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heyzel

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Matt Serra - "Watch Rocky 4 - it will change your life"

Quote:
MATT SERRA is hoping a Rocky-like performance will help defeat Georges St. Pierre when the pair clash for the welterweight title at UFC 83.

New Yorker Serra is a big fan of the boxing character played by Sylvester Stallone in the Hollywood franchise.

In an exclusive interview in this month's issue of Fighters Only Magazine, he claims the films helped inspire him towards getting to the very top of the UFC – culminating in his shock title win against St. Pierre when the two first clashed at UFC 69 in July.

Recalling his streak towards the championship, Serra said: "I felt like Rocky Balboa.

"I took it one fight at a time, and it paid off.

"I tried not to think about the money and the title shot.

Serra goes into next month's return fight with St. Pierre knowing the Canadian is the bookies' favourite to win.

But he said: "I love being the underdog because that's when I'm the most dangerous.

"I don't mind the boos. The fact that some Canadians will be yelling for me to die doesn't offend me.

"Let it rain down on me, I don't let it get to my head.

"Fight night, Montreal, with the crowd booing me, there's going to be no place on earth I'd rather be.

And Serra promised a repeat performance to once again upset the formbook.

He added: "It's not going to go five rounds.

"I'll still be welterweight champion. Those who don't believe me should pick up a copy of Rocky 4.

"If you haven't seen it, it'll change your life.

"April 19th is the same thing, just put the little Italian guy in Canada. I love it!"

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...icle875209.ece
 
Shogun Locc

Shogun Locc

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UCDgreek

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heyzel said:
On Kongo's loss to Herring...

"I was happy with his performance. I was happy that he went to the ground and was comfortable enough to handle it. I think he outwrestled Heath, but of course I wanted him to stand up and use his hands more. I think Heath made it difficult for him to do that. Heath told me after the fight, “I thought he was going to stand with me?” How can you stand up when you’re rushing a guy like that? I didn’t believe that, but I still think Kongo won the fight. He won 80% of the second round, but in the judges’ eyes, when you’re lying on your back for 2 rounds, I think that really hurt him."

"He caught a very bad cold there in Ohio the day before the fight and I was concerned with his breathing pattern. That really was a concern of mine going into this fight. He couldn’t eat for like a day and a half. He couldn’t even eat the food out there. That was a concern of mine, but you know what? He fought and I’m very proud of him."
Click to expand...

what fucking fight was he watching? Kongo didnt outwrestle shit. And Kongo was the one initiating most of the ground stuff. And yeah when ur lying on your back for two rounds you are losing unless ur a bjj black belt.

and fuck giving excuses in the second paragraph. everyone wins and loses. take it like a man and say the other guy fought better.
 
Shogun Locc

Shogun Locc

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Feb 7, 2006
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Breaking News: Evans Tabbed to Fight Liddell

Rashad Evans (Pictures) is expected to fight Chuck Liddell (Pictures) June 7 in London, England, Sherdog.com confirmed Wednesday.

The light heavyweight bout came together just one day after the UFC announced Mauricio Rua (Pictures) pulled out of the fight against Liddell (21-5) because of a ruptured ACL in his left knee.

Following losses to Quinton Jackson (Pictures) and Keith Jardine (Pictures), Liddell, 38, righted his ship with a decision win over Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) in late December.

Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Evans' last two appearances in the Octagon saw him draw Tito Ortiz (Pictures) after three rounds and take a split-decision over Michael Bisping (Pictures).

Evans, unbeaten in the UFC with an overall record of 11-0-1, was rumored to fight Brazilian Thiago Silva (Pictures) May 24 in Las Vegas as part of the UFC 84 card.
 
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heyzel

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Jul 24, 2005
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CRO COP GETS DREAM BOUT ON MARCH 15

Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic will make his promotional debut at the new Dream event on March 15 after all. Filipovic reportedly made the announcement himself Thursday morning on his personal blog on mmm-id.com, a site self-described as “a virtual community for mixed martial arts fans and fighters.”

“A little over an hour ago I was contacted by Dream officials,” wrote Filipovic. “They informed me that my opponent on March 15 will be Yoshihiro Nakao from Japan. It was very important for me to fight as soon as possible and I'm happy that Dream was able to find the opponent for me.”

Following his release from the Ultimate Fighting Championship and subsequent signing by Dream, the new Japanese promotion comprised of Fight Entertainment Group and former staff members of Dream Stage Entertainment, Filipovic has been waiting to see if the promotion would be able to find an opponent for him on such short notice.

