MMA News Thread

heyzel · Feb 27, 2008

More Details on Landmark EliteXC-CBS Deal; Kimbo Slice Possible Headliner

Earlier today MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) broke the news that ProElite, Inc., the parent company of Elite Xtreme Combat, appears to be on the verge of signing a landmark deal with CBS that will put MMA on major network television for the first time.

Thanks to Kevin Iole of MMAjunkie.com’s partner site Yahoo! Sports, we now have a few additional details.

According to his report, the official announcement of the deal will come tomorrow. In it, EliteXC and CBS will confirm a four-fight deal that begins with an event in April.

Additionally, Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson, the YouTube brawler who earned a lucrative long-term deal with EliteXC in late 2007, will likely headline the first CBS event — either in Atlantic City, N.J. or at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Iole reports.

Ferguson, a former bodyguard in the pornography business who now trains with MMA legend Bas Rutten, most recently defeated veteran slugger David “Tank” Abbott in the main event of the organization’s Feb. 16 “Street Certified” show. The event, which drew a sold-out crowd of 6,187, set a record live gate for the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Ferguson, who hails from Miami, was the primary draw for the event. As MMAjunkie.com previously reported, he earned an event-best base salary of $175,000, according to the Florida State Boxing Commission. Additionally, since our initial report, MMAjunkie.com has been informed that EliteXC officials, including EliteXC live events president Gary Shaw, and Ferguson have met and discussed a possible contract extension.

According to Iole, CBS is expected to air the EliteXC events on Saturdays as live two-hour broadcasts, most likely from 9 to 11 p.m. ET.

EliteXC, which was formed as a partnership with Showtime Networks Inc. in 2006, had previously aired almost all of its events on the subscription-cable channel. Earlier today Sam Caplan of fiveouncesofpain.com passed along a report that stated Showtime subscription totals rose 11 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007. A highly publicized October “ShoXC” event and a major November EliteXC show likely played a role in the increase.

Showtime is owned by CBS, which is an investor in ProElite. As Caplan reported on fiveouncesofpain.com, CBS recently increased its ownership stake in the company, possibly injecting the fight promotion with some much-needed funds

heyzel · Feb 27, 2008

The downfall of BTT and Chute Boxe

By Tim Leidecker
Sherdog.com

When Mitsuyo Maeda started teaching Kodokan judo to Brazilian teenagers Carlos and Hélio Gracie in 1917, Japan and Brazil became forever intertwined in martial arts.

The countries' relationship runs even deeper, though. Since the beginning of the 20th century, hundreds of thousands of Japanese have moved to Brazil to work on coffee and sugar plantations. The trend also has reversed during the past 20 years, with Brazilian workers moving to Japan to help in the construction and manufacturing industries.

Through this labor exchange, the Japanese started falling in love with Brazilian culture. They love the Brazilian national soccer team, the colorful costumes and passionate rhythms of Carnival, and, of course, the Brazilian fighters.

Sherdog.com

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, right, was one of BTT's founding members.
That was why no one was surprised that Japan's Pride was built around Brazilian stars.

Rickson Gracie hasn't graced a ring for almost eight years now, but the respect and admiration he is shown in the land of the rising sun is unparalleled. The same goes for Wanderlei "Wand" Silva and Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira, who were the top foreign draws in Japan in 2001 and 2002, respectively, (before Fedor Emelianenko and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic burst onto the scene). Both men were decent-level stars in Japan, with their own clothing lines selling well and advertising contracts adding to their already princely salaries.

The success and resulting fame of Wand and Minotauro paved the way for dozens of their teammates. If it weren't for the Silva, there would be no Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, no Murilo "Ninja" Rua, no Luiz Azeredo. The same goes for Nogueira, who helped his twin brother, Rogerio, Ricardo Arona and Mario Sperry into the big leagues.

During the golden years of 2004 and 2005, you would have been hard pressed to find a Pride event that didn't feature at least one fighter from Brazilian Top Team and Chute Boxe. With the increasing number of shows, two participants per team almost became a rule. Affiliation with these teams even led to the Pride debuts of some fighters who clearly weren't on an elite level.

Brazilian Top Team and Chute Boxe made themselves indispensable, and their leaders, Murilo Bustamante and Mario Sperry (BTT), and Rudimar Fedrigo and Rafael Cordeiro (Chute Boxe), became the most powerful quartet on the Brazilian mixed martial arts scene.

[+] EnlargeAP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Wanderlei Silva, left, helped pave the way for large paydays for Brazilians in Japan.
Their empires came crashing down last year when Pride folded. It wasn't that quality fighters from Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba suddenly weren't in demand anymore. Rather, the well-oiled money machine that had worked like a charm for years collapsed.

Zuffa, the American company that purchased Pride, encountered plenty of trouble with the acquisition, but it also gained access to Pride's fighter contracts. It had been an open secret that both BTT and Chute Boxe charged fighters a significant commission on their salaries, but just how significant was previously unknown. The amount obviously was big enough for most Brazilian stars to do without the help of their former masters and go solo into the future.

BTT splintered first.

Nogueira took his brother with him, as well as fighters like Edson Drago, Edilberto Crocota and Rafael Feijao. Paulo Filho sought out new training, and Mario Sperry opened his own training center in the United States, bringing Alexandre Cacareco and Leopoldo Serao with him.

This left Bustamante, the last remaining BTT founding father, standing in a pile of broken glass with undersized middleweight Rousimar Palhares as his big hope for the future. Other considerable fighters still with Bustamante include Luiz Buscape and Milton Vieira. Ricardo Arona, although still considered an "official" member, has toyed with the idea of starting his own team, as well.

The implosion of Chute Boxe took a little longer, but when it came, it came hard.

Silva was the first to leave under the guise of wanting to be stateside to prepare for his UFC debut. Thiago Silva, although never a "real" product of Chute Boxe but a pupil of Jorge "Macaco" Patino, first moved to Team Link before finally deciding in favor of American Top Team.

