MMA News Thread
- Thread starter Shogun Locc
- Start date
i think that is exactly what cro cop needs at this point. i dont beleive he lost all his skill overnight. i dont think he was prepared for his first fight in the octagon. then he gets knocked out by gonzaga in his second fight. after that in his last fight he just didnt look like himself. loss of confidence being a problem i think.
i thinka couple wins overseas will help him and he will be back tot he ufc to kick some ass in the heavyweight division
i thinka couple wins overseas will help him and he will be back tot he ufc to kick some ass in the heavyweight division
I agree with what you're saying but at the point Cro Cop is at in his career Tatsuya Mizuno is a fucking joke. They have heavyweights that are better stylistic matchups for him that could still pose a problem. Cro Cop isn't new to being upset or being knocked out. He lost in K-1, he lost in Pride and now in the UFC. He doesn't need Tatsuya Mizuno, a guy who has about a 0.3% chance of winning, to gain something that he should still have.
.. If Dream wants to pay him that much to fight random scrubs until he goes back to the UFC then it's whatever but I don't believe for a second that guys like Mizuno will help Cro Cop return to anything. If he's serious about going back to the UFC he should've gone to another organization where he'd still fight in a cage and fight someone halfway decent. What good would it do Cro Cop to pin Mizuno in the corner of the ring and tee off and eventually hit him with a left head kick?
.. If Dream wants to pay him that much to fight random scrubs until he goes back to the UFC then it's whatever but I don't believe for a second that guys like Mizuno will help Cro Cop return to anything. If he's serious about going back to the UFC he should've gone to another organization where he'd still fight in a cage and fight someone halfway decent. What good would it do Cro Cop to pin Mizuno in the corner of the ring and tee off and eventually hit him with a left head kick?
‘Babalu' to Fight in HCF
Renato Sobral (Pictures) will fight May 10 in Hardcore Championship Fighting.
Sobral's manager, Ken Pavia, and opponent, Mauricio Alonso (Pictures), confirmed the bout with Sherdog.com.
Alonso is the Brazilian jiu-jitsu trainer for the Killer Bees team in Curitiba, Brazil, where he trains with Anderson Silva when the UFC champion is in town.
Last year Alonso, 4-1, participated in the second stage of the Brazilian event Mo Team League. He represented Pedro Rizzo (Pictures)'s team and defeated Julio Cesar Field via decision.
The fighter was pleased with the opportunity to face Sobral.
"I thought ‘excellent,'" Alonso said. "It was an opportunity that I wanted, a great event. Facing Babalu is great because he is an excellent athlete. I will strive in training to get very good."
The Brazilian last fought in December, outpointing Rafael Motta (Pictures). He has been preparing hard for a fight.
"I am well assisted in training," he said. "We have great coaches of muay Thai, great athletes on the floor, all providing a great support. I will get there ready to go straight forward."
Renato Sobral (Pictures) will fight May 10 in Hardcore Championship Fighting.
Sobral's manager, Ken Pavia, and opponent, Mauricio Alonso (Pictures), confirmed the bout with Sherdog.com.
Alonso is the Brazilian jiu-jitsu trainer for the Killer Bees team in Curitiba, Brazil, where he trains with Anderson Silva when the UFC champion is in town.
Last year Alonso, 4-1, participated in the second stage of the Brazilian event Mo Team League. He represented Pedro Rizzo (Pictures)'s team and defeated Julio Cesar Field via decision.
The fighter was pleased with the opportunity to face Sobral.
"I thought ‘excellent,'" Alonso said. "It was an opportunity that I wanted, a great event. Facing Babalu is great because he is an excellent athlete. I will strive in training to get very good."
The Brazilian last fought in December, outpointing Rafael Motta (Pictures). He has been preparing hard for a fight.
"I am well assisted in training," he said. "We have great coaches of muay Thai, great athletes on the floor, all providing a great support. I will get there ready to go straight forward."
Hose Talks Baroni Fight
videolink: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1486
Kala Kolohe Hose (Pictures) discussed his bout with Phil Baroni (Pictures) with Sherdog.com. What did he think of Baroni's pre-fight tactics at Wednesday's press conference?
videolink: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1486
Kala Kolohe Hose (Pictures) discussed his bout with Phil Baroni (Pictures) with Sherdog.com. What did he think of Baroni's pre-fight tactics at Wednesday's press conference?
Baroni Ready for Icon Title Shot
videolink: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1487
Sherdog.com's James Meinhardt spoke with Phil Baroni (Pictures) Wednesday in Hawaii, where the UFC and Pride veteran will face Kala Kolohe Hose (Pictures) for the Icon Sport middleweight title Saturday night in Honolulu.
videolink: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1487
Sherdog.com's James Meinhardt spoke with Phil Baroni (Pictures) Wednesday in Hawaii, where the UFC and Pride veteran will face Kala Kolohe Hose (Pictures) for the Icon Sport middleweight title Saturday night in Honolulu.
K-taro Nakamura has an eye problem
K-taro talks about his eye in his blog.
I got a toe of my opponent in my eye when he attempted a high kick. I see many bugs though they don't exist. I feel depressed and decided to go to see a doctor. I worried about my eye.
My left eye is hazy and I see many flies. I can see better when I close my left eye. This symptom is called myodesopsia. I heard many old people have this symptom and won't be treated. It's OK to see bugs but I don't like the fact vision in my left eye has been hampered.
My doctor ordered me to rest. Tomorrow, I will have a complete examination. I can tell this is an unlucky year.
K-taro talks about his eye in his blog.
I got a toe of my opponent in my eye when he attempted a high kick. I see many bugs though they don't exist. I feel depressed and decided to go to see a doctor. I worried about my eye.
My left eye is hazy and I see many flies. I can see better when I close my left eye. This symptom is called myodesopsia. I heard many old people have this symptom and won't be treated. It's OK to see bugs but I don't like the fact vision in my left eye has been hampered.
My doctor ordered me to rest. Tomorrow, I will have a complete examination. I can tell this is an unlucky year.
Tatsuya Mizuno challenges Mirko
DREAM finally announced an opponent for Mirko Crocop.
In the last press conference, Sasahara had told in front of press that he took applications from professional fighters who wanted to fight Mirko. Sasahara said in the press conference on Mar 11: I was contacted by approximately 10 fighters including foreign fighters. It was hard to pick a foreign fighter because DREAM has to manage a visa issue within a short amount of time. I chose Tetsuya Mizuno because I think he has a potential to be one of top MMA fighters in Japan. Mizuno doesn't have much fighting experiences in professional MMA events, however, he has a possibility to defeat Mirko and be a new start.
Tetsuya Mizuno was born on Jun 2nd, 1981. He is from Ibaragi, Japan. He started Judo when he was 13 years old. He won in the SHOOTO amateur event in Apr, 2005, won 4 times continuously in PANCRASE GATE, and debuted as a professional fighter on July, 2007 in PANCRASE. He has great striking techniques though Judo specialists usually don't have. He belongs to U-FILE CAMP which is operated by Kiyoshi Tamura.
