Upcoming
Events
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event on Onzuka.com?
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(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
2006
November
Aloha State Championship
of BJJ
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
August
Hawaiian Open of
BJJ
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
8/26-27/06
International
Masters & Seniors Championships
(BJJ)
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
7/22-30/06
CBJF World
Championships
(BJJ)
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
7/20-24/06
CBJJO World Championships
(BJJ)
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
5/20/06
3rd Maui Jiu-Jitsu Championships
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku)
4/15/06
UFC 59: Reality Check
(MMA)
(Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, CA)
4/7-9/06
2006
Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
(BJJ)
(California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA)
4/6/06
Ultimate Fight Night on Spike TV
(MMA)
(Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV)
4/1/06
Punishment in Paradise
(Kickboxing)
(Sea Life Park)
3/25/06
Garden Island Cage
Match #3
(MMA)
(Kapaa H.S. Gym, Kapaa, Kauai)
Valley Isle MMA Event
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
3/18/06
Extreme Wars X-1
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
3/11/06
Hawaiian Championship
of BJJ
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(St. Louis H.S. Gym)
Full Contact Showdown
(MMA)
(Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill, Kaneohe Marine Corps Base)
3/4/06
Kickin It 2006
(Kickboxing)
(Filipino Cultural Center, Waipahu)
UFC 58: USA vs Canada (MMA)
(Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, NV)
2/26/06
Pride
31: Unbreakable
(MMA)
(PPV)
NAGA Hawaii State Championship
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Honolulu)
*Cancelled
until Summer*
2/25/06
Icon Sport 44
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
2/4/06
Kick it Up
(Kickboxing)
(Pagoda Hotel Ballroom, Honolulu)
UFC 57:
Liddell vs. Couture 3
Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, NV
(PPV)
1/20/06
ROTR 9
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
1/16/06
UFC Fight Night on Spike TV
Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
(PPV)
1/14/06
Punishment In Paradise: East vs. West II
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Sea Life Park, Honolulu)
1/7/06
Kickin It 2006
(Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom, Honolulu)
|
|
February 2006 News
Part 3
Wednesday
night and Sunday classes (w/ a kids' class) now offered!
 
For the special Onzuka.com
price, click on one of these banners above! |
 |
Fighters' Club TV
The Toughest Show On
Teleivision
Tuesdays at 9:30PM
Olelo Channel 52 on Oahu
Akaku on Maui
Check
out the FCTV website! |
Fight
To Defend Mixed Martial Arts In Hawaii!
The Hawaii Government is trying to ban or restrict MMA in Hawaii.
Please
contact your local representative and let them know that you
support MMA in Hawaii. Click the link below to look up your Representative
and his contact info!
HB3223
has been passed with Amendments. Basically the bill has been
rewritten to create a MMA Commission to regulate MMA in Hawaii
and passed on to the Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee
and the Judiciary Committee for further hearings.
Get
all the details concerning the two MMA Bills by clicking here
|
Quote
of the Day
"Fire
is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men."
Seneca, 3 B.C. - 65 A.D., Roman Philosopher/Statesman/Dramatist
|
Fighters'
Club TV Episode 37 Airs Today!
Fighters' Club TV Episode 37 is cut and submittted to Olelo Programming.
This episode will air in our normal timeslot at 9:30pm, Tuesday
nights on Oceanic Ch. 52 (Olelo - Oahu) on the following dates:
February 14, 21, and 28.
It will also be available to order on Akaku in Maui from February
21st.
Episode
37 features:
-Highlights
from Icon Sport
- Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs Mark Moreno (+ interview
with Jason)
- KJ Noons vs Bryson Kamaka (+interview with KJ)
- Falaniko Vitale vs "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler
(+ interview with both fighters and special report by Tommy Dakota)
Technique
of the Week:
- Mauricio "Shogun" and Murilo "Ninja" Rua
demonstrate a Chute Box Clinch
(Translations from Tatame Magazine's own, Eduardo Alonso)
-
Footage from Icon's press conference with Jason Miller and Niko
Vitale
And
not to forget, Hawaii's two favorite FCTV hosts, Mark "Special
K"
Kurano and Mike "the Icon" Onzuka shooting on location
from the "Kicking it Up" event.
Comments,
Questions, Suggestions?
Please email us at: fctv@onzuka.com
MAHALO!
|
Niko
on KITV News Last Night
Niko Vitale spoke with KITV sports on last night's news and did
a short interview where he discussed the fight and the status
of his career. He said that loses three times in a row stings,
but did not state that he is going to retire which is good news
for Hawaii fight fans. He told the news that he will take a month
and then see where he is.
Just because he lost against two top middleweights, Niko still
has many great fights left in him and we look forward to his
return to the ring!
|
Check
out what's in the current issue of FCF...
UFC 57: Liddell knocks out Couture.
Randy
Couture: A legend retires.
Takanori
Gomi: Rise of a Fireball.
California
Commission weighs second option to cage.
David
"The Crow" Loiseau: Canada's other chance for UFC title?.
Englishman
James Thompson rises in PRIDE.
Smith,
Crunkilton and Pyle finish business at WEC 18.
American
Girls: Female MMA still a niche sport in the States.
Breaking
the runner-up syndrome, Brazilian Top Team strategizes for 2006.
MARS:
Japan's newest MMA promotion hits Ariake Coliseum.
Cage
Rage 15: Manhoef tames Cyborg.
ROTR
Grand Prix: Trigg, Condit, Okami and Shields move on.
Scott
Smith: UFC signs WEC Light-heavyweight Champ.
TKO
24: Clementi and Faber lead U.S. Invasion.
Guarafight
2: MMA calendar in Brazil opens with a bang.
Ultimate
Fight Night 3: Miletich's elite stand out.
In
our monthly columns...
In
Matt Hume's techniques, Dominic Kilstrand & Caros Fedor demonstrate
a Face Lock to Arm Hook.
The
Mental Edge: Veteran fighter Tim Lajcik joins FCF as a guest
columnist for a series of articles that tackles the oft-untouched
cerebral side of fighting. This month: Unconventional Training:
Beyond Treadmills and Barbells.
Mauricio
"Shogun" Rua BioFile.
Fight
fans make their predictions for PRIDE.31.
Every
issue of Full Contact Fighter is jam-packed with fight news from
the U.S. to Brazil to Japan. FCF travels the globe to bring the
fights to you. Get yours today! Available at Tower Records stores
around the world or by subscription...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For FASTEST
service call in your credit card order
(516)676-0033
Or
Click
here to order securely online with your credit card
or print off the order form & mail it in with your payment
|
Cronk
Wins First Ever ACF Title;
Mark Kerr and Wes Sims Sign
DENVER, COLORADO –Friday, February 24 at the Denver Coliseum,
American Championship Fighting (ACF) held their inaugural event,
entitled Genesis, before a crowd estimated to be just under 5,000,
which would make it the most highly attended mixed martial arts
event in the state’s history. Denver-based fighter John
“The Annihilator” Cronk surprised many by defeating
former Olympian and Team Quest fighter Heath Sims for the ACF
Welterweight World Championship.
Early
in the evening, ACF CEO Rico Vecc brought Wes Sims into the Ocho
to announce the signing of “The Project” to face Mark
Kerr for the ACF’s first heavyweight title bout, which is
slated to take place on May 6th in Denver.
In
the main event at Genesis, Heath Sims, highly ranked in Japan’s
Pancrase organization, looked to stand just long enough to clinch
and go for the takedown, which he eventually did. On the ground,
Sims briefly held side-control, but Cronk was able to scramble
and get the fight back up to standing. Once there, Sims again
looked for the takedown, but on the way in Cronk cinched on a
guillotine choke that caused Sims to submit 2:46 into the first
round.
With
the win, Cronk becomes the first ever ACF belt holder winning
the welterweight championship. He also improved his record, winning
five of his past six bouts.
Matt
Horwich, also of Team Quest, made his return to the Centennial
State having fought last year on Sport Fight’s first foray
into Colorado and on local promotion Kick Down. He stepped into
the Ocho with Hammer House fighter Rob Wince. Looking to keep
the fight standing, Wince staggered Horwich early and appeared
to be the more powerful of the two. But Horwich kept his composure
and scored with a head kick before pulling Wince into his guard
and smoothly locking on an arm bar to finish the fight.
Both
known for their strong backgrounds in kickboxing, Donald “Cowboy”
Cerrone and Cruz “The Saint” Chacon are both very popular
in Colorado. It was Chacon that took control early, getting Cerrone
to the ground and working to ground and pound him from various
positions throughout the first round. In the second, Chacon again
got the takedown and was positioned to continue his ground and
pound assault, but Cerrone managed to catch him in transition
with a triangle choke. Chacon attempted to break the hold by
picking up and slamming Cerrone, but the choke was secure, giving
Cerrone the win.
Chilo
Gonzalez continued to resurrect his career with an impressive
performance against Shawn Freese of Austin, Texas. Fighting out
of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Gonzalez got taken down early,
but reversed position, attained the mount and started punching
Freese. In the process he opened up a deep, fight-ending cut
over Freese’s eye.
The
fight between Samy Say and Hans Marrero went to the mat almost
immediately. Following a brief scramble for position, Marrero
locked out an arm bar little more than one minute into the round.
Steve
Schneider, originally slated to fight Ray Elbe, instead stepped
into the Ocho with Nathan Osterkamp. Schneider wasted no time
taking Osterkamp down before securing the victory with a guillotine
choke.
The
professional portion of the show opened up with a battle for
a $50,000 contract with the ACF virtually guaranteeing the winner
the opportunity to become a full-time professional fighter.
Noah
Thomas started off strong taking down Grant Hartwig, but lost
position when he attempted an arm bar. From his back, Thomas
then worked his way to a triangle choke. Attempting to break
the choke, Hartwig picked up Thomas, carried him a few feet and
then slammed him to the mat. Thomas didn’t relent, keeping
the choke intact and causing Hartwig to tap, earning the $50,000
contract.
The
night also featured three amateur bouts. Just before the professional
portion of the card started, fighting out of the Kongo Do Dojo
in Colorado Springs, Tanner Noble went into the second round
with LA Boxing’s Sisto Tapia before finishing him from the
mount by a TKO stoppage from strikes.
Sean
Claffey and James Valimont fought back and forth for two rounds.
Valimont consistently enforcing hard-fought takedowns and Claffey
consistently punishing him with strikes as he did so. After the
second round, the ringside doctor, Ered Nash, recommended the
fight be stopped due to deep cuts over both of Valimont’s
eyes. Claffey was awarded the victory by TKO.
In
the night’s opening bout, Nick Setrakian took Jason Harris
down early with a big slam. He then worked his way past Harris’
guard and dropped down a barrage of punishing punches and elbows
until the referee stopped the fight.
AMERICAN
CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHTING
ACF: GENESIS
Denver Coliseum
Denver, Colorado
Friday, February 24
Main
Event: Welterweight Title Bout
John Cronk def. Heath Sims by Guillotine Choke, 2:46 of Round
1
Feature
Bouts:
Matt Horwich def. Rob Wince by Arm Bar, 1:46 of Round 1
Donald Cerrone def. Cruz Chacon by Triangle Choke, Round 2
Chilo Gonzalez def. Shawn Freese by TKO, 0:47 of Round 1
Hans Marrero def. Samy Say by Arm Bar, 1:05 of Round 1
Steve Schneider def. Nathan Osterkamp by Guillotine Choke, 0:38
of Round 1
Noah Thomas def. Grant Hartwig by Triangle Choke, 1:23 of Round
1
Undercard:
Tanner Noble def. Sistio Tapia by TKO, 1:17 of Round 2
Sean Claffey def. James Valimont by TKO, 5:00 of Round 2
Nick Setrakian def. Jason Harris by TKO, 2:00 of Round 1
-----
About American Championship Fighting
American Championship Fighting (ACF) is a premier mixed martial
arts promotion. Under the ownership of Rico Vecc Promotions,
the ACF provides a combination of the preeminent mixed martial
arts fighters in the world in a highly entertaining atmosphere.
For more information go to www. theacf.net. Rico Vecc Promotions,
the owner of the ACF, is operated by successful entrepreneur
and ACF CEO Rico Vecc. A self-made millionaire, Vecc built his
fortune in real estate investing and has committed to helping
others through his National Wealth Institute (www.NationalWealthInstitute.com)
and his book “How to Become a Millionaire in Your Jeans
and a T-Shirt Through Real Estate.”
Source: Ken Pishna
|
Quote
of the Day
"Writing
is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be
doing something else."
Gloria Steinem, American Journalist and Spokesperson for Women's
Rights
|
PRIDE.31
"Unbreakable" Results
Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo, Japan
February 26, 2006
Roman Zentsov def. Pedro Rizzo - KO :25 R1
Quinton Jackson def. Yoon Dong Sik – Unanimous Decision
Fabricio Werdum def. Jon Olav Einemo – Unanimous Decision
Alistair Overeem def. Sergei Kharitonov – TKO (referee stoppage-
strikes) 5:13 R1
Josh Barnett def. Kazuhiro Nakamura – Rear Naked Choke 8:10
R1
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira def. Kiyoshi Tamura– Armbar 2:24
R1
Mark Coleman def. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua – TKO
(Referee stoppage-dislocated elbow) :49 R1
Mark Hunt def. Yosuke Nishijima – TKO (Referee stoppage-strikes)
1:18 R3
Tsuyoshi Kosaka def. Mario Sperry - TKO (Referee stoppage-strikes)
1:20 R1
Source: FCF
|
Jason
"Mayhem" Miller Giving Private Lessons!
