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News and Notes from “EliteXC: Street Certified
MIAMI, Fla. — A number of tidbits big and small came out of Saturday’s “EliteXC” Street Certified” event, which took place at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.
The main event featured Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson’s 43-second knockout of David “Tank” Abbott. Additionally, in the night’s co-main event, Antonio Silva defeated former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez via split decision.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has a full recap of the event available, but other newsworthy items coming out of Saturday’s show include:
Record Gate: EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw confirmed that Saturday’s sold-out event created a record live gate for the BankUnited Center. He wouldn’t go into specific dollar amounts, but Shaw did confirm that the 6,187 attendees created a gate of more than a half-a-million dollars.
Fighter of the Night: EliteXC’s traditional fight of the night trophy went to Slice. He narrowly beat out Yves Edwards, who defeated Edson Berto via first-round flying knee. The award is voted upon by EliteXC staffers.
Kimbo Returns: Shaw didn’t have an exact date for Slice’s return to the cage, but he said the heavyweight will likely next fight at an April or May EliteXC event.
Return to Florida: Shaw, a University of Miami graduate, said the organization will definitely return to Florida sometime in the near future. He mentioned Miami’s American Airlines Arena but also said he could see the organization staying on campus and returning to the BankUnited Center.
Kimbo vs. Shamrock: EliteXC broadcasters mentioned a possible Slice vs. Ken Shamrock fight. Was it pure speculation or a calculated plug? It’s hard to tell. Regardless, though, Shamrock — who recently signed a multi-fight deal with EliteXC — will first battle Robert Berry at a March 8 Cage Rage/EliteXC show in London.
Injured Silva: Silva confirmed after the fight that he had suffered a torn MCL two weeks before the fight. He felt that it hindered his performance at Saturday’s event.
All-Star Posse: Preliminary-card fighter Rafael Feijao had perhaps the most star-studded corner of any fighter at Saturday’s event. UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and interim heavyweight champ Antonio Nogueira Rodrigo were in his corner leading Feijao to victory. After the fight, both Silva and Nogueira spent nearly an hour walking through the stands to sign autographs and pose for photographs.
Still Undefeated: Slice (2-0), Brett Rogers (8-0), Yosmany Cabezas (5-0), Dave Herman (10-0), Lorenzo Borgameo (3-0) and Moyses Gabin (2-0) all kept their undefeated streaks alive.
Upcoming MMA Movie Release: Previews for the upcoming MMA-themed movie “Never Back Down” were played on the big screens throughout Saturday’s event. The movie, set to hit theaters March 14, is about a rebellious teen who’s lured into an underground fight club, where he finds a mentor in an MMA veteran. The movie’s star, Sean Faris, was in attendance at Saturday’s show, and MMAjunkie.com spent some time talking to him about the project and his fascination with MMA. We’ll have an interview with the Faris — who’s a true MMA fan — posted later this week. (The movie co-stars Djimon Hounsou, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in “Blood Diamond.”)
Caplan’s Debut: Our friend Sam Caplan of fiveouncesofpain.com, a former MMAjunkie.com contributor, made his EliteXC broadcast debut as a color commentator for the ProElite.com preliminary-card broadcast. Congrats, Sam
MIAMI, Fla. — A number of tidbits big and small came out of Saturday’s “EliteXC” Street Certified” event, which took place at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.
The main event featured Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson’s 43-second knockout of David “Tank” Abbott. Additionally, in the night’s co-main event, Antonio Silva defeated former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez via split decision.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has a full recap of the event available, but other newsworthy items coming out of Saturday’s show include:
Record Gate: EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw confirmed that Saturday’s sold-out event created a record live gate for the BankUnited Center. He wouldn’t go into specific dollar amounts, but Shaw did confirm that the 6,187 attendees created a gate of more than a half-a-million dollars.
Fighter of the Night: EliteXC’s traditional fight of the night trophy went to Slice. He narrowly beat out Yves Edwards, who defeated Edson Berto via first-round flying knee. The award is voted upon by EliteXC staffers.
Kimbo Returns: Shaw didn’t have an exact date for Slice’s return to the cage, but he said the heavyweight will likely next fight at an April or May EliteXC event.
Return to Florida: Shaw, a University of Miami graduate, said the organization will definitely return to Florida sometime in the near future. He mentioned Miami’s American Airlines Arena but also said he could see the organization staying on campus and returning to the BankUnited Center.
Kimbo vs. Shamrock: EliteXC broadcasters mentioned a possible Slice vs. Ken Shamrock fight. Was it pure speculation or a calculated plug? It’s hard to tell. Regardless, though, Shamrock — who recently signed a multi-fight deal with EliteXC — will first battle Robert Berry at a March 8 Cage Rage/EliteXC show in London.
Injured Silva: Silva confirmed after the fight that he had suffered a torn MCL two weeks before the fight. He felt that it hindered his performance at Saturday’s event.
All-Star Posse: Preliminary-card fighter Rafael Feijao had perhaps the most star-studded corner of any fighter at Saturday’s event. UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and interim heavyweight champ Antonio Nogueira Rodrigo were in his corner leading Feijao to victory. After the fight, both Silva and Nogueira spent nearly an hour walking through the stands to sign autographs and pose for photographs.
Still Undefeated: Slice (2-0), Brett Rogers (8-0), Yosmany Cabezas (5-0), Dave Herman (10-0), Lorenzo Borgameo (3-0) and Moyses Gabin (2-0) all kept their undefeated streaks alive.
Upcoming MMA Movie Release: Previews for the upcoming MMA-themed movie “Never Back Down” were played on the big screens throughout Saturday’s event. The movie, set to hit theaters March 14, is about a rebellious teen who’s lured into an underground fight club, where he finds a mentor in an MMA veteran. The movie’s star, Sean Faris, was in attendance at Saturday’s show, and MMAjunkie.com spent some time talking to him about the project and his fascination with MMA. We’ll have an interview with the Faris — who’s a true MMA fan — posted later this week. (The movie co-stars Djimon Hounsou, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in “Blood Diamond.”)
Caplan’s Debut: Our friend Sam Caplan of fiveouncesofpain.com, a former MMAjunkie.com contributor, made his EliteXC broadcast debut as a color commentator for the ProElite.com preliminary-card broadcast. Congrats, Sam
Jerome Le Banner On Tim Sylvia: "I will fix his chicken legs with some good low kicks
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Jerome Le Banner is a K-1 legend known for his aggressive fighting style and knockout power. Le Banner recently lost to Semmy Schilt at the K-1 World GP 2007 Final. Our exclusive content partners from Brazil, Tim Sylvia, fighting out of France, and his plans for the future.
Planet Tatami: Le Banner,you are considered the king without a crown in the K-1; one of the best athletes in the history of the organization without a World Grand Prix win. With Schilt dominating 3 consecutive years in K-1
how do you see your real chances to win a World Grand Prix at this point in your career?
Le Banner: I'm not a tournament fighter. Obviously I hope I could win a GP one day, but I don't know... I have so much bad luck with all the GP's!
Planet Tatami: Which K-1 fighters do you think can beat Schilt? And, in your
opinion, what's the right strategy to defeat him?
Le Banner: I can beat Schilt! I showed the way to beat him in the first round of our last fight. I'm gonna fight Schilt for the K1 super heavyweight
title, hopefully it will take place in Amsterdam.
Planet Tatami: You've had some MMA experience. Do you think about following other K-1 fighters like Mirko Cro Cop and Mark Hunt into MMA?
Le Banner: I will not turn MMA at 100% now, maybe later...I don't now. What
I'm sure of though...I want to fight MMA again. I want to fight in the UFC's
cage one day, just for the challenge!
Planet Tatami: A MMA fight has been rumored by the fans and that fight would be you against the former UFC champion Tim Sylvia. There are some videos in
the Internet and some statement in your interviews that you challenge Tim to a fight in his own territory, the octagon.How did this rivalry begin and how would you do in this fight?
Le Banner: Yeah, I wanna fight him badly. I want to show US fans what an
exciting fighter is, what a fighter who will give them something for their
money looks like. It's obviously something that this fake champion doesn't know how to do. I will teach him with a four ounce leather glove right in the face. Or maybe I will fix his chicken legs with some good low kicks, I don't know yet. I was contacted by FEG [to make the fight] but they told me that they will not be able to pay me what K-1 was paying me. Also, it was obvious after the big sausage got the crown, that I couldn't face him for one fight and then be in K-1 again. K-1 will allow me to fight in UFC cage but I would still be a K-1 fighter so it would be a 1 shot deal; and...[the UFC) don't like the one shot deals (laughs).
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http://www.mmafightline.com/news/2008/27/tim_sylvia_315678.shtml
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Jerome Le Banner is a K-1 legend known for his aggressive fighting style and knockout power. Le Banner recently lost to Semmy Schilt at the K-1 World GP 2007 Final. Our exclusive content partners from Brazil, Tim Sylvia, fighting out of France, and his plans for the future.
Planet Tatami: Le Banner,you are considered the king without a crown in the K-1; one of the best athletes in the history of the organization without a World Grand Prix win. With Schilt dominating 3 consecutive years in K-1
how do you see your real chances to win a World Grand Prix at this point in your career?
Le Banner: I'm not a tournament fighter. Obviously I hope I could win a GP one day, but I don't know... I have so much bad luck with all the GP's!
Planet Tatami: Which K-1 fighters do you think can beat Schilt? And, in your
opinion, what's the right strategy to defeat him?
Le Banner: I can beat Schilt! I showed the way to beat him in the first round of our last fight. I'm gonna fight Schilt for the K1 super heavyweight
title, hopefully it will take place in Amsterdam.
