MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

Wilson Gouveia interview

After 4 stoppage wins in a row, Wilson Gouveia, 29 years old, is considered one of the best at the 93kg category. His overall MMA record is 9-4-0, and in the UFC organisation he has a 1 loss and 4 consecutive wins. Gouveia talked exclusively with us about his career and plans :

PT : A lot of fans and MMA specialists, after your last victory, are now considering you as a true contender. Do you think that recognition came late?

Gouveia : Yes, I think so. I've fought 5 times in the UFC, and only now that I am getting recognition as a contender. I believe there are these other fighters who are the organisation's "sweethearts" and they get way more exposure and treatment.

PT : Have you naturalized yourself as a US citizen?

Gouveia : No, I am Brazilian and proud...

PT : How was it, to leave Brazil and move to USA?

Gouveia : Complicated, because you have to learn new cultural rules and language. But now it's ok.

PT : Comment on your last fight, with Jason Lambert. Was he a tough opponent?

Gouveia : Certainly, yes. People don't have the slightest idea of how strong the dude is. And a lot of people kept saying on how he was dominating me and stuff.. no way in hell he dominated me! I was on the bottom because I commited a mistake of going for a poor guilliotine, but everyone forgets that I am a jiu-jitsu fighter, and I am very comfortable on my back. I almost had a triangle, omoplata, but didn't submit. When he tried striking he went to sleep. Oh, and a lot of people kept saying it was a "lucky punch"... A lucky punch is when you throw a punch with your eyes closed, not a jab, straight, hook combination...

PT : How many fights do you have left in your UFC contract?

Gouveia : This was the first of a 4-fight-contract.

PT : Is there a fighter you want to fight?

Gouveia : I want to fight the champion, no matter who he is.

PT : Who is your next opponent? Can it be Wanderlei Silva or Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou?

Gouveia : No, I am fighting in UFC 84 against a croatian fighter whose name I forgot. He trains JJ under Roger Gracie at London.

PT : What do you think of ATT's new fighters? Roan Jucao, Marcelinho Garcia and Alessio Sakara

Gouveia : I think its great, all of them will add to the team.

PT : What martial art specifically are you working on the most right now?

Gouveia : To be honest, now I am resting a little, but I will work mainly on my jiu-jitsu next week when I go back to training.

PT : What did you think of the Liddell vs. Wand fight?

Gouveia : I thought it was great, Wanderlei definantely proved he is a warrior and I am certain he will come back stronger.

PT : Which fighter do you have as a role model when you fight?

Gouveia : Gesias Cavalcante, the guy is the man.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Lion's Den Set To Open Gym In Scotsdale AZ

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Legend Ken Shamrock Announces the Opening of His Newest Lion’s Den Training Center in Scottsdale Arizona
The Most Comprehensive MMA Training Facility of its Kind in Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ. - March 19, 2008 ��" Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den Scottsdale (www.lionsdenaz.com), Arizona's premier Mixed Martial Arts training center is set to open on May 30th. This state-of-the-art facility boasts over 8,000 square feet of training area, including 3,000 square feet of grappling and striking mat space, a full weight and cardio room, professional size boxing ring and a competition octagon for mixed martial arts.
Lion's Den Scottsdale classes and world renowned instructors are unparalleled. Classes are set up to accommodate men, women and children of all skill levels, from beginners to professional athletes. Members have the opportunity to train with superior instructors and along side elite athletes. MMA fans can train at the same facility as the fighters they cheer on in competition. Lion’s Den Scottsdale will also hold top notch clinics for its members hosted by some of the biggest superstars in MMA.
Lion’s Den Scottsdale MMA Classes:
Muay Thai - A form of martial arts that uses all parts of the body, including the elbows and knees, for both training and competitions
Kickboxing ��" A full body workout that incorporates martial-arts-style kicks and western-boxing-style strikes
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Both Gi (training in the traditional kimono) and no-Gi classes are offered. This program is for men, woman and children of all skill levels.
Boxing ��" The ultimate workout! Boxing is taught in both group and private sessions.
Grappling - A combination of multiple martial arts with influences from combat submission wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Mixed Martial Arts - MMA classes allow members to put all of their trained disciplines together (Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Grappling). Mixed Martial Arts classes are for advanced students that have acquired skills in each individual discipline.
Sports Conditioning - The Lion’s Den offers a fully equipped weight, cardio and strength training area. Elite strength coaches are also on staff .
Martial Arts Programs for Children: Lion's Cub classes are for ages 4-8 and Lion's Juniors classes are for ages 9-14. These age defined programs include Kick Boxing, Grappling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing.
Private Lessons: Private Lessons are offered for Muay Thai, Boxing, Grappling, and Jiu Jitsu.

“The newest Lion’s Den facility defines the ultimate MMA training experience by combining a premier location, the best equipment and the most elite trainers. No facility in Arizona can compete with the talent that our trainers bring to the table”, says Lions Den Founder and MMA legend Ken Shamrock. “Lion’s Den Scottsdale fighters will have the best sponsorship opportunities available, due to our established relationships within the industry. We will also be holding our own Ken Shamrock Production (KSP) MMA events. No MMA training center in Arizona can bring this caliber of exposure to their professional athletes.”
For those interested in taking their MMA career to the next level, tryouts for the Lion’s Den Elite team will be held at Lion's Den Scottsdale semi-annually. Athletes are required to put all of their MMA training to the test against other competitors in this elimination style format. Members of the Elite team will be chosen by Ken Shamrock himself and will compete professionally, while representing the Lion’s Den.

