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Feb 7, 2006
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Pé-de-chumbo back to US; eyes the UFC

Former IFL fighter, Délson "Pé-de-chumbo" Heleno will be back to the North American stages on August 22. Scheduled to face Tyler Stinson at the Art Of Fighting 4, which happens in Florida, the athlete of Gracie Fusion is excited. "I’m training a lot, in the expectation. God willing, I’ll make a good fight and get to the UFC with strength and name", said Délson, making his plans clear.

"I’ll walk toward the UFC, that's my goal, but I believe there I have some barriers to cross. And I will cross to reach the top, which is the UFC. God willing, I will make good fights and get there to dispute that belt. That is my goal and I will run after it until I achieve it", guarantees the world champion of Jiu-Jitsu, analyzing his opponent, Tyler Stinson.

"I know little of him... I know he comes from Muay Thai, but if the fight goes to the ground he has a little Jiu-Jitsu, but I'm training a lot of Boxing and Muay Thai, and I’m giving a good lapidate on the ground with Gordo. At the time we will see what will happen", decreed, commenting about the preparation of the two times world champion Márcio "Pé-de-pano", who fights in the event against Tom Sauer. "We are training together and he’s well prepared. He’s training very well and definitely it will be a success, he’s a warrior", bets the black belt.
 
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SPRATT INJURES KNEE, EYES OCTOBER RETURN

It’s been an uncharacteristically slow year for former UFC welterweight Pete “Secret Weapon” Spratt.

After a disappointing 2008 that saw him go 1-3, Spratt spent the better part of the first half of this year out of commission, before returning in June with a victory over Alan Woods for the Steele Cage promotion.

Despite his eagerness to return to action and build on the victory, he will once again be relegated to the sidelines following knee surgery later this week.

As Spratt explained to MMAWeekly.com, “I had a little bit of a meniscus tear to the medial part of my cartilage in my knee.

“It flared up a couple weeks ago and got pretty bad, so I’m just gonna go in Friday and get it taken care of and get back on the road to recovery.”

It’s an injury that he’s been dealing with for a while.

“It’s probably been injured for at least a year,” said Spratt. “I’ve just been tolerating the pain and trying to do what I could to make sure that I was able to stay in a normal workout routine.

“Actually, like this week it feels fine. It hurts a little bit, but it pretty much feels fine, like it did before it flared up, but I need to go in and get it taken care of so I don’t have to worry about that flaring up on me later on.”

In regards to recovery time, like most athletes, Spratt and his doctor have different ideas on when he should be able to return to action.

“My doctor says it’s going to take four months, but I had my left knee scoped two times while I was in college playing football, and I was back to full-go in three weeks,” commented Spratt. “I’m anticipating probably three-to-four weeks and I’ll be back at full speed and training normally again.

“That’s ‘my’ goal, three weeks, but we’ll see.”

He is confident enough that he can recover in his own timeframe, allowing him to return to action sooner than later.

“In negotiations right now with the MFC for a fight on Oct. 2,” announced Spratt. “I’ve got a good month, month-and-a-half of recovery time, and I’ll probably be good to go the first week of September, and then focus on my fight in October.”

Always one of MMA’s most popular and accessible fighters, Spratt urges fans to keep an eye on his official sites, as he intends to keep everyone updated on his recovery and eventual return.

“You can follow me on Twitter, MySpace and on my Facebook page,” he said. “I try to keep the fans updated with what’s going on with me as far as any news or info on fights I have coming up.

“I’ve been getting a lot of (well wishes) already, so the fans have been good to me. I’m coming off a win in June, so I’m looking forward to keep that streak going once I get back.”
 
Feb 7, 2006
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ABC says old weight classes just fine, clears up "back of the head" definition and more

The Association of Boxing Commissions recently held its annual conference in New Orleans, and a number of revisions and clarifications to the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts were approved by the attending members.

The revisions, submitted by a committee established in 2008 that includes the heads of some of the largest and most influential athletic commissions in the nation, were intended to establish uniformity across the membership of the association.

Among the topics addressed were the addition of weight classes first discussed on 2008, a clearer definition of "the back of the head," and the place of downward striking elbows in the sport.

"To me, weight classes was the main issue," Nick Lembo, the legal counsel for the New Jersey Athletic Control Board and committee head, told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "I think it was crucial that they stay intact."

At the ABC's 2008 conference, a set of guidelines was introduced that called for the addition of several weight classes to the current nine-division system. That resolution was met with great resistance when it was first announced, and the updated Unified Rules uphold the previous set of guidelines.

One-pound allowances for non-title fights will still be allowed, as would catchweight contests that can be arranged at any weight limit.

The committee also approved a new definition of the "back of the head" which combines the previous "headphone" and "mohawk" descriptions.

"With the 'back of the head,' we wanted to get uniformity," Lembo said. "Some people were deadset on the 'headphone.' Some people didn't have a problem with the mohawk. But I just think for the growth of the sport...it should just be the same (across the country)."

Th actual submission from the commission reads:
"Strikes are not permissible in the nape of the neck area up until the top of the ears. Above the ears, permissible strikes do not include the Mohawk area from the top of the ears up until the crown of the head. The crown of the head is found where the head begins to curve.

In other words, strikes behind the crown of the head and above the ears are not permissible within the Mohawk area. Strikes below the top of the ear are not permissible within the nape of the neck area."
Or as Lembo put it, "Basically, if a punch touches the ear, it should be OK."

The commission upheld the definition of downward elbows as only applying to strikes that move directly from ceiling to floor, or "12 to 6," and agreed that the blows would remain illegal.

Blows delivered with any angle other than ceiling to floor, i.e. straight elbows to the top of the head delivered with an opponent in your guard, are not considered illegal strikes.

