MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

Dave Herman likely at June 14 EliteXC

Dave "Pee Wee" Herman (11-0), the undefeated heavyweight who debuted with EliteXC earlier this year, is expected to next fight June 14 at the organization's show in Hawaii -- and his opponent could be veteran fighter Ron Waterman (15-5-2).

A source close to Herman informed MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the bout. Additionally, Paul Bradley, one of Herman's friends, mentioned the possible bout in an interview with MMAjunkie.com earlier today.

The June 14 event takes place in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is expected to air on Showtime. It takes place between EliteXC's two events on CBS, which air May 31 and July 26.

Herman, a 6-foot-5 250-pounder, had fought almost monthly since turning pro on New Year's Eve 2006 before signing with EliteXC. Fighting primarily for the Indianapolis-based Legends of Fighting organization, the undefeated fighter has posted eight of his 11 victories via knockout.

Back in February on the "EliteXC: Street Certified" preliminary card, he defeated Mario Rinaldi with a third-round TKO. It was the first time in 11 professional fights that Herman didn't win the fight with a first-round stoppage.

If booked, the 42-year-old Waterman would be Herman's toughest test to date. The former UFC and PRIDE fighter began his career with a 10-1-1 record. After a two-fight losing streak in 2006, he's since rebounded for victories over Rinaldi and Analu Brash.

On Wednesday EliteXC announced that Nick Diaz (15-7) and Muhsin Corbbrey (7-2) would also be a part of the June 14 event. The show is also expected to feature a bout between EliteXC lightweight champ K.J. Noons and Yves Edwards.

 

[Shogun Locc]

MIKE JOY GUNNING FOR A SPORTFIGHT TITLE

It could be said that Friday’s Sportfight in Portland, Ore. is the biggest night in the young career of Mike Joy. After an extensive amateur background and two years as a pro, he has placed himself in a position to challenge for a title belt in a main event on live television.

Standing in Joy’s way is Enoch Wilson, one of the toughest fighters the 145-pound division has to offer, and a fighter that he is all too familiar with.

Having spent both their careers lighting up the Northwest fight circuit, the two met in 2004 in an amateur bout, in which Joy came out victorious. And now, the two meet again to determine the Sportfight featherweight championship in what could be one of the promotion’s most brutal battles.

“I feel great,” said Joy heading into Saturday’s showdown. “I’m in great cardio shape, and this is one of the few times where I got a good advance notice of the fight, so I feel really prepared for it.”

Another reason that has Joy excited for his match-up with Wilson is the fact that he’s getting an opportunity to fight at a more natural weight, after years of having to compete heavier to make a career.

“I should be a 145-pounder, but I always seem to get calls to fight at 155,” he explained. “I feel a lot faster, and now that I’ve dropped down to 145 I have a size advantage. This is right where I need to be.”

Joy explained his training technique for getting down in weight and preparing for a five-round fight by saying, “For this fight, I have just been running my ass off.

“Doing a lot of sprints and long distance, getting used to going into the late rounds. With the road work I’ve done and the time I’ve put into the gym, I feel in excellent shape and ready to go five rounds.”

Despite the fact that Wilson is the champion defending his title in this fight, Joy feels that Wilson will be coming in with a chip on his shoulder, looking for revenge from their previous fight.

“I know it’s really going to drive him to get after me in this fight,” stated Joy. “I know it would for me, so I’m sure he’s got that going for him.”

He feels the match-up isn’t going to be a technical one. Instead Joy is anticipating a fight that could very well end up with the winner being the last man standing.

“One thing about this fight is that both me and Enoch have these big, huge, rock heads, so I have a feeling we’re probably going to beat the hell out of each other,” he said.

“I think I’ll end up subbing him out eventually, but I expect us both to look pretty bad after this. It’s not going to be pretty at all, because we both can take a beating and love to give one.”

Getting an opportunity to take a title in Sportfight could be the perfect start for what Joy feels will be his watershed year in MMA.

“I’m moving up in my career, and I’m finally starting to see some good things coming from my hard work,” he exclaimed. “It’s a really good time for me right now.

