MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

DREAM 11: Semi final ‘Super Hulk’ match ups booked for September show

The semifinal bouts for DREAM’s open weight tournament, which has been dubbed “Super Hulk,” were recently revealed during the Affliction: “Trilogy” press conference in New York City.

The fights are scheduled for DREAM 11 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, in September. No official date has been set at this time.

First up will be Japanese fan favorite Ikuhisa Minowa, who has fought virtually every big name overseas under the sun (albeit with inconsistent results). He has the daunting task of facing off against 7’2” gargantuan, Hong Man Choi.

Minowa earned his spot by knocking off the modern day Goliath, Bob Sapp, which he did by locking in an achilles lock that forced “The Beast” to tap at DREAM 9 last month. He will face a similar assignment against Choi — who wailed on baseball’s steroid stool pigeon Jose “Can”seco for his advancement in the grand prix — at an even greater size disadvantage.

On the other side of the bracket, Gegard Mousasi, who vacated his DREAM middleweight title recently because he desired a move to light heavyweight, will face off against the dangerous Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.

Mousasi made short work of “Super Samoan” Mark Hunt in his quarterfinal bout, taking his much larger counterpart to the mat quickly where he would go to work for a kimura straight away, eventually getting it and forcing Hunt to tap.

While in his preliminary bout, Sokoudjou got back to his winning ways by trouncing 6’ 11”, 330-pound Jan “The Giant” Nortje. Despite being considerably outsized, “The African Assassin” was able to take “The Giant” down and pound on him furiously, which forced the referee to intervene and waive off the action.

However, Sokoudjou continued the onslaught in a moment of depravity, which led to both corners storming the ring. The good news is that cooler heads eventually prevailed, though Sokoudjou — who said he felt like a “douche bag” for the miscue — has taken a verbal lashing from fans for the controversy.

The “Super Hulk” tournament finalists will then do battle on New Years Eve at the annual Dynamite!! event.

DREAM 11 is also expected to feature the semifinal bouts of the featherweight grand prix. Though the pairings are still to be announced, it will feature fan favorite and underdog Hideo Tokoro, jiu-jitsu phenom Bibiano Fernandes, hard-hitting slugger Hiroyuki Takaya and also wrestling stud Joe Warren, who shocked the World recently by defeating featherweight superstar Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto.

Here is the current line-up for DREAM 11:

Featherweight grand prix participants:
Joe Warren (2-0)
Hideo Tokoro (22-16-1)
Bibiano Fernandes (5-2)
Hiroyuki Takaya (11-6-1)

“Super Hulk” open weight grand prix semifinals:
Hong Man-Choi (2-2) vs. Ikuhisa Minowa (42-30-8)
Gegard Mousasi (25-2-1) vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (6-4)

 

[Shogun Locc]

No limits now for Strikeforce heavyweight Brett Rogers as June 6 approaches

There are a lot of folks who would call getting punched in the face, kicked in the head and kneed in the midsection miserable.

Brett Rogers, an unbeaten heavyweight the size of a small pickup, calls it his dream job.

Miserable, to Rogers, 9-0 and finally a full-time mixed martial arts fighter, is changing tires and repairing flats at a St. Paul, Minn., Sam's Club, where he worked full-time until recently in order to support his family.

It was an honest day's work and it paid the bills, but it wasn't stimulating, was frequently frustrating and was a dead-end job that Rogers had long ago grown weary of performing.

He'd always believed in the power in his fists and his ability to make a living with his athletic ability. He took MMA fights where he could get them, but they didn't pay much and there was this little problem of eating, paying for a place to live and raising three children he had to deal with.

And training in his spare time didn't leave him much opportunity for professional development.

"I was lucky because things came pretty naturally to me, but you can't do this sport the right way and work on it in your spare time," Rogers said. "This is a full-time, 12 months a year, 365-day commitment you have to make.

"I just decided the time was right and I had to make the move. This is a sport I have the ability to do and do well, and I wanted to give myself every opportunity."

He'll get the biggest opportunity of his life on Saturday on one of the featured bouts of a Strikeforce card at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis when he meets former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski in a three-rounder that will be televised live by Showtime.

A win over Arlovski, who, despite his January loss to Fedor Emelianenko remains one of the five or six finest heavyweights in the world, would be a huge career boost for Rogers, 28.

Most of his nine wins – eight of which have been by knockout – have been against guys who would have been more evenly matched with a St. Louis cab driver rather than a guy who fancied himself as one of the world’s elite heavyweights.

Rogers is acutely aware of that, though he fought the fights that were available. When Arlovski was presented as an option, he leaped at the chance, knowing it would catapult him into the public consciousness and into the mix for fights against other top-10 heavyweights.

"You hear people talk about this guy and they say, 'He's fast, he's so strong, he's such a good boxer,' this and that," Rogers said. "This is a guy I used to watch back in the day. You follow MMA and you know who Andrei Arlovski is. His credentials speak for themselves. He’s reached that level that I’m trying to get to.

"I definitely feel I belong there, but the truth of the matter is, people aren't going to believe you until you do it. I have everything I need to win this fight. I'm working with a great camp, and I've made being the best in this game my goal in life. [Arlovski] is one stop along the way trying to stop me from getting to the top, and I just have to deal with that.”

Rogers has fought once on CBS and three times on Showtime and has begun to develop a solid local following. He's not as instantly recognizable as, say, "Kimbo Slice," the street-fighting sensation turned MMA fighter, but he was beginning to be stopped on the street.

Fans who bought a set of tires at his Sam's Club would recognize him. He stuck his head out of his car while he was going through a fast-food drive-through and people in the car behind him began to shout out his name.

See him fight once and he's hard to forget, not when he’s 6-foot-5, 265 pounds and with a Chuck Liddell-style Mohawk.

"When the people see you and recognize you, it's a good thing, because it's telling you that they like what you’re doing," Rogers said. "But I believe I had a lot still to give them. Everyone loves a winner, but when you're beating the best guys in the world, then they really love you.

"Pretty much everyone knows who Arlovski is. It's almost impossible if you follow this sport even a little not to know him. That's good for me, because when I do my thing and I win this fight, then I'm going to make myself a lot more recognizable.”

And, in the fight business, where you have to give fans a reason to want to see you compete, being successful and being recognizable equates to more money.

Rogers retains the work ethic of a guy who punched the clock every day and gave the company a hard eight hours for eight hours' pay, but he's now doing something he loves instead of working simply to survive.

"I just had to do this," he said of becoming a full-time MMA fighter. "This sport is getting more popular, and there's more money and more opportunity everywhere. I can do this. I've proven I can do this. But I had to give myself the best chance and that meant getting out of (the Sam's Club job)."

The way Rogers sees it, putting tires on cars was a job; fighting in mixed martial arts is a career.

"There was nowhere to go in my other job," Rogers said. "With the job I have now, it's all up to me. There are no limits now. This is what I've been looking for all my life."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Matt Serra still disagrees with UFC 98 decision loss, currently unsure of next move

Never let it go to the judges.

Former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra (9-6 MMA, 6-6 UFC), who has come out on the right side of four decisions – and the wrong of four others – in his near-10-year career, knows the mantra well.

And while Serra had hoped to finish arch-rival Matt Hughes (43-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) during their 15-minute "Fight of the Night" at UFC 98 in May, the New York native still felt confident his hand would be raised when he heard the bell signaling the end of the contest.

Unfortunately for Serra, he didn't.

"I'm not about to make any formal complaint or anything," Serra today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "It is what it is. Decisions can go your way or not.

"But personally, I thought I won the first and third rounds. That's just how I feel about it."