Reknown MMA fighter and grappler, Jason Miller is now offering
private lessons for $100 per lesson, with deals being given for
those scheduling more than one lesson. They can be done at HMC
in Kalihi or at a location of your choosing.
Don't miss an opportunity to train with the man they call Mayhem,
who has trained with Romero "Jacare" Calvancanti, Team
Punishment (Tito Ortiz, Rampage Jackson, etc), Phil Baroni and
more recently with Marc Laimon of Cobra Kai Jiu-Jitsu.
|
Kickin
It 14
KICKIN IT 2006 PART 2 (AMATEUR KICKBOXING)
MARCH 4 2006 (DOORS OPEN 6:30 PM)
WAIPAHU FILCOM CENTER
MAIN EVENT
DALE KAMAI 175# HANS LEE
TEAM SOLJAH ANIMAL HOUSE
2005 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT KICKIN IT CHAMPION VS 2005 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
JR KICKIN IT CHAMPION. ANIMAL AGAINST SOLDIER, CHAMPION VS CHAMPION,
TITLE FOR TITLE
BILLY PINERO 75# TRISTON PEBRIA
TEAM DEVASTATION EWA BEACH FIGHT CLUB
TODD YOUNG 170# CLEMETTE HELEMANO
TEAM SOLJAH EWA BEACH FIGHT CLUB
KEOKI DAVIS SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT KEOKI GANDY
TEAM DEVASTATION THE UNKNOWN FIGHT TEAM
NYE DELASANTOS 165# OLA PLUNKETT
TEAM SOLJAH ANIMAL HOUSE
KAEO CANDENERO 75# KILEY RAMIRO
HSD HMC
NUI WHEELER 135# JAY BOLOS
TEAM SOLJAH ANIMAL HOUSE
TEARJA SELLERS 160# TIANNA HIGA
HSD TEAM ISLAND THUNDER
SAM PALOSAMI SUPERHEAVYWEIGHT TRAVIS
TEAM DEVASTATION ANIMAL HOUSE
RICKY MARILLO 145# KAIKA BULLOCK
TEAM DEVASTATION HSD
JORDAN SUA 125# DEVIN DAMO
FIGHTERS UNION ANIMAL HOUSE
KOICHI TANJI 125# EVAN QUIZON
HMC TEAM DEVASTATION
MILLER UALESEI 185# TBA
TEAM DEVASTATION HOUSE OF THUNDER
RICKI CASE 160# KONA AE
THE UNKNOWN FIGHT TEAM TEAM DEVASTATION
NATHAN NAKI 140# BRANDON AMANONCE
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ED PONTEZ 140 JUSTIN WONG
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ALL PARTICIPANTS AND MATCHES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
TICKET INFO. - CONTACT DOUG AT 721-6019
Source: Event Promoter
|
The
Lighter Side Gets Its Boost…Finally
By Sean McClure
Back in October I wrote an article called “The UFC Could
use a Boost from the Lighter Side” that laid out how much
the lightweights were needed back in action in the UFC. The original
article can be founds here, http://www.maxfighting.com/index.cfm?ac=news.detail&nid=750.
Well, it seems that the UFC has come to their senses and listenned
to the fans (and my article I like to think) because we know
the value of that Division and the caliber of fighters it brings
to the table. Here are the first wave of fighters to represent
the lightweight division in the newly reformed division:
Kenny
Florian, AKA “KENFLO”. Love him or hate him he is going
to be fighting at his natural weight and there will be fireworks
to go along with his return to it. Kenny handled his own in the
welterweight division with his only loss being at the finals
of the Ultimate Fighter season 1 to Diego Sanchez. Florian has
improved a lot in his striking and he has refined his grappling
by gearing it more towards MMA. Kenny could possibly be the lightweight
champion should they reinstate that belt in the UFC. The only
negative I can see here is that he might have gotten use to fighting
at the heavier weight and dropping down could be a little disorienting
for the TUF 1 star. He faces Sam Stout at UFC 58 and we expect
to see Kenny flourish in his natural weight class.
Yves
Edwards is back in the UFC. I will say it again, Yves Edwards
is back in the UFC. This man is a monster in this division and
he is facing a very game but overmatched Mark Hominick at UFC
58. Yves is the heir apparent to the UFC lightweight crown in
the minds of many hardcore fans. Edwards has provided many memorable
knockouts and other exciting moments inside of the Octagon. One
moment for example, was his amazing "Panther" kick
that KO'ed Josh Thomson in UFC 49. He has done well in the grappling
department as well, with a Choke submission over Rich Clementi
int he UFC, and and armbar against top grappler Dokonjonosuke
Mishima. He does have three submission losses on his record,
but the last one was 6 years ago against the submission machine
Rumina Sato. Yves is coming off a loss to Joachim Hansen at Pride’s
Bushido 9 in September of last year. Look for Yves to make a
strong statement at UFC 58 against Mark Hominick.
Mark
Hominick is a potent Canadian striker with a comparable ground
game. Hominick is on a 4 fight win streak right now with his
last win coming at Canada’s TKO organization’s TKO
24: Eruption. He has lost only four fights in his thirteen fight
career and most of them came early on when he was gaining the
experience he now so proudly displays with his MMA ability. His
last loss came in September of 2004 to Shane Rice thanks to a
nasty rear naked choke. He has since then avenged that loss with
a TKO. If Hominick beats the heavily favored Yves Edwards at
UFC 58, it will be truly hard to stop his momentum in the UFC.
Sam
Stout, Kenny Florian’s opponent at UFC 58, is a knockout
specialist with an impressive record of 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1
loss. That one loss was his very first MMA fight back in June
of 2003 and the draw came the next fight after that. Since then
he is unbeaten and has won impressively over all of his opponents.
He will be a good test for Kenny Florian if he stands with him
but if it goes to the ground Kenny is all over him like a cheap
suit. Look for Sam to swing for the fences and look to end this
early. Like Hominick, if Stout gets past the favored Florian
at UFC 58 he might have the momentum to do great things in the
division.
UFC
58 has brought back the lightweights and I for one could not
be any happier. Top that off with Jorge Gurgel returning to his
true weight in the division in May or June to fight in the Octagon.
Also with the possibility of a Josh Thomson return, or even the
chance that Jens Pulver might return to the UFC... and you can
bet that this year will be an exciting one that is sure to be
full of surprises, I am looking forward to it.
Source:
Maxfighting
|
Clash
of Champions
as the WEC Champ Takes on the KOTC Champ
By John Buhl
Though he has amassed an 11-1 record in mixed martial arts (MMA)
and holds the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) 145 pound championship
belt, Cole Escovedo knows that on March 17th he faces his toughest
challenge to date... a showdown with King of the Cage title-holder
Urijah Faber. The match—which will take place in the WEC—has
a co-headline WEC 155 pound title bout between champion Gabe
Ruediger and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran Hermes
Franca.
Faber
also sports an 11-1 record, and has competed against world-class
competitors such as Pride veteran Charles “Krazy Horse”
Bennett and UFC veteran and top Canadian fighter Ivan Menjivar.
Despite the size of the event, Escovedo is keeping focused, not
intimidated by challenging one of the best fighters in the bantamweight
class.
“Yeah,
there’s always added pressure when fighting a tough known,
opponent, especially cause of what there is to gain and lose
by winning or losing the fight,” Escovedo said. “But
it doesn't really affect me. I just acknowledge the fact that
it's there and move on.”
Most
people looking to stay in shape choose a low-impact, recreational
activity. Escovedo, on the other hand, chose perhaps the most
difficult and challenging of combat sports to maintain physical
fitness.
“I
got started in MMA to stay in shape after graduating a police
academy,” he said.
Elaborating
on his fighting background, he added, “I've been known in
the MMA community as a ground fighter with a couple TKOs, but
mostly triangle submissions. I would say my strengths are my
Jiu-Jitsu and leg kicks, but that's about all I'll tell.”
“I
do have a black belt in karate but you’ll never catch me
using it,” he said with a laugh.
To
the delight of many of the top-level, smaller fighters, the UFC
is finally resurrecting its lightweight division at UFC 58. Escovedo
acknowledged that he would be willing to change weight classes
if such an opportunity became available. And a win over Faber
might do the trick.
“Yes,”
he replied emphatically. “Even if I had a hard time making
that weight, the ends would justify the means.”
Even
if the UFC does not come calling in the near future, the growth
of the sport and the WEC—an organization he has been involved
with since 2001—has Escovedo optimistic about his prospects.
“I
have seen a growth in the WEC itself, growing into a much larger
and respected organization,” he said. “It has many
fighters that have moved on to the UFC. And [those fighters]
come back to [the WEC to] get good fights to keep their skills
sharp or fight guys the UFC doesn’t have yet. But even though
the sport has grown, I think the WEC has grown on its own even
before the ultimate fighter explosion.”
To
end the interview Cole passed along the following thanks: “I
wanted to thank my team (Pacific Martial Arts, Fresno, Calif.,
as well as AKA in San Jose) for helping me get ready for this
fight. And to my family who has helped me with my daughter so
I can make to the time to train right.
Source:
Maxfighting
|
The
most feared Mark Kerr
In Mark Kerr’s golden days, our staff breaks into the giant’s
home in the USA and discusses steroids, Rickson and Gurgel. But
it was master Hulk who nearly got him into an early retirement
In
the end of the nineties, American fighter Mark Kerr bore the
alias of world’s most feared man. Not unfairly, of course,
for from 1997 to 2000 everyone who crossed his path wound up
tasting defeat’s bitter flavor – as bitter as blood
in the mouth. It was a total of 12 victories, four of which in
UFC’s shows.
Nowadays,
at 37, Kerr is unofficially retired, after walking out of his
three latest Pride apparitions defeated, and in January, 2004,
he pretty much knock himself out while trying to take down Japan’s
Yoshihisa Yamamoto.
However,
Kerr’s career will not be remembered by these mishaps. Hence
the importance of recalling the unforgettable interview given
by the titan back in 1999, when he welcomed our staff into his
Arizona house. Check out what Mark had to say about UFC vs. Pride,
his job as Rolling Stones’ roadie and the dream of fighting
Rickson and Royce Gracie – which unfortunately never happened.
Have
you always thought about being a professional sportsman?
Yes, I have practiced many sports, each at its time. I’ve
played baseball, athletics, wrestling, but I always thought I’d
be a professional football player. Until, when I was a senior,
I was chosen exclusively for wrestling. The other dreams died,
for one of the scholarship’s conditions was not to play
football.
How
was it for you in college?
I had trouble adapting, for Syracuse was an expensive university.
I moved to California, where I got a job in the Rolling Stones’
tour. I’d travel the country assembling and taking to pieces
the stages, and in that year I gained weight. That was in 1989,
when I was 20, and it was when I saw I didn’t want to do
that kind of job my whole life. So I decided to go back to college.
Was
your comeback easy?
I was lucky to meet Chris Camble, a lawyer and former world wrestling
champion, he had stopped fighting but decided to go back into
action. He moved to Syracuse he had much experience in the sport,
and got lucky he needed some human material to work with. As
a young, talented fighter, he chose me and put me under his wing.
He was my first idol, and a very important person for my career.
When
did you decide to go to m.m.a?
I got motivated when I saw Don Frye and Dan Severn win in UFC,
for I knew I was a better wrestler. Then I lost to Coleman in
the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 . He lost in the next round,
and we both signed up to fight in the UFC. He wound up being
chosen, which coincided with me having to stay with my mom in
her final days.
Now
back to m.m.a…
After my mother died I started training and on January 19, 1997
[former promoter] Frederico Lapenda organized a show I ended
up fighting in.
And
you faced perhaps your toughest opponent, Fabio Gurgel, who at
the time was trying to get over a loss to Jerry Bohlander in
the UFC and didn’t expect to fight a top wrestler…
Neither did I expect to fight someone in Fabio’s caliber,
and Lapensa surprised us with that match. But he knew what he
was doing.
But
you kept going in the UFC…
When I took off one of master Hulk’s teeth I almost lost
my hand due to an inflammation. I stop fighting for five months
and went back in UFC 14 and 15; then I went to Pride, where I
fought the 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions.
Changing
to Pride caused you some troubles, right?
In order to fight in the UFC I had to sign a contract, which
later on got me into a courthouse struggle. My deal said I was
supposed to fight three events in a championship format, and
since in Ultimate Japan they had super-fights, I didn’t
feel obliged to compete. So I accepted an invitation to fight
Royce in Pride, but SEG [UFC’s organizer] went to court,
trying to annul my passport, so we argued, but I ended up winning.
Why
did you choose to leave the UFC?
Every body started to do so, because SEG was making a lot of
money and not giving the fighters any. In Ultimate Fighting Championship
1, they got pay-per-view revenue that was among the ten largest
in TV history, but still they don’t pay the stars well.