Planet Tatami: You've had some MMA experience. Do you think about following other K-1 fighters like Mirko Cro Cop and Mark Hunt into MMA?
Le Banner: I will not turn MMA at 100% now, maybe later...I don't now. What
I'm sure of though...I want to fight MMA again. I want to fight in the UFC's
cage one day, just for the challenge!
Planet Tatami: A MMA fight has been rumored by the fans and that fight would be you against the former UFC champion Tim Sylvia. There are some videos in
the Internet and some statement in your interviews that you challenge Tim to a fight in his own territory, the octagon.How did this rivalry begin and how would you do in this fight?
Le Banner: Yeah, I wanna fight him badly. I want to show US fans what an
exciting fighter is, what a fighter who will give them something for their
money looks like. It's obviously something that this fake champion doesn't know how to do. I will teach him with a four ounce leather glove right in the face. Or maybe I will fix his chicken legs with some good low kicks, I don't know yet. I was contacted by FEG [to make the fight] but they told me that they will not be able to pay me what K-1 was paying me. Also, it was obvious after the big sausage got the crown, that I couldn't face him for one fight and then be in K-1 again. K-1 will allow me to fight in UFC cage but I would still be a K-1 fighter so it would be a 1 shot deal; and...[the UFC) don't like the one shot deals (laughs).
Page 1 of 2: 1 2 Next >>
http://www.mmafightline.com/news/2008/27/tim_sylvia_315678.shtml
UFC 82 Countdown” Debuts Feb. 25
UFC 82 Countdown: Silva vs. Henderson,” the official preview show for next month’s UFC pay-per-view event in Columbus, Ohio, debuts on Monday, Feb. 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV.
Replays of the show are set to air Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 11 p.m. ET/PT; Friday, Feb. 29 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT; and Saturday, March 1 at 6 p.m. ET/PT.
The show will focus primarily on a main event between UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and challenger Dan Henderson. The fight caps off one of the most talent-rich UFC events in recent history. So full of talent is UFC 82 that fighters such as Andrei Arlovski, Josh Koscheck and Diego Sanchez have been stuck on the night’s un-televised preliminary card.
Televised fights for the event include Heath Herring vs. Cheick Kongo, Chris Leben vs. Alessio Sakara, Yushin Okami vs. Evan Tanner, and Jon Fitch vs. Chris Wilson.
UFC 82 takes place at Nationwide Arena, the same venue that hosted last year’s UFC 68 event. The event set a still-standing UFC record for total attendance, and the event also shattered venue records for tickets sold, live gate and merchandise sales.
Also, be sure to stop by MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) tomorrow for a recap of our weekly Dayton Daily News “MMA Insider” column. We’ll have an update on a rumor that’s been swirling about UFC 82.
Additionally, as we previously mentioned, MMAjunkie.com will be teaming up with the good folks at American Fighter for two UFC 82 pre-parties in Columbus. For more information about those events, which are sure to be packed with MMA celebrities, check out last week’s UFC 82 pre-party post.
UFC 82 Countdown: Silva vs. Henderson,” the official preview show for next month’s UFC pay-per-view event in Columbus, Ohio, debuts on Monday, Feb. 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV.
Replays of the show are set to air Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 11 p.m. ET/PT; Friday, Feb. 29 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT; and Saturday, March 1 at 6 p.m. ET/PT.
The show will focus primarily on a main event between UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and challenger Dan Henderson. The fight caps off one of the most talent-rich UFC events in recent history. So full of talent is UFC 82 that fighters such as Andrei Arlovski, Josh Koscheck and Diego Sanchez have been stuck on the night’s un-televised preliminary card.
Televised fights for the event include Heath Herring vs. Cheick Kongo, Chris Leben vs. Alessio Sakara, Yushin Okami vs. Evan Tanner, and Jon Fitch vs. Chris Wilson.
UFC 82 takes place at Nationwide Arena, the same venue that hosted last year’s UFC 68 event. The event set a still-standing UFC record for total attendance, and the event also shattered venue records for tickets sold, live gate and merchandise sales.
Also, be sure to stop by MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) tomorrow for a recap of our weekly Dayton Daily News “MMA Insider” column. We’ll have an update on a rumor that’s been swirling about UFC 82.
Additionally, as we previously mentioned, MMAjunkie.com will be teaming up with the good folks at American Fighter for two UFC 82 pre-parties in Columbus. For more information about those events, which are sure to be packed with MMA celebrities, check out last week’s UFC 82 pre-party post.
Former IFL Fighter Gerald Harris Chosen for “The Ultimate Fighter 7″
Former International Fight League middleweight Gerald Harris (6-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has been chosen as a cast member for the upcoming seventh season of “The Ultimate Fighter.“
A source close to the 28-year-old fighter confirmed the selection with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) over the weekend. (The Wrestling Observer was the first to report the selection.)
“The Ultimate Fighter 7,” which debuts April 2 on Spike TV, features UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson and season-one winner Forrest Griffin as coaches. Unlike past seasons, the show will feature 32 — not 16 — middleweight fighters vying for a UFC contract. As MMAjunkie.com exclusively reported, every potential cast member will have to fight as soon as the show begins. The 16 winners earn a spot in the house, and the 16 losers are knocked out of the competition.
Harris found his way into MMA after a successful collegiate wrestling career at Cleveland State University. His 118 victories over a four-year career are the most in the school’s history. He went 40-5 his senior year to qualify for the NCAA championships for the third time.
After graduating from CSU, Harris taught high school history and coached the school’s wrestling team. He’s also began a second career as a stand-up comedian.
However, after fighting — and excelling — in a small MMA show, he was hooked on the sport. And since turning pro in August 2006, the Oklahoma native has spent time working with MMA notables such as Dan Henderson and Matt Lindland to sharpen his game.
Harris began his career with five straight victories before earning an alternate spot on the IFL’s Portland Wolfpack and later the Iowa Silverbacks. He made his IFL debut in April 2007 and suffered a close but unanimous decision loss to Fabio Leopoldo (he’d earn a “Fight of the Night” bonus for the performance). Harris then suffered a first-round TKO to IFL stand-out Benji Radach in his next fight and was gone from the organization.
With Harris, the latest rumored cast includes:
Paul Bradley (5-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Matt Brown (7-6 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Steve Byrnes (6-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Timothy Credeur (9-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Mike Dolce (3-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
C.B. Dollaway (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Gerald Harris (6-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Mike Marrello (6-1-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Prince Mclean (4-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Aaron Meisner (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Reggie Orr (4-5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Jeremiah Riggs (1-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
David Roberts (5-7 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Amir Sadollah (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Brandon Sene (2-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Dan Simmler (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Jesse Taylor (6-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Luke Zachrich (7-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Former International Fight League middleweight Gerald Harris (6-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has been chosen as a cast member for the upcoming seventh season of “The Ultimate Fighter.“
A source close to the 28-year-old fighter confirmed the selection with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) over the weekend. (The Wrestling Observer was the first to report the selection.)
“The Ultimate Fighter 7,” which debuts April 2 on Spike TV, features UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson and season-one winner Forrest Griffin as coaches. Unlike past seasons, the show will feature 32 — not 16 — middleweight fighters vying for a UFC contract. As MMAjunkie.com exclusively reported, every potential cast member will have to fight as soon as the show begins. The 16 winners earn a spot in the house, and the 16 losers are knocked out of the competition.
Harris found his way into MMA after a successful collegiate wrestling career at Cleveland State University. His 118 victories over a four-year career are the most in the school’s history. He went 40-5 his senior year to qualify for the NCAA championships for the third time.
After graduating from CSU, Harris taught high school history and coached the school’s wrestling team. He’s also began a second career as a stand-up comedian.
However, after fighting — and excelling — in a small MMA show, he was hooked on the sport. And since turning pro in August 2006, the Oklahoma native has spent time working with MMA notables such as Dan Henderson and Matt Lindland to sharpen his game.
Harris began his career with five straight victories before earning an alternate spot on the IFL’s Portland Wolfpack and later the Iowa Silverbacks. He made his IFL debut in April 2007 and suffered a close but unanimous decision loss to Fabio Leopoldo (he’d earn a “Fight of the Night” bonus for the performance). Harris then suffered a first-round TKO to IFL stand-out Benji Radach in his next fight and was gone from the organization.
With Harris, the latest rumored cast includes:
Paul Bradley (5-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Matt Brown (7-6 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Steve Byrnes (6-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Timothy Credeur (9-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Mike Dolce (3-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
C.B. Dollaway (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Gerald Harris (6-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Mike Marrello (6-1-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Prince Mclean (4-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Aaron Meisner (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Reggie Orr (4-5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Jeremiah Riggs (1-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
David Roberts (5-7 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Amir Sadollah (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Brandon Sene (2-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Dan Simmler (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Jesse Taylor (6-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Luke Zachrich (7-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Tito Ortiz not fighting Machida? An interview with Renato 'Babalu' Sobral
In an interview with Dave Carpinello of PunchDrunkGamer.com, former UFC fighter Renato 'Babalu' Sobral raised some eye brows when he said, "I heard that Tito is not going to fight him anymore, so they are going to have to find another opponent for Machida. I got the news a couple of days ago that he was fighting someone else."
Tito Ortiz was slated to fight Lyoto Machida for the final fight of his contract. The fighter turned celebrity has recently said he would like to move to another organization and try out other things, primarily acting, over fighting.
Sobral went on to talk about Mirko Cro Cop, his training with Josh Barnett, and his upcoming fights.