After rocking Hughes early in the fight, the first round was undeniably Serra's. When Hughes earned top position for nearly the entire second frame, it was obvious the fight would be decided in the final round.

That's the round that Serra and the evening's three judges see differently.

"I thought it came down to the third," Serra said. "The second he put me down, I had him in jeopardy. One wrong move and I'm taking his shoulder off. Then when I lost the one side, I locked him up on the other side. He was more threatened than you could see.

"When he pushed me up against the cage, the second he tried to pass I had him in a triangle. Then after that, they stood us up, and I got a nice throw. We both got takedowns in that round. I got a money takedown. The only word you can say for that is 'money.'"

While Hughes again spent a great deal of time in top position in the third round, Serra feels the damage he caused in his brief moments of control should have swayed the judges in his favor.

"Even though there was like 30 seconds left or something, I did more damage on top of him," Serra said. "I landed at least two solid shots. Even the other shots I landed were more than he did to me the whole round. I just don't know how he won that round.

"I was even threatening him with a kimura. He was going to put me down and I was going to slap that on him. I really thought I pulled out that third round. I remember thinking that the second the fight was over and up until they raised his hand."

"He was basically holding"

After nearly ending the fight in the first five minutes, many MMA observers have questioned why Serra seemed content to give away the second round while remaining fairly inactive from the bottom.

"The Terror" said Hughes' stalling tactics and strength from top position forced him to remain patient.

"There was a lot of things I had to watch for with him," Serra said. "I didn't want to leave the arm out there in half-guard. I practiced a lot for the positions that he's solid in.

"He usually works people over. He either passes and does it or does it from half-guard into a kimura into a pass into a finish. I was already conditioned, because I was training so much from those positions, that I knew couldn't let him pass my guard. But he was basically holding. I was looking to get out, and I would try to get out at the right times."

Serra had to ensure he wasn't finished while Hughes controlled the action from preferred top position during the second round, but the 35-year-old made adjustments for the final five minutes.

"The second my back hit the floor in the third round, I didn't want to even give him a chance to try and pass my knee line or do anything," Serra said. "I really just wanted to, the second my back hit the floor, just submit him. I made the correction for the [third] round because I couldn't have him try to make me defensive on the bottom.

"I don't know. I feel like I did the smart thing. Sometimes it is a chess game down there. You can't just sit there, just like standing up you can't just swing like a maniac. You've got to be smart, and the same thing goes on the floor. He's very good on top, so I had to play it smart and wait for my opportunity."

While Serra's strategy was adjusted for the final frame, he found himself once again stymied by Hughes' top control.

"I knew he wasn't doing much," Serra said. "If he's doing more, I'm out of there. If he's doing more, I'm latching onto a limb.

"But he was playing it very safe, so I had to wait for the right opportunity. Even though they stood us up with 12 seconds left, I did go right after him after that. I caught him with like kick to the face. I kneed him. I was just going after him."

Making amends

The two foes, who prior to to the contest endured a well-documented, multi-year rivalry, seemed to bury the hatchet following the bout.

"The second the fight was over, [Hughes] said something along the lines of, 'That's going to be a close one,'" Serra said. "It was something along those lines. That's when I told him, 'Look, no matter who gets the decision, don't worry. We're done after this.' That's when he said, 'Right on.'

"The whole thing was fun to me. I really enjoyed that fight. I'm not walking out of there like I feel like I got beaten. There's a lot of things that I feel morally that I won in that fight."

While he ultimately ended short of his goal, Serra still felt there was much to admire in his performance.

"Obviously I wanted the 'W,' so I was a little upset at the time," Serra said. "But Matt Hughes is going to be a legend in the game. He's a guy that's dished out a lot of beatings.

"I felt that it was a great matchup for me. I still feel that way. I would love a rematch, but, whatever. I don't think that's going to happen. But it got 'Fight of the Night,' and there was some really nice fights that night.

"I think the fans enjoyed it. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I'm happy I got to display some skill, even though I didn't get the 'W.'"

Playing it by ear

Serra and Hughes had each been mentioned in retirement talks before the bout. And the 5-foot-6 jiu-jitsu ace is forever answering questions about a potential drop to lightweight.

But after just celebrating a birthday and returning from vacation, Serra isn't quite ready to make a commitment to his next move just yet.

"I don't think 155 (pounds) is happening," Serra said. "It's just too brutal of a cut. But this fight excited me. When I was going to fight Matt Hughes, it excited me. I was caught up in it. He kind of became my rival, and it was just an exciting thing. Even with the trash talk, it was done in a way where it was 'do or die.'

"I knew I had a lot of stuff I had to live up to. I was really motivated and had a good time with this fight, and that's what I'm looking for. Not so much the trash talking, but I'm looking for a fight that says, 'Alright, that excites me.'"

And if there's not an opponent in the welterweight division that can provide that type of motivation?

"If something doesn't reach out there and grab me, I'm not going to fight for the wrong reasons," Serra said. "I don't know. I've been fighting a while. I've been in the game a while.

"We'll sit down and we'll talk, and we'll see what makes sense. We'll talk with the UFC and see what they've got for me, see if anything comes out and grabs me, grabs them. We'll see what's up. I'm playing it by ear."

But don't mistake Serra's current uncertainty for a plan to walk away.

"By no means does that mean that I'm retired or anything," Serra said. "But I just had a daughter. I've got two schools that I've got going on. I'm going to chill for a little bit and see what's up.

"I'm not making any decisions about anything right now. Right now, I'll just take it as it comes and see what's up."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Stronger than before: Andrei Arlovski Strikeforce interview exclusive with MMAmania.com

The Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo., is ready and waiting for the stacked Strikeforce soiree to commence this Saturday.

The main event may pit Robbie Lawler against Jake Shields, however, arguably the biggest star that will walk into the arena on June 6 is former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski.

“The Pitbull” is coming off a devastating and disappointing loss to WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko at the Affliction: “Day of Reckoning” event that was held earlier this year in January 2009.

As a result, he now sits at 15-6 in his professional MMA career and will attempt to get win number sweet 16 when he squares off with undefeated up-and-comer Brett Rogers. Arlovski would like nothing more than to defeat “The Grim” and get back to his winning ways.

With the event now just two days away, he graciously took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions regarding Emelianenko, his desire to pursue professional boxing, his opponent this weekend, Brett Rogers, and more.

Check it out:

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You’re coming off a loss against Fedor Emelianenko at the last Affliction event. Were you feeling confident that you were executing your game plan up to the point where Fedor caught you? What did you learn from the fight as a result?

Andrei Arlovski: I didn’t fight to my game plan. It’s that simple. All my trainers were right about it. I have to be more disciplined. After this I was meeting with all my trainers and we found out what was working for me and I have to follow my game plan next time. I have to trust my trainers 100 percent.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): After the fight your boxing coach Freddie Roach said that Fedor simply “got lucky” with his punch. Do you feel the same way?

Andrei Arlovski: For me that doesn’t make sense now whether he was lucky or not. He caught me. He knocked me out. This is fact. He got the best of me. Of course I still hurt after this. I am going to chase him everywhere and hope I can one day face him again. Next time I’ll be much smarter than I was before.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Of course, you’re a former UFC champion and the aforementioned Fedor has always been a guy who fans have wanted to see come to the UFC. Do you expect Fedor to ever join the UFC?

Andrei Arlovski: I don’t know. It would be up to his management team. I don’t know if he wants to fight in the UFC or not. I don’t know.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Who do you expect to win between Fedor and Josh Barnett in August?

Andrei Arlovski: I think that Fedor is going to beat Josh Barnett. It’s not disrespect to Josh Barnett, but for me I think Fedor is going to keep winning all his fights and I am going to face him again.