Lembo said a final area he also felt was crucial was the clarification of the handling of accidental fouls.

"The accidental fouls, I felt that was important, too," Lembo said. "I think that will clear up some misunderstanding that when you're not fouled by a low blow, you're not guaranteed five minutes."

According to the clarified rules, in the case of an accidental foul other than a low blow, a five minute recuperative period may be implemented, but the fighter is not guaranteed that rest.

From the commission:


"If a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts is stopped because of an accidental foul, the referee shall determine whether the unarmed combatant who has been fouled can continue or not. If the unarmed combatant's chance of winning has not been seriously jeopardized as a result of the foul, and if the foul did not involve a concussive impact to the head of the unarmed combatant who has been fouled, the referee may order the contest or exhibition continued after a recuperative interval of not more than five minutes. Immediately after separating the unarmed combatants, the referee shall inform the commission's representative of his determination that the foul was accidental.

If a fighter is fouled by a blow that the referee deems illegal, the referee should stop the action and call for time. The referee may take the injured fighter to the ringside doctor and have the ringside doctor examine the fighter as to their ability to continue on in the contest. The ringside doctor has up to five minutes to make their determination. If the ringside doctor determines that the fighter can continue in the contest, the referee shall as soon as practical restart the fight. However, unlike the low blow foul rule, the fighter does not have up to five minutes of time to use at their discretion.

For a foul other than a low blow, the fouled fighter is not guaranteed five minutes of recovery time. If deemed not fit to continue by the referee or ringside physician, the referee must immediately call a halt to the bout. If the fighter is deemed not fit to continue by the referee or ringside physician but some of the five minute foul time is still remaining, the fighter cannot avail himself of the remaining time.

If the referee stops the contest and employs the use of the ringside doctor, the ringside physician's examinations shall not exceed five minutes. If five minutes is exceeded, the fight cannot be re-started and the contest must end."


A number of other topics were addressed or clarified, including the amount of material and style of handwrap available to mixed martial artists, as well as the elimination of the six-ounce weight limit on gloves necessitated by massive-handed competitors such as Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin making their way into the sport.

Amateur regulations, the elimination of all greasing products other than Vaseline applied to the face, the procedure for tracking deducted points, the approval of five-minute rounds in female fights, the approval of linear knee strikes and a suggestion of mixed martial arts ID cards were all addressed by the committee.

One rule that will not change is the oft-contested "knees to the head of a grounded opponent" debate.

According to the report, "The entire committee believes that this maneuver should continue to remain as a foul."

The changes to the unified rules will need to be ratified by each commission, though Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer said many of the more active commission, including his own, have already made the adjustments.

"I don't think there were a lot changes that were made, at least to the commissions that were already active in the MMA world," Kizer said. "This will probably have a bigger effect on the states coming in, the states like Massachusetts, and some other states who are about to pass [regulation], or just passed it, like South Carolina. It gives them a good guideline to go on, and hopefully they'll enact them. It's up to each commission to do it, obviously, under federalism. But we hope that's what happens. The more uniformity, the better."

Lembo also said he saw no reason why each commission wouldn't be on board with the updated regulations.

"[The update Unified Rules] were voted on, and they could have been voted on as guidelines or voted on as something that everybody should put in place," Lembo said. "It was voted on that in the spirit of uniformity, everyone should conform to these rules – every jurisdiction."

The near 15,000-word document can be viewed in its entirety here.
 
Feb 7, 2006
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Shane Roller ready to erase memory of April loss with WEC 42 bout against Marcus Hicks

For WEC lightweight Shane Roller (5-2 MMA, 2-1 WEC), a former collegiate wrestling national champion, his wrestling pedigree has been the base for his initial MMA success

But after his disappointing April loss to Benson Henderson at WEC 40, that wrestling background also made life difficult.

"In wrestling, unless you're at nationals, you compete about every week," Roller recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio). "It's been four months or so since I got in the cage. It's tough to be sitting on a loss for that long and have to wait so long before you get in there again to redeem yourself."

Four months later, Roller will get that chance for redemption when he meets Marcus Hicks (8-2 MMA, 3-2 WEC) on the preliminary card of "WEC 42: Torres vs. Bowles" on Aug. 9 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

"I was just really irritated at the whole situation," Roller said. "I knew I should have won that fight, and it was a tough situation for me. I guess you learn some things."

With a granite chin, attacking Hicks on the feet has proven a difficult task. However, Roller will enjoy a significant reach advantage and said not to be surprised should he decide to stand and trade with "The Wrecking Ball."

"I'm prepared to stand up with him," Roller said. "I've been watching a lot of tape on him, obviously, and I think I matchup well in standup as well as the ground."

While far from a wrestler that's fallen on love with his striking, Roller admitted he does love the new-found feeling of a good strike.

"It feels good when you land a good punch on your standup," Roller said. "Not having done it so many times, you land a good punch – even in training – and you're like, 'Man, that felt good.'"

If Roller does elect to rely on his wrestling base, a skillset that led him to five-straight first-round stoppage wins prior to the loss to Henderson, he'll have to deal with Hicks' strength and submission skills. While most wrestlers struggle to feel comfortable on their back, Roller says his training has prepared him for all potential situations.

"I'm a little bit more limber, and I feel like I can throw my legs up and do some things that some wrestlers that are more stiff can't do," Roller said. "My guillotine is pretty tight from my back.

"In a fight, you obviously don't want to be on your back, but I don't fell like I'm by any means done if I get on my back. I feel like there's a lot of things I can do to change my position or end the fight."