All members that sign up prior to June 1st will save 10% on membership fees. Starting March 29th, Lion’s Den memberships can be purchased at the Scottsdale location from 12:00 - 4:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday. The training center is located at 2954 N. Hayden Road. Lion’s Den Scottsdale will hold several exciting events during grand opening week. Free submission clinics instructed by Ken Shamrock will be held for local military, firefighters and police officers. In addition, the first annual Lion's Den Scottsdale Elite Team tryouts will be conducted at the new facility and a very exclusive KSP event is also scheduled; fighters to be announced.
The official grand opening kicks off on Friday, May 30th at 12:00 pm. Food and beverages will be provided by Buffalo Wild Wings and MMA Legend, Ken Shamrock, will be on hand to sign autographs. Saturday and Sunday the celebration continues with guest appearances by NFL players, UFC fighters and other sports celebrities. Please visit www.lionsdenaz.com for more details.
Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den Scottsdale
Scottsdale based Lion’s Den Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Training Center located at 2954 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale is the only training facility of its kind in Arizona. This state-of-the-art facility has over 8,000 square feet of training area, including 3,000 square feet of grappling and striking mat space, a full weight and cardio room, professional size boxing ring and a competition octagon for mixed martial arts. Lions Den Scottsdale employs a world renowned team of instructors, hand selected by the legendary Ken Shamrock to ensure that every member exceeds their personal goals in each selected discipline. Programs are offered in Muay Thai/Kickboxing, Jiu Jitzu, Boxing, Grappling, Mixed Martial Arts and Sports Conditioning. Lions Den also offers the best in child martial arts programs. Classes are set up to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from entry level students to world class athletes. Private lessons are available. At Lion’s Den Scottsdale you don’t have to be a world Champion to train like one. For more information call 480-941-LION or visit www.lionsdenaz.com.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Exclusive: Sengoku Scores Time On Fuji TV

SENGOKU SCORES TIME ON FUJI TV

Sengoku, the new Japanese MMA event backed by upstart promoters World Victory Road, will have segments from their inaugural March 5th event broadcast by Japanese televsion giant FUJI TV.

Fuji, the TV station which formerly broadcasted PRIDE events, will feature Sengoku I on "Special Ring Side", a 30 minute program which highlights kickboxing and traditional martial arts action from around Japan.

Sengoku footage airing on Fuji is certainly a boon to the fledgling promotion, which showed its March 5th card live on the smaller satiellite service, SkyPerfecTV. But the news could have greater implications for the future of the Japanese MMA industry.

Fuji TV, part of one of the six largest terrestrial networks in Japan, was the long-time home of PRIDE Fighting Championships, and enjoyed great success during the peak of the promotion's glory days. Big PRIDE events would often pull in mammoth national ratings on par with the popularity of American Idol in North America. But in June of 2006, Fuji abruptly terminated their TV contract with Dream Stage Entertainment, the promoters of PRIDE FC, citing a breach of contract. Most believed a negative campaign by Japanese tabloid Shukan Gendai, alleging PRIDE was a front for Yakuza (organized crime) activity, was the cause for termination.

Fuji TV has not aired any MMA content since their split with PRIDE. The announcement of Sengoku footage on Special Ring Side has led to speculation that Fuji may be looking at the prospect of once again airing live shows, which could help reverse the erosion of top-level MMA in Japan.

DREAM, the other new MMA event promoted by Fight Entertainment Group, producers of K-1 Kickboxing, debuted on Tokyo Broadcasting System March 15th to an 8.9% share, which was viewed by most to be a disappointing figure. Some attribute the low rating to a lack of household Japanese names competing, such as Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto and Kazushi Sakuraba. The peak rating of the telecast was 12.7%, during a bout featuring international star Mirko CroCop.

Sengoku officials have indicated FUJI TV is keeping its eye on the performance of DREAM broadcasts. They say a 20% share is what it would take for Fuji executives to consider putting MMA back on their airwaves.

 

[Shogun Locc]

STANN LOOKS TO TAME THE RHINO AT WEC 33

Facing adversity and extreme challenges is nothing new to World Extreme Cagefighting light heavyweight contender Brian Stann, who will face the biggest obstacle in his young mixed martial arts career on March 26 when he faces current 205-pound divisional champion Doug “The Rhino” Marshall in Las Vegas.

Stann, a Naval Academy graduate, had been waiting for a fight for many months when the WEC contacted him with the chance to face Marshall.

“I was supposed to fight in February and, for some reason, the guy I was supposed to fight, his camp pulled him out, so no big deal, but it’s been a longer layoff than I’m accustomed to,” he said in an interview with MMAWeekly Radio. “I’m excited, I can’t wait. The good thing is in between every fight I become a completely different fighter and even more so for this fight since I’ve had about six months to train.”

During his down time between fights, Stann worked primarily with Team Quest, including a trip to Big Bear, Calif., to help Dan Henderson prepare for his last fight against Anderson Silva.