One of the leading candidates originally, Bob Sapp, was literally knocked out of contention when Jan Nortje finished him by TKO at the Feb. 23 Strikeforce event in Tacoma, Wash.

Filipovic makes his return to Japan and fighting in a more traditional ring following back-to-back losses in the UFC’s Octagon to Gabriel Gonzaga and Cheick Kongo.

“I’m happy to be back in Japan,” said Filipovic at a press conference last month announcing Dream and his participation in the promotion. “I didn't like the cage very much, and now I'm looking forward to fighting here again. I feel that Japan is like my second home, this is where I want to fight.”

Nakao maintains a 6-1 professional record, last fighting at Pride Fighting Championships’ final event in April of
 
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heyzel

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Sokoudjou: "I choked and I got my a$$ kicked

Sokoudjou talks about loss to Machida, upcoming fight with Nakamura, Henderson's loss to Silva and a bunch of other stuff...

http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content2144.html

On Henderson's loss to Silva...

"Well, I don’t know what to tell you because he came out good in the first round, but I don’t know what to tell you. I have to watch the fight again and get a closer look. He came out and did what he was supposed to do in the 1st round and then things changed in the 2nd round."

On his loss to Machida...

"I knew he was a tough guy, but he got the win. I beat myself before the fight. I put so much pressure on myself before this fight. Usually, when I go into a fight, I treat it just like practice. I put too much pressure on me instead of going in there and doing what I do best and that’s fight. I knew he was a good fighter. I knew he was good on the feet and quick, but for some reason, I didn’t show up."

"One of the mistakes I made is I kept training the whole time from the time I had my last fight in Pride up until my fight in the UFC. I was supposed to have like 3 fights from the last one I had in Pride and I was training the whole time. I might taken a day off, but that was really a bad move for me. I kind of took some time off now and thought about things and then I got back in the gym to help Dan train and I’m about to start my own training camp next week for my fight. I’m going to try and be smarter and train as hard as I can and not get burned out. That’s a mistake I made, but I’m going to make sure it doesn’t happen again."

On Ortiz vs. Machida...

"If Tito can take him to the ground and do his thing, then I think Tito will win the fight, but not if Tito stands with him because Tito lost against Chuck because of his boxing. I think Machida is good on his feet, but not as good on the ground. Tito has to do what he does best and that’s get him on the ground and break his nose or something."

On Nakamura...

"He’s a judo guy and a brawler and he usually has good cardio as well. I’ve been watching most of his fights and I kind of looked up to him when I got into Pride because that’s one of the judo guys that made it in Pride. I’ve seen him fight a lot of times. I’m pretty set on my gameplan and I’m ready to start training."

On his experience in Ohio...

"It was kind of crazy because they had this Arnold Classic and all of the ladies were bigger than me out there. Those girls had bigger biceps than my leg. It was scary! I got scared because I’ve never seen women bigger than me. I thought I was big, but it made me think twice now. Other than that, Columbus was a great city. It kind of sucks Dan lost, but I had a good time out there. It wasn’t that bad!"

On his Predator mask...

"Actually, I bought it for Halloween and the day before Halloween, the company that I brought it from calls me and tells me it wouldn’t be back in time. I had it like 2 weeks after Halloween and didn’t know what to do with it and I had a fight coming so I was like, “Well, I’ll use it!”"

Here's the full interview...

http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content2144.html
 
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heyzel

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Is the UFC talking to the NFL’s Ray Lewis

February 29, 2008 By: Sam Caplan Category: Ray Lewis

I’m sure I’ll get heat for running with this story, but it’s too good not to pass along.

A website called MediaTakeOut.com is claiming it has “inside” sources within the UFC that are stating that Baltimore Ravens MLB Ray Lewis could be close to signing a deal to fight:

February 29, 2008. First Floyd Mayweather signs with the WWE, now MediaTakeOut.com is hearing whispers that NFL’s Ray Lewis is close to signing on to the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts league.

According to a person who works at U.F.C., the Baltimore Ravens star linebacker and the league have been negotiating for months and are close to closing the deal. The insider told MediaTakeOut.com, “Ray Lewis was an All-American wrestler in high school, and he’s just an all around bad a**. He’ll fit in perfectly here.”

And the insider claims that the deal wouldn’t interfere with Ray’s NFL career. He explained to MediaTakeOut.con, “We’re not looking to sign him on full-time, just a match or two a year - and he can handpick the opponent … He has such a big name that it will do wonders for the sport.”

I have no idea whether MediaTakeOut.com is legit or not. Regardless, the post smells a little fishy, especially since the standard NFL contract contains language that would preclude Lewis from participating in activities such as competitive mixed martial arts.

