking inside the UFC. He is still looking for a signature
win to make a big impact in his division.
“I’m
facing an extremely tough guy. It’s a tough fight because
he’s one of those guys where he doesn’t really have
a big name in the sport yet because he hasn’t got a chance
to show what he’s all about against guys on a main card.
People from the main stream fans that don’t really follow
the sport closely probably expect me to win and it’s a tough
situation.”
With
fight time nearing and training culminating this week, Danzig
will lay it all on the line once again in order to cement his
job inside the organization where a wayward East to West Coast
trip seven years ago has brought him to today, in this moment.
“What
else can I do but train my ass off and fight? That’s what
I’m gonna do. The pressure is there, but I gotta put that
out of my mind and do my best to beat this guy.”
Source: MMA Weekly |
UFC
100: JIM MILLER, "I WANT TOUGH FIGHTS"
Jim Miller seemed to be on the fast track towards a title shot,
since making his long anticipated debut in the big show at UFC
89, when he squared off against the highly touted David Baron.
Baron just had come off the biggest win of his career, submitting
prized Japanese fighter Hayato Sakurai in the first round.
After
handing Baron his first loss in five fights with an impressive
third-round rear naked choke (garnering Submission of the Night),
he followed up the victory with another exciting performance
with a unanimous decision win over Ultimate Fighter veteran Matt
Wiman, who was on a four-fight win streak inside the Octagon.
Now
on the heels of his first loss inside the UFC and only second
overall coming against rising prospect Gray Maynard, the New
Jersey native will look to regain the momentum he lost when he
faces Season Six winner of The Ultimate Fighter, Mac Danzig.
The bout marks one of his sternest tests to date as a professional
fighter and a win would undoubtedly cement his spot back near
the top of the lightweight ladder.
Not
to mention his fight with Danzig is to be on the UFC’s centennial
card, which by no stretch of the matter is a big deal in and
of itself.
“(The
UFC) is going to put on such a big show; that’s so respectful,”
explained one-half of the Miller brothers.
“The
size of the event, I think just all of Vegas, there’s gonna
be a buzz with the UFC itself. It should be great publicity to
be on the card.”
While
Miller garnered his first loss back in 2006, against fellow UFC
fighter and current training partner Frankie Edgar, he is well
aware of how to adapt a loss and turn it into a positive, gaining
the most from the situation in order to continue to improve himself
as a fighter.
“Like
they always say, you learn more from a loss than you do from
a win.”
Though
Danzig has been on a slide as of late, going 0-2 in his two most
recent outings in the UFC against the grizzly Clay Guida and
the always-tough Josh Neer (respectively), Miller chooses to
ignore those performances and judge Danzig as a whole. He recognizes
the talents and the ferocity that Danzig will bring into their
bout when they lock horns on July 11. It's a bout that could
very well be a ‘loser leaves town’ kind of bout.
“I’m
coming off one loss, he’s coming off two. If I was coming
off another loss in a row I’d definitely be really fired
up to go out there and whoop some ass. I’m actually looking
forward to it; I hope he comes after me. I want to be in a fun
fight.”
Always
one to please, Miller is approaching this bout like any other
and is well aware of the dangers of Danzig, knowing full well
that despite the losses, he is as complete a fighter as there
is in the lightweight division, using his stand-up and ground
game effectively in all of his fights. However, it’s the
threat that Danzig brings that excites Miller the most, who constantly
wants to test himself to prove that he belongs amongst the best
in his class.
“I
know he’s dangerous everywhere. He’s probably one of
the better guys everywhere that I’ve fought. He definitely
has a great (submission) game and he’s got very solid hands,
so he’s a threat wherever the fight leads. I just look at
it as I want tough fights. That’s what I want, that’s
why I’m here. The Gray (Maynard) fight was my third fight
in the UFC and I’m fighting a top contender, in a matter
of months. It’s where I think I belong and it’s where
I want to stay.”