“I’d like to fight every two months, because I’m tried of working. So with the sponsorships hopefully kicking in, I can train and fight full time this year. That’s my goal.”

But first things first, Joy has a rough and tumble fight ahead of him against Enoch Wilson at Friday’s Sportfight, which airs on HDNet. It’s a match-up that he feels will be a “can’t miss” for any fan of the sport.

“I’d like to thank my sponsor Warrior Wear,” concluded Joy. “Stay tuned, it’s going to be an awesome fight. Both Enoch and I are jammers and we’re both going to fight hard.

“If you watch a fight with Mike Joy you can expect excitement. I’m not a boring fighter and I like giving the fans something to look forward to.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Kenny Florian elbow damage on Joe Lauzon’s head (Pic)

The picture above shows the injuries that Joe Lauzon sustained during his main event fight against Kenny Florian at UFC Fight Night 13 on April 2.

During the lightweight bout, referee Herb Dean stopped the action in the first round when he felt blows that Florian delivered to the back of Lauzon’s head were dangerous. He did not deduct any points — just issued a warning — nor did he give Lauzon extra time to recover.

It seemed as if Lauzon was not himself after the exchange and he eventually went on to lose in the second round of the bout via technical knockout.

After the fight there was some debate and confusion about whether or not the elbow strikes to Lauzon’s head were legal. Here are the pre-fight instructions that Lauzon received in the locker room from Dean:

“… nothing behind the ear is legal. Put a set of over the top head phones on, and nothing behind the band is legal.”

As Lauzon points out, all three cuts are behind that band. It doesn’t do him (or us) much good right now; however, it hopefully clears up some confusion regarding elbow strikes to the dome going forward.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Georges St. Pierre released his brick, threw it into the river (Video)

VIDEOLINK: http://mmamania.com/2008/04/17/georges-st-pierre-released-his-brick-threw-it-into-the-river-video/

 

[heyzel]

Liddell signs new sponsorship deal

Chuck Liddell Signs Multimillion-Dollar Deal with Leading Nutritional Supplement Company Iceman Rx Inc.


Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell Announces Launch of His Iceman RX Supplement Line

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--World renowned Mixed Martial Arts fighter Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is confirmed today as having signed a contract potentially worth in excess of several million dollars. After years of experience with intense training sessions and the supplements that have proven to effectively support those workouts, UFC fighter Chuck Liddell is introducing a new product to the sports nutrition market. Originally designed to maximize his training, this formula is now being made available to the public at www.icemanrx.com.

The patent-pending product is a two-step system. The Pre-Workout formula aids in development of strength, training intensity, and stamina. The post-workout formula helps with muscle recovery, refueling the body and muscle growth. Together they form the Iceman Rx Complete 2-Step Package.

The Pre-Workout Formula is taken 30-45 minutes before a workout while the Post-Workout Formula is for immediately after the workout. For maximum results, the formula is intended to be taken in combination with a healthy and balanced diet.

“Several nutrition companies have approached me over the years to endorse a number of different products. Some worked; some didn’t - so I decided to create my own brand. I recently put a team together to manufacture a patent-pending product that combines all of the ingredients that have worked for me, into a single, simple-to-use formula. It’s been designed so that any athlete can use this product and expect to see impressive gains in strength, stamina, and recovery,” says Liddell.

 

[heyzel]

Rogan Not Going Anywhere

http://blog.joerogan.net/

There’s been a lot of goofy articles written on the internet lately about me missing the UFC card in Montreal this weekend, speculating all sorts of silly reasons why I’m not going to be there, so I figured it would be a good idea if I cleared it up here.
The only reason I’m not going to be there is because of a family obligation.
I’m certainly not upset at the UFC, and I’m not quitting to start doing commentary for a rival organization.
I’ve also heard some ridiculous shit about me having massive fallout with the UFC president Dana White, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Dana is a very good friend of mine, and in the 7 years I’ve known him we’ve never even had a single disagreement.
He’s a controversial dude, and a wild motherfucker, but that’s why he’s the perfect president for the wildest sport in the world.


