MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

Liddell dishes out Angle warning

Chuck Liddell warned former Olympic champion Kurt Angle in an exclusive interview with Setanta Sports News that he is living in a dream world if he thinks he can make any impact in The UFC with wrestling alone.

Angle, who is a former Olympic and world wrestling champion, has previously made several grandiose claims about what he would do if he ever stepped inside The Octagon.

UFC president Dana White offered the WWE star a year-long contract to train in Mixed Martial Arts, in a similar route taken by fellow wrestler Brock Lesnar.

However, Angle never took up the offer - preferring instead to let his words do the talking, and Liddell did not mince his words in belittling his claims.

Liddell and the rest of The UFC world witnessed Lesnar’s promising debut, which ultimately highlighted his lack of Mixed Martial Arts as Frank Mir submitted him, and the former two-time UFC light-heavyweight champion is adamant Angle would face the same fate.

“He talks about it all the time, but he hasn’t made any movements towards doing it, to my knowledge he hasn’t done any training or cross-training,” Liddell told Setanta Sports News.

“If he’s just gonna come in and wrestle, he’s going to get beat, you can’t just be a one-dimensional fighter in The UFC.

“I don’t care how good you are, it’s not gonna work.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Matt Serra Ready for 22,000 Boos

With UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra (9-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) less than a month away from a title-unification fight with interim belt holder Georges St. Pierre (15-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC), "The Terror" can't wait to compete in front of a record UFC crowd in his opponent's backyard.

Serra discussed his upcoming UFC 83 main event bout while a guest on Thursday's edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), a content partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"It's exciting, man," Serra said. "To me, it's all about experiences. What kind of experience is that going to be, just having 22,000 people booing you and screaming for your head?"

While the majority of the Montreal crowd will certainly be cheering for St. Pierre, Serra believes that may actually play in to his favor.

"I mean listen, that's a lot of pressure on this other guy," Serra said. "I feel great about it. I'm feeling great with everything… I'm feeling like a million dollars."

This rematch of one of the biggest upsets in MMA history was the result of UFC 79 in December. Serra was forced to withdraw from the card after injuring his back in training, and during the layoff, substitute St. Pierre defeated Matt Hughes and was named the UFC's interim champion.

Serra said he was not upset at the UFC's decision to award the interim belt.

"I got hurt, and left them in a f***ing pickle," Serra said. "What am I going to do? They had to do what they had to do. And that's alright. I still have the belt."

Serra did point out, however, that he was not the only champion in this fight to have rescheduled a match-up due to injury.

"GSP did get injured before I fought him the first time, and he had to bow out like a month before I fought him the first time," Serra said.

While the fighters have been generally respectful toward each other throughout the build-up to each of their fights, tensions have started to grow recently as verbal jabs have been thrown by both combatants.

"I was always polite to the guy," Serra said of his relationship with St. Pierre. "After I won the title, I wasn't sticking my tongue out saying 'Ha, ha. I told you so.' I was giving the guy respect, saying he's the future of the sport."

Since that time, though, things have changed.

"I genuinely think the guy is a good guy," Serra said. "He's surrounded by a bunch of guys hanging on to his coat tails, and they're looking at him like a meal ticket… So five weeks after the fight, I heard him… giving all these excuses, saying 'If it was Matt Hughes I wouldn't have taken the fight. I wasn't training properly for Matt Serra. I figured I'd beat him easy.' I'm like, dude, how do you not take offense to that?"

Serra responded to St. Pierre with comments of his own.

"My point to him was that before the fight you're saying all this, '(Serra's) the most dangerous guy. (I've) got to be the challenger, and go out there and try to get the belt from (him)," Serra said. "Then afterwards? You're lying either way -- either before or after. Not to mention it's blatantly disrespectful.

"So, of course, for me, I'm not going to be like, 'Oh, that's ok.' So I went off. I called him Frenchie, and I told him to drink some red wine and watch a hockey game. And, he got upset about it. He's like, 'Oh, he called me Frenchie. He went over the line.' Relax. Pepé Le Pew is my favorite Looney Toon. Calm down."