There has been talk within the last year through that Lewis is on the downside of his career and perhaps MMA is a part of his post-NFL career path? Former NFL players Marcus Jones, Bobby Jones, Herbert Goodman, Johnnie Morton, and Michael Westbrook have all migrated into competitive MMA since leaving the NFL.

I don't see this happing
 
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heyzel

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BJ takes Sherk in the first round by TKO." - Joe Lauzon

Suture Magazine: Give me your thoughts on Kenny Florian as a fighter.



Joe Lauzon: Kenny is a cardio freak with a great ground game with a matching standup game.



SM: Kenny does have a pretty well rounded game, do you plan on keeping this fight standing, or trying to take Kenny down and work from there?



JL: Watch the fight.



SM: Kenny has already had a shot at the light weight title, where do you think a win over Florian will put you in the (stacked) 155 pound division?



JL: I think a win over Kenny is huge and absolutely puts me into the mix at 155.



SM: Are you training in Hawaii for this fight?



JL: Yea, I am training in Hawaii with BJ and the other Hilo boys.



SM: I know you and BJ Penn are pretty tight - what's your prediction for the Penn/Sherk title fight?



JL: BJ takes Sherk in the first round by TKO.



SM: Anything you'd like to say to your fans or sponsors?



JL: Just want to thank them for reading and to check out JoeLauzon.com and my myspace at myspace.com/lauzonrsd



Thanks Joe!
 
Shogun Locc

Shogun Locc

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Gomi, Barnett Discuss Plans After WVR Debut

TOKYO, March 5 -- With World Victory Road's inaugural event in the books, the fighters of Sengoku wished their new home show continued success in their post-fight comments Wednesday evening.

Japanese lightweight ace Takanori Gomi (Pictures) defeated Duane Ludwig (Pictures) by TKO in the first round and appeared satisfied with his return performance against the American after a 14-month layoff.

With the world's top lightweights either in the UFC or K-1's new promotion, Dream, Gomi is apparently the only top lightweight in World Victory Road's upstart Sengoku show. Asked if he would lack challenges in the promotion, a confident but elusive Gomi replied that he did not believe it would be a problem and that future challenges would surely find their way to him in Sengoku.

"If we continue to have a clean, wonderful event like this, of course the fans will be gathering from all around to see the fights," Gomi said. "And of course if the fans are coming, the events will be bigger, and of course other fighters will want to fight in this event.

"That's why I'm not worried about that kind of stuff right now."

With Dream locking down the country's lightweight talent for its stacked lightweight grand prix, the winner of the yearlong tournament could most likely be the usurper to Gomi's throne. Despite efforts to tease out a prediction from the Pride lightweight champ, Gomi would not comment or support any particular fighter.

"I can't predict who's going to win because most of the fighters I know," Gomi said with a wry smile. "All those young fighters are doing their best to have great fights there, so really, I just want to go see the fights and cheer them on."

As for top-10 lightweights across the Pacific, questions about UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn (Pictures) also arose in the post-fight discussion. Gomi, who lost to a dominating Penn in 2003, mildly expressed his desire for a rematch against the Hawaiian.

"I just came back to fight after a long layoff and I'd like to make myself more fit and more of a complete fighter before fighting B.J. Penn (Pictures)," Gomi said. "For this fight [with Ludwig], I sparred and did weight training. I was concerned about the physical aspects of my body. I want to perfect [it] before a fight with B.J. Penn (Pictures)."

Regarding the UFC, Gomi had been quoted in the past as only wanting to attend the event in Las Vegas rather than actually compete in the Octagon. Gomi mentioned Wednesday his continued desire to frequent the American event, and his New Year's Eve attendance of UFC 79 was just the beginning of what he would like to be a regular occurrence.

"Actually, I'd like to ask the organizers of Sengoku not to [give me] a fight on New Year's Eve because I want to go to Las Vegas to see the fights in the UFC," the Japanese star replied with an embarrassed chuckle.

"Of course I'd like to fight, but at the same time on NYE, I want to go see the UFC for sure."

After defeating judo gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida (Pictures) by a heel hook in the third round, the MMA avatar of catch wrestling, Josh Barnett (Pictures), also lent his continued support to WVR's Sengoku.

"Every week, till the end of the year, 150 fights, until the contract ends," quipped Barnett about his contractual commitment to Sengoku before returning to seriousness. "At this point, I'm looking forward to helping push Sengoku forward. That's what I'm here for."