What must have hit Chute Boxe master Rudimar Fedrigo like a sledgehammer was when the Rua brothers, together with breakout lightweight star Andre Dida, left to open their new gym, Universidade da Luta, only a stone's throw away.

Mike Ehrmann for ESPN.com

One of Chute Boxe's best fighters, Thiago Silva, didn't stick around very long with the team.
Although the exodus has been considerable, Chute Boxe still has a couple of quality fighters left in Bushido vets Daniel Acacio and Luiz Azeredo, grim brawler Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos, Wanderlei Fabio Silva and UFC heavyweight contender Fabricio Werdum.

With most former and current BTT and Chute Boxe stars looking for a future in the UFC, a power vacuum has arisen in Japan. Even though members of both teams have taken part in the Yarennoka New Year's Eve show, neither BTT nor Chute Boxe has the manpower to cater to the need for quality Brazilian fighters that exists following the creation of upstart promotions World Victory Road and Dream.

A team that might have the potential to fill that void is Gracie Fusion. The camp was founded last December and is comprised of members of Gordo Jiu-Jitsu as well as pupils from Ryan Gracie's and Vinicius Draculino's schools.

With Fabricio Monteiro and Antonio Braga Neto, Gracie Fusion already managed to get two of its fighters booked for World Victory Road's inaugural show. The duo is only the tip of the iceberg. With Marcio "Pe de Pano" Cruz, Delson Heleno, Flavio Luiz Moura, Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Sapo, Gracie Fusion is positioned well in every weight class.

Getting off to a good start in Japan will be critical, as will be Roberto Gordo's success at breaking up the old-fashioned structures in the Japanese fight game. If that happens, though, Gracie Fusion could become the new BTT or Chute Boxe.

Tim Leidecker covers mixed martial arts for Sherdog.com.

heyzel · Feb 27, 2008

Koscheck: 'I learned that you have to be a complete fighter'

Josh Koscheck is a fighter on a mission.

Having dropped a unanimous decision to Georges St. Pierre at UFC 74, the collegiate wrestling standout has refocused himself for his bout with Dustin Hazelett at UFC 82 on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio (10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view).

It's a fight Koscheck needs to win to keep his career on track. It's a task he feels more than confident about.

The fight with St. Pierre was a learning experience, and Koscheck insists the loss will make him a better competitor.

"I learned that you have to become a complete fighter and be able to put things together," Koscheck told ESPN.com. "Striking, boxing, wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, I think that's a big thing I learned in that fight. I also learned that he is the best fighter in the weight class. I was right there with him and I can compete with those guys."

Given St. Pierre's dramatic victory over Matt Hughes at UFC 79, Koscheck said his defeat can be better put in perspective.

"Georges gave Matt Hughes a good beating; he's the best fighter in the weight class in a long time," he said. "Given the fighter he is, it gives you confidence that you went the distance with the guy who beat the former two-time champion in the second round."

[+] EnlargeSherdog.com

Koscheck, right, has learned a lot from his loss to St. Pierre.
With a 9-2 record, Koscheck is a relative newcomer to MMA. Given his lack of experience in the stand-up department, he is showing remarkable progress. His striking has noticeably improved with every bout and his submissions are now a huge part of his arsenal.

"It was definitely difficult not having any background [in striking]," he explained. "The only background I ever had prior to three years ago was in wrestling. No striking, never had any Brazilian jiu-jitsu, never did any boxing or kick boxing, so I'm going to go out on a limb and say I was pretty far behind other fighters because I didn't have a striking coach and I didn't have any striking classes. I was just used to wrestling matches. I really had to dedicate myself to striking and learning other aspects of MMA."

The overhaul in his training regimen means Koscheck now feels more complete as a mixed martial artist.

"UFC in general favors guys that can stand up and strike," he said. "To be a champion in the old days, you could just be a good wrestler and become a champion. These days, the UFC is attracting complete fighters in all aspects of the game."

Since there is intense competition at welterweight, it looks like the heavyset Californian could easily transition up in weight. But the 170-pound division is where Koscheck wants to prove himself.

"I'm pretty comfortable at welterweight," he said. "I walk around at 190, 192 [pounds] and I'm a wrestler, so I know how to cut weight. I think that's one of my strong points: cutting the weight effectively and doing it the right way. I'm a 170-pound fighter as of right now; in the future, if a fight is possible at 185 and the money is right, maybe I would [go up]."

Re-establishing himself in the welterweight division means beating whoever is put in front of him.

Hazelett told UFC.com: "I think that he [Koscheck] is a very tough opponent, and this will be a very tough fight; that's why I'm looking forward to it so much. He is definitely a better wrestler than me, so he will be able to decide where the fight takes place, so I have to be able to be dominant whether I'm standing, or grappling."

I don't really know much about [Hazelett] … for me, it's just a fight, and I'm just excited to get back in there and knock him out and put on a show for the Columbus fans. That's the plan.
-- Josh Koscheck, on what he intends to do at UFC 82
Although

Shogun Locc · Feb 27, 2008

BTT’s leader answers Sherdog Article

heyzel said:

Murilo Bustamante, Brazilian Top Team (BTT)’s leader, has sent an open letter where he refuted the criticizes made by Tim Leidecker at Sherdog.com. At the article, o journalist affirmed that BTT and Chute Boxe are losing production and that both team started falling after the end of Pride, and cited the left of big stars from the teams, like Rodrigo Minotauro and Wanderlei Silva. Check below the letter sent by Murilo Bustamante.

To begin, I’d like to say that Brazilian Top Team’s presence, at most of Pride’s events, was requested because of the technical quality of the fighters, and I feel comfortable on saying the same thing about Chute Boxe. Both teams have worked seriously to make his fighters so that they could became part of the biggest MMA fighters of the world. Both had success on that adventure, both had formed not only champions, but a lot of high level athletes. By this time, both teams was known as the two best MMA teams of the world, and a lot of events paid to see both fighting each other. With that, both teams gave work not only for athletes, but to teachers too.