Kiyoshi Tamura said, I suppose everybody think Mirko wins a fight when you heard of his opponent, Mizuno. I am very nervous but cannot wait to see how he handles this fight to defeat Mirko.
Mizuno said, I still cannot believe that I get this opportunity to fight in such a big event. I believe I have a chance to win and an equal chance to lose. I'll do my best to defeat him.
** After the conference, Mizuno answered questions by press **
- Did you apply for this fight by yourself?
Mizuno: Yes. I applied by myself because this is a great opportunity to fight Mirko. I probably cannot fight him if I miss this chance.
- You had a fight last month though?
Mizuno: I had a quick fight and had no physical damages. I have no problem fighting because I keep training after the last fight.
- Did you talk to Tamura before applying?
Mizuno: Yes. Mirko is a well-known strong fighter but I'm anonymous. I worried and felt fear fighting him. I consulted to Tamura and decided to apply.
Tamura: Mizuno talked to me about applying for this opportunity. I believe he wanted to fight but was nervous a lot. There is no reason to fight if he thinks he loses 100% for sure. I think this is a great opportunity for me to find out if he really has a potential to be a top fighter. I think he is not ready to be competitive for Mirko now, however, I have seen fighters who can do better in the ring. I hope he is the one of them and want to see how he fights. I hope he has a good fight and hopefully he brings us a big upset.
- What do you expect to see in this fight, Mr Sasahara?
Sasahara: DREAM is a new MMA event and I would like to create a new value of Japanese MMA. I hope Mizuno shows us something which we have never seen. I chose him because I see his brilliant future. He will be a new hero immediately if he defeats Mirko, however, it's not that easy. I hope he shows us his passion to fight. He will prove that DREAM is the place everybody have chances to make their dream come true.
Other comment by Mizuno and Sasahar:
Mizuno said, I would like to exchange punches but I should take him down and work on ground if I want to win. Though Mirko is a great fighter, I think I have chance if he relaxes too much or makes mistakes. I'm aiming a big upset! Sasahara said, I think this fight won't be an easy fight for Mirko, because Mizuno has nothing to lose and do his best. If Mizuno wins, I will think about arranging a fight against Fedor for him.
DREAM finally announced an opponent for Mirko Crocop.
In the last press conference, Sasahara had told in front of press that he took applications from professional fighters who wanted to fight Mirko. Sasahara said in the press conference on Mar 11: I was contacted by approximately 10 fighters including foreign fighters. It was hard to pick a foreign fighter because DREAM has to manage a visa issue within a short amount of time. I chose Tetsuya Mizuno because I think he has a potential to be one of top MMA fighters in Japan. Mizuno doesn't have much fighting experiences in professional MMA events, however, he has a possibility to defeat Mirko and be a new start.
Tetsuya Mizuno was born on Jun 2nd, 1981. He is from Ibaragi, Japan. He started Judo when he was 13 years old. He won in the SHOOTO amateur event in Apr, 2005, won 4 times continuously in PANCRASE GATE, and debuted as a professional fighter on July, 2007 in PANCRASE. He has great striking techniques though Judo specialists usually don't have. He belongs to U-FILE CAMP which is operated by Kiyoshi Tamura.
Kiyoshi Tamura said, I suppose everybody think Mirko wins a fight when you heard of his opponent, Mizuno. I am very nervous but cannot wait to see how he handles this fight to defeat Mirko.
Mizuno said, I still cannot believe that I get this opportunity to fight in such a big event. I believe I have a chance to win and an equal chance to lose. I'll do my best to defeat him.
** After the conference, Mizuno answered questions by press **
- Did you apply for this fight by yourself?
Mizuno: Yes. I applied by myself because this is a great opportunity to fight Mirko. I probably cannot fight him if I miss this chance.
- You had a fight last month though?
Mizuno: I had a quick fight and had no physical damages. I have no problem fighting because I keep training after the last fight.
- Did you talk to Tamura before applying?
Mizuno: Yes. Mirko is a well-known strong fighter but I'm anonymous. I worried and felt fear fighting him. I consulted to Tamura and decided to apply.
Tamura: Mizuno talked to me about applying for this opportunity. I believe he wanted to fight but was nervous a lot. There is no reason to fight if he thinks he loses 100% for sure. I think this is a great opportunity for me to find out if he really has a potential to be a top fighter. I think he is not ready to be competitive for Mirko now, however, I have seen fighters who can do better in the ring. I hope he is the one of them and want to see how he fights. I hope he has a good fight and hopefully he brings us a big upset.
- What do you expect to see in this fight, Mr Sasahara?
Sasahara: DREAM is a new MMA event and I would like to create a new value of Japanese MMA. I hope Mizuno shows us something which we have never seen. I chose him because I see his brilliant future. He will be a new hero immediately if he defeats Mirko, however, it's not that easy. I hope he shows us his passion to fight. He will prove that DREAM is the place everybody have chances to make their dream come true.
Other comment by Mizuno and Sasahar:
Mizuno said, I would like to exchange punches but I should take him down and work on ground if I want to win. Though Mirko is a great fighter, I think I have chance if he relaxes too much or makes mistakes. I'm aiming a big upset! Sasahara said, I think this fight won't be an easy fight for Mirko, because Mizuno has nothing to lose and do his best. If Mizuno wins, I will think about arranging a fight against Fedor for him.
Mach Sakurai Interview
Hayato "MACH" Sakurai Interview from DREAM official website~
- What do you think about your opponent?
I just do what I can do. I do not feel any pressure but am excited to fight in a brand new event.
- What make you feel different to fight in an new event?
It's hard to say, but I feel fighting in the very first event of DREAM is definitely something special. I feel like I found a place I can settle down.
- What do you think about your opponent, Monma?
I think he is an all-round fighter. I don't usually watch fights of other fighters. I haven't even watched HERO'S. I have seen his fight video once. It was the moment when he lost his weight and fought in the 70 kg weight class before.
- Do you know him?
I have seen him in other events and his students came and trained in my gym before.
- What kind of training are you doing?
I train in my own style at my gym. I do punching, kicking and everything with my students including Monma's students. I think I should stop training his students though. They haven't visited since our fight was announced. They can tell him what I do and my training menu etc. I wish I asked them about Monma more! Both of us had never thought we fight each other and we are kinda confused though when we found out about our fight.
- Are you nervous and feel any pressure fighting him? In the press conference, Monma seemed like being excited fighting against you though?
I give all I can do and I will get a good result.
- Do you have any fight plan?
I'm not a type of person who makes a plan of my fight. However, Daisuke Ishii who used to work for Yoshida Dojo as a trainer works for my gym. He makes research and gives me accurate advice.
