MMA News Thread

[heyzel]

- SILVA STAYS HUMBLE HEADING INTO UFC TITLE BOUT

Anderson Silva is widely considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world right now, but the current Ultimate Fighting Championship 185-pound titleholder remains one of the most respectful and humble champions in the sport’s history.



With a fight upcoming with the last ever Pride 183-pound champion, Dan Henderson, it is Silva once again who always takes the high road and speaks nothing but praises for his next opponent.



“Dan Henderson is one of the best fighters,” said Silva. “He’s proved that in many fights with many great guys. He’s got a totally different game, but it’s a great game. It’s going to be a very good fight and it’s going to be an honor to fight Dan Henderson, especially in the UFC, which is the biggest event. Dan Henderson has a great game, but it’s a different game than mine. It’s going to be an honor.”



Since debuting in the UFC, Silva has gone 5-0, finishing all of his opponents within the first two rounds of action.



Now, Silva will look to unify his UFC championship with Henderson’s Pride title… an achievement that eluded the Brazilian in his time with the former Japanese juggernaut organization.



“Dan was a great champion in what used to be the biggest organization and I’m now the champion in what is the biggest organization nowadays,” he stated. “I think unifying these two belts is going to be historic.”



While many fans and critics are quick to point to Silva’s dominance and label him the best pound-for-pound fighter, he again stays humble and understands what he needs to do to live up to those expectations.



“I’ve got my feet on the ground, (I’m) pretty down to Earth. I know the rankings come and go,” commented Silva. “The fight with Dan Henderson is going to be in the history books, it’s going to set a new standard for MMA, and it’s going to change my future and Dan’s future.



“Since I won the belt and all of my other fights in the UFC, I have a lot more responsibility on my back. I have to watch what I do. I have to watch my training, because I want to prove to people why I’m here, why I’m the champion.”



Heading into the fight, Silva has been bombarded with questions on how he will deal with Henderson’s strength, which is an attribute the fighter has long controlled in many of his own fights.



“I’ve been training every day for that,” he said about Henderson’s strength. “I train to overcome my goals and overcome my opponents, and Dan Henderson’s strength is one of his strong points. I’ve just been watching my game plan to get away with that and get around that by overcoming his strength.”



Henderson has also been quoted as saying that he welcomes a fight from Silva that involves his legendary clinch, but the champion remains focused on what got him to the championship in the first place.



“I’m going to continue doing what I do best, which is my Muay Thai,” Silva said with confidence. “Even though I’ve been training a lot of jiu-jitsu, I still have to maintain my Muay Thai because that’s what got me to where I am and that’s my strong point.”



Regardless of the hype and intensity going into this pivotal middleweight match-up, it is Silva who quickly points out that walking into Columbus, Ohio, the UFC middleweight title is his and walking out he plans on having the belt just the same.



“The belt is just the outcome of my work and for as long as God allows me to keep the belt and for as long as I train to keep the belt, I’ll keep it.”

 

[heyzel]

RYAN SCHULTZ READY TO DEFEND IFL TITLE

Team Quest’s Ryan Schultz seemed like the perpetually snake bitten fighter for much of his career.

Momentum built up by big wins over fighters such as Eddy Ellis, Gil Castillo and Roger Huerta were often derailed shortly thereafter by inexplicable losses. Consistency often eluded Schultz, until last year.

Seemingly out of nowhere, things began to fall into place. Three straight unanimous decision wins (including one over Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride veteran Aaron Riley) placed Schultz in a position to challenge Chris Horodecki for the International Fight League’s lightweight championship after injuries befell Shad Lierley and John Gunderson.

Inspired to wipe away a disappointing loss to Horodecki in 2006, Schultz dominated the fight, finishing the previously undefeated Team Tompkins fighter halfway through the first round. It was a perfect cap to an undefeated year, as the first-ever IFL 155-pound champion.

“It feels good,” said Schultz of being a champion for the first time. “I want to fight the best guys, so I guess I’m in the right position.”

Despite the fact that he is proud to have the title, he remains grounded and refuses to let his newfound success get to his head.

“It’s just another fight for me, and I want to win every fight, so they’re all serious,” commented Schultz. “It was pretty neat to receive the belt from the IFL, but I definitely take it seriously.”

As for what allowed Ryan to have such a successful year after constant ups and downs, Schultz feels he finally has been able to combine all aspects of the sport and fight intelligently.

“I think I’m definitely a smarter fighter right now, but I also feel that I’ve just put the whole game together now,” he stated. “Early in my career and in the middle there, I separated wrestling and striking. Now I think I’m putting it together to where I don’t have to worry about both aspects of it.

