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5 Fighters Announced! Sandro & Hioki To SENGOKU GP
Five fighters were announced for the SENGOKU Featherweight GP today. They are American Top Team’s undefeated WEC veteran Chris Manuel, Hatsu Hioki, Featherweight King Of Pancrase Marlon Sandro, undefeated KOTC veteran Nick Denis, and the talented Ronnie Ushikawa (Mann) from Team Trojan.
WVR PR Kokuho said that fighters from 7-8 nations will participate in the GP. There are already fighters from 5 different nations (USA, Japan, Canada, The UK, and Brazil) so expect Russia and South Korea to be two of the possible three other nations.
Update: Kokuho said that the plan in the beginning was 8 Japanese and 8 foreign fighters, but now it looks like the number of Japanese fighters might increase a little.
SENGOKU VII
Date: March 20th, 2009
Place: National Yoyogi Stadium 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan
Light Heavyweight Fight:
King Mo vs. Ryo Kawamura
Featherweight GP Participants:
Marlon Sandro
Hatsu Hioki
Nick Denis
Ronnie Ushikawa
Chris Manuel
Possible Featherweight GP Participants:
Alexandre Franca Nogueira
Hiroyuki Takaya
Nam Phan
Possible Fights:
Roger Gracie vs. Jeff Monson
Possible Participants:
Pawel Nastula
Five fighters were announced for the SENGOKU Featherweight GP today. They are American Top Team’s undefeated WEC veteran Chris Manuel, Hatsu Hioki, Featherweight King Of Pancrase Marlon Sandro, undefeated KOTC veteran Nick Denis, and the talented Ronnie Ushikawa (Mann) from Team Trojan.
WVR PR Kokuho said that fighters from 7-8 nations will participate in the GP. There are already fighters from 5 different nations (USA, Japan, Canada, The UK, and Brazil) so expect Russia and South Korea to be two of the possible three other nations.
Update: Kokuho said that the plan in the beginning was 8 Japanese and 8 foreign fighters, but now it looks like the number of Japanese fighters might increase a little.
SENGOKU VII
Date: March 20th, 2009
Place: National Yoyogi Stadium 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan
Light Heavyweight Fight:
King Mo vs. Ryo Kawamura
Featherweight GP Participants:
Marlon Sandro
Hatsu Hioki
Nick Denis
Ronnie Ushikawa
Chris Manuel
Possible Featherweight GP Participants:
Alexandre Franca Nogueira
Hiroyuki Takaya
Nam Phan
Possible Fights:
Roger Gracie vs. Jeff Monson
Possible Participants:
Pawel Nastula
UFC 100 to be held July 11 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas
The Ultimate Fighting Championships' landmark "UFC 100" event will take place July 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports reported the date in his latest Mailbag feature.
Although UFC President Dana White told Iole he hasn't begun matchmaking for the event, and though rumors that all five UFC belts would be contested at the event proved unfounded, UFC 100 is nonetheless expected to be a blockbuster event.
White has previously stated UFC 100 is likely to have some extra razzle-dazzle. (However, it's worth noting that when including UFC Fight Night and The Ultimate Fighter Finale events, UFC 100 will actually be the organization's 132nd event.)
Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) the UFC hasn't yet officially reserved UFC 100's July 11 date with the commission. However, it's unlikely to be an issue. After all, "We just received the date request for the May 23 UFC (event) yesterday," Kizer stated in an email. Yet, many of the fights on that UFC 98 fight card are already signed or close to signed.
UFC 100 also marks the UFC's return to the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The UFC has recently opted for the venue's sister property, the 14,700-capacity MGM Grand Garden Arena, for major Las Vegas events.
Mandalay Bay, which accommodates approximately 11,000 spectators, last hosted an event in July 2008 when then-UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson and Forrest Griffin headlined UFC 86. Since then, the MGM Grand Garden Arena has hosted UFC 91 and UFC 92 in late 2008, and the venue whosts Saturday's UFC 94 event and UFC 98 on May 23.
The Ultimate Fighting Championships' landmark "UFC 100" event will take place July 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports reported the date in his latest Mailbag feature.
Although UFC President Dana White told Iole he hasn't begun matchmaking for the event, and though rumors that all five UFC belts would be contested at the event proved unfounded, UFC 100 is nonetheless expected to be a blockbuster event.
White has previously stated UFC 100 is likely to have some extra razzle-dazzle. (However, it's worth noting that when including UFC Fight Night and The Ultimate Fighter Finale events, UFC 100 will actually be the organization's 132nd event.)
Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) the UFC hasn't yet officially reserved UFC 100's July 11 date with the commission. However, it's unlikely to be an issue. After all, "We just received the date request for the May 23 UFC (event) yesterday," Kizer stated in an email. Yet, many of the fights on that UFC 98 fight card are already signed or close to signed.
UFC 100 also marks the UFC's return to the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The UFC has recently opted for the venue's sister property, the 14,700-capacity MGM Grand Garden Arena, for major Las Vegas events.
Mandalay Bay, which accommodates approximately 11,000 spectators, last hosted an event in July 2008 when then-UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson and Forrest Griffin headlined UFC 86. Since then, the MGM Grand Garden Arena has hosted UFC 91 and UFC 92 in late 2008, and the venue whosts Saturday's UFC 94 event and UFC 98 on May 23.
Crunkilton vs. Palaszewski promoted to co-main event at WEC 39
With the recent loss of a scheduled welterweight title fight between champion Carlos Condit and challenger Brock Larson for the main card of "WEC 39: Brown vs. Garcia," a lightweight scrap between Richard Crunkilton (16-2 MMA, 6-1 WEC) and Bart Palszewski (30-11 MMA, 1-0 WEC) is slated for an elevation to co-main event status.
Sources close to the bout today alerted MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the pending change.
WEC 39 is scheduled for March 1 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The main card will air live on VERSUS.
Crunkilton debuted professionally in 1999. The 29-year-old won his first nine pro bouts before being derailed by Hermes Franca in his lone UFC appearance at UFC 42 in 2003.
The American Kickboxing Academy fighter has since won seven of his past eight bouts. His lone defeat in that stretch was a September 2007 TKO loss to former WEC lightweight champion Rob McCullough.
Palaszweski has been fighting professionally since 2002. The Extreme Challenge and SuperBrawl veteran gained further exposure during an 8-4 run in the now-defunct IFL.
Palszweski is currently riding a two-fight win streak after a successful WEC debut over Alex Karalexis at WEC 37 in December 2008.
With the recent loss of a scheduled welterweight title fight between champion Carlos Condit and challenger Brock Larson for the main card of "WEC 39: Brown vs. Garcia," a lightweight scrap between Richard Crunkilton (16-2 MMA, 6-1 WEC) and Bart Palszewski (30-11 MMA, 1-0 WEC) is slated for an elevation to co-main event status.
Sources close to the bout today alerted MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the pending change.
