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FEG Announces Three More for Dynamite!!
At a press conference Tuesday at the Ana Tokyo Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, K-1 and HERO'S parent company Fight Entertainment Group revealed another three fights for the Dec. 31 K-1 Premium 2007 Dynamite!! card the Kyocera Dome in Osaka.
FEG president Sadaru Tanigawa announced that the exchange of talent between FEG and the brass behind the other Dec. 31 offering, Yarennoka!, would continue, as Norwegian standout Joachim Hansen (Pictures) would return to the HERO'S ring to take on Sydney Games olympian Kazuyuki Miyata (Pictures) in a 154-pound contest.
Hansen, who is coming off of a majority decision loss to Eiji Mitsuoka (Pictures) in Shooto this past November, was originally announced to participate on the Yarennoka! card at the Saitama Super Arena on New Year's Eve. However, with FEG having lent two-time HERO'S tournament champion Gesias "JZ" Calvancanti to the Yarennoka! cause, they have now acquired the services of the 28-year-old Norwegian for Dec. 31.
Miyata last saw action in September, when he quickly submitted overmatched Englishman Harvey Harra (Pictures) at the HERO'S tournament finale in Yokohama.
Also announced for the card, Melvin Manhoef (Pictures) takes on former boxing convert Yosuke Nishijima (Pictures) at 187 pounds, while Ikuhisa Minowa (Pictures) continues his open-weight conquest against Wagner da Conceicao Martins (Pictures), more familiarly known to fans as Zuluzinho.
Manhoef notched another knockout in his last duty in September, sparking Chute Boxe upstart Fabio Silva (Pictures) with punches in a square 60 seconds. The former cruiserweight boxer Nishijima has yet to find a victory in MMA, with his last loss in October 2006 to Phil Baroni (Pictures) running his record to 0-4.
Minowa was defeated in his last assignment, being punched out by former Olympic silver medal judoka Min Soo Kim (Pictures) in Seoul, South Korea. Meanwhile, Zuluzinho found victory in last action, choking out Russian Vladimir Kuchenko on bodogFight's card in Moscow late last month.
The Hansen-Miyata and and Zuluzinho-Minowa fights will both be contested under three five-minute rounds, while the Manhoef-Nishijima bout will take place with a ten-minute opening round, and a five-minute second round, with a potential five-minute extension round if necessary.
At a press conference Tuesday at the Ana Tokyo Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, K-1 and HERO'S parent company Fight Entertainment Group revealed another three fights for the Dec. 31 K-1 Premium 2007 Dynamite!! card the Kyocera Dome in Osaka.
FEG president Sadaru Tanigawa announced that the exchange of talent between FEG and the brass behind the other Dec. 31 offering, Yarennoka!, would continue, as Norwegian standout Joachim Hansen (Pictures) would return to the HERO'S ring to take on Sydney Games olympian Kazuyuki Miyata (Pictures) in a 154-pound contest.
Hansen, who is coming off of a majority decision loss to Eiji Mitsuoka (Pictures) in Shooto this past November, was originally announced to participate on the Yarennoka! card at the Saitama Super Arena on New Year's Eve. However, with FEG having lent two-time HERO'S tournament champion Gesias "JZ" Calvancanti to the Yarennoka! cause, they have now acquired the services of the 28-year-old Norwegian for Dec. 31.
Miyata last saw action in September, when he quickly submitted overmatched Englishman Harvey Harra (Pictures) at the HERO'S tournament finale in Yokohama.
Also announced for the card, Melvin Manhoef (Pictures) takes on former boxing convert Yosuke Nishijima (Pictures) at 187 pounds, while Ikuhisa Minowa (Pictures) continues his open-weight conquest against Wagner da Conceicao Martins (Pictures), more familiarly known to fans as Zuluzinho.
Manhoef notched another knockout in his last duty in September, sparking Chute Boxe upstart Fabio Silva (Pictures) with punches in a square 60 seconds. The former cruiserweight boxer Nishijima has yet to find a victory in MMA, with his last loss in October 2006 to Phil Baroni (Pictures) running his record to 0-4.
Minowa was defeated in his last assignment, being punched out by former Olympic silver medal judoka Min Soo Kim (Pictures) in Seoul, South Korea. Meanwhile, Zuluzinho found victory in last action, choking out Russian Vladimir Kuchenko on bodogFight's card in Moscow late last month.
The Hansen-Miyata and and Zuluzinho-Minowa fights will both be contested under three five-minute rounds, while the Manhoef-Nishijima bout will take place with a ten-minute opening round, and a five-minute second round, with a potential five-minute extension round if necessary.
Sapp Returns at Strikeforce
Bob Sapp (Pictures) will headline Strikeforce's Feb. 23 show at the Tacoma Dome in Washington state, the promotion announced Monday.
The 6-foot-4, 375-pound Sapp last fought in mixed martial arts in November 2005, when he knocked out Kim Jong Wang. In less than four years of competition, "The Beast" has gained international notoriety. He has been particularly popular in Japan, where he compiled most of his 8-2-1 record in MMA.
Sapp's opponent is expected to be named soon.
Also on the 10-fight card, former UFC heavyweight champion Maurice Smith (Pictures) will take on fellow kickboxing standout Rick Roufus.
Bob Sapp (Pictures) will headline Strikeforce's Feb. 23 show at the Tacoma Dome in Washington state, the promotion announced Monday.
The 6-foot-4, 375-pound Sapp last fought in mixed martial arts in November 2005, when he knocked out Kim Jong Wang. In less than four years of competition, "The Beast" has gained international notoriety. He has been particularly popular in Japan, where he compiled most of his 8-2-1 record in MMA.
Sapp's opponent is expected to be named soon.
Also on the 10-fight card, former UFC heavyweight champion Maurice Smith (Pictures) will take on fellow kickboxing standout Rick Roufus.
ICON Sport Card Postponed
video link: http://sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1352
HONOLULU, Dec. 10, 2007 -- The ICON Sport middleweight title fight between champion Robbie Lawler (Pictures) and challenger Kala Kolohe Hose (Pictures) was once again put on hold after Lawler suffered a torn bicep in training. Now the entire Dec. 15 ICON event has been postponed.
"There is no good news," said ICON Sport President T.Jay Thompson at a news conference Monday at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. For "days, Patrick (Freitas) and I, while sick to our stomachs, have tried awful hard to make the best decision both for our fans, for our local fighters and for the fighters that have trained hard and planned on coming in here. In the end, there was not a suitable replacement for Robbie Lawler (Pictures). Kala deserves a fight with Robbie Lawler (Pictures), deserves a shot at the ICON title, doesn't deserve to fight in ICON against anybody other than Robbie Lawler (Pictures) at this point."
"What can you say," said a disappointed Lawler. "I was training hard."