What
about your challenge towards Rickson and Royce?
In the fight milieu, I gotta respect and be respected, and if
you respect me, I respect you. Everone must be confident, but
not arrogant, therefore it’s hard for me to say I want to
fight Rickson and Royce and not be arrogant, for they decline
it. I read an article where Rickson says no one had shown anything
noteworthy in the events, so he didn’t feel the need to
fight. Then he fights Takada. Now that’s a contradiction.
And Royce says he is injured and can’t do a thing about
it, but meanwhile people tell me he’s been teaching class,
running – I find it very weird, and wonder how serious the
injury can be.
But
don’t you agree when Rickson pushes fighters’ purses
up?
As a fighter I must agree on that. We do generate more money
than we make. But It is important for us to raise the values
even more, which is why I think the strong ones should face off.
Bouts such as Kerr vs. Rickson and Kerr vs. Royce would help
that happen.
And
concerning Royce, if he doesn’t wish to fight, why would
he have signed with Pride?
I think he thought I would never fight because I was being sued.
I don’t demand Rickson or Royce to fight me. If I am too
big, I’d like to see them fight someone tough, even their
own size. Bohlander, Shamrock maybe. After all, I don’t
mean to say bad things about them, but they grant no one credit.
For example, their cousin Renzo is one guy I respect, simply
because he accepts fights where there is an actual chance his
opponent might win. He weights 76kilo and I know he is afraid
of facing no one.
Did
your wins yield you a lot of publicity?
I have many friends at local radio stations, and they talk about
me whenever I am about to compete. Every time I fight I go to
some talk show and get a lot of calls. But I can walk around
on the streets, it’s not like in Brazil or Japan.
Is
it true you think of retiring?
That’s not what it’s about, but I don’t think
m.m.a. will take me very far, so I start thinking about what
I’m gonna do afterwards. Some times you have to make choices
not every body agrees upon, but I always look for what’s
best for me. So, when I retire, I must be ready to change arenas.
Meanwhile I’m just doing what I enjoy.
You
mentioned big guys. There are many out there taking steroids,
right?
Definitely. People don’t fully understand what it means.
Some fighters made their choice and didn’t perform very
well, and we are certain that’s due to steroid abuse. These
guys gained 20lb from one event to the next. I know many people
have talked about me, Coleman and many others, and I also know
about many guys who are on it, but I think if you choose to use
it, at least do it moderately. By the way, every lifelong decision
should be judged carefully. It’s like drinking. It’s
not a good idea to get hung over, but drinking a few glasses
can’t do much harm. There’s a crucial difference between
using and abusing.
You
say some fighters’ bodies changed. But you gained weight
yourself, right?
It’s different. If you look at pictures of me from five
years ago, you’ll se I didn’t change much, I gained
about 8kilo worth of muscle and I believe I am genetically prepared
for that gain. I read a lot about steroids, and I enhance my
body. People ask me whether I use them and I say I do what I
must in order to stand out in my sport, but I know how to protect
myself. I try to keep my body healthy and as clean as possible.
I know it is hard to believe, for everyone has pictured me already.
Source:
Gracie Magazine
|
Quote
of the Day
"Fire
is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men."
Seneca, 3 B.C. - 65 A.D., Roman Philosopher/Statesman/Dramatist
|
Icon
Sport 45 Results!
Icon Sport
45: Lawler vs. Niko 2
Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
February 25, 2006
By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com
 
Promoters are
always having to deal with one thing or another, be it injuries,
no shows, grudges, but this time it would be personal problems
that threw this event in flux. After signing a contract potentially
worth over $200,000, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, the number
one contender for Robbie Lawler's Icon Sport World Middleweight
title, broke into his ex-girlfriend's apartment and got into
an altercation with another individual after a night of partying.
Due to this, Icon Sport suspended Jason Miller indefinitely to
reiterate to the public that this kind of behavior is not indicative
of the sport of MMA and will not be tolerated in the Icon Sport
organization. A somber Miller apologized and expressed that he
made a huge mistake at a press conference. A call was made and
Falaniko Vitale was offered a second chance to redeem himself
after a war with Lawler that ended with Vitale losing his title
to Lawler after being up on all the scorecards up to the point
he got knocked out. Due to Vitale being a last minute replacement,
this match would not be a title fight.
The
air was thick with anticipation when these two warriors stepped
in to the ring. As expected both fighters exchanged some heavy
leather, and very much like the first match, Vitale was getting
the better of the exchanges and had Lawler covering up from his
strikes. However, the more Vitale started teeing off on Lawler,
the more his hands dropped and he lowered his defenses. Lawler
waited for the right opportunity and fired off a left hook followed
by a vicious right hook that rocked Vitale. Vitale stepped back
with his hands down and was almost out on his feet. Lawler pounced
on him and landed hook after hook crumbling Vitale. Jason Miller
was brought in to the ring after the fight to lay his claim to
Lawler's belt, but will have to wait until the suspension is
lifted.
The
under card was filled with fighters with established experience
in other areas, be it wrestling or kickboxing, now making their
MMA debuts. Marshall Harvest and Tyson Nam showed tremendous
potential, Harvest showcasing his wrestling and grappling abilities
and Nam showing off great take down defense and striking ability.
There were also some "blink and it is over" moments.
After Ikaika Choy-Fu was dominating, Taniguchi stayed in the
fight and stole the fight by locking in a 10 finger guillotine.
Derek Stadler also weathered a huge storm as Wayne Perrin pounced
on him. When the fight was moved to the middle of the ring, Perrin
started throwing punches with reckless abandon, which allowed
a composed Taniguchi to have the state of mind to lock in an
arm bar on a shocked Perrin. Rising star Jason Chambers brought
in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to match up against Michihiro Omigawa's
Judo. The match ended in a split decision in favor of Omigawa,
but the scorecards do not accurately reflect Chamber's control
of the match. Chambers dominated the stand up and ground, but
fizzled at the end of the second round and ended up getting mounted
and punched, which seemed to sway a couple of the judges' opinions.
Both fighters were bloody, but Omigawa's face was beat to a pulp.
The third round was close enough for two of the three judges
to give it to Omigawa for the split decision.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155lbs.
Marshall Harvest (Animal House) def. Bryce Martinez (Bulls Pen)
Submission via rear naked choke at 2:12 minutes in Round 3.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155lbs.
Bronson Delima (Bulls Pen) def. Tim "Magic" Moon (Freelance)
Unanimous decision [(29-28), (29-28), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 165lbs.
Mike Taniguchi (Animal House) def. Ikaika Choy-Fu (Jesus Is Lord)
Submission via guillotine choke at 2:10 minutes in Round 1.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 170lbs.
Derek Stadler (Bulls Pen) def. Wayne Perrin (Team Big Dog)
Submission via arm bar at 1:06 minutes in Round 1.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 135lbs.
Tyson Nam (Grappling Unlimited) def. Ryan Lee (Bulls Pen)
TKO via Referee stoppage due to strikes at 1:01 minutes in Round
3.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 175lbs.
Kimo Woefel (Eastsidaz) def. Chad Gusman (Team Papakolea)
TKO via Referee stoppage due to strikes at 2:51 minutes in Round
1.
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155lbs.
Mark Oshiro (Bulls Pen) def. Gene "Bino" Gregory (Mixed
Breed)
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes at 2:20 minutes in Round
1.
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 160lbs.
Adam Bass (Team Wolfpack, Muncie, IN) def. David Padilla (Jesus
Is Lord)
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes at 1:15 minutes in Round
3.
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 160lbs.
Michihiro Omigawa (Yoshida Dojo) def. Jason Chambers (10th Planet
Jiu-Jitsu)
Split decision [(29-28), (28-29), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
Icon
Sport State Flyweight Championship Bout
3 Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 145lbs.
David "Chinaman" Yeung (HMC) def. Jim Kikuchi (Icon
Sport State Flyweight Champion, 808 Fight Factory)
Unanimous decision [(29-28), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
*David
Yeung is the new Icon Sport State Flyweight Champion.
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 185lbs.
"Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (Icon Sport World Middleweight
Champion, Miletich Fighting System) def. Falaniko Vitale (808
Fight Factory)
KO at 3:38 minutes in Round 1.
Source: Icon Sport
|
BTT
and CB share plane
'Shogun is 104kg and well prepared'
Made
up of masters Rudimar Fedrigo and Rafael Cordeiro, and team stars
Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio Shogun and Murilo Ninja, the Chute
Boxe delegation traveled only a few seats away from Brazilian
Top Team’s representatives, on flight Rio–London–Tokyo,
by Varig, which left Brazil yesterday and landed some hours ago
in the capital of England.
Side
by side on the plane, muay thai instructors Paulo Nikolai and
Luiz Alves changed seats little before the takeoff, as their
relationship isn’t quite friendly. Down the corridor, flight
attendants could find BTT’s Danilo Indio, and farther on
Pride champion Wanderlei Silva, who was traveling to both watch
teammate Shogun and negotiate his own participation in the upcoming
Open Weight Grand Prix, scheduled to begin in May.
Ze
Mario Sperry and Rogerio Minotouro chose Air France, whereas
Minotauro preferred American Airlines.
>From
Curitiba, where he stayed in order to take care of his upcoming
wedding, coach Cristiano Marcello said Shogun entered the plane
very well prepared, weighing about 104kilo and ready for his
experienced opponent. “Coleman is a classic fighter –
every body knows his play by heart. Shogun didn’t change
much about his usual preparation – he just did his average
muay thai and Jiu-Jitsu training.”
As
to wrestling, Coleman’s specialty, Cristiano said Chute
Boxe has never had as many high-quality coaches as today. “With
Christopher Lad’s and Fabio Ribeiro’s lessons, as well
as sparring Marcelo Zulu, Shogun has prepared as well as it gets.
We’re looking forward to February 26,” he concluded.
PRIDE
31 - Dreamers
February 26, 2006
Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan
Pedro
Rizzo vs Roman Zentsov
Quinton Jackson vs Yoon Dong Sik
Jon Olav Einemo vs Fabricio Werdum
Tsuyoshi Kosaka vs Zé Mario Sperry
Sergei Kharitonov vs Alistair Overeem
Josh Barnett vs Kazuhiro Nakamura
Rodrigo Minotauro vs Kiyoshi Tamura
Mauricio Shogun vs Mark Coleman
Mark Hunt vs Yosuke Nishijima
Source:
Gracie Magazine
|
Sherdog.com
Preview: PRIDE 31 “Unbreakable”
by James Hirth
In the U.S. PRIDE 31 is being marketed as “Unbreakable.”
But in Japan they’re looking forward to watching “Dreamers.”
Who
are the dreamers? The people who think Tamura is going to beat
Nogueira. Seriously though, the American moniker seems to better
fit this card. What is unbreakable? Plenty of things, including
Mauricio Rua’s shins, Mark Hunt’s chin and Antonio
Rodrigo Nogueira’s spirit.
The
card is exciting, though not earth-shattering like we’ve
come to expect from PRIDE. I think the cards have generally been
so good that we’re spoiled and expect a Grand Prix every
two months. Well, there will be another GP this year and some
of the fighters on this line-up will be part of the field.
The
entire card breaks down as follows:
Brazilian
striker Pedro Rizzo and Russian Top Team fighter Roman Zentsov
take to the ring.
American
Quinton Jackson battles Korean judoka Dong Sik Yoon.
Norwegian
grappler Jon Olav Einemo faces Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylist Fabricio
Werdum.
Tsuyoshi
Kohsaka and the Brazilian Top Team’s Mario Sperry square
off.
Russian
Top Team member Sergei Kharitonov goes toe-to-toe with Dutch
fighter Alistair Overeem.
Former
UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett confronts Yoshida Dojo
judoka Kazuhiro Nakamura.
Brazilian
Top Team grappler “Minotauro” Nogueira tangles with
U-File Camp grappler Kiyoshi Tamura.
Last
year’s PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix winner Mauricio Rua,
fighting out of the Chute Boxe Academy, meets Hammer House founder
and MMA legend Mark Coleman.
New
Zealand’s Mark Hunt, a one-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion,
takes on former pro boxer Yosuke Nishijima.
To
read the previews for each fight go to Sherdog.com.
Source:
Sherdog
|
The
Future of Mixed Martial Arts According to Me
by Marco Antico
As an avid follower of mixed martial arts (MMA) I often find
myself thinking about how this sport will evolve over time. Some
things are anyone's guess but other things I believe are predictable.
One only needs to examine where the true value lies and look
at the examples already set forth by other sports and big business.
Here’s what I mean:
Fighter
Salaries We live in a capitalistic society which dictates that
it is natural for there to be great inequalities among a society’s
workforce. The MMA industry is no different. Fighters that sell
tickets and pay-per-views (i.e. Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell
and Tito Ortiz) will make substantially more money than those
that the average fan has never heard of. Yet, with all the recent
successes of the sport the fact that most Ultimate Fighting Championship
(UFC) fighters make $10,000 or less per fight is a little shocking.
If these fighters compete 3 times a year they’ll still be
around to the poverty line after taxes and fight preparation
costs (i.e. trainers, managers etc.). If it weren’t for
sponsorships they’d likely be unable to continue their MMA
careers.
