MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

Hector Lombard signs with EliteXC

Some big-name talent has been added to the EliteXC middleweight division, which features current-title holder Robbie Lawler and No. 1 contender Scott Smith.

Cage Fighting Championship middleweight title-holder and former PRIDE fighter Hector Lombard (15-2-1) has signed a non-exclusive deal with EliteXC, according to a press release issued by the CFC.

Lombard had been slated to face Karo Parisyan at UFC 78 before visa issues kept him from entering the country. He instead signed with the CFC back in November.

The Cuban Judo specialist is now 8-0-1 in his past nine fights. Five of the eight wins have come via stoppage.

Terms of his EliteXC deal were not disclosed.

Lombard will first defend his CFC title against Fabiano Copoani at CFC4 on May 23 before he makes his EliteXC debut.

And he may not be the only CFC fighter headed to EliteXC.

"I am very excited for Hector as I believe he is destined to be our most successful export, and I see him fighting for the EliteXC title very soon," said CFC Director Luke Pezzutti. "I am also excited that EliteXC has agreed to work with CFC to give our other fighters international opponents and possible opportunities to fight overseas."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Rashad Evans readies for the "Iceman" -- An MMAjunkie.com Interview

In March Rashad Evans (11-0-1 MMA, 6-0-1 UFC) received a call from UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, who offered him the chance to fight Chuck Liddell (21-5) in place of the injured Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Evans jumped at the chance to fight the former UFC light heavyweight champion in what is now the main event of "UFC 85: Liddell vs. Evans."

Since winning "The Ultimate Fighter 2," Evans has gone two years without a loss in the UFC, and he recognizes that in this sport, you need to make the most of opportunities when they present themselves.

MMAjunkie.com (www.MMAjunkie.com) recently had a chance to speak with "The Ultimate Fighter 2" champion and Team Jackson fighter as he begins preparations for an eight-week camp that leads up to the fight.

Evans, who will fight in a main event for the second consecutive event, takes on Liddell June 7. The event takes place at the 02 Arena in London, England, and airs on pay-per-view.

Evans spoke about a number of topics, including a game plan for the "Iceman," fans' perceptions of "The Ultimate Fighter," and his feelings about possibly fighting Team Jackson teammate Keith Jardine in the future.

MMAjunkie.com: Chuck Liddell has quite a good record against opponents who are known as wrestlers. You are a guy with a strong wrestling base. What do you have to do differently to be successful against Liddell?

Rashad Evans: With Chuck you have to fight at different levels. You have to compete where he can compete as well as do your own thing. To get great shots, it's going to be about transitions and timing.

MMAjunkie.com: Your teammate Keith Jardine had a solid game plan against Liddell when they fought in September. How much are you going to be able to take away from training with Jardine?

Rashad Evans: Keith and I have very different fighting styles, so I'll have to approach it differently than Keith did, but there are things that we look for with Chuck.

MMAjunkie.com: Speaking of Keith Jardine, have you been training with him in preparation for his upcoming fight with Wanderlei Silva?

Rashad Evans: Yes, I've trained with him in New Mexico. I'm actually headed back next week to start camp for my fight that will last for eight weeks.

MMAjunkie.com: If you are successful in your fight against Liddell, how far do you feel you would be away from a light heavyweight title shot?

Rashad Evans: That's hard to say. It's up to the UFC. They have their reasons, and I really don't think about it because it might not come when I think it should, and I want to keep a positive attitude. [The light heavyweight division] is so deep right now. Keith is in position, and there are any number of guys that could get it done on any given night.

MMAjunkie.com: In hindsight, was it the right move for you to drop to light heavyweight?

Rashad Evans: Yes. I'd honestly have it no other way. I want to fight the best fighters.

MMAjunkie.com: Along those lines, where do you rank yourself in the light heavyweight division?

Rashad Evans: No. 1. That's how it has to be. If I go into a fight thinking my opponent is better than I am, I'm already defeated.

MMAjunkie.com: As an alumnus of "The Ultimate Fighter" television show, do you feel there are times you don't get the respect you deserve from some MMA fans?

Rashad Evans: Some people have an attitude. They act as if I was just given something without working for it. Overall the show was great for me. It was an opportunity, and I took it. I worked hard and made it to the UFC. Honestly I think I could have made it without the show.

MMAjunkie.com: I think some people might forget not everyone from the show makes it to the UFC.

Rashad Evans: Exactly. Some people don't take advantage of the opportunity and don't make it. Some people work very hard and do.

MMAjunkie.com: The phone rings. It's Joe Silva. There has been an injury, and he needs someone to fight Keith Jardine for the No. 1 contender's spot. What do you tell him?