“I think one sets up the other. That’s really been the difference, learning how to put it together at the same time. I think it finally made sense to me that I had all these other tools worth using.”

For his first title defense this Friday at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Schultz is slated to face off against a fellow Northwestern fight circuit product, John Gunderson of the newly formed Lion’s Den team.

“I think it’s a good match-up,” said the Team Quest fighter. “I know Gunderson really well and have seen him fight a few times. I see it going real well for me. I think he’s well-rounded. He doesn’t have a huge hole in his game, but I don’t think he’s exceptional anywhere. In my opinion I’m better than him everywhere in the game.

“He’s been known to say that I don’t’ have any technique in my stand up. Well, if he’s going in there with that game plan, he’s sadly mistaken. He also thinks that I’m too aggressive to go five rounds, which I’ll tell you right now, I’m in shape. I’m probably in the best shape of my life, so he’s in for a rude awakening.”

Now that his goal of holding a title in a major promotion has been achieved, Schultz talked about what his goals for this year are.

“I don’t want to look past any fights,” he stated simply. “For me, if I perform, that’s my main concern. For me to perform to my ability, and if I do that, I feel like no matter what or who, I’ll get my hand raised at the end of the night, whether it’s a finish, a decision or whatnot.

“Obviously I always want to finish. I fight that way. I don’t look for a decision and I’m looking to keep it out of the judges’ hands. For me, the focus is more on my performance and not the outcome. If I perform well, like I said, I definitely feel like my hand’s getting raised.”

This Friday at the Orleans Arena, Schultz will look to continue his winning ways and begin his championship reign with a big win over a heated rival in what should be one of the evening’s most exciting fights.

“Definitely want everybody to come out and watch the fights,” closed out Schultz. “It’ll be great, a good card, with a lot of high-level fighters on there. I also definitely want to thank all my sponsors for sure for getting behind me, especially Brian Ludwig; he’s definitely been great to me.”

 

[heyzel]

CAMP REPORT: TEAM CURRAN

“BIG FROG” TO RETURN IN JUNE



Jeff Curran is expected to return to World Extreme Cagefighting in June.



“I have been told that I may be facing Mike Brown of American Top Team on the June 1 show. That card is a ways away so I hope I am fighting for sure because it’s going to be almost a seven-month layoff. I am used to fighting six times a year,” said Curran. “I am training right now, working on my strength and flexibility and letting things heal up a bit.”

Curran is coming off of a loss to WEC 145-pound champion Urijah Faber in December of last year.





FAMILY BUSINESS – PAT CURRAN SUCCESSFUL IN HIS PRO MMA DEBUT



Patrick Curran, cousin of Top 10 featherweight Jeff Curran, made his professional MMA debut last weekend at XFO 22. The 20-year-old fighter took on last second replacement Tony Hervey in featherweight action. Curran defeated his opponent by rear naked choke in the opening round.



“Oh, it was awesome. I was way more nervous than any other fight I have done, so it was definitely a nice feeling to come away with a win,” revealed Curran. “I wanted to finish the fight in round one and I did just that. I can’t wait for my next one.



“I think my performance was great. I would have liked to stand and trade punches a bit, but after I circled with him I decided to take him down to my world and be safe about it.”



Patrick looks forward to his second pro fight on April 25 at XFO 23. The guys at Tapout will be present to shoot footage of the event for a future episode.



“Tapout is coming to film my cousin Patrick on the April 25 XFO card. It’s awesome,” said Jeff. “They are really looking to build fighters and get their names out there.”





STUMPF REBOUNDS, LOOKS AHEAD



Mike Stumpf rebounded with a submission victory over veteran Dennis Reed at XFO 22.



“He came out swinging and he was a little bigger than me. He was tricky and always tried to advance position. Once we hit the ground, I went for a triangle and had to transition to an armbar,” explained Stumpf. “Reed has tons of experience, so it was a good test for me to see where I fall in the mix of things overall.”



Prior to the win, Stumpf was unsuccessful in his attempt to take the XFO middleweight belt away from current champion Ryan Williams. When asked about a rematch, Stumpf welcomed the idea and also gave some insight into his future plans.



“If it [rematch] comes, yeah! That would be nice. I am looking further into the future for my career, but a win over Williams for the XFO title would be a good step forward for sure,” said Stumpf.



“Honestly, right now I want to fight Kevin Knabjian. We were set to fight in this last show, but it was put off until April 25. I am looking for my spot in the WEC and he is looking to return there as well. I want to beat him and prove to the WEC I am ready to step up to their show.”





XFO – “THE SMALL SHOW WITH BIG FIGHTS”



Jeff Curran is one of the busiest guys in MMA. He’s a father, a fighter, a gym owner, and he runs his own fight organization. Xtreme Fighting Organization has been hosting shows in Illinois for the last four years. Curran talked about how the XFO was created and his role in the organization.