- The title of this event is DREAM. What is your dream?
I have a lot of dreams. I have never been asked and don't know which one I should tell. I used to have a dream to be a champion. After becoming a champion, I felt my dream was not a dream but just a goal. My dream always turns into a goal. I don't know what to say.
- Do you have any goal now?
My current goal is to defeat him by KO and would like to be a champion and get a belt. This is a part of my dream though. I would like to have a great fight.
Hayato "MACH" Sakurai Interview from DREAM official website~
- What do you think about your opponent?
I just do what I can do. I do not feel any pressure but am excited to fight in a brand new event.
- What make you feel different to fight in an new event?
It's hard to say, but I feel fighting in the very first event of DREAM is definitely something special. I feel like I found a place I can settle down.
- What do you think about your opponent, Monma?
I think he is an all-round fighter. I don't usually watch fights of other fighters. I haven't even watched HERO'S. I have seen his fight video once. It was the moment when he lost his weight and fought in the 70 kg weight class before.
- Do you know him?
I have seen him in other events and his students came and trained in my gym before.
- What kind of training are you doing?
I train in my own style at my gym. I do punching, kicking and everything with my students including Monma's students. I think I should stop training his students though. They haven't visited since our fight was announced. They can tell him what I do and my training menu etc. I wish I asked them about Monma more! Both of us had never thought we fight each other and we are kinda confused though when we found out about our fight.
- Are you nervous and feel any pressure fighting him? In the press conference, Monma seemed like being excited fighting against you though?
I give all I can do and I will get a good result.
- Do you have any fight plan?
I'm not a type of person who makes a plan of my fight. However, Daisuke Ishii who used to work for Yoshida Dojo as a trainer works for my gym. He makes research and gives me accurate advice.
- The title of this event is DREAM. What is your dream?
I have a lot of dreams. I have never been asked and don't know which one I should tell. I used to have a dream to be a champion. After becoming a champion, I felt my dream was not a dream but just a goal. My dream always turns into a goal. I don't know what to say.
- Do you have any goal now?
My current goal is to defeat him by KO and would like to be a champion and get a belt. This is a part of my dream though. I would like to have a great fight.
Henderson will fight within 5 months
Two-time Olympian Dan Henderson, still stinging from his second-round submission loss to UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, expects to compete again before the summer is out.
“I’ll probably be fighting within five months,” Henderson told Fight Network Radio.
Still the only man to hold major championships in two different weight classes simultaneously, Henderson (22-7, 2-2 UFC) failed in his bid to pry the 185-pound title away from Silva at UFC 82 “Pride of a Champion” on March 1. The 37-year-old won a round from the talented Brazilian but ultimately succumbed to a rear naked choke with eight seconds to go in round two.
Potential matches with Japanese contender Yushin Okami – believed by many to be next in line for a shot at Silva – and former UFC middleweight titleholder Rich Franklin intrigue Henderson. A third bout with longtime Pride rival Wanderlei Silva, who may move down to middleweight soon, has not been ruled out, either.
“Maybe Okami,” Henderson said. “He had a close fight with Franklin, so either Franklin or Okami – anybody that’s going to give me a chance [to get] back on top, [to get] back at the title shot again. I know there’s been talk of Wanderlei coming down in weight class, too.”
Henderson split a pair of fights with Wanderlei Silva in Pride. He knocked out the Brazilian legend in their second meeting at Pride 33 “Second Coming” in February 2007. Henderson also owns key wins against one-time UFC middleweight champion Murilo Bustamante (twice), interim UFC heavyweight titleholder Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, former EliteXC middleweight kingpin Murilo “Ninja” Rua and 2006 Pride Welterweight Grand Prix winner Kazuo Misaki.
Two-time Olympian Dan Henderson, still stinging from his second-round submission loss to UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, expects to compete again before the summer is out.
“I’ll probably be fighting within five months,” Henderson told Fight Network Radio.
Still the only man to hold major championships in two different weight classes simultaneously, Henderson (22-7, 2-2 UFC) failed in his bid to pry the 185-pound title away from Silva at UFC 82 “Pride of a Champion” on March 1. The 37-year-old won a round from the talented Brazilian but ultimately succumbed to a rear naked choke with eight seconds to go in round two.
Potential matches with Japanese contender Yushin Okami – believed by many to be next in line for a shot at Silva – and former UFC middleweight titleholder Rich Franklin intrigue Henderson. A third bout with longtime Pride rival Wanderlei Silva, who may move down to middleweight soon, has not been ruled out, either.
“Maybe Okami,” Henderson said. “He had a close fight with Franklin, so either Franklin or Okami – anybody that’s going to give me a chance [to get] back on top, [to get] back at the title shot again. I know there’s been talk of Wanderlei coming down in weight class, too.”
Henderson split a pair of fights with Wanderlei Silva in Pride. He knocked out the Brazilian legend in their second meeting at Pride 33 “Second Coming” in February 2007. Henderson also owns key wins against one-time UFC middleweight champion Murilo Bustamante (twice), interim UFC heavyweight titleholder Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, former EliteXC middleweight kingpin Murilo “Ninja” Rua and 2006 Pride Welterweight Grand Prix winner Kazuo Misaki.
VILLASENOR, ‘CYBORG’ READY TO EXCHANGE
Joey Villasenor wants another shot at the EliteXC middleweight championship, and Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos stands in his way.
The two weathered veterans collide at Strikeforce/EliteXC “Shamrock vs. Le” on Saturday, March 29 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Two weeks out, the pre-fight hype machine’s working overtime, with Villasenor and Santos all but promising exclusive stand-up action.
“There should be some real fireworks in this fight with Santos,” Villasenor said. “I really don’t know much about Santos’ ground game – if he even likes hanging out on the ground. I know he’s a big banger, so it’s an exciting match-up.”
A product of Jackson’s Submission Fighting in Albuquerque, N.M., the 32-year-old Villasenor (24-6) last competed in September, when he earned a split decision victory over Riki Fukuda at EliteXC “Uprising.” Twenty of the nine-year veteran’s 24 wins have come by knockout, technical knockout or submission. Villasenor, who has won 18 of his past 21 fights, owns key victories over David Loiseau and the American Top Team’s Jorge Santiago.
Villasenor believes technique and stamina could decide the fight. “I need to be more technical than him and better conditioned,” he said. “Like wine, I think I get better with age.”
Still looking for a signature victory, Santos (16-11) has been a busy man this month. He submitted Makoto Takimoto with an Achilles lock at World Victory Road “Sengoku” on March 5 in Tokyo. The 30-year-old Santos, a product of the famed Chute Boxe Academy, has lost two of his past three fights.
“I always look for the knockout,” Santos said. “This will be a duel between his boxing and my Muay Thai techniques. Villasenor is an ideal opponent for me.”