In an interview with Dave Carpinello of PunchDrunkGamer.com, former UFC fighter Renato 'Babalu' Sobral raised some eye brows when he said, "I heard that Tito is not going to fight him anymore, so they are going to have to find another opponent for Machida. I got the news a couple of days ago that he was fighting someone else."
Tito Ortiz was slated to fight Lyoto Machida for the final fight of his contract. The fighter turned celebrity has recently said he would like to move to another organization and try out other things, primarily acting, over fighting.
Sobral went on to talk about Mirko Cro Cop, his training with Josh Barnett, and his upcoming fights.
Out to prove doubters wrong: MMAmania.com exclusive sit down with UFC middleweight Travis Lutter
Travis Lutter will make his long-awaited return to the UFC on April 19 at UFC 83: “Serra vs. St. Pierre 2″, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His opponent will be a challenge as he takes on former UFC middleweight champion, Rich Franklin.
Lutter — The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season four middleweight winner — will fight in the Octagon for the first time since his non-title submission loss to 185-pound champion Anderson Silva at UFC 67: “All or Nothing” more than one year ago. For Lutter though, Octagon rust will not be an issue.
“I train everyday, it’s just one of those things that I’m not too worried about,” Lutter said.
Lutter was slated to fight Ryan Jensen at UFC 74: “Respect” back in August 2007, however, he was unable to compete because of a neck injury. He’s acknowledged that his neck is all better and will be ready to go come April.
“It feels good right now, so I’m happy,” Lutter said.
“The Serial Killer” is aware that he has a big opportunity going up against Franklin. And he’s eager to get in there and win.
“He was the UFC champ for a reason. He’s a tough tough guy … This is the type of fight that motivates me,” Lutter said. “It’s a chance to go out there and prove I am as good as I think I am.”
Lutter, who has a 9-4 record in MMA, believes he can defeat Franklin and knows what he needs to do if he wants to leave Montreal with a victory. His plan for Franklin is simple.
“I have to take him down. If I can take him down, I think I’ll win the fight,” Lutter said. “First thing I need to do is make weight, next thing I need to do is take him down.”
Lutter failed to make weight for his middleweight title opportunity at UFC 67 against Silva.
Both fighters are coming off losses to the same fighter, current UFC Middleweight champion, Silva. Lutter lost at UFC 67 and Franklin lost the rematch to Silva at UFC 77: “Hostile Territory” back in October 2007.
Lutter says he learned a lot from both fights.
“I’ve got a whole bunch of respect for Rich, he’s a great fighter. There’s a reason he was the the UFC middleweight champion for a long time. He presents a lot of problems to a lot of different people,” Lutter said. “One of those he matches up with poorly is Anderson Silva.”
Lutter felt confident getting in the Octagon with Silva at UFC 67 and proved his worth. He now believes that he can hold his own with the “Spider.”
“I didn’t win that fight, but you know I went in there and I felt like I won seven minutes of that fight, right up until I got submitted,” Lutter said. “I felt like I belonged in the Octagon with Anderson.”
There’s no telling what might happen if Lutter defeats Franklin at UFC 83. Once you get past Silva, Franklin and Dan Henderson, there’s not much more competition in the middleweight division.
With the strong return of Ricardo Almeida and the comeback of former middleweight champion, Evan Tanner, the division has received some relief, but not even close to enough. Some have suggested bringing up current WEC Middleweight Champion, Paulo Filho, or even bringing back former top contender in the division, Matt Lindland.
For now though, outside of Henderson, there is no clear-cut contender in the middleweight class. There’s nobody who can really step in and go toe-to-toe with Silva.
Yushin Okami does have an opportunity to be Silva’s next opponent. However, that is assuming that Okami beats Tanner and Silva beats Henderson.
If the cards fall right, it is not out of the realm of possibility for Lutter to take on Silva.
“That’s up to the UFC, I don’t get to control who I fight,” Lutter said. “If they ask me to fight Anderson, I’m going to fight Anderson. That’s who I want to fight. If they give me Rich and Anderson immediately afterwards, I’m down with that. If they make me wait two years, they make me wait two years. It all depends on what happens between (Anderson) and Henderson and I think it depends on how I do against Rich.”
Right now though, Lutter is not concerned with who he might fight next. Instead, his intentions are on Franklin.
“I’m just concerned about going out there and getting Rich right now,” Lutter said.
Only time will tell if Lutter gets another opportunity at the middleweight crown. One thing is for certain, however: He controls his own destiny in a division that is desperate for contenders.
It begins all over again for Lutter on April 19.
Travis Lutter will make his long-awaited return to the UFC on April 19 at UFC 83: “Serra vs. St. Pierre 2″, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His opponent will be a challenge as he takes on former UFC middleweight champion, Rich Franklin.
Lutter — The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season four middleweight winner — will fight in the Octagon for the first time since his non-title submission loss to 185-pound champion Anderson Silva at UFC 67: “All or Nothing” more than one year ago. For Lutter though, Octagon rust will not be an issue.
“I train everyday, it’s just one of those things that I’m not too worried about,” Lutter said.
Lutter was slated to fight Ryan Jensen at UFC 74: “Respect” back in August 2007, however, he was unable to compete because of a neck injury. He’s acknowledged that his neck is all better and will be ready to go come April.
“It feels good right now, so I’m happy,” Lutter said.
“The Serial Killer” is aware that he has a big opportunity going up against Franklin. And he’s eager to get in there and win.
“He was the UFC champ for a reason. He’s a tough tough guy … This is the type of fight that motivates me,” Lutter said. “It’s a chance to go out there and prove I am as good as I think I am.”
Lutter, who has a 9-4 record in MMA, believes he can defeat Franklin and knows what he needs to do if he wants to leave Montreal with a victory. His plan for Franklin is simple.
“I have to take him down. If I can take him down, I think I’ll win the fight,” Lutter said. “First thing I need to do is make weight, next thing I need to do is take him down.”
Lutter failed to make weight for his middleweight title opportunity at UFC 67 against Silva.
Both fighters are coming off losses to the same fighter, current UFC Middleweight champion, Silva. Lutter lost at UFC 67 and Franklin lost the rematch to Silva at UFC 77: “Hostile Territory” back in October 2007.
Lutter says he learned a lot from both fights.
“I’ve got a whole bunch of respect for Rich, he’s a great fighter. There’s a reason he was the the UFC middleweight champion for a long time. He presents a lot of problems to a lot of different people,” Lutter said. “One of those he matches up with poorly is Anderson Silva.”
Lutter felt confident getting in the Octagon with Silva at UFC 67 and proved his worth. He now believes that he can hold his own with the “Spider.”
“I didn’t win that fight, but you know I went in there and I felt like I won seven minutes of that fight, right up until I got submitted,” Lutter said. “I felt like I belonged in the Octagon with Anderson.”
There’s no telling what might happen if Lutter defeats Franklin at UFC 83. Once you get past Silva, Franklin and Dan Henderson, there’s not much more competition in the middleweight division.
With the strong return of Ricardo Almeida and the comeback of former middleweight champion, Evan Tanner, the division has received some relief, but not even close to enough. Some have suggested bringing up current WEC Middleweight Champion, Paulo Filho, or even bringing back former top contender in the division, Matt Lindland.
For now though, outside of Henderson, there is no clear-cut contender in the middleweight class. There’s nobody who can really step in and go toe-to-toe with Silva.
Yushin Okami does have an opportunity to be Silva’s next opponent. However, that is assuming that Okami beats Tanner and Silva beats Henderson.
If the cards fall right, it is not out of the realm of possibility for Lutter to take on Silva.
“That’s up to the UFC, I don’t get to control who I fight,” Lutter said. “If they ask me to fight Anderson, I’m going to fight Anderson. That’s who I want to fight. If they give me Rich and Anderson immediately afterwards, I’m down with that. If they make me wait two years, they make me wait two years. It all depends on what happens between (Anderson) and Henderson and I think it depends on how I do against Rich.”
Right now though, Lutter is not concerned with who he might fight next. Instead, his intentions are on Franklin.
“I’m just concerned about going out there and getting Rich right now,” Lutter said.
Only time will tell if Lutter gets another opportunity at the middleweight crown. One thing is for certain, however: He controls his own destiny in a division that is desperate for contenders.
It begins all over again for Lutter on April 19.
Cheick Kongo denies his statement about Mirko CC
I was informed this weekend by my press correspondant from Paris about a controversy surrounding some words that were said under my name on the internet.
To end this controversy, I want to state formally that I never made such declaration concerning the departure of Mirko Cro Cop from the UFC:
I never said what was reported by the web site http://www.punchdrunkgamer.com/ which I accorded an interview in January 2008 through my Myspace and with who I had a good relation, with who I renew my confidence.
Even though I never hide my position on doping and on the need of strict doping test in the MMA organizations, my judgment was always directed towards actions that were bad for the image of the discipline (MMA) that I defend and that I always condemned
I never said publicly such accusations towards anybody and even less towards such a fighter as Mirko Cro Cop, whom I always showed a real type of respect as a sportsman during my interviews.
After my victory at UFC 75, I received negativity from a few of his internet supporters, at a point that my Myspace was hacked by a furious fan. According to probabilities and to the last informations that I received it seems that another hacker got into my personal account and "amused" himself by publishing comments to hurt my moral integrity, which I cant tolerate.
While I'm in Las Vegas, in wait for my fight with Heath Herring, I hope to finish my preparation in the best conditions possible, away from the rumors and other things that seems to please my detractors.
I take this opportunity to thank my family, my faithful friends and fans for their support and their confidence that they are showing me, while some are trying to tarnish my reputation and my honor. I'm most importantly, a French athlete who is attached to Martial Arts values and proud to be in the UFC. Today, I'm on the road to the championship, it's in the octagon, in the ring, by fighting and victory that I try to gain respect ... not other wise.
