Upcoming
Events
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(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
November
Pride
Bushido 5
(MMA)
(Yokohama Arena, Japan)
September
Ring
of Honor 6
( Kickboxing/MMA)
(Kauai)
Tentative
9/25/04
NAGA Hawaii State Grappling Championships
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Tentative)
August
Ring of Honor 6
( Kickboxing/MMA)
(Maui)
Tentative
8/28/04
Hawaiian Grappling Challenge
(Submission Grappling)
(Oahu)
8/15/04
Pride
All Stars Show
(MMA)
(Japan)
July
Bushido 4
(MMA)
(Nagoya Rainbow Hall, Japan)
7/24/04
Submission Wrestling Tpurnament
(Sub Grappling)
(Kahului, Maui, Hawaii)
July 9-12
BJJ
World Cup (CBJJO)
(BJJ)
(SESC gym, Salvador, Brazil)
July 9
Shooto
Hawaii
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
6/20/04
Pride Heavyweight
Grand Prix
(MMA)
(Japan)
6/18/04
Super
Brawl 36
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
5/30/04
Ring of Honor 5
(Sub Grappling)
(Campbell H.S. Gym)
May
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
Pride
Bushido 3
(MMA)
(Yokohama Arena, Japan)
|
|
May 2004 News Part
2
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night and Sunday classes (w/ a kids' class) now offered!
 
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price, click on one of these banners above! |
Tuesdays at 6:00PM on
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Quote
of the Day
"Forget
about the consequences of failure. Failure is only a temporary
change in direction to set you straight for your next success."
Denis Waitley, 1933-, American Author, Speaker, Trainer, Peak
Performance Expert
|
UFC
49 ON AUGUST 21ST
Last week David Terrell came on MMAWeekly Radio and said he was
ready to fight Matt Lindland at UFC 49. Yesterday Matt Lindland
on his 34th birthday talked with MMAWeekly and confirmed the
story to MMAWeekly.
Lindland
told MMAWeekly he is "indeed fighting David Terrell at UFC
49". Though no contracts have been forwarded to Lindland,
he said that he and the UFC had come to a verbal agreement and
that it was just a matter of getting the contract faxed to him,
signing it, and faxing it back.
Lindland
said that he initially had a few concerns about the contract
being offered by the UFC. After voicing those concerns, Lindland
said that the UFC came through and that he is satisfied with
the new terms.
David
Terrell is a former IFC Champion and highly regarded as one of
the top grappler's in the United States, and holds a Black Belt
rank under Cesar Gracie. His teammates include UFC contender
Nick Diaz, UFC veteran Gil Castillo, IFC Champion Steve Heath,
number 1 ranked Shooto fighter Jake Shields, amongst others.
Terrell
is 4-1 in MMA competition with his only loss at the hands of
Vernon "Tiger" White by decision, but he hasn't faced
the level of opposition that Lindland has in MMA. Although, Terrell
has defeated some pretty serious grappler's including Dean Lister,
Ricardo Almeida, and many others. To be sure, Terrell is used
to facing world class athletes, he just doesn't have that experience
in the MMA arena.
OTHER
UFC 49 POSSIBILITIES
Here's
the RUMORED list of what COULD happen at UFC 49.
Main
Event
-
Randy Couture vs Vitor Belfort - This has been in the works for
months and it appears this will happen on August 21st. This will
be for the 205 pound title.
-
Joe Riggs vs Joe Doerksen - This should be a sensational fight
between two guys who have the potential to be champions in this
weight class in a year or two. One thing we do know. Joe will
win and Joe will lose.
-
Yves Edwards vs Josh Thomson - It looks like this anticipated
showdown will happen to help us understand who is the best UFC
Lightweight (BJ penn excluded) is. The big question everyone
has is will this be for the title. As of last week, no one seems
to know, maybe not even Zuffa.
-
Phil Baroni vs Lee Murray - You think Curtis Stout and Evan Tanner
have a bit to say about this proposed match? Yeah just a little.
Baroni vs Murray is headed for a collision course. The interesting
part the collision could be fatal for Baroni or Murray if either
one of them lose at UFC 48 and for those who are close to the
sport....this could very well happen. It could be the UFC jinx.
(Meaning anytime UFC has a logical matchup something happens...i.e.
BJ vs Uno ruled a draw, Chuck loses to Randy, thus defusing a
Tito vs Chuck fight for the title, Vitor vs Tito both get injured,
Rich Franklin loses overseas are a few that come to mind)
-
Robbie Lawler vs Ronald
Jhun -
This is one Ronald Jhun wanted on MMAWeekly Radio two weeks ago
and now apparently will happen, but not at Jhun's natural weight
at 185. Our friends over at onzuka.com broke this story this weekend....
"Onzuka.com
Exclusive"
- I talked with the three top dogs of Hawaii MMA this past Saturday
at Punishment in Paradise and here is some of the news that I
got: Ronald "The Machine Gun" Jhun has been asked to
fight Robbie Lawler by UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, possibly at
UFC 49 at 185 lbs. Robbie said that he cannot make 170 anymore
and Ron has given a verbal agreement. Now let's see if the UFC
will come through with their verbal agreement and let Ron sign
on the dotted line to make this official. Congratulations to
Ron! It's been a long time coming."
Amen from our brethern in Hawaii. The only unfortunate thing
about this fight is the fact that it's not happening at 170,
Jhun's natural weight.
Vernon
"Tiger" White vs Chuck Liddell - While it is anything
but a done deal, MMAWeekly.com spoke with Vernon "Tiger"
White last night and apparently, it is true that there are ongoing
discussions between his management, the UFC, and Chuck Liddell's
camp about them facing each other at UFC 49.
When
asked about his participation in UFC 49, which is tentatively
set to take place sometime in August, White said that, "We
have had ongoing talks with the UFC about it, but we haven't
come to any agreement, yet." Questioned further,
White
said that, "Yes, Chuck Liddell is the opponent that we have
been talking about." He went on to say that no other opponents
have been discussed, only Chuck Liddell. Liddell is on vacation
in Hawaii and could not be reached for comment.
According
to White, he and Liddell were actually set to face each other
in King of the Cage a few years ago, but that the UFC came calling
for Liddell and he decided to go that route instead. "That
was back when I was first getting started in MMA," said
White.
White
admitted that his last three MMA fights "haven't been the
best" and that he has been training hard, something he says
he hasn't done over the last couple of years. White said that
he has been training with Ken Shamrock and Eric Paulson, as well
as a boxing coach and many high level grappler's to bring the
edge back to his fighting game. "It's time to come back
and start wrecking people," White declared.
Regardless
of whether the fight with Liddell pans out or not, White first
has to be concerned with another opponent, although he's not
sure just who that is. He has signed to fight in Idaho on June
3rd and was originally slated to face Chael Sonnen. Since Sonnen
is recovering from a cut he suffered at the hands of Jeremy Horn,
White's opponent is still up in the air.
Matt
Lindland said that they had offered up Art Santore as a replacement,
but that the promoter told him they had instead decided to go
with Pat Smith as White's opponent. At the time of publication,
Smith's camp could not be reached to confirm or deny the fight
and White had not been given the name of a replacement fighter.
Tito
Ortiz vs TBA : Rich Franklin, Vernon White, Ian Freeman or Babalu
seem to be the four names that have been mentioned to Tito, but
he is not sure who he will face. Read article on right hand side
for more information about Tito Ortiz.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
The
Twin Brother!
Interview: Rogerio 'Minotouro' Nogueira
The
last time Rogerio 'Minotouro' Nogueira stepped into a ring was
December 31st, 2003 during the Pride Shockwave show. In that
event, he defeated the Japanese star Kazushi Sakuraba by unanimous
decision. Since then, he has undergone surgery on his arm and
he is still recorvering from it. We caught up with Rogerio and
asked him about his plans for the future.
ADCC:
How is your right arm?
Rogerio Minotouro: “It is fine. I´m back to my regular
training program. I´ve been training Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling
and muay thai.”
ADCC:
When do you think you will be able to fight again?
Rogerio 'Minotouro': I will be back on June 29th in an event
called Gladiators, that will be held in South Korea. I don´t
know who I am going to fight against but I think he's probably
a Russian fighter.
ADCC:
Tell us a litle bit more about this event in South Korea.
Rogerio Minotouro: The Koreans are following the Japanese show's
steps. They are willing to receive the best fighters in the world
at their events. There will be other Brazilian fighters in Gladiators,such
as Anderson Silva (former Chute Boxe athlete), Paulo Filho (Brazilian
Top Team) and Claudio Godoy, all famous MMA names.
ADCC:
You weren´t able to join your brother Rodrigo Nogueira
during his performance in Pride GP. Have you seen Minotauro´s
fight against Hirotaka Yokoi?
Rogerio Minotouro: Yes, I have. Some people may have found it
a boring fight but I liked it. Rodrigo was very calm and focused.
He knew he was going to win by submission or TKO. He didn´t
want to show too much aggression but he was very confident.
ADCC:
Were you surprised by Kevin Randleman´s KO victory over
Mirko Cro Cop?
Rogerio Minotouro: In a certain way, yes. He is a very good striker
and the only way to beat him was supposed to be taking him to
the ground. That was what Randleman did - threaten to ground
him, so he let his defense down. Some people believe 'Cro Cop'
has a good ground game but I disagree. I´ve heard people
saying that he even could defeat my brother fighting on the ground,
but it would be impossible.
ADCC:
What were your impressions about Murilo Ninja´s defeat
to the Russian Sergei Kharitonov?
Rogerio Minotouro: It didn´t surprised me. Nowadays everybody
is well prepared and anything could happen. Don´t be surprised
if the fighter you think is invincible now is TKOed at any moment.
The Russian boxing school is the best that exists. The Cubans
have learned from them and all the Russian fighters are very
dangerous.
Source: ADCC
|
Alberto
Crane: Back in the Saddle Again
Maxfighting caught up with Alberto Crane following his May 15
victory over John Mahlow. Earlier in the evening, Alberto Crane
had fought a tough fighter in John Mahlow. Crane ended the fight
at 2:40 of the second round. In the beginning of the fight, however,
Crane appeared to be having some trouble with the Chicago fighter.
"I knew he would have surprises," said Crane.
"
I knew he wasn't going to quit," he said, "so I was
ready for war." Mahlow seemed to frustrate the Brazilian
jiu-jitsu black belt, even managing to survive the first round
by placing Crane in his guard.
A
gracious Crane, took it all in stride, saying, "I have to
give him all the credit for bringing it."
Dominating
the first round, however, is a long way from winning the fight.
Crane entered the second round with a revised game plan that
focused on getting Mahlow to the ground. Once on the ground,
Crane found himself in a bad position, with Mahlow nearly getting
his back. "He tried to work some
jiu-jitsu on me," remembers Crane. "Luckily I have
a little bit of experience in that so I countered it and was
able to end up in a good position."
Capitalizing
on that position, Crane was able to finish the fight.
Last
year Crane took six months off from fighting following his victory
over King of the Cage champion Javier Vasquez. Due to complications
in his life, Crane was unable to focus on fighting and therefore
chose not to defend his title.
"I
had a lot of things going on, like moving my school to a bigger
place," he explains. "I just wasn't willing to commit
to fighting when I wasn't all there mentally." So crane
took some time, got his things together, and came back to the
cage. Crane is excited about his future in mixed martial arts.
"There's going to be a big fight in Santa Fe, New Mexico
-- sort of a USA versus Japan on July 16th," said Crane,
who promised to continue fighting in King of the Cage as long
as they would have him back.
When
asked about rival Javier Vasquez, who has stated that he desires
a rematch, an affable Crane replies with a smile. "He definitely
deserves a rematch. I am definitely game to give him that. He's
a very game, tough opponent -- very smart and skilled. ... We'll
see if he can back that up. He keeps getting injured. Hopefully
we can make that happen in the UFC or whatever."
Source: Maxfighting
|
SPRATT
COULD BE ON REALITY TV SHOW
MMAWeekly talked with Pete "The Secret Weapon" Spratt.
Pete may be apart of a new reality television show about boxing
for the NBC network. "The Contender," as it will be
called, makes it's final selections for the cast members in July.
The program itself, will begin shooting in August. Sixteen boxers
will train and compete for the grand prize of a million dollars.
Pete sees it as a great opportunity for exposure and a possible
big pay day. He also plans to put out some instructional videos
on an array of techniques.
When
asked about how the BJ Penn and Duane Ludwig fight will play
out, Pete said it's simple. The way he figures it, if the fight
goes to the ground then Penn will win. If the fight stays standing,
Ludwig will come away with the victory. He went on to say, "it's
going to be who ever can impose their will."
Pete
talked briefly about the 170 pound division in the UFC. He called
it "wide open," and commented that he is looking at
that division like Mike Tyson is looking at the heavyweight division
in boxing, thinking it may be time to get back in there. Pete
isn't fighting MMA right now but said when he decides to return,
it will be "devastating."
Right
now, Pete is in negotiations with a couple of organizations to
fight in August. He will be participating in a Muay Thai match
using MMA gloves in a cage but the date hasn't been set yet.
In the meantime, he continues to train.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
KONDO
NEWS
Yuki
Kondo announced to the Japanese media that he will be participating
on the Pancrase card on June 22nd.
Kondo
added that his fight against Vanderlei Silva will happen on the
PRIDE Heavyweight GP Finals card on August 15th at the Saitama
Super Arena.
Source: Fight Sport
|
ATKINS
INSIDER: HUGHES VS. HALLMAN PART 3
UFC
president Dana White wants to have Matt Hughes vs. Dennis Hallman
at UFC 50. This would be the third fight between the two fighters,
Hallmann having won the first two fights by armbar.
Both
fighters have to win at UFC 48, but Dana thinks they both will.
Matt
Hughes is guaranteed a title shot if he wins his next fight.
Dennis Hallman has also signed to a multi-fightdeal as well.
MURRAY
VS. BARONI NEWS
Our
Zuffa informant Coffee Guy tells us the following news regarding
a potential Phil Baroni vs. Lee Murray matchup:
"Dana
White's plan right now is to have Phil Baroni vs. Lee Murray
for the vacant middleweight belt.
Dana
would like to have this fight take place at UFC 49 on August
21st, but there is the matter of both Baroni and Murray winning
their fights at UFC 48 on June 19th first.
Regarding
UFC 48, Dana seems to me to be very confident that Baroni will
beat Evan Tanner, and that Murray will beat Curtis Stout.
Even
if both fighters do win, the Baroni/Murray title fight might
get pushed back to UFC 50 instead of UFC 49." -Coffee Guy
Source: Sport Fight
|
Quote
of the Day
"Every
great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is due
to the triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved
without it."
Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882, American Poet, Essayist
|
THE
JAKE R. REPORT: PENN STRIPPED OF TITLE
By Jake R
B.J.
Penn
According
to our contact in Hilo, the Hilo paper is also reporting that
BJ has been stripped of his title. We have not found anything
on the paper's website so far.
Reliable
sources inside the Zuffa organization have informed me that as
a result of B.J. Penn's decision to compete in K-1 MMA promotion,
UFC president Dana White has decided to strip B.J. Penn of his
UFC welterweight title.
As
usual, stick to Fightsport.com and the Jake R report for the
latest breaking news.
Source: Fight Sport
BJ
Penn Stripped of UFC Welterweight Title
Las
Vegas, NV -- Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship,
announced Monday that due to BJ Penn’s reported signing
with K-1, Penn would no longer compete in UFC events. Subsequently,
his actions have resulted in Penn being stripped of the UFC Welterweight
title, which he earned by defeating Matt Hughes at “UFC
46: Super Natural” on Saturday, January 31, 2004. Penn is
scheduled to fight Duane “Bang” Ludwig in K-1 MMA this
Saturday, May 22, in Saitama, Japan. There is no word at this
time on the fate of the vacant UFC championship title, but UFC
President Dana White said, “I am looking forward to moving
on and crowning a champion.”
Source: ADCC |
BJ
PENN'S FUTURE UNCERTAIN....
EXCEPT FOR THIS WEEKEND
BJ Penn has always wanted to fight in Japan and this weekend
he is living that dream taking on Duane "Bang" Ludwig
on the K-1 show on Saturday. What is his future after that fight?
"I'm
very happy with the decision I made" BJ told MMAWeekly before
leaving Japan. Penn thought it would have been "bad business"
to pass up this career opportunity. On the same token, he thinks
it would be bad business for the UFC, if they didn't want to
bring him back.
Sound
Off Radio Show host Ryan Bennett asked the question recently
about his decision to fight in K-1 on MMAWeekly Radio.
Penn
spoke a little about the uncertainty of the fight game and life
itself. He said that you never know when your last fight could
be or what the future may hold and fighters have to seize the
opportunities in front of them.
BJ
doesn't think, even if he loses to Ludwig, that the UFC should
drop him. In his mind, there could be something worked out to
where the person who beat him could come to the UFC and fight
him there for his title. He pointed out that only the hardcore
fans keep up with the fights in Japan so it wouldn't impact that
much to the average UFC fan.
BJ
made it very clear that he still wants to fight in the UFC. "As
far as I'm concerned, I'm still a UFC fighter," said Penn,
and he hasn't heard anything different. He said that he likes
the UFC and thinks Zuffa has done a good job turning the UFC
around and keeping the sport of MMA going in America. Penn also
had several kind words to say about UFC president Dana White's
job performance with the UFC.
As
far as the fight with Duane "Bang" Ludwig goes Penn
told MMAWeekly, "What ever happens, happens," BJ continued,
that he is not a fighter that make game plans and lets the action
in the fight dictate what takes place. He said he is just going
to go out there and fight. He went on to say that it's "gonna
be awesome," and that he is "pumped up about this fight."
The
weight limitation set is for 170 pounds, the same weight that
Penn holds the UFC title for in the division. BJ is weighing
175 pounds right now and making weight shouldn't be a problem.
Penn
wanted to fight Genki Sudo but Sudo chose to accept a fight against
someone else. BJ questioned the caliber of opponents Genki has
been facing. He further questioned how Sudo can call himself
the "Neo-Samurai" when he doesn't fight top notch competition.
"I
only try to fight the best," said BJ. "Bang" stepped
up and took the tough match up. Penn stated, "I'm really
excited about this fight." It is the classic clash of opposing
styles and "I know I'm the dominate fighter on the ground
and he's the dominate fighter standing up."
Source: MMA Weekly
|
BOB
SAPP A.K.A. BEN GRIMM?
MMAWeekly's
Tim Spagnola reports that Bob Sapp might be hitting the big screen
in Hollywood very soon. Spagnola has leared that Sapp is one
of two people be considered for the part of Ben Grimm, as part
of Marvel Comics big screen feature.
MMAWeekly
has learned that the filming on the Fantastic Four will happen
very soon as there has been an agreement from Marvel as the final
preparation on this film is taking place.
Sapp
was in Los Angeles earlier in the month for screen tests for
the part of Ben Grimm. He has been told he is one of two final
candidates. Good luck to Sapp on the big screen and this weekend
in K-1.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
MAYHEM
MILLER IS STILL FIGHTING IN UFC
Despite
published reports saying otherwise, Jason "Mayhem"
Miller will be apart of the upcoming UFC card in Las Vegas, Nevada
against Georges St.Pierre. MMAWeekly had it confirmed this weekend.
There
were rumors going around that Miller wouldn't fight. That is
inaccurate. Miller has a 10-3 MMA record, while his opponent,
St.Pierre is undefeated at 6-0. Should be a great fight coming
up next month in Las Vegas.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
THE
JAKE R. REPORT: LIDDELL VS. WHITE AND OTHER UFC 49 NEWS
By Jake R.
In
another Fightsport.com exclusive, this cyber-reporter has learned
of two signed matchups for UFC 49 in August.
As
long term and reliable sources inside the Zuffa organization
have informed me, matchups of both Chuck Liddell vs. Vernon 'Tiger'
White and Matt Lindland vs. Dave Terrell are now done deals for
UFC 49.
As
usual, stick to Fightsport.com and the Jake R Report to find
out exclusive MMA news the other sites are afraid to report.
Source: Fight Sport
|
Macaco
departs tonight to Japan
The Chute Boxer Jorge Patino Macaco is departing tonight (17)
to Japan, where the Brazilian will do his debut at Pride on next
Saturday (22) facing Japanese Zazuo Misaki. Macaco is in São
Paulo since last Friday and he will travel with Masters Rafael
Cordeiro and Rudimar Fedrigo (Chute Boxe leader). "We are
confident about his victory and we would never leave him alone
at this time," stated Rudimar.
Source: Tatame |
Quote
of the Day
"Vision
without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just
passes the time. Vision with action can change the world."
Joel Barker, American Businessman, Consultant, Author
|
Renzo
Gracie asks for a 3x0 at Bushido 3
It
is Tuesday morning, and Renzo Gracie, his brother Ryan Gracie
and his disciple Ricardo “Cachorrao” Almeida are flying
from New York to Japan, where they will join Ralph Gracie to
form the team that will face
three Japanese fighters at Pride Bushido 3, scheduled for May
23rd in the Yokohama Arena.
Before
getting on the plane, Renzo, who is going to be in the Gracie
corner as the team’s head coach, shared with us his expectations
about this next challenge.
'I
always believe we will have a 3x0 night for the Gracies. Ricardo
is very confident and well trained. To tell you the truth, I
don’t remember seeing, in my entire life, another fighter
in the same physical condition Ricardo is in now” said Renzo.
This is going to be the second time Ricardo Almeida fights in
Pride. In his debut, in December of 2000, he defeated the Japanese
fighter Akira Shoji by decision. His opponent this time is Ryo
Chonan, who has never fought in Pride before.
To
Renzo, Bushido 3 will be another opportunity for the audience
to appreciate Ralph Gracie fighting, something that according
to Renzo, should have happened more often: 'I’m angry with
Ralph because of the long time he stayed away from the ring.
He deprived me and a lot of people many hours of fun”, stated
Renzo, who admits that Ralph’s opponent, the Japanese star
from SHOOTO Tanakori Gomi is a hard fighter to defeat: 'He (Gomi)
is a very tough guy, but Ralph was born to fight' said Renzo.
In his last fight, Gomi defeated the chuteboxer Jadyson Costa
during the Chute Boxe x Japan challenge at Bushido 2 last February.
About
the fight between Ryan Gracie and the Ikuhisa Minowa, Renzo gave
us a tip on how his brother will step in the ring. 'Ryan is going
to fight using his experience. He is well prepared and will be
calm during the bout' stated Renzo. The last time Ryan fought
was in the first edition of Bushido, on October of 2003. He KO'ed
Kazuhiro Hamanaka, from Takada Dojo.
Source: ADCC
|
Saulo
Ribeiro Now in the US
Multiple
times World BJJ & ADCC Champion Saulo Ribeiro sent us the
following!
Dear
Kid,
I’d
like to officially announce that I am now living in Toledo, Ohio.