Santos has never fought on American soil and has competed as a middleweight only once prior in 10 years as a pro. The Brazilian promises to bring the fight to Villasenor.
“Anybody who faces me knows they will have hard moments in the cage,” Santos said. “My opponents know they need to get ready for a war because as long as I can breathe, I’ll look for the win. I’m not saying I’ll beat everybody, but I’ll exchange blows with everybody. You can count on it.”
Joey Villasenor wants another shot at the EliteXC middleweight championship, and Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos stands in his way.
The two weathered veterans collide at Strikeforce/EliteXC “Shamrock vs. Le” on Saturday, March 29 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Two weeks out, the pre-fight hype machine’s working overtime, with Villasenor and Santos all but promising exclusive stand-up action.
“There should be some real fireworks in this fight with Santos,” Villasenor said. “I really don’t know much about Santos’ ground game – if he even likes hanging out on the ground. I know he’s a big banger, so it’s an exciting match-up.”
A product of Jackson’s Submission Fighting in Albuquerque, N.M., the 32-year-old Villasenor (24-6) last competed in September, when he earned a split decision victory over Riki Fukuda at EliteXC “Uprising.” Twenty of the nine-year veteran’s 24 wins have come by knockout, technical knockout or submission. Villasenor, who has won 18 of his past 21 fights, owns key victories over David Loiseau and the American Top Team’s Jorge Santiago.
Villasenor believes technique and stamina could decide the fight. “I need to be more technical than him and better conditioned,” he said. “Like wine, I think I get better with age.”
Still looking for a signature victory, Santos (16-11) has been a busy man this month. He submitted Makoto Takimoto with an Achilles lock at World Victory Road “Sengoku” on March 5 in Tokyo. The 30-year-old Santos, a product of the famed Chute Boxe Academy, has lost two of his past three fights.
“I always look for the knockout,” Santos said. “This will be a duel between his boxing and my Muay Thai techniques. Villasenor is an ideal opponent for me.”
Santos has never fought on American soil and has competed as a middleweight only once prior in 10 years as a pro. The Brazilian promises to bring the fight to Villasenor.
“Anybody who faces me knows they will have hard moments in the cage,” Santos said. “My opponents know they need to get ready for a war because as long as I can breathe, I’ll look for the win. I’m not saying I’ll beat everybody, but I’ll exchange blows with everybody. You can count on it.”
HCF ANNOUNCES "CROW'S NEST" FIGHT CARD
Hardcore Championship Fighting returns Friday, March 29 with "Crow's Nest" from the Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.
Headlining the twelve-fight card is Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran David "The Crow" Loiseau against fellow Canadian Todd Gouwenberg. Loiseau will enjoy a hometown crowd, but the Canadian vs. Canadian battle is sure to draw interest throughout Canada.
Rob MacDonald takes on Hector Ramirez in what is being billed as the "semi-main event." The light heavyweight match up is expected to bring fireworks.
Also on the fight card, Hardcore Championship Fighting female lightweight champion Sarah Kaufman puts her undefeated record on the line against Hawaiian Molly Helsel.
FIGHT CARD:
David Loiseau vs. Todd Gouwenberg
Rob MacDonald vs. Hector Ramirez
Sarah Kaufman vs. Molly Helsel
Nabil Khatib vs. Gideon Ray
Brent Beauparlant vs. Amir Rahnavardi
Andrew Buckland vs. Dan Hornbuckle
Bill Boland vs. Michal Hamrsmid
Myles Merola vs. Jameel Massouh
Marcus Vinicios vs. Rodrigo Ruas
Dan Grandmaison vs. Nino Schembri
Ben Greer vs. TBA
Len Tam vs. Russell Yip
Hardcore Championship Fighting returns Friday, March 29 with "Crow's Nest" from the Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.
Headlining the twelve-fight card is Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran David "The Crow" Loiseau against fellow Canadian Todd Gouwenberg. Loiseau will enjoy a hometown crowd, but the Canadian vs. Canadian battle is sure to draw interest throughout Canada.
Rob MacDonald takes on Hector Ramirez in what is being billed as the "semi-main event." The light heavyweight match up is expected to bring fireworks.
Also on the fight card, Hardcore Championship Fighting female lightweight champion Sarah Kaufman puts her undefeated record on the line against Hawaiian Molly Helsel.
FIGHT CARD:
David Loiseau vs. Todd Gouwenberg
Rob MacDonald vs. Hector Ramirez
Sarah Kaufman vs. Molly Helsel
Nabil Khatib vs. Gideon Ray
Brent Beauparlant vs. Amir Rahnavardi
Andrew Buckland vs. Dan Hornbuckle
Bill Boland vs. Michal Hamrsmid
Myles Merola vs. Jameel Massouh
Marcus Vinicios vs. Rodrigo Ruas
Dan Grandmaison vs. Nino Schembri
Ben Greer vs. TBA
Len Tam vs. Russell Yip
ProElite, Inc. hires new Chief Executive Officer
During a post-fight press conference following Cage Rage 25 last Saturday night in London, EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw revealed that an announcement concerning a change with parent company ProElite’s Chief Executive Officer was about to be made by the company.
According to a recent SEC filing obtained by FiveOuncesOfPain.com (www.FiveOuncesOfPain.com) through ProElite’s corporate website, former Youbet.com CEO Charles Champion has been named ProElite’s new chief executive, replacing former CEO Doug DeLuca. DeLuca has been elevated to the position of Executive Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors and also its Chief Strategy Officer.
Champion, 53, began working with Youbet as its President in March of 2002 and was elevated to the position of CEO in December of that same year. He added the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer in August of 2005. He resigned from the company on November 28, 2007
During a post-fight press conference following Cage Rage 25 last Saturday night in London, EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw revealed that an announcement concerning a change with parent company ProElite’s Chief Executive Officer was about to be made by the company.
According to a recent SEC filing obtained by FiveOuncesOfPain.com (www.FiveOuncesOfPain.com) through ProElite’s corporate website, former Youbet.com CEO Charles Champion has been named ProElite’s new chief executive, replacing former CEO Doug DeLuca. DeLuca has been elevated to the position of Executive Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors and also its Chief Strategy Officer.
Champion, 53, began working with Youbet as its President in March of 2002 and was elevated to the position of CEO in December of that same year. He added the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer in August of 2005. He resigned from the company on November 28, 2007
Saturday MMA Tripleheader
Saturday should be a busy day for me. I’ve got a fantasy baseball auction and then a ton of MMA to watch. Should be fun. Here’s the run down of the Tripleheader of MMA events planned for tomorrow.
SATURDAY: DREAM 1 at 3 p.m. (local time in Japan)
This weekend marks the debut of DREAM, a collaborative effort between K-1 HERO’s and former staff members of PRIDE.