Rashad Evans: I tell him thank you but no.

MMAjunkie.com: Really?

Rashad Evans: Keith is my friend. I value our friendship, and we have accomplished so much together. I just wouldn't want to do it. Plus, he knows all my secrets, and I know all of his.

MMAjunkie.com: Any shout-outs for your supporters or sponsors?

Rashad Evans: Yes, I'd like to thank TapouT for always being so good to me, and the guys at Unbreakable Mouthpieces.

 

[Shogun Locc]

"GI vs. Pro" debuts July 19 on FSN

Fox Sports Net and the Dallas-based SUN Sports & Entertainment Inc. have teamed up for a nine-episode MMA event series named "GI vs. Pro."

The series, which will be held under the "Art of War" banner, will air on FSN as one-hour shows on Saturday nights from July 19 to Sept. 13. All episodes are set to air at midnight.

The series was announced today through a press release, and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) can now report that the squads will be headed by UFC and BodogFIGHT veteran Nick Agallar (GIs) and PRIDE and UFC vet Chris Brennan (Pros).

The two captains are expected to meet in a superfight during the show's finale on Sept. 13.

Agallar (20-5) won seven straight fights from January 2002 to October 2003 to win a one-fight deal with the UFC, where he lost to Yves Edwards at UFC 45. The eight-year MMA veteran has won nine of his past 11 fights, which has included stops with BodogFIGHT, the Freestyle Combat Challenge, and the Mix Fighting Championships.

Brennan (19-12-1), a 12-year MMA veteran, won seven of nine fights from October 1999 to April 2002 and is a three-time UFC fighter. He's fought for a host of other top organizations, including PRIDE, Shooto and Cage Rage.

The show will pit current and former MMA-trained armed services members against professional mixed martial arts fighters from around the country. All fights will be scheduled for three, five-minute rounds and wil take place in a circular cage.

"MMA is on fire," said FSN VP of Production Gary Garcia. "This show, featuring intense battles between elite, fine-tuned athletes, is the perfect brand extension for the U.S. military to hit their target demo right between the eyes."

FSN announcer Jay Glazer and analyst Frank Trigg, who worked as the commentary team for the Pride Fighting Championships on FSN, will serve as the show's broadcasting team.

Florida-based Show Partners Inc. will provide television production, operations and design services for the series.

The fights will be pre-recorded and will air on "GI vs. Pro" on tape delay.

 

[B-Buzz]

Breaking News: Fedor Confirms Sylvia Fight

awwww weak, I was hoping this was going to be on the June card in Chicago.

 

[BROWN GUERRERO]

Wow, I am really excited for Fedor vs Sylvia. There was a lot of rumors(obviously false) that fedor was ducking tim and that it was one of the reasons he didn't sign to the ufc. Now we get to see Tim Sylvia get his ass whooped again by another former pride heavyweight!

 

[Shogun Locc]

Wow, I am really excited for Fedor vs Sylvia. There was a lot of rumors(obviously false) that fedor was ducking tim and that it was one of the reasons he didn't sign to the ufc. Now we get to see Tim Sylvia get his ass whooped again by another former pride heavyweight!

I can wait for this fight I also heard on the same card or sep6th Andrei Arlovski vs Ben Rothwell

 

[Shogun Locc]

Alexander Emelianenko's interview

In his interview to a major Russian newspaper the next day after his latest bout on M-1 Challenge 2 in Saint Petersburg Alexander tells about the victory, reveals the date of his upcoming fight, talks about evolution of sport in Russia and so much more in this huge interview.


What are your impressions from the event in Petersburg?


- I did not see all the fights, because when I fight, I try not to get distracted. I try to get focused and do some prelim exercises. I liked my fight. I came out and did what I had to do, and won. We will rewatch the fight with my coach, go through mistakes.


Is it plausible to compare the show with the likes of shows in Europe and America?


- Mixed martial arts is a young sport in Russia. Not one sport has gained such a popularity in such a short time. We already are filling the stadiums. On the other hand, we cannot organize everything as good yet. But we're trying. I think it will start working soon.


Your opponent was lower in class, it was noticeable. When will we be able to see you in a fight with someone who's considered to be one of the best in the world?


- I only found out who will be my opponent a week prior to the fight. Everyone refused to fight with me, he was the one who'd agreed. He is not weak, he's a good fighter, he had a lot of fights. It's just that I'm strong and train a lot. Today I am ready to fight with any top fighter, to prove that I'm the best!


Is it hard to recover after a loss?


- No. You just need to understand why you lost. And draw conclusions. It's not scary to come out for the next fight. I know that I'm the best. Let my opponents fear me. That's what they do anyway.