This marks the third time a Lawler-Hose title match has been postponed this year.
"I'm kind of sad, hurt … all that training, but stuff happens," Hose said. "I have no control of that, so I just got to keep focused and keep going forward. I can't think about the past or what just happened. It's only going to drive me back."
The bout was initially moved from June to September after Lawler suffered a shoulder injury, and then it was delayed yet again in favor of a higher profile fight between Lawler and Murilo Rua (Pictures) at EliteXC's first event in Hawaii.
"We did the best with what we had, and it didn't make sense to insult our fans and put on a card that was less than ICON," Thompson said.
The event has been rescheduled for early 2008, pending the condition of Lawler's arm.
"The injury is a serious injury to Robbie, certainly not a career-ending injury, but the initial thought that we heard as early as Friday was four to six weeks, and now today's confirmation from the doctor that was just re-looked at and said it might be more serious than that," Thompson said. "So we don't have details as far as if and when Robbie will get surgery or even if it's 100-percent sure he needs surgery, but it's looking worse today than it did even Friday."
Though the 15-fight card has also been rescheduled, some of the fighters originally scheduled for Dec. 15 may get other opportunities to fight in the meantime.
"I'm sorry to those fighters who have been training hard and didn't get hurt and don't get their opportunity," Lawler said.
"We are right now actively seeking fights for many of the fighters on the card," Thompson said. "We know guys have been ready. I believe we have Kala Kolohe a fight Jan. 25 on Showtime television on the ShoXC event. We have a couple other local fighters as well we think we're going to get fights on that card, both on the televised part and on the undercard to try and fulfill some of those."
video link: http://sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1352
HONOLULU, Dec. 10, 2007 -- The ICON Sport middleweight title fight between champion Robbie Lawler (Pictures) and challenger Kala Kolohe Hose (Pictures) was once again put on hold after Lawler suffered a torn bicep in training. Now the entire Dec. 15 ICON event has been postponed.
"There is no good news," said ICON Sport President T.Jay Thompson at a news conference Monday at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. For "days, Patrick (Freitas) and I, while sick to our stomachs, have tried awful hard to make the best decision both for our fans, for our local fighters and for the fighters that have trained hard and planned on coming in here. In the end, there was not a suitable replacement for Robbie Lawler (Pictures). Kala deserves a fight with Robbie Lawler (Pictures), deserves a shot at the ICON title, doesn't deserve to fight in ICON against anybody other than Robbie Lawler (Pictures) at this point."
"What can you say," said a disappointed Lawler. "I was training hard."
This marks the third time a Lawler-Hose title match has been postponed this year.
"I'm kind of sad, hurt … all that training, but stuff happens," Hose said. "I have no control of that, so I just got to keep focused and keep going forward. I can't think about the past or what just happened. It's only going to drive me back."
The bout was initially moved from June to September after Lawler suffered a shoulder injury, and then it was delayed yet again in favor of a higher profile fight between Lawler and Murilo Rua (Pictures) at EliteXC's first event in Hawaii.
"We did the best with what we had, and it didn't make sense to insult our fans and put on a card that was less than ICON," Thompson said.
The event has been rescheduled for early 2008, pending the condition of Lawler's arm.
"The injury is a serious injury to Robbie, certainly not a career-ending injury, but the initial thought that we heard as early as Friday was four to six weeks, and now today's confirmation from the doctor that was just re-looked at and said it might be more serious than that," Thompson said. "So we don't have details as far as if and when Robbie will get surgery or even if it's 100-percent sure he needs surgery, but it's looking worse today than it did even Friday."
Though the 15-fight card has also been rescheduled, some of the fighters originally scheduled for Dec. 15 may get other opportunities to fight in the meantime.
"I'm sorry to those fighters who have been training hard and didn't get hurt and don't get their opportunity," Lawler said.
"We are right now actively seeking fights for many of the fighters on the card," Thompson said. "We know guys have been ready. I believe we have Kala Kolohe a fight Jan. 25 on Showtime television on the ShoXC event. We have a couple other local fighters as well we think we're going to get fights on that card, both on the televised part and on the undercard to try and fulfill some of those."
Filho Counting on Diverse Skills to Stop Sonnen
Paulo Filho (Pictures) returns to the WEC on Wednesday to defend his middleweight title against Chael Sonnen (Pictures). Several Brazilian MMA stars helped Filho prepare for the bout, and he has guaranteed that he will walk into the cage in the best shape of his life.
"The drills were excellent, as always," Filho told Sherdog.com. "Guys as high caliber as [the Nogueira brothers] came here to help me, in addition to my coach, Josuel Distak, and many other friends. I think it certainly will make a difference."
The Brazilian is undefeated in 15 fights, but he knows that Sonnen, 19-8-1, is a capable opponent.
"He is a fighter of wrestling and is well respected in that way," Filho said of his Team Quest-trained foe. "The Americans are trusting that he will defeat me, but I am taking this bet. I respect him as an athlete, but I'm not scared of him. If I had fear of man, I wouldn't look myself in the mirror. I am not afraid of defeat -- I deserve to get this far. … It will be a tough fight for both of us. I do not know how he is prepared, but I am very well prepared and very focused."
The 29-year-old WEC middleweight champ has prepared for a major challenge from Sonnen. In fact, Filho said that the secret of his success has been very hard training, though he also takes plenty of breaks.
"I always try to relax after the fights," he explained. "I really keep myself away from training. I look for other activities such as weightlifting, riding a bike. I enjoy my dogs. I do not drink, never smoked and I do things that will prepare me psychologically because I start the drills in a very fast way. I do things to keep me psychologically 100 percent because I like to train hard. I am an athlete who demands much from myself because I came from judo and I think that in jiu-jitsu the guys don't train that much. My culture is to train a lot."
Filho prefers to train at the time of his fights rather than the constant preparation some fighters undergo.
"If I am fighting in March," he said, "I'll scratch my b---- all January. I do not even go to the gym. I do recreational things. I run a little, gain a lot of weight and weigh more than 100 kg. Then two months left, I get to training and then I slowly increase the training until it gets harder, then decrease again and get everything fine. If I do not do this, I just get half-consumed by the level of stress. I think the athlete has to be well-conditioned psychologically. I do not think it's right for a guy to fight and then 10 days after return to training. I do not have anything more to learn; my technical skills are already formed. … If I train the whole year, when I arrive at the fight, I'll be pissed off and will not produce what I could."
After he left Brazilian Top Team, Filho first told Sherdog.com that he had joined Team Link -- Gabriel Gonzaga (Pictures)'s camp. However, he has since said that he's not going to move to the United States anytime soon.
"At the moment I do not think I'll move to America because I have a lot of things to resolve here in Brazil," Filho said. "I have a great friendship with Marco Alvan, the leader of the team, and we have many good thoughts. We identified a lot, but I think it is not time to move there. I will fight for Team Link, but I won't move for now."