Thank You.
I was informed this weekend by my press correspondant from Paris about a controversy surrounding some words that were said under my name on the internet.
To end this controversy, I want to state formally that I never made such declaration concerning the departure of Mirko Cro Cop from the UFC:
I never said what was reported by the web site http://www.punchdrunkgamer.com/ which I accorded an interview in January 2008 through my Myspace and with who I had a good relation, with who I renew my confidence.
Even though I never hide my position on doping and on the need of strict doping test in the MMA organizations, my judgment was always directed towards actions that were bad for the image of the discipline (MMA) that I defend and that I always condemned
I never said publicly such accusations towards anybody and even less towards such a fighter as Mirko Cro Cop, whom I always showed a real type of respect as a sportsman during my interviews.
After my victory at UFC 75, I received negativity from a few of his internet supporters, at a point that my Myspace was hacked by a furious fan. According to probabilities and to the last informations that I received it seems that another hacker got into my personal account and "amused" himself by publishing comments to hurt my moral integrity, which I cant tolerate.
While I'm in Las Vegas, in wait for my fight with Heath Herring, I hope to finish my preparation in the best conditions possible, away from the rumors and other things that seems to please my detractors.
I take this opportunity to thank my family, my faithful friends and fans for their support and their confidence that they are showing me, while some are trying to tarnish my reputation and my honor. I'm most importantly, a French athlete who is attached to Martial Arts values and proud to be in the UFC. Today, I'm on the road to the championship, it's in the octagon, in the ring, by fighting and victory that I try to gain respect ... not other wise.
Thank You.
Bas Rutten on Ref Stoppages, Tank Kimbo heat, Kimbo
There have been some discussion as to what happened regarding the fight. The blows to the back of the head, the pushing of the ref, and the mouthpiece/garbage. I sent one of the emails to Bas and this is his response, hopefully it will shed some light.
Tank said a lot of bad stuff about Kimbo, than two days before the fight Kimbo hears that Tank started to attack me in interviews also. He felt that was very disrespectful and got really mad, I told him to keep his cool and don't lose it because it would effect his fight in the wrong way.
So in the heat of the moment he hit him in the back of the head, trust me, I was very happy he didn't soccer kick him in the head, because to tell you the truth, I thought he was going to. Tank made it personal.
Pushing the ref I didn't see as a big thing, he is just very focused and as you can see when you watch the fight, he didn't take his eyes of Tank and the ref pushes him back, he just pushed the ref's hand of off him, he didn't push the ref. He also appologizes in the cage with his body movement towards the ref if you watch it, it will say "I am sorry".
Two guys are fighting, that's a lot of "testosterone flying around", the ref will understand this.
He didn't throw the mouthpiece from Tank or himself away, some people threw something in the cage and he simply threw it back out. But somebody makes up that it is a mouthpiece and suddenly everybody is against Kimbo, they don't even bother to watch the replay and see what it really was, nope, its Kimbo so its wrong! See what I mean?
The people on the internet have been saying bad things about Kimbo his whole career, nobody knows him personally, they just talk bad about him the whole time, so I don't really care anymore about those people, its a no win situation.
They call him a circus act, he's a nobody, he's a thug, he's just scary looking and the list goes on and on, even Kimbo said that at least he deserves a name like "Rooky" or something, not circus act, I am telling you my friend, he trains hard and does a lot for it, he is one of the most honorable persons I know, he gives all his fans attention, he does everything right. But Tank made it personal and he responded in kind.
So you are right with the puches to the head (but again, Tank made it personal) plus after the warning you saw that he listened good and just let Tank get up again.
He will be good, people have been saying that Tank is going to KO him and that if Kimbo wins this fight he finally would be considered a fighter. Now he beats Tank up and they STILL find new things, he simply can't win.
Tank probably is going to use this again as an excuse, he's a sore loser. He always said he didn't have any prepararion for his fights but this time he did had time, these are his own words.
He's also said that he performed bad in the past because his mother just passed away, when he was two years or so, ago in Japan and fought Yoshida (8-28 2005!) he told me personally that in the past he didn't do good because his mother just passed away, what? Did she pass away twice? Because he fought between there an Kimbo three fights, Yoshida, Beuntello and Gary Turner.
Saying things like that is very wrong, but he does it.
When Kimbo was staring at Tank at the press conference Tank started telling Kimbo "Its only business Kimbo, its only bussines", that's your tought guy.
There is another thing that happened between me and Tank a while ago at LAX and if he keeps talking like this I will tell that story also, I never did because he "made up" after that incident but how much more trash do I have to hear from him about me?
That's it my friend, thanks for all the props, I hope you understand now a little bit about what has been going on "back stage" so to say.
He'll be good next time, this was a great learning process so if somebody in the future makes it personal again, he will control his emotions. Remember that this is only his third pro fight. He tells in interviews that he is just a beginner when they ask him if he considers himself a top ten fighter, so he's very respectful there too. That's why I never got the "Kimbo hating" that's going on.
One funny thing, just to let you know. People ask themselves why his hair on his chest was so weird shaven, the answer, he ran out of battery power, haha, this is too funny!
That's it, Godspeed and party on!
Bas
http://www.basrutten.tv/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=801
There have been some discussion as to what happened regarding the fight. The blows to the back of the head, the pushing of the ref, and the mouthpiece/garbage. I sent one of the emails to Bas and this is his response, hopefully it will shed some light.
Tank said a lot of bad stuff about Kimbo, than two days before the fight Kimbo hears that Tank started to attack me in interviews also. He felt that was very disrespectful and got really mad, I told him to keep his cool and don't lose it because it would effect his fight in the wrong way.
So in the heat of the moment he hit him in the back of the head, trust me, I was very happy he didn't soccer kick him in the head, because to tell you the truth, I thought he was going to. Tank made it personal.
Pushing the ref I didn't see as a big thing, he is just very focused and as you can see when you watch the fight, he didn't take his eyes of Tank and the ref pushes him back, he just pushed the ref's hand of off him, he didn't push the ref. He also appologizes in the cage with his body movement towards the ref if you watch it, it will say "I am sorry".
Two guys are fighting, that's a lot of "testosterone flying around", the ref will understand this.
He didn't throw the mouthpiece from Tank or himself away, some people threw something in the cage and he simply threw it back out. But somebody makes up that it is a mouthpiece and suddenly everybody is against Kimbo, they don't even bother to watch the replay and see what it really was, nope, its Kimbo so its wrong! See what I mean?
The people on the internet have been saying bad things about Kimbo his whole career, nobody knows him personally, they just talk bad about him the whole time, so I don't really care anymore about those people, its a no win situation.
They call him a circus act, he's a nobody, he's a thug, he's just scary looking and the list goes on and on, even Kimbo said that at least he deserves a name like "Rooky" or something, not circus act, I am telling you my friend, he trains hard and does a lot for it, he is one of the most honorable persons I know, he gives all his fans attention, he does everything right. But Tank made it personal and he responded in kind.
So you are right with the puches to the head (but again, Tank made it personal) plus after the warning you saw that he listened good and just let Tank get up again.
He will be good, people have been saying that Tank is going to KO him and that if Kimbo wins this fight he finally would be considered a fighter. Now he beats Tank up and they STILL find new things, he simply can't win.
Tank probably is going to use this again as an excuse, he's a sore loser. He always said he didn't have any prepararion for his fights but this time he did had time, these are his own words.
He's also said that he performed bad in the past because his mother just passed away, when he was two years or so, ago in Japan and fought Yoshida (8-28 2005!) he told me personally that in the past he didn't do good because his mother just passed away, what? Did she pass away twice? Because he fought between there an Kimbo three fights, Yoshida, Beuntello and Gary Turner.
Saying things like that is very wrong, but he does it.
When Kimbo was staring at Tank at the press conference Tank started telling Kimbo "Its only business Kimbo, its only bussines", that's your tought guy.
There is another thing that happened between me and Tank a while ago at LAX and if he keeps talking like this I will tell that story also, I never did because he "made up" after that incident but how much more trash do I have to hear from him about me?
That's it my friend, thanks for all the props, I hope you understand now a little bit about what has been going on "back stage" so to say.
He'll be good next time, this was a great learning process so if somebody in the future makes it personal again, he will control his emotions. Remember that this is only his third pro fight. He tells in interviews that he is just a beginner when they ask him if he considers himself a top ten fighter, so he's very respectful there too. That's why I never got the "Kimbo hating" that's going on.
One funny thing, just to let you know. People ask themselves why his hair on his chest was so weird shaven, the answer, he ran out of battery power, haha, this is too funny!
That's it, Godspeed and party on!
Bas
http://www.basrutten.tv/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=801
Yoshida interview ~ My fight will be really exciting
Yoshida's interview which was posted Feb 10 on the Sengoku official website.
- What do you think about your opponent, Josh?
I respect him and consider he is one of top fighters in the world. He is an well rounded fighter who is good in a ground position as well as in a standing position. I have to be careful of getting his submission techniques including leg locks. He is definitely a tough opponent. I think Josh always has exciting fights and his fights attract fans. I believe we will have an amazing fight.
- What do you think about Sengoku?
It is a brand new event. All fighters and staff of this event will work together to succeed. I will do my best to make this event attractive for young fighters.
- Any prediction for your fight?
I have trained with him before and I know pretty well about his fighting style, but it is hard to say what he does in our fight. I haven't decided if I wear gi or not. I know I have a risk easily getting his leg locks when I wear gi. I know fans want to see me in gi though. It is hard decision to make.
- What do you want to show your fans?