Speaking about BTT, I can say that to build these great fighters the team had invested heavily o their training. Besides some people say that BTT demanded and charged too much from the athletes, I can say now that we charged and still charge. Ten percent from management and ten percent from training, what, in my opinion, is more than fair, considering the investment that is made on the athlete. Before creating BTT, I used to pay 20% from management and 20% from training, I was always thankful of what my master teached me. I give all my athletes the opportunity to train all disciplines, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing and Wrestling, without spending more. We invest on the athlete since the beginning of his career.

This system is so fair that gives the athlete, on the beginning of the career, that earns US$200 per fight, have the same training of the big MMA stars. This athlete pays US$40 for fight for all his training. If he fights five times a year, he’ll pay US$200 for the training, something like US$17 per month. Is that too much? The team teaches the athlete to became a professional that can earn US$1.000.000,00 per fight, or even more. If the athlete unfortunately have no luck on his professional career at MMA, he can choose to work on one of the team branches, or even open his own team, giving support to his family. I become furious when someone says that, sometimes some idiots, BTT charged money from his athletes. We charged and we’ll continue charging the same thing, and I challenge anyone who says that to come work at , form big fighters and charge less than we do.

I can say that both teams, BTT and Chute Boxe, will form new champions real soon. Both teams, actually, have nothing more to prove, because who forms Wanderlei, Shogun, Ninja, Anderson, Pelé, Minotauro, Minotouro, Arona, Paulo Filho, Alan Goes, Murilo Bustamante and many others has professional capacity. Any of these athletes came here ready, they were created inside this walls. That’s why, I’m sorry about this pretentious man that wrote this article, that BTT were here a long time before he came and will be a long time after you goes away. I practice martial arts for 31 years, teach Jiu-Jitsu for 20 years and MMA for 16 years, I can say that I love what I do and will do it forever. When I couldn’t compete anymore, I’ll continue teaching my athletes using all the knowledge I’ve got from inside and outside the rings. That’s why I say that BTT will form big athletes, and if God wants, some champions, and it won’t be a bad analysis from some jerks that will stop it. I’ll use the opportunity to thank all BTT fans all around the world for keeping trusting on our team.

Thanks,Murilo Bustamante”

Shogun Locc · Feb 27, 2008

K-1 World MAX 2008 Final 16

4/9 Hiroshima Prefectural Gym card line-up:

Masato vs. Virgil Kalakoda
Buakaw Por Pramuk vs. Albert Kraus
Andy Souwer vs. Mike Zambidis
Yoshihiro Sato vs. Murat Direkci
Drago vs. GORI
Artur Kyshenko vs. Jordan Tai
Rosario Presti vs. Warren Stevelmans
Chi Bin-Lim vs. Yasuhiro Kido
Plus:

Yuya Yamamoto vs. Marfio Canoletti
HIROYA vs. Tsukasa Fuji

Shogun Locc · Feb 27, 2008

Update on Xyience Inc. vs. Rich Bergeron court case

Rich Bergeron has posted a PDF of his counterclaim in court against Xyience
Here’s just one of the many items from Bergeron in the PDF document:

Bergeron has been slandered and defamed in bogus blogs produced about him and connected directly to Xyience employees and/or associates through IP addresses. These blogs have included the false suggestions that Bergeron is a homosexual, Bergeron was removed from a teaching position due to a situation with a minor, and Bergeron had a personal vendetta against Xyience.

A Xyience representative used this Court’s own preliminary injunction to misrepresent to at least one Xyience shareholder that the Court sentenced Bergeron to a 30-day suspended jail term and fined him $1,000. The same representative also told the same shareholder that Bergeron was a former Xyience employee, which is also false. This representative also admitted he was seeking loans for Xyience Consultant Russell Pike at 10 percent interest.

Counter-Defendants Xyience, Inc. and Fertitta Enterprises engaged in a quid-pro-quo agreement described in the initial complaint that sought a prior restraint to enjoin Bergeron from reporting the truth about the fraudulent activities of both companies. In exchange for Xyience obtaining a preliminary injunction against Bergeron, Fertitta Enterprises promised to provide $15 million in capital to Xyience.

Just one day after a preliminary injunction became official in this case on September 13, 2007, a funding consent letter went out to shareholders seeking ratification of a $12 million loan agreement between Fertitta Enterprises and Xyience.

Later on in the document…

Essentially Dana White, Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta III, Adam Frank, Kirk Sanford, Karim Maskatiya, Kathryn Lever, and Omer Satter all operated in collusion with each other to lock out most of the company’s remaining shareholders through a foreclosure and bankruptcy designed to ultimately facilitate a hasty sale of the company they only about a week earlier promised would undergo a Chapter 11 reorganization. Bergeron will prove through discovery that these associate and official representatives of Xyience were at all times acting subordinate to the interests of Fertitta Enterprises.

…

Bergeron has been informed that federal law enforcement authorities have already been dispatched to look into this entire egregious situation and the ensuing fraud involved in trying to keep it quiet. Due to the progress of these proceedings, Bergeron may actually be in a better position to help build the government’s case through civil channels. He is committed to maintaining direct communication with federal authorities he has already contacted. The defendant and cross-claimant Bergeron is also depending on these proceedings to help over 340 shareholders regain their original investment in Xyience before Fertitta Enterprises defrauded them and locked them out of any future in the company through clear misrepresentations of intent. The complete lack of full disclosure that occurred under the direction of Fertitta Enterprises and the willful determination to eradicate Bergeron’s published reports about the ongoing fraud and collusion has produced countless victims who are relying on the results of this case and Bergeron’s reporting itself. This case may be the most promising measure to help them recover what they have lost in the process of the counter-defendants’ attempts to unjustly enrich themselves.