Considered one of the great middleweights of the world, the BJJ black belt is often questioned about his future. While fans hope that one day he will step into the Octagon, Filho wants to fulfill his contract with the WEC first.
"After this fight, I have two more fights still in the contract," he said. "I have to fulfill them now to know what I will do then. I am not concerned where I will fight, if it will be in America or in Japan. I received a good proposal from Japan, but I'll go where I'm most valued. I have no problem if it will be in the Ultimate, in the new event in Japan, in the WEC. I am a fighter -- I don't choose opponents. I'll go where they pay what I am worth. I am fine, expecting contact, but I have to fulfill my contract. This is not the time to think about it. I have to focus and win the fights, then I can require what I deserve."
As for his fight this Wednesday, Filho warned that it would be a battle.
"I think it will be a thrilling fight because the guy has a very strong background of wrestling, and I also like very much to throw," Filho said. "It will be a war, but I think I am in front of him because I am a fighter of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Any situation is good for me, which is not the case for him. I do not know how he would fight on his back. The best will win, the one who deserves it, who is better trained, but I think I have more cards up my sleeve than him."
Paulo Filho (Pictures) returns to the WEC on Wednesday to defend his middleweight title against Chael Sonnen (Pictures). Several Brazilian MMA stars helped Filho prepare for the bout, and he has guaranteed that he will walk into the cage in the best shape of his life.
"The drills were excellent, as always," Filho told Sherdog.com. "Guys as high caliber as [the Nogueira brothers] came here to help me, in addition to my coach, Josuel Distak, and many other friends. I think it certainly will make a difference."
The Brazilian is undefeated in 15 fights, but he knows that Sonnen, 19-8-1, is a capable opponent.
"He is a fighter of wrestling and is well respected in that way," Filho said of his Team Quest-trained foe. "The Americans are trusting that he will defeat me, but I am taking this bet. I respect him as an athlete, but I'm not scared of him. If I had fear of man, I wouldn't look myself in the mirror. I am not afraid of defeat -- I deserve to get this far. … It will be a tough fight for both of us. I do not know how he is prepared, but I am very well prepared and very focused."
The 29-year-old WEC middleweight champ has prepared for a major challenge from Sonnen. In fact, Filho said that the secret of his success has been very hard training, though he also takes plenty of breaks.
"I always try to relax after the fights," he explained. "I really keep myself away from training. I look for other activities such as weightlifting, riding a bike. I enjoy my dogs. I do not drink, never smoked and I do things that will prepare me psychologically because I start the drills in a very fast way. I do things to keep me psychologically 100 percent because I like to train hard. I am an athlete who demands much from myself because I came from judo and I think that in jiu-jitsu the guys don't train that much. My culture is to train a lot."
Filho prefers to train at the time of his fights rather than the constant preparation some fighters undergo.
"If I am fighting in March," he said, "I'll scratch my b---- all January. I do not even go to the gym. I do recreational things. I run a little, gain a lot of weight and weigh more than 100 kg. Then two months left, I get to training and then I slowly increase the training until it gets harder, then decrease again and get everything fine. If I do not do this, I just get half-consumed by the level of stress. I think the athlete has to be well-conditioned psychologically. I do not think it's right for a guy to fight and then 10 days after return to training. I do not have anything more to learn; my technical skills are already formed. … If I train the whole year, when I arrive at the fight, I'll be pissed off and will not produce what I could."
After he left Brazilian Top Team, Filho first told Sherdog.com that he had joined Team Link -- Gabriel Gonzaga (Pictures)'s camp. However, he has since said that he's not going to move to the United States anytime soon.
"At the moment I do not think I'll move to America because I have a lot of things to resolve here in Brazil," Filho said. "I have a great friendship with Marco Alvan, the leader of the team, and we have many good thoughts. We identified a lot, but I think it is not time to move there. I will fight for Team Link, but I won't move for now."
Considered one of the great middleweights of the world, the BJJ black belt is often questioned about his future. While fans hope that one day he will step into the Octagon, Filho wants to fulfill his contract with the WEC first.
"After this fight, I have two more fights still in the contract," he said. "I have to fulfill them now to know what I will do then. I am not concerned where I will fight, if it will be in America or in Japan. I received a good proposal from Japan, but I'll go where I'm most valued. I have no problem if it will be in the Ultimate, in the new event in Japan, in the WEC. I am a fighter -- I don't choose opponents. I'll go where they pay what I am worth. I am fine, expecting contact, but I have to fulfill my contract. This is not the time to think about it. I have to focus and win the fights, then I can require what I deserve."
As for his fight this Wednesday, Filho warned that it would be a battle.
"I think it will be a thrilling fight because the guy has a very strong background of wrestling, and I also like very much to throw," Filho said. "It will be a war, but I think I am in front of him because I am a fighter of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Any situation is good for me, which is not the case for him. I do not know how he would fight on his back. The best will win, the one who deserves it, who is better trained, but I think I have more cards up my sleeve than him."
European Plans for M-1 Global
M-1 Global is trying to live up to its name.
After working with former PRIDE staff members on New Year's Eve in Japan and scheduling a U.S. debut for February 2008, the promotion plans to hold multiple shows in Europe.
The German Web site groundandpound.de reported that M-1 Global has scheduled its first German event for April 2008. M-1 Global Vice President Apy Echteld has signed a contract with local promoter "human4guard," which is run by former WKO European Muay Thai champion Human Nikmaslak.
The first event will be a trial run at the 2,000-seat Wandsbeker Sporthalle or the 7,000-seat Sporthalle Hamburg, where Wladimir Klitschko made his first tentative steps in boxing. The second show is likely to take place either at the Kölnarena in Cologne, which holds 20,000 spectators, or the Arena in Oberhausen, which holds 13,000.
Additionally, Nikmaslak revealed that the promotion has plans for six shows in Russia, six shows in Japan and another four events in the Netherlands in the upcoming year.
In order to acquire new talent, which is Echteld's main task within M-1, he is going to employ for the show in Hamburg the same format he used for his 2 Hot 2 Handle "Road to Japan" event last year. There will be five teams -- England, France, Germany, Russia and the Netherlands -- fighting in 165-pound, 187-pound, 209-pound and 209-plus divisions.
Fighters who impress during these "tryout" shows are promoted to bigger events in Holland and Russia. Truly outstanding unsigned talent will be invited to the state-of-the-art Red Devil training center in St. Petersburg to train with the Emelianenko brothers and fighters Roman Zentsov (Pictures) and Amar Suloev (Pictures). They will eventually be offered a long-term contract with the promotion. Think "Ultimate Fighter" without the television show.