My academy is located at 2145 Laskey Rd, Toledo, Ohio 43613.
This location was chosen so that I can be centered around the
Saulo Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Associations (SRJJA) in the Midwest.
When
I first started teaching in the US, I was attracted to the warmer
states of Florida, Hawaii and California. However, I saw that
there was more of a need for BJJ instructors in the Midwest therefore
allowing me to contribute more to the BJJ community. Also, I
didn’t want to be distracted by any of the pre-existing
political situations that may be present on the coasts. I know
that I made the right decision, because over the last few years,
my network has grown so much that I need to be here full time
to support it properly.
Over
the next few years, I will have two main priorities. Number one,
I am a teacher; I want to support and expand the SRJJA affiliate
network according to my vision. In my observations of other BJJ
networks, I have always thought that I would do some things differently.
Now I am excited to have this chance to try. Number two, I am
a fighter. I am hungry to fight and am training hard to do so.
I am actively seeking the right challenges, but I am an advocate
for the fighter more than the promoter and I want to improve
the situation for the fighters in anyway I can.
This
announcement would not be complete without acknowledging some
of the people who have helped me along the way. First, my students;
as a teacher, I want to show everyone the joy that Jiu Jitsu
brings to life as much as I want to help improve their skills.
I can’t do this without students who believe in me.
Individually,
I want to recognize Royler Gracie who has been my mentor for
many years. My brother Alexandre (Xande), who has spent the last
two years in Ohio helping me build the SRJJA to where it is now.
Also, Relson Gracie who gave me the first opportunity to teach
in the US.
Finally,
I would like to thank you Kid for his friendship and skill as
a reporter. Special thanks to Steve and DC Maxwell, who as my
strength/conditioning and diet coaches have helped put me in
the best shape of my life, and ready to fight.
So
bring it on, but remember, being able to tolerate the harsh Ohio
winters makes me the toughest Brazilian fighter of all. Saulo
Ribeiro
Saulo
can be contacted through his website, sauloribeiro.com or through Chris Blanke
at 419-779-7164.
Source: ADCC
|
MMA
calendar Shaolin's biggest challenge to compete in ADCC 2005!
SHOOTO champion and ADCC 2003 3rd place finisher Vitor 'Shaolin'
Ribeiro is very interested in competing in the next edition of
the Submission Wrestling Championship. 'I thought the event would
be in Japan, where the fans are crazy about submission wrestling.
Now we hear the promoters chose the United States, which is another
good place to do a great tournament. I hope to be there in 2005,
trying to win my category, but my MMA schedule may not let my
dream come true…’, lamented Shaolin.
The
fighter considers himself out of the ADCC Brazilian Trials this
year. 'I will fight in Shooto several times in 2004. The schedule
won't leave me free to train specifically for ADCC rules’
said Shaolin, who confronts Mitsuhiro Ishida in Hawaii on July 9th. Sixteen days after
that match, the black-belt is getting married: 'Everything is
happening at the same time’!
The
Andre Pederneiras pupil hopes that he will be invited by the
promoters of the ADCC to compete in the 2005 edition, as it happened
in the 2003. 'I will send my curriculum to them, and wait for
a positive answer'.
Source: ADCC
|
Cooper
Tests Positive for Anabolic Steroid
LAS VEGAS
-- Dewey Cooper, the runner-up at last month’s Battle at
the Bellagio K-1 tournament, tested positive for a banned steroid
immediately after his championship fight, according to the Nevada
Athletic Commission.
The
results of a urinalysis showed the presence of nandrolone, an
anabolic steroid, in Cooper’s system, according to a complaint
the commission filed on May 11.
Cooper,
at 202 pounds, is one of the most undersized K-1 heavyweights
in the world. He beat a 240-pound foe in his first-round fight
last month, then toppled a 280-pound opponent before falling
short in the championship fight as boxing legend Muhammad Ali
watched at ringside.
Cooper
has the right to contest the results and appear before the commission,
though a date has not yet been scheduled
Source: Maxfighting |
Crane
Returns, Sanchez Rolls in KOTC
King
of the Cage put on another action packed show, hosted by the
Sky City Casino, west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. With Sky City
Casino an hour's drive each way from Albuquerque, and with MMA
sanctioned by the New Mexico Athletic Commission, one wonders
why the King of Cage does not promote closer to Albuquerque to
be more accessible to their fans. That being neither here nor
there, the night's nine fights in front of a capacity crowd of
several hundred spectators, proved to be intense.
The
main event featured an undefeated Alberto Crane fighting journeyman
fighter John Mahlow. Mahlow was very prepared for this fight
and entered the ring appearing shredded. Crane and Mahlow exchanged
several punches, with Mahlow gaining the upper hand in the striking
game. Crane was visibly dazed on a couple occasions and appeared
to be unable to get his mindset into the fight. Crane took Mahlow
to the ground but was unable to completely pass Mahlow's guard.
The two exchanged several punches on the ground before the bell
rang, ending the first round.
Crane
began the second round by immediately shooting in for the takedown.
Mahlow sprawled and kept the fight standing for the time being.
After another exchange of punches, however, Crane succeeded in
getting the fight on the ground. In the process, however, Mahlow
gained Crane's back. Unable to fully capitalize on the position,
however, Crane quickly reversed the situation. Crane secured
a crucifix position, securing Mahlow's right hand with his legs
and attempted to set in a one armed choke. Mahlow threw several
desperate and nearly effective knees at Crane but could not loosen
the hold. Mahlow's corner screamed at him to turn toward Crane's
feet in a move that would in all likelihood helped him escape,
but Mahlow was too far away to hear their advice. Instead, Mahlow
arched backward which allowed Crane the advantage he needed to
sink in the choke, gaining the victory at 2:40 of the second
round.
Ray Elbe showed heart stepping in to the cage to face the Nightmare
Diego Sanchez. Heart simply was not enough to take the victory
however. Elbe kicked at Sanchez's legs in the opening seconds
of the fight but Sanchez quickly took Elbe to the mat. Elbe struggled
to survive against Sanchez, but ended up on his back.
Sanchez
pinned Elbe with a scarf hold, using his legs to secure Elbe's
right arm. From there, Sanchez pounded away at Elbe until Elbe
appeared to be unconscious. Sanchez then got up from his opponent
but Elbe was unable to continue the fight. Aid was given to Elbe
and he was able to stand after being helped to his feet.
Tom Pless fought a game fighter in Leo Urquidez. Pless, a Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu fighter, was hammered early on by an aggressively-punching
Urquidez. Pless ended up on his back near the cage and began
working his guard game. Urquidez appeared to sense weakness in
Pless and pursued his opponent with punches. This over-aggression
proved his undoing, however, as Pless fought to secure a triangle.
The triangle was very loose in the beginning and it looked as
if Urquidez might be able to back out or escape the choke. Urquidez,
however, was focused intently on putting Pless away and the triangle
was soon tightened. Urquidez tapped breathlessly at 2:20 of the
first round.
Jonathon Olivas dedicated his fight to his younger brother, who
is a Marine currently undergoing infantry training at Camp Pendleton,
California. Olivas entered the fight against heavily tattooed
opponent Damien Rippee with an intensity borrowed from the Corps.
The two fighters met in the center of the cage and exchanged
punches. Once clinched, however, Olivas took his opponent to
the ground. Olives displayed the same aggressiveness on the ground
that previous fighters from Jackson's have shown and submitted
Rippee with a rear naked choke at 0:46 of the first round.
Alberto Crane def. John Mahlow rear-naked choke 2:20 R2
Diego Sanchez def. Ray Elbe KO 1:07 R1
Darrell Pridy def. Jimmy Westfall tapout 1:45 R1
Javier Gil def. Hector Escarsega TKO 1:23 R1
Al Delgado def. Benj Vasquez KO 0:27 R1
Tom Pless def. Leo Urquidez triangle choke 2:20 R1
Jonathon Olivas def. Damien Rippee rear-naked choke 0:46 R1
Jerome Martinez def. Paul Smiley guillotine choke 1:12 R1
Ray Moreno def. Sean Bellamy TKO 3:16 R1
Source: Maxfighting
|
JIU
JITSU AMERICA GOLDEN CUP FIRST OPEN BRAZIL 2004
Date: April 17th and 18th, 2004
Botafogo Futebol & Regatas Gymnasium, Rio de Janeiro - BRAZIL
After
the creation of the new Brazilian Jiu Jitsu confederation, named
Confederacao Brasileira de Jiu Jitsu Olimpico(CBJJO), the Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu calendar became full of events in the last two years
since the creation of the CBJJO in 2001. The first two years
of CBJJO had regular competitions such as the State of Rio de
Janeiro, Copa do Brasil (Brazilian Championship), Copa do Mundo
(World Championship) and the Copa do Brasil por Equipes(Brazilian
Team Championship).
In
this year of 2004, the CBJJO innovated and introduced a new and
very promising event; THE JIU JITSU AMERICA GOLDEN CUP. It is
an event held in Brazilian territory but with fighters from different
countries such as Japan, Mexico, Canada and USA.
These
countries did not have fighters who placed very high in the competition
and they did not have fighters to compete in the black belt division,
but they enhanced the event with their participation. All of
the best fights were battled on the second day of competition.
You could say that some of the better Jiu Jitsu black belts did
not take part in this event. Such fighters as Ronaldo 'Jacare'
and Fernando 'Terere' didn't face skilled opponents and captured
their medal and prize money easily.
Heavyweight
final:
Xande Ribeiro (Saulo Ribeiro Team/Gracie Humaita) x Paulo Streckert
(Maromba JJ)
Streckert
and Xande fought without much emotion in the final. Both guys
had battled twice before the final match. Streckert took his
opponent easily by points in the semifinal and could have saved
his energy for the final. Xande faced off against Eduardo Telles
in a methodical fight and won by a 1-0 advantage. This semifinal
was tough and Xande used his technique to defend the main weapon
of Telles; the kneebar. Xande and Telles had faced each other
in the semifinal of Absolute on the day prior, where Xande was
saved by the final whistle when Telles sunk a kneebar.
Back
to the final action of peso-pesado; Streckert should have taken
more risks and tried to impose his game on the fight, but he
seemed scared of the better stand-up technique of Xande, and
pulled Xande to his half-guard. Xande seemed to be a bit gassed
in the last match against Telles and he made little effort to
pass the guard. Streckert didn't try anything from the bottom.
He simply defended the position and kept Xande from passing guard
from Xande without working sweeps or submission. Perhaps he kept
the pace of this fight slow because he was going to fight the
Absolute final later on that day. With that being the case, Streckert
tried to sweep followed by a weak armbar attack but Xande got
the advantage and almost getting a guard-passage. Xande kept
the fight like that, on the half-guard of Streckert, and got
the victory by 1-0 advantage.
Super-Heavy
final
Denis Gomes (Ataide Jr) x Eduardo Navarro (TT Jiu Jitsu)
Gomes
was the absolute finalist too, but unlike Xande, Gomes fought
without limitations and did not allow any chance for his rival
Eduardo Navarro. The fight started with Gomes going straight
at Navarro, taking him down with a single leg. Navarro defended
himself well on the ground but Gomes added 5 advantages, almost
passing the guard and almost getting the back of Navarro. The
fight came back to their feet and Gomes seemed to have forgotten
about his Absolute final and he continued to fight free. Once
again, he took Navarro down by single leg and added more two
points to the score. With a solid game, Gomes dominated Navarro
on the ground and got the victory by
4-0.
Rooster
final:
Marcelo Pereira (Nova Uniao) def. Rafael Barros (Campos JJ) by
toe-hold
Light
final:
Leonardo Peçanha (Campos JJ) def. Antonio 'Feijao' (Nova
Uniao) by armbar
These
two fights proved once again that the Brazilians still have not
learned that to fight in a final against a teammate is still
a competition, the same way as if the final opponent was not
from the same team. These were two FAKE fights with pre-determined
winners. The rooster finalist had me believing it was real at
the beginning of the match, but when it got to the crucial points,
we could see that it was a fake fight. The lightweight final
was worse, with Peçanha (a multi-time Submission champion)
taking the Feijao's arm easy through armbar after some…choreographed
movements on the ground. This would have been great, if it was
not fake!
Super-feather
final:
Rodrigo Ranielli (Castelo Branco) x Rafael Salomao (Federacao
Bahiana)
This
was the best bout of the all finals fought on that day. Ranielli
pulled Salomao to his guard. He worked with the guard open and
when Salomao tried to pass, Ranielli swept him and got his back
without the two hooks. After trying to get Salomao's back, the
fight came back to their feet and Ranielli pulled him to guard
again. He quickly applied a submission by sinking a triangle
choke but Salomao survived it and escaped. Ranielli was tireless
and attacked the left foot of Salomao with a toe hold. Salomao
went to the bottom and tried to sweep Ranielli, who seemed to
be a bit exhausted due to a lot of submission attempts. Salomao
worked for a sweep but Ranielli kept himself on top and won the
final by 2-0[3-1 advantages].
Medium-Heavy
final
Ronaldo 'Jacare' (Master) x Thalles Leite (Nova Uniao)
Leite
started the fight by trying to pull 'Jacare' to his guard but
'Jacare' was smart and when Leite started the movement, 'Jacare'
moved fast to Leite's side and got a guard-passage less than
30 seconds into the fight. Talles was using too much strength
to get back the guard. They tangled on the mat and 'Jacare' went
to the bottom but no points were scored. Leite tried to pass
the guard and while 'Jacare' tried a sweep. Then Leite almost
got the back followed by an armlock but the fight was nearing
the mat time limit and they were re-started on the feet in the
center of the mat. Leite repeated the mistake by pulling 'Jacare'
to guard and 'Jacare' passed the guard to side control. 'Jacare'
didn't get much evolution on the fight, but he displayed to be
stronger than Leite and kept himself in side control. Leite got
back to the guard, but 'Jacare' fought with more will and got
his third guard passage in the match. The fight came back to
their feet again and 'Jacare' landed his last point by taking
Leite down and keeping on the ground until the referee said 'end
of match'. 'Jacare' is the champion with an 11-0 victory.
Feather:
Reinaldo Ribeiro (Castello Branco) x Marcelino de Freitas (NU)
by Kneebar
Ribeiro
was the winner of this match by kneebar however I have to tell
the readers that Ribeiro owes the title to his master Leonardo
Castello Branco. During the semifinal between Ribeiro and Novaes(Nova
Uniao), the referee's vision of the fight was not pleasing to
Ribeiro and he thought lessly took-off the gi and walked out
of the mat, refusing to fight saying that he was being robbed.
Castello Branco imposed his master's authority and told Ribeiro:
-'Comeback and fight, now'. Ribeiro refused for a few seconds
but accepted the Master's order and with a double responsibility
beat Novaes by points. The story of final was quick and lethal
for Marcelino. Ribeiro pulled guard and both guys got their respective
1 point advantage - Marcelino by almost passing and Ribeiro by
almost sweeping - so Ribeiro swept Marcelino with splendor. Marcelino
worked with his guard totally open on the bottom and Ribeiro
took advantage by turning around Marcelino's left leg and submitted
him via kneebar.
Medium:
Fernando 'Terere' (TT Jiu Jitsu) x Silvio Proenca (BTT)
The
incredible ability of 'Terere' gave the fans a quick submission
victory. However, for the JJ writers, there was almost no text
to write. 'Terere' fought three times and he did not sweat on
the mat. If we counted how much time he spent on the mat in his
three fights, the result would be less than 3 minutes. Bruno
Proenca from BTT was the more difficult prey for 'Terere', who
lasted a little more than 1 minute before being submitted via
triangle choke. Prior to that 'Terere' already had a 7-0 advantage
due to a guard passage and obtaining the mount position. 'Terere'
did not have tough opponents in this event and he'll surely sharpen
his knife to fight Marcelo Garcia in Japan.
Absolute-final
Xande Ribeiro (Saulo Ribeiro/Gracie Humaita) x Denis Gomes (Ataide
Jr.)
In
the first seconds of the fight we were able to see that Xande
saved his energy for the Absolute Final while Gomes did not.
Xande took Gomes down twice and got the mount early. Gomes did
not display his strength in this fight, and even being a super-hevyweight,
Xande dominated the pace of this fight. Xande went to the bottom,
but not for a long time, to sweep Gomes and get the mount-position
once again. Gomes reversed Xande, who did not feel any danger
during the fight. Xande, from the bottom, got a shoulder lock
followed by a triangle choke and finally got his armlock inside
a triangle choke. It was a beautiful submission to crown Xande
champion, who reigned supreme in this event.
Source: ADCC
|
Quote
of the Day
"You
can't hit a home run unless you step up to the plate. You can't
catch fish unless you put your line in the water. You can't reach
your goals if you don't try."
Kathy Seligman
|
Onzuka.com
Exclusive
I
talked with the three top dogs of Hawaii MMA this past Saturday
at Punishment in Paradise and here is some of the news that I
got:
Ronald
"The Machine Gun" Jhun has been asked to fight Robbie
Lawler by UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, possibly at UFC 49 at 185
lbs. Robbie said that he cannot make 170 anymore and Ron has
given a verbal agreement. Now let's see if the UFC will come
through with their verbal agreement and let Ron sign on the dotted
line to make this official.
Congratulations
to Ron! It's been a long time coming.
Ray
"Bradda" Cooper and Stephen "Bozo" Paling
has both come to verbal agreements as well for their participation
in the upcoming July 9 Shooto Hawaii Super Card. Many websites
have been posting match ups here and there, but take it with
a grain of salt because until the fighters actually sign a contract,
it is not a done deal.
With
Bradda and Bozo on the card as well as some other local fighters,
the card will be one to go to. Bradda is scheduled to fight Jake
Shields for the Shooto Title and Bozo is scheduled to fight former
UFC Champion Jens Pulver. I say scheduled because like I said
before, nothing is a done deal until both fighters sign their
contracts.
Keep
your fingers crossed for all three Hawaii fighters. Make sure
you support these fighters by ordering the UFC that Ron fights
in and coming to the event that features Bradda and Bozo.
|
Fighters'
Club TV Episode 21 Debuts
Tomorrow Night!
Fighters' Club TV Episode 21 has been cut and submitted to programming.
It will air in our normal timeslot at 6pm Tuesday night on Channel
52 on the following dates: May 18 and 25, then on June 1 and
8.
This could be the best Fighters' Club Episode yet!
Episode
21 features:
-Chris
Onzuka's debut investigative piece on BJ Penn. (What every local
needs to know about their star fighter)
-Highlights
from Superbrawl 35
-Curran vs. Nonaka (+ interview w/ Jeff Curran)
-Doerksen vs. Fukuda (+ interview w/ Joe Doerksen)
-Enson Inoue vs. Tom Sauer (+ interview w/ Sauer)
-Technique
of the Week
-Back by popular demand, Chris and Mike cover some half-guard
passing
techniques that every fighter should know
+
Hawaii's 2 favorite FCTV hosts, Mike Onzuka and Mark "the
other guy"
Kurano.
Don't
miss the credits--Matt Hughes talks about Hawaiian fighters,
BJ and
MMA...
Questions,
Comments, Suggestions? (Ladies w/ resumes--attach pics)
email
us at: fightersclubtv808@hotmail.com
|
CABBAGE'S
CASE TURNED OVER TO ATTORNEY GENERAL
MMAWeekly has followed up regarding the future of Cabbage, in
not only the UFC, but his future in MMA due to a medical suspension.
When
asked about Wes "Cabbage" Correira and his standing
with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, a spokersperson for
the NSAC told MMAWeekly, "The matter has been turned over
to the Attorney General's office."
As
first reported by MMAWeekly's Ivan Trembow in his article "Life
of a Fighter - Medicals" right after UFC 47, the NSAC put
Cabbage on medical suspension for six weeks after his TKO loss
to Andrei Arlovski on April 2.
Cabbage's
medical suspension was set to expire on May 18. However, Cabbage
became in hot water with NSAC after failing to adhere to the
terms of the suspension.
Cabbage
violated the medical suspension by fighting on the May 7th "Rumble
on the Rock" show, where he lost a unanimous decision to
John Marsh.
Now
it appears Cabbage could be suspended even longer as the case
has now been turned over to the Attorney's Office.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
KOTC
- Complete Results From The Sky City Casino!
Sky
City Casino, Albuquerque, NM - It’s official! After Saturday
night’s dominating performance Diego Sanchez will fight
the winner of June’s Alessio/Santiago fight for the KOTC
Welterweight belt. Also on this past weekend's card, former Lightweight
champion Alberto Crane returned to fight in front of his hometown
crowd after recent fights in ZST and Ring Of Fire. Sanchez made
it look easy with a quick takedown into ground and pound, while
Crane took punishment in the first round on his way to an unorthodox
choke in the second. Jackson’s Gaido-Jitsu was the dominating
team of the night, going 4-0 if you don’t count Jackson
himself cornering independent Crane.
COMPLETE
RESULTS:
- Ray Merino def Sean Bellamy by TKO 3:16 r1
- Jerome Martine def Paul Smiley by guillotine choke 1:12 r1
- Johnathan Olivas def Damien Rippee by rear choke 0:46 r1
- Tom Pless def Leo Orquidez by triangle choke 2:20 r1
- Al Delgado def Benji Vasquez by KO 0:27 r1
- Javier Gil def Hector Escarte by TKO 1:23 r1
- Darrell Pridy def Jimmy Westfall by rear choke 1:45 r1
- Diego Sanchez def Ray Elbe by submission to strikes 1:07 r1
- Alberto Crane def John Mahlow by choke 2:41 r2
Source:
ADCC |
Wanderlei
Silva -
Continues To Promote MMA World Wide!
PRIDE Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva received a civil
award called 'Vulto Emerito' last Tuesday in Curitiba, Brazil.
The city awards this speical recognition to persons responsible
for promoting the city of Curitiba throughout Brazil as wqell
as overseas.
The
tribute to Wanderlei was the idea of town councilor Luiz Felipe
Braga Cortes. The awards ceremony was held in the Rio Branco
Palace, where the Councilmen meet. Fans of Vale Tudo and Wanderlei
participed in the ceremony aw well, cheering all the way. Wanderlei
was also joined by a heavy contingent from the Chute Boxe Team
as well as his family.
Source:
ADCC
|
Pre
Fight Interview: SHONEY CARTER
Lemoore,
CA - At WEC on May 21st defending Welterweight Champion Shonie
Carter will take on fellow UFC vet Karo Parisyan. Shonie is a
vet of just about every promotion while Karo started in the UFC
just last year after a series of impressive wins in California
and the South West US.
KM:
Where do you think you are in your career? SC: I’m not quite
at my pinnacle. I’m on the right path. With this fight with
Karo, when I beat him I think it will be another defining moment
for me. He’s like twenty-one and is the next generation
of young fighters that is coming up, so me beating him is going
to definitely send some sort of message whether it be Pride or
UFC like ‘don’t count me out yet’.