Source: MMA Weekly |
AKIHIRO
GONO RETURNS TO JAPAN AT SENGOKU 9
World Victory Road on Tuesday announced the opponent for Akihiro
Gono's return to Japan. He will face Dan Hornbuckle at Sengoku
9 on Aug. 2 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Gono
returns to compete in his home country following an unsuccessful
stint with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the United States.
He was 1-2 in his three UFC appearances defeating Tamdan McCrory
in his Octagon debut before losing back-to-back bouts to Dan
Hardy and Jon Fitch.
In
his 15th year as a professional mixed martial artist, Gono is
an extremely popular fighter in Japan, having spent the better
part of his career fighting for Shooto, Pancrase, and Pride.
Hornbuckle
is an accomplished fighter from the Midwestern United States.
He has fought once before for World Victory Road, losing to Mike
Pyle at Sengoku 2. He brings with him a 17-2 professional record,
but will be facing his sternest test to date in Gono.
Sengoku
9 features the semi-final and final rounds of the promotion's
Featherweight Grand Prix tournament. The main card will air on
HDNet in the United States.
Source: MMA Weekly |
CERRONE
VS HENDERSON IS FOR THE INTERIM TITLE
World Extreme Cagefighting is heading to Youngstown, Ohio for
WEC 43. Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone is fighting Ben Henderson
in the main event. Current lightweight champion Jamie Varner,
however, is not being stripped of his title.
Cerrone
vs. Henderson is for a title, but it will be an interim lightweight
belt, as MMAWeekly.com first reported late last week.
There
was some confusion surrounding the title designation for the
Cerrone vs. Henderson bout stemming from a report on Vindy.com,
which stated that Varner was going to be stripped of the belt
due to the uncertain time frame for his return from injury.
"I
think there was just some misunderstanding in what I said and
it is an interim belt. It is not a vacant title," WEC General
Manager Reed Harris told MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday.
He
added that there are no plans at all to strip Varner of his title.
The interim title fight is just that, an interim championship
to keep the division moving forward while Varner recovers.
"What
we wanted Jamie to do prior to actually scheduling (a rematch
with Cerrone) was to get cleared by his physician and his physician
wouldn't clear him. So what we decided is we need to move the
division forward. Then we decided to do an interim belt,"
explained Harris.
"(Varner's
recovery time) is indefinite and we're going to wait to hear
from Jamie and his physician as far as him being cleared to fight.
As soon as he's cleared to fight, I'd be more than happy to set
up a fight for him."
Until
Varner does return, the WEC will have a new champion come Sept.
2 after the promotion lands in Ohio for the first time in its
history. The interim title bout pits two of the top rising contenders
in lightweight division, and two men that will be counting on
their high-paced styles to bring excitement to the bout, not
the out of the cage war of words surrounding Cerrone and Varner.
“He's
got an awesome ground game and he’s a superior wrestler,”
Cerrone said of Henderson. “The only thing he lacks is his
stand-up. I believe that I have what it takes to become champion.
I know Ben well and like him, but when the cage door closes,
I want to win that belt.”
“There
are guys who get in the cage and you can see in their eyes that
they’re a little bit overwhelmed by the whole thing,”
Henderson said. “I don’t think I’ll be overwhelmed.
I love Cerrone’s game and his ‘Terminator’ style.
He just keeps coming forward. As far as standing up with him
and trading some blows, I’d love to. Let’s go out there
and have fun.”
Cerrone
vs. Henderson will be televised nationally live on the Versus
network.
Source: MMA Weekly |
PAUL
BUENTELLO: "EVERYBODY'S COUNTING ME OUT"
The hype train hasn’t even begun to roll yet, and Paul “The
Headhunter” Buentello (27-10) feels he’s been cast
as the underdog for his fight with Gilbert Yvel at Affliction
"Trilogy." And that’s exciting to him, because
there’s nowhere to go but up.
“Everybody’s
already counting me out. I’ve gotta be able to do this,
and be able to do that, and I love being in that position,”
said Buentello. “I don’t like being in the top position.