I would like to show my fans my aggressive fighting style. Josh always tries to entertain his fans like I told you earlier. I will try to fight aggressively by maintaining my fighting spirit well. I think a fighter who has a strong mentality will win this fight and I don't thinks this fight will be boring.
- Who else do you want to fight?
I would like to fight any strong fighters.
- Any message to your fans?
I would like to have an exciting fight to attract fans to this new event. Thank you for supporting me.
Yoshida's interview which was posted Feb 10 on the Sengoku official website.
- What do you think about your opponent, Josh?
I respect him and consider he is one of top fighters in the world. He is an well rounded fighter who is good in a ground position as well as in a standing position. I have to be careful of getting his submission techniques including leg locks. He is definitely a tough opponent. I think Josh always has exciting fights and his fights attract fans. I believe we will have an amazing fight.
- What do you think about Sengoku?
It is a brand new event. All fighters and staff of this event will work together to succeed. I will do my best to make this event attractive for young fighters.
- Any prediction for your fight?
I have trained with him before and I know pretty well about his fighting style, but it is hard to say what he does in our fight. I haven't decided if I wear gi or not. I know I have a risk easily getting his leg locks when I wear gi. I know fans want to see me in gi though. It is hard decision to make.
- What do you want to show your fans?
I would like to show my fans my aggressive fighting style. Josh always tries to entertain his fans like I told you earlier. I will try to fight aggressively by maintaining my fighting spirit well. I think a fighter who has a strong mentality will win this fight and I don't thinks this fight will be boring.
- Who else do you want to fight?
I would like to fight any strong fighters.
- Any message to your fans?
I would like to have an exciting fight to attract fans to this new event. Thank you for supporting me.
New Japanese MMA event, DREAM, press conference
New Japanese MMA event, DREAM is announced in Tokyo Metropolitan Hotel on Feb 13.
At first, Tanikawa(FEG), Karino(TBS) and Sasahara(Yarennoka!) appeared on the stage.
Tanikawa said:
Thank you for coming today. I heard more than 300 fans were here today and I appreciate that. We were a success with our new years events, K-1 Dynamite and Yarennoka! with the support and understanding of TBS. FEG would like to start a new MMA event to keep our alliance with Yarennoka! Our new event is not PRIDE nor HERO'S. Though the sponsor of the event is FEG and TBS, Yarennoka is going to produce the event. Mr. Sasahara will take the initiative as the event producer. I'm going to focus on K-1 events including K-1 World GP and K-1 World Max. Japanese MMA didn't have energy for a while. It's time for us to stand up together and work on the new event which attracts fans.
Sasahara said:
We worked on Yarennoka in the last NYE together. We were supported by FEG, M-1 Global and many other people. After having the successful event, I knew Japanese MMA was still popular and had a potential to attract more fans. Though we dropped a hint of having a next event at Yarennoka, we didn't have any direction to move next. I got an offer from Mr. Tanikawa and took his offer because I could be in charge of producing this event. I got signatures from more than 3000 fans asking us to continue Yarennoka and to create a great event. Passion from our fans stimulated me to create an event which MMA fans were satisfied.
Karino said:
We sponsor and broadcast K-1, HERO'S and Dynamite. We are excited about broadcasting DREAM which is the replacement of HERO'S.
** Interviews of fighters in the press conference **
Daisuke Nakamura:
I believe this is one of the top level MMA events. I would like to train hard and do my best.
Ryuki Ueyama:
I'm glad to fight in this event. I would like to be a world champion this year.
Minowa:
I like the name of this event, DREAM. I would like to be stronger and show great fights for my fans and staff.
Yoshihiro Akiyama:
I can tell this event will have great fights and dream matches. I would like to fight for my fans.
Norifumi KID Yamamoto:
I think this is cool event and will do my best showing great fights for my fans. Don't forget my birthday is Mar 15.
Hayato Mach Sakurai:
I'm in MMA for quite a while and have been punched for a long time. I don't fight in the tournament, but I will fight a lot next year.
Shinya Aoki:
I'm honored to fight in the new event. I'm also happy that my fight is announced in this press conference. I would like to win by having a top level fight.
Kazushi Sakuraba:
Like the very first Dynamite, I would like to cooperate with other fighters and event staff and give dreams to my fans. Thank you for supporting us.
Royce Gracie (video)
I'm happy to hear about this new event. Since FEG, the biggest MMA organization in Japan, and the staff from another big event work together, I know the event will be successful. I hope I can fight in DREAM and show my style and techniques. I'm glad to see MMA, which history was built up by the Gracie Family, is now about to develop more by FEG and the former PRIDE staff. I cannot wait to fight in DREAM. I will be back!
Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic:
I'm very happy to fight in Japan again and very excited. Please come and see my next fight on Mar 15. I will do my best supporting this new event. Many people will consider I come back to Japan because I couldn't win in UFC, but it is not true. I'm going to go back to UFC someday and have a good result. I determined that DREAM is the right place to build my career for now. I wanted to fight in Japan again and I don't like fighting in the cage to be honest. Japan is my secondary home country. I have recovered from the damage I took by loosing in UFC , so I would would like to have great fights for my fans.
Other comments in the press conference
- Mirko has a contract with the UFC?
Sasahara: I cannot tell you anything about his contract. I think he has no problem fighting in DREAM.
- Why did you approach Mirko?
Sasahara: We were looking for heavyweight fighters who are good and famous. We had a chance to talk to Mirko.
- You don't have a weight class for KID?
Sasahara: I'm going to have another light weight class which KID can fight in.
- HERO'S has a meaning of Road to Dynamite!. What are you going to do with Dynamite?
Tanikawa: DREAM will also have the same meaning. We haven't decided what we are going to do with Dynamite yet and what kind of NYE event we are going to have though.
- Does the HERO'S supervisor and PRIDE & Yarennoka Spokesman work with you?
Tanikawa: Takada and Maeda won't be involved with DREAM.
- Any conflict with Sengoku?
Sasahara: We don't produce any of their event. We talked to Sengoku and found out we have a different concept and figured out we cannot work with them. We are not fighting each other though.
New Japanese MMA event, DREAM is announced in Tokyo Metropolitan Hotel on Feb 13.
At first, Tanikawa(FEG), Karino(TBS) and Sasahara(Yarennoka!) appeared on the stage.
Tanikawa said:
Thank you for coming today. I heard more than 300 fans were here today and I appreciate that. We were a success with our new years events, K-1 Dynamite and Yarennoka! with the support and understanding of TBS. FEG would like to start a new MMA event to keep our alliance with Yarennoka! Our new event is not PRIDE nor HERO'S. Though the sponsor of the event is FEG and TBS, Yarennoka is going to produce the event. Mr. Sasahara will take the initiative as the event producer. I'm going to focus on K-1 events including K-1 World GP and K-1 World Max. Japanese MMA didn't have energy for a while. It's time for us to stand up together and work on the new event which attracts fans.
Sasahara said:
We worked on Yarennoka in the last NYE together. We were supported by FEG, M-1 Global and many other people. After having the successful event, I knew Japanese MMA was still popular and had a potential to attract more fans. Though we dropped a hint of having a next event at Yarennoka, we didn't have any direction to move next. I got an offer from Mr. Tanikawa and took his offer because I could be in charge of producing this event. I got signatures from more than 3000 fans asking us to continue Yarennoka and to create a great event. Passion from our fans stimulated me to create an event which MMA fans were satisfied.
Karino said:
We sponsor and broadcast K-1, HERO'S and Dynamite. We are excited about broadcasting DREAM which is the replacement of HERO'S.
** Interviews of fighters in the press conference **
Daisuke Nakamura:
I believe this is one of the top level MMA events. I would like to train hard and do my best.
Ryuki Ueyama:
I'm glad to fight in this event. I would like to be a world champion this year.
Minowa:
I like the name of this event, DREAM. I would like to be stronger and show great fights for my fans and staff.
Yoshihiro Akiyama:
I can tell this event will have great fights and dream matches. I would like to fight for my fans.
Norifumi KID Yamamoto:
I think this is cool event and will do my best showing great fights for my fans. Don't forget my birthday is Mar 15.
Hayato Mach Sakurai:
I'm in MMA for quite a while and have been punched for a long time. I don't fight in the tournament, but I will fight a lot next year.
Shinya Aoki:
I'm honored to fight in the new event. I'm also happy that my fight is announced in this press conference. I would like to win by having a top level fight.
Kazushi Sakuraba:
Like the very first Dynamite, I would like to cooperate with other fighters and event staff and give dreams to my fans. Thank you for supporting us.
Royce Gracie (video)
I'm happy to hear about this new event. Since FEG, the biggest MMA organization in Japan, and the staff from another big event work together, I know the event will be successful. I hope I can fight in DREAM and show my style and techniques. I'm glad to see MMA, which history was built up by the Gracie Family, is now about to develop more by FEG and the former PRIDE staff. I cannot wait to fight in DREAM. I will be back!
Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic:
I'm very happy to fight in Japan again and very excited. Please come and see my next fight on Mar 15. I will do my best supporting this new event. Many people will consider I come back to Japan because I couldn't win in UFC, but it is not true. I'm going to go back to UFC someday and have a good result. I determined that DREAM is the right place to build my career for now. I wanted to fight in Japan again and I don't like fighting in the cage to be honest. Japan is my secondary home country. I have recovered from the damage I took by loosing in UFC , so I would would like to have great fights for my fans.
Other comments in the press conference
- Mirko has a contract with the UFC?
Sasahara: I cannot tell you anything about his contract. I think he has no problem fighting in DREAM.
- Why did you approach Mirko?