(Phone briefly cuts out)

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Hello again, sorry about that.

Andrei Arlovski: Yes, I am sorry. It is a bad connection because I am in the trunk. I am driving to workout with all my trainers and I am in the trunk, you know? (laughs)

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Okay (laughs). Well, hopefully you have enough oxygen in there to finish the interview! Back to business. Now everyone knows you’re one of the biggest stars on the Affliction roster. How come you decided to fight at the Strikeforce event and not the Affliction event on August 1?

Andrei Arlovski: Both Affliction and Strikeforce gave me the option to fight on Showtime for Strikeforce and I took the fight. Why not?

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): If you are fortunate enough to come away with a victory over Brett Rogers will it be your intention to pursue the Strikeforce heavyweight belt that currently belongs to Alistair Overeem?

Andrei Arlovski: I don’t know much. I will talk to the organization and see what is the toughest fight.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Will your next fight be under the Strikeforce banner or Affliction?

Andrei Arlovski: I am sorry. I can’t give you much about my contract. I can give you more information after this fight. It is up to Strikeforce and my manager so they have to find out.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Do you still intend to pursue your pro boxing career as well?

Andrei Arlovski: Yes, after June 6 I will have a match on June 27 at the Staples Center.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): If you had to make a choice would you rather be an MMA world champion again or a boxing world champion?

Andrei Arlovski: Both. That is one reason why I started to throw myself into boxing. You never know if you are going to sit on the couch what you can be. If I can be heavyweight champion of boxing I have to try. That is why I want to train myself in professional boxing.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Going back to Brett Rogers. He has never faced a fighter of your caliber. Do you feel like he is ready to take that leap up in competition and what have you learned about him in your preparations?

Andrei Arlovski: I know he’s a tough fighter. He’s undefeated (9-0). He’s dangerous. He’s bigger and heavier than me. We got a game plan with all my trainers. It’s actually a great fight for me. I wanted a big fight and Strikeforce gave me a great opportunity for me to fight and fight a tough fighter like Rogers. I am really excited to fight him on June 6.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You mentioned the weight difference, which is roughly 25 pounds. Do you anticipate that being a factor in the fight?

Andrei Arlovski: You know I am not going to be 237 like I was in January. I put on some weight and I am a little stronger than I was before. I don’t know we’ll see. He’s a good striker and likes to box and we’ll see what happens.

Also, I train a lot in wrestling and jiu-jitsu. If he wants to standup we’ll stand up. If I think I can take him down I’ll take him down. If I have to do a leg lock or choke him of course that’s something I’ll do. If I feel like the opportunity for my hands then I’ll take him out. It just depends on what kind of fight it will be.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What do you expect to weigh in at on Friday?

Andrei Arlovski: I expect it will be about 245.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What is your official prediction for the fight?

Andrei Arlovski: I don’t want to be in this position. I just train hard and I’m ready to go. I know Rogers said he was going to knock me out but I don’t want to joke with him. I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to step in the cage and do my job. I want to do all my talking in the cage.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): That’s all I have for you Andrei. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans out there or any sponsors you would like to thank before we go?

Andrei Arlovski: Yes, thank you so much to all my fans for the support. Of course thank you to my sponsors. Thank you Affliction and Strikeforce. My dentist who makes a great mouthpiece for me. Looking forward. Thank you. Thank you for having me.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Alright, thanks for the time. Best of luck on Saturday.

Andrei Arlovski: Thanks. Also, you can check out more information at AndreiArlovski.com. Okay, thank you.

 

[VanD]

lol at sokudju calling himself a douche bag

 

[Shogun Locc]

Featherweight finalists Yahir Reyes and Joe Soto make weight at Bellator's Week 10 event

Featherweight finalists Yahir Reyes, Joe Soto and 14 other competitors have made weight for Bellator Fighting Championships' Week 10 event in Ontario, Calif.

The winner of tonight's main event at the Citizens Business Bank Arena will earn the organization's first 145-pound title and a $100,000 bonus.

All but one of the event's 16 fighters made weight without incident.

Light-heavyweight Nick Moghaddam weighed in one-half pound over the 206-pound limit, but the organization made no mention of a potential penalty.

There will also be a 37-pound discrepancy in a heavyweight bout between Travis Browne, who registered 254 pounds, and Mychal Clark, who weighed in at just 217 pounds.

Tonight's featherweight final winner will receive $100,000 in addition to the $75,000 each fighter has already earned through two wins in the first two rounds of Bellator's debut tournaments. Welterweight, middleweight and light-heavyweight winners will also be crowned during Bellator's week 11 and 12 events, the final two cards of the upstart promotion's debut season.

As with all Bellator events, Friday's card will air via one-day tape delay on ESPN Deportes.

The full weigh-in results included:

* 145 lbs. tourney finals: Yahir Reyes (144.5) vs. Joe Soto (144)
* 145 lbs. non-tourney: Wilson Reis (145.5) vs. Roberto Vargas (145.5)
* 185 lbs. non-tourney: Bryan Baker (184.25) vs. Matt Horwich (184.5)
* 155 lbs. non-tourney: Saad Awad (156) vs. Diego Garijo (155.5)
* 155 lbs. non-tourney: Phil Brown (153.5) vs. Israel Giron (155)
* 265 lbs. non-tourney: Travis Browne (254) vs. Mychal Clark (217)
* 175 lbs. non-tourney: Mike Gomez (173) vs. Jesse Juarez (175)
* 205 lbs. non-tourney: Lamar Jiles (202) vs. Nick Moghaddam (206.5)

 

[Shogun Locc]

Maine awaits governor's decision on recently passed MMA legislation

Matt Peterson has closely followed his younger brother's three-year mixed-martial-arts career.

Just not in his home state.

Peterson, a Maine state representative, is one of many MMA fans in the state who can't attend MMA events without crossing a border, as promoting such an event is illegal there. To watch his brother, then, Peterson, his family and friends take their cash elsewhere.

"He fought just recently," Peterson told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), "and it was 160 tickets, including hotel rooms, eating and other expenses, that went to New Hampshire. That's Maine-made money that went over the border."

Peterson is leading the effort for change in Maine that has underscored once again MMA's fight to become an accepted form of competition all across the country. In January, Peterson introduced a bill in the Maine legislature that would make MMA legally promotable in the state for the first time and give fans there up-close access to the cage.

The Peterson-sponsored bill – "An Act to Regulate Mixed Martial Arts Competitions, Exhibitions and Events" – passed both the state's house and the senate and is now on Gov. John Baldacci's desk ready to the signed. The legislation will allow MMA into Maine legally for the first time and quench the competition viewership thirst for Peterson and fans like him.

MMA will provide more than just entertainment. According to a state report, MMA will bring in about $244,000 in revenue during the 2009-10 fiscal year against $214,000 in expenses. By 2012-13, those numbers are expected to grow to $329,000 in revenue against $289,000 in expenses.

The bill would also create the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine, funded mainly by fees from promoters, fighters and others involved in the events, to oversee the sport.

And now, Maine is closer than ever to gaining MMA and shrinking the number of states that still ban the sport or leave it unregulated.

"When I started watching and enjoying MMA, I didn't just want to be a consumer," Peterson said. "I wanted to give back to the sport. I do a podcast covering MMA in the northeast, and now I'm just trying to do my part to bring the sport to my state."

The game-changer

Every movement needs a leader, and in this case that man is Peterson.

The 31-year-old works full-time for a non-profit organization, the Center for Independent Living, which assists those with disabilities. Because of a spinal-cord injury when he was 18, Peterson himself uses a wheelchair for mobility.