Regardless of what strategy the up-and-coming the 30-year-old ultimately implements, Roller is just excited to step back in the cage. While some fighters feel a loss can bring insightful lessons, Roller is just ready to erase the memory.

"I don't think it's beneficial," Roller said. "It's been tough."
 
Feb 7, 2006
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Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza signs multi-fight deal with Strikeforce, debut expected in fall

Brazilian submission ace Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (10-2) is the latest acquisition to the rapidly expanding Strikeforce roster.

GracieMag.com was the first to report the signing, and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has since confirmed the new deal with organization officials.

Strikeforce Director of Communications Mike Afromowitz told MMAjunkie.com that while he could not divulge the full details of Souza's deal, the contract was of the multi-fight variety, and he did expect a fall debut from the 29-year-old.

Souza's past five appearances have been for the Japanese-based DREAM organization, a group with which Strikeforce is reportedly working on finalizing an "alliance," according to recent comments by Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker on "The Carmichael Dave Show."

Souza is currently expected to face Jason "Mayhem" Miller at October's DREAM.11 for the organization's vacant middleweight title. Afromowitz was unable to confirm whether or not that bout was in jeopardy.

GracieMag.com's report cites a potential Oct. 25 Strikeforce debut for Souza, a date the outlet states will also feature the organizational debut of recent signing Fedor Emelianenko. The report also states Fresno, Calif., is a likely location for the as-yet-unannounced event.

Afromowitz was unable to offer any information on the likelihood of the potential event.

Souza, who fought four times for DREAM in 2008, made his lone U.S. appearance in May of 2007. "Jacare" submitted Bill Vucick at the Gracie Fighting Championships in Ohio, a card that also featured Fredson Paixao, Demian Maia, Matt Brown, Vinny Magalhaes, Nissen Osterneck, Phil Cardella, Rafael Dias, Thomas Denny and Chris Brennan, among others.

A multiple-time world Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion, Souza has earned nine of his 10 career MMA wins by submission.
 
Feb 7, 2006
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Kendall Grove: ‘I’m going to break’ Ricardo Almeida at UFC 101

“[When Almeida fought] Cote, I learned a lot. Keep my level low. He does get frustrated when he can’t control you on the ground, when you shut down takedowns, he breaks as a fighter, but I’m a firm believer that he learned from that fight and he’s going to come out a little different, he’s going to come out more prepared. That’s what I’m going on. But I’m also going on the fight that he can be broken, and I think I’m going to break him.”
 
Feb 7, 2006
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5 Oz. Exclusive Interview with Takeya Mizugaki

It will be a busy time this coming weekend for Zuffa. On Saturday, the UFC 101 will debut in Philadelphia with UFC 101. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the WEC will return to Las Vegas and the Hard Rock with WEC 42 (VERSUS at 9 p.m. ET).

While UFC 101 will be a stacked card, WEC 42 should not be overlooked. Headlining the event will be the baddest bantamweight on the planet, Miguel Torres, taking on number one contender Brian Bowles.

Also slated for the televised portion of the card is another intriguing bantamweight matchup between Jeff Curran and former WEC bantamweight title challenger Takeya Mizugaki.

Despite being considered a top five bantamweight, little is known about the Japanese import. However, FiveOuncesOfPain.com was granted a rare opportunity to speak with Mizugaki and learn more about this amazingly talented fighter.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: A lot of the newer MMA fans may not know who you are, can you give us a little background on yourself?

Takeya Mizugaki: I started Kendo (Japanese sword fighting) when I was a first grade and continued until end of high school. I also played base ball in junior high school. I was a third baseman. I started MMA only after I graduated from high school.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: How did you get into MMA?

Takeya Mizugaki: I always liked watching MMA so I just wanted to get in for the experience. At first I had no intention of becoming a pro at first.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Where do you train at?

Takeya Mizugaki: I train at Shooting Gym Hakkei. I do mainly striking training there but also we have a wresting coach there so I do a lot of wrestling training there as well.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Where do you feel your strength is as a fighter?

Takeya Mizugaki: Striking definitely is my strength. Also I think I have got a pretty good sense of mental control. I never ever over excited for the fight.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: What do you feel you need to work on still?

Takeya Mizugaki: I need to improve on my wrestling skill so besides the wrestling coach at Shooting Gym Hakkei I also go to Kiguchi Wrestling School where Takanori Gomi and Genki Sudo are from, at least once a week.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Did you have difficulty adjusting to the different rules moving from Shooto to the unified rules of MMA?

Takeya Mizugaki: Not really. Well, I actually never even thought about it. I am striker so sure its better now that once I knock down an opponent then I can chase to finish the fight. But for the past year or two I have been fighting in
the cage so I really don’t think about this difference in the rules.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Do you prefer fighting in the ring or cage?

Takeya Mizugaki: I prefer cage. I feel like I can do ground and pound better in the cage for some reason.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Is there any particular advantages in the ring or cage?

Takeya Mizugaki: Well I am just used to fight in the cage but I am concern when the opponent pushes me to the fence because then I know it would be easier for the opponent to go for the single leg for the takedown so I gotta be careful but that is about it.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: You fight in the 135lbs. weight class but what do you actually weigh the day of the fight?

Takeya Mizugaki: I usually walk around at 155 so probably around there.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Who was your toughest fight to date?

Takeya Mizugaki
: Miguel Torres and Ryota Matsune. Both of them are very tough fighter.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Have you watched the tape of your fight with Miguel Torres?

Takeya Mizugaki: Yeah about ten times by myself and another couple times with my master Chairman Watanabe at Shooting Gym Hakei. Chairman Watanabe has said it was a good fight and also encouraged me by telling, “next time you can beat Torres.”

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Do you feel you won that bout?