Why
should the UFC pay any more than they have to?
The
UFC is a profit and not a charitable organization. Why should
they pay anymore than the market dictates? Right now, with no
other organization giving these fighters near the amount of exposure
as the UFC, they can actually afford to pay these fighters less
than other organizations. For example, they offered Chris Brennan
five times less his fight purse offered to him by the Gracie
Fighting Championship. Brennan made the uncommon choice and turned
the UFC down to which the UFC responded (according to Brennan)
by calling him “an idiot”. The UFC will not pay their
fighters more until they’re forced to do so. They will not
be forced to raise their purses until they get real competition
in the North American market.
The
International Fighting League The International Fighting League
(IFL) is the new kid on the block. They have come up with a new
concept of having MMA teams compete in a regular season type
system, similar to other professional sporting leagues. I believe
a lot of things with the IFL are still up in the air but as of
right now they have contacted individuals such as Bas Rutten,
Pat Miletich, Renzo Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Randy Couture and other
very popular MMA personalities to be coaches. They have also
contacted fighters such as Duane Ludwig, Urijah Faber, Sam Stout
and Krystof Soszynski and promised them a stable salary as opposed
to a typical fight contract. Teams will be named after deadly
animals such as Anaconda and Viper. They will have three, three
minute rounds with all the traditional UFC rules except for no
elbows to the head. They’ve got a tentative deal with ESPN
2 and Fox Sports Net to broadcast a weekly show.
Despite
their good intentions, the IFL’s concept is seriously flawed.
The IFL is banking on the fact that people will watch MMA on
free television. This may be true. But, MMA is not a team sport
and trying to make it into one is not giving the fans what they
want. Unlike team sports in which there are 11 people on the
field at the same time trying to put a ball into a net, in MMA
there is only one person in the ring against another trying to
knock them out or submit them. Fans are not going to care which
group of 5 individuals are better than another selected group
of individuals. They’re going to want to see the best competing
against the best in the potentially most entertaining fight possible.
The IFL is geared to give the fighters what they want (i.e. a
stable source of income and wide exposure to a television audience)
but it fails to deliver what the fans want and thus consequently
has little chance of succeeding. Part of the IFL’s marketing
ploy is to emphasize the fact that each team has their own style
of martial arts and hence intrigue the audience to see which
is superior. This may have worked if the year were still 1993
but today everyone cross trains in various disciplines so this
concept somewhat no longer applies.
Gracie
fighters may be more proficient in grappling than Rutten’s
fighters who are better versed in striking. This clash of teams
may prove interesting for one episode but it will quickly grow
tiresome. Further, often times it actually makes for a more entertaining
fight when two excellent strikers do battle or two proficient
grapplers square off. By not allowing fighters with similar styles
to fight it actually hinders the show’s ability to produce
the most exciting match-ups.
It’s
the fighters themselves that make people want to tune in. The
rest is irrelevant. The team concept will quickly become a sort
of distraction and restraint on what people really want to see.
The IFL may draw viewers initially, but their inherent concept
is flawed and thus there is little chance of it becoming a long
term success.
The
Art of Match-Making The UFC always used to strive to make the
best possible match-up. Long time ago, Pat Miletich was quoted
as saying, “we should enjoy the sport now while it’s
pure because once the Don King types get involved things are
going to change”. I wonder what Pat’s opinion is now
of the sport being “pure”.
With
the commercial success of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), the UFC
no longer necessarily look to make the best possible match-up,
but instead they now arrange the match-ups which make the most
financial sense. Sometimes the two things coincide as is the
case with UFC 58: Rich Franklin versus David Loiseau. Unfortunately,
other times we must suffer through undeserved title shots such
as Nate Quarry versus Rich Franklin (which I hope has given the
UFC a well deserved lesson on the dangers of mismatches). One
needs to look no further than UFC 58 to see how the UFC’s
match-making has become biased. The reality show stars from The
Ultimate Fighter call it “being able to showcase their talents”.
A more objective viewpoint would call it favoritism. Joe Doerksen
versus Nathan Marquardt – Doerksen’s most dangerous
on the ground. There is arguably no ground fighter currently
in the UFC that is better than Marquardt.
Mike
Swick versus Steve Vigneault – Vigneault has shown his vulnerability
to strikers with fast hands (i.e. Chris Fontaine, Patrick Cote,
David Loiseau, Sean Pierson). Swick is best known for his quick
hands. Mark Hominick versus Yves Edwards – Hominick is a
phenomenal striker but he’s being pitted against probably
the best striker in all of MMA who is bigger and more powerful
than him. Kenny Florian versus Sam Stout – Stout’s
only loss was to a good ground fighter, Jay Estrada. Florian
is a black belt in jiu-jitsu.
Kenny
Florian and Mike Swick are former reality show stars and therefore
the UFC wants to continue to build them up. Yves Edwards is the
uncrowned UFC champion at 155lbs and Nathan Marquardt has been
in the main event of a live SPIKE TV show. Therefore, it’s
no surprise that the UFC chose to give these fighters preferred
match-ups as well. Sure, the Canadians still have a decent chance
at winning. However, I bet that Canada would at least split the
series if you rearranged these match-ups accordingly:
Joe
Doerksen versus Mike Swick Steve Vigneault versus Nathan Marquardt
Sam Stout versus Yves Edwards Mark Hominick versus Kenny Florian
Do you doubt the point I am trying to prove? Allow me to present
exhibit A if it pleases the court:
Stars
from “The Ultimate Fighter” are a combined 18 wins
and only 3 losses when facing non-reality show fighters in the
UFC.
The
only three losses are Nate Quarry versus Rich Franklin, Josh
Koscheck versus Drew Fickett and Melvin Guillard versus Josh
Neer. All other 18 times, the TUF stars have been able to overcome
their non-reality show adversaries. There is nothing else that
can explain this other than biased match-making. One may say,
“Perhaps they’re really just that good”. I would
counter that argument by saying, “Do you think that the
UFC is incapable of finding fighters of equal caliber to give
them more competition?” For example, Wanderlei Silva and
Randy Couture are barely above .500 in their most recent fights
because they’ve been competing against the best. Only champions
such as Chuck Liddell, Rich Franklin, Emelianenko Fedor and Takanori
Gomi have such impressive streaks of victory as the TUF stars
do. Are TUF stars world class champions such as these fighters?
I think not.
With
the increased frequency of events on pay-per-view and on free
television, the UFC must now increase their stable of fighters
and spread out their marquee match-ups. The UFC will look to
make one or two best possible match-ups per fight card and likely
think two or three steps ahead with the other match-ups on the
card.
The
Real Threat Lies Within Many people wondered the purpose of the
UFC trying to trademark the term, “Fighting Championship”.
This move, along with resigning their marketable personalities,
was done by the UFC to protect themselves against potential future
competitors. Unfortunately, for the UFC the real threat actually
lies from within! The casual fan doesn’t care whether the
mat says UFC, ROTR, TKO, WEC, PRIDE, K-1 and so forth. The true
value of the UFC’s product lies not in the packaging of
their event, but rather in the fighters themselves. It’s
the fighters that people will spend money to watch. At the end
of the day, it’s the fighters that will hold all the chips
and not the UFC.
Nothing
is stopping HBO from one day deciding to contact Tito Ortiz and
Chuck Liddell to fight on their first ever MMA pay-per-view.
This is the unfortunate paradigm facing the UFC. The bigger they
grow the sport, the bigger their fighters will become and the
less that they’ll be able to control salaries and loyalty.
Their greatest fear will indeed come true: Tito Ortiz will become
bigger than the UFC! As will Chuck Liddell, Andrei Arlovski,
Rich Franklin and other top fighters with marketable personalities.
UFC versus PRIDE Will Happen, Eventually Both companies are currently
doing very well financially in their respective market places.
Neither company likely has it on their radar screen to set up
an inter-company competition anytime soon. It may not happen
immediately but sooner or later the best of the UFC are going
to have to face the best of PRIDE. Can you imagine the NFL without
the Superbowl or the NHL without the Stanley Cup? The only reason
the best in MMA do not fight each other right now is because
the sport is not yet mainstream enough. When the day comes (and
that day may not be far away) that MMA is talked about at the
office water cooler, written about in every newspaper and shown
on every sports network the pressures to see Fedor Emalianenko
versus Andrei Arlovski and Wanderlei Silva versus Chuck Liddell
will grow. As explained above, the UFC and PRIDE may not even
be the organization which puts forth such fights. If you haven’t
already noticed, both companies are already well into their rematch
phase as very few “dream fights” have not yet occurred.
Some champions such as Fedor Emelianenko and Chuck Liddell have
already exhausted all number one challengers in their respective
organizations. As the sport grows, the fans will demand it and
the financial incentives will be present to arrange such an event.
Conclusion The true value in MMA, as is the case in all other
professional sports, lies in the athletes. It is the athletes
that will dictate how this sport will be run in the future. Promoters
will eventually lose their ability to control fighter salaries
and loyalty. We fans will continue to get more MMA exposure and
we will eventually get to see the match-ups we always wanted.
Team concepts and other non-tradtitional presentations of the
sport will come and go but the every man for himself concept
will always reign supreme.
The real concern to fans is the danger of MMA adopting some of
the undesirable traits exhibited by boxing. Will the best fighters
only fight once a year against legitimate competition? Will the
fighters no longer be accessible to the fans? Will corruption
and fight-fixing become a concern? The answers to these questions
also lie with the MMA athlete.
Source:
marcoantico.com
|
The
UFC files case against International Fight League
Earlier this month, Zuffa LLC filed a case against the International
Fight League. The hearing date is set for March 2nd at 9:30 AM.
The
defendants in the case are Kurt Otto (IFL co-founder), Gareb
Shamus (IFL co-founder), Keith Evans (former UFC employee) and
Steven Tornabene (former UFC vice president of DVD/video production).
We
will follow up with more details about this case in the upcoming
days.
Here
is the case summary from the Eighth Judicial District Court in
Las Vegas, Clark County , Nevada.
Source:
MMA Fighting
|
Quote
of the Day
"Writing
is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be
doing something else."
Gloria Steinem, American Journalist and Spokesperson for Women's
Rights
|
Icon
Sport 45 Today!
Blaisdell
Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
February 25, 2006
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155lbs.
Marshall Harvest (Animal House) vs. Bryce Martinez (Bulls Pen)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155lbs.
Mark Oshiro (Bulls Pen) vs. Gene "Bino" Gregory (Mixed
Breed)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 135lbs.
Ryan Lee (Bulls Pen) vs. Tyson Nam (Grappling Unlimited)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 165lbs.
Mike Taniguchi (Animal House) vs. Ikaika Choy-Fu (Jesus Is Lord)
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 160lbs.
Adam Bass vs. David Padilla (Jesus Is Lord)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155lbs.
Bronson Delima (Bulls Pen) vs. Tim Magic Moon (Freelance)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 170lbs.
Wayne Perrin (Team Big Dog) vs. Derek Stadler (Bulls Pen)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 175lbs.
Chad Gusman (Team Papakolea) vs. Kimo Woefel (Eastsidaz)
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 160lbs.
Michihiro Omigawa (Yoshida Dojo) vs. Jason Chambers (10th Planet
Jiu-Jitsu)
Icon
Sport State Flyweight Championship Bout
3 Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 145lbs.
Jim Kikuchi (Icon Sport State Flyweight Champion, 808 Fight Factory)
vs. David "Chinaman" Yeung (HMC)
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 185lbs.
"Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (Icon Sport World Middleweight
Champion, Miletich Fighting System) vs. Falaniko Vitale (808
Fight Factory)
Source: Icon Sport
|
Icon
Sport Weigh-In Results!
Here's the official weights of the Icon Sport event scheduled
for Saturday night. Fighters weighed in today at 24 Hour Fitness
Kapiolani. All athletes made their designated weight.
Fighters needed to make their designated weight class with a
+.9 lb overage allowance. Michihiro Omigawa and Jason Chambers
are competing in Pride Fighting Championship's 73 Kilo (160.6
lbs) class and were also given a +.9 overage allowance.
Bouts will occur in the sequence listed below, with the bottom
being first and Niko - Lawler last.
185
Falaniko Vitale / 808 FF 185.9
vs
Robbie Lawler / Miletich Fighting System 185.9
145
David Yeung / HMC 145.4
vs
Jim Kikuchi / 808 FF 144.8
160.6 / 73 Kilos (Pride FC Class)
Michihiro Omigawa / Yoshida Dojo 159
vs
Jason Chambers / 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu 161.2
155
Adam Bass / Team Wolfpack 155.4
vs
David Padilla / Jesus Is Lord 153.9 3
140
Mark Oshiro / Bulls Pen 137
vs
Gene "Bino" Gregory / Mixed Breed 138.6
175
Chad Gusman / Team Papakolea 173.5
vs
Kimo Woefel / Eastsidaz 175.3
135
Ryan Lee / Bulls Pen 133.5
vs
Tyson Nam / Grappling Unlimited 135.8
170
Derek Stadler / Bulls Pen 170
vs
Wayne Perrin / Team Big Dog 170.7
165
Ikaika Choy-Fu / Jesus Is Lord 164.9
vs
Mike Taniguchi / Animal House 163.5
155
Bronson Delima / Bulls Pen 155
vs
Tim "Magic" Moon / Freelance 152
160
Bryce Martinez / Bulls Pen 159.7
vs
Marshall Harvest / Animal House 157.5
Source: Event Promoter
|
Shooto
Champ Shinya Aoki Seminar
Today!