"That has led to some interesting discussions in the legislature," Peterson said, "because it helps to show there's no stereotype for MMA fans."

Peterson has loved the sport for as long as it has existed. He bucked the northeastern U.S. trend of focusing on the major sports, more specifically baseball and football.

"I couldn't name you five guys who play for the Red Sox," he said.

He also didn't have political aspirations until recently. The state representative from Peterson's district was forced out of running again because of a term limit, and he suggested that Peterson campaign. Peterson had lobbied the former representative on behalf of his non-profit organization, which showed his ability to negotiate and debate.

Peterson was elected in November, sworn in during a December ceremony for his two-year term and immediately went to work on one of his highest priorities: Bringing MMA to Maine.

Legislating the sport

By March, the bill made its way to the Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development. Peterson continued to argue for the sport's merits, including extra revenue to the state and areas where fights would be held.

The bill defines MMA as "a combative sport for compensation that features a mixture of karate, jiu-jitsu, muay thai, tae kwon do, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, judo and striking and grappling techniques." On Monday, the Maine House of Representatives passed the bill 119-17, and the Senate followed unanimously.

Both bodies soon after moved the bill along to the governor, who has indicated in published reports that he will sign it into law.

All this for a state that declined to even consider MMA in the recent past and, on the same day the bill was voted on, turned down another piece of legislation that would have legalized the sale of fireworks.

"I don't think anybody thought that would happen," Peterson said.

The next question for Peterson, legislators and promoters eager to enter main is this: What is the best Maine site for an event? Peterson identified the 10,000-seat Cumberland County Civic Center in the state's largest city, Portland. In Bangor, the Bangor Auditorium is a little smaller, but still a possibility for events.

In Peterson's mind, he hopes for a show in the near future that could feature a WEC title defense by one of Maine's proudest fighting sons, 145-pounder Mike Brown.

It might still be a long shot, but it’s soon at least going to be possible. And legal.

"Wouldn't that be something?" he said.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Cub Swanson hopes to use Plan A to perfection in WEC 41 bout with Jose Aldo

It's a bout that could determine the next challenger for the WEC's 145-pound title, and one that nearly had a little controversy to boot.

When Cub Swanson (13-2 MMA, 3-1 WEC) learned he would face Jose Aldo (14-1 MMA, 4-0 WEC) at Sunday's "WEC 41: Faber vs. Brown," he said it was "an honor to fight an opponent who thinks of himself so highly."

While that little jab could have fueled a heated exchange, Swanson said he hasn't allowed emotion to play any part in his preparation.

"To be honest, I haven't been on the internet at all," Swanson recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio). "I haven't been on the internet. I haven't been looking at anything. I haven't been reading into anything.

"I don't think there is (any controversy), and if there is I don't really care. I'm not going to get sucked into any of that. I just want to go out there and fight."

Some thought Swanson's initial remarks were made in light of Aldo's claims that he is ready for a title shot. Swanson said he was simply excited to fight a top-caliber opponent.

"All I meant by that was is that he's a tough guy," Swanson said. "He's confident in his abilities of being one of the best fighters in the world. It's a great opportunity to fight a guy like that.

"He's mentally strong. Not only is he a good fighter, but he's mentally strong. He's a tough opponent. But I feel great myself. I feel like we matchup well."

Like Aldo, Swanson is a jiu-jitsu black belt. With the Brazilian not relying much on his ground game so far in his WEC career, Swanson said he looks forward to testing out Aldo's skills.

"The only time we really saw [Aldo's ground skills] was his first fight (in the WEC) with (Alexandre Franca) 'Pequeno' (Nogueira)," Swanson said. "[Aldo] really didn't do much, but he looked like he had a good guard pass.

"He's kind of right to the point. He doesn't like to play around. He kind of dives through the legs. He's got good posture, good base. I think that's probably why he has his (black) belt. He's just good at whatever he does."

Aldo has proven he possesses great speed and power, and Swanson believes the Nova Uniao fighter relies on those traits rather than technique.

"I don't think he's very technical as far as jiu-jitsu goes," Swanson said. "I just think he's very to-the-point, and he's pretty good at what he does.

"I'm definitely going to want to test him out on the ground, see how he is. I heard that he is a black belt also. I'll test him out and see if that works for me."

Of course, with nearly half of the duo's combined victories coming by knockout or TKO, the bout could also play out as a battle on the feet.

"I haven't seen this guy get hit yet," Swanson said. "In four of [Aldo's] five fights, I haven't seen him get hit. I'm definitely wondering what's going to happen if he catches one of my shots.

"I know I can hit pretty hard. I've banged with some good people, and I know I can take a shot. (Hiroyuki) Takaya kneed me in the face like three times, and I didn't even feel it – not until later in the night."

While the lion's share of attention on Sunday's WEC 41 broadcast has been rightfully focused on the main event, Swanson and Aldo could prove to be a show-stealer as well.

With the winner potentially preparing for a title shot, Swanson feels confident he'll win regardless of where Aldo decides to test him.

"I really don't think I need a Plan B because my Plan A is to take the fight to where I'm winning, to mix it up and do everything I can to win," Swanson said. "Wherever that is, keep pursuing it. If that's not working, then in-between rounds, my corner is going to tell me where their opinion is for me to take it where I can be winning."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Mike Whitehead capitalizing on "awesome change" in Strikeforce debut with Kevin Randleman

UFC, Affliction, IFL and WEC veteran Mike Whitehead (23-6) has been in this position before.

But in preparing for his Strikeforce debut at Saturday's "Lawler vs. Shields," Whitehead has finally found a comfortable training home as a member of MMA legend Wanderlei Silva's Wand Fight Team.

Now the Las Vegas resident hopes to secure a home in Strikeforce with an impressive win over what he believes will be a vintage Kevin Randleman.

"I'm excited," Whitehead recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio). "There's mention of a shot for a title in there, and I like that. So I'm excited.

"I'm excited to just get in there and keep working."

A winner in 14 of his past 15 contest, including victories over Krzysztof Soszynski, Vernon White, Mark Kerr and Ruben Villareal, Whitehead is thrilled at the chance to earn a recurring invitation with Strikeforce. The soon-to-be-27-year-old has fought for six different promotions in his past six outings.

"They're going to keep me busy, and that's been the thing for me since I've started my career," Whitehead said. "Just keep me busy. Keep me going every couple months or so."

Whitehead's first test will be against an MMA legend in Kevin Randleman (17-12). "The Monster," a once-feared UFC and PRIDE fixture, has struggled as of late. Randleman has gone just 3-7 in his 10 contest since 2003.

Whitehead isn't expecting anything less than vintage Randleman.

"I expect the dude that knocked out 'Cro Cop' to come in there and just be swinging," Whitehead said. "That's who I've been training for.

"I don't take anybody lightly. It could be somebody with a losing record, and I still wouldn't be taking him lightly."

While Whitehead's high-profile losses to Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Keith Jardine, Brandon Vera and Tim Slvia have left him with his share of doubters, the former "TUF 2" cast member said his recent training has left him better-prepared to show his skills.

"No disrespect to any camp I've ever been with. Between Pat (Miletich) giving me my start, Jeremy Horn helping me out, at Randy (Couture's), I got great help there," Whitehead said. "No disrespect to them at all, even down to Tuscon with the great Don Frye. No disrespect to any of those guys, but, man, what an awesome change, and I think everyone is going to see it in the fight and in my career."

While benefiting from working side-by-side with Silva as he prepares for a June 13 bettle with Rich Franklin, and while improving his cardio with coach Rafael Alejarra's famed grueling workouts, Whitehead said it is the feeling of family at the gym that has benefited him the most.