“A few years ago on a flight to Japan, Monte Cox and I were sitting business class and relaxing. I mentioned to him the idea of pairing up in my town to do an Extreme Challenge. I had done a couple small shows with my friend and current partner, Dan Lardy, so promoting was something I enjoyed and it had potential to make revenue to support my gym,” he recalled. “Monte agreed to do an Extreme Challenge (51 to be exact) and split it 50/50 with me. That show was a huge success. I made great money, we had eight fights and all fights were awesome.



“Basically, that whole show was high level and the fans loved it. We had good momentum. We did one more Extreme Challenge and then Monte said we should keep the show separate because Extreme Challenges are famous for featuring a lot of the fighters he manages, like the days of Pat Miletich, Jeremy Horn, Matt Hughes, Jens Pulver, and me. So, let’s start another show because we can open it up to a whole new mix of fighters without jeopardizing the success of Extreme Challenge. We wanted to try a few different things and he didn’t want to intrude on the existing brand name that is Extreme Challenge.



“I came up with the name XFO and asked Monte if we can bring in my partner Dan Lardy, since he was running the show anyhow. Monte agreed and it has been an equal split ever since. I have the role of President basically, if you wanted to title it. To be honest, I don’t handle much of the day to day operations. I sit back and train fighters that sell tickets and win fights. I consult with them on certain things like venue choice, specifics, etc. But, I really leave the matchmaking up to them. So in a nutshell my role is management and consulting.”





BARTIMUS LOOKS FOR REVENGE



Bart Palaszewski is scheduled to face Deividas Taurosevicius on April 4, a rematch from last season’s International Fight League finals. The two fighters first met in September of last year and Taurosevicius was victorious via armbar.



“If he wins this, he faces the winner of Ryan Schultz and John Gunderson. He is training hard and ready to rock,” commented Jeff Curran.





MOHR RECOVERING



Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Nate Mohr more is currently rehabilitating his knee after undergoing surgery to repair torn ligaments. He suffered the injury during his fight against Manny Gamburyan at UFC 79.



"He was no threat to my ankle at all. I have spent a lot of time on foot locks since my fight with Kurt [Pellegrino],” explained Mohr shortly after the fight. “I saw an opening and I was getting ready to throw some hard shots to his face. As I sat up, he made a small adjustment and my knee just popped. I screamed at first reaction and the ref stopped it. I never tapped. I will do my rehab, rest it up and be back in the mix.”



Mohr is eagerly waiting for the green light from the doctor that will allow him to train again. After he is healthy, it may be possible for him to take a tune-up in the XFO before returning to the Octagon.

 

[heyzel]

STRIKEFORCE SETS WASHINGTON RECORD

With a live audience of 7,089 at the Tacoma Dome on Saturday, Feb. 23, “Strikeforce At The Dome” surpassed the dollar amount grossed by any boxing, mixed martial arts, or kickboxing gate in Washington state history, according to Strikeforce officials.

“It’s an honor that the people in the Tacoma and Seattle area welcomed us with such open arms our first time there,” said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. “The public’s embracement of the event is evidence of its hunger to see a big mixed martial arts fight card live, as well as its true understanding of the sport.”

The event aired live on HDNet. Fans saw K-1 veteran Jan Nortje defeat Bob Sapp in the night’s main event, former UFC champion Maurice Smith defeated kickboxing champion Rick Roufus, and Cory Devela scored a surprising upset of UFC veteran Joe Riggs

 

[heyzel]

EliteXC Expected to Announce Deal with CBS — MMAjunkie.com Exclusive

ProElite Inc., the parent company of Elite Xtreme Combat, is expected to announce a deal with CBS that will put MMA on major network television for the first time.

Sources close to the deal tell MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that an agreement has been reached between CBS and the Los Angeles-based ProElite. However, officials could not publicly comment on the matter.

EliteXC was founded as a partnership with Showtime Networks Inc. in 2006. The organization’s events, which are held under the EliteXC and ShowXC banners, currently air on Showtime.

Showtime is owned by CBS.

A source who spoke exclusively to MMAjunkie.com said that CBS will broadcast live EliteXC events in prime-time slots. The events will likely take place every other month.

An official announcement with additional details of the deal is expected to be announced in the next few days. A broadcast schedule and debut date could be included.

The announcement will come just weeks after EliteXC’s successful “Street Certified” event in Miami, Fla. In addition to drawing a sold-out crowd and setting a live gate record at the BankUnited Center, the event reportedly drew more than half a million Showtime viewers.