What are you upcoming plans?


- Today I will talk with a promoter, to try to negotiate a fight in Canada on May 10. I don't know an opponent yet. To win and to become the best in the world - those are my upcoming plans.


Where do you live and train now?


- In Petersburg. I don't know why they still announce that I'm from Stary Oskol, for my second fight already. I left that place a long time ago. Maybe because I don't have a permanent registration here. But I do have a temporary one. I rent an appartment in the center of the city. Valentina Matvienko (Saint Petersburg's governor) promised me to help with a place to live.


How did you come to the fighting sport?


- I started with Judo. At 16 years old I got a Master of Sports in Judo title. In 99 I won the Europian championship in sports sambo. Three times, in 2003, 2005 and 2006 I won the world championship in combat sambo. But I don't participate in those every year. It's more of a hobby for me. I fought so that I could get the titles of Master of the Sport. Sometimes I come to world championships to fight and my opponents quit. One of the championships I won without ever fighting. Didn't come out on the mat even once.


Klitchko brothers will never come out to the ring against each other, because their mother won't be able to handle this fight. What about you?


- Me and my brother will never fight each other - that's just not right. There is plenty of good fighters in the world, with whom we have not fought yet.


But can you imagine what ratings such a fight can bring?


- So what?! For money? Two brothers will beat each other senseless? It will never happen. Nobody even pitches this fight to us. They know that we will not even consider it.


Do your parents worry about you?


- Very much so. My mother wouldn't even let me do boxing in the beginning. But I liked this sport very very much. So I tried to trick her: I would hide my things in the post box in the lobby and would tell her "Mom, I'm going out". And would then go to the gym. At the same time when my friends would sit around on the street, drank beer and smoked.




How do you spend your free time?


- With my family. I have two daughters. Ksyusha - 8 years and Polina - just 7 months old. My spouse Olga helps me very much.


But they say that marriage is detrimental to a professional athlete. Because he starts to perform worse.


- It's the other way around for me. Whoever knows me will say that as soon as I got married, everything started going up. For all I have, I am thankful to my wife.


Do you train a lot?


- At 8 in the morning I take my daughter to school. Then I start the training. My first session is at 11. Then I rest, and take a nap right there. And then another session at night. And it's been like this for many years now. I don't really get stressed because of this. I will be performing for the next ten years.


Will your younger brother follow your footsteps?


- Vanya is in Lesgafta academy studying and majoring in wrestling. Although he broke his hand right now, unlucky punch. So this haluted his training regimen. But he is ready to fight and will follow our footsteps.


Did you have to protect yourself on the street at times?


- No. I'm either at the gym or at home most of the time. Don't go anywhere else for the most part. If someone wants something from me, I just stand there and listen; try to understand why he needs this. And then come to conclusion that it's not worth it to get myself involved. I turn around and walk away. And actually I like to go to a theater, and you really can't fight the kind of people that go to a theater (laughs).


Are you a fan of 'Zenit' (popular footbal footbaal team from Saint Petersburg)?


- Yes. I'm not a bad player myself. I love team sports. I even went to commentate one Zenit game on TV. I'm also being treated by the doctors of Zenit. Before my last fight, I had a temperature of 37.2 degrees for two weeks. At first I treated myself. Then I went to them. There was a suspicion that I had a pneumonia. They quickly brought me to my feet again, gave me IVs, vitamin shots.


Do you know any players?


- Whenever I come to their center, we always talk to Riksen. He also has many tattoos. I also know Radimov and Krizhanats.


It's been a while since strongest fighters faced each other. Maybe, it's time to organize some unified tournament, where all the fighters in the world would compete, no matter which organization they're from?


- I would gladly participate in such a tournament. UFC (american mixed martial arts), for example, won't take me, because if they let me in there, I would beat everybody and take the belt to Russia. They don't want that. They want their own American champions. We alreayd beat everyone in Japan, even though no one bet on us.


What makes Russian fighters be the best in the world?


- Our will! And the huge amount of work we perform in training.


Who do you think is the best fighter in the world?


- I'm prepared to fight with the best, to prove that I am the best.


Do we have upcoming fighters, who will replace those who currently glorify Russia?


- Yes, but we have a difficult situation with sports today. Dmitriy Medvedev said that only 20% of young people participate in some sports. My coaches tell me that it's more like 2%. This will not lead to anything good. Before, everything was free, and now all they gyms are becoming paid. And now all the of them are getting empty.


And it's easier to just drink with your friends than to work out hard during training?


- But I like to work hard. What am I going to prove to anybody, by drinking more vodka?