Serra also discussed the condition of his back, his relationship with "TUF 6" contestant and ex-training partner (and former best friend) Joey Scarola, as well as his affinity for Xbox Live. To hear the full interview, download Thursday's edition of TAGG Radio, available for free in the TAGG Radio Network archives

 

[Shogun Locc]

FIGHTERS MAKE WEIGHT FOR FRIDAY'S SHO XC

The fighters for Friday night’s ShoXC Elite Challenger Series at Chumash Casino Resort at Santa Ynez, Calif., weighed in on Thursday.

The main event features Muay Thai champion Malaipet Sitrprapom facing Thomas “Wildman” Denny. The event is scheduled to be televised on Showtime at 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast.

“I know that I am skilled in Muay Thai, but my goal is to continue fighting in MMA,” said Malaipet. “My goal is to be a champion for EliteXC.

“I think this is my last fight at this weight. I would like to fight at 150 pounds in the future.”

A mixed martial arts veteran with a wealth of experience, Denny realizes the magnitude of this fight.

“This is huge fighting on SHOWTIME on the main event,” he said. “I plan to punch him on his face, put him on his head and submit him. I think a lot of people give Malaipet too much respect for his Muay Thai game. You need to attack him.”

MAIN CARD (Televised on Showtime):
Malaipet Sitprapom (154.75 lbs.) vs. Thomas Denny (160 lbs.)
Marlon Mathias (159.5 lbs.) vs. Conor Heun (159.5 lbs.)
Aaron Rosa (203.25 lbs.) vs. Jaime Fletcher (205 lbs.)
Shane Del Rosario (231 lbs.) vs. Analu Brash (256.5 lbs.)
Mark Oshiro (138.75 lbs.) vs. Chris Cariaso (139.5 lbs.)

UNDERCARD (Non-televised):
Brandon Tarn (250.5 lbs.) vs. Jason Williams (257.25 lbs.)
Devin Howard (172.5 lbs.) vs. Mark Kempthorne (170.75 lbs.)
Vince Guzman (161 lbs.) vs. Lyle Beerbohm (160.75 lbs.)
Kenny Johnson (170 lbs.) vs. Michael Penafiel (168.25 lbs.)
Steve Gable (169.75 lbs.) vs. Eric Jones (168.5 lbs.)

 

[Shogun Locc]

ALESSIO READY TO PULL THE TRIGGER ON LARSON

John Alessio rarely steps away from fighting for more than three months at a time. There’s a reason for that.

“I feel like a caged pit bull right now, just wanting to get let loose,” he commented recently on MMAWeekly Radio.

He will finally have the opportunity to let that aggression loose when he faces fellow World Extreme Cagefighting welterweight contender Brock Larson at WEC 33 on Wednesday night in Las Vegas.

There are other fights that Alessio would rather have right now though, like another shot at current champion Carlos Condit. When he fights Larson, it will be nearly one year to the day that Alessio was submitted when he and Condit fought for WEC gold.

“Carlos is tough man. He definitely deserves to be the champion. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, but I do want what he has and that’s the belt,” stated Alessio.

This fight is being regarded by many as a de facto elimination bout to become the No. 1 contender for Condit’s belt. Alessio doesn’t see it that way.

“I feel I’m the number one contender already. I’ve won three in a row since my loss to Condit. Brock Larson really hasn’t done anything. He should feel lucky to fight me.”

He continued, “He’s got this impeccable 22-2 record, but I really only consider the guy to be 7-2. I look at his record and I break it down and I look at some of the guys he’s fought and he’s fought a lot of dudes with a losing record. I wouldn’t be proud of that.”

That’s not to say that Alessio is overlooking his opponent.

“He’s a strong wrestler. I think he’s going to try to set up some heavy ground and pound punches. I do believe he is a purple or brown belt in jiu-jitsu, so he does have some submissions too,” he said. “I definitely respect his ability.”

Two years ago, Alessio fought an opponent with a similar style to Larson, but ended up on the losing end of a decision to Diego Sanchez. Alessio took some criticism for never really letting his hands go. That’s something that he doesn’t see happening in this fight.

“I’ve been working a lot with Shawn Tompkins and working on new combinations for a southpaw specifically, something I didn’t really get to do for Diego. Now I feel a lot more comfortable pulling the trigger and I am comfortable with my takedown defense.”

Alessio stopped short of making a prediction for his fight with Larson, but he was adamant that he will not let his efforts in training with the likes of Wanderlei Silva, Mike Pyle, Jay Hieron, and Forrest Griffin at the Xtreme Couture gym go to waste.