While the timing seems early for Stann at this stage in his career – he currently holds a 5-0 professional record – he’s confident at his chances stepping up for a title shot.

“It has been fast, but I definitely see it as a great opportunity for me.”

The opportunity is a shot at the light heavyweight title and while many fighters could potentially fold under the pressure of a fight of this magnitude, as an active Marine that has served in Iraq, Stann has faced more pressures in his life than most would deal with in 10 lifetimes.

“You’ve just got to put everything else aside. Yes, it’s a fight, and yes, it’s for a title, and Doug’s a good fighter, but at the end of the day no matter what happens in that cage, what’s the worst that’s going to happen to me? Maybe a broken nose, a concussion? In the big picture it’s nothing,” Stann said about his perspective going into the fight. “My family’s still healthy, I’m still healthy, and God willing me and Doug walk out of the cage unhurt on a serious scale, so I just don’t see, there’s not a lot really you’ve got to get worked up for.”

He has been a force in all of his fights with none of them making it out of the first round, but he is still very confident in his conditioning going into the fight.

“We definitely changed a lot of things up for a five-round fight and there is no way that my opponent will be in the condition that I’m in for this fight.”

Many have predicted that the fight between Stann and Marshall will be a slugfest with the first fighter to catch the right punch or kick putting an end to the fight early and the Pennsylvania native is confident in his chances.

“I don’t think he’s as technical a striker as I am, and I don’t think he’s as athletic,” Stann stated. “He’ll gas out a lot quicker than I do, from there, I’ll try to finish the fight. He’s a great champ. I don’t want to take anything away; he’s a great champion. He’s won the belt, and he’s defended the belt, which is something I have not done.”

On March 26, he will get his chance to stand and bang with Marshall and he’s ready to bring the same aggressive nature to this fight as he has in every fight he’s faced so far.

“He’s going to be a handful. He wants to be in there. He wants to slug. He’s going to move forward, and I’m excited for it. I love it,” said Stann simply. “If you want to come forward on me, then absolutely come forward, and don’t expect me to move back.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

CBS, ProElite Schedule Primetime Debut

Mixed martial arts will debut on CBS with a live broadcast May 31 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, the network and ProElite announced Thursday.

"We're excited to introduce broadcast television viewers to America's fastest growing sport with this primetime event," said Kelly Kahl, senior executive vice president of CBS Primetime. "EliteXC is putting together a lineup card that showcases the unique personalities, world-class athleticism and raw power and emotion that characterizes mixed martial arts."

The CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights event will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler (Pictures) will defend his title against Scott Smith, and Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson (Pictures) will also be on the card.

"I am very happy for the highly trained fighters, who will finally get the kind of exposure they deserve, and, of course, the viewers, who will get the opportunity to learn that MMA is truly a sport that requires an abundance of skills, both mentally and physically," said Gary Shaw, EliteXC live events president.

Showtime Sports will produce CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights. David Dinkins Jr. will be the executive producer, with Bob Dunphy directing.

 

[Shogun Locc]

LUKE STEWART TO FACE TIKI FOR STRIKEFORCE

Strikeforce on Thursday officially announced a bout between undefeated Luke Stewart and Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Tiki Ghosn for its March 29 “Shamrock vs. Cung Le” co-promotion with EliteXC at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Stewart made his mixed martial arts debut two years ago. The Gracie jiu-jitsu fighter has since built up an undefeated record of 5-0 and is stirring up interest in a challenge for the Strikeforce welterweight title.

“I think I have a style that’s a little unique, a little different than people are used to, so it’s hard for someone to really watch my game and figure out a plan against it,” said Stewart.

He has been working on his stand-up game with Muay Thai champion James Cook and is confident in his striking skills.

“I’m looking to stand up with Tiki,” he said. “I’m not really worried about his stand-up even though I respect him a lot and know he’s got a lot of experience. Wherever the fight goes, I’m feeling good about it.”

Although Ghosn is entering this fight in the midst of a four-fight losing streak, he is a seasoned veteran with nearly 10 years of fighting experience. He is a hard-nosed athlete that has been in the ring with some of the top fighters in the world and counts Genki Sudo and Ronald Jhun among his victories.

The bout is not scheduled to be part of the televised portion of the fight card on Showtime.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Sources: Ryan Roberts vs. Marcus Aurelio at UFC Fight Night 13

UFC newcomer Ryan Roberts (8-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) could fill in for an injured Spencer Fisher and fight Marcus Aurelio (15-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) in a preliminary bout at UFC Fight Night 13.

Sources close to the fighter tell MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that Roberts has accepted the bout. However, his manager could not confirm the fight, and the UFC hasn't made an official announcement.

UFC Fight Night 13 takes place April 2 at the Broomfield Event Center near Denver, Colo. The event, which features a headline bout between Kenny Florian and Joe Lauzon, airs on Spike TV.

Earlier this week, a fellow UFC newcomer and IFL fighter, Jim Miller, appeared set to accept the bout (check out our previous report) after Fisher suffered a shoulder injury. However, an existing contract with the IFL reportedly kept the fight from taking place.

Instead, Aurelio will likely face Roberts, who's fought throughout the Midwest with organizations such as Victory Fighting Championships, the Xtreme Fighting Organization and Ring of Fire. He also won the Fury Fights lightweight title in his second pro bout.