I love being counted out.”
The
35-year-old Texan doesn’t name his accusers, and says the
pessimists are "people giving their opinion." He often
takes cues from Internet message boards, and likes to have fun
with the MMA public’s perception of him, frequently enlisting
fans to provide feedback on his career path. Apparently, somebody
out there doesn't like the match-up.
Five
weeks ago, Buentello began training with the knowledge he’d
be back in the ring on Aug. 1, against whom he didn’t know.
Gilbert Yvel emerged as his opponent for Affliction “Trilogy,”
earning a spot on the event’s main card with a blistering
knockout of veteran Pedro Rizzo.
Until
the event, Buentello will reside at American Kickboxing Academy,
getting ready to combat Yvel’s stand-up centered attack.
Buentello
says he hasn’t shot for a takedown once in his career, and
unless Yvel offers him a surefire way to get on top, doesn’t
plan on making an exception.
His
trainer, Bob Cook, says his pay will be earned that night.
“This
is going to be a long night, your cardio has to be really, really
good,” said Buentello.
It’s
safe to say that he will face a far greater challenge than his
last fight, against Kiril “Baby Fedor” Sidelnikov,
who he systematically punished for three rounds before the referee
took mercy on the Russian. Sidelnikov later tested positive for
steroids and was suspended for a year by the California State
Athletic Commission.
Yvel,
now under the tutelage of MMA pioneer John Lewis, appears to
have turned a corner in his training. He's more patient and less
“Hurricane.” Still, he retains the aura of a bully
who’s sudden streaks of violence – whether in or out
of the ring – destroy fighters who let him play his game.
Those who take him to the ground are virtually guaranteed a chance
to be not only competitive, but dominant.
Buentello’s
heavy hands and willingness to engage are his best allies in
the fight.
“Just
try to break that aura,” he said of his model for bullies.
“Stay in their face. Throw as many punches as I can. If
you’ve ever heard that saying, a fighter can never be made,
you’re either born with it or you’re not? Everybody
knows I don’t have the skill. I don’t have that look.
But I guarantee, and everybody knows, if I show up to fight,
I’m gonna bring it. I’m a gamer.
“That’s
one of the things that makes it interesting. He don’t care,
and I’ve been through some really tough fights and I don’t
care what happens. I’m going to let my hands go no matter
what. Yvel’s going to bring it 110 percent and I’m
going to match him every step that he goes.”
Buentello
also carries the belief that fate will decide who shows up that
night; if he’s on his game, if Yvel’s off, or if they’re
both on. Training, dieting, and sleeping – those are the
variables that can be controlled.
“If
I’m on the top of my game and he makes just a couple of
mistakes, and I’m on, I’ll probably be able to stop
him,” Buentello continued. “But if he’s on, and
I’m on, it’s going to be a long fricking night.
“That’s
the thing I love about the sport. Just like Fedor, you can come
in 29-1 and if it’s your day, it’s your day. You don’t
have that choice to pick that... you put in your hard training
and go out there and give it 100 percent.”
Source: MMA Weekly |
VELASQUEZ
VS. CARWIN SET FOR UFC 104
A battle between rising heavyweights Cain Velasquez and Shane
Carwin is set for UFC 104 in October, MMAWeekly has learned.
Fiveouncesofpain
was the first to report the match-up, and it was subsequently
confirmed by sources close to the fight.
Carwin
(11-0) was recently cleared for hard training after suffering
a broken nose at UFC 96 that required surgery. The 34 year-old
Colorado native was going down a hard road with former contender
Gabriel Gonzaga before his right hand stopped the Brazilian in
his tracks. The finish immediately put him on the list of heavyweight
contenders.
Velasquez
(6-0) is coming off an important career victory as well, running
the striking gauntlet of Cheik Kongo to wrestle his way to a
decision victory. The 26 year-old American Kickboxing Academy
product has come up fast in the ranks with his aggressive style
and collegiate wrestling credentials.