“I’m going to outsmart him. I’m going to outbox him. I’m going to outgrapple him. I’m just going to outfight him,” Alessio stated. “I’m going to win this fight. I’ve trained way too damn hard. I’ve sacrificed 10 weeks of my life.”

 

[RED HEAD STEVE]

ALESSIO READY TO PULL THE TRIGGER ON LARSON

John Alessio rarely steps away from fighting for more than three months at a time. There’s a reason for that.

“I feel like a caged pit bull right now, just wanting to get let loose,” he commented recently on MMAWeekly Radio.

He will finally have the opportunity to let that aggression loose when he faces fellow World Extreme Cagefighting welterweight contender Brock Larson at WEC 33 on Wednesday night in Las Vegas.

There are other fights that Alessio would rather have right now though, like another shot at current champion Carlos Condit. When he fights Larson, it will be nearly one year to the day that Alessio was submitted when he and Condit fought for WEC gold.

“Carlos is tough man. He definitely deserves to be the champion. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, but I do want what he has and that’s the belt,” stated Alessio.

This fight is being regarded by many as a de facto elimination bout to become the No. 1 contender for Condit’s belt. Alessio doesn’t see it that way.

“I feel I’m the number one contender already. I’ve won three in a row since my loss to Condit. Brock Larson really hasn’t done anything. He should feel lucky to fight me.”

He continued, “He’s got this impeccable 22-2 record, but I really only consider the guy to be 7-2. I look at his record and I break it down and I look at some of the guys he’s fought and he’s fought a lot of dudes with a losing record. I wouldn’t be proud of that.”

That’s not to say that Alessio is overlooking his opponent.

“He’s a strong wrestler. I think he’s going to try to set up some heavy ground and pound punches. I do believe he is a purple or brown belt in jiu-jitsu, so he does have some submissions too,” he said. “I definitely respect his ability.”

Two years ago, Alessio fought an opponent with a similar style to Larson, but ended up on the losing end of a decision to Diego Sanchez. Alessio took some criticism for never really letting his hands go. That’s something that he doesn’t see happening in this fight.

“I’ve been working a lot with Shawn Tompkins and working on new combinations for a southpaw specifically, something I didn’t really get to do for Diego. Now I feel a lot more comfortable pulling the trigger and I am comfortable with my takedown defense.”

Alessio stopped short of making a prediction for his fight with Larson, but he was adamant that he will not let his efforts in training with the likes of Wanderlei Silva, Mike Pyle, Jay Hieron, and Forrest Griffin at the Xtreme Couture gym go to waste.

“I’m going to outsmart him. I’m going to outbox him. I’m going to outgrapple him. I’m just going to outfight him,” Alessio stated. “I’m going to win this fight. I’ve trained way too damn hard. I’ve sacrificed 10 weeks of my life.”

YYYYEEEESSSS THANKS FOR THE INFO SHOGUN LOCC. IVE BEEN WAITING FOR A NEW BROCK LARSON FIGHT. I GOTTA GO WITH BROCK BECAUSE BROCK IS A FUCKIN SAVAGE. IF ANYBODY ON HERE DONT KNOW ABOUT BROCK DO SOME SEARCHING AND YOU WILL LIKE WHAT YOU FIND. REAL TALK.

 

[Shogun Locc]

UFC Owners Defendants in Xyience Lawsuit

Xyience's bankruptcy proceeding is set to come to a close April 1 with a public auction, but the dispute between dissident shareholders and the company's directors appears to be far from over.

Last December shareholders, led by Ronald Soloman, who controls 35 percent of Xyience's outstanding shares by proxy, filed suit against Xyience and its directors for breach of fiduciary duty to the company's shareholders.

On March 13 the plaintiff shareholders amended their complaint to include Fertitta Enterprises and Zyen, private companies owned by UFC co-owners Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, as defendants. The complaint alleges that Zyen and Fertitta Enterprises aided and abetted Xyience's corporate directors in breaching their fiduciary duty to shareholders as well as engaged in a conspiracy to defraud shareholders.

The source of the allegations is the Fertittas' $12 million loan to the company last fall. According to the complaint, the loan was repayable in one year with a 15-percent interest rate and collateralized by all of Xyience's assets. The terms also allegedly included warrants for 10 percent of capitalization of the company at one cent per share and 50 percent of the company's equity if Xyience failed to repay.