Of his eight professional victories, four have come via knockout and three via submission.

Roberts most recently fought at VFC 22 last month, where he defeated Zach Wolf (7-4) and Joe Doherty (7-3) in one night.

Aurelio, a former PRIDE fighter, looks for his second win in the UFC. He made his octagon debut at UFC 74 and suffered a split-decision loss to Clay Guida but bounced back for a victory over Luke Caudillo at UFC 78.

 

[Shogun Locc]

"TUF 8" Likely to Feature Heavyweights and Lightweights

While the UFC and Spike TV have made no official announcement regarding the weight classes for "The Ultimate Fighter 8," producers are on the search for heavyweight and lightweight applicants.

The deadline to apply for the eighth installment of the hit reality series, which will likely debut on Spike TV in September, is April 5.

A new banner and link on UFC.com asks the simple question: "Heavyweights and lightweights: are you T.U.F. enough?"

That's a good indication that "The Ultimate Fighter 8" will feature heavyweight (206-265 lbs.) and lightweight (146-155 lbs.) fighters. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) left messages with the UFC and Spike TV for confirmation.

The reality series, which debuted in Janaury 2005, hasn't featured heavyweights since season two, and lightweights were last featured during the fifth season. (The seventh season, which features middleweights, debuts April 2.)

For more information or to apply for the eighth season of the show, check out the online application.

Also, as we previously reported, Boston is expected to host open tryouts on April 10.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Meet Skip Hall, MMA's Oldest Fighter

While the debate rages about whether 44-year-old Ken Shamrock should retire from the sport, and while 49-year-old Dan Severn keeps his career alive fighting largely inexperienced opponents, and while 43-year-old Mark Coleman prepares for a post-retirement UFC main event, and while 44-year-old Randy Couture scrambles to secure a fight with Fedor Emelianenko before Father Time becomes too much of a factor, Skip Hall fondly remembers when he was a youngster just like all of them them.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Hall, he's a 63-year-old mixed-martial-arts fighter. Yes, 63.

However, on Saturday, the longtime combat-sports enthusiast will fight for the final time, and he'll relinquish his title as the oldest MMA fighter competing today. Our friend Mike Chiappetta has the story at NBCSports.com.

He's competed in more than a dozen pro matches (though the major databases have him down for just six fights). However, Hall will fight for the final time at an event called Dixie Throwdown V in Irondale, Ala., when he takes on Kelly Rundle.

Hall -- a golden gloves boxer who was a Special Forces soldier who served tours in Vietnam, Korea and the Philippines -- once refused to pull out of a fight even though he had a broken foot.

From the story: "He said, 'I will not let my opponent down, I will not let the promoter down, and I will not let the fans down," recalls his wife of 26 years, Sally Hall. "He decided that he would fight the best he could knowing he might well lose."

The full story (which is definitely worth a read) can be found at NBCSports.com.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Gary Shaw To Put On Couture/Fedor "In A Hearbeat."

Chris Fries of The Lights Out Show recently attended the EliteXC/CBS press conference. Fries was able to get in some interesting questions to Elite XC president Gary Shaw regarding a possible Couture/Fedor showdown. Here's the exchange courtesy of The Lights Out Show:

Chris Fries: You've made some huge strides in MMA in recent years. Is there any reason why we're not hearing your name or fight promotion being named as possible suitors for a Couture/Fedor fight?

Gary Shaw: [I won’t] until Randy Couture is absolutely out of his contract with the UFC. Everybody knows me and my reputation. I do not tortuously interfere with anybody's contract with any fighter. I respect the fighter, I respect the contract, and believe it or not, I respect the UFC. I don’t deny that I have had talks with Fedor, but I have not approached Couture and I can't approach Randy until I know he is out of everything with the UFC.

Chris Fries: So when that happens (Couture's UFC contract expires), will you be interested in signing that deal (a Fedor/Couture fight on Elite XC).

Gary Shaw: I would sign it in less than a heartbeat.

To hear the rest of this interview, tune into The Lights Out Show on the Tagg Radio Network at www.TaggRadio.com, which airs live on Thursday, March 20 8e/5p. Archive shows available to listen to anytime at www.thelightsoutshow.com, www.iTunes.com, and www.myspace.com/thelightsoutshow.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Roger Gracie Officially Signs With Sengoku

The Japanese event Sengoku officially announced the contract signing of mundial Jiu Jitsu Champion Roger Gracie. Gracie is going to debut on May 18th. He was originally set to face Hidehiko Yoshida, however, the promotion opted to set Yoshida against Josh Barnett at Sengoku I.
Roger Gracie has just one professional MMA fight. He defeated the veteran Ron Waterman by armlock in 2006 at a Bodog Fight event.

Other fighters officially announced include: Satoru Kitaoka, Yoshihiro Nakao and Yuki Sasaki.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Opportunity Knocked: UFC 83 interview with Jason Dooms Day

April 19, 2008, will be a historical evening for mixed martial arts.

It will mark the UFC’s first foray into Canada with UFC 83. The venue at the Bell Centre in Montreal is one of the biggest — if not the biggest venue — the UFC has attempted to fill and it did so in record time.