We met back in 2001 when Zuffa purchased the UFC, and he’s the one that convinced me to do commentary after seeing how big a fan I am of the sport. I’ve seen this sport explode from relative obscurity to one of the most popular sports in the world, and if it weren’t for Dana White, and massive balls of Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta this sport wouldn’t be anywhere near as popular as it is now.

Lorenzo and Frank, the owners of the UFC risked an incredible amount of money, and were DEEP into the red on this investment when the success of the Ultimate Fighter TV show finally launched this sport into the public’s awareness, and every fan on the planet owes them a debt of gratitude.
They were literally everything this sport needed; they were true fans of the sport with the brains, money and balls to make it popular.
On top of that, they’re cool as fuck.

The UFC has been the greatest job outside of stand up that I’ve ever had by a long shot, and I look forward to every single event. The entire production crew and everyone associated with the organization are a pleasure to work with, and I love them all.
So in closing, I’m not going anywhere, bitches!
See you guys in may!

 

[Shogun Locc]

Katsuhiko Nagata Interview

Katsuhiko Nagata had an interview with DREAM. This interview was posted on Apr 11 in DREAM official website.
- DREAM announced that your opponent will be a winner of the fight, Aoki vs Calvan in DREAM2. What do you think?
After the first round, I switched my motivation to the next round, though I have to wait a little bit longer to find out my opponent. Be honest with you, I'm very honored to fight either Aoki or Calvan. I'm definitely excited about fighting either one. They have a very short time to prepare for my fight. I can tell the sponsor determined that I'm the easiest fighter for them and picked me up as their opponent. Don't be kidding me. I will prove myself!
- Are you upset?
Well, I'm glad to get this opportunity fighting such a tough oppornent. Although, I wish I could fight in the same condition. I mean they may be tired and have damages from their last fight.
- What do you think about their fighting schedule?
I cannot even imagine having such a hard schedule. I believe I will do what they do though.
- You think you cannot lose this fight?
Yes. Our fight won't be an easy fight. I understand how exhausted they are, however, this is my chance and use this advantage to win.
- How do you prepare for your next fight?
I learn about both of them. This is good to improve myself to be an all rounded fighter, because I got train both kicking and punching.
- you are very positive.
I think so. I cannot survive if i'm a negative thinker.
- Which fighter do you want to fight?
I want to fight both. If I fight Calvan, I want to be the fighter who defeats him. If I fight Aoki, my evaluation by others will be better if I have a good fight and result.
- Any message?
I really want to go on to the next round. I want to do all I can do in any position.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Diaz To Dream?

Nick Diaz has verbally accepted to fight Marcelo Garcia at the next Dream show. (April 29th) Although Garcia inititially accepted the fight, there has been talk that the match will now be scrubbed. According to Dream promoters, Marcelo has now decided that he does not want the fight and it is unclear if Dream will be able to find an opponent in time for Nick to participate. Stay tuned

 

[Shogun Locc]

IFL 10k report
link: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/885475/000095012308004130/0000950123-08-004130-index.htm
Quietly, the IFL filed their 10k SEC report on tax day. Of note, the following items in the report: link

Since the company’s inception, they have suffered a net loss of $31 million USD. Revenues are currently insufficient to run operations past Q3 if things do not change.
Costs to promote events in 2007 were $15.9 million USD. The companie received $1.6 million USD from MyNetworkTV for 2007 programming.
There will be no IFL PPVs in 2008.
The company generated $498,000 USD in sponsorship revenue and $117,544 USD in branded merchandise sales for 2007.
Here’s a paragraph from the 10k filing:

As a result of our continued losses, our independent auditors have included an explanatory paragraph in our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, expressing doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern. The inclusion of a going concern explanatory paragraph in the report of our independent auditors could make it more difficult for us to secure additional financing or enter into strategic relationships with distributors on terms acceptable to us, if at all, and may materially and adversely affect the terms of any financing that we may obtain. If revenues grow slower than we anticipate, or if operating expenses exceed our expectations or cannot be adjusted accordingly, we may not achieve profitability and the value of your investment could decline significantly.