 

[Shogun Locc]

Another fight in Sengoku 2 announced

Sengoku announced about participation of Kevin Randleman and Big Jim York on Apr 3. Today, Apr 4, Sengoku announced a fight of Yuki Sasaki vs Jorge Santiago in GRABAKA gym. In this press conference, Kikuta, Gono, Yokota and Fukuda showed up.


Sasaki is one of great fighters who supported GRABAKA since being founded. He has leadership and is very cool guy. He is one of the top middleweight fighters in Japan who fought in SHOOTO, PANCRASE and the UFC. Sasaki was supposed to fight Santiago last Nov in the middleweight tournament of StrikeForce, although, he couldn't pass a medical check by California Athletic Commission and its fight was canceled.

Sasaki: When I first saw Santiago, I had an instinct of fighting him someday. I was disappointed that I couldn't fight him in StrikeForce last year, although, I'm glad to have this opportunity in Sengoku. I don't want to be defeated by anybody, especially a fighter who belongs to a big team such as American Top Team.

Kikuta: Sasaki is a total fighter who has good ground and standing techniques. He hadn't had chances fighting in any big events in Japan before. I'm appreciative of getting an offer from Sengoku. I hope he does his best.

Gono: He is a guy who everybody rely on, and gives us good advice. He is like Bustamante in BTT. He didn't have good chances in his past. He has a lot of potential and I hope he will be a top fighter starting from this event.

Fukuda: I have my fight in May and train together. I hope he has his fight.

Yokota: His ground technique is the top level in GRABAKA. I hope he prove himself and win.

 

[Shogun Locc]

DREAM: announced 4 fights in the Lightweight GP 2R

After announcing about Aoki vs Calvan, Kwajiri, Ishida and Nagata showed up, and 4 fights in the Lightweight tournament 2R was announced.


Sasahara: We had Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro, Kazunori Yokota , Caol Uno and Gilbert Melendez in our mind as a recommended fighter by DREAM. Ribeiro has a full schedule as a champion in another event. Yokota is in injury. Based of the past records and achievements of Melendez and Uno, we chose Uno.

Ishida: I cannot understand about a frame of a recommended fighter to be honest. I don't even see Uno here today. I wanted to fight someone who won 1R and advanced to the 2R though. I wonder why one person can start from the 2R. (To a question what he thinks about Uno) He was a champion of SHOOTO when I was a trainee in Takada Dojo. I respected him at that time, however, I don't know now.

Kawajiri: I'm very disappointed of my fight in the 1R. I trust my ability next time and prove myself.

Nagata: I will fight anybody. To get this title, I will do my best.

Aoki: Has my opponent in the 2R been announced yet? I haven't heard about it. However, that's the promoter's business and not my business. I will show 120% of myself to my fans on Apr 29. I will prove myself.

Sasahara: I hope we are able to have a fight of Nagata vs a winner of Aoki and Calvan in DREAM 3. I understand the possibility that a winner is not ready to fight in DREAM 3. I offer a fight in such a short notice and they may get injury. I offer this fight not as a part of the tournament but as one match.

 

[Shogun Locc]

DREAM: Announced the rematch of Aoki vs Calvan

DREAM had a press conference to announce 4 fights in the Lightweight tournament 2ND Round and the official result of Aoki vs Calvan on Mar 15. DREAM decided to do their fight over on Apr 29 and the winner will fight Katsuhiko Nagata in DREAM 3



Sasahara: We inspected their fight video with a rule director. Aoki complained of getting Calvan's elbow to his neck. As a result of watching their fight carefully again and again, we couldn't tell exactly what happened. From one side we say Calvan's elbow hit Aoki's neck, and from another side we didn't see that happened. We also have been requested to have a rematch by the fans. So we asked both fighters to fight again in DREAM 2 and they consented to our offer.

Aoki: I couldn't fight him in NYE and I had a result like that on Mar 15. I'm so mad and want to complain about many things. I will put all my anger into my next fight and definitely win. I will show what I want to say in the ring. (To a question about his condition) I will be 100% ready in the very day of my fight. It doesn't matter if I'm training now or not. I have to be ready for my fight no matter what.
** He looked like very unpleasant and being irritated, and didn't talk much. He left after the conference immediately and didn't have an interview with press.

 

[UCDgreek]

I can wait for this fight I also heard on the same card or sep6th Andrei Arlovski vs Ben Rothwell

Shogun, did arlovski officially sign with them. Ive been waitin to hear about him but didnt see any articles. big loss to ufc if he really did sign with them.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Shogun, did arlovski officially sign with them. Ive been waitin to hear about him but didnt see any articles. big loss to ufc if he really did sign with them.