This date will also mark Jason “Dooms” Day’s Octagon debut. The Canadian product is coming off a huge — albeit controversial — split decision win over David “The Crow” Loiseau at the Hardcore Championship Fighting event back in February. The UFC obviously saw what they needed because Jason was inked to a four fight contract immediately after the win.

Here’s a snip from Jason about the big call:

“I started shaking, I got all nervous -– it was a total adrenaline rush, it was awesome.”

His debut comes against a tough veteran in Alan Belcher who stopped fellow Canadian Kalib Starnes at UFC 77: “Hostile Territory” with one of the nastiest skull-revealing cuts ever. “The Talent” looked to be in fine form that night. And if he comes with the same fire at UFC 83, Jason is going to have his hands full.

When asked about his opponent Jason had this to say:

“I’ve always said he looks good, I mean I have respect for him. I think there’s a few holes in his game that I’ve kind of picked out … he’s fast, his hands are fast. He looked sharp out there, he’s quick and he’s aggressive. I think I’m going to have the fight with Alan Belcher that I thought I was going to have with Loiseau. I think Belcher is going to be my opportunity to get out there and reveal what I’ve been working on.”

Jason is a dedicated fighter as he works full time building homes up in Calgary during the day and trains well into the nights. He is looking forward, however, to leaving that behind.

Here’s another snip:

“Hopefully over the next six months I won’t be banging nails anymore, I could just be in the gym training full time.”

Confidence is not an issue with Jason –- he’s been preparing to walk through the gates of the Octagon in the UFC for a long time. With wins over notable opponents Loiseau, Ron Faircloth and Jonathan Goulet and his only recent loss coming at the heavy hands of Patrick Cote, Jason is poised to make the most of the opportunity put in front of him.

It’s now or never.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Commercials: "Saturday Night FIghts"
videolink: http://www.proelite.com/home
The first three TV spots have been released! Get your first glance at the premiere of MMA on major network television.
other tv spot vid:
http://elitexc.proelite.com/stuff/video/102484/CBS_-_EliteXC_-_Saturday_Night_Fights_Promo_1
http://elitexc.proelite.com/stuff/video/102485/CBS_-_EliteXC_-_Saturday_Night_Fights_Promo_2

 

[Shogun Locc]

*NEW* - Crocop Interview

1. It was your first fight after two defeats. Were you nervous about your comeback to the ring?

Mirko: I wasn't nervous, I've been fighting in the ring for many years and I feel at home in it. I was excited about fighting in Japan again.

2. You looked impressive in the ring. You bulked up, did you do it on purpose or did it just happen?

Mirko: Gaining muscle mass was a 6 months process and I did it primarily to increase my raw strength.

3. Your boxing techniques looked fresh? Did the work with Marijan Zizanovic pay off?

Mirko: We train really hard and it's for sure that some credits for it should be given to Marijan. He's a real expert, I should have started this cooperation even sooner. It's a sure thing that my stand-up techniques will look even better in my next fights.

4. Did you think, theoretically, about what would have happened if you had lost one more fight? You are much better than Mizuno, but a single punch in this sport can decide a winner?

Mirko: I don't think about defeats, I'm well motivated and focused on bigger fights in the future and wins, of course.

5. How did it feel to return back to Japan after the US episode? Your popularity in Japan is still incredible, Saitama (and the atmosphere) is looking almost exactly like in PRIDE?

Mirko: The feeling was just fantastic, we can say that Japan is my second home. Japanese fans really respect this sport and the fighters, while Saitama is a place of some good memories.

6. Mizuno was a good warming-up, now you have more serious challenges in front of you. There are rumors about LeBanner, your old friend from your very first K1 fight, that you won?

Mirko: DREAM has mentioned several names for my next fight, it appears that my next opponent could be someone from K1. If it's LeBanner, that will be a big fight that I'm looking forward to.

7. Is it true that there is a one out of three chance in DREAM that you could face Sergey Kharitonov, who was one of the most well-rounded fighters in PRIDE?

Mirko: It's possible, it depends on DREAM, I want to fight against well known, great fighters.

8. Do you think that worldwide media is being a little bit unfair to you, after you spoiled them with an almost perfect score in last few years? After a brilliant open weight Grand Prix finale, you suffered two defeats, which made many people say that you are finished and that you have never been a top fighter.

Mirko: I don't think about this, my job is to fight and to do the best I can. Everyone can have an opinion, but in order to have a complete picture about this sport, people should try it themselves. A low motivation is a major problem for a fighter, and opinions like this are actually very motivating.

9. Your trademark is the worldwide famous high kick. You destroyed dozens of opponents with that kick, but exactly the same kick was devastating for you against Gonzaga. Is it hard to get back on track after such a loss and is it mentally tough to get back to the ring/cage again?

Mirko: My biggest problem in the UFC was a mental blockade, I spoke about it a few times already. I was empty, my motivation was low, I had no real desire to win the fight. It's very expensive in a fight.

10. Do you have any regrets about joining the UFC? I believe the difference was bigger than you could imagine. The cage, the rules, the audience, even the fighting style. Have you been surprised by the quality of UFC fighters - it was a common belief that PRIDE fighters were better?