Shogun Locc · Feb 27, 2008

Xyience responds to Bergeron’s counterclaim

Isn’t this an interesting response. As things currently stand, a court hearing regarding Bergeron’s motion to dismiss is set for next week (3/5) and his sanctions filing hearing is set for 3/18.
here is link: http://unlimitedfightnews.com/wordpress/?p=1170

Shogun Locc · Feb 27, 2008

Sergio Cunha Talks BTT
link: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1461
Sherdog.com's Martins Denis caught up with Brazilian Top Team striking instructor Sergio Cunha to discuss the team's future outlook. Cunha also talked about David Bielkheden (Pictures), who makes his UFC debut this weekend in Columbus.

Shogun Locc · Feb 27, 2008

Wolfslair Reps Ready for Cage Gladiators

Cage Gladiators returns Sunday with a 16-fight card at the historic Liverpool Olympia in England. The event has quickly become known as a hotbed of local talent, and that reputation will continue with the array of up-and-coming fighters clashing this weekend in hopes of following fighters such as Terry Etim (Pictures) and Jason Tan to the UFC.

Five of the fighters on the stacked card stand out due to their association with one of the top gyms in the United Kingdom -- the Wolfslair gym in Widnes, England.

The training center that Mike Bisping calls home has become synonymous with the finest pedigree of instruction. Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert Mario "Sukata" Neto, experienced Thai boxing instructor Dave Jackson and the multitalented Tony Quigley consistently churn out some of the best fighters on the domestic scene.

Wolfslair product Tom Blackledge (Pictures) will be fighting in the main event Sunday. Touted as one of the United Kingdom's best heavyweight jiu-jitsu fighters, he'll be returning from his disappointing submission loss to 7-foot Dutch nightmare Stefan Struve (Pictures) at Cage Gladiators V to take on Martin Thompson for the promotion's version of the British title.

"I've seen a few of his fights," Blackledge said of his battle-hardened opponent. "I've seen him fight Brian Adams (Pictures) and Rob Broughton (Pictures). He seemed decent, you know. He's game. He comes to fight, and that's what the crowd at Cage Gladiators comes to see -- a good tear-up."

With a bruising encounter in sight, the Wolfslair fighter was a picture of understated confidence.

"I feel the best I've felt in a long, long time," he said. "I feel great. I can't wait to get in and fight. My fitness is up, my strength is good, my jiu-jitsu feels good, my striking feels good. I've dieted for the last eight weeks or so. … I'm looking forward to it."

In his last fight, teak-tough Gary Kelly (Pictures) showed that, like his brother -- UFC veteran Paul Kelly (Pictures) -- he has no concerns with hammering a badly damaged opponent in the pursuit of victory.

Kelly took on the game wrestler Shergul Mohamed (Pictures) and battered him over two painful rounds, breaking his cheekbone, nose and a couple of ribs. Would he ever consider easing off on a bloodied foe?

"You're messing aren't yer?" he answered. "I'd smash his face into the floor until the ref drags me off him! No rest for the wicked in this, is there? It's a full-contact sport. You're not holding back in this … know what I mean?"

The Liverpool fighter discovered that truth himself on the way home after the Mohamed fight.

"Mohamed broke my nose, but I put it back into place," he said. "I was sitting in the car on the way home and I grabbed it and put it back into place -- it's still slightly out."

On Sunday, Kelly faces Frenchman Aldric Cassata, a graduate of Gracie Barra Nice in France.

"He's had seven Thai fights and three MMA fights," Kelly said. "I think he's had a few amateur MMA fights as well and won them. He's a southpaw, so I've been working on a bit of that. But really, I think I'm going to be a bit too aggressive for him, so let's see how it goes."

Lucasz Les is another fighter toughing out the brutal training regime at the Wolfslair gym in hope of making it big in the world of MMA. The Polish fighter endures a rigorous training regimen that he intersperses with work as a doorman to make ends meet.

"It's really hard," said Les of a typical day preparing to face Kam Atakuru. "Maybe I'm crazy -- sometimes I just sleep for four hours. Train, eat, sleep, train -- then off to work. The last two years in England have been like 15 minutes, but I feel good now, so it should be all right."

Atakuru sports a limited record, but recent wars with the likes of Jason Ball and Leslie Objugbana have underlined his fighting spirit. He would most likely prove a stern test for anyone in the U.K. welterweight division.

Les didn't seem at all concerned, however, as he reflected on his opponent's aggressive style.

"I've seen two of his fights," Les said. "He makes it a war from the first few seconds, but you can't be aggressive for all of the 15 minutes, you know? I'll just take him down, and we will see what happens."

Lee Barnes is another young Wolfslair fighter taking his career seriously. The Blackpool brawler has come on in leaps and bounds since he joined the fight team in August last year. He was also confident in the run up to his fight with late-replacement Kevin Cox and was unmoved by the late change of opponent.

"I just want to fight," Barnes said. "I've been training anyway. Everything is going good. I've got to cut a few kilos for next week. Two weeks before a fight, I usually cut about six kilos, but last time it was no problem."

Recent university graduate David Johnson appeared set to hold onto his student sense of humor as he joked about his fight preparations.

"I have added more strength training to my workout," said the young Wolfslair representative. "Everyone I face is a lot older than me, and I'm still only young and waiting for that man strength to kick in! I heard that the guy I'm fighting is supposed to be very good at his jiu-jitsu. I've even heard he's the coach."