Takeya Mizugaki: No Miguel won that fight. He was better than me on that night.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Which fighters would you pay to watch?

Takeya Mizugaki: Good champions like Torres and Fedor Emelianenko.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Are there any fighters that you look up to?

Takeya Mizugaki: Manny Pacquiao.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: If you weren’t a professional MMA fighter, what other line of work would you be in?

Takeya Mizugaki: I just got a master in electrical engineering so I guess I would be an engineer.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: How many more fights are left on your WEC contract?

Takeya Mizugaki: I believe four more including the fight vs Jeff Curran this weekend.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: What do you do to relax?

Takeya Mizugaki: Motorcycle. I love riding motorcycle but Chairman Watanabe always tell me to

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: When your not worried about making weight, what do you pig out on?

Takeya Mizugaki: I like meat. I am even fine with Hamburger after the weigh-ins. But my
favorite is a Korean BBQ.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com: And lastly, where do you see yourself in five years?

Takeya Mizugaki: I want to become a WEC champion and defend enough times then engage in a “power negotiation” with Mr. Dana White (laughs).
 
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5 Oz’s Exclusive with Brian Bowles: ‘Miguel Torres has never faced anyone like me’

How a fighter as talented and explosive as WEC bantamweight Brian Bowles has gotten used to being the underdog during his career in the WEC is beyond me, but as this undefeated finishing machine told FiveOuncesOfPain.com in the days leading up to the biggest fight of his 29 years on this earth, it’s a role he relishes.

Good for Brian, because the man he is set to butt heads with this Sunday evening in Las Vegas at WEC 42 is widely regarded to be one of the very best pound for pound fighters walking the planet in Miguel Torres. But hey, according to Bowles there’s no pressure on his side of things. He’s not expected to win. Things can only get better.

“I’ve always done well as the underdog,” admitted Bowles. “I’ve always been the underdog in the WEC. It seems like every fight I’ve fought in the WEC I’ve been picked as the underdog, and I haven’t lost yet. Another thing about being the underdog is that there’s really not that much pressure on because if I lose, you’re supposed to beat me. Of course if I beat him I surprise everybody, so it kind of takes a lot of the pressure off.”

The native of Athens, Georgia doesn’t feel too bad about not being favored to win. It’s Miguel Torres we’re talking about here. The man is as close to a super-hero as it gets in this world. The Carlson Gracie Jr. black belt has lost just once in a career spanning close to forty fights (a decision loss he avenged by first round armbar), and hasn’t dropped a single bout in his last seventeen bouts spanning well over five years against the toughest competition possible.

That’s okay with Bowles, underdog or not Torres has never faced anyone as dangerous as him, and there’s not a man alive that’s immune to mortality.

“I think everyone he has face has been looked over,” explained Bowles. “He’s been a really dominant champion but he has never faced anyone like me yet. I think I’m his biggest threat so far. I’m the guy that has fought my way up to him. Most of the guys, like Mizugaki just came right in and got the shot. I think people are going to be really surprised. I think a lot of those other guys have put up really good showings against him. I mean Yoshiro Maeda and Takeya Mizugaki both fought him really well. I think I’m going to surprise people. It’s definitely going to be a good showing either way.”

Bowles is coming into the cage on Sunday night to inflict pain and leave with a championship belt. There’s two ways about it. Just don’t expect anything but respect from Brian in regards to the current WEC bantamweight champion.

“Miguel is really well rounded and he brings his fight to the opponent,” said the Hardcore Gym trained brawler. “He’s defended the belt well. He makes no excuses, he just performs.

“He’s been a really great champion. I’m just glad that I have the opportunity to beat him. I think I can take that role as the best 135 pound fighter that he has. It’s the second best guy against the number one guy, I think it’s going to be a really big fight for the WEC. I don’t think they have that a lot.”

Of course all of that respect goes flying out the window once that cage door slams. Don’t confuse Bowles’ respect for fear; he’s going to bring it to Torres, leave nothing in the cage, and make no excuses afterwords.

“You can’t be intimidated by him,” said Bowles. “He’s going to go out there and bring the fight to you, and you just have to do the same to him. You just can’t be afraid of him.”

First off, anyone that has seen Bowles fight will freely admit that the he carries the type of dynamite in his fists that is seldom seen from men weighing under 150 pounds. Quite frankly, if Bowles clips you it’s going to be a problem. Torres is no exception to the rule.

“I think my punching power is something that has just come natural to me,” explained Bowles. “I’ve always enjoyed the stand-up. It’s not something that I’ve really worked on. It’s just something that has come to me naturally.

“Here lately, the hardest hitter I’ve seen him go up against was Takeya Mizugaki. Other than that I haven’t really seen he’s been in there with that hits like I do.”

You’re not going to beat a champion like Torres with heavy hands alone; Something Brian is well aware of going into WEC 42. He’s far from a one-trick pony in this fight game.

“I think my wrestling is going to allow me to dictate where the fight ends up,” revealed Bowles. “I definitely don’t see him shooting on me and taking me down. I think the wrestling will definitely play to my advantage, but I think the overall skills, and the fact that I’m really well-rounded is going to give him some problems.”

Not once has Bowles been pushed to the scorecards in his professional fighting career. So one way or another this one ends early, right? Not so fast. According to the anxious title challenger anything could happen in what promises to be a wild fight, and he’s prepared for anything.

“It’s a good possibility I’ll go the distance for the first time,” confessed Bowles. “He’s been in some decisions. This is going to be my toughest challenge so far so maybe I’ll make it to a decision with him. There’s really no telling where this fight could go. It could be a knockout or a submission, you just can’t really tell exactly how this fight is going to turn out. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.”
 