Thus in the event of default, the Fertittas could purchase 60 percent of Xyience's stock for a nominal purchase price. Additionally, the default provision would also be triggered if the shareholders voted to remove any members of the board.

The complaint alleges that this loan "was neither in the best interests of the shareholders or the company. Indeed, the Fertitta funding did not fund Xyience. Rather, it provided Xyience funds that were immediately used to fund a debt owed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which is owned by the Fertittas."

It is also believed that Xyience directors Adam Frank and Kirk Sanford each received 4.2 million stock options under the deal that vested if there were a change in control of the company.

According the complaint, the Fertittas and Xyience's directors represented that the loan would be used "to meet [the company's] capital needs and fuel its growth."

As a result the Fertittas are accused of aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty because of their alleged knowledge that the loan was not for its stated purpose, not in the best interest of shareholders and would result in a breach of the fiduciary duty between the directors and shareholders.

During this period Xyience also executed a new sponsorship agreement with the UFC that the complaint alleges is "completely overpriced and less valuable [than] the prior agreement between Xyience and the UFC."

The complaint says that the UFC is to receive $32.4 million over the three-year term of the new agreement: $9 million in the first year, $11 million in the second and $12.4 million in the third.

Under the prior agreement, Xyience was the title sponsor with its marquee on the center of the mat at UFC events. The new agreement provided that after March 2008, Xyience would be the title sponsor or appear on the center of the mat, would be announced by the ring announcer, would be announced as the title sponsor at commercial breaks and would no longer appear on fighters' clothing.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Thomas Denny, EliteXC-CBS on Tonight's "Inside MMA"

Tonight's "ShoXC" headliner and King of the Cage veteran Thomas Denny, EliteXC fight coordinator Jeremy Lappen, and combat sports medical specialist Dr. Johnny Benjamin appear on tonight's episode of "Inside MMA," which debuts at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on HDNet.

The one-hour show is hosted by MMA legend Bas Rutten and veteran MMA broadcaster Kenny Rice, and Ron Kruk reports from the "Inside MMA" newsroom. Replays are available throughout the weekend.

In this week's exclusive MMAjunkie.com/"Inside MMA" video clip, Denny breaks down his fight with Muay Thai phenom Malaipet.

Additionally, Lappen talks about the upcoming EliteXC-CBS event, which is set for May 31.

"This will be the most-watch MMA event -- ever -- in this country," Lappen said. "With that comes a lot of responsibility on our part. There's a heavy weight on our shoulders because we're really bringing MMA to the masses for the first time. We're going to be very, very careful with the matchmaking."

As we previously reported, Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson will headline the event, and EliteXC middleweight champ Robbie Lawler defends his title against Scott Smith. Lappen confirmed that Gina Carano is also expected to compete on the card.

Be sure to check out the embedded clip -- and then tune in for tonight's full episode (then, flip over to Showtime for the ShoXC broadcast, which begins at 11 p.m. ET/PT). "Inside MMA" features all of the latest MMA news and highlights, along with features, analysis, and fighter rankings. The show also features the latest fight footage from the top organizations all over the world.

 

[Shogun Locc]

CYBORG OUT OF BOUT WITH JOEY VILLASENOR

Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos is out of his scheduled bout against Joey Villasenor at next week’s Strikeforce and EliteXC co-promoted event on March 29 at the HP Pavilions in San Jose, Calif.

“He has been having visa problems in Brazil,” Strikeforce vice president Mike Afromowitz told MMAWeekly.com. “The delay in his arrival would jeopardize him getting licensed in time for the fight.”

Afromowitz was unsure why there were delays in the issuance of Santos’ visa, but the promotion had to make the determination to move forward with another opponent and not risk losing the bout altogether.

“There are a few guys that we are considering,” said Afromowitz, “but we’re still looking to finalize a replacement.” He was hopeful that an announcement would be forthcoming soon.

The Villasenor vs. Santos bout was scheduled to be part of the event’s five-fight telecast on Showtime. The main event features Frank Shamrock defending his Strikeforce middleweight championship against contender Cung Le.