KM:
Then what do you think of Karo and what does this mean to your
career? SC: He’s twenty-one and I’m thirty-two and
I’ve been reading articles some people are saying I’m
old. Lorenzo Fertita and Dana White are supposed to be there
and as the main event I’ve got to show out. The pressure
lies on me because I have nothing to gain from it other than
I’m fighting a UFC veteran. Once again this is a gate-keeper
match.
KM:
So how do you look back at your last fight? SC: That guy laid
down for his money. If I was the promoter I wouldn’t have
paid him. He basically flipped out and it was interesting when
I got home and read about (him asking for a rematch). I didn’t
get mad, just made me laugh like ‘what for?’. He had
his chance and that was the end of it. Being that I’m not
one of the Pride, UFC, or Pancrase champions I get enough press.
I get more press then the champions. I’m not looking just
to be famous, I’m looking to be rich and famous. If UFC
asked me back it’s nothing personal, this is just business,
I don’t want them to bring the bank book, I want them to
bring the big bank book. Last time I fought for them I made a
little pocket change here and there but the way I look at it
I’m doing what nobody else is doing. Even though I’m
not in the UFC I’m still active, I’m getting my name
out there…
KM:
Comparing you to other fighters that came up when you did it’s
not like you are riding on your laurels and getting fights like
one former UFC champion is around the world. Your fights mean
more. SC: Right, I’m laying it on the line.
KM:
Your last challenging one was J.T. Taylor. Even that one you
controlled the clinch and judo-esque takedowns. Now you are fighting
Karo who has been getting credit for judo-based moves. How do
you think you match up? SC: I think I’m better. The way
I look at it is I’ve been doing what I’ve been doing
a lot longer than he’s been doing it. Also I realize this
is not a judo match. I got three times as many fights as he has
and I’m going to do what I do and I’m not going to
deviate from it.
KM:
This could boil down to your experience against his skills of
youth like speed and endurance. How accurate do you think that
is? SC: It’s not like I lost a step, that is the funny thing.
I just turned thirty-two May 12th.
KM:
I’m sorry, happy birthday. SC: Thank you. My training partners
are younger than me and bigger than me and I deal with them on
a day-to-day basis. It’s not like I’m ready for Geritol
or anything.
KM:
Last time we talked you were saying you were focusing more on
the big shows and not fighting as often. You haven’t fought
since the last WEC. Does this mean we are not going to see you
fight in shows like Shooto and are you going to focus on WEC
as that path? SC: They have that title fight coming up in Shooto
and…I was really happy with Shooto as I was really happy
with Pancrase. It doesn’t really bother me any more, I got
eight or nine title belts sitting on my couch. It all boils down
back to economics. I enjoy what I do but when I’m done fighting
there is still promoting.
KM:
Anything else to get out between now and WEC? SC: As usual tell
everybody to get their party clothes out. Tell the ladies they
can fit tight, make it look right, and we’re going to party
all night. I’m all business when I’m in the cage or
ring or whatever and afterwards I’m going to party my ass
off. I treat every fight in my life right now as the last fight.
I’m not saying I’m retiring from it but you never know
what will happen in a fight. I’m looking at other business
ventures as well but I’m not going to stick too many irons
in the fire.
Tickets
are expected to sell out at The Palace in Lemoore, so hurry and
get yours or plan on watching the show on HDNet.
Source: ADCC
|
SYLVIA
PROVIDES CLEAN DRUG TEST TO NEVADA
For those people worried about Tim Sylvia fighting Frank Mir
at UFC 48, in light of what happened with tests at UFC 47, won't
have to worry about it this time around.
Tim
Sylvia has provided the Nevada State Athletic Commission with
a clean drug test and is no longer suspended.
Sylvia's
camp had been claiming since early April that he passed a steroid
test, but until recently the NSAC hadn't received those test
results.
Now
a spokesperson for the NSAC told MMAWeekly, "Tim Sylvia
has indeed turned in an acceptable anabolic steroid test and
has been taken off the federal suspension list."
With
this finally behind him, Sylvia will now focus his attention
to June 19th, as he is scheduled to face Frank Mir for the vacant
UFC Heavyweight Title at UFC 48 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"Silence
is the great teacher, and to learn its lessons you must pay attention
to it. There is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge,
and stability that come from knowing how to contact your core
of inner silence."
Deepak Chopra, East-Indian- American M.D., New Age Author, Lecturer
|
Punishment
In Paradise 3: "WARRIORS"
Results
Punishment in Paradise: "Warriors"
Campbell High School Gym, Ewa Beach, Hawaii
May 15, 2005
By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com
Punishment
in Paradise's third event was another marathon of fights for
Hawaii fight fans. Kickboxing matches made up the lion's share
of the 17, yes you read right, 17 scheduled matches. Kickboxing
is making a huge resurgence in Hawaii and the level that the
fighters are on is amazing when just two years ago there were
no kickboxing events to compete. PIP featured fighters as small
as 50lbs up to fighters just over 200lbs. The match ups for most
of the event, with the exception of the exhibitions, were even
as seen by the number of fights that went to the judges' cards.
Normally the fights that go the distance end up being boring,
but the kickboxing action was kept fast paced and the three minutes
rounds in the MMA bouts allowed the fighters to maintain their
intensity for the whole fight. It was difficult to pick out highlights
because every fight could have been a highlight. A few of them
were the wars between Gerald Alevalo-Chad and Dominator Lopes-Brandon
Absher. The crowd almost got into it when the strong teams of
Team Big Dogs and Bulls Pen got so involved in the Toni Rodrigues-Ryan
Lee fight that they were out of their seats, but the heat of
the moment settled down. The main event pitted one of Hawaii's
best kickboxers in Tommy Pestana against one of Hawaii's best
kickboxers in MMA in Deshaun Johnson. Johnson looked sharp in
the first round getting off punches first and slipping a lot
of Pestana's punches. He slowed a bit in the second with Pestana
making some adjustments and becoming more effective. The third
round saw Pestana finish strong and Johnson slow to almost a
stop while counter punching. This earned Pestana the unanimous
decision.
150lbs.
Kickboxing 3x1 ½ Minute Rounds
Randy Rivera (HMC) def. Tommy Laugamen (B.G.)
Split decision [(30-25), (25-30), (30-25)] after 3 rounds.
Exhibition:
Kickboxing 3x45 Seconds Rounds
Jada Perriera (E.B.F.C) drew Tristin Kamaka (808 Fight Factory)
Exhibition:
90lbs. Kickboxing 3x 45 Second Rounds
Shaun Ahlo (Casca Grossa) drew Cole Porlas (House of Pain)
175lbs.
Kickboxing 3x ½ Minute Rounds
Frank Robello (Advanced Kenpo) vs. Blake Hottenberg (Kodenkan)
Draw [(29-28), (27-30), (28-28)] after 3 rounds.
135lbs.
Kickboxing 3x1 Minute Rounds
Gerald "G-Money" Arevalo (808 Fight Factory) def. Chad
(Team Big Dog)
Unanimous decision [(28-27), (30-25), (28-27)] after 3 rounds.
Exhibition:
60lbs Kickboxing 3x 45 Second Rounds
Tristen Pebria (E.B.F.C) drew Dido Rodriques (W.K.C)
168lbs.
MMA 2x3 Minute Rounds
Mike Ganigiehi (Animal House) vs. Mike Tafflinger (Freelance)
Majority draw [(19-19), (19-19), (19-18)] after 2 rounds.
205lbs.
Kickboxing 3x1 ½ Minute Rounds
Val (Team Big Dog) def. Joshua Versola (Advanced Kempo)
Majority decision [(19-19), (19-19), (28-27)] after 3 rounds.
135lbs
MMA 3x3 Minute Rounds
Mark Oshiro (Bulls Pen) def. Matt Matsuda (Kodenkan)
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes from the triangle at
2:00 minutes in Round 1.
145lbs
Kickboxing 3x1 ½ Minute Rounds
Dyson (Team Big Dogs) def. Brandon Antonio (Jesus Is Lord)
Split decision [(29-28), (28-29), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
145lbs
MMA 3x3 Minute Rounds
Kevin Delima (Bulls Pen) def. Jerome Kekumu (Hard Knocks)
Submission via rear naked choke at 2:28 minutes in Round 2.
165lbs.
Kickboxing 3x1½ Minute Rounds
Ikaika (Backyard) def. Oscar Kano (HMC)
Unanimous decision [(30-27), (29-28), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
135lbs.
MMA 3X3 Minutes Rounds
Toni Rodriquez (Team Big Dogs) def. Ryan Lee (Bulls Pen)
KO at 2:13 minutes in Round 3.
140LBS.
Kickboxing 3x11/2 Second Rounds
Dominator Lopes (Team Big Dog) def. Brandon Absher (Hawaii Self
Defense)
Unanimous decision [(27-26), (29-24), (29-26)] after 3 rounds.
125lbs
Kickboxing 3x 1 ½ Minutes Rounds
Stephen Paling Jr. (Jesus Is Lord) def. Derwin Wright (House
of Pain)
TKO via verbal submission at 1:20 minutes in Round 1.
Kickboxing
3X 1 ½ Minute Rounds
Wayne Pierin Jr. (Team Big Dogs) def. Jesse Matilda (HMC)
Split decision [(29-28), (28-30), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
175LBS.
Kickboxing Rounds
Tommy Pestana (Team Pestana) def. Deshaun Johnson (HMC)
Unanimous decision [(30-27), (30-27), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
|
Fernando
'Terere' v Marcelo Garcia Quick Results
Japan
Open Championships Quick Results:
The
super match between Fernando 'Terere' v Marcelo Garcia ended
with a victory for 'Terere' by points 4 x 0. 'Terere' took Marcelo
Garcia's back.
After
the match the ebullient Terere stated: 'Everyone was warning
me about how Marcelo gets everyones back, but there you have
it. I told you that if he fought an open fight this would happen,
well he opened up and I got his back!' And he continued: 'I was
tired and jet lagged as we arrived one day before the event but
I am glad I was able to show my stuff to the Japanese people!'
Young
Superfreak Andre Galvao won the Brown Belt Absolute. He had two
fights winning by submission and 20 x 0 score .
Source: ADCC |
Tyson
and K-1 Deadlocked
Our friend Zach Arnold at puroresupower.com is reporting that
Sankei Sports has announced that there has been a deadlock in
negotiations between Mike Tyson's camp and K-1 officials.
Apparently,
Tyson's camp wants a fight with Irish boxer Kevin McBride while
K-1 supposedly wants
Tyson to face either Bob Sapp or Jerome Le Banner.
The
fight, first announced back in April, is supposed to take place
under the banner of K-1 subsidiary Fight Entertainment Group
(FEG). And, although everyone is excited about the K-1 affiliation,
IF this bout takes place, it will be under the Marquees of Queensbury
rules (translation = professional boxing rules).
So
far, we've got a tentative date (July 31st), no opponent, no
pay-per-view deal, no location, and a lot of speculation. This
fight may or may not happen. If it does, it will be under professional
boxing rules and, most likely, against McBride or some lesser
opponent.
But
in the end, K-1 still will have succeeded. Speculation is that
their goal all along has been to use Mike Tyson as a marketing
gimmick whether or not he ever fights for them and it has worked.
How many times have you heard the name K-1 in the media lately?
How many times had you heard
the name K-1 in the media prior to the hubbub with Tyson? K-1
may take the wrap from fight fans for not delivering on the Tyson
hype, but they will have succeeded in at least getting the media
attention that they seek.
Source: MMA Weekly |
DOERKSEN
AND RIGGS TO SQUARE OFF AT UFC 49
MMAWeekly has learned that Joe Doerksen and Joe "Diesel"
Riggs are set to square off at UFC 49. This should be an exciting
match between UFC rookies with both riding winning streaks.
Riggs
has won 7 of his last 8 bouts with his only loss coming to Pride
veteran Alex Steibling. Doerksen is a tremendous fighter from
Canada that has won his last 9 fights, including winning the
Extreme Challenge/SuperBrawl eight-man middleweight tournament
title last year.
And
with Matt Lindland coming out victorious last night that should
set up an anticipated fight between him and David Terrell at
UFC 49. Lindland versus Terrell was first brought to light by
UFC president Dana White a few weeks ago on SoundOff radio.
With
the addition of Doerksen/Riggs and the win by Lindland, the rumored
card for UFC 49 is starting to take shape. Initially hoping for
an August date, an official date has yet to be set for UFC 49
and it could take place either in August or September depending
upon when a venue can be secured.
UFC
49 - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (Proposed Card)
Randy Couture vs Vitor Belfort
Tito Ortiz vs TBA
David Terrell vs Matt Lindland
Joe Doerksen vs. Joe "Diesel" Riggs
UFC
48 - JUNE 19TH- LAS VEGAS NEVADA
Ken Shamrock vs Kimo
Frank Mir vs Tim Sylvia
Phil Baroni vs Evan Tanner
Matt Hughes vs Charuto
Verrissimo
Lee Murray vs Curtis Stout
Georges St.Pierre vs Jason "Mayhem" Miller
Matt Serra vs Ivan Menjivar
Frank Trigg vs Dennis Hallman
Source: MMA Weekly |
Royler
Gracie
By André Araújo
The Royler's return
Three
years and four months. This is the time Royler Gracie was away
from a Vale-Tudo ring. Not he was avoiding it, but because there
was not a good proposal, according to the fighter. Since he last
drew with Takehiro Murahama at Deep in 2001, 3x ADCC champion
and the best Gracie representative on the mat was waiting for
a good MMA proposal. Well, it seams it has come. Royler Gracie
will be fighting Japanese Genki Sudo at K-1 Romarex on next May
22nd. The Gracie has been training a lot for this challenge and
warns: "I will catch him on his mistake. I will surround
him and take him to the ground... then submit him," states
Royler. Check out bellow the full interview.
How
do you think it will be this fight after three years away from
the ring? You will face Genki Sudo, who also drew with Dedé
Pederneiras...
During
a fight, the lighter one is always more sacrificed. This time
they gave me a dangerous and a clown. I mean it because he likes
to do funny stuffs during the combat just to distract you, when
he moves. He is a lightweight guy and weights more or less like
me. This is damn good, considering I've already faced Sakuraba,
who was heavier than 90kg. Facing heavyweight fighters is something
really hard to do...
How
is your preparation for this match?
It
is quite good. I am suffering a lot now to not suffer at the
fight time. I have been training everyday for the last two weeks
and now I will train Boxing and Jiu-Jitsu in different days.
This method is used to avoid bruises and broken bones. On the
ground, BJJ black belt Vinícius Aieda has been coordinating
my training... clinche and position exchanging... With Fábio
Latini, I do my physical preparation. Boxing I have been sharpening
with Cláudio Coelho.
By
the way, you have been training a lot of Boxing... do you plan
a KO?
With
Boxing, I have been educating my reflex... just to know how to
deal with what may come from the other side. I know I am not
an excellent puncher, but if he lets his face in front of me,
I will KO him. Besides the reflex, I became stronger for clinching,
jabs... I also can tell you I improved my strength... my punch
is stronger than before.
What
will be your strategy?
I
will not hurry up... I am older and I will let the fight happen.
I will catch him on his mistake. I will surround him and take
him to the ground... then submit him. I am confident and I have
great chances to do okay. Sudo is no fool..., he will try to
distract me and hit me. I am prepared and I will play my game.
I will put him on the track and run over him with my train. I
will kick his ass. I want to bring the Cup for Brazil and for
Gracie Humaitá.
You
have been away from three years and Sudo has just won his last
battle at UFC 47. Do you think it make him confident?
He
has been fighting more than me, of course, but however I've never
had been away from the fight world during this three years. I've
always live this world and I consider myself inside the circuit,
even without fighting. I watch my weight fighters' bout... and
all the time I have been away I am sharpening my knife. It will
be great once I am in!
Do
you still have chances to fight a Gi competition this 2004?
It's
not impossible, but without a sponsorship, it's even harder.
Just to have an idea, I had to reschedule the seminars in May
in US. I got a new date for June... It works for me that way.
About the sponsorship, the only I ever receive was my father's
support. He taught me Jiu-Jitsu and this is enough for me.
How
is Gracie Humaitá coming to GI competitions in July?
There
are good people going for those tournaments... and the team is
strong. We are betting on Xande Ribeiro over the heavyweight
division... he has been winning lots of competitions and he will
kick ass during the Mundial. The other one is Frédson
Alves. He has been training really well at the gym and he will
give the best at the Featherweight category.
Source: Tatame |
Ex
prisoner returns to the Top in Brazil
TATAME's
February issue, the Capoeira fighter and BJJ purple belt Lúcio
Pernambuco is packing to US to spend some time with master Rickson
Gracie. Lúcio reveals he was invited by Rickson after
a meeting at the 10th Pan American, when conquered the gold at
the super super heavyweight division and the bronze one at the
open class.
During
a visit to TATAME last Thrusday (13), Pernambuco, who spend few
years in a jail, says he is rebuilding his life after the report
published at TATAME. 'That report had a huge repercussion...
many people called me and I got a sponsorship from Levi's to
fight at Pan..., then things start to happen. I do have will
power and with Rickson's I will make my dream come true: fighting
Vale-Tudo abroad,' says Pernambuco, who has been visiting many
TV shows and talking about his life story.
Source: Tatame |
Antonio
Inoki meeting the nature
Former
Japanese Senator Antonio Inoki spent his time off on this Friday
to visit the famous region where the waters from Negro and Solimões
rivers meet each other, in Amazon forest. After the Jungle Fight
2 press conference, Inoki went with Wallid Ismail to the region
and could't hide his astonishment with the beauty of the phenomenum,
asking to swim by it. "The flow here is too strong and sometimes
it can take you down the water", said Wallid, worried. Impressed
with the beauty of the region, besides being on his sixth visit
to Amazônia, Inoki celebrated when he saw a group of river
dolphins coming next to the boat.
-
When I came here for the first time, I thought I wouldn't have
an opportunity like that again. Next year, I would like to see
the fighters planting trees. I think it's important people understand
that fighters also loves the nature", stated Inoki.
Back
to Tropical Hotel, Inoki's crew went to the rules meeting conducted
by Beverly Hill Jiu-Jitsu Club teacher Marcus Vinícius
de Lucia, that will be refereeing all the ten fights of this
night. American Ice-Man and his opponent, Japanese Katsuyori
Shibata, couldn't leave Bolivia due to a flight canceled and
they just arrived in Manaus today. Everything ready and with
the tickets almost sold out, all we have to do is wait till 12:30AM
(Brazil time) to the disputes on Studio 5 Convention Center,
in Manaus.
Check
out the full card (subject to change):
-
Travis Wiuff (USA) vs Leopoldo Montenegro (Brazil Dojo)
- Assuério Silva (MTDT) vs Fabiano Pega-Leve (BTT)
- Ronaldo Jacaré (Brazil Dojo) vs Victor Babkir (Russia)
- Carlos Barreto (BTT) vs Bob Hoffman (BullPen)
- Katsuyori Shibata (Japan) vs Ice Man (USA)
- Fabrício Verdum (Winner-Behring) vs Ebenezer Braga (Boxe
Thai/RVT)
- Daniel Acácio (ChuteBoxe) vs Buck Greer (Next Generation)
- Adriano Martins (Monteiro Carioca) vs Boris Jonstomp (France)
- Frédson Paixão (Gracie Barra Combat Team) vs
Rani Yahria (Ataide Jr)
- Charlie Brown (Academia Ajuricaba) vs Gabriel Napão
(Macaco Gold Team)
Source: Tatame |
SAKURABA
NEWS
The Japanese media reports that Kazushi Sakuraba is still feeling
the effects of a right knee injury, but that he is still scheduled
to participate in a single fight on the PRIDE Heavyweight GP
card in June.
Just
as Fightsport.com has already reported, the Japanese media are
saying that Sakuraba's opponent will most likely be either Nino
Schembri or Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira.
Source: Fight Sport |
RICKSON
VS. WAKANOHANA
The Japanese media is now reporting that Rickson Gracie vs. Wakanohana
will take place on one of the upcoming K-1 MMA 'Romanex' shows.
Wakanohana
is a former Sumo grand champion, and is also the brother of recently
retired Sumo grand champion Takanohana.
Source: Fight Sport |
SILVA
VS. KONDO CONFIRMED FOR AUGUST
Todd Atkins reports the following from Japan:
"DSE
has decided to have the Vanderlei Silva vs. Yuki Kondo matchup
as a single fight on their PRIDE Heavyweight GP Finals card in
August."
Source: Fight Sport |
ZST
TO USE 'RINGS KOK' RULES FOR JULY SHOW
The
Japanese media report that ZST show on July 4th will be using
the 'King of Kings' rules which was used by the now defunct RINGS
promotion.
Source: Fight Sport |
Q&A
with Shannon Briggs
By Gary Randall
Gary Randall
: I hear you're back in the gym; tell us what's going on.
SB
: I've been training hard. I've been over in Japan for a while
training out there and now I'm back in boxing training. I feel
good about my future with boxing and with K-1. I look forward
to making a statement in boxing this year.
GR
: So you're looking to make a comeback in boxing, does this mean
you will still fight in K-1?
SB
: Definitely, I love K-1. I'm not going anywhere. Ya'know it's
funny, fighting is fighting. Whether it's punching, kicking,
wrestling or grappling, I fight to fight. I get a lot of aggression
out in K1.
If
I were walking down the street and someone jumped out of the
bushes, I wouldn't step and say "Well let me just box".
I do whatever I have to do to survive and win. That's how I feel
about K-1 and it's a good amount of money. Hey I'll fight a bear
for the right amount of money. But now I'm looking forward to
staying busy with K-1 AND Boxing.
GR
: Your last fight on HBO was against Jameel McCline and you lost
a decision, what have you done since then?
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James Toney on a BIG TIME RANT.
(Warning Explicit Language)
Watch More MaxTV Videos
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SB : It's funny because at the time of the McCline fight, I had
a bad back and I weighed 279 pounds, which is even unheard of
by today's heavyweight standards. I went into that fight not
even 30% of the real Shannon Briggs, so since then I've been
working on getting the weight off by staying in the gym and honing
my craft.
You
say "comeback" but quite honestly I never left. I've
been off the radar for a while not fighting on TV, but I had
four fights last year (all first round knockouts) and I plan
on doing a lot more boxing and getting back on HBO.
GR
: So if you want to get back on HBO, who would you want to fight
in your first fight back?
SB
: Right now I think the man that's hot is James Toney. I think
JT had a good fight with Holyfield even though Holyfield is way
past his prime. People know both our names so it would be a big
event. Even Showtime or PPV, anyone who would want to buy that
fight would be getting a great fight, especially when you look
at the market value of it.
GR
: Do you have a prediction if you were to fight James Toney?
SB
: I'd have to say James Toney is slick and he's a great fighter,
but he really hasn't fought a heavyweight that's young and can
bring it to him.