I heard that was a rumored fight just like the Fedor Big tim fight before it was comfirmed. So right now it is a rumor but I would not be suprised if AA left after the way we was treated.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Sam Vazquez Cause Of Death Officially Determined

The Harris County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed that Sam Vasquez died from a severe brain injury sustained in an officially sanctioned MMA contest on November 30, making him the first fighter in the history of the sport to pay the ultimate price.
The 35-year-old Vasquez was knocked out by Vince Libardi in the third round of their bout which took place on October 20 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Tx.

Vasquez suffered a subsequent stroke while hospitalized and underwent two surgeries to remove blood clots that formed in his brain. He eventually passed away on November 30.

Vasquez is survived by a wife and a seven-year old son. MMAMania has pointed out that there is a memorial fund set up to help the family finantially. You can contribute by sending contributions to the following address.

TEXAS MMA FIGHT SHOP
c/o Sandra Vasquez
5720 Mobud Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78238

 

[Shogun Locc]

Behold.....The YAMMA Pit
Here’s a quick video which reveals the “new” fighting surface that they intend to use at this Friday’s YAMMA Pit Fighting event in Atlantic City, New Jersey. To me it looks like Chuck Norris’ WCL surface with a cage around it, but what do I know? I’ll be interested to see how it works in MMA and how it plays out at Friday’s event, but I don’t think it’s “revolutionary” enough for YAMMA Pit Fighting to ride on.

And is it just me or does Bob Meyrowitz sound like the anti-promoter? The guy sounds like I should be listening to him lecture a college classroom about the Civil War or something, not a fight promoter. Thanks to MMA Mania for digging up the vid.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Report: Ben Saunders vs. Jared Rollins at UFC 86

MMA Junkie is reporting that a bout between Ben Saunders and Jared Rollins has been signed off on by at least one of the fighters for UFC 86 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Saunders is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Dan Barrera at the TUF 6 Finale where the two met in a rematch of their controversial fight on the show. Rollins, on the other hand, is coming off of a TKO loss to Jon Koppenhaver at the TUF 6 Finale.

This is a solid addition to the undercard of a pay per view which features TUF 7 coaches Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Forrest Griffin squaring off for the UFC light heavyweight crown.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Zuffa's Dangerous Summer

Zuffa will be on dangerous ground this summer, and by the time August rolls around, the shape of the MMA business could be completely changed, or Zuffa could emerge as the uncontested and permanent leader.

The first dangerous event for Zuffa is coming up soon, and that is the CBS Elite XC show with Kimbo Slice. According to Dave Meltzer, Kimbo Slice is actually going to get a cover story on ESPN magazine. The man is becoming a phenomenon, and it's actually sad how badly Zuffa misread his potential. This should help increase the buzz for the CBS debut show. Regardless of the outcome of that show, it is bad for Zuffa either way. If the show is a hit they have a major competitor, if it fails it will tarnish MMA's reputation as a broadcast draw for years. Still, they are surely hoping it fails. The success of this show may also determine whether or not they make a last ditch effort to keep Tito Ortiz.

In July, Affliction and Mark Cuban will put on a PPV show with Fedor headlining against Tim Sylvia. It's not all finalized yet, so I wouldn't be surprised if it falls apart, but this is a big one too. Cuban has big money, and this will really test the value of Sylvia without the UFC brand, and Fedor in the US. I think the show will sell out, but I don't expect it will do a lot of PPV buys. My best guess is 30-45,000. If Fedor loses, Randy's entire gambit is a wash, and it would be a huge victory for Zuffa in terms of maintaining a stranglehold on big fights.

The other big summer event is going to be what happens when Randy's promotional contract expires. Sometimes over the spring or in the summer a court will make an initial declaratory judgment on Randy's contractual status as a fighter. The two sides are battling over removal issues at the moment, because Cuban's people pulled a clever legal trick to manipulate jurisdiction to keep it out of federal court.

By the time August rolls around, we could have 2 major competitors to The UFC and a free Randy Couture on the road to facing Fedor for one of them, or we could have a situation where both flop, Randy loses his case, Fedor loses his fight, and Zuffa emerges supreme. Or, most likely, we will have some kind of combination of the above, leaving things murky. It should be an interesting summer.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Alexander Emelianenko: UFC ‘won’t take me’

In his interview to a major Russian newspaper the next day after his latest bout on M-1 Challenge 2 in Saint Petersburg Alexander tells about the victory, reveals the date of his upcoming fight, talks about evolution of sport in Russia and so much more in this huge interview.

We spoke to Sasha a day after the 'M-1 Challenge' event in St. Petersburg. Teams from Japan, Korea, Finland and Russia took part in the event. There were also three main bouts. All three with Russian participants. And all three ended up with Russian wins. In one of the fights Aleksander Emelianenko knocked his opponent out in the first round.