WEC 39 is scheduled for March 1 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The main card will air live on VERSUS.
Crunkilton debuted professionally in 1999. The 29-year-old won his first nine pro bouts before being derailed by Hermes Franca in his lone UFC appearance at UFC 42 in 2003.
The American Kickboxing Academy fighter has since won seven of his past eight bouts. His lone defeat in that stretch was a September 2007 TKO loss to former WEC lightweight champion Rob McCullough.
Palaszweski has been fighting professionally since 2002. The Extreme Challenge and SuperBrawl veteran gained further exposure during an 8-4 run in the now-defunct IFL.
Palszweski is currently riding a two-fight win streak after a successful WEC debut over Alex Karalexis at WEC 37 in December 2008.
Lashley, Lombard scratched from PFC: Best of Both Worlds
American Top Team Fighters Bobby Lashley (1-0) and Hector Lombard (17-2-1) have been forced to withdraw from their planned bouts at the Palace Fighting Championship's upcoming hybrid MMA/boxing card, "Best of Both Worlds."
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today learned of the pair's departures from sources close to the event.
"PFC: Best of Both Worlds" is scheduled for Feb. 6 at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, Calif.
Lashley was forced off the card due to an ankle ligament injury suffered in a recent training session. The extent of the injury and potential layoff for recovery is unknown at this time.
The heavyweight prospect and former collegiate wrestling champion was slated to face fellow undefeated up-and-comer Mike Hayes. Lashley made his MMA debut in December 2008 with a 41-second TKO win over fellow first-time-fighter Joshua Franklin.
A replacement for the former professional wrestler has not yet been named.
Lombard had long been considered for the event, though his participation was never officially announced by the organization. The former Cuban judoka has been fighting professionally since 2004 and was looking to make his long-awaited U.S. debut.
The PRIDE, DEEP and SpiritMC veteran will pass on the Feb. 6 date in favor of a previously signed April appearance for Bellator Fighting Championships, a debuting promotion slated for broadcast on ESPN Deportes.
American Top Team Fighters Bobby Lashley (1-0) and Hector Lombard (17-2-1) have been forced to withdraw from their planned bouts at the Palace Fighting Championship's upcoming hybrid MMA/boxing card, "Best of Both Worlds."
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today learned of the pair's departures from sources close to the event.
"PFC: Best of Both Worlds" is scheduled for Feb. 6 at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, Calif.
Lashley was forced off the card due to an ankle ligament injury suffered in a recent training session. The extent of the injury and potential layoff for recovery is unknown at this time.
The heavyweight prospect and former collegiate wrestling champion was slated to face fellow undefeated up-and-comer Mike Hayes. Lashley made his MMA debut in December 2008 with a 41-second TKO win over fellow first-time-fighter Joshua Franklin.
A replacement for the former professional wrestler has not yet been named.
Lombard had long been considered for the event, though his participation was never officially announced by the organization. The former Cuban judoka has been fighting professionally since 2004 and was looking to make his long-awaited U.S. debut.
The PRIDE, DEEP and SpiritMC veteran will pass on the Feb. 6 date in favor of a previously signed April appearance for Bellator Fighting Championships, a debuting promotion slated for broadcast on ESPN Deportes.
George Sotiropoulos out, debuting Matt Veach in for UFC Fight Night 17
A rib injury recently suffered by George Sotiropolous (9-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has opened a door for UFC newcomer Matt Veach (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
Veach, a member of the Illinois-based HIT Squad, replaces Sotiropoulos in a UFC Fight Night 17 preliminary bout with Matt Grice (9-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC). A source close to Grice confirmed the change with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
UFC Fight Night 17 takes place Feb. 7 at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla., and airs on Spike TV.
As of late Wednesday, the UFC had yet to announce the fight-card change.
The setback is yet another disappointment for Sotiropoulos, who last fought in the UFC at UFC Fight Night 13 in April 2008. The 31-year-old earned a TKO win over Roman Mitichyan that night, but injuries has kept "The Ultimate Fighter 6" cast member out of action since.
His replacement, Veach, enters the UFC with a stellar 10-0 record with nine stoppage victories in just 18 months of professional competition. Fighting in Midwest-based shows, the former high school and collegiate wrestler hosted posted six submission victories and three knockout wins.
Grice, meanwhile, will be returning to action for the first time since his October 2007 "Fight of the Night" with Jason Black at UFC 77. Grice put his MMA career on hold for the past year in order to complete training at the Oklahoma City Police Department academy. With that training behind him, the 27-year-old will now renew his commitment to the UFC.
A rib injury recently suffered by George Sotiropolous (9-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has opened a door for UFC newcomer Matt Veach (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
Veach, a member of the Illinois-based HIT Squad, replaces Sotiropoulos in a UFC Fight Night 17 preliminary bout with Matt Grice (9-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC). A source close to Grice confirmed the change with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
UFC Fight Night 17 takes place Feb. 7 at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla., and airs on Spike TV.
As of late Wednesday, the UFC had yet to announce the fight-card change.
The setback is yet another disappointment for Sotiropoulos, who last fought in the UFC at UFC Fight Night 13 in April 2008. The 31-year-old earned a TKO win over Roman Mitichyan that night, but injuries has kept "The Ultimate Fighter 6" cast member out of action since.
His replacement, Veach, enters the UFC with a stellar 10-0 record with nine stoppage victories in just 18 months of professional competition. Fighting in Midwest-based shows, the former high school and collegiate wrestler hosted posted six submission victories and three knockout wins.
Grice, meanwhile, will be returning to action for the first time since his October 2007 "Fight of the Night" with Jason Black at UFC 77. Grice put his MMA career on hold for the past year in order to complete training at the Oklahoma City Police Department academy. With that training behind him, the 27-year-old will now renew his commitment to the UFC.
Jon Jones grounded in reality heading into UFC 94
The last place Jon Jones wanted to be was a doctor's office, especially in Las Vegas.
Yet there he was awaiting a physical when his phone rang. Then and there he agreed to 20 minutes with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), three days before the biggest fight of his young career when he'll appear on the main card for the first time in his burgeoning young career against "The Ultimate Fighter" Season 1 runner-up Stephan Bonnar.
There are better things to do in Vegas, especially when you're 21 years old, good looking and sculpted like those Greek god statues that welcome you to Caesars Palace. Since arriving to Sin City earlier this week, Jones has been locked in, hell bent for leather – and lace.
"The only thing that's been on my mind has been beautiful girls," he said.
Jones was quick to indicate he was kidding. Good-natured cracks are his way. And why not? He's in the prime of his youth, and Vegas is one big tease. But if you're like most people who casually follow mixed martial arts, especially those with tunnel vision aimed directly at Georges St. Pierre vs. B.J. Penn at UFC 94, you've probably never heard of Jon Jones.