As
it stands, the two should be each other's toughest test to date.
Source: MMA Weekly |
JAVIER
VAZQUEZ VS. LC DAVIS FOR AFFLICTION 3
A featherweight bout between LC Davis and Javier Vazquez is set
for Affliction "Trilogy" on Aug. 1 in Anaheim, Calif.
Sherdog.com
was the first to report the match-up, and MMAWeekly.com subsequently
confirmed it with Affliction vice president Tom Atencio. The
bout will take place on the HDNet-televised undercard.
Vazquez
(13-2) encountered controversy last weekend at "Ultimate
Chaos" when a weigh-in snafu forced the cancellation of
his scheduled bout with Din Thomas. The 31-year-old veteran instead
took on local jiu-jitsu specialist Mark Kergosien and submitted
him in 19 seconds. It was his first appearance after multiple
injuries kept him out of action for over a year.
Davis
(13-2) last appeared at Sengoku "Seventh Battle" in
March, losing a unanimous decision to Michihiro Omigawa. Before
that, the 28-year-old Kansas City resident made his Affliction
debut at "Day of Reckoning," grinding out a game Bao
Quach on the January card. Davis almost became a WEC fighter
last August when Cub Swanson injured his hand and was removed
from his bout with Hiroyuki Takaya at WEC 35. The fight was scrapped
when Takaya declined the match-up.
In
other news, Atencio said he could not confirm a reported match-up
between featherweights Mark Hominick and Devidas Taurosevicius
for "Trilogy" and declined to comment on its status.
Source: MMA Weekly |
TITO
ORTIZ CLOSE WITH STRIKEFORCE, WANTS FEDOR
One
time UFC poster boy Tito Ortiz hasn't fought in more than a year.
And it's been nearly three years since he last won a fight.
Plagued
by back problems for several years, his last bout was a loss
to current UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. Prior
to that, a draw with former UFC champion Rashad Evans and a loss
to another former UFC champion in Chuck Liddell.
But
following back surgery in October of 2008, Ortiz has recently
been cleared to train full speed ahead.
"My
doctor just released me. I feel great. My cardio is great. I'm
excited to get back in there. I'm 100-percent, no more pain running
down my back."
In
a seemingly revolving door of endless negotiations, the former
UFC champion sounds as if he is nearing the time when he will
set foot back in the cage, once again ready to compete.
"I'm
in negotiations right now with Strikeforce and working with CBS
and Showtime, so all three of us are going back and forth to
make a contract that makes sense to me," he told MMAWeekly.com
recently.
"Hopefully
by October I'll be competing. We're finishing the contract I'd
say with CBS, Showtime, and Strikeforce and making a deal that
UFC can't match."
If
that deal does come to fruition, Ortiz says he's ready and has
his near future already mapped out.
"I
feel sorry for the person they have me fight, but I do need one
warm-up fight," he said. "I managed to come off a huge
back surgery. It's been a year since I've competed. I think one
warm-up fight to get things going."
But
after that, it's full speed ahead, and truly so if the fight
he mentions does end up taking place.
"After
that, I don't want no more warm-up fights. I'm hoping by my fourth
fight, possibly fight Fedor Emelianenko at a catchweight. That'd
be something that I'm looking forward to possibly by the middle
of next year."
Source: MMA Weekly |
AL-HUSSAN
VS. KINGSBERRY AT UFC 104
A light heavyweight contest between Kyle Kingsberry and Razak
Al-Hassan is set to take place at UFC 104 in October, MMAWeekly.com
has learned.
Sources
close to the fight confirmed that both parties have agreed to
the fight and bout agreements are soon to follow.
UFC
104 is set for Oct. 24 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Current light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida will make his
first title defense against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
Al-Hassan
(6-1) succumbed to a vicious armbar in December UFC debut against
former WEC champion Steve Cantwell at “UFC Fight for the
Troops,” but endeared himself to many fans with a kick-heavy
Tae Kwon Do based style and unwillingness to tap to an obvious
hyper-extension of his right elbow.