Sasahara: We were looking for heavyweight fighters who are good and famous. We had a chance to talk to Mirko.
- You don't have a weight class for KID?
Sasahara: I'm going to have another light weight class which KID can fight in.
- HERO'S has a meaning of Road to Dynamite!. What are you going to do with Dynamite?
Tanikawa: DREAM will also have the same meaning. We haven't decided what we are going to do with Dynamite yet and what kind of NYE event we are going to have though.
- Does the HERO'S supervisor and PRIDE & Yarennoka Spokesman work with you?
Tanikawa: Takada and Maeda won't be involved with DREAM.
- Any conflict with Sengoku?
Sasahara: We don't produce any of their event. We talked to Sengoku and found out we have a different concept and figured out we cannot work with them. We are not fighting each other though.
Chute Boxe’s new talent waits for a good year
According to Cristiano Marcelo, Michael Costa is one of biggest new talents from Chute Boxe for 2008. The fighter, that has 14 fights and 11 wins in his card, comment the left from big stars from the team. “We continue training hard. Each one does what they want, and they had chosen to leave the team, I wish good luck to them. The team is getting stronger, our work is stronger. We’ll show that team is not only three or four champions”, said Costa, revealing that he’ll work hard to realize his dream this year. “My dream I being at the tops of my category. I don’t dream, like most fighters, being at Ultimate, I wanna fight at Japan. At United States it’s like a party and I think that they don’t respect Brazilian fighters. I’ll traind and live only for the fight and pick the results”, says the new Chute Boxe talent of 77kg category.
According to Cristiano Marcelo, Michael Costa is one of biggest new talents from Chute Boxe for 2008. The fighter, that has 14 fights and 11 wins in his card, comment the left from big stars from the team. “We continue training hard. Each one does what they want, and they had chosen to leave the team, I wish good luck to them. The team is getting stronger, our work is stronger. We’ll show that team is not only three or four champions”, said Costa, revealing that he’ll work hard to realize his dream this year. “My dream I being at the tops of my category. I don’t dream, like most fighters, being at Ultimate, I wanna fight at Japan. At United States it’s like a party and I think that they don’t respect Brazilian fighters. I’ll traind and live only for the fight and pick the results”, says the new Chute Boxe talent of 77kg category.
KIMBO vs TANK REF CAM!!!!!!!!! link and video inside!! up close n personal
http://www.sho.com/site/sports/KimboVSTank.do?source=SEP_banners_2/16media#video
http://www.sho.com/site/sports/KimboVSTank.do?source=SEP_banners_2/16media#video
New Rickson Gracie interview (next fight, sakuraba,etc..)
Translation by:
MMA Europe website (from Portuguese)
Are you ready for your last fight?
I am very optimistic that it’ll happen this year... perhaps it will really be the last fight. In my heart, I have nothing to prove to anyone. I confess that the biggest motivation is to bring a comfort for my children, until today I do not have conditions.
No? Don’t you have a considerable bank account?
People cannot think thus. The conquests of the past don’t matter. If you have the chance to kill an enormous buffalo... I feel a hunter, a supplier for my family. I could not refuse a possibility of these.
Then it will be a lot of cash…
It will... I will put my “donkey in the shade” (meaning his undefeated record and prestige)...
How much will you be paid?
I cannot say it. Contractual issue, confidential.
Will it be in Japan?
Yes. It is where the best stage is. It’s on the work, but it’s not signed yet, I only keep my fingers crossed.
You are worshipped in Japan, right?
I cannot walk in the street in Japan. It is very difficult. They are crazy about martial arts, for the way of the warrior. They had been able to live and experience, through my experience, what they had in theory through the Musashi, the great warriors. Today, in Japan, I represent the modern samurai, and I am a reference for many people.
This last fight will be against Sakuraba?
I do not know... Speculation! For the time being I cannot guarantee, but it will be closed soon. I know that many people would like to fight with me to place my head in a wall. Many people speak of Sakuraba, the Gracie killer, right? If I have the chance to get him, it’ll be excellent.
You won’t lose that one, right?
Why would I think about losing, in this period of my life?
You cannot think about losing, are you afraid of the defeat?
Kid, I see fear as a sign of intelligence, of preservation. My biggest fear is to leave this world. I am afraid to die because I do not know what it goes to happen. I am only fear of what I do not know, because I cannot calculate the danger, how to act. Clearly, I am afraid, as everybody. But I “negotiate” with this feeling in a very simple way. I look to help itself making what I can to protect me. But when having to fight I leave all my fear in the hotel: it does neither enter the ring nor at the dressing room. After a certain point, when the situation is not rationally predictable, I deliver it to God. Then my fears are over, because I deliver my life to my mission and lose the fear to die, because everything is delivered to a superior determination that is not in my mind.
Do you feel like another person when you enter in ring?
No. I take off, totally, the conscience and enter in an emptiness zone. My mind stops thinking and I start to live inside my instinct and my training. I do not think about a thing, in nobody, I do not ear any noise. There’s just me and my opponent.
You speak constantly of God; are you a spiritual being?
A lot. I never went to a church or hall. But my father made me understand our relationship with the universe. That we do not choose when we came, we do not go to decide when we go. That there’s a reason for everything. And we have to honor this mission: people are here to serve. We cannot waste potential or any other resource. This made me alert to the context, the nature, the relation that I have with people, the respect that I have to the natural evolution of the things. I do not believe that everything’s over when one dies or that we born coming from nothing. I believe that there’s a spiritual luggage.
But do you believe in a God which observes us?
My definition of God is the only thing that you cannot explain, that is the space that exists between all molecules and atoms. That makes everything to turn. In the same way that the atoms never really touch, the Moon does not lean in the Land, the macro and micro atomic universes are the same thing. A piece of tissue is equal to a piece of the universe.
Do you have some ritual?
I pray. I look for to empty my mind of thoughts and to search for an open canal to an unknown superior entity and to accept the information that people do not speak and do not see.
Do you believe in a malignant force?
Clearly. But I think that good defeats evil.
Where is this evil force?
In our conscience. It is created in the hatred, the cowardice, the fear, the envy. It is created in the Man. It is not in the nature. If you aren’t alert and a shark catches you it wasn’t an evil action, it just followed the instinct. Badness is in you to know that you could help a child and you don’t. Or to know that you are acting of incoherent form with what is right to obtain money or some other easiness. To use the cowardice, to steal, for personal interests. But the Good simply has more power. Even if an atomic war comes and kill everybody, I find that the good goes to create everything in return. For more badness that the human being makes, even if he doesn’t want, it cannot neutralize the beauty of nature.
Are you pessimistic about the future of the planet?
I am not pessimistic, I am realistic. People will have to adapt. It is an obligation for us all to search for a solution to deal with the reality.
Do you think that the society and politics are capable of adapting while there’s time to?
No. The human mind is very egoistic. It is the generating factor of the problems of humanity. A man that produces oil will sell it until it runs out, he’s not going to think about offering clean water. What is being made is very small in relation to the necessity of the planet. The end of time is arriving, I mean, the end of oil, an atomic bomb... this shits are going to arrive at any time.
Do you think a lot about this?
No. I am not worried about what does not exist. I only live the reality.
But doesn’t thinking about this mean that you are preparing yourself, just like happens for a fight?
Right, the strategic preparation is valid. But the concern, to lose the sleep, the lack of awareness lack that even if you want, there are things that you cannot change. Just like it happens in a fight, I can even anticipate some problems that my opponent can cause me, and train for that, but I will not go to lose my sleep for that. I have to accept that, eventually, in the worst of the hypotheses, I will lose and wake up in this situation.
Why did you come back to live in Brazil?
I’ve been about 20 years in the US. I am very grateful for what I obtained in terms of education for my children, for professional chances. But there’s emptiness in living outside of Brazil that is irreparable. We need an energy exchange, of a sentimental situation that does not exist there. This situation “pissed me off”. Now I am trying to keep my businesses overseas and have and headquarter here. I feel that in Brazil I obtain to receive energy and to give in the same level. There I feel that I am being sucked and I do not have a way to recycle that.
What’s in the US that sucks your energies?
It is more about the heart, of how I feel, as I locate myself in the world. I live for the reason, but I obey my heart. Being happy is the most important.
Were you always like this, with energy and spiritual concerns?
Since that I started to understand this. It is important that people have sensitivity to understand important values... Some people base their life upon money, their career or conquests.
And what’s the foundation?
It is to feel - emotional, moral and intellectually - happy. It is not about money, it’s not what is happening around me: it is about how I feel. Today, are you feeling well? I could not feel any better.
How was your childhood?
Like everyone who had a good childhood, it was balanced. I had much love in house, good advice and a certain control. And, coming from a traditional martial arts family, when you start to locate yourself in the world as a Gracie you’ll be pointed out like the next champion. Will “he” be equal to his father, won’t he, will he be good or is he going to slide to another side? And I started soon to incorporate this condition of being a Gracie, to relate me with jiu-jitsu in a deep form, to understand it not only in a philosophical way, but also professional.
You always wanted to become a fighter?
Since I was small I already wanted to be a fighter, to compete, to please my father, the expectations. My father did pay much attention to school. He did not want to know about the regular way or about golden medals. That was a good way for me to relate with him
How was your school bulletin?
Always red. I wasn’t into studying. I liked mathematics, sciences.
What about in the street?
Man, I was always a soldier of Good. But many times, to protect someone or to feel like a hero with testosterone, I fought in the street. My father always taught that if you are wrong you ask for excuses. If it is right you must be ready to die for it. Based in this, when you see somebody being damaged... I was kind of trying to be the sheriff. If you mix this kind of influence, a good dose of testosterone and lots of ignorance for being a kid... it’ll turn into an aggressive formula.