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Marlon Sandro and the loss at Sengoku

Idol in the slums of Santo Amaro, in Rio de Janeiro, Marlon Sandro couldn’t take one more title to his community. After 14 victories, the black belt of the Nova União suffered his first defeat in his career, right in the semifinals of the Sengoku GP until 65kg, which happened Sunday morning, in Japan. Facing the Japanese Michihiro Omigawa, Marlon lost in the split decision and contested a lot the decision of the judges.

"I always knew that I could lose one day, but I imagined losing by knockout, finalization, being beaten, but never being stolen. I looked over to domain the center of the ring during the entire fight and he was trying to put me down, which he only succeeded in the end. I trained three months to get there and serve as a ladder? To do this I had better stay at home. I left wife and son and came to Japan earlier to train and get adapted to the time and climate and the guys do that? It is a shame!", said, angry, the owner of the Pancrase belt.

Marlon defeated two opponents in the GP until 65kg to reach the semifinals, where he ended defeated. The champion of the GP was Masanori Kanehara, who had lost the semifinal to Hatsu Hioki. As Hioki was unable to continue to fight the final, Kanehara took his place and won the executioner of Marlon by the divided decision of jury. Check below a quick chat with Marlon, direct from Japan.

What did you think of the fight?
I always knew that I could lose one day, but I imagined losing by knockout, finalization, being beaten, but never being stolen. I looked over to domain the center of the ring during the entire fight and he was trying to put me down, which he only succeeded in the end. I trained three months to get there and serve as a ladder? To do this I had better stay at home. I left wife and son and came to Japan earlier to train and get adapted to the time and climate and the guys do that? It is a shame!

What was the reaction of the public when they gave the victory to Omigawa?
When they gave the victory to Omigawa, the public was amazed. When Felipe (Olivieri), who was in my corner, raised me up, everyone applauded a lot. Everyone who were near the ring said that I won.

You think you could have gone up more or the tactic was to set by, since you could do two fights in one night?
The tactic was to finalize or knockout, but we train to do the three rounds. I tried to finalize and knockout, but I couldn’t. There were two fights in one night and even then I didn’t thought about setting by, I went up to be clear and not leave in the hands of the judges. This is a shame! Such an event, of great magnitude, which is seen by the whole world, do such thing...

Did you ask for revenge?
I asked that the result of the fight was given the No Contest and challenged the champion before being announced. I said, in the interview right after the fight that, starting from that moment, the champion would be challenged. I don’t like to challenge anyone, but on the condition that my fight ended, I think it’s fair.

What did you think of the final? Did you expect that Kanehara, who had lost to Hioki, would come back and win?
I didn’t understand this final, because they do an alternate fight, but here in Japan everything can happen. I cheered with all my forces against Omigawa, and you can see, still had a judge who gave to Omigawa in the final. He only won because yoshida is from the organization and Omigawa is his student. He was in the guy’s corner...

After this, do you still want to continue fighting at the event?
I don’t know, now is a very difficult moment to say this, because it’s my job and I have no proposal yet. I think that, if this fight were in America, this wouldn’t happen. I would like to fight there.

When do you return to Brazil and what are your plans when you arrive in Rio?
I’ll still stay here to the fight of Felipe Olivieri, on August 8th. I arrive in Brazil on the 10th and when I arrive I want to rest with my son and my wife and then return to train hard. You can wait, because I’ll return stronger than ever.
 
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Formiga and the victorious debut in Japan

Who sees the young Jussier "Formiga" working as a motorcycle boy in Natal doesn’t imagine that he’s becoming a major star in his cateogory in MMA. Owner of the title of Shooto Brazil, the Brazilian won the chance to face the champion of Shooto Japan, Shinichi Kojima, in a fight that wouldn’t worth the title. Running over the champion and winning the decision, Jussier got a new fight against the Japanese, now for the belt.

"The way that this fight was, I think I’ll keep training and two months before the fight I’ll focus more on the technique above. I’ll keep the same strategy, but I’ll try to make the ground more, which I didn’t do much in this fight”, said the student of Jair Lourenço, who still has to reconcile the trainings with the work on two-wheelers. "I continue in the same routine, working and training. For a while I can handle it, I only work until noon and from there I have all day to train. We must plant good things for later reap the rewards”, commented Formiga. In an exclusive chat with TATAME, which you check below, the fighter talked about the fight in Japan, the trainings for the new challenge and his idols in the fight.

How was the fight against Kojima?
It was a very movement fight, much striking in the three rounds. It was my first fight that had few Jiu-Jitsu, though he’s strong of Wrestling. I think I could maintain a good rhythm, I was able to win all three rounds. He’s a very tough man, he's from the Kickboxing, kicks well, but I could do my strategy and could win.

Now you will dispute the belt of the World Shotoo. The expectation is to repeat the game or you will do a different estrategy?
The way that this fight was, I think I’ll keep training and two months before the fight I’ll focus more on the technique above, the Muay Thai and the Boxing. At the next, I’ll maintain the same strategy, but I’ll try to do more ground, which I didn’t do much in this fight. Lets see what will happen.

The fact that you won him once, by unanimous decision, gives you more confidence?
In a way it does, but I prefer not to think about it, I prefer to think more in the next fight, which is for a belt and is more important. Sometimes I even prefer to forget this fight. I won? Yes, but the next that will have lots of punches and will really be for the belt... It will be the fight of my life.