Barnett also commented on the evening's announcement of Kevin Randleman (Pictures) and Roger Gracie (Pictures) as additions to the Sengoku lineup, stating that while he would prefer not to fight another friend in Randleman, he is certainly prepared to take on either fighter.

"Either one is fine, but Randleman I've known a very long time," Barnett said. "We're friends, and it's kind of like fighting Yoshida-san again. You don't want to have to fight your friends, but of course, we're professionals. That just can't be avoided."

Barnett also had what appeared to be uncharacteristic praise for Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Roger Gracie (Pictures).

"Anybody would love to fight a Gracie," he said. "That's a great name. He's got a great resume for grappling. As a fighter, he's young and untested and inexperienced, but I don't think he's a weak guy. I think he'd give the best fight he could, and the Gracie name is not where it is today because they're slouches."

Barnett explained that while his immediate future is unclear, he hopes to return to fighting soon.

"Right now, it's icing the injuries. I have to recover," Barnett said of what's next for him. "I want to look forward to the next opportunity to fight, either in Sengoku or who knows where. But I have to stay sharp.

"The one thing I have planned is April 12 in Osaka, for the Inoki Genome Federation," the heavyweight noted, taking the time to promote his professional wrestling endeavors.

WVR heads of state Naoya Kinoshita and Tokuhiro Kokuho also announced their plans for their second and third events. Tentatively scheduled for May 18 and June 8, WVR will hold Sengoku shows at Ariake Coliseum and Saitama Super Arena -- the current home venue of Dream -- respectively, with the intention of hosting a grand prix in a to-be-determined weight class.
 
Shogun Locc

Shogun Locc

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MMAFightline Exclusive Interview: Alistair Overeem

Alistair Overeem is the current Strikeforce heavyweight champion. He recently sat down with our Brazilian content partners over at Planet Tatame to update us on his current and future plans.
Planet Tatami: You are considered a very good fighter, but a lot of people say that your cardio isn't very good, because in the second or third round you tire fast. Do you agree with that statement? Are you working on your cardio?

Alistair Overeem: I was to light for my weight and I do not think I will have this same problem in the heavyweight division. I also went though some difficulties within my private, which resulted in bad karma and not the best preparations for a fight.

Planet Tatami: How is your Jiu Jitsu training going ? Who is your BJJ coach ?

Alistair Overeem: Martijn de Jong from Golden Glory.

Planet Tatami: How many fights do you have in your contract with Strikeforce and K-1 ?

Alistair Overeem: I have one more with K-1 with an option of two more. Strikeforce, my management is negotiating!

Planet Tatami: Do you have any fight planned?

Alistair Overeem: I will maybe fight on march 15th of the new Dream organization and I signed a deal to fight at its showtime events in the Amsterdam Arema on April 26th against Gilbert Yvel.

Planet Tatami: Would like to have a rematch against someone in special ?

Alistair Overeem: I am a heavyweight now and Kharitonov is with our team, its funny we even trained together after I lost that fight at the hero's show its 1-1!

Planet Tatami: In which weight division do you prefere to fight, Heavyweight or Light Heavyweight?

Alistair Overeem: Heavyweight .

Planet Tatami: What did you think about the Pride's 'end'?

Alistair Overeem: My manager bas Boon told me this would happen long before Fuji TV pulled the plug. I am happy with my management, he really knows what's going on in this industry and also made it possible form me to fight for the title in Strikeforce despite my poor performance that year!

Planet Tatami: Feel free to send messages to your fans, sponsors ...

Alistair Overeem: I am really serious with the MMA Sport again hungry to win more belts and defend the Strikeforce belt! AO is back!!!! For more information go to www.goldenglory.com
 
Shogun Locc

Shogun Locc

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Bebeo and Bustamante opens BTT Las Vegas

With na eye on the American MMA world, the Brazilian Top Team’s leaders Bebeo Duarte and Murilo Bustamante opened a new headquarters on the MMA world fight center, Las Vegas. The gym’s structure will have a ring, tatami, octagon and a working out and Muay Thai area. The BTT Las Vegas will stay under Bebeo Duarte’s supervision, that is ready to go to America and will have Carlson Gracie’s black belt Ricardo Cavalcanti’s help. “We made a training center where we’ll have space to receive athletes on the MMA center at United States”, tells Bebeo. Stay on TATAME’s site to watch a video at TATAME TV showing whole structure of BTT Las Vegas.
 