 

[heyzel]

TRIGG AND OTHERS ADDED TO DREAM TOURNEY

Friday, April 18, 2008 - by Ricardo Mendoza

DREAM has announced four additional fights to its Middleweight Grand Prix, scheduled to take place on April 29 at the Saitama Super Arena.

Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Frank Trigg takes on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Ronaldo Jacare. Trigg comes off a submission victory over Edwin Dewees at HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon, while Jacare submitted Wendell Santos at Hero’s the Jungle.

Korean striker Taiei Kin faces Japanese superstar Ikuhisa Minowa. Taiei comes off a stoppage loss to Zelg Galesic at K-1 Hero’s Korea, while Minowa submitted Korean newbie Bum Chang Kang at DREAM.1.

Former Cage Rage British middleweight champion Zelg Galesic faces off with Volk Han protégé Magomed Sultanakhmedov. Galesic comes off a doctor stoppage victory over Taiei Kin at K-1 Hero’s Korea, while Sultanakhmedov stopped Eun Soo Lee with strikes at the same event.

Korean judoka Dong Sik Yoon squares off with Japanese journeyman Shungo Oyama. Yoon comes off a submission victory over Fabio Silva at K-1 Hero’s Korea, while Oyama won a stoppage over Carlos Newton at the same event.

Three fights have already been announced for the middleweight grand prix, Japanese legend Kazushi Sakuraba takes on Karate stylist Andrews Nakahara; U-File founder Kiyoshi Tamura faces off with Pancrase legend Masakatsu Funaki; and Pride standout Denis Kang squares off with Armenian striker Gegard Mousasi.

The four additional bouts announced today leave room for one more bout to be added to the 16-man tournament.

K-1 Hero’s lightweight champion Gesias “JZ” Calvancante takes on Shooto middleweight champion Shinya Aoki. These two fought to a no contest at the first DREAM event and the winner here will move to the second round of the Lightweight Grand Prix.

DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix Bouts:
-Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Andrews Nakahara
-Kiyoshi Tamura vs. Masakatsu Funaki
-Denis Kang vs. Gegard Mousasi
-Taiei Kin vs. Ikuhisa Minowa
-Dong Sik Yoon vs. Shungo Oyama
-Zelg Galesic vs. Magomed Sultanakhmedov
-Frank Trigg vs. Ronaldo Jacare

DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix Bout:
-Gesias “JZ” Calvancante vs. Shinya Aoki

 

[heyzel]

Dana White: "Everybody wants to see Liddell Fight Rampage again."

http://www.cagetoday.com/video-interview-with-ufc-president-dana-white/

 

[heyzel]

UFC 83 Betting Odds

Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Serra
Bodog: -500 GSP, +300 Serra
BetUS: -500 GSP, +350 Serra

CT Pick: GSP takes it by TKO. No Bet, theirs a good chance Serra has GSP’s card.

Rich Franklin vs. Travis Lutter
Bodog: -350 Franklin, +250 Lutter
BetUS: -400 Franklin, +300 Lutter

Franklin has better stand up and can defend the takedown. Franklin is a 7:2 favorite to win, I don’t think so, more like 2:1. Lutter is no slouch, if he can get Franklin on the ground, theirs a good chance of an upset.
CT Pick: Franklin by TKO.

Michael Bisping vs. Charles McCarthy
Bodog: -330 Bisping, +260 McCarthy
BetUS: -300 Bisping, +230 McCarthy

Bisping looked shitty in his last two fights, we will have to see how he adjusts to the drop in weight. McCarthy hasn’t fought in a year and a half, I don’t see him taking this fight.
CT Pick: Bisping TKO/KO first round. To many untested factors, No Bet

Nate Quarry vs. Kalib Starnes
Bodog: -295 Quarry, +235 Starnes
BetUS: -280 Quarry, +200 Starnes

Nate Quarry looked bad in his last fight with Pete Sell, he took punishment for two and a half rounds before securing the third round KO. Starns has only lost twice in his career, one to a tough Yushin Okami and the other to Alan Belcher by TKO - Cut (gaping hole). If Starns can avoid the KO and impose his underestimated ground game, the night might be short for Nate Quarry.
CT Pick: My money and my pick go to Starns by Submission.