The belt of Shotoo Brazil is open?
It’s not very open, because I didn’t fought there. I'm still with him until November, when I’ll do this fight. After that fight, if I win the belt, I’ll have to deliver this one. But it is normal, I understand, I prefer to win the belt there, which is World Cup, and go to the first of the ranking.
Dedé told me that I will not fight now in Fortaleza, because I can only fight in Brazil Shotoo after I make this fight in Japan. I know that it will have a fight, but it will not be for the belt, for now. I’m in the expectation, training and hoping to make this fight in November. Regardless of the result, I’m there to fight.

How will be the training for this next fight?
I'm going back to Natal now, where I’ll train for two months. But before this fight I’ll do the same training I did for this one, end here in Rio. I’ll travel to Rio, spend 30 days and maintain the hard training of Boxing, Wrestling and Muay Thai. Then, I’ll travel there again. The expectation is to make a good fight and win this belt.

Wining the belt of Shotoo, do you pretend to continue fighting in Japan?
They spoke that might open the category 56kg in the WEC. I'm looking to make my name in Japan, but, if they open that category, with certainty Dedé will get a channel and try to fit me. If he succeeds, better yet, I’ll fight in America and make my name worldwide. I will always search to keep me at the top, fight with the bests, which is the most important in a career of a fighter, always be fighting with the best of the bests.

And how is your life out of the rings?
I continue in the same routine, working and training. I work as a motorcycle boy, but now only 6 hours a day, before it were 8h. For a while I can handle it, I only work until noon and from there I have all day to train. It improved a lot to me professionally, to have more time to prepare myself, but I try to always give the best of me in everything I do. We must plant good things to reap the rewards later.

Do you dream on living of the MMA?
Yeah. I have to do this, keep me on top and cheer for a chance in America and be able to live of the fight. I will be very happy if that happens, is my goal.

Who is your idol in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA?
In Jiu-Jitsu, for incredible as it seems, its Robson Moura, from the Nova União. He also has fought in Japan, but currently fights more in the United States. In MMA, who I admire most is Wanderlei Silva, because he’s a striker, goes to all or nothing, is like Mike Tyson... That makes me very euphoric.

You are from the Jiu-Jitsu and has as a fan Wanderlei Silva?
I’m a man of Jiu-Jitsu, in my fights it happens much to put down, but my mind is changing. I’m training a lot of Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and I fell that I’m being able to increase my rhythm and stay better in striking. I prefer to train more and more and maybe one day become a striker like Wanderlei.
 
Feb 7, 2006
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A historic day to MMA in Brazil

An event to be marked in the history of the Brazilian MMA. The great turn of the sport that fans and athletes dream started Monday, in Rio de Janeiro. In front of an audience with great personalities, of the main vehicles of communication in the country and the whole team of Bitetti Combat, the Governor of Rio de Janeiro, Sérgio Cabral, entered the octagon. Not as a fighter, but as a big supporter of the fight, it was what the Governor did on the afternoon of Monday (August 3), at the Guanabara Palace.

Getting down the stairs, walked beside Cabral the promoters Amaury Bitetti, Fernando Miranda and the Secretary of Tourism, Sport and Recreation Márcia Lins. In the audience, the president of Vasco, Roberto Dinamite, the Secretary of Sports Chiquinho da Mangueira and the Federal Police superintendent Ângelo Gioia were mixed with important figures from the world of fight as Robson Gracie, Oswaldo Alves, João Alberto Barreto and Oswaldo Paquetá, just to say some names of the many present.

Sérgio Cabral praised the Fight for Peace project, which will take martial arts to the pacified communities of Rio, and the present fighters, who have contributed next to the Police through seminars. Beyond that, dismissed any connection between the practice of fighting and violence: "I, personally, in the ring, was always a failure, I’m only good in the political struggle", said Cabral. "Today I follow closely the benefits of martial arts. I don’t know a more peaceful person then my son Marco Antônio, who practices martial arts. My son José Eduardo, 13 years old, now also wants to start practicing. The Government has worked alongside many great events and this will be one more. I guarantee that it will have international repercussions”, said the governor, who received from the hands of Bitetti a pair of gloves.

"It’s one of the most practiced sports in the world. The fight was very well developed in ancient Greece and appeared to be a balance between body and mind", also commented the Secretary Márcia Lins. After signing the documents that firmed partnership with Bitetti Combat and Fight for Peace until 2016 and Amaury Bitetti as President of the Brazilian Confederation of MMA, it was the turn of the fighters to show techniques. Cabral’s son, Marco Antonio trained with Milton Vieira. Ricardo Arona showed what he knows with Paulo Filho, Henrique Chocolate with Leonardo Chocolate and Rodrigo Artilheiro with Antoine Jaoude.

"We could make that the great artists of the sport, who are idolaters abroad, could fight here and at the largest stage, the Maracanãzinho. And all this coupled with what is most important, a social project that will take the sport to poor children", celebrated the organizer Fernando Miranda. "I thank God for the opportunity to represent here today many fighters. I ensure that it will be a great show. Thank you", speech Amaury Betetti, followed by many applause.

An audience of approximately 300 people observed the ceremony. Besides the majority of fighters of the card, beasts as Rogério Minotouro, Pedro Rizzo, Glover Teixeira, Alexandre Pulga and Luciano Azevedo, another important figures of the fight marked presence, such as the coaches Artur Mariano, Luiz Alves, Daniel D'Dane, Eraldo Paes and Sérgio Babu; the professor of fights in the PF by the ANSEF José Baioneta, the promoters of MMA André Bottino, Marcio Keske and Otávio Tatá, among many others.
 
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Joachim Hansen vs. Shinya Aoki title fight official for DREAM.11 in October

DREAM lightweight champion Joachim Hansen (19-7-1) will make his long-awaited first title defense against the man he beat to claim the belt, Shinya Aoki (21-4), at DREAM.11.

The long-rumored bout was officially announced by the Japanese-based organization earlier today.