The fact that EliteXC — and not the UFC, the worldwide MMA leader — landed the first network-television deal is a bit of a surprise.

Beginning in October, UFC president Dana White stated that he was confident the organization would reach a deal with a major TV network, most notably CBS or NBC. In November MediaPost Publications reported that the UFC and CBS were in “advanced negotiations” and that the announcement of an official partnership was expected to happen at any time. UFC 81, which took place earlier this month, was expected to be the first UFC event to air on CBS.

However, the deal eventually fell apart — reportedly over issues with the creative control of the events. Those same issues kept a deal between the UFC and HBO from coming together last year, as well.

ProElite has been on a shopping spree during the past year, purchasing organizations such as ICON Sport, Cage Rage, King of the Cage, and Spirit MC. Additionally, the organization has recently signed long-term deals with notables such as Nick Diaz, Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson, Robbie Lawler, Jake Shields, Murilo “Ninja” Rua and Gina Carano

 

[heyzel]

MMA in MD

baltimoresun.com
Mixed Martial Arts
MMA sanctioning proposal set to move forward in Md. Senate

By Childs Walker

Sun Reporter

February 27, 2008
Click here to find out more!

Efforts to get mixed martial arts sanctioned in Maryland appear on track after a senate committee showed no signs of opposition yesterday to a bill that would give the state athletic commission regulatory power over the sport.

The committee on education, health and environmental affairs likely will decide by Friday whether to forward the bill to a vote by the entire state senate, said sponsor Joan Carter Conway, a Baltimore Democrat.

But no one spoke against the legislation at yesterday's hearing in Annapolis. Senators posed only a few questions about safety regulations.

Conway said Maryland is losing out because the sport is sanctioned in Washington and in such nearby states as Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey.

"We're sitting in the middle of our region, where all of our dollars are going elsewhere," she said.

She echoed John Rallo, a former fighter who co-owns the Ground Control gym in Canton and has spurred the sanctioning effort. Rallo said he is tired of seeing his fighters travel out of state to practice what they learn from him.

He said the sanctioning would produce licensing revenues for Maryland and lead to the growth of small businesses associated with mixed martial arts.

The sport, best known through the Ultimate Fighting Championship promotion, combines boxing, kickboxing, amateur wrestling and submission grappling. Fights are generally contested in a cage and can be won by knockout, referee's stoppage, judge's decision or opponent's submission.

UFC ran its first fight cards in the 1990s, but the sport was then nearly run out of the country by legislators and activists who considered it barbaric. It experienced a renaissance, however, after promoters began to embrace boxing-style regulation by state athletic commissions.

Mixed martial arts is sanctioned in 32 of 50 states, and UFC pay-per-view shows draw hundreds of thousands of buys at $40 a pop.

If it receives committee approval, the Maryland senate bill, or its cousin, sponsored by Del. Kirill Reznick, will still have to be passed by the entire legislature and signed by Gov. Martin O'Malley.

If the effort makes it that far, the state athletic commission would then have to draft rules for supervision of the sport. That process, which would include the training of doctors, referees and other fight officials, could take until late this year or early next year.

Yesterday's hearing offered the first public opportunity for supporters and opponents to comment on the legislation.

Patrick Pannella, executive director of the state athletic commission, said he welcomes the chance to oversee mixed martial arts. Michael Kelly, a ringside doctor from New Jersey, and Michael Mersch, an attorney for the UFC, testified to the effectiveness of regulations in other states.

The bill also drew support from Dr. Frank M. Reid III, the influential pastor of Baltimore's Bethel AME Church.

"It makes great business sense," said Reid, who watches the sport with his son and trains under Rallo. "MMA is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and Maryland should not be left behind."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Rejuvenated Rizzo Training for Fight

Pedro Rizzo (Pictures) is expected to return to the ring soon. The Brazilian heavyweight revealed that his manager, Jorge Guimaraes, is negotiating his next fight, which should occur in April or May.

After a quick stint in Japan, Rizzo fought twice in the United States in 2007 and won with strong performances.

"I'm maintaining my training routine, but in the last two weeks, I increased the pace because I knew of the possibility that a fight would happen," explained the Marco Ruas (Pictures) pupil. "I do not know the opponent yet, but I hope that he is a tough guy. Because as with any athlete, the more difficult the challenge, the greater the motivation. It is this motivation, that challenge, that I move to the limit. It makes all the problems small to taste of victory. If it does not come by chance, I will know that I gave my best, my 100 percent."

Rizzo said he has moved into a new phase of his career and hopes to once again be counted among the top heavyweights in the world, as he was during most of his time in the UFC.