Mirko: It's just another lesson for me. The UFC has some great fighters and the game is very different. The cage makes a difference too, but I'm looking forward to my return to the cage as I want to prove that I can be successful in it.

11. You announced that you'll return to the UFC and fight Gonzaga, Kongo and Nogueira again?

Mirko: All options are open but in this moment I only think about my next fight.

12. Your former sparring partner and BJJ trainer, Fabrizio Werdum, is getting better and more successful. Some credits probably go to your team where Fabricio learned a majority of his stand-up techniques. How is your relation with Werdum at the moment, there were even stories told that you could fight him in the UFC?

Mirko: It's a fair relationship, we trained together and we separated in a friendly manner.

13. News about you is always very popular among Index's readers. Do you surf the net yourself? You have your own blog now?

Mirko: I'm relatively often online, I get around better. Almost every evening I visit Index's website after my training, it contains very interesting news. Since a while I also have my own blog on www.mma-id.com where I post the latest information about my trainings, career and other interesting things.

 

[Shogun Locc]

DREAM.3 LWGP second round set for May 11, 2008

DREAM.3, lightweight Grand Prix round 2 is set for May 11, 2008 in Japan.

We have heard reports and rumors that besides the grand prix line up, a superfight is to be taken place, and its reported that someone from Chute Boxe is joining and fighting, but DREAM is not making any formal statement as of now.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Legal Counsel for New jersey Athletic Control Board disputes accusation



Nick Lembo, the legal counsel for the New Jersey Athletic Control Board, contacted FiveOuncesOfPain.com (www.FiveOuncesOfPain.com) in regards to an article authored by Kevin Iole that was published on Yahoo! Sports.

The article, which was a profile piece on UFC light heavyweight Houston Alexander, quoted Alexander’s trainer Mick Doyle as saying Alexander was not “mentally right” for his fight at UFC 78 against Thiago Silva. The indirect quote attributed to Doyle indicated that Alexander was not “mentally right” because a member from the New Jersey Athletic Control Board informed Alexander and Doyle before the fight that the bout was off because Alexander only has one kidney.

The exact passage referenced is as follows:

His trainer, Mick Doyle, concedes that Alexander could use work on his jiu-jitsu. But he said Alexander wasn’t right mentally that night and suspects it had something to do with the events in the dressing room an hour before he was to go out.

A member of the New Jersey Athletic Control Board walked into the room and told Alexander and Doyle the fight was off because Alexander only has one kidney.

Alexander had donated a kidney to one of his daughters several years earlier, but he’d always passed his pre-fight physicals with no problems. But New Jersey, fearful of a lawsuit should something untoward happen, opted at the last minute to prevent Alexander from fighting.

The reasoning was that with just one kidney, he wouldn’t have a backup if something happened to it. Manager Monte Cox, UFC president Dana White and Doyle were pleading Alexander’s case.

Lembo was not referenced in the Yahoo! story by name but expressed that he felt compelled to contact Five Ounces Of Pain because he first became aware of the accusation via a blog posting by senior writer Adam Morgan. While Lembo was not named specifically, he believes the accusation was directed at him because he states he was the only representative for the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board that attended UFC 78.

Lembo issued a categorical denial to the accusation.

“When I saw the story, it has a lot of misstatements and a lot of falsehoods and it’s clearly an incorrect and inaccurate story,” Lembo stated. “We were aware that Houston Alexander had one kidney, passed all of his pre-license medicals (and) he passed his pre-fight medical.

“The only issue with Houston Alexander, and I was the only representative there for the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board because that was after Larry Hazzard was removed from his position and the acting commissioner who replaced him was at a boxing match that was televised by HBO at the Borgata, so I’m the only one that could be involved in this story about the athletic commission.

“I see the quote here: ‘Manager Monte Cox, UFC president Dana White and Doyle were pleading Alexander’s case.’ I’ve known Monte Cox very well for years. I never spoke with Monte Cox with regard to this matter. I obviously UFC president Dana White. Dana White did not try to convince me one way or the other. He did not get involved in this decision. And I don’t even know Mr. Doyle; I don’t believe I’ve even met Mr. Doyle.

“What happened was my concern over the one kidney. I wanted Mr. Alexander to speak to our ringside phyiscian, who was on staff and assigned to that event, and I sent an inspector as a witness and asked Houston to sign a document after our physician explained to him he risks of fighting with one kidney and what would happen to Houston if he damaged that kidney or possibly destroyed that kidney.

“The risks were explained to him. The level of risks were explained to him. It was not described as a high level of risk. I believe it was described that it would take a ‘miracle level kick’ or a ‘one in the million shot’ to damage that kidney. However, he is an adult and he’s free to make that decision but I felt that I would be remiss if I let Houston fight without knowing if he was advised of the possible medical risks.

“He was given that document after presenting the risks to him and was asked to sign a document that he was informed of the risks, aware of the risks, understood them, accepted them, and that he chose to fight.

“The only person that night that could decide not to fight that night was Houston Alexander. He was approved to fight by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board.”

Lembo also took great issue with the implication that his only motive for speaking with Alexander was to avert a potential lawsuit and asked for an opportunity to address that statement.

“It’s not an issue of we were fearful of a lawsuit should something untoward happen,” said Lembo. “It was a concern for the fighter that he is advised of the medical risks and the possibilities at stake and that he makes an informed decision.”