Translation by:
MMA Europe website (from Portuguese)
Are you ready for your last fight?
I am very optimistic that it’ll happen this year... perhaps it will really be the last fight. In my heart, I have nothing to prove to anyone. I confess that the biggest motivation is to bring a comfort for my children, until today I do not have conditions.
No? Don’t you have a considerable bank account?
People cannot think thus. The conquests of the past don’t matter. If you have the chance to kill an enormous buffalo... I feel a hunter, a supplier for my family. I could not refuse a possibility of these.
Then it will be a lot of cash…
It will... I will put my “donkey in the shade” (meaning his undefeated record and prestige)...
How much will you be paid?
I cannot say it. Contractual issue, confidential.
Will it be in Japan?
Yes. It is where the best stage is. It’s on the work, but it’s not signed yet, I only keep my fingers crossed.
You are worshipped in Japan, right?
I cannot walk in the street in Japan. It is very difficult. They are crazy about martial arts, for the way of the warrior. They had been able to live and experience, through my experience, what they had in theory through the Musashi, the great warriors. Today, in Japan, I represent the modern samurai, and I am a reference for many people.
This last fight will be against Sakuraba?
I do not know... Speculation! For the time being I cannot guarantee, but it will be closed soon. I know that many people would like to fight with me to place my head in a wall. Many people speak of Sakuraba, the Gracie killer, right? If I have the chance to get him, it’ll be excellent.
You won’t lose that one, right?
Why would I think about losing, in this period of my life?
You cannot think about losing, are you afraid of the defeat?
Kid, I see fear as a sign of intelligence, of preservation. My biggest fear is to leave this world. I am afraid to die because I do not know what it goes to happen. I am only fear of what I do not know, because I cannot calculate the danger, how to act. Clearly, I am afraid, as everybody. But I “negotiate” with this feeling in a very simple way. I look to help itself making what I can to protect me. But when having to fight I leave all my fear in the hotel: it does neither enter the ring nor at the dressing room. After a certain point, when the situation is not rationally predictable, I deliver it to God. Then my fears are over, because I deliver my life to my mission and lose the fear to die, because everything is delivered to a superior determination that is not in my mind.
Do you feel like another person when you enter in ring?
No. I take off, totally, the conscience and enter in an emptiness zone. My mind stops thinking and I start to live inside my instinct and my training. I do not think about a thing, in nobody, I do not ear any noise. There’s just me and my opponent.
You speak constantly of God; are you a spiritual being?
A lot. I never went to a church or hall. But my father made me understand our relationship with the universe. That we do not choose when we came, we do not go to decide when we go. That there’s a reason for everything. And we have to honor this mission: people are here to serve. We cannot waste potential or any other resource. This made me alert to the context, the nature, the relation that I have with people, the respect that I have to the natural evolution of the things. I do not believe that everything’s over when one dies or that we born coming from nothing. I believe that there’s a spiritual luggage.
But do you believe in a God which observes us?
My definition of God is the only thing that you cannot explain, that is the space that exists between all molecules and atoms. That makes everything to turn. In the same way that the atoms never really touch, the Moon does not lean in the Land, the macro and micro atomic universes are the same thing. A piece of tissue is equal to a piece of the universe.
Do you have some ritual?
I pray. I look for to empty my mind of thoughts and to search for an open canal to an unknown superior entity and to accept the information that people do not speak and do not see.
Do you believe in a malignant force?
Clearly. But I think that good defeats evil.
Where is this evil force?
In our conscience. It is created in the hatred, the cowardice, the fear, the envy. It is created in the Man. It is not in the nature. If you aren’t alert and a shark catches you it wasn’t an evil action, it just followed the instinct. Badness is in you to know that you could help a child and you don’t. Or to know that you are acting of incoherent form with what is right to obtain money or some other easiness. To use the cowardice, to steal, for personal interests. But the Good simply has more power. Even if an atomic war comes and kill everybody, I find that the good goes to create everything in return. For more badness that the human being makes, even if he doesn’t want, it cannot neutralize the beauty of nature.
Are you pessimistic about the future of the planet?
I am not pessimistic, I am realistic. People will have to adapt. It is an obligation for us all to search for a solution to deal with the reality.
Do you think that the society and politics are capable of adapting while there’s time to?
No. The human mind is very egoistic. It is the generating factor of the problems of humanity. A man that produces oil will sell it until it runs out, he’s not going to think about offering clean water. What is being made is very small in relation to the necessity of the planet. The end of time is arriving, I mean, the end of oil, an atomic bomb... this shits are going to arrive at any time.
Do you think a lot about this?
No. I am not worried about what does not exist. I only live the reality.
But doesn’t thinking about this mean that you are preparing yourself, just like happens for a fight?
Right, the strategic preparation is valid. But the concern, to lose the sleep, the lack of awareness lack that even if you want, there are things that you cannot change. Just like it happens in a fight, I can even anticipate some problems that my opponent can cause me, and train for that, but I will not go to lose my sleep for that. I have to accept that, eventually, in the worst of the hypotheses, I will lose and wake up in this situation.
Why did you come back to live in Brazil?
I’ve been about 20 years in the US. I am very grateful for what I obtained in terms of education for my children, for professional chances. But there’s emptiness in living outside of Brazil that is irreparable. We need an energy exchange, of a sentimental situation that does not exist there. This situation “pissed me off”. Now I am trying to keep my businesses overseas and have and headquarter here. I feel that in Brazil I obtain to receive energy and to give in the same level. There I feel that I am being sucked and I do not have a way to recycle that.
What’s in the US that sucks your energies?
It is more about the heart, of how I feel, as I locate myself in the world. I live for the reason, but I obey my heart. Being happy is the most important.
Were you always like this, with energy and spiritual concerns?
Since that I started to understand this. It is important that people have sensitivity to understand important values... Some people base their life upon money, their career or conquests.
And what’s the foundation?
It is to feel - emotional, moral and intellectually - happy. It is not about money, it’s not what is happening around me: it is about how I feel. Today, are you feeling well? I could not feel any better.
How was your childhood?
Like everyone who had a good childhood, it was balanced. I had much love in house, good advice and a certain control. And, coming from a traditional martial arts family, when you start to locate yourself in the world as a Gracie you’ll be pointed out like the next champion. Will “he” be equal to his father, won’t he, will he be good or is he going to slide to another side? And I started soon to incorporate this condition of being a Gracie, to relate me with jiu-jitsu in a deep form, to understand it not only in a philosophical way, but also professional.
You always wanted to become a fighter?
Since I was small I already wanted to be a fighter, to compete, to please my father, the expectations. My father did pay much attention to school. He did not want to know about the regular way or about golden medals. That was a good way for me to relate with him
How was your school bulletin?
Always red. I wasn’t into studying. I liked mathematics, sciences.
What about in the street?
Man, I was always a soldier of Good. But many times, to protect someone or to feel like a hero with testosterone, I fought in the street. My father always taught that if you are wrong you ask for excuses. If it is right you must be ready to die for it. Based in this, when you see somebody being damaged... I was kind of trying to be the sheriff. If you mix this kind of influence, a good dose of testosterone and lots of ignorance for being a kid... it’ll turn into an aggressive formula.
Rogers Talks KO over Thompson
link: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1453
Sherdog.com editor Josh Gross spoke with Brett Rogers (Pictures) and his trainer Mike Reilly following his victory over James Thompson (Pictures) Saturday night in Miami.
link: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1453
Sherdog.com editor Josh Gross spoke with Brett Rogers (Pictures) and his trainer Mike Reilly following his victory over James Thompson (Pictures) Saturday night in Miami.
Dayton Daily News MMA Insider: Jardine vs. Silva Update, EliteXC Thoughts
This week’s “MMA Insider” column for the Dayton Daily News focused primarily on this past Saturday’s EliteXC event, but before I jumped into my thoughts on that event, I figured I should give an update on the Keith Jardine vs. Wanderlei Silva rumors that have been discussed here in the MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) comments and also in the numerous emails we’ve received.
While in Miami for the EliteXC show, I made a few calls and ran into some people with some information. While nothing is official, it appears a Jardine vs. Silva fight will not take place next month at UFC 82. “No crap,” you say? Well, according to a few reliable sources, it sounds like the UFC actually considered adding the fight to the March 1 event.
A number of you guys noticed TV ads for UFC 82 (especially during last week’s WEC 32 broadcast on VERSUS) that included clips of Jardine. It’s still not clear if that was a simple editing mistake or the result of the UFC assuming Jardine vs. Silva would be a late addition to the fight card.
Anyway, there is some good news. While Jardine vs. Silva most likely won’t happen in March, the fight does sound as though it’s in the works. May’s UFC 84 event is a strong possibility. (And if so, kudos to the UFC for delivering yet another solid fight card. UFC 84 is tentatively scheduled to feature B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk, Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva, and possibly Lyoto Machida vs. Tito Ortiz.)
As it stands, Jardine hasn’t fought since his September 2007 split-decision victory over Chuck Liddell, meaning it could be eight months between fights. Silva, meanwhile, hasn’t fought since a December 2007 unanimous-decision loss to Liddell. And while it was Silva’s third-consecutive loss, Jardine’s stock would rise even higher — possibly all the way to No. 1 contender — with a victory over the former PRIDE champion.
In any manner, be sure to check out the full column at DaytonDailyNews.com.
* * * *
Back and hardly refreshed from my trip to Miami for Saturday’s EliteXC show, I figure I should share some thoughts about the show. A very general overview can be found at DaytonDailyNews.com. The basic premise, though, is that yes, the show was something of a circus. But like a circus, it had something for everyone.