It's
kind of funny when I hear him talk a lot of crap about he's this
and he's that. He's comical and funny. He thinks he's a throwback
because he's slick with his defensive moves and all that, but
he fought a Holyfield that's 400 years old. He needs to fight
a guy like myself who can hit and can knock his ass out. I think
I'd knock him out. He's not a heavyweight. It's almost disrespectful
when I hear him saying all the trash he talks about knocking
out heavyweights.
People
say the division is wide open cause Lennox Lewis is gone, but
Rahman knocked him out and so did McCall, and I almost had him
out. The division
has been open for a while now.
GR : So speaking of a wide open heavyweight division, who do
you think is the most vulnerable of the four heavyweight champions
right now?
SB
: (Laughs) I think any of these guys can get put to sleep on
any given night.
The
best one ou there I think is Chris Byrd. He tried to take out
Oquendo and that made for a bad fight, but his fight with Golota
was good. Only I notice Chris is starting to get hit with more
punches now. Plus he did beat Vitali.
Second
would be Vitali Klitschko. He has a good awkward style and he's
a pretty tough customer. So I'd put him right behind Chris.
Third
you got John Ruiz. He's like fighting a bum in an alley. You
never know what's gonna happen.
Fourth
I'd have to say Lamon Brewster. He's the weakest one. He lost
to Shufford and Etienne and even in his fight against Klitschko
he looked like he was ready to go to sleep anytime. I think Klitschko
has bad knees and they gave out before Brewster gave out. I think
Lamon is a great guy so don't get me wrong but I'd have to say
he's the most vulnerable of the bunch. How many times can you
say 'I'm gonna take an ass whoopin until the other guy gets tired
and then I'll comeback and win?'
I
don't think Klitschko should retire because of his fight with
Brewster. That happens and its happened to me. It's just a matter
of bouncing back. It's funny cause in boxing people are so quick
to say this guy is washed up. But if you look at the old timers,
they lost frequently and came right back and fought great fighters.
GR
: When can we expect to see you back in the ring against an HBO
quality fighter?
SB
: Quite honestly it's about the powers that be and them giving
me an opportunity and me capitalizing on the opportunity. I think
the McCline fight was definitely a fight that could've opened
doors for me but I came into the fight injured and I wasn't able
to pull it off. But then again I look at McCline and the position
he's in right now and it's funny because here's a guy who fought
me at 30% and I shouldn't even have been able to go five rounds.
I was in dire pain after the third round. So I left the ring
thinking McCline is a ***** because he couldn't do anything with
me. Here I was a damn near crippled man and I only sparred 17
rounds for the fight. I heard he had a swimming coach, a Yoga
coach, a nutrition coach, a running coach, so I said what's next
they gonna try and give him a bionic arm? So going into the fight
I wanted to see what he's made of. After the third round I thought
to myself this guy is terrible.
So
as far as me coming back I NEVER LEFT. What you can expect from
me is the same thing, it's gonna be me or you. Either you're
knocking me out, or
I'm knocking you out. The only difference I'm gonna bring to
the game now is maturity.
GR
: So you feel that you're a more mature fighter then your last
run on HBO?
SB
: Exactly. This is a business and you can't take everything personal.
People will write good and bad about you. But in this business
when I lose I lose alone, and I win alone. It's not like basketball
where you can come back on another night and still win your championship.
I'm just looking forward to getting back on top.
GR
: A while back there were talks about you vs Mike Tyson in a
neighborhood rivalry fight. Since Mike has announced that he
wants to fight this year and next, what are the chances of you
two finally getting it on?
SB
: I think quite honestly a fight between me and Mike Tyson, two
fighters from the same hood would be a great fight for New York
City, but I think it's a fight that will never happen. We put
up a 15 million dollar guarantee for Mike to fight me plus him
getting 60% of the pay per view so he'd probably walk away with
25 million dollars in one night. But he had every excuse in the
book. Basically he said he wanted some tune ups and this and
that. But bottom line is Mike Tyson is a *****. He's not what
people think he is. He's a sideshow. He's a circus act. He wants
to fight the Kevin McBrides and he has his loyal fans that say
Mike's back, but the truth of the matter is Mike's gone and he's
never coming back. He's been gone for a long time. Look, for
25 million dollars I'll fight 10 guys in one night. Money isn't
the issue, it's the issue of Mike knowing that if he fights me
his gravy train is over and he has to go back to robbing old
ladies.
GR
: What do you think of Vitali Klitschko winning the WBC title?
SB
: He's a very entertaining boxer to watch. He puts his punches
together well, but it's human nature to want to see a guy rough
it up. People want to see Vitali roughed up. They want to know
if he can take it. He lost to Chris and he quit. The other brother
has now been knocked out three times. The jury on him is still
out. When Lewis busted him up, we knew Lewis came in out of shape.
Vitali caught Lewis off guard and did good for a minute. But
when Lewis started pounding him Vitali's face opened up like
a can of worms. So people want to see what's gonna happen when
it gets down and dirty.
I
think he's a cute champion and all, but I'd love to see how much
he can take. I'd love to get nasty with him and mix it up. Sanders
came in out of shape and then retired 15 seconds after the fight.
Let's see how cute Vitali is when he's put in a really tough
fight.
GR
: Is there any message you want to give to fight fans out there?
SB
: I'm just gonna be bringing the heat. You don't gotta love me
but you know that a Shannon Briggs fight is gonna be a good fight.
Even in the McCline fight I was injured but I was still moving
forward and taking it to him while he was running like a little
*** and because of my back I just didn't have the movement to
catch him. But other then that, I look forward to staying busy
and getting back on the tube and doing my K-1 thing. I enjoy
fighting. I'm a fighter by nature. I'm looking forward to just
staying busy and making it happen. I'm bringin the heat.
Source: Maxboxing |
Quote
of the Day
"Silence
is the great teacher, and to learn its lessons you must pay attention
to it. There is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge,
and stability that come from knowing how to contact your core
of inner silence."
Deepak Chopra, East-Indian- American M.D., New Age Author, Lecturer
|
Punishment
In Paradise 3: "WARRIORS"
Tonight!
Fight Card
175LBS.
Kickboxing Rounds
Deshawn Johnson (HMC) Vs. Tommy Pastana (Team Pastana)
Kickboxing 3X 1 ½ Minute Rounds
Wayne Pierin Jr. (Team Big Dogs) Vs. Jesse Matilda (HMC)
125lbs Kickboxing 3x 1 ½ Minutes Rounds
Stephen Paling IV (Jesus Is Lord) Vs. Derwin Wright (House of
Pain)
140LBS. Kickboxing 3x11/2 Second Rounds
Dominator (Bigdogs) Vs. Brandon Amster (Hawaii Self Defense)
10 Minute INTERMISSION
135lbs. MMA 3X3 Minutes Rounds
Ryan Lee (Bulls Pin) Vs. Toni Rodriquez (Big Dogs)
165lbs. Kickboxing 3 x 1½ Minute Rounds
Oscar Kano (HMC) Vs. Ikaika (Backyard)
145lbs MMA 3x3 Minute Rounds
Jerome Kekumu (Hardknocks) Vs. Kevin Delima (Bulls Pin)
145lbs Kickboxing 3 x 1 ½ Minute Rounds
Dyson (BIG DOGS) Vs. Brandon Antonio (Jesus Is Lord)
135lbs MMA 3x3 Minute Rounds
Mark Oshiro (Bulls Pin) Vs. Matt Matsuda (Kodan Kon)
205lbs. Kickboxing 3x1 ½ Minute Rounds
Joshua Versola (Advanced Kempo) Vs. Val (Bigdogs)
180lbs. Kickboxing 3x1 Minute Rounds
Hokel Bailey-Paris (Team Bad Boy) Vs. Peter Kahamanui (E.B.F.C)
168lbs. MMA 2x3 Minute Rounds
Mike Ganigiehi (Animal House) Vs. Mike Tafflinger (Freelance)
60lbs. Kickboxing 3x 45 Second Rounds
Tristen Pebria (E.B.F.C) Vs. Dido Rodiques (W.K.C)
135lbs. Kickboxing 3x1 Minute Rounds
Chad (Bigdogs) Vs. Gerald Arvalio (808 F.F)
175lbs. Kickboxing 3x ½ Minute Rounds
Frank Robello (Advanced Kempo) Vs. Blake Hottenberg (Kodan Kon)
Kickboxing 3x45 Second Rounds
Kawai (E.B.F.C) Vs. Kai Kamaka III (808 F.F)
85lbs. Kickboxing 3x 45 Second Rounds
Shaun Ahlo (Academia Casca Grossa de Jiu-Jitsu) Vs. Cole Porlas
(House of Pain)
150lbs. Kickboxing 3x1 ½ Minute Rounds
Randy Rivera (HMC) Vs. Tommy Laugamen (B.G.)
Source: Event Promoter |
Fighters'
Club TV Episode 21 This Tuesday!
Fighters' Club TV Episode 21 has been cut and submitted to programming.
It will air in our normal timeslot at 6pm Tuesday night on Channel
52 on the following dates: May 18 and 25, then on June 1 and
8.
This could be the best Fighters' Club Episode yet!
Episode
21 features:
-Chris
Onzuka's debut investigative piece on BJ Penn. (What every local
needs to know about their star fighter)
-Highlights
from Superbrawl 35
-Curran vs. Nonaka (+ interview w/ Jeff Curran)
-Doerksen vs. Fukuda (+ interview w/ Joe Doerksen)
-Enson Inoue vs. Tom Sauer (+ interview w/ Sauer)
-Technique
of the Week
-Back by popular demand, Chris and Mike cover some half-guard
passing
techniques that every fighter should know
+
Hawaii's 2 favorite FCTV hosts, Mike Onzuka and Mark "the
other guy"
Kurano.
Don't
miss the credits--Matt Hughes talks about Hawaiian fighters,
BJ and
MMA...
Questions,
Comments, Suggestions? (Ladies w/ resumes--attach pics)
email
us at: fightersclubtv808@hotmail.com
|
Royler
Gracie on his way to Japan... Genki Sudo Awaits!
by: R. Werneck
Three times ADCC champion and four times BJJ World Champion Royler
Gracie
stepped into a ring for his last MMA match in January of 2001,
when he drew with the Japanese fighter Takehiro Murahama in the
event called DEEP 2001.
More
than three years later, he is ready to come back to the ring!
Gracie is scheduled to face the Japanese star Genki Sudo in ROMANEX,
a K-1 MMA Championship event that will take place on May 22nd.
Royler paused his training for only a moment to share with us
his expectations about this next challenge.
“Nowadays
I have more fighting experience and because of that I can read
my opponent´s game much better. Despite the fact that I´m
three years older, I can assure you that my stamina is still
the same. Or even better, because now I know better how to use
my energy. I consider myself a more complete fighter now”
said Royler.
Asked
what he knows about Genki Sudo, who comes off a victory over
Mike Thomas Brown in UFC 47 last April, Royler stated: “I´ve
seen him fighting and he is a dangerous guy who likes to do acrobatic
movements during the bout. He has an uncommon style and because
of that I need to be very careful.”
For
the past month Royler trained with the boxing coach Claudio Coelho
at the Nobre Arte Boxing School. Asked about this kind of training,
Royler told us that everything is part of the strategy to win.
“I
usually practice boxing for one month before a fight, and for
this one I´ve been training every single day. My aim is
not to win the bout punching, but if he lets his face get in
my reach, I´ll go for it. The main idea of my boxing training
is to be prepared to neutralize my opponent´s attack and
after that try to take him down and win using my Jiu-Jitsu skills”,
ends Royler Gracie, who is flying to Japan on Saturday for the
final preparations.
Source:
ADCC |
WEC
X “Bragging Rights” Card Update
by: Keith Mills
Lemoore,
CA - With the WEC X “Bragging Rights” show coming up
fast on the 21st of May, the best news is most of the matches
previewed last month are signed!
Both
Carter/Parisyan for the Welterweight belt and Leben/Heath for
the Middleweight belt look to be great matches, with Carter/Parisyan
being two UFC vets most fans are familiar with while Leben/Heath
are two up-and-comers from top teams, Team Quest and Team Cesar
Gracie respectively.
Lytle/Taylor
will probably be more exciting than Lytle/Spratt or Lytle/Lawler
was, while local fav Olaf didn’t get Jason Maxwell after
all, but may have met his match with Gilbert Melendez. The only
disappointing changes come with the apparent dropping of the
never-confirmed Weir/Radach fight. WEC’s own website as
of this writing still lists Radach vs. TBA and in the “description”
section sill lists Weir as well as Maxwell, but the official
card is currently:
Card
Subject To Change:
- Chino Esparza vs. Steve Ramirez
- Levi Thronbrue vs. Lavar Johnson
- Bill Coffman vs. Richard Montoya
- Kengo Ura vs. Amir Rahnavardi
- Anthony Arria vs. Doug Marshall
- Daisuke Ishii vs. Bert Bergmark
- J.T. Taylor vs. Chris Lytle
- Gilbert Melendez vs. Olaf Alfonso
- Ryan Schultz vs. Gil Castillo
- Alex Steibling vs. Tim McKenzie
- Gabriel Cruz vs. Poppies Martinez
- Steve Heath vs. Chris Leben
- Karo Parisyan vs. Shonie Carter
- Mike Serr vs. Rafael Real
This
event takes place at The Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore,
CA, which is about a three hour drive southeast from San Jose.
The event will be broken down into reportedly two televised shows
on HDNet television just like last time. No word is currently
available on whether tickets are still available but WEC shows
usually sell out the day before an event. For more information
check out http://www.wec.tv/eventNext.asp or http://www.thepalace.net/newmain.htm.
Source:
ADCC |
JUNGLE
FIGHT 2 Press Conference
by: Denis Martins
The
countdown to the biggest Brazilian show nowadays just started.
Antonio Inoki and Wallid Ismail held a press conference and introduced
some aspects of what will be this second edition of the Amazonian
show. The press conference and the weigh-ins were held at 11:00am
Friday and everything reportedly went well.
Expectations
are high for the card, especially for the fight that will involve
the American brawler Bobby Hoffman versus Carlos Barreto, who
is looking for a win wipe away the slate after his last match.
Some provocations came from the fighters Assuerio Silva and Fabiano
Scherner, who will finish the fight they started in MECA, when
they fought and fell from the ring, leaving Scherner unable to
continue.
The
battle of Brazilian generations will also call our attention
when Ebenezer Fontes Braga will face the tough and smart JJ fighter
Fabricio Werdum. The complete card is below, and the show is
tonite!
Card
Subject To Change:
- Travis 'Diesel' Wiuff (USA) x Leopoldo Montenegro (Brazil Dojo)
- Assuério Silva (Muay Thai Dream Team) x Fabiano 'Pega-Leve'
Scherner (BTT)
- Ronaldo 'Jacare' (Brazil Dojo) x Victor Babkir (Russia)
- Carlos Barreto (BTT) x Bob Hoffman (BullPen)
- Katsuyori Shibata (NJPW) x Ice Man (USA)
- Fabricio Verdum (Winner-Behring) x Ebenezer Braga (Boxe Thai/RVT)
- Daniel Acacio (ChuteBoxe) x Buck Greer (Next Generation)
- Adriano Martins (Gracie) x Boris Jonstomp (France)
- Fredson Paixao (Gracie Barra Combat Team) x Rani Yahira (Ataide
Jr)
- Charlie Brown (Academia Ajuricaba) x Gabriel 'Napao' Gonzaga
(Macaco Gold Team
Source:
ADCC |
Peter
Aerts suffers a knockout in Rio de Janeiro!
by Raphael Nogueira
Three
time K-1 Grand Prix champion Peter Aerts left Brazil at the end
of April, after visiting Rio de Janeiro for two weeks. The Dutch
fighter enjoyed the trip, which he spent training with his close
friend Pedro Rizzo at Claudio Coelho’s Gym, in Ipanema.
During
the non training time, Aerts experimented by trying some typical
Brazilian dishes. Wrong strategy! The defensive techniques of
the kickboxer weren’t good enough to resist the “attack”
of brazilian flavouring! As a consequence, Aerts spent two days
running between the bed and the bathroom of Rizzo's apartment!
After
recovering from the harsh stomach ailment, the fighter talked
with GRACIE Magazine reporters and said that he will fight K-1
GP this year, and that he will debut in MMA in 2005: ‘Mixed
Martial Arts is a very difficult style of fighting. In Brazil,
I learned a lot of good movements on the ground. It will help
me a lot during my first fight’. Is it possible that Aerts
will find an opponent stronger than a “feijoada” in
an MMA ring?
Source:
ADCC |
Jungle
Fight 2 Preview:
Experience sets the tone as careers are on the line in Brazil.
By Eduardo Alonso
This
Saturday at around 10 PM New York time Jungle Fight 2 will begin
and mark a crucial step into the careers of a lot of fighters
that are taking part in the show, that in this reporter's opinion
brings a solid evolution in its technical aspect in relation
to Jungle 1. To be honest, each and every fighter on this card
has his reason to consider their fights crucial. For fighters
such as Rani Yahira and Fredson Paixao, who are on the early
stages of their careers, winning on their first national PPV
gig (In Brazil) can mean more invitations and some spotlights
on them. For fighters on the mid-stages of their careers, like
Daniel Acacio and Gabriel Napao a win in this event means another
important step forward, and for veterans such as Carlos Barreto,
Ebenezer Braga and Assuerio Silva, a loss can possibly mean the
end of their dream of returning to PRIDE or the UFC. This could
be considered more than enough to bring the attention of the
fans, but believe it or not there's even more drama to be unfolded
at Jungle Fight 2.
Ronaldo
Jacare will put his prestige as a grappler on the line once again
by risking himself into MMA, after his losing debut in Jungle
Fight 1 against Jorge Macaco Patino. Jacare was at the top of
his game in both Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling back then,
and his MMA debut was long awaited. Unfortunately things didn't
turn out well for him, as he lost by KO and a second lose could
mean the end of his short MMA career at this point, so you can
imagine the pressure he is facing before his fight against Russian
fighter Victor Babkir. With that in mind, less than 48 hours
before the show, FCF brings you a small preview in the most important
fights of Jungle Fight 2, that also has Ronaldo Jacare facing
Victor Babkir, Katsuyori Shibata from Japan facing "Ice
Man" from the USA [Of course it's not Chuck Liddell, however
at this point no one has solid information on this fighter],
Adriano Martins facing Boris Jonstomp from France, and Gabriel
Napao matching up "Charlie Brown" from Brazil. Now
let's move on the most interesting fights:
Fredson
Paixao vs. Rani Yahira: A BJJ World Champion Fredson Paixao is
a great grappler and this is well known by everybody in the Jiu-Jitsu
circles. Very strong for his weight, Fredson was always among
the top of his division in competitions with the gi on and has
been looking to make the transition to MMA for a good while already.
Since he joined the Gracie Barra Combat Team his focus turned
almost totally to MMA and he has been trying to improve his striking
skills lately, this is by the way the biggest question mark going
into his debut in our sport. This match-up was scheduled for
HEAT FC 3, that was postponed with no date set yet, so both Fredson
and Rani have been training with each other in mind for months
already! To add to this drama they fought already in submission
wrestling matches and some sort of feud started, with none of
the fighters making any secret on their desire to face each other.
Rani
Yahira is a young fighter also with great grappling skills and
impressive stamina. He first stunned the scene in Brazil when
he won his weight class at the Abu Dhabi Brazilian Trials last
year, surprising several favorites and showing a pace of fighting
that few could try to match. However, the young kid has been
training Boxing for a long time as well, and recently won a MMA
8 men tournament in Brazil, against minor competition, by easily
defeating three fighters in one night. So Rani emerges as a slightly
favorite in this fight, with the better MMA experience, stand
up and stamina, however when a fight gets personal anything can
happen.
Daniel
Acacio vs. Buck Greer: Daniel Acacio was already making noise
at MECA Vale Tudo way before he joined Chute Boxe. Although still
young, Acacio is very experienced having face tough battles at
MECA, and showing clear signs of evolution every time he fights.
As a Chute Boxe fighter, Daniel is 1 and 0, and has been making
an effort to improve his stand up. With hopes of taking part
in the next PRIDE BUSHIDO card he has been training hard non-stop
for a long time already, and as Jungle Fight appeared he took
the opportunity even though he only found out about his opponent
less than a week ago. His strength is his fighting pace, takedowns
and aggressiveness.
Coming
from Chris Brennan's camp, Buck Greer probably has a good ground
game as well as is a tough fighter. His record is very interesting,
and losing a fight to Dennis Hallman by split decision only adds
to his credentials. Experience won't likely be any problem for
him, and he is likely to have a good advantage over Acacio ground
wise. If he fights smart and avoids the initial pressure by the
Chute Boxe fighter, he has a decent shot at winning, however
with the fight being in Brazil and months of Chute Boxe training,
Daniel is the favorite on this one.
Fabricio
Werdum vs. Ebenezer Braga: Fabricio Werdum comes from a good
Jiu-Jitsu background and he really appeared on the big scene
in Brazil at last year's Abu Dhabi Sumbission Wrestling World
Championship, as he fought true battles against Marcio "Pe
de Pano" Cruz and showed himself as a top grappler. As an
MMA fighter Werdum is still not much experienced, but has been
showing signs of great potential. At the last Jungle Fight he
fought maybe the best fight of the night against Gabriel Napao,
and surprised his opponent with a solid stand up in his winning
effort. Rumors have that he is going to join Chute Boxe in the
near future, and he is surely a fighter that will make an impact
in the future. However, fighting Braga at this point may be too
much.
Ebenezer
Braga doesn't need any introduction for a hardcore MMA fan. A
true veteran of the sport Braga fought in every big show one
can imagine, as is finally getting back to the best shape of
his career. In his win over Eric Wanderlei at HEAT FC 2 Braga
showed a slim shape and good cardio, as well as a well-tuned
stand up. Considering he was training hard for months to a fight
in HEAT FC 3, that got postponed, he is still in great shape
and has the advantage in striking and experience over Werdum.
Also, his wrestling has been very improved and Fabricio will
likely have a tough time taking him down, what makes Braga the
favorite in this one. Werdum's best shot will be taking the fight
to the ground early or making it last till the final round, when
age can turn things around.
Carlos
Barreto vs. Bobby Hoffman: Just like Braga, Barreto is another
veteran that doesn't require any introduction for a real MMA
fan. With fights against some of the best MMA fighters we saw
over the years, Carlos has been making an effort to get his career
on international level again and prove to the fans and promoters
he is a new fighter. Often criticized by being boring in the
past, the Brazilian Top Team fighter has been dedicating himself
to Muay Thai in the last two years, even taking part in a K-1
competition to prove his dedication. At HEAT FC 1 he showed his
newfound Muay Thai skills in a KO effort to beat Ben Rothwell,
but his plans got "cut short" when Wrestler Travis
Wiuff used better strategy to earn a fair and square judges'
decision over him at HEAT FC 2. Facing someone known as Hoffman
may be the opportunity Barreto needs to prove he still has a
lot of fuel left, and his stand up skills will be much needed
for a solid win. Make no mistake, cause Carlos knows he can't
lose this one by any means, and this alone adds a lot of drama
to this fight.