"No disrespect to any place else, but those guys, I've never had anybody as concerned with my well-being, my career, and helping me out," Whitehead said.

Whitehead meets Randleman in the opening bout of Showtime's Saturday-night broadcast of "Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields."

 

[Shogun Locc]

RIGGS TO GO THROUGH BARONI TO GET TO SHIELDS

Joe Riggs vs. Phil Baroni promises fireworks inside the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on Saturday at the Strikeforce promoted event to air on Showtime.

It's been more than six months since Riggs last competed and the 26-year-old veteran mixed martial artist is eager to get back in action.

"I haven't fought since November. My hand has been ready to go since January. I can't wait. I really can't wait," Riggs told MMAWeekly.com. "It's been too long. After my last fight, I wanted to keep active like I used to be and then I got sidelined for awhile with an injury, so I'm ready to go."

He was originally slated to take on Jake Shields, but the fight fell through when Shields accepted a catchweight bout with No. 2 ranked middleweight Robbie Lawler instead, resulting in Riggs signing to fight Baroni.

Discussing the change in opponent, Riggs said, "It's an easier opponent. It's going to be a lot more exciting of a fight. A lot more people are probably excited about this one than me and Shields."

When the bout agreements were signed between Riggs and Baroni, the banter between the two was respectful, but that quickly changed.

"I think he's just trying to talk himself into it. I think he doubts himself a lot. He's getting older and trying to talk himself into it. That's my opinion. That's what I think he's doing," proclaimed Riggs. "He runs his mouth quite a bit, especially at the press conference he was yapping off at the mouth.

"He's won three in a row, but he went to a decision with (expletive) Olaf (Alfonzo) of all the guys. That's all I've got to say," added Riggs. "Phil has some good wins, but they were years ago. I think he lost four in a row, pretty big fights, and in pretty embarrassing fashion. I think Phil is actually underrated. I think he's talented. I was giving him a lot of respect in the beginning, telling people he's a tough guy, and I think he doesn't get his credit. I think he's mistaken that for weakness or maybe me being afraid. He's (expletive) mistaken.

"I'm not afraid of anybody. I've beaten better people than he has and I've beaten better people than he is. That's just Phil being Phil. He's just talking (expletive)."

Riggs believes Baroni's best years are behind him and the battles have taken their toll on the "New York Bad Ass."

"I know I'm better technique-wise. Phil's pretty heavy-handed. We're probably equal there. I don't know, Phil's got a good left hand, and he throws bombs. I'm ready for whatever," stated Riggs. "I think Phil had a good chin back in the day and he's taken a beating over the last five or six years and it's shown. You can't take it. Look at Chuck Liddell, no disrespect to him. He's a great fighter, but you can't keep taking those shots over the years. You start to weather and that shot you used to walk through five years ago knocks you the (expletive) out now."

For Riggs, the bout with Baroni is a means to an end. He expects to win and predicts Shields will lose to Lawler, aligning him with the fight he wants, Jake Shields.

"I'm not looking past Phil, but I'm looking over the horizon. I want Shields."

 

[Shogun Locc]

André Galvão: “I’ll be ready to give my best”

On July 20, André Galvão will enter the Dream’s ring trying to become the Dream welterweight champion. Scheduled to face Jason High in the semifinals, the two times BJJ world champion is training with heavy sparrings in Los Angeles, USA. "I’m training hard, dedicating myself every day, seeking to improve the mistakes that I have and arrive ready in the fight. I’ll be ready to give my best, I want to get out of there with two more wins in my career and bring the belt", said the black belt, training with Anderson Silva and Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante, among other fighters.

"I’m training with Anderson, Feijão, the guys. After Feijão’s fight, they’ll return to Brazil, but I’ll continue here, then I’ll go to San Diego train with (Fabrício) Morango, and I’ll get there ready", says Galvão, who will follow the same training made for his debut at Dream, when he submitted John Alessio. "In my first fight, I was training with (Josuel) Distak, but Morango also helped me in the final stages. I still have seven weeks for the fight and I’ll go there three weeks before... There is enough training, I think everything will be ok".

As for his opponent in the semifinal, the Brazilian isn’t very concerned with the conduct of the fight. The Jiu-Jitsu ace saw Jason submit his opponent in only 59 seconds in the first stage of the tournament. "I know he is a Wrestler and has a Boxing, beyond the Jiu-Jitsu part, but I'm training to be well wherever the fight goes. I already saw some of his fights, he’s a good guy, fast and explosive, so I’ll try to make a game to null him, but this you will see at the time of the fight", warned Galvão, analyzing, also, the other semifinal of the GP, between Hayato Sakurai and Marius Zaromskis.

"Sakurai is more experienced, already fought in Pride and with great athletes, but Marius has also been dedicating himself, showed in the last fight that is tough. I think both will be ready to dispute the final", said the Brazilian, revealing his preference for the grand final. "Everyone has chances, but, if I could choose, I would like to fight against Sakurai, because he’s a more experienced guy, comes from victory over Aoki", says André. "Independent of that, I’m already studying Marius game... Fight is fight, is 50% for each side, but I think Sakurai will win”, finished Galvão.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Yoshizo Machida Interview

If Lyoto Machida’s game appears indecipherable to the opponents, the responsible for that is Yoshizo Machida. Master and father of the champion, the Japanese is the man behind the preparation of the light heavyweight king of the UFC, undefeated after 15 fights. In interview to TATAME.com, Yoshizo spoke about the fight against Rashad Evans, in UFC 98, the emotion with the conquest and the big challenge that comes ahead, to keep the belt in the MAchida family, and more.

How was the party for the conquest in the UFC?
They closed the airport, the firemen were waiting for us, Lyoto walked on top of the fire truck and we run the whole city, but it was raining a lot. The plane delayed nearly 40 minutes and we were all soaked by the rain (laughs). But the people really cheered for us, and we were grateful. On Monday, the mayor called us for breakfast, said they liked a lot, because it was the first world title of Pará. People were very happy. Lyoto, now, is traveling. He went to Brasilia, then goes to Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará... He has to rest, because he was three months training very tight, so he took the family and went to travel.

And what did you think of the fight? Were you at the corner?
Shinzo stays guiding, but I also guide a bit, because our program is that. He really trained for three months, but mainly trained Karate, hit bag a lot, the makiwara... He trains a lot of basement, and I think the success is this. Everything that we used there was Karate stroke, the kick, the punch...

In the last fights, Lyoto showed a big improvement in his performance...
His punch improved, because we hired a professor of physical education to do the working out job, these things, and this improved a little. He trained that a lot.

What was the strategy for this fight? Did you imagine that he would want to fight standing, instead of trying to go to the ground?
I imagined, because Rashad didn’t attack, and Lyoto neither. But, in the first round, we analyzed his rhythm, studied the distance, everything. Then, from the second round, he shook his arm, the elbow behind, and we expected this to enter. Technically, we were already prepared.

How was the emotion of seeing your son knocking out Rashad and getting the UFC belt?
Now is the most difficult. Half was happy, half has to take care, because we have to keep this belt. He is already scheduled to train, because I think the next fight is already scheduled for October, this is more or less certain.

The next opponent may be Shogun. How do you think the fight will be?
He’s a very good opponent, so it’s good for Lyoto. It can be against anyone, we aren’t worried about the opponent. Our training is a little different from the other people, is more psychological concentration and the technical part. Most of them become nervous, anxious, but we are calm. Before the fight, behind the scenes, we didn’t even train... Our training is totally different.