"All the victories were always very good, but it was in the losses that I have been strengthened as a fighter," Rizzo said. "Today I am a much better athlete than before -- technically, physically and psychologically mainly. I have been at the top and unfortunately also at the bottom. We know both the joy of victory and the sadness of defeat, and between the two is an appropriate victory. I know my potential and I also know that I will gradually rise again toward the top, and this fight is one more step to get there."

In 2007, Rizzo scored two victories in two fights. The Art of War heavyweight champion outpointed Justin Eilers (Pictures) and stopped Jeff Monson (Pictures).

"I am very motivated," he said. "I feel as if I am just starting my career."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Carneiro Has Sights Set on Sanchez

Roan Carneiro (Pictures) ended 2007 with a win over Tony DeSouza (Pictures) at UFC 79 on Dec. 29. The Brazilian does not yet know when he will return to the Octagon, but he would very much like to face one opponent in particular.

"Regardless of the outcome of his next fight, I want to face Diego Sanchez (Pictures)," Carneiro told Sherdog.com.

"Jucao" was scheduled to face Sanchez on Saturday at UFC 82, but a bad flu slowed his training and made the fight impossible.

"I was sick," Carneiro explained. "I got a strong flu. I was a week in the bed after my fight. I just ask for time to improve, but they didn't give it to me. "

The controversy had emerged from a statement Sanchez made.

"He said I would be the stone to lift up his career," Carneiro said. "I thought that was interesting. He motivated me too much with that statement. I want to fight him and show that he messed with the wrong guy. One day this fight will happen. I have four more fights in the UFC, and this will be one of them."

 

[Shogun Locc]

‘Cyborg' Comments on Release

Hardcore Championship Fighting officials have released Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos, who was supposed to fight David Loiseau (Pictures) on March 29 in Canada. The promoters said Santos broke his contract by signing to fight in Japan at Sengoku on March 5.

"They cancelled the fight because I had less than a month between my fight in Japan and that fight in Canada," Santos told Sherdog.com. "For me there would be no problem fighting in the two events. In 1997, I did five fights in a month, and I would do it again now. I think this [Loiseau] fight should be postponed in hopes of facing him a few months later."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Shields Awarded BJJ Black Belt
video link: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1460

 

[Shogun Locc]

Procedure Leaves Riggs Pain Free


Joe Riggs (Pictures)' pain, for now, has subsided.

After re-injuring his surgically-repaired back Saturday during a middleweight contest versus Cory Devela (Pictures) in Tacoma, Wash., Riggs suffered from what his manager Ken Pavia described as "excruciating pain."

Tuesday, Riggs underwent a procedure in which four scopes were used to "freeze" three nerves in his lower back that were pinched by an out-of-place disc. The out-patient procedure, said Pavia, had Riggs (27-10, 1 NC) talking of an immediate return to the cage.

"I told him 'no you're not,'" Pavia said.

There is talk of a match between Riggs and Joey Villasenor (Pictures), though Pavia said he's not sure the bout would be the right play in the wake of an injury the manager compared to a "broken hip."

Instead, Pavia told Sherdog.com he wants the 25-year-old UFC veteran to rematch Devela, which apparently sits well with Riggs.

Said Pavia about his client's opinion on fighting Devela a second time: "Make sure Devula doesn't fight anyone else. I don't want him exposed before I smash him."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Preliminary Injunction Ruling Delayed in Couture Case

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26 -- Lawyers for Zuffa LLC, parent company of the UFC, had hoped to come away with a preliminary injunction Tuesday enjoining both Randy Couture (Pictures) and his Xtreme Couture brand from lending their stature to the UFC's rivals.

However, after hearing nearly two hours of arguments, Judge Jennifer Togliatti delayed her ruling to allow Couture's legal team to secure an affidavit from the International Fight League regarding the promotion's intentions should the Xtreme Couture moniker be barred from use at the IFL's Feb. 29 show in Las Vegas.

The parties will be back in court Thursday at 4:30 p.m. for a limited comment period narrowly focused on the IFL affidavit. Togliatti is then expected to issue her ruling.

Zuffa is hoping the court will stop Couture from "engaging in any promotion or production of any events or programming related to unarmed combat during the one-year restricted period in his employment agreement."

The opening shots in the highest profile divorce in the sport's short existence were fired with the two most recognizable players in the blood feud absent. Neither Couture nor UFC President Dana White attended the hearing, but UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta and Zuffa Chief Operating Officer Kirk Hendrick were in attendance along with Zuffa General Counsel Lawrence Epstein.

Donald J. Campbell, lead attorney for Zuffa, whittled the argument down to the barest of bones: "[Couture] is involved with the IFL, and we want it stopped."