If
we're talking about experienced fighters, Bobby Hoffman certainly
is one of the most experienced heavyweights one can find at this
level, with well over than 30 fights in his career. With a lot
of power and a solid base, Bobby was making a name for himself
in the UFC when he faced some problems in his career. Ever since
he got back in 2003, he managed to keep himself active fighting
in KOTC and other shows, but wasn't the same fighter of the past.
However, Hoffman is a big question mark, cause it's tough to
know what fighter will show up for this fight. Considering Wiuff
used great strategy and composure to beat Barreto, and this is
not the biggest quality of Bobby, plus his cardio may not be
better than Barreto's as well, Carlos can be called the favorite
for this one, but Hoffman can surprise him with his power and
grant a win by ground and pound.
Assuerio
Silva vs. Fabiano Scherner: A PRIDE veteran with numerous wins
at MECA, Assuerio Silva was once considered the Chute Boxe heavyweight
contender for the big shows. However, times usually changes and
after internal problems Assuerio opted to leave Chute Boxe along
with Anderson Silva and others. Ever since he didn't fight in
any event and what kind of form he will show is still a mystery.
The former Chute Boxe fighter is very strong and has a solid
Muay Thai. Experience and striking are his advantages over Fabiano,
and he also may have a mindset edge over the Brazilian Top Team
fighter since he firmly believes Shcerner faked an injury when
they first fought each other at MECA Vale Tudo, resulting in
a no-contest. That fight was going more into Assuerio's way before
both fighters fell out of the ring making Fabiano passing out
with the fall. The feud between the two and Asseurio's needs
for a win are what is captivating the fans on this one, as Silva
can't risk a lose at this point in his career, after his last
PRIDE fight and his departure from Chute boxe.
Coming
from Brazilian Top Team Fabiano Scherner is quite a good Jiu
Jitsu fighter. Very strong and heavy, he likes to fight from
the top and made a solid showing at the last year's Abu Dhabi
Brazilian trials, losing only to "Pe de Pano" on the
finals of he Heavy division. His MMA experience is still limited
though, with a win at Hook N Shoot and a no-contest against Assuerio.
However, this might be his best shot at beating a known fighter
such as Assuerio, with Silva's current technical shape being
a question mark, and this could make wonders for his career.
Currently I would say this fight has no favorites due to the
situation discussed above, however it's clear that Scherner best
shot at winning is controlling the fight on the ground and trying
submissions, in a fight that mindset will be the difference.
Travis
Wiuff vs. Leopoldo Montenegro: A hardcore fan of MMA, Travis
Wiuff is not only a very powerful and strong fighter, but also
a smart one. As his career has been developing, Wiuff has been
maturing a lot as a fighter and adding proper strategy into his
game. He has been also improving his stand-up, and working on
his cardio. His win over Carlos Barreto in Brazil proved those
points, as he controlled the experienced Carlos in his home turf,
under extremely hot Brazilian weather and kept his rhythm through
the whole fight. Travis won 13 fights since his last loss and
I don't think this streak will end now. With the edge in power,
strength, wrestling and experience, and maybe even in stand up,
as Montenegro is no striker, if he executes his game plan properly
and has his mind right on the fight, this can be yet another
important win in his new phase.
Leopoldo
Montenegro is a talented ground fighter, who was already BJJ
world champion in his young career. Obviously his ground skills
are his best quality and he used those to submit Mark Schultz
at Jungle Fight 1. The fight ended up being controversial, as
Schultz claimed he wasn't aware it would be a real fight. This
is Montenegro's chance to prove it was not a fluke or a problem
of communication, and he is for real as an MMA fighter. It won't
be easy, cause Wiuff's fight against Barreto may be a good preparation
for the American to also control this one. As expected, submissions
are Montenegro's best shot in the fight, and if he manages to
end up on top this can mean a whole in Wiuff's strategy and a
win for the Brazilian, who has a lot of future potential no matter
the outcome.
Source:
FCF |
HAWAII:
MAKING WAVES IN MMA
by Jeff Cain
Hawaii
has long been known as a surfer's paradise but the warm Pacific
waters aren't the only thing making waves on the island state.
Two Hawaiian fight promotions have made their splash on the Mixed
Martial Arts world in Tsunami fashion. SuperBrawl and Rumble
on the Rock have been a breeding ground for future talent. The
UFC and Pride may be the top venues in MMA but the Hawaiian scene
may very well be the next best thing.
SuperBrawl
held it inaugural event in June of 1996 and has put on some thirty
five shows since then. The amount of "big names" that
have competed under the SuperBrawl promotion is staggering. Current
Ultimate Fighting Championship Light Heavyweight Champion, Vitor
"The Phenom" Belfort made his MMA debut in SuperBrawl
2, on October 11th, 1996 with a KO victory over John Hess. Belfort's
only loses are to Randy Couture, which he avenged at UFC 46,
Kazushi Sakuraba, and Chuck Liddell. Who can forget his quick
handling of Wanderlei Silva? He is one of the most well rounded
and explosive fighters in the world today. Only in his mid twenties,
better things can be expected out of "The Phenom."
In
it's third show, SuperBrawl's fight card featured the likes of
future MMA legends Pat Miletich and Frank Shamrock. TJ Thompson,
SuperBrawl promoter, continued to put on excellent cards, featuring
an array of future talent. Dan "The Beast" Severn appeared
in multiple events from SuperBrawl 5 through 16.
SuperBrawl
13 was an event that featured three future UFC champions. It
was the MMA debut of Josh Barnett, a former UFC heavyweight champion.
He would relinquish his belt after a disputed positive test for
steroids. The only loss on his record, still to this day, is
to Pedro Rizzo at UFC 30. On the same card, future UFC Heavyweight
Champion Ricco Rodriguez fought in his fourth MMA bout. Dave
Menne defeated Jutaro Nakao on that September night back in 1999
and would go on to win the UFC Middleweight title two years later.
Those
aren't the only fighters to appear in SuperBrawl to go on to
win world titles. Matt Hughes, former five time defending UFC
Welterweight Champion, defeated Eric DaVila in SuperBrawl 17.
A year and a half later, he slammed his way to UFC gold with
a victory over Carlos Newton at UFC 34.
Billed
as, "Return of the Heavyweights," SuperBrawl 24 was
a two day event in April of 2002. Tim "The Maine-iac"
Sylvia beat Mike Whitehead and Boyd Ballard with a devastating
display of striking ability. Ten months later, Ricco Rodriguez,
the UFC Heavyweight Champion at the time, found himself the victim
of Sylvia's punches and Tim found himself with the belt.
The
list of champions that have, at some time, passed through the
ropes of the SuperBrawl ring is impressive. Just as impressive
is the heap of solid talent who have showcased their skills on
the Hawaiian Island under the SuperBrawl name. Wesley "Cabbage"
Correirra's second MMA bout was with them. PrideFC heavyweight
contender Heath Herring participated on that same SuperBrawl
13 card with the three previously mentioned former UFC champions.
Guys like Falaniko Vitale, Takanori Gomi, Dave Strasser and Khalil
"Tiki" Ghosen competed there. I can't leave out Din
Thomas and Jeff Curran.
If
the past can tell us anything about the future, there have been
some up and comers who have participated in recent SuperBrawl
events to keep an eye on in the future to make their own waves.
Rich Franklin was on the most recent SuperBrawl card. Take away
his loss in Japan and he would already be firmly in that next
level of MMA stars. Jason "Mayhem" Miller will be making
his UFC debut soon and his last three outings have been under
the SuperBrawl promotion. Japanese sensation Norifumi "Kid"
Yamamoto, and Hawaiian native Ronald "Machine Gun" Jhun are two more up and
comers to keep an eye on in the future.
SuperBrawl
isn't the only promotion in Hawaii raising the eye brows of the
MMA world. BJ and JD Penn's Rumble on the Rock organization has
been putting together match ups that are worthy of main event
status in any fight promotion.
Rumble
on the Rock held their first event in December of 2002. In the
second show, Renato "Charuto" Verissimo fought in his
second MMA fight. He would go one to fight on the next two Rumble
on the Rock cards. "Charuto" showed the world just
how good he really is when he completely dismantled Carlos Newton
at UFC 46.
Rumble
on the Rock 4 was the event that really put the promotion on
the map. Verissimo defeated Gil Castillo, Dennis Hallman, who
holds two victories over Matt Hughes, was also on that October
2003 fight card. The main event that evening was between BJ Penn
and Takanori Gomi. The match, that could have been for the lightweight
title anywhere, solidified BJ Penn as the number one fighter
at 155 pounds in the world when he dominated Gomi before submitting
him late in the third round.
Arguably
the best fighter in the world at 185 pounds, Matt "The Law"
Lindland was pitted against Tony Fryklund in Rumble on the Rock
5. Lindland continued to show his dominance in the division with
a "Clear cut victory," as his corner man John Hackleman
described it. With match ups like Lindland vs. Fryklund and the
highly hyped, possible future bout between Frank Shamrock and
Cesar Gracie taking place in the next Rumble on the Rock, Hawaii
continues to be making waves.
Source:
MMA Weekly |
CABBAGE'S
CASE TURNED OVER TO ATTORNEY GENERAL
MMAWeekly has followed up regarding the future of Cabbage, in
not only the UFC, but his future in MMA due to a medical suspension.
When
asked about Wes "Cabbage" Correira and his standing
with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, a spokesperson for
the NSAC told MMAWeekly, "The matter has been turned over
to the Attorney General's office."
As
first reported by MMAWeekly's Ivan Trembow in his article "Life
of a Fighter - Medicals" right after UFC 47, the NSAC put
Cabbage on medical suspension for six weeks after his TKO loss
to Andrei Arlovski on April 2.
Cabbage's
medical suspension was set to expire on May 18. However, Cabbage
became in hot water with NSAC after failing to adhere to the
terms of the suspension.
Cabbage
violated the medical suspension by fighting on the May 7th "Rumble
on the Rock" show, where he lost a unanimous decision to
John Marsh.
Now
it appears Cabbage could be suspended even longer as the case
has now been turned over to the Attorney's Office.
Source:
MMA Weekly |
SYLVIA
PROVIDES CLEAN DRUG TEST TO NEVADA
For those people worried about Tim Sylvia fighting Frank Mir
at UFC 48, in light of what happened with tests at UFC 47, won't
have to worry about it this time around.
Tim
Sylvia has provided the Nevada State Athletic Commission with
a clean drug test and is no longer suspended.
Sylvia's
camp had been claiming since early April that he passed a steroid
test, but until recently the NSAC hadn't received those test
results.
Now
a spokesperson for the NSAC told MMAWeekly, "Tim Sylvia
has indeed turned in an acceptable anabolic steroid test and
has been taken off the federal suspension list."
With
this finally behind him, Sylvia will now focus his attention
to June 19th, as he is scheduled to face Frank Mir for the vacant
UFC Heavyweight Title at UFC 48 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Source:
MMA Weekly |
Tony
DeSouza interview
by James Hirth
James
Hirth: I understand you are training to compete in a Brazilian
MMA event and there are quite a few to choose from now. Is your
bout going to be in MECA Vale Tudo, HEAT FC, Brazil Super Fight,
Challenge Original Vale Tudo, SHOOTO Brazil or something else?
Tony
DeSouza: Yeah. My first fight is going to be fight in Meca World
Vale Tudo 11 against Luiz Azeredo (Chute Boxe) and I'm looking
for another fight now. I'm looking to fight here, looking to
fight anywhere.
JH:
Are you training with Andre at Nova Uniao?
TD:
This is my third time here in Brazil and I train every time with
Andre here in Nova Uniao.
JH:
Have you trained with or intend to resume training with B.J.
Penn?
TD:
Of course. I love to train with BJ Penn. He's great. He's a top
fighter and when we train there's a lot of exchange of information.
JH:
I know you like to watch tape of your opponents and figure them
out ahead of time. Have you been provided with footage of your
current opponent?
TD:
I don’t have the tape, but I work for that. Pedro Rizzo
called one of his friends to get footage of Azeredo's fights
and I think I'll be able to watch that this weekend. So I will
get footage of him before we fight.
JH:
Weighing your preparatory habits against your desire to fight,
would you ever take a short-notice bout to get back in the ring?
TD:
I'm a fighter. Of course I’ll take a fight on short notice.
All this time I've been in training so this is not a short notice
fight for me. Since I am training all the time I can do this
without any problems.
JH:
What if it was for a top organization as opposed to a B or C
level show?
TD:
Azeredo's already fought Anderson Silva, Hayato Sakurai and Rodrigo
Ruas, so the event doesn't matter. I want face to tough opponents.
It doesn't matter if the event is Meca World Vale Tudo or the
UFC, it is how tough the opponent is that matters.
JH:
Any chance we'll see you in B.J.'s Rumble On The Rock promotion?
TD:
I've had problems with my visa. My papers are on the way. If
I get back to USA, I will definitively fight for B.J.'s show.
JH:
Aside from having the UFC 38 fight in England against Gil Castillo
cancelled (7/02) and this bout in Brazil, have you had any other
recent prospects?
TD:
I was supposed to fight last time I came here in October of last
year. I was going to fight in a Vale Tudo event in Minas Gerais
but the opponent got hurt two days before the fight. He hurt
his shoulder or something like that and I didn’t get fight.
I have been looking for a fight over the two years that I kept
myself away of MMA scene. I’m glad that I got fight I have
right now (laughs).
JH:
Did you feel snubbed because Gil got to fight Hughes for the
title in his next bout and you haven't been back in the cage
since 2001?
TD:
I did not feel snubbed whatsoever. I mean I couldn’t return
to the USA at that point and Gil could (laughs).
JH:
Are you planning a return to the UFC now due to the fact B.J.
Penn has the title for now and Renato Verissimo has been successful
in the octagon as well?
TD:
I fight anywhere. If the UFC gives me another shot, I am willing
to fight for any organization. I want to fight the top guys in
any event. I am ready mentally, physically and emotionally. I
am happy now.
JH:
Back to the UFC, you would likely have to fight a bout or two
before being offered a title shot. Would you be willing to make
a 3-fight commitment to the UFC or would you prefer an open-ended
contract to fight where you like? I think this is especially
important given the difficulty you've had getting fights.
TD:
This is in the hands of my manager. Whether it is a 1-fight or
3-fight deal, he knows what’s good for me. He’s looking
at what is best for me, so my only concern is to train for fighting.
JH:
I think I know the answer to this but would you fight B.J. for
the title if he stays in the UFC and still has the title when
you are ready for a shot?
TD:
We’re friends. I don’t want to fight B.J. I lived with
this guy. I know his mom, dad and brothers.
JH:
You handled Paul Rodriguez pretty quickly in UFC 32 and have
said in the past that you feel your wrestling skills give you
an advantage against other wrestlers. Do you think you could
dominate against fighters like Sean Sherk and Matt Hughes or
do you feel that those fighters are more than just wrestlers
and their more complex game makes them more difficult to prepare
for?
TD:
I have always felt myself comfortable with my wrestling abilities
and I think because of that I can dominate other wrestlers. I
use my wrestling skills differently, to fight MMA, and not like
in a simple wrestling match. If you watch my fights, this happened
in most every match. I use my wrestling skills to smash my opponents.
As for Sherk and Hughes, well I believe in my wrestling and I
feel I know things that they don’t know.
JH:
You wanted to test your stand-up against Jutaro Nakao in UFC
33 and you had been working with Chuck Liddell. The first round
likely had you frustrated from the slow pace and Jutaro's holding
on against the fence and the second hardly started before the
KO. Had you seen footage of Nakao beforehand what do you feel
went wrong there?
TD:
I didn’t get frustrated. The best way of explaining that
is with a Spanish phrase: “La espera, desespera” or
“To wait makes you a little desperate”. I got a bit
desperate against Nakao and wanted to get something going. And
I did get something going, with a punch on my face (laughs).
You take risks in life. I took a risk and learned something from
this defeat. It was an experience for me.
JH:
In your last bout at WFA 1, you dominated Chatt Lavender for
the entire fight. Why didn't you fight on the WFA 2 or WFA 3
cards the following year?
TD:
Because I wasn’t in the USA. I left the US in the same period
as UFC 35.
JH:
And on a side note, do you know anything about those other two
events coming out on DVD? There are some great fights on those
cards and it is a shame we cannot see them.
TD:
I’m not sure, but I think John Lewis is working on these
DVDs because they were great events.
JH:
When was the last time you went home to Peru?
TD:
At Christmas time I was with my entire family.
JH:
Who do you train with when you go home or do you simply return
home to visit and leave the training for somewhere else?
TD:
I train with my students in Peru. We’re getting a big MMA
movement in Peru and I’d like to show everybody that the
Peruvian fighters are making some noise.
JH:
Do you know Carlos Machado black belt Roberto Kaelin? I've read
he has a Vale Tudo school in Lima, Peru?
TD:
No, I don’t. I never heard of him before. I know Andre Pereira
from Gracie Barra and Christian Freire.
JH:
You've mentioned wanting to fight in Japan in SHOOTO or Pride.
Have you made any contacts to get you a bout over there?
TD:
I’ve spoken to Andre here in Brazil about it. He can contact
his people in Japan. I don’t focus on that, my focus is
to fight.
JH:
Are you familiar with the ZST promotion in Japan? They recently
had an exciting Lightweight Grand Prix tournament and also feature
MMA tag team matches.
TD:
No I have never heard of this, but lightweight GPs are good competitions
to take part. Tag team matches are uncommon here on the American
Continent when we’re speaking about MMA. But who knows,
we should never say never you know?
JH:
Who would you like to fight in Pride? With Sakuraba retiring
soon, is he someone you would like the opportunity to fight?
I realize he fights at a little heavier weight than you do.
TD:
This would be a dream coming true. I have watched his fights
on videos and it would be an honor for me to face Sakuraba.
JH:
Are you simply hungry for a title right now, whether it be in
the UFC or Pride?
TD:
If a tough guy has a title and I get a chance for a title shot
against him, I welcome the opportunity. However I’m not
hungry for a title/belt. I don’t have this on my mind right
now. I just want to fight top guys.
JH:
You have a habit of training and living in a gym. Is this something
you feel comfortable with doing anywhere or just with a camp
you know well? For instance, do you feel you could go to Curitiba,
Brazil and stay with the Chute Boxe team for a few months and
then return to the U.S. and go to Iowa to stay with the Miletich
camp for a few months?
TD:
I only train on the camps that are directly associated with Nova
Uniao. I mean, I’d love to go in Chute Boxe or the Mitelich
camp, but whoever I train with become my friends. I can’t
smash my friends, and I’m sure if I visit these academies
to train, I’d make friends. You know how it is (laughs).
JH:
Thank you for your time and good luck in your return to fighting.
TD:
Thank you and I want to thank my sister for sponsoring me.
Source:
Sherdog |
Just
My Thoughts: An Angry Sloan, MMA Going Mainstream, etc.
by Mike Sloan
In
life, there are many aspects of living that bother the hell out
of me. Fat chicks who think they look like Shakira and wear skimpy
outfits is a prime example of sheer annoyance. Another example
is any movie containing Julia Roberts. Sorry, but she is so damn
annoying that I’d honestly choose to swallow chards of broken
glass than sit through Mona Lisa Smile.
However,
nothing compares to the mainstream world still overlooking and
ignoring mixed martial arts. Sure, our beloved sport is relatively
new and the vast majority of America doesn’t understand
it, but to have major networks like ESPN and others like CNNSI
continue to ignore the UFC and PRIDE just kills me. What does
it take?
One
positive aspect of this situation is that The Best Damn Sports
Show Period supports MMA and has featured Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture
and others as guests. And yes, ESPN regularly televises reruns
of K-1 events. But what we fans crave is regular airings of some
sort of UFC on the weekends or even at 2 AM. I don’t care
if only UFC 3 is aired; at least give us something. Once we get
regular broadcasts of old or even new UFCs, smaller shows like
King of the Cage, TKO, WFA (remember that?) and others can hopefully
get more mainstream coverage. When that happens, the fighters
become more well-known and when the up-and-coming world beaters
succeed, fans will at least know who the hell they are when they
make their UFC or PRIDE debuts.
Just
imagine: alongside ESPN2’s Tuesday and Friday Night Fights
boxing telecasts is some sort of UFC show. UFC 37.5 was supposed
to mark the beginning of smaller UFC events to showcase young,
unknown talent, but we’ve been waiting almost two years
for another ½ UFC. Ultimate prez Dana White always tells
me and others about how close Zuffa is to getting a cable deal,
but nothing is happening as of yet.
Naturally,
many fans on the forums bash Dana and blame him for not getting
UFC onto mainstream networks or that he should do more and spend
more money. Trust me; Dana and friends are doing everything they
possibly can to get UFC onto ESPN or other networks, but the
suits at these networks simply won’t budge. They still deem
our sport some back alley bloodbath with no rules, the fighters
are drunk and glue broken glass to their fists. If you know how
hard Dana works for UFC succeed like I do, you’d look at
him in a different light.
Jose Sulaiman of
the WBC:
Boxing’s
Jose Sulaiman, the president of the scandalous World Boxing Council,
erupted in anger when he heard that Mike Tyson had signed on
to fight in K-1. He sent out some ignorant statement claiming
that K-1 is an organization with no rules and has fighters with
no skills. He said that K-1’s fights take humanity back
to the days of the gladiators where the winner escaped with only
his life. His statement ripped apart K-1 and the rest of the
MMA world, an opinion obviously devoid of intellect. It’s
obvious that he has never witnessed a K-1 match. Maybe its ignorance
such as this that keeps Sulaiman in control of the WBC and ordering
senseless title defense and belt-strippings?
It’s
remarks like this, from the popular Sulaiman, that continue to
bog down every aspect of MMA. Thankfully ESPN hadn’t shut
its doors on K-1 in days succeeding Sulaiman’s comments,
but who knows what other damage was done?
Ignorant jackasses:
Almost
every time I cover a boxing event decked out in my Sherdog.com
garb, a reporter or fan of strictly boxing asks what Sherdog
is. After I inform them, they usually look at me in disgust and
basically degrade the sport. The usual response I receive is,
‘Oh, that’s no sport. All those guys do is beat the
hell out of each other, there are no rules whatsoever and it’s
so violent and dangerous. Ugh.’
After
I then feel the need to defend myself and MMA by informing them
about how safe and great the sport is, how the UFC has totally
changed, etc., said culprit usually is shocked to hear the truth.
Their attitude usually changes to a more ignorant standpoint
of not willing to learn what MMA is all about and how boxing
is the only way to go.