Shobukan Judo Club
February 25, 2006
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Howzit Hawaii fans! Shooto and ADCC's own Shinya Aoki will be
visiting Hawaii after recently deeating Akira Kikuchi on the
17th to become the NEW Shooto Champion and will be conducting
a 3 hour seminar.
Shinya is famous for his spectacular Judo and BJJ submissions
and is known for his all out style in MMA. He was also one of
Japan's ADCC qualifiers competing against the likes of M.Avellan,
Marcello Garcia, and Roger Gracie. He was one of the fastest
promoted Black Belts under Paraestra's Yuki Nakai, and is an
All Japan college Judo champion. He has some of the sickest foot
and leglocks I've seen come out of Japan! Those of you who have
seen him compete in the Pan Ams can attest to this. Hope to see
all of you there.
Aloha!
When:
25 February (Saturday) from 1 - 4pm
Where:
Shobukan Judo Club--Liliha, Honolulu HI (a very cool place to
train)
Price:
$30
($25 Dollars w/ the FCTV discount--to receive, just email
Mark Kurano at the address listed below to let me know you're
coming)
Contact:
fightersclubtv808@hotmail.com
|
ILH
Championships are this weekend
on Saturday the 25th from 10am @ Punahou
State Wrestling Championships are March 3-4th at the Blaisdell
from 10AM on both days. Finals are on Saturday at 6PM for the
boys.
The 130lbs division will be the division to watch. This will
be the last time 3x State Champ Brandon Low wrestles in Hawaii
looking to capture his 4th State title. Only two others have
won 4 State Wrestling titles. It's a very tough division with
3 State Champions defending their titles all at the same weight.
There are also a lot of state placers in this 130 lbs. division.
|
UFC
58 : The Odds-Makers have Spoken
By Sean McClure
The odds for UFC 58 are in and they aren’t really that surprising,
except for Mike Swick's and Rich Franklin’s fights. David
Loiseau, Franklin’s opponent, is the real deal but the odds
makers don’t seem to give him as much credit as the hardcore
fans. Franklin is heavily favored here and the Crow is +220 which
means that betting $100 on Loiseau would win you $220 but you
would have to bet $300 on Franklin to win $100. Mike Swick is
-550 which isn’t surprising if you look at the tear he has
been on recently. Yves Edwards is right there with Swick being
listed at -500. But Swick’s opponent, Steve Vigneault is
-375 while Edwards’ opponent, Mark Hominick, is -350. But
when you get down to it, odds have never meant much to UFC fighters
and we all know that anything can happen on any given night in
the Octagon. Just ask Frank Mir……..
The
Full odds are listed below:
UFC
58 CANADA VS USA at The Venetian in Las Vegas
David
"The Crow" Loiseau +220
Rich Franklin -300
- Rich is a big favorite, but Loiseau is certianly a threat.
BJ
Penn -140
Georges St.Pierre +110
- BJ Penn is slightly favored over St. Pierre. It might even
be closer than this.
Joe
Doerksen -115
Nate Marquadt -115
- This is too close to call and the odds-makers agree.
John
Alessio +250
Diego Sanchez -330
- You would have to bet $330 to win $100 on Sanchez. Seems like
easy money to me.
Steve
Vigneault +375
Mike Swick -550
- Swick is a whopping -550 which makes him the biggest favorite
on the card.
Mark
Hominick +350
Yves Edwards -500
- Swick is the biggest favorite on the UFC 58 card but Edwards
is close behind. It is good to see the lighter guys, especially
Yves Edwards back in the UFC
Sam
Stout +150
Kenny Florian -180
- Florian is the slight favorite in this fight.
Rob
Macdonald +200
Jason Lambert -250
- Jason Lambert is the favorite here and you would have to bet
$250 to win $100. Good bet.
Kristof
Midoux +150
Tom Murphy -180
- Murphy is slightly favored over Midoux here. Don't know enough
about these guys to call it myself.
Source:
Maxfighting
|
Rio
may have a Carlson Gracie street
The mayor César already gave an authorization for the
Silva Castro Street - located in the South zone of Rio de Janeiro,
where is the Carlson Gracie Academy - change the name to Carlson
Gracie Street. The information was given by the DJ and black-belt
of Carlson, Saddam, who now works to get an authorization with
more than a half of the habitants of the street, requirement
made by the mayor.
-
We will knock all the doors with a paper to get the signatures
to change the name of the street and we know that it will be
accept by the habitants. Everybody here likes Master. Saporito,
people from the academy and I are fighting for this. The Great
Master deserves!" said Saddam.
Source:
Tatame
|
Chris
Brennan talks Gracie Fighting Championships and UFC
by Richard Catalano
On a busy weekend for MMA and PPV, Chris ‘Bloodshot’
Brennan (18-9-1) takes on Vitor ‘Shaolin Ribeiro’ (14-1)
in a 5 round Super Fight. It is Black Belt vs. Black Belt at
165lbs in a MMA showdown on March 3rd at the Nationwide Arena.
The
Gracie Challenge Fights are part of the Arnold Expo held annually
in Columbus, Ohio. Riding a wave of expansion and growth, the
expo has added an exciting MMA line-up to the weekend of events.
The Gracie Challenge promises to be a night of excitement with
Team Gracie vs. Team Hammer House. Mark Coleman is the captain
of Team Hammer House. The two super fights are not part of the
Challenge but will begin the event and telecast that evening.
“Shaolin
is a great fighter and it was offered (and) we took it. It will
be a good fight, I assure you,” said Brennan of his opponent.
Being one of the two Super Fights on the Pay Per View is not
new to Brennan; he is a veteran of the UFC, KOTC, Shooto, ADCC
and PRIDE. “I’ve been fortunate enough to fight in
all of the top organizations.” On this Friday night in March,
Brennan plans to showcase his skills like never before.
Brennan
was offered a UFC contract for 2006 but actually turned it down
to take this fight. “This is a huge opportunity for me,”
said Brennan. “I’d like to grow with the Gracie Challenge,
not just fighting, but possibly in commentary, consulting or
even match making for some exciting cards in the future. The
UFC has over 75 fighters on the roster and it is dominated by
few. The Gracie Challenge offers me opportunities that the UFC
simply can’t. People need to realize the reality TV show
The Ultimate Fighter is great for generating awareness for the
UFC however at the same time it hurts fighters. With such a large
roster, fighters can be cut a whim by the UFC brass. If a fighter
doesn’t like the financial offer, the UFC has many waiting
in line to take the fight. The UFC expects sponsors to pay most
of the bills yet they have reduced sponsorship exposure to an
all time low, can’t have it both ways.”
Brennan
plans to concentrate his efforts on building the organization
to rival the UFC. “This is an exciting day for MMA, we have
strong backers, a weekend of events, and hopes for future Gracie
Challenges not just in Columbus but in other venues across the
nation.” The Gracie Challenge plans 3-4 shows per year and
an annual show in conjunction with the Arnold Expo each year
in Columbus.
At
34, Brennan, an Orange County resident is recognized not only
for MMA but also his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills. Brennan began
his training in Brazil long before anyone in the US had heard
of BJJ. Brennan has been training for over 12 years in a tough
sport. “BJJ is my doctorate, no one can take that away from
me, I love teaching and I will always teach.” Brennan has
satellite schools in Vancouver, Canada, Dublin Ireland, Liverpool
England and coming soon to a new location in North Dallas Texas.
“I visit the schools twice a year, promote belts, and over
see training.” No rest for Brennan as his career and the
Next Generation Schools grow.
Brennan’s
Next Generation California School is now operating out of OC
Dojo (ocdojo.com) in San Clememte. “The new school is state
of the art, offers free weights, a ring, over 20 bags, and plenty
of room for growth.” Brennan teaches BJJ without the traditional
Gi. He has created some great moves and being “gi-less”
has allowed him to grow even further in MMA
The
match up is one that was supposed to happen before but never
did. Brennan recently took a fight in Mexico against Shannon
Ritch (35-54) as a warm up fight for the Gracie Challenge. Brennan
quickly defeated Ritch by triangle early in round one.
In
preparation for the event, Brennan plans to train hard with some
top-notch people. “I’m going to Big Bear, I’m
going to train for a 5 round 5 minute per round fight. The altitude
helps my training a great deal. I wake up early and run, then
swim and in the afternoon. Training at Big Bear is great, I can
train hard and still have peaceful surroundings." Training
at big Bear is nothing new for Brennan, he started the trend
to train high up in the California Mountains. “Big Bear
is my pre fight home, my family can visit frequently, there is
a great gym to spar and the altitude is perfect for building
the cardio level for a 5 round MMA fight.”
“I
have a great deal of support in the MMA community so pre fight
workouts are always grueling.” Said Brennan. “Special
thanks to my fight team for their support and Thomas Denny, Pete
Spratt and all the guys who are helping me prepare.”
Three
years ago Brennan began a clothing line called none other than,
Nogi. You can check out his line at nogi.com. “I have always
wanted to design high quality grappling shorts with some style,
Nogi is that dream. I will compare our shorts to any other company;
these shorts are amazing strong and touch for grappling but stylish
enough for the beach or any other action sport.” Brennan
will be on hand at the expo selling his Nogi line, signing autographs
and promoting the company.
“I
always come to fight and I assure you this fight will be no different”
said Brennan. So it appears the UFC has some competition building
out east the night before UFC 58. “I’m gonna be ready
for a war.”
“I’d
like to thank my sponsors who have helped my career and training,
Bloodshot, Deluge Water, Xyience, Elite transportation, Fairtex,
Go Cookie, Light Force, and GLC Direct.”
Tickets
are available at www.tickemaster.com. Fights begin at 8pm with
a dark card and iN DEMAND PPV starts at 9pm EST. Scheduled to
be in attendance is The Govenator Arnold himself, the Gracies,
Bas Rutten commentating and many more.
Source:
MMA Fighting
|
Quote
of the Day
"It's
not necessarily the amount of time you spend at practice that
counts;
it's what you put into the practice."
Eric Lindros, Canadian Hockey Player
|
Shooto
Champ Shinya Aoki Seminar
Tomorrow!
Shobukan Judo Club
February 25, 2006
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Howzit Hawaii fans! Shooto and ADCC's own Shinya Aoki will be
visiting Hawaii after recently deeating Akira Kikuchi on the
17th to become the NEW Shooto Champion and will be conducting
a 3 hour seminar.
Shinya is famous for his spectacular Judo and BJJ submissions
and is known for his all out style in MMA. He was also one of
Japan's ADCC qualifiers competing against the likes of M.Avellan,
Marcello Garcia, and Roger Gracie. He was one of the fastest
promoted Black Belts under Paraestra's Yuki Nakai, and is an
All Japan college Judo champion. He has some of the sickest foot
and leglocks I've seen come out of Japan! Those of you who have
seen him compete in the Pan Ams can attest to this. Hope to see
all of you there.
Aloha!
When:
25 February (Saturday) from 1 - 4pm
Where:
Shobukan Judo Club--Liliha, Honolulu HI (a very cool place to
train)
Price:
$30
($25 Dollars w/ the FCTV discount--to receive, just email
Mark Kurano at the address listed below to let me know you're
coming)
Contact:
fightersclubtv808@hotmail.com
|
Icon
Sport 45 Tomorrow!
Blaisdell
Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
February 25, 2006
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155lbs.
Marshall Harvest (Animal House) vs. Bryce Martinez (Bulls Pen)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155lbs.
Mark Oshiro (Bulls Pen) vs. Gene "Bino" Gregory (Mixed
Breed)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 135lbs.
Ryan Lee (Bulls Pen) vs. Tyson Nam (Grappling Unlimited)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 165lbs.
Mike Taniguchi (Animal House) vs. Ikaika Choy-Fu (Jesus Is Lord)
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 160lbs.
Adam Bass vs. David Padilla (Jesus Is Lord)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 155lbs.
Bronson Delima (Bulls Pen) vs. Tim Magic Moon (Freelance)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 170lbs.
Wayne Perrin (Team Big Dog) vs. Derek Stadler (Bulls Pen)
3
Rounds - 3 Minutes
MMA: 175lbs.
Chad Gusman (Team Papakolea) vs. Kimo Woefel (Eastsidaz)
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 160lbs.
Michihiro Omigawa (Yoshida Dojo) vs. Jason Chambers (10th Planet
Jiu-Jitsu)
Icon
Sport State Flyweight Championship Bout
3 Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 145lbs.
Jim Kikuchi (Icon Sport State Flyweight Champion, 808 Fight Factory)
vs. David "Chinaman" Yeung (HMC)
3
Rounds - 5 Minutes
MMA: 185lbs.
"Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (Icon Sport World Middleweight
Champion, Miletich Fighting System) vs. Falaniko Vitale (808
Fight Factory)
Source: Icon Sport
|
MMA
Weekly Breaks News:
KID APOLOGIZES TO SHOOTO
Shooto
has reinstated Kid Yamamoto and the Killer B fight team to Shooto
events. Yamamoto offered an official apology to Shooto at a press
conference.