Couture's counsel, Stephen Peek, attempted to draw a distinction between Randy Couture (Pictures) the individual and the Xtreme Couture gym.

"The reason we point it out, Xtreme Couture being a separate entity, is because Xtreme Couture was excluded from the employment agreement," Peek said. "If they wanted Xtreme Couture to do more or be a party to the contract, then they should have included it. But instead, what they did was excluded Xtreme Couture."

It was a continuation of the tack advanced in the opposition's filing to the preliminary injunction.

"Xtreme Couture is a non-party to the employment agreement," the defense wrote in the filing. "Although the restrictive covenant contains restrictions (though very broad, unreasonable and for which Plaintiff can demonstrate no protectable interest in the enforcement of the same), the restrictions do not apply to Xtreme Couture, which is a separate legal entity from Mr. Couture."

Said Peek at the hearing: "There is no reason for the court to intervene. The conduct is not promoting. The conduct is not conducting a business related to unarmed combat other than Xtreme Couture, which was excluded from the employment agreement."

Mr. Campbell retorted that Couture was associating the name Xtreme Couture with a team in the IFL, thereby lending his iconic stature in mixed martial arts to the IFL and in doing so violating his non-compete agreement.

"It is absolutely promoting," Campbell remarked. "It is promoting a new formula in the IFL, a competing league to the UFC."

Continuing his attack on the validity of Peek's arguments, Campbell launched into a lengthy summary of Zuffa's position on the breadth of the restrictive clause that had been described as a "catch-all" by the defense.

"The words ‘involved with any other promoter' are broad for a reason," stated Zuffa's lead attorney. "Because we don't want him involved with any other promoter. We pay him hundreds of thousands of dollars not to be involved with any other promoter. That was the consideration for the contract and the simple fact of the matter is that someone has whispered in his ear that maybe he can make more money doing something somewhere else, doing something he shouldn't be doing under this contract. And he has decided, for whatever reasons, be they avarice or whatever, that he is going to do them, and in the course of doing so, sully the good name of the individuals that made him a multi-millionaire 10 times over."

Judge Togliatti raised a number of concerns throughout the proceedings, including Xtreme Couture not being named in the suit and thus creating due process questions. She also questioned the foggy nature of the relationship between the myriad business entities comprising Xtreme Couture and its associated companies.

The biggest question came when Peek mentioned that the pending IFL event might actually be in jeopardy should a ruling come down in favor of Zuffa. This is the point that seemingly delayed the ruling until an affidavit could be obtained from the IFL answering that question.

It seems farfetched that a show would be shut down due to a team name being prohibited, especially after the months of planning and large sums of money that go into creating a promotion of the IFL's size.

Campbell was downright indignant at the proposition.

"The suggestion that somehow these fights won't go on is nonsense, absolute nonsense," he said. "They can call the team whatever they want. They simply can't connect it to Mr. Couture."

Despite the fact that a ruling will not be handed down before Thursday, it was clear from the court's statements that if an injunction were granted, it would only pertain to the Feb. 29 IFL show and would not run the length of the non-compete clause of Couture's employment contract.

Judge Togliatti also gave insight into her thought process and may have tipped her hand on which way she was leaning.

"I will tell you," she said, "that I see a difference between being in a corner with a patch on somebody's sleeve and having ‘Team Couture' and you're there in the corner in the new league. I do see a difference."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Mike Swick On Josh Burkman: "I wish I had one more round with that guy."

Our good friends over at Tagg Radio's The Lights Out Show had a great interview with Mike Swick yesterday. Below are some of the highlights:
SWICK HAS SOMETHING TO PROVE

"I wasn't happy with my performance (last fight - a unanimous decision victory vs Josh Burkman UFC FN12). I want to get back in there and put on a good show. I'm looking to bang. 100% FOR SURE will not have a boring FIGHT (next fight)...FOR SURE!"

MORE ON BURKMAN FIGHT

"I would be happy to show everybody what would happen if we fought again. He can't stand toe to toe with me, (he) just grabs on. I wish I had one more round with that guy."

WHY HE MOVED TO WELTERWEIGHT

"The guys were getting so much bigger. I wanted to fight in my own weight class. That's my weight class (welterweight)."

To hear this interview on The Lights Out Show with Chris Fries and The JDH as well as listen to the best in MMA news and information,click here to go to TaggRadio.com.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Mirko Filipovic: "Nobody wants to enter the ring with me and fight without preparation."

Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic posted the following on his personal blog:
Unfortunately I still don’t have an opponent for my first fight on March 15. It seems that nobody wants to enter the ring with me and fight without time for preparation. Despite everything, I believe that Dream will find me an opponent as I can hardly wait for my next fight. I don’t care who I fight against. I just want to enter the ring and fight the best I can.