Other televised bouts include Gilbert Melendez defending his Strikeforce lightweight belt against Gabe Lemley, Jake Shields vs. Drew Fickett for the first EliteXC welterweight title, and Nick Diaz fighting Spirit MC champion Jae Suk Lim.

 

[Shogun Locc]

James Irvin: ‘I dont see how the fight can get out of the first round’ with Houston Alexander

Quoteworthy:

“I don’t see how the fight can get out of the first round but I think if it does — I think at 5,000 feet altitude, that’s going to play a big part — all that muscle he carries, I think he’s going to be really tired…. He’s got something that can knock me out any second, so I can’t go in there being careless. I can’t go in there without being methodical about it, and that’s the biggest thing is everything we’re doing (in training) has method to it. I’m just going to set him up. We’ve got some traps I’m going to walk him into.”

“The Sandman” talks about his upcoming light heavyweight fight with Houston Alexander at UFC Fight Night 13 at the Broomfield Event Center in Bromfield, Colo., on April 13. It’ll be real interesting to see how not just Alexander — but all the competitors — handle the thin mile-high air come fight night. It’s an underrated albeit significant factor especially if bouts go into the later rounds.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Fedor answes the question from Planet Tatame

Some time ago Brazilian Martial Arts magazine Planet Tatame held an interview with Fedor

PTT: Do you believe that one of the most anticipated bouts of the last times, namely the fight between you and Randy Couture, will finally take place in 2008? What do you think about Couture?

- Fedor: Randy is one of the best fighters and he proved it numerous times. I still hope this fight will take place in 2008. As far as I know Randy’s got some troubles with the UFC. We couldn’t come to an agreement with them regarding this fight and the contract. We were offered unacceptable conditions.


- PTT: Another fight that many people want to see is Fedor Emelianenko versus Josh Barnett. There are some rumors on the internet about the realization of this fight in a future M-1 event in the USA. Is there some negotiation going on right now regarding this fight? What do you think about Josh?

- Fedor: We are good friends with Josh. We always walk when not too far from each other. If we don’t catch up then we exchange e-mails. I heard this fight is planned but I don’t know much at the moment.


- PTT: Did the fight against Hong Man Choi happen in the way that you expected or it was tougher?

- Fedor: I never expect fights to be easier or tougher. I always tune up for the hardest and prolonged bouts. But then it goes the way it goes. As for this fight I’m satisfied with the way it went and how I performed.


- PTT: What is the reason that you think that could explain the bad results in the UFC of former PRIDE stars like Mirko Cro Cop and Mauricio Shogun?

- Fedor: Well, Mirko...something broke in him, he lost the motivation. He was the crowd’s favorite while in Pride, everyone was there to help him if needed. As for Mauricio, he’s not a constant fighter, he show incredible fights with a good technique and high speed. But sometimes his fights are just too long and not very impressive. He’s a very good wellrounded fighter and I don’t understand why he’s so unstable.


- PTT: What was your tougher fight: Cro Cop or Minotauro?

- Fedor: These two bouts were rather tough. In both of these fights I tried to apply all my skills and experience. I can’t really say which one was tougher though. They are two completely different fighters that’s why it was just different and hard to compare.


- PTT: When will happen your next fight and against who?

- Fedor: I can’t officially say when my next fight is taking place but I know for sure it’ll be in the US this spring. The details will be revealed soon.


- PTT: Is there any revelation in Red Devil that you think that is prepared to follow your steps in MMA? Does Kiril Sidelnikov continue to train with you?

- Fedor: There are enough skilled, talented up-and-coming fighters but they lack experience in performing on a major scene.


- PTT: Do you know when your brother Aleksander will fight again? Has he been training with you lately?

- Fedor: Well, I don’t know, these question will better be answered by our manager Vadim Finkelstein. We haven’t trained together recently. I train in Stary Oskol while he prepares for his fights in Saint Petersburg.


- PTT: Russia is the home of the legendary Aleksander Karelin and other great wrestlers. Why do you think that the best russian fighters in MMA come from Sambo and not from Wrestling? Are you a fan of Karelin?

- Fedor: People come in MMA from diverse styles. The transition itself is not organized in Russia. MMA is not that popluar here compared with Brazil, USA or Japan. Russian fighters’mentality is not the right one, not a fighter’s mentality. Sambo is close to MMA, closer than greco-roman or free-style wrestling. I highly respect Karelin, he’s a good fighter. But I don’t make an idol of anyone.