The debut event will feature the first round of the new promotion’s lightweight Grand Prix and there are some awesome bouts lined up. The full card is as follows:
Fight 1 (non-tournament): MINOWAMAN vs. Kwan Bun Lee
Fight 2 (non-tournament): Hayato Sakurai vs. Hidetaka Monma
Fight 3 (tournament): Joachim Hansen vs. Koutetsu Boku
Fight 4 (tournament): Kazuyuki Miyata vs. Luis Buscape
Fight 5 (tournament): Katsuhiko Nagata vs. Artur Umakhanov
Fight 6 (tournament): Mitsuhiro Ishida vs. Bukyung Jung
Fight 7 (non-tournament): Mirko Cro Cop vs. Tatsuya Mizuno
Fight 8 (tournament): Andre “Dida” Amade vs. Eddie Alvarez
Fight 9 (tournament): Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kultar “Black Mamba” Gill
Fight 10 (tournament): Gesias “JZ Calvan” Calvancante vs. Shinya Aoki
The event will not be televised in North America but if you search hard enough you will find an illegal stream online. Joe Son knows what’s up.
SATURDAY: Xtreme Fighting League on HDNet at 10:30 p.m. ET
The Xtreme Fighting League will air on HDNet on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET live from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The featured fighters on the card will be three of the four members from Team Takedown. Jake Rosholt, Johny Hendricks, and Shane Roller will all be in action in separate bouts.
I’ve said it before, but I consider Rosholt to be the best unsigned fighter in MMA right now to have never fought for a national promotion. Two years from now he’ll easily be a top ten middleweight.
CLICK HERE more info.
SATURDAY: ICON Sport streamed on ProElite.com at 11 p.m. ET
Kala Kolohe will finally get his shot to bring home the ICON Sport middleweight title. While he won’t get a chance to win it from Robbie Lawler, he will be competing for the vacated title against Phil Baroni. I’m not sure Kolohe has much of a ground game but Baroni has made it clear this week that his goal is to knock Kolohe out standing. We’ll see because this will be a slugfest and I believe Kolohe actually has the advantage when it comes to punching power. Baroni is the more recognizable name, but I consider Kolohe the favorite.
Saturday should be a busy day for me. I’ve got a fantasy baseball auction and then a ton of MMA to watch. Should be fun. Here’s the run down of the Tripleheader of MMA events planned for tomorrow.
SATURDAY: DREAM 1 at 3 p.m. (local time in Japan)
This weekend marks the debut of DREAM, a collaborative effort between K-1 HERO’s and former staff members of PRIDE.
The debut event will feature the first round of the new promotion’s lightweight Grand Prix and there are some awesome bouts lined up. The full card is as follows:
Fight 1 (non-tournament): MINOWAMAN vs. Kwan Bun Lee
Fight 2 (non-tournament): Hayato Sakurai vs. Hidetaka Monma
Fight 3 (tournament): Joachim Hansen vs. Koutetsu Boku
Fight 4 (tournament): Kazuyuki Miyata vs. Luis Buscape
Fight 5 (tournament): Katsuhiko Nagata vs. Artur Umakhanov
Fight 6 (tournament): Mitsuhiro Ishida vs. Bukyung Jung
Fight 7 (non-tournament): Mirko Cro Cop vs. Tatsuya Mizuno
Fight 8 (tournament): Andre “Dida” Amade vs. Eddie Alvarez
Fight 9 (tournament): Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kultar “Black Mamba” Gill
Fight 10 (tournament): Gesias “JZ Calvan” Calvancante vs. Shinya Aoki
The event will not be televised in North America but if you search hard enough you will find an illegal stream online. Joe Son knows what’s up.
SATURDAY: Xtreme Fighting League on HDNet at 10:30 p.m. ET
The Xtreme Fighting League will air on HDNet on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET live from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The featured fighters on the card will be three of the four members from Team Takedown. Jake Rosholt, Johny Hendricks, and Shane Roller will all be in action in separate bouts.
I’ve said it before, but I consider Rosholt to be the best unsigned fighter in MMA right now to have never fought for a national promotion. Two years from now he’ll easily be a top ten middleweight.
CLICK HERE more info.
SATURDAY: ICON Sport streamed on ProElite.com at 11 p.m. ET
Kala Kolohe will finally get his shot to bring home the ICON Sport middleweight title. While he won’t get a chance to win it from Robbie Lawler, he will be competing for the vacated title against Phil Baroni. I’m not sure Kolohe has much of a ground game but Baroni has made it clear this week that his goal is to knock Kolohe out standing. We’ll see because this will be a slugfest and I believe Kolohe actually has the advantage when it comes to punching power. Baroni is the more recognizable name, but I consider Kolohe the favorite.
Potential card for April 5 ShoXC event revealed
The potential card for the televised portion of SHOWTIME’s telecast of EliteXC’s ShoXC event scheduled for April 5 has been revealed.
According to the Table Mountain Casino website, a poster for the event indicates that a match between light heavyweights Jared Hamman vs. Poai Suganuma is slated to serve as the featured bout on the card.
The rest of the card is comprised of matches between Giva Santana vs. Matt Lucas, Fabricio Camoes vs. Joe Camacho, and Wilson Reis vs. Doug Evans.
A fifth match featuring Shayna Baszler vs. a yet to be determined opponent is also listed as well.
Five other matches during the non-televised portion of the show are also being advertised with the undercard scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. PT. SHOWTIME’s telecast will begin at 11 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. local time.
The potential card for the televised portion of SHOWTIME’s telecast of EliteXC’s ShoXC event scheduled for April 5 has been revealed.
According to the Table Mountain Casino website, a poster for the event indicates that a match between light heavyweights Jared Hamman vs. Poai Suganuma is slated to serve as the featured bout on the card.
The rest of the card is comprised of matches between Giva Santana vs. Matt Lucas, Fabricio Camoes vs. Joe Camacho, and Wilson Reis vs. Doug Evans.
A fifth match featuring Shayna Baszler vs. a yet to be determined opponent is also listed as well.
Five other matches during the non-televised portion of the show are also being advertised with the undercard scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. PT. SHOWTIME’s telecast will begin at 11 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. local time.
UFC VET JOHN LEWIS NAMED PRESIDENT OF UWC
Ultimate Warrior Sports Development CEO S. Marcello Foran announced Wednesday that John Lewis, Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran and World Fighting Alliance founder, will take on the role of president and partner of Ultimate Warrior Challenge.
“I have a great deal of respect for Marcello and am very impressed with his organization. I look forward to helping take the UWC to the next level,” said Lewis. “This great opportunity comes at a perfect time as the sport continues its tremendous growth and maturity into a mainstream phenomenon.”
Lewis has an extensive background in and around mixed martial arts including two fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He was also a founding member of the World Fighting Alliance, which was eventually bought by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the UFC.
Lewis has also been a trainer for many legendary mixed martial artists including Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture.
His first order as president for the UWC will be working on their next show taking place on April 26 in Washington D.C. More announcements about the event are expected in the coming weeks.