Even though it is still a mystery what M-1 Global's first show stateside will look like, it is now certain that the promotion is on a quest to beat the UFC to the punch in Europe.
M-1 Global is trying to live up to its name.
After working with former PRIDE staff members on New Year's Eve in Japan and scheduling a U.S. debut for February 2008, the promotion plans to hold multiple shows in Europe.
The German Web site groundandpound.de reported that M-1 Global has scheduled its first German event for April 2008. M-1 Global Vice President Apy Echteld has signed a contract with local promoter "human4guard," which is run by former WKO European Muay Thai champion Human Nikmaslak.
The first event will be a trial run at the 2,000-seat Wandsbeker Sporthalle or the 7,000-seat Sporthalle Hamburg, where Wladimir Klitschko made his first tentative steps in boxing. The second show is likely to take place either at the Kölnarena in Cologne, which holds 20,000 spectators, or the Arena in Oberhausen, which holds 13,000.
Additionally, Nikmaslak revealed that the promotion has plans for six shows in Russia, six shows in Japan and another four events in the Netherlands in the upcoming year.
In order to acquire new talent, which is Echteld's main task within M-1, he is going to employ for the show in Hamburg the same format he used for his 2 Hot 2 Handle "Road to Japan" event last year. There will be five teams -- England, France, Germany, Russia and the Netherlands -- fighting in 165-pound, 187-pound, 209-pound and 209-plus divisions.
Fighters who impress during these "tryout" shows are promoted to bigger events in Holland and Russia. Truly outstanding unsigned talent will be invited to the state-of-the-art Red Devil training center in St. Petersburg to train with the Emelianenko brothers and fighters Roman Zentsov (Pictures) and Amar Suloev (Pictures). They will eventually be offered a long-term contract with the promotion. Think "Ultimate Fighter" without the television show.
Even though it is still a mystery what M-1 Global's first show stateside will look like, it is now certain that the promotion is on a quest to beat the UFC to the punch in Europe.
Frank Trigg talks Jake Shields and EliteXC in new interview
In a new interview at FiveOuncesOfPain.com, Frank Trigg, who is slated to face Edwin Dewees this Saturday during an HDNet Fights card, answered a question in regard to possibly fighting Jake Shields in the future:
Sam Caplan: Jake Shields has gone on the record publicly and asked for a match against you. There was some talk on the Underground forum at MMA.tv at one point of the two of you fighting on the ill-fated “Brawl for it All” show in October in San Francisco. I know you have said you will not fight at 170 lbs. again, but if EliteXC made a strong offer for a catch weight of 180 lbs., is that something you’d be open to?
Frank Trigg: No. I fight at 185 — that’s my weight. Why would I fight Jake at any other weight than my weight? You know, you don’t go to Russia and challenge them to a fight and make Russia come to America to fight you. You don’t go to (Oscar) De La Hoya and challenge him to a fight and make him come up to heavyweight to fight you. If you’re going to challenge somebody (then) go to where they’re at and I’m at 185, that’s where I fight. If he wants to fight me then he has to come up to 185.
He fights at 170 (and) he needs to maintain the 170 guys. There’s more than enough guys that will beat the crap out of him at 170. Why does he need to come to 185 and worry about me when he can go out and do his own thing down there.
Trigg also responded to a question regarding whether EliteXC made a recent attempt to sign him:
Sam Caplan: Was EliteXC one of the promotions pursuing you before you signed with HDNet Fights?
Frank Trigg: Not until the very end when we were very close to finalizing things with HDNet. We had a couple more things that had to get worked out and that was the only time Showtime actually said anything. Gary Shaw came out said at a press conference months and months ago that he wanted to get more on board with his team but we never heard anything from him at all until the very last minute. And really, that was because of Ricco Chiapparelli’s relationship with T. Jay Thompson, who owns the ICON promotion out in Hawaii. ICON was acquired by ProElite and that’s how EliteXC came about, trying to call us about that with T. Jay trying to push them to get a hold of Trigg. They (EliteXC) did call but they called at the wrong moment.
To read the rest of the interview in its entirety, which includes Trigg speaking out about PRIDE, his feelings about Zuffa and the UFC, whether a rematch with Jason "Mayhem" Miller is a possibility
In a new interview at FiveOuncesOfPain.com, Frank Trigg, who is slated to face Edwin Dewees this Saturday during an HDNet Fights card, answered a question in regard to possibly fighting Jake Shields in the future:
Sam Caplan: Jake Shields has gone on the record publicly and asked for a match against you. There was some talk on the Underground forum at MMA.tv at one point of the two of you fighting on the ill-fated “Brawl for it All” show in October in San Francisco. I know you have said you will not fight at 170 lbs. again, but if EliteXC made a strong offer for a catch weight of 180 lbs., is that something you’d be open to?
Frank Trigg: No. I fight at 185 — that’s my weight. Why would I fight Jake at any other weight than my weight? You know, you don’t go to Russia and challenge them to a fight and make Russia come to America to fight you. You don’t go to (Oscar) De La Hoya and challenge him to a fight and make him come up to heavyweight to fight you. If you’re going to challenge somebody (then) go to where they’re at and I’m at 185, that’s where I fight. If he wants to fight me then he has to come up to 185.
He fights at 170 (and) he needs to maintain the 170 guys. There’s more than enough guys that will beat the crap out of him at 170. Why does he need to come to 185 and worry about me when he can go out and do his own thing down there.
Trigg also responded to a question regarding whether EliteXC made a recent attempt to sign him:
Sam Caplan: Was EliteXC one of the promotions pursuing you before you signed with HDNet Fights?
Frank Trigg: Not until the very end when we were very close to finalizing things with HDNet. We had a couple more things that had to get worked out and that was the only time Showtime actually said anything. Gary Shaw came out said at a press conference months and months ago that he wanted to get more on board with his team but we never heard anything from him at all until the very last minute. And really, that was because of Ricco Chiapparelli’s relationship with T. Jay Thompson, who owns the ICON promotion out in Hawaii. ICON was acquired by ProElite and that’s how EliteXC came about, trying to call us about that with T. Jay trying to push them to get a hold of Trigg. They (EliteXC) did call but they called at the wrong moment.
To read the rest of the interview in its entirety, which includes Trigg speaking out about PRIDE, his feelings about Zuffa and the UFC, whether a rematch with Jason "Mayhem" Miller is a possibility
Match between Fedor and Rizzo close to being finalized
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is reporting that M-1 Global President and CEO Monte Cox is in Dallas meeting with representatives from the Art of War promotion.
According to Meltzer, Cox is trying to finalize a deal with Art of War that would result in in Fedor Emelianenko taking on Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo on a card to be held in April in Las Vegas.
The report goes on to add that the money particulars have been agreed to and that both parties could be on the verge of signing contracts.