And you certainly don't know him. On the surface you'd expect him to frequent the Crazy Horse Too or any of Vegas' immaculate gentlemen's clubs. Study his profile, and you'll discover a dichotomy between theory and practice. Jones is a father to a seven-month-old named Leah and officially spoken for. He endorsed a decision by his manager, Ryan Ciotoli, to decline a room at the MGM Grand, the host venue for Saturday's pay-per-view event, and stay 10 minutes off the Las Vegas Strip where virtually nobody will know him or that the UFC is hosting a card headlined by one the biggest fights of the company's existence.
"I had to be away from all the hype," said Jones, who ran into his first UFC opponent, Andre Gusmao, in the lobby and restaurants at least four times prior to their UFC 87 fight. "All the nightlife and the big, beautiful buildings are completely secondary.
"I'm 21 and really living the American dream. If I was a single, I'd probably really be 'wow' and having a great time in life. But I enjoy life and being committed with someone. Being married at age 21 helps me stay focused and stay in the gym."
With a solitary fascination and obsession, Jones has set his sights on Bonnar. It speaks to his gifted abilities that nine months into his MMA career he's earned a prominent place against a marquee opponent with no reason to believe he won't stay there. Since making his pro debut just nine months ago, Jones (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has posted six stoppage victories in seven career wins – four in the first round.
One mention of Bonnar harbors memories of his violent and epic battle with Forrest Griffin in 2005. But say Jon Jones, and there are plenty in the dark, especially with the odds once again stacked against him.
Bring it, says Jones. Reality doesn't bite. It's delicious.
"The reality of this thing is I have 15 minutes to prove to everyone, and to myself, that I belong in the octagon," Jones said. "People tend to hype you up a lot and tell you you're going to be the next great thing. I don't need that. I need reality. Reality is I'm the underdog, and I need to come with everything."
Reality is his upbringing in tiny Endicott, N.Y., a New York State village with a 2000 census population of 13,000 and change. Even in his own family, he's literally trying to keep up with the Joneses. His brother Arthur is a defensive lineman at Syracuse University, a 2008 All-American candidate and projected second-round pick who recently declined entry into the NFL Draft to return for his senior season and to pursue a second degree next to the one he owns in sports management. Jon's younger brother Chandler is a defensive end who red-shirted last season and will play alongside Arthur in 2009.
Arthur is listed at 6-4, 291 pounds. Chandler 6-5, 238. Figures Jon is the smallest at 6-4, 205. Yet that fits his underdog profile perfectly. It was the determination that led to a junior college championship for Iowa Central Community College and a spot in the Cortland, N.Y.-based Team BombSquad. Defiance became his calling when, regarded as a stepping stone at UFC 87, Jones thoroughly dominated the touted Gusmao to take a unanimous decision in his UFC debut – all with 12 days of prep time.
"The win over Gusmao showed me that this is what I need to do and need to be," Jones said. "It let me know this could be my stage and I need to take what's mine."
It validated the time spent on the club circuit and the IFL, and vaulted him into a meeting with Bonnar with a full training camp and ample time to create a game plan. Bonnar (11-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) returns after a one-year layoff to rehab a serious knee injury suffered in training. Instead of rust, Jones is expecting Bonnar to go full bore like he did with Griffin in their epic first battle. But even while preparing for the "TUF" legend to be at his best, Jones is aware of the entirely different roads Bonnar and Griffin have taken since staging the UFC's version of Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns.
"Personally I feel as if he hasn't really progressed a lot since that fight unlike Forrest, who has absolutely skyrocketed his career," Jones said. "That was an amazing-paced fight, and I'm prepared to fight and bring it for the full 15 minutes."
Even if by the end of the night more people can associate a common name with someone destined to break the routine, it's never mattered. All that does to Jones are wins and adding another star to his hometown's roll call. Among famous natives of Endicott are former MLB umpire Ron Luciano, Baltimore Orioles reliever Jim Johnson, "Twilight Zone" creator Rod Serling, and Jones' older brother Arthur. There's also ex-Seattle Seahawks linebacker and Endicott native Isaiah Kacyvenski, one of 16 pro athletes who have agreed to donate after death his brain to the new Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.
Each has made Endicott an easier name to roll off the tongue – simple as saying Jon Jones. So why not him?
"I fight for a lot of pride for my hometown," Jones said. "I want to show these guys that I don't have to live out in Las Vegas and train with the biggest gyms to be successful. It's about having the will. You have to have the will and the spirit, which is what I think I have."
The last place Jon Jones wanted to be was a doctor's office, especially in Las Vegas.
Yet there he was awaiting a physical when his phone rang. Then and there he agreed to 20 minutes with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), three days before the biggest fight of his young career when he'll appear on the main card for the first time in his burgeoning young career against "The Ultimate Fighter" Season 1 runner-up Stephan Bonnar.
There are better things to do in Vegas, especially when you're 21 years old, good looking and sculpted like those Greek god statues that welcome you to Caesars Palace. Since arriving to Sin City earlier this week, Jones has been locked in, hell bent for leather – and lace.
"The only thing that's been on my mind has been beautiful girls," he said.
Jones was quick to indicate he was kidding. Good-natured cracks are his way. And why not? He's in the prime of his youth, and Vegas is one big tease. But if you're like most people who casually follow mixed martial arts, especially those with tunnel vision aimed directly at Georges St. Pierre vs. B.J. Penn at UFC 94, you've probably never heard of Jon Jones.
And you certainly don't know him. On the surface you'd expect him to frequent the Crazy Horse Too or any of Vegas' immaculate gentlemen's clubs. Study his profile, and you'll discover a dichotomy between theory and practice. Jones is a father to a seven-month-old named Leah and officially spoken for. He endorsed a decision by his manager, Ryan Ciotoli, to decline a room at the MGM Grand, the host venue for Saturday's pay-per-view event, and stay 10 minutes off the Las Vegas Strip where virtually nobody will know him or that the UFC is hosting a card headlined by one the biggest fights of the company's existence.
"I had to be away from all the hype," said Jones, who ran into his first UFC opponent, Andre Gusmao, in the lobby and restaurants at least four times prior to their UFC 87 fight. "All the nightlife and the big, beautiful buildings are completely secondary.
"I'm 21 and really living the American dream. If I was a single, I'd probably really be 'wow' and having a great time in life. But I enjoy life and being committed with someone. Being married at age 21 helps me stay focused and stay in the gym."
With a solitary fascination and obsession, Jones has set his sights on Bonnar. It speaks to his gifted abilities that nine months into his MMA career he's earned a prominent place against a marquee opponent with no reason to believe he won't stay there. Since making his pro debut just nine months ago, Jones (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has posted six stoppage victories in seven career wins – four in the first round.
One mention of Bonnar harbors memories of his violent and epic battle with Forrest Griffin in 2005. But say Jon Jones, and there are plenty in the dark, especially with the odds once again stacked against him.
Bring it, says Jones. Reality doesn't bite. It's delicious.