Of
course, the injury also kept the Des Moines, Iowa resident out
of action until recently, when he was cleared by doctors to begin
training again.
Kingsberry
(7-2) also fell short in his UFC debut when fellow “TUF”
season eight alum Tom Lawlor out-wrestled him to a unanimous
decision victory. The 27 year-old was eliminated in the reality
show’s first round after winning his preliminary bout. A
mainstay of American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Kingsberry
wrestled and played football before making the transition to
MMA.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Quote
of the Day
“The
whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always
so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.”
Bertrand Russell
|
Second
Jewel of the Triple Crown is Set!
Hawaiian
Open is set for Saturday, September 12 at Kaiser High
|
ATENCIO
TALKS FIGHT, WHITE, GOMI, AND LINDLAND
MMAWeekly.com on Sunday caught up with Affliction promoter and
sometime fighter Tom Atencio as he recovered from his fight with
Randy Hedderick at "Ultimate Chaos" on Saturday in
Biloxi, Miss. Atencio on Monday heads to Germany for Bread and
Butter, a fashion trade show, before heading back to California
to begin work on the company's August event, Affliction "Trilogy."
MMAWeekly:
Congratulations on your fight. You got caught with a pretty big
shot and went down in the first. Was it one of those shots where
you wake up on the canvas?
Atencio:
Dude, I don’t remember (expletive). All I remember was being
on my back and him above me and me kicking away, and just scrambling
to get my wits, just get back in the game.
MMAWeekly:
Were you back mentally in the second?
Atencio:
Oh yeah, second round, I felt fine. Actually, when we got back
up again and started brawling, I was fine. It was just a flash
knockout. I didn’t even know until I watched the video last
night. I saw myself wobble and go down. I literally just remember
being on my back.
MMAWeekly:
Do you remember the rest of the fight?
Atencio:
Yeah, I totally do.
MMAWeekly:
How do you feel about the fight overall and the experience? Is
it true that this is it for you, or are you waiting longer to
get some perspective?
Atencio:
I’m gonna figure out where to go from here. I love this
sport, but I hate this feeling. I feel like a Mack Truck hit
me. My whole body hurts. It’s hard to walk or do anything.
But I just love it. Yeah, it was everything I’ve always
known. It was a war. And there’s nothing better than knowing
he was beating my ass and I came back from a virtual loss. I
don’t know; it’s weird that I love it.
MMAWeekly:
Have you ever been hit that hard before?
Atencio:
When I used to train with Marco Ruas; Marco’s an animal.
I used to spar with Brett Cooper and he’s hit me, actually
broke my nose. JJ Ambrose broke my nose, and dropped me once.
My old best friend Justin Levens dropped me a few times, too.
So I’ve been hit. I knew that he wasn’t going to do
anything that I haven’t experienced, but I gotta say, he
dropped me, man. I wasn’t expecting that.
MMAWeekly:
Do you know why he quit after the second round?
Atencio:
I don’t know why he quit. I don’t know if it was his
cardio... everyone said I broke his nose. I would assume a combination
of the two.
MMAWeekly:
One of your first comments after the fight was addressing Dana
White in a somewhat direct way. Why did you do that?
Atencio:
Because he was just a nice kid. I think to say that he was a
nobody and a nothing is presumptuous, one, and two, I always
say I have a lot of respect for anybody that steps in the cage.
I don’t care if you’ve lost every single fight. At
least you’re the one doing it. For somebody to criticize
that, I just think it’s wrong.
MMAWeekly:
Can you confirm Yvel vs. Buentello at Affliction 3?
Atencio:
Yep, that’s the fight. I feel bad for Pedro. I’d like
to find out how Pedro is doing.
MMAWeekly:
After you get back from Germany, is it full steam ahead with
Trilogy?
Atencio:
Yeah, absolutely. My people are handling Trilogy now, and when
I get back, it’s full swing. And I know people are already
talking about me fighting again, so I have to figure that out.