Ultimate Warrior Sports Development CEO S. Marcello Foran announced Wednesday that John Lewis, Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran and World Fighting Alliance founder, will take on the role of president and partner of Ultimate Warrior Challenge.
“I have a great deal of respect for Marcello and am very impressed with his organization. I look forward to helping take the UWC to the next level,” said Lewis. “This great opportunity comes at a perfect time as the sport continues its tremendous growth and maturity into a mainstream phenomenon.”
Lewis has an extensive background in and around mixed martial arts including two fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He was also a founding member of the World Fighting Alliance, which was eventually bought by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the UFC.
Lewis has also been a trainer for many legendary mixed martial artists including Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture.
His first order as president for the UWC will be working on their next show taking place on April 26 in Washington D.C. More announcements about the event are expected in the coming weeks.
Kurt Angle Admittedly not Ready for MMA
Although professional wrestling superstar Kurt Angle will compete against UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture in a submission grappling match later this year, don't expect Angle to immediately follow in fellow professional wrestler Brock Lesnar's footsteps -- at least not yet.
Angle discussed his upcoming grappling match, as well as a possible foray into MMA with a potential seven-figure deal with the UFC, while a guest on Thursday's edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), a content partner site of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
"I've always wanted to do (MMA), from after the Olympics, and I just never got the shot," Angle said. "I've been keeping myself in really, really good shape, but not in the fighting shape you have to be in to go into MMA."
Instead, Angle will first try his hand at submission wrestling, which is essentially MMA without striking. The match will be Angle's first in Rico Chiapparelli's Professional Submission League, while Couture has competed in the organization before, battling Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza to a draw. The date of the event has not yet been determined, but Angle believes it will take place in late summer or early fall.
"A lot of people are pretty much counting me out, which I don't blame them," Angle admitted. "But you can't count out an Olympic gold medalist."
After the match, Angle will continue to pursue a transition into MMA, something the 39-year-old has been trying to do for several years. Angle has had contract negotiations with several organizations, including the UFC, though none of those discussions led to a deal.
"(UFC President) Dana White gave me more than any other fighter could ever dream of," Angle said. "He wanted me to sign for a long period of time where I didn't have to fight that much. But, he wanted the complete rights to me. I guess he wanted Kurt Angle the name and the person to be affiliated with the UFC for the next whatever years. But the figure was staggering. I could tell you that all the deals that were done were all in the seven-figure mark for the fight."
Angle's training for a possible MMA debut has been hampered by the difficulties of constant travel while working as a professional wrestler. He also has a history of neck and shoulder issues that have required numerous surgeries. He hopes to land with an organization that will allow him ample time to prepare properly for a fight.
"Last year I trained about four straight months, and I'll tell you what, the training is as grueling, if not more grueling, than the training I did for the 1996 Olympics," Angle said. "Within four months I was so broken down, and I was trying to wrestle full time on the road as well, and I couldn't do it."
So while Angle is excited about the opportunity to test his abilities in submission grappling against one of the UFC's most decorated fighters, an MMA debut is still far from a sure thing.
"I don't want (you) to misunderstand me," he said. "When I say I am in shape, I am in no shape at all right now to go into an octagon or on a platform and have a fight with Randy Couture or Chuck Liddell or 'Rampage' Jackson or Brock Lesnar or whoever it is. Right now I cannot."
Lesnar also discussed at length his previous battles with addiction to painkillers, his thoughts on Lesnar's recent UFC debut, and his less-than-amicable departure from the WWE. To hear the full interview, download Thursday's edition of TAGG Radio, available for free in the TAGG Radio archives.
Although professional wrestling superstar Kurt Angle will compete against UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture in a submission grappling match later this year, don't expect Angle to immediately follow in fellow professional wrestler Brock Lesnar's footsteps -- at least not yet.
Angle discussed his upcoming grappling match, as well as a possible foray into MMA with a potential seven-figure deal with the UFC, while a guest on Thursday's edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), a content partner site of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
"I've always wanted to do (MMA), from after the Olympics, and I just never got the shot," Angle said. "I've been keeping myself in really, really good shape, but not in the fighting shape you have to be in to go into MMA."
Instead, Angle will first try his hand at submission wrestling, which is essentially MMA without striking. The match will be Angle's first in Rico Chiapparelli's Professional Submission League, while Couture has competed in the organization before, battling Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza to a draw. The date of the event has not yet been determined, but Angle believes it will take place in late summer or early fall.
"A lot of people are pretty much counting me out, which I don't blame them," Angle admitted. "But you can't count out an Olympic gold medalist."
After the match, Angle will continue to pursue a transition into MMA, something the 39-year-old has been trying to do for several years. Angle has had contract negotiations with several organizations, including the UFC, though none of those discussions led to a deal.
"(UFC President) Dana White gave me more than any other fighter could ever dream of," Angle said. "He wanted me to sign for a long period of time where I didn't have to fight that much. But, he wanted the complete rights to me. I guess he wanted Kurt Angle the name and the person to be affiliated with the UFC for the next whatever years. But the figure was staggering. I could tell you that all the deals that were done were all in the seven-figure mark for the fight."
Angle's training for a possible MMA debut has been hampered by the difficulties of constant travel while working as a professional wrestler. He also has a history of neck and shoulder issues that have required numerous surgeries. He hopes to land with an organization that will allow him ample time to prepare properly for a fight.
"Last year I trained about four straight months, and I'll tell you what, the training is as grueling, if not more grueling, than the training I did for the 1996 Olympics," Angle said. "Within four months I was so broken down, and I was trying to wrestle full time on the road as well, and I couldn't do it."
So while Angle is excited about the opportunity to test his abilities in submission grappling against one of the UFC's most decorated fighters, an MMA debut is still far from a sure thing.
"I don't want (you) to misunderstand me," he said. "When I say I am in shape, I am in no shape at all right now to go into an octagon or on a platform and have a fight with Randy Couture or Chuck Liddell or 'Rampage' Jackson or Brock Lesnar or whoever it is. Right now I cannot."
Lesnar also discussed at length his previous battles with addiction to painkillers, his thoughts on Lesnar's recent UFC debut, and his less-than-amicable departure from the WWE. To hear the full interview, download Thursday's edition of TAGG Radio, available for free in the TAGG Radio archives.
Rashad Evans Readies for Chuck Liddell
The title picture for the UFC's light heavyweight division will become a lot clearer over the next couple months, but Rashad Evans is still unwilling to fight fellow contender and Team Jackson teammate Keith Jardine -- even if it could earn him a shot at the title.
Evans, an undefeated light heavyweight and winner of "The Ultimate Fighter 2," talked about the state of the UFC's light-heavyweight division and his June 7 UFC 85 main-event fight with Chuck Liddell while a recent guest on ESPN Radio's "Between Rounds" program.