This is category is the most movimented in the UFC, with the belt changing hands all the time. How to keep the title for a longer time?
Our style is different, you see that the guys are from Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and our is really like the old Karate, we’ve shown them our Karate. If anything happens, okay, we go again from the beginning.

This conquest served, also, to put the Karate for once in the MMA...
Yes ... People from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, who train with me, were praising my son, that the Karate is coming back, because he had fallen too much. Our team was, including, Brazilian champion, we brought 36 medals. Both sides were successful. The mayor called us now to create an arrangement of needy people, and this will greatly improve in Pará, working also with the Secretary of Environment and Tourism, because here it’s really stopped.

 

[Shogun Locc]

First Real Fight At Featherweight! Miyata Vs. Yamazaki

Kazuyuki Miyata will finally make his real Featherweight debut. It was announced today that he will take on fellow DREAM fighter Takeshi Yamazaki at DEEP 42 IMPACT on June 30th. Miyata’s last fight in DEEP was at 67kg but this time he will fight in a real Featherweight fight as the contracted weight is 65.7kg (145lbs).

The potentiality of the winner of this fight taking on DEEP Featherweight champion Dokonjonosuke Mishima in August is high.

 

[Shogun Locc]

GETTINGS SERIOUS, FEDOR HEADED TO CAMP

No. 1 ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko will head back to Russia this weekend to begin training for his showdown with Josh Barnett at Affliction: “Trilogy” on Aug. 1 in Anaheim, Calif.

The two have shared a friendship that’s spanned over several years and work in two big-ticket promotions, often hanging out after shows to drink vodka and talk shop. Both have made it clear that the upcoming fight is business, and the relationship will stay intact whatever happens in August.

“Everyday I fight with my friend in training,” said Emelianenko. ”It’s a sport. We’re athletes in the ring to compete. I’m confident our friendship will continue after the fight.”

Emelianenko told MMAWeekly the bout was simply inevitable.

“I always understood that sooner or later, that question would come up and a decision would have to be made to fight Josh, so I just kind of accepted it for what it was, that it had to happen,” he said.

The stoic fighter did not, however, believe that Barnett was the last serious challenge to his dominance over current Affliction heavyweights.

“I don’t think that’s the case at all,” he said. “I think there are a lot of great fighters out there that I’m aware are negotiating with Affliction and that are out there and available to fight.”

Emelianenko’s trainer, Vladimir Voronov, was critical of his fighter’s performance against Andrei Arlovski at Affliction: “Day of Reckoning” in January, saying Emelianenko won using "his old tricks."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Soto Submits Reyes, Crowned First Bellator Champion

ONTARIO, Calif. –- Joe Soto brutalized Yahir Reyes into a rear-naked choke submission 4:11 into the second round Friday at the Citizens Bank Arena, to become Bellator Fighting Championships’ first featherweight tournament champion.

Soto, who dispatched Ben Greer with a first-round technical knockout in April and decisioned Wilson Reis in May en route to the tournament finals, had little trouble with Reyes. Soto (7-0) grounded the Tijuana fighter in seconds, then drilled away on the prone Reyes (14-6) with punches and hammerfists for five grueling minutes.

Soto repeated his ground-and-pound domination in the second round. After referee Jason Herzog showed no signs of stopping the one-side affair, Soto mercifully mounted Reyes’ back and applied the fight-ending choke. Reyes tapped out instantaneously.

“He was covering up a lot, and when somebody covers up that much they’re in danger,” said Soto. “I thought maybe it should have been stopped sooner, but maybe I just wanted to get the belt.”

The 22-year-old Soto took home a total $175,000 in tournament winnings over three events, and will defend his title in the promotion’s second season beginning in September. Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said a second 145-pound tournament will be launched, with the winner earning a shot at Soto.

Wilson Reis eked out a close split decision over Roberto Vargas, much to the crowd’s disapproval. Reis took two of the judges’ cards with 29-28 scores, while Vargas got the final 29-28 nod. Sherdog scored the bout 29-28 in Vargas’ favor.

Vargas (6-1) had not an ounce of fear against the well-regarded Reis (8-1). By the end of the first round, the local San Bernardino fighter had accomplished three legitimate submission attempts -- two inverted triangle chokes (channeling Toby Imada) and a guillotine choke -- on the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. Reis escaped everything Vargas threw at him, though he couldn’t launch much of his own attack other than two takedowns.

Reis, who was considered the favorite to win Bellator’s featherweight tournament until he was eliminated by Soto a month ago, quickly took Vargas’ back from a takedown in the second round. The fight remained there for half the round, as Reis swapped between conventional hooks and a body triangle to find some traction on the slippery Vargas. Vargas escaped to his feet, where he got the better of the exchanges with the compact Brazilian.

Vargas attempted another standing guillotine in the final round, then kneed Reis as he dropped levels for the takedown, which opened a sizable cut on the crown of Reis’ head. Again, Reis took Vargas’ back, but his opponent reversed into the Brazilian’s guard until the referee re-stood them for final minute.

“The guillotine choke was definitely tight,” said Reis, who felt he deserved the victory.
Bryan Baker (10-1) took a clear-cut unanimous decision over Matt Horwich (22-13-1) in their featured middleweight bout.

Baker kept his distance and picked his shots as Horwich pushed forward with consistent left and right body kicks. The Team Quest-trained Horwich executed the sole takedown of the round and Baker made the mistake of rising to his knees and exposing his back. Horwich had one hook in immediately, and fought for the second, then maneuvered to an inverted armbar that Baker shook off.

A patient Baker found his range in the second round and landed a hard body punch to Horwich that forced the jiu-jitsu exponent to drop levels for a takedown. Baker maintained control and eventually landed in top position, then wisely beckoned Horwich to his feet again. The pair ate up the rest of the second-round clock in the clinch.

Baker continued to score into the third round with one-twos and the occasional body shot as Horwich pursued. The Oregon fighter didn’t connect with anything of substance to sway the judges though, and Baker was awarded two scores of 30-27 and one 29-28 tally.

“It was a different style for me,” said Baker. “I’m used to chasing and being the aggressor, so it definitely opened up my footwork.”

Diego Garijo (4-1) survived a vicious opening attack from Saad Awad (7-3) to submit his opponent via a rear-naked choke with only 15 seconds left on the first-round clock of their lightweight tilt.

Awad hunted and dropped Garijo two times with an unending onslaught of looping hooks and uppercuts that sliced Garijo’s face open and sent blood flowing down in buckets. Garijo kept swinging back though, regained his footing and found a double-leg on the fence once Awad had petered himself out. Awad had little answer for the submission.

Israel Giron (10-1) submitted Phillip Brown (2-2) with a rear-naked choke at 2:42 into the first round of their lightweight contest. Giron, 35, took the reins with a beautiful hip-toss on the 19-year-old Brown, which set the stage for an exciting scramble on the mat. Giron won the war for position by mounting a standing Brown’s back. Brown crashed Giron to the canvas, but the Mexico City fighter had the choke cinched in tight.

Heavyweight prospect Travis Browne kept his unblemished record intact with a unanimous decision over Mychal Clark (29-28 all). Browne hammered Clark’s body with a succession of knees in both the first and second rounds, and remained aggressive off his back with two armbar attempts when Clark took him to the canvas.

With the first ten minutes in the bag, Browne succumbed to exhaustion in the final set, but Clark couldn’t coax out the stoppage from mount. The 26-year-old Browne mustered enough juice to end the bout in side control.

Jesse Juarez (11-5) earned a unanimous decision over Mikey Gomez (9-7) in a welterweight rematch with a trio of 30-27 scores. Juarez nailed a handful of takedowns during the 15 minutes to tip the scales in his favor. Juarez, who is now 3-0 in the promotion, stopped Gomez with first-round strikes at Bellator 2 in April.