I don’t know what I’m going to do.
MMAWeekly:
Any word about Gomi? Any progress with him coming to Affliction?
Atencio:
Yeah, we’re still working on it, we’re finalizing everything,
but it looks like it’s gonna go through. I’m not 100-percent
yet, but we’re still working on it for sure.
MMAWeekly:
Any possible opponents?
Atencio:
I don’t want to say because it’s up in the air.
MMAWeekly:
What about Lindland?
Atencio:
Nah, we’re not going to use Matt this fight.
MMAWeekly:
Are you going to use him again or is he done?
Atencio:
Yeah, you know, it’s just like Tim Sylvia. We couldn’t
use him in the second fight because he lost, and for us to bring
him back again, we might as well bring everybody back, and then
no one will show up for the fights. But we have to switch it
up. If somebody wins, yeah, we’ll bring him back, but it’s
only our third fight.
Source: MMA Weekly
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UFC
ANNOUNCES CHINESE TV DEAL
The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Monday announced a television
deal with Inner Mongolia Television that will mark the first
time in history UFC will be seen on TV in China, continuing the
promotion's global expansion.
“Obviously
China is a huge market and the Chinese understand the martial
arts probably better than anyone else in the world. It’s
a no brainer that UFC programming will be appreciated in China,
and will become a big hit for the NMTV network,” said Dana
White, UFC President.
Inner
Mongolia Television, known as NMTV, is a network broadcast station
available in 80 million households, with the potential to reach
240 million viewers throughout all the provinces of China. Starting
this month, NMTV will air up to 16 hours of UFC programming per
month, including the trademark shows The Ultimate Fighter, UFC
Unleashed and UFC All Access, with an option to air recent UFC
pay-per-view event telecasts.
With
this deal, NMTV will air between one to four hours of UFC programming
each week on Saturday and Sundays between 1:30 – 5:30pm
local time, broadcast in languages specific to each province.
Source: MMA Weekly
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JEFF
MONSON IN NAAFS MAIN EVENT ON AUGUST 29
The North American Allied Fight Series announced the signing
of Pride, Dream and UFC veteran Jeff “The Snowman”
Monson to compete at its 3rd Annual NAAFS Rock N Rumble event
on Aug. 29 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Monson
(30-8) brings his impressive resume to the NAAFS Pro Series Heavyweight
division. His opponent will be Tony Sylvester (12-1-1, Midwest
Training Center), of Canton, Ohio, now training out of Chicago.
“We
have added depth to our heavyweight division while putting together
a tremendous match up for NAAFS fans,” said NAAFS president
and Pro Series matchmaker Greg Kalikas. “For the past few
years, the NAAFS has been known for creating top MMA prospects,
but now we feel we have the credibility to bring in fighters
the caliber of a Jeff Monson and Tony Sylvester, which will continue
to increase our awareness on a national level.”
Accompanying
Monson for this fight will be none other than former IFL champion
Roy “Big Country” Nelson, who has competed against
some of the top heavyweights in the sport including Monson himself.
In
addition to Sylvester versus Monson, the 3rd Annual Rock N Rumble
will also see many of the top stars in the Pro & National
Amateur Series in action. Already announced is UFC veteran Josh
“Heavy” Hendricks (15-5) taking on former Pro Series
Heavyweight Champion “Cujo” Joe McCall (6-1), plus
fans will witness a Pro Series Middleweight fight as Chris “The
Assassin” Lozano (6-1) of Strong Style Fight Team steps
back in the NAAFS cage with John “The Bullet” Fields
(4-2) of Instigator Fight Team.
Source: MMA Weekly
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SWICK
VS. KAMPMANN IN WORKS FOR UFC 103
A welterweight contest between Mike Swick and Martin Kampmann
is likely for UFC 103, MMAWeekly.com has learned from sources
close to the fight.
While
bout agreements have not been signed, both parties have agreed
to the match-up.