- 'I'm very tired. After the fight I didn't get a chance to rest. First there was an afterparty, then I sent my friends off to Moscow, and just now came back from the countryside with my family' - said the champion as soon as we sat down behind the table in a comfortable bar. We did not order any alcohol to relax. It's not fitting for a journalist, and Sasha doesn't drink at all.


What are your impressions from the event in Petersburg?


- I did not see all the fights, because when I fight, I try not to get distracted. I try to get focused and do some prelim exercises. I liked my fight. I came out and did what I had to do, and won. We will rewatch the fight with my coach, go through mistakes.


Is it plausible to compare the show with the likes of shows in Europe and America?


- Mixed martial arts is a young sport in Russia. Not one sport has gained such a popularity in such a short time. We already are filling the stadiums. On the other hand, we cannot organize everything as good yet. But we're trying. I think it will start working soon.


Your opponent was lower in class, it was noticeable. When will we be able to see you in a fight with someone who's considered to be one of the best in the world?


- I only found out who will be my opponent a week prior to the fight. Everyone refused to fight with me, he was the one who'd agreed. He is not weak, he's a good fighter, he had a lot of fights. It's just that I'm strong and train a lot. Today I am ready to fight with any top fighter, to prove that I'm the best!


Is it hard to recover after a loss?


- No. You just need to understand why you lost. And draw conclusions. It's not scary to come out for the next fight. I know that I'm the best. Let my opponents fear me. That's what they do anyway.


What are you upcoming plans?


- Today I will talk with a promoter, to try to negotiate a fight in Canada on May 10. I don't know an opponent yet. To win and to become the best in the world - those are my upcoming plans.


Where do you live and train now?


- In Petersburg. I don't know why they still announce that I'm from Stary Oskol, for my second fight already. I left that place a long time ago. Maybe because I don't have a permanent registration here. But I do have a temporary one. I rent an appartment in the center of the city. Valentina Matvienko (Saint Petersburg's governor) promised me to help with a place to live.


How did you come to the fighting sport?


- I started with Judo. At 16 years old I got a Master of Sports in Judo title. In 99 I won the Europian championship in sports sambo. Three times, in 2003, 2005 and 2006 I won the world championship in combat sambo. But I don't participate in those every year. It's more of a hobby for me. I fought so that I could get the titles of Master of the Sport. Sometimes I come to world championships to fight and my opponents quit. One of the championships I won without ever fighting. Didn't come out on the mat even once.


Klitchko brothers will never come out to the ring against each other, because their mother won't be able to handle this fight. What about you?


- Me and my brother will never fight each other - that's just not right. There is plenty of good fighters in the world, with whom we have not fought yet.


But can you imagine what ratings such a fight can bring?


- So what?! For money? Two brothers will beat each other senseless? It will never happen. Nobody even pitches this fight to us. They know that we will not even consider it.


Do your parents worry about you?


- Very much so. My mother wouldn't even let me do boxing in the beginning. But I liked this sport very very much. So I tried to trick her: I would hide my things in the post box in the lobby and would tell her "Mom, I'm going out". And would then go to the gym. At the same time when my friends would sit around on the street, drank beer and smoked.




How do you spend your free time?


- With my family. I have two daughters. Ksyusha - 8 years and Polina - just 7 months old. My spouse Olga helps me very much.


But they say that marriage is detrimental to a professional athlete. Because he starts to perform worse.


- It's the other way around for me. Whoever knows me will say that as soon as I got married, everything started going up. For all I have, I am thankful to my wife.


Do you train a lot?


- At 8 in the morning I take my daughter to school. Then I start the training. My first session is at 11. Then I rest, and take a nap right there. And then another session at night. And it's been like this for many years now. I don't really get stressed because of this. I will be performing for the next ten years.


Will your younger brother follow your footsteps?


- Vanya is in Lesgafta academy studying and majoring in wrestling. Although he broke his hand right now, unlucky punch. So this haluted his training regimen. But he is ready to fight and will follow our footsteps.


Did you have to protect yourself on the street at times?


- No. I'm either at the gym or at home most of the time. Don't go anywhere else for the most part. If someone wants something from me, I just stand there and listen; try to understand why he needs this. And then come to conclusion that it's not worth it to get myself involved. I turn around and walk away. And actually I like to go to a theater, and you really can't fight the kind of people that go to a theater (laughs).


Are you a fan of 'Zenit' (popular footbal footbaal team from Saint Petersburg)?