Don’t
get me wrong; I grew up around boxing and I will freely admit
that I have a fonder love for the Sweet Science and ten times
the knowledge of the sport compared to MMA, but I will defend
MMA until the day I die. I’ve said for years that the only
thing that could replace boxing in my life would be MMA.
Another
prime example of ignorance happened last night at the MGM in
the minutes following the awesome Manny Pacquiao/Juan Manuel
Marquez war. I was wearing my official UFC baseball cap when
some guy came up and asked me if I worked for the UFC. I told
him exactly what I did and said that I was friends with some
of the UFC staff, but that’s it. He then tried to have me
help get his friend to fight in the UFC. He had some college
wrestling experience FIFTEEN YEARS AGO and played college football.
That’s
it. That’s all the professional and amateur fighting experience
this dude’s friend had. He still thought that simply anybody
who was tough could fight in the UFC. I tried unsuccessfully
to explain to him five times that one has to have a lot of fighting
experience to get into the UFC and that MMA is a legitimate sport.
He wouldn’t buy anything I was telling him because he obviously
still thinks the UFC is some Toughman contest in a cage. When
I told him that it would be impossible to get his friend into
the UFC with absolutely zero fighting experience, he simply barked
at me, “Fine! I’ll just go and talk to Dana White himself!”
When
I replied, ‘Okay, go ahead; he’ll tell you exactly
what I’m telling you, but be my guest,” the guy simply
walked away in disgust.
We need help from
cable TV:
So
what does it take to get our sport the mainstream coverage? We
all know the answer to that age old question, but the network
execs are still too afraid to open their bloodshot eyes and welcome
the UFC onto their schedule. Seriously, with all the crap that
ESPN and ESPN2 televise, they can easily make room for MMA and
more K-1. Let’s eradicate some of the torturous shit that
is regularly aired on said network, shall we?
Nobody-
and I mean nobody- watches the backwoods logrolling championship
or the John Deere Lawnmower Racing series. Nobody cares about
how fast some burly dude sporting a mullet can saw logs or fell
a tree. Nobody gives a rat’s ass about how some 12-year
kid can spell hysterectomy or supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Spelling B? Sorry, pal, but that is not a sport. Lawnmower racing
is not a sport. Sport fishing is fun, but who the hell actually
tunes in to watch Bazooka Joe catch a largemouth bass on TV?
I’ll play pool everyday, especially when I’m hammered,
but I don’t become glued to my chair when Minnesota Fats
is banking the seven off the five and into the corner pocket.
Seriously,
folks, this madness has to end. There has to be something we
can do to help the UFC and other MMA organizations get more national
TV exposure. I don’t see how the suits at ESPN can actually
broadcast friggin’ dog shows and not Couture/Belfort. How
on Earth can FOX Sports seriously televise something like squash
and not Fedor/Nogueira? It makes me sick.
When
Dana or Lorenzo Ferttita tell me that they are close to deals
with ESPN or Fox and that Max Kellerman is a good friend to the
UFC, I believe them. I just can’t wait until the day my
sport- MY UFC- will have highlights on SportsCenter. ESPN, even
though they completely screwed us boxing fans by announcing that
no boxing shows will be broadcast this fall, is at least starting
to show more boxing highlights on SportsCenter. It’s only
a matter of time before K-1, UFC and PRIDE follow. It’s
just that who actually knows when it will happen?
Keep
your fingers crossed, friends, and start emailing ESPN and others
about this unfortunate situation!
Source:
Sherdog |
Quote
of the Day
"Courage
is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something
else is more important than fear."
Ambrose Redmoon
|
Punishment
In Paradise 3: "WARRIORS"
Tomorrow
Weigh ins Today
Friday May 14.04, Pearl City Flamingo's will host Punishment
In Paradise 3 weigh-ins, Weigh-ins will start at 5:30pm and end
at 6:30pm. You are all welcome to come meet the fighters and
that will be the last day to pick up your pre-sale tickets which
is running out FAST..Hope all is well and hope to see you at
the weigh-ins.
Fight Added
Tommy Pestana
(Waianae Kickboxing Club, 808 Fight Factory)
Vs.
Deshawn "3D" Johnson
(H.M.C)
Cabinian, Armstrong OUT!!
Ryan Cabinian
hurt his knee while training so he is out of the fight.
Domi "Dominator" Lopes
(Team Big dog, Kick'in It Champion)
Vs.
Brandon Amster
(Hawaii Self-Defense, Kick'in It Champion)
Mark Oshiro
(Bulls Pen)
Vs.
Matt Matsuda
(Kodenkan)
Source: Event Promoter |
It
has a name!
“Hawaiian Grappling Challenge”
A
tentative date of August 28th has been scheduled. This will be
a “no-gi” only event with both amateur and professional
divisions.
The
weight classes and rules will be very similar to those used at
Abu Dhabi.
There
will be a total of $5,000 in cash prizes divided among winners
in the professional division.
Source:
Event Promoter
|
Pride
Champ Wanderlei Silva attacks as heavyweight!
by André Araújo / Team TATAME
After getting injured during training with Jorge Patino 'Macaco'
at Chute Boxe's headquarters in Curitiba, Pride Middleweight
Champion Wanderlei Silva underwent knee surgery and ended up
out of Pride Bushido 3, which happens on May 23rd at Yokohama
Arena in Japan. The news now is the weight of the champ.
Silva
has been working out to increase his weight. 'I weight 102kg
now and I do feel big and strong. I hope I will get even bigger,'
revealed Chute Boxe's fighter, alerting the opponents: 'Please
don't be scared with my size when I come back to the ring,' stated
Silva, who is already partially recovered from the surgery. Wanderlei
also lamented being away from PRIDE. 'I feel fine, but in fact,
it was a surprise for me. I ended getting my knee hurt and I
needed some time off. I wanted to face on Kondo now, but this
fight may have to wait a little bit. But I do promise you it
will be great,' stated Silva.
About
his last opponent, Japanese fighter Minowa, Wand analyzes Minowa's
fight with Brazilian Ryan Gracie at Pride Bushido: 'Minowa is
doing fine. He has fought with Quinton Jackson and me and now
I am sure he will fight hard after the victory. Japanese love
to fight Gracie family, its a honor for them. Ryan is such an
experienced guy and he needs to have in mind Minowa is not like
Kazuhiro Hamanaka. In my opinion, if this fight goes long, Minowa
has a great chance to win. But in other hand, if its short, I
have no doubts Ryan wins,' guessed the champ.
Source:
ADCC
|
JUNGLE
FIGHT 2 - Lineup Announced!
by: Denis Martins
JUNGLE FIGHT 2
Date: May 15th, 2004
Studio 5 Centro de Convencoes in Manaus, AMAZONAS
Full
Card (Subject To Change):
Travis 'Diesel' Wiuff (USA) x Leopoldo Montenegro (Brazil Dojo)
Assuério Silva (Muay Thai Dream Team) x Fabiano 'Pega-Leve'
Scherer (BTT)
Ronaldo 'Jacare' (Brazil Dojo) x Victor Babkir (Russia)
Carlos Barreto (BTT) x Bob Hoffman (BullPen)
Katsuyori Shibata (Japan) x Ice Man (USA)
Fabricio Verdum (Winner-Behring) x Ebenezer Braga (Boxe Thai/RVT)
Daniel Acacio (ChuteBoxe) x Buck Greer (Next Generation)
Adriano Martins (Gracie) x Boris Jonstomp (France)
Fredson Paixao (Gracie Barra Combat Team) x Rani Yahira (Ataide
Jr)
Charlie Brown (Academia Ajuricaba) x Gabriel 'Napao' Gonzaga
(Macaco Gold Team)
Source:
ADCC |
The
Replacement Guy:
Matyushenko Injured;
Wiuff Steps Into Jungle Fight 2
By Loretta Hunt
Minnesotan heavyweight Travis Wiuff is clocking in some mean
frequent flyer miles these days. Tomorrow he embarks on a 25
hour trip to Brazil for this Saturday's Jungle Fight 2, Wallid
Ismael and Antonio Inoki's MMA promotion held deep within the
Amazon rainforest.
Confirmed
by longtime RAW manager and coach Rico Chiapparelli today, UFC
veteran Vladimir Matyushenko has dropped from the event's main
event due to a dislocated toe he sustained ten days ago in training.
According to Chiapparelli, Matyushenko's big toe was at one point
perpendicular to his foot and the bone did pierce through the
skin, but he expects the Belarusian back to training in two to
three weeks. Matyushenko was to have squared off against Leopoldo
Montenegro, a veteran of the Jungle Fight's inaugural September
13th event.
The
catch to it all? It hasn't been confirmed that Wiuff is actually
replacing Matushyenko on the card, only that he will be fighting
come Saturday. The quiet former college wrestler, managed by
Monte Cox, says he has learned to keep his body and mind fine
tuned for occasions just like these. "I enjoy staying active,"
the Team Extreme fighter said, having just come off a dominating
victory over Red Devil fighter Roman Zentsov at March 13th's
Mixed Fighting Championship, another fight he took on only two
days notice when ATT rep Jeff Monson had to resign last minute.
"I'd rather have it this way than fighting every three or
four months. I guess the opponent doesn't really bother me unless
his name's Minotauro or Silva," he laughs.
Following
Jungle Fight, Wiuff is scheduled to appear at June 11th's Extreme
Challenge, and is planning to train for a week with Team Quest
to expand his game. "Randy [Couture] is my idol without
a doubt," Wiuff shares, "and anything he says I'm gonna
pay attention to. He seems to have the perfect game right now."
While in Oregon, Wiuff says he hopes to sharpen his clinch work
and dirty boxing techniques, talents the wrestler-friendly gym
has become famous for. 25-year old Wiuff has amassed a whopping
29-4 record in less than three years time and is currently on
a thirteen fight winning streak.
Source:
FCF |
Wallid
Ismail
By André Araújo
All set to Jungle Fight 2
If
the first edition of Jungle Fight surprised with a ring near
from Negro River, at the famous Ariau Towers Hotel in Amazonas,
with ring girls dressed as Brazilian natives and a VIP audience,
the second edition comes promising even more. The fighters will
have a black panther as an entrance, a huge snake watching the
fighters from the ring side and different from last time, the
Jungle Fight 2 will be held in the city, at the Studio 5 night
club in Manaus (AM). Event's highlight, the card will feature
fighters from five countries and Wallid Ismail promises a show
ever seen in Amazon. "We gonna be as good as Pride and UFC,"
guarantees Wallid during an exclusive you may read bellow.
Tell
me the news about Jungle Fight 2?
The
scenario will be great. We gonna have a 10 meters' snake around
the ring and the fighters will reach the ring through a black
panther. The card is also unseen in Brazil, with fighters from
France, Japan, United States and Russia. It will be one if the
biggest events ever seen in Brazil. We gonna have a ramp with
lights and everything else. We gonna be as good as Pride and
UFC. This part is being taken care by Parintins artisans. We
do have support of the local community, of the Major and of the
local State. We count also with a good press release present
in eleven Brazilian states via cable channel Sportv. The thing
is bring attention to the Amazon forest and Manaus city, that
by the way, is gorgeous.
The
first Jungle Fight numbers were quite good...
Jungle
Fight 1 was record of viewers in Pay-per-view and ruled all the
events aired in Brazil, including Pride Dynamite!. Everybody
is aware about Amazon and our event is the only one that features
fighters from other countries. So that is good.
Are
you already planning the third edition?
Yes.
It will be held on September 25th. We are also dealing with China,
Qatar. We are dealing with Las Vegas too. I wanna do it all of
this in 2004. We just need to wait and see.
During
the first Jungle, former Japanese senator Antônio Inoki
swan at Negro River with wild fishes, entered the ring with a
monkey on the lap. Now, what can we do expect from him?
It's
a surprise... we don't know yet. But I can tell you we are working
out... I am sure he will surprise you guys once again
Why
the matches took so long to be defined, considering we are from
few days from May 15th?
We
had some problems with three foreign fighters which got hurt.
I am already working on their substitutes, besides I am facing
now a new issue., a visa one. This thing to match up a card is
a damn hard job. By the time I used to fight, I hated this situation
imposed by organizers. Now I realize its damn crazy. It's freaking
hard to close a card like this... but I wanna make it clear I
have been talking with the fighters everyday and it's everything
fine.
How
is the audience for Jungle 2?
Jungle
Fight 2 will be aired by Sportv in Brazil, also for Japan and
many other places. Including Portugal, we did it really well.
We reached 7,3 points against 7,5 from soccer. A great step.
About the tickets, it is available from today (11) until May
15th at Studio 5. It costs R$ 20, 50, 100, 150 and 200.
A
while ago, Brazil Dojo accepted a open challenge from Brazilian
Top Team... tell me about it, once you have a BBT fighter (Carlão
Barreto) at Jungle 2's card.
Our
relationship is great. I also talked with Bebeo (Duarte) two
nights ago. We are fine about it and this story belongs to the
past.
And
about Brazil Dojo. What the real situation of the team created
by you during the first Jungle Fight?
The
team has been reformulated. We are evaluating the team and the
idea is create a solid team, but it is unsure yet. Brazil Dojo
is something I like, it is not about doing business. You just
have to wait... as everything I do in my life, the team is gonna
rule and it will be great again. I will slap the face of who
doubted of me.
Source:
Tatame |
Pedro
Gama Filho
By Alexandre Lobo
Wrestling's
revival in Brazil
Wrestling
in Brazil is getting bigger, says Pedro Gama Filho, director
of Brazilian Confederation of Associated Wrestling Styles (CBLA)
and the chief of Brazilian team at San Domingo Pan-Am Games and
Guatemala's Pan-Am. Confirmed to lead the Olympic team in Athens,
Pedro believes in a good interchange with the best teams of the
World to make the Brazilian wrestlers even better. In an exclusive
to TATAME.com, Pedro talks about the CBLA job, the sport's future
in Brazil and brings what people in other countries says about
the Brazilians.
What
a good job done on past Pan-Am of Wrestling, in Guatemala...
It's
true, we really had an important participation, better than the
year before, when we didn't get nothing. For the first time in
the history of the sport in Brazil, we conquered a golden medal
at an international championship, with Juliana Borges. Besides,
we also brought two bronze medals, with Carolina Cardoso and
Rosângela Conceição. Only Cuba, the United
States and Brazil listened their national anthems during this
Pan-Am! At the end of the tournament, the International Federation
of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) paid tribute for us, due
to Wrestling's revival in Brazil. FILA is very impressed with
our human material and people are considering us as a future
power on Wrestling.
Why
did we have such a good participation at Guatemala's Pan-Am?
It's
all about the great job Brazilian Confederation of Associated
Wrestling styles is doing. Juliana, for example, is travelling
a lot. We are also paying more attention on the girls, because
they are our best hopes to take medals on next competitions.
After all, the female Wrestling is quite new at the Olympic Games,
having started at Sydney 2000. That's why we are at the same
level of the other traditional countries. We also have to celebrate
the money Brazilian government is investing on us. It's important
to send our fighters to practice with the best in the world and
to organize all the competitions here in Brazil.
How
does CBLA intend to invest this money in the future?
We
have a permanent team and we intend to find a place to put our
Training Camp. We are still negotiating with Cuba to have two
Cuban trainers and some fighters to make our training even better.
Brazilian
Gymnastic and Diving teams contracted foreign coaches and had
an expressive participation at last tournaments. Does CBLA intend
to do the same in the future?
That's
what we also want to do since a long time. Obviously, it's very
important for us to bring all this technical support from the
other countries. Besides increasing our fighters skills, this
interchange would also be important to build our own coaches.
But, we don't have money to do it now.
Antoine
is focused only at the Olympic Games. What can you say about
his training?
Antoine
is going to do a very strong training out of Brazil. Primarily,
he is going to Cuba, a country that loves the Brazilians. They
didn't put their Heavyweight representative at the Olympic Games
and Antoine will stay there for a month and a half with Cuban
national team. Then, he goes to Bulgaria and stays in Europe
till the Games.
Who
are Brazilian's toughest opponents in Athens?
Russians
and the American Daniel Cournier, who beat Antoine at the Pan-Am
in San Domingo. At the Worlds in New York, Antoine had just to
score a point against him to go to Athens and Cournier beat him
again. But now Antoine is going to defeat anyone!
What
can we expect for the future?
Probably
Brazil will held the next South-American Wrestling championship.
FILA has just confirmed next Pan-Am of Wrestling, in 2006, in
Brazil, to test the installations for Rio de Janeiro Pan-Games,
in 2007. Two days before the Olympic Games, FILA will do its
technical meeting to discuss some changes on the sports rules.
They want to turn from two to three the number of rounds in a
Wrestling fight. It would be great for us, because it fits to
our game style.
Source:
Tatame |
Royler
sharpens Boxing with Coelho
Three years away from rings, 3x ADCC champion Royler Gracie has
been confirmed at K-1 Romarex to face Japanese Genki Sudo, MMA
event which happens at Saitama Super Arena in Japan on May 22nd.
Focused on Boxing training, Royler comes sharpening his Boxing
skills with one of the most traditional Brazilian Boxing trainers,
Cláudio Coelho.
"Royler
Boxing training is focused into coordination. He has been training
everyday in the last 25 days and he is great!", evaluated
Coelho, adding: "Royler is a Jiu-Jitsu fighter and he does
need Boxing movements on the ring to avoid punches and kicks."
Asked about the possibility of Royler surprise Sudo via KO, Cláudio
says: "I guess it's hard to happen, but I am sure he might
submit," stated the Boxing trainer, who will be travelling
to Japan with Royler on next May 15th.
Check
out the complete card (subject to change):
Bob
Sapp Vs Kazuyuki Fujita
Alexey Ignashov Vs Shinsuke Nakamura
Don Frye Vs Yoshihiro Nakamura
Josh Barnett Vs Rene Rooze
Gary Goodridge Vs Sylvester 'The Predator' Terkay
B.J. Penn Vs Duane Ludwig
Genki Sudo Vs Royler Gracie
Sam Greco Vs Lyoto Machida
Blue Wolf Vs Tom Howard
Source: Tatame
|
THE
NEXT GREAT FIGHTER AT 185?
WANTS A SHOT AT LINDLAND
Recap by Jeff Cain
Rumored to be facing Matt "The Law" Lindland in the
UFC, David Terrell joined MMAWeekly SoundOff Radio Wednesday
and discussed the possibility. His last two fights have been
in Pancrase and David said he loves fighting in Japan. He hasn't
fought in the U.S. since January of 2001 and is looking forward
to coming back and competing.
David
has wrestled his entire life and at the age of sixteen, started
training in Jiu-Jitsu and Sambo. He soon joined Cesar Gracie's
camp and has been there every since. He has been some what inactive
in MMA over the past three years, having only fought two fights.
During that time, he received his black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and
focused mainly on competing in Abu Dhabi.
Terrell
made his MMA debut against Vernon "Tiger" White and
lost by a controversial decision. He hasn't lost since. About
a fight with Matt Lindland, David said, "I'm ready to rock."
he knows Lindland is a great fighter and has a lot of respect
for him. He commented, "I don't want to be in the UFC fighting
some scrub...I want to fight the best guys. Lindland is one of
the best so I would love a shot to prove where I am."
David
trains with Cesar Gracie's team and attributed much of his hard
training to the guys at Cesar's gym pushing and inspiring him.
He mentioned guys like Nick Diaz, Jake Shields and others. He
added, everyone in Cesar's camp are young and they plan on being
around for a long time to come.
Terrell
talked some about Cesar and Frank Shamrock's on going challenge
to each other. It is rumored that the two will face off in Rumble
on the Rock on a date yet to be set. David wants Shamrock to
sign the contract. He said, there's no way Frank is going to
beat Cesar. He added, "Cesar is better in every way."
"I don't understand why he's running his mouth when he won't
sign the contract," stated Terrell about Shamrock.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"You
are always a valuable, worthwhile human being-not because anybody
says so, not because you're successful, not because you make
a lot of money-but because you decide to believe it and for no
other reason."
Wayne Dyer, 1940-, American Psychotherapist, Author, Lecturer
|
BANG'S
MANAGER TALKS ABOUT FIGHT VS BJ PENN
Sven Bean was the featured guest Monday on MMAWeekly SoundOff
Radio. Sven, Duane "Bang" Ludwig's manager, discussed
Ludwig's K-1 bout against BJ Penn on the 22nd of this month.
The fight will take place under MMA rules, with a weight restriction
of 170 pounds.
When
Sven and "Bang" sat down with K-1 and the idea of a
K-1 MMA fight was first mentioned, three possible opponents were
brought up; Genki Sudo, BJ Penn, and Norifumi "Kid"
Yamamoto. Duane originally declined the offer. Ludwig reconsidered
and wanted to fight Yamamoto. When all was said and done, it
was BJ Penn that K-1 was offering "Bang" to fight.
Bean
said, "They offered so much money that we'd be idiots to
turn it down." After the money issue was settled, weight
became the next item negotiated. Duane was preparing to fight
at 164 and had trouble making weight for his last fight. Penn
said he wouldn't agree to anything lighter than 170 pounds. It
was set, the fight would take place at 170. Sven pointed out
that a lot of fighters were offered to fight BJ and "Bang"
stepped up and took the fight.
Ludwig
is excited for this fight, according to Bean. Duane has over
sixty fights under his belt and after winning his kick boxing
title, motivation has been an issue. It isn't an issue anymore
however. Sven stated that he hasn't seen Ludwig with this attitude,
"since he was twenty."
Ludwig
hasn't fought an MMA fight since his win over Genki Sudo at UFC
42, over a year ago. His game plan going in to this fight with
Penn is to, "Go balls to the wall." When MMAWeekly
talked with BJ Penn over the weekend, BJ said this fight is a
classic clash of styles. Ludwig was already under contract with
K-1 but given the freedom to fight for any organization excluding
PrideFC. Duane would still like to fight in the UFC in the future.
"Bang" leaves next week for Japan.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
Terere
v Garcia
This
weekend in Japan, two of the top dogs in BJJ face each other
once again. The two former training partners have been on a collision
course for some time. Garcia took top honors in ADCC 2003 and
the confrontation was avoided when 'Terere', fighting with two
broken ribs lost his second match aginst runner-up Otto Olsen
by points.
Next
it was the 2003 Worlds and Terere and Garcia faced each other
in the finals with Terere winning by submission via triangle
choke. Garcia could not attend the 2004 Pan-Ams, Terere won the
title and came up second in the Absolute against Jacare for his
first Gi loss in some time.
The
two fighters competed in the Best Fight Challenge in Manaus,
with Garcia defeating Jacare by points while Terere submitted
his opponent setting up this match!
Speaking
directly with Kid Terere stated: 'I hope he does what he said
and opens up, in the Best Fight he didn't, he played the half-guard
game. He stated that I held him in the Worlds but we will see.
He is a good fighter and not to be taken lightly but you know
me, I go for the kill every time!'