Shogun Locc

Shogun Locc

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Feb 7, 2006
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Filho Will Defend Against Sonnen

Despite announcing this week that he was pulling out of a March 26 WEC middleweight title defense versus Chael Sonnen (Pictures), Paulo Filho (Pictures) will put the belt up after all, the Brazilian's manager, Ed Soares, informed Sherdog.com Thursday afternoon.

"He went through some personal issues, and he basically pulled everything together," Soares said.

Training at the Black House gym in Rio de Janeiro, Filho has been preparing with Ricardo Arona (Pictures) and Rafael Feijao. Soares said UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will join the training camp on March 17.

On Wednesday, Filho (16-0) told Brazilian MMA Web site Tatame: "I wasn't on a good moment, had depression but I'm rising now and the Americans forced me to fight now. I'm not afraid of winning or losing, but I wasn't motivated to train, wasn't training well, so I decided to do what the contract says and transferred the fight to June."

Said Soares: "During difficult times you get to see who your true friends are, and everyone is coming together to help him get ready for this fight."

The late March bout, a rematch of a December 2007 contest that Filho won when referee Josh Rosenthal stepped in after hearing what he thought was a verbal submission, is the featured fight on the live Versus telecast.

Locked in an armbar, Sonnen (19-9-1) let out a scream. After the fight had been decided, the Oregon-based wrestler denied that he wanted out of the fight.
 
Shogun Locc

Shogun Locc

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GILBERT MELENDEZ DRAWS CHUTE BOXE COACH

Gilbert Melendez, currently ranked No. 6 in the world at lightweight, will defend his Strikeforce lightweight championship on March 29 against Chute Boxe jiu-jitsu coach Cristiano Marcello.

The fight takes place as part of the co-promoted event by Strikeforce and EliteXC that will be televised on Showtime. The main event features Frank Shamrock defending his Strikeforce middleweight championship against rising star Cung Le.

Marcello himself confirmed the bout to MMAWeekly.com, saying, “Melendez is an excellent fighter and I am very happy to face him, especially on Strikeforce, which is a great event. We are going to travel together, me, (Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos), Master Rafael (Cordeiro) and Rudimar (Fedrigo). Cyborg will fight at the same event and we are going to make a huge presentation for the fans."

Santos is scheduled to face Greg Jackson-trained fighter Joey Villasenor in a middleweight bout.

It’s been nearly three months since Melendez suffered the first defeat of his career, at the Yarennoka New Year’s Eve event in Japan, losing to current No. 5 lightweight Mitsuhiro Ishida.

In that time Melendez has been working hard, training and rededicating himself and is eager to return to action. Amidst much speculation – he had been rumored to be fighting both as part of the new Dream promotion’s Lightweight Grand Prix in Japan on March 15 and on the Strikeforce/EliteXC co-promotion – the question had been, just exactly where he would be fighting next?

The question has been answered, and Melendez gave his reasoning for why he chose to defend his Strikeforce belt instead of heading to Japan.

“This month, on March 29, I will be doing the EliteXC/Strikeforce show on Showtime,” he stated. “I’ve got a commitment with Strikeforce, and I look forward to fighting in the States and getting some respect out here.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to fight in the Dream tournament. I love fighting in Japan, but right now I have a commitment with Strikeforce. I’m looking to just put my focus on Strikeforce; I’ve got a contract there and want to fulfill it.”

Melendez was originally preparing to face Bodog Fight veteran Jorge Masvidal, and highly motivated to fight him. “I was looking forward to fighting Masvidal. I heard he wanted to fight the champ, so I was looking forward to that. I respect him a lot and he motivated me, but I heard he had an injury,” he said, explaining the change in opponents.

But more than anything, Melendez has been training hard and is ready to fight regardless of who steps into the cage with him, perhaps he’s even got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder coming off of a loss for the first time in his career.

“More than anyone, fans, people, my family, it’s important to me to come out ferocious, mean and show people I’m here to stay,” he exclaimed. “I’m focused and it means a lot to me to not only win, but win with bad intentions and put on a good show for the fans.”

Marcello, like Melendez, is a Pride Fighting Championships veteran and his long loss over the past two years was to Ishida. He has recently made a push to rededicate himself to his fighting career and is 3-1 over his past four bouts. His most recent victory was a submission of Hector Munoz at Art of War 3 in September of last year in Dallas, Texas.

“I am training for a long time, in fact I didn’t stop at all in 2007,” said Marcello. “Werdum needed to train for his bout at the UFC and I was there to help him. Then Cyborg needed to train for his fight at HCF in Canada and for Sengoku in Japan, and I was there also training and helping him. We are a family here at Chute Boxe and we all help each other, so I am ready to fight anytime anywhere.”
 
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