"The reality of this thing is I have 15 minutes to prove to everyone, and to myself, that I belong in the octagon," Jones said. "People tend to hype you up a lot and tell you you're going to be the next great thing. I don't need that. I need reality. Reality is I'm the underdog, and I need to come with everything."
Reality is his upbringing in tiny Endicott, N.Y., a New York State village with a 2000 census population of 13,000 and change. Even in his own family, he's literally trying to keep up with the Joneses. His brother Arthur is a defensive lineman at Syracuse University, a 2008 All-American candidate and projected second-round pick who recently declined entry into the NFL Draft to return for his senior season and to pursue a second degree next to the one he owns in sports management. Jon's younger brother Chandler is a defensive end who red-shirted last season and will play alongside Arthur in 2009.
Arthur is listed at 6-4, 291 pounds. Chandler 6-5, 238. Figures Jon is the smallest at 6-4, 205. Yet that fits his underdog profile perfectly. It was the determination that led to a junior college championship for Iowa Central Community College and a spot in the Cortland, N.Y.-based Team BombSquad. Defiance became his calling when, regarded as a stepping stone at UFC 87, Jones thoroughly dominated the touted Gusmao to take a unanimous decision in his UFC debut – all with 12 days of prep time.
"The win over Gusmao showed me that this is what I need to do and need to be," Jones said. "It let me know this could be my stage and I need to take what's mine."
It validated the time spent on the club circuit and the IFL, and vaulted him into a meeting with Bonnar with a full training camp and ample time to create a game plan. Bonnar (11-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) returns after a one-year layoff to rehab a serious knee injury suffered in training. Instead of rust, Jones is expecting Bonnar to go full bore like he did with Griffin in their epic first battle. But even while preparing for the "TUF" legend to be at his best, Jones is aware of the entirely different roads Bonnar and Griffin have taken since staging the UFC's version of Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns.
"Personally I feel as if he hasn't really progressed a lot since that fight unlike Forrest, who has absolutely skyrocketed his career," Jones said. "That was an amazing-paced fight, and I'm prepared to fight and bring it for the full 15 minutes."
Even if by the end of the night more people can associate a common name with someone destined to break the routine, it's never mattered. All that does to Jones are wins and adding another star to his hometown's roll call. Among famous natives of Endicott are former MLB umpire Ron Luciano, Baltimore Orioles reliever Jim Johnson, "Twilight Zone" creator Rod Serling, and Jones' older brother Arthur. There's also ex-Seattle Seahawks linebacker and Endicott native Isaiah Kacyvenski, one of 16 pro athletes who have agreed to donate after death his brain to the new Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.
Each has made Endicott an easier name to roll off the tongue – simple as saying Jon Jones. So why not him?
"I fight for a lot of pride for my hometown," Jones said. "I want to show these guys that I don't have to live out in Las Vegas and train with the biggest gyms to be successful. It's about having the will. You have to have the will and the spirit, which is what I think I have."
Helio Gracie Dead
Helio Gracie, the father of Gracie jiu-jitsu, is dead at the age of 95. Gracie passed in his sleep early Thursday in Itaipaiva, Rio de Janeiro, after he had been admitted to a local hospital a few days prior for stomach problems.
“He passed the way he always wanted to –- quick and fast,” said an immediate relative, who asked not to be identified. The relative said Gracie’s body would be buried on Thursday.
The youngest of Cesalina and Gastao Gracie’s eight children, he learned traditional jiu-jitsu by watching his brother, Carlos, teach it, but his small frame made it difficult for him to execute the moves. As a result, he adapted techniques to fit his limited physical ability and gave rise to modern-day Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Gracie was involved in two legendary fights. He lost to Masahiko Kimura -- a man who outweighed him by some 40 pounds -- in 1951 when Carlos threw in the towel after Kimura broke Gracie’s arm with the shoulder lock that now bears his name. Four years later, Gracie fought former student Valdemar Santana for nearly four hours before losing.
His impact on the sport of mixed martial arts was profound. His son, Rorion, was credited with developing the concept that became the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and another of his sons, Royce, won the first two UFC tournaments in 1993 and 1994. Two other sons, Rickson and Royler, also competed in MMA.
Gracie is survived by his wife Vera; his sons Rickson, Royler, Rolker, Royce, Relson, Robin and Rorion; his daughters Rerika and Ricci, as well as numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Helio Gracie, the father of Gracie jiu-jitsu, is dead at the age of 95. Gracie passed in his sleep early Thursday in Itaipaiva, Rio de Janeiro, after he had been admitted to a local hospital a few days prior for stomach problems.
“He passed the way he always wanted to –- quick and fast,” said an immediate relative, who asked not to be identified. The relative said Gracie’s body would be buried on Thursday.
The youngest of Cesalina and Gastao Gracie’s eight children, he learned traditional jiu-jitsu by watching his brother, Carlos, teach it, but his small frame made it difficult for him to execute the moves. As a result, he adapted techniques to fit his limited physical ability and gave rise to modern-day Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Gracie was involved in two legendary fights. He lost to Masahiko Kimura -- a man who outweighed him by some 40 pounds -- in 1951 when Carlos threw in the towel after Kimura broke Gracie’s arm with the shoulder lock that now bears his name. Four years later, Gracie fought former student Valdemar Santana for nearly four hours before losing.
His impact on the sport of mixed martial arts was profound. His son, Rorion, was credited with developing the concept that became the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and another of his sons, Royce, won the first two UFC tournaments in 1993 and 1994. Two other sons, Rickson and Royler, also competed in MMA.
Gracie is survived by his wife Vera; his sons Rickson, Royler, Rolker, Royce, Relson, Robin and Rorion; his daughters Rerika and Ricci, as well as numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Thiago Tavares is not looking for "Fight of the Night" at UFC 94
LAS VEGAS - While every loss inside the UFC's famed octagon is undoubtedly upsetting, the recognition and extra income that comes from a "Fight of the Night" award can certainly help ease the pain.
But as UFC lightweight Thiago Tavares (13-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC) recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), after three such bonuses the checks no longer do the trick.
"I don't come to make the best fight of the night," Tavares said. "I come to win every time."
Tavares has lost three of his past four fights -- the first three defeats in the Brazilian's five-year career. And while the losses to Kurt Pellegrino, Matt Wiman and Tyson Griffin all put a little extra cash in Tavares' pocket, the American Top Team fighter would be happy to pass on the additional income in lieu of a win over Manny Gamburyan at Saturday's "UFC 94: St. Pierre vs. Penn II" pay-per-view event in Las Vegas.
"It's always more important for me to win," Tavares said. "Sometimes I lose and I get the "Fight of the Night." My three losses I got the "Fight of the Night." But for me it's important to win. The extra money is nice, but I come to win.
"I would pass on the extra bonus in order to get the win. You can believe that."