And while he and Jardine may both be just a win or two away from a title shot, Evans said he's not willing to battle his teammate and training partner to get it. As he said, it's just "not worth it."
Check out what Evans told "Between Rounds" hosts Dave Hiza and Ken Gonzalez in this sampling from their recent radio interview.
Dave Hiza: What are your thoughts on the fight with Liddell?
Rashad Evans: I think it's is a good matchup for me. Chuck Liddell is a tough customer, but at this point in my career, I'm not going to get away with fighting too many guys that are not tough. I'll take them anyway they line up.
Ken Gonzalez: Well, yeah. Last three fights: Ortiz, Bisping, Liddell. No slouches there.
Rashad Evans: No slouches. I welcome the challenge. Like I said, I enjoy it. This is, after all, a fun career. I want to make it as fun as possible and not put too much pressure on myself to try to go out there and not fight the best people. I want to fight the best people and challenge myself all the time.
Dave Hiza: After you found out Mauricio "Shogun" Rua was out of the fight with Liddell because his knee was messed up, did the UFC call you -- or did you call them?
Rashad Evans: They called me and asked me if I wanted to step up and face him. I was like, "Yeah, sure!" I was very happy to take the fight. Chuck is one of those fights you definitely get up for. I've watched Chuck on TV when I was in college, and it was a fight I definitely wanted to have one day.
Dave Hiza: You saw guys like him on TV in college, and you would always said, "Hey I'll totally fight that guy?"
Rashad Evans: Once I started training, I was like, "I'll fight that guy." But... he is a beast. But, once I started training, (I said), "Man, I would love to fight that guy one day."
Dave Hiza: Your teammate Keith Jardine was able to take out the Iceman. Do you think that will be to your advantage?
Rashad Evans: I think it will definitely help to my advantage that he was able to do that. It's the same plan Greg Jackson sat down and devised. It's a great fighting plan for fighting Chuck. So, I think it will definitely help out, but you can have the greatest fight plan in the world and if you don't go out there and execute it, then it doesn't mean anything. Ultimately, it comes down to me being able to go out there and execute the game plan.
Dave Hiza: Against Chuck, do you see this fight standing, or are you taking him down? In the past, the hardest thing is taking him down. I know you probably think, "No sweat."
Rashad Evans: Chuck is a very tough person to take down, but there are ways around that. I have seen holes and ways I can exploit that. He is very tough, and he is a pretty good wrestler, and it will be very tough. A lot of people have good takedown defense, but a takedown has to do a lot with timing. If I get in at the right time, it doesn't matter who they are.
Dave Hiza: If I was guessing the future, I could see the winner of this fight fighting the winner of champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson against Forest Griffin. Do you see that being the case?
Rashad Evans: If that was the case, that would be excellent. I can definitely see that, but before that would be the case, maybe Jardine, provided he beats Wanderlei Silva. He will probably be rightfully next in line.
Dave Hiza: OK, so what if you take out Chuck and he takes out Wanderlei Silva? What happens then?
Rashad Evans: I let him get that title shot if they give it to him. I will help him get ready for it.
Dave Hiza: But you never see that fight happening with you and Jardine?
Rashad Evans: No. When you bleed, sweat and go through what we go through in training, and bond -- how you bond with a teammate -- fighting and everything else that might get in the way of a friendship is not really worth it. It is not really worth it for me to jeopardize what we built in our relationship just for a fight. There is enough room for the both of us to be very successful in our careers in the same weight class.
Dave Hiza: Well I hope that can stay the case. I just see you two butting heads at the No. 1 contender's spot.
Rashad Evans: It could happen, and that is a good thing. We said that. "That would be a great situation when we are next in line to fight each other." That means we have done our job.
Ken Gonzalez: Well Rashad, we appreciate it and wish you the best of luck.
The title picture for the UFC's light heavyweight division will become a lot clearer over the next couple months, but Rashad Evans is still unwilling to fight fellow contender and Team Jackson teammate Keith Jardine -- even if it could earn him a shot at the title.
Evans, an undefeated light heavyweight and winner of "The Ultimate Fighter 2," talked about the state of the UFC's light-heavyweight division and his June 7 UFC 85 main-event fight with Chuck Liddell while a recent guest on ESPN Radio's "Between Rounds" program.
And while he and Jardine may both be just a win or two away from a title shot, Evans said he's not willing to battle his teammate and training partner to get it. As he said, it's just "not worth it."
Check out what Evans told "Between Rounds" hosts Dave Hiza and Ken Gonzalez in this sampling from their recent radio interview.
Dave Hiza: What are your thoughts on the fight with Liddell?
Rashad Evans: I think it's is a good matchup for me. Chuck Liddell is a tough customer, but at this point in my career, I'm not going to get away with fighting too many guys that are not tough. I'll take them anyway they line up.
Ken Gonzalez: Well, yeah. Last three fights: Ortiz, Bisping, Liddell. No slouches there.
Rashad Evans: No slouches. I welcome the challenge. Like I said, I enjoy it. This is, after all, a fun career. I want to make it as fun as possible and not put too much pressure on myself to try to go out there and not fight the best people. I want to fight the best people and challenge myself all the time.
Dave Hiza: After you found out Mauricio "Shogun" Rua was out of the fight with Liddell because his knee was messed up, did the UFC call you -- or did you call them?
Rashad Evans: They called me and asked me if I wanted to step up and face him. I was like, "Yeah, sure!" I was very happy to take the fight. Chuck is one of those fights you definitely get up for. I've watched Chuck on TV when I was in college, and it was a fight I definitely wanted to have one day.
Dave Hiza: You saw guys like him on TV in college, and you would always said, "Hey I'll totally fight that guy?"
Rashad Evans: Once I started training, I was like, "I'll fight that guy." But... he is a beast. But, once I started training, (I said), "Man, I would love to fight that guy one day."
Dave Hiza: Your teammate Keith Jardine was able to take out the Iceman. Do you think that will be to your advantage?
Rashad Evans: I think it will definitely help to my advantage that he was able to do that. It's the same plan Greg Jackson sat down and devised. It's a great fighting plan for fighting Chuck. So, I think it will definitely help out, but you can have the greatest fight plan in the world and if you don't go out there and execute it, then it doesn't mean anything. Ultimately, it comes down to me being able to go out there and execute the game plan.
Dave Hiza: Against Chuck, do you see this fight standing, or are you taking him down? In the past, the hardest thing is taking him down. I know you probably think, "No sweat."
Rashad Evans: Chuck is a very tough person to take down, but there are ways around that. I have seen holes and ways I can exploit that. He is very tough, and he is a pretty good wrestler, and it will be very tough. A lot of people have good takedown defense, but a takedown has to do a lot with timing. If I get in at the right time, it doesn't matter who they are.
Dave Hiza: If I was guessing the future, I could see the winner of this fight fighting the winner of champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson against Forest Griffin. Do you see that being the case?