Fedor is currently scheduled to fight on New Year's Eve in Japan against an unnamed opponent for a promotion being organized by former employees of PRIDE.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is reporting that M-1 Global President and CEO Monte Cox is in Dallas meeting with representatives from the Art of War promotion.
According to Meltzer, Cox is trying to finalize a deal with Art of War that would result in in Fedor Emelianenko taking on Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo on a card to be held in April in Las Vegas.
The report goes on to add that the money particulars have been agreed to and that both parties could be on the verge of signing contracts.
Fedor is currently scheduled to fight on New Year's Eve in Japan against an unnamed opponent for a promotion being organized by former employees of PRIDE.
FARBER AND CURRAN MAKE WEIGHT FOR WEC
LAS VEGAS – The fighters for Wednesday’s World Extreme Cagefighting event weighed-in on Tuesday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. All the fighters made weight without a problem.
The main event features a bout between WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber, who is ranked No. 3 in the world by MMAWeekly.com, squares off against No. 7-ranked Jeff Curran.
Leading up to the fights, Jens Pulver – making his WEC debut at 145-pounds – and opponent Cub Swanson have commenced a war of words in the media. The heat didn’t cool down at the weigh-ins. The two had an intense stare-down and a little jawing before being separated by WEC co-general manager Scott Adams.
Middleweight champion Paulo Filho – ranked No. 2 in the world – defends his belt against Chael Sonnen. And Doug Marshall puts his light heavyweight belt on the line against Ariel Gandulla.
The fights take place Wednesday night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the main card airs live on the Versus network.
Urijah Faber (144) vs. Jeff Curran (143.5)
Jens Pulver (145) vs. Cub Swanson (146)
Paulo Filho (185) vs. Chael Sonnen (185)
Doug Marshall (204) vs. Ariel Gandulla (199)
John Alessio (170) vs. Todd Moore (167.5)
Bryan Baker (183.5) vs. Eric Schambari (182.5)
Alex Karalexis (155) vs. Ed Ratcliff (155)
Brian Bowles (134) vs. Marcos Galvao (136)
Charlie Valencia (134) vs. Ian McCall (136)
LAS VEGAS – The fighters for Wednesday’s World Extreme Cagefighting event weighed-in on Tuesday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. All the fighters made weight without a problem.
The main event features a bout between WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber, who is ranked No. 3 in the world by MMAWeekly.com, squares off against No. 7-ranked Jeff Curran.
Leading up to the fights, Jens Pulver – making his WEC debut at 145-pounds – and opponent Cub Swanson have commenced a war of words in the media. The heat didn’t cool down at the weigh-ins. The two had an intense stare-down and a little jawing before being separated by WEC co-general manager Scott Adams.
Middleweight champion Paulo Filho – ranked No. 2 in the world – defends his belt against Chael Sonnen. And Doug Marshall puts his light heavyweight belt on the line against Ariel Gandulla.
The fights take place Wednesday night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the main card airs live on the Versus network.
Urijah Faber (144) vs. Jeff Curran (143.5)
Jens Pulver (145) vs. Cub Swanson (146)
Paulo Filho (185) vs. Chael Sonnen (185)
Doug Marshall (204) vs. Ariel Gandulla (199)
John Alessio (170) vs. Todd Moore (167.5)
Bryan Baker (183.5) vs. Eric Schambari (182.5)
Alex Karalexis (155) vs. Ed Ratcliff (155)
Brian Bowles (134) vs. Marcos Galvao (136)
Charlie Valencia (134) vs. Ian McCall (136)
CATCHING UP WITH FEDOR EMELIANENKO
MMAWeekly’s Korea Correspondent, John Evans, recently caught up with Fedor Emelianenko, the man almost universally regarded as the No. 1 mixed martial arts heavyweight in the world.
MMAWeekly: You will be fighting on New Year's Eve in Tokyo, but your opponent has yet to be named. Can you confirm the rumors that you will be fighting Hong Man Choi?
Emelianenko: I cannot confirm this fight at the moment. I am ready to meet any opponent in the ring.
MMAWeekly: Jeff Monson and Josh Barnett are obviously perspective opponents as well. Do you have plans to fight either of them in a future M-1 Global promotion?
Emelianenko: I think that fights with these fighters are possible in the future. M-1 opens greater opportuinties for sportsmen.
MMAWeekly: Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White has been quoted as saying, "I don't think Fedor is a top-five heavyweight in the world, and I'm not saying that because I didn't get Fedor. I've always felt that way about Fedor and I always felt Randy Couture would beat Fedor … Fedor is a farce." How do you feel about these comments?
Emelianenko: Dana talks a lot and uses words lightly. Let Randy Couture fight me. Allow this fight that everyone wants to take place. Me, Randy and MMA fans all over the world want it. The only obstacle is Dana.
MMAWeekly: What is your opinion of Randy Couture? He has announced publicly that at this point in his career you are the only fighter that he feels it is worth it for him to face in the ring.
Emelianenko: People want to see this fight and I want to meet him in the ring. I have the greatest respect for Randy and have always admired him. I am also thankful that he has such a high opinion of me.
MMAWeekly: Can you discuss your long-term goals in the M-1 organization? Where do you see the M-1 promotion, and Russian MMA in general, ten years from now?
Emelianenko: I trust in (M-1) and the good people that they have brought together. M-1 gives me the chance to meet champions from various organisations in the ring, instead of being restrained within the limits of one organization.
MMA has great potential in Russia. In every city there are Mix Fight clubs opening. There are fights shown on TV, including fights from Pride Fighting Championships which are shown on NTV, (one of the most popular television stations in Russia). On subscription/pay TV there is a special fight channel. The president of Russia respects our sport and attends the large events.
MMAWeekly’s Korea Correspondent, John Evans, recently caught up with Fedor Emelianenko, the man almost universally regarded as the No. 1 mixed martial arts heavyweight in the world.
MMAWeekly: You will be fighting on New Year's Eve in Tokyo, but your opponent has yet to be named. Can you confirm the rumors that you will be fighting Hong Man Choi?
Emelianenko: I cannot confirm this fight at the moment. I am ready to meet any opponent in the ring.
MMAWeekly: Jeff Monson and Josh Barnett are obviously perspective opponents as well. Do you have plans to fight either of them in a future M-1 Global promotion?
Emelianenko: I think that fights with these fighters are possible in the future. M-1 opens greater opportuinties for sportsmen.
MMAWeekly: Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White has been quoted as saying, "I don't think Fedor is a top-five heavyweight in the world, and I'm not saying that because I didn't get Fedor. I've always felt that way about Fedor and I always felt Randy Couture would beat Fedor … Fedor is a farce." How do you feel about these comments?