While Tavares' style proved exciting in each of his three losses, the 24-year-old went back to the drawing board in hopes of earning more UFC wins than consolation prizes.
"I've changed my game a little," Tavares said. "I'm starting to practice my stand-up much more. I'm better now in boxing and Muay-Thai. My game is still jiu-jitsu. But I'm trying to get better with my striking.
"I'll always go back to my submissions and fighting on the ground, but my stand-up is getting very good, too."
A judo and jiu-jitsu ace, Tavares is looking forward to matching up with Gamburyan's similar skill set.
"Each fight is different, and I have to be ready," Tavares said. "In this fight, I think I'm better than Gamburyan in my boxing and in my stand-up. Because of that, I'm going to be willing to stand with him."
Tavares has earned 11 of his 13 career victories by stoppage, while Gamburyan has received seven of his eight career wins before the final bell. The two fighters' aggressive styles seem custom-tailored for fireworks in the cage on Saturday night.
Tavares said he's be willing to put on another classic performance, but only if he can be sure to come up on the winning end.
"I know [Gamburyan] is really good," Tavares said. "He's really strong, too.
"I think this fight is going to be great for the fans because I try to win at all times. He does, too. He's very aggressive. I think this fight is going to maybe the best fight of the night -- but I want to win this one."
With his new focus on a more well-rounded approach, Tavares said he's comfortable wherever the fight may go.
"I train all things," Tavares said. "I train judo and jiu-jitsu every day. If he wants to go to the ground, then I'll fight my normal fight. If this fight stays standing, then for me that's normal now, too. I've just been training every aspect, and I'm coming in here ready to fight."
After winning he first 12 bouts of his career, suffering three losses in four fights has been difficult for Tavares to deal with -- despite the accolades that have accompanied the defeats.
The Brazilian hopes his fans haven't abandoned him just yet, and he promises to make any sacrifice necessary to snap his current losing streak.
"Please continue to believe in me," Tavares said. "I'm going to give my life, my blood if necessary. I'm coming to win."
LAS VEGAS - While every loss inside the UFC's famed octagon is undoubtedly upsetting, the recognition and extra income that comes from a "Fight of the Night" award can certainly help ease the pain.
But as UFC lightweight Thiago Tavares (13-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC) recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), after three such bonuses the checks no longer do the trick.
"I don't come to make the best fight of the night," Tavares said. "I come to win every time."
Tavares has lost three of his past four fights -- the first three defeats in the Brazilian's five-year career. And while the losses to Kurt Pellegrino, Matt Wiman and Tyson Griffin all put a little extra cash in Tavares' pocket, the American Top Team fighter would be happy to pass on the additional income in lieu of a win over Manny Gamburyan at Saturday's "UFC 94: St. Pierre vs. Penn II" pay-per-view event in Las Vegas.
"It's always more important for me to win," Tavares said. "Sometimes I lose and I get the "Fight of the Night." My three losses I got the "Fight of the Night." But for me it's important to win. The extra money is nice, but I come to win.
"I would pass on the extra bonus in order to get the win. You can believe that."
While Tavares' style proved exciting in each of his three losses, the 24-year-old went back to the drawing board in hopes of earning more UFC wins than consolation prizes.
"I've changed my game a little," Tavares said. "I'm starting to practice my stand-up much more. I'm better now in boxing and Muay-Thai. My game is still jiu-jitsu. But I'm trying to get better with my striking.
"I'll always go back to my submissions and fighting on the ground, but my stand-up is getting very good, too."
A judo and jiu-jitsu ace, Tavares is looking forward to matching up with Gamburyan's similar skill set.
"Each fight is different, and I have to be ready," Tavares said. "In this fight, I think I'm better than Gamburyan in my boxing and in my stand-up. Because of that, I'm going to be willing to stand with him."
Tavares has earned 11 of his 13 career victories by stoppage, while Gamburyan has received seven of his eight career wins before the final bell. The two fighters' aggressive styles seem custom-tailored for fireworks in the cage on Saturday night.
Tavares said he's be willing to put on another classic performance, but only if he can be sure to come up on the winning end.
"I know [Gamburyan] is really good," Tavares said. "He's really strong, too.
"I think this fight is going to be great for the fans because I try to win at all times. He does, too. He's very aggressive. I think this fight is going to maybe the best fight of the night -- but I want to win this one."
With his new focus on a more well-rounded approach, Tavares said he's comfortable wherever the fight may go.
"I train all things," Tavares said. "I train judo and jiu-jitsu every day. If he wants to go to the ground, then I'll fight my normal fight. If this fight stays standing, then for me that's normal now, too. I've just been training every aspect, and I'm coming in here ready to fight."
After winning he first 12 bouts of his career, suffering three losses in four fights has been difficult for Tavares to deal with -- despite the accolades that have accompanied the defeats.
The Brazilian hopes his fans haven't abandoned him just yet, and he promises to make any sacrifice necessary to snap his current losing streak.
"Please continue to believe in me," Tavares said. "I'm going to give my life, my blood if necessary. I'm coming to win."
Fight Path: For UFC newcomer Nissen Osterneck, MMA trumped all
By the start of the second round, Nissen Osterneck was starting to rethink his debut fight appearance.
It was August 2006, and Osterneck stared down "Nasty" Nate Edwards in "Full Throttle 8." The Club Europe Ballroom crowd in Atlanta was watching the night's third fight, and it was brutal.
"So tough," Osterneck told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
Edwards, after all, was a former college wrestler at Central Michigan and strength and conditioning coach at The Citadel. Osterneck, the Hawaiian native who had stopped training for several years to all-but party full time, was a quick-learning jiu-jitsu student. It was a physical and competitive first round.
Then the fight turned for Osterneck.
"He gave me a good crack to start the second round," Osterneck said. "I somehow slipped a triangle when I was just about out of gas. If I hadn't made that move, I might not have gotten into the whole thing. It was such a tough fight, I was thinking I didn't want to do it again.
"I almost stopped fighting right there."
Instead, Osterneck continued his training and is 5-1 as a professional heading into his most important fight yet. He combines the skills of a picked-on white kid during his island childhood to a commercial real estate agent by training to a hiking, spear-fishing wanderer who has no permanent address. (This week, it's the town of Kula, in Maui.)
The natural at Brazilian jiu jitsu who recently earned his brown belt was dominant in his first five pro fights before a November loss to Jake Rosholt (5-0) at WEC 36. That makes the next two months of training key to Osterneck's MMA middleweight future, but he hasn't yet backed down from a challenge, neither from bullies nor corporate boredom.
"When I have a fight coming up, I don't need extra motivation," Osterneck said. "I know the other guy's not taking it lightly. I'm not going to, either."
Laid-back lifestyle
The phone rings at 4:15 p.m. Hawaii time.
"Sorry," Osterneck says after returning a telephone message. "Just got back from a surf."