Mac Danzig vs. Mark Bocek
Bodog: -550 Danzig, +350 Bocek
BetUS: -500 Danzig, +350 Bocek

Bocek’s only loss is to Frankie Edgar by TKO at UFC 73. He has amazing ground skills, but lacks the well roundedness that Mac Danzing has.
CT Pick: Mac Danzig by TKO in the first. No bet, to much risk to little reward.

 

[heyzel]

Formal Autopsy on Vasquez Published

Friday, April 18, 2008
by Jaime Martinez ([email protected])

An 18-page autopsy report on MMA fighter Sam Vasquez was formally filed and presented April 17 by the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office in Texas.

Vasquez died after competing in his third professional bout on Oct. 20, 2007, at a Renegades Extreme Fighting event in Houston's Toyota Center. Dr. Mary L. Anzalone, the Harris County Assistant Medical Examiner, performed the autopsy on Dec. 1, 2007.

The report elaborated on the circumstances of Vasquez's death, which was due to complications of blunt trauma of the head with a subdural hemorrhage, and filed the manner of death as accidental.

A timeline of events was also given.

Vasquez collapsed during the third round of his fight against Vince Libardi, during which the subdural hematoma on the left side of his brain began to develop. The swelling began to shift toward the right side of his brain soon after he was admitted at 9:55 p.m. Oct. 20, studies at St. Joseph Medical Center have confirmed.

The next day Vasquez's hemorrhage was relieved via surgery that required the removal and replacement of a section of his skull. Later, on Nov. 4, he suffered "a sudden decline in neurological status requiring emergent placement" of a catheter that drains cerebral spinal fluid in an attempt to reduce swelling of his brain. A second procedure to reduce swelling was attempted the same day.

After Vasquez showed no improvement, additional life-preserving measures, such as the placement of tracheostomy and gastrostomy tubes, were taken on Nov. 14.

He was discharged to a hospice Nov. 26 and died Nov. 30.

No additional comment has been made by the Medical Examiner's Office or the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which sanctions and presides over MMA bouts.

 

[heyzel]

Iain Liddle and Total MMA Lose Their Credibility

by The Fight Criticon April 18, 2008


I don’t know Iain and I haven’t visited his site before this last week so there’s nothing personal here. Zach over at FightOpinion chose to cross-post one of his articles discussing the recent termination of Jack O’brien’s UFC contract and its implications on the UFC in general.

The article’s not short so I’m going to summarize his points here before I tell you why I think they’re totally wrong…

Jake O’Brien was widely considered a top heavyweight prospect in MMA and has all the potential you can ask for in a fighter.
The aim of a sport is to determine who has the most legitimate claim of being the best in the world in their specific field / division.
The UFC isn’t a sporting league or a sport in general.

His points are way off-base. First off, O’Brien is not one of the top heavyweights in the world. As a reference, I point you to last month’s Heavyweight Meta-Rankings over at Bloody Elbow. Jake’s a nice guy and a good fighter but he’s not on that list yet and for good reason.

The third point above follows from the premise in the second bullet: that the aim of a sport is to determine the best in something. While this is mostly true, the means to that end vary and like everything else in this world sports are a business. Specifically, sports are just another form of entertainment for everyone except those who are competing.

How is the UFC any different from the “sport” of boxing or, even better, college football? College football is one of the biggest “sports” in the U.S. but many people would argue that at the end of the bowl season, we don’t have a clear understanding of which was the best team in the country.

The bottom line is that the UFC is a business like any sports league and its goal is to be profitable. In the past when games have gotten boring or ratings have significantly dropped in other major sports, those same sports leagues have taken counter-measures, going as far as changing the rules of the game itself. Clearly those rule changes might favor some athletes more than others so, do we disqualify these leagues from the category of “sports” as well?

Of course not. And fighters like Jake O’Brien, or even Randy Couture for that matter, getting fired doesn’t disqualify the UFC or MMA as a sport, even though we may disagree with the decisions taken from time to time.

 

[naner12]

Friday, April 18, 2008 - by Ricardo Mendoza

DREAM has announced four additional fights to its Middleweight Grand Prix, scheduled to take place on April 29 at the Saitama Super Arena.

Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Frank Trigg takes on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Ronaldo Jacare. Trigg comes off a submission victory over Edwin Dewees at HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon, while Jacare submitted Wendell Santos at Hero’s the Jungle.

Korean striker Taiei Kin faces Japanese superstar Ikuhisa Minowa. Taiei comes off a stoppage loss to Zelg Galesic at K-1 Hero’s Korea, while Minowa submitted Korean newbie Bum Chang Kang at DREAM.1.

Former Cage Rage British middleweight champion Zelg Galesic faces off with Volk Han protégé Magomed Sultanakhmedov. Galesic comes off a doctor stoppage victory over Taiei Kin at K-1 Hero’s Korea, while Sultanakhmedov stopped Eun Soo Lee with strikes at the same event.

Korean judoka Dong Sik Yoon squares off with Japanese journeyman Shungo Oyama. Yoon comes off a submission victory over Fabio Silva at K-1 Hero’s Korea, while Oyama won a stoppage over Carlos Newton at the same event.

Three fights have already been announced for the middleweight grand prix, Japanese legend Kazushi Sakuraba takes on Karate stylist Andrews Nakahara; U-File founder Kiyoshi Tamura faces off with Pancrase legend Masakatsu Funaki; and Pride standout Denis Kang squares off with Armenian striker Gegard Mousasi.

The four additional bouts announced today leave room for one more bout to be added to the 16-man tournament.

K-1 Hero’s lightweight champion Gesias “JZ” Calvancante takes on Shooto middleweight champion Shinya Aoki. These two fought to a no contest at the first DREAM event and the winner here will move to the second round of the Lightweight Grand Prix.

DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix Bouts:
-Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Andrews Nakahara
-Kiyoshi Tamura vs. Masakatsu Funaki
-Denis Kang vs. Gegard Mousasi
-Taiei Kin vs. Ikuhisa Minowa
-Dong Sik Yoon vs. Shungo Oyama
-Zelg Galesic vs. Magomed Sultanakhmedov
-Frank Trigg vs. Ronaldo Jacare

DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix Bout:
-Gesias “JZ” Calvancante vs. Shinya Aoki

I didn't think they'd do much with the MW GP with the people they had listed but that turned out to be a pretty interesting card. I wish Jacare wasn't matched up so hard in his first bout but that's some good shit.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Jackson Confident in GSP
videolink: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1530
Sherdog.com spoke with Georges St. Pierre (Pictures)'s trainer Greg Jackson on Thursday evening in Montreal, where the welterweight is set to face Matt Serra (Pictures) at UFC 83.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Herman vs. Waterman being discussed for June EliteXC show in Hawaii

Heavyweight prospect and former University of Indiana wrestler Dave Herman is being considered for a match against former UFC veteran Ron Waterman during an EliteXC show being planned for June 14 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The news comes from EliteXC middleweight prospect Paul Bradley, who coached Herman when he wrestled at Indiana. The two also share the same manager, Mike Camp. Bradley made the revelation during a one-on-one interview with FiveOuncesOfPain.com (www.FiveOuncesOfPain.com) on Thursday.

According to Bradley, he also has aspirations of being on the card, as he would like to compete on the same show as his friend, Herman.

“My best friend Dave (Herman), I think they are trying to get him set up with Ron Waterman as one of the featured bouts but I’d love to be on the undercard because me and that kid have been through a lot because I coached at the University of Indiana last year and I used to train with him a lot so hopefully we can get both of us on that card,” Bradley said during the interview.

Herman is 10-0 and made his EliteXC debut on February 16 in Miami during the undercard of “Street Certified.” Matched up against American Top Team heavyweight Mario Rinaldi, Herman was declared the winner of the fight at 0:33 into round 3 via TKO.

Waterman has a lifetime pro MMA record of 15-5-2 over a pro career that spans nine years and not only includes a stint in the UFC, but also appearances with PRIDE, Pancrase, and BodogFIGHT.