It is unknown who his next opponent will be at this time, but unsubstantiated rumors have placed Mighty Mo opposite Cro Cop at Dream's inaugural show on March 15. We're working on getting conformation on this and will have the latest as soon as the information becomes available.

 

[Shogun Locc]

YAMMA Pit Fighting Announces Two Super Fights And Eight Man Tournament

UFC founder Bob Mayrowitz has created a new fight promotion called YAMMA Pit Fighting. Their inaugural event will take place on April 11th at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, NJ, and will feature an eight man tournament and two "Superfights." Contestants for the eight man tournament and the Superfights were announced and include the following:
Superfight 1

Don Frye (19-6-1) vs. Oleg Taktarov (13-5-2)

Superfight 2

Gary Goodridge (23-15-1) vs. Eric Esch (11-5)

8 Man Tournament Competitors:

- Rex Richards (4-1)

- Travis Wiuff (47-11)

- Marcelo Pereira (5-0)

- Alexey Oleynik (4-3)

- Chris Tuscherer (11-0)

- Tony Sylveter (10-1)

- Sherman Pendergarst (10-8)

- George Bush (5-0)

 

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EA Sports getting in the game with MMA video game

1Up is reporting that EA Sports has been tossing around the idea of creating a Mixed Martial Arts video game to go up against THQ’s forthcoming UFC video game that will be announced during the UFC 84 Pay-Per-View, which we have now found out will take place on May 24th from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Here’s what 1Up had to say regarding EA’s video game:

“The Q also says megapublisher EA is looking to release a mixed martial arts game soon. Makes sense — new EA Sports head honcho Peter Moore has been talking about exploring new sports. Still, it makes us wonder what fight leagues will appear in the game considering THQ owns the rights to Ultimate Fighting Championship.”

EA powerhouse games like Madden and NBA Live have struggled to get good ratings, but extreme games like Skate and The Sims have done well for the franchise. With MMA taking off as one of the fastest growing sports in the world, it makes a lot of cents… Oops, I meant sense to make a video game.

Some organizations that’ll probably be involved in the game will be HDNet Fights, The IFL and EliteXC.

 

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John Gunderson Hopes Move to Xtreme Couture Leads to IFL Title

Although lightweight John Gunderson (15-5) will be fighting for Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den at this Friday’s IFL event, the 27-year-old is hoping his recent move to Xtreme Couture will help him in his fight with IFL lightweight champ Ryan “The Lion” Schultz (18-9-1).

Gunderson discussed the change of camps and his upcoming bout while a guest on Tuesday’s edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), a content partner site of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

“For me it’s a night-and-day difference between the training that I’ve had before,” Gunderson said of his move to Xtreme Couture. “There isn’t a day gone by that I haven’t been tapped out or got rocked a little bit. And I don’t really ever remember that happening in Reno, Nev.“

Although Gunderson made the move to Las Vegas less than a month ago, he feels the longer he trains at Xtreme Couture, the better his game will become.

“In two to three weeks, I’m not going to show a dramatic or drastic change in my skill level,” Gunderson said. “I’m no fool, but I think within six months, I’m going to be able to show a lot better skill level… I’ve got so many great training partners, and we’ve got some good coaches there, too. I love the opportunity, and I love the gym.“

Gunderson joins a growing list of fighters based at Xtreme Couture, including namesake Randy Couture, as well as notables Jay Hieron, Mike Pyle, John Alessio, Tyson Griffin, Martin Kampmann and Gray Maynard.

And while Xtreme Couture fighters are often recognized for the implementation of intelligent game plans in the ring, Gunderson said he is approaching the fight with Schultz from the complete opposite direction.

“I’m just going to go out there and fight,” Gunderson said. “I’m just going to throw my game plan out. Every time I seem to go in there with a game plan, it doesn’t seem to work out the best, so I’m just going to go out there and fight.“

Schultz enters the bout on a four-fight win streak, including an upset victory over the previously unbeaten Chris Horodecki in December to become the IFL’s first lightweight title-holder. Gunderson said he is prepared for the style Schultz will bring to this five-round fight.

”(Schultz is) a good wrestler, and he’s a tough guy,” the Oregon native said. “He’s strong. So I believe he’s going to try and come in, try to bully me around, because he thinks he’s probably the stronger guy, which he might be a little bit. And he’s definitely the better wrestler. So I think he’s going to try and come in and push his weight around and try to bully me around like he does a lot of guys… I’m just excited for the opportunity to fight for the title and fight Ryan. I think it’s a good fight, and it’s a tough fight, and that’s what I wanted. I’m excited for it.“

The Gunderson vs. Schultz IFL lightweight title fight, as well as the remainder of the main card of Friday’s “IFL: New Battles, New Blood” event, airs live on HDNet.