Emelianenko: Dana talks a lot and uses words lightly. Let Randy Couture fight me. Allow this fight that everyone wants to take place. Me, Randy and MMA fans all over the world want it. The only obstacle is Dana.
MMAWeekly: What is your opinion of Randy Couture? He has announced publicly that at this point in his career you are the only fighter that he feels it is worth it for him to face in the ring.
Emelianenko: People want to see this fight and I want to meet him in the ring. I have the greatest respect for Randy and have always admired him. I am also thankful that he has such a high opinion of me.
MMAWeekly: Can you discuss your long-term goals in the M-1 organization? Where do you see the M-1 promotion, and Russian MMA in general, ten years from now?
Emelianenko: I trust in (M-1) and the good people that they have brought together. M-1 gives me the chance to meet champions from various organisations in the ring, instead of being restrained within the limits of one organization.
MMA has great potential in Russia. In every city there are Mix Fight clubs opening. There are fights shown on TV, including fights from Pride Fighting Championships which are shown on NTV, (one of the most popular television stations in Russia). On subscription/pay TV there is a special fight channel. The president of Russia respects our sport and attends the large events.
Cooperation Makes for New Year's Eve Cards
TOKYO, Dec. 13 -- Three additional fights were announced Thursday for New Year's Eve at a joint news conference held by Fighting Entertainment Group and the Yarennoka! executive committee.
Representing the Yarennoka! committee, Keiichi Sasahara introduced Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures) versus Hong Man Choi (Pictures), and Kazuo Misaki (Pictures) versus Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures). Both fights will take place in the Yarennoka! show at the Saitama Super Arena.
Choi said he had been surprised at the offer. He has fought only once under MMA rules but said he would make the best of the opportunity.
"I talked with Choi about this fight after the K-1 Grand Prix," said FEG President Sadaharu Tanigawa. "He was probably surprised, but we felt that opportunities to fight the best in the world do not come often. It will be a tremendous opportunity for Choi, and I am sure he felt the same. I am anticipating a real battle between the two. Fedor has never fought a fighter as big as Choi. Choi was the Korean sumo champion, and his striking is improving."
Together, Sasahara and Tanigawa explained that Yarennoka! and FEG have committed to forming a coalition in order to bring life back to MMA in Japan.
"In addition to [Gesias Calvancanti], we have decided to send Akiyama and Choi to Yarennoka!," Tanigawa said. "I really believe that these actions show that we are serious about the coalition.
"As for Akiyama, he was hoping to fight Hidehiko Yoshida (Pictures), but we could not make it happen. Instead he will be fighting against Kazuo Misaki (Pictures), the winner of last year's PRIDE welterweight grand prix. It will be a battle of champions and it will be a difficult fight for Akiyama.
Akiyama, in his comments, showed respect for his opponent.
"Misaki defeated Denis Kang (Pictures) fighting full rounds, and he is the PRIDE tournament champion," Akiyama said. "I felt my win over Denis Kang (Pictures) was lucky. His win over Kang did not come by accident. I feel he is a much [more] skilled fighter than I am."
Misaki responded by asserting that Akiyama has "a sharp sense of fighting."
Tanigawa also announced Bob Sapp (Pictures) versus Bobby Ologun (Pictures) for Dynamite!!, which will be held at the Kyosera Dome in Osaka.
The rules for the events have not been finalized, but Tanigawa said Yarennoka! show use rules close to PRIDE's and the MMA bouts at Dynamite!! will use HERO'S rules.
Other fighters who will be fighting on New Year's Eve were also in attendance. Hayato Sakurai (Pictures), Shinya Aoki (Pictures), Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures), Mitsuhiro Ishida (Pictures) and Hidehiko Hasegawa (Pictures) represented Yarennoka!. Masato, Kazuyuki Miyata (Pictures), Ikuhisa Minowa (Pictures), Yosuke Nishijima (Pictures), Hiroya, Musashi and Masakatsu Funaki (Pictures) were on hand to represent Dynamite!
K-1 Max star Masato spoke on behalf of all fighters at the news conference.
"It is obvious that the market for martial arts as a whole has lessened over the past couple of years," he said. "It is time for promoters and fighters to cooperate and bring back the enthusiasm."
Tanigawa confirmed that he has made offers to Kazuyuki Fujita (Pictures) and Kiyoshi Tamura (Pictures) for Dynamite!!.
Yarennoka!, now with six fights, is scheduled to add another fight or two for its card. The New Year's Eve card will air live on HDNet starting at 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT, and will rebroadcast later in the day. Also, Sasahara explained that there has not been any progress in negotiations with Takanori Gomi (Pictures).
TOKYO, Dec. 13 -- Three additional fights were announced Thursday for New Year's Eve at a joint news conference held by Fighting Entertainment Group and the Yarennoka! executive committee.
Representing the Yarennoka! committee, Keiichi Sasahara introduced Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures) versus Hong Man Choi (Pictures), and Kazuo Misaki (Pictures) versus Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures). Both fights will take place in the Yarennoka! show at the Saitama Super Arena.
Choi said he had been surprised at the offer. He has fought only once under MMA rules but said he would make the best of the opportunity.
"I talked with Choi about this fight after the K-1 Grand Prix," said FEG President Sadaharu Tanigawa. "He was probably surprised, but we felt that opportunities to fight the best in the world do not come often. It will be a tremendous opportunity for Choi, and I am sure he felt the same. I am anticipating a real battle between the two. Fedor has never fought a fighter as big as Choi. Choi was the Korean sumo champion, and his striking is improving."
Together, Sasahara and Tanigawa explained that Yarennoka! and FEG have committed to forming a coalition in order to bring life back to MMA in Japan.
"In addition to [Gesias Calvancanti], we have decided to send Akiyama and Choi to Yarennoka!," Tanigawa said. "I really believe that these actions show that we are serious about the coalition.
"As for Akiyama, he was hoping to fight Hidehiko Yoshida (Pictures), but we could not make it happen. Instead he will be fighting against Kazuo Misaki (Pictures), the winner of last year's PRIDE welterweight grand prix. It will be a battle of champions and it will be a difficult fight for Akiyama.
Akiyama, in his comments, showed respect for his opponent.
"Misaki defeated Denis Kang (Pictures) fighting full rounds, and he is the PRIDE tournament champion," Akiyama said. "I felt my win over Denis Kang (Pictures) was lucky. His win over Kang did not come by accident. I feel he is a much [more] skilled fighter than I am."
Misaki responded by asserting that Akiyama has "a sharp sense of fighting."
Tanigawa also announced Bob Sapp (Pictures) versus Bobby Ologun (Pictures) for Dynamite!!, which will be held at the Kyosera Dome in Osaka.
The rules for the events have not been finalized, but Tanigawa said Yarennoka! show use rules close to PRIDE's and the MMA bouts at Dynamite!! will use HERO'S rules.