He was chosen as an alternate for YAMMA Pit Fighting’s recent single-night, eight-man heavyweight tournament and had reportedly been discussed as a potential opponent for Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson for EliteXC’s first-ever show on CBS on May 31 in Newark, N.J.

Waterman last fought in January, recording a second round submission due to keylock against Analu Brash. Prior to the win over Brash, Waterman had defeated Rinaldi via first round TKO at Art of War 3 this past September.

EliteXC’s June show in Hawaii is currently expected to be headlined by K.J. Noons defending his lightweight title against Yves Edwards. A match pitting Nick Diaz against Muhsin Corbbrey was also officially announced this week by ProElite.com. ICON middleweight champion Kala Kolohe Hose and heavyweight Antonio Silva have been rumored as possibilities for the show as well.

EliteXC officials had publicly talked about the possibility of re-scheduling a match for the promotion’s vacant welterweight title between Jake Shields and Drew Fickett for the Hawaii show, but it’s now possible that the match could be moved to the promotion’s July 26 show on CBS.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Video: Kimbo Slice Talks Chuck Liddell, Haters

 

[Shogun Locc]

CAGE RAGE PROMOTER ANDY GEER STEPS DOWN

Cage Rage announced on Friday that longtime promoter Andy Geer has stepped down from the company to pursue other business interests outside the sport of MMA according to the promotion.

He is being replaced by Chris Cordeiro, who will now lead the organization along with Dave O’Donnell, who has been with Cage Rage for many years.

Cordeiro has worked with King of the Cage, International Fight Championships, and his own Cordeiro Promotions in the past.

“Cage Rage has made great strides to become No. 1 in the UK and is now the leading European MMA brand and becoming well known around the world,” said Cordeiro in a press release. “I am hitting the ground running and aim to take it to the next level and ensure that its popularity is converted into major business and brand growth in Britain and Europe.”

Cordeiro will assume Geer’s responsibilities as promoter effective immediately.

The next Cage Rage show is set to take place on May 10 featuring the return of British heavy hitter, Ian Freeman, who is coming out of retirement for this fight.

 

[Shogun Locc]

TAMURA VS. SATO FOR SHOOTO'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Former Shooto lightweight champion Akitoshi Tamura will face off with Shooto legend Rumina Sato on Shooto’s 20th anniversary card on May 3 at the brand new JCB Hall in Tokyo.

Tamura comes off a decision loss to Hideki Kadowaki at Shooto “Back to our Roots 8,” dropping the Shooto lightweight title in the process. Sato also comes off a loss to Kadowaki, when he was submitted with a rear naked choke at Shooto “Back to our Roots 5.”

The winner of the fight will be in an advantageous position to possibly challenge for the Shooto lightweight title sometime later this year.

Already announced for the event will be a match for the vacant welterweight title between Shooto Pacific Rim welterweight champion Takashi Nakakura and Purebred lightweight Ganjo Tentsuku. These two previously met at Shooto “Champion Carnival,” where they fought a back and forth affair that ended in a draw.

Shooto legend Hayato “Mach” Sakurai returns to take on Pride veteran David Baron in a middleweight bout.

Sakurai comes off a stoppage victory over Cage Force veteran Hidetaka Monma at DREAM 1, while Baron submitted Niek Tromp at a recent Shooto event in Belgium.

Top ranked Shooto bantamweight fighter Yasuhiro Urushitani takes on recently promoted rookie Ryuichi Miki.

Urushitani comes off a disappointing draw with relatively unknown fighter Jesse Taitano at Cage Force 5, while Miki won a decision over Kenji Hosoya at Shooto “Shooting Disco 4.”

Former Shooto lightweight champion “Lion” Takeshi Inoue has been tapped to participate on the card against an, as yet, unnamed opponent.

Shooto Welterweight Championship Bout:
-Takashi Nakakura vs. Ganjo Tentsuku

-Hayato “Mach” Sakurai vs. David Baron
-Akitoshi Tamura vs. Rumina Sato
-Yasuhiro Urushitani vs. Ryuichi Miki
-Hayate Usui vs. Sakae Kasuya
-Katsuya Murofushi vs. Shinpei Tahara
-“Lion” Takeshi Inoue vs. TBA