Continued Johnson in cheerful fashion: "I don't really know what's going to happen. I just hope it's exciting to watch, so I can look real hard when I show it to my mates."

mr.lemarc · Feb 27, 2008

^^agreed

Shogun Locc · Feb 28, 2008

Survivor Mastermind Mark Burnett To Team Up With ProElite To Produce Primetime MMA Reality Series

After breaking the news about ProElite and CBS reaching a deal that would bring MMA onto primetime network TV, MMAFightiline has also learned thanks to www.proelite.com that Mark Burnett, the Reality Series guru who is responsible for hit reality shows such as Survivor, The Apprentice, and The Contender, will produce an MMA reality series that will feature many celebrity athletes including former baseball and football stars Jose Canseco and Herschel Walker.
Apparently, celebrities will fight with EliteXC fighters in each episode with the series finale concluding with a famous celebrity match up.

Jose Canseco and Herschel Walker are expected to be recruiting former friends and teammates for the cast.

Mark Burnett on his new challenge:

"I am thrilled to collaborate with ProElite, and look forward to working with an organization that is dedicated to the growth of a sport that is sure to become among the biggest in the world,I believe a primetime reality series involving world-class athletes from all sports competing in MMA will resonate with audiences far and wide as the sport garners popularity around the world."

For more information follow this link:

http://news.proelite.com/62276

Shogun Locc · Feb 28, 2008

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 · Feb 28, 2008

Evan Tanner: Comeback ‘fun again’ at UFC 82

Quoteworthy:

“… I have to go out there and keep him from fighting his fight, but I don’t have a clue what’s really going to happen. I think I do better in anything I do when I’m really not sure what’s around the next corner. I just kind of go off and explore on my own…. I’m going to get in there and figure it out as we go. I don’t have a clue if I’ll win. I just know it’s fun again.”

Eccentric former middleweight champion, Evan Tanner, talks about his latest adventure that is set to take place inside the Octagon against Yushin Okami at UFC 82: “Pride of a Champion” this Saturday, March 1 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. He hasn’t competed in a professional mixed martial arts bout in more than two years and will be up against one of the top contenders in the 185-pound category right out of the gate. Interesting definition of fun can’t wait.

Shogun Locc · Feb 28, 2008

Ray Mendoza Leadership Fund ‘Night to Remember’ this weekend in Ohio

Believe it or not, but there’s more to this weekend in Columbus, Ohio, than just UFC 82: “Pride of a Champion” and The Arnold EXPO 2008.

Both major events also coincide with the “Night to Remember” that benefits the Ray Mendoza Leadership Fund — an initiative that provides a yearly monetary gift/award to an Ohio family that has suffered from the loss of a loved one in armed combat overseas.

Mendoza — a former Ohio State wrestling Big 10 medalist and heavyweight runner-up for the Buckeyes at the Big 10 Wrestling Championships in 1993 — was killed in northern Iraq in November 2005 as a member of the United States Marines.

He was a roommate and teammate of former UFC champions Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman while at Ohio State, helping “The Hammer” train for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.

Adam Wagner from MMAmania.com recently caught up with Coleman, who had this to say about the benefit:

“Ray was good buddy of mine, my training partner for the Olympics. He died in the Marines serving our country and the foundation was created to honor his memory. It helps families in the area who share similar unfortunate circumstances. I’m supporting it 100 percent. It’s a great cause.”

The Mendoza Fund will also be the primary funding source for the Ray Mendoza Leadership Institute at the John Glenn School for Public Affairs at The Ohio State University.

This Thursday, February 28, 2008, the celebration will kickoff with a networking event at Ray Mendoza Leadership Institute at The Ohio State University – Page Hall on campus.

MMA Authentics-sponsored fighters, including Coleman, Randleman, BJ Penn, Urijah Faber, Roger Huerta, Sam Stout, Mark Homonick, Chris Horodecki, Dan Henderson and Diego Sanchez are all expected to be in attendance alongside other dignitaries.

On Friday, February 29, 2008, the “Night to Remember Event” will take place at the Park Street Patio & Sugar Bar (in the same area as Nationwide Arena) from 6:00 to 10:30 p.m. NFL legends such as Eddie George and Chris Spielman will be on hand during a celebrity meet and greet alongside a mix of MMA stars and other notable guests.

UFC ringside announcer, Mike Goldberg, will emcee the event, which costs just $100 to attend. All monies raised go toward the Ray Mendoza Leadership Fund.

For more information on events and interview opportunities contact Michael DiSabato at 614-783-7391 or Randy Haffey at 614-975-1363.

Cage Fighter / MMA Authentics, which has supported established and up-and-coming fighters in the sport of MMA since its inception, is responsible for the festivities. In fact, the company was perhaps the first that went directly to the large retailers to carry its clothing lines and can now be found in some of the biggest chain stores in the United States.

Shogun Locc · Feb 28, 2008

MATT HORWICH ON FIRST IFL TITLE DEFENSE

There is no denying that IFL middleweight champion Matt “Suave” Horwich is one of the most unique individuals in the sport of mixed martial arts.

Soft-spoken, polite and deeply religious, he is a big change of pace from the usual brash, cocky and arrogant fighters that often draw as much attention to themselves out of the ring as they do in the ring.

Yet, with his kind nature, Horwich is one of the most determined middleweight fighters in the world. Single-minded sometimes in his pursuit of victory, there is rarely a fight that he hasn’t walked directly into the mouth of the lion and come out on the winning end.

After years of hard work and dedication, he was rewarded last year as he upset the hot-streaking Benji Radach for the International Fight League 185-pound title at December’s IFL Grand Prix Finals, and now begins his new journey as a champion.

“Well, I’m feeling really good,” responded Horwich when asked of his new role as titleholder. “I was blessed enough to win a middleweight belt.

“I’ve been telling my street kid friends for seven years that I’m going to bring them a middleweight belt some day, and I was blessed enough to bring them one last year.”

En route to his title win, Horwich had won three of four fights, looking ever more so the total fighter he had always wanted to become.

“I think I was blessed enough to improve pretty much every fight,” he stated. “I got a kimura against Brent Beauparlant, and my stand-up was pretty blessed in that fight. (Against) Brian Foster I was really blessed in that fight and landed some pretty good knees; threw some good kick combos. The one with Benji Radach was a blessing to get a knockout against one of the best strikers in my weight class and the IFL.