Other fighters who will be fighting on New Year's Eve were also in attendance. Hayato Sakurai (Pictures), Shinya Aoki (Pictures), Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures), Mitsuhiro Ishida (Pictures) and Hidehiko Hasegawa (Pictures) represented Yarennoka!. Masato, Kazuyuki Miyata (Pictures), Ikuhisa Minowa (Pictures), Yosuke Nishijima (Pictures), Hiroya, Musashi and Masakatsu Funaki (Pictures) were on hand to represent Dynamite!
K-1 Max star Masato spoke on behalf of all fighters at the news conference.
"It is obvious that the market for martial arts as a whole has lessened over the past couple of years," he said. "It is time for promoters and fighters to cooperate and bring back the enthusiasm."
Tanigawa confirmed that he has made offers to Kazuyuki Fujita (Pictures) and Kiyoshi Tamura (Pictures) for Dynamite!!.
Yarennoka!, now with six fights, is scheduled to add another fight or two for its card. The New Year's Eve card will air live on HDNet starting at 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT, and will rebroadcast later in the day. Also, Sasahara explained that there has not been any progress in negotiations with Takanori Gomi (Pictures).
Micheal Bisping Dropping to Middle Weight Division
The UFC.TV website is reporting that Bisping is dropping to the UFC’s middleweight category is ruled by the iron fists – not to mention knees – of arguably the world’s greatest fighter in Anderson Silva, you wouldn’t think too many mixed martial artists would be queuing up to enter the 185 pound division in 2008.
However, just weeks after the announcement that Dan Henderson will be returning to what many feel is his ideal fighting weight, light heavyweight contender Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping continues the injection of new blood into the middleweight ranks.The drop down has been a long time coming for the British striker. While other top light heavyweights walk around at over 230 pounds when not in training camp, Bisping, one month and many hearty meals removed from fighting at UFC 78 in New Jersey, weighs only 211 pounds.
The UFC.TV website is reporting that Bisping is dropping to the UFC’s middleweight category is ruled by the iron fists – not to mention knees – of arguably the world’s greatest fighter in Anderson Silva, you wouldn’t think too many mixed martial artists would be queuing up to enter the 185 pound division in 2008.
However, just weeks after the announcement that Dan Henderson will be returning to what many feel is his ideal fighting weight, light heavyweight contender Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping continues the injection of new blood into the middleweight ranks.The drop down has been a long time coming for the British striker. While other top light heavyweights walk around at over 230 pounds when not in training camp, Bisping, one month and many hearty meals removed from fighting at UFC 78 in New Jersey, weighs only 211 pounds.
Jon Koppenhaver known as "War Machine" Faces Felony
SAN DIEGO - Jon Koppenhaver, known as "War Machine" from Spike TV's reality series "The Ultimate Fighter," pleaded guilty Thursday in Superior Court to a felony assault charge. The professional cage-fighter choked a Las Vegas man unconscious and hit him in the face outside San Diego's Undisputed fitness and training center early Sept. 2. Koppenhaver also faced a battery charge, but that was dismissed as part of a plea agreement reached during the preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon. The victim, Darren Zatkow, testified during the hearing that he was visiting San Diego with his then-girlfriend when he was assaulted outside the fitness club after a night of drinks on the town.
Zatkow said he made a joke as he walked out with friends, calling a group of men standing outside the club without shirts "tough guys" while holding his hands up to his shoulders with palms open before he was surrounded by the men. "I cracked a joke and I got hit for it," Zatkow said.
Zatkow said he was grabbed from behind in a carotid choke and dragged a few feet by one of the men. Zatkow said he did not see who grabbed him.
Zatkow, who practices martial arts but has never competed in tournaments, said he became unconscious 10 seconds after he was choked and came to moments later. Friends of Zatkow's who testified said he was punched in the face while he lay unconscious on the ground.
San Diego Police Detective Fernando Ramirez said a Las Vegas doctor who saw Zatkow days after the assault determined that the facial blow caused four fractures to his left eye socket. The injuries could cause temporary or permanent nerve damage, Ramirez said. The extent of the injury is not yet known because Zatkow is still recovering, he said.
Koppenhaver, 26, of Simi Valley, is skilled in mixed martial arts, according to his profile on the Ultimate Fighting Championship Web site, and also is a resident trainer for San Diego's Undisputed club.
Last week, he won with a technical knockout against Jared Rollins in the third round of Spike TV's Ultimate Fighter Finale held in Nevada.
Judge Frank Brown said the change in plea could result in a misdemeanor punishment. Zatkow told the court he thought a reduced punishment was OK because he believed a felony conviction would destroy Koppenhaver's career.
"I'm not interested in destroying somebody's life," Zatkow said, noting that fighting should stay in the ring.
Koppenhaver is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m.
SAN DIEGO - Jon Koppenhaver, known as "War Machine" from Spike TV's reality series "The Ultimate Fighter," pleaded guilty Thursday in Superior Court to a felony assault charge. The professional cage-fighter choked a Las Vegas man unconscious and hit him in the face outside San Diego's Undisputed fitness and training center early Sept. 2. Koppenhaver also faced a battery charge, but that was dismissed as part of a plea agreement reached during the preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon. The victim, Darren Zatkow, testified during the hearing that he was visiting San Diego with his then-girlfriend when he was assaulted outside the fitness club after a night of drinks on the town.
Zatkow said he made a joke as he walked out with friends, calling a group of men standing outside the club without shirts "tough guys" while holding his hands up to his shoulders with palms open before he was surrounded by the men. "I cracked a joke and I got hit for it," Zatkow said.
Zatkow said he was grabbed from behind in a carotid choke and dragged a few feet by one of the men. Zatkow said he did not see who grabbed him.
Zatkow, who practices martial arts but has never competed in tournaments, said he became unconscious 10 seconds after he was choked and came to moments later. Friends of Zatkow's who testified said he was punched in the face while he lay unconscious on the ground.
San Diego Police Detective Fernando Ramirez said a Las Vegas doctor who saw Zatkow days after the assault determined that the facial blow caused four fractures to his left eye socket. The injuries could cause temporary or permanent nerve damage, Ramirez said. The extent of the injury is not yet known because Zatkow is still recovering, he said.
Koppenhaver, 26, of Simi Valley, is skilled in mixed martial arts, according to his profile on the Ultimate Fighting Championship Web site, and also is a resident trainer for San Diego's Undisputed club.
Last week, he won with a technical knockout against Jared Rollins in the third round of Spike TV's Ultimate Fighter Finale held in Nevada.
Judge Frank Brown said the change in plea could result in a misdemeanor punishment. Zatkow told the court he thought a reduced punishment was OK because he believed a felony conviction would destroy Koppenhaver's career.