It's the beginning of a schizophrenic conversation about life and MMA. On one side, you have the 28-year-old Osterneck, who was born and raised in Hawaii living on the side of a dormant volcano. On the other is the intimidating Osterneck who is training for his April 1 appearance against Jorge Rivera in UFC Fight Night 18 in Nashville, Tenn. (Rivera was a second choice after Nate Mohr suffered an injury.)
You wouldn't know he feels pressure by talking to him following his quick post-training surf this week.
He was born in Hawaii to a father, who took early retirement from the carpet business to live on the island, and a mother, who arrived there with her first husband before meeting and marrying Osterneck's father.
But life on the island wasn't easy for white kids, who were often picked on as the minority, Osterneck said. After facing bullying and holding his own, Osterneck enrolled in martial arts training at age 15. He was a quick study, passing several friends in skill level while gaining more interest in MMA from watching Ultimate Fighting Championship broadcasts.
At age 18, Osterneck stopped training.
"I just quit altogether," he said. "I was drinking a lot and doing some recreational drugs and wasn't motivated in martial arts. I got to a point where there had been numerous car accidents, and I was getting owned by it. I had a problem, but I got sober when I was 21, and I've been sober since. I got back into training."
No 9 to 5
In Osterneck's second class during his return to training, he tapped the BJJ instructor.
Twice.
"Everyone was like, 'Whoa,' " he said. "It was a good feeling."
But he wasn't ready to be a full-time fighter. He had recently graduated from Coastal Carolina University after moving to South Carolina for a fresh start. He pursued a commercial real estate career among other business interests but found that MMA training cut more and more into his spare time.
Some of his business time, too.
"I was going through the motions," he said. "I was working 8 to 5, then 9 to 4, then 10 to 2, and pretty soon I was in the office two days a week. I was like, 'Who are you kidding? Your heart's not in it.' I told my boss I was leaving, and it was the most liberating moment of my life."
Since that Myrtle Beach resignation, Osterneck has toned down his lifestyle needs, traveled extensively and put himself on the MMA map. He began his pro career with a quick "Gracie Proving Ground 1" victory against Tremayne Robbins in November 2006 (his defeat of Edwards was amateur).
By September 2007, Osterneck was 3-0 and traveling to fight in Brazil, a dream of his, in "Cassino Fight 4."
"I was supposed to fight a guy who was 5-2, but a week before he got hurt and they put in a guy who they said was 26-1," he said.
The opponent was Jorge Rodrigues (actually 12-1 now), who was so beaten by Osterneck in the Brazilian jungle that his corner tried to stop the fight several times, and the submission win elevated Osterneck even higher in the MMA consciousness. Despite his November loss to Rosholt and current tranquil surroundings, Osterneck understands his April bout is of supreme importance and will test the merit of his mountain paradise upbringing and quick-learner training.
"I'm doing things good for my mind and good for my body," Osterneck said. "I know the opportunity I have, and I'm ready for it."
By the start of the second round, Nissen Osterneck was starting to rethink his debut fight appearance.
It was August 2006, and Osterneck stared down "Nasty" Nate Edwards in "Full Throttle 8." The Club Europe Ballroom crowd in Atlanta was watching the night's third fight, and it was brutal.
"So tough," Osterneck told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
Edwards, after all, was a former college wrestler at Central Michigan and strength and conditioning coach at The Citadel. Osterneck, the Hawaiian native who had stopped training for several years to all-but party full time, was a quick-learning jiu-jitsu student. It was a physical and competitive first round.
Then the fight turned for Osterneck.
"He gave me a good crack to start the second round," Osterneck said. "I somehow slipped a triangle when I was just about out of gas. If I hadn't made that move, I might not have gotten into the whole thing. It was such a tough fight, I was thinking I didn't want to do it again.
"I almost stopped fighting right there."
Instead, Osterneck continued his training and is 5-1 as a professional heading into his most important fight yet. He combines the skills of a picked-on white kid during his island childhood to a commercial real estate agent by training to a hiking, spear-fishing wanderer who has no permanent address. (This week, it's the town of Kula, in Maui.)
The natural at Brazilian jiu jitsu who recently earned his brown belt was dominant in his first five pro fights before a November loss to Jake Rosholt (5-0) at WEC 36. That makes the next two months of training key to Osterneck's MMA middleweight future, but he hasn't yet backed down from a challenge, neither from bullies nor corporate boredom.
"When I have a fight coming up, I don't need extra motivation," Osterneck said. "I know the other guy's not taking it lightly. I'm not going to, either."
Laid-back lifestyle
The phone rings at 4:15 p.m. Hawaii time.
"Sorry," Osterneck says after returning a telephone message. "Just got back from a surf."
It's the beginning of a schizophrenic conversation about life and MMA. On one side, you have the 28-year-old Osterneck, who was born and raised in Hawaii living on the side of a dormant volcano. On the other is the intimidating Osterneck who is training for his April 1 appearance against Jorge Rivera in UFC Fight Night 18 in Nashville, Tenn. (Rivera was a second choice after Nate Mohr suffered an injury.)
You wouldn't know he feels pressure by talking to him following his quick post-training surf this week.
He was born in Hawaii to a father, who took early retirement from the carpet business to live on the island, and a mother, who arrived there with her first husband before meeting and marrying Osterneck's father.
But life on the island wasn't easy for white kids, who were often picked on as the minority, Osterneck said. After facing bullying and holding his own, Osterneck enrolled in martial arts training at age 15. He was a quick study, passing several friends in skill level while gaining more interest in MMA from watching Ultimate Fighting Championship broadcasts.
At age 18, Osterneck stopped training.
"I just quit altogether," he said. "I was drinking a lot and doing some recreational drugs and wasn't motivated in martial arts. I got to a point where there had been numerous car accidents, and I was getting owned by it. I had a problem, but I got sober when I was 21, and I've been sober since. I got back into training."
No 9 to 5
In Osterneck's second class during his return to training, he tapped the BJJ instructor.
Twice.
"Everyone was like, 'Whoa,' " he said. "It was a good feeling."
But he wasn't ready to be a full-time fighter. He had recently graduated from Coastal Carolina University after moving to South Carolina for a fresh start. He pursued a commercial real estate career among other business interests but found that MMA training cut more and more into his spare time.
Some of his business time, too.
"I was going through the motions," he said. "I was working 8 to 5, then 9 to 4, then 10 to 2, and pretty soon I was in the office two days a week. I was like, 'Who are you kidding? Your heart's not in it.' I told my boss I was leaving, and it was the most liberating moment of my life."
Since that Myrtle Beach resignation, Osterneck has toned down his lifestyle needs, traveled extensively and put himself on the MMA map. He began his pro career with a quick "Gracie Proving Ground 1" victory against Tremayne Robbins in November 2006 (his defeat of Edwards was amateur).
By September 2007, Osterneck was 3-0 and traveling to fight in Brazil, a dream of his, in "Cassino Fight 4."