DREAM.11 takes place Oct. 6 at Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa, Japan. The card airs on HDNet in North America.

Hansen hasn't fought since the July 2008 win over Aoki, a night he also beat Kultar Gill to claim DREAM's lightweight grand prix title and inaugural lightweight championship.

Hansen had been expected to face Gesias "JZ" Calvancante in January, but a last-minute medical clearance issue on the Norwegian striker's part forced the cancellation of the contest at the last moment.

Aoki has put together a 4-1 record since the initial meeting with Hansen, including wins over Eddie Alvarez and Vitor Ribeiro.

DREAM.11 will also feature the conclusion of the organization's 2009 featherweight grand prix and "Super Hulk" tournament.

The complete card for DREAM.11 currently includes:

* Featherweight grand prix finale
* "Super Hulk" grand prix finale
* Champ Joachim Hansen vs. Shinya Aoki (for DREAM lightweight title)
* Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (for vacant DREAM middleweight title)
* Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante vs. TBA*
* Bibiano Fernanders vs. Joe Warren+
* Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Hideo Tokoro+
* Kazuyuki Miyata vs. Daiki "DJ.taiki" Hatais^
* Hong Man Choi vs. Ikuhisa Minowa#
* Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou#

+ - Featherweight grand prix semifinal
^ - Featherweight grand prix reserve bout
# - "Super Hulk" semifinal
 
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FEG held its own press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday to formally announce the partnership between DREAM and Strikeforce.

Mitsuhiro Ishida was on hand to discuss his 8/15 lightweight title bout with Gilbert Melendez. Ishida told reporters he sees this as a huge chance and can't wait to fight Melendez again. He's been watching tape on Melendez since their last fight and saw in the Rodrigo Damm fight that Melendez is dangerous but still wild.

It was also announced that longtime Japanese official Yuji Shimada will be one of the referees at the August 15th Strikeforce event.
 
Jul 24, 2005
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Was Gegard Mousasi Actually Misled by M-1 Management

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Fighters Only Magazine has a report that has surfaced with a couple of comments from Gegard Mousasi regarding the rumors that he was, in fact, misled by M-1 management regarding his contract offer from the UFC. Most notably, Mousasi doesn't exactly kill the rumor at all:

Gegard Mousasi has said he will honour his agreement with Strikeforce following recent reports that his management had misled him about the amount of money the UFC had offered him for his services.

"I am fighting in Strikeforce now and Scott has always been honest to me," Mousasi told Fighters Only today. "I have a contract with Strikeforce and I am going to honor that."

The DREAM double-champion then said that he did not wish to comment on allegations that his management had misled him about the value of the UFC offer.

I hate fueling the speculation animal, but if the rumors were completely out of this world... Mousasi would have likely stated that they were false. Instead, he has resorted to not commenting on the rumor.

It's admirable that even if Mousasi was misled by his management, he will honor the contract that he did eventually sign, even though it may have been due to the fact that the UFC numbers were actually altered when he looked at them. This does, however, bring up some interesting questions regarding M-1 and Fedor.

I hate to continue beating the whole Fedor issue like a dead horse here, but if these rumors do end up being completely true -- Fedor may also be a victim of M-1's management team misrepresenting numbers to him. Furthermore, M-1 may also be misrepresenting everything to Fedor. His drawing power, his international appeal, and even his stateside presence could be fabricated stories that have influenced Fedor's decision-making skills. Call me crazy, but I don't think of Fedor as someone who surfs BloodyElbow.com or the UG regularly.
 
Feb 7, 2006
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John Howard: Tamdan McCrory perfect opponent for "Fight of the Night" at UFC 101

When considering which "UFC 101: Declaration" bouts could potentially earn Saturday's "Fight of the Night" bonus in Philadelphia, the options are undoubtedly plentiful.

But welterweight John Howard (11-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC) recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) not to concentrate your sole attention on the evening's main card, as he predicts his prelim bout with Tamdan McCrory (11-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) will also be in the running.

"I know [McCrory], and he's going to be a hard fight," Howard said. "It might be 'Fight of the Night,' to tell you the truth, because we know each other really well, and we go for broke."

Howard and McCrory both made their way to the UFC through the regional shows of the Northeast, twice competing on the same card, and each fighter competed for the Combat Zone, World Fighting League and Cage Fury Fighting Championships organizations prior to reaching the UFC.

"This could be a really hard fight," Howard said. "I respect him.

"Actually, we've been fighting on the same cards for years. We've known each other for years. We kind of came up the same route, and it's funny that we're finally fighting each other and it took the UFC for us to be fighting each other."

Howard is coming off of a split-decision win at UFC 94, a razor-thin victory that earned "Doomsday" a "Fight of the Night" bonus along with his opponent, Chris Wilson. McCrory has had mixed results in his five UFC appearances but looked impressive in a March win over Ryan Madigan at UFC 96.

Howard said believes his opponent has a well-rounded arsenal, but he hopes to create a stand-up encounter.

"There's not too many holes in his game," Howard said. "He's really well-rounded – good jiu-jitsu, good striking. He's really good. The only thing is I like to stand and bang. Hopefully he's going to bang with me. If that's going to happen, that's going to be a war beyond belief.

"He has maybe better kickboxing. I have better boxing. So I'm going to use my boxing to my advantage and see what happens."

Howard has earned just two career victories by knockout or TKO, and McCrory's long frame presents specific challenges when striking. But for Howard, McCrory offers the perfect chance to put on a show for the fans.

"We don't hold back," Howard said. "We leave it all in the ring.

"Styles make fights, and our styles match perfectly for this fight. We don't stop moving. Tamdan's not one to slow down, and I don't either. I just keep going. I know it's going to be a hell of a fight."
 