Monte Cox was contacted for comment by Five Ounces Of Pain in regards to this story but was unavailable.

 

[Shogun Locc]

ShoXC Preview: Malaipet “Diamond” Sithprapom Highlight (video)
Here’s an incredible highlight of Malaipet’s extensive and decorated Muay Thai career. He’ll be fighting Thomas Denny, a King of the Cage veteran, tomorrow night at the ShoXC event. Malaipet is a beast on the feet and if Denny can’t find a way to get this fight to the ground, he will be in deep, deep trouble.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Legal Counsel for New jersey Athletic Control Board disputes accusation



Nick Lembo, the legal counsel for the New Jersey Athletic Control Board, contacted FiveOuncesOfPain.com (www.FiveOuncesOfPain.com) in regards to an article authored by Kevin Iole that was published on Yahoo! Sports.

The article, which was a profile piece on UFC light heavyweight Houston Alexander, quoted Alexander’s trainer Mick Doyle as saying Alexander was not “mentally right” for his fight at UFC 78 against Thiago Silva. The indirect quote attributed to Doyle indicated that Alexander was not “mentally right” because a member from the New Jersey Athletic Control Board informed Alexander and Doyle before the fight that the bout was off because Alexander only has one kidney.

The exact passage referenced is as follows:

His trainer, Mick Doyle, concedes that Alexander could use work on his jiu-jitsu. But he said Alexander wasn’t right mentally that night and suspects it had something to do with the events in the dressing room an hour before he was to go out.

A member of the New Jersey Athletic Control Board walked into the room and told Alexander and Doyle the fight was off because Alexander only has one kidney.

Alexander had donated a kidney to one of his daughters several years earlier, but he’d always passed his pre-fight physicals with no problems. But New Jersey, fearful of a lawsuit should something untoward happen, opted at the last minute to prevent Alexander from fighting.

The reasoning was that with just one kidney, he wouldn’t have a backup if something happened to it. Manager Monte Cox, UFC president Dana White and Doyle were pleading Alexander’s case.

Lembo was not referenced in the Yahoo! story by name but expressed that he felt compelled to contact Five Ounces Of Pain because he first became aware of the accusation via a blog posting by senior writer Adam Morgan. While Lembo was not named specifically, he believes the accusation was directed at him because he states he was the only representative for the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board that attended UFC 78.

Lembo issued a categorical denial to the accusation.

“When I saw the story, it has a lot of misstatements and a lot of falsehoods and it’s clearly an incorrect and inaccurate story,” Lembo stated. “We were aware that Houston Alexander had one kidney, passed all of his pre-license medicals (and) he passed his pre-fight medical.

“The only issue with Houston Alexander, and I was the only representative there for the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board because that was after Larry Hazzard was removed from his position and the acting commissioner who replaced him was at a boxing match that was televised by HBO at the Borgata, so I’m the only one that could be involved in this story about the athletic commission.

“I see the quote here: ‘Manager Monte Cox, UFC president Dana White and Doyle were pleading Alexander’s case.’ I’ve known Monte Cox very well for years. I never spoke with Monte Cox with regard to this matter. I obviously UFC president Dana White. Dana White did not try to convince me one way or the other. He did not get involved in this decision. And I don’t even know Mr. Doyle; I don’t believe I’ve even met Mr. Doyle.

“What happened was my concern over the one kidney. I wanted Mr. Alexander to speak to our ringside phyiscian, who was on staff and assigned to that event, and I sent an inspector as a witness and asked Houston to sign a document after our physician explained to him he risks of fighting with one kidney and what would happen to Houston if he damaged that kidney or possibly destroyed that kidney.

“The risks were explained to him. The level of risks were explained to him. It was not described as a high level of risk. I believe it was described that it would take a ‘miracle level kick’ or a ‘one in the million shot’ to damage that kidney. However, he is an adult and he’s free to make that decision but I felt that I would be remiss if I let Houston fight without knowing if he was advised of the possible medical risks.

“He was given that document after presenting the risks to him and was asked to sign a document that he was informed of the risks, aware of the risks, understood them, accepted them, and that he chose to fight.

“The only person that night that could decide not to fight that night was Houston Alexander. He was approved to fight by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board.”

Lembo also took great issue with the implication that his only motive for speaking with Alexander was to avert a potential lawsuit and asked for an opportunity to address that statement.

“It’s not an issue of we were fearful of a lawsuit should something untoward happen,” said Lembo. “It was a concern for the fighter that he is advised of the medical risks and the possibilities at stake and that he makes an informed decision.”

Monte Cox was contacted for comment by Five Ounces Of Pain in regards to this story but was unavailable.

NJACB tried to prevent Houston Alexander fromfighting Silva one hour before fight at UFC 78

This is probably a tidbit of information that not many people know about. From Yahoo! Sports:

A member of the New Jersey Athletic Control Board walked into the room and told Alexander and Doyle the fight was off because Alexander only has one kidney.

Alexander had donated a kidney to one of his daughters several years earlier, but he’d always passed his pre-fight physicals with no problems. But New Jersey, fearful of a lawsuit should something untoward happen, opted at the last minute to prevent Alexander from fighting.