"I was supposed to fight a guy who was 5-2, but a week before he got hurt and they put in a guy who they said was 26-1," he said.
The opponent was Jorge Rodrigues (actually 12-1 now), who was so beaten by Osterneck in the Brazilian jungle that his corner tried to stop the fight several times, and the submission win elevated Osterneck even higher in the MMA consciousness. Despite his November loss to Rosholt and current tranquil surroundings, Osterneck understands his April bout is of supreme importance and will test the merit of his mountain paradise upbringing and quick-learner training.
"I'm doing things good for my mind and good for my body," Osterneck said. "I know the opportunity I have, and I'm ready for it."
Jason MacDonald vs. Nate Quarry to be added to UFC 97 fight card
A match-up veteran match-up between Jason MacDonald (21-11 MMA, 5-4 UFC) and Nate Quarry (10-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) has been signed for UFC 97.
The event takes place April 18 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, and airs on pay per view.
A source familiar with the negotiations told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the bout has been signed and should be made official shortly. It'll likely appear on the night's un-aired preliminary card.
Last week we passed along a blog entry from MacDonald in which the Edmonton native said he has agreed to fight at the event, which will be the second-ever UFC show held in Canada.
MacDonald suffered a first-round submission loss to Wilson Gouveia in his most recent bout at The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale in December. Since launching his UFC career with upset victories over Ed Herman and Chris Leben, MacDonald has battled with inconsistency and has followed a win with a subsequent loss four consecutive times.
MacDonald now meets Quarry, a former top UFC middleweight contender who found his way to the UFC via the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter." Following a loss to then-UFC middleweight Rich Franklin in 2005, Quarry is 2-1, which included victories over Pete Sell and Kalib Starnes.
In his most recent bout, Quarry suffered a first-round submission loss to rising middleweight contender Demian Maia at November's UFC 91 event.
A match-up veteran match-up between Jason MacDonald (21-11 MMA, 5-4 UFC) and Nate Quarry (10-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) has been signed for UFC 97.
The event takes place April 18 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, and airs on pay per view.
A source familiar with the negotiations told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the bout has been signed and should be made official shortly. It'll likely appear on the night's un-aired preliminary card.
Last week we passed along a blog entry from MacDonald in which the Edmonton native said he has agreed to fight at the event, which will be the second-ever UFC show held in Canada.
MacDonald suffered a first-round submission loss to Wilson Gouveia in his most recent bout at The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale in December. Since launching his UFC career with upset victories over Ed Herman and Chris Leben, MacDonald has battled with inconsistency and has followed a win with a subsequent loss four consecutive times.
MacDonald now meets Quarry, a former top UFC middleweight contender who found his way to the UFC via the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter." Following a loss to then-UFC middleweight Rich Franklin in 2005, Quarry is 2-1, which included victories over Pete Sell and Kalib Starnes.
In his most recent bout, Quarry suffered a first-round submission loss to rising middleweight contender Demian Maia at November's UFC 91 event.
"TUF 8" runner-up Phillipe Nover vs. Kyle Bradley at UFC 98
"The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir" lightweight runner-up Phillipe Nover (5-1-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who suffered his first career loss to Efrain Escudero at the show's live finale in December, is expected to return at UFC 98 for a fight with Kyle Bradley (13-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC).
Sources close to both fighters have told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) the bout is in the process of being finalized.
UFC 98 takes place May 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs on pay per view.
Nover's run on the eighth season of "The Ultimate Fighter" has the most inauspicious of beginnings after the 24-year-old New Yorker fainted on the show's first episode. However, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt quietly but consistently built up momentum by defeating Joe Duarte, David Kaplan and George Roop – all via submission – before his eventual loss to Escudero in the show's lightweight finale.
As for Bradley, the 26-year-old fighter finds himself in a must-win situation. After TKO losses to Chris Lytle and Joe Lauzon in his two UFC bouts, Bradley will likely be dropped from the organization with a third loss.
Prior to joining the UFC, the 26-year-old posted a seven-fight win streak while fighting throughout the Southeast. He hasn't competed since September, when he suffered the loss to Lauzon at UFC Fight Night 15.
"The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir" lightweight runner-up Phillipe Nover (5-1-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who suffered his first career loss to Efrain Escudero at the show's live finale in December, is expected to return at UFC 98 for a fight with Kyle Bradley (13-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC).
Sources close to both fighters have told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) the bout is in the process of being finalized.
UFC 98 takes place May 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs on pay per view.
Nover's run on the eighth season of "The Ultimate Fighter" has the most inauspicious of beginnings after the 24-year-old New Yorker fainted on the show's first episode. However, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt quietly but consistently built up momentum by defeating Joe Duarte, David Kaplan and George Roop – all via submission – before his eventual loss to Escudero in the show's lightweight finale.
As for Bradley, the 26-year-old fighter finds himself in a must-win situation. After TKO losses to Chris Lytle and Joe Lauzon in his two UFC bouts, Bradley will likely be dropped from the organization with a third loss.
Prior to joining the UFC, the 26-year-old posted a seven-fight win streak while fighting throughout the Southeast. He hasn't competed since September, when he suffered the loss to Lauzon at UFC Fight Night 15.
UFC Quick Quote: Dana White doesn’t care about Affliction or Fedor Emelianenko
“Affliction is going away. They did horrible, horrible buys on Saturday night. I’d love to see them do another show because I’d love to see them lose another 5-6 million of their t-shirt money … If Fedor doesn’t care than neither do I. If he wants to come over and fight the best in the world then that’s cool with me. At the end of the day, if Fedor wants to fight here I’m here, if he doesn’t I don’t care.”
“Affliction is going away. They did horrible, horrible buys on Saturday night. I’d love to see them do another show because I’d love to see them lose another 5-6 million of their t-shirt money … If Fedor doesn’t care than neither do I. If he wants to come over and fight the best in the world then that’s cool with me. At the end of the day, if Fedor wants to fight here I’m here, if he doesn’t I don’t care.”
UFC Quick Quote: Dana White doesn’t care about Affliction or Fedor Emelianenko
“Affliction is going away. They did horrible, horrible buys on Saturday night. I’d love to see them do another show because I’d love to see them lose another 5-6 million of their t-shirt money … If Fedor doesn’t care than neither do I. If he wants to come over and fight the best in the world then that’s cool with me. At the end of the day, if Fedor wants to fight here I’m here, if he doesn’t I don’t care.”
“Affliction is going away. They did horrible, horrible buys on Saturday night. I’d love to see them do another show because I’d love to see them lose another 5-6 million of their t-shirt money … If Fedor doesn’t care than neither do I. If he wants to come over and fight the best in the world then that’s cool with me. At the end of the day, if Fedor wants to fight here I’m here, if he doesn’t I don’t care.”