I think a lot of fans were there to see headliner Kimbo Slice and weren’t necessarily MMA fans. Fight fans? Yes. MMA fans? No. That would explain some of the unnecessary booing and idiotic comments that were yelled way too loudly for people to hear. My favorite? “Stomp on his f***ing eye!” Stay classy, Miami.
As usual, the EliteXC and Showtime P.R. folks did a great job, always checking in on us and asking if we needed anything. I spent a lot of time talking to Ron Kruk, who was seated next to me. He’s the reporter for HDNet’s “Inside MMA” program and does fight-night reporting. It’s always fun sharing gossip with someone in the same business.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s EliteXC Notes post, our friend Sam Caplan of fiveouncesofpain.com (a former contributor here at MMAjunkie.com) made his EliteXC broadcast debut on the ProElite.com portion of the show. It was great seeing him, as well as Tom from MMAmania.com, who was also seated next to me.
While the writers had a nice set-up, the same didn’t go for our friend Tracy Lee (Tracy photographs more MMA-related events that anyone I know; be sure to check out CombatLifesyle.com). They reserved no ring-side photo areas, and at one point, the Florida State Athletic Commission was ready to toss her out of the building. It didn’t stop her from getting some great photos, though, like this one.
Dave Herman fending off a takedown attempt for a full minute, Scott Smith winning over a crowd in a split second, and Yves Edwards delivering a highlight-reel KO — and an emotional press-conference speech — were the highlights of my night.
I am very, very interested to see what EliteXC does next with Kimbo Slice. There’s talk of a Ken Shamrock fight, which I actually think is a good idea and a real challenge, but at 34 years old, Kimbo doesn’t have time on his side. They’re going to have figure out very quickly if he’s going to be a cash-generating spectacle or a legit heavyweight contender. It’s kind of like Strikeforce with Cung Le. People will pay to watch him fight anyone, but they recently gave him a real challenge with Frank Shamrock.
Anyway, I’m now back at work. I’ll have some stories posted soon
This week’s “MMA Insider” column for the Dayton Daily News focused primarily on this past Saturday’s EliteXC event, but before I jumped into my thoughts on that event, I figured I should give an update on the Keith Jardine vs. Wanderlei Silva rumors that have been discussed here in the MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) comments and also in the numerous emails we’ve received.
While in Miami for the EliteXC show, I made a few calls and ran into some people with some information. While nothing is official, it appears a Jardine vs. Silva fight will not take place next month at UFC 82. “No crap,” you say? Well, according to a few reliable sources, it sounds like the UFC actually considered adding the fight to the March 1 event.
A number of you guys noticed TV ads for UFC 82 (especially during last week’s WEC 32 broadcast on VERSUS) that included clips of Jardine. It’s still not clear if that was a simple editing mistake or the result of the UFC assuming Jardine vs. Silva would be a late addition to the fight card.
Anyway, there is some good news. While Jardine vs. Silva most likely won’t happen in March, the fight does sound as though it’s in the works. May’s UFC 84 event is a strong possibility. (And if so, kudos to the UFC for delivering yet another solid fight card. UFC 84 is tentatively scheduled to feature B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk, Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva, and possibly Lyoto Machida vs. Tito Ortiz.)
As it stands, Jardine hasn’t fought since his September 2007 split-decision victory over Chuck Liddell, meaning it could be eight months between fights. Silva, meanwhile, hasn’t fought since a December 2007 unanimous-decision loss to Liddell. And while it was Silva’s third-consecutive loss, Jardine’s stock would rise even higher — possibly all the way to No. 1 contender — with a victory over the former PRIDE champion.
In any manner, be sure to check out the full column at DaytonDailyNews.com.
* * * *
Back and hardly refreshed from my trip to Miami for Saturday’s EliteXC show, I figure I should share some thoughts about the show. A very general overview can be found at DaytonDailyNews.com. The basic premise, though, is that yes, the show was something of a circus. But like a circus, it had something for everyone.
I think a lot of fans were there to see headliner Kimbo Slice and weren’t necessarily MMA fans. Fight fans? Yes. MMA fans? No. That would explain some of the unnecessary booing and idiotic comments that were yelled way too loudly for people to hear. My favorite? “Stomp on his f***ing eye!” Stay classy, Miami.
As usual, the EliteXC and Showtime P.R. folks did a great job, always checking in on us and asking if we needed anything. I spent a lot of time talking to Ron Kruk, who was seated next to me. He’s the reporter for HDNet’s “Inside MMA” program and does fight-night reporting. It’s always fun sharing gossip with someone in the same business.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s EliteXC Notes post, our friend Sam Caplan of fiveouncesofpain.com (a former contributor here at MMAjunkie.com) made his EliteXC broadcast debut on the ProElite.com portion of the show. It was great seeing him, as well as Tom from MMAmania.com, who was also seated next to me.
While the writers had a nice set-up, the same didn’t go for our friend Tracy Lee (Tracy photographs more MMA-related events that anyone I know; be sure to check out CombatLifesyle.com). They reserved no ring-side photo areas, and at one point, the Florida State Athletic Commission was ready to toss her out of the building. It didn’t stop her from getting some great photos, though, like this one.
Dave Herman fending off a takedown attempt for a full minute, Scott Smith winning over a crowd in a split second, and Yves Edwards delivering a highlight-reel KO — and an emotional press-conference speech — were the highlights of my night.
I am very, very interested to see what EliteXC does next with Kimbo Slice. There’s talk of a Ken Shamrock fight, which I actually think is a good idea and a real challenge, but at 34 years old, Kimbo doesn’t have time on his side. They’re going to have figure out very quickly if he’s going to be a cash-generating spectacle or a legit heavyweight contender. It’s kind of like Strikeforce with Cung Le. People will pay to watch him fight anyone, but they recently gave him a real challenge with Frank Shamrock.
Anyway, I’m now back at work. I’ll have some stories posted soon
GINA CARANO UNSURE OF NEXT ELITE XC FIGHT
Gina Carano burst onto the mixed martial arts scene when the spotlight shown down on her and Julie Kedzie as they put on a “fight of the night” performance at the first ever EliteXC event. That was in February of 2007.
Seven months later, she quieted many critics with a first round submission of Tonya Evinger and seemed to be rocketing towards the top of the women’s side of the sport.
It has now been five months since that bout and everyone, including Carano, is getting anxious for her return to the cage… but don’t hold your breath. She has been busy portraying “Crush” on the re-invented American Gladiators television series.
She has one season of Gladiators in the bag and was looking towards a possible return to fighting at the next EliteXC and Strikeforce co-promotion – scheduled for March 29 featuring Frank Shamrock and Cung Le – but according to her comments on the HDNet series Inside MMA on Friday night, fighting in March may not work into her schedule.
Asked when she would make her return to fighting, Carano told co-hosts Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten, “Not soon enough. I might be doing another season of American Gladiators in March and April and then right after that I’d like to jump into a fight.”
It is somewhat ironic that Carano has had a difficult time nailing down her next fight. As she said on Friday night, “I originally did the American Gladiators thing to help bring in the crowd to female fighting and watching me on EliteXC.”
She sounded upbeat about the prospects of the female side of the sport though, not buying into the talk that she is the only fighter of her gender of any significance. Carano said of the women in the sport, “There are a lot of fighters, actually. I think that EliteXC wanted to get me some experience because at the time when I signed with them, I was only 3-0. So now I’ve got two fights under my belt with them.”
She went on to say that there are many respected female fighters that she has yet to face, such as Tara LaRosa, Amanda Buckner, Lucia Rijker and others. “If more of these women want to get into it, I’m all game,” said Carano
But as of right now, the bigger question is just when she will be able to stop promoting fighting, and just plain have the time to get back in the cage and do what she’s passionate about… fight.
Gina Carano burst onto the mixed martial arts scene when the spotlight shown down on her and Julie Kedzie as they put on a “fight of the night” performance at the first ever EliteXC event. That was in February of 2007.
Seven months later, she quieted many critics with a first round submission of Tonya Evinger and seemed to be rocketing towards the top of the women’s side of the sport.
It has now been five months since that bout and everyone, including Carano, is getting anxious for her return to the cage… but don’t hold your breath. She has been busy portraying “Crush” on the re-invented American Gladiators television series.
She has one season of Gladiators in the bag and was looking towards a possible return to fighting at the next EliteXC and Strikeforce co-promotion – scheduled for March 29 featuring Frank Shamrock and Cung Le – but according to her comments on the HDNet series Inside MMA on Friday night, fighting in March may not work into her schedule.
Asked when she would make her return to fighting, Carano told co-hosts Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten, “Not soon enough. I might be doing another season of American Gladiators in March and April and then right after that I’d like to jump into a fight.”
It is somewhat ironic that Carano has had a difficult time nailing down her next fight. As she said on Friday night, “I originally did the American Gladiators thing to help bring in the crowd to female fighting and watching me on EliteXC.”
She sounded upbeat about the prospects of the female side of the sport though, not buying into the talk that she is the only fighter of her gender of any significance. Carano said of the women in the sport, “There are a lot of fighters, actually. I think that EliteXC wanted to get me some experience because at the time when I signed with them, I was only 3-0. So now I’ve got two fights under my belt with them.”
She went on to say that there are many respected female fighters that she has yet to face, such as Tara LaRosa, Amanda Buckner, Lucia Rijker and others. “If more of these women want to get into it, I’m all game,” said Carano
But as of right now, the bigger question is just when she will be able to stop promoting fighting, and just plain have the time to get back in the cage and do what she’s passionate about… fight.