The reasoning was that with just one kidney, he wouldn’t have a backup if something happened to it. Manager Monte Cox, UFC president Dana White and Doyle were pleading Alexander’s case.

According to the report, this was roughly an hour before the fight. Wouldn’t something like this have been caught during the proper medical procedures that take place before the event even happens? How does the New Jersey Athletic Control Board not know that Alexander only has one kidney? Or if they did know, why wait until the very last minute to stop the fight from happening?

Obviously Dana White and Co. got their way and Silva thrashed Houston that night, but to throw that at a fighter just an hour before the fight is supposed to happen is a little unprofessional in my opinion. If the NJACB knew that Alexander only had one kidney, they should have addressed the situation when that information was posed to them, not an hour before the fight.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Frank Shamrock says brother Ken did steroids"his whole life”

when Frank Shamrock brings out the dirt, he doesn’t mess around. He recently stated to MMA Madness that his brother and MMA legend Ken Shamrock did steroids “his whole life”:

MMA Madness: You say that you’ve seen guys take steroids. Could you maybe give us any names?

Shamrock: Sure, my brother Ken did them his whole life.

MMA Madness: Really?

Shamrock: Yeah. Why do you think that his mind is so fried? Why do you think he crumbles before the big fights? He’s got no psyche. He let steroids give him a false sense of security and the moment that stuff is gone he’s no longer superman. He’s just a regular man. But without all the hard work and without all the belief in himself that a regular man would have if he got up to that point. He’s the only guy that I’ll tell on, because he’s always in trouble anyway.

Frank slings mud like no other fighter in this industry. Sometimes you just have to sit back in awe of the kind of trash the guy talks. As for Ken taking steroids, it doesn’t surprise me one bit if it’s true. Just look at the guy’s weigh-in pictures from the Cage Rage event a couple of weeks ago. He’s always been jacked up and he was in the WWE, a known steroid-friendly environment.

I also find it funny that Frank won’t give up the goods on anyone else, but he could give a rat’s ass about throwing his brother under the bus. Classic Frank Shamrock.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Crossover Appeal?: Mayweather-WWE & Silva-Jones

Crossover is the current buzzword in sports management. For today's athletes competitive accomplishments are merely a means to an end. Building a brand, reaching new audiences, and crossing over into the mainstream of American culture is the name of the game. As Matt Walker, agent for Randy Couture and Gina Carano, told FIGHT! Magazine, "most of these athletes at the end of the day want to take the celebrity that they’ve built on the field or through their sports and translate that into other opportunities whether that is business, entertainment, or whatever they may want to do.”

Cases in point: Floyd Mayweather and Anderson Silva. Mayweather is currently engaged in a month long tour of duty with WWE, culminating at Wrestlemania on March 30 in a match with the Big Show, while Silva has made news in recent weeks by challenging Roy Jones Jr to a boxing match. But all crossover opportunities are not created equally.

A $20 million appearance fee was floated by WWE and Mayweather's management as the original justification for Mayweather's WWE deal, but it has now become clear that his actual compensation is probably much closer to $2 million plus a pay-per-view bonus. The only remaining rationale is his manager's stated goal of exposing the boxer to WWE's audience of roughly 5 million viewers each week.

Thus far the mainstream buzz generated by the angle has been low with most of the exposure ambivalent at best. Furthermore, according to a recent marketing study cited in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, only the Jerry Springer show has a more negative image among advertisers than pro wrestling. Therefore it would appear that any benefit gained from WWE would be more than offset by the negative effect on Mayweather's brand of being associated with professional wrestling.

Mayweather's profile has never been higher coming off high profile fights with Oscar de La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, including valuable exposure on the critically acclaimed 24/7 promotional vehicle, as well as a spin on the last season of ABC's Dancing With the Stars. On the heels of that type of mainstream exposure, professional wrestling seems like a step back, particularly with mainstream sponsors.

Silva's challenge of Jones Jr. on the other hand, while certainly risky and perhaps bordering on quixotic, has a tremendous potential upside for Silva and MMA. The first high profile meeting of a martial artist and boxer, whether in the cage or ring, is going to draw significant mainstream interest. Such a contest would legitimize MMA in the mainstream by elevating Silva to the same stature as a legendary boxer.

If Silva were to beat Jones at his own game it would establish MMA as a legitimate sport and mixed martial artists as skilled athletes instead of bar room brawlers in the eyes of the mainstream media. Even in a close defeat, with Silva demonstrating competence in a secondary discipline, Silva and MMA as a whole would be elevated.

The greatest risk of course is an embarrassing loss, particularly a knockout, which would be seized by the established media to paint MMA as boxing's inferior unskilled cousin. That storyline would prove irresistible, despite the obvious fact that boxing is not MMA and Silva is not a boxer by trade. Furthermore, a convincing loss would hurt Silva's air of invincibility, the one thing he has going for him as a draw right now.

The calculus of a potential Silva-Jones boxing match will ultimately be weighed by Dana White, not Anderson Silva. Even if Jones agrees to the bout, the final decision rests with White per Zuffa's standard exclusivity contract clause which covers boxing and professional wrestling in addition to MMA. The proposition is high risk, high reward, which just happens to be White's business philosophy in a nut shell.