- PTT: What is the importance of Sambo in your life?

- Fedor: Sambo is my sport and I proudly represent it abroad. Sambo is exciting and dynamic style. I still intend to represent Russia in this sport.


- PTT: Fedor, most of the martial arts fans here in Brazil and all over the world have you as an idol and support you in your fights. It happens not only due to your great fight skills and versatility but also due to your humility and character. Feel free to send your message to all your fans.

- Fedor: Thank you very much for your kind words. I’m very pleased I got fans in Brazil who like my fights and technique. I’ve always dreamt of visiting Brazil one day, but it’s been a dream which hasn’t come true today. I hope to see you there soon.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Interview: Jake Shields talks Fickett, St. Pierre

When you possess a 20-4-1 overall mixed martial arts record and have defeated your last nine opponents, one would think that you’d be close to a household MMA name. When you’ve won your last nine fights, with the most recent four coming by way of first round stoppage, one would think you’d be describing a current mixed martial arts champion. Finally, when the fighters you’ve defeated along the way have names like Renato Verissimo, Mike Pyle, current WEC Champion Carlos Condit, and current UFC championship contender Yushin Okami, well, you get the point.

Jake Shields is an outstanding welterweight fighter whose name isn’t nearly as well known as it should be amongst casual fans. But with him about to fight for the EliteXC Welterweight Championship on March 29, 2008 in San Jose, California that may all be about to change. That EliteXC / CBS deal isn’t exactly going to hurt his notoriety either.

But first he has to get through a very tough fighter by the name of Drew Fickett. Perhaps if he does then Shields will be mentioned in the same breath with welterweights like Georges St. Pierre. Speaking of St. Pierre and Fickett, Shields took time from his busy schedule to give his thoughts on these guys and more with MMAFighting.com’s Robert Rousseau.

MMAFighting.com: How are you doing?

Jake Shields: It’s going alright. (Just) finished working out.

MMAFighting.com: How’s training been going for you?

Jake Shields: It’s going pretty good. Ran into a few little problems but (that’s) usually what I go through training for a fight again.

MMAFighting.com: Who have you been training with?

Jake Shields: The usual people. Gilbert Melendez obviously; we live together. Nick and Nate Diaz: I’ve been training with them a lot because Nate’s fighting a few days after us and me and Gil are on the same card as Nick. Other than that just a lot of my students— (For example), a guy Luke Stewart who’s a Ralph Gracie Black Belt that’s really good.

MMAFighting.com: That’s great. You talked about Gilbert Melendez and the Diaz brothers. How much do you feel that working in a camp like Cesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu helps you get ready for a guy like Drew Fickett in a championship bout?

Jake Shields: It helps a ton. I think Fickett’s a really good grappler and I have some of the best (grapplers) in the country. I’ve got the best people to prepare for him.

MMAFighting.com: You just indicated that he’s a really good grappler. Along with that, he’s got 21 submission victories. But he’s also proven to be pretty dangerous on his feet, like when he fought Josh Koscheck that time and got up. Is there a particular aspect of his game that you feel you have to be concerned with?

Jake Shields: He’s a pretty well rounded fighter so I’ve got to be concerned with everything with a guy like Fickett. He has pretty good hands and submissions. Submissions are his strongest point, but that’s also my strongest point. He’s (also) got good knees and elbows, so I better watch those.

MMAFighting.com: How important is it to you that this is a championship bout?

Jake Shields: I think it’s really important. I think I deserve a title shot. . . It puts me in a nice situation with the league really blowing up right now. I want to go out there and take that belt. . . And really get some good exposure.

MMAFighting.com: Has the fact that Nick Diaz has fought him in the past helped you at all to get ready?

Jake Shields: A little bit. But that fight was so fast; it’s hard to get too much off of that. Nick really took it to him. That helps my confidence. (Still) things happen in fights, you don’t want to take that and make too big a deal out of it.

MMAFighting.com: Definitely. Like you said, this is a championship bout and you’ve been a great fighter for a good time now. . . You’ve won nine fights in a row and five in a row by stoppage. Is there anyone out there in a different organization—like the UFC, but it could be anyone—that you would really love to get the chance to fight sometime in the future?