“The knockout against (Kazuhiro) Hamanaka was a blessing, because it’s great when people think you’re just a grappler and you’re blessed enough to get a knockout, because then they have to worry about your stand-up too.”

Horwich is quick to credit his teammates and training partners for his growth from submission fighter to complete fighter over the recent years.

“I have a great group of guys to work with and continue to improve with each fight,” he admitted. “I have the best coach on the planet, Matt Lindland, and a lot of really good middleweights, Ed Herman, Chael Sonnen, just a great team.”

For his first title defense, Horwich is matched up with a fighter that defeated him in 2006, Ryan McGivern, who was a late replacement for the injured Tim Kennedy.

He says, however, it doesn’t matter who the opposition is, he knew he would be given a challenge.

“I’ve known it was going to be a really tough fight,” said Horwich. “Since I won the belt, I’ve known whoever was the No. 1 contender to fight for the belt was going to be a really dangerous fight, someone who worked really hard to be the No. 1 contender.

“It’s always funny when people ask me if the next guy I’m fighting is any good. I make a joke and say, ‘No, they just gave him a title shot because he sucks.’ (Laughs) I knew Tim Kennedy or Ryan McGivern was going to be a tough fight. But I trained really hard and did everything that I know of to be as well prepared as possible, and that’s a really good feeling to have.”

When asked what he thought the fight was going to be like the second time around, he explained that he feels the match-up will be fluid and it’s going to be difficult to predict where things will go this time around.

“It’s hard to say, because there are a lot of thinks that can happen, and that’s the exciting thing about our sport,” said Horwich. “There’re so many different facets and so many different things that can happen out there.

“I don’t like going in thinking too much about one certain game plan, because I like to have a flexible game plan. Every fight I want to continue to improve my stand-up, combos, correct reactions, slips, punches, firing back, takedowns, takedown defense, submissions, and guard passes – all aspects of our sport.”

Now that he has achieved his longtime goal of being a champion, he is looking to expand upon his life outside the ring, be a role model and have a positive impact on the world around him.

“My goal now that I’m the champion is to improve every fight and grow in faith and do as many good things as possible and influence people positively,” stated Horwich. “Make some wise investments with my money, hopefully make down payments on houses and get into real estate.

“I would like to open a Team Quest school of my own, close enough to where I come in and get my training with Matt Lindland, and have an organic food restaurant in the school, so the business would be doing something positive by getting people into the benefits of eating healthy.”

Truly Matt Horwich is one of a kind, inside and outside the ring, but first and foremost, he has a title defense to attend to this Friday night at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas and a loss to avenge to Ryan McGivern.

“I would like to thank all the fans and all my sponsors, Clinch Fight Gear, Serious Pimp and my friend’s electric company, who is a new sponsor for me,” closed out Horwich.

“Above all I’d like to thank God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Awesome things are happening now and are going to continue to happen, and we’re going to rock and roll in the coming years.”

Shogun Locc · Feb 28, 2008

PAT HEALY WANTS FIGHT OF THE NIGHT IN IFL

At times during his career Pat Healy has looked like he could be a dangerous force in the 170-pound weight class, at other times he’s looked like a journeyman, serviceable fighter.

Convincing wins over the likes of Paul Daley, Tiki Ghosen and Carlos Condit have been offset by bouts of inconsistency, which has nearly evened his record after more than 30 fights. So to find the stable footing he has always wanted, Healy joined the International Fight League last year and Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den team.

After winning two of three fights in 2007, Healy returns from injury looking to find the consistency that has eluded him, as he steps into the ring this Friday at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas against up-and-comer Jake Ellenberger of Team Quest in a welterweight showdown.

“I had a pretty good year last year,” said Healy. “I was 2-1, and the fight with Rory Markham I was kind of controlling most of the fight and got caught at the end. So it was a good year, but I’d definitely like to have this year go undefeated, and obviously have a lot more fights.”

Due to injury, he missed the second half of 2007. He is now 100% healthy and he feels the time off allowed him to take a step back and work on his overall game.

“It’s been almost nine months since my last fight because I dislocated my elbow,” commented Healy. It was kind of a long, long break, but I think I’ve done everything to get myself ready as far as sparring a lot and getting used to having punches come at me again.

“I had to use it to my benefit. I worked through a lot on my Brazilian jiu-jitsu, really trying to tighten my game a lot.”

The first test of his improved game will be Ellenberger, a tough youngster who is coming off an impressive nine-second knockout victory over mixed martial arts veteran Jose “Pele” Landi-Jons in November.

“I think he’s a lot like me in his fighting style,” stated Healy. “He’s pretty well-rounded; he comes to fight every time and brings the hard pace.

“I think it will be fast-paced from start to finish and I think it will be really good for the fans. I think I’m a little stronger in some areas that will benefit and pay off for me.”

Now that the IFL has shifted emphasis to individual fights and championships, the winner of his fight with Ellenberger could find himself in line for a shot at Jay Hieron’s welterweight title.

And while Healy would love a title shot, he’s more focused on being active after the longest layoff of his career.

“They’ve mentioned that it might be the No. 1 contender’s fight, and really I’d like to fight for a title, but I’d like to be right back in there fighting again soon,” he said.

“I know they don’t have an opponent yet for Delson Heleno on the next show and I’d like that fight. I’m pretty sure that everybody at 170 wants to fight Jay Hieron, but I love to fight and when I’m not fighting I’m not happy, so I want to be right back in there.”

Healy knows this could very well be a make or break year for him if he wants to take the step up towards title contention.

“This is a big year for me,” he exclaimed. “Last year I got to train full time, so this is going to be the year that makes me a full-time fighter or one of those guys who is just hanging on, fighting just for the love of it.