In a light heavyweight bout, Nick Moghaddam (4-3) earned a second-round victory after Lamar Jiles (2-3) was disqualified by referee Mike Beltran for an intentional knee to the downed Brazilian’s head as he knelt. Jiles was easily leading on the scorecards up until the fight-ending blow, as he avoided Mogghaddam’s telegraphed takedown attempts and the Brazilian’s minimal engagement on its feet.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Jason "Mayhem" Miller's "Bully Beatdown" to return for a second season on MTV

"Bully Beatdown," a reality series hosted by MMA veteran Jason "Mayhem" Miller that allows bully victims to exact revenge on their tormentors, will be back for a second season on MTV.

Miller posted the news this afternoon on his Twitter account.

The show, which recruits real-world MMA fighters to mix it up with the bullies, proved a surprise ratings hit for MTV.

"Bully Beatdown" premiered on March 22 with an initial six-episode run. Capping off MTV's successful Sunday night block of programming, the show followed guy-friendly programs such as "Nitro Circus" and "Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory."

As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported after the series debut, the show was the No. 1 rated program in its timeslot among male viewers 12 to 34 years of age. It scored a solid 1.3 household rating among men 18 to 34, and the ratings remained strong throughout its six-week run.

On the show, bully victims contact Miller for help. "Mayhem" then challenges the bullies to exhibition fights (one three-minute round of grappling followed by a three-minute round of kickboxing) with actual MMA fighters. The bullies are offered cash prizes, but they can lose money if submitted, knocked down or knocked out. The lost money then goes to the bully victim.

Fighters featured on the first season were Tony Bonello, Michael Westbrook, Conor Heun, Jake Shields, Jon Murphy and Thomas Denny.

 

[Shogun Locc]

LEONARD GARCIA VS JAMEEL MASSOUH IN WEC AUG 9

A featherweight bout has been added to the next WEC show slated for Aug 9 as former top contender, "Bad Boy" Leonard Garcia returns to action to face Jameel Massouh, as confirmed to MMAWeekly.com on Friday by sources close to the fight.

Garcia steps back into the WEC cage for the first time since suffering a loss to current champion, Mike Brown, in a title fight back in March. Up to that fight, Garcia had won his previous two bout since dropping to 145lbs including wins over Jens Pulver and Hiroyuki Takaya.

The Texas native has been spending his time in camp in New Mexico at Greg Jackson's gym to help friend and teammate, Donald Cerrone, get ready for his fight coming up Sunday night against James Krause.

His opponent, Jameel Massouh, will make his second appearance in the WEC, after suffering a loss in his debut bout against top ten featherweight, Rafael Assuncao.

Massouh put up a tough fight for all three rounds in the bout with Assuncao, but came up short in the end. He will look to bounce back when facing another top notch opponent in Leonard Garcia.

The event on Aug 9 will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas with the headline bout pitting WEC bantamweight champion, Miguel Torres, against top challenger, Brian Bowles.

 

[Shogun Locc]

TEAM USA EAST RALLIES TO BEAT TEAM FINLAND

Despite having only accepted a fight on 36 hours notice, Team USA East heavyweight Lloyd Marshbanks was the deciding factor in his team's come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Team Finland on Friday night in Kansas City.

Marshbanks was added to the Team USA roster after Mike Ottman did not receive medical clearance from the Kansas Boxing Commission.

Listed on some fight databases at 16-8, industry insiders believe that Marshbanks is 50-8, with many of his fights taking place in Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and also in California before mixed martial arts was legal. Marshbanks improved to 17-8 officially after submitting Toni Valtonen at 0:55 of round 2 due to a neck crank.

USA East opened its best-of-five series vs. Finland with a 1-0 lead after Ryan Gracie black belt Renato Migliaccio improved to 6-0 following a armbar submission over Niko Puhaka at 4:18 of round 1. However, Team USA East fell behind 2-1 after welterweight Janne Turlirinta TKO'd Anthony Ford in just 11 seconds in addition to middleweight Lucio Linhares' first round knockout of Valdir Araujo.

Light heavyweight Rodney Wallace was next up for USA East against Marcus Vantinnen. Despite a dramatic reach disadvantage for Wallace, he used quick, explosive strikes to score points with the judges. However, it was Wallace's exceptional wrestling skills that scored him a unanimous decision victory.

With the score tied 2-2, it was up to Marshbanks to bring home the win and allow USA East to improve to 2-0 in Group C. Valtonen, one of the most experience fighters in the M-1 Challenge, was unable to keep up with Marshbanks' superb jiu-jitsu skills. Despite having top position on several occasions, Valtonen lost the advantage following sweeps from Marshbanks.

Marshbanks nearly ended the fight in the first round with a heel hook, the same submission move he used to Emil Samoilov this past March during an M-1 Challenge event in Bulgaria. However, Marshbanks lost control of a slipper Valtonen and the fight moved onto the second round.

In the end, Marshbanks' superior ground skills proved to be no match for a tired Valtonen. The crowd erupted after Marshbanks' win and a good portion of the crowd stayed after the fight in hopes of getting the man of the hour's autograph.
In addition to USA East vs. Finland, Team England took on Team France while the World Team also went head-to-head with Turkey.

After defeating Japan in Tokyo on April 29 by a score of 4-1, many anticipated that England would clinch a playoff berth in Group A with an easy victory over a French team that lost its opener to Team Spain by a 3-2 score earlier this year. However, a rejuvenated Team France pulled off the 4-1 win over Team England.

Lightweight Makhtar Gueye helped France get off to a literal quick start with a nine second knockout of Ian Butlin of Team England. Welterweight Gael Grimaud then helped France move to 2-0 after he submitted British knockout specialist Simon Phillips with a triangle.
Christophe Dafreville then scored the clinching third victory after executing a triangle submission of his own against Matt Thorpe at 4:32 of round 2.

Despite having clinched the victory, it behooved France to keep winning with the first tie-breaker in the M-1 Challenge being individual victory. Despite it being his pro debut, Frenchman Johan Romming used his world class wrestling ability to submit the more experienced Danny Giblin. Rob Broughton then enacted a small measure of revenge for England after he was declared a winner at 2:02 of round 1 due to a corner stoppage.

In the opener, the World Team evened its record to 1-1 following its 4-1 win over Gegard Mousasi's winless Team Turkey. The unofficial "Fight of the Night" honors went to a pair of light heavyweights who both had just been added to the event in the last seven days.
John Doyle, a man who once accepted a fight against Rafael Feijao in EliteXC on just eight days notice, made the decision to accept a fight vs. Extreme Challenge middleweight champion Ryan Sturdy on just 24 hours notice. Sturdy, also a late replacement, had just been added a week ago.

Doyle got off to a fast start and appeared to have almost knocked Sturdy out within the opening seconds of round 1. But a resilient Sturdy showed a strong chin and continued to engage in a back-and-forth fight that went the full two rounds. While it appeared that both Doyle and Sturdy had fought to a draw and that an overtime round would be needed, two of three judges scored the fight in favor of Sturdy.

In addition to Mousasi's appearing in Kansas City as Turkey's head coach, Fedor Emelianenko also made sure to attend the event while in the midst of his press tour to promote his M-1 Affliction "Trilogy" matchup with Josh Barnett on Aug. 1.
With five events for 2009 now in the books, the M-1 Challenge is set to return on July 4 in Seoul, South Korea. Additional information and complete lineups for the event will be made available at www.M-1Global.com in the coming week.
Official results for M-1 Challenge Kansas City are available below.