Jake Shields: There’s a few guys I’d like to fight. But if I had to pick just one it would probably be Georges St. Pierre. I think he’s been looking great his last two fights. I’m out here to fight the best; that would be a great test for me. So I’d love to go out there and fight him and see how it goes.

MMAFighting.com: Out of curiosity, style wise how do you think you match up with him?

Jake Shields: I think I match up pretty good. Obviously he’s been looking great so it would be a tough fight. . . Certainly wouldn’t be easy. . .

MMAFighting.com: I would love to see that fight.

Jake Shields: I think a lot of people would. Hopefully it will happen. Hopefully this CBS deal will give me a little more footage and a little more acknowledgement and it can get Dana White and Gary Shaw to work together. It’s not too likely. But you never do know.

MMAFighting.com: You never do know; that’s right. Do you have a prediction for your fight against Drew Fickett?

Jake Shields: I don’t really like to give predictions. I’ll predict me winning. How and when I don’t want to say. I think I’m going to take the fight. I’m just going to go out there and try to bring it to him, hopefully early. My last four have been in the first round (and) I’m going to try and keep that streak going. But Fickett’s a tough guy, and I definitely don’t want to say that’s going to happen for sure.

(But) I do see myself winning.

MMAFighting.com: Anything you’d like to say to the fans?

Jake Shields: Thanks for all the support. Keep watching, and I’ll do my best to keep putting on good performances. I’ll be around for a while.

MMAFighting.com: Thanks for taking the time, Jake. I know you’re real busy. Have a great holiday weekend and I hope that I get to talk to you again in the future.

Jake Shields: Okay. No problem.

 

[Shogun Locc]

SHONIE CARTER: "MMA HAS NOT BEEN MARKETED TO THE BLACK AND HISPANIC AUDIENCES!"

"Let's face it, MMA has not been marketed to the black and Hispanic audience. People are quick to criticize and sit around and talk about Ludacris and Nelly, but then they're quick to turn on their music," stated "Mr. International" in today's PimpMA lesson with Shonie Carter. You don't want to miss what else he had to say as he shares his thoughts on Iron Ring, his induction into the Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Frank Shamrock, who Carter's been helping prepare for his upcoming clash with Cung Le, and much more.
http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content2252.html?PHPSESSID=2f6ea22ab9ac7cf4bfdc487fc39bb164

 

[Shogun Locc]

“I want to fight in the USA again”

Even though his MMA career has not yet come to an end, Murilo Bustamante could be considered a fully accomplished fighter. World Jiu-Jitsu champion in 1999, holder of UFC middleweight belt in 2002 and a great trainer of athletes, the 40-some-year-old Murilo, along with Bebeo Duarte, have been dedicating themselves for years to taking to the top one of the most famous MMA schools on the world scene, Brazilian Top Team.

GRACIEMAG.com correspondent, Nalty Junior took advantage of Busta’s trip to Las Vegas to have a chat about the latest phase of the BTT, his future in the ring, the promise of Rousimar Toquinho and the holidays of Ricardo Arona, who has not fought since Pride came to an end.

GRACIEMAG.com: What are the BTT’s plans during this next phase?
Murilo: The plan is to continue doing the same thing as always which is to produce fighters. Recently the BTT opened an MMA training center in Las Vegas, which will be our base in the States.

GRACIEMAG.com: What will be your next fight?
Murilo: Right now I have options and I’m studying them, perhaps it will be in Japan. The truth is I would like to fight in the USA again, but for the time being that is not certain.

GRACIEMAG.com: After Minotauro, Minotouro and Paulao leaving the team, who are the main fighters at the BTT right now in your eyes?
Murilo: The main fighters of the BTT now are me, Ricardo Arona and Luis Buscape. But we have several promising ones. Rousimar Touquinho is one of them. We had several offers from events in Japan and the USA, and we chose to sign with the UFC. We believe Toquinho will be a big star in world MMA shortly.

GRACIEMAG.com: Would you like to face anyone in particular in your next appearance?
Murilo: I’d like to fight Takimoto again; he was my adversary in my last fight (in Yarennoka). I was winning the fight with a good lead, when I hit a bad patch of luck and took a knockdown that impacted the result, and the decision ended up going to him. That’s why I’d like to fight him again. And then I’d probably have the chance to fight for the category title.