“My goal is definitely to be the champ. If you’re in this sport and you don’t want to be a world champion, then I don’t know what you’re in it for.”

To take those steps needed to achieve his goals, he must first start off 2008 on a positive note Friday night at the Orleans Arena and maintain a consistency that has eluded him at times during his career.

“I’d like to thank Fairtex and all my other sponsors,” concluded Healy. “I want people to know that I’m going to put on a show for them, the show I should have put on last year in Chicago.

“It’s going to be an action-packed fight; it’s going to go hard until the finish. I got Fight of the Night the last two times I fought and I feel this fight has already put me in the running for a third time.”

heyzel · Feb 28, 2008

UFC Special Announcement

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The UFC today hosts a pre-UFC 82 press conference, and while Saturday’s pay-per-view event and headline bout between UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and Dan Henderson will be at the forefront of the conversation, it won’t be a the only topic of discussion.

The organization reports on UFC.com that UFC president Dana White “will be making a major announcement” at today’s media luncheon and conference, which takes place at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The same venue hosts Saturday’s event.

No other details were revealed.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from a source close to the UFC that the organization will likely announce the addition of a new blue-chip sponsor. We weren’t given a company name, but we’re told it’s even more prominent than Harley-Davidson, which was introduced as a new UFC sponsor prior to January’s UFC 80 event.

However, we’re not sure if that’s the “special announcement” the UFC is referring to on UFC.com.

One thing is for sure, though: the UFC is going to have a hard time trumping Wednesday’s big news that EliteXC and CBS are close to announcing a deal that will put MMA on major network TV for the first time ever. MMAjunkie.com broke the news on Wednesday afternoon, and the deal has already become the biggest MMA news story of 2008.

There have been some rumblings that the UFC may be closing in on its own TV deal — one that would supplement the coverage provided by Spike TV — though we were unable to confirm the rumors.

In any manner, check back with MMAjunkie.com this afternoon for a full recap of the announcement.

heyzel · Feb 28, 2008

UFC Confirms Jardine vs. Silva, Ortiz vs. Machida for UFC 84

The UFC today confirmed that long-rumored fights between Keith Jardine (13-3-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC) and Wanderlei Silva (31-8-1 MMA, 1-3 UFC), and Tito Ortiz (15-5-1 MMA, 14-5-1 UFC) and Lyoto Machida (12-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC), have been booked and are now official.

The two light-heavyweight bouts are set for UFC 84, an event that takes place May 24 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. UFC lightweight champ B.J. Penn meets former champ Sean Sherk in the night’s main event.

The UFC confirmed the news in an email mailing.

Earlier this month MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported that the Jardine vs. Silva fight had actually been considered as a late addition to Saturday’s UFC 82 card, but ultimately, UFC officials pushed it back until May. Jardine will fight for the first time since his September 2007 upset of Chuck Liddell. Silva, meanwhile, looks to rebound from a December unanimous-decision loss to Liddell.

If victorious, Jardine would push his UFC record to 6-2 (and some would argue it should be 7-1 after a close unanimous-decision loss to Stephan Bonnar in 2006). It could also earn him a No. 1 contender’s ranking behind Forrest Griffin, who meets light heavyweight champ Quinton Jackson this summer.

Ortiz, meanwhile, may very well be fighting for the final time in the UFC when he takes on the undefeated Machida. The former UFC champ has made no secret of his desire to leave the UFC after the May fight, which is the final one of his current deal with the UFC.

Ortiz, who currently appears on “The Celebrity Apprentice” as a frontrunner to win Donald Trump’s reality game show, has even hinted of starting his own fight promotion for which he’d compete

heyzel · Feb 28, 2008

Zuffa v. Couture Preliminary Injunction Ruling Expected Today

Thursday, February 28, 2008
by Adam Swift ([email protected])

Months of verbal sparring between Zuffa and Randy Couture (Pictures) should have some resolution late Thursday afternoon.

In front of Judge Jennifer Togliatti, in Nevada District Court, Zuffa is seeking a preliminary injunction preventing 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." This includes, but is not limited to, the use of Couture's likeness by the IFL and his participation in this Friday's IFL event in Las Vegas.

Couture's likeness was posted on the IFL Web site for a brief period, allegedly between one and three days, as a coach of the Xtreme Couture team. According to affidavits in the case, the IFL's Director of Web Marketing and Technology posted the image on his on volition, without Couture's permission, on the assumption that Couture would be coaching the Xtreme Couture team.

Upon learning that his likeness was being used, Couture's staff immediately contacted the IFL and asked that it be removed, according to Couture's affidavit.

It is believed that the injunction might also prevent Couture from cornering his fighters at non-UFC events. Couture argues that his employment agreement permitted the activity under section 1.2 of the agreement. That provision stated that Couture was allowed to establish Xtreme Couture MMA schools so long as he was not personally involved with a rival promoter.

It is the meaning of that phrase, "involved with any other promoter," that must be determined by the court.

The fact that he has been allowed to corner fighters since at least March 2007 without protest is cited by Couture as evidence of the permissiveness of the conduct. Because it is only now, after Couture's resignation, that the company has objected, "raises an inference that [Zuffa's] motion is being brought for an improper punitive purpose."

Couture's opposition to the temporary injunction specifically cited two IFL events, on November 3 and December 29, 2007, on which Couture coached and cornered Xtreme Couture fighters without objection from the UFC.

Zuffa's motion for preliminary injunction also makes mention of the company's promotional agreement with Couture. That agreement is still not at issue in the current proceedings in Las Vegas, however, it has been challenged in court by HDNet Fights in Texas District Court.

The motion states that Couture "is obligated to fight two more bouts" under the terms of the promotional agreement. A footnote later in the filing notes that the agreement is confidential, however, Zuffa will make it available to the court in camera if it so desires.

Couture's duties under the employment agreement included interaction with athletic commissions and government representatives and television interviewing and commentating.