World Team vs. Turkey:
1. Lightweight (154 lbs./-70 kg.) - Akin Duran (Turkey ) def. Romano De Los Reyes (World ) via TKO (ground and pound) at 1:57 of round 3
2. Welterweight (167.2 lbs./-76 kg.) - Diego Gonzales (World ) def. Faith Dogan (Turkey) via TKO (ground and pound) at 2:16 of round 1
3. Middleweight (184.8 lbs./-84 kg.) - Nathan Schouten (World ) def. Ahmed Bayrak (Turkey) via TKO (ground and pound) at 3:21 of round 1
4. Light Heavyweight (204.6 lbs./-93 kg.) - Ryan Sturdy (World) def. John Doyle (Turkey) via majority decision
5. Heavyweight (204.6-plus lbs./+93 kg.) - Michael Kitta (World ) def. Liron Wilson (Turkey) via TKO (ground and pound) at 3:27 of round 1

World Team defeats Turkey 4-1

England vs. France:
6. Lightweight (154 lbs./-70 kg.) - Makhtar Gueye (France) def. Ian Butlin (England ) via TKO (strikes) at 0:09 of round 1
7. Welterweight (167.2 lbs./-76 kg.) - Gael Grimaud (France ) def. Simon Phillips (England ) via submission (triangle 1:29 of round 1)
8. Middleweight (184.8 lbs./-84 kg.) - Christophe Dafreville (France ) def. Matt Thorpe (England - 183.9) via submission (triangle) at 4:32 of round 1
9. Light Heavyweight (204.6 lbs./-93 kg.) - Johan Romming (France ) def. Danny Giblin (England ) via submission (North/South choke) at 1:59 of round 1
10. Heavyweight (204.6-plus lbs./+93 kg.) - Rob Broughton (England ) def. Soufian Elgarne via corner stoppage (injury) at 2:02 of round 1

France defeats England 4-1

USA East vs. Finland:
11. Lightweight (154 lbs./-70 kg.) - Renato Migliaccio (USA) def. Niko Puhaka (Finland ) via submission (armbar) at 4:18 of round 1
12. Welterweight (167.2 lbs./-76 kg.) - Janne Tulirinta (Finland ) def. Anthony Ford (USA) via TKO (strikes) at 0:11 of round 1
v3. Middleweight (184.8 lbs./-84 kg.) - Lucio Linhares (Finland ) def. Valdir Araujo (USA) via knockout at 1:25 of round 1
14. Light Heavyweight (204.6 lbs./-93 kg.) - Rodney Wallace (USA) def. Marcus Vanttinen (Finland ) via unanimous decision
15. Heavyweight (204.6-plus lbs./+93 kg.) - Lloyd Marshbanks (USA ) def. Toni Valtonen (Finland) via submission (neck crank/side headlock) at 0:55 of round 2

USA East defeats Finland 3-2

 

[Shogun Locc]

THERE'S STILL A L'IL EVIL LEFT IN JENS PULVER

Since returning to the UFC in September of 2006, Jens "L'il Evil" Pulver hasn't exactly ripped through the competition. In fact, he went 0-2 in the UFC, losing to Joe Lauzon and B.J. Penn, then transferred over to sister promotion WEC to try his hands once again in the featherweight division.

So far, the former UFC lightweight champion hasn't faired much better there. He started off strong with an impressive submission of an emerging Cub Swanson, but that's when he hit a virtual wall.

His next three bouts would see him drop a hard fought five-round battle to then-champion Urijah Faber, get TKO'd by contender Leonard Garcia, and then rematch with Faber, only to be submitted after falling to a stunning liver shot.

Even worse, he was asked after the second Faber bout if he felt he was "still relevant" in today's world of mixed martial arts.

That would send many fighters running for a dark corner to hide in – and it did rock the emotional former champion – but Pulver has been through a lot worse things in his life, so he doesn't have a very difficult time putting his fighting career into perspective.

"A lot of people see that I'm 0-3. Yeah, I am. I can't make no excuses," admits Pulver. "But where I've been winning, man, is what people don't understand, and that's in the personal life, my family, the home base, things that I was never gifted with growing up.

"My son is five months old now, and I've had the opportunity to be with him. It's been a blast watching him. For me, especially, having a son really hits home. Coming from the childhood I did and to see that little boy and be able to embrace him and love him, I never could understand how at four or five years old, I was already getting punched and smacked and things like that. I just don't see it. I don't see how you could be that way.

"I don't want people thinking I've just been sitting around losing. I haven't been losing at everything, just in the fighting game, but I've been winning so much more outside of it."

And that's the important thing to Pulver, who instead of traveling cross-country to train, as he has for his more recent fights, decided to stay at home for this one, enjoying his family.

"I love Matt Hume, the guys in Seattle, but it's like Pat (Miletich) said, 'Stop trying to find that magic remedy. Stop trying to find the magic potions. Go back to your roots.'" And that's just what he did in preparation for young buck Josh Grispi. "It's time for me to be home."

That whole yin and yang of life has a funny effect on a person. While his family life is at the greatest point that Pulver has ever known, it appears to have come at a certain cost to his fight career. He can certainly still restart his life in the fight game again, but even if he's able to do so, it will never be the same.

"So, the animal kind of died, the reason that I fought in the beginning. I didn't make up being a fighter. I didn't have to convince myself one day, 'hey, I want to fight.' I did it because it's all I knew. I didn't choose to be this; this is what I was chosen to be," said a particularly reflective Pulver.

"I've been winning a lot more than people understand.

"So yeah, how do I become the smiling Jens when I step into that cage? That's a different person man, L'il Evil just up and died on me. Now I just gotta become Jens, the guy who was a world champion and had the great conditioning, didn't have the best skills, but just turned around and beat everybody because he just had a bigger heart."

That's not to say that he's no longer motivated to fight. His well is deep with motivation.

"Taking that liver shot in that last fight, that's motivation. Being 0-3, that's motivation," says Pulver. "Am I going to throw in the towel? No. Maybe the former world champion is done, but me personally, no, I love this sport. I'm gonna fight until my body says we're done doing this."

So far, that's not what his body is saying. Right now, it's saying, "Be ready for this tough young dude of the next generation standing before you. Be ready for this guy that you paved the way for."

"I know his explosiveness. I know that he's very aggressive; he loves his kicks. He's got good kicks, good stand-up. I know he comes from Lauzon's camp, so you know he can grapple. He's tall; he's got reach. He's got a lot of gusto going behind him," assesses Pulver. "This dude is an animal. I think he's a great fighter."

But despite his recent downturn, so is he. No one can take away the fact that Pulver is a pioneer of the sport. He helped usher in the era of the smaller fighters. He cut the path through the jungle for the very competitors that he now struggles to overcome.

And even though he's smiling on the outside, there's still a L'il Evil that lurks inside of good old Smilin' Jens.

"At the end of the day, I'll still have those four gold belts that say UFC world champion on 'em. Do a lot of the haters? Doubt it, but you can come wax mine if you want."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Josh Barnett: ‘Rock Em, Sock Em’ Reilly will vote for MMA when he can get rich from it

"New York is a very big legislative district and there’s a lot of money going through here … [MMA] is an easy target for a politician to make it seem like he’s working for the money he’s gobbling up into his pockets through special interests and greasing palms, the old-boys network. Politicians aren’t really there to serve us, they’re there to serve themselves and to work and live in the political circle that it is and live off the political money that is in that circle. When the day comes that it’s more beneficial for them to have MMA (in New York) instead of attacking it, then things will change. Until they think they can get rich off it, they’re going to use it as their Rock’Em, Sock ‘Em Robot."