- Yes. I'm not a bad player myself. I love team sports. I even went to commentate one Zenit game on TV. I'm also being treated by the doctors of Zenit. Before my last fight, I had a temperature of 37.2 degrees for two weeks. At first I treated myself. Then I went to them. There was a suspicion that I had a pneumonia. They quickly brought me to my feet again, gave me IVs, vitamin shots.


Do you know any players?


- Whenever I come to their center, we always talk to Riksen. He also has many tattoos. I also know Radimov and Krizhanats.


It's been a while since strongest fighters faced each other. Maybe, it's time to organize some unified tournament, where all the fighters in the world would compete, no matter which organization they're from?


- I would gladly participate in such a tournament. UFC (american mixed martial arts), for example, won't take me, because if they let me in there, I would beat everybody and take the belt to Russia. They don't want that. They want their own American champions. We alreayd beat everyone in Japan, even though no one bet on us.


What makes Russian fighters be the best in the world?


- Our will! And the huge amount of work we perform in training.


Who do you think is the best fighter in the world?


- I'm prepared to fight with the best, to prove that I am the best.


Do we have upcoming fighters, who will replace those who currently glorify Russia?


- Yes, but we have a difficult situation with sports today. Dmitriy Medvedev said that only 20% of young people participate in some sports. My coaches tell me that it's more like 2%. This will not lead to anything good. Before, everything was free, and now all they gyms are becoming paid. And now all the of them are getting empty.


And it's easier to just drink with your friends than to work out hard during training?


- But I like to work hard. What am I going to prove to anybody, by drinking more vodka?


So what to do?


- In our country sport athletes are not rewarded at all. I have a friend who's a Combat Sambo world champion. But he has to survive and feed his family, so he works as a bouncer at a bar. Another friend who's an olympic champion. He tells me: "I'm about to go to the new Olympic games, but they still have not given 50,000 G for the previous Championship I tooka part in." And he's an olympic champion - this is the highest status you can achieve in any sport.

 

[Shogun Locc]

CERRONE READY FOR CRUNKILTON'S WEC CHALLENGE

World Extreme Cagefighting on Monday confirmed a June 1 bout between Rich Crunkilton and Donald Cerrone.

The fight will take place at the ARCO Arena, as the promotion once again hits the road, this time stopping in Sacramento, Calif. It is the WEC’s most ambitious venue to date. The arena has a capacity of just over 17,000.

The WEC plans to fill those seats with fans of hometown hero Urijah Faber, the current 145-pound divisional champion and No. 1 ranked featherweight in the world. He faces one of his toughest challenges to date in former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight titleholder Jens Pulver.

The bout between Crunkilton and Cerrone is likely to determine the No. 1 contender for the WEC lightweight title currently held by Jamie Varner.

Making his return following an eight-month suspension for testing positive for a banned diuretic, Cerrone feels he is more than ready for the challenge a veteran such as Crunkilton presents.

“I’ve had eight months,” he said, referring to the length of his suspension, “so I should be okay.

“I’m not really in a hurry for a title shot or to get anywhere in my career, really. I’m young, I’ve got time, but I’ll gladly take it if that’s what the WEC wants.”

When his suspension was handed down, Cerrone said, “I just want to get past this and move on... get back to training and come back stronger and better.” And that is what he has focused on over the past several months.

“I’m actually glad the commission suspended me,” stated the undefeated fighter. “Because it means they’re looking out for us, trying to keep it safe. I mean, I’m not happy that I got suspended, of course, but I’m glad they’re looking out for us.

“It’s allowed me time to work on my game. I’ve been training really hard at (Greg) Jackson’s and I’m working with Duane Ludwig, as well.”

Originally coming from a kickboxing background, where he held a record of 22-0-1, might Cerrone be looking for his first mixed martial arts knockout after finishing all of his opponents thus far by submission?

“Tell Crunkilton not to take me down and we’ll go.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Exclusive: Hermes Franca

PDG: Since your loss to Sean Sherk @ UFC 73, what have you been doing?
Hermes: I have been teaching and traveling a lot, doing training seminars. I have a lot of amateur fighters that are training hard to get ready for their upcoming fights. I have also been trying to rest my body because I had fought like eight fights in one year's time before my fight with Sean.

PDG: When does your suspension end?
Hermes: July 5th.

PDG: Is there anything you would like to tell your fans about your suspension?
Hermes: I made a mistake.........I was fighting too much and I was addicted to fighting. The effect that had on my body caused me to make that mistake. I definitely know who my real friends are now. I have received a lot of support and I want to thank those fans. Everyone make mistakes and when my suspension is up in going to fight again.

PDG: Are you going to be able to go back to the UFC?
Hermes: I don't know, all of those details are being handled by my management. My job is to fight and train hard and their job is to set up the fights.