"I'm not interested in destroying somebody's life," Zatkow said, noting that fighting should stay in the ring.
Koppenhaver is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m.
Mayhem comments on Zuffa and Trigg in new interview
Jason "Mayhem" Miller, who will return to action this Saturday on a card for HDNet Fights against Tim Kennedy, recently did an interview with Adam Morgan of FiveOuncesOfPain.com. Miller addressed a number of topics, including his departure from the WEC and whether he'd be open to rematching Frank Trigg.
Regarding a rematch vs. Trigg if they both win on Saturday:
Adam Morgan: Should you win this fight and Frank Trigg wins his fight, it looks like you two are on a collision course for your next fight. Do you think that’s the case?
“Mayhem” Miller: Yeah, absolutely. Of course, man, I want to do that.
There's also this interesting exchange in regard to his departure from the WEC:
Adam Morgan: How did your relationship with the WEC end?
“Mayhem” Miller: I said look, it’s not me, it’s you. We can still be friends and then we made out and made love one last time. Then I left and closed the door.
Adam Morgan: So was it more of a decision on your end?
“Mayhem” Miller: No, it was a mutual thing.
Adam Morgan: Did Zuffa ever express any unhappiness about you doing a lot of broadcasting work with Pro Elite?
“Mayhem” Miller: No, they never mentioned that once but now that you bring it up, boy, maybe that was an issue.
Adam Morgan: Do you think Zuffa was at all scared of your personality? I mean, you’re a pretty likable guy and people think you’re pretty funny, but do you think they were scared that your popularity might reach a point to where they couldn’t even control it?
“Mayhem” Miller: I don’t know, I mean, you’d have to ask them these questions. I just know that regardless of wherever I fight I have the Mayhem Monkeys behind me and that’s a powerful thing to have, to have a loyal fanbase and not many fighters do. There’s a lot of fair-weather fans. I’ve kind of grown it grass roots through “the internets,” so I do have that working for me in whatever organization I go to.
Jason "Mayhem" Miller, who will return to action this Saturday on a card for HDNet Fights against Tim Kennedy, recently did an interview with Adam Morgan of FiveOuncesOfPain.com. Miller addressed a number of topics, including his departure from the WEC and whether he'd be open to rematching Frank Trigg.
Regarding a rematch vs. Trigg if they both win on Saturday:
Adam Morgan: Should you win this fight and Frank Trigg wins his fight, it looks like you two are on a collision course for your next fight. Do you think that’s the case?
“Mayhem” Miller: Yeah, absolutely. Of course, man, I want to do that.
There's also this interesting exchange in regard to his departure from the WEC:
Adam Morgan: How did your relationship with the WEC end?
“Mayhem” Miller: I said look, it’s not me, it’s you. We can still be friends and then we made out and made love one last time. Then I left and closed the door.
Adam Morgan: So was it more of a decision on your end?
“Mayhem” Miller: No, it was a mutual thing.
Adam Morgan: Did Zuffa ever express any unhappiness about you doing a lot of broadcasting work with Pro Elite?
“Mayhem” Miller: No, they never mentioned that once but now that you bring it up, boy, maybe that was an issue.
Adam Morgan: Do you think Zuffa was at all scared of your personality? I mean, you’re a pretty likable guy and people think you’re pretty funny, but do you think they were scared that your popularity might reach a point to where they couldn’t even control it?
“Mayhem” Miller: I don’t know, I mean, you’d have to ask them these questions. I just know that regardless of wherever I fight I have the Mayhem Monkeys behind me and that’s a powerful thing to have, to have a loyal fanbase and not many fighters do. There’s a lot of fair-weather fans. I’ve kind of grown it grass roots through “the internets,” so I do have that working for me in whatever organization I go to.
EliteXC signs ex-UFC middleweight Scott Smith
EliteXC has issued a press release announcing the signing of Scott Smith to a multi-fight contract.Terms of the contract have not been disclosed and the promotion has not announced a debut date.
Smith, a middleweight, was a part of the cast for the fourth season of The Ultimate Fighter. He is probably best known for his fight against Pete Sell during the live finale in which he knocked Sell out when he was on the verge of being finished himself.
Smith was let go by the UFC several months ago when the promotion decided to cut many fighters that were under contract to the promotion.
EliteXC has issued a press release announcing the signing of Scott Smith to a multi-fight contract.Terms of the contract have not been disclosed and the promotion has not announced a debut date.
Smith, a middleweight, was a part of the cast for the fourth season of The Ultimate Fighter. He is probably best known for his fight against Pete Sell during the live finale in which he knocked Sell out when he was on the verge of being finished himself.
Smith was let go by the UFC several months ago when the promotion decided to cut many fighters that were under contract to the promotion.
SCHULTZ REPLACES GUNDERSON AS IFL GRAND PRIX CHANGES AGAIN
The revolving door of fighters for the lightweight division in the International Fight League’s Grand Prix continues to turn as John Gunderson has now been forced out of his fight with Chris Horodecki, leaving Chris to face Ryan Schultz for the inaugural 155lb title.
Gunderson was named as a replacement to Shad Lierley, who took the spot from original participant Wagnney Fabiano, due to a broken toe that Lierley sustained in training.
Now it appears that Gunderson has also fallen prey to injury as he aggravated a hand injury in training and will unable to compete on the Dec. 29 card.
His replacement, Ryan Schultz, fought for Matt Lindland’s Wolfpack during the regular season and has an overall 4-2 record in the IFL with one of those losses coming at the hands of Chris Horodecki in late 2006.
Schultz was never a part of the original line-up of fighters for the IFL Grand Prix, but due to the numerous changes he has now found himself in line for a lightweight title bout against Horodecki.
The final round of the IFL Grand Prix will take place in Connecticut on Dec 29 and will also be seen live on HDNet.
The revolving door of fighters for the lightweight division in the International Fight League’s Grand Prix continues to turn as John Gunderson has now been forced out of his fight with Chris Horodecki, leaving Chris to face Ryan Schultz for the inaugural 155lb title.
Gunderson was named as a replacement to Shad Lierley, who took the spot from original participant Wagnney Fabiano, due to a broken toe that Lierley sustained in training.
Now it appears that Gunderson has also fallen prey to injury as he aggravated a hand injury in training and will unable to compete on the Dec. 29 card.
His replacement, Ryan Schultz, fought for Matt Lindland’s Wolfpack during the regular season and has an overall 4-2 record in the IFL with one of those losses coming at the hands of Chris Horodecki in late 2006.
Schultz was never a part of the original line-up of fighters for the IFL Grand Prix, but due to the numerous changes he has now found himself in line for a lightweight title bout against Horodecki.
The final round of the IFL Grand Prix will take place in Connecticut on Dec 29 and will also be seen live on HDNet.