The parties are also scheduled to appear in court on March 25 for a hearing on Couture's motion to dismiss three claims in the case. The motion asks the court to dismiss Zuffa's claims for conspiracy, injurious falsehood and trade disparagement, and interference with contractual rights.

According to the motion, the conspiracy and interference claims must be dismissed because of the plaintiff's failure to identify a second party. By law Couture cannot conspire with himself nor interfere with his own contract. The failure of the plaintiff to identify to whom such statements were made compels dismissal of the injurious falsehood and trade disparagement claim according to the filing

heyzel · Feb 28, 2008

Schultz Set for First IFL Title Defense

by Brad McCray ([email protected])

An unlikely champion will make his first title defense Friday when Team Quest's Ryan Schultz (Pictures) puts his International Fight League lightweight belt on the line in Las Vegas. Now living in Estacada, Ore., Schultz certainly has the credentials to hold a belt. He is the only fighter to beat Roger Huerta (Pictures) or Chris Horodecki (Pictures).

A potentially career-killing string of bad fights had relegated him to an afterthought for IFL Grand Prix organizers. He ended up in the finals, though, and beat Horodecki in the biggest upset of the tournament.

Not bad for a guy who was planning to spend his years fixing toilets.

"If my wrestling career had gone differently, I might not be fighting at all," Schultz said. "I felt like I had a lot of unfinished business."

Schultz grew up in North Platte, Neb., and went to college in Lincoln, four hours to the east. He barely knew of coach Matt Lindland (Pictures) when he arrived at the University of Nebraska in 1998. Lindland, who would eventually win a silver medal in the 2000 Olympics, had just begun to dabble in mixed martial arts and would provide the eventual bridge to Team Quest.

"I was about .500 as a wrestler," Schultz said. "I was all right. Things just never went my way."

Schultz's career was derailed by a string of injuries and invasive surgeries: both knees, abdominals ripped from the bone, shaving down the pubis bone.

Lindland left Nebraska before Schultz's senior year to start Team Quest. Schultz graduated with a degree in criminal justice and moved into the workforce. After a stint in construction, he moved to Colorado to become a plumber.

"I was done competing for a while," Schultz said. "I was focusing on other things."

But then he got a call from Riley Hughes, a wrestling buddy from North Platte.

"We need to get a van and road trip to North Dakota," Hughes said.

Schultz asked why.

"I entered you in a fight," Hughes said.

So on April 12, 2004, Schultz and a van full of friends arrived at a New Town, N.D., casino to fight in Dan Severn (Pictures)'s Danger Zone promotion.

"They had been wanting me to fight because I am a feisty guy," Schultz said. "But I hadn't been training at all. And I had no idea what to expect. I show up with my drunk friends, and everyone is coming out with their teams and Thai pads."

Schultz put a thankful end to the bizarre scene with a 45-second knockout in his first and only amateur fight. Meanwhile, Lindland had been making noise in the MMA community himself, compiling a 6-1 record in the UFC. A few days later, pupil and teacher met for dinner at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Inevitably the topic turned to MMA.

"I told him he could make some money if he came to Oregon," Lindland said. "He only had one fight, but he had always been a street fighter. He is a tough kid."

Two months later, Schultz was living with Lindland in Eagle Creek, Ore., and training at Team Quest, which was just being recognized as one of the top gyms in the world. Schultz would fight 10 times in the next year, compiling an 8-2 record including his win over Huerta.

Like another Team Quest product fighting this weekend, Schultz gained a reputation for ignoring his wrestling skills in search of a knockout.

"A lot of people make that comparison to Dan Henderson (Pictures)," Lindland said. "Ryan has a big right hand and he can knock people out. He can also wrestle. He can also be tough to corner if he doesn't follow his game plan."

While avoiding the injury bug that haunted his wrestling days, Schultz still fell on hard times as a fighter. He went 3-7-1 from January 2005 to December 2006, a potential career-killer by any standard. He lost his first fight against Horodecki in November 2006 while fighting for the IFL's Portland Wolfpack.

"When Ryan fought Horodecki the first time, he wasn't focused," Lindland said. "He had been given medicine for high blood pressure, and it made him sluggish. He just wasn't 100 percent, and it showed."

After a knockout loss to Bart Palaszewski (Pictures) in December forced Schultz to miss his next fight, the "Lion" returned to the drawing board.

"I like to get in and bang with guys," Schultz said. "I'm learning how to use my wrestling to my advantage. This sport is so dynamic. It takes years and years to perfect what you are doing."

After a four-month layoff, Schultz earned decisions over Joe Sampieri (Pictures) and Savant Young (Pictures), but he was not selected for the IFL Grand Prix. A series of events placed him in a rematch with Horodecki, however, on Dec. 29 for the lightweight title.

"I think I was their fourth choice," Schultz said.

Horodecki was undefeated and becoming the IFL poster boy. Schultz took him down and gave him the first beatdown of his career, winning by TKO in the first round.

"I beat Huerta and I had a draw with Gesias Calvancante (Pictures), but in terms of notoriety and attention, that was my biggest win," Schultz said. "My pay went up. Requests for interviews went up."

On Friday, Schultz defends his IFL lightweight title against John Gunderson (Pictures) of Ken Shamrock (Pictures)'s Lion's Den.

"I know him pretty well," Schultz said. "I respect him as a fighter and a person, so there is no bad blood there."

Unlike Horodecki, whose standup is far ahead of his ground game, Gunderson is well-rounded.

"I think that I am better everywhere than he is," Schultz said. "Wherever I want the fight to go, I will make it go."

The 30-year-old Schultz is signed to a two-year deal with the IFL. After that?

"I am loyal to the IFL, but when all is said and done, I want to be the best 155-pound fighter of all time," he said. "To do that, I need to go where the best fighters are, whether the IFL or somewhere else."

MMA News Thread

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG

Sicc OG