PDG: You won eight fights in a row before your loss to Sherk; you took your longest break which was only six months before that fight.
Hermes: It was good and it was bad to take that time off. I think I was too confident because I fought against Jamie Varner who is now the WEC champ, I fought against Ryan Schultz who is now the IFL champ. I fought against and beat a lot of tough guys but I don't want to take anything away from Sean. Now I'm thinking about the long term of my career and I would like to have two to three fights per year. That way I can fight forever and having this time off has shown me that Hermes the businessman can make money without fighting.

PDG: You left the Armory, what fight camp are you with now?
Hermes: Yes, I left the armory in October of last year but I still help out at all of the academies that I have trained at. I have helped with the American Top Team here in Florida also, but now I want to work for myself and concentrate on building up my name. Team Hermes Franca is the name of my new team. Premier Martial Arts has several academies that I'm affiliated with like Palm Beach Boxing Club. I am also looking at being affiliated with two more academies before the end of the year.

PDG: What fighters have you been working with?
Hermes: Primarily, I have been training a lot of my amateur fighters. Also, I have been working with Rich Crunkilton down in Daytona Beach. A lot of guys that are both professional and amateur.

PDG: Are you training personally or just helping other fighters?
Hermes: I have been very busy so I have just been training for fun, since right now I don't have any fights coming up. I still really like to do grappling and boxing training with my students. When my suspension is over and I get a fight signed, then I will take a couple of weeks off and go to a camp and train hard.

PDG: Your fight with Sean was a close decision; would you like a rematch?
Hermes: I don't want to challenge anyone but of course I would fight him again. In my opinion, that fight should have been ruled a no contest. So like I said, I'm not challenging anyone but I would definitely welcome a rematch.

PDG: Okay, so not challenging anyone.......who out there would you like to fight because you think that it would be a great fight for the fans?
Hermes: When I come back, I want to fight the best and right now BJ Penn is the best. We are great friends and good partners but right now he is number one and he has the belt. So if I had a the chance to fight him, I would take the fight. No offense to BJ, like I said he is a really good friend but he has the belt.

PDG: What do you think about all of the TV deals that the other organizations besides the UFC are signing?
Hermes: That is really good and it creates opportunity for everybody. The UFC is still at the top but the other organizations are really good. I remember when I started fighting there was only one or two organizations. Now there are like 12 different ones.

PDG: It seems like a new one pops up almost every week
Hermes: [laughs] It sure does but like I said the UFC is still the pioneer of the sport and at the top of the list. But it is really good for the sport to have so much competition. The more shows the better for the fans and the fighters.

PDG: You fought in many different organizations, which one did you have the most fun fighting in?
Hermes: K-1 paid me very well and they were very nice and very cool. They took care of everything. Every organization that I have fought for have been very accommodating and friendly. Of course some of the smaller organizations didn't have the money for five-star hotels and limousines but they still take care of you the best that they could.

PDG: Speaking of K-1, they have a big event tonight. K-1 World Max Final 16 from Hiroshima.
Hermes: They have really good fighters over there, in fact I think they have the best fighters in the world in K-1.

PDG: Buakaw Por. Pramuk is fighting Albert Kraus.
Hermes: Buakaw is the man. He is really good and I would love to go to Thailand and train with him. Albert is another great fighter, really good. Like I said everybody over there is really good. The best of the best kickboxers from all over the world are there.

PDG: Thanks for taking the time, is there anything else that you would like to add?
Hermes: Thanks a lot and I want to thank Premier Martial Arts and all of the fans of mine that have stood by me and continue to support me. I love all you. Thank you very much.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Fedor's Manager Confirms Fight With Tim Sylvia Is Not Yet Signed

Last Monday, Fightline.com broke the news that Fedor Emelianenko and Tim Sylvia were close to signing a bout agreement to square off against one another in an epic and highly anticipated match up of two of the worlds best heavyweights. Click here to view that report.
Our exclusive sources informed us that the fight was in "serious discussions" but was not yet a done deal. Then yesterday, Sherdog.com spoke directly with Fedor himself, who confirmed that the fight was set to take place and would be held this July.

Today, Vadim Finklestein, Fedor's manager, confirmed our initial report, stating the following via M1mixfight.com:

"At the moment we can't certainly say the bout will take place come July because the contract is not signed. However, the both parties are involved in the negotiation process and we are about to break the finishing tape although we haven't come to an agreement concerning every detail as of yet"

As we've stated before, our sources tell us that this fight is highly likely to take place but is not yet a complete certainty. We have been told however, that the details are being hammered out as we speak and that the fight is very likely to take place this summer.

We'll have more on this story as it develops.