Source:
ADCC
|
Brazilian
National Titles Starts
The
largest BJJ event in the World, the Brazilian National Titles
begins this weekend. The event spans three weekends and two arenas
as thousnads of competitiors fight for the National Title.
Starting
at the IATE CLUBE JARDIM GUANABARA (Ilha do Governador - Rio
de Janeiro) followed by the GINASIO DA UNIVERSIDADE GAMA FILHO
(Piedade - Rio de Janeiro) thenr eturning to the IATe Club, the
event swill take three weekends to complete. BElow is the schedule:
Kids
and young adults (04 to 15 years old, male and female), e Blue
Belt Juvenile and all the Female juvenile
Date:
May 15 & 16
Location: Ginásio do Iate Clube Jardim Guanabara
Blue
& Purple Belt, Adult, Master & Senior (Male only)
Date: May 22 & 23
Location: Ginásio da Universidade Gama Filho
Brown
and Black Belt, Adult, Master & Senior(Male)
Date: May 29 & 30
Location: Iate Clube Jardim Guanabara
Source: ADCC
|
'Macaco'
speaks about Bushido 3
A
dream has come true for Jorge ‘Macaco’ Patino. The
invitation to fight in Pride Bushido 3 scheduled for May 23rd,
in Japan, is everything he always wanted. Shortly after learning
he was confirmed to face the Kazuo Misaki, he shared with us
all his feelings.
'I
am so happy. I would like to thank my masters Rudimar Fedrigo
and Rafael Cordeiro. Since I came to Chute Boxe in January I’ve
been working really hard to reach this objective. I will go to
Pride ready to carry the Chute Boxe flag”, said Patino.
When
he decided to move from Sao Paulo to Curitiba, Jorge Patino told
us he was going to Chute Boxe to improve his striking skills.
Almost five months later, he feel he is ready to punch like his
training partner Wanderlei Silva.
“I’m
100% better than when I got here. I don’t know much about
Misaki, but I can say I will try to do my best while we stand
up and after that, I will try to win the bout using my Jiu-Jitsu
skills on the ground” said Macaco.
It
is going to be the second time that Patino will fight in Japan.
In his first trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, he drew with
the local fighter Daisuke Ishii in Deep, back in January of 2001.
“When
I fought in Deep they didn’t have judges decisions. I ended
the fight against a fighter who much bigger and taller than me
without a single scratch. I am very excited to return to that
country. The opportunity to fight in Japan is the top of any
fighter’s career”, says Patino.
Since
Macaco is confirmed in Pride, he won’t be able to fight
in Jungle Fight 2, which happens on May 15th in Manaus, Brazil.
But according to the chuteboxer, he is confirmed to be part of
the Meca World Vale Tudo XI card, event which will take place
on June 5th in Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro.
“I
would like to apologize to Wallid Ismail (Jungle's promoter).
Unfortunately Jungle Fight is too close to Pride and I won’t
have time enough to prepare myself to fight in both. I’ve
been waiting for so long to fight in Pride that I can’t
miss the opportunity”, ends Jorge Patino, who is flying
to Japan on Monday.
Source:
ADCC
|
PRIDE
BUSHIDO VOLUME 3 - Lineup Announcement!
PRIDE
BUSHIDO VOLUME 3
Date: May 23rd 2004
Place: Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan
Here
is Dream Stage Entertainment freshly announced additional matches
for PRIDE BUSHIDO VOLUME 3.
These
were announced Tuesday, May 11th.
LINEUP
(Subject TO Change):
- Tamakairiki vs Akira Shoji
- Mirko Crocop vs Hiromitsu Kanehara
- Yoshihisa Yamamoto vs Choi Mu Bae
- Kazuo Misaki vs Jorge Patino Macaco
PREVIOUSLY
ANNOUNCED:
- Daiju Takase vs Carlos Newton
- Kazuhiro Nakamura vs Chalid 'Die Faust'
JAPAN
VS GRACIE (3 vs 3):
- Ikuhisa Minowa vs Ryan Gracie (Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy)
- Takanori Gomi vs Ralph Gracie (Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy)
- Ryo Chonan vs Ricardo Almeida (Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy)
Source:
Booker K
|
FIGHTERS
AND BROADCASTERS POLL:
MAY RANKNGS
The MMAWeekly Fighters and Broadcasters Poll is out for the month
of May. Not much has changed at the top, but their is movement
in a few divisions....
March
HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION
(210-265
lbs.)
HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION - (210-265 lbs.)
The fighters made Fedor the overwhelming favorite. Cro Cop drops
from the top three with his loss to Randleman. Herring and Schilt
enter the Top 10.
1.
Emelianeko Fedor - 99 Points (9 first place votes)
2. Minotauro Nogueira - 85 Points
3. Tim Sylvia - 82 Points
4. Josh Barnett - 74 Points (1 first place vote)
5. Mirko Cro Cop - 72 Points
6. Andrei Arlovksi - 69 Points
7. Heath Herring - 42 Points
8. Pedro Rizzo - 31 Points
9. Semmy Schilt - 25 Points
10.Frank Mir - 18 Points
Others
receiving votes - Ricco Rodriguez (15), Justin Eilers (7) , Mike
Kyle (6), Gan McGee (5), Vladimir Matyushenko (3),Travis Wiuff
(2), Cabbage (1)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS DIVISION
(205
lbs.)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION - (205 lbs.)
Randy
Couture has gained ground on Vanderlei Silva. Couture is just
one vote back of the top spot. Kevin Randleman is back in the
Top 10 after his win.
1.
Vanderlei Silva - 96 Points (6 first place votes)
2. Randy Couture - 95 Points (4 first place votes)
3. Quinton Jackson - 81 Points
4. Chuck Liddell - 72 Points
5. Vitor Belfort - 60 Points
6. Dan Henderson - 46 Points
7. Tito Ortiz - 37 Points
8. Kevin Randleman 22 Points
9. Ricardo Arona - 20 Points
10. Babalu Sobral - 15 Points
Others
Receiving Votes - Murilo Ninja Rua - 17, Sakuraba - 15, Yuki
Kondo 12, Murilo Bustamante - 12, Rich Franklin - 8, Kevin Jackson
- 1 .
MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION
(185
lbs.)
MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION - (185 lbs.)
Jeremy Horn moves up in votes and gets two first place votes
and is a steady #2 right behind Matt Lindland who was the dominant
number one in the division. Amar Suloev is back in the Top 10.
1.
Matt Lindland - 98 Points (10 first place votes)
2. Jeremy Horn - 90 Points (2 first place votes)
3. Evan Tanner - 52 Points
4. Ricardo Almeida - 50 Points
5. Phil Baroni - 42 Points
6. Anderson Silva - 39 Points
7. Amar Suloev - 36 Points
8. Nathan Marquardt - 30 Points
9. Lee Murray - 20 Points
10. Joe Doerksen - 19 Points
Others
receiving votes - Paulo Filho (18), Jorge Rivera (10), Niko Vitale (8), Dave Menne (6), David
Loiseau (4), Benji Radach (3), Phillip Miller (2), Curtis Stout
(2)
WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION
(170
lbs.)
WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION - (170 lbs.)
BJ Penn
debuts at #1. His teammate Charuto
Verissimo debuts in the Top 5, while Georges St.Pierre cracks the Top 10.
1.
BJ Penn - 99 Points (9 first place votes)
2. Matt Hughes - 90 Points (1 first place vote)
3. Sean Sherk - 75 Points
4. Charuto
Verissimo - 69 Points
5. Jason Black - 51 Points
6. Nick Diaz - 49 Points
7. Carlos Newton - 31 Points
8. Frank Trigg - 30 Points
9. Chris Lytle - 26 Points
10. Georges St.Pierre - 17 Points
Others
receiving votes - Dennis Hallman - (15) , Robbie Lawler - (14)
Karo Parisyan - (13) Hayato Sakurai (13), John Alessio (10),
Jake Shields (8), Spencer Fisher (5), Shonie Carter (4), Pete
Spratt - (2), Kiuma Kunioki - (1)
LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION
(155
lbs.)
LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION - (155 lbs.)
No dominant #1 here but Shaolin has now taken over the top spot
over Ludwig.
1.
Shaolin Ribero 97 Points (6 first place votes)
2. Bang Ludwig - 90 Points (4 first place votes)
3. Takanori Gomi - 78 Points
4. Josh Thomson - 70 Points
5. Yves Edwards - 69 Points
6. Hermes Franca- 43 Points
7. Joaquin Hansen - 33 Points
8. Genki Sudo - 26 Points
9. Din Thomas - 25 Points
10. Jens Pulver - 23 Points
Other
receiving votes - Marcus Aurelio - 20 Points, Caol Uno - 13,
Dokojonosuke Mishima- 13 Matt Serra - (10) Rich Clementi - (7),
Jorge Gurgel - (3),
Voters
include:
Fighters
- Phil Baroni, Chris Brennan, Jeff Curran, Dennis Hallman, Matt
Lindland, Steve Berger, Evan Tanner, Sean Sherk, Din Thomas;
Dan Henderson, Yves Edwards, Pete Spratt, Nathan Marquardt, Duane
Ludwig and David Loiseau
Broadcasters
- Eric Apple (King of the Cage), Randy Harris - (WTAN Sports),
Jeff Osborne (Hook N Shoot & Shooto); Ryan Bennett (IFC and
WEC), Monte Cox (Extreme Challenge), J.T. McCarthy (TKO)
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
PRIDE
VETERANS TO COMPETE IN KOREA
The
Japanese media report that a good number of PRIDE veterans are
scheduled to compete in the 'Gladiator' MMA show in Seoul, South
Korea, on June 26th to June 27th.
The
event will be staged at the Seoul Olympic Sports Complex in a
gym that can seat up to 29,000 people. the card is expected to
have sixteen matchups.
The
following matchups and PRIDE veterans have been announced so
far:
MMA
matchups:
Dan Severn vs. Hidetada Irie
Anderson Silva vs. Jeremy Horn
Paulo Filho vs. Daijiro Matsui
PRIDE
veterans scheduled to participate:
Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira
Dan Severn
Anderson Silva
Paulo Filho
Jeremy Horn
Ikuhisa Minowa
Daijiro Matsui
Other
fighters scheduled to participate:
Brad Kohler
Hidetada Irie
Source:
Fight Sport
|
Quote
of the Day
"Do
your work with your whole heart, and you will succeed because
there is so little competition."
Elbert Hubbard, 1859-1915, American Author, Publisher
|
Punishment
In Paradise 3
"WARRIORS"
Weigh Ins & Fight Updates
Friday May 14.04, Pearl City Flamingo's will host Punishment
In Paradise 3 weigh-ins, Weigh-ins will start at 5:30pm and end
at 6:30pm. You are all welcome to come meet the fighters and
that will be the last day to pick up your pre-sale tickets which
is running out FAST..Hope all is well and hope to see you at
the weigh-ins.
Fight Added
Tommy Pestana
(Waianae Kickboxing Club,808 Fight Factory)
Vs.
Deshawn "3D" Johnson
(H.M.C)
Cabinian, Armstrong OUT!!
Ryan Cabinian
hurt his knee while training so he is out of the fight.
Domi "Dominator" Lopes
(Team Bigdogs, Kick'in It Champion)
Vs.
Brandon Amster
(Hawaii Self-Defense, Kick'in It Champion)
Mark Oshiro
(Bulls Pin)
Vs.
Matt Matsuda
(Koden Kon)
|
Duane
"Bang" Ludwig -
Ready for Penn and The Future
Peter
Lockley: You have a very interesting fight coming up, please
tell us a little about it.
Duane Ludwig: K-1 is doing the MMA shows now. We went through
a couple of opponents and now it’s BJ (Penn) at 170 lbs.
I guess he’s really heavy, first he wanted 176 lbs, but
I was at 168 lbs so we’re meeting at 170 lbs.
Peter
Lockley: Do you like that weight or would you rather fight him
at 155 lbs?
Duane
Ludwig: I like 170 right now because I can eat what I want and
I feel strong training. We’ll see what happens, I haven’t
fought at 170 in a long time.
Peter
Lockley: Do you think you’d have an advantage at 155 lbs?
Duane
Ludwig: Well, training up to this show I was expecting to make
154, and he would have had a harder time making it, so at this
time I think it would have benefited me.
Peter
Lockley: You had some trouble making that weight in your last
fight though right?
Duane
Ludwig: Yeah, I cut 18 lbs in three days and I was still four
pounds heavy, so they made me wear bigger gloves for the fight.
Everything sucked for that fight: training, I couldn’t sleep,
cutting the weight. It just wasn’t meant for me to win that
fight.
Peter
Lockley: You wore bigger gloves?
Duane
Ludwig: Yeah, they told me I had to wear 10 oz gloves while he
wore 8 oz, and I thought they were both going to be Reyes, so
I said sure no problem. He wore the Reyes, which is a punchers
glove with very little padding, and I actually wore some gloves
from Japan that felt just like my 16 oz training gloves. I thought
they’d be like the Reyes, but they weren’t the same
gloves at all. They were huge.
Peter
Lockley: What made you decide to fight MMA again after making
a push to fight kickboxing more often?
Duane
Ludwig: I was pretty concentrated on kickboxing but this fight
came up spur of the moment. I think I’ll have a total of
three weeks notice from the time I got the call to the fight.
I haven’t been rolling like I should have, but you have
to take these opportunities, it’s not like you get to fight
BJ Penn everyday, so I have to take it.
Peter
Lockley: Will you feel comfortable on the mat with such short
notice?
Duane
Ludwig: I’ll have three weeks of rolling to prepare for
the fight. It’s about a one-year layoff, but I was rolling
like crazy before that for the Pulver fight, which kept getting
postponed, and then I just kept going to get ready for the Genki
fight.
Peter
Lockley: This isn’t the first time you’ve come in as
an underdog, do you prefer it that way?
Duane
Ludwig: For me it doesn’t matter. If I’m the underdog
I want to prove everybody wrong, but I’m also motivated
to win when I’m favored. I’m a pretty self-motivated
guy. I don’t let too many things get me down. I just love
to fight. Actually, I’m glad this is an MMA fight, I was
getting bored with the kickboxing. There’s only so many
times you can just hit the pads, and it was getting monotonous,
so I’m glad to be rolling again.
Peter
Lockley: Do you think BJ is taking you seriously?
Duane
Ludwig: BJ probably does see it as an easy fight. I don’t
know if he’s been training. Supposedly he’s really
heavy right now. He wanted to meet at 176 lbs, so that means
he’s got to be at least 185 lbs, I’m guessing. Either
he’s cycling or he hasn’t been training, so maybe he
won’t be as prepared as he should be.
Peter
Lockley: BJ has displayed some impressive stand up in the past.
Do you think he’s confident enough to stand with you?
Duane
Ludwig: I’m not sure if he’s that confident in himself.
I think his best bet is to get me to the ground obviously, but
you never really know. Hopefully he stands with me and hopefully
I win.
Peter
Lockley: You have stated on your website that you have lost a
lot of motivation as of late. This comes as a result of accomplishing
your goal of winning a world title for your mother?
Duane
Ludwig: I made a promise to my mother (through prayer) when I
was 16, to win a world title in kickboxing, and that was my motivation.
I won the MMA world title first (UCC 12 vs. Pulver), but I still
didn’t feel like my promise was fulfilled. It was part of
it, but once I won the Muay Thai world title I felt like a lot
of the pressure was off. I felt that I was done. I lost a lot
of motivation after that and got bored with the training.
Peter
Lockley: So what is your new motivation?
Duane
Ludwig: I love doing MMA because there are so many aspects to
it, so that’s part of it, but right now the motivation is
to fight BJ. He’s the best and to fight the best you have
to train your ass off. So he is my motivation.
Peter
Lockley: So does that mean you want to focus more on MMA or are
you still going to concentrate most of your efforts on kickboxing?
Duane
Ludwig: After this fight I have a fight scheduled each month
until the end of the year and they’re all kickboxing. I’m
hoping K-1 will give me some more MMA fights to mix it up. Actually
I’m hoping to fight in the UFC again also. I miss fighting
in the states because fighting in Japan all the time you lose
a little bit of fan base and your fans motivate you. You want
to feel important, you want to train hard to fulfill their expectations.
Peter
Lockley: How are K-1 MMA rules different and have you fought
under those rules before?
Duane
Ludwig: It’s the same as Pride rules. I fought under those
rules in South Dakota, you could even strike to the groin, but
it was years ago.
Peter
Lockley: Do you like those rules?
Duane
Ludwig: No, I like the UFC rules better because it is a sport
and this is our job. Some of those rules can inflict too much
damage on a fighter and hinder their career. Like in the north/south
position, a knee straight on compressing the spine isn’t
a real safe idea, but those are the rules and I’ll take
them.
Peter
Lockley: There were some other names bounced around for this
fight, including a rematch with Genki Sudo, so how did BJ become
your opponent for this fight?
Duane
Ludwig: There were three possible opponents: Genki Sudo, Kid
Yamamoto, and BJ Penn. I asked for Kid because I know Genki and
BJ are really strong on the ground. I don’t know that much
about Kid, but I haven’t been rolling and thought it would
be an easier fight. But they gave me BJ, so I’m fighting
BJ.
Peter
Lockley: So do you think you and Genki will be next?
Duane
Ludwig: I don’t know why they didn’t do it this time,
but it will probably happen. I think they’ll do it because
it would be a great fight for the Japanese fans. Maybe if we
both win our next fights.
Source: Maxfighting |
Chute
Boxe welcomes Fabrizio Werdum
Last
month, BJJ black belt Fabricio Werdum declared to GRACIE Magazine
that he wants to join Chute Boxe to advance his MMA career. According
to him, the main goal is to train with Wanderlei Silva and all
his partners, as Werdum considers them the best in the world
of MMA fights.
Asked
about the possibility of receiving another Jiu-Jitsu star in
his team, like recent additions Jorge Patino 'Macaco' and Antonio
'Elvis' Schembri, the Chute Boxe head manager, Rudimar Fedrigo,
reacts with enthusiasm.
'Rafael
Cordeiro and I heard about Werdum's interest in joining us and
we liked it. We consider him a tough fighter, a great Jiu-Jitsu
champion and he is a good name to be part of our team. His coming
to Chute Boxe is very possible', said Rudimar.
Werdum
finished 2nd in the heavyweight division and 3rd in the Absolutes
in the ADCC 2003, these results make him a very strong candidate
to be the future Chute Boxe representative among the heavyweight
fighters. Since Assuerio Silva has left the team, Murilo 'Ninja'
Rua, who was defeated by Sergei Kharitonov in Pride GP, became
the only heavyweight fighter to represent Chute Boxe in the main
events in Japan.
Based
in Madrid, Spain, Werdum is willing to join Chute Boxe next August,
after the Jiu-Jitsu World Cup. Meanwhile, Rudimar wants to give
full attention for those who are already there. 'The group is
almost complete. Every one who has arrived is acting like they’ve
been part of the family forever', finished Fedrigo.
Source: ADCC
|
'CACARECO'
IS THE FIRST TO ANSWER THE OPEN CHALLENGE OF MATYUSHENKO
Vladimir 'The Janitor' Matyushenko is scheduled to fight in Jungle
Fight 2 against Leopoldo Montenegro. In addition to this news,
Matyushenko had issued an open challenge to the Brazilian fighters
last week. He wants to face high ranked fighters from BTT and
ChuteBoxe and he has already stated: 'These are the two of better
Brazilian MMA teams and top in the World as well'. Until now,
nobody from either camp replied to Matyushenko. So, Gracie Barra
Combat Team member, Alexandre 'Cacareco' Ferreira, felt he was
in a good position to reply back.
'Matyushenko
drew attention to his name with this open challenge. So, I accepted
the challenge with the terms of his; team anytime and anywhere'
stated 'Cacareco'. The main reason this open challenge was made
by Matyushenko is because Brazil is the land where the MMA was
born and where the best fighters live. However 'Cacareco' faces
this challenge in other way. 'We may have already fought in the
WEF a few years ago. I beat Kevin 'The Thunder' Cook and he beat
Tom 'Trauma' Sauer. We would have face each other for the middleweight
belt but the event went under and we get to fight each other
for the title' states Ferreira.
Matyushenko
has beaten two Brazilians and his confidence in facing other
Brazilians is very high. How would you face that? 'He beat my
former teammate, Pedro Rizzo, who is a striker and before that
he beat submission specialist Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira from
BTT. Training here in Gracie Barra Combat team I have become
a complete fighter. I have added more tools to my submission
game and I have improved my game on the feet so I am ready to
beat him by KO or submission' replies 'Cacareco'.
'You
are known as a powerhouse takedown fighter. How do you plan to
escape your roots and trade blows with Matyusehnko?' I asked.
'Easy, I do not think he can put me on my back on the mat. I
can avoid that and I can take him down' answered 'Cacareco'.
'I am confident. I hope there is an event interested in signing
this
match soon. I am ready and I know he is too' he continued.
In
closing; 'Cacareco' provokes Matyushenko by stating: 'I do not
know how he got his nickname, 'The Janitor', but against me he
will not be cleaning up anything, I will be his worst nightmare'.
Source:
ADCC
|
LINDLAND'S
PERFORMANCE HAS K-1 CALLING
There was Matt Lindland in Hawaii, making another fighter look
average in another dominating performance, this time against
a solid fighter in his own right, in Tony Fryklund. Lindland
used his punishing style for three rounds to control Fryklund
and solidified his position as the best fighter at 185....(new
rankings come out tomorrow at MMAWeekly)
He
also impressed K-1 officials who were on hand in Hawaii this
weekend to watch the festivities. MMAWeekly has learned that
Lindland was talking with K-1 officials on Thursday and Friday.
When MMAWeekly's Greg Honda asked Lindland about his future,
Lindland smiled and said "no comment."
K-1 is getting ready for their first MMA card coming up in May
which will be headlined by BJ Penn against Duane "Bang"
Ludwig. It's unknown if Lindland will be a part of that card
or if his future is still with the UFC.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
BRAZILIAN
INSIDER
From
Chute Boxe camp
Chute Boxe team is in a bad time on the last days. Besides Murilo
Ninja's loss to Sergei Kharitonov at Pride GP first round, Wanderlei
injured his right knee during a practice with Jorge Patino Macaco.
It's the same knee Silva suffered an intervention last December.
The Pride champ went last Wednesday to Vita Hospital, in Curitiba,
where the doctors said the injure is not serious as people thought
primarily. "Fortunately the injury is not serious, but we
have to take care of it," announces team's leader Rudimar
Fedrigo.
Silva is doing some work to get heavy as in heavyweight. "I
weigh 102 kg (225 lbs) now and I feel big and strong. I hope
I will get even bigger," revealed the Chute Boxe's fighter
alerting the opponents: "Please don't be scared with my
size when I come back to the ring."