The
doctor went on record today saying that he was not attacked but
instead was insulted. Mr. Sakamoto said that the acts of violence
in the released article did not occur.
At
that point Yamamoto also apologized. As stated in our previous
article Yamamoto apparently got in some type of altercation at
the last Shooto show and evidentially pushed the doctor "lightly"
with his foot. Today both sides worked it out and Yamamoto and
his Killer Bee team have been re-instated to Shooto events.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
KID
Yamamoto and KILLER BEE Fighters
Suspended from Shooto!
by Fernando Avila
On February 21st, the Japan Shooto Association announced the
suspension of Norifumi KID Yamamoto and every fighter under the
KILLER BEE umbrella, in all of Shooto's amateur and professional
competitions. The term is indefinite.
Chairman
Naoki Sakurada and Bureau Chief Taro Wakabayashi, on the Shooto
PR Blog, unveiled the details and reason for this decision. According
to the official statement, after the Shooto world middleweight
championships, held at Yoyogi No.1 Gymnasium on February 17th,
while the doctor was checking up on Akira Kikuchi in the dressing
room, KILLER BEE head KID Yamamoto complained, and insulted a
doctor with intemparrate language which resulted in a violent
act. Japan Shooto Association also demanded a proper apology
from KID Yamamoto and till then, he will not be allowed to be
in any official Shooto fight show.
KID
Yamamoto thought the cut Kikuchi sustained during the fight against
Shinya Aoki was from an elbow shot. KID Yamamoto then blamed
the doctor for not recognizing it from the type of cut and ended
up throwing a punch at him backstage. The cut, indeed, came from
Aoki's strike but not from the elbow. Aoki walked to the ropes
when Kikuchi got on his back, stuck his upper body outside the
ropes, threw a back hand blow like punch, and wound up scraping
Kikuchi's skin with his glove. It was not an elbow shot, and
even if it was, the repercussions are severe for all associated
with Yamamoto.
When
one of our Bout Review reporters, after the fight, looked at
Aoki in the eye, asking, 'Do you think that back hand blow through
the rope was the turning point of the fight?' Aoki hesitated
for a while but looked back into his eyes and said, 'Yes, I think
so.'
For
any mixed martial artist to be involved in fights outside the
ring is a very serious matter. It is ironic that KID's former
brother in law Enson Inoue had a few run ins with the law himself,
for pummeling a couple unsuspecting characters including a journalist
from Weekly Post, one of the most popular weekly magazines in
Japan.
Source: Bout Review
|
***For
Immediate Release***
For more information, contact Mike Afromowitz, (917) 566-8754
or muaythaimes@aol.com or visit www.shamrockvsgracie.com.
Cung
Le Primed For Cage Fighting Debut
Rematch
with Altman will make history twice over at first-ever sanctioned
mixed martial arts event in California
February
22, 2006; New York, NY….Following a sensational run through
San Shou kickboxing’s 185 pound division, undefeated world
champion, Cung Le (16-0), will answer the demands of fight aficionados
when he makes his mixed martial arts debut against a former opponent,
hard-nosed veteran, Mike Altman (19-8). The contest will take
place during “Shamrock vs. Gracie,” California’s
first-ever sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card, which will
unfold at San Jose’s HP Pavilion on Friday, March 10th.
“I’m
not going in there thinking that I’m invincible because
I’m the best in San Shou. I’m going in with an open
mind and a competitive spirit,” said the 33-year-old Le,
a two-time captain of the United States National San Shou squad
that competed in Italy and Hong Kong, respectively, as well as
a four-time winner of K-1 Superfights that took place in Las
Vegas, Nevada.
Le
and Altman met for the first time in 1999 in San Jose. In the
third round of action, Le scored a roundhouse kick to the head
that put Altman on the canvas. Altman beat the referee’s
count, but Le quickly sent him down for the 10 count with a left
hand to the body.
“My
conditioning is a lot better for this fight so I’ll be a
lot more confident throwing blows,” said Altman, who accepted
the first bout with Le on only three weeks notice. “I’m
going to have a lot more power and be able to throw with bad
intentions.”
While
many fight fans understand the threat Le poses on his feet, it
is the decorated fighter’s strength on the ground that they
are unaware of. At the age of 14, Le began wrestling competitively
and, in his junior year of high school, he earned All-American
honors. During the first of two years that he studied at West
Valley Junior College in Saratoga, California, Le became the
California state wrestling champion.
To
sharpen his grappling skills for the March 10th affair, Le has
been working with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu trainer Garth Taylor as
well as American Kickboxing Academy’s Javier Mendez and
“Crazy” Bob Cook. “It’s very exciting. I
enjoy being a student again,” he said. “With the Jiu-Jitsu,
you have to realize that no matter what position you’re
in, there’s something you have to worry about. So, it’s
definitely very challenging.”
Altman
will enter the cage with three mixed martial arts bouts under
his belt. To peak his game for the rematch with Le, which he
considers “the pinnacle” of his fight career, the Houston,
Texas dweller assembled an all-star team of training partners
including Yves Edwards and Hermes Franca. “I’ve been
training with ‘A’ class guys. They’ve tooled me
up and I feel really sharp,” he said. “This is my 20th
year in martial arts and I feel like every day has been in preparation
for this fight.”
The
“Shamrock vs. Gracie” bill will be headlined by the
long-awaited showdown between bitter rivals Frank Shamrock (20-7-1)
and Cesar Gracie (14-0). Rising stars and former collegiate wrestling
standouts Josh Thomson (10-1) and Clayton Guida (19-3) will square
off with each other while undefeated prospect, Gilbert Melendez
(10-0), will do battle with David Padilla (5-4). Fan favorite,
Eugene “The Wolf” Jackson (12-7-1), will make his long-awaited
return to action when he faces Jorge “The Naked Man”
Ortiz (7-2). The star-studded card will also see former World
Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar and “Tough Enough”
reality show winner, Daniel Puder (1-0), make his return to the
world of mixed martial arts against an opponent that has yet
to be confirmed.
Tickets
for “Shamrock vs. Gracie” are officially on sale and
can be purchased at all Ticketmaster (408-998-TIXS) outlets and
Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) as well as at the
HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070). Fans can also purchase
tickets by logging on to the official “Shamrock vs. Gracie”
website, www.shamrockvsgracie.com, and clicking on the “Tickets”
link where a ticket order form is located. All completed forms
should be returned for processing to Ms. Julie Lin either via
fax: 408-863-0153 or email: juless8000@aol.com. Ticket prices
start at $30.
Doors
to the event will open at 5 PM Pacific Standard Time on March
10th. The first preliminary bout will begin at 6 PM.
The
“Shamrock vs. Gracie” bill is being promoted and produced
by Silicon Valley Sports and Entertainment (SVSE, www.svse.net),
a leading producer of major sporting and entertainment events
and the exclusive producer of such events for San Jose, California’s
largest entertainment arena, the HP Pavilion. SVSE’s many
properties include “Miller Lite Fight Night,” world
championship boxing; the National Hockey League’s San Jose
Sharks; and the annual ATP men’s professional tennis “SAP
Open” event.
Source: Mike Afromowitz
|
Quote
of the Day
"Inspiration
usually comes during work, rather than before it."
Madeleine L'Engle, American Author and Newbery Medal Winner
|
Extreme
Wars X-1 2 Fight Card
Blaisdell
Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
March 18, 2004
Fights start promptly at 7:00 PM so come early!
Walter Saliss Vs Jr Sua
Jamal
Perkins (808 Fight Factory) VS "Sugar" Shane Nelson
(BJ Penn's MMA)
Peter
"Boy" VS Bryson Kamaka (808 Fight Factory)
Kevin
Delima (Bulls Pen) VS Dave Moreno
Albert
Manners (BJ Penn's MMA) VS Lorenzo Coca
Ed
Newalu (808 Fight Factory) VS to be announced
X-1
Title Fight
Jim Kikuchi (808 Fight Factory) VS Lafayette Barelo
Mike
Malone (Eastsidaz) VS Tupu AluAlu (Grappling Unlimited)
Gabriel
Kamakahi VS Jay Carter (BJ Penn's MMA)
Miles
Tynannes VS Reuben "Warpath" Villareal
Super
Heavy Weight
Shane Carwin Vs Matt Nelson
Danny"Death
Roll" Higgins VS Fernando Gonzalez
X-1
World Title Event
Harris Sarmiento (808 Fight Factory) Vs Kola Koka
X-1
World Title Belt
Ross "Da Boss" Ebanez (BJ Penn's MMA) VS Mark Moreno
(Bulls Pen)
John
"The Bull" Marsh (228 St Gym) Vs John "Big J"
Kailiuli
Marcelo
Tiger VS John Lober
Source: X-1
|
Posted
on: Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Vitale
set to mix it up with Lawler
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
ICON SPORT “LAWLER VS. NIKO 2”
What:
Mixed martial arts
Who:
Falaniko Vitale vs. Robbie Lawler in the main event; 11 bouts
on the undercard.
Where:
Blaisdell Arena
When:
Saturday, undercard bouts start at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets:
$150 for ringside seats, $75 for floor seats, $49 for risers
seats, $35 for upper level seats.
Falaniko Vitale couldn't retire from the business of mixed martial
arts.
Not
yet. Not when he knew he still had work to complete.
That's
why Vitale is back in the game, ready to fight champion Robbie
Lawler of Iowa in the main event of the Icon Sport card Saturday
at the Blaisdell Arena.
"It's
like everything happens for a reason, and I see it as something
that's meant to be for me to come back," said Vitale, a
Waipahu High graduate who now resides in 'Ewa. "It's kind
of weird when you think about it, how all these things happened
to get me back."
Vitale
is actually a replacement for Jason "Mayhem" Miller,
who was suspended by Icon Sport last month because he is facing
first-degree burglary charges.
"I
would probably still be retired if Jason didn't get into his
situation," said Vitale, 31. "But there were two (opponents)
out there who could have brought me out of retirement, and that's
Robbie Lawler and Jason Miller."
Vitale
is 20-5, but his last two bouts resulted in losses to Lawler
and Miller. He lost the Icon Sport middleweight (185 pounds)
championship to Lawler last July.
He
then lost a No. 1-contender bout to Miller in October, and announced
that he was "leaning" toward retirement after that
loss.
Icon
Sport president T. Jay Thompson said Vitale was the first name
on his replacement list once the decision was made to suspend
Miller.
"It
was such a battle between Niko and Robbie the first time, it
was inevitable for them to fight again," Thompson said.
"It was too epic of a battle for it not to happen."
The
first bout between Vitale and Lawler was action-packed, with
both fighters landing numerous punches. Lawler eventually won
it when he caught Vitale with a knee to the head for a knockout
late in the second round.
"I
made so many mistakes in that fight," Vitale said. "That's
another reason why I took it. I know I can beat Robbie Lawler."
After
his loss to Lawler, Vitale trained at the American Martial Arts
Center (AMC) in Kirkland, Wash., for seven weeks.
"Looking
back at the first Lawler fight, there's so many things I could
have done better that I didn't know back then," Vitale said.
"Even when I lost to Miller, I feel like I didn't get to
use everything I learned at AMC. Hopefully, I can get to use
it to my advantage this time."
Even
after his loss to Miller, Vitale continued to train at the 808
Fight Factory in Waipahu.
As
Thompson put it: "It's not like we're pulling him off the
couch for this fight. Niko is still in great shape."
The
only question might be his mental shape. He is coming off back-to-back
losses for the first time in his career.
"Losing
is part of this game," Vitale said. "You go through
some hard times when you lose even once. But I have a strong
faith in God, and that's helped me out a lot. I wouldn't take
the fight if I wasn't confident. The mental part won't be an
issue."
Lawler
is 10-3. Because Vitale was brought in as a replacement, Saturday's
bout will not be for the Icon Sport championship.
"There's
no question if Niko wins, he's back in the game," Thompson
said. "So we'll see what happens with this one before we
start talking about titles."
UNDERCARD
BOUTS
145
pounds: Jim Kikuchi vs. David Yeung. 160: Michihiro Omigawa vs.
Jason Chambers. 175: Chad Gusman vs. Kimo Woelfel. 170: Wayne
Perrin vs. Ku Lee. 155: Bronson Delima vs. Tim Magic Moon. 155:
Adam Bass vs. David Padilla. 135: Austin Hernandez vs. Ikaika
Silva. 165: Mike Taniguchi vs. Ikaika Choy-Fu. 135: Ryan Lee
vs. Tyson Nam. 135: Mark Oshiro vs. Gene Gregory. 155: Marshall
Harvest vs. Bryce Martinez.
Reach
Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Source:
Honolulu Advertiser |
Posted
on: Sunday, February 19, 2006
Viloria
safeguards WBC title in decision
By Jeff Haney
Special to The Advertiser
"It was a tough, tough fight," Brian Viloria said after
winning by scores of 116-112, 116-112 and 117-111.
LAS VEGAS — Brian Viloria made it clear that he's poised
to become a big star in one of boxing's tiniest weight classes.