Rashad Evans: If that was the case, that would be excellent. I can definitely see that, but before that would be the case, maybe Jardine, provided he beats Wanderlei Silva. He will probably be rightfully next in line.
Dave Hiza: OK, so what if you take out Chuck and he takes out Wanderlei Silva? What happens then?
Rashad Evans: I let him get that title shot if they give it to him. I will help him get ready for it.
Dave Hiza: But you never see that fight happening with you and Jardine?
Rashad Evans: No. When you bleed, sweat and go through what we go through in training, and bond -- how you bond with a teammate -- fighting and everything else that might get in the way of a friendship is not really worth it. It is not really worth it for me to jeopardize what we built in our relationship just for a fight. There is enough room for the both of us to be very successful in our careers in the same weight class.
Dave Hiza: Well I hope that can stay the case. I just see you two butting heads at the No. 1 contender's spot.
Rashad Evans: It could happen, and that is a good thing. We said that. "That would be a great situation when we are next in line to fight each other." That means we have done our job.
Ken Gonzalez: Well Rashad, we appreciate it and wish you the best of luck.
Mike Whitehead Headlines XFA 1
by MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] on Mar 14, 2008 at 9:52 am in - News -
One-time UFC fighter and "The Ultimate Fighter 2" cast member Mike Whitehead (20-5) takes on Ethan Cox in the first-ever Xtreme Fighting Association event.
"XFA 1: Stand and Deliver" takes place March 22 at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas. The event begins at 7 p.m. PT.
Whitehead might be best remembered from an upset loss to Rashad Evans on the second season of "The Ultimate Fighter" -- a performance that so steamed coach Matt Hughes that he hurled a water bottle between rounds of the fight. Handpicked by Hughes to be his heavyweight favorite, Whitehead flopped on the show.
However, the 26-year-old fighter has been on a tear ever since.
Soon after the show aired, Whitehead suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Keith Jardine at UFC 57. However, since then, he's won 11 consecutive fights -- seven via submission -- fighting primarily for the International Fight League and Rage in the Cage.
Whitehead, who now fights at light heavyweight, takes on Cox (0-2), who's looking for his first win since turning pro a year ago.
The latest fight card for the event includes:
Ethan Cox vs. Mike Whitehead
Mark Holst vs. TBA
Alain Sylvestre vs. Shawn Yarborough
London Pray vs. Mike Seal
Catia Vitoria vs. Michelle Waterson
James Cook vs. Michael Corleone
Amy Davis vs. Van Do
David Evensen vs. Wrath White
Ray Cole vs. Marcy Menchaca
(Touch of gloves: TheFightNetwork
by MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] on Mar 14, 2008 at 9:52 am in - News -
One-time UFC fighter and "The Ultimate Fighter 2" cast member Mike Whitehead (20-5) takes on Ethan Cox in the first-ever Xtreme Fighting Association event.
"XFA 1: Stand and Deliver" takes place March 22 at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas. The event begins at 7 p.m. PT.
Whitehead might be best remembered from an upset loss to Rashad Evans on the second season of "The Ultimate Fighter" -- a performance that so steamed coach Matt Hughes that he hurled a water bottle between rounds of the fight. Handpicked by Hughes to be his heavyweight favorite, Whitehead flopped on the show.
However, the 26-year-old fighter has been on a tear ever since.
Soon after the show aired, Whitehead suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Keith Jardine at UFC 57. However, since then, he's won 11 consecutive fights -- seven via submission -- fighting primarily for the International Fight League and Rage in the Cage.
Whitehead, who now fights at light heavyweight, takes on Cox (0-2), who's looking for his first win since turning pro a year ago.
The latest fight card for the event includes:
Ethan Cox vs. Mike Whitehead
Mark Holst vs. TBA
Alain Sylvestre vs. Shawn Yarborough
London Pray vs. Mike Seal
Catia Vitoria vs. Michelle Waterson
James Cook vs. Michael Corleone
Amy Davis vs. Van Do
David Evensen vs. Wrath White
Ray Cole vs. Marcy Menchaca
(Touch of gloves: TheFightNetwork
Exclusive: Baker Offered Sonnen at WEC 33
World Extreme Cagefighting has offered middleweight prospect Bryan “The Beast” Baker a fight against Team Quest product Chael Sonnen at the organization’s next event on March 26th.
MMA on Tap was able to confirm the news with a source close to both fighters late last night. No word yet as to whether or not either fighter has accepted the bout.
The proposed fight comes less than 24 hours after the organization announced that WEC middleweight champion Paulo Filho had opted to withdraw from his scheduled title defense rematch against Sonnen after checking himself into a local rehabilitation center in order to receive help for an alleged substance abuse problem.
A light heavyweight title bout between Doug Marshall and Brian Stann will now serve as the show’s main event.
Sonnen has not fought since being submitted by Filho in controversial fashion this past December. With Sonnen trapped in an armbar and his face grimacing in pain, referee Josh Rosenthal stepped in and stopped the bout, claiming that Sonnen had verbally submitted. Sonnen has since kept his stance that he did not tell Rosenthal to stop the bout.
A native of West Covina, California, Baker remains undefeated thus far in his professional career. He has won both of his bouts inside the confines of the WEC, defeating Eric Schambari and former “Ultimate Fighter” cast member Jesse Forbes in consecutive bouts.
Baker was originally slated to face Nissen Osterneck at the event until Osterneck was forced to pull out due to injury. The WEC currently has Baker listed as being matched up against Logan Clark on their official website.
World Extreme Cagefighting has offered middleweight prospect Bryan “The Beast” Baker a fight against Team Quest product Chael Sonnen at the organization’s next event on March 26th.
MMA on Tap was able to confirm the news with a source close to both fighters late last night. No word yet as to whether or not either fighter has accepted the bout.
The proposed fight comes less than 24 hours after the organization announced that WEC middleweight champion Paulo Filho had opted to withdraw from his scheduled title defense rematch against Sonnen after checking himself into a local rehabilitation center in order to receive help for an alleged substance abuse problem.
A light heavyweight title bout between Doug Marshall and Brian Stann will now serve as the show’s main event.
Sonnen has not fought since being submitted by Filho in controversial fashion this past December. With Sonnen trapped in an armbar and his face grimacing in pain, referee Josh Rosenthal stepped in and stopped the bout, claiming that Sonnen had verbally submitted. Sonnen has since kept his stance that he did not tell Rosenthal to stop the bout.
A native of West Covina, California, Baker remains undefeated thus far in his professional career. He has won both of his bouts inside the confines of the WEC, defeating Eric Schambari and former “Ultimate Fighter” cast member Jesse Forbes in consecutive bouts.
Baker was originally slated to face Nissen Osterneck at the event until Osterneck was forced to pull out due to injury. The WEC currently has Baker listed as being matched up against Logan Clark on their official website.