 

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UFC Quick Quote: Chris Leben is exciting

“… if you’ve ever watched any of my fights and compare those to [Alessio Sakara’s] fights you can see when the goings get tough, no matter what, win lose or draw I always bring the fight…. I think [the reason I’m on television and Josh Koscheck and Diego Sanchez are not because] it’s that probably that those guys are both great fighters but … pretty much every one of my fights is exciting so its not a crap shoot when you are putting me against Sakara whether or not that fight’s gonna be exciting.”

– Chris Leben explains the reason he thinks his middleweight bout against Alessio Sakara at UFC 82: “Pride of a Champion” on March 1 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, is guaranteed to make the pay-per-view (PPV) telecast in an interview with InsideFighting.com. Other notables such as Josh Koscheck, Diego Sanchez and Andrei Arlovski have their bouts relegated to the non-televised preliminaries.

 

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MATT LINDLAND SIGNS 3 FIGHTS WITH NEW PROMOTION

Highly regarded as one of the top middleweight fighters in the world, but not having fought anywhere in nearly a year, Matt Lindland on Friday confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that he has just signed a contract with a new fight promotion.

He dispelled rumors that he had signed with the new Dream promotion in Japan, saying, “I've never talked to them. I actually did sign a contract (Friday) with another company, though.”

Dream is a partnership between Fight Entertainment Group (the parent company of K-1) and former staff members of Dreamstage Entertainment (the former parent company of Pride Fighting Championships).

Because of the sensitive nature of the promotion he has signed with, Lindland stopped short of saying who the new company is.

"I'm kind of holding off. I sent an email saying, 'when can we make announcements?' I can tell you I signed a very nice contract for three fights within the next twelve months,” he informed.

"June is supposed to be the first event and then from June (2008) until June (2009) I'll have at least three fights. I know it's been from April of last year (since I last fought). It's almost like I went into retirement or something."

Although he has experimented with other weight divisions in the past – losing a decision to current UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson and being submitted by former Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko in their respective weight classes – Lindland said that his three fights for the new American-based promotion would be at middleweight.

Despite lots of talk about a possible return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Lindland is happy with his new contract, especially monetarily.

"Everybody makes a big deal about not fighting in the UFC. I can tell you, I signed a contract and my first fight I'm going to make more than I made in like six fights in the UFC,” he stated. "The most I ever made in the UFC with the win bonus and the show money was $36,000. "

Though Lindland would not divulge his new employer’s identity, multiple MMAWeekly sources have confirmed that Affliction – a popular clothing company – is a primary partner in the deal. Sources also indicated that Affliction’s partner in the new promotion is Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

It is not yet known under what name the new promotion will operate, but indications are that its first event will take place in June in Las Vegas.

 

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UFC extends agreement with commercial PPV provider

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. and Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC&#174 organization today announced a multi-year extension of their closed circuit television/pay per view agreement. The deal maintains Joe Hand Promotions as the exclusive commercial distributor in the United States for the UFC, the premiere brand in the sport of mixed martial arts, through 2009.

“The team at Joe Hand Promotions understands Closed Circuit TV better than anyone else in the business,” said Dana White, UFC President. “Their experience in the closed-circuit industry and their knowledge of the UFC brand has helped grow UFC into the country’s leading pay-per-view provider. I look forward to working with them in coming years and to continuing our success in closed-circuit TV.”

“We are honored to be the exclusive commercial distributor of the UFC – the world’s preeminent brand in the sport of mixed martial arts, with a loyal and ever-increasing fan base,” stated Hand, Jr.

Joe Hand Promotions acquired the UFC commercial distribution rights for the United States in 2001. Joe Hand Promotions and the UFC are excited to continue to provide sports bars, casinos
and restaurants with the premiere brand of mixed martial arts Pay-Per-View programming.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship brand is the world's leading professional mixed martial arts organization, regulated by the most prestigious sports regulatory bodies in the United States. UFC live pay-per-view events take place at preeminent destinations including MGM Grand, MEN Arena, Mandalay Bay and 02 Arena, and consistently draw sell-out crowds with record-breaking gates. Presenting over twelve pay-per-view events per year, the UFC stands as the largest pay-per-view content provider in the United States.

Joe Hand Promotions has provided commercial establishments with sports and entertainment programming for over 37 years, including UFC 71 (Liddell vs. Jackson), Delahoya v. Mayweather, UFC 79 (St-Pierre vs. Hughes), Tyson v. Lewis, Tyson v. Holyfield & UFC 68 (Sylvia vs. Couture).