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HERMAN LIKELY TO STEP IN FOR IRVIN AT UFC 102

A knee injury has forced James Irvin to withdraw from a scheduled bout with Wilson Gouveia at UFC 102, radio host Carmichael Dave confirmed on Tuesday, making him the second combatant forced off the Aug. 29 card due to injury.

According to a report on Sherdog.com, Team Quest middleweight Ed Herman has agreed to step in for Irvin, although a source that spoke to MMAWeekly.com said Herman has not yet signed a bout agreement for the fight.

Herman (15-7) was scheduled to face Arizona Combat Sports standout Aaron Simpson at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard on Sept. 16, but he has been removed from the card, according to a separate source close to negotiations. He last appeared at UFC 97, defeating David Loiseau by unanimous decision. The win snapped a two-fight losing streak against Demian Maia and Alan Belcher, respectively.
 
Feb 7, 2006
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RIGGS STILL HOSPITALIZED, EXPECTED OUT NEXT WEEK

Strikeforce welterweight Joe Riggs is still hospitalized following a reaction to an undisclosed prescription medicine and is expected to be released next week.

Riggs' manager, Trevor Lally of Arizona Combat Sports, informed MMAWeekly.com of the news on Wednesday.

"Supposedly, they got it out of his system and they're switching medications for him, and he feels 100-percent better," said Lally.

Lally said Riggs wants to get back to action as soon as possible.

"He just had me call Bob (Cook) to see if there's a fight for him in the near future," he said. "They're going to clear him to start working out in about a week."

Riggs, a 26-year-old resident of Phoenix, Ariz., was rushed to the hospital in late July after suffering the reaction and was forced to pull out of a welterweight title bout against Nick Diaz at Strikeforce “Carano vs. Cyborg” on Aug. 15. He last appeared June 6 at “Shields vs. Lawler,” where he defeated Phil Baroni by unanimous decision.
 
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M-1 Global searching for new location for previously announced "Breakthrough" event

M-1 Global may be ready for a "Breakthrough," but California isn't ready to host it.

SI.com's Josh Gross reported on today's edition of his podcast "Gross Point Blank" that the previously announced "M-1 Breakthrough" event will not take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center as was originally planned.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has since confirmed Gross' report, though a source close to the organization insists the event will still take place on Aug. 28, though a new location has yet to be determined.

M-1 Global announced in July that "Breakthrough" would take place in conjunction with IMMAE, an international MMA trade show, and that the show would be broadcast on HDNet. Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal and Don Frye were announced as the evening's headliners, while Nick Thompson and Karl Amoussou were also slated to meet.

According to Gross' report, the organization never approached the California State Athletic Commission about the event.

"According to Bill Douglas of the [CSAC], who I talked to on Tuesday, he said that they hadn't heard a thing regarding the show," Gross said. "The original party involved informed them that the event was not happening, and they could take it off the schedule.

"It was supposed to be done in conjunction with an MMA expo at the L.A. Convention Center. There had been some meetings and some deadlines set, but those deadlines passed."

Gross' report indicates that M-1 initially sought to relocate the show to Nevada, and Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director confirmed with MMAjunkie.com that he had been approached about the possibility of a switch to Buffalo Bill's Resort & Casino in Primm, Nev. – but not by M-1 Global.

"I've never talked to anyone at M-1," Kizer said. "I know no one from M-1. But Roy Engelbrecht, he had contacted me about the possibility."

Engelbrecht, a respected promoter who has held a number of events on Nevada, is the owner of Roy Engelbrecht Events and a former COO of Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

"I said, 'Roy, I know no one from M-1,'" Kizer said. "'I know nothing about M-1. They need to get licensed.'

"Sometimes a promoter might have his application pending, but there's not time to have him get licensed in time for the show, so he might have to turn the show over to a licensed promoter and let that licensed promoter be the promoter."

Engelbrecht recently held a similarly co-promoted boxing event in Nevada with former middleweight champion boxer Fernando Vargas. Kizer said the NSAC was able approve the co-promotion because they were familiar with Vargas, and he was also in the process of having his license approved at the time of the event.

A promoter's license in Nevada costs $500 annually. Kizer said the renewal process each year is a simple one-page form, but the initial license application does require a bit more time and effort.

"The initial application process ... is more like 30 pages," Kizer said. "But it's very straightforward – personal history form, personal finance form, business questionnaire. You turn in your fingerprint cards, you post a $10,000 bond – which isn't very much per year to maintain – or you could actually purchase a $10,000 CD and then you get the interest, we don't. We don't get anything unless we have to cash it to pay back some ticket holders who got stiffed."

Kizer said he advised Engelbrecht to have an M-1 representative fill out the initial application.

"I told Roy, 'I'm not sure what to tell you, but let them know to at least get a packet, fill it out and send it in,'" Kizer said. "'Even then I can't guarantee that quick of a turnaround.'

"He wrote back the next day and said, 'They're going to do it in the Midwest instead.' I said, 'OK. They're still free to apply any time they want to.' Hopefully they will."

Gross' report suggests Oklahoma may be in line as a host for the relocated event, but Kizer insisted he hopes to hear from the promotion in the future – as well as another organization that is also currently unlicensed in Nevada.

"I've never met anyone from M-1 before ever in my life," Kizer said. "Roy's a damn good promoter, but it's like, 'Roy, what's the deal here?' And he understood. I said, 'Just tell these guys whether or not they want they want to pursue this show or not, if they're looking to do shows in Las Vegas, that's great – tell them to get the packet and fill it out as soon as they can.'

"I hope they still do that, and I hope Strikeforce does, as well."