UFC
103 is expected to take place on Sept. 19 at the American Airlines
Center in Dallas, the promotion’s second trip to the Lone
Star State. The event has yet to be announced by the UFC.
Swick
(14-2) is coming off an impressive victory over Ben Saunders
at UFC 99. In a recent interview with Raw Vegas, he hoped for
a bout with former champion Matt Hughes, but said Kampmann was
a likely alternate.
“I
want the Hughes fight, and we’re trying to work it out,
but it doesn’t seem like it’s happening, so it might
be Kampmann,” said Swick.
The
30-year-old American Kickboxing Academy standout said he expected
to be in line for a title shot if he won his next fight.
Kampmann
(15-2) recently dispatched Carlos Condit in the former WEC champion’s
UFC debut in April. The win was his second straight since dropping
a quick TKO loss to Nate Marquardt at UFC 88 last September.
Earlier
this month, the 27-year-old Dane turned down a last-minute offer
to face T.J. Grant at “The Ultimate Fighter” season
nine finale when Rory Markham was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Anderson
and Nogueira talks Lyoto’s victory
Lyoto
Machida’s victory at UFC 98 wasn’t celebrated only
in Belém, city where the champion lives in Brazil. The
big stars of the Black House team, Anderson Silva and Rodrigo
“Minotauro” Nogueira celebrated the Brazilian’s
conquest against Rashad Evans, getting one more UFC belt to Brazil.
Former UFC champion, Minotauro praised the compatriot. "This
fight was wonderful, Lyoto was great. He deserved the belt for
a long time, but I think he got it in the right time. His confidence
was 100% after that fight against Tito Ortiz. He always made
great presentations on the UFC, but, this time, he managed to
do even better", celebrates the heavyweight.
And
Anderson, middleweight reigning champion, cheers for Machida
to follow as the champion after the first title defense, against
Maurício “Shogun”, Silva’s former Chute
Boxe partner. "Shogun is a great fighter, just like Lyoto,
but Lyoto and I train together... I have nothing against Shogun,
I have a great affection for him, and I won’t lie. I'm cheering
for Lyoto, I’ll help him if he come to train with us, and
I won’t hide this from anyone... I hope that the best wins.
Shogun has been champion of a great event, Pride, and Lyoto knows
that. We will be cheering for Lyoto, for sure, and it will be
a tough fight, for Lyoto and for Shogun", finished the champion.
Source: Tatame
|
JON
JONES HEADS INTO HIS TITLE FIGHT AT UFC 100
Jon Jones is long removed from his days as a YouTube warrior;
mining the Internet for instructional clips he could incorporate
into his arsenal.
One
of his favorite concepts from his wrestling days was misdirection
– fake one way and go another. Keep your opponent off-balance.
Be unpredictable.
These
days, he travels a great deal around his home state of New York,
still learning to fight, trying to glean as many perspectives
as possible. Now, everything is in real time.
A
year ago, he was a bouncer with a JC wrestling championship under
his belt. MMA was quick money and would support his pregnant
fiancé. But it would also appeal to an unbinding love
for Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali.
“Bruce
Lee’s strategy was, ‘the way is to have no way,’”
he said. “So, basically that’s just being formless,
trying to incorporate as many angles, aspects, and mindsets from
different trainers and cultures.”
It’s
been around a year since he leaped headfirst into the sport,
and has a camp in Team Bomb Squad. Many peg him as the next big
thing in the light heavyweight division. He did it with misdirection
– grab a kick, throw a spinning elbow, stop Joe Silva in
his tracks.
Wise
beyond his 22 years, he’s not ready to fall into the trap
of believing his own hype.
“I
am grateful for all the compliments I get, and it motivates me,”
he told MMAWeekly Radio recently. “The days I don’t
want to get up and go for a run, or I’m starting to feel
sorry for myself and not train as hard, sometimes I think about
all the people who have faith in me and believe I’m going
to be the next champion. I try to carry myself like a championship
mindset, and work like a champion.