GRACIEMAG.com: You’ve been in MMA since the beginning. What do you think of MMA today?
Murilo: I think it’s fantastic. In my opinion MMA wouldn’t exist in the world if it weren’t for Jiu-Jitsu. This opens the market wide open for teachers of the gentle art. But what made the difference was the UFC, we really must give credit to Dana White and Joe Silva, because MMA grew a lot and it’s already bigger than some traditional sports in the USA.

GRACIEMAG.com: And what about Arona, will he be fighting soon? How is his career going?
Murilo: Arona has several offers to fight in Canada, Japan and the USA, but for the time being he’s decided to take some time off and is now in Australia surfing. When he gets back we’ll figure his life out.

GRACIEMAG.com: Have any of these offers come from the UFC?
Murilo: No, not from the UFC.

GRACIEMAG.com: What did you think of Dream? And what about Buscape’s performance in the first stage of the GP?
Murilo: The event’s structure was fantastic. Luis was a little off pace, as he hadn’t fought in a long time, but even so he managed to get an important win. Surely he’ll get better during the competition, he is a strong candidate for the lightweight GP title.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Antoine Jaoude is the new coach of BTT

After winning the silver medal at Pan-American at Colorado Springs, United States, Antoine Jaoude is focused at the 2008 Olympics, at China. With the birth of his new daughter and energies renew, Antoine told at exclusive interview to TATAME that he’s teaching some Wrestling training at Brazilian Top Team. “The people here is very receptive and has too much talent, it’s very profitable. It’s easy because people here already has a good base”, told Antoine, that spoke about the possibility to fight at HCF, same event of the Brazilian fighter Rogério Minotouro, and Sengoku.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Cris Cyborg ready for ShoXC

Evangelista Cyborg’s wife, Cris Cybrog is training hard for her international debut at ShoXC at March 21st at California , . “I’m training hard, well prepared and looking forward to debut outside. I believe they’ll like my performance. My training is complete, Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling and Muay If the fight goes to the ground, it’ll be it, it stays stand, it can go like that, I’m ready for everything”, said Chute Boxe’s athlete, that only recently knew her opponent.

“I knew her name yesterday and hadn’t see anything about her at YouTube, I only know that she’s from Jiu-Jitsu”, said Cris, that will face the American fighter Jen Case, that has four victories at five MMA fights, all by submission. Another Brazilian fighter on the event, Marlon Matias will face Conor Hauen at one of the main fights of the event. Check below the complete card of the event.

COMPLETE CARD (subject changing):

ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series
Chumash Casino, California , United Stated
Friday, March 21st of 2008

- Malaipet vs. Thomas Denny;
- Marlon Matias vs. Conor Huen;
- Cristiane Cyborg vs. Jen Case;
- Shane Del Rosario vs. Analu Brash;
- Mark Oshiro vs. Chris Caraiso.

 

[Shogun Locc]

YYYYEEEESSSS THANKS FOR THE INFO SHOGUN LOCC. IVE BEEN WAITING FOR A NEW BROCK LARSON FIGHT. I GOTTA GO WITH BROCK BECAUSE BROCK IS A FUCKIN SAVAGE. IF ANYBODY ON HERE DONT KNOW ABOUT BROCK DO SOME SEARCHING AND YOU WILL LIKE WHAT YOU FIND. REAL TALK.

No problem but I believe the Natural is more determined to beat Brock more so he can face carlos condit agian but this is MMA and anything can happen.

 

[Shogun Locc]

ShoXC: Denny vs Malaipet

This Friday, March 21, 2008
Showtime Broadcast at 11pm PT/ET

Televised Bouts
Malaipet vs Thomas Denny
Marlon Mathias vs Conor Heun
Aaron Rosa vs Jaime Fletcher
Shane Del Rosario vs Analu Brash
Mark Oshiro vs Chris Cariaso

Undercard
Brandon Tarn vs Jason Williams
Devin Howard vs Mark Kempthorne
Vince Guzman vs Lyle Beerbohm<
Kenny Johnson vs Michael Penafiel
Steve Gable vs Eric Jones

 

[Shogun Locc]

Jacare Souza In DREAM

One of my favorites in the sport, BJJ virtuoso Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, will be fighting at the second DREAM event. He does not know his opponent at this time.

 

[naner12]

Thomas Denny is a bitch.

 

[rylor206]

I cant wait to see the real Brock