5 Oz. Video: Chris Horodecki updates status of injured neck
Affliction lightweight competitor Chris Horodecki was unable to make his debut for the promotion as scheduled this past weekend after being unable to get licensed for his fight vs. Dan Lauzon. Horodecki was removed from the card after a routine licensing exam revealed that the 22-year old wunderkind was likely suffering from a bulging disk in his neck.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com was in Anaheim, Calif. this past weekend for “Day of Reckoning” and we were able to interview Horodecki soon after the completion of the event in order to get an update on his current condition. The video of the interview is now available below.
Affliction lightweight competitor Chris Horodecki was unable to make his debut for the promotion as scheduled this past weekend after being unable to get licensed for his fight vs. Dan Lauzon. Horodecki was removed from the card after a routine licensing exam revealed that the 22-year old wunderkind was likely suffering from a bulging disk in his neck.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com was in Anaheim, Calif. this past weekend for “Day of Reckoning” and we were able to interview Horodecki soon after the completion of the event in order to get an update on his current condition. The video of the interview is now available below.
Royce Gracie comments Helio’s death
Living in the United States for many years, Royce Gracie received a call from his mother, Mrs. Vera, last Monday (26), saying that his father, Master Helio Gracie, wasn’t with a good health. "My mother called me on Monday saying that my father was very weak and thought he wouldn’t last long. He was hospitalized in a clinic", said Royce, after his father’s funeral in simple ceremony, in Petrópolis, at Rio de Janeiro. "I couldn’t sleep last. I arrived this morning and he was just expecting me to get there. This morning he passed away", commented the black belt, who became world renowned for using the techniques taught by his father in the UFC, at 1993.
Living in the United States for many years, Royce Gracie received a call from his mother, Mrs. Vera, last Monday (26), saying that his father, Master Helio Gracie, wasn’t with a good health. "My mother called me on Monday saying that my father was very weak and thought he wouldn’t last long. He was hospitalized in a clinic", said Royce, after his father’s funeral in simple ceremony, in Petrópolis, at Rio de Janeiro. "I couldn’t sleep last. I arrived this morning and he was just expecting me to get there. This morning he passed away", commented the black belt, who became world renowned for using the techniques taught by his father in the UFC, at 1993.
Royler: "I’ll pray for my father’s memory"
Son of the Master Helio Gracie, who passed this morning in Itaipava, at Rio de Janeiro, Royler Gracie, four times BJJ world champion in a row, couldn’t attend at the funeral of the patriarch of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In the United States, without a visa to get back to Brazil, Royler regretted not being able to be present at this sad time of the Gracie family and of all practitioners of martial arts around the world.
"I have nothing much to say. Everyone has to thank this man, because he has left good things and helped people. He always said a sentence: ‘I watch over for the dignity of this sport with affection, nerves and blood’. It was what he did his entire life, putting up the sport and helping many people. He was ill for some time, ten days ago contracted a cold which turned into pneumonia. He was 95 years old, although very strong and taking care of himself his whole life, he couldn’t resisting", said Royler, in an interview with Globoesporte.com.
As Royler, his brother Rickson is outside the country and can’t come in time for the funeral. "I'm trying for three days to get the visa to go to Brazil, but unfortunately I didn’t get it. My brother Rickson is in Portugal and can’t go too. I’ll pray from here for my father’s memory", said Royler. Student of Carlson Gracie, Vitor Belfort also lamented the loss to the national sport. "It's a very sad news, but it’s life. The first thing that people are born know is that one day will go away. He was a very active person, who has done much for Jiu-Jitsu. I never trained with him, but I respect a lot everything that he built and what he left for the sport", said Belfort, agreeing with Rogério “Minotoro” Nogueira.
"I’m very sad with this news. Helio practically created Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil and raised the name of the fight in the country. I had no contact with him, but I have great respect for him and for all his family. He was a great man, who must always be remembered and revered for everything he did", concluded Minotoro.
Son of the Master Helio Gracie, who passed this morning in Itaipava, at Rio de Janeiro, Royler Gracie, four times BJJ world champion in a row, couldn’t attend at the funeral of the patriarch of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In the United States, without a visa to get back to Brazil, Royler regretted not being able to be present at this sad time of the Gracie family and of all practitioners of martial arts around the world.
"I have nothing much to say. Everyone has to thank this man, because he has left good things and helped people. He always said a sentence: ‘I watch over for the dignity of this sport with affection, nerves and blood’. It was what he did his entire life, putting up the sport and helping many people. He was ill for some time, ten days ago contracted a cold which turned into pneumonia. He was 95 years old, although very strong and taking care of himself his whole life, he couldn’t resisting", said Royler, in an interview with Globoesporte.com.
As Royler, his brother Rickson is outside the country and can’t come in time for the funeral. "I'm trying for three days to get the visa to go to Brazil, but unfortunately I didn’t get it. My brother Rickson is in Portugal and can’t go too. I’ll pray from here for my father’s memory", said Royler. Student of Carlson Gracie, Vitor Belfort also lamented the loss to the national sport. "It's a very sad news, but it’s life. The first thing that people are born know is that one day will go away. He was a very active person, who has done much for Jiu-Jitsu. I never trained with him, but I respect a lot everything that he built and what he left for the sport", said Belfort, agreeing with Rogério “Minotoro” Nogueira.
"I’m very sad with this news. Helio practically created Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil and raised the name of the fight in the country. I had no contact with him, but I have great respect for him and for all his family. He was a great man, who must always be remembered and revered for everything he did", concluded Minotoro.
1/25 WEC Rating
While the match-up lost a little of the original luster, the Faber vs Pulver match-up from the most recent WEC card looks to have anchored a solid performance in the ratings, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:
The show did a 0.65 rating and 700,000 viewers, which, while only half of what their first match on 6/1 did, was still the second highest amount of viewers in the history of the promotion.
Varner vs Cerrone was the nominal headliner, but the real headliner would seem to be the Faber fight. The dip in ratings from the monster number for the first match-up is understandable. The first fight had the benefit of a large marketing blitz by Versus to help spike viewership, with magazine and billboard buys to increase visibility. No such buys this time, but card did seem to retain some of the residual buzz from that initial spending and good word of mouth on the fight of the year candidate they put on back in June.
While the match-up lost a little of the original luster, the Faber vs Pulver match-up from the most recent WEC card looks to have anchored a solid performance in the ratings, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:
The show did a 0.65 rating and 700,000 viewers, which, while only half of what their first match on 6/1 did, was still the second highest amount of viewers in the history of the promotion.
Varner vs Cerrone was the nominal headliner, but the real headliner would seem to be the Faber fight. The dip in ratings from the monster number for the first match-up is understandable. The first fight had the benefit of a large marketing blitz by Versus to help spike viewership, with magazine and billboard buys to increase visibility. No such buys this time, but card did seem to retain some of the residual buzz from that initial spending and good word of mouth on the fight of the year candidate they put on back in June.