“But
at the same time, hearing a lot of those things can really mislead
a younger fighter and make him believe he’s greater than
what he is. Right now I’m just obsessed about my weaknesses
and correcting those, becoming a more aware and alert fighter.”
Jones
uses his idols as reference points for evolving as a fighter.
“My
jiu-jitsu’s not as strong as it needs to be, some of my
defense is not as strong as it needs to be, and I know these
things,” he said. “There’s just so much more that
I need to know. Martial arts is endless, there’s no one
who knows it all. Bruce Lee was great, but did he have takedown
abilities, did he have great jiu-jitsu? No. Right now, I’m
trying to be a true champion, and I want to do the things that
Bruce Lee wasn’t figuring out. I want to be like a Muhammed
Ali that can actually wrestle and do jiu-jitsu. I’m hungry
to be the best. I know there’s a lot of guys out there saying
that, but I truly mean it.”
Jake
O’Brien is next at UFC 100, and there’s not a whole
lot of mystery about the course of the fight. O’Brien likes
to throw hands, and later, shoot. Jones is happy to detail his
plan to counteract that skill set.
“O’Brien
has been shooting that same double leg takedown for the three
or four years he’s been in the UFC, and I’ve prepared
myself to stop his takedowns,” he said. “I’ve
been working submissions from the front headlock position, and
I’m prepared to be there a lot.”
One
of the places he hangs his hat is with the Cornell wrestling
team. Until recently, they were dumping him on his head every
day.
“Those
guys are all heavyweights, and they’ve been shooting on
me a lot,” he continued. “It’s getting to the
point where I’m starting to stuff a lot of those shots.
And I believe that those guys are on a complete different level
of collegiate wrestling than Jake O’Brien. I’m preparing
to push him into deep waters and expose a lot of the things that
maybe a lot of fighters haven’t, except maybe Cain Velasquez.”
O’Brien
is still trying to re-invent himself at light heavyweight after
a failed run as a heavy. At UFC 94, he won a split decision against
Christian Wellisch in a lackluster fight. But on any given day,
he can still dump opponents on their head.
“I
know he knows a lot more, and I’m not going to underestimate
him, at all,” said Jones. “My plan is to go out there
and do what I want to do, and make it my home the very first
round.”
It
doesn’t bother him that old opponent Stephan Bonnar is billed
above him.
“I
wasn’t disappointed at all,” he said. “I’m
just really privileged to be on the card in the first place,
and a lot of my friends had concerns about Bonnar being on the
card, and I tried to explain that Bonnar’s a great guy and
has tons of fans. The UFC’s just doing what’s necessary,
and my time will come.”
If
he’s ready to hype anything, it will be when he grows out
of his young body and gets the “man strength” he’s
waited for. That will take time. The “rookie mistakes”
he says he’s made – that have actually turned into
gifts – will need to be refined.
“I
feel like I have a little momentum going on, but I try not to
focus on the past,” he said. “Muhammed Ali says you
give different strokes for different folks. So I just focus on
Jake O’Brien and I take it one match at a time. Right now,
O’Brien is my title fight, and all my energy and focus on
him.”
Source: MMA Weekly
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X-1
Scuffle On Schofield
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New
Fighters' Club TV Episode Tuesdays!
Channel 52
Tuesday, 8:00 PM
Fighters'
Club TV Episode 63 is finally cut and submitted to Olelo Programming.
I
will air in our normal time slot; Tuesday night, 8pm on Olelo
Oahu Channel 52--or can be viewed via stream at Olelo.org at
the same time of it's scheduled airing.
Episode
63 features:
Mike
and Mark back in action from the 1st Jewel of Romolo's Triple
Crown of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
-interviews and footage of Rylan Lizares vs Jair Muniz
KINGDOM
MMA
-Andy "Danger" Cohea vs LJ Borges
-Dejuan Hathaway vs Tommy Tuiloma +intvw w/ Dejuan (featuring
our special guest interviewer!)
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