Viloria,
the 108-pound champion from Waipahu, defended his World Boxing
Council light flyweight title with a 12-round win by unanimous
decision against Jose Antonio Aguirre last night at the Aladdin
Resort and Casino.
The
win set up some attractive possible matches for Viloria against
his fellow champions in the lighter weight divisions, such as
Ivan Calderon or Jorge Arce.
"It
was a tough, tough fight," Viloria said after winning by
scores of 116-112, 116-112 and 117-111 on the judges' scorecards.
"Aguirre came to fight. He came to take my title away, but
I was able to prove I deserve to keep it."
Viloria
improved to 19-0 (12 knockouts) and held on to the WBC belt he
won in September with a first-round stoppage of Eric Ortiz in
Los Angeles.
Aguirre
(33-5-1, 20 KOs), of Tabasco, Mexico, was game in the early rounds,
but Viloria took control down the stretch, working behind his
jab to land repeated crisp combinations to the challenger's face
and head.
A
former 105-pound world champion who has now lost three consecutive
fights, Aguirre, 30, fought the final three rounds with blood
streaming from his nostrils and spattering his white trunks,
a result of the damage Viloria was inflicting.
"He's
a tough cat," Viloria, 25, said. "I hurt him a couple
of times, but not as much as I would have liked. All that hard
work, all that training I did in preparation for the fight allowed
me to deny him.
"It
was a great learning experience."
Bob
Arum, Viloria's promoter, said he hopes to match Viloria against
Arce in the fall in what would be a clash of two of the most
entertaining and exciting fighters in the sport.
Arce,
who was watching from ringside last night, fights Rosendo Alvarez
in a flyweight title bout April 8.
Arum
said he would also like to put Viloria on the undercard of a
June 10 show in New York featuring junior welterweight Miguel
Cotto in the main event.
But
the dream matchup, the big-money matchup, is Arce and Viloria,
Arum said.
Source:
Honolulu Advertiser |
Tribute
to BJJ red belt Master Carlson Gracie
TATAME
magazine has made a tribute to BJJ red belt Master Carlson Gracie
in a special magazine. Published in two languages (English and
Portuguese), the Carlson’s edition is essential to fighters
and MMA fans, once Carlson was the Gracie who more stepped inside
the rings to defend his family. From 1950 to early 70’s,
Carlson fought many times the toughest opponents. As a teacher,
he formed BJJ champions on the mats and also in Vale-Tudo rings.
By his hands fighters as José Mário Sperry, Murilo
Bustamante, Vitor Belfort and many others passed.
If
you want to check out great and unseen pictures of Carlson Gracie,
and know the BJJ myth other angles, you may not miss this special
report. You will have a unique chance to read some of the funniest
stories of the master and more, like his passion for French Music
and for cock fighting. Laugh with his best phrases, which immortalized
him as a controversial man, who was idolized by many fans.
To
get your magazine, go now to http://www.tatame.com.br/ingles/loja/detalhes.asp?id=910 and order your for
$10. For more information, please visit www.tatame.com.
Sincerely,
André
Araújo – Team TATAME
(55-21) 2509-2696 |
Silva
near to fight Openweight GP
Chute
Boxe departs tomorrow on the way to Japan with two goals: Maurício
Shogun fights Mark Coleman nat Pride 31, meanwhile Wanderlei
Silva travels to deal a remote fight at Pride GP Openweight.
According to leader Rudimar Fedrigo, Wanderlei's chances are
good. "In spite of helping Shogun out, Wanderlei is going
to deal his presentation at the GP. His possibilities are great,"
warned Rudimar, adding: "I'd like to see him at the GP.
He is the favorite to win that title."
Meanwhile
the first round of the GP does not start, Japanese are aware
of Pride 31, which takes place on December 26. Middleweight GP
champion, Shogun is ready to fight Mark Coleman. "We haven't
set up anything in special for Coleman. Shogun is a great fighter
on the ground and he will do his best to submit. His Muay Thai
is also very aggressive and if the fight remains on the feet,
he will KO," believes Rudimar.
Source: Tatame
|
Napão
wins open class in Campos
On
last Saturday, the champions of Submission Wrestling Campos were
announced. Over the -66kg, Marcos Louro (Nova União) defeated
Daniel Pirata (RVT), meanwhile Rodrigo Damm (Alliance) overcame
Eduardo Simões (GBCT) at -77kg. Leonardo Chocolate was
the champion of -88kg and Antoine Jaoude (RVT) defeated Bruno
Bastos (Nova União), and got the -88kg title. Hannette
Quadros was the great name of Female submission and got the title
after submitting Fernanda Mazelli with an arm-lock at open class.
Over the male tournament, Gabriel Napão (MGT) scored 2x0
in Antoine Jaoude. Due to Gracie Barra Combat Team new representative
Rodrigo Riscado did not fight his teammate Renato Babalú
at the super-fight.
COMPLETE
RESULTS:
Submission
Wrestling Campos
Saturday
and Sunday, February 17 and 18, 2006
Farol de São Tomé beach, Rio de Janeiro
-66 kg:
1 Marcos Loro
2 Daniel pirata
3 Rodrigo Ranieri
-77
kg:
1 Rodrigo Damm
2 Eduardo Simões
3 Xandi Aires
-88 Kg:
1 Leo Chocolate
2 Eduardo Jamelão
-110
kg:
1 Antoine Jaoude
2 Bruno Bastos
3 Rosimar Toquinho
Absolute:
1 Gabriel Napão
2 Antoine Jaoude
Female:
1 Hannette Quadros
2 Fernanda Mazzelli
3 Ligar Leandro
Source: Tatame
|
Roberto
Matsumoto rocks Dumau GP
Brazilian
Roberto Matsumoto has done a great job at Dumau Kimonos Pluma-weight
Grand Prix 2006, which took place last Sunday, February 12 at
Chuo Sogo Koen Sports Gym, in Okazaki, Japan. He was the great
champion of the GP, defeating three opponents on the same night.
In his first fight, submitted Leandro Minor Yamashita (Rocha
Jiu Jitsu) by foot lock at 4:54 and then submitted Umemura Hiroshi
(Alive Komaki) by triangle choke at 3:10. At the final, Roberto
defeated Mauricio Souza (Bonsai Academy) and it was decided by
2 advantages, after a tied score (6x6). Check out the full results
below:
COMPLETE
CARD (subject to change):
Dumau
Kimonos Pluma-weight Grand Prix 2006
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Chuo Sogo Koen Sports Gym, Okazaki, Japan
Pluma-weight
GP Tournament:
- Rodrigo Hirakawa (BJJAJ) defeated Oga Mikio (Newaza World)
by one advantage (4x4);
- Mauricio Souza (Bonsai Academy) submitted João Kawauchi
by arm-bar at 9:17;
- Roberto Matsumoto (Matsumoto De La Riva Jiu Jitsu) submitted
Leandro Minor Yamashita (Rocha Jiu Jitsu) by foot lock at 4:54;
- Umemura Hiroshi (Alive Komaki) defeated Rodrigo Kinjo (EOFC/Integração
JJ) by 8x4;
Semifinals:
- Mauricio Souza (Bonsai Academy) submitted Rodrigo Hirakawa
(BJJAJ) by collar choke at 4:23;
-
Roberto Matsumoto (Matsumoto De La Riva Jiu Jitsu) submitted
Umemura Hiroshi (Alive Komaki) by triangle choke at 3:10;
Final:
- Roberto Matsumoto (Matsumoto De La Riva Jiu Jitsu) defeated
Mauricio Souza (Bonsai Academy) by 2 advantages (6x6).
Source:
Tatame
|
Quote
of the Day
"A
team is where a boy can prove his courage on his own. A gang
is where a coward goes to hide."
Mickey Mantle, 1931-1995, Hall of Fame American Baseball Player
|
SHOOTO
WORLD TITLE CHANGES HANDS
The
SHOOTO Association held its biggest event of the year last weekend.
Traditional held in December, promoters were forced to push things
back until February to ensure that all the major players were
available. As such, two world titles were on the line with 154
lbs champion Tatsuya Kawajiri taking on former champ, Joachim
Hansen, and 167 lbs Champ Akira Kikuchi versus Shinya Aoki.
The
night openned with Sambo champion and top female fighter, Megumi
Fuji scoring an armbar to defeat her opponent Miaki Takimoto.
Fuji is undefeated at 5-0 with this win.
Then
the disappointment for the Japanese fans started as a couple
of long time rankers and fan favorites came up short, both losing
by decision. Naoya Uematsu who at one time was thought of as
a future champion in the making has been plagued with inconsistency
after his career was deraled by an illness a few years back.
He has performed well, but has never looked the same. Uematsu
lost a very close decision to the now 8-2-1 Kenji Osawa.
Along
with Uematsu in the losers' column was Hiroyuki Abe. Abe once
KO'ed the 143 lbs SHOOTO World Champion and became the number
contender. He lost the rematch for the title, and has gone on
a horrible losing streak since then dropping 6 out of the next
7 fights including this one. The veteran was simply outplayed
by the relative newcomer Tenkei Fujimiya who moves to 5-0-1.
There
were also a couple of international bouts that ended with mixed
results. Brazilian stand-out fighter, Danilo Cherman was undefeated
in SHOOTO going into his bout with Mizuto Hirota but the Japanese
fighter was as well. One of these men would get their first SHOOTO
loss, and it wold be Cherman. The Brazilian found himself on
the wrong end of a judges' decision.
All
was not lost for the away team, as Canadian Antonio Carvalho
dealt the crowd their next disappointment when he KO'ed SHOOTO
superstar and MMA legend Rumina Sato. Rumina had been a dominant
player in the early days of MMA. However, he hit a slump, where
he lost 3 times in his quest for a SHOOTO World Championship
and could not get things going. He made a move from 154 lbs 143
lbs, and it seemed that he was back on track to be the SHOOTO
super hero once again. Carvalho had plans of his own, looking
to get back on track after losing the SHOOTO Americas Championship
belt to Jeff Curran. This was a huge fight that would allow him
to completely overshadow that loss. And overshadow he did. He
kept pace with the wiley submission machine in the first round,
and came out swinging in the second to get the TKO and the win.
Sato losses two in a row to North American fighters and will
need to dig deep to make yet another return.
Then
there was the clash for the SHOOTO Pacific-Rim Championship hat
was vacated by Kotetsu Boku. Stoic and hardworking SHOOTO veterans
Mitsuhiro Ishida and Kenichiro Togashi were signed to challenge
for the belt. Ishida is a first rate grappler with superior strength
and wrestling ability. Togashi is a crafty submission fighter
who excells at working from the bottom. So at the outset, it
appeared that both men played to each other strengths.
And
the fight went as many predicted... Ishida easily executed the
takedowns while Togashi worked his guard. There was a scramble
at one point with both men attacking with submission attempts,
but they were just unable to clos the deal. After a very tactical
fight loaded with grappling postions, and a gopd dose of ground
and pound, Ishida got the decision and captured the title.
Then
in the mainevent, Kawajiri v. Hansen was a highly anticipated
match-up, pitting two very aggressive fighters against each other
in what should have been a classic...But it was not to be. As
the two men closed to engage, Hansen fired a low kick that impacted
with incredible force into Kawajiri's groin. It sent the champ
to the mat in obvious pain, with only 8 seconds ticked off the
clock. After several minutes of discussion and appraisal from
ring-side doctors, it ws determined that Kawajiri could not continue.
This resulted in disqualification of Hansen, and meant that the
Champ retained his belt. Even though Hansen's mistargetted kick
was unintentional, it was indeed an illegal maneuver, and since
it lead to the termination of the bout, the referee was required
to call or the DQ... so it says in the SHOOTO Regulatory Code.
The
event promoter and former SHOOTO Champion himself, Kazuhiro Sakamoto
stated that a rematch would be set, and you can bet everyone
is hoping to see that come together. Kawajiri tried to get up
and continue, so his spirit is looking to fight... and both men
are coming off of losses in PRIDE Bushido, so this could have
been a big opportunity to overshadow those loss with a Championship
win here. And of course the fans will be eager to see the rematch
since they came out to pack the arena this time around.
The
other SHOOTO World Championship belt that was on the line was
the one that belonged to Akira Kikuchi. The Olympic level Judoka
won the title from Cesar Gracie student Jake Shields, so it seemed
that this Judo master could not be defeated on the mat. He was
taking on Shinya Aoki who has proven to be one of the best submission
grapplers in the SHOOTO circuit. But submission is Akira's game,
so Aoki would be in for a long night... right?
For
much of the fight, Aoki was able to take control. He put the
champion on his back more than once, and even obtained full mont
at one point. Moroever, he put the pressure on Kikuchi with a
few submission threats that certainly scored with the judges.
The final bell for the three round fight eventually sounded,
and Shinya Aoki earned the unanimous judges decision to become
the new Champion.
Source: Maxfighting |
PRIDE
Amateur Fights!
By Matt Hume
On March 18th, Matt Hume will be conducting these matches at
his new state of the art AMC facility inside the Supermall of
the Great Northwest in Auburn, WA. This second AMC location is
in partnership with Vision Quest Sport and Fitness, located inside
Washington State’s largest shopping mall. The facility is
large enough to hold several thousand fight fans and has circular
seating around a raised ring as well as above it from the balcony.