Partially recovered from the surgery, Wanderlei lamented being
away from the card. "I feel fine, but in fact, it was a
surprise for me. I ended getting my knee hurt and I needed some
time off. I wanted to face on Kondo now, but this fight may have
to wait a little bit. But I do promise you it will be great,"
stated Silva. Wand also talked about the fight between Ryan Gracie
and Ikuhisa Minowa.
"Minowa is doing fine. He has fought with Quinton Jackson
and me and now I am sure he will run after the victory. Japanese
love to fight Gracie ones and its a honor for them. Ryan is such
an experienced guy and he needs to have in mind Minowa is not
like Kazuhiro Hamanaka. In my opinion, if this fight gets long,
Minowa has great chaces to win. But in other hand, if its short,
I have do doubts Ryan wins," guessed the champ.
Back to Rudimar Fedrigo, despite all problems, Rudimar is working
hard to bring good news to Chute Boxe fans on the next few days.
The Master is planning to announce a new fighter for the 93kg
division and is negotiating to have an important name of the
MMA scenario training in Chute Boxe?s camp during the next months.
?I can?t say much right now, but I can guarantee it'll be a great
surprise for everyone, said a mysterious Rudimar.
Inside
BTT
After Pride GP first round, BTT turns its attention now to Ricardo
Arona, who is expected to face Quinton Jackson at next Pride's
edition. The team is also preparing Carlão Barreto to
its debut at Jungle Fight, next May 15th, against American Brian
Sherpa. After some business commitments, Rodrigo Minotauro arrived
this Wednesday from Japan, where he fought Hiro Yokoi at Pride
GP first round. Now the interim Pride champ is back to the practices,
looking for his next opponent at the tournament.
Pé-de-Pano,
a wrestling champ!
Known by his techniques inside the ADCC and BJJ mats, with World
titles and Pan-Ams, Gracie Barra's Márcio Pé-de-Pano
changed airs and conquered the I São Gonçalo Cup
of Wrestling, in Rio de Janeiro, last weekend. The traditional
BJJ team took the forth place between the gyms, with Niteroi
Wrestling taking first.
Jungle
Fight 2
The Annaconda attack!
Wallid Ismail is promising a huge show for Jungle Fight's second
edition. After putting former Japanese senator Antonio Inoki
swimming at Negro river waters, Wallid now wants to put an Annaconda
around the ring, next May 15th. As the first show, the ambient
will receive a looks-like-Amazon-forest scenery and the Annaconda
will have a movable head to, according to Ismail, watch out the
fighters closely. "Our real intention with the Annaconda
is to get people attention for the Amazon forest preservation",
states Wallid.
On
Jungle Fight's card, names from all over the world, like RAW's
Vladimir Matyushenko. "MMA started in Brazil and its where
most of the top fighters live. That's why I want to face them
on their bornland. To test myself", explained The Janitor,
that faces local fighter Leopoldo Montenegro, former teammate
of BJJ world champ Ronaldo Jacaré.
COMPLETE
CARD (subject to change)
- Vladimir Matyushenko (Raw) vs Leopoldo Montenegro (Brazil Dojo)
- Assuério Silva (MTDT) vs Fabiano Pega Leve Scherner
(BTT)
- Jorge Patino Macaco (Chute Boxe) vs Thomas Wild Man Denny (EUA)
- Carlão Barreto (BTT) vs Brian Sherpa (EUA)
- Ronaldo Jacaré (Brasil Dojo) vs Victor Babkir
- Adriano Martins (Monteiro/Gracie) vs Boris Jonstomp (França)
- Fredson Paixão (Gracie/GBCT) vs Rani Yahira (Brasília)
- Travis Wiuff vs TBA
- Jefferson Tank vs TBA
- Ebenezer Braga vs TBA
Source: MMA Weekly
|
HORN
FINISHES ANOTHER FIGHTER....
STILL WAITING FOR THE CALL
The old saying used to be, all Jeremy Horn does is win. Now all
Horn does is finish his opponents, which should be a pre-requisite
for the UFC or Pride to come calling.
For a division that desperately needs top contenders, Jeremy
Horn has shaken the label of a "boring" fighter the
past two years and has become a finisher.
Horn looked very impressive in beating Chael Sonnen in Extreme
Challenge last week. Horn now continues to fight on the smaller
shows wondering if one of the big two promotions will ever call.
"I stopped worrying about that a long time ago...."
Horn told MMAWeekly Radio last week. "My performance speaks
for itself and if one of the big organizations watches my tapes
recently, then they should understand I've changed my style and
I've become a finisher, which is what they supposedly want and
that's what I've been delivering."
In his last seven wins, Horn has finished six of the seven fighters
including Sonnen, David Loiseau, Forrest Griffin, and Michael
Aventisyan. His only win in those seven fights that he didn't
finish came in an exciting fight with a win over Dean Lister.
Now Horn will focus next month on Anderson Silva in Korea. The
two will collide in a new promotion and with a win, would further
solidify Horn's position as a guy who will fight anyone, at anytime,
anywhere.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"Men
succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation
for their victories."
Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882, American Poet, Essayist
|
FIGHTERS'
CLUB TV EPISODE 20 TONIGHT!
FIGHTERS' CLUB TV EPISODE 20 HAS BEEN CUT SUBMITTED TO PROGRAMMING.
This episode will run in our normal timeslot at
6pm Tuesday
nights on Olelo
Channel 52 (Oahu)
(Air dates: April 13, 20, 27, and May 4)
Episode
20 features:
-highlights
from the 155lbs tournament from Superbrawl 33
-Laga vs Koka
-Koka vs Sariento
-interview
w/ Enson "Yamato Damashii" Inoue on training, life,
japan, and
his upcoming fight in SB 35 vs. Tom Sauer
-additional
highlights from SB33
-Vitale vs Menne + intvw w/ Niko
-Technique
of the Week
-Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto (this is a real "banger")
-exclusive
intvw w/ FCTV friend, Kofi Debrah on one of Enson's Pre-MMA
fights (Ouch!)
and
of course, Hawaii's two favorite FCTV hosts, Mike Onzuka and
Mark Kurano
Questions,
Comments, Suggestion, Babes w/ resumes (pics attached)
email us at: fightersclubtv808@hotmail.com |
"SUMMER
HEAT 2004"
Martial Arts Tournament
Kumite Kata Weapons
 
Presents
"SUMMER
HEAT 2004"
Martial Arts Tournament
Sunday, June 6, 2004
King Intermediate School
Kaneohe
featuring...
U.S.S.J.A SPORT JUJITSU * EXTREME SPARRING * KUMITE * KATA *
WEAPONS
See:
Karate vs. Kung fu vs. Tae Kwon Do vs. Kempo vs. Kickboxing vs.
Jujitsu vs. Shootfighting
...KICK, PUNCH, THROW AND SUBMISSION !...
Registration
and Weigh-Ins starts at 8:30 a.m.
Competition
begins at 9:30 am Sharp!
Entry
Fee: $20.00 per event/division
For
more information contact Kempo Unlimited at 778-3601 or Yin Kui
Tsin Hao Kempo at 220-7113.
|
Genki
Sudo says: ‘I’m fighting Royler Gracie Next’
It’s not official yet, but Japanese superstar Genki Sudo
is announcing on his website who his next opponent will be: 3X
ADCC champion and 4X BJJ World Champion Royler Gracie.
The
fight is scheduled to happen at a show called ROMANEX, a K-1
MMA Championship event scheduled for May 22nd. There is not a
single word from the Gracie camp about this bout, but action
and facts speaks louder than words. In the last few days, TBS
Japanese Television was at the Gracie Humaitá academy
where Royler teaches, profiling the champion. Royler was seen
in the last weeks climbing the hill where Nobre Arte Boxing School
is located. He is also said to have cancelled a series of seminars
in the USA.
Managed
by famous boxing coach Claudio Coelho, the Nobre Arte Boxing
School is where Royler gets ready for his NHB fights. Recently
named the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor of the 90s, Royler
has been away vale-tudo since January of 2001, when he drew with
Japanese fighter Takehiro Murahama in the event called DEEP.
Genki Sudo comes off a victory over Mike Thomas Brown in UFC
47, last April.
Source: ADCC
|
YOSHIDA
VS. HUNT POSSIBILITY FOR NEXT PRIDE
Hidehiko Yoshida
Hidehiko
Yoshida announced to the Japanese media that he is scheduled
to participate on the PRIDE Heavyweight GP show on June 20th.
Yoshida
said it will be a single fight, most likely against a heavyweight
fighter. The Japanese media is speculating that his opponent
may be Mark Hunt.
Source:
Fight Sport
|
UFC
49 CARD
August, 2004
Below
are some of the matchups, both official and unofficial, that
are scheduled for UFC 49 in August. A total of eight matchups
are expected to be announced for the card:
Matt
Lindland vs. Dave Terrell
Yves Edwards vs. Josh Thompson (Lightweight title fight)
Joe Doerksen vs. Joe Riggs
Possible
participants:
Tito Ortiz
Ricco Rodriguez
Source: Fight Sport |
JOE
SON WANTS TO FACE VANDERLEI
Todd
Atkins reports the following from Japan:
"Joe
Son has been working with DSE's pro-wrestling promotion, which
is called 'Hustle', and announced at their recent show that has
he would like to face Vanderlei Silva after the Silva/Kondo match
is completed"
Source: Fight Sport |
Wanderlei
Silva heavyweight!
After the knee surgery that took of Pride middleweight champion
from Pride Bushido 3, which happens on May 23rd in Japan, Wanderlei
Silva is doing some works to get heavy. "I weigh 102kg now
and I fell big and strong. I hope I will get even bigger,"
revealed the Chute Boxe's fighter alerting the opponents: "Please
don't be scared with my size when I come back to the ring."
Partially
recovered from the surgery, Wanderlei lamented being away from
the card. "I feel fine, but in fact, it was a surprise for
me. I ended getting my knee hurt and I needed some time off.
I wanted to face on Kondo now, but this fight may have to wait
a little bit. But I do promise you it will be great," stated
Silva. Wand also talked about the fight between Ryan Gracie and
Ikuhisa Minowa.
"Minowa
is doing fine. He has fought with Quinton Jackson and me and
now I am sure he will run after the victory. Japanese love to
fight Gracie ones and its a honor for them. Ryan is such an experienced
guy and he needs to have in mind Minowa is not like Kazuhiro
Hamanaka. In my opinion, if this fight gets long, Minowa has
great chaces to win. But in other hand, if its short, I have
no doubts Ryan wins," guessed the champ.
Take
a look at the Pride Bushido 3 card (subject to change)
Ikuhisa
Minowa Vs Ryan Gracie
Takanori Gomi Vs Ralph Gracie
Ryo Chonan Vs Ricardo Almeida
Daiju Takase Vs Carlos Newton
Kazuhiro Nakamura Vs Chalid "Die Faust"
Tamakairiki Vs TBA
Mirko Cro Cop Vs TBA
Source: Tatame |
Marcelo
comments fight with Tererê
After defeating BJJ black belt Ronaldo Jacaré (Master)
at the first Best Fighters Challenge in Manaus (AM), on April
24th, Marcelinho Garcia (Alliance) return to the mat, this time
in Japan. The ADCC 2003 champion will face on former teammate
Fernando Tererê (TT Jiu-Jitsu) on next May 15th. "As
always, I hope to win. Pretty much because it is against Tererê.
At this time, I will not allow him to tie the game, as last time,
" said Garcia, who departs next May 12th and comes back
as soon as possible to get ready for the Brazilian BJJ Championship,
which happens on May 18th. "Be sure I will be at Brazilian
and Mundial championship this year. I hope to join all the tournaments
this year," revealed Marcelinho.
Source: Tatame |
POST
UFC 47 Interview with Tito Ortiz
BoxingInsider.com:
Tito, are you happy with your performance durring the Chuck Liddell
fight last week?
Tito
Ortiz: Yes, I'm really happy with the performance. It's just
too bad that the mishap of his thumb hooking me in the eye off
his left hook kind of stopped the fight for me. There was no
other fight for me from then on out. I probably made a bad mistake
by trying to close the gap in some positions, but at the same
time, it was a mistake on Chuck's part, hooking me in the eye
with a thumb. He saw that I was hurt and he just pretty much
showed the type of fighter he really is by finishing me.
BoxingInsider.com:
Many people have actually pointed out the thumb in the eye and
I watched the replay many times. You're definitely wincing right
before he hit you. Do you think that these MMA gloves that they're
currently using are safe?
Tito
Ortiz: I think they're safe. It's just something that happens
-- little mishaps, accidents that happen like that. The next
step now is making a rule for that because I think it's going
to happen a lot more. I mean, it's too bad -- I lose a fight,
of course due to Chuck Liddell's punching power, but more than
anything by hindering my view of punches coming at me by hooking
me with a thumb in the eye.
BoxingInsider.com:
I want to ask you about that in a minute but my question while
we're on the gloves is, at the event before that, Randy Couture
was sliced in the eye by the seam of the glove. You were poked
in the eye and it looked like Cabbage's ear got sliced. Do you
think it might be time for them to look at some new gloves?
Tito
Ortiz: I think so. I've looked at the glove myself. I train with
the gloves and cuts do come a lot more quickly. But getting caught
in the eye -- I think that's the most important thing. As far
as boxing goes, when someone gets poked in the eye, the fight
is stopped. They look to see if they can continue, let the doctor
look at it, and usually go to the scorecards after the second
or third round. So I think that some kind of rule that allows
that is going to have to apply, or maybe possibly changing the
gloves.
BoxingInsider.com:
That's what I was going to get at. I'm looking at a boxing glove
and I've got an MMA glove here in my hand. It's hard to get poked
with the thumb of a boxing glove but the MMA glove -- your fingers
just stick right out there. I know why they were designed, but
do you think now that MMA is regulated and has gotten past whatever
hurdles, it might be time to reinvent the glove?
Tito
Ortiz: Yes, there are other things, too. A boxing glove is not
open-palmed because in boxing there's no takedown. To do takedowns
and submissions, you need to have an open glove. I don't know
if they can make the glove bigger on the sides or in the palm
-- make them a little bit heavier. Or they could just make a
rule just in case someone getting caught in the eye the way I
did happens again.
BoxingInsider.com:
Okay, let's go back to the fight. You came into the fight a couple
of pounds lighter than you would come in. Do you think that was
a hindrance?
Tito
Ortiz: No, I don't think it was a hindrance at all because at
fight time, I was weighing about 216, 217 -- probably about 7
more pounds heavier than I was for the Couture fight. I just
thought that the CVAC system that I'm using makes it a lot easier
to lose weight because I'm in such great shape. The weight came
off a lot more quickly than usual. I felt strong and at fight
time, I felt strong. I don't think it was a hindrance to my competition.
It's not good to lose that much weight but I was fine. My [sheet]
felt really good and I felt confident going into the fight.
BoxingInsider.com:
You stood there toe-to-toe with Chuck Liddell; he gave you props
at the post-fight press conference. But as you and other people
said, you were poked in the eye. Knowing what you know now, how
would a rematch be any different from this match?
Tito
Ortiz: I think I would add in my takedowns a little more. I wouldn't
be so ignorant in just standing with the guy. I think that was
something that I had to prove to myself. It was something that
I had to prove -- "Oh, Tito's afraid to get hit" --
I'm not afraid to get hit with anything. I think it's just a
factor of me stepping up and doing what I do best. The first
round, I thought I was hanging good with Chuck Liddell. He barely
hit me, gave me just one or two shots. I hit him with one or
two shots. I had the game plan going throughout and I was trying
to prove someone wrong by standing in the middle of the Octagon.
BoxingInsider.com:Where
do you rank Tito Ortiz now in the 205 lb division?
Tito
Ortiz:I'm not really worried about rankings or anything like
that because when it's fight time, it just matters whose night
it is. But I stay in the top five for sure. I'm not done in the
sport. This loss did hurt me really badly -- I mean, I was more
annoyed to get poked in the eye than anything because I couldn't
really protect myself after that. Chuck Liddell fought a good
fight but I still see myself in the top five in the world.
BoxingInsider.com:
There's a rumor yesterday -- it popped up on the underground
-- that you said you were going to the WWE.
Tito
Ortiz: No, not any time soon. I've got more fights in me here.
BoxingInsider.com:
Are you going to fight Lee Murray in June?
Tito
Ortiz: I would love to fight Lee Murray in June. It's just that
Lee Murray doesn't want to fight me. Poor kid, he's just caught
so much flack…
BoxingInsider.com:
He was on the Internet a few days ago calling you out.
Tito
Ortiz: Really?
BoxingInsider.com:
On MMAWeeklyRadio.com
Tito
Ortiz: Really? Very cool. Well, hopefully they'll sign the contract
and make it happen. I would love to fight him. I'm willing to
fight anybody the UFC puts me up against. I think it lies in
the hands of Joe Silva and Dana White right now, making the right
decisions for the UFC's future. I want to fight anybody, man.
Whoever wants to step up, I'm willing to fight. It's my time
to come back and compete three times a year the way I used to,
and that's going to make me a better fighter.
BoxingInsider.com:
If you fought and beat Lee Murray, would you then be looking
to jump back in the ring with Chuck and Randy again?
Tito
Ortiz: I would love to. I would love to fight Chuck first. That
would be the first fight I would like to do. I want to get redemption.
I still think I can stand with the guy; I still think I could
do a lot of different things for the game plan-wise -- actually
make sure that I do win the next time I fight him.
BoxingInsider.com
How do you feel about MMA fighter salaries? Do you think at this
point, the fighters are being paid what they deserve?
Tito
Ortiz: I think so. The people who work hard and do extra PR are
getting paid what they're worth. Fighters have to understand
that to be just a fighter and think you're going to get paid
a lot of money -- it's really hard to do that in this business
because it's all about image. What you are in the ring and outside
of the ring is what really makes money. You've got to have good
mike skills, you've got to speak well for yourself, and you've
always got to hype up the sport that you're fighting in. I think
the guys who do the hard work and the guys who make the money
are the ones who deserve it.
BoxingInsider.com
Now, to toot your horn a little bit, I'm not sure if you're familiar
with the Internet statistics, but in the week following the fight
and the week prior to the fight, a key word search on Google
has your name coming up 3-4 times more than Chuck Liddell's name
or anyone else's name associated with Mixed Martial Arts. Being
that you're still the poster boy, how do you feel -- coming off
these two losses, you have a lot of fans that are kind of on
the fence. But there are a lot of Tito Ortiz fans out there --
you can just see by the amount of t-shirts everyone was wearing
from Punishment Clothing. Where does Tito Ortiz go now?
Tito
Ortiz: The next step now is fighting. I want more -- in August
I plan on fighting. I don't care who it is -- I'll be stepping
in the Octagon.
BoxingInsider.com
August or June?
Tito
Ortiz: I want to fight. I have really great fans. People see
me outside of the ring, inside of the ring, and the people who
tell the difference are the true people that I know really well.
The main thing is that I make people excited when I fight. And
when I do fight I'm going to make it exciting. People aren't
going to know what I'm going to do next. It's just a matter of
me stepping into the Octagon.
BoxingInsider.com
Your comments on the fan throwing your hat back in the ring?
Tito
Ortiz: I actually never got to see that. I guess they must have
done it in Chuck Liddell's corner. You know what? Things like
that happen… oh, well.
BoxingInsider.com
Like I said, the electricity was hot that night. I don't think
they've ever had an event with quite that buildup. Do you think
you're going to fight in June or August?
Tito
Ortiz: I guess UFC's saying August. I'd like to fight in June
but I guess they're saying August -- that'll be the next fight
for me. Every time I fight there's always energy and electricity
in the air. Every time I'm in the Octagon, there are little goose
bumps. And if people have goose bumps, I'm doing my job -- my
job's pretty much already done.
BoxingInsider.com
What else do you have planned in the next few months?
Tito
Ortiz: I'm trying to get back into Punishment Athletics. We did
really well after the fight. It's just more pushing it to the
whole mainstream, with off-road biking and motorcycle riding
and stuff like that. [We're starting to sponsor a lot of guys.]
So just work on myself, getting Punishment Athletics off the
ground once again. I saw my trainer today -- I've got three to
four trainings a week. So it's just really light training, just
working on more technique -- that way I don't lose anything.
I guess it's time to go back to work. But more than anything,
I do want to make a point about that poke in the eye from Chuck
Liddell. He said it was a punch. I have TiVo, so I could really
slow down and see it. I thought it was a thumb because as soon
as I felt it, it went straight to the back of my head. I got
four stitches out of it. I know it wasn't a punch because it
wasn't like a pound hit; it was more of a poke that stabbed me
in the eye. I think one other thing I'll try to do now is take
a step towards UFC to see about possibly making it a rule. I
could care less -- it's more to make sure that nothing like that
ever happens again to a fighter in the UFC.
BoxingInsider.com
I'm not necessarily saying this is the case, but some people
might say that you're just trying to make excuses.
Tito
Ortiz: I'm not making excuses. As I said, I lost. That's totally
fine but more than anything I want to make sure for the fights
in the future that it never happens again. This is a rule that's
going to have to be added and I'd like to be the first person
to make that rule in accordance with the Athletic Commission.
BoxingInsider.com
Interesting. As I said, many people have mentioned the eye poke.
The Chuck Liddell fans don't want to believe that was a factor
--
Tito
Ortiz: They can watch that fight on TiVo.
BoxingInsider.com
You definitely got poked in the eye. You could see by the look
on your face. A rematch with Chuck Liddell -- you're seeing it
to go very differently?
Tito
Ortiz: I absolutely see it very differently. I fought his game.
That was the best Chuck Liddell's ever looked, the best I think
he's ever fought in any of his fights. I take nothing away from
him -- he fought a great fight. But how many fights can Chuck
fight like that? We'll see. His next step is to fight for a title.
Maybe I'll take the title from him.
BoxingInsider.com
What are your predictions on the Ken Shamrock vs. Kimo match?
Tito
Ortiz: That will be an interesting match. It depends on who's
training with whom.
BoxingInsider.com
Ken's training with Erik Paulsen and Kimo is training -- well,
I hear different things.
Tito
Ortiz: It depends on who's training with whom. I got a call from
Kimo's people saying "Tito can probably come and train with
them." So it depends. If Kimo trains with me, he'll beat
Shamrock, no problem. But if Shamrock doesn't train with good
people, Kimo could beat him hollow and vice versa. It's just
a factor. Those guys -- they're both warriors and whoever is
the best-conditioned athlete is going to win. That's pretty much
what it will come down to.
BoxingInsider.com
As always, thanks for doing the interview. What's next for Tito
Ortiz?
Tito
Ortiz: In May I'll be shooting a movie. I've got two movies I'll
be doing. In June, full training starts, then July, and I'm fighting
in August. So I'll be doing a couple of movies and get into training
and get ready to get back on board and start winning again.
Source: Boxing Insider MMA |
|