Every seat provides an excellent view. The last event proved
that the new format and young fighters desire to impress, provided
for a night of excitement! Dream Stage Entertainment / PRIDE
executives will be on hand to observe these matches and scout
new talent.
Source: Maxfighting |
Tyson
Johnson - MMA Multi Tasking
I had a chance to sit down with one of the busiest individuals
in M.M.A., "The Iron man" Tyson Johnson. He is the
King of the Cage and Gladiator Challenge ring announcer; he is
the owner & lead instructor of the Universal Grappling Academy
in Victorville, Ca, and now a 2x time book author.
PS:
I have seen you on PayPerView TV as the KOTC ring announcer.
Tell me
about your ring-announcing career?
TJ:
I have been in the ring announcing business for a little over
6 years now. I do all the PayPerView shows for Gladiator Challenge
and KOTC. My goal is to make a difference in mixed martial arts
through my ring announcing, by trying to involve each fan who
comes out to see the show. I have a lot of respect for all the
fighters, being a fighter myself. I try to incorporate what I
would want out of a ring announcer, as if I am the one walking
down that ramp, up into the cage. I want to bring the adrenaline
level up within the fighters, and some energy into the fans in
the seats. Fans and the fighters feed off of one another, and
it's my job to bring the two sides together.
PS:
Gladiator Challenge & KOTC have in the past, put together
fights involving some of their staff. Referees Herb Dean, Larry
Landless, and commentator Eric Apple to name a few have competed.
Do you plan on fighting again, along with ring announcing?
TJ:
As far as I know, I am the first, and only person in any sport,
to compete and announce the event in the same night / same card.
I did that accomplishment a few years ago in Gladiator Challenge.
"I won by front choke, by the way." My ring announcing
and other business ventures keep me real busy, so at this time
I don't have any fights in the near future. But... If the right
situation, and the right organization came calling for me to
fight again, I would definitely listen. I definitely love to
compete!
PS:
Since you brought up how you love to compete. What sets apart
the Universal Grappling Academy from other martial arts schools?
TJ:
The UGA work ethic is above the rest. UGA has been in business
for about 7 - 8 years now. With a school in Victorville, Ca.
and another opening up in Ridgecrest, Ca. in the next 6 months.
Other schools can say they teach this, or have that. But I prove
it, during every one of my classes. I don't just sit on the sidelines
and tell my students what to do. I'm participating with them
also. I've seen interviews with instructors on how they teach
law enforcement / fire fighters' etc. survival skills to do their
job. The advantage I have with teaching officers, firemen/firewomen,
etc. is the fact that I KNOW what works in their profession.
I was in the law enforcement realm for several years. Even after
I left law enforcement, I still make it a point to go on ride
along(s) with guys who patrol the bad neighborhoods like MMA
fighter, Ernie Perea. I have personally put myself in the professional
workers shoes, to find out what exactly is needed from me at
one of my classes, besides a basic cardio workout. That is the
UGA work ethic. That is Tyson Johnson's work ethic, constantly
learning with an open mind.
PS:
In early January 2006, you became an author for the second time.
What is your newest book about?
TJ:
This book is about health, fitness, training, and nutrition.
It covers many areas in the health & fitness world, as well
as UGA tips for MMA training and mindset. I have been a fitness
trainer for over 15 years and I placed my knowledge within this
book for everyone to read. I give tips for men, women, and even
children. Everything from women's self awareness/rape prevention
tips, to children's nutrition needs. In fact I have a rape prevention
class, and I teach a children's health and fitness seminar at
the Universal Grappling Academy. It gives parents and children
a chance to ask questions regarding their health & fitness
concerns.
PS:
Since you are now an established ring announcer, MMA fighter,
business entrepreneur, and now an author, what is next from Tyson
Johnson?
TJ:
In 2006, my goals are to increase my workload as a ring announcer
with KOTC, Gladiator Challenge, or any other organization that
can work within my schedule. I am constantly trying to improve
in all aspects of my life. I am currently writing my next book
which will be called; "Tyson Johnson's: Universal Grappling
Academy nutritional & motivational guide Volume II."
This edition will be specializing in safety tips for Firefighters,
Law Enforcement personnel, and everyone in between. I don't set
easy goals for myself, but I intend on reaching them. You can
get your hands on my latest book at TysonJohnson.com or Buybooksontheweb.com,
under health & fitness. Anyone who is looking for a school
to train at, or looking to get into the fight game for the first
time, I have it all inside my book. 2006 is going to be a great
year not only for me, but for the UGA team also. I am doing my
best to bring even more awareness to the fastest growing sport
in the world in MMA.
PS:
Tyson, Thank you for your time. Anything else you would like
to say to the people who will read this? Anything for your fans?
TJ:
I want to thank the Lord first and foremost. HUGE thanks to everyone
who has supported me over the last several years. UGA fighters;
Hasani White, Paul Karsky, Jimmy Ramirez, Ernie Perea, the team
over at The Temple of Evolved Martial Arts, and Terry and Ted
of KOTC/G.C. Check out my web site at TysonJohnson.com for more
information on my book, as well as a wide variety of other news.
Oh yeah, one more thing. We at the UGA, as well as the KOTC family
lost one of our family members, in Joseph Wyatt. I would like
to send my love and prayers to Joseph's parents, his brother
Tommy Wyatt, and Joe's Goddaughter Shelbie. Joseph has been honored
on the March 19th 2006 KOTC poster, he will be truly missed.
Source: Maxfighting |
Quote
of the Day
"A
team is where a boy can prove his courage on his own. A gang
is where a coward goes to hide."
Mickey Mantle, 1931-1995, Hall of Fame American Baseball Player
|
Fighters'
Club TV Episode 37 Airs Today!
Fighters' Club TV Episode 37 is cut and submittted to Olelo Programming.
This episode will air in our normal timeslot at 9:30pm, Tuesday
nights on Oceanic Ch. 52 (Olelo - Oahu) on the following dates:
February 14, 21, and 28.
It will also be available to order on Akaku in Maui from February
21st.
Episode
37 features:
-Highlights
from Icon Sport
- Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs Mark Moreno (+ interview
with Jason)
- KJ Noons vs Bryson Kamaka (+interview with KJ)
- Falaniko Vitale vs "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler
(+ interview with both fighters and special report by Tommy Dakota)
Technique
of the Week:
- Mauricio "Shogun" and Murilo "Ninja" Rua
demonstrate a Chute Box Clinch
(Translations from Tatame Magazine's own, Eduardo Alonso)
-
Footage from Icon's press conference with Jason Miller and Niko
Vitale
And
not to forget, Hawaii's two favorite FCTV hosts, Mark "Special
K"
Kurano and Mike "the Icon" Onzuka shooting on location
from the "Kicking it Up" event.
Comments,
Questions, Suggestions?
Please email us at: fctv@onzuka.com
MAHALO!
|
Casca
Grossa Does the Great Aloha Run
Students,
Grant Arakawa, Grant's wife Nicki, and Kyle Snyder-Olivares from
Casca Grossa represented the school in the Great Aloha Run in
an 8.5 mile fun run from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium on Monday,
February 20, 2006. All three runners came up with respectable
time around 1.5 hours. All three runners started and finished
strong representing the school well. Congratulations to all three
runners.
Plans already being made for the Boston Marathon. Hahahahaha.
Source: Scoops Olivares
In other news, Mike was working today, went home and ate chocolate
chip cookies and topped it off with some ice cream. He went to
sleep full, dumb, but happy. "I was celebrating their accomplishment."
~ Mike
|
|
2006 Pan Ams - Info
The sign up for
the 2006 Pan-Ams has already began with great success. In its
quest to always improve the IBJJF announces that the online applications
for the 2006 Pan-Ams are now ready to accept credit card payments.
Now you can do the entire process online and just show up and
be ready to win!
For info and to
sign up go to www.cbjj.com.br/english
Source: ADCC |
Icon
Sport Preview Show
"Lawler vs. Niko 2"
Icon
Sport This Saturday!
Blaisdell Arena
Fights start at 7:30 pm
Don't miss the Icon Sport Preview Show for the upcoming "Lawler
vs. Niko 2" February 25 event. The program airs exclusively
on K5 The Home Team. This episode examines Lawler and Vitale's
first battle, reviews the undercard, goes "upclose and personal"
with Lawler, and looks at the rise of Niko Vitale with exclusive
bout videos and interviews. We are very excited to present the
program on the following dates:
Sun, Feb 12 @ 11pm
Mon, Feb 13 @ 11pm
Tue, Feb 14 @ 11pm
Wed, Feb 15 @ 11pm
Thur, Feb 16 @ 10pm (special broadcast)
Fri, Feb 17 @ 10pm (special broadcast)
Sat, Feb 18 - no program (UH sports)
Sun, Feb 19 - no program (UH sports)
Mon, Feb 20 @ 11pm
Tue, Feb 21 @ 11pm
Wed, Feb 22 @ 11pm
Thur, Feb 23 @ 11pm
Fri, Feb 24 @ 11pm
Mahalo to Steinlager for making this program possible!!!
Here is the complete card for the Feb 25 event:
ICON SPORT - FEB 25 BLAISDELL ARENA, HONOLULU
WEIGHT NAME1 vs NAME2 NOTES
1 185 Robbie Lawler vs Falaniko Vitale non-Title
Miletich Fighting System, Iowa 808 Fight Factory, Waipahu
2 145 Jim Kikuchi vs David Yeung State Title Belt
808 Fight Factory, Waipahu HMC, Honolulu
3 160 Michihiro Omigawa vs Jason Chambers
Yoshida Dojo, Japan 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, Hollywood
4 175 Chad Gusman vs Kimo Woefel
Team Papakolea, Honolulu Eastsidaz, Waimanalo
5 170 Wayne Perrin vs Ku Lee
Team Big Dogs, Waianae Koko Federation, Honolulu
6 155 Bronson Delima vs Tim Magic Moon
Bulls Pen, Honolulu Freelance, Waianae
7 155/160 Adam Bass vs David Padilla
Jesus Is Lord, Waipahu
8 135 Ausitn Hernandez vs Ikaika Silva
Bulls Pen, Honolulu Animal House
9 165 Mike Taniguxhi vs Ikaika Choy-Fu
Animal House, Ewa Beach Jesus Is Lord, Waipahu
10 135 Ryan Lee vs Tyson Nam
Bulls Pen, Honolulu Grappling Unlimited, Honolulu
11 135 Mark Oshiro vs Isaac Kuikahi
Bulls Pen, Honolulu Mixed Breed, Waipahu
12 155 Marshall Harvest vs Rickey Wallace
Animal House, Ewa Beach Grappling Unlimited, Honolulu
Kickboxing
1 135 Bronson Mohika vs David Balicao
808 Fight Factory, Waipahu Hawaii Self Defense, Ewa Beach
Source: Event Promoter
|
MMA
& Kempo Seminar
UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion
Chuck ‘ICE MAN” Liddel
&
Hawaiian Kempo Black-Belt, Chuck Liddell's Trainner
John Hackleman Sr.
Jesus
Is Lord Gym
94-143 Leokane Street #201
Waipahu, Hawaii 96797
Friday Schedule
Seminar Sold Out!!
By
Popular Demand Sunday is added!!
MMA
& Kempo Seminar
Sunday
12PM April 2,2006
Jesus
Is Lord Gym
94-143
Leokane Street #201
Waipahu,
Hawaii 96797
Learn
from the trainner of Champions and the Champion himself, John
Hackleman and UFC Champion Chuck Liddel will be in Hawaii from
Punishment In Paradise with THE PIT fighters and we convinced
them both to share their Knowledge with the fans and fighters
of Hawaii.
Seminar
is a steal at $25.00 Limited Avalability!!
UFC
Champion Chuck Liddel loves being in Hawaii and around Hawaii
fans, John Hackleman is actually from Hawaii and has a Blackbelt
in Hawaiian Kempo.
More
Details will follow!!!
For
more information email bdkamaka@comcast.net
Source: Brennan Kamaka
|
Shinya
Aoki Seminar
February 25, 2006
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Shobukan Judo Club
Howzit Hawaii fans! Shooto and ADCC's own Shinya Aoki will be
visiting Hawaii after his fight with Shooto Champion Akira Kikuchi
on the 17th and will be conducting a 3 hour seminar. Shinya is
famous for his spectacular Judo and BJJ submissions and is known
for his all out style in MMA. He was also one of Japan's ADCC
qualifiers competing against the likes of M.Avellan, Marcello
Garcia, and Roger Gracie. He was one of the fastest promoted
Black Belts under Paraestra's Yuki Nakai, and is an All Japan
college Judo champion. He has some of the sickest foot and leglocks
I've seen come out of Japan! Those of you who have seen him compete
in the Pan Ams can attest to this. Hope to see all of you there.
Aloha!
When:
25 February (Saturday) from 1 - 4pm
Where:
Shobukan Judo Club--Liliha, Honolulu HI (a very cool place to
train)
Price:
$30 ($25 Dollars w/ the FCTV discount--to receive, just email
me(Mark) at the address listed below to let me know you're coming)
Contact:
fightersclubtv808@hotmail.com
|
|